Adjustable lumbar support
First Claim
1. A lumbar support for use with the backrest of a seat, said support including, an elongate band having a first end and a second end and a front load bearing surface located between said ends, each said end being connectable to a respective one of two sides of said backrest between which the band extends when in use, drive means connected to said band and being operable to vary longitudinal tension in the band, said load bearing surface having a rearward curvature between said ends at least when said longitudinal tension is relatively low, and a plurality of pleats located between said first and second ends, each said pleat forming part of said band and being responsive to variation in said longitudinal tension so as to fold or unfold and thereby vary said rearward curvature.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An adjustable lumbar support for the backrest of a seat, including an elongate flexible band having first and second ends attachable to sides of a backrest. A drive member is connected to the band so as to tension the band and so decrease the extent to which the band curves rearwardly with respect to the ends thereof. The band includes a plurality of pleats, extending transverse to the length of the band and arranged to expand or collapse in response to changes in the longitudinal tension in the band. As shown, the pleats form part of a shield overlying a tensionable strap. In another arrangement (not shown) the pleats are disposed between and interconnect adjacent relatively rigid rib-like elements. The drive may include a motor driving a screw-threaded spindle arranged at right angles thereto and connected to the band so that the spindle extends in the longitudinal direction of the band. A carriage responds to rotation of the spindle so as to tension the band.
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Citations
31 Claims
- 1. A lumbar support for use with the backrest of a seat, said support including, an elongate band having a first end and a second end and a front load bearing surface located between said ends, each said end being connectable to a respective one of two sides of said backrest between which the band extends when in use, drive means connected to said band and being operable to vary longitudinal tension in the band, said load bearing surface having a rearward curvature between said ends at least when said longitudinal tension is relatively low, and a plurality of pleats located between said first and second ends, each said pleat forming part of said band and being responsive to variation in said longitudinal tension so as to fold or unfold and thereby vary said rearward curvature.
Specification