HK1101280A - Vehicle seat with cushioning layer - Google Patents

Description

Automobile seat with shock-absorbing layer

Priority declaration

This application further claims priority documents U.S. provisional patent application No. US60/736103, filed on 10/11/2005, and U.S. provisional patent application No. US60/784059, filed on 17/3/2006, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The present application relates to seats having heating, cooling, and ventilation functions, and more particularly to automotive seats including a shock absorber layer for increasing comfort of the seat.

Background

For many years, the automotive industry has been working to design automotive seats that improve passenger comfort. Various improvements to improve seat comfort are disclosed in U.S. patents: 6893086, 6872882, 6869139, 6857697, 6828528, 6676207, 6619736, 6439658, 6164719, 6064037, 5921314, 6064037, 5921314, 5403065, 6048024, and 6003950, which are specifically incorporated herein by reference. In addition, other improvements to improve seat comfort are disclosed in: U.S. patent publication 2002/0096931 entitled "ventilated seat" filed on 5.1.2001, U.S. patent publication 6629724 entitled "Portable ventilated seat" filed on 7.10.7.2003, U.S. patent publication 2004/0070236 entitled "automotive seat comfort System" filed on 8.10.2004, U.S. patent publication 2005/0067862 entitled "ventilated seat" filed on 12.4.2004, and U.S. patent publication 2005/0066505 entitled "method of seat ventilation" filed on 12.4.2004, each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

To continue with this improvement, the present invention provides an improved cushion and system for a seat that is more suitable for installation in or as part of a vehicle seat to assist in providing comfort control to an occupant of the seat.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention comprises a vehicle seat having at least one temperature regulating component. The temperature regulating component comprises a shock pad, a facing, a liner and a shock absorbing layer, wherein the liner is positioned below the facing. The cushion layer comprises one or more bags filled with a filling material, preferably a liquid filling material, to distribute the downward pressure of the occupant over a larger area of the seat. This downward pressure dispersion reduces or eliminates pressure points in the seat. The seat may also include a blower assembly to facilitate heating, cooling, or ventilation functions of the seat by blowing air into or drawing air out of the seat.

Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a bag for use in a shock-absorbing shell, the bag having a through-hole;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of one embodiment of a ventilation liner having a shock absorbing layer located on the passenger side of the liner;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a non-vented liner having a shock absorbing layer located on a foundation layer;

figure 4 shows a cross-section of the bag attached with rivets inside the non-venting liner;

figure 5 shows a cross-section of a bag attached with double-sided adhesive tape in a non-venting liner;

figure 6 shows a cross-section of a bag attached within a non-venting liner by welding to a polyurethane layer;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of a bag attached with adhesive within a non-vented liner;

figure 8 shows a cross-section of the bag attached by stitching within the non-venting liner;

figure 9 shows a top view of a bag attached using heating element stitching.

Detailed Description

The vehicle seat may comprise at least one temperature regulating component, such as a seat component, a backrest component, a cushion, an armrest, a headrest or the like. In one embodiment, the temperature regulating component is a non-venting component that does not have a mechanism to blow air into, out of, or through the assembly. Each non-venting component may provide heating, cooling, or both to the occupant. For example, the heating element may provide heat to the occupant.

In another embodiment, the temperature regulating component is a vent that uses a mechanism to blow air into, out of, or through the component, such as a blower on the HVAC system of a vehicle or a blower in a seat, for example. Each vent may provide heating, cooling, or both to the occupant. For example, the blower may blow cool air from the thermoelectric device toward the occupant.

Each temperature regulating member includes a cushion and a facing covering the member, and a pad. The cushion may be a non-vented cushion or a vented cushion. The present invention relates to a shock absorbing layer incorporated in a seat, preferably attached to or incorporated in a cushion.

