Two current Ford patent filings have surfaced detailing reconfigurable seating preparations for baby automobile seats.

The 2 patent functions, each revealed by the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) on Oct. 3, seem to cowl variations of the identical thought, particularly utilizing a system of actuators to rearrange seats as wanted.

Ford reconfigurable seating patent picture

As described within the functions, seats could be mounted on rails not not like those used for sliding seats in some present manufacturing automobiles. This may permit the seats to maneuver fore and aft for simpler entry. The underside cushion may additionally pivot up, permitting seats to be stacked shut collectively at one finish of the cabin—releasing up area with out the necessity to take away them utterly.

Ford additionally discusses swiveling seats that could possibly be turned to face the door for simpler set up of a automobile seat. The entire seat may then swivel to face rearward, the right place for infants.

Ford reconfigurable seating patent picture

Patented concepts do not at all times attain manufacturing, however reconfigurable seating has been a theme of current Ford patent filings.A handful of Ford patent functions surfaced in September protecting swivel seating, in-bed-seating, a retractable steering wheel, and an in-cab work station. One other patent software for a movable in-vehicle desk additionally appeared earlier this yr.

A few of these concepts, such because the in-bed seating and in-cab work station, are clearly targeted on pickup vans. The reconfigurable seating detailed right here, alternatively, looks as if a greater match for an SUV or different household automobile. Ford is planning to launch an electrical three-row SUV in 2025 that will probably be designed from the bottom up as an EV. The clean-sheet design may create extra room for incorporating new options like these swiveling seats.