Lumbar support
US5076643A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 20, 1990 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S297/03
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A lumbar support assembly for a seat having a seat frame and a backrest. The assembly (10) includes a rigid mounting member (18) within the seat frame (14) supported by a plurality of springs (28) or alternatively by integral clips (58). A pneumatic bladder (32) is supported on the mounting member (18) by a plurality of fasteners (61). A contoured plate (42) is disposed adjacent the mounting member (18) and the bladder (32) is supported between the contoured plate (42) and the mounting member (18), as the bowed contoured plate (42) urges the bladder (32) toward the inflated position. A plurality of guides (30) are disposed upon the mounting member (18) and are adapted to slideably receive a plurality of fingers (56) integrally disposed on the contoured plate (42). A pneumatic tube (34) extends from the bladder (32) to a normally closed pneumatic control valve (36) which is attached to any remote location. Upon opening of the valve (36) the inflated bladder (32) adjusts toward a deflated state as air is released in response to force being applied to the backrest (16) allowing for incremental adjustments in contour.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.