CA1126148A - Lumbar support - Google Patents
Lumbar supportInfo
- Publication number
- CA1126148A CA1126148A CA343,381A CA343381A CA1126148A CA 1126148 A CA1126148 A CA 1126148A CA 343381 A CA343381 A CA 343381A CA 1126148 A CA1126148 A CA 1126148A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- body support
- connecting member
- support member
- guide member
- adjustable body
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
- B60N2/66—Lumbar supports
- B60N2/667—Lumbar supports having flexible support member bowed by applied forces
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60N—SEATS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLES; VEHICLE PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60N2/00—Seats specially adapted for vehicles; Arrangement or mounting of seats in vehicles
- B60N2/64—Back-rests or cushions
- B60N2/66—Lumbar supports
- B60N2/667—Lumbar supports having flexible support member bowed by applied forces
- B60N2/6673—Lumbar supports having flexible support member bowed by applied forces with motor driven adjustments
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chair Legs, Seat Parts, And Backrests (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An adjustable body support member to provide adjustable support in a chair, bed or the like. The body support member includes a spring with opposite ends connected to a guide member and to a connecting member respectively. The connecting member is adjustably mounted on the connecting member by adjustment means so that the spacing between the ends of the spring may be varied to give a variable support in the chair, bed or the like.
An adjustable body support member to provide adjustable support in a chair, bed or the like. The body support member includes a spring with opposite ends connected to a guide member and to a connecting member respectively. The connecting member is adjustably mounted on the connecting member by adjustment means so that the spacing between the ends of the spring may be varied to give a variable support in the chair, bed or the like.
Description
s~6:~4~
The present invention relates to body support systems, such as seats and beds, and in particular to an adjustable sup-port member which may be used to provide adjustable support at discreet areas of the support system.
In recent years increasing attention has been paid to the provision of seats and beds which provide adequate and com-fortable support for the user. It has been recognized that pro-per design of body support systems not only increases the over-all comfort for the user, but can also avoid medical problems associated with long term use of inadequate support. Whilst these problems may be overcome by the individual design of a seat for a particular user, this approach is not practical when the support system is to be mass produced or where a number of different people are to use the support system.
Various devices ha~e been proposed in an attempt to overcome the above problems. In order to provide adjustable thlgh support in a chair or automobile seat it has been proposed to tip the seat cushion or the whole seat. This makes the design of the seat unnecessarily complicated and may compromise other parameters in the design of the seat.
Support for the lumbar region has been provided by adjusting the angle of the seat back. This does not, however, provide support in discreet areas of the seat back. An addi-tional support has been proposed which may be engaged or dis-engaged by a cam device, Such a support, ho~ever, cannot pro-vide an infinitely adjustable range of support.
With bed mattresses and bases it has only been pos~
sible to select a relative grade of firmness and no provision has been made or providing additional adjustable support to suit a particular requirement.
, .
The present invention relates to body support systems, such as seats and beds, and in particular to an adjustable sup-port member which may be used to provide adjustable support at discreet areas of the support system.
In recent years increasing attention has been paid to the provision of seats and beds which provide adequate and com-fortable support for the user. It has been recognized that pro-per design of body support systems not only increases the over-all comfort for the user, but can also avoid medical problems associated with long term use of inadequate support. Whilst these problems may be overcome by the individual design of a seat for a particular user, this approach is not practical when the support system is to be mass produced or where a number of different people are to use the support system.
Various devices ha~e been proposed in an attempt to overcome the above problems. In order to provide adjustable thlgh support in a chair or automobile seat it has been proposed to tip the seat cushion or the whole seat. This makes the design of the seat unnecessarily complicated and may compromise other parameters in the design of the seat.
Support for the lumbar region has been provided by adjusting the angle of the seat back. This does not, however, provide support in discreet areas of the seat back. An addi-tional support has been proposed which may be engaged or dis-engaged by a cam device, Such a support, ho~ever, cannot pro-vide an infinitely adjustable range of support.
