Vehicle seat arrangement with a blower mounted on the backrest on a plastic matrix

Abstract

A vehicle seat assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (4) having a lower seat structure (12) and an upright backrest (14), wherein one or both of the lower seat structure (12) or the upright backrest (14) comprises a flexible multi-layer assembly comprising: a permeable foam layer (26) on which an occupant is supported, the permeable foam layer (26) having a forward and a rearward facing surface (40, 42) and a plurality of spaced-apart holes (44) extending therethrough between the forward and rearward facing surfaces (40, 42) in which an airflow can be generated; a distribution system (28) having airflow channels (72) extending therethrough and adjacent to the permeable foam layer (26), the airflow channels (72) of the distribution system (28) being in fluid communication with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26); a support assembly (30) abutting the distribution system (28) and having an upper portion (88) with a central annular member (92) supported by a plurality of flexible radial arms (94); and a blower (100) attached to the central annular member (92) of the support assembly (30), the blower (100) being in fluid communication with the airflow channels (72) of the distribution system (28) and the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26), whereby air near the forward-facing surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) is displaced away from the forward-facing surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) and is circulated through the raised backrest (14) by operation of the blower (100), wherein the distribution system (28) is a semi-rigid fabric spacer (64) made as a single piece from a semi-rigid injection-molded thermoplastic material and provided with an air chamber (70) having a plurality of airflow channels (72) to allow the passage of an airflow through the spacer (64) and which is located between the permeable foam layer (26) and the support assembly (30), wherein the spacer (64) has an airtight outer shell and an outer opening (84) to an inner air chamber (70) aligned with the airflow of the blower (100), wherein the air chamber (70) is in fluid communication with the airflow channels (72) in the distribution system (28) and wherein the spacer (64) has perforations (80) in a portion of the outer shell that are in fluid communication with the airflow channels (72) in the distribution system (28) and with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to a vehicle seating assembly, and more particularly to a vehicle seating assembly that includes an air conditioned seatback utilizing a blower mounted to the seatback on a plastic matrix.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONVehicle seating assemblies typically include a horizontal seat support and a generally upright seat back. Vehicle seating comfort has become increasingly important as passengers make longer trips, and the present disclosure relates to the problem of occupant generated heat that may concentrate in the seat cushion. This heat concentration occurs particularly when a user sits in the vehicle seat assembly on a hot day for longer periods of time. The excessive body heat trapped between the passenger and the seat back may cause discomfort. Often, passengers slide around the seat to release the trapped heat. If the driver does so, this could pose a risk. Accordingly, there is a need for a vehicle seat back that solves the problem related to heat accumulation in the seat back.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 6,003,950 A discloses a vehicle seat arrangement having an air-permeable layer and a blower. U.S. Pat. No. 7,905,545 B2 discloses a vehicle seat arrangement with a blower supported by flexible radial arms.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONOne aspect of the present invention includes a seat assembly having a lower seat structure and an upright backrest support for supporting an occupant. One or both of the lower seat structures of the raised seatback include a permeable foam layer on which an occupant is supported. The permeable foam layer has a front and back facing surface and a plurality of spaced holes therethrough between the front and back facing surfaces for generating an air flow therein. A distribution system having airflow channels therethrough abuts the permeable foam layer such that the airflow channels of the distribution system are in fluid communication with the holes in the permeable foam layer. A support assembly abuts the distribution system and has an upper portion with a central annular member supported by a plurality of flexible radial arms and to which a fan is attached, the fan being in fluid communication with the airflow channels of the distribution system and the holes in the permeable foam layer. Warm air near the forward surface of the permeable foam layer is displaced away from the forward surface of the permeable foam layer and circulated through the raised back rest by operation of the blower.Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a vehicle seat back comprising a foam layer having holes, a distribution system having channels in fluid communication with the holes, a support assembly having a central annular member supported by flexible radial arms, and a blower attached to the central annular member in fluid communication with the channels and the holes, thereby displacing air away from the foam layer by operation of the blower.Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a method of cooling a vehicle seat, the method comprising the steps of providing a permeable foam layer upon which an occupant is supported, the permeable foam layer having a front and rear facing surface and a plurality of spaced apart holes extending therethrough between the front and rear facing surfaces in which airflow can be generated. A distribution system having airflow channels therethrough is then disposed adjacent the permeable foam layer, the airflow channels of the distribution system being in fluid communication with the holes in the permeable foam layer. A carrier assembly is disposed adjacent the distribution system and has an upper portion with a central annular member supported by a plurality of flexible radial arms. A fan is mounted to the central annular member of the support assembly, the fan being in fluid communication with the airflow channels of the distribution system and the holes in the permeable foam layer. The blower is then operated, thereby displacing air near the forward surface of the permeable foam layer away from the forward surface of the permeable foam layer and circulating through the raised seatback by operation of the blower.These and other aspects, objects and features of the present invention will become apparent and apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following specification, claims and appended drawings in more detail.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSIn the drawings, there is: FIG. 1 shows a perspective top view of a vehicle seat arrangement arranged in a vehicle; FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the vehicle seating assembly according to the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is an exploded top perspective view of the raised seatback support according to the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is an exploded top perspective view of the permeable foam layer, the distribution system, the support assembly, and the blower of the raised seatback support according to the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the permeable foam layer and the distribution system of the raised backrest support according to the present disclosure in the assembled state; FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the permeable foam layer, the distribution system, the support assembly, and the blower of the raised seatback support according to the present disclosure in the assembled state; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the permeable foam layer, the distribution system, the support assembly, and the blower of the raised seatback support according to the present disclosure, in the assembled state, shown along line VII-VII in FIG. 6 ; FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the distribution system of the present disclosure; and FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the distribution system and the central annular member of the carrier assembly of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTSFor purposes of the present specification, the terms "upper / er / es", "lower / er / es", "right / er / es", "left / er / es", "rear / er / es", "front / er / es", "vertical / er / es", "horizontal / er / es", "inside / inside", "outside / outside" and derivatives thereof refer to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. It is to be understood, however, that the invention may assume various alternative orientations unless expressly stated to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and methods illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless expressly stated to the contrary in the claims.Referring to FIGS. 1-2, reference numeral 10 generally designates a seat assembly for use in a vehicle passenger compartment 6 of an automobile 4. Referring now to FIG. 2, the vehicle seating assembly 10 includes a lower seat structure 12 configured to support the occupant's buttocks and thighs and an upright backrest support 14 pivotally coupled to the lower seat structure 12. The raised seatback support 14 is configured to support the occupant's back and, as described herein below, may be constructed in a similar manner as the lower seat structure 12, wherein the cooling advantages of the present disclosure may be achieved.The vehicle seat assembly 10 is configured to be mounted to a support surface, such as a floor pan 8 of the vehicle 4. A seat track assembly (not shown) may be coupled to the lower seat structure 12 to facilitate longitudinal positioning of the vehicle seat assembly 10. The vehicle seating assembly 10 is generally designed for occupant comfort, as well as for occupant capture and protection during a collision event. The lower seat structure 12 includes a center cushioned portion 16 and a pair of side trim portions 18. The raised backrest support 14 also includes a central cushioned portion 20 and a clamshell-shaped outer rear trim portion 22.Referring to FIG. 3, the construction of the raised backrest support 14 is depicted. It should be noted, however, that the lower seat structure 12 may also advantageously employ the cooling advantages of the present disclosure, and that this disclosure should not be construed to exclude such an arrangement. The raised seatback support 14 includes a plurality of interactive layers that cooperate to provide effective and useful cooling to the occupant of the motor vehicle seat. The raised backrest support 