Ford Motor Company has filed a patent for a bed mounted lifting device that may be used in future Ford pickups, Ford Authority has learned.
The patent was filed on March 6th, 2024, published on September 11th, 2025, and assigned serial number 0282272.
The Ford Authority Take
Among the many ways it may make the beds of future Ford pickups more useful, The Blue Oval has published patents for ideas such as a lift assembly and a lift assist system with repositioning in recent years. Now, it’s following up those filings with this newly published patent that presents us with another type of bed mounted lifting device, which could also wind up landing in future production Ford pickups, too.
In this case, Ford proposes a rather beefy looking lift system that’s designed to take up as little space as possible. The lift could fold up neatly when it’s not in use, presumably not taking up too much cargo space. However, when one needs help lifting heavy items into or out of the bed, this unit could provide precisely that. The lift would unfold itself into what resembles a mini crane of sorts, with a swivel mount that could reach items located anywhere around the pickup bed – after which it could be attached to those items in various ways. Such an idea certainly has potential, making it seemingly viable for use in future models if The Blue Oval opts to go that route.
“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.”
Comments
Well a lifting device is a nifty idea…however maybe they should figure out a way to make sure that the box on new f150cs are positioned correctly instead! My new f150 has the bed offset to drivers side almost 1 inch. The dealer has requested a fix from Ford. I await there decision.
Good option, but a patent???
Get serious, these devices have been around for 30 years.
I would like to see the tailgate close with a push of a button. It has become pretty heavy for us older guys. What I think is a problem in my F350 Superduty, I can’t see a car on the side of me, especially in the dark. It would be great if the sensor that The sensor shuts off once the vehicles front end comes even with the back door. It doesn’t detect a vehicle on the side of you past that point. It would be great if it remained lit until the vehicle on the side is completely passed the front of the truck. I have had too many close calls as a lot of cars today are below the line of site out the passenger windows and right front fender. I’m sure it could be a simple fix by adding another sensor on the passenger side. Food for thought.