Actuated head pad for loading dock
AssigneeDL Manufacturing
InventorsDonald L. Metz, Kyle J. Berean, Kristian P. Garrow
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A head pad assembly includes a plurality of head pad subassemblies pivotably joined along their lateral edge so as to allow vertical rotation of one subassembly relative to an adjoining subassembly when the head pad is actuated. At least one head pad subassembly includes a stiff upper backing portion and a lower compressible pad. The head pad assembly further includes one or more flexible hinges coupling the plurality of head pad subassemblies along their lateral edges to effect the vertical rotation. The head pad assembly further includes an actuator assembly configured to raise and lower the plurality of head pad subassemblies between an upper position and a lower, sealing position.
Claims13
A head pad assembly for a loading dock, comprising:
- a back plate having a forward end and an opposing rear end proximate to a wall of the loading dock;
- a compressible pad coupled to the back plate, the pad positioned above and extending across an opening to the loading dock;
- a hinge element coupled to a stationary structure, the hinge element configured to provide pivotal rotation of the back plate and pad between an upper position and a lower position, wherein the upper position is not configured to provide a sealing function against a trailer, and the lower position is configured to engage and seal the compressible pad against a roof surface of the trailer;
- and
- a powered actuator assembly comprising a motor-driven actuator configured to raise and lower the back plate and pad between the upper position and the lower position.
A mechanically-actuated head pad assembly for a loading dock, comprising:
- a stiff upper backing portion and a lower compressible pad;
- a flexible hinge coupling the upper backing portion along a lateral edge to effect a vertical rotation;
- and
- a powered actuator assembly comprising a motor-driven actuator configured to raise and lower the upper backing portion between an upper position and a lower position, wherein the upper position is not configured to provide a sealing function against a trailer, and the lower position is configured to engage and seal the compressible pad against a roof surface of the trailer.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.