Bronco patent docs suggest even the roll cage will be removable

Ford has filed patent documents for a removable roof and roll cage, apparently for the upcoming Bronco, giving us our best look yet at the new SUV.According to patent documents discovered by AutoGuide’s AllFordMustangs.com arm, the Bronco will have a removable hard top and a removable cage, allowing for a to provide an open-air driving experience.The Bronco is looking to compete directly with the Jeep Wrangler, which means it will have to offer a similar open-top experience. However, the Wrangler only has a removable roof, not a removable roll cage like these patents suggest the Ford might get.The documents show a cage that attaches to the B- and C-pillars behind the doors, and that can be removed with just a few bolts. The patent documents also give us a better look at the bodywork of the new truck, showing off the square styling the Bronco is known for.In order for the truck to comply with safety regulations with the roof and cage off, there will be smaller pillar posts to retain the third seatbelt mounting point. Ford calls these removable belt posts, and they attach to the pillars as well as the floor to offer more strength.The removable cage could offer some problems for off-roading fans, as the Bronco will undoubtedly be taken out on the trails. A cage is usually required to be completely attached to the frame to offer proper protection, but well just have to see if Ford can come up with a safe enough system for the final production
Origin: Bronco patent docs suggest even the roll cage will be removable

Is this a Ford Bronco pickup — and with a removable roof?

Fords upcoming new Bronco might morph into a pickup truck with a removable roof, putting it nose-to-nose with the Jeep Gladiator, at least according to some newly-unearthed patent drawings.According to Ford Authority, the patents show a truck that appears to be the Ford Ranger yes, the same midsize that will donate its platform to the Bronco sport-utility.The patent shows a removable hardtop, with a windshield header, rear body structure and roof cap that clamps on.The patent application says the roof caps mounting system would allow it to be installed or removed by one person, a tougher job that takes two on a Jeep. The patents include a version with a sliding rear window.Previously-discovered Ford patents show a vehicle, believed to be the Bronco, with removable doors. Theyd undoubtedly be included alongside a take-off top, allowing a Bronco pickup to shed doors and roof as the Gladiator can. Putting a removable roof on the Bronco sport-ute would also put it in the same category as the completely-openable Wrangler. Given that the Wrangler begat the Gladiator, were pretty sure Ford wont turn down an opportunity for its Bronco to similarly shift into a truck as well.As youd expect, Ford isnt saying a word about the patent drawings. Were not even sure when the Bronco will formally break ground, although it may happen at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November the same venue where, at the 2018 edition, the Gladiator made its first appearance, bumping up over a set of stairs on its way to the
Origin: Is this a Ford Bronco pickup — and with a removable roof?

More patents further hint new Ford Bronco could have removable doors

1966 Ford Bronco ICON DerelictIcon Tom Petty once sang that waiting is the hardest part. Hes exactly right especially when it comes to the new Ford Bronco.It seems like an eternity since the company announced the trucks return in Detroit nearly three years ago. Since then, weve been kept alive with the dribs and drabs of teasers and leaks.The latest leak comes courtesy of the sharp eyes at AutoGuide, who have found patent drawings which seemingly confirm rumours the new Bronco will have removable doors in addition to a removable top. These drawings depict a squared-off SUV with, to put it mildly, a free-flow interior.Binning the doors on command would be a great feature, one that until now was reserved for owners of Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators. Nothing is certain, of course, especially since car companies frequently patent ideas and never use them for any number of reasons. But even the possibility of a door-less Bronco gets us jonesing to visit a Blue Oval dealer post-haste.Also buried in these patent drawings is a nifty method of providing side protection for occupants. It seems that the company is developing some sort of remote inflator, one which could be permanently fixed in the door pillar but fire its charge some distance to inflate a bag located inside a set of rugged tubular doors.The filings suggest this could be accomplished by way of a stout-but-telescopic bar equipped with strategically placed holes. As for the rest of this new Ford, well have to wait like everyone else. Your author found a listing at Canadian Tire, of all places, suggesting the 2021 Bronco will have a 2.3-litre four-banger under its hood, a mill which likely shares much with that found in the Ranger.This man is also willing to bet money a removable roof, or at least removable roof panels, will be in the offing on Bronco, along with off-road kit from the Ranger
Origin: More patents further hint new Ford Bronco could have removable doors