Abstract: A selectively releasable side curtain is provided with at lease one zipper member having a first portion secured to the side pad and a second portion secured to the side curtain for selectively, releasably securing the side curtain relative to the side pad. In a second embodiment, a snap stud and snap button member is provided having one snap stud or snap button that is secured to the side pad and a second snap button or snap stud secured to the side curtain for selectively, releasably securing the side curtain relative to the side pad. The side curtain is selectively pivotable mounted relative to the side curtain for being selectively moved from an operative position to a storage position. In addition, at lease one threaded fastener is provided and secured to the side pad and the side curtain for selectively, releasable securing the side curtain relative to the side pad.

Abstract: A loading dock seal has one or more recesses formed within the loading dock seal. Mesh segments are utilized to screen the recesses to reduce rain, snow, rodents, insects and debris from passing through the recess passageway to the loading dock. A further mesh segment cover can be utilized to selectively cover one or more of the mesh segments.

Abstract: A dock leveler that includes a pivotal ramp with a moveable lip for loading and unloading a truck at a loading dock also includes a lip seal that helps seal an air gap along the side edges of the lip. When the back end of the truck is up against a dock bumper, the lip helps block off an air gap that spans an area generally defined by the rear edge of the truck, an inside edge of the bumper, and the side edge of the lip that generally faces the bumper. When the lip moves from its extended, operative position to its stored position, the lip forces the lip seal to move underneath the deck. The lip seal is biased to an operative, sealing position by a spring or a counterweight, so as the lip extends to its operative position, so does the lip seal.

Abstract: A self-adjusting loading dock seal engages a vehicle and facilitates at least one of loading and unloading thereof relative to a loading dock. The loading dock seal includes at least one dock attachment member, a dock seal member, and at least one spring-loaded adjustment member. The dock attachment member is configured for attachment to a loading dock. The dock seal member is positioned above the dock attachment member and is configured for sealingly engaging a vehicle positioned thereagainst. Each spring-loaded adjustment member operatively connects a dock attachment member to the dock seal member, and is configured for facilitating limited vertical movement of the dock seal member relative to the dock attachment member.

Abstract: A sealing curtain for a loading dock includes a pliable heat shield that helps protect the sealing curtain from concentrated heat generated by a truck's taillight being pressed against the sealing curtain. The heat shield is preferably placed just underneath a sealing surface of the sealing curtain. The heat shield reflects heat away from an inner surface and disperses the heat over a broader area to reduce the peak temperature of any hot spots. The sealing curtain may be height adjustable to position the heat shield at various heights along the loading dock.

Abstract: A bumper system for a loading dock includes an engagement member and a guide member mounted to the face of the dock. The guide member helps guide a vehicle toward the engagement member, which receives the primary impact of the vehicle backing into the dock. If the vehicle is excessively off to one side, the guide member of some embodiments may affect the operation of a dock leveler, vehicle restraint, dock seals, or a door associated with the loading dock. In some embodiments when the vehicle is off to one side the guide member may inhibit the vehicle from reaching the engagement member.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a roller seal rotatably mounted to a support for rotation about an axis. The roller seal is movable in at least a vertical direction from a first position in the path of a vehicle entering the parking area, to a second position wherein the roller seal is disposed adjacent the top of the vehicle. Preferably, a curtain is suspended distally of the roller seal such that, when the roller seal is in the second position, the curtain forms a first seal with the top of the vehicle and the roller seal forms a second seal with the top of the vehicle. The curtain is semi-rigid and, in some instances, defines a ramping surface to facilitate movement of the roller seal over the leading edge of a vehicle approaching the loading dock.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a roller seal rotatably mounted to a support for rotation about an axis. The roller seal is movable in at least a vertical direction from a first position in the path of a vehicle entering the parking area, to a second position wherein the roller seal is disposed adjacent the top of the vehicle. Preferably, a curtain is suspended distally of the roller seal such that, when the roller seal is in the second position, the curtain forms a first seal with the top of the vehicle and the roller seal forms a second seal with the top of the vehicle. The curtain is semi-rigid and, in some instances, defines a ramping surface to facilitate movement of the roller seal over the leading edge of a vehicle approaching the loading dock.

