Abstract: A vehicle headliner including a shell having a first layer made of a polymeric resin sheet with glass fibers interspersed within the resin sheet, and a second layer of fibrous material having sound attenuating properties. In a preferred method of manufacturing the shell of a headliner the first and second layers are heated such that the temperature of the first layer is different than the temperature of the second layer. The first and second layers are then inserted into a mold having a desired contoured shape. The first and second layers are then compressed together to bond the layers, thereby forming the shell.

Abstract: A vehicle headliner including a shell having a first layer made of a polymeric resin sheet with glass fibers interspersed within the resin sheet, and a second layer of fibrous material having sound attenuating properties. In a preferred method of manufacturing the shell of a headliner the first and second layers are heated such that the temperature of the first layer is different than the temperature of the second layer. The first and second layers are then inserted into a mold having a desired contoured shape. The first and second layers are then compressed together to bond the layers, thereby forming the shell.

Abstract: A storage system for a motor vehicle having a floor includes a plurality of retainer brackets adapted to be secured to the floor, and a base having a body and a plurality of mounting brackets attached to the body. The body has first and second inclined tracks. The mounting brackets are engageable with the retainer brackets so as to secure the base to the floor. At least one of the mounting brackets is moveable with respect to the body so that the at least one mounting bracket may be engaged with a respective retainer bracket after the body is positioned with respect to the floor. Furthermore, the storage system includes a movable storage unit having a plurality of wheels that are engageable with the tracks.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes an aluminum lower seat frame with first and second side supports having a thickness of less than four mm throughout a substantial portion thereof. The seat back frame is pivotally connected to the lower seat frame and comprises a contoured structural reaction injection molded (SRIM) material. In an alternative embodiment, the back frame comprises a plurality of glass mat layers enclosed within a molded urethane material. Extra glass mat layers are provided in high stress concentration areas for added structural integrity.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat backframe having a plurality of attachment holes formed therethrough. A trim cover includes an attachment strip with a plurality of trim attachment apertures therethrough aligned with the attachment holes in the backframe. A plurality of Christmas-tree fasteners cooperate with the attachment holes and with the trim attachment apertures for securing the trim cover to the backframe. A lateral and lumbar support bladder subassembly is secured to the backframe by the Christmas-tree fasteners. The subassembly includes a backing plate with first and second lateral support bladders and first and second lumbar support bladders secured to the backing plate. A method of assembling a seat includes installing the lateral and lumbar support bladder subassembly as a single piece to the backframe using the Christmas-tree fastener for attachment.