With Heat Exchanger Or Means To Provide Fluid Or Vapor Treatment Patents (Class 297/180.1)
  • Publication number: 20140152058
    Abstract: A vehicle seating assembly includes a seat structure. A carrier is disposed on the seat structure and includes a matrix of fluid transfer lines. A spacer material is positioned over the carrier. A trim cover is disposed over the spacer material. A desiccant is made from a volcanic ash and is supported by the seat structure. The matrix of fluid transfer lines thermodynamically influences a relative temperature of the trim cover through both the carrier and the desiccant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Johnathan Andrew Line, Paul Bryan Hoke, Clay Wesley Maranville, John W. Jaranson, Michael Kolich, Daniel Ferretti, Jeroen Lem
  • Publication number: 20140110978
    Abstract: This patent pertains to patient contact compensating wheelchairs. One implementation includes a motorized base that includes a battery and a seat positioned above the base. In one instance, the seat can include a moisture permeable structure configured to support a patient and a fan configured to move air below the moisture permeable structure to carry moisture from the patient away from the moisture permeable structure. Another implementation includes a set of patient contact objects configured to alternatively contact first and then second portions of an underside of the moisture permeable structure so that at a first time more of the patient's weight is supported at the first portion than at the second portion and at a second time more of the patient's weight is supported at the second portion than at the first portion, to relieve contact pressure of the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventor: David Kurt Schneider
  • Patent number: 8702165
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion, and a seat back including a blower. The seat back includes an interior pad facing an outer circumference of the seat back other than a part of the seat back at a rear side, and a fabric seat cover covering the interior pad to configure an exterior covering. The seat cover includes a seated occupant's side surface portion and a rear surface portion joined together to form a bag-like configuration. The interior pad is formed with an air guiding path which guides air from the blower to a surface of the seat back at a seated occupant's side. A part of the rear surface portion which does not cover the interior pad is formed as a permeation block portion having permeability lower than that of the seated occupant's side surface portion so as to block the permeation of air from the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Boshoku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Oota
  • Patent number: 8678492
    Abstract: A DC powered refrigeration package supplies refrigerant to an evaporator coil that is incorporated into the driver's seat of a race car. The DC-powered compressor, condenser and condenser fan are contained within an enclosure that can be situated behind the driver's seat. The refrigeration circuit chills the seat to below freezing, favorably to about 20° F. or below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Inventor: David Benton
  • Publication number: 20130306297
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and vehicles are provided for providing adaptive automatic climate control functionality for a vehicle. A sensor is configured to detect when a manual override of an automatic climate control feature of a vehicle has occurred. A processor is coupled to the sensor, and is configured to initiate the automatic climate control feature for the vehicle and adjust a calibration of the automatic climate control feature when the manual override has been detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: BIBIN SEBASTIAN, TODD M. TUMAS
  • Publication number: 20130292972
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Shaun Calvin Howick, Goran Bajic
  • Patent number: 8523279
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignees: NHK Spring Co., Ltd., Kurabe Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nakamura, Akitoshi Yamashita, Hiroshi Yagame, Takanori Nagai
  • Patent number: 8500194
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Fischer, Ludger Oel, Georg Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20130119716
    Abstract: A rotatable circular crossection cervical pillow is manually rotated in a continuous fashion as desired by a person whenever a fresh clean contact spot is sought, or a contact spot of variable support is sought, while the pillow is still attached to a seat back. The rotatable pillow is a cylinder of medium and/or firm high density polyurethane foam. An axial through-hole in the center permits the snug insertion of a rigid length of tubing to give the pillow axial rigidity. Swivel fixtures are attached at each end of the pillow by virtue of the central tube. A fabric cover with an opening closure covers the entire polyurethane cylinder snugly. Optionally the cover may carry therapeutic imparting elements therein. Straps with adjustable buckles are attached to each swivel fixture. Therefore, the cervical pillow rotates easily while still strap-attached to the seat back.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Charles J Stronconi
  • Publication number: 20130119715
    Abstract: A vehicle seat suspension assembly includes a rear support for engagement with a torsion tube of a vehicle seat. First and second spring members have end portions engaged with the rear support. Intermediate cushion pan connectors are disposed on each of the first and second spring members. A cross support is coupled with the first and second spring members and includes power and data wiring apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Medoro, Majid Arefi, Khaled Ayyash, Johnathan Andrew Line, Michael Kolich, James Patrick Creighton, Robert J. Sack, Laura Olivia Ortega Maynez