Abstract: A gate arrangement for closure of a passageway between rooms with markedly different temperatures, such as the passageway of a freezer-room. Two door curtains are arranged parallel to one another, with each being capable of closing the passageway independently of the other. The door curtains have an abutting insulating air buffer between them, wherein at least one of the door curtains can be motor-driven at such a speed that it is suitable as a temporary high-speed closure between successive passages or transits therethrough. The two door curtains together with the insulating air buffer develop the insulation effect required to maintain the desired cooling temperature. Thus, frequent stocking of the room is possible while compromise of the climate in such rooms during stocking operations is kept to the minimum possible.

Abstract: A fixing member for fixing a solar cell module or a roofing member with no solar cell onto an installation face, said fixing member comprising a meshing portion to mesh at least a solar cell module or a part of a roofing member with no solar cell; a fixing portion to fix said fixing member to said installation face; and a raised portion to connect said meshing portion and said fixing portion, wherein said raised portion has a height which is greater than the thickness of a portion of said solar cell module or said roofing member which is engaged in the meshing by said meshing portion.

Abstract: A bumper assembly for a loading dock includes a bumper that is moveable between an operative position and a stored position. In the operative position, the bumper extends well above the dock platform to prevent excessively high trucks, trailer beds, and cargo containers from being parked over the top of the dock platform. In the stored position, the bumper is positioned so as not to obstruct loading and unloading of cargo. In some cases, the bumper is biased to the operative position to encourage operators to normally leave the bumper in that position. In some embodiments, the bumper is selectively moveable away from the vehicle or container that the bumper is blocking to facilitate subsequently moving the bumper to its stored position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a loading dock door seal for sealing the space between a loading dock door opening and a vehicle backing up to the opening and an elongated longitudinal pad member for use in the loading dock door seal. The elongated longitudinal pad member comprises a mounting face for mounting said pad member to a surface; a sealing face for sealingly engaging the rear edge of a vehicle which backs up to and abuts against the pad member; whereby the pad member is formed of a first compressible resilient material, having a first predetermined degree of flexibility and having at least one flexing zone therein, the at least one flexing zone permitting the forced movement of the sealing face relative to the mounting face and thus the surface, to accommodate the movement of a vehicle in abutting and sealing engagement with the pad member.

Abstract: A dock leveler, for bridging the gap between a loading dock platform and a vehicle at the dock, includes an adjustably overlapping lip and ramp that provide a traffic surface of variable length to accommodate situations where there is only a limited amount of space for the lip to rest on the rear of the vehicle. The lip pivots and translates from a stored, pendant orientation to an operative orientation with a range of extended positions. In the stored position, one edge of the lip protrudes above the deck to inhibit material handling equipment from accidentally driving over the edge of the deck when a vehicle is not parked adjacent the dock leveler.

Abstract: A loading dock seal for around a doorway of a building includes a vertically movable side seal and a relatively fixed head seal that are adapted to seal against the rear of a truck. As the truck is loaded or unloaded of its cargo, the resulting weight change on the truck's suspension can cause the truck to raise and lower a few inches. To minimize the truck abrading the side seal, a movable coupling allows the side seal to move with the truck's vertical movement. In some embodiments, the coupling includes antifriction elements, such as rollers and bearing pads, which smoothen the motion of the side seal. Although the head seal is relatively fixed to ensure a positive seal against the face of the building, the head seal is designed to readily deform in response to the truck's vertical movement.

Abstract: A curtain for a dock shelter that is easily assembled alone and as part of a dock shelter. The curtain includes a sheet that has a pocket mounted thereon. The pocket is adapted to receive a flexible stay and include a slit that inhibits movement of the stay within the pocket. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of making a curtain. The method includes the steps of securing a pocket to a sheet; forming a slit in the pocket (e.g., by cutting the pocket); inserting a flexible stay into the pocket; and positioning the stay adjacent to the slit. The invention also relates to a method of making a vehicle shelter and mounting the shelter to a loading dock. The method includes the steps of mounting a frame to the loading dock; securing a pocket to a curtain; forming slits in the pocket; inserting a stay in the pocket adjacent to the slit; and placing the curtain against the frame.

