Patent · US Expired

Flexible membrane back support

US5868466A · kind A · utility

105Cited by

13References

6Claims

0Family size

Assignee

Lear Corporation · US

Inventors

Andrew Massara · Ashburn, US
John Wainwright · Riverview, US

Key dates

Filing date	Feb 2, 1996
Grant date	Feb 9, 1999
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Feb 2, 2016

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB60N2/914
WIPO fieldTransport
WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A seat (10) includes a backrest portion (16) and a seat portion (14) for supporting a cushion (12). The backrest portion (16) includes a back frame (18) which supports an expansion bladder (28) for expanding and retracting to provide lumbar support. A longitudinal plate (34) is fixedly connected to the frame (18) at a first end (36) and placed over the bladder (28) to provide lumbar support in response to selective expansion of the bladder (28). A second end (38) of the plate (34) is slidably connected within a rotatable member (46). The rotatable member (46) allows bending of the second end (38) to provide thoracic support separate from the lumbar support.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.