AU636293B2 - Lumbar support waist band and mechanism therefor - Google Patents

Description

OPI DATE 16/10/89 SAOJP DATE 09/11/89 APPLN. ID 33650 89

PCT

PCT NUMBER PCT/AU89/00137 INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION PUBLISHED UNDER THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY (PCT) S(51) International Patent Classification 4 (11) International Publication Number: WO 89/ 09005 A47C 7/46, 7/40 Al (43) International Publication Date: 5 October 1989 (05.10.89) (21) International Application Number: PCT/AU89/00137 (81) Designated States: AT, AT (European patent), AU, BB, BE (European patent), BF (OAPI patent), BG, BJ (22) International Filing Date: 30 March 1989 (30.03.89) (OAPI patent), BR, CF (OAPI patent), CG (OAPI patent), CH, CH (European patent), CM (OAPI patent), DE, DE (European patent), DK, FI, FR (European (31) Priority Application Number: PI 7540 patent), GA (OAPI patent), GB, GB (European patent), HU, IT (European patent), JP, KP, KR, LK, I (32) Priority Date: 31 March 1988 (31.03.88) LU, LU (European patent), MC, MG, ML (OAPI patent), MR (OAPI patent), MW, NL, NL (European (33) Priority Country: AU patent), NO, RO, SD, SE, SE (European patent), SN (OAPI patent), SU, TD (OAPI patent), TG (OAPI patent), US.

(71) Applicant (for all designated States except US): HEN- DERSON'S FEDERAL SPRING WORKS PTY.

LTD. [AU/AU]; 689 Burke Road, Camberwell, VIC Published 3124 With international search report.

Before the expiration of the time limit for amending the (72) Inventors; and claims and to be republished in the event of the receipt Inventors/Applicants (for US only) GEITZ, Manfred, of amendments.

Heinrich [AU/AU]; 20 Bayview Crescent, Beaumont, S.A. 5066 HILLYARD, Robert, John [AU/AU]; 4 Oak Court, Happy Valley, S.A. 5159 (AU).

(74) Agent: EDWD. WATERS SONS; 50 Queen Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 (54) Title: LUMBAR SUPPORT WAIST BAND AND MECHANISM THEREFOR (57) Abstract An adjustable bracket for a seat lumbar support is disclosed which includes a first bracket (38) adapted to be fixed on one side frame of the seat; a second bracket (20) adapted to be fixed to the other side frame of the seat, said bracket including a pivotally attached rocking member (23) adapted to be moved smoothly or step-wise through one or more intermediate positions between a first and second position by operation of adjustment means (28/29); said first bracket and said rocking member including attachment means (34) adapted to permanently or releasably engage with attachment means (48/49) on a waist band (41) adapted to extend between said first and second brackets.

WO 89/09005 PCT/AU89/00137 1 LUMBAR SUPPORT WAIST BAND AND MECHANISM THEREFOR This invention relates to lumbar support apparatus and mechanism for seating and relates particularly but not exclusively to such apparatus and mechanisms for motor vehicle seating.

Adjustable lumbar supports are provided in motor vehicles to provide for differing driver requirements and to increase driver or passenger comfort. Many adjustable lumbar supports are known and described in US Patents 3948558, 3973797, 4462635, 4531779, 4534592, 4564235, 104630865, 4632454 and 4714291 and in Australian patent or patent application Nos. 72822/87, 80449/82, 19524/83, 47090/85 (575427), 63973/86 and 72609/87.

One particular known support as described in Australian lapsed application No. 80449/82. The support a "waist band" extending between two brackets fixed within and on either side of the frame of a vehicle seat. On one side of the seat frame, the waist band is pivotally attached to the bracket in a fixed position by way of a pivot pin. The pivot pin, which generally includes a or other bush is fixed in pivotal arrangement by an appropriately formed plate which encircles the pivot pin and bush and terminates in two parallel spaced apart plates.

The waist band is inserted between the plates.and fixed by appropriate means such as riveting.

On the other side of the seat frame the waist band is again pivotally attached to a bracket in a manner similar to that described above. The bracket however includes adjustment means to reduce or increase the distance between the ends of the waist band to enable the required adjustable support. The adjustment is provided by forming the bracket in two parts which are hinged or pivotally fixed on the moveable part which acts as a cam follower. A cam which may be a continuous or stepped cam is operated by an appropriate handle attached to a spindle to permit the adjustment.

