Automatically actuating ergonomic support system for a fold down seat

Abstract

A fold down seat back has a lumbar support device in it. A traction cable is operatively engaged at one end with the lumbar support device to actuate it. The fold down seat back includes a rotating cable tension unit and a fixed torsion bar. The rotating member moves relative to the fixed member when said fold down seat back is folded down. The traction cable is comprised of a sleeve having a first end and a second end and a wire having a first end and a second end. The wire is disposed to slide axially through the sleeve. The first sleeve end is attached to the rotating cable tension unit. The wire end is attached to the fixed torsion bar. The wire end may be attached to the torsion rod with a pulley. These attachments of the sleeve end and the wire end cause the wire to be drawn axiallythrough the sleeve when the seat back is folded up, extending a lumbar support, and cause the wire to be relaxed when the seat back is folded down, flattening the lumbar support.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application claims U.S. Application 10 / 349,525, filed January 22, 2003, entitled "Folding Seat Lumbar Support Apparatus and Method," and U.S. Continuation-in-Part Application 10 / 361,475, filed February 10, 2003, and priority of US continuation-in-part application 10 / 663,194 filed September 16, 2003. technical field [0003] The invention relates to the field of ergonomic support systems for automatic activation of car seats. Background technique [0004] Lumbar support for car seats is a known and common ergonomic option. Whether the lumbar supports are static or variable, their effectiveness depends on the thickness formed in the seat portion positioned relative to the passenger's lumbar spine. Headrests, arm and thigh supports, and side bolsters are also common ergonomic options. [0005] Another common feature of vehicles with cargo space, such as sport utility vehicles, station wagons, etc., is the folding ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, when conventional lumbar, thigh, arm and head supports are installed on a folding rear seat, their bulk prevents the headroom necessary to maximize cargo space

[0007] Another problem with folding the rear seats is that mounting them in the depression at the bottom of the cargo space makes the conventional levers or handwheels on the side of the seats unusable

Therefore, starting the folding seat is problematic

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