Abstract: The heating elements of a seat heater are used to warm the occupant seated on the seat and also used to detect the occupant. The configuration eliminates the need to dispose, in the vicinity of the seating surface of the seat, both a heater unit used for warming the occupant and a sensor for detecting the occupant. As a result, the structure of the seat is simplified to prevent deterioration in seating comfort, and at the same time, the occupant can be accurately detected and the heating elements can be efficiently utilized.

Abstract: A thermoelectric module including at least two heat exchanging units connected in series is provided. Each heating exchanging unit includes: a main body having an inlet for intaking cooling medium; a thermoelectric element provided in the main body which divides the main body into a working chamber formed with a working medium outlet and a waste heat chamber formed with a waste medium outlet. The working medium outlet of one of two neighboring heat exchanging units is connected with the inlet of the remaining of the two neighboring heat exchanging units. A temperature controlled vehicle seat comprising the thermoelectric module is also provided.

Abstract: A seat with a heating device is provided which realizes a configuration in which the arm, palms and finger tips of a user can easily be warmed when the user uses the seat with the heating device. When the user is seated in a seat with a heating device and feels cold due to it being winter, the user controls a switch to heat the seat, whereby energization of heating elements 3a, 3b, 3c is started which are connected to a power supply via electric wires. When the energization of the heating elements 3a, 3b, 3c is started, heat generated thereby is conducted to skin materials 2a, 2b, 2c and surfaces of the skin materials are warmed. When the user places his or her arm on an armrest portion 5, the arm is warmed via the skin material 2c, whereby the user can feel the sensation of comfortableness.

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

Abstract: A heated seat (302) comprising: a cushion with one or more trench (30) areas; a heater (300) comprising: a carrier (2) with a periphery, the carrier (2) further including: a first electrically functional layer (4) that is made of a conductive material that substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the carrier (2); and a second electrically functional layer (8) that is made of a resistive material; one or more electrical conductors {12} attached to the first electrically functional layer; a trim layer (40) that covers the cushion when the heater is placed over the cushion, and wherein the periphery includes a first side edge (18) and a second side edge (20), and each side edge includes a cutout (26), and the cutouts are located adjacent to each other—forming a neck portion (28); wherein the heater is attached to the cushion by placing an attachment device (32) over the neck portion (28) of the heater and securing one or both ends of the attachment, device (32) to the cushion so that the neck portion (2

Abstract: A child's car seat with an integral heating apparatus is herein disclosed, comprising a flexible electric heating pad layer immediately below back and seat portions of the car seat. The heating pad is connected to a rechargeable battery located therewithin a base portion of the car seat. A remote control unit provides settings of “OFF”, “LOW”, “MED”, and “HIGH” and would allow the apparatus to be controlled from the front seat while the vehicle is in motion. At the “HIGH” setting, the maximum temperature obtainable would be limited to an appropriate temperature to prevent overheating of the child.

Abstract: A seat portion or a backrest portion of seating assembly comprises a recessed area or wide groove along its exterior surface. The recessed area can be configured to receive a spacer (e.g., spacer fabric, member, module, etc.) that helps maintains the spatial and structural integrity of the recessed area. In addition, a scrim layer can be positioned over the spacer fabric to help direct and/or distribute air or other fluid to an exterior surface of the seating assembly. The recessed area can also be configured to receive one or more films, occupant sensory devices, comfort layers, scrims, temperature sensors, heating devices and/or the like.

Abstract: A heated collapsible article of furniture is provided. The article of furniture has a collapsible frame movable from an open orientation to a collapsed orientation. A heating element is formed integrally with the article of furniture and is configured for converting electrical energy to thermal energy. A rechargeable electrical storage device is couple to the heating element and configured to receive electrical energy photovoltaically and provide the electrical energy to the heating element.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a piezoelectric module and a sheet for a vehicle including the same. The sheet includes: a seat board part supporting a passenger's lower body; a backplate part formed to be extended in a direction perpendicular to one side of the seat board part and supporting the passenger's upper body; and a piezoelectric module formed in the seat board part and generating warm air or cold air using a flow of a current generated by vehicle vibration to thereby transfer the generated warm air or cold air to the passenger's body.

