Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a new dog harness assembly that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on March 3rd, 2023, published on September 5th, 2024, and assigned serial number 0292815.
The Ford Authority Take
It wasn’t too terribly long ago that Ford sold a dog harness via its own accessories site, a piece that was made by Covercraft and retailed for around $100. Available in a variety of sizes, that harness was designed to safely secure pets in vehicles and reduce the risk of injury in the event of an accident, and it also featured a Blue Oval logo for good measure. However, that item is no longer available, though the automaker apparently hasn’t given up on the idea completely. Rather, a Ford patent was filed for a vehicular pet restraint system over two years ago, and now, this newly published patent presents us with a new type of harness.
These days, many dog owners like to take their pets with them to all sorts of places, whether it be the vet, the park, or just around town to hang out at any place that welcomes them. It’s a great way to socialize dogs and introduce them to others, but transporting a pet safely in a vehicle is also a chief concern among owners. Many choose to tote their dogs around unrestrained, but that can result in injuries in the event of an accident – not to mention a potential distraction for the driver.
Thus, this Ford patent aims to solve that problem with a new harness design utilizing a chest and back strap that would attach to a vehicle’s existing seat belt and child seat anchor, providing an extra layer of protection. The harness could be easily attached and detached with an operation just like a seat belt as well, making it convenient for dog owners – and a potentially great way to protect them as well.
Comments
Designer obviously has never traveled with a dog in a vehicle. No dog is going to sit, nor want to be restrained in a sitting position for any amount of time. Dog will want to look out a window until bored and then lay down and take a nap.
Edit… if I were able…. You don’t even have to believe. Photograph speaks for itself. Does the dog look happy to be restrained in a sitting position? No. No it does not.
I have dogs since 2006. I bought harnesses at Amazon made br Four Paws which is comfortable for the dogs. It has wool padding inside the chest area, and has a loop to pass the seat belt buckle through. After the dog is secured it has limited novement, but if the vehicle stopped suddenly, the harness hold the dog with no harm. Get it and forget about the patent. NEVER let a dog loose inside any vehicle! Treat them as your children.
Cat people with the wrong pet.
I like how Ford Authority watermarks FoMoCo’s patent documents like it’s their own
That looks like a good idea, but, as someone said, I don’t think a dog is going to sit still with a harness. I have seen so many dogs hanging out the windows lately, it is amazing that none have been hurt, or even hit by bugs and such.