SUVs have largely displaced sedans from showrooms and driveways partially due to their capability to hold extra cargo. However the tall experience top of an SUV may make loading and unloading gadgets harder—one thing a just lately surfaced Ford patent software goals to deal with.

Printed by the USA Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on March 7, however filed by Ford on Sept. 1, 2022, the applying offers with a deployable loading ramp that may permit customers to slip gadgets out and in of an SUV’s cargo space as an alternative of lifting them and risking strained backs.

Ford SUV cargo ramp patent picture

The ramp would deploy from a channel on the identical top because the cargo flooring, a bit just like the slide-out ramps on field vehicles. Along with offering a shallow sufficient angle for loading and unloading cargo, the ramp may be utilized by pets for getting out and in of the cargo space, Ford suggests.

Produced from a number of layers of fabric bonded along with resin, the ramp can be simply 0.3-1.1 inches thick, however would be capable to help at the least 220 kilos, and maybe as a lot as 661 kilos, based on the applying.

Ford SUV cargo ramp patent picture

The design additionally requires moisture sensors to assist stop the ramp from being utilized in circumstances the place moisture would get into its workings and freeze. It could even have a microphone to detect the sound of the ramp scraping on the bottom so drivers would not inadvertently draw back with the ramp deployed.

Each Ford and Normal Motors just lately tried to patent completely different types of built-in ramps for pickup vehicles, and aftermarket ramps are already a well-liked accent for these autos. An SUV cargo ramp is uncommon although, so this characteristic may set future Ford SUVs other than the competitors ought to it get the inexperienced gentle for manufacturing.