The known prior art lumbar supports are complicated and thus relatively expensive to manufacture. A lumbar 2 support as is described in the above mentioned patent application requires many parts including the fixed bracket, pivot pin and bush, the waist band plate, the waist band, a further waist band plate and associated pivot and bush, a two part bracket pivotably connected to permit appropriate adjustment all in addition to the cam, the cam drive spindle and handle.

In lumbar support devices as have been described above the waist band may be a belt or belt like band of any suitable material. It is customary that waist bands are made of a stiff but flexible material such as a sheet of nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene or the like. It is also customary that a pad of resilient foam is attached to one side of the waist band to provide additional cushioning to the lumbar region of the seat when fitted with such a device and waist band.

It is an object of this invention to provide a lumbar support apparatus and mechanism which avoids or reduces disadvantages of currently known and used lu:nbar support devices. It is an object of this invention to provide a lumbar support apparatus which utilizes fewer parts and which is thus cheaper and simpler to manufacture and assemble. It is also an object of this invention to provide a one piece waist band for a lumbar support apparatus which is simple to manufacture and install.

The present invention therefore provides in one preferred form an adjustable lumbar support for a seat having a first and a second side iframe disposed o on either side of the seat which support comp eis: 30 a first bracket adapted to eixed to the first side frame of the sea a second brack adapted to be fixed to the second side fra of the seat, including a fixed bracket Si m ner and a rocking member pivotably attached by 35 means of inter-engaging pivot members formed on said fixed bracket member and said rocking member; The present invention therefore provides an adjustable lumbar support for a seat having a first and a second side frame disposed one on either side of the seat which support comprises: a first bracket adapted to be fixed to the first side frame of the seat; a second bracket adapted to be fixed to the second side frame of the seat, said second bracket including a fixed bracket member and a rocking member; said fixed bracket member and said rocking member being pivotally attached to each other solely by means of inter-engaging pivot members formed on said fixed bracket member and said rocking member; said pivotably attached rocking member being adapted to be moved smoothly or step wise through a number of intermediate positions between a first and second position by operation of adjustment means; said first bracket and said rocking member including attachment means adapted to permanently or releasably engage with attachments means on a waist band adapted to extend between said first and second brackets to provide adjustable lumbar support.

The present invention also provides an adjustable bracket for a seat lumbar support which comprises: a fixed bracket member and a rocking member pivotably attached to one another solely by means of inter-engaging pivot members formed on said fixed 20 bracket member and said rocking member; said pivotably attached rocking S member being adapted to be moved smoothly or step wise through a number of Sintermediate positiohns between a first and second position by operation of adjustment means, said rocking member including attachment means adapted to permanently or releasably engage with attachment means on a lumbar support waist band,, The present invention alternatively provides an adjustable lumbar support for a seat having a first and a second side frame disposed one on either side of the seat which support comprises: i ti "j I- t 3aa first bracket adapted to be fixed to the first side frame of the seat; a second bracket adapted to be fixed to the second side frame of the seat, said second bracket including a fixed bracket member and a rocking member; said fixed bracket member and said rocking member being attached to each other solely by means of inter-engaging members formed on said fixed bracket member and said rocking member; said rocking member being adapted to pivot smoothly or step wise through a number of intermediate positions between a first and second position by operation of adjustment means; said first bracket and said rocking member including attachment means adapted to permanently or releasably engage with attachment means on a waist band adapted to extend between said first and second brackets to provide adjustable lumbar support.

The present invention further provides an adjustable bracket for a seat lumbar support which comprises: a fixed bracket member and a rocking member attached to one another solely by means of inter-engaging members formed on said fixed bracket member and said rocking member; said rocking member being adapted to pivot smoothly or step wise through a number of intermediate positions between a first and second position by operation of adjustment means; said rocking member including attachment means adapted to permanently or releasably engage with attachment means on a lumbar support waist band.

Preferably said adjustment means comprises cam means disposed within the second bracket and a cam following means integrally formed on the rocking S member. Preferably the waist band is integrally formed in one piece with S attachment means adapted to releasably engage with the attachment means of S 25 said first bracket and the attachment means on the rocking member of the second bracket.

Preferably the locating means comprise upwardly extending tabs or lugs integrally formed on the rear section of the fixed bracket member. Preferably the tabs or lugs also serve to hold the fixed bracket member and the rocking 30 member together when assembled. Preferably the holding of the bracket 3b section and the rocking member is accomplished by deformation or bending of the tabs or lugs.

The invention in another form also provides an integrally moulded lumbar support a waist band having bracket attachment means at at least one end thereof. Preferably the bracket attachment means are adapted to releasably snap fit with a lumbar support bracket as hereinbefore or hereinafter described.

Preferably the waist band is integrally formed or moulded from a plastics material such as nylon, polypropylene or polyethylene.