  • Patent number: 8439436
    Abstract: An arrangement structure for a duct is provided, enabling formation of an air intake opening of the duct such as to be widely open on the side of a seatback and improvement in strength of a striker holding the seatback. The arrangement structure includes a vehicle seat with a seatback and a lock mechanism provided on the seatback and engaging with a striker supported on a vehicle sidewall to lock the seatback at a standing position; and the duct provided on the side of the seatback, extending in the up and down direction and flowing air. The striker has an inclined portion extending from the engaging position of the seatback and the lock mechanism toward outside with respect to a vehicle lateral direction and toward the vehicle rear side. The duct is disposed on the side of the seatback and on the front side of the inclined portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tomotake Kato
  • Patent number: 8439437
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Naruaki Akai, Norio Abe, Naohito Asami, Kazuaki Hioki, Koji Yoshimoto, Kazumi Nagayama, Yoshimitsu Fujiwara, Satoshi Arima, Hideaki Konishi, Hiroyuki Ogino, Ryuta Kondou
  • Publication number: 20130113239
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat main body, a heating portion provided in the seat main body, a degree-of-contact measuring portion that measures a degree of contact between the seat main body and an occupant seated on the seat main body, and a control portion that controls an amount of heat output from the heating portion such that the amount of heat increases according to an increase in the degree of contact between the seat main body and the occupant, and decreases according to a decrease in the degree of contact between the seat main body and the occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
  • Publication number: 20130069399
    Abstract: <PROBLEM(S) TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION> To provide a racing bucket seat and a cooling system for racing cars capable of effectively suppressing the rise of a driver's body, meeting the safety regulations. <MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS> A racing bucket seat includes a plurality of shell through holes formed in a seat shell, an outer shell fixed on the seat shell to cover the shell through holes from a rear side of the seat shell and formed with a layer-like flow passage between the outer shell and a rear surface of the seat shell, and an air intake port introducing the air into the flow passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Hisashi Ishida, Yutaka Suzuki, Daisuke Takezaki, Shohei Ezaki
  • Publication number: 20130045262
    Abstract: Disclosed are a sedative for external use, and sedative sheet, and textile, clothing, wall material, and hyperthermia equipment, brain vitalization sheet, brain vitalization small pillow which are with high productivity, adaptive for various shape and various treatment style for patients with pain, and with high treatment effect, comparing with conventional sedative for external use. A sedative for external use 10 is provided which is a bag 2 containing desert rose powder 1 prepared by pulverizing desert rose.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Nobuhiro Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20130043320
    Abstract: A ventilating device comprising: at least one air guidance device, wherein the air guidance device has at least one channel segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: W.E.T AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Jonathan Yu Zhang, Yand Yanbing Zhang, Beck Hailong Liang, Fred Fufei Zhang
  • Publication number: 20130020841
    Abstract: A back surface of a seat pad is elastically supported by a support member. An air groove that forms an air duct is formed in the back surface of the seat pad. The support member is formed by an airtight sheet-shaped body, and the sheet-shaped body is arranged contacting the back surface of the seat pad so as to form the air duct by closing off an open portion of the air groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroki OOTA
  • Publication number: 20120326473
    Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle (1) including a user seat comprising a backrest (3), a seat portion (4) and lateral edges (5) provided on both sides of the seat portion. The vehicle has a reduced production cost and a structure that facilitates the adaptation thereof to a plurality of activities, in particular owing to the fact that the seat, which is made from plastic, is produced in the form of a single piece, the lateral edges (5) being extended downwards such as to form two rear conduits intended to receive at least one rear movement member (26, 27, 28). The invention also relates to a vehicle production method in which rotational moulding is used to form an ergonomic seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: INCUBATEUR D'ENTREPRISES D'AUVERGNE
    Inventor: Wally Salvan
  • Publication number: 20120319439
    Abstract: According to certain embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate controlled seating assembly includes a thermal module. The thermal module comprises at least one inlet channel, at least one outlet channel and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) positioned upstream of the outlet channel. In one embodiment, the seating assembly includes a sensor positioned within an interior of the thermal module and configured to detect the presence of a liquid, such as water, relative humidity, condensation or other fluids, on or near said sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: GENTHERM INCORPORATED
    Inventor: John Lofy
  • Publication number: 20120280542
