Abstract: A self releasing holddown mechanism for a dock leveler includes an elongated bar member adapted for connection to a dock leveler ramp and engageable with a roller lock member mounted on a body connected to an anchor rod which is connected at one end to the dock leveler frame. The anchor rod includes a release plate mounted thereon including adjustable stop members. The release plate is mounted for adjustment with respect to the rod. A coil spring is sleeved over the rod and engageable with the release plate and the body which includes an elongated tube journaling the spring. A release actuator is mounted for pivotal movement on the body and is connected to the roller lock member to move the lock member between positions for forcible engagement with the bar member and to release the bar member. The release actuator may also be operated at will.

Abstract: An electric power supply system for dock equipment at a freight loading dock, such equipment including dock levelers and truck restraints which are powered by electric motors. The emergency power supply system utilizes electric powered freight moving vehicles, such as lift trucks, which include on-board storage battery electric power sources. The dock equipment includes controllers which are provided with selector switches for selecting power from an electrical distribution system or from the lift trucks by way of a disconnectable power cable assembly. An AC voltage step-down transformer and rectifier are provided for supplying the proper voltage to the controller, depending on the voltage and current characteristics required of the dock equipment motor or motors.

Abstract: Cross traffic legs for a dock leveler having a ramp mounted for pivotal movement between inclined, declined and cross traffic positions include first leg members mounted for pivotal movement on the ramp and second leg members which are supported on and moveable with respect to the first leg members to allow positioning the ramp in a below dock position. Leg lock members are supported for pivotal movement on the first leg members between working positions engageable with the second leg members to support the ramp in a cross traffic position and retracted positions out of engagement with the second leg members to allow the dock leveler ramp to move to a below dock position. The leg lock members are connected to an extension lip pivotally mounted on the ramp so that, as the lip is extended, the lock members are moved out of engagement with the cross traffic legs. A lock pin is engageable with one of the lock members to prevent unwanted lifting of the lip when the ramp is in a stored, cross traffic position.

Abstract: An electric power supply system for dock equipment at a freight loading dock, such equipment including dock levelers and truck restraints which are powered by electric motors. The emergency power supply system utilizes electric powered freight moving vehicles, such as lift trucks, which include on-board storage battery electric power sources. The dock equipment includes controllers which are provided with selector switches for selecting power from an electrical distribution system or from the lift trucks by way of a disconnectable power cable assembly. An AC voltage step-down transformer and rectifier are provided for supplying the proper voltage to the controller, depending on the voltage and current characteristics required of the dock equipment motor or motors.

Abstract: A self releasing holddown mechanism for a dock leveler includes an elongated bar member adapted for connection to a dock leveler ramp and engageable with a roller lock member mounted on a body connected to an anchor rod which is connected at one end to the dock leveler frame. The anchor rod includes a release plate mounted thereon including adjustable stop members. The release plate is mounted for adjustment with respect to the rod. A coil spring is sleeved over the rod and engageable with the release plate and the body which includes an elongated tube journaling the spring. A release actuator is mounted for pivotal movement on the body and is connected to the roller lock member to move the lock member between positions for forcible engagement with the bar member and to release the bar member. The release actuator may also be operated at will.

Abstract: Cross traffic legs for a dock leveler having a ramp mounted for pivotal movement between inclined, declined and cross traffic positions include first leg members mounted for pivotal movement on the ramp and second leg members which are supported on and moveable with respect to the first leg members to allow positioning the ramp in a below dock position. Leg lock members are supported for pivotal movement on the first leg members between working positions engageable with the second leg members to support the ramp in a cross traffic position and retracted positions out of engagement with the second leg members to allow the dock leveler ramp to move to a below dock position. The leg lock members are connected to an extension lip pivotally mounted on the ramp so that, as the lip is extended, the lock members are moved out of engagement with the cross traffic legs. A lock pin is engageable with one of the lock members to prevent unwanted lifting of the lip when the ramp is in a stored, cross traffic position.

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.