Dual-function removable reversable unit for radio and telephone

A radio-telephone module adapted to be installed in a cavity provided in a communication module of an instrument panel of a vehicle, the radio-telephone module comprising:

• a first surface having a first set of controls capable of performing a first set of functions when the radio-telephone module is in a first configuration within the cavity;
• a second surface having a second set of controls capable of performing a second set of functions when the radio-telephone module is in a second configuration within the cavity;
• wherein the first set of functions is different from the second set of functions;
• and
• wherein the radio-telephone module adapted to be reversed such that the second surface is exposed to the cavity when the radio-telephone module is in the first configuration within the cavity, and the first surface is exposed to the cavity when the radio-telephone module is in a second configuration within the cavity.

A method of providing a modular communication system for receiving and transmitting communication signals in a motor vehicle having an interior compartment, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a vehicle interface module fixedly attached to the vehicle body, such that vehicle interface module defines a cavity and a communication port;
• providing a radio-telephone module removably insertable inside the cavity of the vehicle interface module such that the radio-telephone module connects to the vehicle interface module through the communication port wherein the radio-telephone module has at least a first surface and a second surface;
• inserting the radio-telephone module inside the cavity of the vehicle interface module such that the first surface is exposed to the interior compartment of the motor vehicle;
• ejecting the radio-telephone module from the cavity of the vehicle interface module;
• and
• reinserting the radio-telephone module inside the cavity of the vehicle interface module such that the second surface is exposed to the interior compartment of the motor vehicle;
• wherein the first surface is adapted to perform a first set of functions when the first surface is exposed to the to the interior compartment of the motor vehicle;
• wherein the second surface is adapted to perform a second set of functions when the second surface is exposed to the to the interior compartment of the motor vehicle;
• and
• wherein the first set of functions is different from the second set of functions.