    Abstract: A vehicle media system for a seat of a vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a media unit mounted to a support structure within a headrest, a video monitor supported within the media unit, and a media source device coupled to the support structure at a horizontal angle with respect to the media unit to permit front loading access of the media source device by a vehicle occupant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: David Wood
  • Publication number: 20120274104
    Abstract: A seat heater includes first heat-generating elements embedded in a seat so as to correspond to first sites of a seat occupant, second heat-generating elements embedded in the seat so as to correspond to second sites of the seat occupant, and a controller for executing a fluctuation control in which a first set temperature of the first heat-generating elements and a second set temperature of the second heat-generating elements are increased or decreased in each of a plurality of predetermined time periods. The controller sets the first set temperature to be higher than the second set temperature in one of the time periods and sets the second set temperature to be higher than the first set temperature in another of the time periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masanori Nishikawa, Norio Abe, Kazuaki Hioki, Hiroyuki Ogino
  • Patent number: 8297695
    Abstract: A cooling system which having a body section which includes a flexible material; at least two mist dispensing fans connected to the body section; and control circuitry having at least a first switch controlling fan speed and a second switch controlling mist dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Breezzangel, LLC
    Inventors: Tonia Dandry Aiken, Charles W. Lanusse, Tina Dandry Mayes, Shirley Jumonville Dandry, Alexes Elizabeth Aiken, Brett Johnanthony Aiken
  • Patent number: 8276986
    Abstract: A seat pad that is injection molded out of plastic with various combinations of holes and pathways that promote air flow to ventilate and prevent the build-up of perspiration on a person's back, upper legs, and rear end as they sit on it for an extended period of time. The seat pad also has multiple beads that provide acupuncture-type pressure for relaxation and comfort of the person. The design of the seat pad is such that it provides some flexibility for cushioning effect and some rigidity so that it is not collapsed or crushed under the weight of the person sitting on it for an extended period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Nahyun Kim
  • Patent number: 8272685
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Jonathon Lucas, Louis Paspal, Neil Robert Burrows
  • Patent number: 8235462
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: W.E.T. Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Goran Bajic, Marinko Lazanja, Zoran Panic, Boris Zlotin, Peter Ulan, Vladimir Gerasimov, Vladimir Proseanik
  • Patent number: 8235461
    Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a shock absorbing ventilated seat is provided that includes a seat portion; and a back portion adjustably hinged to the seat portion. At least one of the seat and the back portions include a planer sheet of shock absorbing material located therein. The shock absorbing material has a top layer, a bottom layer, and a plurality of pairs of ribs that couple the top layer to the bottom layer so as to create a plurality of channels in the material. The top layer has a plurality of perforations therein that communicate with the plurality of channels, each of the plurality of channels having an opening on an end of the material coupled to an air source that cause air to pass through the openings of the channels and exit through the perforations in the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Eli Cohen
  • Patent number: 8220869
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Kolich
  • Patent number: 8205939
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masaru Takagi
  • Publication number: 20120112501
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: William M. Estes
  • Publication number: 20120049586
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Koji Yoshimoto, Norio Abe, Kazuaki Hioki, Hiroyuki Ogino
  • Patent number: 8123290
    Abstract: A cooling system which having a body section which includes a flexible material; at least two mist dispensing fans connected to the body section; and control circuitry having at least a first switch controlling fan speed and a second switch controlling mist dispensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: BreezzAngel, LLC
    Inventors: Tonia Dandry Aiken, Charles W. Lanusse, Tina Dandry Mayes, Shirley Jumonville Dandry, Alexes Elizabeth Aiken, Brett Johnanthony Aiken
  • Patent number: 8118354
    Abstract: A collapsible exhaust air duct for an automotive vehicle having a reconfigurable seat and an electric compartment rearward of the seat that contains heat-producing electric components. The collapsible exhaust duct is in fluid communication with the electric compartment to carry exhaust air therefrom. The duct extends forwardly beneath the seat, maintains an expanded condition when the seat is in a seating position, and is converted to a collapsed condition by movement of the seat to a stowed position. The disclosed apparatus provides a duct that maximizes usable space and flexibility in a vehicle having reconfigurable seating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Marc Jonathon Lucas
  • Publication number: 20120032478
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a pad of a seat cushion and/or of a backrest, a massage device having a plurality of pressurizable elements integrated into the pad in order to influence the contour of the seat and each of which can be controlled separately, and a control device for controlling the massage device, wherein, in addition to the massage device, a seat climate control system can also be controlled by the control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Sven Friderich, Gerhard Hauser, Werner Schiele, Gudrun Weiser, Ulrich Woerner
