Moveable air cell for pneumatic device of a vehicle seat

Abstract

A pneumatic device for a vehicle seat that includes an air cell configured to expand and contract; a carrier; and a retaining device configured to attach the air cell to the carrier; the retaining device is configured to moveably attach the air cell to the carrier to allow the air cell to move or rotate relative to the carrier and the vehicle seat.

Description

MOVEABLE AIR CELL FOR PNEUMATIC DEVICE OF A VEHICLE SEATCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US 63 / 675,339 filed on July 25, 2024 and to US 63 / 708,367 filed on October 17, 2024, the entireties of which are all hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] These teachings relate to a pneumatic device for a vehicle seat, and more particularly to a pneumatic device that includes one or more air cells that are moveably attached to a carrier or substrate and / or to a vehicle seat or cushion.BACKGROUND

[0003] Some vehicle seats include one or more devices for improving occupant comfort. For example, some vehicle seats include one or more pneumatic devices to provide comfort, support, massage, and / or lumbar functions to an occupant of the vehicle seat. While these devices are generally enjoyed by consumers, improvements in these devices may be desired.

[0004] For example, a pneumatic device typically includes one or more air cells. The one or more air cells are fluidly connected to one or more pumps, valves, and / or fluid sources via one or more tubes, hoses, or conduits. The one or more pumps, valves, and / or fluid sources are configured to pressurize or inflate the one or more air cells and depressurize or deflate the air cells. By inflating and deflating the one or more air cells, a comfort, support, massage, and / or lumbar function is provided to an occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0005] Typically, the one or more tubes, hoses, or conduits connecting the one or more air cells to the one or more pumps, valves, and / or fluid sources are routed in one or more channels or depressions defined or formed in the vehicle seat cushion or foam material. The channels or depressions are typically defined and routed at different locations on the seat cushion or foam for different vehicles and vehicle seat configuration. The different channel locations may undesirably require a custom air cell and / or tube design / arrangement to ensure the air cells are provided in the correct location on the vehicle seat while also ensuring the one or more tubes arelocated within the one or more channels. Accordingly, it may be desirable to improve the current state of the art.

[0006] For example, it may be desirable to have a pneumatic device that includes one or more air cells that can be moveably attached or moveably arranged on a vehicle seat. For example, it may be desirable to have a pneumatic device that can be attached or arranged on a vehicle seat and where the one or more air cells can be moved or rotated to allow the one or more tubes to be moved, re-positioned, or routed into a specific channel location of the vehicle seat.SUMMARY

[0007] These teachings provide a pneumatic device for a vehicle seat that includes one or more air cells that can be moveably attached to a carrier, substrate, foam, cushion, and / or vehicle seat. The pneumatic device can be attached to a cushion or foam of the vehicle seat such that the one or more air cells can be moved or rotated to allow the orientation of the one or more tubes to be moved or positioned relative to a channel location of the cushion or foam of the vehicle seat.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. l is a side view of a vehicle and a vehicle seat.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of a vehicle seat back that includes a cushion and a pneumatic device.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a front view of a pneumatic device.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a front view of a vehicle seat cushion that includes channels for routing the one or more tubes of the pneumatic device.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a front view of portion of a vehicle seat that shows a pneumatic device attached to the vehicle seat.

[0013] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an air cell and attachment device according to these teachings.

[0014] FIG. 6B is a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 6A.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates the pneumatic device according to these teachings attached to the vehicle seat.

[0016] FIG. 8A is top view of an air cell and attachment device according to these teachings.

[0017] FIG. 8B is a side view of the air cell and attachment device according to FIG. 8A.

[0018] FIG. 9A is top view of an air cell and attachment device according to these teachings.

[0019] FIG. 9B is a side view of the air cell and attachment device according to FIG. 9A.

[0020] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an air cell according to these teachings.

[0021] FIG. 10B is a side schematic view of an air cell and retaining device according to these teachings.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a side schematic view of pneumatic device according to these teachings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 comprises one or more vehicle seats 12. A vehicle seat 12 typically comprises a seating portion 14 and a backrest portion 16. The seating portion 14 and / or the backrest portion 16 may include a cushion 18. The cushion 18 may be a single cushion for both portions 14, 16, or the cushion 18 may be one or more cushion sections for each portion 14, 16.