Other preferred embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following description.

I i io o WO 89/09005 pC/AU89/00137 -I I bracket section and the rocking member is accomplished by deformation or bend; 4 of e tabs or lugs.

The invention in another form al provides an integrally moulded lumbar support a waist band having bra et attachment means at at least one end there. Preferably the bracket attachment means are adapted to releasably snap fit with a a bar support bracket as hereinbefore or here' fter described.

/eferably the waist band is integrally formed or moul defrom a plastics material such as nylon, ypropylene or polyethylene.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, preferred forms of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Fig. 1 is a partial "plan" view of one lumbar support apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is a side "view" of the apparatus of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of one first bracket in accordance with the invention; Fig. 4 is a plan view of the integrally formed fixing means on a waist band in accordance with another form of the invention; Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view of the band of Fig.

4; and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of waist band in accordance with the invention.

The terms "plan" and "side" view or elevation do not strictly refer to the apparatus in situ but refer to the apparatus as shown.

Referring to the drawings there is shown an adjustable bracket 20 having a fixed member 22, for attachment (by means not shown) to seat side frame 21, and a rocking member 23. The fixed member 22 is formed in one piece from an appropriately dimensioned metal plate to form WO 89/09005 PcT/AU89/00137 5 a substantially U-shaped (in cross section) member having a front plate section 24, a lower plate section 25 and a rear plate section 26. Rear plate section 26 includes two upwardly extending lugs 27, the purpose of which will become apparent. The space within the front, lower and rear plate sections is adapted to receive cam device 28 which is operated via cam spindle 29 and hand wheel The rocking member 23 is similarly formed in one piece from an appropriately dimensioned metal plate to form a further substantially U-shaped (in cross section) member having side 31, 32 and top plate 33 sections. Side plate sections 31, 32 include substantially parallel arms which extend downwardly and terminate with waist band engaging means 34 which comprise a greater than semi circular notch disposed in the forward edge of each of the arms. The notch enables a releasable snap fit connection with the waist band as will be later described.

The top plate section 33 of the rocking member 23 includes two slots 36 adapted to receive and pivotally co-operate with the lugs 27 of the fixed member to enable pivotal movement of the rocking member 23 with respect to the fixed member 22 when the cam 28 is operated. The motion of the cam 28 translates to the rocking member by way of cam follower 37. The cam follower 37 is integrally formed as part of the rocking member 23 by forming a forwardly and downwardly projecting lug on the top plate section 33 of the rocking member 23 during its fabrication from metal plate as described above.

The lugs 27, following assembly of the bracket are bent rearwardly (or otherwise deformed) so that the fixed member and rocking member are permanently (in normal usage situations) connected together in a manner which enables limited pivotal or rocking motion between the fixed member 22 and the rocking member 23 as the cam and hand wheel is operated.

The cam, which may be a uniformly spirally increasing cam or a step wise increasing cam with a series of flat surfaces at increasing radial distances from the WO 89109005 PCT/AU89/00137 6 pivotal axis of the cam, when operated causes the rocking member to move forwardly and rearwardly and increase or decrease the distance between the bracket 20 fixed on one side frame of a seat and another bracket 38 (non adjustable) fixed on the opposite side frame of the seat. This motion in turn, as is well known, causes the waist belt to provide greater or lesser support in the lumbar region of the seat to which the device is attached.

Referring to Fig. 3 there is shown a simple fixed bracket for attachment (by means not shown) to the opposite side frame of a seat to the adjustable bracket described above. The bracket 38 is, as with previously described parts, formed in one piece from an appropriately shaped metal plate. The bracket 38 comprises a fixing plate 39 and two substantially parallel side plates 40. Again each of the side plates 40 include downwardly directed arms which terminate in notches 35 as described with respect to bracket The notches again are disposed forwardly (that is to say disposed away from the corresponding bracket on the other side seat frame) to form lock means and enable snap fitting of a waist band appropriately dimensioned.

Referring to Figs. 4 and 5 there is shown another preferred embodiment of this invention. The figures shown partially in plan and cross section, a preferred form of waist band 41 constructed in accordance with the invention.

The waist band 41 has an integrally formed or moulded end portion 42 and belt section 43. The end portion 42 comprises an extension 44 of the belt section 43 and includes side flanges 45 and crosswise flange 46. The flanges 45 and 46 extend equally above and below the extension to support extension 44. The side flanges extend from the end 47 of the extension 44 to the cross flange 46 and thereafter taper towards the belt portion 43.

