Patent ID: 6629328
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
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.