With bed mattresses and bases it has only been pos~
sible to select a relative grade of firmness and no provision has been made or providing additional adjustable support to suit a particular requirement.
, .
- 2 - ~
- -.
6~4~3 It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a body support member in which the above disadvant-ages are obviated or mitigated.
According to the present invention there is provided an adjustable body support member for attachment to a body support system. The body support member comprises an elongate guide member having attachment points to permit attachment to the body support system. A connecting member is movably mounted on the guide member, and adjustment means are operable to move said connecting member relative to said elongate guide member. A resilient pressure applying member has one end con-nected to the connecting member and another end supported by the guide member at a location spaced from said connecting m~mber. Operation of said adjustment means varies the spacing between the ends of the pressure applying means to adjust the pressure applied.
According also to the present invention there is provided an adjustable body support member comprising a resilient pressure applying member and a support means to 20- support distal ends of the resilient pressure applying means at spaced locations, the support means including a connecting member to one of the distal ends, adjustment means to adjust the position o~ the connecting member on the support means and guide means to guide the connecting member along a pre-determined path, so that upon operation of the adjustment means the distance between the spaced locations is varied.
Embodirnents of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accom-panyiny drawings in which:
3Q Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view o~ an automobile seat incoxporating an adjustable body support member with a portion of the seat removed for clarity;
- -.
6~4~3 It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a body support member in which the above disadvant-ages are obviated or mitigated.
According to the present invention there is provided an adjustable body support member for attachment to a body support system. The body support member comprises an elongate guide member having attachment points to permit attachment to the body support system. A connecting member is movably mounted on the guide member, and adjustment means are operable to move said connecting member relative to said elongate guide member. A resilient pressure applying member has one end con-nected to the connecting member and another end supported by the guide member at a location spaced from said connecting m~mber. Operation of said adjustment means varies the spacing between the ends of the pressure applying means to adjust the pressure applied.
According also to the present invention there is provided an adjustable body support member comprising a resilient pressure applying member and a support means to 20- support distal ends of the resilient pressure applying means at spaced locations, the support means including a connecting member to one of the distal ends, adjustment means to adjust the position o~ the connecting member on the support means and guide means to guide the connecting member along a pre-determined path, so that upon operation of the adjustment means the distance between the spaced locations is varied.
Embodirnents of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accom-panyiny drawings in which:
3Q Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view o~ an automobile seat incoxporating an adjustable body support member with a portion of the seat removed for clarity;
- 3 -Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 and showing parts of the adjustable body support member;
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the body support member shown in Fig. 2 indicating the ~
manner in which the parts are assembled; ~ -Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and showing another eTnbodiment of an adjustable body support member;
Fig. 5 is a view similar to ~ig. l and showing yet another embodiment of an adjustable body support member.
Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the member shown in Fig. 6 indicating the relative disposi-tion of the parts; and Fig. 8 is a detail view showing an alternate arrange-ment for attaching the adjustable body support member to the seat shown in Fig. 5.
Referring now to Fig. l, a body support system lO, shown in the form of an automobile seat, includes a backrest 12 and a seat portion 14. A tubular frame 16 provides support for cushioning material 18 which may be of any suitable known form.
An adjustable body support membex 20 is attached to the tubular frame 16 by brackets 22 which are welded or other-wise secured to the frame 16. As may best be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the body support member 20 includes an elongate guide member in the orm oE a hollow bar 24 of generally s~uare cross section and having a slot 26 formed in one face of the bar 24. A connecting member 28 is slidably received within khe bar 24 and has a flange 30 which extends outwardly through the slot 26 terminating outside the bar. The connecting member 28 is formed from a block 32 having a cross-section which cor-responds to the internal shape of the bar 24 and a bore 34 is .
,. . ~ , . . . .
provided in the block to extend parallel to the slot 26. The bore 34 intersects a recess 38 which is cut transversely of the bore 34 and which accommodates a square threaded nut 4~.