As seen in fig. 1, the cushioning layer includes at least one bag 10 or pocket of two or more layers 12, 14 of material for containing a filling material (not shown), and a seal 16 for preventing leakage of the filling material. The material of the bag is chosen to be leak-proof (for the filling material) and to have sufficient resistance to withstand repeated ingress and egress of passengers into and out of the seat. The seal shown is a perimeter seal having a flange 18 of material extending beyond the seal to facilitate attachment of the bag to a cushion or other component of the seat. In another alternative embodiment, a separate layer of material is self-sealed to form the bag. Inside the seal, the pocket may include one or more barriers 20, which are points, lines or faces of the bag where the two layers are attached to each other. For the vent assembly, as shown in fig. 1, the barrier may also be a through hole 22 in the bag so that air can flow from one end of the bag to the other.

The fill material in the bag helps to distribute the vertical pressure from the occupant of the seat in a manner that reduces or eliminates localized pressure points on the seat by the occupant. When the passenger sits on the seat, the body of the passenger is restrained and in contact with the seat, and most of the weight thereof is applied to a small area. Such as the hips and pelvis of the occupant, support a substantial portion of the occupant's weight in the seated position, creating pressure points. Over time, the pressure points can cause discomfort to the occupant. The use of shock absorbing cushions helps to reduce or eliminate discomfort associated with pressure points, allow passengers to ride for extended periods of time, and reduce the feeling of fatigue associated with prolonged riding periods. For example, the shock absorbing layer may distribute the vertical pressure of the occupant in a horizontal manner.

A very important property of the filling material is to distribute the pressure exerted by the passengers throughout the material. The filler material of the shock absorbing layer can be any material in any physical state, whether liquid, gel, solid or other state, and combinations thereof. Suitable filler materials include pure water and water compositions with antifreeze agents such as surfactants or heat transfer fluids. For example, the antifreeze agent may include a non-ionic surfactant such as a polyol (e.g. ethylene glycol or polyethylene glycol), more suitably having a molecular weight greater than 350. Suitable glycols or polyglycols also include polyethylene glycols.

The filler material preferably remains liquid over a wide range of temperature variations, for example from-40 ℃ to above 100 ℃, although this is not essential.

Suitable viscosity ranges for the combination of water and the freezing point depressant component are from about 0.01cP to about 2.00cP, more suitably from about 0.50cP to about 1.50cP, and most suitably from about 0.90cP to about 1.10 cP. In addition, the viscosity value of the filler material is temperature dependent. A preferred filling material is the product of liquidcell ® from liquidcell technologies of Eden grassland, mongolia.

In one embodiment, the filling material is placed in a relatively flat bag (e.g., a perimeter-sealed bag). It includes a barrier to limit the movement of the fill material within the bag to help reduce pressure buildup within the bag away from pressure points generated by the occupant. The barrier may be a mesh material positioned within the bag to at least partially restrict the flow of the filler material within the bag in which the mesh material is positioned. Optionally, the barrier comprises one or more sealing points, lines or faces where the layers of the bag are sealed together to impede the flow of the filling material. The bag may include one or more through holes to allow air to pass therethrough. The through holes are generally aligned with the vent holes on the remainder of the vent liner. Because the vent hole perimeter is sealed against leakage, it also acts as a barrier.

Typically, the liner includes at least one further layer, preferably a plurality (e.g. three) of layers, in addition to the shock absorbing layer. The individual layers may also be single or multiple layers (e.g., laminates). The multiple layers need not be adhered to each other, but preferably do so. More preferably, the non-vented liner comprises a base layer, a temperature regulating device and a shock absorbing layer. More preferably, the vent liner comprises layers adhered together at least at their edges thereby forming a peripherally sealed bag, although this is not essential and a peripherally open vent liner is also suitable. The backing layer is typically coextensive, although portions of the layer are not coextensive with other layers or the backing, such layers may also be suitable.

