Abstract: A vehicle restraint apparatus includes a frame supporting an articulated arm assembly which is pivotable between a retracted or stored position and an extended operative position for engagement with the ICC bar or other restraint member connected to a truck or truck trailer. An electric motor driven linear actuator is connected to the arm assembly to move the arm assembly between its stored position and a working position. The linear actuator may be a power screw and nut mechanism operably connected to a tubular sleeve member which is connected at one end to the arm assembly and is sleeved over a linearly extensible member of the actuator. The actuator is operable to retract the linearly extensible member when the arm assembly is in its working position to allow floating motion of the truck or truck trailer doing loading and/or unloading operations. The arm assembly is biased into its working position by a gas spring.

Abstract: A vertically storable dock leveler apparatus includes a generally planar ramp member mounted on a frame by a hinge connection which includes spaced apart hinge plates secured to the frame, each having hinge pin receiving bores formed therein. An elongated cylindrical hinge pin is secured to the ramp and extends through the receiving bores of the hinge plates. The ramp is provided with elongated clearance slots formed therein providing clearance for the hinge plates when the ramp is assembled to the frame. Linearly extensible gas springs are interconnected between the ramp and the frame for biasing the ramp toward a vertically oriented stored position. An elongated actuating member is adapted to be releasably connected to a member mounted on one lateral edge of the ramp and also disposed in a socket member mounted on the frame for use in moving the ramp between working and stored positions and for retaining the ramp in its stored position, respectively.