GM Files Patent For Cargo Area Fold-Out Table

GM has filed a patent application describing fold-out table for a vehicle cargo area. The application was assigned patent number US 2025/0018868 A1 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and was published on January 16^th, 2025. The GM patent application was originally submitted on July 13^th, 2023, and lists several different engineers as the inventors, including Jose Roberto Paramo, Denise Valle, Joaquin Hidalgo, Juan Carlos Valencia, and David Verburgt.

The GM patent application describes a load floor fold-out table designed for vehicles, in particular SUVs and trucks, potentially enhancing the usability of the cargo area. The system includes a platform with one or more panels that are connected to the vehicle body using a specially designed hinge. The platform can be rotated and deployed from a stowed position inside the cargo zone to a position outside or partially outside the vehicle, providing a flat surface that can be used for a variety of different purposes.

The hinge design is one standout feature, enabling smooth movement of the platform. In some versions, a double hinge allows the table to rotate 180 degrees or more, providing flexibility in positioning. The platform panels can also be connected using additional hinges, allowing them to fold or unfold for a compact stowage option, or a larger usable surface.

A few possible use cases for this system include a bench for outdoor activities like camping or tailgating, or as a workspace for tools and equipment. Additionally, the system includes support features like straps and locking mechanisms, thus ensuring stability during use and secure stowage. Handles are incorporated to make the transition between stowed and deployed positions more user-friendly.

Unlike static cargo floors or limited-use deployable systems, this table folds out seamlessly without significantly reducing the storage space in the cargo area. Its double hinge and panel folding options also allow users to deploy the table in multiple configurations depending on their needs, while the design ensures high strength and low weight thanks to materials like aluminum or composite plastics.