Patent Publication Number: US-2009218855-A1

Title: Climate control systems and devices for a seating assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/031,625, filed Feb. 26, 2008, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Inventions 
     This application relates to climate control, and more specifically, to climate control of a seat assembly. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Temperature modified air for environmental control of living or working space is typically provided to relatively extensive areas, such as entire buildings, selected offices, or suites of rooms within a building. In the case of vehicles, such as automobiles, the entire vehicle is typically cooled or heated as a unit. There are many situations, however, in which more selective or restrictive air temperature modification is desirable. For example, it is often desirable to provide individualized climate control for an occupant seat so that substantially instantaneous heating or cooling can be achieved. For example, an automotive vehicle exposed to the summer weather, especially where the vehicle has been parked in an unshaded area for a long period of time, can cause the vehicle seat to be very hot and uncomfortable for the occupant for some time after entering and using the vehicle, even with normal air conditioning. Furthermore, even with normal air-conditioning, on a hot day, the seat occupant&#39;s back and other pressure points may remain sweaty while seated. In the winter time, it may be desirable to quickly warm the seat of the occupant in order to enhance an occupant&#39;s comfort. This is particularly true where a typical vehicle heater is unlikely to quickly warm the vehicle&#39;s interior. For these and other reasons, there have long been various types of individualized climate control systems for vehicle seats. 
     Such climate control systems typically include a distribution system comprising a combination of channels and passages formed in one or more cushions of a seat. Climate conditioned air can be supplied to these channels and passages by using a climate controlled device. Climate conditioned air flows through the channels and passages to cool or heat the space adjacent the surface of the vehicle seat. 
     There are, however, problems that have been experienced with existing climate control systems for seats. For example, some climate control systems are not easily integratable into existing seat construction methods. Such systems require a significantly greater number of parts as compared to existing automotive seats, and often require complex mechanical parts. In the past, this has resulted in increased costs for individualized occupant cooling in automobiles. Also, the mechanical comfort of the seat is appreciably affected in the systems employed, as compared to the comfort provided by standard automotive seats. Often the user is able to distinguish between the comfort of seats with individualized occupant cooling and standard automotive seats. Further, the current techniques are problematic because they may limit the ability for vehicle designers to provide modern seating embodiments and stylistic designs. Thus there is a need for an improved climate control system for vehicle and other types of seats. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some embodiments disclosed in the present application, a climate control device configured for use with a seating assembly includes a fluid module having a fluid transfer device. The climate control device further comprises a fluid duct in fluid communication with the fluid module, wherein the fluid duct includes a distal end. The additional includes at least one outlet opening positioned at the distal end of the fluid duct. In some arrangements, the fluid duct is configured to be positioned at, near or through a seat bite area of the seating assembly. In other arrangements, the fluid module is configured to selectively transfer air to or from the at least one outlet opening through the fluid duct. 
     In certain embodiments, the fluid module further comprises one or more thermoelectric devices (e.g., Peltier circuit) or other heating and/or cooling devices configured to selectively thermally condition air being transferred through the fluid duct. In other arrangements, the distal end of the fluid duct generally terminates at or near the seat bite of the seat assembly. In one embodiment, the device further comprises a fluid distribution member positioned at the distal end of the fluid duct, such that the fluid distribution member is configured to help distribute air from the fluid duct toward an occupant seated in the seating assembly. 
     According to other arrangements, the distal end of the fluid duct generally extends through the seat bite of the seat assembly. In some embodiments, the device further includes at least one fluid chamber or pad disposed along the seat back portion and/or the seat bottom portion of the seating assembly. In one embodiment, such a fluid chamber comprises a first surface adapted to be positioned against a front surface of the seat back portion or the seat bottom portion and a second surface generally opposite of the first surface. The fluid chamber or pad is configured to permit air to pass through said second surface toward a seated occupant. In certain arrangements, the fluid module is configured to selectively transfer air to or from the fluid chamber, through the fluid duct. 
     In certain embodiments, fluid chambers are configured to be positioned along an exterior of the seat back portion and/or the seat bottom portion. In other arrangements, the fluid chambers are configured to be positioned along an interior of the seat back portion and/or the seat bottom portion. In one embodiment, the climate control device is an after-market device configured to be installed on a completed seating assembly. In other arrangements, the device additionally includes a cover generally positioned along an outlet opening to prevent objects from falling through the outlet opening. In other embodiments, the device further comprising a power adapter configured to be selectively inserted within a power outlet to supply electrical power to the fluid module. In one embodiment, the power adapter is configured to be inserted into a cigarette lighter or some other standard or non-standard automotive power outlet. In other arrangements, the climate control device additionally includes a controller configured to regulate at least one operational aspect of the fluid module. 
     According to certain embodiments, a climate control system configured to be removably installed on a seating assembly includes a fluid module having a fluid transfer device and a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) or some other cooling/heating device and a fluid duct in fluid communication with the fluid module and the thermoelectric device. The fluid duct is configured to be routed or otherwise positioned through a seat bite area of a seating assembly. The climate control system additionally includes at least one fluid chamber configured to be disposed along a seat back portion and/or a seat bottom portion of the seating assembly. The fluid chamber comprises walls that define an interior space, which is in fluid communication with the fluid duct. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the walls of the fluid chamber is configured to be air-permeable (e.g., are porous or include a plurality of openings). The fluid module is configured to selectively transfer air through the fluid duct and the at least one fluid chamber, through the at least a portion of the walls of the fluid chamber that is air-permeable. In one embodiment, thermoelectric device is configured to selectively heat and/or cool air being transferred by the fluid transfer device. 
     According to other arrangements, the fluid chambers or pads are configured to be positioned along an exterior of the seat back portion and/or the seat bottom portion. In alternative embodiments, the fluid chambers are configured to be positioned along an interior of the seat back portion and/or the seat bottom portion. In one embodiment, at least one fluid chamber comprises a spacer material, such as, for example, a spacer fabric, spacer structure and/or the like. Such a spacer material can be configured to maintain a desired spacing within the fluid chamber or pad and/or facilitate in fluid distribution therein. In certain arrangements, the fluid module is configured to be secured along a rear side of the seat back portion and/or along a bottom side of the seat bottom portion. 
     In some arrangements, the climate control system is an after-market device configured to be installed on a completed seating assembly. In other embodiments, the seating assembly comprises a vehicle seat, a bed, a wheelchair, another medical chair or bed, a sofa, a stadium or theater seat, a desk chair and/or the like. In other embodiments, the system further comprising a power adapter configured to be selectively inserted within a power outlet to supply electrical power to the fluid module. In one embodiment, the power adapter is configured to be inserted into a cigarette lighter or some other standard or non-standard automotive power outlet. In other arrangements, the climate control system additionally includes a controller configured to regulate at least one operational aspect of the fluid module (e.g., flowrate of the fluid transfer device, amount of heating or cooling provided by the thermoelectric device, etc.). 
     According to some embodiments of the present inventions, a vehicle seat comprises a seat bottom portion, a seat back portion, a duct generally positioned in an area between the seat bottom portion and the seat back portion, at least one duct opening at or near an end of the duct and a fluid transfer device being configured to provide fluid to the duct opening in the direction of a seated user. 
     In some embodiments, a seat assembly includes a seat bottom, a seat back, a seat bite area generally positioned at an interface between the seat bottom and the seat back and a duct having a first end and a second end. The first end being in fluid communication with the second end, and the first end of the duct positioned at or near the seat bite area. The seat assembly further includes one or more duct openings at or near the first end of the duct and a fluid module configured to supply or remove a volume of fluid through the duct opening. In some embodiments, the seat assembly comprises a vehicle seat, a bed, a wheelchair, a stadium seat, a sofa, a desk chair and/or the like. 
     According to some embodiments, the fluid module includes a fluid transfer device. In one embodiment, the fluid module comprises a thermoelectric device configured to selectively heat or cool a fluid. In other embodiments, the thermoelectric device comprises a Peltier circuit. In other arrangements, the seat assembly further comprises a duct cover configured to be placed on or near the duct opening. In some embodiments, the seat bottom or the seat back is covered by a seat covering. The duct cover comprises a material that is the same or similar to the seat covering. 