The cushion and the layers making up the cushion have a seat portion and optionally an extension in the breather cushion. The seat portion is typically a portion of the cushion that provides temperature conditioning (e.g., heating, cooling, ventilation, or both) to the area of the seat used by the occupant, whether the cushion is located in the seat assembly, the armrest assembly, the bolsters, or elsewhere. The extension allows the blower assembly of the ventilation system including the cushion to be located remotely from the seat portion. This allows these components to be conveniently secured without compromising the comfort of the seat. For example, the extended portion allows the fluid mover and/or the thermoelectric device to be secured beneath the cushion without being noticed by the occupant. Although typically the extension is located at the rear edge of the seat, it may be located on either side of the seat, in front of the seat or at a corner or simply not used. Multiple extensions may also be used on the liner. To save material, the preferred cushion does not include extensions, but rather covers a coextensive portion of the seating or resting area for the occupant. In one embodiment, the cushion covers an area that is coextensive with the seat portion of the seat assembly.

Typically, the liner is supported by a shock pad. The cushion may include one or more tubes that extend partially or entirely through the cushion, or may not include tubes that extend through the cushion. One preferred cushion is molded foam, which is preferably free of a molded or cut-out network of fluid distribution conduits, but may have grooves or openings for passing extensions from one side of the cushion to the other (e.g., from top to bottom). The cushion can also be supported by the seat frame. The multi-layer cushion may be used on a single seat or backrest cushion, and the cushions may perform the same or different functions (e.g., one cushion may only cool, while another cushion may both heat and cool). Alternatively, one liner may include a shock absorbing layer while the other liner does not.

In an alternative extension of the liner, the connection between the liner and the system blower assembly is made up of bellows and other tubing. The bellows provides a similar function to the extension, for example so that the components of the system can be conveniently secured away from the part of the seat that is in contact with the passenger. The bellows or pipe is located in a vent tube that passes through the cushion of the support liner. Thus, the bellows may be located under the seat portion of the cushion or may be connected to the edge of the cushion. Two or more bellows may be used in conjunction with each pad by way of the extension, one bellows in each tube passing through the cushion, or one or more bellows in common for each tube. Preferably, the bellows and the gasket are connected in a relatively airtight manner, for example by a snap fastening mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the blower assembly is secured directly to the cushion. For example, one or more blowers may be attached to the non-contact side of the pad, with the blowers being located within pockets on the pad. Such an embodiment eliminates the need for a snorkel or conduit to be disposed between the blower and the cushion.

For non-ventilated liners, the base layer may be made of any suitable material to which a temperature regulating device (e.g., a resistance wire heater) may be attached. Thus, the base layer may be any material that is dimensionally stable enough to hold the temperature regulating device and shock absorbing layer in place during repeated use of the component (e.g., passenger ingress and egress to the seat). Suitable base layers include separators (described below), foams (e.g., open or closed cell foams, etc.), films (e.g., polymeric films), textiles (e.g., felts or fabrics), combinations thereof, and the like.

For a ventilation liner, one or more spacer layers are included in the liner, typically made of a plastic or polymeric material (e.g., film) that softens or melts when exposed to heat or radio frequency, causing the spacer layer to adhere to one or other layers on the liner. Alternatively, the separation layer may be made of fabric, woven material (such as Gore-Tex or micro-weave), nylon, closed cell foam, or other material. Preferably, the separation layer is substantially impermeable to gas. Dimensionally, the preferred film thickness for the thin-film separator layer is about 0.1 mm to about 2.0 mm, more preferably about 0.7 mm to about 1.0 mm. Of course, contemplated thin film separator layers may also have different thicknesses and may be outside of the aforementioned ranges. The separation layer may include through holes, such as vents or interfaces, for allowing air to flow through the separation layer.

The vent insert may further include a divider positioned between the two divider layers of the insert. The separation layer may be any structure, material, or combination of materials and/or structures that allows fluid to flow through the material while providing support to the occupant. The divider should not collide under the weight of the occupant and keep the fluid flowing smoothly through the divider. As one example, the divider may comprise rubber, foam, or the like. In one aspect, the separator may comprise a reticulated foam.

