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: A loading dock comprising a dock wall including a dock opening formed by a generally horizontal upper portion of the dock wall, a resilient head pad mounted in front of the upper portion such that the head pad is positioned to be compressible between the upper portion and a back of a vehicle when a vehicle is positioned at the loading dock, and a tether member interconnecting the head pad with the upper portion. The tether member is positioned to facilitate substantially vertical movement of the head pad relative to the upper portion. The assembly can further include a substantially rigid support member connected to the dock wall. Preferably, the loading dock further includes a back pad (e.g., a resilient pad) connected to the dock wall, and the head pad comprises a front pad positioned adjacent the back pad. One portion of the tether member can be secured to the front pad and another portion of the tether member can be secured to the back pad.

Abstract: A loading dock including a dock wall having a dock opening, and an engaging member (e.g., a resilient head pad) positioned adjacent to the dock opening. The engaging member is mounted for vertical movement relative to the dock wall, and the engaging member includes a front face adapted to engage a back of a vehicle to accommodate relative vertical movement between the back of the vehicle and the dock wall. A base member is secured to the loading dock, and the engaging member is vertically movably mounted to the base member. A urethane coating between the engaging member and base member provides a low friction interface therebetween. The engaging member is interconnected with the base member via a tether member that is formed from an extension of a cover on the engaging member.