Ford’s Clever New Patent Reimagines One of Jeep’s Most Convenient Summer Features

While 4x4s like the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco are incredibly popular because of their old-school convertible roofs, their open-air configurations aren’t as user-friendly as you might think.

Sure, removing some front panels or retracting a portion of the soft-top makes for a fairly straightforward process. However, removing (and installing) the whole setup requires managing cumbersome panels, lining up finicky weather seals and budgeting enough storage to hold it all.

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Currently, Jeep offers a more convenient alternative with its Sky One-Touch Power Top. Now, it seems that Ford is eyeing the Wrangler by envisioning a similar solution for  Bronco owners.

Ford / USPTO

Ford’s convenient droptop design

The confirmation comes courtesy of Ford Authority. The enthusiast outlet surfaced a Blue Oval patent (20260138425) filed with the USPTO that describes a “vehicle roof with manually configurable sliding panels.”

In practice, the design would essentially act like a large, fully retractable moonroof. Per the patent filing, the transparent panels ride on a series of tracks and can be set in open, intermediate and closed positions.

Ford / USPTO

As a result, it’s a self-contained system. Everything remains in place, so there’s no need to fiddle with pesky latches, lug pieces around or keep the trunk open to hold the convertible top. 

Now, it’s not a powered system. In this particular patent, Ford engineers have imagined a design that incorporates a slide handle for deployment and retraction from within the cabin.

While push-button operation with an integrated electric motor would allow for even simpler operation, that does come at the expense of added complexity. Being manual in operation, Ford’s design ensures there are fewer components at risk of falling.  

Ford / USPTO

The ace the Bronco needs

Besides, there are much bigger implications than mere added user convenience. A patent filing is no guarantee something like this will ever hit the market, but Ford’s design would be a game-changer were it to make it to production.

For one, it would allow Bronco owners to haul bikes, boards and other gear on rails while still being able to open the roof. In its current form, Ford’s retro-SUV actually requires detachment of the rack before removing the front panels.

Ford / USPTO

As a result, it would also allow for much more flexible driving. Bronco owners could hit the road running the top down no matter the forecast, without having to make accommodations for unexpected weather or rooftop gear storage. 

Ultimately, though, Ford’s design is one that would make for an attractive alternative to Jeep’s Sky One-Touch Power Top. Up until now, the Blue Oval hasn’t offered an equivalent option.

Stellantis

And remember, Ford is only continuing to close the sales gap in its efforts to dethrone the Wrangler. Whether because of the newfound convenience or simply frustrations with Jeep’s electrical-based system, an open-air option of this design only stands to bring more buyers over to team Bronco.

Hopefully, Ford feels that something like this deserves the green light.

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