Rivian is engaged on a brand new system of clamps to safe cargo within the beds of pickup vans.
In a patent utility filed with the US Patent and Trademark Workplace (USPTO) in early 2023, however solely printed by the company on Might 30, Rivian discusses bed-mounted decking with pressure-operated latches. Power utilized to the latches causes them to open or shut, securing cargo to the decking.
The appliance goes on to debate cargo containers that could possibly be lashed to the mattress utilizing this clamping system. The containers would be capable of open on two sides, offering additional flexibility for accessing gadgets as soon as the containers are stowed within the cargo mattress.
It additionally creates extra prospects for equipment—and thus extra potential income from prospects. Simply because the automaker presents a camp kitchen that slots into the R1T pickup truck’s Gear Tunnel, it might provide specifically designed containers that work with its in-bed clamps and decking. In the identical vein, one other latest patent submitting from the automaker reveals a deployable roof-top cover.
Patent picture of Rivian bed-mounted decking and cargo containers
That is additionally simply one among a number of latest Rivian patent filings regarding cargo administration. Current patent searches have additionally uncovered a mattress rack system and a powered cargo bay divider. None of those options are assured to achieve manufacturing, however Rivian is clearly leaving no stone unturned on the subject of enhancing the performance of its automobiles.
Rivian additionally has some new automobiles within the pipeline, beginning with the R2 SUV due in 2026. Smaller R3 and R3X hatchbacks will comply with the R2 at some unspecified future date, and a trademark submitting signifies Rivian can be contemplating efficiency variations of the its present R1-platform automobiles.