The divider may comprise a plurality of components or fibers that are preferably separated from one another to form open spaces therebetween while still being close enough to provide cushioning and support. One preferred separator is made of polymeric (e.g., polyester) fiber material that is interwoven to form opposing honeycomb structures (e.g., fabric panels) with several additional strips of polymeric fiber material joined to provide open spaces between the structures while providing shock absorption and support. As an example, a material sold under the trade name 3MESH ® is preferred, available from Muller Textil, Germany and Muller Textil, Rhode Island, USA.

Another preferred separator is formed from two strands of polymeric material that are helically twisted together. Preferably, the helix is elliptical, thereby increasing the contact area of the helix strands. The spirals may be wound tightly such that adjacent spiral warp threads are in contact or loosely wound such that adjacent spiral warp threads are not in contact. Typically, multiple helices are placed adjacent (abutting or otherwise) to one another to form a divider. Typical spiral materials are those discussed in International applications PCT/DE04/000540 and PCT/DE04/000541, both of which were filed on 3.17.2004, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The cushion of the present invention may be a separate unit mounted between the seat cushion and the overlay, which may be integrally formed in the seat cushion, in the overlay, or any combination thereof.

One or more adhesive layers may be used to assist in the use of the liner assembly. The adhesive layer is preferably made of a hot melt adhesive material, although this is not essential. The adhesive may be web-like or otherwise and may be continuous or discontinuous (e.g., may be in the form of drops, blocks, or otherwise). The sub-adhesive layer may comprise polyamide, polyester, synthetic rubber, polyurethane rubber, polymeric synthetic fibers, or combinations thereof. In addition, the desired adhesive can be formulated with specific processing parameters or conditions. Preferably, the sub-adhesive layer is substantially free of resist solutions, air blast attachments, handling contaminants, or other similar factors that may affect adhesive performance. As an example, one suitable commercially available hot melt adhesive material is a nonwoven web available under the trade designation SPUNFAB ® from Spunfab corporation of Muffin lane 175 of Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223. Other alternative or additional techniques of bonding may be used, such as thermal, ultrasonic or radio frequency welding.

The temperature regulating device may be attached to or incorporated into the cushion. For example, the temperature adjustment device may be a heater. Various different types of heaters are suitable for incorporation into a vehicle seat and any type of heater may be incorporated into the cushion of the present invention. These heaters typically incorporate flexible electrical heating elements, preferably in the form of thin, flat, non-protruding or combinations thereof. Such as a die-net heater, a resistance wire heater, a carbon fiber heater, a Positive Thermal Coefficient (PTC) heater, a thermoelectric heater, or the like, which are typically supported by a backing sheet (e.g., a cloth or fabric type backing sheet) and mounted within a liner. In a preferred embodiment of the non-vented liner, the backing sheet of the heater is the base layer of the liner. In a preferred embodiment, the heater is a carbon fiber heater with a backing sheet (e.g., a non-woven layer). An example of a preferred heater is one commercially available from w.e.t. automotive systems, germany under the trade name CARBOTEX ®. An example of such a heater is disclosed in U.S. patent 6064037 issued 5/16/2000, which is specifically incorporated by reference for all purposes.

The temperature regulating device may also be a heater/cooler combination, such as a very electric heating device (TED) or a flexible electric heating device sheet. Flexible electrical heating device sheets include those discussed in U.S. patent 6700052, which is incorporated herein by reference. The electrical heating elements will be discussed in more detail below. Alternatively, the temperature regulating device may be a refrigerator, as described in U.S. provisional patent application 60/505806, 9/25/2003, also incorporated herein by reference. Other refrigerators include Phase Change Materials (PCMs), particularly those with a phase change temperature close to the temperature of the human body, which absorb a large amount of heat without changing the temperature, thereby giving the passengers a cool feeling. Such suitable materials include those provided by rubithenm (Kyritz, germany), PCM Energy (Mumbai, india) and Climator AB (Skovde, sweden).

