Molded layer for a seat insert

Abstract

The present invention includes a ventilated seat for a vehicle having at least one ventilated component. The ventilated component has a cushion, a trim surface and an insert located beneath the trim surface of each ventilated component. The insert includes at least two layers, at least one of which is a molded layer. The at least two layer define an open space, that may include a spacer. The seat also includes an air mover assembly that is in fluid communication with the open space and servers to blow air to or draw air from the insert.

1 . A ventilated seat for a vehicle, comprising: 
 a vehicle seat having at least one ventilated component having a cushion and a trim surface;    an insert located beneath the trim surface of each ventilated component, the insert includes a first layer and a second layer, at least one of which is a molded layer, defining an open space;    an air mover assembly in fluid communication with the open space.    
   
   
       2 . The seat of  claim 1  wherein the molded layer is a fluid barrier layer.  
   
   
       3 . The seat of  claim 1  wherein the molded layer is a flow control layer.  
   
   
       4 . The seat of  claim 1  further comprising a spacer material located between the first and second layers.  
   
   
       5 . The seat of  claim 1  wherein the insert further comprises and extension.  
   
   
       6 . The seat of  claim 1  further comprising a duct that extends through the cushion.  
   
   
       7 . The seat of  claim 6  wherein a bellows provides fluid communication between the air mover assembly and the insert.  
   
   
       8 . The seat of  claim 7  further comprising an air impermeable trim surface.  
   
   
       9 . The seat of  claim 7  further comprising an air permeable trim surface.  
   
   
       10 . The seat of  claim 9  wherein the air mover assembly comprises a plurality of fans.  
   
   
       11 . The seat of  claim 10  further comprising at least one thermoelectric device.  
   
   
       12 . The seat of  claim 11  further comprising a heater located between the trim surface and the insert.  
   
   
       13 . The seat of  claim 1  wherein the insert is attached to the cushion.  
   
   
       14 . The seat of  claim 1  wherein the insert is attached to the trim surface.  
   
   
       15 . The seat of  claim 1  wherein the insert comprises an edge sealed bag.  
   
   
       16 . The seat of  claim 1  wherein the molded layer is injection molded.  
   
   
       17 . The seat of  claim 1  wherein the molded layer is thermoformed.  
   
   
       18 . A ventilated seat, comprising: 
 a perforated seating surface for supporting a seat occupant;    a mixing region, at least partially defined by a molded layer, disposed under the seating surface for combining ambient air with a cooled fluid;    an air mover assembly for providing ambient air to the mixing region, for providing temperature conditioned air to the mixing region, for removing the combined ambient air and temperature conditioned air, and combinations thereof; and    a temperature conditioning device for at least adjusting the temperature of the air from ambient.    
   
   
       19 . The seat of any of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature conditioning device is a thermoelectric device.  
   
   
       20 . The seat of any of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing region is at least partially disposed in the spacer.