Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a design that may make it easier to sleep in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on September 30th, 2021, published on June 6th, 2023, and assigned serial number 11667321.
The Ford Authority Take
Ford has been exploring ways to make it more comfortable to sleep in vehicles for some time now – something that CEO Jim Farley sees as a profitable proposition – recently filing a patent for a “disappearing” steering wheel and pedals system, giving the new E-Tourneo Custom a folding steering wheel, and launching the Max Recline Seats feature on the 2021 Ford F-150, though that particular feature has been difficult to come by lately thanks to the chip shortage. Now, this newly filed patent seemingly combines elements of all of those ideas in to one feature that may make its way into future Ford vehicles, too.
Rather than seats that recline all the way back or a folding steering wheel, this new patent combines those ideas into one, and adds even more ways to clear out some space for those that wish to catch some Zs on the go. In this case, the steering wheel is mated to a support system that makes it easy to stow and store when not in use, at which point it would be rendered inoperable for safety purposes. However, that’s just the beginning of what makes this system different.
From there, the foot pedals would also utilize an actuator that could move them out of the way, at which point a foot rest is introduced to provide a comfy place to stretch out and place one’s feet. Of course, the final step of this process involves the seat reclining all the way back, turning the inside of a vehicle into a comfy, roomy place to stretch out and sleep. Given Ford’s mission to make it easier to sleep in its vehicles, we certainly wouldn’t be one bit surprised to see this particular feature show up in future models.
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Comments
The sooner the better.
Reminds of our Business Class cocoons on our flight from Toronto to Costa Rica in February. Similar concept. Cool.
If this does become a reality make sure to always lock your vehicle. The homeless / illegals may see this as additional living space or a 2nd bedroom.
That’s so true.
They cost as much as a house these days