14 generally includes a flexible trim cover 24, a permeable foam layer 26, a distribution system 28, a support assembly 30, a frame assembly 32, and the clamshell-shaped outer rear trim portion 22.The permeable foam layer 26 is covered by the flexible cover 24 of woven or nonwoven fabric, vinyl or leather to provide the primary interface between the vehicle seating assembly 10 and the occupant and on which the occupant is directly supported. The flexible trim cover 24 is coupled to the raised seatback support 14 and covers the raised seatback support 14 in an aesthetically pleasing manner, and preferably complements and is similar to, if not identical to, the flexible trim cover 34 on the lower seat structure 12.As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the permeable foam layer 26 includes a front facing surface 40, a back facing surface 42, and a plurality of spaced apart holes 44 therethrough between the front and back facing surfaces 40, 42 in which airflow may be generated. The permeable foam layer 26 includes a central upper portion 46 and a central lower portion 48, both of which are provided with a plurality of spaced holes 44 extending therethrough between the forwardly and rearwardly facing surfaces 40, 42. A pair of upper wings 50 extend laterally from either side of the central upper portion 46 of the permeable foam layer 26. Likewise, lower wings 52 extend laterally from either side of the central lower portion 48 of the permeable foam layer 26. Each of the lower wings 52 is provided with a plurality of spaced holes 44 extending therethrough between the forwardly and rearwardly facing surfaces 40, 42. Additional lateral openings 54 extending between the front and rear facing surfaces 40, 42 are provided between the central upper portion 46 and a central lower portion 48 and between the lateral wings 50, 52 extending from the central upper portion 46 and a central lower portion 48, respectively. A plurality of perforations 56 having a diameter less than that of the spaced apart holes 44 and also extending between the front and rear facing surfaces 40, 42 are continuously distributed across the front and rear facing surfaces 40, 42 of the permeable foam layer 26. A rearwardly facing raised lip 58 is disposed about the perimeter 60 of the permeable foam layer 26 to form a depression 62 proximate the rearward facing surface 42 of the permeable foam layer 26.The distribution system 28 includes a semi-rigid fabric spacer 64 that abuts between the permeable foam layer 26 and the carrier assembly 30 and is received in a cavity 66 formed on the rearward facing surface 42 of the permeable foam layer 26. The spacer 64 is made as a single piece from a semi-rigid injection molded thermoplastic material, ideally a semi-rigid polyurethane, and has an impermeable membrane 68 forming an airtight shell. The spacer 64 is provided with an air chamber 70 having a plurality of air flow passages 72 for allowing air flow to pass through the spacer 64. The spacer 64 also includes a central upper portion 74 and a central lower portion 76 corresponding to and longitudinally aligned with the central upper and lower portions 46, 48 of the permeable foam layer 26, the lower portion 76 of the spacer 64 further including lower wings 78 extending laterally from either side of the lower portion 76 of the spacer 64. The lower wings 78 of the central lower portion 76 of the spacer 64 are complementary to and longitudinally aligned with the lower wings 52 of the central lower portion 48 of the permeable foam layer 26. The perforations 80 on a forward facing surface 82 of the spacer 64 disposed on the lower wings 78 of the spacer 64 are ideally aligned with the holes 44 disposed on the lower wings 52 of the permeable foam layer 26.Thus, air can freely flow through and from the spacer 64 and into the permeable foam layer 26. Air flows into the spacer 64 through an outer opening 84 in the non-permeable membrane 68 on a rear surface 86 of the spacer 64 proximate the upper portion 38 of the raised seatback support 14, the outer opening 84 in fluid communication with the internal air chamber 70. Air flows through the air chamber 70 and the air passages 72 and out of the spacer 64 through the plurality of perforations 80 on the forward facing surface 82 of the spacer 64 that are in fluid communication with and aligned with the holes 44 in the lower wings 52 of the permeable foam layer 26. It should be appreciated that additional perforations 80 may be provided in other areas or locations on the spacer 64 to provide an appropriate airflow. As further discussed below, the outer opening 84 in the non-permeable membrane 68 is in fluid communication with and aligned with the airflow of a blower 100.The carrier assembly 30 also abuts the spacer 64 of the distribution system 28 and is received in the recess 62 formed in the back of the permeable foam layer 26. The support assembly 30 includes an upper portion 88 and a lower portion 90 that correspond to and are aligned with the upper and lower portions 46, 48, 74, 76 of the permeable foam layer 26 and the distribution system 28. The upper portion 88 of the carrier assembly 30 also includes a central annular member 92 supported by a plurality of flexible radial arms 94. Each of the flexible radial arms 94 ideally includes a spring member 96 positioned approximately midway between the central annular member 92 and an upper opening 98 in the upper portion 88 of the carrier assembly 30. This allows the occupant to move