Abstract: A dock leveler sealing system that includes a barrier configured to be attached to a dock leveler and a hinged region located in the barrier and configured to facilitate one portion of the barrier moving with respect to a second portion of the barrier. The dock leveler sealing system also includes a biasing apparatus attached to the barrier and configured to position the first portion of the barrier at a bias relative to the second portion of the barrier. Also, a method of providing a seal between a loading dock and an area outside of the loading dock.

Abstract: A wiper seal apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. The wiper seal apparatus includes a seal member which bends toward a support mounted on a warehouse wall when deflected toward the wall, and applies a pressure on the top surface of a parked vehicle to form a seal.

Abstract: An expandable panel assembly for a dock shelter or seal includes a first panel and a second panel, preferably of a blow molded plastic material. The second panel optionally includes a sealing member and is adapted for pivotal movement relative to the first panel along a first axis. The first panel is configured for essentially pivotal movement relative to a dock wall about a second axis.

Abstract: A wiper seal apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. The wiper seal apparatus includes a seal member which bends toward a support mounted on a warehouse wall when deflected toward the wall, and applies a pressure on the top surface of a parked vehicle to form a seal.

Abstract: A curtain for a dock shelter that is easily assembled alone and as part of a dock shelter. The curtain includes a sheet that has a pocket mounted thereon. The pocket is adapted to receive a flexible stay and include a slit that inhibits movement of the stay within the pocket. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of making a curtain. The method includes the steps of securing a pocket to a sheet; forming a slit in the pocket (e.g., by cutting the pocket); inserting a flexible stay into the pocket; and positioning the stay adjacent to the slit. The invention also relates to a method of making a vehicle shelter and mounting the shelter to a loading dock. The method includes the steps of mounting a frame to the loading dock; securing a pocket to a curtain; forming slits in the pocket; inserting a stay in the pocket adjacent to the slit; and placing the curtain against the frame.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible frame for a loading dock shelter. The flexible frame utilizes open channels that are clinched together to serve as supports. The supports are used in side frames that form part of the flexible frame. Each side frame includes a back support, a front support, and in a preferred form, one or more lateral supports that are pivotally connected to both the front and back supports. At least one of said supports is formed from open channels which are secured together, preferably by clinching. The back supports of the flexible frame are mounted to a loading dock wall. The pivotal connection between the lateral support and the front and back supports allows the front support to move relative to the back support when a vehicle comes into contact with the side frame as the vehicle enters the loading dock shelter. The present invention also provides an improved method of making a flexible frame for a vehicle shelter and mounting the flexible frame to a loading dock.

Abstract: A vehicle shelter comprising a head frame, a head curtain attached to the head frame, a side frame, and a side curtain attached to the side frame. The head frame includes a head subframe having a first raked channel adapted to be mounted to a loading dock wall, a plurality of cross channels attached (e.g., clinched) to and extending outward from said first raked channel, and a second raked channel attached (e.g., clinched) to said cross channels. The head frame further includes a head panel attached to an upper surface of said head subframe to form a barrier to the elements, and a head curtain mounted to the head frame. The side frame includes a side subframe having a first long channel adapted to be mounted to a loading dock wall, a plurality of cross channels attached (e.g., clinched) to and extending outward from said first long channel, and a second long channel attached (e.g., clinched) to said cross channels.

Abstract: A support garment for diving equipment includes several subassemblies for providing comfortable support of diving equipment, such as a tank of pressurized breathing gas, a buoyancy compensating air cell and a ballast weight pocket assembly. A frame is adjustably secured to a shoulder support assembly that includes adjustment straps for accommodating various body sizes. A belt assembly is pivotally secured to the lower portion of the frame. A bust or chest panel extends between shoulder supports, providing a secure and comfortable fitting structure for divers of various body types, particularly women. Elements of the garment are secured to one another via rivets placed at predetermined locations, thereby facilitating assembly and servicing of the garment.

Abstract: A harness for use in scuba diving is disclosed. The harness is independent of the air cell and includes arcuate shoulder straps to promote the comfort of the scuba diver, particularly when moving about above water with the air tanks and other scuba equipment in place. The harness also has an affixed webbing system to which a rigid back pack may be adjustably mounted.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensator assembly for a diver is provided with a vest having an inner gas impermeable layer adapted to face a wearer and a congruently shaped opposing gas impermeable outer layer. The peripheral edges of the inner and outer layers are sealingly bonded to each other. The vest has an opening through a back portion of the vest. A backpack for removably retaining a longitudinally extending breathing gas tank has a baseplate generally disposed within the opening. Attached to the periphery of the baseplate is an edge. The edge is disposed between and integrally bonded to the inner and outer layers whereby the layers form a chamber to be selectively inflated to adjust the buoyancy of the diver. A restraining sheet is located between and alternately attached to the inner layer and outer layer to form aligned bands. The sheet forces the inner layer to curve inward about the sides of the diver when the chamber is inflated.

Abstract: A friction wedge for use in a railroad car truck bolster pocket which has a slanted rear wall and adjoining side walls perpendicular thereto, one surface thereof adapted to bear against a portion of a car truck side frame and a slanted surface and adjoining sides adapted to bear against the slanted rear wall and adjoining side walls of the bolster pocket. The friction wedge includes a metal body and a polymer cover providing the slanted surface and adjoining sides, with the polymer cover being formed in a plurality of sections movable relative to each other and the metal body such that, during use, the polymer sections may move into contact with the pocket rear wall and adjoining side walls.

Abstract: A friction wedge for use in a railroad car truck bolster pocket which has a slanted rear wall and adjoining side walls perpendicular thereto, one surface thereof adapted to bear against a portion of a car truck side frame and a slanted surface and adjoining sides adapted to bear against the slanted rear wall and adjoining side walls of the bolster pocket. The friction wedge includes a metal body and a polymer cover providing the slanted surface and adjoining sides, with the polymer cover being formed in a plurality of sections movable relative to each other and the metal body such that, during use, the polymer sections may move into contact with the pocket rear wall and adjoining side walls.