WO2020117632A1

WO2020117632A1 - Plenum including flexible regions

Info

Publication number: WO2020117632A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/063918
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ajay MURGOD; Chad Vincent PACILLI; Denis Michel MIRON; Tim Normand
Original assignee: Gentherm Incorporated
Priority date: 2018-12-06
Filing date: 2019-12-02
Publication date: 2020-06-11

Abstract

An air distribution system that includes a plenum configured to attach to a cushion of a vehicle seat. The plenum includes a body; one or more extensions; one or more expansion members connecting the one or more extensions to the body; and one or more ventilation holes defined in the body and/or m die one or more extensions. The one or more expansion members are configured to expand or contract relative to the body.

Description

PLENUM INCLUDING FLEXIBLE REGIONS

FIELD

[001] These teachings relate generally an air distribution system, and more particularly to a plenum that connects a blower to a cushion of a vehicle seat and assists in distributing fluid to areas of a vehicle seat such as a bolster and/or leg region.

FRKMIY.

[002] This implication claims the benefit of US 62/776,155 filed December 06, 2018, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[003] For many years, industry has been concerned with designing improved conditioning systems for articles of manufacture such as seats, steering wheels, automotive vehicles, or other transportation vehicles. Examples of such conditioning systems are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,322,643; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0327636; 2011/0109128; 2011/0221242; 2012/0144844; 2015/0008716; and 2018/0056834 all of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[004] Many systems include a conditioner that is located on a top of a seat with a blower that is located on a bottom of the seat such that air is moved from a remote location to the insert to distribute the air. Some systems include an extended tail that extends from a location on top of the seat to a location behind or under the seat where a blower is located. These systems include a blower that is connected to the seat frame and the tail connects the inset to the blower. Some systems have attempted to connect a blower and insert to a back side of a seat and distribute fluid from the back side of the seat, which other systems have attempted to distribute or remove a fluid from remote regions of a vehicle seat to provide additional comfort to an occupant.

[006] What is needed is an air distribution system that connects to a back side of a cushion and conforms to the shape of the seat so that the air distribution system may be adapted to different seating configurations. What is needed is a plenum with solid regions and flexible regions that move with an occupant or to conform to a shape of a seat. It would be desirable to have a plenum that is adjustable with one or more regions of a vehicle seat. What is needed is a plenum that includes one or more bellows or flexible regions that allow' the plenum to be movable, shapeable, extendable, contractible, or a combination thereof. It would be desirable to have a plenum with a plurality of rigid sections connected by one or more flexible sections or baffles.

SUMMARY

[006] These teachings provide an air distribution system that includes a plenum configured to attach to a cushion of a vehicle seat. The plenum includes a body; one or more extensions; one or more expansion members connecting the one or more extensions to the body; and one or more ventilation holes defined in the body and/or in Ihe one or more extensions. The one or more expansion members are configured to expand or contract relative to the body.

[007] These teachings provide an air distribution system that includes a plenum configured to attach to a cushion of a vehicle seal. The plenum includes: a body, one or more extensions, one or more flexible regions connecting the one or more extensions to the body, and one or more ventilation holes in the body and the one or more extensions. The one or more flexible regions are sufficiently flexible so that: the one or more extensions are extendable or movable outside of a plane of the body portion; the one or more extensions are longitudinally extendable within a same plane as toe body: the one or more extensions flex with the cushion as an occupant moves; or (iv) a combination thereof.

[008] The present teachings provide an air distribution system that connects to a cushion of a seat and is configured to conform to the shape of the cushion or seat so that the air distribution system may be adapted to different seating configurations. The present teachings provide a plenum with one or more bodies or solid regions and one or more flexible regions that move with an occupant or to conform to a shape of a seat. The present teachings provide a plenum that is adjustable with one or more regions of a vehicle seat. The present teachings provide a plenum that includes one or more bellows or flexible regions that allow the plenum to be movable, shapeab!e, extendable, expandable, contractible, or a combination thereof. The present teachings provide a plenum with a plurality of rigid sections connected by one or more flexible sections or baffles.

[009] These teachings provide a plenum having one or more flexible regions that include one or more ventilation holes. The plenum may have two extensions, and each extension is located on an opposing edge of the body. The plenum may have three extensions. The plenum may have three extensions, and the extensions are connected to each other with one of the one or more flexible regions. The one or more extensions may be extendable in a direction away from the body. One or more of the one or more extensions may include one or more connection recesses that connect one or more blowers to the one or the one or more extensions. The air distribution system may have an“M” shape. The one or more extensions may extend laterally from the body into bolsters of the cushion. The one or more ventilation holes are connected to one or more ducts that extend into a hole within the cushion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Fig. 1 is a side view of an air distribution system connected to a cushion of a vehicle seat and supported by the seat suspension.

[0011] Fig. 2 is cross-sectional view of a cushion of a vehicle seat and a distribution system connected to die vehicle seat.

[0012] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a plenum.

[0013] Fig. 4A is atop view of a plenum.

[0014] Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of die plenum of Fig. 4A along line 4B.

[0015] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a plenum and a blower.

[0016] Fig. 6A is a top view of a plenum.

[0017] Fig. 6B is a top view of internal components of the plenum of Figure 6A

[0018] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a plenum and a blower.

[0019] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a blower connected to a plenum.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present teachings are predicated upon providing an improved conditioning system suitable for integration into a vehicle. For example, the conditioning system may be integrated into or attached to carriers (e.g., members, structures, panels, floors, walk, cushions, seal suspensions, or the like) of various articles of manufacture such as buildings, furniture, transportation vehicles, (e.g., boats, trains, airplanes, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, busses, snowmobiles, or otherwise) or the like. Alternatively, the conditioning system may’ be integrated into or attached to various components of transportation vehicles such as seats, benches, panels, footwells, floor mats, or other components. Preferably, the conditioning system is integrated into a vehicle seat. More preferably, die conditioning system is integrated on a rear side (e.g., B-side of a vehicle seat).