[0024] The vehicle seat 12, the seating portion 14, and / or the backrest portion 16 may include one or more comfort devices 100. In the illustrated examples herein, the comfort device is a pneumatic device 100. The pneumatic device 100 may be configured to provide support, massage, and / or lumbar functions to an occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0025] While the seat is described as a vehicle seat, the seat and / or the comfort device may be used for non-vehicular applications, such as home, office, and / or medical seats. The seat may be for a vehicle such as an automobile, train, airplane, bus, and the like.

[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a cushion 18 of a vehicle seat and a comfort device 100. While the cushion 18 is illustrated as being configured for the backrest portion of a vehicle seat, the features of the cushion 18 may also or instead be used without limitation for the seating portion of the vehicle seat, such as seating portion 14 illustrated in FIG. 1. Therefore, the description of the cushion herein is not limited to only the backrest portion as currently illustrated in Fig. 2, unless expressly indicated.

[0027] A comfort device 100 may be installed on top of, within, or below the cushion of the vehicle seat. For example, a comfort device 100 may be placed against or attached to an A- surface of the cushion 18. In some configurations, the comfort device 100 may instead or may additionally be placed against or attached to the back or B-side of the cushion and / or within a thickness of the cushion (between the A- and B-sides). One or more pieces of foam or othersupport devices may be placed over the comfort device 100 to prevent read through of the one or more air cells through the trim or cover layer covering the vehicle seat. The trim or cover layer may be the layer of material that is exposed to the occupant of the vheicle seat and is typically a fabric, cloth, or leather material.

[0028] The comfort device 100 may be configured to provide or increase occupant comfort in the vehicle seat. The comfort device 100 is a pneumatic device configured to provide a support, lumbar, and / or massage function to an occupant of the vehicle seat. The pneumatic device 100 may be of the type disclosed in, or may include one or more components illustrated and / or disclosed in, U.S. Patent Publication No. US2012 / 0313420, US 10,906,442 B2, and / or US2013 / 0127226, all of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. In some configurations, the comfort device 100 may also be a heating or a ventilation device that is configured to provide additional comfort functions to an occupant of the vehicle seat. In this regard, the carrier, substrate, or attachment device disclosed herein may be part of such a comfort device or attached to such a comfort device.

[0029] With additional reference to FIG. 3, a pneumatic device 100 generally comprises one or more air cells 102 that are connected to one or more pumps, valves, and / or fluid sources 104 via one or more tubes or conduits 106. The one or more tubes or conduits 106 may be fixedly connected to the one or more air cells 102 to maintain a fluid-tight seal therebetween to prevent fluid from leaking into and / or out of the air cell in a region where the tubes are connected to the air cell.

[0030] The one or more air cells 102 may be attached to a support, carrier, or substrate device 108. The support, carrier, or substrate device 108 may be an attachment device that is configured to be attached, fastened, or placed on, in, or against a cushion or foam component of the vehicle seat via one or more of any of the fastening devices disclosed herein. The support, carrier, or substrate device 108 may be a supporting layer or structure of the pneumatic device 100 that maintains the general position and alignment of the air cells relative to one another. The support, carrier, or substrate device 108 may be a supporting layer or structure of the pneumatic device 100 that maintains the general position and alignment of the air cells at the vehicle seat after the support, carrier, or substrate device 108 is put into position on the cushion or vehicle seat.

[0031] During use, a fluid is supplied into the one or more air cells 102 from the one or more pumps, valves, and / or fluid sources 104 via one or more tubes or conduits 106 to inflate the one or more air cells. The fluid is then evacuated from the one or more air cells 102 to deflate the one or more air cells. This inflation and deflation is configured to provide the support, massage, and / or lumbar function to an occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of the cushion 18 of the vehicle seat. The cushion 18 comprises one or more channels or trenches 20. The one or more channels 20 may be an absence of material or a recessed region defined in the surface of the cushion 18. The one or more channels 20 may be formed by a suitable material removal process such as cutting, milling, melting, compressing, and the like. The one or more channels 20 may be configured to receive the one or more tubes or conduits of the pneumatic device so that the one or more tubes are recessed at or below the top, front, or A-surface of the cushion. In the event the one or more tubes or conduits extend on or over the top, front, or A-surface of the cushion, then a high sport or lump may form in the A-surface of the vehicle, which may cause unsightly read through issues at the A-surface of the vehicle seat through the trim or cover layer of the vehicle seat and / or high spots that may be felt by an occupant of the vehicle seat.

