Abstract: Apparatuses for forming at least a partial seal between an open end of a truck, trailer, or other vehicle and an opening in a building are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for forming at least a partial seal includes a first side pad configured to extend vertically adjacent to a first side portion of an opening, a second side pad configured to extend vertically adjacent to a second side portion of the opening, and a head pad assembly configured to extend horizontally adjacent to a top portion of the opening between the first and second side pads. The head pad assembly can include replaceable corner pads positioned on either end of a center pad. The corner pads can be independently attached to the wall of the building and separately removed if replacement is needed.

Abstract: Segmented dock seals for truck loading docks are described herein. An elongate, compressible pad member for use with a loading dock seal is positioned to compliantly conform to an aft end of a trailer positioned proximate to an opening in a building. The pad member includes a body portion having a front side and a back side. The body portion is composed of a compressible foam material. The pad member further includes a plurality of individual fingers projecting away from the front side of the body portion. The individual fingers are integral with the body portion and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Segmented dock seals for truck loading docks are described herein. An elongate, compressible pad member for use with a loading dock seal is positioned to compliantly conform to an aft end of a trailer positioned proximate to an opening in a building. The pad member includes a body portion having a front side and a back side. The body portion is composed of a compressible foam material. The pad member further includes a plurality of individual fingers projecting away from the front side of the body portion. The individual fingers are integral with the body portion and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Dock leveler seals and associated methods and systems are described herein. A dock leveler having a rear hinge seal configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a rear support frame and a movable deck. The rear support frame includes a plurality of first support members extending therefrom, and the aft edge portion of the deck includes a plurality of second support members pivotally coupled to the first support members along an axis. The seal of this embodiment includes a first edge portion extending outwardly from a medial portion in a first direction, and a second edge portion extending outwardly from the medial portion in a second direction. The medial portion urges the first edge portion against the support frame and the second edge portion against the aft edge portion of the deck as the deck pivots about the axis in operation.

Abstract: Overhead door assemblies having both interlocking and releasable guide assemblies, and multi-piece guide track assemblies for use with same are disclosed herein. An overhead door track configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a first side portion formed from a first piece of material and a second side portion formed from a second piece of material. The first side portion has a first guide surface and a first retention surface. The second side portion has a second guide surface and a second retention surface. In one aspect of this embodiment, the first side portion is joined to the second side portion to define an open channel or gap region therebetween. The first and second guide surfaces extend from the gap region toward a first direction, and the first and second retention surfaces diverge from the gap region toward a second direction, opposite to the first direction. The first and second retention surfaces can be configured to movably retain a door guide member.

Abstract: Technology generally directed to operation of loading dock equipment such as vehicle restraints, dock levelers, overhead doors/openers, barrier gates, lights, and linked or unlinked control systems is disclosed herein. The disclosed technology may be employed to power electrical loading dock systems from batteries and/or alternative power sources, including “green” power sources. For example, the technology may be employed at new, temporary, and/or mobile facilities having any number of loading docks where reliable commercial power may not be readily available. Further, the technology may also be employed at warehouses in remote and/or developing areas where electrical infrastructure is not available and/or reasonably priced. The technology may be embodied as methods, apparatuses, manufactures (e.g., computer- and/or processor-readable storage and/or other mediums), and/or the like.

Abstract: Loading dock lighting systems having one or more colored lights for communicating information, such as loading dock equipment status information, to dock operators and/or other personnel working in or around a shipping trailer or other transport vehicle are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, a lighting system for illuminating the interior of a transport vehicle during loading/unloading can include a lighting feature that visually communicates information to a person or persons working in the vehicle. The lighting feature can include, for example, one or more lights of various colors and/or flashing lights.

Abstract: A frame of a dock leveler that positions a deck portion of the dock leveler so that the deck portion is level with a surrounding dock floor at a driveway end when mounted in a pit in the dock floor includes a pit supported portion placed on a floor of the pit, a deck supporting portion providing support to the deck portion, and an adjusting assembly connected to the pit supported portion and to the deck supporting portion and operable to move and hold the deck supporting portion so that the deck portion of the dock leveler is at a selected position with respect to the surrounding dock floor.

Abstract: Wheel chocks for use with loading docks are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a manual wheel chock configured in accordance with the present disclosure includes a restraint arm pivotally coupled to a carriage that is rollably mounted to a longitudinal guide rail. The restraint arm is rotatable in a first direction to move a wheel stop in front of a wheel of a vehicle parked adjacent the guide rail. The restraint arm is also rotatable in a second direction opposite to the first direction to move the wheel stop away from the vehicle wheel.

