Abstract: The present invention is a bottom assembly for a breakaway door. The bottom assembly comprises a first mounting plate fixed on one of the faces of the breakaway door proximate to its bottom and a security edge formed of a loop of flexible material suspended from the bottom of the breakaway door. The security edge has a second tab sandwiched between the first mounting plate and the breakaway door to mount the security edge to the breakaway door. The loop of flexible material has an interior void at least partially filled with an internal cushion. The bottom assembly further includes a first padded bar including a bumper and a first tab extending from the bumper wherein the first tab is sandwiched between the first mounting plate and the breakaway door to mount the first padded bar to said breakaway door.

Abstract: A loading dock having a sensing device to determine proximity of a vehicle to the loading dock is disclosed. The loading dock includes a loading bay. The loading dock also includes a driving platform that receives a vehicle approaching the loading dock. The driving platform is positioned beneath the loading bay. The loading dock include a loading platform extending from the loading bay. The loading dock is equipped with a sensing device attached to the loading platform. The sensing device determines and monitors a distance between the vehicle and the loading platform. The loading dock also includes an indicating device that generates a signal when the distance between the vehicle and the loading platform is less than a threshold distance.

Abstract: The present invention is a breakaway door with a padded bottom bar to protect vehicles that collide with said breakaway door. The padded bottom bar is mounted adjacent the bottom of the breakaway door. It includes a padded bottom bar having a bumper, a first tab extending from the bumper, and a mounting plate. The mounting plate is fixed to the bottom of the door with the first tab sandwiched between the plate and the door to mount the bumper to the door. A bottom loop suspends from the bottom of the breakaway door. The bottom loop has a cushion and a second tab sandwiched between the plate and the breakaway door to mount the bottom loop too the breakaway door. The bottom loop provides additional sealing and security to the breakaway door.

Abstract: Weather barriers for vehicle loading docks are disclosed. An example weather barrier includes a side support member being vertically elongate between an upper end and a lower end of the side support member. The side support member has a back end to be attached to a wall proximate a lateral doorway edge. The side support member is to extend in a forward direction to a front end of the side support member. A vertically elongate front sheet includes a pliable sheet having a proximal end and a distal end, where the proximal end is to attach to the front end of the side support member. The front sheet extends in a lateral direction from the proximal end to the distal end, where the lateral direction is horizontal and perpendicular to the forward direction. The front sheet is to extends in front of the doorway. A stay is to be coupled to the front sheet. The stay is resiliently flexible and horizontally elongate. The stay is to subject the front sheet to tension in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: Example vehicle alignment systems for use at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example vehicle alignment system includes a sensor system to detect a surface of a vehicle, where the sensor system obtains a feedback signal representative of a spatial orientation of the detected surface relative to a reference as the vehicle approaches a doorway of the loading dock. A controller detects a threshold deviation in the spatial orientation of the detected surface of the vehicle relative to the reference based on the feedback signal. A display varies an output signal in response to the detected deviation in the spatial orientation of the detected surface relative to the reference.

Abstract: Seal assemblies for dock shelters and dock seals at a loading dock are disclosed herein. An example seal assembly includes a foam pad, a pliable cover to couple to the foam pad, and a shield to attach to the foam pad. The shield has a first end and a second end. The first end is to couple to at least one of the foam pad or the pliable cover and the second end is to project adjacent a vehicle-engaging surface of the foam pad. The shield is to move relative to the foam pad between a standby position when a vehicle is in a non-engaging relationship with the vehicle-engaging surface and a deflected position when the vehicle is in engagement with the vehicle-engaging surface.

