GB2578630A

GB2578630A - Improvements in or relating to a road-vehicle loading dock

Info

Publication number: GB2578630A
Application number: GB1817915.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Mannings Stephen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-11-02
Filing date: 2018-11-02
Publication date: 2020-05-20
Also published as: GB201817915D0

Abstract

A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus 10 for mounting to a road-vehicle loading dock 12 which receives at least part of a cargo container of a road vehicle. The sealing 5 apparatus 10 comprises at least one rotatable upper sealing element 14 and opposing rotatable lateral sealing elements 16 which are mountable at or adjacent to an upper wall 24 and respective side walls 28 of the road-vehicle loading dock 12. An inflatable lower sealing element 18 is mountable at or adjacent to a lower wall 26 of the road-vehicle loading dock 12. The lower sealing element 18 is to occlude an air gap at or adjacent to a 10 lower rear edge of the cargo container of the road vehicle and the lower wall 26 of the road-vehicle loading dock 12 whilst at least partially extending around side edges of the cargo container. A guidance apparatus is also disclosed to provide a user with signally means, such as lighting, when a cargo container is positioned as well as to sense any deviation and/or misalignment during docking.

Description

Improvements In Or Relating To A Road-Vehicle Loading Dock The present invention relates to a road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus. The invention further relates to a road-vehicle-loading-dock system, a road-vehicle-loadingdock sealing device, a method of occluding an air gap and a road-vehicle-loading-dock 5 guidance apparatus.

Goods which are transported in cargo containers of road vehicles, whether those cargo containers are provided on a fixed or articulated chassis of the vehicle, are required to be unloaded into buildings via loading docks. Typically, a loading dock is a purpose-built opening in a building into which the rear of a cargo container can be reversed. Doors on the back of the cargo container can then be opened in order to unload goods.

In the instance that the goods are temperature sensitive, for example goods which require refrigeration, the interior of the building at the loading dock and/or the interior of the cargo container may be kept at a temperature which is different to an external temperature. Gaps between the cargo container and the building at the opening can result in a temperature change, for example heat from the exterior entering the building may enter the interior of the building.

Therefore, additional energy is required to maintain the building at the desired temperature.

The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a road-vehicleloading-dock sealing apparatus for mounting to a road-vehicle loading dock which receives at least part of a cargo container of a road vehicle, the sealing apparatus comprising: at least one rotatable upper sealing element and opposing rotatable lateral sealing elements which are mountable at or adjacent to an upper wall and respective side walls of the road-vehicle loading dock; and an inflatable lower sealing element mountable at or adjacent to a lower wall of the road-vehicle loading dock, the lower sealing element being adapted to occlude an air gap at or adjacent to a lower rear edge of the cargo container of the road vehicle and the lower wall of the road-vehicle loading dock whilst at least partially extending around side edges of the cargo container.

The apparatus advantageously creates a barrier to air passage and therefore creates a temperature seal to the dock, or a barrier to convection. The upper sealing element and lateral sealing elements being rotatable allow for the sealing elements to rotate with the direction of movement of the cargo container to reduce frictional forces therebetween. This allows for a tighter fit and therefore a better seal between the sealing elements and the cargo container. The lower sealing element being inflatable allows for the lower sealing element to envelop the cargo container and therefore provide a better seal therewith. The lower surface and/or lower portion of the cargo container is typically more irregularly formed than the top and lateral surfaces of the cargo container and therefore is not as suited to use with rotatable elements. An inflatable sealing element can conform and therefore seal to a more irregular profile than rotatable sealing elements. Inflatable may here include being expandable via any fluid being introduced there is and is not limited to air.

Preferably, the lower sealing element may comprise a rear engagement portion and lateral engagement portions, the lateral engagement portions projecting from the rear engagement portion. Lateral engagement portions result in the lower sealing element more effectively corresponding to the profile of the cargo container and therefore being able to seal around or envelop the cargo container.

Advantageously, the lower sealing element may be arranged so that a spacing between lateral sealing elements is reducible to envelop at least part of the cargo container when engaging the rear engagement portion. The spacing being variable enables the spacing to be wider than a width of the cargo container, so that the cargo container can easily be received between the lateral sealing elements. Once received between the lateral sealing elements the spacing can be reduced so that the lateral sealing elements engage and seal with the cargo container.

Beneficially, the lower sealing element may be U-shaped or substantially U-shaped. A U-shape allows for the lower sealing element to engage rear and side surfaces of the cargo 30 container and therefore provide an effective seal.

In a preferable embodiment, the lower sealing element may be a fluid container having a container wall which is flexible. Flexible walls allow for the fluid container to be compressed or expanded. This allows for the fluid to be compressed in one portion which displaces or disperses fluid therefrom and into another portion which expands said another portion.

