Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for crossbars with lift assists that could be featured on future Ford pickups, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on August 25th, 2021, published on March 2nd, 2023, and assigned serial number 0061449.
The Ford Authority Take
Earlier this week, Ford filed a patent for a sliding crossbar for cargo beds that would mount to each side of the bed and could be moved forward and backward as needed. This would presumably make it easier to secure things like bikes and motorcycles or ATVs, and the bars even have built-in lights on the undersides to make loading and unloading easier in low-light conditions. However, that isn’t the only such idea The Blue Oval has come up with related to the future of this type of feature, it seems.
This newly filed patent outlines an idea for lift assists that could be featured on future Ford pickups, and also implemented right along with the aforementioned crossbars. In fact, in the patent drawings, we can clearly see these lifts attached to the crossbars present in the previous patent, utilizing a robotic arm and a winch to lift/pull heavy items such as motorcycles right up into the bed of various Ford pickups.
Such an idea obviously has a lot of potential uses for pickup owners, who may or may not be physically able to load and unload heavier items in the beds of those vehicles on their own. In that case, this type of system makes a ton of sense – It would allow pretty much anyone the ability to take their toys or other heavy loads wherever they go, without having to break a sweat – or their backs – in the process.
We’ll have more on this and all Ford patents soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford patent news, Ford business news, and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
A factory power retractable tonneau cover costs $2200. I shudder to think what this rig would cost. And where would you stow it when you get your load in the box? Where did that extra tailgate panel come from, or is that another patent? I’m supposed to let my clear coat painted tailgate rest on the ground while pulling the cargo into the box? This project needs more work, IMO.
Ford always has good ideas and this one is no exception.
The problem is most of these items are stupid expensive for what they are.
Totally unnecesary, just deliver all the backordered mavericks and everybody will be satisfied. Expensive options only impress your bottom line, not your patient customers.
Patience went out the window a couple months ago.
I remind my salesman every two weeks who I am.
The problem with the waiting is that the trucks are getting more expensive everyday.
Two price increases and higher interest rates are pushing the trucks well over $30,000!
15 Gen F-150 design leaked!