U.S. patent application number 11/246209 was filed with the patent office on 2006-02-09 for vehicle and docking bay sealing method and apparatus.
Invention is credited to William Earl Amundson, William C. Eungard.
Application Number | 20060026912 11/246209 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46322887 |
Filed Date | 2006-02-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060026912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Eungard; William C. ; et
al. |
February 9, 2006 |
Vehicle and docking bay sealing method and apparatus
Abstract
An engaging mechanism is provided for providing a seal between a
vehicle, such as a delivery truck, and a fixed structure, such as a
loading dock of an office building or warehouse. The engaging
mechanism includes a receiving member, a resilient member a belt
and a deformable medium. As the vehicle moves toward the fixed
structure, the vehicle pushes against the belt, deforms the
deformable medium and bends the resilient member to form a
seal.
Inventors: |
Eungard; William C.;
(Waterford, WI) ; Amundson; William Earl;
(Pewaukee, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BAKER & HOSTETLER LLP
WASHINGTON SQUARE, SUITE 1100
1050 CONNECTICUT AVE. N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-5304
US
|
Family ID: |
46322887 |
Appl. No.: |
11/246209 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10615296 |
Jul 9, 2003 |
|
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|
11246209 |
Oct 11, 2005 |
|
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60471728 |
May 20, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/173.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 69/008
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/173.2 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/18 20060101
E04D013/18; E04H 14/00 20060101 E04H014/00 |
Claims
1. An engaging mechanism, comprising: a receiving member configured
to accommodate insertion of a portion of a vehicle therein; a
resilient member connected to the receiving member; a belt
connected to the resilient member; and a deformable medium
connected to the receiving member.
2. The engaging mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: a
fastener directly connecting the resilient member to the receiving
member.
3. The engaging mechanism of claim 1, wherein the receiving member
and the resilient member are formed from a common component, and
wherein an indentation in the common component facilitates movement
of the resilient member relative to the receiving member.
4. The engaging mechanism of claim 1, wherein the receiving member
is hook shaped and configured to engage a portion of a door and
frame of the vehicle.
5. The engaging member of claim 1, wherein the resilient member
comprises at least one of a polymer, an elastomer, a metal or a
foam.
6. The engaging member of claim 1, wherein the resilient member is
pliable in two opposite directions.
7. The engaging member of claim 1, wherein the resilient member has
at least one of a non-uniform geometry or a non-uniform
composition.
8. The engaging member of claim 1, wherein the belt is connected at
a first end thereof to the resilient member and at an opposite
second end thereof to the receiving member.
9. The engaging member of claim 1, wherein the belt comprises a
webbed portion.
10. The engaging member of claim 1, wherein the deformable medium
comprises foam.
11. The engaging mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: a
bendable member connected to the belt; and a first support
connected to a bendable member and configured to connect the second
support to a structure and to allow the second support to move
relative to the structure.
12. The engaging mechanism of claim 1, further comprising: a first
support connected to the receiving member; a second support; a
first connector connected to the first support and the second
support, wherein the first connector allows for the first support
to move relative to the second support; and a second connector
configured to connect the second support to a structure and to
allow the second support to move relative to the structure.
13. The engaging mechanism of claim 12, wherein the first support
comprises a foam.
14. The engaging mechanism of claim 12, wherein the first connector
comprises a fiberglass hinge.
15. The engaging mechanism of claim 1, wherein the resilient member
is configured to create a seal against a first surface of the
vehicle when positioned adjacent thereto and wherein the belt is
configured to pull the resilient member toward the first surface of
the vehicle when the portion of the vehicle is received within the
receiving member.
16. The engaging mechanism of claim 1, wherein the resilient member
comprises a fringe region having a plurality of slats that are
individually movable relative to each other.
17. An engaging mechanism, comprising: receiving means for
receiving a portion of a vehicle therein; first sealing means for
creating a seal against a first surface of the vehicle; second
sealing means for creating a seal against a second surface of the
vehicle; and pulling means, detached from the second sealing means,
for pulling the first sealing means toward the first surface of the
vehicle when the portion of the vehicle is received within the
receiving means.
18. The engaging mechanism of claim 17, further comprising:
fastening means for fastening the resilient member directly to the
receiving member.
