Ford has patented a new cabin-based sleeping platform that appears designed for the Bronco, offering a flexible setup that turns the SUV’s interior into a camping space. Published by the USPTO as US 20260233661 A1, the patent does not name the Bronco directly, but the SUV shown in the filing closely matches the vehicle.
How Ford’s Sleeping Platform Works
The patented system is built around a three-panel platform designed to work with the Bronco’s existing 60/40 split-folding rear seats. Unlike the truck-bed tonneau tent Ford patented in 2024, this concept is contained entirely within the cabin.
When stored, the platform lies flat against the cargo floor and seatbacks, keeping it out of the way during normal driving. Once the rear seats are folded, the middle panel lines up with the cargo floor.
Ford describes two ways to extend the third panel forward over the front seats. One setup uses dual arms built into the front seatback that swing outward and lock into slots on the front panel.
The second design connects the front panel to the rear headrest mounting points through a hinge. Deployable legs can then drop to the floor or lock into recessed mounts built into the B- and C-pillars.
The concept also includes a dedicated mattress topper, gear shelving and an insect-proof mesh net designed to provide ventilation.
Ford Continues Filing Bronco Patents
The sleeping-platform concept is the latest in a series of Bronco-related patents Ford has published recently.
A door power-transfer system that eliminates the need to unplug wiring when removing Bronco doors surfaced just yesterday. Before that, Ford published a roof-panel storage patent in June that allows removed panels to stack together and remain with the vehicle.
None of the patents guarantee that the concepts will reach production. The filings, however, show Ford continuing to develop ideas around the Bronco’s outdoor-lifestyle positioning.
Ford Already Offers a Camping-Focused Bronco in China
Ford already sells a camping-focused Bronco in China called the electrified Bronco Basecamp. It features a pop-up roof, a one-touch camping mode that folds the front seats flat and a built-in rear kitchen.
It remains unclear whether the new sleeping-platform patent represents a similar concept for U.S. Broncos or simply protects an idea that may never reach production. The patent filing itself does not establish which path Ford will take.
