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: 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 support frame includes an upper frame member and a substantially vertical frame member connected thereto. The substantially vertical frame member includes both a structural member and a height-adjusting leg assembly. The leg assembly is adjustable via a drive member proximate the upper frame member. Rotating the drive member raises or lowers the upper frame member by altering the distance between the upper frame member and a foot at the lower end of the leg assembly. Ramp attachment points are also provided proximate the upper frame member. The support frame is installed by placing it in a pit with the upper frame member adjacent the curb, and adjusting the leg assembly to level the upper frame member to the curb. Once level, the back frame is secured to the dock, and the drive member may be secured to the upper frame member to prevent counter-rotation.

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 loading dock apparatus remote control is provided. Some embodiments of the invention include a zone specific remote control for loading dock apparatus. Some optional embodiments include a selector switch to select which apparatus the single set of controls will control. Other optional embodiments automatically select the apparatus to be controlled by the single set of controls. A method of operating loading dock apparatus using a remote control is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a dock leveler in a manner to reduce the effects of free fall and stump-out. The apparatus includes the use of a retractable support leg. The method includes maintaining the support leg in a support position and retracting the support leg under certain conditions.

Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading docket. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored 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 rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition. The docket leveler has a horizontally translatable ramp.

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.