[0021] The conditioning system is particularly suitable for integration into a seat of an automotive vehicle. More particularly, die conditioning system is suitable for integration with the seat portion with or without bolsters, back portion with or without bolsters, head rest portion, or a combination thereof. The conditioning system may be located between two layers of the seat. ^"The conditioning system may be located under a fabric layer (eg. cloth. leather, synthetic leather, or the like) and under a cushion or backrest (e.g. a foam support for the user). In one aspect, die present teachings employ a structure that makes it particularly suited for use beneath a perforated leather seat cover or perforated synthetic leather seat cover. The present conditioning system is particularly attractive for use in combination with a conditioned seat (e.g. a ventilated, actively cooled (such as by use of a thermoelectric device or module), or actively heated seat). The conditioning system may be integrated with tiie seat foam support by way of molding, gluing, or other attachment methods. Preferably, the conditioning system includes a distribution system and all or a portion of the distribution system is connected to a seat suspension without use of any adhesives, gluing, or both. More preferably, the conditioning system is included underneath the cushion of foe seat and the cushion assists in distributing air from foe conditioning system to an occupant, predetermined locations, or both. The conditioning system may be located proximate to a seat but free of any connection features that extend from foe connection system to the cushion. The conditioning system may indude one or more blowers and one or more inserts (i.e., plenums); one or more heaters, one or more thermoelectric devices, or a combination thereof

[0022] A conditioned seat may include one or more air movers (air movers and blowers are used interchangeably herein). The one or more air movers may move air through one or more inserts that are located within or are located behind the backrest cushion, seat cushion, or both. The one or more plenums may distribute the air from foe air mover. The one or more air movers may push air, pull air, both, or switch between pushing and pulling air. The one or more air movers may be an axial fan, a radial fan, or both. Preferably, the one or more air movers are a radial fan. The one or more air movers may include a Thermoelectric Device (TED). The TED may heat air as air «iters the air mover or as air leaves the air mover. The TED may cool air as the air enters foe air mover or as foe air leaves foe air mover. The one or more air movers may include a healing device, a cooling device, or both (i.e. a thermoelectric device (TED)). The TED may be used to heat air and/or cool air that is blown onto foe user. The air mover and TED may be placed in the seat in many different configurations or in communication with a vehicle seat insert. For example, the TED and/or air mover m^ be used in any manner or any configuration with an insert described in any of U.S. Patent Nos. RE38,128; 4,923,248; 6,629,724; 6,676,207; 6,857,697; 6,869,139; 6,869,140; 6,976,734; 7,083,227; 7,213,876; 7,338,117; 7,356,912; 7,475,938; 7,506,938; and 7,587,901 or U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009-0218855 the teachings of which are expressly incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. The TED and heater may both produce heal at foe same time; however, it is contemplated that foe TED or heater map,- be used separately. The heat» may be used to produce heat in an active heating system in place of a TED. The heater, preferably, may not be used when the TED is used to cool the user. The air mover and TED may be used in conjunction with an insert disclosed herein so that air may be directed evenly and consistently to the user. The air may be blown through die insert, a heater, perforations in the seat cover (e.g. trim layer), holes or perforations in a cushion, or a combination thereof. Some examples air permeable seats and heating device are U.S. Patent No. 6,064,037 and 6,869,140 both of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. The TED may blow hot air while the heater contemporaneously heats the seat; thereby, providing both conduction heating and convection healing.

[0023] The conditioning system may be used in conjunction with an occupant sensor. An occupant sensor may be used on any seat in conjunction with a conditioning system. Preferably, an occupant senor may only be used on passenger seats. The occupant senor may be any type of occupant senor that smses a passenger in a vehicle seat. The occupant senor may be a membrane sensor, a capacitive sensor, a force sensor, a mass sensor, or a combination thereof. A microprocessor may monitor the occupant senor for a passenger. For example, the microprocessor may be attached to an occupant senor and when the occupant senor measures that the seat is free of an occupant the conditioning system may remain off even if all of the other conditions are met such as the conditioning sy stem being turned on. The occupant sensor may be in contact with a plenum. Preferably, the occupant sensor is located on a top of a cushion and the plenum is located under the cushion. The conditioning sy stem may indude one or more distributions systems.

[0024] The one or more air distribution systems function to guide a fluid towards or away from an occupant contact region. The one or more air distribution systems are preferably located in or under a bun, a backrest, or both of a vehicle seat. The air distribution system may include one or more blowers, one or more plenums, one or more flexible regions, or a combination thereof. The air distribution system may distribute air or vacuum (pull air) to one or more locations of interest. The air distribution system may evenly distribute air or vacuum. The location of the blower, the location of baffles, configuration of a plenum, or a combination thereof may move fluid so that the fluid evenly moves from or to the occupant. The distribution system may unevenly distribute air or vacuum. For example, die plenum, air mover, holes, baffles, or a combination thereof may be configured to direct more or less air to or from one or more locations of interest

[0025] The plenum functions to fluidly connect an air mover to a cushion and assist in transporting fluid through the cushion. Preferably, the plenum functions to fluidly connect a blower to a rear side of a cushion. The plenum may be an insert, a bag, a portion of a bag, or a combination thereof. The plenum may be a single piece. Preferably, the plenum is a plurality of pieces. The plenum may be free of a top, free of a top layer, free of a top wall, or a combination thereof. The plenum may be open (e.g., on the top, sides, or both). The plenum may include one or more baffles, one or more walls, or both that assist in directing the flow of air between a cushion or occupant and an air mover, maintaining an open space, or both. Tire plenum may be made of or include a polymer, plastic, metal, a thermoset, an elastomer, high density polyethylene (HOPE); acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or, a combination thereof. The plenum may be vacuum formed, injection molded, made of a single piece, or a combination thereof. The plenum max' include one or more sections or regions. The plenum may include two or more sections that are connected together to form the plenum. For example, a top layer and a bottom layer may be connected together to form the plenum. Tire plenum may only include a body. Preferably, the plenum may indude a body and an extension. The body and the extensions may be connected together via a flexible region, expansion members, or both.