In addition to heaters or other temperature regulating devices attached or incorporated into the cushion, the temperature regulating devices may also be included in ventilation systems that provide heating, cooling, ventilation, or a combination thereof. Typically, the temperature adjustment device is used in conjunction with an air moving assembly that moves air in and out of or through a cushion, vent assembly, or seat. Additionally, one or more conduits may be used to provide fluid communication between system components, such as between a fan and a liner or between a liner and a temperature regulating device.

The air moving assembly provides the motive force for movement of air (whether conditioned, ambient, pushed, pulled, or a combination thereof) such that the air moves to, from, or through the cushion. The assembly may push air to the liner or pull air away from the liner. The assembly may also be used to push or pull air simultaneously. For example, a fan-carrying assembly may be used that includes at least two sets of fan blades (e.g., having blades in opposite directions) that share a shaft and form a double fan that can both push and pull air. Multiple fans may also be used in the assembly. The assembly may also include an annular inlet, although assemblies without an annular inlet are also desirable. The definition of fan herein includes blades (including bi-directional blades), blowers or the like. A fan also refers to a device that provides the motive force to move other fluids (e.g., liquids) through the pad. The fan may provide a steady flow, a pulsating flow, an oscillating flow or the like.

The temperature regulating device used with the breather pad can be any device that causes the fluid to heat or cool. The device may also be a combination of devices where one component provides heating while the other component provides cooling (e.g., a resistance wire heater and an electric heating device). Preferably, heating and cooling are provided simultaneously by one device or system. The device may be an external device, such as an HVAC system on the building or vehicle in which the seat is located, or an internal device, i.e. a device that is not connected (other than the power supply) to the building or vehicle in which the seat is located. In addition to providing temperature regulation, the temperature regulating device may also dehumidify a fluid (e.g., air).

The preferred temperature regulating device is a self-contained or solid state device that simultaneously cools and heats air. The preferred device is a TED (also known as a peltier). TEDs are commercially available devices that provide reliable heating and cooling by passing an electric current through the device. The TED includes a dead side and an active side, which are relative names that condition air depending on a desired or cold or hot temperature. Any provider of TEDs will also provide suitable devices for use in the present invention. The TED may be used in conjunction with any useful heat dissipation device, such as heat sinks, heat exchangers, blowers, heat pipes, or the like. A refrigeration absorption system may also be used as a temperature conditioning device.

The vent system may include one or more attachment features for assisting in the attachment of the cushion or portions of the system to the cushion, seat frame, or seat. For example, the frame element preferably defines a location for attaching a blower assembly, thermostat, conduit, bellows, or other component to the cushion. The frame members can have a variety of shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, square, polygonal, or other) as envisioned and be made of a variety of preferred rigid and semi-rigid materials (e.g., metal, plastic, or other). In some aspects, the attachment feature helps define an interface between the cushion or an extension thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment member is coupled to structure and/or material (e.g., snap fasteners) on the fan, thermostat, or other component to connect the device or component to the attachment member.

The ventilation system may include one or more valves for changing the direction of air flow through the system to harness unutilized energy (i.e., air is warmer than ambient temperature) or energy content (i.e., air is cooler than ambient) in the air. For example, these valves may be used to deliver air to the environment to dissipate unwanted energy stored in the gas. These valves may also be used to change the direction of air in system components (e.g., thermostats) to heat or cool these components. Additionally, valves may also be used to circulate air in the system as desired to create a closed or semi-closed system.

Embodiments for ventilation and non-ventilation may include a range of sensors, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, current sensors, occupant detection sensors, weight sensors, or others. These sensors may be distributed throughout the seat. For example, temperature sensors may be placed within the dividers, between the dividers and the shock absorbing layer, between the foundation layer and the temperature conditioning device, or on other optional layers (e.g., reticulated foam or seating surfaces), adjacent the temperature conditioning device, adjacent the air mover, and combinations thereof.