Abstract: A wall assembly includes at least one horizontally extending rail having a rear surface adapted to engage the wall. A plurality of horizontally spaced and vertically extending stiles are coupled to the rail, with the stiles disposed forwardly of the rear surface of the rail. A plurality of interface components are coupled to the plurality of stiles. In various embodiments, the stiles may be interconnected to draw together adjacent interface components. The interface components also may include overlapping upper and lower edges. The stiles may be vertically and/or horizontally (laterally and longitudinally) adjustable relative to the rail. A lock member may be provided to secure at least one of the stiles to the rail. Various systems and methods of assembly and use are also provided.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example dock apparatus disclosed herein includes a curtain to be suspended from a support panel and configured to be engaged by the vehicle. The curtain has a plurality of pleats overlapping a plurality of loops such that the plurality of loops is positioned between a vehicle-engaging surface of the curtain and the plurality of pleats.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include rear edge seals to sealingly engage a rearward facing edge of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, the rear edge seal is part of a pivotal upper or side seal member that also includes a surface seal. The surface seal is spaced apart from the edge seal and is to sealingly engage a side or upper surface of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle's side surface is the outward facing surface of the vehicle's swung-open door. In some examples, the vehicle backing against the edge seal is what deploys the side seal. Some example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include an upper seal member and two side seal members, where vehicle-activated movement of the upper seal and side seal members are coordinated to seek and seal against rear corners of a cargo opening of the vehicle.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example dock apparatus disclosed herein includes a first weather barrier and a second weather barrier. The first and second weather barriers are positioned laterally of a doorway of a loading dock and compressible by a vehicle. The lateral weather barriers include inner surfaces that are to bulge toward each other in response to the vehicle compressing the lateral weather barriers. A head curtain is at least partially positioned between the lateral weather barriers and being engagable by the vehicle, the head curtain having a lateral stiffness such that in response to the vehicle engaging the head curtain and compressing the lateral weather barriers, the head curtain becomes pinched between the bulging inner surfaces to restrict a vertical movement of the curtain.

Abstract: Dock leveler sealing systems are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a dock leveler sealing system can include a bottom seal configured to be attached to an underside of a dock leveler deck and extend transversely thereto, and two side seals configured to be attached to opposite end portions of the bottom seal and extend forwardly therefrom. The side seals can be shaped and sized to effectively seal openings and/or gaps that may exist between the bottom seal, the deck lip, a shipping vehicle, a dock bumper, and/or the building floor.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatuses for sealing or sheltering vehicles at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a side seal member to be vertically elongate and having a front surface facing away from a doorway when the apparatus is in a relaxed configuration, the side seal member extending laterally farther into a cargo passageway when the apparatus is in the relaxed configuration than when in an activated configuration, the front surface engages a vehicle as the vehicle moves between a departed position and a parked position. The apparatus also includes an upper seal member to hang in front of the side seal member when the apparatus is in the relaxed configuration, the upper seal member being horizontally elongate and having a lower corner point proximate the side seal member, the front surface facing away from the lower corner point when the apparatus is in the activated configuration.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatuses for sealing or sheltering vehicles at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first seal to be engaged by a vehicle as the vehicle moves between a departed position and a parked position relative to the first seal. The first seal has a penetration portion movable between a relaxed condition when the vehicle releases the first seal and an activated condition when the vehicle engages the first seal. A second seal is coupled adjacent the first seal. The second seal has an opening to be positioned adjacent the penetration portion of the first seal such that at least a portion of the penetration portion extends across at least a portion of the opening when the first seal is in the relaxed condition, and the opening of the second seal receives at least the penetration portion of the first seal when the first seal is in the activated condition.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatuses for sealing or sheltering vehicles at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a side support member attachable to a wall proximate a doorway. A side seal member extends from the side support member and a rear edge seal is supported by the side seal member. The rear edge seal engages a first rear edge of a vehicle. The rear edge seal has a seal core and a seal cover, where the core has a gap defined by a first portion and a second portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing a vehicle cargo area to a loading dock. The method includes a step of providing a sealing element. The sealing element includes a mounting surface adapted to sealingly mate against a loading dock, an inner sealing surface at a transverse angle relative to the mounting surface, an outer sealing surface opposing the inner sealing surface and at a transverse angle relative to the mounting surface, and an impact-absorbing surface approximately parallel to the mounting surface. The method further includes the steps of contacting the impact-absorbing surface with a rear face of the vehicle cargo area, deforming the inner sealing surface away from the loading dock, and sealing the inner sealing surface against an inside wall of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: Example flexible face panels for dock shelters and dock seals at a loading dock are disclosed. An example seal assembly includes a projection panel mountable to extend outward from the wall in proximity with a doorway. A first face panel extends from the projection panel in front of the doorway when the projection panel is mounted to the wall, where the first face panel has a first distal edge spaced apart from the projection panel. A second face panel extends from the projection panel in front of the doorway when the projection panel is mounted to the wall, where the second face panel having a second distal edge spaced apart from the projection panel.