Abstract: Overhead door assemblies having both interlocking and releasable guide assemblies, and guide track assemblies for use with same are disclosed herein. An overhead door track configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a first side portion spaced apart from a second side portion to define a channel or gap region therebetween. The first side portion has a first guide surface and a first retention surface. Similarly, the second side portion has a second guide surface and a second retention surface. In this embodiment, the first and second guide surfaces diverge outwardly from the gap region in a first direction, and the first and second retention surfaces diverge inwardly from the gap region in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A dock leveler frame includes a pit supported portion; a deck supporting portion configured to provide support to a deck portion of the dock leveler; and a fastener configured to contact corresponding structure on the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion, the corresponding structure configured to allow the pit supported portion and deck supporting portion to be fastened to each other via the fastener at multiple positions with respect to each other. A method of configuring a dock leveler frame to install a dock leveler in a pit and have a level deck without the use of shims includes: providing a pit supported portion of a dock lever frame; placing a deck supporting portion of the frame is a desired position with respect to the pit supported portion; and fastening the pit supported portion to the deck supporting portion with a fastener inserted into a hole and a slot.

Abstract: Dock levelers, such as mechanical dock levelers, are described herein. In one embodiment, a mechanical dock leveler includes a ramp having a lip pivotally attached to a forward edge. A ramp lifting system is configured to assist upward rotation of the ramp as it is manually raised. In this embodiment, a lip lifting system is operably coupled to the ramp lifting system so that the ramp is initially “downward biased” prior to being raised, and then becomes at least partially supported in a raised position by the lip lifting mechanism, once the lip lifting mechanism is engaged.

Abstract: Overhead door assemblies having both interlocking and releasable guide assemblies, and guide track assemblies for use with same are disclosed herein. An overhead door track configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes a first side portion spaced apart from a second side portion to define a channel or gap region therebetween. The first side portion has a first guide surface and a first retention surface. Similarly, the second side portion has a second guide surface and a second retention surface. In this embodiment, the first and second guide surfaces diverge outwardly from the gap region in a first direction, and the first and second retention surfaces diverge inwardly from the gap region in a second direction, opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Overhead door guide assemblies, guide tracks, and guide track support brackets are disclosed herein. An overhead door track assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a vertical track segment mounted to a wall adjacent an opening therein, and a curved track segment operably coupled to the vertical track segment. The curved track segment includes a first guide surface spaced apart from a second guide surface to define a first gap region that movably receives the door guide members as the door moves away from the opening. The track assembly further includes a non-vertical track segment operably coupled to the curved track segment. The non-vertical track segment includes a third guide surface spaced apart from a fourth guide surface to define a second gap region that movably receives the door guide members from the curved track segment.

Abstract: Dock leveler seals and associated methods and systems are described herein. A dock leveler having a rear hinge seal configured in accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure includes a rear support frame and a movable deck. The rear support frame includes a plurality of first support members extending therefrom, and the aft edge portion of the deck includes a plurality of second support members pivotally coupled to the first support members along an axis. The seal of this embodiment includes a first edge portion extending outwardly from a medial portion in a first direction, and a second edge portion extending outwardly from the medial portion in a second direction. The medial portion urges the first edge portion against the support frame and the second edge portion against the aft edge portion of the deck as the deck pivots about the axis in operation.

Abstract: Segmented dock seals for truck loading docks are described herein. An elongate, compressible pad member for use with a loading dock seal is positioned to compliantly conform to an aft end of a trailer positioned proximate to an opening in a building. The pad member includes a body portion having a front side and a back side. The body portion is composed of a compressible foam material. The pad member further includes a plurality of individual fingers projecting away from the front side of the body portion. The individual fingers are integral with the body portion and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.

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: Trailer shelters having foam head and side members are described herein. An over road trailer shelter configured in accordance with one embodiment includes a flexible head curtain configured to extend horizontally along a top portion of an opening in a warehouse or other building. The flexible head curtain can include at least one fabric flap hingeably attached to an exterior surface of a base fabric layer. The fabric flap is configured to protect the head member from damage resulting from repeated trailer contact. A trailer enclosure configured in accordance with another embodiment includes a head member that extends horizontally between first and second side members. Each of the side members and the head member includes a compressible foam portion covered by a fabric portion. In addition, each of the side members supports a flexible side curtain that extends inwardly to seal against the sides of the trailer.

Abstract: Overhead door guide assemblies, guide tracks, and guide track support brackets are disclosed herein. An overhead door track assembly configured in accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a vertical track segment mounted to a wall adjacent an opening therein, and a curved track segment operably coupled to the vertical track segment. The curved track segment includes a first guide surface spaced apart from a second guide surface to define a first gap region that movably receives the door guide members as the door moves away from the opening. The track assembly further includes a non-vertical track segment operably coupled to the curved track segment. The non-vertical track segment includes a third guide surface spaced apart from a fourth guide surface to define a second gap region that movably receives the door guide members from the curved track segment.