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates air cells 102 that are attached to a support, carrier, or substrate 108. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 is attached to or supported on / against the cushion 18 of the vehicle seat. One or more fastening devices may attach or secure the support, carrier, or substrate 108 to the cushion. In other configurations, the support, carrier, or substrate 108 may simply be arranged onto the cushion.

[0034] As can be seen in the two regions identified by the arrow of 110, the tube or conduit 106 is partially located outside of the channel or trench 20 defined in the foam or cushion. Because the air cells 102 are rigidly attached to the cushion via the support, carrier, or substrate 108108, it may be difficult during assembly to bend and route all tubes 106 into a channel 20 and ensure they stay in the channels. It is therefore desirable to have a pneumatic device where one or more of the air cells are moveable or adjustable relative to the support, carrier, or substrate 108 and / or cushion so that the relative location of the air cells and therefore the tubes can be moved or aligned with or into the channels or trench 20 in the cushion, while also maintaining the air cells in the proper and desired location and orientation on the vehicle seat to achieve optimal support, massage and / or lumbar results.

[0035] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a pneumatic device 100. The pneumatic device 100 comprises an air cell 102, a support, carrier, or substrate 108, and one or more tubes or conduits 106 configured to fluidly connect the air cell 102 to one or more pumps, valves, and / or fluid sources.

[0036] The air cell 102 is moveably attached to the support, carrier, or substrate 108 such that the air cell 102 is enabled or configured to move, pivot, slide, or rotate relative to the support, carrier, or substrate 108 and the vehicle seat. In other words, before, during, or after attaching the support, carrier, or substrate 108 to the vehicle seat, the air cell 102 is enabled or configured to be moved or rotated relative to the support, carrier, or substrate 108 and the vehicle seat while the support, carrier, or substrate 108 remains attached to the vehicle seat. By rotating, pivoting, sliding, moving, or otherwise changing a position of the air cell 102 relative to the support, carrier, or substrate 108, the location of the tubes 106 that are connected to the air cell 102 can be moved or repositioned, to, for example, fit them into the channels 102 or a specific location or orientation on the cushion, foam, or vehicle seat.

[0037] The air cell 102 comprises a first layer 112 and an opposing second layer 114. The two layers may be joined together in an air-tight manner at an attachment region 116 of the air cell 102. The first layer may be a top layer and the second layer may be a bottom layer, or vice versa. The attachment region 116 may be a peripheral edge region of the first and second layers 114 that are joined together to define the open space or cavity therebetween to be filled and evacuated with air or fluid to expand and contract the air cell 102.

[0038] The air cell 102 comprises one or more openings or apertures 118 to which the support, carrier, or substrate 108 can be attached to the air cell 102. The air cell 102 comprises a peripheral-most edge 120 that is arranged around or outboard of the attachment region 116 where the top layer 112 and the bottom layer 114 are joined together. The opening 118 is arranged between the attachment region 116 and the peripheral-most edge 120 of the air cell 102. The peripheral edge 120 is located beyond or outside of the attachment region 116.

[0039] The opening 118 may be or may have a curved or arc shape that extends between opposing end regions 122 that delimit a length of the opening 118. The opening 118 may extend along an arc or curve between the end regions 122. The opening 118 may have an arc length measured between the end regions 122 of less than 180 degrees. However, in some configurations, the end regions 122 may be spaced so that the arc length is greater than 180degrees. In some configurations, the end regions 122 may be spaced along a line or linear path such that the opening is substantially linear as opposed to being curved as illustrated in the figure. The opening 118 may be a channel, slot, through-hole, space, or other absence of material. The opening 118 may be formed by a suitable operation such as cutting, welding, melting, punching or other material removal process. The opening may be formed in the region where the two layers 112, 114 of the air cell are joined together. In other words, the seam or weld joint attaching the two layers 112, 114 may be sufficiently large or wide that an opening can be cut or punched therein without affecting the air-tight seal of the two layers 112, 114.

