Abstract: A dock leveler includes a pivotally extendable lip coupled to a pivotal deck by way of a front hinge, wherein the structure in the area of the front hinge optimizes the torsional flexibility of the deck; provides a well supported, durable crown (apex angle between an extended lip and the deck); and reduces the part count of the dock leveler. The front hinge includes a deck-hinge member that extends approximately the full width of the deck and is preferably formed from a single sheet of material. A particularly narrow front header or flange disposed along the front edge of the deck reinforces the relatively thin deck plate so that the plate's rigidity more closely matches that of the thicker lip, yet the flange is sufficiently small to allow the deck to twist so that the deck can place the tip of the lip squarely upon a sideways inclined truck bed.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a pivotally extendable lip coupled to a pivotal deck by way of a front hinge, wherein the structure in the area of the front hinge optimizes the torsional flexibility of the deck; provides a well supported, durable crown (apex angle between an extended lip and the deck); and reduces the part count of the dock leveler. The front hinge includes a deck-hinge member that extends approximately the full width of the deck and is preferably formed from a single sheet of material. A particularly narrow front header or flange disposed along the front edge of the deck reinforces the relatively thin deck plate so that the plate's rigidity more closely matches that of the thicker lip, yet the flange is sufficiently small to allow the deck to twist so that the deck can place the tip of the lip squarely upon a sideways inclined truck bed.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a pivotally extendable lip coupled to a pivotal deck by way of a front hinge, wherein the structure in the area of the front hinge optimizes the torsional flexibility of the deck; provides a well supported, durable crown (apex angle between an extended lip and the deck); and reduces the part count of the dock leveler. The front hinge includes a deck-hinge member that extends approximately the full width of the deck and is preferably formed from a single sheet of material. A particularly narrow front header or flange disposed along the front edge of the deck reinforces the relatively thin deck plate so that the plate's rigidity more closely matches that of the thicker lip, yet the flange is sufficiently small to allow the deck to twist so that the deck can place the tip of the lip squarely upon a sideways inclined truck bed.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a pivotally extendable lip coupled to a pivotal deck by way of a front hinge, wherein the structure in the area of the front hinge optimizes the torsional flexibility of the deck; provides a well supported, durable crown (apex angle between an extended lip and the deck); and reduces the part count of the dock leveler. The front hinge includes a deck-hinge member that extends approximately the full width of the deck and is preferably formed from a single sheet of material. A particularly narrow front header or flange disposed along the front edge of the deck reinforces the relatively thin deck plate so that the plate's rigidity more closely matches that of the thicker lip, yet the flange is sufficiently small to allow the deck to twist so that the deck can place the tip of the lip squarely upon a sideways inclined truck bed.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a pivotally extendable lip coupled to a pivotal deck by way of a front hinge, wherein the structure in the area of the front hinge optimizes the torsional flexibility of the deck; provides a well supported, durable crown (apex angle between an extended lip and the deck); and reduces the part count of the dock leveler. The front hinge includes a deck-hinge member that extends approximately the full width of the deck and is preferably formed from a single sheet of material. A particularly narrow front header or flange disposed along the front edge of the deck reinforces the relatively thin deck plate so that the plate's rigidity more closely matches that of the thicker lip, yet the flange is sufficiently small to allow the deck to twist so that the deck can place the tip of the lip squarely upon a sideways inclined truck bed.

Abstract: A dock leveler includes a pivotally extendable lip coupled to a pivotal deck by way of a front hinge, wherein the structure in the area of the front hinge optimizes the torsional flexibility of the deck; provides a well supported, durable crown (apex angle between an extended lip and the deck); and reduces the part count of the dock leveler. The front hinge includes a deck-hinge member that extends approximately the full width of the deck and is preferably formed from a single sheet of material. A particularly narrow front header or flange disposed along the front edge of the deck reinforces the relatively thin deck plate so that the plate's rigidity more closely matches that of the thicker lip, yet the flange is sufficiently small to allow the deck to twist so that the deck can place the tip of the lip squarely upon a sideways inclined truck bed.

Abstract: A table system with a multitude of tabletops and a modular constructed table support. The tabletops are of various sizes and shapes with peripheries that complement each other so that table systems may be grouped together. The table support includes a module of a horizontally disposed base member, a connected, upwardly directed curved leg member, a mounting pad and opposing foot members. A second variation includes two back-to-back base members, corresponding leg members, pads and foot members and a linear bridge structure. A third variation includes four base members, four leg members, four pads, four foot members and a cross shaped bridge structure.

Abstract: To help hold a trailer bed of a truck steady at a loading dock as the truck is being loaded or unloaded of its cargo, a yieldable vehicle brace exerts a substantial, but limited, reactive force upward against the trailer's rear impact guard to resist the trailer's downward movement. In some embodiments, the brace holds the trailer bed stationary up to a certain load limit and provides the trailer bed with a controlled or dampened descent when the load exceeds that limit. In some cases, the reactive upward force exerted by the brace increases with the downward velocity of the trailer bed. The reactive force can be created by one or more pressure relief valves, hydraulic fluid passing through a flow restriction, a brake, a spring, or various combinations thereof. Some embodiments of the brace include provisions for accommodating horizontal movement of the rear impact guard.

Abstract: A dock leveler for a truck loading dock includes a pivotal deck that is actuated by an inflatable column assembly. The inflatable column assembly includes an outer pliable tube that contains a more airtight inflatable bladder. The pliable tube is made of a tough fabric to protect the inner bladder. In some embodiments, the pliable tube has a generally vertical cylindrical shape that can provide a heavy deck with ample columnar support.

Abstract: A wheel-activated vehicle restraint for use at a loading dock includes a wheel-blocking barrier that is selectively locked to a frame by a latching mechanism that engages an inverted gear rack. Components of the latching mechanism are arranged to prevent spreading apart upper and lower members of the frame members. The latching mechanism includes an alignment device that helps ensure that the teeth of a latching member positively engages the teeth of the gear rack, thus preventing the teeth from coming together peak-to-peak. An upper rail of the wheel restraint's frame includes a contoured leading edge that smoothly guides the lift of the wheel-blocking barrier from its stored position to its wheel-chocking position. A wheel support is used to prevent a vehicle's mud flap from getting pinched between the vehicle's wheel and a trigger assembly of the wheel restraint.

Abstract: A wheel-activated vehicle restraint for use at a loading dock includes a wheel-blocking barrier that is selectively locked to a frame by a latching mechanism that engages an inverted gear rack. Components of the latching mechanism are arranged to prevent spreading apart upper and lower members of the frame members. The latching mechanism includes an alignment device that helps ensure that the teeth of a latching member positively engages the teeth of the gear rack, thus preventing the teeth from coming together peak-to-peak. An upper rail of the wheel restraint's frame includes a contoured leading edge that smoothly guides the lift of the wheel-blocking barrier from its stored position to its wheel-chocking position. A wheel support is used to prevent a vehicle's mud flap from getting pinched between the vehicle's wheel and a trigger assembly of the wheel restraint.

Abstract: A truck leveler includes a low-profile traffic surface that is pivotally mounted to a driveway approach in front of a loading dock. Pivoting the leveler raises a reat portion of a truck or trailer to the height of the dock. The truck leveler has strength, rigidity and accommodates a retractable or repositionable wheel restraint while maintaining its low profile. This is accomplished by virtue of a raised rear beam and two lateral beams that extend above the traffic surface of the leveler. A central beam allows field assembly of the leveler while adding further to the leveler's strength and rigidity.