An elastomeric load hearing surface with different load support characteristics in different directions. In one embodiment, the surface includes an elastomeric membrane that is oriented in only a single direction, for example, by compression or stretching. In another embodiment, the surface includes mechanical structures, such as connectors and variations in thickness that vary the load support characteristics in different directions. In another embodiment, a surface is both oriented and includes mechanical structures.

A seating assembly includes a seat having a seating surface, a first conductor, a second conductor, and a plurality of thermoelectric devices arranged between the first conductor and the second conductor in an elongated strip located proximate the seating surface. A voltage is applied to the thermoelectric devices to thermodynamically influence the seating surface. An air mover is in fluid communication with the thermoelectric devices. A conductive grease is disposed between the first conductor and the plurality of thermoelectric devices, and a conductive adhesive is disposed between the second conductor and the plurality of thermoelectric devices.

A vehicle seating assembly comprising a seat including a cushion and a seating surface. A recess is defined in the cushion extending in a direction parallel with the seating surface. An elongate carrier is disposed between the recess and the seating surface, the elongate carrier including a plurality of thermoelectric devices having an upper surface and a lower surface configured to change temperature when a voltage is applied to the thermoelectric devices. An upper conductor comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. A lower conductor comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. An air mover is in fluid communication with the recess and is configured to move air through the recess. The upper conductor, the thermoelectric device, the lower conductor, and air in the recess are in thermal communication to transfer heat away from the seating surface or to transfer heat toward the seating surface.

A vehicle seating assembly comprises a cushion and a seating surface. A recess includes at least two branches defined in the cushion. The two branches come together at a junction and extend in a direction parallel with the seating surface. An elongate carrier is disposed between the recess and the seating surface, the elongate carrier includes a plurality of thermoelectric devices arranged along the recess. A flexible bellows extends through the cushion and has a first end in fluid communication with the junction and a second end in fluid communication with an air mover.

Providing a seat pad that can provide good sitting comfortability with bonding between a ventilation member and an expanded resin foam included in the seat pad ensured. A seat pad 10 including a ventilation member 20 having a function that lets air through to/from an outside, the seat pad 10 being formed by integral expansion molding of an expandable resin material M with the ventilation member 20 introduced therein, includes a covering member 30 that covers at least a part of the ventilation member 20 at an interface between the ventilation member 20 and the expandable resin material M, and the covering member 30 includes an impregnation inhibiting material having a function that inhibits infiltration of the expandable resin material M, the function being at least higher than that of the ventilation member 20.

The invention provides a contouring system configured to be modified to provide a support surface, such as a backrest, seat base, or mattress, having contours to suit the needs of its user.

A pocketed spring assembly comprises a plurality of parallel strings of individually pocketed springs of different heights. Each string is joined to an adjacent string. Each string has first and second opposed plies of fabric and a plurality of pockets formed along a length of the string by transverse seams joining the plies. An upper end of each transverse seam is below the upper surface of the string so as to partially separate adjacent pockets within a string of springs when the spring is relaxed. The strings of springs have ventilation openings to increase airflow.

Embodiments of the invention relate to a cushion apparatus comprising a resilient spring member. Typically, the cushion apparatus in configured to provide flexible support to a user, allow air circulation through and within the cushion apparatus and allow ventilation of excess heat. In some embodiments, the cushion apparatus comprises a resilient spring member and a cushion cover member at least partially enclosing the spring member. In some embodiments, the cushion cover member is structured to be removable attached to the resilient spring member.

Powered recliner chairs, assemblies for use in the chairs, and components for use in the assemblies are provided. Electrical systems for use in the chairs, and components for use in the assemblies are provided. Control systems and methods for operating powered recliner chairs are also provided. Any given chair may be locally and/or remotely controlled.

A chair for providing support to a user's spine to improve posture and for providing ways for the user to perform exercises. The chair may include a flexible connection that enables a back support to move side to side through a sidebending range of motion of the user. The back support, which may include a flexible chair spine, may be configured to adapt to the curvature of the user's spine when the user is seated in the chair. A seat of the chair may include channels and vents to improve air circulation within the seat.