One or more controllers may be used to receive input signals from sensors or control devices, to issue commands to fans and/or thermostats, and/or to coordinate other operations of the system.

Suitable trim includes a seating surface that is part of or separate from the cushion, but typically separates the occupant from the cushion. The overlay can be made of any material including, but not limited to, at least one synthetic material, natural material (e.g., wool, leather, or other), or a combination thereof. In one embodiment of the facing, through holes are included on at least a portion of the seating surface to allow air or other fluids to pass through. In another embodiment the cover is substantially free of perforations. Such as perforated or unperforated leather, for separating a seat occupant from the cushion, while a fleece material may be applied to a portion of the cushion to enhance moisture transmission, or to provide a protective layer.

The shock absorbing shell may be integral with the cushion to form a single component contained within the seat. For example, the shock absorbing layer may be secured by using an adhesive (e.g., a scatter or double sided tape) or by a mechanical connector. Examples of mechanical connectors include rivets, snap fasteners, loop-and-loop fasteners, sutures, ties, or other means. The shock absorbing layer may also be formed by welding two pieces of plastic together using heat, radio frequency, infrared radiation or ultrasonic welding. The optional shock absorbing layer may be integral, attached to the facing, or it may be held in a pocket of material secured to the facing for ease of installation. Alternatively, the cushion, cushion and/or overlay may be held in place by securing the assembly to the cushion or frame of the seat using straps.

While these drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the invention, the drawings are not to be considered limiting.

Figure 2 shows a top view of a breather pad 30 for use in a ventilated seat to provide heating, cooling and/or ventilation to an occupant. The liner includes a peripherally sealed pocket 32 of a divider between two barrier layers. Attached to the passenger side of the perimeter seal bag is a plurality of bags 34 that make up a shock absorbing shell 36. Each bag includes one or more through holes 38 that align with the vent holes on the occupant side of the perimeter seal bag. The perimeter seal bag may also include additional vents 40 that are not aligned with the through holes in the bag. The through-hole 42, which is sealed from the remainder of the perimeter seal bag, secures the cushion to the cushion or seat frame in a cinching manner.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a non-vented liner 50. The bag 52 of shock absorbing layer is disposed on the base layer 54. The wiring harness 56 is used to connect the heating elements (not shown) in the foundation layer to the vehicle electrical system.

As shown in fig. 4-8, the bag 60, having two layers 62, 64 and a filler material 66, may be attached to a base layer 68 by a number of methods. The same method can be used to attach the bag to the perimeter sealed bag of the venting liner. Shown in cross-section in fig. 4, the rivet 70 is located on a flange 72 on the outside of a perimeter seal 74 of the bag 60. The rivet is passed through the flange and the remaining layer or base layer of the gasket. In this embodiment, base layer 68 includes a felt layer 76 and a foam layer 78. The heating element 80 is located between the felt layer and the foam layer. Rivets can be used in any barrier member as long as the filler material does not leak out.

Shown in cross-section in fig. 5, double-sided adhesive 8 is used between the pocket 60 and the base layer 68. Unlike rivets, double-sided tape is not limited by flanges or stops. In this embodiment, the base layer includes a heating element sandwiched between a felt layer and a foam layer.

Shown in cross-section in fig. 6, weld points 84 are used to attach the bag 60 to the base layer 68. Preferably, radio frequency welding techniques are used to join the polyurethane (or other thermoplastic composition) containing portions 86 of the base layer 68. The preferred welding method is only applied to the flange or barrier of the bag as it may penetrate the bag or compromise the integrity of the bag.

Shown in cross-section in fig. 7 is an adhesive 88 for attaching the bag 60 to the base layer 68. While preferably used to align with the seal around the perimeter of the bag, the adhesive may securely attach the bag to the base layer in a variety of suitable ways. The adhesive may be any suitable adhesive as mentioned above.

