Variable apex back support

Abstract

A flexible back support for use in seats such as automobile seats or office chairs.

1 . An ergonomic support for a seat having a flexible support member ( 12 ) having two longitudinally spaced ends ( 16 ,  20 ) and means attached to said support member for subtending said support member ( 44 ) whereby said support member arches outwardly to support a users body, 
 characterized in that;    said flexible support member has a first portion with a coefficient of friction that varies from at least one other coefficient of friction on at least one other portion of said flexible support member.    
     
     
         2 . The ergonomic support of  claim 1 , wherein one of said longitudinally spaced ends has clamping members ( 38 ) adapted to rotatably engage a bar ( 14 ).  
     
     
         3 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein a second longitudinally spaced end has at least one holding member adapted to slidably engage a horizontal bar ( 18 ).  
     
     
         4 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein one of said first said portion or said second portion of said flexible support member is coated ( 30 ) or smoothed by a vibratory material removal process.  
     
     
         5 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said first portion having a varied coefficient of friction is said clamping portion of one of said longitudinally spaced ends or wherein said first portion is said holding member adapted to slidably engage a horizontal bar.  
     
     
         6 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein a surface of said flexible support member includes a portion having a varied coefficient of friction.  
     
     
         7 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible support member has fingers ( 32 ).  
     
     
         8 . The ergonomic support of  claim 7 , wherein said fingers include a portion having a varied coefficient of friction.  
     
     
         9 . The ergonomic support of any of the claims  7 - 8 , wherein said fingers are angled relative to a plane defined by a central body of said flexible support member.  
     
     
         10 . The ergonomic support of  claim 7 , wherein said fingers have peripheral edges ( 34 ) that are bent back.  
     
     
         11 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible support member has longitudinal strips ( 24 ,  26 ).  
     
     
         12 . The ergonomic support of  claim 11 , wherein said longitudinal strips include a potion having a varied coefficient of friction.  
     
     
         13 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said portion having a varying coefficient of friction has a tape fabricated of low friction plastic.  
     
     
         14 . The ergonomic support of  claim 13 , wherein said tape is made of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, ultra high density polyethylene or plastic metal foil.  
     
     
         15 . The ergonomic support of  claim 14 , wherein said tape has metal foil about 0.002 inch thick metal (e.g. aluminum).  
     
     
         16 . The ergonomic support of  claim 14 , wherein said tape has a plastic layer about 0.001 inch thick.  
     
     
         17 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said varied coefficient of friction is had by a lubricant.  
     
     
         18 . The ergonomic support of  claim 17 , wherein said lubricant is krytox® oil.  
     
     
         19 . The ergonomic support of  claim 17 , wherein said lubricant has a viscosity index of about 124.  
     
     
         20 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible support surface is mounted on vertically oriented bars.  
     
     
         21 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said coatings include powder coatings or graphite powder coatings.  
     
     
         22 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said coating is in a range from about 0.005 inches to about 0.1 inches thick.  
     
     
         23 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said first portion having a varying coefficient of friction covers about 10% to about 50% of the surface area of said flexible support member.  
     
     
         24 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said varying coefficient of friction exists across a range of temperatures from about 400 Fahrenheit to about 1800 Fahrenheit.  
     
     
         25 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible support member is made of metal or plastic.  
     
     
         26 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible support member is made of a combination of metal and plastic.  
     
     
         27 . The ergonomic support of  claim 26 , wherein said flexible support member has a central portion that is metal and peripheral fingers that are plastic.  
     
     
         28 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible support member is configured to engage a cantilever support member ( 112 ).  
     
     
         29 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible support member is mounted in a seat.  
     
     
         30 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said flexible support member is mounted in a back of a seat.  
     
     
         31 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said means for subtending are mechanical or electrical.  
     
     
         32 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein a portion of said subtending means has first and second portions with varied coefficients of friction.  
     
     
         33 . The ergonomic support of any of the preceding claims, wherein said portion having a varied coefficient of friction is adapted to abut upholstery, foam, fabric, leather or plastic.