Apparatus and method for varying coefficients of friction in a variable apex back support
AssigneeL&P Property Management Company
InventorsJames T. Ligon, Sr., Stephen T. Porter, James T. Ligon, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A flexible back support for use in seats such as automobile seats or office chairs, includes a central body portion with outwardly extending support fingers such that an arch having a variable apex is formed when the back support is subtended longitudinally. The longitudinal location of an apex and the shape of the arch formed on the back support changes responsively to a load imposed by a person's back. Noise, galling, wear and rough movement between moving parts of the flexible back support are reduced by the coefficient of friction reduction method of the present invention.
Claims41
A back support for use within a seatback, comprising:
- a flexible support member having a longitudinal axis and first and second longitudinal ends;
- at least one of said first longitudinal end and said second longitudinal end being relatively displaceable within said seatback;
- mounts on at least one of said first and second longitudinal ends, said mounts being configured to be in moving communication with attachment elements that attach said flexible support member to said seatback such that said first longitudinal end and said second longitudinal end are relatively displaceable;
- said moving communication of said mounts with said attachment elements having a selectively varying coefficient of friction.
An ergonomic support comprising:
- a first and a second horizontal bar, each adapted for mounting on a seat frame;
- a single-piece flexible support member having two ends, a first longitudinal end having a clamping member rotatably attaching said first end to said first horizontal bar and a second end having a holding member pivotably and slideably attaching said second end to said second bar such that said holding member pivots about and relative to an axis of said second horizontal bar;
- a traction element attached to said support member substantially proximate to said ends, for longitudinally subtending said support member, whereby said support member arches outwardly to support a user's back;
- and
- said flexible support member being treated over a portion of its surface for selectively varying the coefficient of friction at said portions.
The ergonomic support of claims wherein said tape includes a layer comprised of UHMWPE.
The ergonomic support of claim wherein said flexible pressure surface is stamped metal.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.