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.

 

[commadorebob]

I don't think it is intended to be driven fully erect.

 

[paneubert]

I don't think it is intended to be driven fully erect.

You know there is a segment of the population that is going to say "hold my beer....".

 

[Flash]

I don't think it is intended to be driven fully erect.

So I will ask again, what is the point? 2nd row storage behind the seat? Drive with it partially open but below the roof line? I just don't see one... Open to input...

 

[paneubert]

So I will ask again, what is the point? 2nd row storage behind the seat? Drive with it partially open but below the roof line? I just don't see one... Open to input...

I mean....if you are asking literally, the answer is that Ford (and most companies) patent every single little idea they have, just in case it comes in handy down the road, even if that road may be 10 or 20 years "long". Could even be that they never see themselves using it on a Ford vehicle, but license the tech/design to another company to use on their vehicles.

We have seen all sorts of interesting patents come out from the automakers. Doesn't mean they plan to use them. There was one a while back that would allow vehicles with any form of "self driving" to reposition themselves on command for repossession/towing easier when the owner doesn't pay their bills. The tow truck could literally pull up to your house and command your truck to drive itself out from your backyard and into the street for easy recovery.

Can you imagine the uproar if that was announced as a "feature"? But they patented the concept just in case. I think I also recall one where it would blast your radio at full blast if you were behind on your payments. And disable the heat and AC functionality. Annoy the living hell out of you until you paid your car loan.

Edit to add: For this "gull-wing" mid-gate thing in the patent, I could see it being a cool camping setup if you folded down the rear seats and used a custom tent to connect to the raised gate. Would give you a bit of a solid roof over your "tent" area. Could be cool.