or bend the raised seatback support 14 as described below without compromising the position and operation of the blower 100. The central annular member 92 has an opening 102 aligned with the outer opening 84 of the spacer 64, and a nozzle 104 of the blower 100 is received and secured in the opening 102 of the central annular member 92, as shown in FIG. 7. The outer opening 84 of the spacer 64, in turn, is in fluid communication with and aligned with a depression 106 formed proximate the air chamber 70 of the spacer 64.The lower portion 90 of the support assembly 30 includes a lower opening 108 in which a suspension layer 110 supporting a flexible plate 112 is mounted to provide adjustable strength. As shown in FIG. 3, the suspension layer 110 is formed of tunable springs 114 by which the rigidity of the raised backrest support 14 can be adjusted. In one embodiment, at least one variable tension spring 114 is mounted to a frame 116.The suspension layer 110 includes a motor 118, a gear 120, and a spring fastener 122. A fixedly mounted connecting rod 124 extends between lateral sides of the seat and a sleeve 126 rotatably surrounds the connecting rod 124. The motor 118 and the gear 120 are operatively coupled to the sleeve 126, and the spring fastener 122 is rigidly mounted to the sleeve 126. The springs 114 are mounted in tension between the spring fastener 122, an upper end 128 and a lower end 130 of the flexible plate 112, and an upper portion 132 of the lower portion 90 of the support assembly 30. When activated, the motor 118 and gear 120 are configured to rotate the sleeve 126 and spring fastener 122. Rotating the sleeve 126 and the spring fastener 122 in a first direction moves a lower portion 134 of the variable tension springs 114 downward and increases the tension acting on the variable tension springs 114 and the flexible plate 112. Thereby, increasing the tension on the springs 114 allows the occupant to select a more rigid backrest support. Moreover, increasing the tension on the variable tension springs 114 reduces the deflection or extension thereof, which means that the springs 114 and the flexible plate 112 move a shorter distance rearward under load, for example, when an occupant leans rearward against the raised seatback support 14.Conversely, rotating the sleeve 126 and the spring fastener 122 in the opposite direction moves the lower portion 134 of the variable tension springs 114 upward and reduces the tension acting on the variable tension springs 114 and the flexible plate 112. This reduction in tension on the springs 114 thus effectively allows the occupant to select a softer raised seatback support 14. Moreover, the increased deflection or extension of the variable tension springs 114 means that the springs 114 and the flexible plate 112 move a greater distance rearward as an occupant leans rearward in the vehicle seating assembly 10.The beam assembly 30 also includes a pair of lower and upper flexures 136, 138 that extend laterally from each side of the upper portion 88 and the lower portion 90 of the beam assembly 30, respectively. The upper flexures 136 extend laterally and have a forward facing surface 140 that engages a rearward facing surface 142 of the upper wings 50 of the permeable foam layer 26, and are thus configured to flexibly support the occupant's upper back.Likewise, the lower pair of flexures 138 extend laterally from the lower portion 90 of the support assembly 30 and engage the lower wings 78 of the spacer 64 that extend laterally from either side of the spacer 64, which, as discussed above, in turn engages the lower wings 52 of the permeable foam layer 26. Thus, the lower pair of flexures 138 are configured to also flexibly support the lower back of the occupant. Accordingly, the upper and lower pairs of flexures 136, 138 each independently support the occupant's upright back.As indicated above, the blower 100 is secured to the central annular member 92 of the carrier assembly 30, ideally by a plurality of radially disposed L-shaped locking tabs 144 that engage corresponding radially disposed L-shaped locking slots 146. The blower nozzle 104 is inserted into the opening 102 in the central annular member 92 and the radially disposed L-shaped locking tabs 144 are inserted into the corresponding radially disposed L-shaped locking slots 146. The blower 100 is then rotated to secure the locking tabs 144 in the locking slots 146 to secure the blower 100 there. Thus installed, the blower 100 is available to create air flow through the depression 106, the plenum 70, and the air flow passages 72 of the distribution system 28, causing air to flow outward through the perforations 80 on a forward surface of the spacer 64. Thus, because the holes 44 in the permeable foam layer 26 are aligned with and in fluid communication with the perforations 80 on a forward surface of the spacer 64, the blower 100 provides an airflow through the permeable foam layer 26, thereby displacing air proximate the forward surface of the permeable foam layer 26 away from the forward surface of the permeable foam layer 26 and circulating through the raised seatback by operation of the blower 100.The blower 100 is in electrical communication with an electronic control module 148. The electronic control module 148 sends a signal to the blower 100 to turn on the blower 100 based on an input command from the occupant. The input command can be obtained by means of an electronic switch 150 in the motor vehicle 4. The electronic switch 150 may