[0026] The body may function to distribute fluid to a main portion, an occupant, a back of an occupant, a buttock of an occupant, thighs of an occupant, shoulders of an occupant, or a combination thereof. The body may be connected to a cushion. The body may remain static. The body may be connected to one or more blowers. The body may distribute fluid. The body may be square, rectangular, round, oval,“IT shaped,“M” shaped,“W” shaped, or a combination thereof. The body may be a hub for extensions. The body may be connected one or more extensions. The body may be connected to a plurality of extensions, include one or more baffles, include one or more flexible regions, one or more shoulders, one or more connection members, or a combination thereof

[0027] The one or more baffles may function to distribute air within the open space, distribute air to the ventilation holes, provide uniform distribution of air, or a combination thereof. The one or more baffles may create a path between the one or more ventilation holes and the blower so that fluid passes through each of the ventilation holes and not only the holes closest to the blower. The one or more baffles may be a portion of the top l av er, the bottom layer, or both that extend into the open space to create a fluid barrier. The one or more baffles may be added into the open space before the plenum is sealed. The one or more baffles may be located within the body, the extension, Che flexible regions, or a combination thereof. The one or more baffles may be curved, substantially straight, teardrop shaped, crescent shaped, serpentine shaped, have a curved portion, have a straight portion, or a combination thereof. The baffles may be rounded on either end. The tear drop baffles are defined as a baffle with a body that decrease in width from one end to the other end. The baffles that are tear drop shaped nuy have sides that are substantially straight, concave, convex, curved, or any combination thereof. For example, die teardrop shaped baffle may have substantially straight sides with rounded ends. For example, die teardrop shaped baffle may have a middle body that is less in diameter than either end of the baffle. The one or more baffles may radiate outwards away from die blower attachment feature. The one or more baffles may be located proximate to the blower attachment feature and assist in facilitating air between the blower and the one or more ventilation holes. For example, the baffles may assist the blower in moving equal amounts of air through a ventilation hole that is located within 10 cm of the blower as the blower moves through a ventilation hole that is between 25 cm and 40 cm away. The one or more baffles may be shaped in a way to assist the flow of air from the blower to the one or more ventilation holes in an even fluid speed. The one or more baffles may have a shape to promote laminar flow. For example, the baffles may be generally straight, linear, free of curved portions, free of concave regions, free of sharp angles, or any combination thereof. A sharp angle may be where the baffle turns at an angle and the angle between two walls of die baffle form an angle of about 120 degrees or less, about 105 degrees or less, about 90 degrees or less, about 65 degrees or less, or about 50 degrees or less. The one or more baffles may be configured to prevent turbulent flow. For example, the baffles may be straight, linear, flee of curved portions, free of concave regions, free of sharp angles, or any combination thereof. A sharp angle may be where the baffle turns at an angle and the angle between two walls of the baffle form an angle of about 120 degrees or less, about 105 degrees or less, about 90 degrees or less, about 65 degrees or less, or about 50 degrees or less. For example, the baffles may increase in cross-sectional width as air moves away from die blower connection feature. For example, the baffles may increase in cross-sectional width as air moves towards to die blower connection feature. The one or more baffles may be a connection layer or may be in addition to a connection layer. The one or more baffles may be located within the body, a shoulder between the body and the extension, the extensions, or a combination thereof.

[0028] The one or more shoulders may function to connect the body to the one or more extensions. The one or more shoulders may function to change a direction of the plenum, air flow, or both. The one or more shoulders may be connected to the body. The one or more shoulders may extend outward and away from the body . The one or more shoulders may be connected to a body' by one or more flexible regions. The one or more shoulders may include the one or more flexible regions. The one or more shoulders may be located between a flexible region and an extension, a flexible region and a body, an extension and a body, or a combination thereof. The one or more shoulders may connect the plenum to a cushion, seat suspension, or both. The one or more shoulders may include a curv e, a bend, or both. The one or more shoulders may fluidly connect one or more extensions to the body, the blower, or both. The one or more shoulders may be located proximate to one or more connection members. The one or more shoulders may extend parallel to the connection members.

[0029] The one or more connection members may function to restrict mov ement of one or more extensions, the body, or both. The one or more connection members may connect an extension to the body. The one or more connection members may extend from a body to an extension to restrict in plane movement of the extension relative to the body. One or more connection members or even two or more connection members may extend between and connect a body to the extension. The body may have one or more connection members extending from each side or two or more connection members that extend from each side. The connection members may be symmetrically or asymmetrically located about the plenum, the body, or both. The one or more connection members m$y be flexible in one direction and inflexible in a second direction. For example, the connection member may be movable in a direction out of plane so that when an occupant sits in the cushion the flexible member may move with the cushion as the cushion expands and contracts. In another example, the one or more connection members may restrict the one or more extensions from moving in plane relative to the body (i.e., an in-plane distance between the body and the extensions may remain constant). The one or more connection members may be made of or include plastic, a polymer, elastomer, elastic, metal, steel, a thermoset, a thermoplastic, a woven material, a synthetic material, a natural material, one or more members linked together, or a combination thereof. The one or more connection members may permit the extensions to move out of plane and restrict movement of the extensions in-plane.

[0030] The one or more extensions may function to provide fluid communication to a location of a cushion or seat located outside of a main portion of a body of the seat or cushion. The one or mare extensions may be movable within a plane, out of plane, or both relative to a plane of the body. The one or more extensions may be flexible. The one or more extensions may be flexible due to a connection with the one or more flexible regions. A plurality of extensions may be connected to a body. The extensions may be fixed to the body and may be immobile relative to each other. Preferably, the one or more extensions may be movable relative to the body. The one or more extensions may extend under a bolster, under a thigh, between a thigh and a knee, to a location under an occupant’s arm, a location behind an occupant’s neck, a location behind an occupant’s head, or a combination thereof. The one or more extensions may be located within the peripheral wall. The one or more extensions may be located within a separate peripheral wall that is connected to an extends from the peripheral wall around the body of the plenum. The one or more extensions may be in fluid communication with the body of the plenum. The one or more extensions may have an open space that is fluidly connected to the open space of the body. The one or more extensions may have an open space that is fluidly disconnected from the open space of the body. The one or more extensions may be movable relative to the body, another extension, or both. The one or more extensions may be smaller titan the body. The one or more extensions may deliver fluid to a remote portion of the seat, to a movable portion of the seat and adjustable portion of the seat or a combination thereof. The one or more extensions and the body may be one unitary piece, may include a common bottom layer (e g., rear wall), or both. There may be two or more extensions, three or more extensions, or even four or more extensions. The one or more extensions may be complementary in shape to a neck, thigh, bolster, leg, back, sides of an occupant body, or a combination thereof The one or more extensions may be rectangular, square, circular, oval, round, have a curved end, or a combination thereof. The extensions may extend from opposing sides of the body. The extensions may include one or more connection recesses. The extensions may be free of one or more connection recesses. The connection recesses may be located in the bottom layer of the body and may supply fluid to the extensions. The one or more flexible regions may permit the one or more extensions to move relative to the body.

