Abstract: The invention is incorporated in a dock leveler of the type having a base plate adapted to be attached to a side edge of a dock, a bridge plate having a first edge pivotally coupled to the upper edge of the base plate and a lip plate pivotally coupled to the other edge of the bridge plate. First and second linkages have first ends respectively pivotally coupled together. The other end of the first linkage is pivotally coupled to the under side of the bridge plate. The other end of the second linkage is pivotally coupled to the base plate for pivotal movement about a pivot axis that is fixed relative to the base plate. A catch member has a first end pivotally coupled to the under side of the lip plate and a free end adapted to hang downward therefrom.