Vehicles never seem to have quite enough convenient places to put everything we bring along. Ford is exploring a couple of clever solutions, including seats that double as tables and storage spaces, plus an expandable cargo compartment that can be deployed when it’s needed.

According to Ford Authority’s report on Ford’s newly patented storage concepts, the patent actually covers two separate ideas. The first is a specially designed vehicle seat with a headrest and backrest that can fold up or down to become useful surfaces for holding things like electronic devices, food, or other everyday items.

Those folding sections could also provide access to storage areas built directly into the seat. It’s a relatively simple concept, but one that could make better use of space that’s already inside the vehicle rather than requiring Ford to carve out an entirely new storage area.

The second idea focuses on the cargo area. As detailed in Ford’s storage patent coverage, the concept includes a transportable storage compartment that can normally function as a shelf in the back of a vehicle. When additional organization is needed, the shelf could fold out to form a four-walled compartment capable of containing a variety of items.

That could be especially handy for all the little things that tend to move around in the back of a vehicle. Groceries, sports equipment, camping supplies, work gear and countless other items could potentially be kept contained without owners needing to bring along separate bins or organizers. A system that disappears back into the vehicle when it isn’t needed would make the idea even more practical.

The concept is part of a broader trend in Ford’s patent activity. As Ford Authority notes in its coverage, the automaker has explored other unconventional storage solutions, including seats with sliding drawers and steps, as well as a rear-seat rollout table. Taken together, these ideas show how Ford is looking beyond traditional consoles, gloveboxes and cargo compartments to find useful space throughout a vehicle.

As always, a patent filing isn’t confirmation that any of these features will reach production. Automakers routinely patent ideas that may never appear in a showroom. Still, whether you’re loading up for a BC road trip, carrying tools to a jobsite or simply trying to stop your groceries from rolling around the cargo area, smarter storage is one vehicle innovation that’s very easy to appreciate.