     In one embodiment, the seat bottom and/or the seat back of the seat assembly includes a fluid distribution system. In some embodiments, the fluid module is configured to simultaneously deliver fluid to both the duct and the fluid distribution system. In another arrangement, the fluid distribution system comprises a plurality of channels. In some embodiments, the fluid distribution system comprises an insert adapted to be positioned within the seat bottom or seat back. In other embodiments, an air flow resistance through the duct is greater than, equal to or lesser than an air flow resistance through the fluid distribution system. In one embodiment, an inner periphery of the duct is smaller than, equal to or lesser than an inner periphery of the channels. 
     In some embodiments, a seat assembly comprises a seat bottom portion, a seat back portion, a duct located generally between the seat bottom portion and the seat back portion and a fluid transfer device configured to provide climate conditioned or unconditioned air to the duct. In other embodiments, a seat bite line duct includes a first end configured to be located generally between a seat back and a seat bottom of a vehicle seat and a second end configured to be in fluid communication with a fluid distribution system, the second end adapted to receive a volume of fluid. In one embodiment, the fluid distribution system includes a fluid module, and the duct is configured to provide a temperature conditioning effect to an occupant positioned on the vehicle seat. 
     In one embodiment, a method of incorporating a climate control system to a seat assembly having a seat back portion and a seat bottom portion comprises positioning a duct at or near the seat bite line of a seat assembly. The seat bite line is generally located between the seat bottom portion and the seat back portion of the seat assembly. The duct includes one or more duct openings through which a volume of fluid can be selectively delivered or withdrawn. The method further includes providing a fluid module in fluid communication with the duct and activating the fluid module to transfer fluid to or from the duct. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid module includes a fluid transfer device. In one embodiment, the fluid module further comprises a thermoelectric device. In other embodiments, the seat back portion and/or the seat bottom portion further comprises a fluid distribution system. In yet another arrangement, the fluid module is adapted to provide fluid to both the duct and the fluid distribution system. 
     In some embodiments, a vehicle seat comprises a seat bottom portion, a seat back portion, a duct having a first end and a second end, the duct being generally positioned between the seat bottom portion and the seat back portion, a duct opening at the first end of the duct and a fluid transfer device being configured to provide a fluid to the duct opening through the second end toward a seated user. In some embodiments, a thermoelectric device or another temperature or other type of conditioning device can be used to selectively heat, cool, dehumidify or otherwise affect one or more properties of the fluid being delivered to the seating assembly. 
     Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention involves a vehicle seat comprising a seat bottom, a seat back, and a duct. The duct has a duct opening located at a seat bite line, where the seat bite line is the region between seat back and seat bottom. The duct is in fluid communication with a fluid module. The fluid module can include a fluid transfer device, such as a blower or fan. The fluid module can also optionally include a climate control device. The duct opening provides conditioned air to a person sitting in the vehicle seat. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention comprises a seat bite line duct. The duct has a first end and a second end. At the first end is a duct opening. The duct opening is located in the seat bite line of a seat assembly. The duct opening can optionally be covered by a duct cover. The second end of the duct is in fluid communication with a fluid module. The duct opening provides conditioned air to a person sitting in the vehicle seat. 
     Yet another embodiment involves a vehicle seat comprising a seat bottom, a seat back, a duct and a fluid distribution system. The duct is in fluid communication with a plurality of channels making up the fluid distribution system. The plurality of channels may be located in the seat bottom, in the seat back or in both the seat bottom and the seat back. The duct has a duct opening. The fluid distribution system is in fluid communication with a fluid module. The duct opening is located in the seat bite line. The duct opening provides conditioned air to a person sitting in the vehicle seat. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention is a method of providing a volume of fluid to a seat bite line. The method comprising, providing a duct at a seat bite line, the seat bite line being formed at a juncture between a seat bottom and a seat back in a vehicle seat. The method further comprising maintaining a fluid module in fluid communication with the duct. The method yet further comprising, conditioning a fluid in the fluid module and providing the conditioned fluid from the fluid module to the duct. 
     The disclosed climate controlled seat assembly can lead to decreased manufacturing costs. The seat bite line duct is easy to install and may reduce or eliminate modifications to existing seat designs. Use of the disclosed system can also increase the perception of conditioned air by the user. This can advantageously lead to increased comfort to the user. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present inventions are described herein in connection with certain preferred embodiments, in reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are not intended to limit the inventions presented herein. The drawings include the following figures. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a climate controlled vehicle seat according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of a bottom assembly of a climate controlled vehicle seat comprising channels and an insert positioned herein according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3A  schematically illustrates a side view of a climate controlled seat having a fluid duct at or near the seat bite according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 3B  schematically illustrates a side view of a climate controlled seat having a fluid duct at or near the seat bite according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 3C  schematically illustrates a side view of a climate controlled seat having a fluid duct at or near the seat bite according to a different embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a climate controlled vehicle seat having a fluid duct at or near the seat bite line according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate top, front and side views, respectively, of a fluid duct configured for placement in a seat bite of a seating assembly according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  schematically illustrates a side view of a seat assembly that comprises a fluid module and a fluid duct positioned at or near the seat bite according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 7  schematically illustrates a side view of a climate controlled seat having a fluid duct at or near seat bite and a distribution member within a seat bottom portion according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 8  schematically illustrates a side view of a climate controlled seat having a fluid duct at or near seat bite and a distribution member within a seat back portion according to one embodiment; 
         FIG. 9A  schematically illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a climate control system positioned on a seating assembly; 
         FIG. 9B  illustrates a frontal perspective view of the climate control system and seating assembly of  FIG. 9A ; 
         FIG. 10A  schematically illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a climate control system positioned on a seating assembly; 
         FIG. 10B  illustrates a frontal perspective view of the climate control system and seating assembly of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11A  schematically illustrates a side view of a different embodiment of a climate control system positioned on a seating assembly; 
         FIG. 11B  schematically illustrates a side view of yet another embodiment of a climate control system positioned on a seating assembly; 
         FIG. 12A  schematically illustrates a partial side view of one embodiment of a climate control system positioned on a seating assembly; 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates a frontal perspective view of the climate control system and seating assembly of  FIG. 12A ; 
         FIG. 13A  schematically illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a climate control system positioned on a seating assembly; 
         FIG. 13B  illustrates a detailed view of the climate control system and seating assembly of  FIG. 13A ; 
         FIGS. 14A-14C  illustrates partial cross-sectional view of various embodiments of a fluid chamber or pad; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a side view of an after-market climate control system configured to be removably attached to a seating assembly according to one embodiment; and 
         FIG. 16  schematically illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a seating assembly with the climate control system of  FIG. 15  installed thereon. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The climate control devices disclosed herein, as well as the various systems and features associated with them, are described in the context of a thermally conditioned seating assembly because they have particular utility in this context. However, the climate control devices, systems and methods described herein, or equivalents thereof, can be used in other contexts as well, such as, for example, but without limitation, other devices or systems where thermally-conditioned fluids are desired or required, electronic or other components where thermal conditioning is desired or required and/or the like. 
     To assist in the description of the disclosed embodiments, words such as up, upward, upper, top, down, downward, lower, bottom, vertical, horizontal, upstream, downstream and the other directional, direction-indicating words and/or the like are used to describe the accompanying figures. However, the illustrated embodiments can be located, configured and/or oriented in a variety of desired positions and should not be limited in scope by the use of such descriptive words herein. 
     According to some embodiments, the climate control system disclosed herein can be incorporated into a seating assembly (e.g., a vehicle seat, a bed, a chair, etc.) by a manufacturer, assembler or other party prior to its acquisition by an end user. In alternative arrangements, however, the climate control system can be an after-market item that is intended to be positioned on a seating assembly by the consumer or another party after the seating assembly has already been provided to the consumer. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a seat assembly  1  having a seat bottom portion  10  and a seat back portion  24 . The depicted seat assembly  1  is configured to accommodate a person in a sitting position, reclined position and/or any other position. By way of example, when a person is seated in the seat assembly  1 , at least a portion of the person&#39;s legs can be supported by a thigh area  14  of the seat bottom portion  10 . 