Abstract: A sealing device for engaging the surface of a vehicle parked adjacent a structure and which is automatically actuated in response to the approach or departure of the vehicle. A seal member is supported by a pivoting frame which is mountable to the structure. The pivoting frame is moveable between an engaged position in which the seal is positioned to engage the vehicle surface and a released position in which the seal is spaced away from the vehicle surface. A pivoting actuating member is mountable to the structure and engages the frame. The actuating member is adapted to be responsive to movement of the vehicle, so that the frame having the attached seal member moves toward the engaged position as the vehicle approaches the structure. Accordingly, the seal member seals the interior of the cargo vehicle as well as the interior of the structure from the ingress of wind, water and other contaminants in order to maintain a safer work environment.

Abstract: A sturdy, very low maintenance barrier defines width and height dimensions for use by vehicles such as semi-trucks, and the like, on loading docks. A pair of parallel vertical side members defines an entrance with, and an upper horizontal member connected therebetween, defines a vertical extent. The various members are preferably comprised of rigid metallic pipes covered by resilient polymeric material. The preferred embodiment of the invention includes a pair of vertical side members onto which there is installed a horizontal member having a length that extends beyond the outermost extent of the side members. In an alternative embodiment, the vertical members extend vertically higher than the vertical extent of the horizontal member. In a further alternative embodiment, the height may be adjusted or the area defined by the vertical and horizontal members entirely restricted to vehicle traffic, preferably through the use of multiple horizontal members spanning the vertical members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible frame for a loading dock shelter. The flexible frame utilizes open channels that are clinched together to serve as supports. The supports are used in side frames that form part of the flexible frame. Each side frame includes a back support, a front support, and in a preferred form, one or more lateral supports that are pivotally connected to both the front and back supports. At least one of said supports is formed from open channels which are secured together, preferably by clinching. The back supports of the flexible frame are mounted to a loading dock wall. The pivotal connection between the lateral support and the front and back supports allows the front support to move relative to the back support when a vehicle comes into contact with the side frame as the vehicle enters the loading dock shelter. The present invention also provides an improved method of making a flexible frame for a vehicle shelter and mounting the flexible frame to a loading dock.

Abstract: An airlock extension made of a plasticized material of an accordion type structure which is secured between a clean room and an autoclavable container to overcome the need for an accurate alignment. The airlock extension has a vinyl sheet which extends across the extension to form two separate areas. The vinyl sheet is secured in place by a hook and loop connection which permits easy placement of the vinyl sheet to form two separate areas. The hook and loop strips are provided with parallel spaced rows of loops or hooks and include a compressible gasket between the rows which form a good seal when the hooks and loops are pressed together. The strips of hooks and loops form an easy way of securing the airlock extension the vinyl clean room and a container.

Abstract: A closure unit for providing a weather-tight seal within the doorjamb in the wall of a warehouse at a terminal dock, includes outwardly positioned left-hand and right-hand side wings having hook-and-loop fasteners thereon for removably coupling the wings to compressible side pad assemblies. A pair of bottom pad assemblies is securable to the side pad assemblies through mating apertured brackets and laces extending through the aligned apertures of the respective brackets. An independent head curtain assembly is provided with a suitable mounting bracket assembly which supports the head frame assembly separate from the side pads. Rubber straps couple the head curtain assembly to the side walls of the jamb opening in order to restrain the head curtain from movement during high-wind conditions and tension the head curtain during trailer entry. The side pad, bottom pad and head curtain assemblies are all formed with fabric-type outer shells, durable for the intended use.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a compressible seal and a support mounted for pivoting away from the top of an adjacent vehicle to facilitate exiting. In some embodiments, a stiffening member is located proximally to the seal to provide a compression force between the seal and the top of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a deflectable seal and a locator including a distal recess for engaging the leading edge of a vehicle entering the parking area.

Abstract: A protective system for overhead doors on loading dock platforms for use in connection with a pair of pipe bollards permanently erected at each of the sides and in front of the door. The system includes a pair of net securing devices each having a mounting bracket allowing the assembly to be attached to the door, a variable linkage, and a bollard collar for fitting over the existing pipe bollard when the door comes down. A spring loaded bracket in connection with the bollard collar and variable linkage allows a netting connected between the bollard collars to move for a distance until the bollard collar abuts the pipe bollard to preclude damage to the door.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for shielding a shed entrance, particularly during loading and/or unloading of a vehicle parked thereagainst, comprising: a wall-mounted frame arranged on an outside wall round the shed entrance; a hanging frame which is held in a plane substantially parallel to that of the wall-mounted frame and at a distance therefrom with resilient separating means; and at lest one fabric element extending at least over the distance between the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame. The wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame are each formed from at least one hollow profile and at least one open profile, wherein the hollow profile and the open profile form a unit.