  • Publication number: 20120013153
    Abstract: An air-conditioned chair is revealed. The air-conditioned chair includes a chair and an air conditioner. The air conditioner consists of at least one first pipe and at least one second pipe. The first pipe is arranged with several vents corresponding to each of two edges on top of the chair. The vents are used to release gases for air-conditioning such as cold air. The second pipe is corresponding to a return air opening on the chair so as to recycle and reuse the gases for air-conditioning A cover is covered over the chair so as to form a small closed air-conditioned space. Thus good air-conditioning efficiency is achieved by lower energy consumption. The air-conditioned chair can be arranged at different vehicles so as to reduce vehicle power output and provide passengers greatest comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: SOUTHERN TAIWAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: TONG-BOU CHANG, DENG-MAW LU, WEN YU YEH
  • Patent number: 8066324
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Lear Corporation
    Inventors: John F. Nathan, Karl Kennedy, H. Winston Maue, Santosh Karumathil
  • Publication number: 20110278884
    Abstract: A seat for passengers comprising a seat body and at least one seat portion, wherein the seat comprises identification devices able to receive and verify the correctness of an identification code of the seat and activation devices, operatively connected to the identification devices, so as to be enabled and/or disabled depending on the result of verification of the identification code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: CLERPREM S.p.A.
    Inventor: GianRoberto Marchesi
  • Publication number: 20110260508
    Abstract: A trim covering for a seat assembly of a vehicle, the trim cover having an inner and outer surface and a bonding tape applied to at least one of the inner or outer surfaces. The bonding tape is used to bond portions of the trim cover together, provide additional structural integrated to the trim cover and provide improved craftsmanship in closing-out certain areas of the trim cover. A method of performing a trim cover assembly for use in a seat assembly of a vehicle. The method includes applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to bonding tape arranged at a joint between at least two trim components, placing such bonding tape and trim components in a mold, and applying heat and pressure over a predetermined time period to such trim components having the bonding tape arranged at a joint, to form a one-piece trim assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Gregg Laframboise, David Thimm, Richard P. Doerer, Daniel J. Koester, Marie R. Howell, Sandra L. Smith, Jeffrey Suiter, Teresa A. Stapleton, Duane Potes, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110221242
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a climate control arrangement for an interior appointment object of a vehicle with at least one air delivery device and at least one air distributing device. It is provided that the air distributing device has at least two flow branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: W.E.T. AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS AG
    Inventor: Dragan Juric
  • Patent number: 8015835
    Abstract: An internal cooling apparatus for automobiles includes a first expansion valve for spraying a coolant to a main evaporator through a high-pressure pipe, a compressor receiving the coolant evaporated in the main evaporator through a low-pressure pipe, a condenser receiving the coolant compressed in the compressor, and a plurality of sub-evaporators each being installed inside of a seat to contact an automobile passenger. One end of each of the sub-evaporators is communicated with the high-pressure pipe and the other end thereof is communicated with the low-pressure pipe such that part of the coolant sprayed through the first expansion valve is supplied to the compressor via each of the sub-evaporators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Delphi Automotive Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kwang Yong Lee, Young Jo Park, Dong Han Kim, Jung Yong Park, Jae Ho Jeong
  • Patent number: 8007891
    Abstract: A fixing device secures components, such as fan devices, heating devices and other air-conditioning devices, to padding foams of vehicle seats. A method produces the fixing device. The component has at least one adhesive fastening part (22) which, together with at least one corresponding adhesive fastening part (24) connected to the padding foam (12), forms a releasable adhesive fastening with which the component is held in a fixed manner in contact with the padding foam (12). The adhesive fastening formed then provides a releasable connection between the component and the foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Gottlieb Binder GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Konstantinos Poulakis
  • Publication number: 20110186560
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: LEAR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Karl Kennedy, John F. Nathan
  • Publication number: 20110187165
    Abstract: A vehicle seat is provided. The vehicle seat includes a seat main body, and a duct that is provided in the seat main body. The duct includes an inlet port through which air is supplied, a first communication pipe which is branched from the inlet port and communicates with a first outlet port, and a second communication pipe which is branched from the inlet port and communicates with a second outlet port. The duct is provided with a heating device which is configured to supply or absorb heat to or from air flowing through at least one of the first communication pipe and the second communication pipe so as to generate a temperature difference between air discharged from the first outlet port and air discharged from the second outlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA BOSHOKU KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki OOTA, Atsuki SASAKI, Takeshi NISHIURA, Yasuhiko NIIMI, Jun YAMAOKA
