Universal lip lifting device

A dock leveler adapted to be mounted to a loading dock, the dock leveler comprising:

• a ramp rotatable between a substantially horizontal first position and an inclined second position;
• a lip coupled to the ramp, the lip being rotatable between a pendant position and an extended position;
• and
• a linkage coupled to the lip, the linkage comprising a pivot point and a centerline, wherein the linkage supports the lip in the extended position when the pivot point is on a first side of the centerline and allows the lip to fall pendent under the force of gravity when the pivot point is on a second side of the centerline, the pivot point being moved from the first side of the centerline to the second side of the centerline when the lip is subjected to a sufficient force to create a downward moment on the lip,
• wherein the linkage further comprises:
• a push rod pivotally connected to the lip at a lip pivot;
• and
• a bellcrank pivotally connected to the ramp at a fixed pivot and pivotally connected to the push rod at the pivot point, and
• wherein the bellcrank includes a slot, the slot having a first end on the first side of the centerline and a second end on the second side of the centerline when the linkage supports the lip.