A dock leveler for a truck loading dock includes a pivotal deck that is raised by an inflatable actuator. The actuator includes a pliable upper section that when inflated has a generally vertical cylindrical shape that can provide a heavy deck with substantial columnar support. The actuator also includes a relatively rigid base that is sealingly joined to the pliable upper section such that upper section and the rigid base define an inner chamber of air. A blower for inflating the actuator can be installed inside or outside the actuator. In some embodiments, a valve system reverses the airflow so that the blower can forcibly deflate and compress the actuator up against the bottom of the deck so that the area underneath the actuator can be cleaned.
申请公布号
CA2738531(C)
申请公布日期
2013.10.01
申请号
CA20062738531
申请日期
2006.04.04
申请人
RITE-HITE HOLDING CORPORATION
发明人
MUHL, TIM;WANIE, ANDREW;HAHN, NORBERT;PETRI, MARK G.;PIETRANGELO, PAMELA;SANDER, REINHARD E.;SCHWAGER, JEFFREY R.