Patent ID: 7604267

Claim:
A trailer, having a longitudinal axis, for use in receiving cargo from a loading dock and transporting the cargo to a destination, the trailer comprising: a frame comprising a plurality of structural members for supporting the cargo; a generally-rigid shock-absorbing member secured adjacent to a back portion of the trailer, the shock-absorbing member comprising: (a) a distal surface extended away from the back portion of the trailer and oriented to contact a surface of the loading dock as the trailer is backed into the loading dock; and, (b) a proximate surface positioned to contact at least one of the plurality of structural members at the back portion of the trailer; and, a modular step rigidly coupled to the shock-absorbing member to dissipate at least a portion of a force exerted on the step to minimize damage to the structural member contacting the proximate surface of the shock absorbing member, the modular step comprising: (a) a tread portion upon which a person can stand; (b) a longitudinal axis; (c) wherein the longitudinal axis of the modular step is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the trailer; and (d) wherein the modular step is fabricated from a generally-rigid and deformable material.