Additionally, the fluid container may be partially filled with fluid for allowing redistribution of the fluid. Being only partially filled with fluid allows for more easy compression. In use the amount of fluid in the fluid container is constant and the fluid container does not require a mechanical inflation means. Whilst described as being partially filled with fluid, in the instance that the fluid is a liquid, the container may be filled with liquid and air.

Optionally, the fluid container may be a partially inflated air bag. A partially inflated air bag may be a flexible container which is filled with air such that the container walls may be readily changed in shape by the introduction of more air. In other words, a partially inflated air bag has walls which arc not being strained or under strain. Using air, rather than a liquid decreases weight of the lower sealing element. Additionally, a gas-filled lower sealing element is more easily compressible than a liquid filled lower sealing element.

Preferably, each lateral sealing element may be mountable so as to be movable in an axial 20 direction. This allows for the lateral sealing element to remain in contact with the cargo container in the event of vertical movement of the cargo container.

Beneficially, the sealing apparatus may further comprise an outer sealing element for sealing between the wall and the upper sealing element and/or each lateral sealing element. This allows for sealing between the walls and the rotatable sealing elements to prevent or limit heat transfer via tolerance provided for the rotatable sealing elements to be able to rotate.

Advantageously, the outer sealing element may comprise a plurality of bristles. Bristles are typically flexible and so are able to be engaged with the rotatable sealing elements without preventing or limiting movement thereof In a preferable embodiment, the lower sealing element may include a connector element for sealing to each lateral sealing element. The connector element reduces heat transfer via gaps between the lateral and lower sealing elements.

Optionally, the connector element may include a plurality of bri stl es. Bristles are typi call y 5 flexible and so are able to be engaged with the rotatable sealing elements without preventing or limiting movement thereof.

Additionally the sealing apparatus may further comprise a height adjustment means for in use adjusting a vertical position of the upper sealing element. The height adjustment means allows for the sealing apparatus to be sealed with cargo containers of different 10 heights.

Preferably, the sealing apparatus may further comprise a sensor for sensing a vertical position of the upper surface of the cargo container and a controller for controlling the height adjustment means to adjust the vertical position of the upper sealing element to correspond to the vertical position of the upper surface of the cargo container. A sensor and controller allow for the height of the upper sealing element to be automatically set to an approaching cargo container.

Advantageously, the sealing apparatus may further comprise a signalling means for signalling to a user that an adequate seal has been formed between the cargo container and the sealing apparatus. A signalling means prevents the driver of the road vehicle, who may be unable to see the cargo container sufficiently, from over-or under-inserting the cargo container into the loading dock.

Beneficially, the lower sealing element may include a switch in communication with the signalling means and which is triggerable by the cargo container engaging the lower sealing element so as to operate the signalling means. This prevents or limits the requirement of an additional person to observe the insertion of the cargo container into the loading dock. Preferably the switch is an air-pressure sensor.

In a preferable embodiment, the signalling means may be a light emitting element which extends at or adjacent to at least part of each side wall of the opening. In the instance of multiple adjacent loading docks, the signalling means being positioned at or adjacent to each side wall prevents or limits driver confusion as to which signalling means is associated with which loading dock.

Additionally the upper sealing element and each lateral sealing element may comprise cylindrical rollers. Cylindrical rollers are capable of 360 degrees of rotation and are 5 therefore able to rotate with and accommodate greater depths of insertion of the cargo container than only segments or sectors of rollers.

Optionally, the upper sealing element may have tapered ends for interengaging with each lateral sealing element. This allows for a better seal to be made between the upper and lateral sealing elements.

Preferably, the upper sealing element and each lateral sealing element may be formed from foam material. Foam is deformable and so able to provide a good seal at the cargo container.

Advantageously, the road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus may be in the form of a kit of parts.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a road-vehicleloading-dock system comprising a road-vehicle loading dock and the road-vehicleloading-dock sealing apparatus, according to the first aspect of the invention, mounted to the road-vehicle loading dock.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing device for mounting to a road-vehicle loading dock which receives at least part of a cargo container of a road vehicle, the sealing device comprising: an inflatable lower sealing element for mounting at or adjacent to a lower wall of the road-vehicle loading dock, the lower sealing element being adapted to occlude an air gap at or adjacent to a lower rear edge of the cargo container of the road vehicle and the lower wall of the road-vehicle loading dock whilst at least partially extending around side edges of the cargo container.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of occluding an air gap at or adjacent to a lower rear edge of a cargo container of a road vehicle and a lower wall of a road-vehicle loading dock, the method comprising the steps: installing a road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing device according to the third aspect of the present invention at or adjacent to the lower wall; engaging the sealing device with the cargo container so that the sealing deice at least partially extends around side edges of the cargo container.

