Abstract:
An occupant lumbar support system includes a flexible lumbar support member having homogenously connected first and second connection braces. The lumbar support member is deflectable to a plurality of lumbar support positions. A rigid displacement rod is connected at a first rod end to one of the connection braces. A lumbar member actuation mechanism has a rotatable first actuation arm receiving a second displacement rod end. The actuation member translates the displacement rod causing the first and second connection braces to move toward each other, deflecting the lumbar support member to any of the lumbar support positions. A cable is connected at a first end to an actuation mechanism second actuation arm and at a second end to a displaceable lever manually movable to co-rotate the first and second actuation arms and translate the displacement rod.

Description:
FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to lumbar support systems for furniture including occupant support members. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art. 
         [0003]    Conventionally, reclining articles of furniture (i.e., chairs, sofas, loveseats, and the like), referred to hereinafter generally as reclining chairs, utilize a mechanism to bias a leg rest assembly in extended and stowed positions and separate components to allow a back seat member to recline with respect to a seat base. Known furniture members can also include mechanism designs that also permit the reclining chair to rock in a front-to-back motion with respect to an occupant. Occupant lumbar support is commonly provided by one or more cushion members which abut with or are connected to a horizontally configured member such as a strap or similar flexible member. This member is commonly joined at its ends to vertically oriented backrest side support arms which are in turn rotatably connected to a furniture member chair frame. 
         [0004]    Most reclining chairs upholster the chair frame and support the chair frame from a stationary base assembly in a manner permitting the chair frame to “rock” freely with respect to the base assembly. In order to provide enhanced comfort and convenience, many rocking chairs also include a “reclinable” seat assembly and/or an “extensible” leg rest assembly. For example, combination platform rocking/reclining chairs, as disclosed in Applicant&#39;s U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,096,121 and 4,179,157, permit reclining movement of the seat assembly and actuation of the leg rest assembly independently of the conventional “rocking” action. The leg rest assembly is operably coupled to a drive mechanism to permit the seat occupant to selectively move the leg rest assembly between its normally retracted (i.e., stowed) and elevated (i.e., extended or protracted) positions. 
         [0005]    Because lumbar support is substantially fixed to the back seat member, as the back seat member rotates the lumbar cushion(s) will commonly extend forwardly and upwardly. This creates a different lumbar support “feeling” for the different rotated positions of the seat back. The above lumbar support systems are not adjustable by the occupant, and therefore can result in discomfort in either the fully reclined or upright positions, or in the leg rest extended position for different occupants. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features. Co-pending disclosures having attorney docket numbers 1202P-000445 and 1202P-000446 each filed on the same date as the present disclosure are commonly assigned to the assignee of the present disclosure. The entire disclosures of each of the above applications identified by attorney docket numbers 1202P-000445 and 1202P-000446 are incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0007]    According to several embodiments of the present disclosure, an occupant lumbar support system for a furniture member includes a flexible occupant lumbar support member having first and second connection braces. The lumbar support member is deflectable to any one of a plurality of occupant lumbar support positions. At least one guide rod is slidably disposed through both the first and second connection braces operating to slidingly guide one of the first and second connection braces during movement toward and away from the other of the first and second connection braces. A support tube oriented transverse to the guide rod is rotatable to maintain continuous contact of the support tube and the guide rod such that the support tube provides continuous contact support for a first end of the lumbar support member. 
         [0008]    According to other embodiments, an occupant lumbar support system for a furniture member includes a flexible occupant lumbar support member having first and second connection braces. The lumbar support member is deflectable to any one of a plurality of occupant lumbar support positions. A rigid displacement rod is connected at a first rod end to one of the first and second connection braces. A lumbar member actuation mechanism positioned rearward of the lumbar support member has a rotatable first actuation arm engageably receiving a second rod end of the displacement rod. The lumbar member actuation member operates to translate the displacement rod causing one the first and second connection braces to move toward the other of the first and second connection braces, deflecting the flexible occupant lumbar support member to any one of a plurality of lumbar support positions. A cable is connected at a first end to a second actuation arm of the lumbar member actuation mechanism and at a second end to a displaceable lever manually movable to co-rotate both the first and second actuation arms and to translate the displacement rod. 
