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Vehicle seat with thermal elementsVehicle seat with thermal elements description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060284455, Vehicle seat with thermal elements. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
PRIORITY INFORMATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/087,215, filed on Mar. 23, 2005, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates to temperature control. More specifically, this invention relates to temperature control of a seat. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Temperature modified air for environmental control of living or working space is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such as entire buildings, selected offices, or suites of rooms within a building. In the case of vehicles, such as automobiles, the entire vehicle is typically cooled or heated as a unit. There are many situations, however, in which more selective or restrictive air temperature modification is desirable. For example, it is often desirable to provide an individualized climate control for an occupant seat so that substantially instantaneous heating or cooling can be achieved. For example, an automotive vehicle exposed to the summer weather, where the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for a long period, can cause the vehicle seat to be very hot and uncomfortable for the occupant for some time after entering and using the vehicle, even with normal air conditioning. Furthermore, even with normal air-conditioning, on a hot day, the occupant's back and other pressure points may remain sweaty while seated. In the winter, it is highly desirable to have the ability to warm the seat of the occupant quickly to facilitate the occupant's comfort, especially where the normal vehicle heater is unlikely to warm the vehicle's interior as quickly. [0006] For such reasons, there have been various types of individualized temperature control systems for vehicle seats. Such temperature control systems typically include a distribution system comprising a combination of channels and passages formed in the back and/or seat cushions of the seat. A thermal module thermally conditions the air and delivers the conditioned air to the channels and passages. The conditioned air flows through the channels and passages to cool or heat the space adjacent the surface of the vehicle seat. [0007] There are, however, drawbacks with existing temperature control systems for seats. For example, in particularly adverse conditions, it may take the conditioned air a long period of time to noticeably heat the seat. In addition, while climate control systems that use thermal modules provide many advantages, they are relatively expensive and thus may not be suitable for all applications. [0008] Thus, there is a need for an improved temperature control apparatus for a climate control system for seats. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0009] Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention involves a climate controlled seat assembly that includes a seat cushion having an outer surface. A supply passage extends through the seat cushion. The supply passage comprises an inlet. A distribution system comprises at least one distribution passage configured to distribute air along the support surface of the seat cushion. The distribution system communicates with the supply passage. A fluid system is connected to the inlet of the supply passage and is configured to move air between the distribution system and the supply passage. A seat covering is positioned over the outer surface of the seat cushion. A heat source is positioned between the seat covering and the inlet to the supply passage. [0010] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method for thermally conditioning a space adjacent a seat assembly that includes a seat cushion that defines a support surface and seat covering that covers the support surface of the seat cushion. A fluid supply system is activated. The air from the fluid supply system is directed to a space adjacent the seat assembly through a distribution system formed at least partially in the seat cushion. A heating element that is positioned within the seat assembly between the seat covering and the fluid supply device is activated. [0011] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a method of assembling a climate controlled seat assembly. A seat cushion is provided. The cushion has a support surface for supporting an occupant and a distribution system for distributing air along the support surface of the seat cushion. A heating unit is positioned on the seat cushion. At least a portion of the heating unit is covered with a seat covering. The seat covering is coupled to the seat cushion. [0012] Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a seat assembly having a seat cushion with a front or top side configured to support an occupant and a rear or bottom side that generally opposes the front or top side. Fluid passages extend through from the rear or bottom side of the seat cushion to the front or top side of the seat cushion. A fluid delivering device is configured to move fluid within the fluid passages. The fluid delivering device is on the rear or bottom side of the seat cushion. A thermal element is on the front or top side of the seat cushion. [0013] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a seat assembly that comprises a seat cushion having a fluid distribution system extending therethrough. A fan is configured to move air within the distribution system. The assembly also comprises a resistive heater. [0014] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to an insert for a seat assembly having a seat cushion and a climate control system. The insert includes a channel-shaped body that is configured to be positioned within a corresponding recess formed the seat cushion. A covering layer is positioned generally over the body to form distribution passages. A thermal element is coupled to the covering layer. [0015] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description of preferred embodiments which follow, when considered together with the attached drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle seat assembly, which includes a climate control system that is configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1; [0018] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 2A-2A of FIG. 2; [0019] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1 taken along line 2B-2B of FIG. 2; [0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of the vehicle seat assembly of FIG. 1 with a covering of the seat vehicle assembly removed; Continue reading about Vehicle seat with thermal elements... Full patent description for Vehicle seat with thermal elements Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Vehicle seat with thermal elements patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Vehicle seat with thermal elements or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Elongated table and method of making same Next Patent Application: Sun cover for an infants Industry Class: Chairs and seats ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Vehicle seat with thermal elements patent info. 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