Lumbar support

Abstract

A lumbar support uses a molded plastic shell and a series of adjustable straps to provide a support that can be easily fitted to a user's lower back profile. A thing cushion member, preferably a cushion sleeve, is supported on the straps and does not extend to the rear portion of the plastic shell, and preferably does not extend to the sides of the shell. Air circulation channels are defined between the thin cushion member and the rear of the molded plastic shell to assist in heat removal during use of the lumbar support. This lumbar support structure is also readily modified for increased durability that different applications demand.

1 . A lumbar support comprising a molded plastic shell of a shallow “U” shape defined by a rear portion and two forwardly extending side portions; said molded plastic shell including a series of adjustable straps extending between said side portions adjacent a forward edge of each side portion and positioned in front of and spaced from said rear portion; each strap being independently adjustable in length across said shell to allow settings thereof to a lower back profile of a user; each strap being releasably fixable to said shell to define a strap in a set position of the user; said lumbar support including a cushion member supported by said straps and defining a front face of said lumbar support; and wherein said lumber support includes an open air circulation channel intermediate said rear portion of said molded plastic shell and said straps.  
   
   
       2 . A lumbar support as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said cushion member terminates inwardly of each side portion defining side air circulation portions between said side portions of said molded plastic shell and said cushion member.  
   
   
       3 . A lumbar support as claimed in  claim 2  wherein said cushion member is a sleeve with said straps passing through said sleeve.  
   
   
       4 . A lumber support as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said sleeve includes a central seam extending across the sleeve with some of said straps positioned on one side of said central seam and some of said straps positioned on an opposite side of said central seam.  
   
   
       5 . A lumber support as claimed in  claim 3  wherein said cushion sleeve is of a size to generally correspond to a vertical spacing between an upper strap and a lower strap of said straps.  
   
   
       6 . A lumbar support comprising a molded plastic shell of a shallow “U” shape defined by a rear portion and two forwardly extending side portions; said molded plastic shell including an adjustable support substrate extending between said side portions adjacent a forward edge of each side portion and positioned in front of and spaced from said rear portion; said adjustable support substrate allowing adjustment to conform to a lower back profile of a user; and wherein said lumber support includes an open air circulation channel intermediate said rear portion of said molded plastic shell and said adjustable support substrate.  
   
   
       7 . A lumbar support as claimed in  claim 6  wherein said adjustable support substrate includes a cushion portion supported in front of said support substrate.  
   
   
       8 . A lumbar support as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said cushion portion terminates inwardly of each side portion to define side air circulation portions between said side portions of said molded plastic shell and said cushion portion.  
   
   
       9 . A lumbar support as claimed in  claim 7  wherein said cushion portion is a sleeve with said support substrate passing through said sleeve.