[0040] The support, carrier, or substrate 108 is configured to be guided, extended, or woven into and through the opening 118 so that the support, carrier, or substrate 108 extends, wraps, or hooks around the air cell 102 in between the attachment region 116 and the peripheral edge 120. By wrapping or extending the support, carrier, or substrate 108 around this location of the air cell 102, and not fixedly attaching the support, carrier, or substrate 108 to the air cell 102, the support, carrier, or substrate 108 is enabled to be moved along a length of the opening 118 and / or the air cell 102 is enabled to move relative to the support, carrier, or substrate 108 in a region between the ends 122 of the opening 118. This allows the relative position of the air cell and tube 106 to be moved or adjusted while the air cell can be attached in a specific location of the vehicle seat.

[0041] A support, carrier, or substrate 108 may include only one air cell, or more than one air cell may be attached to a support, carrier, or substrate 108.

[0042] In the example of FIG. 6A and 6B, the pneumatic device 100 or air cell 102 comprises a plurality of openings 118 and a support, carrier, or substrate device 108 engaging a respective one of the openings 118. More specifically, the pneumatic device 100 or air cells 102 comprises two openings 118 and two support, carrier, or substrates 108. The two openings 118 generally oppose each other. Of course, the air cell 102 can comprise any number of openings and attachment devices including only one attachment device and corresponding opening.

[0043] These teachings also provide a method of making the pneumatic device 100. The method may include one or more steps. The one or more steps may include a step of attaching the support, carrier, or substrate 108 to the air cell 102 by routing the support, carrier, or substrate 108 through an opening in the air cell so that the air cell is enabled to move or rotate relative to the attachment device. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 may be a strap or otherelement that can be routed into the opening so that the support, carrier, or substrate 108 forms a tether around the material section of the air cells between the peripheral edges of the layers that are joined together and a peripheral-most end of the air cells. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 may be clamped or crimped around the region of the air cell but provided with enough space or room to allow the air cell and / or the attachment device to move relative to one another. Each support, carrier, or substrate may be attached to a single air cell. In other configurations, a support, carrier, or substrate may be attached to a plurality of air cells (e.g., two or more air cells). Each air cell may be connected to one support, carrier, or substrate 108. In other configuration, each air cell may be connected to attached to a plurality of support, carrier, or substrates (e.g., two or more support, carrier, or substrates).

[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates air cells 102 attached to a cushion 18 or vehicle seat via the support, carrier, or substrates 108. A fastener 124 may secure or attach the one or more support, carrier, or substrates 108 to the cushion or vehicle seat. With the pneumatic device 100 according to these teachings, the air cells 102 and thus the tubes 106 can be moved or rotated relative to the support, carrier, or substrates 108 and cushion so that the tube 106 can be arranged to fit within the conduit 20 of the cushion or vehicle seat (See regions 110’). Accordingly, the issue of a tube 106 being outside of a channel 20 and therefore providing read-through or a high spot or lump to an occupant discussed in FIG. 5 is resolved. Moreover, by providing the ability to individually adjust an air cell 102, a pneumatic device and / or air cell 102 can be customized to several different vehicle seat, cushion, and channel 20 configurations without requiring specific and custom air cell and tube configuration.

[0045] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate a pneumatic device 100. The pneumatic device 100 comprises an air cell 102, a support, carrier, or substrate 108, and one or more tubes or conduits 106 configured to fluidly connect the air cell 102 to one or more pumps, valves, and / or fluid sources. The air cell 102 comprises a first layer 112 and an opposing second layer 114 that are joined together at an outer peripheral region 116. The first layer may be a top layer and the second layer may be a bottom layer, or vice versa. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 may be a strap, carrier, or attachment device may be configured to support the one or more air cells, the one or more ore tubes or conduits, or both. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 may be a strap, carrier, or attachment device configured to attach or secure the pneumatic device to a vehicle seat, cushion, or both.

[0046] The pneumatic device 100 comprises a retaining device 126. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 may be arranged or sandwiched between the second layer 114 of the air cell 102 and the retaining device 126 The pneumatic device 100 comprises a fastener 128 that connects the air cell 102 to the retaining device 126. The fastener 128 connects the air cell 102 or second layer 114 of the air cell 102 to the retaining device 126 by passing the retaining device 126 into and through an aperture or opening 130 defined in the support, carrier, or substrate 108. In other words, the support, carrier, or substrate 108 is not fixed or fixedly attached to the fastener 128, the retaining device 126 and / or the air cell 102. This type of moveable attachment enables the air cell 102 to move, pivot, slide, or rotate relative to the support, carrier, or substrate 108 and the vehicle seat after the support, carrier, or substrate is secured to the vehicle seat.