Abstract: A heated portable collapsible chair includes a collapsible frame. The collapsible frame supports a fabric human contact sheet having a chair seat portion and a chair back portion. A flexible heating element is located adjacent to a back surface of the human contact sheet so that heat generated by the heating element passes through the human contact sheet to warm a user. A battery is provided for selectively heating the heating element. The flexible heating element is preferably affixed to a backing sheet wherein the backing sheet is affixed to the back surface of the human contact sheet. The flexible heating element accommodates the flexing of the human contact sheet when the human contact sheet is distorted when collapsing the chair for storage or transport.

Abstract: A baby car carrier dimensioned to hold a small child safely in a motor vehicle. The base of the device sets atop a car seat and is secured by means of a seatbelt. A frame is rotatably affixed to the top of the base. The top of the frame is concave and slidably supports the convex bottom of a cradle assembly. The cradle assembly can recline relative to the frame by motorized means. A plurality of padded nesting inserts are provided on top of the cradle assembly allowing for growing children by successive removal of the nesting inserts. Variations further include cup holders, trays, a retractable shade, a headrest, an inflatable pillow, vibration, heat, and an arm to dangle a toy.

Abstract: An automotive bolster pillow for providing a barrier that prevents personal items from falling into a gap between a vehicle seat and a center console. The device comprises an elongated pillow adapted to be pressed into the seat/console gap and optionally have an attached insertion tab or seat belt securement loop. Tab insertion or loop attachment limits the bolster freedom of movement such that the apparatus stays securely in place while the vehicle is in motion. The compressible nature of the interior pillow stuffing material provides users with a comfortable cushion for the driver or passenger while its outward appearance is that of a decorative bolster pillow that matches the interior decor. The device provides a boundary to prevent personal articles and loose change from falling into the seat/console gap.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle seat back adapted for movement between an upright position and a lowered position has an air duct with an intake located adjacent an upper portion of the seat back and an outlet located adjacent a lower portion of the seat back. The air duct takes in ambient cabin air at its upper end and that air is directed to an electronics compartment located behind the seat in order to cool the electronics regardless of whether the seat back is in the raised or the lowered position.

Abstract: A vehicle seat heater 10, which is to be fitted to a vehicle seat 50, includes a base seat 12 and a heater wire 14 laid in the base seat 12. The heater wire 14 is laid in the base seat 12 so as not to orthogonally intersect its predicted wrinkle lines R. As a result, disconnections of the heater wire 14 caused by repeated deformations of the vehicle seat heater 10 can be suppressed.

Abstract: A heated and cooled seating unit is disclosed with an apparatus to determine if the chair is in use, such as a pressure sensor, or an electric sensing apparatus. This apparatus controls the heating apparatus and powers the heat off, to conserve power, in the event that a person or object is not seated in the chair.

Abstract: A heating cushion comprising an elastic main body having a cutting line provided thereon; a heating device, which consists essentially of an electrical heating cord that can be inserted in the body from the cutting line, a female connector joins with two ends of heating cord respectively, and a male connector pairs up with the female connector for supplying power to the heating cord; and an adhesive layer, made of a binding material, applied in an inner portion of the cutting line. The heating cord and said two electrical cords connecting to the heating cords can be coupled to the bottom of the cutting line by said adhesive layer. The heating cord within the cushion has even heat conductivity and flexibility, which won't be broken easily to avoid the occurrence of short circuit.

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

Abstract: A temperature-controlled head-restraint system is provided. A head restraint includes various layers of material, such as a core, cushion, and trim cover. Moreover, the head restraint includes a temperature-controlling layer that provides heat, coolness, ventilation, or a combination thereof to a front portion of the head restraint. The temperature-controlling layer might include one or more of a heater mat or reticulate material that disperses treated air.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.