19. The engaging mechanism of claim 17, further comprising: first
supporting means connected to the receiving means; second
supporting means; first connecting means connected to the first
supporting means and the second supporting means, wherein the first
connecting means allows for the first supporting means to move
relative to the second supporting means; and a second connecting
means configured to connect the second supporting means to a
structure and to allow the second supporting means to move relative
to the structure.
20. A method of sealing a vehicle to a structure, the method
comprising: pushing a first deformable medium into a distinct
second deformable medium with a vehicle, thereby deforming the
first deformable medium and the second deformable medium; and
pulling a resilient member connected to the first deformable medium
toward a side of the vehicle using the first deformable medium as
the first deformable medium is deformed.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: forming a seal
between the resilient member and the side of the vehicle.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the pushing step comprises
moving a first support relative to a fixed structure and wherein
the first support is connected to the first deformable medium and
the fixed structure.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the pushing step further
comprises moving a second support relative to the first support,
wherein the second support is connected between the first support
and the first deformable medium.
24. The method of claim 20, further comprising: sealing a gap
between an open door of the vehicle and a sidewall of the vehicle
with at least one of the first deformable medium and the second
deformable medium.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 10/615,296, filed Jul. 9, 2003, which
in turn claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/471,728, filed May 20, 2003. The entire contents
of both of these applications is hereby incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices and
methods for providing a seal between a vehicle and a structure.
More particularly, the present invention relates to dock seals and
shelters that engage trucks at loading docks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Structures, such as the loading docks of warehouses and
office buildings, typically accommodate the loading and unloading
of items from delivery trucks. When a delivery or pick-up is made,
a delivery truck is usually backed up to a loading dock and the
rear doors of the truck are opened. Then, workers are able to
travel back and forth between the loading dock and the truck's
storage compartment as the workers load items into or unload items
from the truck.
[0004] Unfortunately, when weather conditions are adverse, rain,
snow, sleet, wind, cold air or warm air enters the loading dock
through gaps that are present between the loading dock and the rear
of the delivery truck being loaded or unloaded. Further, when the
rear doors of the truck are opened and folded back against the
sides of the truck, unconditioned air and moisture can enter
through gaps between the doors and the sides of the trucks (i.e.,
"hinge gaps"). This leaves items in the truck and the workers who
are loading or unloading the truck exposed to the unfavorable
weather conditions. This also makes efficient heating or cooling of
the loading dock difficult.
[0005] In addition, if items in the truck are perishable (e.g.,
foodstuffs), exposing the items to the unfavorable weather
conditions could lead to spoilage. Even further, when there are
gaps between the loading dock and the truck, unscrupulous workers
may steal items from the truck by passing the items through the
gaps to cohorts standing outside of the truck.
[0006] Accordingly, it would desirable to provide apparatuses for
providing seals between vehicles, such as delivery trucks, and
structures, such as loading docks, that would prevent the
structures from being exposed to adverse weather conditions. It
would also be desirable to provide methods for forming such seals
between such vehicles and structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The forgoing needs are met, to a great extent, by certain
embodiments of the present wherein, in one aspect thereof an
engaging mechanism is provided. The engaging mechanism includes a
receiving member configured to accommodate insertion of a portion
of a vehicle therein. The engaging mechanism also includes a
resilient member connected to the receiving member. The engaging
mechanism further includes a belt connected to the resilient
member. Further, the engaging mechanism includes a deformable
medium connected to the receiving member.
[0008] Another engaging mechanism is also provided. The engaging
mechanism includes receiving means for receiving a portion of a
vehicle therein. The engaging mechanism also includes first sealing
means for creating a seal against a first surface of the vehicle.
The engaging mechanism further includes second sealing means for
creating a seal against a second surface of the vehicle. In
addition, the engaging mechanism includes pulling means, detached
from the second sealing means, for pulling the first sealing means
toward the first surface of the vehicle when the portion of the
vehicle is received within the receiving means.
[0009] A method of sealing a vehicle to a structure is also
provided. The method includes pushing a first deformable medium
into a distinct second deformable medium with a vehicle, thereby
deforming the first deformable medium and the second deformable
medium. The method also includes pulling a resilient member
connected to the first deformable medium toward a side of the
vehicle using the first deformable medium as the first deformable
medium is deformed.