Abstract: A loading dock seal includes a low-profile backer that is vertically adjustable relative to a wall-mounted bracket to facilitate the installation of the seal. In some embodiments the bracket is generally U-shaped with a turned-in lip on one leg of the U-shape. The backer, to which a compressible foam pad is attached, is similarly U-shaped to nest within the bracket. During installation of the seal, the turned-in lip restrains the backer horizontally, yet allows the backer to be adjusted vertically to properly position the seal. Once properly adjusted, an added fastener further fixes the backer to the bracket, so that the seal is fixed both horizontally and vertically. In some embodiments, the low profile of the backer is achieved by forming the both the backer and the bracket out of sheet metal. The backer includes elongated channels or slots for bolt head clearance to accommodate anchor bolts that connect the bracket to a wall.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a roller seal rotatably mounted to a support for rotation about an axis. The roller seal is movable in at least a vertical direction from a first position in the path of a vehicle entering the parking area, to a second position wherein the roller seal is disposed adjacent the top of the vehicle. Preferably, a curtain is suspended distally of the roller seal such that, when the roller seal is in the second position, the curtain forms a first seal with the top of the vehicle and the roller seal forms a second seal with the top of the vehicle. The curtain is semi-rigid and, in some instances, defines a ramping surface to facilitate movement of the roller seal over the leading edge of a vehicle approaching the loading dock.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a roller seal rotatably mounted to a support for rotation about an axis. The roller seal is movable in at least a vertical direction from a first position in the path of a vehicle entering the parking area, to a second position wherein the roller seal is disposed adjacent the top of the vehicle. Preferably, a curtain is suspended distally of the roller seal such that, when the roller seal is in the second position, the curtain forms a first seal with the top of the vehicle and the roller seal forms a second seal with the top of the vehicle. The curtain is semi-rigid and, in some instances, defines a ramping surface to facilitate movement of the roller seal over the leading edge of a vehicle approaching the loading dock.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for forming a weather seal between a vehicle and a loading dock is provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a compressible seal and a support mounted for pivoting away from the top of an adjacent vehicle to facilitate exiting. In some embodiments, a stiffening member is located proximally to the seal to provide a compression force between the seal and the top of the vehicle. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a deflectable seal and a locator including a distal recess for engaging the leading edge of a vehicle entering the parking area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for protecting a shed entrance, particularly during loading and/or unloading of a vehicle parked thereagainst, comprising: a wall-mounted frame arranged on a wall outside the shed entrance; a hanging frame which is held in a plane substantially parallel to that of the wall-mounted frame and at a distance therefrom with resilient separating means; wherein the separating means comprise an elongate body of form-retaining material extending in upward direction between the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame and a coupling of elastic material on both ends of the body, wherein each coupling is connected to one of respectively the wall-mounted frame and the hanging frame.

Abstract: A vehicle shelter comprising a head frame, a head curtain attached to the head frame, a side frame, and a side curtain attached to the side frame. The head frame includes a head subframe having a first raked channel adapted to be mounted to a loading dock wall, a plurality of cross channels attached (e.g., clinched) to and extending outward from said first raked channel, and a second raked channel attached (e.g., clinched) to said cross channels. The head frame further includes a head panel attached to an upper surface of said head subframe to form a barrier to the elements, and a head curtain mounted to the head frame. The side frame includes a side subframe having a first long channel adapted to be mounted to a loading dock wall, a plurality of cross channels attached (e.g., clinched) to and extending outward from said first long channel, and a second long channel attached (e.g., clinched) to said cross channels.

Abstract: A dock seal for sealing the interface between a vehicle and a loading dock, including a resilient member and a flexible material embedded in the resilient member. The dock seal can be made by applying a liquid material over the resilient member and curing the liquid material to form a flexible coating. The liquid material can be applied by spraying, pouring, dipping or brushing. A puncture-resistant material can be positioned adjacent the resilient member before curing the liquid material. In one embodiment, the resilient member is attached to a dock seal frame and mounted to the loading dock.