     As discussed, for convenience, the various embodiments of the climate control devices and systems disclosed herein are discussed and illustrated with reference to a vehicle seat. However, such devices, systems and related methods can be incorporated into and/or used with any other type of seating assembly, including, without limitation, beds, office chairs, wheelchairs, other medical beds or chairs and the like. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the seat assembly  1  can comprise a front end  16  and a rear end  18 . The seat assembly  1  can also include a pair of sides  20 ,  22  extending between the ends for providing lateral support to the occupant of the seat assembly  1 . As shown, the rear end  18  can be configured to be coupled to a seat back  24  such that the seat bottom  10  and seat back  24  cooperate to define a sitting area. 
     The rear end  18  of the seat assembly  1  can be coupled to a bottom end  26  of the back assembly  28 . The juncture between the seat bottom  10  and the seat back  24  generally forms a seat bite line  30  or area. When the occupant sits in the seat, the occupant&#39;s back can contact the surface of the back assembly  28  and the occupant&#39;s seat and legs can contact a surface of the seat assembly  1 . Preferably, the surfaces of the seat assembly  1  can cooperate to support the occupant, preferably in a comfortable sitting position. The seat assembly  1  can be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to accommodate occupants of various sizes and weights. One of ordinary skill in the art can determine the appropriate size and configuration of the seat to achieve the desired sitting area for a particular person and vehicle. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 1 , the seat assembly  1  is similar to a standard automotive seat. However, as discussed above, certain features and aspects of the seat assembly  1  described and/or illustrated herein may also be used in a variety of other applications and environments. For example, certain features and aspects of the seat assembly  1  may be adapted for use in other vehicles, such as, for example, airplanes, boats, and/or the like. Further, certain features and aspects of the seat assembly  1  may also be adapted for use in stationary environments, such as, for example, chairs, office or task chairs, beds, mattresses, sofas, theater seats, wheelchairs, other medical chairs or beds and/or other seats that are used in a place of business, residence or the like. 
     Typically, presently-known climate controlled seats use complex fluid distribution systems  46 . For example, a seat assembly can include one or more channels or other passages through which air or other fluids may pass. In some embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , such channels comprise an insert  46 . Channels or other fluid passages formed on and/or within a portion of a seat assembly can be advantageously placed in fluid communication with a fluid module  40  to provide thermally-conditioned (e.g., heated, cooled, dehumidified, etc.) and/or unconditioned (e.g., ambient) fluid (e.g., air) to one or more portions of a seat assembly  1 . Thus, when a person is seated on or along the seat area  12  of the seat bottom assembly  3  at least a portion of his or her legs can be supported by the thigh area  14  and the insert  46  is configured to help distribute and deliver air to (and/or remove air from) the cabin space of a vehicle thereby providing a more comfortable environment. As discussed above, climate controlled seat bottom assemblies  3 , such as the one illustrated in  FIG. 2 , generally require the seat bottom  10  to include one or more channels, passages or other cutouts. Consequently, in such arrangements, the cost and complexity of manufacturing, assembling and/or otherwise making climate controlled seats can undesirably increase. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a schematic view of one embodiment of a climate controlled vehicle seat  1  adapted to provide ambient and/or thermally conditioned fluids (e.g., heated or cooled air) to an occupant seated therein. According to some arrangements, the seat assembly  1 A includes a seat bottom portion  10 A, a seat back portion  24 A and a duct  32 A that is generally configured to terminate or be routed between the seat bottom and seat back portions  10 A,  24 A (e.g., at or near the seat bite of the seat assembly  1 A). Thus, as shown, the duct  32 A can be adapted to place the fluid module  40 A in fluid communication with one or more front or exposed portions of the seat assembly  1 A. Consequently, the fluid duct  32 A can comprises one or more air impermeable or substantially air-impermeable materials to help ensure that fluid conveyed therethrough do not leak before an intended outlet (e.g., opening  34 A). The fluid duct  32 A can include one or more openings  34 A located at and/or near the seat bite  30 A. As used herein, the “seat bite” or the “seat bite line” is the area or region generally located between the seat back portion  24 A and seat bottom portion  10 A of a vehicle seat or other seating assembly. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 3A , the fluid duct  32 A can be selectively placed in fluid communication with a fluid module  40 A. The fluid module  40 A can include a fluid transfer device  42 A, such as, for example, a blower, fan and/or the like, that is used to impart energy on a fluid (e.g., air) to move such a fluid in a desired manner. The fluid module  40 A can also include a climate control device  44 A which is configured to selectively temperature-condition (e.g., heat, cool, dehumidify, etc.) the fluid being delivered by the fluid transfer device  42 A. As discussed in greater detail herein, such a climate control device  44 A can include a thermoelectric device, such as, for example, a Peltier element. 
     In embodiments where the duct opening  34 A is located at or near the seat bite  30 A of the seating assembly  1 A, the need for specially molded vehicle seats or cut outs that receive fluid distribution members (e.g., inserts) or other components of a more complication climate controlled seat can be advantageously reduced or even eliminated. In one embodiment, a distal end of the duct  32 A is shaped, sized and otherwise adapted to generally fit between the seat bottom and the seat back portions, thereby eliminating the need to provide specially-designed channels, passages, inlets, recesses and/or other features in a climate controlled seat. As discussed, such simplified designs can reduce costs and facilitate assembly and other aspects of providing a climate controlled seat assembly. However, as discussed in greater detail herein, a climate controlled seat assembly can include one or more other ducts, channels, inserts and/or the like, either in lieu of or in addition to a duct positioned at or near the seat bite  30 A. 
     Moreover, according to certain arrangements, one or more fluid ducts are configured to deliver a volume of conditioned (e.g., heated, cooled, dehumidified, etc.) and/or unconditioned (e.g., ambient) fluid (e.g., air) to other portions of the seat assembly. In some embodiments, the fluid can be delivered to one or more areas of the seat assembly which are generally not contacted by a seated occupant. For example, the fluid can be delivered along one or more of the sides of the seat assembly, in the seat bite area and/or any other area. Therefore, the conditioned and/or unconditioned fluid can be directed in the direction of portions of the occupant&#39;s body that generally do not contact a surface of the seat assembly, such as, for example, the lower back, legs, neck and/or the like. Although the embodiments discussed and/or illustrated herein disclose seat assemblies having a fluid duct positioned at or near the seat bite of the seat assembly, such fluid ducts or other fluid delivery members can be positioned along other portions of the seat assembly. In fact, in some embodiments, fluid ducts are not attached or associated with the seat assembly (e.g., they can be attached to an adjacent surface of the vehicle interior, such as, for example, the center console, a door and/or the like). 
     As discussed in greater detail herein, a climate control system can be incorporated into a seating assembly (e.g., automotive or other vehicle seat, bed, etc.) either before or after such a seating assembly has been sold or otherwise provided to the consumer or other end-user. For example, in some embodiments, the manufacturer or assembler of the vehicle seat or the vehicle into which such a seat is to be installed modifies the seat with a climate control system. In alternative arrangements, the climate control system is configured to be installed into or on the seating assembly by the consumer (or other end-user) or some other after market installer. Thus, according to certain embodiments, the thermal module, ducts and/or any other components of a climate control system, such as one of those disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, are adapted to be after-market items that can be easily and conveniently provided to a seating assembly by consumers. 
     In some of the embodiments disclosed herein, or variations thereof, the fluid module  40 A and/or other components of the climate control system (e.g., ducts) are located in any of a variety of locations. For example, the fluid module  40 A can be located under the seat bottom portion  10 A or behind the seat back portion  24 A. Alternatively, the fluid module  40 A can be positioned within the seat bottom portion  10 A and/or the seat back portion  24 A, between two seat assemblies  1 A (e.g., within or under a center console) and/or at any other location, as desired or required. As discussed in greater detail therein, the fluid module  40 A can also be in fluid communication with a single duct  32 A or with multiple ducts. In some embodiments, the ducts  32 A are generally configured to be located at or near the seat bite line  30 A of one or more seat assemblies  1 A. For example, the distal end of such a duct  32 A can terminate at or near the seat bite line  30 A. In other embodiments, as discussed in greater detail herein with reference to  FIGS. 10A-10C  and  12 , the duct can extend through the seat bite of a seating assembly to other portions of the seat assembly (e.g., on or underneath the exposed surface of the seat bottom and/or seat back portions). 