Slots 48 are provided in the end portion to accommodate the lock means of the bracket 20 or 38 which pass through the slots. Semi circular (cross section) lugs 49 are situated immediately forward of the slots to enable snap fit engagement with the brackets as previously described. If it WO 89/09005 PCT/AU89/00137 7 is desired to provide a waist band having a greater width than the width between the side flange 45, an additional flange 50 may be provided to enable the width of the belt to be increased and suitably supported or strengthened.

Referring to Fig. 6 there is shown a further embodiment of waist band end in accordance with the invention. The waist band 51 terminates in cylindrical end piece 52 having laterally extending lugs 53. The lugs 53 of substantially circular cross section are dimensioned to snap fit within e.g. notch 35 of bracket 20 or similar attachment/lode means of bracket 38. The waist band is preferably formed by moulding in one piece from any suitable material such as hereinbefore described. The belt portion tapers from the end piece to assume the final desired thickness of band as required.

It will be readily apparent from the foreqoing that many modifications may be made to the device(s) described without departing from the scope of the invention. It will be readily apparent also that the invention relates to an improved adjustable bracket for a seat lumbar support, to a remote drive mechanism therefor and to a i.,w construction of integrally formed waist belt either individually and/or in combination.

Claims (24)

1. An adjustable lumbar support for a seat having a first and a second side frame disposed one on either side of the seat which support comprises: a first bracket adapted to be fixed to the first side frame of the seat; a second bracket adapted to be fixed to the second side frame of the seat, said second bracket including a fixed bracket member and a rocking member; said fixed bracket member and said rocking member being pivotally attached to each other solely by means of inter-engaging pivot members formed on said fixed bracket member and said rocking member; said pivotably attached rocking member being adapted to be moved smoothly or step wise through a number of intermediate positions between a first and second position by operation of adjustment means; said first bracket and said rocking member including attachment means adapted to permanently or releasably engage with attachment means on a waist band adapted to extend between said first and second brackets to provide adjustable lumbar support.

2. A lumbar support as claimed in Claim 1 in which the fixed bracket member and the rocking member are pivotably attached by means of deformable projections integrally formed on the fixed bracket member which pivotably engage with co-operating holes in the rocking member.

3. A lumbar support as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which said adjustment means comprises cam means disposed on or in the fixed bracket member anda cam following means integrally formed on the rocking member.

4. A lumbar support as c'aimed in Claims 1 or 2 wherein the waist band is integrally formed in one piece with attachment means adapted to releasably engage with the attachment means of the first bracket and the attachment means on the rocking member of the second bracket. I. C'~ n~C, -9- A lumbar support as claimed in Claim 1 in which the fixed bracket member includes forward, lower and rear sections integrally formed from a metal plate formed in a substantially cross-sectional U shape, said rear section including upwardly extending locating means; and in which the rocking member includes integrally formed upper plate and side plate sections, said upper plate section including orifices adapted to receive and co-operate with the upwardly extending locating means of the fixed bracket member to permit relative rocking movement between said fixed bracket member and said rocking member on operation of the adjustment means.

6. A lumbar support as claimed in Claim 5 in which the locating means comprise upwardly extending tabs or lugs integrally formed on the rear section of the fixed bracket member.

7. A lumbar support as claimed in Claim 6 in which the tabs or lugs also serve to hold the fixed bracket member and the rocking member together when assembled.

8. A lumbar support as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the holding of the fixed bracket member and the rocking member is accomplished by deformation or bending of the tabs or lugs.

9. An adjustable bracket for a seat lumbar support which comprises: S.a fixed bracket member and a rocking member pivotably attached to one another solely by means of inter-engaging pivot members formed on said fixed S" bracket member and said rocking member; said pivotably attached rocking member being adapted to be moved smoothly or step wise through a number of Sintermediate positions between a first and second position by operation of adjustment means; said rocking member including attachment means adapted to permanently or releasably engage with attachment means on a lumbar support waist band. to A bracket as claimed in Claim 9 in which the fixed bracket member and the rocking member are pivotably attached by means of deformable projections integrally formed on the fixed bracket member which pivotably engage with co- operating holes in the rocking member.

11. A bracket as claimed in claim 9 in which said adjustment means comprises cam means disposed on or in the fixed bracket member and a cam following means integrally formed on the rocking member.

12. A bracket as claimed in Claim 11 in which the fixed bracket member includes forward, lower and rear sections integrally formed from a metal plate formed in a substantially cross-sectional U shape, said rear section including upwardly extending locating means; and in which the rocking member includes integrally formed upper plate and side plate sections, said upper plate section including orifices adapted to receive and co-operate with the upwardly extending locating means of the fixed bracket member to permit relative rocking movement between said fixed bracket member and said rocking member on operation of the adjustment means.