be a conventional on / off switch as shown or presented by an integrated in-vehicle communication and entertainment system in the motor vehicle instrument panel 152. Alternatively, the input command may be obtained by a voice command presented by an integrated in-vehicle communication and entertainment system in the dashboard 152. In addition, the input signal may be obtained from a thermocouple 154 disposed near the forward facing surface 40 of the permeable foam layer 26 and a predetermined temperature setting selected by the occupant. The electronic control module 148 sends a signal to the blower 100 to turn on the blower 100 based on the input command from the occupant to activate the blower 100 in any state among an "on" state, an "on-high" state, an "on-low" state, or an "off" state.In operation, the air near the forward surface 40 of the permeable foam layer 26 is heated by the occupant and the resulting increased thermal energy near the forward surface 40 of the permeable foam layer 26 is decreased by operating the blower 100 to force air from outside the raised seatback support 14 into the airflow channels 72 of the distribution system 28 in fluid communication with the holes 44 in the permeable foam layer 26 to displace the air near the forward surface 40 of the permeable foam layer 26. The air may be expelled from the raised backrest support 14 through ventilation openings 156. Alternatively, the air near the forward surface 40 of the permeable foam layer 26 is heated by the occupant and the resulting increased thermal energy near the forward surface 40 of the permeable foam layer 26 is decreased by operating the blower 100 to draw air near the forward surface 40 of the permeable foam layer 26 through the airflow passages 72 of the distribution system 28 in fluid communication with the holes 44 in the permeable foam layer 26 to draw the air near the forward surface 40 of the permeable foam layer 26 from the raised seatback support 14 by the blower 100. Fresh air may be supplied to the raised backrest support 14 through the vent openings 156.The support assembly 30 is retained within a protective recess 158 provided on the frame assembly 32 to support the back of the occupant occupying the vehicle seating assembly 10. The frame assembly 32 is disposed behind and adjacent the support assembly 30. The frame assembly 32 is ideally enclosed by the shell-shaped outer rear trim part 22. The protective recess 158 of the frame assembly 32 is dimensioned and shaped to receive within its volume the carrier assembly 30, which is therefore hidden from view by the occupants of the vehicle. In contrast, the permeable foam layer 26 and the distribution system 28 disposed within the cavity 66 of the permeable foam layer 26 but outside the protective recess 158 due to the rearward facing lip 58 on the permeable foam layer 26 are fully visible below the flexible trim 24. Similarly, the head restraint 36 is coupled to an upper portion 160 of the frame assembly 32 of the raised seatback support 14 and is exposed to views.As another feature of the disclosed raised seatback support 14 consisting of the multi-layered assembly discussed above, the raised seatback support 14 includes a first perimeter 162 around the permeable foam layer 26 and a second perimeter 164 around the frame assembly 32. By creating the mentioned gap 166, the upper side flexures 136 and the lower side flexures 138 can be slid rearward relative to the frame assembly 32 without interference from the frame assembly 32, allowing the occupant to move in the seat and allowing the upper side flexures 136 and the lower side flexures 138 to accommodate such movement. The overall effect is a more comfortable raised seat support 14, especially for driving long distances.Thus, the vehicle seating assembly 10 of the present disclosure provides an arrangement in which the permeable foam layer 26 and the distribution system 28 form an exposed arrangement and the carrier assembly 30 is received in the protective recess 158 provided on the frame assembly 32. Preferably, the side trim members 18 and the clamshell-shaped outer rear trim member 22 are colored in contrasting colors for an aesthetically pleasing effect for coloring the flexible trim cover 24, 34.The vehicle seat arrangement 10 described above thus provides a method for cooling a vehicle seat arrangement 10 for a motor vehicle 4. By providing a permeable foam layer 26 on which an occupant is supported, the permeable foam layer 26 creates a structure by which an air flow can be generated. Disposing a distribution system 28 having airflow channels 72 therethrough on the permeable foam layer 26 allows the airflow channels 72 of the distribution system 28 to be in fluid communication with the holes 44 in the permeable foam layer 26. Finally, disposing a carrier assembly 30 to the distribution system 28, wherein an upper portion 88 of the carrier assembly 30 includes a central annular member 92 supported by a plurality of flexible radial arms 94, allows attachment of a blower 100 to the central annular member 92 of the carrier assembly 30. Because the blower 100 is in fluid communication with the airflow passages 72 of the distribution system 28 and the holes 44 in the permeable foam layer 26, operation of the blower 100 causes air proximate the forward facing surface 40 of the permeable foam layer 26 to be displaced away from the forward facing surface 40 of the permeable foam layer 26 and circulated through the raised seatback support 14.