Abstract: A loading dock barrier assembly includes a loading dock having a front wall. Each of a pair of spaced side posts is positioned adjacent to the front wall. A top end of each side post extends above a top edge of the front wall. A barrier is coupled to and extends between the side posts. The barrier is slidable between a deployed position and a retracted position. The barrier blocks passage between the side posts when in the deployed position. The barrier is positioned to permit passage between the side posts when in the retracted position. An actuator moves the barrier. A trigger is coupled to the front wall of the loading dock between the side posts. The trigger is operationally coupled to the actuator and configured to activate the actuator when a truck is positioned in the loading dock adjacent to the front wall.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatuses for sealing or sheltering vehicles at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a side support member attachable to a wall proximate a doorway. A side seal member extends from the side support member and a rear edge seal is supported by the side seal member. The rear edge seal engages a first rear edge of a vehicle. The rear edge seal has a seal core and a seal cover, where the core has a gap defined by a first portion and a second portion.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatuses for sealing or sheltering vehicles at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a side seal member to be vertically elongate and having a front surface facing away from a doorway when the apparatus is in a relaxed configuration, the side seal member extending laterally farther into a cargo passageway when the apparatus is in the relaxed configuration than when in an activated configuration, the front surface engages a vehicle as the vehicle moves between a departed position and a parked position. The apparatus also includes an upper seal member to hang in front of the side seal member when the apparatus is in the relaxed configuration, the upper seal member being horizontally elongate and having a lower corner point proximate the side seal member, the front surface facing away from the lower corner point when the apparatus is in the activated configuration.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatuses disclosed herein include vehicle-actuated mechanisms for forcibly pressing a seal member down against a roof of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, rather than relying on gravity alone, rearward movement of the vehicle mechanically expands a seal member to create sufficient reach and sealing pressure to press the expandable seal member firmly against vehicle roofs of various heights and positions. In some examples, an example vehicle-actuated mechanism disclosed herein forces a compressible seal down against the vehicle's roof and maintains a compressive sealing force over a range of roof heights and positions. Some example weather barrier apparatuses disclosed herein include example means for mitigating certain jam conditions.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatus are disclosed herein. An example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include rear edge seals to sealingly engage a rearward facing edge of a vehicle parked at a loading dock. In some examples, the rear edge seal is part of a pivotal upper or side seal member that also includes a surface seal. The surface seal is spaced apart from the edge seal and is to sealingly engage a side or upper surface of the vehicle. In some examples, the vehicle's side surface is the outward facing surface of the vehicle's swung-open door. In some examples, the vehicle backing against the edge seal is what deploys the side seal. Some example weather barrier apparatus disclosed herein include an upper seal member and two side seal members, where vehicle-activated movement of the upper seal and side seal members are coordinated to seek and seal against rear corners of a cargo opening of the vehicle.

Abstract: Example weather barrier apparatuses for sealing or sheltering vehicles at loading docks are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a first seal to be engaged by a vehicle as the vehicle moves between a departed position and a parked position relative to the first seal. The first seal has a penetration portion movable between a relaxed condition when the vehicle releases the first seal and an activated condition when the vehicle engages the first seal. A second seal is coupled adjacent the first seal. The second seal has an opening to be positioned adjacent the penetration portion of the first seal such that at least a portion of the penetration portion extends across at least a portion of the opening when the first seal is in the relaxed condition, and the opening of the second seal receives at least the penetration portion of the first seal when the first seal is in the activated condition.

Abstract: Example flexible face panels for dock shelters and dock seals at a loading dock include a tip seal and/or an air-filled blister or elongate “bubble” that sealingly conforms to a rear portion of a vehicle (e.g., truck, trailer, etc.) at the dock. In some examples, an air chamber within the blister is open at one or both ends. This prevents otherwise trapped pressurized air from adversely affecting the blister's compliance or its ability to sealingly conform to irregular surfaces of the vehicle. In some examples, as the vehicle backs into and deflects the face panel, the blister distorts and wraps itself around the vehicle's surface irregularities, such as door hardware and protruding lights. In some examples, the face panel's tip seal includes an overlapping seal flap, wherein a series of slits in the tip seal allow the seal to fit over the vehicle's various surface irregularities.