[0031] The one or more flexible regions function to permit the one or more extensions to move relative to the body. The one or more flexible regions may move in any direction. The flexible regions may connect one or more extensions to the body. The flexible regions may include an open space that permits movement of fluid between the body and the one or more extensions. The flexible regions may create an open space betw een the body and the one or more extensions. The one or more flexible regions may permit solid pieces to articulate relative to each other. The one or more flexible regions may move in an x-direction, y- direction, z-direction, along an axis, rotate about an axis, or a combination thereof of a coordinate system. The one or more flexible regions may directly connect a body to an extension, an extension to a shoulder, or both. Each extension may be connected to a body or shoulder via a flexible region. The flexible regions may move in any direction of a coordinate system. The flexible regions may longitudinally extend. The flexible regions may laterally extend. The flexible regions max' rotationally move. The flexible regions may be arced. The one or more flexible regions max' be laterally movable, longitudinally movable, movable rotationally, arced, or a combination thereof relative to a body or a plane of file body. For example, the flexible regions may longitudinally extend within the plane of tiie body. The one or more flexible regions may be flexed into a“J” shapes, a“U” shape, a "C^*’ shape, or a combination thereof. The flexible regions may elastically deform. The one or more flexible regions may be plastically deformable. The one or more flexible regions may be formabie. For example, the flexible regions may be moved into a shape or position and the flexible regions may maintain dial shape or position until the flexible regions are reformed. The flexible regions may retain a shape. The flexible regions may expand and contract. A cross-sectional thickness of the flexible regions may increase and decrease as the flexible regions move. For example, as the extension moves further from the body, a cross- section of the flexible region may reduce. The cross-sectional thickness of the flexible regions may remain constant as the flexible region moves. The flexible region may be a solid material but may include joints that permit the flexible regions to be movable. For example, the flexible region may be made of a hard plastic or metal and the plastic or metal may include joints or deformable pieces that permit the extension to move. The flexible regions may be made of a pliable material that permits movement of the flexible regions by die material elastically deforming. For example, the flexible regions may be made of or indude an elastomer and the elastomer may allow die flexible regions to bend and stretch so that the extension is movable relative to the body. The flexible regions may be an accordion, a baffle, a series of interconnected pieces, or a combination thereof. The flexible regions may' be made of a plurality of expansion members.

[0032] The one or more expansion members function to maintain a shape but to allow for movement of an extension. The one or more expaision members may connect to another expansion member, a shoulder, a body, an extension, or a combination thereof so that the plenum is movable while maintaining a fluid connection. The one or more expansion members may stretch, deform, change from concave to convex, pop out, or a combination thereof so that the expansion members allow the flexible regions to flex. The flexible regions may' indude a plurality of expansion members. The expansion members may be connected together to create a desired amount of travel, rotation, flexing, or a combination thereof. The expansion members may be movable relative to another expansion member. The expansion members may be movable relative to the body, an extension, or both. The expansion members may be moved relative to a center line or longitudinal axis of the expansion member, body, plenum, seat, vehicle, or a combination thereof. The expansion members may be moved along die aforementioned center line or longitudinal axis, or at any angle relative to the aforementioned center line or longitudinal axis. The expansion members may include an open space (e.g., create a conduit for air to move through the expansion member). The expansion member may be or may comprise one or more conduits allowing air to move between the body and the one or more extensions. The expansion members may be identical. Each of die expansion members may be movable between a relaxed state and an extended state.

[0033] The relaxed state may be where die material is not stretched, elastically deformed, moved out of plane, not deformed, or a combination thereof The relaxed state may be where no force is being imparted upon die flexible region, the expansion members, or both. The relaxed state may be where the flexible regions are in a line, in a plane, not flexed, not extended, are a shortest, or a combination thereof The relaxed state may be a state where an occupant is not located within a vehicle seat, the vehicle seat is adjusted from a neutral stale, or both. Hie flexible regions may change from a relaxed state to an extended state once a force is imparted on the flexible regions. A cross section of the expansion member in die relaxed state may be the same size, larger, or smaller than a cross section of die expansion member in die expanded state.

[0034] The extended or expanded state may be where an occupant, a part of the vehicle seat, installation, or a combination thereof occur so that the extension is moved relative to the body, the shoulders, or both. The extended state may be where an extension is move out of plane relative to a body. The extended stale may be where an extension is moved within a plane away from a body, a relaxed slate, or both. The extended state may be where the flexible region, the expansion members, or both are curved, extended, flexed, or a combination thereof. The extended stale may be where some force is imparted on the flexible region, the expansion members, the extension, or a combination thereof so that some movement is imparted. The extended state may be where one or more expansion members are deformed. The extended state may be where one or more of the expansion members or a flexible region are moved. The extended state may have movement in an ^**x” direction,“y” direction,“z” direction, about an axis, along an axis, or a combination thereof. The extended state may move an extension relative to the plenum but fluidly maintain a connection between the extension and body so that air may move into or out of the plenum and preferably a top lay er of the plenum. The extended state may be when one or more of the expansion members are in a different position than when the expansion member is in a relaxed stale. The extended stale may be when an expansion member is expanded or deformed or otherwise made to be longer than when in die relaxed state. A cross section of the expansion member in the expanded state may be the same size, larger, or smaller than a cross section of the expansion member in the relaxed state.