     As illustrated in the embodiment of  FIG. 3B , some, most or all of the components of the climate control system (e.g., the fluid module  40 B, the fluid duct  32 B, etc.) can be positioned on or within the seat bottom portion  10 B and/or the seat back portion  24 B of the seat assembly  1 B. For example, the blower or other fluid transfer device  42 B, the thermoelectric device  44 B and one or more fluid conduits configured to deliver air or other fluid from the fluid module  40 B to the duct  32 B can be located within an interior portion of the seat back portion  24 B. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the various components of the fluid module, such as, for example, a fluid transfer device, a thermoelectric device, a sensor, a controller and/or the like, can be located within a single housing or enclosure. In other arrangements, only some of those components are located within a housing or other enclosure, as desired or required. In some embodiments, such components are located within a cavity area generally between a cushion and a covering material along the rear side of the seat back portion. However, one or more of these components can be located along a surface of the seat back and/or seat bottom portion or on or within a different part of the seating assembly, as desired or required by a particular application or use. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the fluid module  40 C can be positioned along a rear side of the seat back portion  24 C of the seat assembly  1 C. As shown, the fluid module  40 C can comprise a fluid transfer device  42 C (e.g., blower, fan, etc.), a thermoelectric device  44 C or other temperature conditioning device, one or more conduits (e.g., fluid duct  32 C) to transfer fluid to and/or from the front side of the seating assembly  1 C. In some arrangements, one, some or all of the various components of the fluid module  40 C are secured to one or more surfaces of the seat back portion  24 C and/or the seat bottom portion  10 C using adhesives, fasteners and/or any other attachment device or method. 
     For aesthetic, safety and/or any other reasons, the fluid module  40 C can be completely or partially disposed within a protective area (e.g., within a housing or other enclosure, within a cavity of the seat assembly, etc.). As discussed in greater detail herein, the fluid module  40 C can be located underneath the seat back portion  10 C. In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, the fluid transfer device, thermoelectric device and/or any other component of the seat assembly can be connected to an electrical power source (e.g., automobile&#39;s main electrical system, another hardwired AC or DC connection, battery, solar panel, etc.), control and instrumentation connections and/or the like. In addition, the seat assembly can comprise one or more sensors (e.g., thermistors, other temperature sensors, humidity sensors, etc.), a control module and/or the like to permit a user to automatically or manually operate the climate control system in a desired manner. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of a climate controlled vehicle seat  1 ′ that includes a fluid duct  32 ′ that terminates at or near the seat bite  30 ′. In addition,  FIGS. 5A-5C  illustrate various views of the fluid duct  32 ′ of  FIG. 4 . In the illustrated embodiment, the duct  32 ′ has a first end and a second end. At the first end, the duct  32 ′ can comprise a duct opening  34 ′. As shown, one or more duct openings  34 ′ can be located at or near the seat bite  30 ′ of the seat assembly  1 ′. Such duct openings  34 ′ can be shaped, sized and otherwise configured to form a generally flush and continuous surface with the seat bottom and seat back portions  10 ′,  24 ′. In other arrangements, the openings  34 ′ and/or other portions of the distal end of the fluid duct  32 ′ are generally not flush with the surfaces of the seat bottom and seat back portions  10 ′,  24 ′. For example, the openings  34 ′ and/or other portions of the distal end of the fluid duct  32 ′ can be recessed relative to the surfaces of the seat bottom and seat back portions  10 ′,  24 ′ (e.g., within the seat bite between the seat bottom and seat back portions  10 ′,  24 ′, but recessed from the front, exposed surfaces of such portions  10 ′,  24 ′. 
     In some embodiments, one or more duct openings  34 ′ or other duct outlets at the distal end of the fluid duct  32 ′ are selectively covered by one or more covers  36 ′ or other members. The duct cover  36 ′ can be configured to completely or partially hide and/or protect the fluid duct  32 ′. In some arrangements, the duct cover  36 ′ comprises a material that matches (e.g., in type, look, feel, texture, etc.) one or more materials used to cover the adjacent seat back portion and/or seat bottom portion of the seat assembly. Such duct covers can help ensure that personal effects of a seat occupant user, such as, for example, coins or the like, are not lost (e.g., by falling into the duct opening  34 ′). In addition, this can help eliminate or reduce the likelihood of damage to the various components of the climate control system (e.g., fluid transfer device, thermoelectric device, other components of the fluid module, etc.). For example, the duct cover  36 ′ can include a sheet of air permeable fabric, polymeric material and/or the like. In other arrangements, the cover  36 ′ comprises a material having a plurality of perforations or other openings through which air or other fluids may pass. As discussed in greater detail herein, the proximal or opposite end of the duct  32 ′ can be placed in fluid communication with one or more fluid modules (not shown) or other device configured to provide ambient and/or thermally conditioned fluid (e.g., air) toward a seated occupant. 
     In some embodiments, the duct  32 ′ comprises multiple duct openings  34 ′. Moreover, a seat assembly could include more than one duct  32 ′, as desired or required. Additionally, a single duct  32 ′ can be configured to temperature condition one, two or more seat assemblies  1 ′. 
     As discussed in greater detail herein, a seating assembly can include one or more climate control devices or systems. In some arrangements, such devices or systems comprise a heat transfer device as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,223,539, 6,119,463, 5,524,439 and 5,626,021, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. In certain embodiments, the climate control device utilizes a Peltier circuit to selectively cool and/or heat air or other fluid being delivered through a fluid duct. An example of such a system is currently sold under the trademark Micro-Thermal Module™ by Amerigon Incorporated (Northville, Mich.). In other embodiments, a seat assembly comprises one or more other temperature conditioning devices, either in lieu of or in addition to a Peltier circuit. In alternative arrangements, a climate controlled seat assembly includes only a fluid transfer device without devices or features intended to temperature condition a fluid. 
     As disclosed herein, a climate control device can be configured to provide a heated or cooled fluid, a dehumidified fluid, a thermally-unmodified fluid (e.g., ambient air) and/or the like to one or more climate controlled seat assemblies. In one embodiment, a climate control device  44  is advantageously adapted to convectively heat and/or cool a fluid (e.g., air) and provide such a fluid to one or more desired portions of a seating assembly (e.g., automotive or other vehicle seat, a bed, wheelchair, another medical chair or bed, stadium seat, sofa, office chair, etc.). In other embodiments, a climate control device is generally configured to provide a fluid that is not temperature conditioned (e.g., ambient air) to one or more locations of the seating assembly. The thermal module or other portions of the climate control system can include other components or features to further condition the air or other fluids passing therethrough. For example, the system can include a fan, dehumidifier, filter and/or the like. 
     The fluid duct  32 ′ can have a different shape than illustrated in FIGS.  4  and  5 A- 5 C or as otherwise disclosed herein. For example, the distal end  33 ′ of the duct  32 ′ can include one or more portions with less or greater curvature than illustrated in the embodiments of  FIGS. 5A-5C . Further, the size, shape and/or other characteristics of the duct  32 ′ can vary, as desired or required for a particular application or use. In the illustrated configuration, the width or other cross-sectional dimension of the duct  32 ′ increases toward its distal end  33 ′ (e.g., at or near the openings or outlets  34 ′). Such an expansion or flaring of the duct  32 ′ can provide enhanced distribution of the air or other fluid being conveyed therein, thereby improving the comfort level to a seated occupant. However, in alternative embodiments, the width or other dimension of the duct  32 ′ can remain substantially constant or change in a different manner than illustrated in  FIGS. 5A-5C . 
     According to some embodiments, the exact details of the fluid duct  32 ′ depend, at least in part, on the design and other characteristics of the seat assembly into or onto which the duct  32 ′ will be positioned, the configuration of the seat bite of such a seat assembly, the materials used and/or the like. With reference back to  FIG. 4 , the duct  32 ′ can extend continuously or substantially continuously across some, most or the entire seat bite area. However, in other arrangements, the duct  32 ′ is intermittently positioned within or near the seat bite of a seat assembly. Further, the fluid duct  32 ′ of the climate control system can extend across one or more smaller longitudinal portions of the seat bite line or area, as desired or required. 