Abstract: Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes a rigid backer to couple a flexible panel assembly to a loading dock wall and a flexible, self-supporting sheet-shaped member having sufficient rigidity to enable the flexible sheet-shaped member to be cantilevered from a surface of a building without substantial sagging. The sheet-shaped member has an inner surface and an outer surface defining a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge where the first and second longitudinal edges couple to the rigid backer. The inner surface defines an empty cavity when the sheet-shaped member is coupled to the rigid backer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for sealing a vehicle cargo area to a loading dock. The method includes a step of providing a sealing element. The sealing element includes a mounting surface adapted to sealingly mate against a loading dock, an inner sealing surface at a transverse angle relative to the mounting surface, an outer sealing surface opposing the inner sealing surface and at a transverse angle relative to the mounting surface, and an impact-absorbing surface approximately parallel to the mounting surface. The method further includes the steps of contacting the impact-absorbing surface with a rear face of the vehicle cargo area, deforming the inner sealing surface away from the loading dock, and sealing the inner sealing surface against an inside wall of the vehicle cargo area.

Abstract: An example dock leveler disclosed herein includes a deck and a lip structure translatable relative to the deck. A frame is disposed within a pit underneath the deck and includes a deck-supporting surface. A deck-supporting foot extends from the lip structure to engage the deck-supporting surface. A weather shield has a lower end and an upper end, the lower end of the weather shield coupled to at least one of the frame and a wall of the pit, the upper end of the weather shield is carried by the lip structure, the lower end of the weather shield is positioned forward of the deck-supporting foot when the deck is in a cross-traffic position while the lip structure is in a retracted position, and the deck-supporting foot is positioned forward of the lower end of the weather shield when the lip structure is in an extended position.

Abstract: A system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on an object is provided. The system for removably and adjustably mounting a device on an object, according to the present invention, includes an apparatus and method useful for removably and adjustably mounting one or more photovoltaic modules on an object such as a pole or roof, and includes one or more triple track rails. Also included are one or more connector brackets that are demountably attachable to the one or more triple track rails and to the object.

Abstract: This loading bay includes a hinged ramp to form a passage between the warehouse and the container of the truck. The loading bay has a lateral and upper shelter, and a hinged platform that is located at a level below the hinged ramp. The loading bay includes movable frontal stops, assembled on the front end of the platform and that define contact surfaces for the trailer or container of the truck when it is approaching the loading bay. In addition, a position detector is provided for detecting the position of the frontal stops and activates an luminous signal device to issue different luminous messages depending on the movement of the frontal stops. In addition, the loading bay has a device for longitudinally moving the frontal stops away from the container of the truck once it is stationary in the loading bay.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roof drainage for trucks (I). In order to prevent damage to the loaded goods by water dripping from the roof edge, an adjustable gutter (II) underneath the roof edge is proposed.

Abstract: A mounting system for a roof-mounted structure comprises: a roof having a surface; a shaft having a first end opposing a second end, and including a roof fastening portion at the first end and secured within the roof, an anchor portion for securing the roof-mounted structure at the second end, a drive part and a radially projecting shoulder surface oriented toward the roof fastening portion; and a washer positioned on the surface of the roof and disposed on the shaft such that the shoulder surface urges the washer into watertight sealing contact with the surface of the roof.

Abstract: Door elements are disclosed herein. An example door element includes a first flexible door movably coupled relative to a wall between at least a first closed position to cover a first portion of a doorway, a first open position to enable a vehicle to access to the doorway, and an intermediate position to engage a first surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is adjacent the doorway. The door element also includes a second flexible door movably coupled relative to the wall between at least a second closed position to cover a second portion of the doorway, a second open position to enable the vehicle to access the second portion of the doorway, and a second intermediate position to engage a second surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned adjacent the door opening, where the first and second flexible doors each deform to pivot relative to the wall.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example dock apparatus disclosed herein includes a first weather barrier and a second weather barrier. The first and second weather barriers are positioned laterally of a doorway of a loading dock and compressible by a vehicle. The lateral weather barriers include inner surfaces that are to bulge toward each other in response to the vehicle compressing the lateral weather barriers. A head curtain is at least partially positioned between the lateral weather barriers and being engagable by the vehicle, the head curtain having a lateral stiffness such that in response to the vehicle engaging the head curtain and compressing the lateral weather barriers, the head curtain becomes pinched between the bulging inner surfaces to restrict a vertical movement of the curtain.

