Kelley Company, Inc.

Bruce Winter

Douglas H Massey

A dock leveler comprising a ramp movable between a lowered position and a raised position, an inflatable member positioned to move the ramp to its raised position upon inflation of the inflatable member, and an inflating device operatively connected with the internal cavity. The inflatable member includes upper and lower portions at least partially defining an internal cavity. An insert member is positioned in the internal cavity for maintaining a volume of gas between the upper and lower portions. Preferably, the insert member functions to maintain the inflatable member in engagement with a downwardly facing surface of the ramp, thereby inhibiting the presence of debris between the inflatable member and the ramp, and further expediting inflation of the inflatable member.

Dock leveler with a movable ramp and an inflatable member

A dock leveler including a ramp is movable to a raised position by inflation of an inflatable member, such as an air bag assembly. One or more filler members are located within an internal cavity defined by the air bag assembly, to occupy void volume therein. The filler members expedite inflation of the bag assembly when an inflating device is operated to introduce air under pressure into the bag assembly. The filler members also function to maintain the bag assembly in an engaged condition with the underside of the ramp, and to prevent the air bag assembly from fully collapsing in order to prolong bag life.

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Hudson, NY, United States of America

Bruce Winter