The sealing device, or lower sealing element, is therefore inflatably engageable with the cargo container without introducing more fluid therein. The sealing device is inflatable via compression and does not require a separate mechanical inflation means.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a road-vehicle-loading-dock guidance apparatus for mounting to a road-vehicle loading dock which receives at least part of a cargo container of a road vehicle, the guidance apparatus comprising signalling means for signalling to a user that a rear of a cargo container is at a required relative position with a loading dock, the signalling means being at or adjacent to at least part of each side wall of an opening of the dock.

The signalling means prevents the driver of the road vehicle, who may be unable to see the cargo container sufficiently, from over-or under-inserting the cargo container into the loading dock. Additionally, the signalling means may indicate to the driver whether the road vehicle is positioned so as to be in line between the side walls of the opening. The signalling means may provide an indication to the driver to prevent or limit the cargo container from impacting the side walls of the dock.

Preferably, the signalling means includes one or more strips of light emitting elements to extend along each side wall and along the upper wall of the dock. In the instance of multiple adjacent loading docks, the signalling means being positioned at or adjacent to each side wall prevents or limits driver confusion as to which signalling means is associated with which loading dock. Each side wall may be visible to the driver in a wing mirror of the road vehicle on the associated side of the vehicle. Additionally, side lighting elements allows for the signalling means to provide signals associated with the sides, for example to indicate whether adjustment of the cargo container towards or away from a side wall is required.

Advantageously, the signalling means includes a controller programmed with a colour sequence for light emission to guide a driver of the said road vehicle. This allows for the signalling means to indicate whether the cargo container is correctly received within the loading dock and/or provide warning of imminent receiving of the cargo container in the loading dock. Alternatively, different colours may indicate whether the cargo container is required to be manoeuvred towards a particular side wall.

Beneficially, the road-vehicle-loading-dock guidance apparatus may further comprise container sensing means for indicating via the signalling means a distance of the cargo container to dock engagement. The distance of the cargo container to dock allows for the signalling means to warn the driver that the cargo container is soon to be received in the loading dock. The driver can then slow the road vehicle appropriately.

In a preferable embodiment, the container sensing means may include a deviation or misalignment parameter to enable monitoring of an undesirable left and right deviation or misalignment of the cargo container with the dock. The sensing means being able to monitor the left and right deviation of the cargo container enables the signalling means to indicate to the driver whether the cargo container is correctly aligned, or whether there is a risk of the cargo container impacting the side walls. Therefore, this prevents or limits the requirement to have an observer to indicate this to the driver.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with 20 reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a top view of a lower sealing element, in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention, of the road-vehicle road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing 25 apparatus of Figure 1 in a relaxed condition and with an in-use cargo container spaced apart therefrom, a direction of movement of the cargo container shown with line arrows; Figure 3 shows the lower sealing element of Figure 2 in a sealing condition with the cargo container engaged therewith, a direction of force of the cargo container shown with line arrows A, a direction of force of the lateral engagement portions shown with line arrows B and a direction of movement of fluid shown with block arrows C; Figure 4 shows a further front view of the road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus of Figure 1 with the lower sealing element and outer sealing elements removed 5 for clarity; Figure 5 shows a side view of the arrangement of Figure 4; Figure 6a shows a front representation of an upper sealing element of the roadvehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus of Figure 1 in a lowered condition; Figure 6b shows a front representation of the upper sealing element of Figure 6a 10 in a raised condition; Figure 7a shows a side representation of the upper sealing element of Figure 6a in a lowered condition; Figure 7b shows a side representation of the upper sealing element of Figure 6a in a raised condition; and Figure 8 shows a front view of a housing of the road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus of Figure 1, including a road-vehicle-loading-dock guidance apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a road-vehicle-loading dock system 100 comprising a road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus 10 mounted on a road-vehicle loading dock 12. The sealing apparatus 10 comprises an upper sealing element 14, two lateral sealing elements 16 and a lower sealing element 18. The road-vehicle loading dock 12 is for receiving a rear portion of a cargo container 20, trailer, cargo bay, or cargo area of a road vehicle and includes an opening 22 and having an upper wall 24, a lower wall 26 and side walls 28. Whilst a lower wall is described, it will be appreciated that this may be the ground. Similarly, the upper wall may be a roof or ceiling.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the lower sealing element 18, or sealing device, is inflatable and suitable for mounting at or adjacent to the lower wall 26 of the road-vehicle loading dock 12, the lower sealing element 18 being adapted to occlude an air gap at or adjacent to a lower rear edge of the cargo container 20 of the road vehicle and the lower wall 26 of the road-vehicle loading dock 12 whilst at least partially extending around side edges of the cargo container 20. Here the lower sealing element 18 has a rear engagement portion 30 for engaging the rear surface 32 of the cargo container 20 and a lateral engagement portion 34 for engaging each side surface 36 of the cargo container 20. Here there are two lateral engagement portions 34 which project from the rear engagement portion 30 and thus the lower sealing element 18 is preferably U-shaped or substantially U-shaped. However, it will be appreciated that the lower sealing element may not be U-shaped and may instead be V-shaped or any other shape. The lateral engagement portions 34 are arranged so that a width of the cargo container 20 is receivable therebetween. A spacing between lateral sealing elements 16 is reducible to envelop the cargo container 20 when engaging the rear engagement portion 30.