[0010] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, certain
embodiments of the invention in order that the detailed description
thereof herein may be better understood, and in order that the
present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There
are, of course, additional embodiments of the invention that will
be described below and which will form the subject matter of the
claims appended hereto.
[0011] In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment
of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the
invention is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in
the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
invention is capable of embodiments in addition to those described
and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is
to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed
herein, as well as the abstract, are for the purpose of description
and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0012] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods
and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded
as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not
depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a vehicle positioned
adjacent to a fixed structure and partially positioned within an
engaging mechanism according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of the engaging mechanism
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a receiving member and
resilient member that are both formed from a single component;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of the engaging mechanism illustrated
in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the engaging mechanism is illustrated in
an engaged position and in an unengaged position; and
[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of an engaging mechanism according to
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of components of a shelter
according to certain embodiments of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another shelter according to
certain embodiments of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a front view of yet another shelter according to
certain embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be
described with reference to the drawing figures, in which like
reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. The attached
figures and following description will explain in detail
embodiments of the invention. Some of these embodiments will
provide a method and apparatus that will allow a cargo vehicle to
be connected to a loading dock in a manner that will reduce air
loss form the interior of the loading dock and vehicle to the
outside.
[0022] FIG. 1 is a side view of a portion of a vehicle 10
positioned adjacent to a fixed structure 14 and partially
positioned within an engaging mechanism 16. In FIG. 1, the vehicle
10 is a delivery truck and the fixed structure 14 is a loading
dock. However, other vehicles and structures are also within the
scope of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the rear
door 12 of the vehicle 10 is open and is folded back into a
position that is parallel to the side 17 of the vehicle 10.
[0023] The engaging mechanism 16 illustrated in FIG. 1 extends
between the vehicle 10 and the fixed structure 14. As will be
explained below, when a portion of the vehicle 10 is fully engaged
with the engaging mechanism 16, either a partial or a complete seal
is formed between the vehicle 10 and the engaging mechanism 16.
Such a seal either prevents or hinders adverse weather conditions
(e.g., rain, snow, sleet, wind, cold air or warm air) from entering
the structure 14 through gaps between the structure 14 and the
vehicle 10 while the vehicle 10 is being loaded or unloaded. In
other words, the engaging mechanism 16 hinders conditioned air
(whether it is cold or warm) from being lost to the outside.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a top view of a portion of the engaging mechanism
16 illustrated in FIG. 1. The portion of the engaging mechanism 16
illustrated in FIG. 2 includes a receiving member 18, a resilient
member 24 having a free end 25 and a fixed end 27, a belt 26 having
a resilient-member-proximate end 29 and a
receiving-member-proximate end 31, a receiving-member-adjacent
deformable medium 28, a plurality of fasteners 30, 32, 34, 37, a
spring 35 and an engaging mechanism support 36.
[0025] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the receiving member 18 is
configured to accommodate insertion of a portion of the vehicle 10
therein. More specifically, the receiving member 18, which takes
the form of a hook in FIG. 2, can accommodate the insertion of a
portion of the door 12 of the vehicle 10 and a portion of a
sidewall 20 that is located on the side 17 of the vehicle 10. Also,
the receiving member 18 is configured to accommodate the insertion
of a hinge 22 that allows for the door 12 to swing open relative to
the sidewall 20 as the door 12 is opened.
[0026] Although the receiving member 18 in FIG. 2 takes the form of
a hook, other geometries may be used to implement the receiving
member 18. For example, the receiving member 18 may take the form
of a semicircle or may have one or more distinct sides, as opposed
to being a smooth arc.
[0027] The resilient member 24 is illustrated in FIG. 2 as being
connected to the receiving member 18. According to certain
embodiments of the present invention, the resilient member 24 takes
the form of a spring that is in a neutral position in FIG. 2. The
resilient member 24 may be made from or may include portions that
are made from any material that exhibits elastic properties. For
example, polymers (e.g., rubbers and elastomers) or metals may be
used.
