Next Gen Ranger: Ford Applies For Pickup Removable Roof Patent

[rangerdanger]

The Fast Lane Truck: Will Ford Ranger Be a Convertible Truck in the Future with a Lightweight Removable Top?

We reported recently on Ford’s ambitious plans to (possibly) allow the upcoming Bronco to remove doors, mirrors and roofs. What we weren’t expecting was a patent to hit the net (thanks to Ford Authority) that appears to feature a Ford Ranger with a removable roof.

This is listed as patent US 2019 291 552 A1 and was officially published on September 26 2019, but get this – it was filed for on March 23 2018.

These patent illustrations leave us with more questions than answers. One thing that makes sense is the speculation by Ford Authority that the truck pictured is indeed a Ranger. It makes sense based on what we already confirmed about the upcoming Bronco.

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[07XLT]

That's intriguing. I don't have a desire for a sunroof much less removable roof. To each his own though

 

[Rinn69]

That's intriguing. I don't have a desire for a sunroof much less removable roof. To each his own though

^^^ Ditto. I'd rather see a Ranger Lightning Bolt AWD like the GMC Syclone, but that's me...

 

[Rescue Ranger]

Ranger drawing kind of looks like Chevy invited Dodge over for Netflix and adult beverages and this was a result. The hood looks like Dodge and the wheel wells look like the flat top GM styling

 

[Curtzilla]

I already have a Ford with a removable top. It has a pony on the front. That's the only one Ford needs.

 

[t4thfavor]

Soooo, it's a Wrangler hard top eh... I hope crap like this gets denied by the USPTO... It's ridiculous that they even think something like this is novel enough to apply for a patent.

Just make the Bronco have a removable shell with a decent ROPS, and call it a day...

 

[RANGER_MARC]

Why do we have to follow Jeep and have everything (doors, windows, mirrors, roofs) removable? What a terrible idea! I would not even buy a truck with a sun or moon roof, much less a removable one!

 

[joeb427]

Nice option for some but not for me. I rarely if ever drive with my windows open. I like silence and listening to a very good sound system.

 

[THWG]

This is listed as patent US 2019 291 552 A1 and was officially published on September 26 2019, but get this – it was filed for on March 23 2018.

This delay in the publishing of the patent application is typical since there is an 18-month period between earliest filing date and publication of the application. Ford, of course, could have filed a nonpublication request if they sought secrecy.

 

[HoosierT]

Nice option for some but not for me. I rarely if ever drive with my windows open. I like silence and listening to a very good sound system.

I, on the other hand, pretty much have my windows down from 50-90 degrees, even on the highway at 80mph. As such, I think I'd love a removable roof.

 

[BDoc]

I'll just throw this out there - what if it's not for the Ranger at all? What if it's intended to be on the "compact" pickup Ford is rumored to be building?

Then again, if it's for the Ranger - NO THANKS! Leave removable tops to the Bronco.

 

[Ranger #6]

There goes your torsional rigidity... Rattle, creak, squeak city!

 

[Rinn69]

Anyone remember in the early 90's, the plexiglass or acrylic "jet fighter canopy" you could put on a Ranger ? Just cut most of the roof off with the template and install it.

 

[SN13]

If I were a betting man, i'd put my money on "Bronco" line instead of Ranger....

 

[IdahoRanger]

If I were a betting man, i'd put my money on "Bronco" line instead of Ranger....

Me too

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