The lower sealing element 18 is reversibly deformable and/or conformable to a profile of the cargo container 20. Here the lower sealing element 18 is a fluid container 18 having a flexible container wall and the lateral engagement portions 34 and the rear engagement portion 30 are a continuous chamber and/or interconnected chambers. The fluid container 18 is preferably partially filled with fluid. This is such that the fluid container 18 is able to be compressed and/or deformed easily and without fracturing. For example, the lower sealing element 18 may be compressed so as to reduce a total volume of the fluid container 18 and thereby force fluid to inflate and/or apply an outward expanding force on the container wall. More specifically, the rear engagement portion 30 may be compressed so as to force fluid into the lateral engagement portions 34 and thereby expand the lateral engagement portions 34 as compared to a relaxed condition. Whilst described as a fluid container, it will be appreciated that the lower sealing element may be any resiliently deformable or compressible element, such as being formed from foam.

Here the lower sealing element 18 is an air bag and more specifically a partially inflated air bag, therefore the fluid is air, although it will be appreciated that the fluid may be water or another liquid and therefore the fluid container would be filled with water or 30 another liquid and air.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5, each lateral sealing element 16 is mountable or attachable rotatably at or adjacent to the side wall 28 of the opening 22. Whilst described as being mountable at or adjacent to the side wall 28, each lateral sealing element 16 is here mounted to and between the upper and lower walls 24, 26. The rotatability is preferably continuous, for example the lateral sealing element 16 is able to rotate a full 360 degrees, although it will be appreciated that the upper sealing element 14 may not be able to rotate a full 360 degrees. Once mounted, an axis of rotation of the upper sealing element 14 is preferably parallel or substantially parallel to an edge of the side wall 28 so that the upper sealing element 14 may rotate in an inward direction towards the loading dock 12 and an outward direction away from the loading dock 12. The lateral sealing element 16 preferably has a curvate outer surface and is here a cylinder. However, it will be appreciated that the upper sealing element 14 may not be a full cylinder and may be a semi-cylinder or a sector of a cylinder. The curvature of the curvate surface of the lateral sealing element 16 is preferably uniform, although it will be appreciated that it may have a varying or irregular curvature.

The lateral sealing element 16 is preferably resiliently flexible and/or deformable. The lateral sealing element 16 is formed from foam, for example a polymeric foam such as polyurethane foam and/or a memory foam. The foam may be an open cell foam to allow greater compression although it may be a closed cell foam to provide an improved barrier to heat transfer. However, it will be appreciated that other materials may be considered for the lateral sealing elements 16 to be formed from, for example elastomeric materials such as rubber.

Each lateral sealing element 16 is mountable so that it is movable in an axial direction. Therefore, the sealing apparatus 10 may include springs 38, an upper axial end of each lateral sealing element 16 being mounted to the upper wall 24 via a spring 38 and the lower axial end of each lateral sealing element 16 being mounted to the lower wall 26 via a spring 38. Here the springs 38 are helical springs, although it will be appreciated that other springs may be considered, such as leaf springs. Whilst springs 38 are described it will be appreciated that other biasing means may be considered, for example viscoelastic elements. Whilst described as being mounted via a biasing means, it will be appreciated that the lateral sealing elements may be actively moved via mechanical means, such as via actuators.

To enable the lateral sealing elements 16 to rotate about their axial attachment the lateral sealing elements 16 may be mounted via a bearing 40, more preferably a ball bearing and 5 most preferably a sealed bearing.

Whilst two lateral sealing elements 16 are described, it will be appreciated that there may in fact only be a single lateral sealing element 16.