  • Publication number: 20110163576
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Naruaki Akai, Norio Abe, Naohito Asami, Kazuaki Hioki, Koji Yoshimoto, Kazumi Nagayama, Yoshimitsu Fujiwara, Satoshi Arima, Hideaki Konishi, Hiroyuki Ogino, Ryuta Kondou
  • Patent number: 7963595
    Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat back and a head rest. The seat back has an air blower that is capable of aspirating air, and a blower duct that is capable of introducing the aspirated air toward a blowhole formed in the seat back. The head rest has a head rest main body and a stay attached to the head rest main body. The stay is inserted into the seat back, so that the head rest main body is vertically movably attached to the seat back. The air blower is disposed on the seat back such that a rotation center thereof can be positioned above the level of a terminal end of the stay that is moved to a lowermost position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignees: Toyota Boshoku Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Hidehiro Ito, Hisaya Mori, Yasuhiko Niimi, Yuji Ito
  • Patent number: 7963594
    Abstract: A climate controlled seat assembly includes an outer frame and one or more layers of fabric. A panel member attached to the opposite side of the frame defines an inner space located between the panel member and the fabric. One or more channels attached to or formed, in part, by the panel member are in fluid communication with an opening in the panel member and a plurality of orifices located on the channels. Air from a fluid module or other device enters the channels and is discharged through the orifices in the direction of the fabric. The air passes through the fabric and reaches an occupant situated on the seating assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Amerigon Incorporated
    Inventor: Scott R. Wolas
  • Publication number: 20110127815
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention broadly relate to a chair cushion adaptable for transport on a backpack and adaptable to industry-standard seating devices for safety and comfort. In one embodiment of the present invention, a portable chair cushion apparatus comprises a back support portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and back support attachment means protruding from a rear surface thereof, a seat portion, having an outer casing surrounding a cushion material, and a backpack connection means protruding from a bottom surface thereof, and a connection strap attached to the rear surface of the back support portion on a first end, and attached to the bottom surface of a seat portion on a second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: MICHAEL NICKERSON
  • Publication number: 20110109127
    Abstract: A vehicle seat for cooling and heating may include a seat pad, a mesh sheet having a certain thickness, a first film, and a porous seat cover, which are arranged sequentially in the direction in which air is introduced to flow. The seat pad has a pad hole, which allows air to pass through, and includes one or both of a seat cushion pad, which supports the buttocks of a user, and a seatback pad, which supports the upper body of the user. The mesh sheet has a porous network structure, through which air easily passes. The first film has a first film hole, which allows air to pass through. Air passages are maintained stable to maximize blowing performance, seating comfort is improved, and a ventilation structure is simplified to reduce manufacturing costs while improving productivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Dymos Incorporation
    Inventors: Jang Su Park, Chan Uk Park, Man Ju Oh
  • Publication number: 20110109128
    Abstract: An air manifold includes a sheet-like body including first and second spaced, opposing walls and a sealed perimeter. A plurality of divider walls connects the first and second walls together and defines a plurality of air channels within the body. An opening in the body defines an air port cooperable with an air mover. The air port is in fluid communication with the air channels. At least one zone inside the body is free of the divider walls. A group of the air channels are in fluid communication with each other through one the zone. A plurality of air vents located in the first wall are in fluid communication with at least one of the air channels. The air manifold is disposable between a seat cushion element and a structural support of a seat. The first wall of the air manifold faces a backside surface of the seat cushion element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: IGB AUTOMOTIVE LTD.
    Inventors: Dmitri Axakov, Raghvendra Joshi
  • Publication number: 20110101741
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Kolich
  • Publication number: 20110089724
    Abstract: An arrangement structure for a duct is provided, enabling formation of an air intake opening of the duct such as to be widely open on the side of a seatback and improvement in strength of a striker holding the seatback. The arrangement structure includes a vehicle seat with a seatback and a lock mechanism provided on the seatback and engaging with a striker supported on a vehicle sidewall to lock the seatback at a standing position; and the duct provided on the side of the seatback, extending in the up and down direction and flowing air. The striker has an inclined portion extending from the engaging position of the seatback and the lock mechanism toward outside with respect to a vehicle lateral direction and toward the vehicle rear side. The duct is disposed on the side of the seatback and on the front side of the inclined portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Tomotake Kato