Collapsible cargo trailer and method of distribution

Abstract

A cargo trailer having a frame assembly with pivotally mounted wall structures or frames. The frame assembly can be collapsed into a compact shipping configuration wherein the wall structures are positioned substantially parallel with the floor structure of the trailer. Various parts of the cargo trailer can also be stowed in the collapsed frame assembly for shipment of the frame assembly and stored parts. After shipment of the cargo trailer, the wall structures are pivoted into their upright positions and the final assembly of the cargo trailer is completed. Exterior panels may be shipped together in a compact stack with the frame to the final assembly location where the panels are attached to the cargo trailer.

1 . A method of distributing a cargo trailer, said method comprising: 
 pivotally attaching a plurality of frames to a floor structure to thereby provide a frame assembly;    placing the frame assembly in a shipping configuration at a first location wherein the plurality of frames are disposed proximate and substantially parallel to the floor structure;    shipping the frame assembly from the first location to a second location with the frame assembly in the shipping configuration; and    completing assembly of the cargo trailer at the second location including pivoting the plurality of frames into an upright position substantially perpendicular to the floor structure and securing the frames in the upright position.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of completing assembly of the cargo trailer at the second location includes attaching an axle assembly to the frame assembly.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein, during said step of shipping the frame assembly, the axle assembly is stowed within the frame assembly while the frame assembly is in the shipping configuration.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 3  wherein a hitch structure is stowed within the frame assembly during the step of shipping the frame assembly in the shipping configuration and said step of completing assembly of the cargo trailer at the second location includes attaching the hitch structure to the frame assembly.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein said step of completing assembly of the cargo trailer at the second location includes attaching a plurality of panels to the plurality of frames to thereby define an exterior surface of the cargo trailer.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  further comprising securing the plurality of panels together in a stack and shipping the stacked panels to the second location.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein a plurality of frame assemblies are shipped from the first location to the second location and assembly is completed for a corresponding plurality of cargo trailers at the second location; and wherein said step of shipping the frame assembly from the first location to the second location includes stacking the plurality of frame assemblies, one upon the other, while the frame assemblies are in the shipping configuration.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 7  further comprising: 
 shipping a plurality of panels to the second location; and    attaching the plurality of panels to the plurality of frame assemblies to thereby complete the assembly of a plurality of cargo trailers at the second location.