Comfort system comprising a scent diffusing device for a vehicle seat

Abstract

A comfort system (100) for a vehicle (10) or a vehicle seat (12) that includes a pneumatic device (102) having one or more air cells (104); a scent diffusing device (106) having one or more aroma devices (108); and a fluid pump (110) and / or valve device (112) controlled to actuate the one or more air cells (104) and the one or more aroma devices (108) to provide a massage, lumbar, and / or aroma therapy to an occupant of the vehicle (10) and / or the vehicle seat (12).

Description

COMFORT SYSTEM COMPRISING A SCENT DIFFUSING DEVICE FOR AVEHICLE SEATCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US 63 / 665,292 filed on June 28, 2024, US 63 / 665,293 filed on June 28, 2024, and to US 63 / 665,294 filed on June 28, 2024, the entireties of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] These teachings relate to a comfort system for a seat, and more particularly to a comfort system comprising a pneumatic device and a scent diffusing device for a vehicle seat.BACKGROUND

[0003] Some vehicle seats include one or more devices for improving occupant comfort. For example, some vehicle seats may include one or more pneumatically-actuated devices to provide a massage or support function to an occupant of the vehicle seat. Other vehicle seats may include one or more thermal devices to provide heating / cooling / ventilation functions to an occupant of the vehicle seat. While such devices are generally enjoyed by consumers, continued improvement in the art may be desired.SUMMARY

[0004] The teachings herein provide a comfort system. The comfort system disclosed herein may be used with a vehicle or vehicle seat. The comfort system may include a pneumatically- actuated device for providing a massage and / or support function to an occupant of the vehicle seat. The comfort system may include a scent diffusing device for providing an aromatherapy function to the occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0005] The pneumatic device comprises one or more air cells that are configured to be actuated (e.g., inflated and deflated) by controlling one or more fluid pumps and / or valve devices. An exemplary pneumatic device is illustrated and described in US20120313420, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0006] The scent diffusing device comprises an aroma device that is configured to be actuated by controlling one or more of the fluid pumps and / or valve devices that are also used to actuate the air cells of the pneumatic device. In other words, the one or more fluid pumps and / or valve devices may serve a dual purpose and be used for actuating both of the air cells of the pneumatic device and the aroma device of the scent diffusing device.

[0007] Accordingly, the teachings herein provide a system, device, and method for incorporating additional comfort features into a vehicle and vehicle seat (e.g., a scent diffusing device) by utilizing features from another comfort device (e.g., the pneumatic device). Advantageously, by re-purposing or using elements of one comfort device to actuate another comfort device, the teachings herein provide additional comfort functions to an occupant of the vehicle and vehicle seat without adding significant cost and complexity to the vehicle or vehicle seat. These and other benefits of the teachings herein can be gleaned by a person having skill in the art.

[0008] These teachings relate to a comfort system configured for providing an aroma feature / functionality for a seat, preferably for a vehicle seat. What is contemplated is a comfort system that may provide the aroma feature (an “aroma device”) through preferably utilizing some or all of an existing pneumatic lumbar / massage comfort system and / or utilizing existing air movement components / technology of a vehicle. It is contemplated that increased efficiencies in packaging and cost are possible with the present invention and will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Fig. l is a side view of a vehicle comprising a vehicle seat.

[0010] Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a comfort system.

[0011] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a comfort system

[0012] Fig. 4A is top view of a seatback of a vehicle seat comprising headrest guides comprising aroma ports.

[0013] Fig. 4B is side view of a headrest guide bezel comprising an aroma port.

[0014] Fig 5 is a perspective view of a comfort system disposed in a head rest.

[0015] Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a comfort system

[0016] Fis. 7A and 7B are schematic views of an exemplary revolver style aroma device.

[0017] Fis. 8A and 8B are schematic views of an exemplary revolver style aroma device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 having a cabin or interior comprising one or more vehicle seats 12. The vehicle seat 12 comprises a seat bottom 14, a seat back 16 operatively connected to the seat bottom 14, and a head rest 18 extending from the seat back 16.

[0019] The vehicle and / or vehicle seat comprises one or more comfort systems 100. A comfort system 100 may be attached or arranged on the seat bottom 14, the seat back 16, and / or the head rest 18. In some configurations, at least some of the elements of the comfort system 100 may be located in other areas of the vehicle, such as one or more floor boards, an instrument panel, door panel, center console, etc.

