Ford patent showing deployable roof rails and racks

Two patent applications indicate that Ford may be developing a roof rail and roof rack that deploys when needed and retracts when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag.

The patent applications for the deployable roof rail and roof rack were published separately by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 11, after having been filed earlier by Ford.

According to their respective patent applications, the deployable roof rails fit into a groove in the vehicle's roof and pop up on a hinge when needed. Otherwise, they function in the same way as the fixed roof rails already installed on many vehicles.

Ford's design for a deployable roof rack appears to be specifically targeted at pickup trucks. According to the application for this feature, the roof rack is stored in the rear wall of the pickup's cab, in the front area of the cargo bed. The L-shaped structure then pivots up, placing the rack section horizontally and securing it to the roof with suction cups, allowing it to be easily returned to the stored position when not in use.

It is unclear whether either feature will go into production. Ford is building a mountain of patents on features that combine functionality and aerodynamics, such as retractable fender tie-down points and a reconfigurable tonneau cover that also serves as an active aerodynamic aid.

Ford is also trying to patent a deployable cargo bed fin for pickup trucks, but it appears to serve no purpose beyond cleaning airflow around the bed. Yet another patent filed by the automaker shows a deployable dive plane to generate downforce in performance vehicles.