Vertically-storing dock leveler apparatus and method

Abstract

A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck assembly rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.

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       15 . A dock leveler comprising: 
 means for pivotally supporting a deck assembly configured to be mounted to a top surface of a loading dock;    a deck assembly pivotally connected to the supporting means; and    means for providing a transition between a dock floor and the deck assembly the transition means attached to the supporting means and configured to provide a transition surface generally upward inclined from the dock floor to the deck assembly.    
   
   
       16 . The dock leveler of  claim 15 , wherein the deck assembly stores in substantially a vertical position.  
   
   
       17 . The dock leveler of  claim 15 , wherein the deck assembly has a length and is positioned on the supporting means to permit an end of the deck assembly to extend beyond a dock face and lower than the dock floor.  
   
   
       18 . A method of providing a bridge between a vehicle bed and a dock floor comprising: 
 lowering a deck assembly from a vertical position to a working position; and    providing an upwardly inclined transition piece configured to aid a wheel in moving between the dock floor and the deck assembly,    wherein the transition piece and the lowered deck assembly comprise the bridge.    
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising extending a lip mounted on the deck assembly from a pendant position to an extended position wherein the lip also comprises part of the bridge.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising lowering the deck assembly to a position where one end of the deck assembly extends beyond a dock face and below the dock floor.