[0047] FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate a pneumatic device 100. The pneumatic device 100 comprises an air cell 102, a support, carrier, or substrate 108, and one or more tubes or conduits 106 configured to fluidly connect the air cell 102 to one or more pumps, valves, and / or fluid sources. The air cell 102 comprises a first layer 112 and an opposing second layer 114 that are joined together at an outer peripheral region 116. The first layer may be a top layer and the second layer may be a bottom layer, or vice versa. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 may be a strap, carrier, or attachment device may be configured to support the one or more air cells, the one or more ore tubes or conduits, or both. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 may be a strap, carrier, or attachment device configured to attach or secure the pneumatic device to a vehicle seat, cushion, or both.

[0048] The pneumatic device 100 comprises a retaining device 126. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 is between the second layer 114 of the air cell 102 and the retaining device 126 The pneumatic device 100 comprises a fastener 128 that connects the air cell 102 to the retaining device 126. The fastener 128 connects the air cell 102 or second layer 114 of the air cell 102 to the retaining device 126 by passing through an opening 130 defined in the support, carrier, or substrate 108 108. In other words, the support, carrier, or substrate 108 108 is not fixed or fixedly connected to the fastener 128, the retaining layer 126 and / or the air cell 102. This enables the air cell 102 to move, pivot, or rotate about the fastener 128 even after the support, carrier, or substrate 108 is secured to the vehicle seat.

[0049] The pneumatic device according to FIGS. 9A and 9B comprises one or more additional fasteners 132 that connect the air cell 102 to the retaining device 126. The one ormore additional fasteners 132 are free from passing through the support, carrier, or substrate 108. Instead, the one or more additional fasteners 132 connect the air cell 102 or second layer 114 thereof to the retaining device 126 in a region where there is no support, carrier, or substrate 108 therebetween. The additional fasteners 132 may function to increase the attachment of the air cell or second layer 114 to the retaining device 126.

[0050] These teachings also provide a method of making the pneumatic device 100. The method may include one or more steps. The one or more steps may include a step of connecting the air cell 102 to the retaining device 126 such that the support, carrier, or substrate 108 is sandwiched therebetween by passing the fastener 128 though an aperture 130 defined in the support, carrier, or substrate 108. The air cell and / or the retaining layer may rotate or pivot or move together about the stationary support, carrier, or substrate 108 that is configured to be secured to the vehicle seat. As was discussed above with reference to FIG. 7, buy allowing the air cell to be moved or pivoted relative to the support, carrier, or substrate 108, the region where the tubes or conduits 106 exit the air cells can be adjusted to ensure the tubes or conduits are routed into a proper channel or location on the vheicle seat, to ensure the air cells are in the proper location and the tubes are in the proper location, while also maintaining a common attachment location of the attachment device to the vehicle seat.

[0051] FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 11 illustrate a pneumatic device 100. The pneumatic device 100 comprises an air cell 102, a support, carrier, or substrate 108, and one or more tubes or conduits 106 configured to fluidly connect the air cell 102 to one or more pumps, valves, and / or fluid sources. The air cell 102 comprises a first layer 112 and an opposing second layer 114 that are joined together at an outer peripheral region 116. The first layer may be a top layer and the second layer may be a bottom layer, or vice versa. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 may be a strap, carrier, or attachment device may be configured to support the one or more air cells, the one or more ore tubes or conduits, or both. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 may be a strap, carrier, or attachment device configured to attach or secure the pneumatic device to a vehicle seat, cushion, or both.

[0052] The pneumatic device 100 comprises a retaining device 126. The retaining device 126 may be attached to the air cell, the bottom or second layer of the air cell, or both, with a fastener 128. The fastener 128 may be part of retaining device 126 come on the air cell, or both. To connect the air cell 102 to the support, carrier, or substrate 108, the retaining device may beinserted into or through a slot or opening 130 defined in the support, carrier, or substrate 108. This may be done similar to passing a button through a slot or aperture defined in clothing. Because the retaining device 126 is at least partially larger than the slot or opening 130 defined in the support, carrier, or substrate 108, the air cell can be connected to the support, carrier, or substrate 108. After assembly of the pneumatic device, the support, carrier, or substrate 108 may be arranged or sandwiched between the second layer 114 of the air cell 102 and the retaining device 126. The support, carrier, or substrate 108 is not fixed or fixedly attached to the retaining device 126 and / or the air cell 102. This type of moveable attachment enables the air cell 102 to move, pivot, slide, or rotate relative to the support, carrier, or substrate 108 and the vehicle seat after the support, carrier, or substrate is secured to the vehicle seat.

