Jeep designs a grille guard that converts into a bench

Grille guard protects radiator While making the vehicle look more rugged, Jeep may give them another use.

The brand Stellantis has designed a grille guard that folds up to be used as a bench. This was disclosed in a patent application filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on April 28, 2023, and published by the agency on October 31 this year.

According to the patent document, the grille guard will be attached to the vehicle’s main structure via a bracket with a pivot mechanism, allowing it to be moved from a traditional vertical position to a horizontal position for use as a bench. The design calls for a tubular structure similar to traditional grill guards, with one or more removable panels to provide a more comfortable seat.

When folded down, the grille guard provides seating like an opening tailgate, but extends from the front of the vehicle instead of the rear. This is something that most other automakers haven’t considered, although Lucid plans to offer removable seats in the front trunk of its Gravity electric SUV for use when parking.

As for why it filed for a patent for a combined grille guard and bench, Jeep pointed out in the application that there is a large market for vehicle accessories, especially its famous off-road vehicles, adding that “people want vehicle accessories that can serve more than one purpose.” Purpose.”

The attached image shows a Wrangler-like SUV, so this accessory may be under consideration for that model’s redesign. The next-generation Wrangler, known as the J70 series, is expected to launch in 2028 with plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains. Another electric SUV, the Recon, is also expected to appear before the J70 as a replacement for the current gasoline Wrangler. It was recently spied testing ahead of its 2025 release.

High-Res Gallery: Jeep Grille Guard Bench Patent Pictures

This article was originally published by ClassicCars.com editorial partner Motor Authority