Patent ID: 6892411
Filing Date: 2005-05-17
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A pit dock leveler having a base frame secured to a loading dock pit and a dock platform pivotally connected at one of its ends to the base frame and pivotally connected at its opposite end to a dock platform lip that pivots between a downward hanging position when the dock leveler is not in use and an extended position substantially co-planar with the dock platform when the dock leveler is in use, whereby the dock platform lip spans and compensates for the space and height differentials between the loading dock and a transport vehicle, the dock leveler having a counterbalancing mechanism that pivots the dock platform upwardly and a hold down mechanism preventing the dock platform from pivoting upwardly; wherein the improved hold down mechanism comprises, a hold down bar pivotally connected at one end to the underside of the dock platform with its other end slideably received through a clasp and within a spring under compression against the clasp, the clasp and spring being mounted within a housing that is pivotally connected to the base frame; a clasp stop bar mounted within the housing on one side of the slide bar and against which the clasp is biased and pivoted by the compressed spring, whereby the clasp contacts the hold down bar at an angle thereby imparting a clamping force on the hold down bar that restricts movement of the hold down bar within the housing.