Claims

A vehicle seating assembly (10) for a motor vehicle (4) having a lower seating structure (12) and an upright backrest (14), one or both of the lower seating structure (12) or the upright backrest (14) comprising a flexible multilayer assembly comprising: a permeable foam layer (26) upon which an occupant is supported, the permeable foam layer (26) having a front and a rear facing surface (40, 42) and a plurality of spaced apart holes (44) extending therethrough between the front and rear facing surfaces (40, 42) in which airflow can be generated; a distribution system (28) having airflow channels (72) extending therethrough and abutting the permeable foam layer (26), the airflow channels (72) of the distribution system (28) being in fluid communication with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26); a support assembly (30) abutting the distribution system (28) and having an upper portion (88) with a central annular member (92) supported by a plurality of flexible radial arms (94); and a blower (100) secured to the central annular member (92) of the support assembly (30), the blower (100) being in fluid communication with the airflow passages (72) of the distribution system (28) and the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26), whereby air near the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) is displaced away from the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) and circulated through the raised backrest (14) by operation of the blower (100), the distribution system (28) including a semi-rigid fabric spacer (64), A single piece made of a semi-rigid injection molded thermoplastic material and provided with an air chamber (70) having a plurality of air flow passages (72) for permitting air flow to pass through the spacer (64) and lying between the permeable foam layer (26) and the support assembly (30), the spacer (64) having an airtight outer shell and an outer opening (84) to an inner air chamber (70) aligned with the air flow of the blower (100), the air chamber (70) being in fluid communication with the air flow passages (72) in the distribution system (28), and the spacer (64) having perforations (80) in a portion of the outer shell in fluid communication with the air flow passages (72) in the distribution system (28) and with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein air proximate the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) is heated by the occupant and a resulting increased thermal energy proximate the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) is decreased by operating the blower (100) to force air from outside the raised seatback (14) into the airflow passages (72) of the distribution system (28) in fluid communication with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26) to displace the air proximate the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the air proximate the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) is heated by the occupant and a resulting increased thermal energy proximate the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) is decreased by operating the blower (100) to draw air proximate the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) through the airflow passages (72) of the distribution system (28) in fluid communication with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26) away from the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) to draw the air proximate the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26).The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the spacer (64) is made of a semi-rigid polyurethane.The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 4, wherein the permeable foam layer (26) and the spacer (64) each comprise longitudinally aligned permeable wings (52, 78) extending laterally from each side of the raised backrest (14), the permeable foam layer (26) having a plurality of perforations (56) disposed on and extending between the forward and rearward facing surfaces (40, 42) of the permeable foam layer (26), and wherein the perforations (80) on the spacer (64) are disposed on the wings (78) of the spacer (64) and the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26) are disposed on the permeable wings (52) of the permeable foam layer (26), whereby the perforations (80) on the spacer (64) are aligned with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 4, wherein the central annular member (92) supported by the plurality of flexible radial arms (94) includes an opening (102) aligned with the outer opening (84) of the spacer (64), wherein a nozzle (104) of the blower (100) is received in the opening (102) of the central annular member (92), and the outer opening (84) of the spacer (64) is in fluid communication with a depression (106) formed proximate the inner air chamber (70) of the spacer (64).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 4, wherein the support assembly (30) further comprises an open bottom portion (90) and a flexible dynamic layer having adjustable strength mounted therein.The vehicle seat assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein the flexible dynamic layer comprises a suspension layer (110) formed of tunable springs (114), by which a stiffness of the raised backrest (14) can be adjusted.The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein the permeable foam layer (26) and the distribution system (28) further comprise upper and lower portions (46, 48, 74, 76) corresponding to and longitudinally aligned with the upper and lower portions (88, 90) of the support assembly (30), and wherein the permeable foam layer (26) and the spacer (64) each comprise longitudinally aligned flexible wings (52, 78) extending laterally from either side of the lower portion (48, 76) thereof, and wherein the perforations (80) on the spacer (64) are disposed on the flexible wings (78) of the spacer (64) and the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26) are disposed on the flexible wings (52) of the permeable