[0053] FIG. 11 specifically illustrates a pneumatic device 100 with a plurality of the air cells attached to a support, carrier, or substrate 108. The air cells are each attached to the carrier by passing the retaining device 126 through an aperture or opening 130 defined in the carrier 108. This attachment allows the air cell to be secured to the carrier 108 but still allow for the air cell to move, slide, rotate, or pivot relative to the carrier 108. The carrier 108 can then be attached to the vehicle seat, cushion, foam, etc. and / or to another support, carrier, or substrate that is part of a comfort device.

[0054] Unless otherwise expressly noted, the teachings from one of the figures or embodiments disclosed herein can be incorporated into another figure or embodiment without limitation. Moreover, the following description applies to all examples and vice versa.

[0055] The one or more air cells may be made from one or more foils, films, blanks, or sheets. The one or more films, blanks, or sheets may be attached or connected together to create an air cell, bubble, pouch, balloon, bag, or bladder via a suitable attachment method such as welding to create an air-tight seal such as. The one or more foils, films, blanks, or sheets may be made of a suitable material such as TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), a thermoplastic material such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, or one or more other thermoplastic materials. The one or more air cells may be made according to the teachings of DE102019214576B4 dated 2023.05.04, the teachings of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

[0056] The one or more supports, carriers, or substrates may be used to secure or attach the one or more air cells to the vehicle seat, seat cushion, seat foam, spacer layers, foam layers, or other regions or materials of a vehicle seat or vehicle. The one or more supports, carriers, orsubstrates may be made from the same material as the one or more air cells or from a different material. The one or more supports, carriers, or substrates may be made from a woven or nonwoven material, a fleece, cotton, vinyl, nylon, or thermoplastic material, or any combination thereof. The one or more supports, carriers, or substrates may be a tether, cord, strap, strip, band, of material that connects or attaches the one or more air cells to the vehicle seat. The supports, carriers, or substrates may be flexible or rigid. The support carrier, or substrate may be threaded or routed into or through or around the one or more openings on the air cell. The support carrier, or substrate may hook onto or around the one or more openings. The one or more openings may be defined around or along an outer perimeter of the one or more air cells.

[0057] In some configurations, the support carrier, or substrate may rotate about or around one or more fasteners that connect the air cell to the support carrier, or substrate. In some configurations, the air cell may rotate about or around one or more fasteners that connect the support carrier, or substrate to the air cell. The fastener may be a pin, weld, prong, or protuberance. To provide extra rigidity and strength to the assembly, the air cell or a layer thereof may be connected to a retaining device. The retaining device may provide additional stability and strength to ensure the air cell assembly does not separate from the attachment device. The retaining device may be made from the same material as the layers of the air cell, the attachment device, or both. The retaining device may be made from a different material than the layers of the air cell, the attachment device, or both. The retaining device may be or function as a button that is inserted and / or passed through one or more openings or apertures defined in the support carrier, or substrate.

[0058] Reference is made herein to one or more fasteners, fastening devices, and / or fastening methods. The fasteners or fastening methods may be used to attach the one or more layers of the air cell, attach the one or more air cells to the one or more support carrier, or substrates, attach the one or more air cells to the support carrier, or substrate, attach the one or more air cells to a retaining device or layer, attach the air cells or support carrier, or substrate to the vehicle seat, or any combination thereof.

[0059] The one or more fasteners may be or may include: lamination, tape, double-sided adhesive tape, peel and stick tape, single sided adhesive tape, pressure sensitive adhesive, glues, epoxies, spray on adhesives, hog rings, stitching, sewing, welding, high-frequency welding, IR welding, RF welding, ultrasonic welding, high-frequency welding, ultra sonic welding, sealing,heat sealing, heat staking, chemical fixation, hook and loop fasteners, staples, rivets, pins, buttons, snaps, bands, straps, tag pins (plastic, cloth, etc.), or a combination thereof.