Abstract: A heat radiation mechanism that radiates heat from an electrical storage device disposed in a space under a seat installed in the passenger compartment, having a guide surface for directing the heat from the electrical storage device out of the space. The guide surface is inclined with respect to a vertical direction of the seat, and an end of the guide surface farthest from the electrical storage device in the vertical direction of the member is located in the vicinity of an outer face of the seat.

Abstract: A flexible flat structure has a flexible, flat resistance heating element that is connected to electrodes that are spaced apart from one another for supplying electrical current that is pressed on to the resistance heating element by staples or clamps in a force-fit manner and/or a form-fit manner and provides a more flexible connection.

Abstract: A seat cushion covering structure includes a fabric seat cushion cover into which conductive fibers, electrically connected at one end to a conductive member, are woven, and a groove, which is formed in the seat cushion and into which the fabric seat cushion cover is tucked. The conductive member is provided in the groove.

Abstract: The invention provides an indoor or outdoor bench that features heating and cooling capabilities. The heating and cooling features comprise a variety of configurations. One such configuration includes a temperature control thermostat with three heat settings (such as 600 watt radiant, 900 watt fan forced, and 1500 watt radiant and fan forced), oscillating heat coils with an incorporated fan unit, and a dual safety system featuring a tip over switch and manual reset type limit control. In addition, an external temperature control button allows a user to choose heat, heat and fan, or fan only. The heater fan combination operates on any suitable power source, such as a DC rechargeable battery source such as nickel cadmium or nickel metal hydride. Another suitable power source is standard household power, such as AC 110 voltage, for example.

Abstract: The seat cover with adjustable cushion apparatus provides for removable fit to a variety of seats. Various sizes and dimensions of the apparatus are provided so that a plurality of seat types and sizes are properly fitted. The apparatus provides a multitude of features and conveniences including seat heating and back massage. The memory hinge importantly provides a user with headrest cushion adjustability whereby the headrest cushion shape is altered and retained thusly until changed again by a user. A user's head can be supported rearwardly and to both sides as tightly or as loosely as a user wishes. The seat back provides for storage of personal items such as cell phone and pencils and the like.

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

Abstract: A planar heating device and a seat equipped with the device include: first and second warming heaters (1, 2) connected in parallel with electric power source (4); thermistor (5); thermostat (6) connected in series with second warming heater (2); a heating part, i.e., first warming heater (1), that heats thermistor (5) and thermostat (6); and controller (3) to control temperatures of first and second warming heaters (1, 2) in accordance with temperature information from thermistor (5). For a period until thermostat (6) turns off, quick-heating property is improved by energizing first and second warming heaters (1, 2).

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes a sheet-like sensor member, a sheet-like electric device, and a seat main body configuring a sitting portion and including therein the sensor member and the electric device while overlapping each other. The electric device is provided between a pad member which forms a cushion element of the seat main body and a skin cover which covers an outer surface side of the pad member, and the sensor member is provided between the electric device and the skin cover. The electric device is formed with a through hole, so that a measuring circuit unit which is wired and connected to the sensor member is provided in an inner surface side of the electric device, and the measuring circuit unit is accommodated in a recessed portion formed in the pad member.

Abstract: A seat assembly including a seat cushion, a heating element, a heating circuit, a occupant sensing circuit, and an isolation circuit. The seat cushion has a seating surface, the heating element is adjacent the seating surface and is formed of electrically conductive material. The heating circuit is coupled to the heating element for supplying electrical current to the heating element for generating heat. The occupant sensing circuit is also coupled to the heating element for sensing the presence of an occupant near the heating element. The isolation circuit is interposed between the heating circuit and the heating element for isolating the heating circuit from the occupant sensing circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle seat assembly includes a seating surface, wherein the seating surface defines a plurality of temperature controlled zones. At least one electrically actuated heating/cooling source provides one of heating and cooling to the plurality of zones. A controller individually controls electrical power supplied from the source to each zone and is operative to reduce power consumption in one zone relative to another zone in accordance with a predetermined profile designed to limit the overall power consumption of the assembly.