         [0009]    According to still other embodiments, a furniture member lumbar support system includes a back support portion connected to a base portion, the back support portion including opposed first and second wings. A lumbar support system is connected to the back support portion. The lumbar support system includes a support tube rotatably connected to the first and second opposed wings. A flexible occupant lumbar support member is in continuous contact with but is not connected to the support tube. A lumbar adjustment mechanism is supported by the base portion and operates to deflect the lumbar support member to a plurality of lumbar support positions. 
         [0010]    According to further embodiments, a furniture member lumbar support system includes a back support portion connected to a base portion. The back support portion includes opposed substantially vertically oriented first and second wings. A lumbar support system connected to the back support portion includes a support tube having a tube body with opposed first and second tube ends oriented transverse to the tube body. The first and second tube ends are individually rotatably connected to one of the first and second opposed wings. A flexible occupant lumbar support member is in continuous contact with but is not connected to the support tube at a first end of the lumbar support member. A biasing member connected to the first and second wings and to a second end of the lumbar support member allows forward and rearward movement of the second end. 
         [0011]    According to further embodiments, a method for controlling an occupant lumbar support system of a furniture member, including a flexible occupant lumbar support member having homogenously connected first and second connection braces, first and second guide rods, and a support tube comprises: slidably disposing both the first and second guide rods through both the first and second connection braces to guide the first and second connection braces for movement toward and away from each other; biasing a rotatable support tube transversely oriented to the first and second guide rods to maintain continuous contact of a body of the support tube with the first and second guide rods such that the support tube provides continuous contact support for a first end of the lumbar support member; and deflecting the lumbar support member to any one of a plurality of occupant lumbar support positions. 
         [0012]    Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
     
    
     
       DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  is a front right perspective view of a furniture member having a lumbar support system of the present disclosure; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a front elevational view of the furniture member of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a front right perspective view of the lumbar support system of  FIG. 1  connected to a back support portion; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a front left perspective view of the lumbar support system of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a rear right perspective view of the lumbar support system of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a right side elevational view of the lumbar support system of  FIG. 4  in a fully retracted position; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is the right side elevational view of  FIG. 6  showing the lumbar support system initial extension position; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is a front left perspective view of the lumbar support system in an extended position; 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a rear right perspective view of the lumbar support system in the extended position; 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  is a right side elevational view of the lumbar support system in the extended position; 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  is a right side elevational view of the lumbar support system in a fully extended position having the lumbar mechanism in an over-center engaged position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  is a left front perspective view of the furniture member in a reclined position with the lumbar support system in the fully retracted position; and 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  is a left front perspective view similar to  FIG. 12  having the lumbar support system in the fully extended position. 
       
    
    
       [0027]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0028]    Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
         [0029]    Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
         [0030]    The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
         [0031]    When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
         [0032]    Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
         [0033]    Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a furniture member  10  of the present disclosure is presented generally in the form of a rocking, reclining chair, however furniture member  10  can be any type of seating or occupant support member including a sofa, love-seat, sectional member, non-rocking reclining chair or the like. Furniture member  10  includes a base portion  12  which can fixedly or rotatably support a back support portion  14 . According to several embodiments, a head rest portion  16  can be connected to back support portion  14 . A base support section  18  which is connected to base portion  12  can be positioned on a planar surface such as a floor. First and second armrest members  20 ,  22  are fixedly connected to base portion  12  and provide occupant arm support and additional features that will be further described herein. 
         [0035]    A plurality of sinuous wire members  23  can be suspended over a cavity  24  created within a frame pan  25  of base portion  12 . Sinuous wire members  23  provide vertical support for the weight of an occupant of furniture member  10 , with the sinuous wire members being allowed to downwardly deflect into the cavity  24 . According to several embodiments, sinuous wire members  23  are made of a spring steel material. When the weight of the occupant is supported by sinuous wire members  23 , back support portion  14  provides a back or back rest support for the occupant of furniture member  10 . A leg rest extension device  26  such as a hand lever or switch can be used to extend and/or retract an occupant leg rest  28  (shown in a fully retracted position). 