[0035] The top lty er may function to distribute air flow to predetermined locations. The top layer may include one or more ducts (eg., ventilation holes). The top layer may include a plurality of ducts or ventilation holes. The one or more ventilation holes may be aligned with cushion holes in a cushion. The one or more ventilation holes may- be connected to one or more ducts dial extend into a hole within the cushion. The one or more ventilation holes may distribute air to or receive air from the plenum at locations that correspond with regions of an occupant (e.g., lower back or legs). The one or more ventilation holes may be an absence of material. The one or more ventilation holes may be formed by removing material. The one or more ventilation holes may be formed by cutting the top layer. The one or more ventilation holes may function to align a plenum with a cushion, to connect a plenum to a cushion, or both. The one or more connection holes may extend through any portion of the plenum. The one or more connection holes may extend through a seam, extra material, an ear along one or more edges of the plenum, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the one or more ventilation holes extend through the top layer of the plenum. The one or more ventilation holes may only be used to align the trim bag with the cushion, holes in die cushion, or both. The one or more ventilation holes may be free of connection and may be used for alignment by temporarily being contacted during attachment. Preferably, the one or more ventilation holes assist in connecting the plenum to the cushion. The plenum may be adhesively connected to the cushion. Preferably, the plenum is free of an adhesive connection to the cushion. The ventilation holes may extend axially outward from die top lay er of die plenum. The ventilation holes may include one or more funnels, cy linders, or both. The one or more ventilation holes may be different diameters relative to another ventilation hole to assist with optimal air flow' to the seat cushion. The one or more funnels may function to extend into one or more cushion holes. The one or more funnels may assist in creating a connection with the cushion holes. The one or more funnels may have a cross-sectional length that is greater than a cross-sectional length of the cushion holes. The funnels may create a friction fit with the cushion holes. The funnels may have an angle that is“steeper” than an angle of the cushion holes. The funnels may have one or more barbs that grip the cushion. The funnels may create a friction fit, a seal, or both with die cushion so diat air is transferred between die plenum and the cushion. The plenum may include one or more connection recesses so that the plenum connects to a blower and the plenum connects to a cushion. The top lat er and the bottom layer may be made of the same material. The top layer and the bottom layer may be made of any of die materials discussed herein for the plenum. Hie top layer and die bottom layer may be connected together around edges to form a seam or connection. The top layer and bottom layer may be connected together by a connection layer. The top layer and the bottom layer max' be ultrasonicalty bonded together, melted together, glued together, heat staked, or a combination thereof.

[0038] The one or more connection layers may function to support the top layer, the bottom layer, or both so that die open space is not closed off. The one or more connection layer may be an integral part of the top layer, the bottom layer, or both. The connection layer may be added after the top layer, the bottom layer, or both are created The connection layer may be created by bonding the top layer and the bottom lwer together within any additional materials. The connection layer may be additional material that is added between die top layer and the bottom layer. The connection layer may be added by welding, ultrasonic welding, adhesive, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the connection layer extends between the top layer and the bottom layer.

[0037] The bottom layer may function to allow air to enter into die plenum and to direct air towards exit locations. The bottom layer may be permeable. Preferably, the bottom layer may be impermeable, include an impermeable coating, or both. The bottom lay er may be a porous material. The bottom layer may be a solid. The bottom layer may be made of a polymeric material. The bottom layer and die top layer may be made of the same material. The bottom layer and the top layer may be one co-created piece. The bottom layer and the top lay er may be formed separately and then connected together. The bottom layer may be one or more layers. Preferably, the bottom layer is a single layer. The bottom layer may be separated from a top layer by an open space. The bottom layer may include one or more recesses that are in communication with one or more blowers. The bottom layer may' include a bower connection feature that creates a seal with the blower and bottom layer. The bottom layer may include one or more connection recesses that assist in connecting the blower to the plenum.

[0038] The connection recess may be a hole within die plenum dial is in communication with a blower. The body' may include one or more connection recesses that may' connect one or more blowers to the body, an extension, or both. The connection recess and the bottom layer may be coplanar. The connection recess may be a recess that is located inward towards a top wall or forward layer so that the connection recess is located between top wail or the forward layer and the bottom layer. The connection recess may receive all or a portion of a blower. The connection recess may receive air from a blower, air from the cushion, or both. The connection recess may assist in creating positive pressure within the open space of the plenum. The connection recess may assist in creating negative pressure within the open space of the plenum. The connection recess may include a flange or a blower connection feature that a blower connects to so that the blower aid plenum are in fluid communication. The connection recess, the bottom layer, or both may include one or more concave walls that extend into the open spacet, towards the top layer, or both so that all or a portion of a blower is located between a plane of the top wall and a plane of die bottom layer.

[0039] The concave wall may function to create a void, a recess, a space, or a combination thereof that receives all or a portion of the blower so that die blower and plenum are low profile, a portion of the blower height is located within the plenum, or both. The concave wall may- form a right angle with a plane of the bottom layer. The concave wall may extend at an angle greater than 90 degrees with the bottom layer. The concave wall may extend towards the connection recess. The concave wall may be arcuate. The concave wall may be a series of interconnected angles. The concave wall may include one or more curves, bends, or both. The concave wall may form a recess within die bottom layer that has a shape that is a full or half square, rectangle, circle, diamond, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, or a combination thereof. The concave wall may be located between die top lay» and the bottom layer. One or more blower connection features may be located within or proximate to the concave wall.

[0040] The blower connection feature may function to create an air seal between the blower and bottom layer. The blower connection feature may' be shaped like a funnel, cylinder, car combination thereof. The blower connection feature may function to direct air to the open space and further to the ventilation holes. The blower connection feature may extend into the bottom layer. The blower connection feature may extend through a portion of the Mower and a portion of the bottom layer. The blower connection feature may' be a fastener. The blower connection feature may be a screw, nut, bolt, clip, mechanical attachment feature, or a combination thereof. The blower connection feature may connect the blower to the bottom layer, the concave wall, or both so that the blow» is in fluid communication with an open space of the plenum.

[0041] The plenum may include an open space that is formed within a peripheral wall and between a top layer and a bottom layer. The plenum may have an open space that is formed or closed by the plenum being sandwiched between a cushion and a seat suspension so that die cushion forms the top wall. The plenum may be free of a fixed connection to a cushion. The plenum may be free of any fasteners that extend between the plenum and the cushion. The plenum may be sandwiched between the cushion and the seal suspension. The plenum may' create an open space. Preferably, the plenum creates an open space so that fluid is movable along a rear side of die cushion. The plenum may resist crushing when an occupant sits in a vehicle seat. The plenum may have an open space that is self-supporting or that supports all or a portion of the cushion. The one or more baffles may assist in forming or maintaining the open space. Tire plenum may have an open space that is free of additional material to mai ntain the openness of the open space.

[0042] The open space may function to create an open area between the top layer and the bottom layer. The open space may’ prevent the bottom layer and the top layer from being moved into contact. The open space may be free of additional material. The open space may- resist compression by one or more connection lm?ers extending therethrough. The open maybe an absence of material that is located between the top layer and the bottom layer. The open space may indude one or more features such as a baffle or a connection layer feat extend therethrough.

