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Lumbar supportLumbar support description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20080023996, Lumbar support. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a lumbar support that is durable, cost effective to manufacture and has improved operating characteristics. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Published United States Patent 2004/0104610 discloses a lumbar support device having a series of adjustable straps extending between the side portions of a molded shell. The straps extend across the shell and are adjustable in length to provide a customized fit for the back profile of a user and in particular, to provide proper support for the lumbar region of the user. The device includes a full cover over the face of the device such that the straps between the side portions of the shell are positioned and hidden behind the cover. Typically, the cover includes a foam cushion member between the straps and the cover providing an effective insulation layer and heat retention adjacent the user's back can be a problem. [0003] Our own U.S. Pat. No. 6,971,717 discloses an improved arrangement where the straps are biased when the straps are released to automatically return the straps to an initial position in preparation for custom fitting by a user. The cover and the foam layer provide a drag on the straps returning to the initial position, such that the bias members must be relatively strong and costly. [0004] Each of the above lumbar supports include the full cover providing a finished front face to the lumbar support as well as a finished face to the rear of the support device. In the case of our own patent, the full fitted cover provides additional resistance to the straps returned to the initial position and thus, the biasing member provided for each strap, must be relatively strong. Furthermore, the fabric cover includes an intermediate foam cushion layer, further increasing the drag and heat retention can cause some user inconvenience. [0005] The lumbar support of the present invention provides improved durability of the device. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] A lumbar support according to the present invention includes a molded plastic shell of a shallow U-shape defined by a rear portion with two forwardly extending side portions. A series of adjustable straps extend between the side portions of the molded shell adjacent a forward edge of each side portion and positioned in front of, and spaced from, the rear portion. Each strap is independently adjustable in length across the shell to allow setting thereof to accommodate setting thereof to the back profile of a user. Each strap is lockable relative to the shell to secure the strap in a set position of the user. The lumbar support includes a cushion member supported by these straps and defining a front face of the lumbar support. The lumbar support includes an open air circulation channel between the rear portion of the shell and the straps. [0007] In a preferred aspect of the invention, the cushion member terminates inwardly of each side portion and defines side air circulation portions between the side portions of the molded shell and the cushion member. [0008] In a further aspect of the invention, the cushion member is a sleeve with the straps passing through the sleeve. [0009] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the sleeve includes a central seam extending across the sleeve with some of the straps positioned to one side of the central seam. Other straps positioned to an opposite side of the central seam. [0010] In yet a further aspect of the invention, the cushioned sleeve is sized to generally correspond to the vertical dimensions between an upper strap and a lower strap of such straps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein: [0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the backrest support supported on an office chair; [0013] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the backrest support; [0014] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the backrest support; [0015] FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the cushioned sleeve and its cooperation with the support straps; [0016] FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view showing securement of the straps to the rear of the shell; [0017] FIG. 6 is a planned schematic view of the backrest support; and [0018] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view showing the clamping mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0019] The lumbar support 2 shown in FIG. 1 is placed on an office chair 80 and is retained adjacent the back of the office chair by means of a retaining strap 40. The lumbar support 2 includes a molded shell 4 having a rear portion 6 and side portions 8 and 10 supporting the rear portion at a raised position. Each of the side portions extend forwardly of the rear portion and include support legs 12 and 14. With this arrangement, the support legs are positioned either side of the open central portion 16 below the rear portion 6. This basically provides additional space to accommodate the user's buttocks in close proximity to the cushioned back portion of the office chair or an upright back of a different chair like support structure. Continue reading about Lumbar support... Full patent description for Lumbar support Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Lumbar support patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Lumbar support or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Motor vehicle seat Next Patent Application: Chair with adjustable seat height Industry Class: Chairs and seats ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Lumbar support patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.1378 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Novartis , Pfizer , Philips , Polaroid , Procter & Gamble , 174 |
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