Gains of New Design Explored
After several years of effort to rid themselves of hardtops, Jeep has eventually presented a patent that should make the process significantly more effortless. CarBuzz identified the patent applied with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, which displays an innovative design for detachable hardtop panels that ultimately makes it possible for one individual to remove them.
The back glass is the principal divergence between the current hardtop and its devised replacement. At present, the hardtop differentiates into three components; two panels which lie over the driver and the front rider, as well as one bulky section that aptly encompasses the passengers in the rear with the C pillars and the back window glass.
Jeep is greedy to smash the active hardtop into six seperate pieces: two initial panels, a generous pane that covers the back riders, two trifling C-pillar sections, as well as a jointed rear window.
Jeep has brought forward a novel plan to put an end to the traditional link between the rear window and the expansive roof segment protecting those in the back seat. What this new patent depicts is that the back window could be bent backward into the cargo area or even pulled outward toward the side of the vehicle. This, consequently, allows for preserving the car roof yet eliminating the rear window if desired.
The process of getting rid of the hardtop has been streamlined to make it a one-person job. Moreover, the number of bolts and latches has been reduced, so you no longer need to worry about squandering your digits or ruin your paintwork in the process. It turns out that this time Jeep have got it right with their successful construction of a detachable rooftop, whereas even Ford had to commit follies in the past. By folding it backwards and locking into secure position, you’ll get the highest form of open-topping experience imaginable.
The purpose of the patent being exclusive to the Gladiator and not the Wrangler is due to its new folding design. If the Wrangler was equipped with the hardtop, then the rear window would be vulnerable as it would hang dangerously low and likely be subject to collisions when other vehicles drive past. With this in mind, the option of sliding removal for the top may be of consideration.
Jeep claims that there are many advantages to having a rear window with a hinge. When it is shut, it serves as an effective wind shield, and you may need to adjust it several times in order to come up with the ideal setup.
The rear window acts as a protective screen between the people in the car and the truck bed. Just imagine if an emergency braking situation was to occur and you got smacked in the head by a double camping tent.
The updated hinges enable the rear window to be totally dislodged, sliding aside in the process. Jeep explains that this is a huge bonus since it presents more space for stowage. Moreover, with the back pane completely out of sight, it’s feasible to load things that extend from the cargo bed right up to the front occupant seat. Though it might not be used regularly, having the knowledge that it can be accessed is comforting.
One can almost envision the exuberance of Jeep owners as they learn that, in comparison to relieving third-world debt, disassembling a Jeep’s hardtop is readily achievable. The clip below, featuring an experienced member of the Jeep team, displays just how achievable this task can be.