[0043] The one or more baffles may function to distribute air within (he open space, distribute air to die ventilation holes, provide uniform distribution of dr, or a combination thereof. The one or more baffles may create a path between the one or more ventilation holes and die blower so dial fluid passes through each of the ventilation holes and not only the holes closest to the blower. The one or more baffles may be a portion of the top layer, the bottom layer, or both that extend into the open space to create a fluid barrier. The one or more baffles may be located within a plenum, extension, flexible region, extension, shoulder, or a combination thereof. The one or more baffles may be added into open space before the plenum is sealed. The one or more baffles may be curved, substantially straight, teardrop shaped crescent shaped serpentine shaped have a curved portion, have a straight portion, or a combination thereof. The baffles may be rounded on either end. The tear drop baffles are defined as a baffle with a body that decrease in width from one end to die other end. The baffles that are tear drop shaped may have sides that are substantially straight, concave, convex, curved or ary combination thereof. For example, the teardrop shaped baffle may have substantially straight sides with rounded ends. For example, the teardrop shaped baffle may have a middle body that is less in diameter than either end of the baffle. The one or more baffles may- radiate outwards away from the blower attachment feature. The one or more baffles may be located proximate to the blower attachment feature and assist in facilitating air between die blower and the one or more ventilation holes. For example, the baffles may assist die blower in moving equal amounts of air through a ventilation hole that is located within 10 cm of the blower as the blower moves through a ventilation hole that is between 25 cm and 40 cm away. The one or more baffles may be shaped in a way to assist the flow of air from the blower to the one or more ventilation holes in an even fluid speed. The one or more baffles may have a shape to promote laminar flow. For example, the baffles may be generally straight, linear, free of curved portions, free of concave regions, free of sharp angles, or any combination thereof. A sharp angle may be where the baffle turns at an angle and the angle between two walls of the baffle form an angle of about 120 degrees or less, about 105 degrees or less, about 90 degrees or less, about 65 degrees or less, or about 50 degrees or less. The one or more baffles may be configured to prevent turbulent flow. For example, the baffles may be straight, linear, free of curved portions, free of concave regions, free of sharp angles, or my combination thereof. A sharp angle may be where the baffle turns at an angle and the angle between two walls of the baffle form an angle of about 120 degrees or less, about 105 degrees or less, about 90 degrees or less, about 65 degrees or less, or about 50 degrees or less. For example, the baffles may increase in cross-sectional width as air moves away from the blower connection feature. For example, the baffles may increase in cross-sectional width as air moves towards to the blower connection feature. The one or more baffles may be a connection layer or may be in addition to a connection layer.

[0044] The blower functions to push air, pull air, or both. The blower may be movable with die cushion, the plenum, or both as an occupant sits on the cushion or leaves the cushion. The blower may be an axial fan. Preferably, the blower may be a radial fan. The blower may include one or more impellers that move air through the blower, the blower housing, the plenum, or a combination thereof. The blower includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet may be on the bottom side or the top side. Preferably, the inlet is in the bottom side of the blower. The inlet or the outlet is connected to the plenum via the attachment ring, a clip, a blower connection feature, or a combination thereof so that air may be pushed or pulled into the plenum. The blower may be connected to a bottom layer of the plenum by' one or more flanges. The inlet and outlet may allow air to move into and out of the housing.

[0045] The blower connection feature may function to create an air seal between the blower and bottom layer. The blower connection feature may be shaped like a funnel, cylinder, or combination thereof. The blower connection feature may include a flange, be a flange, or both that a blower connects. The blower connection feature include a flange, a concave wall, or both. Preferably, the blower connection feature is one or more fasteners that connect a blower to the plenum. The blower connection feature may be a threaded member that extends through a portion of a housing of a blower and into the plenum. The blower connection feature may connect die blower to a bottom layer of the plenum so that the blower is aligned with the connection recess. The blower connection feature may suspend the blower from the plenum. The blower connection feature may function to direct air to the open space and further to the cushion holes.

[0046] The housing (e.g., blower housing) functions to connect the Mower within a system, direct air to a predetermined location, or both. The housing may connect the blower to a seat, a cushion, a frame, or a combination thereof. The housing may be rigid. The housing may be flexible. The housing may include rigid regions and flexible regions. The housing mty include one or more integral parts (e.g., a part that is formed with the housing) that connect the housing, the blower, or both to a cushion, a plenum, or both. The blower housing may be connected to die bottom layer of the plenum. The blower housing may include one or more housing connectors that are in contact with die concave wall. The housing may include parts that are added to die housing tiler the housing is formed and the parts may assist in connecting die housing, die blower, or both to die cushion, a plenum, or both. The housing may include one or more parts (e.g., clips, eyelets, or bands).

[0047] The one or more housing connectors function to prevent movement of the blower relative to die plenum. The one or more housing connectors may align the blower with the connection recess. The one or more housing connectors may space the blower apart from the plenum. The me or more housing connectors may be an extension of the housing. The one or more housing connectors may be located between the plenum and the housing. The one or more housing connectors contact a flange and prevent lateral movement of the blower relative to the bottom layer, the flange, or both. The one or more housing connectors may maintain the blower and the plenum relative to the cushion.

[0048] The one or more connection features of die blower function to connect a blower directly to the plenum. The me or more connection features may be an integral part of the housing. The one or more connection features and the housing may be formed at the same time so that the one or more connection features and the housing are connected together. The one or more connection features may be discrete from the housing. The one or more connection features may be cantilever and extend from the housing. The one or more connection features may be movable about a pivot point. The one or more connection features may be fixed (i.e., free of movement). The one or more connection features may be hook shaped,“J” shaped, or both. The one or more connection features may have a channel that locks the connection features to a plenum. The one or more connection features may have an open end and a dosed end. The open end may receive a support that extends into (he connection features and is locked within the closed end of the connection features. The one or more connection features may include a lock that prevents a support from being removed from die connection features.

[0049] The one or more cushions may function to support an occupant, a conditioning system, or both. The one or more cushions may extend over a bottom or a back of a frame to form a portion of a vehicle seat. The one or more cushions may' extend over all or a portion of a distribution system. The one or more cushions may be made of an open cell foam, a dosed cell foam, or both. The one or more cushions may be located between a trim layer and a frame. The one or more cushions may be located between an occupant and a conditioning sy stem, a plenum, a blower, or a combination thereof. The cushion may indude one or more supports, one or more seat suspensions, or both that assist in connecting a plenum, a blower, or both to the cushion. One or more cushions of the seat may include ventilation, active cooling, active heating, or a combination thereof. The seat may indude one or more air movers (i.e. blower) in fluid connection to the one or cushions so that air may be blown onto the user or so that air may be pulled away from the user. The cushion may be connected to or pari of a conditioning sy stem, support, a seat suspension, or a combination thereof. The cushion may be a back cushion, a seat cushion, or both. The cushion may be made of foam. The cushion may be located above suspension, a support, or both. The cushion may have a forward surface that an occupant contacts and a rear side or“b” side. The cushion may have cushion holes that extend from a forward side to a rear side of a cushion.