On assembly, a threaded rod 42 extends through the bore 34 and engages in the nut 40. The rod 42 is journalled at one end in a stationary block 44 located within the bar 24 and secured thereto by staking or other suitable fastening means. A lock nut 46 is secured on the rod 42 to prevent axial movement between the block 44 and the rod 42 and the other end of the rod 42 is journalled in a bushing 48 adjacent a handle 50 which is connected to the rod by a pin 51. ~
thrust washer 52 is provided between the handle 50 and the erid of the bar 24 to permit smooth rotation of the handle 50.
A resilient pressure-applying member 54 is provided to apply additional support to specific areas of the cushioning material. The pressure applying member 54 comprises a spring 56 of the "NO SAG" type which is essentially a spring steel wire bent into a generally sinusoidal shape. The spring 56 is formed with a natural tendency to curve and this is utilized to provide additional resilience to the cushion material. A
packing strip 57 is mounted on the spring 56 intermediate its ends to provide a bearing surface for the cushioning material 18.
The spring 56 terminates at its ends at respective downwardly depending projections 58, 6~ and a generally verti-cal hole 62 is drilled in the bar 2~ to receive the end 58. A
similar hole 6~ is formed in the flange member 30 to receive and hold the end 60 so that this end of the spring will move with the connecting member 28. The spring 56 is, therefore, supported at one end by the bar 24 and connected at the other end to the flange 30 of the connecting member 28.
~, 6~
The adjustable body support member functions in the following manner. In the position shown in Fig. 1 the spring 56 provides support for the cushioning material 18. The degree of additional support may be varied by rotating the handle 50. In order to reduce the degree of additional sup~
port, the handle 50 is rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 1. Rota-tion of the connecting member 28 is prevented by co-operation between the block 32 and the interior of the bar 24. Likewise rotation of the nut 40 is prevented ~ -~
by the recess 38 so that the longitudinal movement of the ~ `
connecting member relative to the bar 24 is induced. The distance between the ends 58, 60 of the spring 56 is thus ncreased so that the initial curvature and consequently the "
~spring rate is reduced. A reduced degree of support is there-by obtained.
Conversely, counterclockwise rotation of the handle 50 will reduce the spacing between the ends 58, 60 and thereby : ~:: :~
increase the degree of support provided.
It will be apparent that although the body support member has been illustrated in an arrangement to provide additional lumbar support it could equally be used to provide additional thigh support by placing it in the seat portion 14.
Similarly a number of the devices could be used in the seat to provide adjustment in selected critical areas.
The support member could also be substituted for existing sprlng systems so that the seat can be tailored to meet spec.ific requirements. The body support member may also be incorporated in a mattress for a bed, either across the whole width or in side by side rela~ionship to allow individual adjustment of each side of the mattress.
; - 6 -:: :
Another embodiment of the invention is shown in fig. 4. The body support member is generall~ similar to that shown in Figs. 1 to 3, but ensures that the centre of curvature of the spring remains centrally located with respect to the bar 24. Like reference numerals will be used to identify similar parts with a suffix "a" used to distinguish the parts shown in the Fig. 4 embodiment.
A bar 24a extends between side tubes 16a and includes a bushing 48a at each end. A threaded rod 42a is journalled in each bushing 48a and has a handle 50a attached to one end -~
and a collar 64 attached to the other end so that the rod 42a is constrained from axial movement relative to the bar 24a.
The rod 42a has a pair of threaded portions ~6, 68 with each thread being of opposite hand. A connecting block ~28a is mounted on each portion 66, 68 with appropriately hande~ nuts 4Oa to prevent axial movement of the connecting blocks. A spring 56a extends between the connecting blocks 8a and is connected at its ends to respective connecting blocks so that the ends of the springs will move with the connecting hlocks 28a.
Rotation of the handle 50a will rotate the rod 42a and cause equal and opposite movement of the blocks 23a rela- ~
tive to the bar 24 so that the distance between the ends of the ;
spring 56a is varied to adjust the foxce exerted by the spring 56. Since the movement of the connecting blocks is equal and opposite the centre of curvature o the spring 56 remains centrally located along the bar 2~.
