West Virginia Patent of the Month – February 2023

Flatbed trucks are designed to manage cargo. The bulkhead is crucial to this end, positioned along the front end of the trailer, this component prevents the forward movement of cargo and protects the driver as they transport heavy loads. Chrome Deposit Corp. has recently patented their design for a collapsible bulkhead and flatbed.

The design includes a flatbed trailer with a lower center of gravity and a set of side rails. A series of collapsible bulkheads, which act as load placement devices, are placed around the deck of the trailer, managing cargo at multiple contact points. By increasing the number of contact points where cargo is managed, there is less stress placed on any single bulkhead, extending their lifespan and reducing the risk of failure.

By using collapsible bulkheads, the design can effectively slow or stop cargo in motion.  By collapsing or crushing the bulkhead, kinetic energy of the moving load is dissipated and controlled by the crushed remnant of the bulkhead. This ultimately improves the safety of the driver as well as the traveling public who may be near the trailer.

Are you developing new technology for an existing application? Did you know your development work could be eligible for the R&D Tax Credit and you can receive up to 14% back on your expenses? Even if your development isn’t successful your work may still qualify for R&D credits (i.e. you don’t need to have a patent to qualify). To find out more, please contact a Swanson Reed R&D Specialist today or check out our free online eligibility test.

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