       FIG. 6  demonstrates some of the additional benefits and features of the various arrangements disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the duct opening  34 ″ is not necessarily constrained by the geometry of the seat assembly  1 ″. For example, the duct opening  34 ″ can be situated such that a line parallel with the duct  32 ″ (generally represented by line  31 ″ in  FIG. 6 ) approximately intersects a line parallel to the seat bottom portion  10 ″ (generally represented by line  33 ″). As shown, lines  31 ″ and  33 ″ can intersect so as to form an inside angle “y” that is less than 90 degrees. However, in other embodiments, the angle “y” can be equal to or greater than 90 degrees. 
     Likewise, in some embodiments, a line parallel to the exposed face of the duct opening  34 ″ (generally represented by line  35 ″ in  FIG. 6 ) intersects a line  33 ″ that is substantially parallel to the seat bottom portion  10 ″ so as to create an angle “x” that is less than 90 degrees. As with angle “y”, in some embodiments, angle “x” can be equal to or greater than 90 degrees. Further, according to certain arrangements, each of angles “x” and “y” is between 0 and 90 degrees. For example, angle “x” and/or angle “y” can be 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 85 degrees, or any angle between these values. Such configurations are not necessarily controlled by the geometry of the outside surface of the seat assembly  1 ″. 
     In some embodiments, a line  31 ″ parallel to the duct  32 ″ is generally angled relative to lines  33 ″,  37 ″, which in the illustrated arrangement are parallel or substantially parallel to the seat bottom  10 ″ and seat back portion  24 ″, respectively. Thus, the duct  32 ″ can be positioned at skewed angles relative to both the seat bottom  10 ″ and seat back portion  24 ″ of a seat assembly  1 ″. In alternate embodiments, however, the duct  32 ″ is parallel or substantially parallel to line  33 ″ and/or  37 ″, as desired or required by a particular application. 
     With reference to the embodiment schematically illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , a fluid duct of a climate control system can be in fluid communication with a plurality of channels that help comprise a fluid distribution system  46 ′″,  46 ″″ within a seat bottom and/or seat back portion of a seating assembly. Such a fluid distribution system  46 ′″ can be located in the seat bottom portion  10 ′″ (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) and/or in the seat back portion  24 ″″ of the seat assembly (as shown in  FIG. 8 ). Accordingly, one or more fluid modules  40 ′″,  40 ″″ can be placed in fluid communication with both the fluid duct  32 ′″,  32 ″″ and the fluid distribution system  46 ′″,  46 ″″. Alternatively, separate fluid modules  40 ′″,  40 ″″ can be used to selectively supply conditioned (e.g., heated, cooled, de-humidified, filtered, etc.) and/or unconditioned fluid (e.g., air) to the duct  32 ′″,  332 ″″, one or more fluid distribution systems  46 ′″,  46 ″″ and/or any other fluid distribution component included in the climate controlled seating assembly  1 ′″,  1 ″″. 
     With continued reference to  FIG. 7 , the duct  32 ′″ can be configured to provide fluid to both the fluid distribution system  46 ′″ (e.g., via a fluid distribution conduit  44 ′″) and the duct  35 ′″ that is configured to generally terminate near or extend through the seat bite  30 ′″ of the seat assembly  1 ′″. In some arrangements, one or more portions of the duct  32 ′″ (e.g., the fluid distribution conduit  44 ′″, the duct  35 ′″ in fluid communication with the seat bite  30 ′″ and/or the like) can positioned completely or partially within the seat bottom portion and/or the seat back portion of the seating assembly. Thus, some or all of the components of the climate control system can be generally interior of and/or exterior to the seat assembly, as desired or required. In other arrangements, the duct  32 ′″ is configured to pass through the seat bottom portion  10 ′″ or is configured to make up part of the seat bottom portion  10 ′″. As discussed herein with respect to other embodiments, the opening  34 ′″ of the fluid duct  35 ′″ can be positioned at or near the seat bite area  30 ′″ of the seating assembly  1 ′″. 
     Similarly, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the duct  32 ″″ can be in fluid communication with a fluid distribution system  46 ″″ located within, on and/or near the seat back portion  24 ″″ of the seat assembly  1 ″″. As discussed with reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the duct  32 ″″ can be configured to deliver air or other fluid from the fluid module  40 ″″ to both the seat bite area  30 ″″ (via duct  35 ″″) and to the channels, passages or other components of the fluid distribution system  46 ″″ positioned within or on the seat back portion  24 ″″ (via a fluid distribution conduit  44 ″″). Alternatively, the duct  32 ″″ and its various branches can be fully or partially integrated into the seat assembly. As discussed herein, the opening  34 ″″ along a distal end of the fluid duct  35 ″″ can be positioned at or near the seat bite  30 ″″ of the seating assembly  1 ″″. However, a climate controlled seat assembly can include one or more other duct openings, either in lieu of or in addition to the duct opening  34 ″″ located along the distal end of the duct  35 ″″ at or near the seat bite. Such duct openings can be located at the distal end of a duct and/or along one or more intermediate locations. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , one or more fluid ducts  35 ′″,  35 ″″ providing ambient and/or thermally-conditioned air to and/or through the seat bite area of a seat assembly can be used in conjunction with a fluid distribution system  46 ′″,  46 ″″ situated on or within the seat bottom and/or seat portions. However, such ducts  35 ′″,  35 ″″ can be used in lieu of any fluid distribution systems  46 ′″,  46 ″″. A fluid distribution system  46 ′″,  46 ″″ can comprise one or more channels, passages, recesses or other portions through which fluids may be selectively directed. In some arrangements, inserts, fluid distribution devices, fluid diverters and/or any other item, component or feature are included within a fluid distribution system in order to achieve a desired effect. According to some embodiments, a single fluid module  40 ′″,  40 ″″ (e.g., fluid transfer device  42 ′″,  42 ″″, thermoelectric device  4 ′″,  44 ″″, etc.) is used to deliver conditioned and/or unconditioned fluid (e.g., air) to both the duct  35 ′″,  35 ″″ that transfer such fluid to, near or through the seat bite and to one or more fluid distribution systems  46 ′″,  46 ″″. However, in other embodiments, air or other fluid can be supplied to each duct and/or fluid distribution system using a different fluid module, as desired or required. 
     According to certain arrangements, fluid ducts configured to selectively deliver air or other fluids to fluid distribution systems and/or outlet openings located at or near the seat bite of a seat assembly can share, at least partially, one or more conduits, valves and/or any other component of a climate control system. In some embodiments, the fluid losses or flow resistance from the fluid module to the outlets of a seat bite duct can be greater than, less than or equal to the fluid losses or flow resistance through a fluid distribution system (e.g., channels or passages formed within or on the seat back and/or seat bottom portions, inserts situated therein, etc.). Further, an interior cross-sectional dimension (e.g., diameter, width, other dimension, etc.) of a fluid duct  35 ′″,  35 ″″ configured to deliver air to or through the seat bite of the duct  32 ′″,  32 ″″ is smaller than, equal to or greater than an interior cross-sectional dimension of a channel, passage, recess or other opening formed onto or within a seat assembly as part of the fluid distribution system  46 ′″,  46 ″″. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  schematically illustrate another embodiment of a climate controlled seat assembly  100  equipped with a climate control system  104 , which is configured to selectively deliver thermally-conditioned and/or ambient air to a seated occupant. In the depicted arrangement, the climate control system  104  comprises a fluid conduit or duct  132  that places a fluid module  140  in fluid communication with a fluid distribution member  150  positioned at or near the seat bite  130 . As discussed herein with reference to other embodiments, the fluid module  140  can include a fluid transfer device  142  (e.g., a blower, fan, etc.) for transferring air or other fluids toward a seated occupant through the downstream conduit  132  and distribution member  150 . Advantageously, the fluid transfer device  142  can be sized and otherwise configured to deliver a volume of air or other fluid through the climate control system  104  at a desired flowrate. In some embodiments, as discussed in greater detail herein, the rate of delivery of air or other fluids through the climate control system can be automatically or manually adjusted by a user. 
