Bronco Patents for Awesome Removable Doors Surface
Bronco patents show split removable doors that have a simple latch system for easy removal and reinstallation.
We don’t know a whole lot about the upcoming reincarnation of the iconic Ford Bronco. However, things are slowly beginning to funnel our way. Thus far, everything points to this being one sweet rig upon release. With the Bronco’s iconic history, one might wonder what took Ford so long to bring it back. Though, it looks like it’s going to be well worth the wait.
Recently Car and Driver published some of Ford’s new patents for removable doors, and they look fantastic. Thus far, it seems like Ford has one-upped the king of removable doors. While Jeep’s doors required the removal of bolts that you risk losing in an offroading adventure, Ford’s patents show that the doors will be attached with a simple latch system. This will allow quick and easy removal of the doors when you want them off, and a quick reinstall when you don’t. Furthermore, the doors appear to split in half, allowing you to take the window frame off the lower section of the door entirely.
Another patent shows a very sleek looking storage system for the doors in the rear of the Bronco. Each door has it’s own little slot to sit comfortably in, ensuring they stay in place when the road gets rough.
The Drive brings to our attention a patent showing a Bronco with ‘suicide doors’ in the rear. While it is pretty cool, it’s important to remember that the patent does not necessarily represent the final design. These are to protect concepts that Ford has developed.
Safety is still important to think about, even without doors. In one patent, Ford shows safety restraints or ‘tube doors’ that span across the Bronco’s door openings. This offers the opportunity to have airbag safety while maintaining the airy feeling of driving with no doors. The patent outlines that they may be extended at all times when doors are removed, or potentially extend automatically when an imminent crash is sensed.
Ford has even gone as far as to patent this wild climate control system. It is designed to sense when the vehicle has no doors or roof.
We don’t know for sure if these patents will hit the production 2021 Bronco. However, it seems that Ford is genuinely doing their homework to bring us removable doors.
Photos: US Patent & Trademark Office
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