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US 4,307,876 AGranted
Energy absorption apparatus
OwnerThomas E. Cleavesinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Energy-absorption apparatus for truck docks constructed and arranged to withstand impact of semi-trailers backing into a truck dock without damage to the dock over a long period of time. The apparatus of the invention includes a plurality of spring steel leaves disposed in dependent relation from a point above the level of the dock to a point below the dock level so as to accommodate truck trailers of varying heights.
Claims5
Energy absorption apparatus for a truck dock defining an upper horizontal surface and adjoining downwardly disposed vertical surface, comprising:
- at least one generally L-shaped base assembly having a first flat plate adapted to overlie the upper surface of the dock, a second flat plate secured to the vertical surface of the dock and to said first flat plate substantially perpendicularly thereto, and a plurality of apertured lugs extending outwardly from one surface of said second plate;
- and a leaf spring having one end mounted for pivotal movement on said lugs and an opposite free end disposed downwardly from said lugs and adapted to slidably bear against said one surface of said second plate, whereby said free end of said leaf spring extends downwardly along said one surface when an oncoming truck or trailer compressingly engages said leaf spring at a position intermediate its ends, the force of compression holding the truck or trailer at a spaced distance from the vertical surface of the dock.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.