The embodiment shown in Fiys. 5 to 7 utilizes the inherent torsional stiffness of the "NO SAG" -type of spring to ensure adjustment of the connecting member.
: ;.
.
A tube 80 is connected to a seat frame 82 by a bracket 84 and extends partially across the width of the seat.
A bushing 88 is connected to the opposite side of the seat frame by a bracket 90. A threaded rod 92 is journalled in the bushing 88 and is rotably received within the tube 80. A
handle 94 is connected to the outboard end of the rod 92 adjacent the bushing 88 and a pair of locknuts 96 are posi-tioned on the rod adjacent the inboard end of the bushing 88 to prevent relative axial movement of the rod.
The rod 92 extends through a connecting member 98 which is formed with a pair of aligned bosses 100, 102 separ-ated by a cavity 104 of rectangular cross-section. A pair of ears 106, 108 project from the upper and lower walls of the cavity 104 and each ear has a throughbore 107 to receive one end of a spring 109. A captive nut 110 is received snugly in the cavity 104 so that rotation of the rod 92 relative to the connecting member 98 induces axial displacement of the con-necting member 98 on the rod 92.-The spring 108 is of generally similar configuration to that shown in the embodiments of Figs. 1 to ~. One end of the spring 108 is received in the throughbore 107 so as to be moveable with the connecting member and the other is received in a hole 112 extending diametrically through the tube 80.
Upon rotation of the handle 9~ the threaded rod 92 rotates relative to the tube 80. Rotation of the connectiny member 98 is prevented by the inherent torsional stiffness of the 5pring 108 so that the connecting member 98 is displaced axially to vary the distance between the ends of the spring 108.
, In this manner the spring rate of the spring 108 is adjusted to provide the degree of support required.
,~ .
: .' :
~26~
The embodiment of Figs. l to 7 have shown the adjustable body support member as integrally connected to the frame of a seat. It will be apparent that the support member may be detachably connected to a seat frame by suitable brackets so that it may be added as an accessory to a seat.
Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in which the body support member is mounted on the seat frame 16b to permit height -~
adjustment. Generally U-shaped brackets 20b are welded to the seat frame 16b so that an elongate planar face 120 is spaced from the frame. A vertical slot 122 is cut in the face 120 to receive a stud 124 attached to the guide member 24b which extends through the space between the bracket 20b and the tube 16b. A nut 126 and washer 128 secure the guide mem-ber 24b at the desired height in the slot 122. ~;
~; Other arrangements of height adjustability are pos-sible, such as a pair of U-shaped clips with the bight gripping ~on the edge of a plate welded on the frame 16. Alternatively an open channel section, similar to the section of the bar 24a could be welded to the seat frame to define a vertical guide and a block located within the guide. The block may be attached to the support member and clamped in the desired location by a bolt. ~ ~-It will be appreciated that the adjustable body;
:
support member may be utilized to supplement or replace springs in most types of body suppart svstems. In addition to the use in seats and mattresses discu4sed above, the sup-port member could be incorporated into a backrest for a secretarial chair or into a headrest for an automobile seat.
Where the support member is used in conjunction with inherently resilient upholstery material such as foam ruhber '~
.
~2~
it can easily be fitted behind the upholstery to provide the additional support re~uired.
Various mechanisms may be utilized to rotate the adjustment member to vary spacing of the spring ends. A
reversible electric motor could be utili~ed to obtain remote control of the support member and thereby a~oid -the need for an accessible manual control on the seat. Where direct manual control is preferred a right angle drive may be utilized to ensure that the control is in a convenient location.
Other types of spring may be utilized beside the "NO SAG" springs shown herein. For example, a prestressed blade spring could be utilized with appropriate connections to the connecting member to permit straightening of the blade upon application of a load.
Since the support member is likely to be used within a localized area of a seat back it may be preferable to arrange the upholstery of the seat in two panels so that the adjustable support members can be incorporated in a separate unit which assists in assembly of the seat.