foam layer (26), whereby the perforations (80) on the spacer (64) are aligned with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the blower (100) is in electrical communication with an electronic control module (148), whereby the electronic control module (148) sends a signal to the blower (100) to activate the blower (100) based on an input command from the occupant.Vehicle seat arrangement (10) according to Claim 10, wherein the input command is obtained by means of an electronic switch (150) in the motor vehicle (4).The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 11, wherein the electronic switch (150) is presented in the motor vehicle (4) by an integrated in-vehicle communication and entertainment system.The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 10, wherein the input command is obtained via a voice command presented by an integrated in-vehicle communication and entertainment system.The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 10, wherein the electronic control module (148) sends a signal to the blower (100) to turn on the blower (100) based on an input command from the occupant to activate the blower (100) in any state between an on state, an on-high state, an on-low state, or an off state.The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the blower (100) is in electrical communication with an electronic control module (148), whereby the electronic control module (148) sends a signal to the blower (100) to activate the blower (100) based on an input from a thermocouple (154) disposed proximate the forward facing surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) and a predetermined temperature setting selected by the occupant.The vehicle seating assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the permeable foam layer (26) is covered by a flexible cover (24).A vehicle seat comprising: a foam layer (26) having holes (44); a distribution system (28) having channels (72) in fluid communication with the holes (44); a support assembly (30) having a central annular member (92) supported by flexible radial arms (94); and a blower (100) secured to the central annular member (92) in fluid communication with the channels (72) and the holes (44), whereby air is displaced away from the foam layer (26) by operation of the blower (100), wherein the distribution system (28) includes a semi-rigid fabric spacer (64) made as a single piece of a semi-rigid injection molded thermoplastic material and an air chamber (70) having a plurality of airflow channels (72) to allow airflow to pass through the spacer (64), The invention also provides a method of manufacturing an improved foam material comprising: providing an air-tight outer shell provided with an outer opening (84) to an inner air chamber (70) aligned with an air flow of the blower (100); providing an air chamber (70) in fluid communication with the channels (72) in the distribution system (28); and providing a spacer (64) with perforations (80) in a portion of the outer shell in fluid communication with the channels (72) in the distribution system (28) and with the holes (44) in the foam layer (26).A method of cooling a vehicle seat for an automotive vehicle (4), the method comprising the steps of: providing a permeable foam layer (26) upon which an occupant is supported, the permeable foam layer (26) having a front and rear facing surface (40, 42) and a plurality of spaced apart holes (44) extending therethrough between the front and rear facing surfaces (40, 42) in which airflow can be generated; disposing a distribution system (28) having airflow channels (72) extending therethrough in abutment with the permeable foam layer (26), the airflow channels (72) of the distribution system (28) being in fluid communication with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26); Arranging a carrier assembly (30) abutting the distribution system (28), having an upper portion (88) with a central annular member (92) supported by a plurality of flexible radial arms (94); attaching a blower (100) to the central annular member (92) of the carrier assembly (30), the blower (100) being in fluid communication with the airflow channels (72) of the distribution system (28) and the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26); and operating the blower (100), thereby displacing air proximate the forward facing surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) away from the forward facing surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) and circulating through the seat by operation of the blower (100), wherein the distribution system (28) comprises a semi-rigid fabric spacer (64), An article made as a single piece from a semi-rigid injection molded thermoplastic material and comprising an air chamber (70) having a plurality of air flow passages (72) for permitting air flow to pass through the spacer (64) and lying between the permeable foam layer (26) and the support assembly (30), the spacer (64) having an airtight outer shell and an outer opening (84) to an inner air chamber (70) aligned with the air flow of the blower (100), the air chamber (70) being in fluid communication with the air flow passages (72) in the distribution system (28), and the spacer (64) having perforations (80) in a portion of the outer shell in fluid communication with the air flow passages (72) in the distribution system (28) and with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26).The method of claim 18, wherein the air proximate the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) is heated by the occupant and a resulting increased thermal energy proximate the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26) is decreased by operating the blower (100) to force air from outside the seat into the airflow passages (72) of the distribution system (28) in fluid communication with the holes (44) in the permeable foam layer (26) to displace the air proximate the forward surface (40) of the permeable foam layer (26).

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