13. A bracket as claimed in Claim 12 in which the locating means comprise upwardly extending tabs or lugs integrally formed on the rear section of the fixed bracket member.

14. A bracket as claimed in Claim 13 in which the tabs or lugs also serve to hold the fixed bracket member and the rocking member together when assembled. A bracket as claimed in Claim 14 wherein the holding of the fixed bracket member and the rocking member is accomplished by deformation or bending of thie tabs or lugs. jLJ Ik--

16. An adjustable lumbar support for a seat having a first and a second side frame disposed one on either side of the seat which support comprises: a first bracket adapted to be fixed to the first side frame of the seat; a second bracket adapted to be fixed to the second side frame of the seat, said second bracket including a fixed bracket member and a rocking member; said fixed bracket member and said rocking member being attached to each other solely by means of inter-engaging members formed on said fixed bracket member and said rocking member; said rocking member being adapted to pivot smoothly or step wise through a number of intermediate positions between a first and second position by operation of adjustment means; said first bracket and said rocking member including attachment moans adapted to permanently or releasably engage with attachment means on a waist band adapted to extend between said first and second brackets to provide adjustable lumbar support.

17. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 16 in which the fixed bracket member and the rocdking member are pivotably attached by means of deformable projections integrally formed on the fixed bracket member which pivotably engage with co-operating holes in the rocking member.

18. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 16 or 17 in which said adjustment means comprises cam means disposed on or in the fixed bracket member and a cam following means integrally formed on the rocking member.

19. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 16 or 17 wherein the waist band is integrally formed in one piece with attachment means adapted to releasably engage with the attachment means or the first bracket and the attachment o, means on the rocking member of the second bracket. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 16 in which the fixed bracket member includes forward, lower and rear sections integrally formed from a metal e T plate formed in a substantially cross-sectional U shape, said rear section including upwardly extending locating means; and in which the rocking member includes integrally formed upper plate and side plate sections, said upper plate section including orifices adapted to receive and co-operate with the upwardly extending locating means of the fixed bracket member to permit relative rocking movement between said fixed bracket member and said rocking member on operation of the adjustment means.

21. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 20 in which the locating means comprise upwardly extending tabs or lugs integrally formed on the rear section of the fixed bracket member.

22. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 21 in which the tabs or lugs also serve to hold the fixed bracket member and the rocking member together when assembled.

23. A lumbar support as claimed in claim 22 wherein the holding of the fixed bracket member and the rocking member is accomplished by deformation or bending of the tabs or lugs.

24. An adjustable bracket for a seat lumbar support which comprises: *a fixed bracket member and a rocking member attached to one another solely by means of inter-engaging members formed on said fixed bracket member and said rocking member; said rocking member being adapted to pivot smoothly or step wise through a number of intermediate positions between a first and second position by operation of adjustment means; said rocking member including attachment means adapted to permanently or releasably engage with attachment means on a lumbar support waist band. T I1l A bracket as claimed in claim 24 in which the fixed bracket member and the rocking member are pivotably attached by means of deformable projections integrally formed on the fixed bracket member which pivotably engage with co- operating holes in the rocking member.

26. A bracket as claimed in claim 24 in which said adjustment means comprises cam means disposed on or in the fixed bracket member and a cam following means integrally formed on the rocking member.

27. A bracket as claimed in claim 26 in which the fixed bracket member includes forward, lower and rear sections integrally formed from a metal plate formed in a substantially cross-sectional U shape, said rear section including upwardly extending locating means; and in which the rocking member includes integrally formed upper plate and side plate sections, said upper plate section including orifices adapted to receive and co-operate with the upwardly extending locating means of the fixed bracket member to permit relative rocking movement between said fixed bracket member and said rocking member on operation of the adjustment means.

28. A bracket as claimed in claim 27 in which the locating means comprise upwardly extending tabs or lugs integrally formed on the rear section of the fixed Sbracket member.

29. A bracket as claimed in claim 28 in which the tabs or lugs also serve to Shold the fixed bracket member and the rocking member together when S: assembled. A bracket as claimed in claim 29 wherein the holding of the fixed bracket member and the rocking member is accomplished by deformation or bending of the tabs or lugs. DATED this 26th day of January 1993 HENDERSON'S FEDERAL SPRING WORKS PTY. LTD. WATERMARK PATENT TRADEMARK ATTORNEYS THE ATRIUM 290 BURWOOD ROAD HAWTHORN VICTORIA 3122 AUSTRALIA