.
Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the body support member shown in Fig. 2 indicating the ~
manner in which the parts are assembled; ~ -Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and showing another eTnbodiment of an adjustable body support member;
Fig. 5 is a view similar to ~ig. l and showing yet another embodiment of an adjustable body support member.
Fig. 6 is a view similar to Fig. 2 and taken on line 6-6 of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the member shown in Fig. 6 indicating the relative disposi-tion of the parts; and Fig. 8 is a detail view showing an alternate arrange-ment for attaching the adjustable body support member to the seat shown in Fig. 5.
Referring now to Fig. l, a body support system lO, shown in the form of an automobile seat, includes a backrest 12 and a seat portion 14. A tubular frame 16 provides support for cushioning material 18 which may be of any suitable known form.
An adjustable body support membex 20 is attached to the tubular frame 16 by brackets 22 which are welded or other-wise secured to the frame 16. As may best be seen in Figs. 2 and 3, the body support member 20 includes an elongate guide member in the orm oE a hollow bar 24 of generally s~uare cross section and having a slot 26 formed in one face of the bar 24. A connecting member 28 is slidably received within khe bar 24 and has a flange 30 which extends outwardly through the slot 26 terminating outside the bar. The connecting member 28 is formed from a block 32 having a cross-section which cor-responds to the internal shape of the bar 24 and a bore 34 is .
,. . ~ , . . . .
provided in the block to extend parallel to the slot 26. The bore 34 intersects a recess 38 which is cut transversely of the bore 34 and which accommodates a square threaded nut 4~.
On assembly, a threaded rod 42 extends through the bore 34 and engages in the nut 40. The rod 42 is journalled at one end in a stationary block 44 located within the bar 24 and secured thereto by staking or other suitable fastening means. A lock nut 46 is secured on the rod 42 to prevent axial movement between the block 44 and the rod 42 and the other end of the rod 42 is journalled in a bushing 48 adjacent a handle 50 which is connected to the rod by a pin 51. ~
thrust washer 52 is provided between the handle 50 and the erid of the bar 24 to permit smooth rotation of the handle 50.
A resilient pressure-applying member 54 is provided to apply additional support to specific areas of the cushioning material. The pressure applying member 54 comprises a spring 56 of the "NO SAG" type which is essentially a spring steel wire bent into a generally sinusoidal shape. The spring 56 is formed with a natural tendency to curve and this is utilized to provide additional resilience to the cushion material. A
packing strip 57 is mounted on the spring 56 intermediate its ends to provide a bearing surface for the cushioning material 18.
The spring 56 terminates at its ends at respective downwardly depending projections 58, 6~ and a generally verti-cal hole 62 is drilled in the bar 2~ to receive the end 58. A
similar hole 6~ is formed in the flange member 30 to receive and hold the end 60 so that this end of the spring will move with the connecting member 28. The spring 56 is, therefore, supported at one end by the bar 24 and connected at the other end to the flange 30 of the connecting member 28.
~, 6~
The adjustable body support member functions in the following manner. In the position shown in Fig. 1 the spring 56 provides support for the cushioning material 18. The degree of additional support may be varied by rotating the handle 50. In order to reduce the degree of additional sup~
port, the handle 50 is rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 1. Rota-tion of the connecting member 28 is prevented by co-operation between the block 32 and the interior of the bar 24. Likewise rotation of the nut 40 is prevented ~ -~
by the recess 38 so that the longitudinal movement of the ~ `
connecting member relative to the bar 24 is induced. The distance between the ends 58, 60 of the spring 56 is thus ncreased so that the initial curvature and consequently the "
~spring rate is reduced. A reduced degree of support is there-by obtained.
Conversely, counterclockwise rotation of the handle 50 will reduce the spacing between the ends 58, 60 and thereby : ~:: :~
increase the degree of support provided.
It will be apparent that although the body support member has been illustrated in an arrangement to provide additional lumbar support it could equally be used to provide additional thigh support by placing it in the seat portion 14.