Abstract: Dock leveler sealing systems are disclosed herein. In various embodiments, a dock leveler sealing system can include a bottom seal configured to be attached to an underside of a dock leveler deck and extend transversely thereto, and two side seals configured to be attached to opposite end portions of the bottom seal and extend forwardly therefrom. The side seals can be shaped and sized to effectively seal openings and/or gaps that may exist between the bottom seal, the deck lip, a shipping vehicle, a dock bumper, and/or the building floor.

Abstract: A loading wharf includes a compact structure secured to the perimeter of an access opening formed in a wall of a building. The compact structure defining between the inner and outer faces of the wall, an intermediate space for placement of protective members and a folding ramp both of which move between an operational position in which protective members and ramp project from the intermediate space towards the outside, in order to interact with the body or trailer of the vehicle to be loaded or unloaded, and a non-operational position in which the protective members and ramp are positioned inside the intermediate space and are oriented vertically. The compact structure includes, corresponding to the outer and inner faces of the wall, frames for the mounting of an exterior closure door and of an interior door.

Abstract: Side seal member for a loading dock seal are disclosed. An example dock seal includes a backer to couple the dock seal to a wall and a resiliently compressible member supported by the backer. A pliable cover encases the compressible member. The pliable cover has a first end overlapping a second end to define a separable joint that is to be disposed between the backer and the wall when the dock seal is coupled to the wall.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example dock apparatus disclosed herein includes a first weather barrier and a second weather barrier. The first and second weather barriers are positioned laterally of a doorway of a loading dock and compressible by a vehicle. The lateral weather barriers include inner surfaces that are to bulge toward each other in response to the vehicle compressing the lateral weather barriers. A head curtain is at least partially positioned between the lateral weather barriers and being engagable by the vehicle, the head curtain having a lateral stiffness such that in response to the vehicle engaging the head curtain and compressing the lateral weather barriers, the head curtain becomes pinched between the bulging inner surfaces to restrict a vertical movement of the curtain.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a roof-mounted structure to a roof is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a shaft extending along a longitudinal shaft axis and including a first end opposing a second end; the first end including a roof fastening portion; the second end including a drive part and an anchor portion for securing the roof-mounted structure to the shaft; and the shaft including a radially projecting shoulder surface disposed between the first and second ends and oriented toward the first end.

Abstract: This loading bay comprises a compact structure carrying at least one fold-away ramp and a shelter for closing off the space between the shed and the truck box body at the side and at the top during loading or unloading operations. Said compact structure adjoins the wall (P) of the shed on the outside and is set up with the possibility of being removed longitudinally on guide means for positioning the movable assembly in a position opposite any one of the openings (H) providing access to the shed. The loading bay comprises, additionally, motorized actuating means, at least one bar of sensors for detecting the position of the truck while said truck is being moved closer into position, a light-signalling device and a light and/or acoustic signal warning of the approach of a truck.

Abstract: Head curtains for dock shelters or dock seals are disclosed. An example dock apparatus disclosed herein includes a first weather barrier and a second weather barrier. The first and second weather barriers are positioned laterally of a doorway of a loading dock and compressible by a vehicle. The lateral weather barriers include inner surfaces that are to bulge toward each other in response to the vehicle compressing the lateral weather barriers. A head curtain is at least partially positioned between the lateral weather barriers and being engagable by the vehicle, the head curtain having a lateral stiffness such that in response to the vehicle engaging the head curtain and compressing the lateral weather barriers, the head curtain becomes pinched between the bulging inner surfaces to restrict a vertical movement of the curtain.

Abstract: Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes a rigid backer to couple a flexible panel assembly to a loading dock wall and a flexible, self-supporting sheet-shaped member having sufficient rigidity to enable the flexible sheet-shaped member to be cantilevered from a surface of a building without substantial sagging. The sheet-shaped member has an inner surface and an outer surface defining a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge where the first and second longitudinal edges couple to the rigid backer. The inner surface defines an empty cavity when the sheet-shaped member is coupled to the rigid backer.

Abstract: Dock seal for use with loading docks are described. An example dock seal includes a compressible body having a front compressible body and a rear compressible body, where the rear compressible body is interposed between the wall and the front compressible body when the dock seal is mounted to the wall. A flexible panel pivotally couples the compressible body to the wall.