     The fluid module  140  can additionally include a thermoelectric device  144  (e.g., Peltier circuit) or another thermal conditioning device configured to selectively heat and/or cool air or other fluids passing through the module  140 . As with the fluid transfer device  142 , one or more aspects related to the operation of the thermoelectric device  144  can be selectively modified to achieve a desired level of cooling and/or heating to the fluid exiting the fluid module  140 . Relatedly, the fluid module  140  and/or other portions of the climate control system  104  can comprise one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, occupant detection sensors, etc.), timers, controllers and/or other devices or components that can further assist in controlling the operation of the climate control system  104  in a desired or required manner. 
     In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, or variations thereof, the fluid transfer device  142 , the thermoelectric device  144 , one or more sensors and/or other components of the climate control system  104  can be positioned within a single housing  141  or other enclosure. This can facilitate the manufacture, delivery, installation or other aspects associated with providing, installing and maintaining the climate control system  104 . 
     According to certain arrangements, the conduit  132  that places the fluid module  140  in fluid communication with the distribution member  150  is at least partially flexible to permit the fluid module  140  and the distribution member  150  to be located as desired or required. However, in other configurations, the conduit  132  is rigid or semi-rigid, thereby limiting the ability to move or re-position the components attached thereto (e.g., fluid module  140 , fluid distribution member  150 , etc.). The fluid conduit or duct  132  can comprise a flexible, rigid and/or semi-rigid material, as desired or required. For example, the conduit can include one or more polymeric materials, metals, rubber and/or the like. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the distribution member  150  can be configured to receive fluid from the conduit  132  and selectively distribute it toward a seated occupant. In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9B , the distribution member  150  continuously extends across most or the entire width of the seat bite  130 . However, the distribution member  150  can extend over a smaller portion of the seat bite  130 , as desired or required. Further, the distribution member  150  can intermittently extend along the seat bite  130 . In some arrangements, the distribution member  150  comprises a spacer material (e.g., a spacer fabric), a porous or air permeable structure and/or any other item that is configured to help distribute air or other fluid being directed from the fluid module. The distribution member  150  can include an air-permeable or porous outer surface through which air or other fluids can exit toward a seated occupant. 
     The distribution member  150 , the fluid conduit  132  and/or other components of the climate control system  104  can be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to securely remain at or near the seat bite area  130  of a seat assembly  100 . For instance, in certain arrangements, the distribution member  150  and the distal end of the fluid duct  132  are adapted to be advantageously maintained within the seat bite  130  by the squeezing force created by the adjacent surfaces of the seat back portion  124  and the seat bottom portion  110 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9A , the distribution member  150  can extend, at least partially, beyond the seat line  130  toward the front surface of the seat assembly  100 . Thus, in some arrangements, the distribution member  150  is not generally flush with the exposed surfaces of the seat bottom and seat back portions  110 ,  124 . Alternatively, the climate control system  104  can be configured so that a distal surface of the distribution member  150  is generally flush with the seat bottom and seat back portions  110 ,  124  of the assembly when the climate control system  104  is properly secured thereto. According to certain embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9A , the distribution member  150  is flared or otherwise has an expanding profile in order to prevent it from inadvertently passing (e.g., rearwardly) through the seat bite  130  during use. 
     In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, a fluid module can be configured to draw air or other fluids away from the occupant, effectively reversing the direction of flow through the climate control system. In such arrangements, the climate control system can help ventilate the air surrounding the front surfaces of the seat assembly that generally surrounds a seated occupant. 
     Another embodiment of a climate control system  204  configured to be used with a seat assembly  200  is illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . As with other configurations disclosed herein, the climate control system  204  can include a fluid module  240  that is adapted to selectively transfer air or other fluids to or from the front surface seat assembly  200 . The fluid module  240  can include a fluid transfer device  242  (e.g., fan, blower, etc.), a thermoelectric device  244  (e.g., Peltier circuit) or other thermal conditioning device and/or any other component. As shown in  FIG. 10A , a fluid conduit  260  can be used to place the fluid module  240  in fluid communication with one or more surfaces along the front of the seat assembly  200  against which a seated occupant will be positioned. 
     According to certain embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 10A , the fluid duct  260  can be routed through the seat bite  230  of the seat assembly. The fluid duct  260  can branch off into two or more separate fluid chambers  262 ,  266  or pads along the front surfaces of the seat assembly  200 . As shown, a lower fluid chamber  262  or pad can generally extend along the top surface of the seat bottom portion  210  of the seat assembly  200 . Likewise, an upper fluid chamber  266  or pad can generally extend along the front surface of the seat back portion  224 . In some arrangements, the fluid chambers  262 ,  266  comprise an air permeable material and/or a porous surface through which air or other fluids can exit in the general direction of a seated occupant. As discussed in greater detail herein with reference to  FIGS. 14A-14C , the fluid chambers or pads  262 ,  266  can include fabric, polymeric materials and/or the like. In other embodiments, the fluid chambers or pads  262 ,  266  include a non-air permeable material that comprises a plurality of openings (e.g., pores) through which fluids may exit. 
     The size, shape and other characteristics of the climate control system  204  can be customized, as desired or required by a particular application or use. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the fluid chambers  262 ,  266  extend only partially across the front surfaces of the seat bottom and seat back portions  210 ,  224  of the seat assembly  200 . However, in alternative arrangements, the dimensions of the fluid chambers  262 ,  266  or pads can be greater or smaller than depicted in  FIGS. 10A and 10B . For instance, the fluid chambers  262 ,  266  can be wider to cover most or all of the width of seating assembly  200 . Further, the length of the lower fluid chamber  262  and/or the upper fluid chamber  266  can be modified to cover more or less of the seat bottom portion  210  and/or the seat back portion  224 , respectively. 
     One embodiment of a climate control system  304  comprising fluid chambers  362 ,  366  that extend over a larger area of a seat assembly  300  is illustrated in  FIG. 11A . In the depicted arrangement, the lower fluid chamber  362  or pad covers substantially the entire length of the top surface of the seat bottom portion  310 . Likewise, the upper fluid chamber  366  or pad can be sized, shaped and otherwise configured to cover substantially the entire length of the front surface of the seat back portion  324 . Accordingly, in such a configuration, the fluid module  340  can be configured to selectively transfer air or other fluids to and/or from a larger area of the front surface of the seat assembly  300 . As discussed with reference to the climate control system of  FIGS. 10A and 10B , the fluid chambers  362 ,  366  can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid transfer device  342 , a thermoelectric device  344  and/or any other component of a fluid module  340  using one or more fluid ducts  360 . In the depicted embodiment, the fluid duct  360  is configured to be routed through the seat bite  330  of the seat assembly. 
     Another embodiment of a climate control system  404  adapted to be used with a seat assembly  400  is illustrated in  FIG. 11B . As shown, the climate control system  404  can include only an upper fluid chamber or pad  466 . Thus, with such a system  404 , air or other fluids can be transferred only to and/or from the seat back portion  424  of the seat assembly  400 . Alternatively, the climate control system  404  can be configured to provide a fluid chamber or pad only along the seat bottom portion. Regardless of the exact configuration of the fluid chambers  466 , the climate control system  404  can include a duct  460  that is sized, shaped and otherwise adapted to pass through or near the seat bite  430  of the seat assembly  400 . As shown, such a duct  460  can advantageously place the fluid chamber  466  in fluid communication with a fluid module  440 . 
     In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, the fluid chambers or any other member or component that is configured to be positioned along a front surface of a seating assembly can be maintained in a desired orientation using one or more attachment methods or devices. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11A , straps  382 ,  384  can be used to help maintain the corresponding fluid chambers  362 ,  366  along the front surfaces of the seat assembly  300 . Such straps or other devices can include elastic or other resilient materials that are configured to be selectively stretched at least partially around the seat bottom and/or seat back portions  310 ,  324 , as desired or required. In other arrangements, the fluid chambers are secured against the front surfaces of a seat assembly using hook and strap connections (e.g., Velcro®), buttons, zippers, other fasteners, adhesives and/or the like. Alternatively, the fluid chambers can be adapted to remain against the adjacent surfaces of the seat assembly without the need for attachment devices. For example, in some embodiments, a fluid chamber is configured to remain against an adjacent surface of the seat bottom and/or seat back portion of the seat assembly using the contacting force of a seated occupant. The fluid chambers or pads can include a non-skid surface to help reduce the likelihood of movement relative to adjacent seating assembly surfaces. 
       FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate another embodiment of a climate control system  504  configured for use with a seating assembly  500  (e.g., an automotive seat, other vehicle seat, a bed, etc.). The depicted arrangement has a similar design as the system of  FIGS. 10A ,  10 B and  11 A, in that it includes a fluid module  540  and a duct  560 , which places the module  540  in fluid communication with fluid chambers or pads  562 ,  566  positioned against the front surfaces of the seat bottom and seat back portions  510 ,  524 . The climate control system  504  additionally comprises a main outlet  534  at or near the seat bite  530  of the seat assembly  500 . Thus, in such an embodiment, air or other fluid can be selectively transferred to or from the fluid module  540  through both the air-permeable or porous surface of the fluid chambers  562 ,  566  and the main outlet  534  located at or near the seat bite  530 . In other arrangements, a climate control system can include additional outlets along one or more desired locations. 
     In some of the embodiments disclosed herein, such as, for example, those illustrated in  FIGS. 3A ,  3 C,  9 A- 9 B,  10 A- 10 B,  11 A- 11 B and  12 A- 12 B, the ducts, fluid chambers and/or other components that are placed in fluid communication with a fluid module are configured to be positioned along exterior surfaces of the seat bottom and/or seat back portions of a seat assembly. This can facilitate the positioning of such systems on a vehicle seat or other seat assembly, as the need to modify an interior of the seat cushions or other portions of the seat assembly is eliminated. Accordingly, such climate control systems can be conveniently installed on a seating assembly as after-market items without the need to modify the structure or other aspects of the seat assembly design. For example, with specific reference to the system  304  of  FIGS. 11A and 11B , a user can pass the fluid chambers or pads  362 ,  366  through the seat bite area  330  of the seat assembly  300 . As a result, the fluid chambers  362 ,  366  can be positioned along the front surfaces of the seat assembly  300 , while the fluid module  340  and at least part of the fluid duct  360  remain along a rear and/or bottom portion of the assembly  300  (e.g., generally away from a seated occupant). One or more straps  382 ,  384  and/or other attachment devices or methods can be used to adequately maintain the fluid chambers  362 ,  366  along the adjacent surfaces of the seat bottom and seat back portions  310 ,  324 . 
       FIGS. 13A and 13B  illustrate one embodiment of a climate control system  604  that is configured to be at least partially situated underneath one or more layers or portions of the seat assembly  600 . As with other arrangements illustrated and described herein, the depicted system  604  comprises a fluid duct  660  which is in fluid communication with a fluid module  640  and which is configured to be routed through or near the seat bite  630  of the seating assembly  600  (e.g., generally between the seat bottom and seat back portions  610 ,  624 ). However, as shown in  FIGS. 13A and 13B , along the front surface of the seating assembly  600 , the duct or conduit  660  can be connected to two or more fluid chambers or pads  662 ,  666  that are positioned underneath a covering layer or scrim  612 ,  626  of the seat back and/or seat bottom portions  610 ,  624 . Thus, the fluid chambers  662 ,  666  can be situated within an interior portion of the seat assembly  600  so as to not be visible to a seated occupant. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 13A and 13B , the fluid chambers or pads  662 ,  666  and/or other portions of the climate control system  604  can be positioned between adjacent layers or portions of the seat assembly&#39;s interior (e.g., cushion  611 , covering layer or scrim  612 , etc.). Alternatively, the fluid chambers or pads  662 ,  666  can be sized, shaped and otherwise adapted to be positioned within recesses or other portions of the cushion  611  and/or other interior structure of the assembly  600 , as desired or required. 
     Regardless of its exact configuration, such a climate control system  604  can advantageously deliver thermally conditioned and/or ambient air from the fluid module  640  (e.g., fluid transfer device  642 , thermoelectric device  644 , etc.), through the duct  660  and fluid chambers  662 ,  666 , toward a seated occupant. Alternatively, as with any other arrangements disclosed herein, fluid flow through the climate control system  604  can be generally reversed, so that air or other fluids are transferred away from the front surfaces of the seating assembly by the fluid module  640 . Such embodiments can also be provided as after-market items that can be installed on a vehicle seat or other seat assembly which has already been manufactured. However, because portions of the system  604  (e.g., fluid chambers  662 ,  666 , duct  660 , etc.) may need to be positioned within an interior portion of the seat bottom and/or seat back portions  610 ,  624  of the seat assembly  600 , the installation of such systems  604  may be more intricate. 
       FIGS. 14A-14C  illustrate partial cross-sectional views through various embodiments of fluid chambers or pads  762 A,  762 B,  762 C that can be used with a climate control system as disclosed herein. As shown in  FIG. 14A , the fluid chamber or pad  762 A can include an interior space  774 A defined by upper and lower walls  770 A,  772 A. The walls  770 A,  772 A of the chamber or pad  762 A can include one or more substantially air-permeable and/or substantially air-impermeable materials. For example, in some arrangements, the walls  770 A,  772 A comprise fabric, polymeric materials (e.g., plastic sheets or bags), elastomeric materials, paper-based materials and/or the like. Such materials can be, at least in part, air or fluid-permeable so that air or other fluids directed within an interior portion  774 A of the chamber  762 A are allowed to exit through the upper wall  770 A and/or the lower wall  772 A, as desired or required. In other embodiments, the upper and/or lower walls  770 A,  772 A comprise a plurality of openings (e.g., pores) through which air or other fluids may pass ( FIG. 14C ). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 14B , the interior  774 B of a fluid chamber or pad  762 B can include a spacer material or other structure  776 B. Such spacer materials or structures  776 B can help maintain a desired shape for the interior space  774 B, especially after the climate control system has been placed into service (e.g., after it has been subjected to contact and other forces by a seated occupant). In addition, such spacer materials  776 B can help distribute fluids more evenly within an interior portion  774 B of the fluid chamber  762 B, thereby providing an enhanced cooling, heating and/or ventilation effect to a seated occupant. Any of the embodiments of a climate control system or device disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, can comprise one or more spacer materials or structures  776 B, as desired or required. 
       FIG. 14C  illustrates one embodiment of a fluid chamber or pad  762 C that comprises substantially air-impermeable walls  770 C,  772 C. Thus, as discussed above, such a fluid chamber  762 C can include a plurality of pores or other openings  771 C along one or both walls  770 C,  772 C in order to permit air or other fluids to exit from the chamber&#39;s interior space  774 C. 
