Abstract: A composite module for a vehicle may be both a structural member and include a finished surface. In at least some embodiments, a composite rear shelf module includes a panel with a reinforced multilayer, multi-laminate fiber reinforced plastic composite structure. The panel may include selectively orientated, continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite layers and/or the panel may include discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic reinforcements. The composite rear shelf module may include a show surface film with a class-A surface, eliminating the need for a separate layer of carpet or other material. In some embodiments the module has vehicle attachment members for securing the module to the vehicle body, and the stiffness and mass of the module and the arrangement of the vehicle attachment members and reinforcements are tuned to move the natural modes, or natural frequencies, of the panel outside the working frequency range of any speakers or subwoofers.

Abstract: A composite module for a vehicle may be both a structural member and include a finished surface. In at least some embodiments, a composite rear shelf module includes a panel with a reinforced multilayer, multi-laminate fiber reinforced plastic composite structure. The panel may include selectively orientated, continuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite layers and/or the panel may include discontinuous fiber reinforced thermoplastic reinforcements. The composite rear shelf module may include a show surface film with a class-A surface, eliminating the need for a separate layer of carpet or other material. In some embodiments the module has vehicle attachment members for securing the module to the vehicle body, and the stiffness and mass of the module and the arrangement of the vehicle attachment members and reinforcements are tuned to move the natural modes, or natural frequencies, of the panel outside the working frequency range of any speakers or subwoofers.

Abstract: A spare tire receptacle for a vehicle includes a receptacle body having a recessed portion and at least one side wall that extends from the recessed portion includes a monolithically formed cross car beam formed therein. The side wall extends to a body portion. A reinforcement structure is attached to the main body. The reinforcement structure includes a plurality of reinforcement members that extend radially from a central position of the recessed portion and a plurality of rib members that interconnect the reinforcement members. The receptacle body and reinforcement structure are formed of differing materials defining a hybrid structure.

Abstract: A latch assembly for use in a vehicle with a tire and rim with an aperture is disclosed. The latch assembly includes a tire carrier, a flexible member with one end attached to a vehicle or a tire carrier. Additionally, a locking member is connected to the flexible member and disposed in the aperture to detachably connect the flexible membr to the rim. The locking member is a clamp member or a hook member.