Abstract: The thermal child seat blanket apparatus provides snug, removable fit to an exiting child seat. The choice of battery power or power via the cigar plug of an auto yields widespread user choices. After setting the initially desired temperature of the heating elements, the temperature is easily moved up or down via the touch control temperature increase and temperature decrease. The seat cover can be used with or without the blanket. While the apparatus is ideally suited for fit to a portable child seat, it may nonetheless by used in any desired application to warm and shelter a child, whether in or out of a seat. The flexible seat cover, blanket, and collapsible accordion shield provide compact portability.

Abstract: A temperature adjustable seat is disclosed. The temperature adjustable seat comprises a seat and air being blown into an inside thereof a thermoelectric device for heating and cooling the air, an air-blower for blowing either heated air or cooled air by the thermoelectric device through the inside of the seat, and control device for controlling the thermoelectric device. The control device calculates a required heat quantity, the required heat quantity being a sum of a first heat quantity required for a seat surface temperature of the seat reaching to a target seat temperature and a second heat quantity that is given and received between the seat and an ambient environment and the control device controls a temperature of the thermoelectric device so as to supply the required heat quantity to the seat.

Abstract: A seat assembly and a method of controlling temperature of a seat assembly. The seat assembly may include a seat bottom configured to move between a first position and a second position. A flexible duct provides air to the seat bottom. The flexible duct has a housing defining an air passage and a plurality of support members disposed in the air passage. The flexible duct moves when the seat bottom moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A seat with a heating device is provided which realizes a configuration in which the arm, palms and finger tips of a user can easily be warmed when the user uses the seat with the heating device. When the user is seated in a seat with a heating device and feels cold due to it being winter, the user controls a switch to heat the seat, whereby energization of heating elements 3a, 3b, 3c is started which are connected to a power supply via electric wires. When the energization of the heating elements 3a, 3b, 3c is started, heat generated thereby is conducted to skin materials 2a, 2b, 2c and surfaces of the skin materials are warmed. When the user places his or her arm on an armrest portion 5, the arm is warmed via the skin material 2c, whereby the user can feel the sensation of comfortableness.

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

Abstract: A seat comprises a cushion member, a seat heater, and a skin material. The seat heater has a planar base member disposed on the cushion member, a heater wire fixed to the base member, and a temperature control that controls the temperature of the heater wire. The skin material covers both the cushion member and the seat heater. The cushion member includes a seat cushion surface portion for a sitting person and a recess formed in a surface located on the side opposite to the seat cushion surface portion. The base member includes a seat cushion surface-side portion disposed on the seat cushion surface portion. The heater wire includes a seat cushion surface-side heater wire disposed in the seat cushion surface-side portion and an insertion portion heater wire extended from the seat cushion side heater wire. At least a part of the temperature control is connected to the insertion portion heater wire and is disposed within the recess of the cushion member.

Abstract: An occupant detection system including a seat assembly comprising a seat cushion having a seating surface, a heating element adjacent the seating surface, said heating element formed of electrically conductive material, a heating circuit electrically coupled to the heating element, said heating circuit configured to supply an electrical current to the heating element effective to generate heat by the heating element, an occupant detection circuit electrically coupled to the heating element, said occupant detection circuit configured to detect an occupant presence near the heating element, and an isolation circuit interposed between the heating circuit and the heating element, said isolation circuit configured to prevent the heating circuit from influencing the occupant detection circuit, said isolation circuit comprising a common mode choke.

Abstract: There is disclosed a seat that comprises a trim cover including a sheet of covering material and a wadding layer, a padding member covered with the cover, a seating surface section formed by a portion of the cover and a portion of the padding member, and electric or electronic equipment, the equipment including planar equipment bodies and accessories, the wadding layer including a first wadding member laminated onto the entire sheet, and second wadding members formed separately from the first wadding member and mounted to predetermined regions of the portion of the padding member which forms the seating surface section in cooperation with the portion of the cover, the bodies being disposed on the second wadding members, and the padding member being covered by the cover in such a manner that the second wadding members having the bodies disposed thereon are combined with the first wadding member.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled head-restraint system is provided. A head restraint includes various layers of material, such as a core, cushion, and trim cover. Moreover, the head restraint includes a temperature-controlling layer that provides heat, coolness, ventilation, or a combination thereof to a front portion of the head restraint. The temperature-controlling layer might include one or more of a heater mat or reticulate material that disperses treated air.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.

