An access ramp system for access between a first and a second object is provided. The second object is elevated with respect to the first object. The system includes: a supporting frame mountable to the first object; a casing box mounted to the supporting frame; a sliding ramp installed to slide inside the casing box; and a deployment mechanism for automatically moving the sliding ramp between a stand-by and a fully deployed position. In the deployed position, a nose of the sliding ramp is raised to a height equal with the second object and is engaged with the second object. In the deployed position, the sliding ramp and casing box extend across a vertical gap and a horizontal gap between the first and second objects. An upper surface of the sliding ramp and casing box defines a support surface for supporting people or objects moving between the first and second objects.

Dock leveler safety supports are disclosed herein. An example dock leveler disclosed herein includes a deck movable relative to a platform between a raised position and a lowered cross-traffic position when the dock leveler is in a working configuration. The deck to be inhibited from descending toward the lowered cross-traffic position when the dock leveler is in a service configuration. A first deck obstruction is movable relative to the deck between a secured position and an unrestrained position. The first deck obstruction in the secured position configures the dock leveler in the service configuration. The first deck obstruction in the unrestrained position configures the dock leveler in the working configuration. The first deck obstruction in the secured position to block movement of the deck toward the lowered cross-traffic position and the first deck obstruction in the unrestrained position to permit movement of the deck toward the lowered cross-traffic position. A first connector to couple the first deck obstruction to an obstruction actuator. The first connector including a rod, a sleeve to telescopically receive the rod, and a spring held in compression between the rod and the sleeve.

There is an access ramp system for access between a first and a second object. The second object is elevated with respect to the first object. The system includes a supporting frame mountable to the first object; a casing box mounted to the supporting frame; a sliding ramp installed to slide inside the casing box; and a deployment mechanism for automatically moving the sliding ramp between a stand-by and a fully deployed position. In the deployed position, a nose of the sliding ramp is raised to a height equal with the second object and is engaged with the second object. In the deployed position, the sliding ramp and casing box extend across a vertical gap and a horizontal gap between the first and second objects. An upper surface of the sliding ramp and casing box defines a support surface for supporting people or objects moving between the first and second objects.