Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a trailer hitch with an integrated bottle opener that may be used in future Ford vehicles, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on August 11th, 2023, published on February 13th, 2025, and assigned serial number 0050695.
Oftentimes, we come across patent filings that are rather complex in nature, involving new types of software and hardware, not to mention sensors and other pricey equipment. However, every so often, we spot a Ford patent for something incredibly simple, and as such, seemingly affordable and potentially viable for use in the real world. Last September, that list included a pretty nifty idea for all kinds of potential tailgate attachments we might see in pickups one day, and now, The Blue Oval has published a patent for a trailer hitch with an integrated bottle opener that may be used in future Ford vehicles, too.
As one might imagine, the idea here is about as simple as they get – making a traditional hitch plate double as a bottle opener using a specially designed slot. This space would of course accommodate trailer chains as is the case with existing pieces, but it would also be capable of doubling as a bottle opener for those times when one just needs a cold beverage while out in the wild somewhere. Currently, Ford offers integrated bottle openers in places like tailgates and in some rear cargo areas, so such an idea makes a lot of sense.
“Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property,” Ford said in a statement. “The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.”
After Ford determined the root cause of the issue.
A little good news in a rather expensive world.
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It's apparently something that a lot of folks want.
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Ford is relentlessly pushing the frontiers of engineering.
And it's not yet April First
Funniest sarcasm of the year!
Bottle opener!! What do they charge the buyer for that?$150.00!!
Minor “innovations” won’t overcome focused competitor engineering on performance, reliability, and build quality. Excepting the 2025 Maverick Hybrid, Ford vehicles rank too far down Consumer Reports and others’ lists to get increasing market share.
Ahem,
https://fordauthority.com/2025/01/ford-ranger-named-2025-north-american-truck-of-the-year/
completely useless
That's what people want. Instead of updating your stupid BlueCruise that we paid 4 grand for give us a bottle opener.
Whatever engineer came up with this needs to be terminated with extreme prejudice.
Innovative.
OMG- I'm sure the research discovered that the number of twist off bottles and the canned beverages were all switching back to needing a bottle opener. Ford is really pushing the limits of engineering here.
What a joke.
How about terminating that ugly Maverick?
who cares will add $150.00 to price
Fantastic, a bottle opener but no RWD!