[0050] The cushion holes may allow fluid to transport between a forward surface and a rear side of the cushion. The cushion holes may have a cross-section that increases or decreases between the forward side and the rear side. The cushion holes may have a constant cross- section from die forward side and the rear side. The cushion holes may align with an open space of the plenum. The cushion holes may be located in a body of the cushion, a bolster of a cushion, a head rest, or a combination thereof.

[0061] The body of the cushion may function to support an occupant. The body of the cushion may be a central portion of the cushion. A body of a seat may be located below an occupant’s butt, thighs, or both. A body or a backrest may be located behind a back of an occupant. The body may include a bolster on one or more sides.

[0052] The bolsters of (he cushion may be an area of a cushion located outside of the body. The bolsters may be a periphery of the cushion. The bolsters may contact an outside of a leg, an arm, or both. The bolsters may extend out of a plane from the body of the cushion so (hat the bolsters assist in retaining an occupant within a vehicle seal.

[0053] The rear of the cushion may be in communication with die distribution system, die plenum, or both. The rear may be covered by the plenum. The rear of the cushion and the plenum may form an open space. Hie rear of the cushion may include one or more cushion holes. The rear of the cushion may be supported by die plenum, die seat suspension, or both.

[0054] The seat suspension may movably support the plenum and the cushion. The seat suspension may be spaced apart from the cushion by die plenum. The seat suspension be connected to a support, die vehicle, or both. The seat suspension may be wires, springs, flexible materials, or a combination thereof that support the cushion relative to the seat support The seat suspension may be static. The seat suspension may be movable or have movable pieces or portions. The seat suspension may be adjustable so that the seat suspension may extend the leg regions of a cushion, arch the lumbar, massage an occupant, or a combination thereof. The seat suspension may be connected to one or more supports. The one or more supports may connect to a vehicle, a floor, a static member, or a combination thereof so that the seat and occupant may be supported.

[0055] The process may include one or more of the following steps. The plenum may be attached to tire cushion. The blower may be connected to die plenum. The plenum, the blower, or both may be connected to the seat suspension. The cushion may be applied over die plenum after the plenum is connected to the blower, the seat suspension, or both.

[0056] Fig. I illustrates a side view of a portion of a vehicle seat 1 or conditioner 2 that includes an air distribution system 48 and a cushion 20. The cushion 20 includes a support portion 22 or A-side, a rear side 24 or b-side, and one or more cushion holes 26 that extend through a thickness of the cushion 20. The air distribution sy stem 48 includes a plenum 50 that is attached to the bottom or b-side 24 of the cushion, to a seat suspension 28 of the seat 1, or a seat support 19 dial is connected to a vehicle. The plenum 50 comprises one or more ventilation holes 54 that are at least partially aligned with or in fluid communication with die one or more cushion holes 26. The air distribution system 48 includes a blower 80 is connected to the plenum 50. During use, the Mower 80 is configured to move air between an occupant in the seat 1 or cushion 20 and the blower 80 via tire plenum 50, tire one or more ventilation holes 54, and the one or more cushion holes 26.

[0057] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a plenum 50 and cushion 20. The cushion 20 has a support portion 22 and a bolster portion 21. The plenum 50 includes a body 64 and extensions 66 that are connected to the body 64 by flexible regions 100. The body 64 is located within a plane P. The extensions 66 are movable out of the plane P (i.e., above the plane P in Fig. 2) of the body 64 via the flexible regions 100. thereby providing for allowing the plenum 50 to adapt to the different contours and regions of the cushion 20, like the support portion 22 and die bolster portion 21.

[0058] The plenum 50 indudes a top layer or surface 57 and a bottom layer or surface 61 with an open space 58 defined therebetween to promote movement of fluid through the ventilation holes 54 defined in die both' 64 and/or extensions 66 that are in communication with the cushion holes 26 via the ducts 56.

[0059] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a plenum 50 including a body 64 and a pair of extensions 66 connected to tiro body 64 by flexible regions 100. The body 64, the extensions 66, and/or the flexible regions 100 may include one or more ventilation holes 54. The flexible regions 100 indude a plurality of expansion members 102 that assist in moving the extensions 66 relative to the body 64 or a center line CL of the body 64, the plenum 50, the vehicle seat, or a combination thereof. The expansion members 102 may allow the extensions 66 to move out of a plane of the body 64 (as shown in Fig. 2) and/or expand or contract away from or towards the body 64, for example, along directions D1 and D2 (or in a direction perpendicular or angled thereto) relative to a center line CL of the body 64, the plenum 50, the vehicle seat 1 , or a combination thereof. The expansion members 102 can be expanded to increase a length of the expansion members 102 and/or a distance between the body 64 and the extensions 66. The expansion members 102 can be decreased or collapsed to decrease or reduce a length of the expansion members 102 and/or a distance between the body 64 and the extensions 66. The expansion members 102 may or may not indude ventilation holes 54.

[0060] The flexibility of the expansion members 102 and/or flexible regions 100 may advantageously provide for adapting a single plenum 50 for various seats or cushions that have different sizes, depths, widths, and/or heights, for example. The plenum 50 (i.e., the body 64, one or more of the extensions 66, and/or the flexible region(s) 100 maty include one or more connection recesses for connecting a Mower to the plenum 50.

[0061] Fig. 4A illustrates a plenum 50 induding a body· 64 having shoulders 68 that are connected to extensions 66. The shoulders 68 include flexible regions 100 that connect the shoulders 68 to the extensions 66. The flexible regions 100 include expansion members 102 that allow' the extensions 66 to move relative to the body 64 or a center line CL of the body 64, the plenum 50, the vehide seal, or a combination thereof. The body 64, the extensions 66, the shoulders 68, the flexible regions 100, or a combination thereof may have or may be free of ventilation holes 54.