         [0036]    Back support portion  14  can be formed from wood members such as first and second side frame members  30 ,  32  which are connected to a rear frame member  34 . A lumbar support system  36  can be movably connected to rear frame member  34 . A support position of lumbar support system  36  can be varied from the fully retracted position shown in  FIG. 1  forward toward the lumbar region of an occupant of furniture member  10  at the discretion of the occupant. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , lumbar support system  36  provides a flexible body  38  which is movably supported at a lower end by a support tube  40 . Support tube  40  includes a central tube body  41  having a first tube end  42  connected to first side frame member  30  by a first support tube biasing mechanism  44 . Similarly, a second tube end  46  of body  41  is connected to second side frame member  32  using a second support tube biasing mechanism  48 . First and second tube ends  42  and  46  are each configured substantially transverse to the generally horizontal orientation of central tube body  41 . The rearward deflection of an upper end of flexible body  38  can be restrained by contact with rear frame member  34  at a connecting element  50 . Connecting element  50  is attached to a flexible member  52  which is connected at opposite ends to each of first and second side frame members  30 ,  32 . According to several embodiments flexible member  52  is a sinuous wire spring which is supported at opposite ends and therefore allows for movement in either a forward or rearward direction with respect to connecting element  50 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , rear frame member  34  can include first and second frame elements  54 ,  56  which provide a positive stop for displacement of flexible body  38  and connecting element  50 , as well as flexible member  52 . Flexible body  38  can also include first and second body wings  58 ,  60 . First and second body wings  58 ,  60  provide lateral support for the occupant with respect to back support portion  14 . Flexible member  52  includes opposed connection ends  61 ,  61 ′ (only connection end  61  is visible in  FIG. 3 ). A clip  62  is used to connect each of the connection ends  61 ,  61 ′ of flexible member  52  to individual ones of the first and second side frame members  30 ,  32 . Connecting element  50  is fixed to flexible member  52  by a first and a second coupling portion  63 ,  63 ′ which are snap-engaged to first and second legs  64 ,  64 ′ of flexible member  52 . Connecting element  50  is also connected to each of a first and a second guide rod  66 ,  68  which are arranged substantially parallel to each of first and second side frame members  30 ,  32 . The connection of connecting element  50  to each of the first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  is a sliding connection which allows limited vertical displacement of connecting element  50  with respect to first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  as the weight of the occupant on back support portion  14  flexes flexible member  52  either forwardly or rearwardly from the position shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0039]    Components of second support tube biasing mechanism  48  are similar to the components of first support tube biasing mechanism  44  (not shown in  FIG. 3 ), therefore the following discussion of the components of second support tube biasing mechanism  48  is also applicable to first support tube biasing mechanism  44 . Second support tube biasing mechanism  48  includes a biasing mechanism bracket  69  which is connected to second side frame member  32  using a plurality of bracket pins  70 . Biasing mechanism bracket  69  is rotatably connected to a biasing mechanism bracket arm  71 , and both biasing mechanism bracket  69  and biasing mechanism bracket arm  71  are biased with respect to each other using a first support tube biasing element  72  such as a tension spring. First support tube biasing element  72  includes a first connecting leg  73  which is connected to biasing mechanism bracket  69 , and a second connecting leg  74  which is connected to biasing mechanism bracket arm  71 . A biasing mechanism connection bracket  75  is fixed to second tube end  46  and is rotatably connected to biasing mechanism bracket arm  71  using a connection bracket pin  76 . A support tube longitudinal axis  78  defines a null or initial position for support tube  40  when flexible body  38  of lumbar support system  36  is in the fully retracted position shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , a sub-assembly of lumbar support system  36  prior to installation in furniture member  10  is shown. The component parts of first and second support tube biasing mechanisms,  44 ,  48  are generally arranged as mirror image configurations of each other. The biasing mechanism brackets  69 ,  69 ′ are rotatably connected to the biasing mechanism bracket arms  71 ,  71 ′ using a rotational fastener  79 ,  79 ′ such as a rivet. Flexible body  38  further includes a body panel  80  which is delineated from the first and second body wings  58 ,  60  by first and second bends  82 ,  84 . First and second bends  82 ,  84  allow first and second body wings  58 ,  60  to extend forwardly with respect to body panel  80  and therefore provide lateral support for the occupant of the furniture member. A plurality of support fingers  86  are created in each of the first and second body wings  58 ,  60 . The support fingers  86  provide additional flexibility of the first and second body wings  58 ,  60  along the back area of the occupant of the furniture member. 
