Abstract: A method forms a frame of a seat back for a vehicle. The frame includes a first polymeric material and a reinforcing composite layer that includes a second polymeric material and a plurality of fibers impregnated in the second polymeric material. The method includes the steps of supporting the reinforcing composite layer on moveable members in a mold and extending the moveable members relative to the mold to an extended position in the mold. The method also includes the steps of introducing the first polymeric material in a molten state into the mold and into contact with the reinforcing composite layer and displacing the reinforcing composite layer away from the moveable members by introducing the first polymeric material in the molten state between the moveable members and the reinforcing composite layer while the moveable members are in the extended position.

Abstract: A frame of a seat back includes a first polymeric material and a reinforcing composite layer that includes a second polymeric material and a plurality of fibers impregnated in the second polymeric material. A method of forming the frame includes supporting the reinforcing composite layer on moveable members in a mold. The moveable members are extended to an extended position in the mold. The first polymeric material is introduced in a molten state into contact with the reinforcing composite layer. The reinforcing composite layer is displaced away from the moveable members by introducing the first polymeric material in the molten state between the moveable members and the reinforcing composite layer while the moveable members are in the extended position. The first polymeric material is solidified in the mold and the moveable members are retracted from the first polymeric material to release the frame from the mold.

Abstract: A seat back includes a backrest formed of a first polymeric material for supporting an occupant. A bracket formed of a different material than the first polymeric material of the backrest is anchored to the backrest for coupling to a seat cushion. A reinforcing composite layer is connected to the backrest and is formed of a second polymeric material and a plurality of fibers impregnated in the second polymeric material. The first polymeric material of the backrest is mechanically engaged with the bracket free of melt bonding between the first polymeric material of the backrest and the bracket. The first polymeric material of the backrest is melt bonded to the second polymeric material of the reinforcing composite layer integrating the backrest, the bracket, and the reinforcing composite layer.

Abstract: A seat back includes a backrest formed of a first polymeric material for supporting an occupant. A bracket formed of a different material than the first polymeric material of the backrest is anchored to the backrest for coupling to a seat cushion. A reinforcing composite layer is connected to the backrest and is formed of a second polymeric material and a plurality of fibers impregnated in the second polymeric material. The first polymeric material of the backrest is mechanically engaged with the bracket free of melt bonding between the first polymeric material of the backrest and the bracket. The first polymeric material of the backrest is melt bonded to the second polymeric material of the reinforcing composite layer integrating the backrest, the bracket, and the reinforcing composite layer.

Abstract: The subject invention provides composite articles (20, 120) and associated systems (32, 132). A first composite article (20) includes a piezoelectric layer (22) having a piezoelectric property. The piezoelectric layer (22) is sandwiched between a first conductive layer (28) and a second conductive layer (30). At least one of the conductive layers (28, 30) is a conductive polymer having an electrically conductive property. A second composite article (120) includes first and second piezoelectric layers (122, 124) having a piezoelectric property. The first and second piezoelectric layers sandwich an insulating layer (126). A first system (32) and a second system (132) each include a control device (34) electrically connected to the first composite article (20) or the second composite article (120), respectively.

Abstract: The subject invention provides composite articles (20, 120) and associated systems (32, 132). A first composite article (20) includes a piezoelectric layer (22) having a piezoelectric property. The piezoelectric layer (22) is sandwiched between a first conductive layer (28) and a second conductive layer (30). At least one of the conductive layers (28, 30) is a conductive polymer having an electrically conductive property. A second composite article (120) includes first and second piezoelectric layers (122, 124) having a piezoelectric property. The first and second piezoelectric layers sandwich an insulating layer (126). A first system (32) and a second system (132) each include a control device (34) electrically connected to the first composite article (20) or the second composite article (120), respectively.