Similarly a number of the devices could be used in the seat to provide adjustment in selected critical areas.
The support member could also be substituted for existing sprlng systems so that the seat can be tailored to meet spec.ific requirements. The body support member may also be incorporated in a mattress for a bed, either across the whole width or in side by side rela~ionship to allow individual adjustment of each side of the mattress.
; - 6 -:: :
Another embodiment of the invention is shown in fig. 4. The body support member is generall~ similar to that shown in Figs. 1 to 3, but ensures that the centre of curvature of the spring remains centrally located with respect to the bar 24. Like reference numerals will be used to identify similar parts with a suffix "a" used to distinguish the parts shown in the Fig. 4 embodiment.
A bar 24a extends between side tubes 16a and includes a bushing 48a at each end. A threaded rod 42a is journalled in each bushing 48a and has a handle 50a attached to one end -~
and a collar 64 attached to the other end so that the rod 42a is constrained from axial movement relative to the bar 24a.
The rod 42a has a pair of threaded portions ~6, 68 with each thread being of opposite hand. A connecting block ~28a is mounted on each portion 66, 68 with appropriately hande~ nuts 4Oa to prevent axial movement of the connecting blocks. A spring 56a extends between the connecting blocks 8a and is connected at its ends to respective connecting blocks so that the ends of the springs will move with the connecting hlocks 28a.
Rotation of the handle 50a will rotate the rod 42a and cause equal and opposite movement of the blocks 23a rela- ~
tive to the bar 24 so that the distance between the ends of the ;
spring 56a is varied to adjust the foxce exerted by the spring 56. Since the movement of the connecting blocks is equal and opposite the centre of curvature o the spring 56 remains centrally located along the bar 2~.
The embodiment shown in Fiys. 5 to 7 utilizes the inherent torsional stiffness of the "NO SAG" -type of spring to ensure adjustment of the connecting member.
: ;.
.
A tube 80 is connected to a seat frame 82 by a bracket 84 and extends partially across the width of the seat.
A bushing 88 is connected to the opposite side of the seat frame by a bracket 90. A threaded rod 92 is journalled in the bushing 88 and is rotably received within the tube 80. A
handle 94 is connected to the outboard end of the rod 92 adjacent the bushing 88 and a pair of locknuts 96 are posi-tioned on the rod adjacent the inboard end of the bushing 88 to prevent relative axial movement of the rod.
The rod 92 extends through a connecting member 98 which is formed with a pair of aligned bosses 100, 102 separ-ated by a cavity 104 of rectangular cross-section. A pair of ears 106, 108 project from the upper and lower walls of the cavity 104 and each ear has a throughbore 107 to receive one end of a spring 109. A captive nut 110 is received snugly in the cavity 104 so that rotation of the rod 92 relative to the connecting member 98 induces axial displacement of the con-necting member 98 on the rod 92.-The spring 108 is of generally similar configuration to that shown in the embodiments of Figs. 1 to ~. One end of the spring 108 is received in the throughbore 107 so as to be moveable with the connecting member and the other is received in a hole 112 extending diametrically through the tube 80.
Upon rotation of the handle 9~ the threaded rod 92 rotates relative to the tube 80. Rotation of the connectiny member 98 is prevented by the inherent torsional stiffness of the 5pring 108 so that the connecting member 98 is displaced axially to vary the distance between the ends of the spring 108.
, In this manner the spring rate of the spring 108 is adjusted to provide the degree of support required.
,~ .
: .' :
~26~
The embodiment of Figs. l to 7 have shown the adjustable body support member as integrally connected to the frame of a seat. It will be apparent that the support member may be detachably connected to a seat frame by suitable brackets so that it may be added as an accessory to a seat.
