# US 7,607,739 B2 · Air routing system and method for use with a vehicle seat > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,607,739 B2 - Document ID: US7607739B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/382,105 - Filed: 2006-05-08 - Published: 2007-11-08 - Granted: 2009-10-27 - Earliest claimed: 2006-05-08 - Assignees: Lear Corporation - Inventors: Thomas A. Browne; Christopher Morrison; Anthony Torris - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7607739B2 ## CPC - B60N 2/5621: {by air} - B60N: SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR ## Abstract A system and method for routing air within a vehicle seat is provided. The system includes an airflow connector configured to provide a substantially airtight seal between a plenum member and an air conditioning device. The system is configured to improve the assembly of the airflow connector to a plenum member. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An airflow connector for use with a vehicle seat air routing system, the air routing system including an air conditioning device and a plenum member, the plenum member having first and second sides and a passageway from the first side to the second side, the air flow connector comprising: a first portion, a second portion, and a body portion configured to extend between the first and second portions, the first portion of the airflow connector being configured to receive the air conditioning device, the body portion of the airflow connector being insertable through the passageway of the plenum member such that a surface of the second portion of the airflow connector engages the second side of the plenum member and the first and second sides of the plenum member are positioned between the first and second portions of the airflow connector thereby forming a substantially airtight passage from the air conditioning device to the plenum member. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The airflow connector of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the airflow connector is rigid and the body portion of the airflow connector is flexible. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The airflow connector of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the airflow connector is bonded to the body portion of the airflow connector. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The airflow connector of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the airflow connector is mechanically fixed to the body portion of the airflow connector. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The airflow connector of claim 1 wherein the first portion of the airflow connector is co-molded with the body portion of the airflow connector. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The airflow connector of claim 1 wherein the second portion of the airflow connector is configured to be adhered to the plenum member. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The airflow connector of claim 1 wherein the second portion of the airflow connector is configured to be welded to the plenum member. ### Claim 8 A vehicle seat comprising: a cushion; an airflow connector having a first portion, a second portion, and a body portion that extends between the first and second portions; an air conditioning device including a connecting portion that receives the first portion of the airflow connector; and a plenum member adjacent the cushion and including a first side and a second side that receives the second portion of the airflow connector, the first and second sides being disposed between the first and second portions of the airflow connector, the body portion of the airflow connector extending from the first side of the plenum member to the second side of the plenum member thereby forming a substantially airtight passage from the air conditioning device to the plenum member. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The seat of claim 8 wherein the first portion of the airflow connector is rigid and the body portion of the airflow connector is flexible. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The seat of claim 9 wherein the body portion of the airflow connector is configured as a bellows. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The seat of claim 8 wherein the first portion of the airflow connector is bonded to the body portion of the airflow connector. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The seat of claim 8 wherein the first portion of the airflow connector is mechanically fixed to the body portion of the airflow connector. ### Claim 13 (depends on 8) The seat of claim 8 wherein the second portion of the airflow connector is adhered to the plenum member. ### Claim 14 (depends on 8) The seat of claim 8 wherein the second portion of the airflow connector is welded to the plenum member. ### Claim 15 (depends on 8) The seat of claim 8 wherein the second side includes a recessed area. ### Claim 16 (depends on 8) The seat of claim 8 wherein the second side includes a feature that orients the airflow connector in a desired position. ### Claim 17 (depends on 8) The seat of claim 8 wherein the first portion, the second portion, and the body portion of the airflow connector are formed as a single piece. ### Claim 18 (depends on 8) The seat of claim 8 wherein the airflow connector and plenum member are formed as a single piece. ### Claim 19 A method for assembling an air routing system for use with a vehicle seat, the method comprising: providing a plenum member having first and second sides and a passageway from the first side to the second side; providing an airflow connector having a first portion, a second portion, and a body portion extending between the first and second portions; inserting the body portion through the passageway of the plenum member such that a surface of the second portion engages the second side of the plenum member and the first and second sides of the plenum member are disposed between the first and second portions of the airflow connector; and attaching the first portion of the airflow connector to an air conditioning device.