[0028] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the resilient member 24 is pliable and can bend either towards the
sidewall 20 illustrated in FIG. 2 or away from the sidewall 20
(i.e., towards the top of FIG. 2). When the door 12, hinge 22 and
sidewall 20 of a vehicle 10 are positioned relative to the engaging
mechanism 16 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the vehicle 10 is aligned
with the engaging mechanism 16. Movement of the vehicle 10 toward
the belt 26 and then engagement with the belt 26 causes the end of
the belt 26 to pull the resilient member 24 and causes the
resilient member 24 to bend toward the sidewall 20, thereby
engaging the free end 25 of the resilient member 24 with the
sidewall 20 of the vehicle. As the vehicle 10 continues to move,
the belt 26, vehicle sidewall 20, door 12 and hinge 22 will engage
the receiving-member-adjacent deformable member 28 and deform it to
create a seal of hinge gaps between the sidewall 20 and the door
12.
[0029] For the sake of simplicity in describing operation and
interaction between the belt 26 and the vehicle 10, the belt 26 is
described in the singular. However, as shown in FIG. 7, a plurality
of belts 26 may be located along the engaging mechanism 16. In some
embodiments of the invention, there may be only one belt 26 located
on the engaging mechanism 16 and this belt 26 would typically be as
wide as or substantially as wide as the engaging mechanism 16 is
high. Of course, if the belt 26 extends along the entire height of
the vehicle 10, then the belt 26 may also help seal the hinge
gaps.
[0030] Once the vehicle 10 is sealed to the fixed structure 14,
large items (e.g., pallets loaded with freight) are often
transported between the interior of the vehicle 10 and the fixed
structure 14 during loading and unloading of the vehicle 10. In
many cases, fork trucks are used to transport the large items and
the fork trucks are often driven at least partially into the
interior of the vehicle 10.
[0031] As a fork truck backs away from the interior of the vehicle
10, the interior of the sidewall 20 of the vehicle is sometimes
bumped and the resilient member 24 is sometimes inadvertently
snagged or hooked by the fork truck. Therefore, according to
certain embodiments of the present invention, the resilient member
24 is configured to bend away from the sidewall 20 without
breaking. Also, according to these embodiments, the spring 35 is
configured to bend away from the support 36. Therefore, in these
embodiments, when the fork truck stops snagging or hooking the
resilient member 24, the spring 35 moves back against the support
36, the resilient member 24 snaps back against the interior of the
sidewall 20 and neither the spring 35, the resilient member 24 nor
any other portion of the engaging mechanism 16 is broken.
[0032] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the resilient member 24 has a non-uniform composition and/or
geometry. For example, the resilient member 24 may be thicker at
the fixed end 27 thereof than at the free end 25 thereof. As
another example, the resilient member 24 may be made from a polymer
whose composition changes gradually between the free end 25 and the
fixed end 27.
[0033] When the resilient member 24 has a non-uniform geometry or
composition and is pushed against by a fork truck backing out of a
vehicle 10, the resilient member 24 typically exerts a restorative
force against the fork truck. As one would expect, the amount of
restorative force exerted is typically dependent upon where on
resilient member 24 the fork truck pushes (i.e., where the fork
truck applies a distortive force to the resilient member 24). For
example, if the resilient member 24 is thinner at the free end 25
thereof, the receiving member 24 will exert a lower restorative
force upon a portion of a fork truck that pushes against the free
end 25 of the resilient member 24 than if the portion of the fork
truck were to push closer to the fixed end 27. Thus, according to
certain embodiments of the present invention, when a portion of the
fork truck pushes against the resilient member 24 and pulls it away
from the sidewall 20 of the vehicle 10, the resilient member 24 can
readily bend backward and allow the fork truck to travel past the
engaging mechanism 16.
[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a resilient-member-proximate end
29 of the belt 26 is connected to the resilient member 24. With
reference to FIG. 1, the belt 26 may be positioned at any location
along the height of the engaging mechanism 16 or may extend across
the entire height of the engaging mechanism 16. According to
certain embodiments of the present invention, more than one belt 26
may be included in the engaging mechanism 16. When more than one
belt 16 is used, the plurality of belts 26 are typically staggered
along the height of the engaging member 16, either at regular
intervals or at locations that are most likely to be engaged by
portions of the vehicle 10 as the vehicle 10 moves toward the fixed
structure 14.