Fig. 8 shows an embodiment in which the body support member is mounted on the seat frame 16b to permit height -~
adjustment. Generally U-shaped brackets 20b are welded to the seat frame 16b so that an elongate planar face 120 is spaced from the frame. A vertical slot 122 is cut in the face 120 to receive a stud 124 attached to the guide member 24b which extends through the space between the bracket 20b and the tube 16b. A nut 126 and washer 128 secure the guide mem-ber 24b at the desired height in the slot 122. ~;
~; Other arrangements of height adjustability are pos-sible, such as a pair of U-shaped clips with the bight gripping ~on the edge of a plate welded on the frame 16. Alternatively an open channel section, similar to the section of the bar 24a could be welded to the seat frame to define a vertical guide and a block located within the guide. The block may be attached to the support member and clamped in the desired location by a bolt. ~ ~-It will be appreciated that the adjustable body;
:
support member may be utilized to supplement or replace springs in most types of body suppart svstems. In addition to the use in seats and mattresses discu4sed above, the sup-port member could be incorporated into a backrest for a secretarial chair or into a headrest for an automobile seat.
Where the support member is used in conjunction with inherently resilient upholstery material such as foam ruhber '~
.
~2~
it can easily be fitted behind the upholstery to provide the additional support re~uired.
Various mechanisms may be utilized to rotate the adjustment member to vary spacing of the spring ends. A
reversible electric motor could be utili~ed to obtain remote control of the support member and thereby a~oid -the need for an accessible manual control on the seat. Where direct manual control is preferred a right angle drive may be utilized to ensure that the control is in a convenient location.
Other types of spring may be utilized beside the "NO SAG" springs shown herein. For example, a prestressed blade spring could be utilized with appropriate connections to the connecting member to permit straightening of the blade upon application of a load.
Since the support member is likely to be used within a localized area of a seat back it may be preferable to arrange the upholstery of the seat in two panels so that the adjustable support members can be incorporated in a separate unit which assists in assembly of the seat.
.
Claims (13)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An adjustable body support member for attachment to a body support system comprising an elongate guide member having attachment points for attachment to said body support system, a connecting member movably mounted on said guide member, adjustment means operable to move said connecting member rela-tive to said elongate guide member and a resilient pressure applying member having one end connected to said connecting member and another end supported by said guide member at a location spaced from said connecting member, whereby operation of said adjustment means varies the spacing between said one end and said other end of said pressure applying means to adjust the pressure applied.
2. An adjustable body support member according to claim 1 wherein said other end of said resilient pressure applying means is connected to a second connecting member and said adjustment means is operable upon both said connecting members to produce equal and opposite incremental movements of said connecting members relative to said elongate guide member.
3. An adjustable body support member according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said adjusting means includes a pair of co-operating threaded members, one of which is supported by said connecting member and the other of which is supported by said guide member.
4. An adjustable body support member according to claim 1 wherein said guides member is hollow and said adjusting means includes a threaded rod extending at least partially along said guide member and rotatably supported by said guide member at one end thereof.
5. An adjustable body support member according to claim 4 wherein said adjusting means further includes a nut non-rotably secured to said connecting member and engagable with said threaded rod whereby rotation of said rod induces movement of said connecting member relative to said guide member.
6. An adjustable body support member according to claim 5 wherein said connecting member includes stop means engagable with said guide member and operable to inhibit rotational move-ment of said connecting member upon rotation of said threaded rod.
7. A body support member according to anyone of claims 4, 5, and 6 wherein said connecting member is slidingly disposed within said elongate guide member.
8. An adjustable body support member according to claim 4 wherein said other end of said pressure applying means is supported on said guide member by a second connecting member, said threaded rod having a pair of threaded portions of opposite hand, said members being opperatively associated with respective threaded portions whereby rotation of said threaded rod induces equal and opposite movement of connecting members relative to said guide members.
9. An adjustable body support according to claim 8 wherein said connecting members are slidingly received within said elongate guide member and co-operate therewith to inhibit rotation relative to said guide member.
10. An adjustable body support member according to claim 1, 4 or 8 wherein said resilient pressure applying means is formed from a wire of resilient material bent into a generally sinusoidal shape.
11. An adjustable body support member according to claim 4, or 8 wherein said adjusting means includes a manually oper-able member operable to cause rotation of said threaded rod.
