Ford Global Technologies based in the United States have recently had their patent application published by the United States Patent Office.
Worthy of particular note, the patent application was lodged 15 November 2019, and has only just been published recently at the time of writing January 2022.
So if you are thinking to do your own searches, you need to be mindful of the obvious problem that you could miss 18-24 months of patents which have been lodged, but are not available for searching. This is a substantial commercial risk. Our firm conducts patent searches, and updates them, at client requests.
The patent is entitled “Truck bed with selectively actuated magnetic floor sections”. It discloses a concept of a ute having controllably magnetic zones for retaining equipment. It removes the need to drill into the body or floor to secure these objects, making it easy to put your equipment in, and also take it out when you need.
It works on a dual magnetic system where the second magnet moves relative to the first to vary the strength of magnetic force applied to objects in the ute tray.
Before despatch in the Ford vehicles, there will be some vehicle safety standards that need to be met.
An obvious advantage of this system is the time saving in not having to secure items. There’s the concern and worry that they are not secured properly, and could become unhitched during transit.
Magnetic forces can be substantially stronger than straps of cords.
The patent has not yet been granted. If you consider you have a ground-breaking concept, our Patent Attorneys are ready to assist you maintain confidentiality and apply for the appropriate Intellectual Property.
Please do not hesitate to contact us today.