[0035] In FIG. 2, a receiving-member-proximate end 31 of the belt
26 is directly connected to the receiving member 18. However, one
of skill in the art will appreciate that the
receiving-member-proximate end 31 of the belt 26 need not be
directly connected to the receiving member 18. Rather, according to
certain embodiments of the present invention, the
receiving-member-proximate end 31 may be connected to other
portions of the engaging mechanism 16. For example, the
receiving-member-proximate end 31 may be connected to the spring 35
or the engaging mechanism support 36 illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0036] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the belt 26 includes one or more webbed portions (i.e., portions
that include porous webbing). Typically, such webbed portions allow
for air to circulate through the engaging mechanism 16. Also, since
porous webbing is often relatively inexpensive, the use of porous
webbing may lower the overall cost of the engaging mechanism 16.
However, solid belts and belts with alternate geometries are also
within the scope of the present invention.
[0037] The receiving-member-adjacent deformable medium 28
illustrated in FIG. 2 is connected to the receiving member 18 and
typically includes a foam material (i.e., a light, porous,
semi-rigid and/or spongy material). However, other materials (e.g.,
gels and polymers such as elastomers and rubbers) may also be
included in the receiving-member-adjacent deformable medium 28.
Usually, the receiving-member-adjacent deformable medium 28
includes a material that is elastic in nature. Thus, pursuant to
being deformed by a force applied by a portion of a vehicle 10,
removal of the force typically allows the receiving-member-adjacent
deformable medium 28 to regain its original geometry. However, the
inclusion of plastic materials in the receiving-member-adjacent
deformable medium 28 is also within the scope of the present
invention.
[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, the receiving
member 18 deforms as the hinge 22, sidewall 20 and door 12 of the
vehicle 10 back into it along with the belt 26. This deformation of
the receiving member 18 aids in creating a seal around a gap
between the sidewall 20 and the door 12.
[0039] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the receiving-member-adjacent deformable medium 28 and the belt 26
are completely separate components and are completely detached from
each other. However, according to other embodiments of the present
invention, the belt 26 and the receiving-member-adjacent deformable
medium 28 abut each other. In such embodiments, the
receiving-member-adjacent deformable medium 28 can also fill up all
of the space between the receiving member 18 and the belt 26.
[0040] The first fastener 30 illustrated in FIG. 2 directly
connects the resilient member 24 to the receiving member 18, the
second fastener 32 directly connects the belt 26 to the resilient
member 24 and the third fastener 34 directly connects the receiving
member 18 and the belt 26 to the spring 35, which itself is
connected to the engaging mechanism support 36 with the fourth
fastener 37. In some embodiments of the invention, such as shown in
the figures, the fasteners 30, 32, 34, 37 can be bolts, screws,
staples, hook and loop devices or any other suitable fastener.
Also, alternate connections between the receiving member 18, the
resilient member 24, the belt 26, the spring 35 and/or the engaging
mechanism support 36 are within the scope of the present invention.
For example, the belt 26 may be sewn to resilient member 24 and/or
to the engaging mechanism support 36.
[0041] The receiving member 18 and the resilient member 24 are
illustrated in FIG. 2 as distinct components. However, according to
certain embodiments of the present invention, the receiving member
18 and the resilient member 24 are formed from a single component.
For example, the receiving member 18 and the resilient member 24
may both be formed from a sheet or an extruded shape.
[0042] When the receiving member 18 and the resilient member 24 are
both formed from a single component 50 as illustrated in FIG. 3, a
notch 52, indentation or other cross-sectional thickness change
typically indicates which portion of the single component 50 makes
up the receiving member 18 and which portion makes up the resilient
member 24. The change in cross-sectional thickness 52 is typically
abrupt and facilitates movement of the resilient member 24 relative
to the receiving member 18. However, gradual cross-sectional
thickness changes that facilitate such movement are also within the
scope of certain embodiments of the present invention. In FIG. 3,
the dashed lines represent the position of the resilient member 24
after being moved relative to the receiving member 18.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a top view of the engaging mechanism 16
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 wherein the engaging mechanism 16 is
illustrated in an engaged position A and in an unengaged position
B. In the engaged position A, the engaging mechanism 16 is in
contact with (i.e., engaged) with a door 12, hinge 22 and sidewall
20 of a vehicle 10. In the unengaged position B, the engaging
mechanism 16 is not in contact with any portion of a vehicle
10.