[0062] The body’ 64 includes a connection recess 60 that receives and/or is in fluid communication with a fluid outlet of a blower 80 for supplying air into die plenum 50, the body 64, shoulders 68, and/or extensions 66. Connection members 70 extend between the extensions 66 and the body 64 so that the extensions 66 are movable relative to the both' 64 but are constrained to the body 64.

[00631 Fig· 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the plenum 50 of Fig. 4A, taken along line 4A in Fig. 4A. The plenum 50 includes a body 64 with ducts 56 extending from the ventilation holes 54. The plenum 50 also includes an extension 66 on each side of the body 64. The extensions 66 and the body 64 are connected together by connection members 70. The flexible regions 100 and/or the connection members 70 enable or provide for the extensions 66 and the body 66 to be moved relative to each other, for example, in directions DI, D2 within a plane P of the body 64; in directions D3, D4 out of the plane P of the body; and/or in any direction in between.

[0064] Fig. 5 illustrates a plenum 50 that includes a body 64 and a plurality of extensions 66. (hie or more of the body 64 and the extensions 66 include ventilation holes 54. The extensions 66 are connected to the body 64 and to each other together via flexible regions 100 so that extensions 66 can move relative to each other extensions 66 and the body 64 within or out of a plane of the body. The flexible regions 100 include expansion members 102 that allow the extensions 66 to move relative to the body⁷ 64 or a center line CL of the body 64, the plenum 50, the vehicle seat, or a combination thereof. The expansion members 102 may have or may be free of ventilation holes 54. A blower 80 is shown moving air into a connection recess 60 or opening defined in the body 64.

[0065] Fig. 6A illustrates a plenum 50 having a body 64 with two extensions 66 that extend to bolsters 21 of the seat (Fig. 2) and one extension 66’ that extends to a lower back or leg region of the seat. Each of the two extensions 66 are connected to opposing edges of the body 64 by two flexible regions 100 or expansion members 102. Each of the three extensions 66, 66’ are connected to the body 64 by one or more flexible regions 100. The flexible regions 100 are made up of one or more expansion members 102. The body 64 includes a connection recess 60 to connecting to an air outlet of a blower or air mover, and the body 64 and extensions 66 include ventilation holes 54.

[0066] Fig. 6B is a top view of the plenum 50 of Fig. 6A with die upper layer 57 of the plenum 50 removed. The plenum 50 includes a body’ 64 including baffles 62 and a connection recess 60. The body 64 is connected to extensions 66 by one or more flexible regions 100. The extensions 66 and corresponding expansion members 102 extending below a bolster are in a relaxed or not extended state, and one extension 66’ aid corresponding expansion members 102’ below the lower back or legs is extending or expanded or moved or expanded in the direction 108 to an extended or expanded state, which is shown generally along the center line CL of the body 64, plenum 50, seat 1, or a combination thereof. The extensions 66 and/or the flexible regions 100 include baffles 62.

[0067] Fig· 7 illustrates a plenum 50 a having a body 64 and extensions 66 connected to the body 64 by flexible regions 100 having expansion members 102. The body 64 includes a connection recess 60 for connecting to a blower 80 or air mover. The body 64, the extensions 66, and/or the flexible regions 100 include one or more ventilation holes 54 that are separated try baffles 62 to distribute fluid to each of the ventilation holes 54.

[0068] Fig. 8 illustrates a blower 80 connected to a wall of a plenum 50, which may be the bottom wall 61 (Fig. 2). The plenum 50 includes a concave wall 52 that receives the blower so that the blower 80 is low profile and sits at least partially within a plane of the plenum 50. The blower 80 includes a blower housing 84 connected to the plenum 50 by biowear connection features 82. Hie blower housing 84 also includes a housing connector 86 that contacts the plenum 50 and as shown the concave wall 52.

[0069] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the invention, its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the art may adapt and apply the invention in its numerous forms, as may be best suited to the requirements of a particular use. Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present invention as set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the teachings. The scope of tiie teachings should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be gleaned from the following claims, which are also hereby incorporated by reference into this written description.

[0070] The use of tiie terms "comprising" or "including” to describe combinations of elements, ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates embodiments chat consist essentially of or consist of the dements, ingredients, components or steps. [0071] Plural dements, ingredients, components or steps can be provided by a single integrated dement, ingredient, component or step. Alternatively, a single integrated dement, ingredient, component or step might be divided into separate plural dements, ingredients, components or steps. The disdosure of "a" or "one^* to describe an dement, ingredient, component or step is net intended to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or steps.

Claims

1) An air distribution system comprising:

a plenum configured to attach to a cushion of a vehicle seat, the plenum comprising: i. a body;

ii . one or more extensions:

iit. one or more expansion members connecting die one or more extensions to the body; and

iv. one or more ventilation holes defined in the body and/or in the one or more extensions;

wherein the one or more expansion members are configured to expand or contract relative to the body.

2) The air distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more expansion members comprise a conduit through which air is moved between the body and the one or more extensions.

3) The air distribution system of claim 1 or 2, wherein a length of the expansion members increases when the expansion member expands.

4) The air distribution system of any of claims 1-3, wherein a length of the expansion members decreases when the expansion member contracts.

5) The air distribution system of any of claims 1 -4, wherein the one or more expansion members include one or more ventilation holes.

6) The air distribution system of any of claims 1-4, wherein the one or more expansion members are free of ventilation holes.

7) The air distribution system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the plenum comprises tw o extensions, and each extension is located on an opposing edge of the body.

8) The air distribution system of any of the proceeding claims, wherein the one or more extensions are connected to the body with two or more expansion members. 9) The air distribution system of any of claims 1-6 wherein the plenum comprises two extensions dial are connected to a common edge of the body.

10) The air distribution system of any of claims 1-6, wherein the plenum comprises three extensions, and the extensions are connected to each other with an expansion member.

11) The air distribution system of any of the preceding claims, wherein die body comprises a connection recesses for connecting an air mover to the air distribution system.

12) The air distribution system of any of claims 1-9, wherein die air distribution system has an“M” shape.

13) The air distribution system of any of the preceding claims, wherein die one or more expandable members are laterally movable, longitudinally movable, movable rotationally, can be arced, or a combination thereof relative to the body.

14) The air distribution system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the air distribution system comprises one or more flexible regions that can be flexed into a“j” shape, a“IT shape, a“C” shape, or a combination thereof.

15) The air distribution system of any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more of the one or more extensions include one or more connection members that connect an extension to an extension, connect an extension to a body, or both.