     Another embodiment of a climate control system  804  configured for use with a vehicle seat  800  or other seating assembly is illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . As discussed above, the climate control system  804  can be provided as an after-market product that can be easily and conveniently installed on a seating assembly  800 . Alternatively, a system  804  can by incorporated into a seating assembly by a manufacturer, assembler, dealer, installer and/or other party either prior to, during or after the manufacture of the seating assembly. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the climate control system  804  can include a fluid module  840 , which, according to some embodiments, comprises a fluid transfer device (e.g., a fan, blower, etc.), a thermoelectric device (e.g., Peltier circuit) or other heating and/or cooling device, sensors, controllers, filters and/or the like. In certain arrangements, the various components of the fluid module  840  are provided within a single housing  841  or other enclosure. This can simplify the overall design of the system  804  and further facilitate its installation onto a seat assembly  800 . However, in alternative embodiments, the various components of the fluid module are provided outside of a housing or in two or more separate housings or enclosures, as desired or required. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , the fluid chambers or pads  862 ,  866  can be routed from the rear side to the front side of the seat assembly  800  through the seat bite area  830 . In addition, the fluid module  840  and the fluid duct or conduit  860  can be positioned along a rear surface of the seat back portion  824 . However, in other arrangements, the module  840  and/or the duct  860  can be positioned at any other location, such as, for example, underneath the seat bottom portion  810 , away from the seat assembly  800  and/or the like, as desired or required. As discussed herein, the position of one or more of the fluid chambers or pads  862 ,  866  relative to an adjacent surface of the seat assembly  800  can be maintained in a desired orientation using one or more straps  870 , hoop and loop fasteners, buttons, zippers, other fasteners, adhesives and/or any other attachment device or method. According to some embodiments, after installation, the climate control system  804  can be easily removed from a seating assembly  800  for cleaning, repair, maintenance, transfer to another seating assembly and/or for any other purpose. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the climate control system  804  can include a wire, cable or cord  892  that is adapted to provide electrical power to the fluid transfer devices, thermoelectric devices, sensors, controllers and/or any other component of the fluid module  840  and/or other portion of the system  804 . As shown, in certain embodiments, the power cord  892  includes a cigarette lighter adapter  890  or other standard or non-standard adapter that is configured to connect to a vehicle&#39;s electrical system (e.g., via a cigarette lighter port, some other standard or non-standard AC or DC power outlet or port, etc.). In embodiments where the climate control system is adapted to be used with an office chair, bed, sofa, wheelchair, other medical chair or bed and/or any other seating assembly, the system can be configured to be powered using a standard or non-standard AC or DC outlet (e.g., a standard wall outlet). Thus, the system can include one or more cords  892 , plugs  896 , other adapters, transformers and/or any other items to help provide the necessary electrical power to the fluid module and/or its other electrical components. As discussed in greater detail below, such climate control systems can include one or more batteries (e.g., rechargeable batteries) so that the systems do not need to be physically connected (e.g., via a wire, cord, cable, etc.) to a power supply while the climate control system and the seating assembly are occupied or being used. 
     Alternatively, the various electrical components of the climate control system can be powered using one or more other power sources, such as, for example, a battery, a solar panel and/or the like, either in addition to or in lieu of other AC or DC sources. For example, the system can include a battery within, on, near and/or operatively connected to the fluid module  840  and/or any other component. Such batteries can be configured to provide the desired electrical power to the various electrical components. In some embodiments, the battery is rechargeable to permit the climate control system or device to operate for a particular time period without being physically connected to a separate power supply (e.g., wall or automotive outlet via a cord). Such a rechargeable battery can include a standard or non-standard adapter configured to attach to an AC or DC power outlet (e.g., a wall outlet or other standard home power outlet, a cigarette or other automotive power outlet, a solar panel and/or the like). As illustrated in  FIG. 15 , in other arrangements, the climate control system is linked to the vehicle&#39;s main electrical system  894  using a hardwired connection that is not easily detachable. 
     According to certain embodiments, the fluid module  840  and/or any other portion of a climate control system  804  can comprise a controller  880  using a hardwired  882  and/or wireless (e.g., radio frequency, Bluetooth, etc.) connection. The controller  880  can include a switch  881 , dial, button and/or other device that is capable of adjusting one or more aspects of the operation of the climate control system  804 . For example, in some embodiments, the controller  880  is adapted to regulate the flowrate of the fluid transfer device and/or the cooling or heating effect created by the thermoelectric device. In other arrangements, one or more other aspects of the climate control system  804  can be adjusted, as desired or required. In yet other embodiments, the system  804  includes one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, humidity sensors, occupant detection sensors, etc.), feedback loops and/or other control devices or features in one or more of its components or portions (e.g., fluid module  840 , interior portion of the duct  860  and/or fluid chambers  862 ,  866 , etc.). Such features can be configured to allow the climate control system  804  to operate automatically or semi-automatically in order to achieve a desired cooling, heating and/or ventilation effect (e.g., to sustain a desired flowrate toward an occupant, to maintain a desired temperature and/or the like). However, in other embodiments, the climate control system  804  is configured to be operated manually by a user. The power supply and control features discussed herein with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16  are equally applicable to all other embodiments discussed and/or illustrated herein, or equivalents thereof. 
     As discussed, in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, one or more fluid modules can be used to selectively deliver thermally-conditioned and/or unconditioned air or other fluid to a fluid duct, distribution members or systems, fluid chambers or pads and/or any other downstream components. In other embodiments, conditioned and/or unconditioned fluid is delivered to one or more other portions of the seating assembly, such as, for example, the neck portion, the lower legs and/or the like. 
     In some embodiments, a volume of conditioned and/or unconditioned fluid can be delivered to the seat bite line area of a seat assembly and/or downstream fluid chambers or pads, either in lieu of or in addition to providing fluid to one or more fluid distribution systems located within the seat bottom portion and/or seat back portion. Such methods of providing fluids can include providing a fluid duct at a seat bite line which may be formed at or near a juncture between a seat bottom and a seat back in a vehicle seat (e.g., at or near the seat bite). In some embodiments, the method further includes maintaining a fluid module in fluid communication with the duct. The method can additionally comprise conditioning a fluid using a fluid module and providing the conditioned fluid from the fluid module to the duct. However, it will be appreciated that unconditioned fluids (e.g., ambient air) can be delivered to a fluid duct and/or a fluid distribution system (e.g., an insert or channels positioned within the seat back and/or seat bottom portions of the seat assembly). 
     In any of the arrangements disclosed herein, a seat assembly having a seat bottom portion and a seat back portion comprises a fluid duct with a duct opening at or near the seat bite line. As discussed, the fluid duct can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid module to selectively deliver conditioned and/or unconditioned fluid to one or more portions of the seating assembly. The fluid module can include a climate controlled device that is adapted to selectively create one, two or more streams of conditioned fluid (e.g., cool or warm air, dehumidified air, etc.). Further, the fluid module can be configured to provide a stream of conditioned fluid to one or more duct openings through at least a portion of a duct body. In some arrangements, the fluid module provides a second stream of conditioned fluid to different area through a different duct and/or a different passage of the same duct. The second area could be, for example, an area near an occupant&#39;s feet, thighs, neck, head, arms, shoulders and/or the like. Thus, a complementary heating and cooling effect can be simultaneously created on various portions of a seat occupant&#39;s body. 
     In the various embodiments disclosed herein, or equivalents thereof, a fluid duct is configured to deliver a volume of conditioned and/or unconditioned fluid (e.g., air) towards one or more areas of an occupant&#39;s anatomy that generally do not contact the seat assembly, such as, for example, the occupant&#39;s lower back. In contrast, the prior art describes various climate controlled seat assemblies in which air is delivered to portions of the seat assembly that generally contact an occupant&#39;s body, such as the main areas of the seat back and seat bottom portions. By directing conditioned and/or unconditioned fluid to an occupant&#39;s lower back and/or other portions of the occupant&#39;s anatomy that generally do not contact the seat assembly, the effect of the fluid can provide a desirable cooling and/or heating effect. In addition, as discussed, positioning fluid ducts and duct openings as disclosed by the various embodiments herein, or equivalents thereof, can facilitate the manufacture, assembly and other aspects of creating a climate controlled seat assembly. Further, in some embodiments, such ducts can help reduce the complexity and cost of producing and/or assembling climate controlled seats. 
     As discussed with respect to certain embodiments disclosed herein, the use of ducts to deliver air or other fluid to portions of an occupant&#39;s back that generally do not contact the seat assembly can be used in lieu of or in combination with the use of designs that are configured to deliver fluid to areas of the seat assembly with which an occupant generally contacts (e.g., using inserts, channeled cushions, etc.). 
     The embodiments of the fluid modules and/or the climate controlled seating assemblies described and/or illustrated herein can comprise a thermoelectric device for temperature conditioning (e.g., selectively healing and/or cooling) the fluid flowing through the device. A thermoelectric device can include a Peltier thermoelectric module, which is well known in the art. Such devices typically include a main heat exchanger for transferring or removing thermal energy from the fluid flowing through the device and to the distribution systems. Typically, such devices also include a secondary (or waste) heat exchanger that extends from the thermoelectric device generally opposite the main heat exchanger. A single fluid transfer device can be used to direct fluid over, through or in the vicinity of the main and/or waste heat exchangers for temperature conditioning purposes. In alternative embodiments, two or more fluid transfer devices can be used to move air or other fluid relative to the heat exchangers. For example, one fluid transfer device can be configured to convey air past the main heat exchanger while a second fluid transfer device can be configured to convey air past the waste heat exchanger. 
     Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while the number of variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to perform varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.