[0044] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the engaging mechanism support 36
illustrated in FIG. 2 is connected to a wall support 38 using an
inter-support connector 40. According to certain embodiments of the
present invention, the inter-support connector 40 allows for the
engaging mechanism support 36 to move (i.e., rotate or swing)
relative to the wall support 38 when the engaging mechanism 16 is
being pushed by a portion of a vehicle adjacent thereto. The
inter-support connector 40 may take the form, for example, of a
hinge or swivel. According to certain embodiments of the present
invention, the inter-support connector 40 includes a piece of
fiberglass that is sufficiently thin to flex and act as a
hinge.
[0045] No particular restrictions are made on the geometries or
materials used in either of the engaging mechanism support 36 or
the wall support 38. Any structure capable of supporting the
components of the engaging mechanism 16 illustrated in FIG. 2 may
be used. For example, one or both of the supports 36, 38 may take
the form of substantially flat panels made of galvanized steel or
aluminum.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a structurally-affixed connector
42 connects the wall support 38 to a fixed structure 14. As also
illustrated in FIG. 4, the structurally-affixed connector 42 allows
the wall support 38 to move relative to the structure 14. Like the
inter-support connector 40, the structurally-affixed connector 42
may include, for example, a hinge, metal bracket, elastomer, leaf
spring, swivel, piece of fiberglass or any other suitable
connecting device.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a top view of an engaging mechanism 54 according
to another embodiment of the present invention. The engaging
mechanism 54 illustrated in FIG. 5 includes the receiving member
18, resilient member 24, belt 26 and deformable medium 28 described
above. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the engaging mechanism 54 also
includes an engaging mechanism support 56 and a wall support 58,
each of which may, for example, take the form of a substantially
flat panel.
[0048] The wall support 58 has a first flexible hinge 60 connected
to a first end thereof and a second flexible hinge 62 located at a
second end thereof. According to certain embodiments of the present
invention, the first hinge 60 and the second hinge 62 are each made
from fiberglass. However, including a metal, an elastomer or any
other suitable material in the first hinge 60 and second hinge 62
is also within the scope of the present invention.
[0049] Unlike the engaging mechanism support 36 and wall support 38
illustrated in FIG. 4, which may be made entirely from, for
example, galvanized steel, plastic (e.g., vinyl or polyethylene),
fabric, foam covered in fabric, fiberglass, wood, or aluminum, the
engaging mechanism support 56 and wall support 58 illustrated in
FIG. 5 each have a core 64, 65 made from a first material and a
layer 66, 67 positioned adjacent to the core 64, 65 and made from a
second material which is typically different from the first
material.
[0050] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the layers 66, 67 include one or more laminate sheets positioned on
one or more faces of the core 64, 65. According to some of these
embodiments, each core 64, 65 includes a foam material and each of
the laminate sheets in the layers 66, 67 includes a polymer
material (e.g., acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or another
plastic). The layers 66, 67 may extend around the perimeters of the
cores 64, 65 and often completely encase the cores 64, 65, thereby
protecting the cores 64, 65 from ambient conditions. However,
according to certain embodiments of the present invention, one or
more laminate sheets are positioned adjacent to each side of each
core 64, 65, thereby "sandwiching" each of the cores 64, 65 between
two separate portions of the layers 66, 67.
[0051] The layers 66, 67 may, according to other embodiments of the
present invention, take the form of a non-polymeric material. For
example, the layers 66, 67 may include steel (e.g., galvanized
steel), fiberglass, wood or aluminum. According to these
embodiments, the layers 66, 67 often take the form of casings
(e.g., rectangular boxes) into which foam that solidifies into the
cores 64, 65 is injected into.
[0052] A variety of methods are available to manufacture panel
assemblies such as the one illustrated in FIG. 5 that includes the
engaging mechanism support 56 and the wall support 58. According to
one such method, a first panel (e.g., engaging mechanism support
56) is formed to have a first foam core (e.g., core 64) at the
center thereof and a first layer (e.g., layer 66) positioned
adjacent to a first side of the first foam core. Then, the first
layer (e.g., layer 66) is attached to the first side of the first
foam core (e.g., core 64).
[0053] The above steps may be implemented, for example, by
laminating one or more polymer sheets onto the first side of the
first panel (e.g., engaging mechanism support 56) to form the first
layer (e.g., layer 66). If the first layer includes two separate
portions on opposite sides of the first core, one or more polymer
sheets may be adhered to each side of the first foam core.
