Ford files patent for unique doors for SUVs
The patent was filed with the USPTO in October 2021, but was only recently published.
The automotive industry has witnessed numerous advancements in recent years, and Ford is no exception. The company recently filed a patent for a gull-wing door for SUVs that opens to one side.
The patent concept, titled “side door for a vehicle,” was filed in October 2021 and published only recently, on April 20, 2023. It was filed by Ford Global Technologies, LLC, registered in Dearborn, Michigan. Although the published document of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) does not state that the “gullwing” doors are intended for SUVs, the added numbers suggest this.
The gullwing door concept is not new. It was first introduced on the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL in the 1950s and has since become synonymous with futuristic and avant-garde design. The gullwing doors are hinged on the roofline and open upwards, creating a spectacular entrance and exit to the car.
However, Ford’s patent takes the concept to a new level by introducing a single massive gullwing door that opens sideways. The design is certainly unique and makes the car look asymmetrical, especially when viewed from above.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, gullwing doors have practical advantages. It can provide enough space for passengers to enter and exit the vehicle comfortably. The huge opening can also lead to new projects that will support people with disabilities. It can also make it easier to load and unload cargo, especially large and bulky items that can be a hassle with traditional doors.
As with all patents and trademarks, this is not a guarantee that Ford will eventually produce a vehicle with this gullwing door design. We may or may not see it in the future.
