Vertically-storing dock leveler apparatus and method
A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.
1 . A platform attachable to a loading dock comprising:
a plate configured to attach to a loading dock adjacent to a dock face.
2 . The platform of claim 1 , further comprising a skid resistant surface on a top surface of the plate.
3 . The platform of claim 1 , wherein the plate is configured to fit between two bumpers positioned on the dock face.
4 . The platform of claim 3 , wherein the plate is attachable to the bumpers.
5 . The platform of claim 1 , wherein the plate has a length longer then the width of the dock leveler.
6 . The platform of claim 1 , further comprising a flange at least one of attached and integral with the plate, the flange running along one edge on an underside of the plate.
7 . The platform of claim 6 , wherein a portion of the flange extends above a top surface of the plate.
8 . The platform of claim 1 , wherein the platform is configured to support at least a weight associated with dock workers.
9 . A system for reducing the likelihood of objects falling between bumpers mounted to a loading dock comprising:
a barrier attached to a loading dock adjacent to a vertical storing dock leveler wherein at least a portion of the barrier is beneath a deck assembly portion of the dock leveler when the dock leveler is in a substantially horizontal position; and
bumpers attached to the loading dock and located at either end of the barrier.
10 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the bumpers extend further from the loading dock than the barrier.
11 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the barrier has a non-skid surface on a top side of the barrier.
12 . The system of claim 9 , wherein the barrier is attached to the bumpers.
13 . The system of claim 9 , further comprising a flange at least one of attached and integral with the barrier, the flange running along one edge on an underside of the barrier.
14 . The system of claim 13 , wherein a portion of the flange extends above a top surface of the barrier.
15 . The system of claim 14 , wherein the barrier is configured to support at least a weight associated with dock workers.
16 . A system reducing the likelihood of objects falling between bumpers mounted to a loading dock comprising:
means for supporting a dock worker attached to a loading dock adjacent to a vertical storing dock leveler wherein the supporting means is beneath a deck assembly portion of the dock leveler when the dock leveler is in a substantially horizontal position; and
bumpers attached to the loading dock and located at either end of the supporting means.
17 . A method of reducing the likelihood of objects falling between bumpers mounted to a loading dock comprising:
mounting bumpers to the loading dock; and
mounting a barrier adjacent to a loading dock face and between the bumpers.
18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising applying a non-skid surface to the barrier.
19 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising ensuring bumpers extend farther from the dock face than the barrier.
20 . The method of claim 17 , providing a flange on the barrier along an outer edge of the barrier distal from the dock face.