Patent ID: 8539624

Claim:
A climate-controlled seating assembly, comprising: a cushion having an outer surface, said outer surface comprising a first side for receiving and supporting an occupant and a second side, said second side facing in a generally opposite direction than said first side; a plurality of fluid passages extending through an interior of the cushion, from the first side to the second side of said cushion, wherein said fluid passages are configured to facilitate a transfer of air from the second side to the first side of the cushion; a support member positioned adjacent the second side of the cushion, said support member comprising a front surface configured to contact at least a portion of the second side of the cushion; wherein the support member further comprises a rear surface, said rear surface being generally opposite of the first surface; at least one fluid distribution system positioned along the front surface of the support member, wherein said at least one fluid distribution system comprises at least one recess within the front surface of the support member; wherein the at least one fluid distribution system does not extend to the rear surface of the support member; wherein the front surface of the support member directly contacts the second side of the cushion member in areas adjacent the at least one recess and along a majority of an interface between the support member and the cushion member; wherein the at least one recess of the at least one fluid distribution system forms at least one fluid channel when the support member is secured to the cushion, said at least one fluid channel being in fluid communication with at least one of the fluid passages of the cushion; and a fluid module in fluid communication with the at least one fluid channel; wherein, when in use, the fluid module is configured to deliver air into said at least one fluid channel and to at least some of the fluid passages, toward the first side of the cushion; and wherein, when in use, air directed into the at least one fluid channel is configured to be distributed at least partially laterally within said at least one fluid channel.