The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 20, 2006
Filed:
May. 06, 2002
Brian Bender, Brookfield, WI (US);
Grant Leum, Muskego, WI (US);
Charles J. Digmann, Dubuque, IA (US);
Lester W. Paul, Cedar Grove, WI (US);
Norbert Hahn, Franklin, WI (US);
Pamela Pietrangelo, Oak Creek, WI (US);
Brian Bender, Brookfield, WI (US);
Grant Leum, Muskego, WI (US);
Charles J. Digmann, Dubuque, IA (US);
Lester W. Paul, Cedar Grove, WI (US);
Norbert Hahn, Franklin, WI (US);
Pamela Pietrangelo, Oak Creek, WI (US);
Rite-Hite Holding Corporation, Milwaukee, WI (US);
Abstract
A dock leveler for a truck loading dock includes a pivotal deck that is actuated by an inflatable column assembly. The inflatable column assembly includes a pliable tube that when inflated has a generally vertical cylindrical shape that can provide a heavy deck with substantial columnar support. The shape and orientation of the column assembly is such that the lengths of the pliable tube's seams are minimized. A pliable fabric sheet held in tension against the underside of the deck provides a generally flat, broad surface against which the pliable tube can push as the inflatable column assembly pushes the deck upward. A footed pallet underneath the pliable tube can be banded to the deck during shipment. After installation, the pallet can be readily lifted for cleaning the pit floor underneath the pallet.