Adjustable lumbar support with extensive configurability

Abstract

An adjustable lumbar support for a seat having a seat frame is disclosed, the adjustable lumbar support including a floating support plate for providing an amount of lumbar support to a lumbar region of a seat, the support plate having a front surface and a rear surface, the floating support plate being attached to the seat frame via springs, the provided lumbar support defining an apex. A first actuator assembly and a second actuator assembly are each operatively connected to the floating support plate via respective first and second cables, the first and second cables being spaced from each other substantially vertically within the floating support plate, the first and second actuator assemblies for selectively actuating the respective cables to selectively move the apex substantially vertically and substantially horizontally forward and back relative to the seat frame. A secondary support plate may be provided, and may be hingedly and / or floatingly mounted. Adjustability may be achieved in terms of back and forth (horizontally), up and down (vertically) and by the vertical height of the lumbar support profile. Accordingly, in some aspects the present invention provides a “six-way” adjustable lumbar support.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of Invention [0002] The present invention relates generally to seats, including vehicular seats. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable lumbar support for a seat configurable to provide a wide range of lumbar support shapes and depths. [0003] 2. Description of the Related Art [0004] It is well recognized that a person sitting in a seat for an extended time period may desire additional support to obtain greater seat comfort and / or alleviate seat discomfort. Vehicle operators, vehicle passengers, and people whose jobs require them to be seated for extended periods of time are typically chief among those individuals who seek such additional support. The support is typically desired to provide greater comfort in the lower or in the lumbar region of the back. As used herein, the term “seat” applies to a variety of seat structures, including chairs and vehicular seats. [0005] The discomfort problem has been addressed in th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to provide a lumbar support apparatus that provides a comfortable range of lumbar support configurations, and that is not potentially destructive of other seating components.

Problems solved by technology

Both of the devices described in the '643 and '348 patents are of complex construction and require substantial time and cost for fabrication and installation.

The requirements for the installation of a mounting plate, as well as the inter-securement of the bladder and plate elements, are primary reasons for the high cost, complexity of construction and the need of substantial time for the manufacture and installation of each device.

This device proved to be complicated and costly to manufacture.

However, such vertical movement of lumbar support parts within the seat, particularly while under load by an occupant, can damage the interior parts of the soft seat material, or the lumbar support itself.

Also, the “bump” shape does not change, which may not provide comfortable support in all cases, even if the bump is optimally placed.

Often, the bottom edge of the bump is fixed in a “back” position, thereby limiting adjustability and apex profile.

Manipulation of such wires, in particular while under load by an occupant, can also cause damage to the soft, backside of the seat, even if no vertical motion is utilized.

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