TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to a device for cargo carriers, and more particularly to an accessory for ease of loading and unloading cargo carriers.

BACKGROUND

Cargo carriers are commonly used to haul cargo, and may take a variety of forms such as flatbed trailers. Such flatbed trailers have dominated the hauling industry, and are commonly used due to the ability to haul a variety of cargo types and configurations. One example of cargo hauled by flatbed trailers is palletized cargo, which is cargo that has been loaded onto a pallet. The pallet may provide a support structure for the cargo and includes one or more interior passages configured to receive the forks of a forklift. In this regard, palletized cargo may be easily loaded and unloaded onto the trailer by forklift. However, not all cargo may be easily palletized, due to a variety of considerations such as occupying a non-standard size. In these instances, the cargo carrier may desire the functionality of loading and unloading by forklift.

Flatbed drivers have previously accomplished the loading and unloading of non-standard cargo by forklift through the use of dunnage boards. The dunnage boards are typically four by four hardwood lumber which provide a space between the flatbed trailer and the cargo to be hauled. In this regard, a forklift driver may insert and remove the forklift forks underneath the cargo. However, in some instances it may be desirable to be able to haul material with no dunnage boards. To accomplish this, the dunnage boards must be removed and stowed away before being able to haul cargo.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a device that can be easily configured for loading cargo by forklift while also being able to retain a low profile.

SUMMARY

A dunnage device is disclosed in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one illustrative embodiment, the device includes a mounting plate configured to mount to a trailer. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a first support plate connected to the mounting plate by a first pivotable connection. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a first load supporting plate connected to the first support plate by a second pivotable connection, the load supporting plate being configured to receive a load. In another illustrative embodiment, the device includes a second support plate connected to the load supporting plate by a third pivotable connection. In another illustrative embodiment, the device is configured to transition between a raised position and a lowered position by the first, second, and third pivotable connection. In another illustrative embodiment, the raised position of the device provides a space between the trailer and the load. In another illustrative embodiment, the device is held in the raised position by a locking plate.

In another illustrative embodiment, a system of a plurality of dunnage devices are mounted to a trailer. In another illustrative embodiment, the plurality of dunnage devices are mounted to the trailer in a direction perpendicular to a driving direction. In another illustrative embodiment, the plurality of dunnage devices are mounted to the trailer in a direction parallel to a driving direction.