The upper sealing element 14 is rotatably mountable or attachable at or adjacent to the upper wall 24 of the opening 22 with an in-use axis of rotation parallel or substantially parallel to the upper wall 24. The upper sealing element 14 is similarly formed to the lateral sealing element 16, this is with the exception that here the upper sealing element 14 has tapered ends. In use, the lateral sealing elements 16 may be outwardly positioned as compared to the upper sealing element 14 and each lateral sealing elements 16 may overlap a proximal-most tapered portion of the upper sealing element 14 to form a good seal therewith. The upper sealing element 14 may have a smaller longitudinal extent that the lateral sealing elements 16.

The sealing apparatus 10 preferably further comprises a height adjustment means 42 for adjusting a vertical position of the upper sealing element 14. Here the height adjustment means 42 includes actuators, such as pistons, sliders or a chain drive, for moving the upper sealing element 14 relative to the top wall. The height adjustment means 42 attaches at or adjacent to each end of the upper sealing element 14 and the upper sealing element 14 is rotatably mounted to the height adjustment means 42, for example via bearings.

Referring to Figures 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7b, the height adjustment means 42 preferably further includes a shield 44, barrier or occlusion element for occluding an opening 22 created by the upper sealing element 14 moving away from the upper wall 24. The shield 44 is arranged so as to be extendable between the upper sealing element 14 and the upper wall 24. For example, the shield 44 is fluted so that it is actuatable between a concertinaed or compressed condition, for when the upper sealing element 14 is in a raised position, and a planar or extended condition where the upper sealing element 14 is in a lowered position. The shield 44 may also be actuatable to a continuous range of positions between these two conditions, such as a partially concertinaed condition. Whilst the shield is shown here as only extending across a width of the upper sealing element, it will be appreciated that the shield may extend across a width of the opening and therefore extend beyond the width of the upper sealing element. It will be appreciated that the shield may extend via other means, such as being unrolled or unfurled or being at least in part received above the upper wall and being lowered to the upper sealing element via actuators.

The sealing apparatus 10 further comprises a height sensor for sensing a vertical position of the upper surface of the cargo container 20 and a controller for controlling the height adjustment means 42 to adjust the vertical position of the upper sealing element 14 to correspond to the vertical position of the upper surface of the cargo container 20. The height sensor may be a laser or infra-red distance sensor.

Whilst a height adjustment means 42 is described it will be appreciated that there may in 15 fact not be a height adjustment means. Instead the upper scaling clement may be vertically fixed in either a position for receiving a single deck cargo container or a double deck cargo container.

Referring again to Figure 1, the sealing apparatus 10 further comprises an outer sealing element 46 for in use sealing between the shield 44 or the upper wall 24 and the upper sealing element 14 and/or the upper, side and lower walls 24, 28, 26 and the lateral sealing elements 16. Here the outer sealing element 46 includes a plurality of bristles and/or a brush which interengage the walls 24, 28, 26 and the corresponding lateral sealing element 16. The outer sealing element 46 is preferably flexible so that the sealing elements may rotate whilst engaged with the outer sealing element 46. This has the result that the outer sealing element 46 does not prevent or limit the motion of the lateral sealing element 16. The bristles are preferably overlain with each other to provide a more effective barrier to heat transfer. Whilst bristles and/or a brush is described, it will be appreciated that the outer sealing element may include flaps or sheets, such as rubber flaps.

The sealing apparatus 10 further comprises a connector element 48. Here the connector element 48 comprises bristles or a brush at a top laterally outer edges of the lower sealing element 18. This is such that the bristles interengage the lower sealing element 18 and the lateral sealing element 16, which prevents heat loss whilst not preventing or limiting rotation of the lateral sealing elements 16.

Referring to Figure 8, the sealing apparatus 10 preferably additionally comprises a signalling means 50 for signalling to a user that the cargo container 20 has been sealed to the sealing apparatus 10. Preferably, the signalling means 50 comprises a light emitting element which extends at or adjacent to at least part of each side wall 28 of the opening 22. In this embodiment, the light emitting element preferably extends at or adjacent to the side and upper walls 28, 24 of the opening 22.

The light emitting element may conveniently be a strip including a plurality of light-emitting diodes, for example, to form strip lighting from or adjacent to the ground, up along both sides 28 and then along the top cross-member or upper wall 24 of the frame or opening 22. However, it will be appreciated that the light emitting clement may be formed from incandescent, halogen or fluorescent lights. Additionally, the light emitting element may be a discrete or spaced apart element at or adjacent to each side and may not be a strip.

The in-use light emitting element preferably, via a suitable electronic controller, emits a different colour light when the cargo container 20 has been sealed to and/or received in the loading dock 12 compared to when the cargo container 20 is not sealed to the loading dock 12. For example, the light emitting element may include a plurality of red light-emitting diodes, for indicating when the cargo container 20 is or is not sealed to the loading dock 12, and a plurality of green light emitting diodes, for indicating the opposite condition. However, any other colour may be considered and the light emitting diodes may be variable in colour, or may have a single fixed colour in certain embodiments.