[0060] The vehicle seat may include a cushion with one or more channels, trenches, or troughs. The one or more channels, trenches, or troughs may be used to submerge or burry components of the vehicle seat and / or comfort device to ensure those components are not felt or seen (as read through) on the A-surface of the vehicle seat when an occupant sits in the vehicle seat. Accordingly, it is desirable to ensure all components are routed and retaining in said channels, trenches, and / or troughs. According to the advantages of these teachings, by having an air cell that can be attached in a particular location to the vehicle seat via the attachment devices and then subsequently moved or rotated into place, the tubes connected the one or more air cells to the one or more pumps, valves, and / or sources of air can be guided into and retained in the one or more channels, trenches, and / or troughs. Otherwise, there is a risk that at least part of a tube or other component will not be retained in the one or more channels. Alternatively, costly design specific comfort device designs need to be designed and manufactured for vehicle seats that have specific air cell and channel placement on the cushion surface. These teachings provide the design and assembly team with flexibility in selecting and installing a comfort system design across multiple vehicle seat platforms and designs.

[0061] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.”

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The invention illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.

[0068] 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 any of the elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections disclosed herein to form one or more embodiments that may be specifically illustrated or described herein.

[0069] 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 pneumatic device for a vehicle seat comprising: an air cell configured to be inflated and deflated; a carrier; and a retaining device configured to attach the air cell to the carrier; wherein the retaining device is configured to moveably attach the air cell to the carrier to allow the air cell to move or rotate relative to the carrier.2) The pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises an aperture and the retaining device is configured to be inserted into and through the aperture to attach the air cell to the carrier.3) The pneumatic device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the retaining device is attached to a back side of the air cell.4) The pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the air cell comprises a first layer and an opposing second layer that are joined together at a attachment region wherein the air cell comprises an opening to which the carrier is attached to the air cell.5) The pneumatic device according to claim 4, wherein the air cell comprises a peripheral edge that is arranged around or outboard of the attachment region where the top layer and the bottom layer are joined together, wherein the opening to which the carrier is attached is arranged between the attachment region and the peripheral edge.6) The pneumatic device according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the opening is a curve or an arc that extends between opposing end regions.7) The pneumatic device according to claim 5, wherein an arc length of the opening between the two end regions is about 180 degrees or less.8) The pneumatic device according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein the carrier is guided or extends through the opening so that the carrier extends around the air cell between the attachment region and the peripheral edge.9) The pneumatic device according to claim 1 or any one of the previous claims, wherein the air cell comprises a plurality of openings and a plurality of carriers attached thereto.10) The pneumatic device according to claim 9 or any one of the previous claims, wherein the air cell comprises two openings and two carriers are attached to the air cell.11) The pneumatic device according to claim 10, wherein the two openings oppose each other.12) The pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein air cell comprises a first layer and a second layer that is joined to the first layer, wherein the carrier is arranged or sandwiched between the second layer and the retaining device.13) The pneumatic device according to claim 1 or 12, wherein the pneumatic device comprises a fastener that connects the air cell to the retaining device.14) The pneumatic device according to claim 13, wherein the fastener extends through the carrier such that the carrier is not fixedly attached to the air cell and / or the retaining device.15) The pneumatic device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the carrier comprises an aperture through which the fastener extends.16) The pneumatic device according to claim 13, 14, or 15, wherein the pneumatic device comprises an additional fastener that connects the air cell to the retaining device.17) The pneumatic device according to claim 16, wherein the additional fastener is free from passing through the carrier.18) The pneumatic device according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the additional fastener connects the air cell to the retaining device in a region where no carrier is located therebetween.19) The pneumatic device according to claim 15, wherein the pneumatic device comprises two additional fasteners that connect the air cell to the retaining device, wherein the two additional fasteners are free from passing through the carrier, and wherein the air cell is configured to move or rotate about the fastener and in between the two additional fasteners.20) The pneumatic device according to claim 19, wherein the two additional fasteners connect the air cell to the retaining device in a region where no attachment device is located therebetween.21) A method of making the pneumatic device according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises: attaching the carrier to the air cell by routing the carrier through an opening in the air cell so that the air cell is enabled to move or rotate relative to the attachment device.22) A method of making the pneumatic device according to claim 21, wherein the method comprises: connecting the air cell to the carrier by passing the retaining device though an aperture defined in the carrier.23) A vehicle seat cushion comprising the pneumatic device according to claim 1 or any one of the previous claims.24) A vehicle seat comprising the vehicle seat cushion according to claim 23.

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