         [0041]    First and second rod ends  88 ,  90  are created for example by bending first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  at an angle, for example, substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first and second guide rods  66 ,  68 . First and second rod ends  88 ,  90  provide positive stops for displacement of connecting element  50  with respect to the first and second guide rods  66 ,  68 . A rod joining end  92  defines a substantially U-shape for the combination of the first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  and rod joining end  92 . Rod joining end  92  also provides a positive stop for downward displacement of flexible body  38 . A sliding motion of flexible body  38  on each of the first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  is permitting by sliding engagement between the first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  with respect to a first connection brace  94  which is fixedly or homogonously connected to body panel  80 . The sliding motion of first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  with respect to first connection brace  94  is allowed by a sliding fit with first and second rod apertures  96 ,  96 ′ created in first connection brace  94 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , a second connection brace  98  which is similar to first connection brace  94  is fixedly connected to or homogonously extends from flexible body  38  at an opposite end of flexible body  38  with respect to first connection brace  94 . Rod joining end  92  provides a positive stop during downward displacement of second connection brace  98 . First and second rod apertures  100 ,  100 ′ created in second connection brace  98  allow for sliding motion of second connection brace  98  with respect to first and second guide rods  66 ,  68 . 
         [0043]    A lumbar member actuation mechanism  102  is connected to a rear facing surface of central tube body  41 . Lumbar member actuation mechanism  102  includes a mounting plate  104  fixedly connected to support tube  40  for example by fastening or welding. A first actuation arm  106  is rotatably connected to mounting plate  104  using a first actuation arm pin  108 . A second actuation arm  110  is rotatably connected to first actuation arm  106  also using first actuation arm pin  108 . A third actuation arm  112  is rotatably connected to first actuation arm  106  using a second actuation arm pin  114 . 
         [0044]    A biasing element connection bracket  116  is also fixedly connected to support tube  40  proximate to first tube end  42 , for example by fastening or welding. A first tension spring  118  is connected between an upper end of second actuation arm  110  and biasing element connection bracket  116  to bias second actuation arm  110  in a generally clockwise direction of rotation about first actuation arm pin  108  as viewed in  FIG. 5 . A first spring leg  120  of first tension spring  118  is connected through an aperture  122  of second actuation arm  110 . A second spring leg  124  is connected through an aperture  126  of biasing element connection bracket  116 . A second tension spring  128  is connected between third actuation arm  112  and biasing element connection bracket  116  by a first spring leg  130  received in an aperture  132  of a bracket leg  134  of biasing element connection bracket  116 . A second spring leg  138  is connected through an aperture in third actuation arm  112  at an opposite end of third actuation arm  112  from the position of second actuation arm pin  114 . According to several embodiments a spring constant K 2  of second tension spring  128  is larger than a spring constant K 1  of first tension spring  118  and therefore provides a larger spring bias force than first tension spring  118 . Second tension spring  128  in the fully retracted position of flexible body  38  shown in  FIG. 5  is flexibly extended, however its biasing force acts through second actuation arm pin  114  which is positioned above first actuation arm pin  108 , creating an over-center force path which allows the smaller biasing force created by first tension spring  118  to retain the fully retracted position of flexible body  38 . Bracket leg  134  also provides a plurality of spring tension adjustment apertures  136  which can be used as substitutes for receiving first spring leg  130  to adjust the spring force applied by second tension spring  128  at the discretion of the manufacturer. An offset portion  140  of third actuation arm  112  provides motion clearance between third actuation arm  112  and second actuation arm  110 . 
