Abstract: The present invention relates to a heating element for heating at least one surface contacted at times by a user, with a plurality of heating conductors or heating conductor sections that are directly or indirectly connected electrically to one another, at least in part by mutual contact, with at least one heating conductor or heating conductor section which, upon exceeding a permissible maximum temperature, at least temporarily loses its electrical conductivity at least in part. It is provided that the electrical resistance of at least two heating conductors or heating conductor sections is dependent at least in part on its mechanical strain, that these heating conductors or heating conductor sections are electrically connected to one another in parallel, and that they are separated from one another at least in sections by a spacing zone in order to prevent electrical connection between them in spacing zone.

Abstract: A device (2) for accommodating functional elements in regions of a motor vehicle interior that are subjected to mechanical forces at least at times, having a base layer (8), an intermediate layer (10) and a cover layer (12), wherein the layers (8, 10, 12) are arranged so as to at least partially overlap one another, wherein the intermediate layer (10) has at least one support element (14) for the transmission of mechanical loads between the base layer (8) and cover layer (12), which element is made, in particular, of a firm but flexible material. In addition to the support element (14), additional functional elements (18) are arranged in the remaining space (16) between the base layer (8), the cover layer (12) and the support element (14).

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert preferably includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also preferably includes a blower or air pump for providing ventilation and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: A device for guiding air for air conditioning a body support device, that may include a carrier layer including a contact surface and a opposing surface; a heating conductor disposed upon the contact surface; an air guiding layer including an air-impermeable wall, wherein the air guiding layer is disposed on the opposing surface of the carrier layer; an air-feeding device connectively disposed to the air guiding layer or the air-impermeable wall; and at least one adjusting device including a bladder with a bladder wall, wherein at least a portion of the bladder wall is formed by the air-impermeable wall of the air guiding layer.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a seat includes a cushion having a cover and two air-conditioned zones proximate a surface facing a seat occupant, and an elongated depression between the zones, the depression having a floor which is recessed with respect to the zones and into which the cover is at least partially drawn into in the direction of the depression floor, the air-conditioned zones being at least partially distanced from the depression. The zones and the depression are connected by a plurality of air-permeable channels, the channels being located between the air-conditioned zones essentially on or above the depression floor. The depression, in the transverse direction, is at least partially air-permeable, despite the cover.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealed edge insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also includes an air mover (e.g., a fan) for providing ventilation to the seat occupant. Further, the insert includes an extension that extends to a backside of a cushion component of the seat for attachment to provide fluid communication from the insert to the air mover.

Abstract: There is disclosed a comfort system suitable for use in a seat of an automotive vehicle. The system preferably includes an air mover in fluid communication with an open space below a trim layer of the seat for providing ventilation, heating and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: A heating element (1) featuring at least two electrodes (5, 5?) for supplying the heating element (1) with current, containing a multitude of heating sections (11, 11?, 11?) that, coating at least one part of a base surface to be heated (4), are arranged between the electrodes (5, 5?) and are connected with them by electrical conduction. The heating element (1) has at least two bundles (9, 9?, 9?, 9?) of heating sections (11, 11?, 11?), with the bundles (9, 9?, 9?) being arranged at a distance from one another to avoid electrical contact between the bundles.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automotive vehicle seating comfort system for providing heating, cooling, ventilation or a combination thereof to an individual in an automotive car seat. The system typically includes an insert, a blower and a tubular structure for providing fluid communication between the insert and blower for providing ventilation and/or cooling for the individual. Preferably, the insert includes a heater or heater layer for providing heat for the individual.

Abstract: A device (3) for climate control of a motor vehicle seat (20) with a cushion core (22) for the support of a passenger, having an upper air distribution device (25) at the front side (27) of the cushion core (22) facing the passenger to distribute air along the front side (27) of the cushion core (22), and having a lower air distribution device (32) at its rear side (30) facing away from the passenger to distribute air along the rear side (27) of the cushion core (22), having a connecting device (35) to transfer air between the first and second air distribution devices (25, 32). Each of the three devices (25, 32, 35) has an elongated hollow space (37), and at least one support element (14) in the form of a spiral spring is provided in the air-conducting cross-section of at least one such hollow space (37).

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert suitable for use within a seating system of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a temperature conditioned assembly for use in a component (e.g., a seat or steering wheel) of a transportation vehicle (e.g., an automotive vehicle, a plane, a train or the like). The assembly typically includes one or more conditions such as a heater and/or a ventilation or cooling system. A controller and a temperature sensor are also included in the assembly. Preferably, the controller is programmed to effect an energy output sequence that is based upon the ambient temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

Abstract: An air conditioned seat with a padded seat surface (4) and a padded backrest (8) and with a fan (16) arranged beneath the seat surface (4). The fan (16) is connected to an air distribution apparatus (20, 22) in the seat, and includes a flow region (31) that is open to the environment. The flow region (31) is located substantially on the side of the fan (16) facing the seat surface (4). The fan inlet (30) is further environmentally protected by a diffuser (36) located in the flow region (31) and forming a slit opening (40) between a top edge (38) of the diffuser (36) and an underside (28) of the seat.

Abstract: There is disclosed a comfort system suitable for use in a seat of an automotive vehicle. The system preferably includes an air mover in fluid communication with an open space below a trim layer of the seat for providing ventilation, heating and/or cooling to the seat occupant.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealed edge insert suitable for placement within a seat of an automotive vehicle. The insert includes multiple layers, one of which includes a heater for providing an occupant of the seat with warmth. The insert also includes an air mover (e.g., a fan) for providing ventilation to the seat occupant. Further, the insert includes an extension that extends to a backside of a cushion component of the seat for attachment to provide fluid communication from the insert to the air mover.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heater for an automotive vehicle or other article of manufacture. The heater typically includes a first conductive medium and a second conductive medium disposed upon a carrier. In a preferred embodiment, the first conductive medium includes a first section and a second section that are electrically connected by a second conductive medium. The second conductive medium preferably exhibits a positive thermal coefficient.

Abstract: There is disclosed a conductor having a conductive element and a covering surrounding at least a portion of the conductive element. Preferably, the covering has an inner portion and an outer portion formed of different materials such that the melting point of the inner portion is higher than the melting point of the outer portion. The conductor is particularly useful for forming heaters, which may be integrated into a seat of an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle seat with a backrest (16) that has a backrest cushion (18) and a rear backrest cover (20), and an air-handling device that is associated with the backrest (16) and is connected to an air distribution device (30, 32) in the seat. The rear backrest cover (20) is at least partially air permeable, and covers at least one passage (27) of the air-handling device (23). The air exchanged between the environment and the air-handling device (23) passes for the most part through the air-permeable regions of the backrest cover (20).

Abstract: An air conditioned seat with a padded seat surface (4) and a padded backrest (8) and with a fan (16) arranged beneath the seat surface (4). The fan (16) is connected to an air distribution apparatus (20, 22) in the seat, and includes a flow region (31) that is open to the environment. The flow region (31) is located substantially on the side of the fan (16) facing the seat surface (4). The fan inlet (30) is further environmentally protected by a diffuser (36) located in the flow region (31) and forming a slit opening (40) between a top edge (38) of the diffuser (36) and an underside (28) of the seat.

Abstract: A flexible heating element for a vehicle seat or the like includes at least one flexible heating resistor element and at least two flexible supply electrodes arranged at a distance from each other and at least partly embedding the heating resistor element between them to form a layered structure. The flexible heating resistor is formed of a material having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) effect. The layered structure includes a plurality of recesses formed therein defining a plurality of webs, the webs and recesses resulting in a net-like structure.