Ford Patents Convertible Pickup Truck
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If there\\u2019s one thing we know about Americans, it\\u2019s that they love trucks. But even one of the top producers or pickups in the world knows that, sometimes, even pickup drivers want some wind in their hair.
Which may be why the company has filed a patent exploring the idea of a pickup truck with a removeable hardtop. That\\u2019s right, a pickup truck convertible.
Published last week, the patent discusses a new design that would make it easy for riders and drivers to swap to a more \\u201copen air experience\\u201d and says that current available options are difficult to remove and install. Ford would, instead, develop \\u201cremovable vehicle roof cap assemblies that are equipped with self-aligning mounting systems for simplifying installation and removal.\\u201d
Some industry experts believe the patent could be Ford\\u2019s way of trying to compete with the new Jeep Gladiator, whose roof is also removable, and they think it\\u2019s possible Ford is eyeing the Ranger for a convertible version.
And while we\\u2019re speculating it\\u2019s, of course, possible the company won\\u2019t ever explore the design at all. Many have tried over the years to perfect this concept, but with clunkier transitions and less durable materials, so maybe Ford is onto something here \\u2013 especially as the market shifts away from cars in favor or larger vehicles. Or maybe they\\u2019re just messing with Jeep.
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