[0020] The comfort system 100 may be or include a thermal device (configured to provide heating, cooling, and / or ventilation functions to an occupant of the vehicle or vehicle seat); a pneumatic device (configured to provide a massage and / or support function to an occupant of a vehicle seat); and / or a scent diffusing device (configured to provide an aroma function to an occupant of the vehicle or vehicle seat).

[0021] The comfort system 100 may be controlled or operated such as one or more of the devices operate individually or together. For example, the thermal device may be operated with the pneumatic device and / or with the scent diffusing device. By operating two or more of the comfort devices together, the comfort system 100 may provide an even more comforting experience for the occupant.

[0022] It is understood that while the comfort system illustrated and disclosed herein focuses on vehicular use, and more particularly for land vehicle use (e.g., automotive), it is understood that the comfort system and teachings herein can be implemented in a variety of non-land vehicles such as boats, airplanes, and the like. Moreover, the teachings herein can be incorporated into non- vehicular seats and environments, such as those in the home, office, medical, and / or public facilities.

[0023] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a comfort system 100 according to the teachings herein. The comfort system 100 comprises a pneumatic device 102 comprising one or more air cells 104, and a scent diffusing device 106 comprising one or more aroma devices 108. The comfort system 100 comprises one or more fluid pumps 110 and / one or more valve devices 112, one or both ofwhich may be controlled to actuate the one or more air cells 104 of the pneumatic device 102 and the one or more aroma devices 108 of the scent diffusing device 106. The one or more fluid pumps 110 and / or the one or more valve devices 112 may be part of the pneumatic device 102, the scent diffusing device 108, and / or the comfort system 100. A fluid pump may be or comprise one or more pumps, fans, etc. A valve device may comprise one or more valves (1-way, 2-way, 3-way, check valve, etc.) that are configured to modulate or allow fluid or fluid pressure to pass between two or more elements of the comfort system.

[0024] The pneumatic device 102 may comprise one or more hoses, tubes, or conduits 114 that are configured to provide a passageway for air flow or fluid pressure to move from / to / b etween the one or more fluid pumps 110 and / or valve devices 112 and the one or more air cells 104 to inflate and deflate the one or more air cells. The one or more air cells may be inflated and deflated to provide a massage and / or support (e.g., lumbar support) to an occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0025] Referring back to Fig. 1, the one or more air cells 104 may be arranged anywhere on the vehicle seat 12, including the seat bottom 14, seat back 16, and / or headrest. An air cell may be an inflatable bladder or bag that is disposed or arranged on the vehicle seat and provides a movable area of the seat surface. These air cells may be disposed beneath the a-surface of the seat (e.g., below the cloth / leather seat trim) or even below the seat foam.

[0026] The scent diffusing device 106 may comprise one or more hoses, tubes, or conduits 116 that are configured to provide a passageway for air flow or fluid pressure to move from / to / b etween the one or more fluid pumps 110 and / or valve devices 112 and the one or more aroma devices 108. The air flow or fluid pressure may mix with one or more aroma sources or substances in the aroma device 108 to provide an aromatic therapy to the occupant of the vehicle and / or vehicle seat.

[0027] The one or more aroma devices 108 may comprise one or more inlets that are in fluid communication with the fluid pump 110 and / or the valve device 112 via the one or more tubes or conduits 116. The one or more aroma devices 108 may comprise one or more outlets through or from which an aroma or scent may be exhausted or dispensed. The one or more aroma devices 108 and / or outlets may be arranged anywhere in the vehicle and / or on the vehicle seat 12, including the seat bottom 14, the seat back 16, and / or the head rest 18. For example, the aroma device 108 and / or outlet may be arranged or located at or near a neck region of the occupant of the vehicle or vehicle seat (e.g., headrest 18 or headrest guide, described later), (ii) seat back 16 of the vehicle seat 12, (iii) a speaker cover located in the vehicle cabin for example in a door panel, instrumentpanel, foot well area, headrest, etc. (through the holes or perforations in the speaker cover or grill), (iv) a seatbelt system (buckle, guide, retractor), a seat trim or cover (through perforations in the trim cover), head rest guide, adjustment control of a headrest, or any combination thereof.

[0028] The tubes or conduits 114 of the pneumatic device 102 may be separate and discrete elements from the tubes or conduits 116 of the scent diffusing device 106, but may be fluidly connected to the fluid pump and / or valve device for ducting the air flow to / from the respective elements of the pneumatic device 102 and the scent diffusing device 106. This may enable the pneumatic device 102 and the scent diffusing device 106 to operate simultaneously.

