Lumbar Support Device

Abstract

In an adjustable lumbar support device, a wire framework essentially consisting of two lateral side wires ( 4 ) and a plurality of transverse wires ( 8 ) is connected to a seat frame via a pair of support means ( 5 ), each preferably formed of a wire. A first connecting portion ( 5 a ) of the support means ( 5 ) is pivotably connected to a respective longitudinal side of the seat frame. A second connecting portion ( 5 b ) is connected to one of the lateral side wires ( 4 ). A third connecting portion ( 5 c ) is coupled to the third connecting portion ( 5 c ) of the support means ( 5 ) located on the opposite longitudinal side of the seat frame by means of an actuating means ( 10 ), preferably formed by a Bowden cable. In response to the action of the actuating means ( 10 ), the third connecting portions are pulled toward each other, thereby pivoting the support means ( 5 ) and moving the wire framework in a direction perpendicular to its plane.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
   
   
       11 . A lumbar support device comprising:
 a wire framework for incorporation into a seat frame, the wire framework having two lateral side wires and a plurality of transverse wires; and   an adjusting mechanism configured for adjusting the degree of lumbar support provided by the lumbar support device,   the adjusting mechanism comprising:   a first support means having a first connecting portion for pivotably connecting to one longitudinal side of the seat frame, a second connecting portion connected to one of the lateral side wires, and a third connecting portion for connecting to an actuating means; and   a second support means having a first connecting portion for pivotably connecting to another longitudinal side of the seat frame, a second connecting portion connected to another of the lateral side wires, and a third connecting portion for connecting to the actuating means;   wherein the actuating means is configured to move the third connecting portions of the first and second support means with respect to each other.   
   
   
       12 . A lumbar support device according to  claim 12 ,
 wherein the first and second support means each essentially consist of a wire.   
   
   
       13 . The lumbar support device according to  claim 13 ,
 wherein the wire extends essentially in parallel to the lateral side wires in the first, second and/or third connecting portions.   
   
   
       14 . A lumbar support device according to  claim 13 ,
 wherein the wire is coated with a plastic material.   
   
   
       15 . A lumbar support device according to  claim 12  wherein the first and second support means are each connected to the respective lateral side wire by means of a clip enclosing both the lateral side wire and the second connecting portion of the support means. 
   
   
       16 . A lumbar support device according to  claim 12  wherein the actuating means comprises a Bowden cable. 
   
   
       17 . A lumbar support device according to  claim 12  wherein the third connecting portions are located behind a plane defined by the wire framework. 
   
   
       18 . A lumbar support device according to  claim 12  wherein, in a rest state, the third connecting portions are located behind a plane defined by the first connecting portions. 
   
   
       19 . A lumbar support device according to  claim 12  wherein the lateral side wires are connected to the seat frame at at least one of their end portions. 
   
   
       20 . A lumbar support device according to  claim 12  wherein the wire framework is configured to provide support for upholstery of a backrest of a seat. 
   
   
       21 . A vehicle seat comprising:
 a seat frame;   a wire framework incorporated into the seat frame, the wire framework having two lateral side wires and a plurality of transverse wires; and   an adjusting mechanism configured for adjusting the degree of lumbar support, an adjusting mechanism having an actuating means, a first support means having a first connecting portion pivotably connected to one longitudinal side of the seat frame, a second connecting portion connected to one of the lateral side wires, and a third connecting portion for connecting to the actuating means; and   a second support means having a first connecting portion pivotably connected to another longitudinal side of the seat frame, a second connecting portion connected to another of the lateral side wires, and a third connecting portion for connecting to the actuating means wherein the actuating means is configured to move the third connecting portions of the first and second support means with respect to each other.