[0054] An adhesive or thermal method may be used, for example, to
adhere one or more laminated sheets to the first core (e.g., core
64) to form the first layer (e.g., layer 66). As an alternative to
using laminated sheets, a foam may be injected into a first casing
to form the first foam core. When injecting the foam into the
casing, a side of the casing into which the foam is injected
typically includes the above-discussed first layer.
[0055] Once the first panel (e.g., engaging mechanism support 56)
has been formed and the first layer (e.g., layer 66) has been
attached to the first foam core, a second panel (e.g., wall support
58) is typically attached to the first panel using a first
connector (e.g., a flexible hinge such as the flexible hinge 62
illustrated in FIG. 5). The second panel (e.g., wall support 58) is
typically formed to have a second foam core (e.g., core 65) and a
second layer (e.g., layer 67) positioned adjacent to a first side
of the second foam core. The second layer is typically attached to
the first side of the second foam core in a manner analogous to how
the first layer (e.g., layer 66) is attached to the first foam core
(e.g., core 64). More specifically, the second panel (e.g., wall
support 58) may be formed by laminating one or more polymer sheet
onto one or more sides of the second panel to form either a second
layer (e.g., layer 67) either on one or both sides of the second
foam core or a foam may be injected into a second casing that
includes the second layer to form the second foam core (e.g., core
65).
[0056] In addition to attaching the second panel to the first
panel, an engaging mechanism (e.g., engaging mechanism 16) may be
attached to the first panel. Typically, the engaging mechanism is
formed to include a receiving member (e.g., receiving member 18)
configured to accommodate insertion of a portion of a vehicle
therein. The engaging member is also commonly formed to include a
resilient member (e.g., resilient member 24) that is connected to
the receiving member. Further, the engaging member is typically
formed to include a belt (e.g., belt 26) that is connected to the
resilient member. In addition, the engaging member is commonly
formed to include a deformable member (e.g., deformable member 28)
that is connected to the receiving member. Then, the engaging
mechanism to usually attached at an end of the first panel that is
opposite to where the second panel is attached.
[0057] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of components of a shelter 68
according to certain embodiments of the present invention. The
shelter 68 includes a right side frame 70 and a left side frame 72
positioned opposite thereto. In operation, the shelter 68 also
includes a head frame 74 connected to and positioned on top of and
between the right side frame 70 and the left side frame 72.
[0058] Attached to the right side frame 70 is a right side curtain
76 and attached to the left side frame 72 is a left side curtain
78. The curtains 76, 78 extend substantially perpendicularly to the
side frames 70, 72 when no vehicle is engaged in the shelter 68. As
illustrated in FIG. 6, each of the side curtains 76, 78 has an
engaging mechanism 16 attached thereto. Inside each of the side
curtains 76, 78 are a plurality of stays 80. When a vehicle backs
up to the shelter 68, engages the engaging mechanisms 16 and pushes
against curtains 76, 78, the stays 80 act like springs, bend and
push back against the vehicle.
[0059] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the right side frame 70, the left side frame 72 and/or the head
frame 74 are made from galvanized steel and are fixedly attached to
a loading dock or other fixed structure. According to these
embodiments, the right side curtain 76 and the left side curtain 78
are typically made of vinyl fabric and the stays 80 are typically
made of fiberglass.
[0060] According to other embodiments of the present invention, the
right side frame 70 and the left side frame 72 can each include a
foam pad 71 inside of a fabric cover 73. According to some of these
embodiments, the head frame 74 is made from galvanized steel
contained within a fiberglass cover 75. In these embodiments, the
right side frame 70, the left side frame 72 and/or the head frame
74 are typically also fixedly attached to a loading dock or other
fixed structure and the curtains 76, 78 are sewn to the side frames
70, 72.
[0061] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another shelter 82 according
to certain embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in
FIG. 7, the shelter 82 includes resilient members 24, a plurality
of belts 26, engaging mechanism supports 36 and wall supports 38.
The resilient member 24 illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a fringe
portion 84 that includes a plurality of slats 86 and belts 26
connected to each of the slats 86. When a vehicle having a
relatively low height backs up against the shelter 82 illustrated
in FIG. 7, the vehicle does not engage all of the belts 26 but only
those belts 26 that correspond to the vehicle's height and
therefore does not cause all of the slats 86 in the fringe region
84 to be pulled toward the interior surface of the sidewall of the
vehicle. In other words, each of the slats 86 is individually
moveable relative to other slats 86. Such a configuration allows
for a better seal because the resilient member 24 is not pushed
away by the vehicle's roof.