[0029] During use, the comfort system 100 may obtain an input from a user or the vehicle to actuate one or more devices of the comfort system 100. The user or vehicle input may cause the one or more fluid pumps 110 and / or valve device 112 to generate fluid pressure and supply the fluid pressure to the one or more air cells 104 and then exhaust the fluid pressure from the one or more air cells to provide a massage function to an occupant of the vehicle seat. The user or vehicle input may cause the one or more fluid pumps 110 and / or valve device 112 to generate fluid pressure and supply the fluid pressure to the one or more aroma devices 108 to mix with one or more aroma sources to provide an aroma function to an occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0030] The fluid pump 110 and / or the valve device 112 can be controlled to operate in an on, off, and / or intermediate configuration to control an amount of air flow or air flow intensity exhausted from the one or more aroma devices 108 and / or an intensity of the inflation and deflation of the air cells 104. Due at least in part to the fact that the fluid pump 110 and / or the valve device 112 are discretely connected to the one or more air cells 104 via lines 114 and to the one or more aroma devices 108 via lines 116, the fluid pump 110 and valve device 112 can be controlled to operate the pneumatic device 102 and the scent diffusing device 106 at the same time, one after another, operate one and then operate another, and / or at varying intensities, depending on the input from the user or vehicle. A customizable massage and aroma wellness program can be provided to an occupant of the vehicle or vehicle seat. The massage and / or aroma wellness program can be customized by the user and / or via a machine or deep learning program custom tailored to an occupant.

[0031] Fig. 3 is schematic view of one embodiment where the fluid pump 110 is remote or separate from the valve device 112. In this embodiment, air, or fluid pressure from fluid pump 110 flows to and through the valve device 112 and then to the air cells 104 and to the aroma device108 separately. The valve device 112 may comprise one or more valves (e.g., 1 way valves, 2 way valves, check valve, etc.) that are controlled to selectively supply air or fluid pressure from the fluid pump 110 to the one or more air cells 104 and / or to the aroma device 108 and / or to an aroma manifold 118.

[0032] The aroma manifold 118 may comprise one or more chambers 1,2,3. One or more of the chambers (e.g.,. chambers 1 and 2 in this example) may comprise one or more aroma sources 120. For example, an aroma source 120 may comprise a mint, lavender, ginger, or other scent or aroma. In some configurations, an aroma source may be an air or surface disinfectant. At least one of the chambers (e.g., chamber 3 in this example) may be free of any aroma sources. The chambers 1,2,3 may be accessible by a user or owner to change out the aroma sources 120 when a source 120 runs out or to change to a different scent or source depending on user or occupant preferences. For example, an aroma source 120 may be a cartridge that can be accessed by a user, occupant, or dealer, for replacing, exchanging, and / or refilling an aroma concentrate. The aroma concentrate in the one or more sources 120 may be in liquid form, gas form, and / or solid form.

[0033] The aroma manifold 118 may comprise a mixing chamber 119 downstream of the one or more chambers 1,2,3. The mixing chamber 119 may be a region of the manifold 118 where two or more of the aroma source 120 may be mixed prior to exhausting or delivery towards to an outlet 122. In other configurations, the manifold may be free of any mixing chambers.

[0034] For example, during use, only an aroma from chamber 1 may be controlled to be exhausted from the outlet 122; only an aroma from chamber 2 may be controlled to be exhausted from outlet 122; only an air flow (without any aroma) from chamber 3 may be controlled to be exhausted from outlet 122; a combination of aromas from chambers 1 and 2 may be controlled to be exhausted from outlet 122; a mixture of aromas from chamber 1 and / or 2 may be cut or weakened with the non-aroma from chamber 3; or any combination thereof. The scent diffusing comfort device 106 can be operated at the same time or on its own as the pneumatic device 102.

[0035] During use, the valve device 112 may be controlled to direct fluid pressure or air into a specific chamber. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the fluid chambers 1,2,3 may have a valve to selectively allow an air flow to enter and / or exit the chamber with the aroma substance infused or added to the air flow.

[0036] The aroma device and / or mixing chamber 119 may comprise a thermal device (e.g., a heating device or a cooling device) to change a temperature of the air flow or fluid pressure so thatthe aroma therapy or scent delivered from the one aroma devise 108 is warm, cool, or at ambient temperature. This may increase the effectiveness of the aroma therapy. The aroma device may comprise one or more temperature sensors to ensure the temperature is at a set temperature or threshold during heating and / or cooling of the aroma.

