Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback having a frame that provides structural integrity to the seatback and operably couples the seatback to a vehicle floor. A carrier is operably coupled to the frame. A foam cushion assembly is operably coupled to the carrier. The foam cushion assembly includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a first side bolster, and a second side bolster. A continuous semi-rigid foam cord is formed in the foam cushion assembly. The foam cord extends through a forward periphery of the upper portion, the lower portion, the first side bolster, and the second side bolster. The foam cord is configured to add structural rigidity to the seatback.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seat base and seat back each including a spring structure, planar electro-active polymer actuators, each having a first state and coupled to one of the spring structures, a control in communication with the actuators and configured to deliver a predetermined electrical input to one or more of the actuators, wherein the predetermined electrical input deforms at least one of the actuators to a second state.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seatback having a frame that provides structural integrity to the seatback and operably couples the seatback to a vehicle floor. A carrier is operably coupled to the frame. A foam cushion assembly is operably coupled to the carrier. The foam cushion assembly includes an upper portion, a lower portion, a first side bolster, and a second side bolster. A continuous semi-rigid foam cord is formed in the foam cushion assembly. The foam cord extends through a forward periphery of the upper portion, the lower portion, the first side bolster, and the second side bolster. The foam cord is configured to add structural rigidity to the seatback.

Abstract: A spring for a vehicle seat comprising a foam body having an outer surface and a plurality of outwardly-extending walls defining a plurality of recesses, wherein top and bottom surfaces of the foam body are operable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein the plurality of recesses are vertically compressed and the top surface rotates a predetermined distance relative to the bottom surface.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base and a seat back. A coverstock is disposed over the seat base and the seat back. A plurality of button-tufts are disposed on a top surface of at least one of the seat base and the seat back and are operably coupled with the coverstock. The plurality of button-tufts include an orifice extending through the button-tufts. A fan is in communication with the orifice and is configured to move air through the orifice, thereby providing air flow to a vehicle passenger resting on the coverstock.

Abstract: A vehicle seat comprising a seat base and seat back each including a spring structure, planar electro-active polymer actuators, each having a first state and coupled to one of the spring structures, a control in communication with the actuators and configured to deliver a predetermined electrical input to one or more of the actuators, wherein the predetermined electrical input deforms at least one of the actuators to a second state.

Abstract: A spring for a vehicle seat comprising a foam body having an outer surface and a plurality of outwardly-extending walls defining a plurality of recesses, wherein top and bottom surfaces of the foam body are operable between an extended position and a compressed position, wherein the plurality of recesses are vertically compressed and the top surface rotates a predetermined distance relative to the bottom surface.

Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat base and a seat back. A coverstock is disposed over the seat base and the seat back. A plurality of button-tufts are disposed on a top surface of at least one of the seat base and the seat back and are operably coupled with the coverstock. The plurality of button-tufts include an orifice extending through the button-tufts. A fan is in communication with the orifice and is configured to move air through the orifice, thereby providing air flow to a vehicle passenger resting on the coverstock.