         [0045]    A rigid displacement rod  142  includes a first rod hook end  144  disposed through a hook receiving aperture  146  of first connection brace  94 . A second rod hook end  148  is engaged through a hook receiving aperture  150  created in first actuation arm  106 . A flexible cable  152  which is slidably received in a cable sheath  154  provides the motive force for the occupant of the furniture member to adjust a flex position of the flexible body  38  of lumbar support system  36 . A cable sheath stop  156  is connected to a sheath retention bracket  158  of biasing element connection bracket  116 . A cable connection leg  160  which is formed on a free end of cable  152  is received in a cable receiving aperture  162  created at a lower end of second actuation arm  110 . An opposite end of cable  152  (not shown in this view) is connected to a mechanism which will be discussed in further detail in reference to  FIG. 13 . According to additional embodiments, displacement rod  142  can be similarly connected to second connection brace  98  instead of first connection brace  94 , and the orientation of lumbar member actuation mechanism  102  reversed to cause an upward motion of the reverse oriented displacement rod  142 . Displacement rod  142  can therefore be connected at a first end to either one of the first and second connection braces  94  or  98 . 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , when the lumbar support system  36  is positioned in the retracted position and the first side frame member  30  is in the upright position (shown in phantom) support tube  40  is in contact with the first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  to retain the general configuration shown for flexible body  38 . In the upright position, first tube end  42  defines an angle α with respect to first and second guide rods  66 ,  68 . First support tube biasing element  72 ′ is substantially contracted and provides little or no biasing force between biasing mechanism bracket  69 ′ and biasing mechanism bracket arm  71 ′. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 7  and again to  FIG. 6 , as first side frame member  30  is rotated rearwardly to a reclined position (shown in greater detail in reference to  FIG. 13 ), biasing mechanism bracket  69  rotates in a general rearward direction “A” about rotational fastener  79 ′ and biasing mechanism bracket arm  71 ′ rotates about an arc “B” with respect to a pin rotation axis  164  defined by connection bracket pin  76 ′. First tube end  42  rotates in a clockwise direction until first tube end  42  defines an angle β with respect to first and second guide rods  66 ,  68 . This clockwise rotation of first tube end  42  maintains contact between support tube  40  and first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  such that flexible body  38  continues to provide lumbar support throughout the rotation of the first and second side frame members  30 ,  32  to the reclined position. The combined rotation of biasing mechanism bracket  69  in the direction “A” about an axis of rotational fastener  79 ′ and the clockwise rotation of biasing mechanism bracket arm  71 ′ in the rotational direction “B” extends support tube biasing element  72 ′ which therefore creates a biasing force in first support tube biasing element  72 ′. This biasing force assists in returning the configuration of first support tube biasing mechanism  44  to the arrangement shown in  FIG. 6  when the first and second side frame members  30 ,  32  are returned to the upright position. Support tube  40  therefore continuously contacts first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  to maintain continuous lower lumbar support to the occupant of the furniture member throughout the entire rotation of back support portion  14  between the upright and the fully reclined positions. 