12. An adjustable body support member according to any one of claims 1, 4 or 8 wherein said attachment means permit adjust-ment of said body support member relative to said body support system.
13. An adjustable body support member for a body support system, said body support member comprising a resilient pres-sure applying member and a support means to support distal ends of said resilient pressure applying means at spaced locations, said support means including a connecting member connected to one of said distal ends, adjustment means to adjust the position of said connecting member on said support means and guide means to guide said connecting member along a predetermined path, so that upon operation of said adjustment means the distance between said spaced locations is varied.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA343,381A CA1126148A (en) | 1980-01-09 | 1980-01-09 | Lumbar support |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA343,381A CA1126148A (en) | 1980-01-09 | 1980-01-09 | Lumbar support |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1126148A true CA1126148A (en) | 1982-06-22 |
Family
ID=4116013
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA343,381A Expired CA1126148A (en) | 1980-01-09 | 1980-01-09 | Lumbar support |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1126148A (en) |
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1985001644A1 (en) * | 1983-10-14 | 1985-04-25 | Graeme John Winkle | Improved back support means |
| FR2554397A1 (en) * | 1983-11-09 | 1985-05-10 | Volvo Ab | VEHICLE SEAT, PARTICULARLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, SUCH AS PASSENGER CARS, TRAINS AND AIRPLANES |
| US4678230A (en) * | 1983-10-14 | 1987-07-07 | Winkle Graeme J | Back support means |
| US4752982A (en) * | 1986-06-16 | 1988-06-28 | Jones Jackson D | Adjustable back support apparatus |
| US9193287B2 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2015-11-24 | Leggett & Platt Canada Co. | Lumbar support system |
| US9193280B2 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2015-11-24 | Leggett & Platt Canada Co. | Lumbar support system |
| US9199565B2 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2015-12-01 | Leggett & Platt Canada Co. | Lumbar support system |
| DE102018202502A1 (en) * | 2018-02-19 | 2019-08-22 | Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Coburg | Adjustment device with tensioned spring element |
| CN110179285A (en) * | 2018-02-22 | 2019-08-30 | 佛山市南海德天家具有限公司 | A kind of screw rod transversal-push type hardness regulating device and its seat, mattress |
| US10632882B2 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2020-04-28 | Leggett & Platt Canada Co. | Lumbar support system |
-
1980
- 1980-01-09 CA CA343,381A patent/CA1126148A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1985001644A1 (en) * | 1983-10-14 | 1985-04-25 | Graeme John Winkle | Improved back support means |
| US4678230A (en) * | 1983-10-14 | 1987-07-07 | Winkle Graeme J | Back support means |
| FR2554397A1 (en) * | 1983-11-09 | 1985-05-10 | Volvo Ab | VEHICLE SEAT, PARTICULARLY FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, SUCH AS PASSENGER CARS, TRAINS AND AIRPLANES |
| US4752982A (en) * | 1986-06-16 | 1988-06-28 | Jones Jackson D | Adjustable back support apparatus |
| US9193287B2 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2015-11-24 | Leggett & Platt Canada Co. | Lumbar support system |
| US9193280B2 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2015-11-24 | Leggett & Platt Canada Co. | Lumbar support system |
| US9199565B2 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2015-12-01 | Leggett & Platt Canada Co. | Lumbar support system |
| US9764670B2 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2017-09-19 | Leggett & Platt Canada Co. | Lumbar support system |
| US10632882B2 (en) | 2012-09-13 | 2020-04-28 | Leggett & Platt Canada Co. | Lumbar support system |
| DE102018202502A1 (en) * | 2018-02-19 | 2019-08-22 | Brose Fahrzeugteile Gmbh & Co. Kg, Coburg | Adjustment device with tensioned spring element |
| CN110179285A (en) * | 2018-02-22 | 2019-08-30 | 佛山市南海德天家具有限公司 | A kind of screw rod transversal-push type hardness regulating device and its seat, mattress |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |