Patents by Inventor Lawrence D. Ellis

Lawrence D. Ellis has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5657502
    Abstract: A loading lip extender operating mechanism for edge mounted dock levelers to elevate and lower a bridge plate connected to a dock and loading lip plate pivotably coupled to the bridge plate to follow the movements imparted to the bridge plate. The elevation of the bridge plate to a vertical orientation causing the loading lip plate to be extended above the level of the dock. The loading lip plate can be moved forwardly of the vertical position of the bridge plate outwardly and upwardly so it is extended over the truck bed parked adjacent the dock and dropped onto the truck bed to permit loading and/or unloading of the truck. The bottom side of the bridge plate carries a camming surface for coaction with a cam follower included with the lip extender operating mechanism. The operating mechanism is constructed as a unitary structure having quick release mounting clips to allow the unitary structure to be quickly mounted and de-mounted in essentially "zero" time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Ellis Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Ellis
  • Patent number: 4553895
    Abstract: A truck latch for use with a motor vehicle equipped with an ICC bumper or bar for restraining the unexpected departure of the motor vehicle. The truck latch is securable to a loading dock for coaction with the ICC bumper for a motor vehicle parked adajcent thereto. The truck latch is in the form of a tubular latch element having a hook-like restraining device extending therefrom. The latch element is vertically mounted to be bidirectionally axially movable and rotatable in a tubular supporting structure to be positioned in a coupled or de-coupled relationship with the ICC bumper. The latched condition of the truck latch may be electrically signalled by a switching element located to sense the travel of the latch element and to be operated thereby when the latch is coupled to the bumper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1985
    Assignee: Ellis Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Lawrence D. Ellis
  • Patent number: 4065824
    Abstract: A lip extender for use with a loading dock leveler. The lip extender includes a lower link connected at its lower end to the base plate of the leveler and a toggle arm connected at its upper end beneath the lip. The opposite ends of the toggle arm and lower link are pivotally connected together. Upward movement of the hinge connection between the bridge plate and lip moves them both upwardly to a cocked position to which they are supported by the toggle arm and lower link, which pivot into an over-center position. Downward force exerted on the upper part of the bridge plate causes a cam follower carried by the pivotal connection between the toggle arm and lower link to engage a cam surface mounted beneath the bridge plate. A coil spring mounted about the lower pivotal point of the lower link exerts pressure against the lower link, thereby counter-balancing the weight of the lip and bridge plate during pivotal movement of the lower link in either direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1976
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1978
    Assignee: Ellis Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Ellis, Robert E. Evans
  • Patent number: 3974537
    Abstract: A lip extender for use with a loading dock leveler. The lip extender includes a lower link connected at its lower end to the base plate of the leveler and a toggle arm connected at its upper end beneath the lip. The opposite ends of the toggle arm and lower link are pivotally connected together. Upward movement of the hinge connection between the bridge plate and lip moves them both upwardly to a cocked position in which they are supported by the toggle arm and lower link, which pivot into an over-center position. Downward force exerted on the upper part of the bridge plate causes a cam follower carried by the pivotal connection between the toggle arm and lower link to engage a cam surface mounted beneath the bridge plate. The lip is thereby extended simultaneously upwardly and outwardly over the rear edge of a truck disposed adjacent to the dock. When the lip reaches its fully extended position, the toggle arm moves past the center position and allows the lip to drop onto the truck bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1975
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1976
    Assignee: Ellis Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence D. Ellis, Robert E. Evans