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GM Files Patent For Pickup Truck Bed That Unloads Itself

GM has filed a patent application for a pickup truck bed system capable of uploading itself. The patent application was assigned patent number US 2024/0262274 A1 with the United States Patent and Trademark office (USPTO) and was published on August 8th, 2024. The patent was originally filed on February 3rd, 2023, and lists several U.S.-based engineers as the inventors, including Paul. W Alexander, Jesus Anthony Bernal, and Eric James Bontrager.

A GM patent filing image describing a pickup truck cargo system capable of unloading itself.

This patent application describes a cargo unloading system designed specifically for pickup trucks. The system aims to automate the process of unloading cargo from the truck bed, making it more efficient and less labor-intensive.

The system utilizes a tension-loaded drive mechanism that incorporates multiple bladders connected to a compressor. The bladders can expand and contract along the length of the truck bed, pushing whatever cargo happens to be loaded there. The level of push pressure is controlled by a series of straps and spools attached to the bladders. As the compressor increases the pressure within the bladders, the straps tighten, creating a counterforce that moves the cargo towards the rear of the truck bed, making it easier to unload.

The drive mechanism is quite sophisticated, with the system capable of adjusting the push pressure to ensure that the cargo is moved at a consistent and controlled rate. This cargo unloading system could be particularly beneficial for people who frequently transport heavy or bulky items in their pickup trucks. As the application points out, the traditional methods of unloading, such as manually pulling items out of the bed or using a rope or chain, can be physically demanding and time-consuming. This system could prove to be highly valuable in commercial settings where efficiency and speed are critical – for example, construction workers, landscapers, or delivery services that need to unload materials quickly and safely.

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Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

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Comments

  1. Reo

    “…creating a counterforce that moves the cargo towards the rear of the truck bed, making it easier to unload.”

    I simply put the truck in reverse, move 5 feet and then gently stab the brakes.
    Works every time.

    Reply
  2. Reno

    Is it April 1st today?

    Reply
  3. Ramaswamy Narayanaswamy

    Useless gimmick….
    Would rather do the job myself.

    Reply
  4. Robert

    How about, just making the box a dumper like a dump truck?

    Reply
    1. Steve

      Half the time these parents are strategically designed to deny function to competitors. This is a dumb design, GM knows it, and doesn’t intend to use it, but hopes it’s broad enough to lock competitors out of something else that might work.

      Dump beds is the real way to go for the actual function of this

      Reply
  5. scott

    Love it!! What a greaT idea. Good job again Chevy.

    Reply
  6. 5500

    That “quite sophisticated” setup of bladders and spools wouldn’t last ten minutes in my workplace fleet.

    Good intentions but it’s not going to survive contact with the real world. Dump beds and lift gates are going to be around for a while yet.

    Reply
  7. Mark

    I’m a fan of Chevrolet, but as Robert says, how about a dump bed.

    Reply
  8. Ron Caswell

    Isn’t auto-unloading what happens when GMC tailgates open unexpectedly?

    Reply
  9. Mattk

    What would be really cool is if they filed a patent for an 2002 Silverado and just built that.

    Reply
  10. bob

    JUST MORE CRAP TO GO WRONG….
    How about just building a reliable power train like the old days…. Mary?

    Reply
  11. John L

    I like this a lot. A bunch of folks saying why not just use a dump box might not have much experience with steel dump boxes. Dump bodies add a bunch of weight that makes them only useful in 3500 and less so 2500 configuration. Dump boxes cut into a 1500 payload enough to make them nominal useful or prohibitive, but an airbag system is much lighter, and has a bonus of dual purposing the compressor for overload leveling bags and tire inflation.

    Dump boxes also don’t allow as much control of the payload discharge either. Except with a tailgate chute and door, for certain payloads its kinda an all or nothing proposition. For gravel, top soil, mulch a progressive push unload would allow easy even placement.

    Conversely, wet gritty payloads might be tricky, and not sure how well airbags hold up compared to steel pistons.

    Options are always interesting.

    Reply
    1. Luther

      Or, they could actually be smart about this and make a floating floor with a conveyor belt system attached to the Pusher. That way, it works for both loading and unloading.

      Nothing like engineers that only try to solve part of the problem, and at the highest expense.

      Reply
  12. Glenn G

    There is already a company that makes a rolling bottom to help move loads and empty pickup boxes.

    Reply
  13. Nick

    I unload myself in my bed all the time how come I don’t have a dang article about it or a patent. The way I shamelessly clean up myself and go on about my day is revolutionary I should be very depressed at my loneliness but I’m not.

    Reply

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