Preferably, the light emitting elements or signalling means 50 would remain continuously lit, to warn drivers or other operators. This is also beneficial for a driver of a vehicle in an adjacent dock or bay, so as to avoid or limit confusion during a reversing procedure.

By way of a further advantageous example, by incorporating a container sensing means, either as part of the road vehicle and/or as part of the dock, the light emitting element may enable indication of a distance to dock engagement utilising individual or separate light sequences. This enables a driver of the road vehicle, using their side mirrors in particular when reversing to be able to better judge distances and accuracy to dock engagement. As the road vehicle is reversed, the container sensing means monitors a relative position of a rear of the cargo container 20 to the dock. With the cargo container 20 fully clear of the dock, the light emitting element may, for example, emit a green light. As the cargo container 20 approaches the dock, for example, being from one to three metres away, the light emitting element around the dock may, again for example, change to emit an amber light. The change may be gradual or immediate. Once the cargo container 20 engages the dock, the light emitting element may, for example, change to emit a red light, indicating to the driver that the road vehicle should be halted.

Other light emitting sequences may be considered.

In a modification to the guidance system using the light emitting elements described above, undesirable left and right deviation or misalignment of the cargo container 20 with the dock may be monitored by the container sensing means via a pre-set alignment tolerance parameter. In this arrangement, a similar light emitting pattern as that described above is followed, but if the container sensing means determines that the driver is not reversing the road vehicle to align within the tolerance parameter with the dock, the light emitting element is controlled via the controller to emit an appropriate indication. The indication may be, for example, a fourth coloured light which is different to those of the other light emissions. An audible signal as well as a visual signal may be emitted. Furthermore, a vibrational signal, for example, may be outputted to the driver's cab, such as via a software application or device within the driver's proximity.

In this case, the side to which the offset is occurring and/or the direction that the road vehicle is veering, may be the side that is lit with the different coloured light and/or indicated as described above. Additionally or alternatively, the light emitting element on the driver's side of the dock may change its colour, either entirely or in part along its length. For example, a top portion of the light emitting element on the driver's side may turn a different colour to the bottom portion, indicating that the passenger side or nearside is overlapping or too close to the nearside of the dock. Similarly, a bottom portion of the light emitting element on the driver's side may turn a different colour to the top portion, indicating that the driver's side or offside is overlapping or too close the offside of the dock. This suggested arrangement may be reversed as necessity dictates. Alternatively, the signalling means may display an indicator, such as illuminating an arrow, to indicate which direction the cargo container is required to be adjusted.

Once docked, the light emitting elements and/or other signalling means 50 may again indicate a loading or unloading condition. For example, they may be turned off, changed to another colour, or a combination thereof, such as flashing or being only partially lit 10 along their lengths.

Solar recharging, or similar, with or without mains power may be conveniently utilised to reliably power the light emitting elements.

Although it is preferred that the signalling means and/or guidance system is retrospectively mountable at or adjacent to the dock, one or both may be integrated as 15 part of the dock during the initial construction of the dock.

Advantageously, the sealing apparatus 10 preferably further comprises an automatic switch for switching the light emitting element to indicate when the cargo container 20 has been sealed to the loading dock 12. Such a switch may include an air pressure sensor in the lower sealing element 18 to indicate when an air pressure has increased in the air bag sufficiently for the lateral engagement portions 34 to engage the lateral surfaces of the cargo container 20. Alternatively, the switch may be a pressure sensor arranged at a position in the sealing bag so as to be engaged by the rear of the cargo container 20. The switch may further be an electrical contact sensor.

The sealing apparatus 10 preferably includes a housing 52 which is positionable at or adjacent to the opening 22 of the loading dock 12. The housing 52 includes a photovoltaic device 54 for generating and providing electrical power, positioned on a sloped roof. This electrical power preferably powers the signalling means 50 and/or the height adjustment means 42 via wiring, although it will be appreciated that it may power other elements within the associated building.

In use, the sealing apparatus 10 is attached to the loading dock 12. The or a portion of the outer sealing element 46a is attached to the lateral, upper and lower walls 28, 24, 26 of the opening 22. The height adjustment means 42 is mounted to the upper wall 24 and the upper sealing element 14 is rotatably attached to the height adjustment means 42. The or 5 a further portion of the outer sealing element 46b is similarly attached between at least part of a bottom of the shield 44 and the upper sealing element 14. Springs 38 are then installed either side and outward of the upper sealing element 14 on the upper and lower wall 24, 26. The lateral sealing elements 16 are attached to these springs 38 via sealed roller bearings 40. Therefore, the lateral sealing elements 16 are rotatably and axially 10 movable relative to the opening 22.

