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According to the latest survey data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), car shoppers are more concerned than ever before about the storage systems in their new vehicles. Whether it be cubbies for gear or just differently sized cupholders to satisfy American appetites, people want to be able to store stuff, and they want variety in their storage solutions. For two decades, the minivan segment has enjoyed in-floor storage, sometimes capable of swallowing up entire seats to make for a near-flat load floor, or alternatively using that storage space to store or conceal stuff under the floor, as well. Now, it would appear that Ford is getting into this trend with a new in-floor cabin storage system that is customizable, and even extends up into the cabin area if you need it to, like a big bucket.

Not Ford’s First Underfloor Storage Rodeo

The new patent filing, first discovered by Ford Authority, was initially filed in December 2023 and only recently published on the US patent website on June 26, 2025. About a year ago, as Ford Authority also points out, Ford initially filed a patent for an in-floor storage system in the rear cargo area of an SUV, according to those patent illustrations. That setup featured a large removable storage container that otherwise lived under the flat load floor of the rear cargo area, which could easily be concealed. Now, it appears that concept has expanded to the forward areas of the cabin, as well, like in front of the second row of seating in a new patent filing.

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Ford’s latest patent illustrations show picnic basket-like objects slotting into the floor on the second row of a vehicle, with the top closing to make for a flat floor surface. The top opens, creating a divider, and it appears that you would pull out a first basket, which unfolds, and then a second basket is also available, and the two can be stacked on top of one another in their deployed positions. The final configuration also includes dividers for splitting up the storage area. The patent mentions a need to sometimes transport goods like “food, merchandise, and groceries in bags, drinks containers,” and other items, and describes the novel storage system as “compact and versatile.”

Likely Limited To Certain Types Of Vehicle

No specific cargo nor available cargo capacity is provided, though that is likely largely dependent on the base vehicle the design is for, which could vary depending on the vehicle segment. It’s also not mentioned what sort of powertrain is running under the floor of the vehicle in the illustrations. Why is that important?

Well, a battery electric vehicle, unless its batteries are packaged specifically to accommodate this, wouldn’t have floor space to bury into if it uses the common skateboard platform as seen in the Mustang Mach-E. So there’s a strong likelihood this design will be reserved for regular combustion cars, and perhaps hybrids at a push. It’s also likely to be used in larger vehicles, like the F-150, Expedition, Explorer, etc.

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Using existing systems, the patented tech would detect occupants in the cabin and tell first responders what’s happening.

Ford did offer Ford Authority a statement regarding the patent: “Submitting patent applications is a normal part of any strong business as the process protects new ideas and helps us build a robust portfolio of intellectual property. The ideas described within a patent application should not be viewed as an indication of our business or product plans. No matter what the patent application outlines, we will always put the customer first in the decision-making behind the development and marketing of new products and services.”

This is far from the craziest patent we’ve seen from Ford, which leads us to believe it’s one that could actually be implemented rather than remaining an on-paper design.

Source: USPTO via Ford Authority