[0037] In some configurations, the thermal device (e.g., a heating device or a cooling device) to change a temperature of the air flow or fluid pressure may be located downstream of the manifold 118, for example between the fluid pump 110 and the valve device 112 and / or between the valve device 112 and the manifold 118.

[0038] The aroma manifold 118 may be controlled to selectively provide air flow through one or more of the chambers 1,2,3. The outlet 122 ofthe aroma device may be incorporated or arranged anywhere in the vehicle and / or on the vehicle seat 12, including the seat bottom 14, the seat back 16, and / or the head rest 18. For example, the aroma device 108 and / or outlet may be arranged or located at or near a neck region of the occupant of the vehicle or vehicle seat (e.g., headrest 18), (ii) seat back 16 of the vehicle seat 12, (iii) a speaker cover located in the vehicle cabin for example in a door panel, instrument panel, foot well area, headrest, etc., (iv) a seatbelt system (buckle guide), or any combination thereof. In some configurations, a convection device 121 such as a fan or blower may be incorporated proximally to the outlet 122 or downstream from the aroma sources 120 to further push or deliver the aroma towards an occupant or region of the vehicle. The connection device may be a neck conditioner that is also configured to provide warm, cool, or ambient air towards the occupant or neck of the occupant to further provide comfort to the occupant.

[0039] The aromas or air from chambers 1,2,3, etc. may be mixed together within the device or manifold 118 (e.g., in a mixing chamber or conduits) before being exhausted to the one or more aroma devices 108. The aromas or air from chambers 1,2,3, etc. may be mixed together within the one or more aroma devices 108. The aromas or air from chambers 1,2,3, etc. may contained individually separate from one another prior to being exhausted from the outlet 122.

[0040] Figs. 4A and 4B illustrate an aroma device 108 that is incorporated into a headrest guide 124 of a vehicle seat. The headrest guide 124 comprises a bezel 126 having an opening 128 through which a post or rod of the head rest of inserted or received to attach the headrest 18 to the seat back of the vehicle seat. Adjacent the opening 128 or in the same opening 128, the headrest guide 124 comprises an aroma tube or conduit 116 through which fluid pressure from the aromamanifold 1 18 (Fig. 4) can be communicated and then exhausted form the outlet 122. The outlet 122 may be arranged to face the occupant of the vehicle seat (e g.,, a back or rear neck region of the occupant of the vehicle seat) and / or an outlet 122 may be arranged to face away from the occupant of the vehicle seat (for example towards the back seat region or area of the vehicle).

[0041] Fig. 5 illustrates a headrest 18 of a vehicle seat that comprises one or more tubes or conduits 116 through which the fluid pressure from the aroma device or manifold 118 can be exhausted. The one or more conduits 116 may be located within the headrest guide as previously discussed in the preceding figures and / or the one or more tubes or conduits 116 may extend through the head rest posts or rods 123 of the headrest 18 that are used to operatively connect the head rest 18 to the seat back of the vehicle seat. The one or more outlets 122 may be incorporated into a headrest adjustment control 126 that is utilized to change a position (lower, raise, change angle, etc.) of the head rest relative to the seat back.

[0042] Fig. 6 illustrates a scent diffusing device 106 comprising an air inlet 109 in fluid communication with a first pump / valve device 110’ via a tube or conduit. The first pump or valve device 110’ may be the same as the fluid pump 110 that is configured for use with the pneumatic system or may be a separate fluid pump that is enabled only for use with the scent diffusing device. The is configured to draw air in from the inlet 109 and then push the air or fluid pressure to the one or more aroma sources 120. An additional pump / valve device 110” (e.g.,. a second fluid pump) may optionally be configured to pull the air and / or aroma from the one or more aroma source 120 and direct the air or aroma to the one or more aroma devices 108 and / or aroma outlet 122.

[0043] Figs. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate a scent diffusing device 106 according to the teachings herein. The scent diffusing device 106 comprises a movable platen or manifold 118 that is configured to be moved (linearly, rotationally, etc.) relative to a stationary fluid inlet 109 and fluid outlet 122. The rotary platen or manifold 118 comprises a plurality of chambers having respective aroma sources 120. The scent diffusing device 106 comprises a stepper motor 132 or other driving device causing the moveable platen or manifold 118 to move. During use, the driving device or stepper motor 132 may move or align one or more of the aroma sources 120 with the air inlet 109 and / or air outlet 122 so that the fluid or air can pass over or through the aroma source 120 to be exhausted or delivered from one or more fluid outlets 122.