The lower sealing element 18 is mounted or attached at or adjacent to the lower wall 26 and may be mounted via adhesive or fasteners extending through a fastening flange of the lower sealing element 18. The lower sealing element 18 is mounted so that the lateral engagement portions 34 extend towards the exterior. The rear engagement portion 30 may be recessed relative to the lateral sealing elements 16. The lower sealing element 18 is preferably between the lateral sealing elements 16.

The housing 52 with the signalling means 50 is mounted to the exterior facing wall of the loading dock 12.

When in use, the cargo container 20, which for example may be a trailer, of the road vehicle, is manoeuvred towards the loading dock 12. The sensor determines the height of the cargo container 20 and lowers the upper sealing element 14 so that it corresponds to the height of the cargo container 20. Typically, the cargo container 20 is reversed towards the loading dock 12 so that the rear of the cargo container 20 faces the loading dock 12. The side surfaces 36 of the cargo container 20 engage and seal with the lateral sealing elements 16. The lateral sealing elements 16 may be deformed as they are engaged with the cargo container 20. As the cargo container 20 further reverses relative to the loading dock 12, the lateral sealing elements 16 rotate on their axes of rotation so that the lateral sealing elements 16 rotate inwardly towards the loading dock 12. The outer sealing element 46a seals to the lateral sealing elements 16 even as the lateral sealing elements 16 rotate.

The cargo container 20 then engages the upper sealing element 14 and the upper sealing element 14 deforms, seals to and rotates in a direction with the cargo container 20 in the same or a similar way as the lateral sealing elements 16.

The lower portion of the cargo container 20 is positioned between the lateral engagement portions 34 and then engages the rear engagement portion 30 of the lower sealing element 18. The rear engagement portion 30 is positioned so as to be engageable by a lower edge portion of the rear surface 32 of the cargo container 20, in particular the portion of the rear surface 32 beneath doors of the cargo container 20. The cargo container 20 compresses the rear engagement portion 30 and in this way displaces air from the rear engagement portion 30 into the lateral engagement portions 34. This inflates, further inflates and/or expands the lateral engagement portions 34 so that they engage the side surfaces 36 of the cargo container 20. Therefore, the lower sealing element 18 seals to the rear and lateral surfaces of the cargo container 20. In this way air gaps which would otherwise be between the lower or side walls 26, 28 and the cargo container 20 are occluded. The compression and/or inflation of the lower sealing element 18 may also cause the connector element 48 to engage with the lateral sealing elements 16 to seal therewith.

Therefore, the sealing apparatus 10 is sealed with the upper surface of the cargo container 20 via the upper sealing element 14, the side surfaces 36 of the cargo container 20 via the lateral sealing elements 16 and a lower edge portion of the rear and side surfaces 32, 36 via the lower sealing element 18. In this way the rear of the cargo container 20 is sealed relative to the loading dock 12.

Once sealed, the cargo container 20 triggers the switch to operate the signalling means 50. The switch may be physically engaged by the cargo container 20 being received a given distance into the loading dock 12 or may be triggered by the cargo container 20 compressing the lower sealing element 18 to cause a sufficient pressure therein. The signalling means 50 may then emit a light of a colour which corresponds with successfully sealing. For example, the signalling means 50 may emit a green light when the cargo container 20 is sealed to the loading dock 12, which contrasts to a red light when the cargo container 20 is not sealed to the loading dock 12.

The doors of the cargo container 20 may then be opened and cargo loaded or unloaded.

Throughout this sealing process, the driver of the vehicle may be guided by one or more of the lighting sequences, described above, of the light emitting elements of the signalling means 50.

The sealing of the cargo container 20 with the loading dock 12 prevents or limits heat entering or leaving the building. During loading or unloading, the cargo container 20 may move in a vertical direction, for example on its suspension as goods are added to or removed from the cargo container 20 and/or persons aboard the cargo container 20 to add or remove goods. The lateral sealing elements 16 move axially on the springs 38 to accommodate or match such vertical movement and therefore the cargo container 20 remains sealed with the lateral sealing elements 16.

To remove the cargo container 20 from the loading dock 12, the road vehicle is manoeuvred forwards and away from the loading dock 12. The cargo container 20 disengages with the rear engagement portion 30 which relaxes or deflates the lateral engagement portion 34 and therefore the lateral engagement portions 34 disengage with the cargo container 20. The upper sealing element 14 and lateral sealing elements 16 rotate in directions away from the loading dock 12. The cargo container 20 thus becomes disengaged with the sealing apparatus 10.

Whilst described for a road vehicle, it will be appreciated that the dock sealing apparatus 20 may alternatively be used for rail vehicles or water-based vessels.