Shown in cross-section in fig. 8 is a sewing line 90 for attaching the bag 60 to the base layer 68. Similar to the rivets, sewing thread is passed through the flange and the remaining layer or base layer of the cushion. The preferred sewing method is only for barriers having flanges or pockets. Stitching or other techniques that may pass through the flange and barrier must be used with care so as not to cause damage to the heating elements in the base layer or liner. As shown, for example, in fig. 9, the sewing line 90 has a slit that allows the heating element 92 to enter and exit the lower region of the bag. The figure also shows a stop 94 in the form of a spot weld without a through hole.

In one embodiment of the shock absorber layer in combination with the breather pad, the underside of the shock absorber layer forms a forward spacer layer of the pad. For example, the shock absorbing layer, which may be used as a spacer layer for the liner, comprises a plurality of bags attached to a plastic film. This configuration will reduce the number of layers required to construct the venting liner and shorten the manufacturing cycle time for the liner. In addition, the plastic film used in the shock absorption layer allows radio frequency or other welding methods to be used, and the manufacturing period is further shortened. The heater used in such embodiments may be attached to either side of the plastic film or to a divider within the liner. Alternatively, the heater (e.g., a PTC heater) may be printed on a plastic film, and in a preferred embodiment, no adhesive is used in the liner structure, and only a welding process is used.

In addition to the embodiments discussed above, shock absorbers may also be used in seats such as those disclosed in U.S. patent documents 6786541, 6629724, 6840576, 6869140 and related applications and patents, as well as U.S. patent publication 2004-0189061. In addition, the shock absorbing layer can be used with seats in U.S. patent documents 6893086, 6869139, 6857697, 6676207, 6619736, 6604426, 6439658, 6164719, 5921314 and related applications and patents or U.S. patent publication 2005-0173950, 2005-0161986, 2005-0140189, 2005-0127723, 2005-0093347, 2005-0085968, 2005-0067862, 2005-0067401, 2005-0066505, 2004-0169028 and related applications. All patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, shock absorbing layers may be used as a replacement for these seat assemblies.

In one embodiment, the temperature conditioned air is blown through the permeable facing from the seat cushion to the occupant to provide convective heating or cooling to the seat and occupant. As shown in U.S. patent nos. 6869139, 6857697, the cushion includes passages therethrough for conveying temperature conditioned air through the cushion and onto the seating surface. Other features disclosed in these patents may also be included in the seating system of the present invention, such as sub-channels, reflectors, air impermeable linings or coatings, or the like. For example, a pad with through holes (edge opening pad) may be used on the sub-passageways to slow or direct air blowing toward the occupant. The cushioning layer in this system includes through holes so as not to impede the flow of air from the cushion to the occupant. By using this system, a certain amount of conductive cooling effect can also be obtained.

In another embodiment, conductive heating or cooling may be provided to the occupant by blowing temperature-conditioned air toward the cushion so that the air does not blow to the occupant. For example, by using an air impermeable overlay, the temperature conditioned air is circulated to a cushion having an open space beneath the air impermeable overlay, and conductive heating and cooling of the cushion and the occupant is achieved by blowing or drawing air into the cushion. Here, if the shock absorbing layer is located between the facing and the pad, it is not necessary to provide a through hole.

In another embodiment, both conductive and convective heating or cooling may be provided to the occupant. The temperature conditioned air may merge with ambient air drawn from around the occupant and into the seat. Here, ambient air is drawn through the facing and into a mixing zone beneath the facing where it joins with the temperature conditioned air. The mixed air from the seat is either exhausted or circulated back to the evaporator and/or the mixing area. Ambient air provides cooling (or heating) in a convective manner, while temperature conditioned air provides cooling or heating in a conductive manner. By using either blowing or suction, multiple blowers may be used to draw ambient air into the mixing zone and provide temperature regulation for the mixing zone. In one embodiment, the mixing area is an open space within a liner. Examples of seats containing hybrid zones are included in U.S. patent publication Nos. 2005-0067862 and 2005-0066505. Preferably, in this embodiment the cushioning layer is located between the facing and the pad.