Abstract: A temperature adjustable chair includes a seat portion with a backrest portion vertically extending therefrom. The seat portion is superimposed on a plurality of support legs that suspend the chair above an underlying surface. Adjacent each of two sides of the seat portion is an armrest. Imbedded within both the backrest portion and the seat portion is a thermoelectric cooler for selectively generating or removing heat. The cooler is regulated with a control panel positioned on one of the armrests.

Abstract: A seat conditioning module for a seat conditioning assembly including an air mover, an intake port, outtake port, wherein at least one of the intake port, the outtake port, or both are in fluid communication with a seat surface. A valve assembly with at least two apertures movably disposed between the air mover and the at least one intake and at least one outtake ports. An actuation device for moving the valve assembly to control the passage of the fluid through the at least two apertures. An optional conditioning device in fluid communication with the air mover and the seat surface. A control device for at least controlling the position of the at least two apertures of the valve assembly, the activation of the optional conditioning device, the operation of the air mover, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided in combination with a seat heater and a capacitive occupant detection system. The seat heater comprises a seat heating element disposed in the vehicle seat while the capacitive occupant detection system comprises a measurement circuit and an electrode arrangement, which is also disposed in the vehicle seat. The electrode arrangement includes a sensing electrode and a shielding electrode. The measurement circuit is operatively connected to the sensing electrode and to the shielding electrode and configured to keep the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode at substantially the same electric potential during the capacitive measurement. Of the seat heating element, the sensing electrode and the shielding electrode, the seat heating element is closest to a seating region of the vehicle seat and the sensing electrode is arranged between the seat heating element and the shielding electrode.

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

Abstract: Disclosed is a vehicle seat assembly with built-in heater having a configuration to minimize formation of creases. The vehicle seat assembly of the present invention comprises a seat heater. The seat heater is structured as a unit and comprised of a substrate and a heating wire. The heating wire has a first heater section and a second heater section. In the first heater section, a part of the segments bent on the left side extend leftward across the center. In the second heater section, a part of the segments bent on the right side extend rightward across the center. These segments are overlapped when viewed in the vertical direction. This configuration minimizes formation of creases in the middle area.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a seat adjusting method and a seat adjusting system capable of actively adjusting a user's sitting posture and comfort according to the body weight of different users. Stress sensors are provided for detecting a stress distribution situation of a seat support surface. Airbags are buried into the support surface for actively changing the level of the support surface in order to increase a contact area between the support surface and the user, and the stress distribution situation can be matched with an expected ratio to provide the best ergonomic support effect to users.

Abstract: A heated collapsible article of furniture is provided. The article of furniture has a collapsible frame movable from an open orientation to a collapsed orientation. A heating element is formed integrally with the article of furniture and is configured for converting electrical energy to thermal energy. A rechargeable electrical storage device is couple to the heating element and configured to receive electrical energy photovoltaically and provide the electrical energy to the heating element.

Abstract: A heater system for an aircraft seat includes a first heater pad secured to the bottom seat cushion and a second heater pad secured to the back seat cushion, with both pads being under an upholstery cover. The first and second heater pads each has a body of an open cell foam material that is self flame extinguishing, and an electric resistance wire embedded in a winding pattern within the body. A control module applies a variable electric current to the electric resistance wire in each of the first and second heater pads. Preferably only the second heater pad for the back seat cushion can be activated or both the first and second heater pads can be activated. A pushbutton switch module allows the seat occupant step the control module through a sequence of different heating levels.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a ventilated seat with a valve sheet having one or more valve assemblies. The valve sheet maybe on a frame of the seat. The valve assemblies open in response to a force such as a force applied by an individual occupying the seat. In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of thermally regulating a seat by occupying a seat with a valve sheet. By occupying the seat one or more valves assemblies open air moving though the open valve assemblies thermally regulates the seat.

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.