It is therefore possible to provide a sealing system for mounting to a loading dock. Upper and lateral rollers rotatably engage and seal with the planar upper and side surfaces of an in-use trailer. To occlude or seal air gaps at or adjacent to the lower surface of the trailer and the dock, an inflatable lower sealing element envelops the lower rear portion of the trailer as the trailer is engaged therewith.

The words 'comprises/comprising' and the words 'having/including' when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims 1. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus for mounting to a road-vehicle loading dock which receives at least part of a cargo container of a road vehicle, the sealing apparatus comprising: at least one rotatable upper sealing element and opposing rotatable lateral sealing elements which are mountable at or adjacent to an upper wall and respective side walls of the road-vehicle loading dock; and an inflatable lower sealing element mountable at or adjacent to a lower wall of the road-vehicle loading dock, the lower sealing element being adapted to occlude an air gap at or adjacent to a lower rear edge of the cargo container of the road vehicle and the lower wall of the road-vehicle loading dock whilst at least partially extending around side edges of the cargo container.
2. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lower sealing element comprises a rear engagement portion and lateral engagement 15 portions, the lateral engagement portions projecting from the rear engagement portion.
3. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein the lower sealing element is arranged so that a spacing between the lateral sealing elements is reducible to envelop at least part of the cargo container when engaging the rear engagement portion.
4. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower sealing element is U-shaped or substantially U-shaped.
5. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower sealing element is a fluid container having a 25 container wall which is flexible.
6. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the fluid container is partially filled with fluid for allowing redistribution of the fluid.
7. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fluid container is a partially inflated air bag.
8. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each lateral sealing element is mountable so to be movable in 5 an axial direction.
9. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an outer sealing element for sealing between the wall and the upper sealing element and/or each lateral sealing element.
10. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor for sensing a vertical position of an upper surface of the cargo container and a controller for controlling a height adjustment means to adjust a vertical position of the upper sealing element to correspond to the vertical position of the upper surface of the cargo container.
II. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a signalling means for signalling to a user that an adequate seal has been formed between the cargo container and the sealing apparatus.
12. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the lower sealing element includes a switch in communication with signalling means and which is triggerable by the cargo container engaging the lower sealing element so as to 20 operate the signalling means.
13. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the switch is an air-pressure sensor.
14. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the signalling means is a light emitting element which extends at or 25 adjacent to at least part of each side wall of the opening.
15. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper sealing element and each lateral sealing element comprises cylindrical rollers.
16. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper sealing element has tapered ends for interengaging with each lateral sealing element.
17. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of the 5 preceding claims, wherein the upper sealing element and each lateral sealing element are formed from foam material.
18. A road-vehicle-loading-dock system comprising a road-vehicle loading dock and the road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims mounted to the road-vehicle loading dock.
19. A road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing device for mounting to a road-vehicle loading dock which receives at least part of a cargo container of a road vehicle, the sealing device comprising: an inflatable lower sealing element for mounting at or adjacent to a lower wall of the road-vehicle loading dock, the lower sealing element being adapted to occlude an air gap at or adjacent to a lower rear edge of the cargo container of the road vehicle and the lower wall of the road-vehicle loading dock whilst at least partially extending around side edges of the cargo container.
20. A method of occluding an air gap at or adjacent to a lower rear edge of a cargo container of a road vehicle and a lower wall of a road-vehicle loading dock, the method 20 comprising the steps: installing a road-vehicle-loading-dock sealing device as claimed in claim 19 at or adjacent to the lower wall; engaging the sealing device with the cargo container so that the sealing deice at least partially extends around side edges of the cargo container.
21. A road-vehicle-loading-dock guidance apparatus for mounting to a road-vehicle loading dock which receives at least part of a cargo container of a road vehicle, the guidance apparatus comprising signalling means for signalling to a user that a rear of a cargo container is at a required relative position with a loading dock, the signalling means being at or adjacent to at least part of each side wall of an opening of the dock.
22. A road-vehicle-loading-dock guidance apparatus as claimed in claim 21, wherein the signalling means includes one or more strips of light emitting elements to extend along 5 each side wall and along the upper wall of the dock.
23. A road-vehicle-loading-dock guidance apparatus as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the signalling means includes a controller programmed with a colour sequence for light emission to guide a driver of the said road vehicle.
24. A road-vehicle-loading-dock guidance apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising container sensing means for indicating via the signalling means a distance of the cargo container to dock engagement.
25. A road-vehicle-loading-dock guidance apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein the container sensing means includes a deviation or misalignment parameter to enable monitoring of an undesirable left and right deviation or misalignment of the cargo 15 container with the dock.