[0062] FIG. 8 is a front view of yet another shelter 83 according
to certain embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in
FIG. 8, the shelter 83 is connected to a fixed structure 14 and
includes a right side curtain 76, a left side curtain 78 and a top
curtain 88. Each of the curtains 76, 78, 88 includes a plurality of
stays 80 that allow the curtains 76, 78, 88 to bend when pushed
against by a vehicle. Each of the curtains 76, 78, 88 also has an
engaging mechanism 16 connected thereto. As such, when a vehicle
approaches the fixed structure 14 illustrated in FIG. 8, engaging
mechanisms 16 may form seals with the right, left and top sides of
the vehicle's interior.
[0063] According to other embodiments of the present invention, a
method of sealing a vehicle to a structure is provided. Such a
method is particularly applicable to sealing the rear portion of a
delivery truck to a loading dock of a warehouse or office building.
However, seals may be formed between other vehicles and structures
according to the present invention. It should be noted that methods
according to the present invention allow for partial or complete
seals to be formed between vehicles and structures.
[0064] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the method of sealing includes pushing a first deformable medium
into a distinct second deformable medium with a vehicle, thereby
deforming the first deformable medium and the second deformable
medium. The first deformable medium may, for example, take the form
of the belt 26 illustrated in FIG. 2 while the second deformable
medium may, for example, take the form of a foam material.
According to these embodiments, the above-discussed door 12, hinge
22 and/or sidewall 20 of the vehicle 10 may be used to push the
belt 26 into the receiving-member-adjacent deformable medium 28 to
deform both.
[0065] The above-described pushing step of the method may also
include moving a first support relative to a fixed structure,
wherein the first support is connected to the first deformable
medium and to the fixed structure. In implementing the pushing
step, the vehicle 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be used to push the
belt 26 into the receiving member 18 as discussed above and may
additionally push with enough force to move the receiving member 18
from position B illustrated in FIG. 4 to position A. The wall
support 38 is thereby moved relative to the fixed structure 14 when
the structurally-affixed connector 42 allows for such motion.
[0066] The above pushing step may also include moving a second
support relative to the first support, wherein the second support
is connected between the first support and the first deformable
medium. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the pushing step may be
implemented by moving the engaging mechanism 16 from the position A
to position B, thereby moving the engaging mechanism support 36
relative to the wall support 38.
[0067] According to certain embodiments of the present invention,
the method of sealing a vehicle to a structure also includes
pulling a resilient member connected to the first deformable medium
towards a side of a vehicle using the first deformable medium as
the first deformable medium is deformed. This pulling step may be
implemented, for example, by deforming the belt 26 illustrated in
FIG. 2 with the door 12, sidewall 20 and/or hinge 22 of the vehicle
10. As the belt 26 gets deformed, the resilient member 24 connected
to the belt 26 is pulled towards the sidewall 20 by the belt 26. As
the resilient member 24 gets closer to the sidewall 20, a seal is
formed between the resilient member 24 and the sidewall.
[0068] The above-described pulling step typically forms a seal
between the resilient member and the side of the vehicle and may
also seal the hinge gap. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in position A,
the resilient member 24 and the inside of the sidewall 20 are in
close enough proximity to each other to seal off the outside
environment. Additional sealing of the hinge gap is provided
between the receiving-member-adjacent deformable medium 28 and the
top surface of the vehicle 10 illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0069] It should be noted that, according to certain embodiments of
the present invention, the above-discussed sealing methods and
seals are not limited to those that provide hermetic sealing. More
specifically, one of skill in the art will appreciate that, since
delivery truck and loading dock geometries can fluctuate, not all
engaging mechanisms and methods of sealing according to the present
invention will fully prevent conditioned air from being lost to the
outside. Rather, according to the present invention, a seal and/or
a method of sealing hinders at least some, and sometimes all, of
the conditioned air from being lost to the outside. In other words,
for the purposes of this document, sealing means hindering air
movement.
[0070] The many features and advantages of the invention are
apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended
by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of
the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the
invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations
will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired
to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation
illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable
modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within
the scope of the invention.
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