[0044] Fig. 8 A and 8B show an example of a scent diffusing device 106 having a moveable platen or manifold 118 and a plurality of chambers 1,2,3 each having an aroma source 120. During use, the driving device or stepper motor 132 may move or align one or more of the aroma sources 120 with the air inlet 109 and / or air outlet 122 so that the fluid or air can pass over or through the aroma source 120 to be exhausted or delivered from one or more fluid outlets 122. If a drying out issue presents itself, one of the chambers 1,2,3, etc. may be a “dead zone” or free of any aroma sources 120 to seal all of the other aroma sources 120 from outside air.

[0045] Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to this description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

[0046] The following provides additional context and description of the teachings herein.

[0047] In one aspect of the present invention, a comfort system for a vehicle seat for providing an occupant support and comfort, the comfort system comprising: a plurality of comfort cells disposed within the vehicle seat; at least one aroma device disposed at least partially within the vehicle seat and containing at least one aroma port; a pump in selective fluid communication with the plurality of comfort cells and the at least one aroma device; a control / supply module in fluid communication with the plurality of comfort cells and at least one aroma device; and a valve device operable in at least an on, off and intermediate state to control an airflow to the control / supply module; wherein the valve device operated in a protocol including on and off states to selectively provide airflow to the system.

[0048] In another aspect of the present disclosure, one or more of the following features may be present, said elements comprising: the at least one aroma device comprises at least one intake portion for allowing air into the device and to the at least one aroma source, at least one fluid communications line, at least one valve / pump, and the at least one aroma port for the aroma output; wherein the at least one valve / pump is fluidly disposed before the aroma source; wherein the at least one valve / pump is fluidly disposed after the aroma source; wherein the at least one aroma source comprises one or more scent(s); wherein the at least one aroma source is accessible to auser for adding or subtracting the one or more scent(s); and wherein the device can mix the scents when there are more than one scent provided for in the aroma source.

[0049] In another aspect of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that there is a pump fluidly connected to a valve to control air to (a) a massage / lumbar system with inflatable air cells, and (b) a diffuser system / aroma device, both comprising: (i) a dispenser / chamber spaced apart from a seat surface and containing an olfactory substance / aroma source, (ii) a tube having a first end connected to the dispenser and (iii) a second end connected to a diffuser outlet / aroma port.

[0050] Yet in another aspect of the present disclosure, it is contemplated that one or more of the following limitations also may be present, said limitations being wherein the diffuser outlet is connected to a convective device; wherein the convective device includes a blower for moving air away from the seat; wherein the convective device is a neck conditioner for moving air toward the neck of an occupant; wherein the convective device is a seat ventilation device for moving air through the seat surface; wherein the aroma device / diffuser system includes a check valve between the dispenser and the diffuser outlet; wherein the aroma device / diffuser system includes a heater to raise the temperature of the olfactory substance; wherein a heater is proximal to the dispenser to heat the olfactory substance; wherein a heater is before the dispenser to heat the air flow provided to the olfactory substance; wherein the diffuser system includes an air filter for filtering the air flow provided to the olfactory substance; wherein the valve allows for separate or combined operation of the massage / lumbar system and the diffuser system; wherein the pump provides pressurized air to the valve; wherein the pump provides pulsating pressurized air to the valve; wherein the pump fluidly connected to a valve to selectively provide airflow to diffuser system with a dispenser containing an olfactory substance and is connected a diffuser outlet, wherein the valve or pump are operable in at least an on, off and intermediate state to adjust the airflow to the diffuser system; wherein the valve is operable in at least an on, off and intermediate state to control the airflow to the diffuser system; wherein the valve is operated in a protocol including on and off states to selectively provide airflow to the diffuser system; wherein the dispenser includes multiple separate olfactory substances each connected to the valve; wherein the valve operable to provide air to the multiple olfactory substances; wherein the multiple olfactory substances are combined in the dispenser; wherein the dispenser includes a mixing chamber for combining the multiple olfactory substances before the diffuser outlet; wherein the diffuser system includes a disinfectant dispenser to apply a disinfectant solution to the airflow; wherein the pump fluidly connected to adiffuser system with a dispenser containing an olfactory substance and is connected a diffuser outlet, wherein diffuser outlet is integrated into a device proximal to the seat which has a different function than air outlet.