Although a car seat has been discussed, the temperature adjustment assembly of the present invention may be incorporated into any type of seat or chair, such as an office chair, wheelchair, furniture, or any other chair that reduces discomfort associated with a long sitting position.

The invention also relates to a method for heating, cooling and ventilating the automobile seat. The method includes heating or cooling a seat including a shock absorbing shell. The method further includes circulating air from the temperature conditioning device into, out of, or through the cushion, the vent assembly, or the seat.

It will be appreciated that the functionality or structure of multiple components or steps may be combined into a single step or component, or the functionality or structure of a single step or component may be split among multiple components or steps. Combinations of all these are contemplated by the present invention. Unless otherwise noted, dimensions and geometries of the various structures depicted herein are not intended to be restrictive of the invention, and other dimensions and geometries are possible. Multiple structural components or steps may be provided by a single step or unitary structure. Alternatively, a single unitary structure or step may be broken down into multiple components or steps. In addition, while a feature of the present invention may have been described in the context of only one of the illustrated embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments, for any given application. It is also important to note above that the manufacture and operation of this unique structure also constitutes a method in accordance with the present invention. The invention also encompasses intermediate and end products produced by such a method. "having" and "including" when describing embodiments mean "having substantially" and "including" the recited features.

The purpose of the explanation and illustration herein is to make the principle and practical application of the present invention obvious to others skilled in the art. The invention can be modified and applied in many ways by a person skilled in the art to meet the actual needs. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the invention. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but instead should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The articles and references disclosed, including patent applications and publications, are hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

Claims (20)

1. A temperature-adjusted seat, comprising:

a seat having at least one temperature regulating component having a cushion and a facing;

a pad positioned under the facing of each of the temperature regulating members, the pad including a shock absorbing layer positioned between the shock absorbing pad and the facing; and

a temperature regulating device.

2. The seat of claim 1 wherein the shock absorbing layer comprises at least a bag containing a filler material.

3. The seat of claim 2 wherein the filler material is a liquid.

4. The seat of claim 3, wherein the liquid comprises an antifreeze.

5. The seat of claim 4, wherein the temperature regulating component is a non-venting component.

6. The seat of claim 5, wherein the temperature regulating component comprises a heater.

7. The seat of claim 6, wherein the heater is located between the cushion and the shock-absorbing shell.

8. A seat according to claim 4, wherein the temperature adjustment means comprises a venting means.

9. The seat of claim 8, wherein the vent comprises a blower.

10. The seat of claim 9, wherein the temperature conditioning device comprises a source of cooling air.

11. The seat of claim 10, wherein the source of cooling air comprises a vehicular HVAC system, an absorption refrigeration system, a thermoelectric device, and combinations thereof.

12. A car seat, comprising:

a seat component comprising a cushion and a facing;

a shock-absorbing layer located between the shock-absorbing pad and the facing, comprising:

a plurality of edge-sealed pouches attached to the base layer, the pouches containing a filling material; and

a heater attached to the base layer and located below the bag.

13. The car seat of claim 12, wherein the filler material is a liquid having a viscosity of about 1 cP.

14. The car seat of claim 13, wherein the base layer comprises a foam or film.

15. The car seat of claim 14, wherein the bag is attached to the substrate with one or more of mechanical fasteners, double sided tape, adhesive, stitching, infrared radiation welding, radio frequency welding, or ultrasonic welding.

16. The car seat of claim 15, further comprising a breather pad.

17. The car seat of claim 16, wherein the shock absorbing layer and the cushion are a unitary component.

18. The car seat of claim 17, further comprising a thermostat and a blower assembly.

19. The car seat of claim 18, wherein the temperature adjustment device comprises a thermoelectric device.

20. The car seat of claim 19, wherein the blower assembly blows air through the vent cushion toward an occupant of the seat.