US Patent 10377291 Carrier system with ramp and bridge device at cargo bed

A carrier system and method for assisting in handling cargo of a vehicle. A carrier container includes an interior storage space surrounded by a front side facing the rear of the vehicle, rear, left, right, and bottom sides, and an open top that allows access to the interior storage space with a lid that closes and opens the top. A carrier support structure mounted to the carrier container is inserted into the hitch of the vehicle and holds the top surface of the container flush with the cargo bed of the vehicle. The lid is opened to deploy a ramp stored inside which is anchored to the container so that it is flush with the top surface of the container and reaches the ground. The lid is closed and a bridge plate commonly hinged with the lid is deployed over any gap between the cargo bed and the container top, providing a continuous surface between the cargo bed and the ground for use by pets for ingress and egress of the vehicle and for handling cargo.