General Motors Files Patent Application for Foldable Ramp for Pickup Trucks

March 18, 2024

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General Motors (“GM”) has reportedly filed a patent application with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a foldable ramp designed for pickup trucks.

The foldable ramp is designed to simplify loading ATV’s, motorcycles, lawnmowers, and the like, into pickup trucks. Described in detail in the application, the ramp consists of two sections, both hinged in the middle. When fully set up, the two ramps connect to the tailgate of the truck. However, when not in use, the ramps can be easily folded for transport and conveniently stored inside the bed walls of the truck.

GM’s foldable ramp design contrasts from Ford’s patented design, which utilizes the entire truck bed floor as a ramp. Ford’s concept allows the bed floor to slide out beyond the tailgate, effectively transforming into a ramp for loading and unloading purposes.

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Authors: Josh Sloan and Yaseen Manan