Mid-Gate: Literal SUV with Bed Attached?

[commadorebob]

This is a slightly older Ford patent, but I wonder if it might point to an alternative to the classic mid-gate. I've attached the patent, but it appears to be a multi-position gate that could even serve as a workbench. It seems to function more like a hatchback than your usual mid-gate. It also explains why Ford pads the back of the cab: a full-size gate opening might be a dead giveaway if it were only wrapped.

Patent:

Quick Grok AI Maverick Version

 

[paneubert]

Imagine the drag coefficient of that when driving 60 on the freeway with some lumber strapped in the back. I bet the range estimate would drop at the same pace as a stopwatch ticking off the seconds in a minute. Haha.

 

[Flash]

Interesting.... Thanks for posting.

What would be the utility of this? Storage behind 2nd row? But you have to move stuff in the bed for it to open?

I can't see this being better than a midgate due to additional height and drag at speed.