[0051] Plural elements or steps can be provided by a single integrated element or step. Alternatively, a single element or step might be divided into separate plural elements or steps.

[0052] The disclosure of "a" or "one" to describe an element or step is not intended to foreclose additional elements or steps. For example, disclosure of “a motor” does not limit the teachings to a single motor. Instead, for example, disclosure of “a motor” may include “one or more motors.”

[0053] While the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings.

[0054] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0055] The invention illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0056] Any of the elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections disclosed herein are not necessarily limited to a single embodiment. Instead, any of the elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections disclosed herein may be substituted, combined, and / or modified with anyof the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein to form one or more embodiments that may be or may not be specifically illustrated or described herein.

[0057] The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, testing specifications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

Claims

CLAIMS1) A comfort system for a vehicle or a vehicle seat comprising: a pneumatic device comprising one or more air cells; a scent diffusing device comprising one or more aroma devices; a fluid pump and valve device controlled to actuate the one or more air cells and the one or more aroma devices.2) The comfort system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid pump and the valve device are controlled to operate in an on, off, and intermediate configuration to control an amount of air flow or air flow intensity exhausted from the one or more aroma devices.3) The comfort system according to claim 2, wherein the one or more aroma devices comprise one or more inlets that are in fluid communication with the fluid pump an / or the valve device, and one or more outlets through which an aroma or scent is exhausted or dispensed, wherein the one or more outlets are located at or near a neck region of the occupant of the vehicle or the vehicle seat, a seat back of the vehicle seat, a speaker cover located in the vehicle, an instrument panel in the vehicle, a foot well area of the vehicle, a seatbelt system, or any combination thereof.4) The comfort system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the scent diffusing device comprises an aroma device or manifold comprising a plurality of chambers, wherein each of the plurality of chambers comprises a different aroma source.5) The comfort system according to claim 4, wherein one of the chambers comprises a surface and / or air disinfectant.6) The comfort system according to claim 5, wherein the aroma device or manifold comprises a mixing chamber for mixing two or more of the plurality of aroma sources and / or the surface and / or air disinfectant.7) The comfort system according to claim 6, wherein the mixing chamber is located upstream of the plurality of chambers.8) The comfort system according to any one of claims 4-7 wherein the one or more aroma scents are heated or cooled before being exhausted from the one or more aroma devices.9) The comfort system according to any one of claims 1-5 wherein the valve device comprises one or more valves that are controlled to provide fluid pressure into the one or more chambers.10) The comfort system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein an outlet of the one or more aroma devices is provided in a headrest of the vehicle seat.11) The comfort system according to claim 10, wherein the outlet is provided at a headrest guide bezel of the vehicle seat and / or at an adjustment device of the headrest.12) The comfort system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein one or more tubes or conduits extend through the head rest guide and / or a headrest post associated with the headrest for securing the headrest to the seat back of the vehicle seat.13) The comfort system according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the one or more outlets direct the aroma towards an occupant of the vehicle seat and / or towards an occupant of the vehicle that is behind the vehicle seat.14) The comfort system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the scent diffusing device comprises a first pump / valve device that is configured to direct a fluid or fluid pressure to the one or more aroma sources and a second pump / valve device that is located downstream of the one or more aroma sources and configured to pull the air flow or fluid pressure from the one or more aroma sources.15) The comfort system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the scent diffusing device comprises a moveable platen or manifold that is operated to be moved relative toa stationary fluid inlet and / or fluid outlet, wherein the moveable platen or manifold comprises a plurality of chambers having a plurality of aroma sources.16) The comfort system according to claim 15, wherein the scent diffusing device comprises a stepper motor configured to move the moveable platen or manifold relative to the stationary fluid inlet and / or fluid outlet to align the one or more fluid chambers with the air inlet and / or air outlet.17) The comfort system according to claim 16, wherein one of the chambers is free of any aroma sources.18) The comfort system according to claim 17, wherein one of the chambers comprises an air or surface disinfectant.19) The comfort system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the scent diffusing device comprises a second fluid pump to pull air from the one or more aroma devices.20) The comfort system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more aroma sources comprise cartridges that can be replaced or refilled by a user, occupant, and / or dealer.21) The comfort system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the one or more aroma sources comprise a solid, liquid, or gas concentrate.22) The comfort system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the comfort system comprises a convection device located downstream from the one or more aroma sources to further push or deliver the aroma towards an occupant or region of the vehicle.23) The comfort system according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the scent diffusing device comprises one or more check valves

Images