Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat frame and a seat support. A plurality of linear actuators or a camshaft are supported on the frame and oriented toward the seat support surface to each provide a localized percussive massage upon the seated occupant. Alternatively, a guide is supported upon the seat frame. A plurality of massage plates is provided on the guide. A plurality of massage nodes is each provided on one of the plurality of massage plates so that compression upon each massage plate flexes a region of each massage plate to extend each massage node forward to provide a localized massage upon the seated occupant.

Abstract: Bladder assemblies to adjust the position of a seat assemblies are disclosed. In various embodiments, the bladder assemblies include pneumatic systems to inflate and deflate one or more of a plurality of bladders. For example, a first bladder of the bladder assembly may inflate to provide a leg extension feature to support occupants with longer legs. A second bladder of the bladder assembly may inflate to provide a tilting effect to the seat assembly.

Abstract: A retention clip, a seat assembly having a retention clip, and a method of assembly. The retention clip has a spiral anchor and at least one retention feature. The spiral anchor is configured to be screwed into a cushion. The retention feature extends away from the spiral anchor and is configured to secure a seat component to the retention clip.

Abstract: A system is provided with a first valve having a first valve element, and a second valve having a second valve element, with the second valve positioned adjacent to the first valve. A first actuator is provided with an actuator member movable between a first actuator position and a second actuator position, and the actuator member is coupled to each of the first valve element and the second valve element for movement therewith. A method of controlling the system is also provided.

Abstract: A massaging assembly for a seat such as a vehicle seat is disclosed. The massaging assembly includes a plurality of bladders arranged along one or more dimensions of an occupant and are configured to determine one or more dimensions of the occupant. For example, a controller cooperates with the plurality of bladders to perform a scan to determine the one or more dimensions. The controller subsequently performs massages via the plurality of bladders based on the one or more occupant dimensions.

Abstract: An assembly is provided with a first layer connected to a second layer to form a bladder, with the first layer defining a first aperture therethrough, and one of the first or second layers defining a second aperture therethough. The third layer is connected to the first layer and positioned between the first and second layers within the bladder. The third layer is movable between a first position covering the first aperture, and a second position spaced apart from the first aperture. A seat assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A retention clip, a seat assembly having a retention clip, and a method of assembly. The retention clip has a spiral anchor and at least one retention feature. The spiral anchor is configured to be screwed into a cushion. The retention feature extends away from the spiral anchor and is configured to secure a seat component to the retention clip.

Abstract: A seat assembly has a seating cushion defining a first surface to support an occupant and a second surface opposite to the first surface, with the first surface further defining a trench. A fastener has a longitudinal body with a central region positioned between a first end region and a second end region, and a base extending outwardly from the second end region and transversely to the body. The first end region tapers in a direction away from the second end region, and the central region of the body defines a recess intersecting a side wall of the body and angled inwardly and towards the first end region to form a hook. The fastener extends through the seating cushion with the base abutting the second surface, and the first end region of the body extending into the trench.

Abstract: A retention clip, a seat assembly having a retention clip, and a method of assembly. The retention clip has a spiral anchor and at least one retention feature. The spiral anchor is configured to be screwed into a cushion. The retention feature extends away from the spiral anchor and is configured to secure a seat component to the retention clip.

Abstract: Seat assemblies and subassemblies are disclosed. For example, a ventilation subassembly may be disclosed. The subassembly may include a trim cover with a ventilation bag or membrane fixed thereto such as by stitching or welding. The ventilation bag or membrane may be disposed adjacent to the trim cover and extend from the trim cover through one or more additional layer to a carrier such that it is configured to receive a fluid flow from a blower for ventilating an occupant adjacent to the trim cover.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system and a method for producing a vehicle seating system may include a cushion made at least in part from a stranded-mesh material and configured to support a seated occupant. Also included may be a support structure configured to support the cushion and a trim-cover material configured to be disposed over at least a portion of the stranded-mesh material. The stranded-mesh material may include an integrated attachment arrangement configured to receive a fastening arrangement for securing the trim-cover material to the stranded-mesh material.

Abstract: A seat assembly has a seating cushion defining a first surface to support an occupant and a second surface opposite to the first surface, with the first surface further defining a trench. A fastener has a longitudinal body with a central region positioned between a first end region and a second end region, and a base extending outwardly from the second end region and transversely to the body. The first end region tapers in a direction away from the second end region, and the central region of the body defines a recess intersecting a side wall of the body and angled inwardly and towards the first end region to form a hook. The fastener extends through the seating cushion with the base abutting the second surface, and the first end region of the body extending into the trench.

Abstract: A retention clip, a seat assembly having a retention clip, and a method of assembly. The retention clip has a spiral anchor and at least one retention feature. The spiral anchor is configured to be screwed into a cushion. The retention feature extends away from the spiral anchor and is configured to secure a seat component to the retention clip.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system and a method for producing a vehicle seating system may include a cushion made at least in part from a stranded-mesh material and configured to support a seated occupant. Also included may be a support structure configured to support the cushion and a trim-cover material configured to be disposed over at least a portion of the stranded-mesh material. The stranded-mesh material may include an integrated attachment arrangement configured to receive a fastening arrangement for securing the trim-cover material to the stranded-mesh material.

Abstract: A seat assembly has a seating cushion defining a first surface to support an occupant and a second surface opposite to the first surface, with the first surface further defining a trench. A fastener has a longitudinal body with a central region positioned between a first end region and a second end region, and a base extending outwardly from the second end region and transversely to the body. The first end region tapers in a direction away from the second end region, and the central region of the body defines a recess intersecting a side wall of the body and angled inwardly and towards the first end region to form a hook. The fastener extends through the seating cushion with the base abutting the second surface, and the first end region of the body extending into the trench.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a pump for a fluid system, such as an air system. The pump has a housing with a wall surrounding a recess, with the housing defining an inlet passage and an outlet passage. A diaphragm is positioned through the wall with a distal end within the recess, and with the inlet and outlet passages in fluid communication with an opening to the pumping chamber of the diaphragm. A cam is supported for movement along a path about a central axis within the recess, and is connected to the distal end region of the diaphragm. The cam alternately moves the distal end region radially outwardly from the central axis to compress the pumping chamber and provide flow to the outlet passage, and moves the distal end region radially inwardly towards the central axis to expand the pumping chamber and provide flow into the pumping chamber.

Abstract: Seat assemblies and subassemblies are disclosed. The subassemblies include massage and/or ventilation subassemblies that employ tubeless air distribution by fixing sheets together such as by heat-staking. The subassemblies also include a support structure for preassembling the massage, ventilation, and/or electronic components together prior to suspending them in a seat assembly.

Abstract: A seat assembly is provided with a seat frame and a seat support. A plurality of linear actuators or a camshaft are supported on the frame and oriented toward the seat support surface to each provide a localized percussive massage upon the seated occupant. Alternatively, a guide is supported upon the seat frame. A plurality of massage plates is provided on the guide. A plurality of massage nodes is each provided on one of the plurality of massage plates so that compression upon each massage plate flexes a region of each massage plate to extend each massage node forward to provide a localized massage upon the seated occupant.

Abstract: A method for producing a vehicle interior component includes placing a polymeric cushion blank in a mold having a plurality of apertures and a mold cavity. The method may include the step of passing a first fluid having a first predetermined temperature through at least some of the apertures and through the cushion blank to heat the cushion blank to a compliant, non-liquid state. The method may also include passing a second fluid having a second predetermined temperature lower than the first predetermined temperature through the mold and through the cushion blank to cool cushion blank to a non-compliant state.