Patent ID: 11970139
Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
Field: Transport (Mechanical engineering)
Classification: CPC B | IPC B

Claim 0:
1. A storage module that connects to a chassis of a vehicle, the chassis forming a door frame defining a door opening to a compartment of a vehicle, the storage module comprising:
a housing conforming to the door opening and extending into the compartment in an installed configuration;
an exterior panel disposed on a first side of the housing, the exterior panel conforming to an exterior surface of the vehicle enclosing the door opening;
at least one storage compartment comprising a first access panel forming a portion of the exterior surface, the at least one storage compartment forming a first storage volume disposed inside the housing and the compartment in the installed configuration, wherein the at least one storage compartment further comprises a second storage volume having a second access panel, and wherein the storage module further comprises a mask overlayed on the first access panel and the second access panel, wherein the mask resembles the installed door; and
a hinge assembly comprising:
a body hinge bracket coupled with the door frame, the body hinge bracket configured to alternatively couple with an installed door and a storage module hinge bracket, the body hinge bracket hidden behind one of the installed door and the exterior panel, wherein the installed door pivotally couples with the body hinge bracket; and
the storage module hinge bracket coupled with at least one of the housing and the exterior panel, the storage module hinge bracket operable between a free position and a coupled position, wherein the storage module hinge bracket couples with the body hinge bracket in the coupled position.