Abstract: This loading bay comprises a hinged ramp to form a passage between the warehouse and the container of the truck, a lateral and upper shelter, a hinged platform, located at a level below the hinged ramp and associated with actuating means, movable frontal stops, assembled on the front end of the platform and that form contact means for the trailer or container of the truck when it is approaching the loading bay, means for detecting the position of the frontal stops that activate the luminous signal means to issue different luminous messages depending on the movement of the frontal stops and longitudinal movement means of the frontal stops to move them away from the container of the truck once it is stationary in the loading bay.

Abstract: Flexible structures for use with dock seals and shelters are disclosed. An example flexible structure includes an elongate flexible panel assembly having first and second longitudinal edges and at least one flexible thin-walled member having a length along a longitudinal axis of the elongate flexible panel assembly. The at least one flexible thin-walled member is configured to have a cross-sectional geometry that provides sufficient rigidity to enable the elongate flexible panel assembly to be cantilevered from a surface via the first longitudinal edge without substantial deformation of the cross-sectional geometry of the at least one flexible thin-walled member along the length of the at least one flexible thin-walled member.

Abstract: Segmented dock seals for truck loading docks are described herein. An elongate, compressible pad member for use with a loading dock seal is positioned to compliantly conform to an aft end of a trailer positioned proximate to an opening in a building. The pad member includes a body portion having a front side and a back side. The body portion is composed of a compressible foam material. The pad member further includes a plurality of individual fingers projecting away from the front side of the body portion. The individual fingers are integral with the body portion and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A strut runner includes a member extending lengthwise in a first direction, where the member includes an underlying panel and one or more walls that extend from the panel. The member may be configured to at least partially support the panel array while being integrated or directly connected to the underlying structure. Additionally, the strut runner may include one or more peripheral extensions that extend a distance outward from the body.

Abstract: A bumper for use at a loading dock has two ranges of front-to-back movement: one range for sealing the gap that might otherwise exist between the rear edge of a truck and the front face of the bumper and a second range for absorbing the impact of the truck backing into the dock. In some cases, a spring provides a relatively light sealing force between the bumper and the truck, and a compressible core provides a much greater impact-absorbing force that helps stop the rearward movement of the truck. In some embodiments, the bumper pivots by gravity when operating in the sealing range.

Abstract: Apparatuses for forming at least a partial seal between an open end of a truck, trailer, or other vehicle and an opening in a building are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for forming at least a partial seal includes a first side pad configured to extend vertically adjacent to a first side portion of an opening, a second side pad configured to extend vertically adjacent to a second side portion of the opening, and a head pad assembly configured to extend horizontally adjacent to a top portion of the opening between the first and second side pads. The head pad assembly can include replaceable corner pads positioned on either end of a center pad. The corner pads can be independently attached to the wall of the building and separately removed if replacement is needed.

Abstract: Segmented dock seals for truck loading docks are described herein. An elongate, compressible pad member for use with a loading dock seal is positioned to compliantly conform to an aft end of a trailer positioned proximate to an opening in a building. The pad member includes a body portion having a front side and a back side. The body portion is composed of a compressible foam material. The pad member further includes a plurality of individual fingers projecting away from the front side of the body portion. The individual fingers are integral with the body portion and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: Door elements having FinRay structures are described herein. An example door element described herein is movable between a closed position in which the element extends across a doorway to at least partially block the doorway, and an open position where at least a portion of the element moves to a non-blocking position relative to the doorway. The door element includes a first flexible side element to transmit tensile forces and has a proximal end and a distal end. The door element includes a second flexible side element to resist compressive forces and has a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second side elements are coupled to each other at their distal ends. The element includes a plurality of connecting ribs flexibly coupled to the first and second side elements to transmit tensile forces between the first and second side elements.

Abstract: Side seal member for a loading dock seal are disclosed. An example truck loading dock seal comprising a resiliently compressible side pad supported by a relatively rigid backer and encased within a pliable cover includes at least one flexible lip protruding from the cover to seal a gap that might exist between the backer and the wall to which the backer is mounted. In some cases, the lip is part of the cover and is located where a rear vertical edge of the side pad meets the wall. The flexibility of the lip enables the lip to sealingly conform to a wall having an irregular surface. For additional sealing, a back sheet of the pliable cover includes a touch-and-hold fastener and/or overlapping layers of material that can provide a compressible seal between the wall and the backer.