Abstract: A dock leveler having a pivotable main deck, a lip plate pivotably connected to the main deck, and a lip plate extension apparatus for pivoting the lip plate from a stored position to a bridging position and for maintaining the lip plate in the bridging position at times when the main deck is in the fully raised position. Front plate gussets and lip plate gussets are provided for strengthening the pivotal connection between the main deck and the lip gate. Both the front plate gussets and the lip plate gussets include an end that conforms in shape to the hinge tube and is connected thereto. A recessed deck cup is provided in the main deck for housing a pull ring having a chain attached thereto. The deck cup has an area of decreased diameter and an outwardly flared bottom to provide a smooth surface for contacting the chain as the pull ring is pulled and for providing an interior constriction to hold the pull ring.