         [0048]    Referring to  FIG. 8  and again to  FIG. 5 , a fully extended or fully arched position of body panel  80  of flexible body  38  can be provided at the discretion of the occupant by repositioning the cable  152  shown in  FIG. 5 . Retracting cable  152  into cable sheath  154  reconfigures lumbar member actuation mechanism  102  to provide a downward displacement of first connection brace  94  with respect to rod joining end  92 . First rod hook end  144  in contact with first connection brace  94  pulls first connection brace  94  in a downward direction “C” which creates a forward bending or bowing of body panel  80  in a forward direction “D” thus increasing lumbar support for the occupant. The maximum forward bowed point of body panel  80  occurs substantially midway between first connection brace  94  and rod joining end  92 . 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , as cable  152  retracts into cable sheath  154  second actuation arm  110  is rotated about first actuation arm pin  108  in a counterclockwise direction of rotation “E”. Because first actuation arm  106  is frictionally coupled to second actuation arm  110 , rotation of second actuation arm  110  causes a subsequent counterclockwise rotation “F” about first actuation arm pin  108  of first actuation arm  106 . Rotation of first actuation arm  106  downwardly displaces displacement rod  142  in the direction “C” and causes an upward displacement of second connection brace  98  in a direction “G”. Body panel  80  is thereby forwardly bowed or deflected to infinitely change the amount of lumbar support as desired by the occupant. As first actuation arm  106  rotates in the counterclockwise direction “F”, second actuation arm pin  114  is displaced to a position below the center of first actuation arm pin  108  thereby permitting the biasing force of extended second tension spring  128  to further assist with the extension of body panel  80 . First tension spring  118  extends during this operation which provides a biasing force to help return lumbar member actuation mechanism  102  to the configuration shown in  FIG. 5  when reduced lumbar support is again required. 
         [0050]    Referring to  FIG. 10  and again  FIG. 6 , the orientation of first support tube biasing mechanism  44  in the back support portion  14  fully upright position is not changed by the full extension of flexible body  38 . A spacing “H” decreases between first connection brace  94  and second connection brace  98  as flexible body  38  moves from the fully retracted to the fully extended position. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 11  and again to  FIG. 7 , support tube  40  continues to provide contact with first and second guide rods  66 ,  68  to maintain lumbar support with flexible body  38  in the fully extended position regardless of the orientation of the back support portion  14 , including throughout the entire travel to the fully reclined position of back support portion  14 . This permits the occupant to change the degree of lumbar support using flexible body  38  and maintain the same relative lumbar support throughout the change in orientation of back support portion  14  from the upright to the fully reclined positions. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , the fully reclined position of back support portion  14  is achieved by rotation of back support portion  14  about rotation pins  166 ,  166 ′ (only rotation pin  166 ′ is visible in this view) which rotatably connect first and second side frame members  30 ,  32  to base portion  12 . Back support portion  14  rotates with respect to base portion  12  about an arc “J”. Body panel  80  of lumbar support system  36  is continuously supported at an upper end  168  by flexible member  52  and at a lower end  170  by support tube  40 . The retracted position of body panel  80  is not affected by extension or retraction of leg rest  28 , which is shown in the fully extended position in  FIG. 12 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , the fully extended position of body panel  80  of lumbar support system  36  is shown. The fully extended position of body panel  80  is also not affected by the orientation of leg rest  28 . A cavity  172  is created in first arm rest member  20  between an exterior arm rest frame  174  and an interior arm rest frame  176 . A lumbar adjustment mechanism  178  is disposed within a mechanism housing  180 . Mechanism housing  180  is disposed within cavity  172  and supported between each of the exterior and interior arm rest frames  174 ,  176 . A selection lever  182  is provided with lumbar adjustment mechanism  178 . With reference again to  FIG. 5 , cable  152  is connected to selection lever  182  such that a forward displacement of selection lever  182  to the phantom position shown acts to deflect body panel  80  to the fully extended position shown. According to other embodiments, lumbar adjustment mechanism  178  and mechanism housing  180 , or an additional mechanism and housing can also be supported within a similar cavity created in second arm rest member  22 . 
         [0054]    A lumbar support system of the present disclosure offers several advantages. By providing a flexible body which is able to be deflected either forwardly or rearwardly at the option of the occupant of the furniture member, an unlimited degree of adjustment is available to the occupant for lumbar support between a fully retracted and a fully extended position of flexible body  38 . The use of a rotatable support tube  40  of the present disclosure also ensures that lumbar support for the occupant is maintained regardless of extended or fully retracted position for all positions of the back support portion from a fully upright to a fully reclined position. Biasing mechanisms connected to the support tube  40  maintain continuous contact between the support tube and the lumbar support system for all reclining positions. A flexible member such as a sinuous spring used to connect an upper portion of the flexible body  38  to the frame members of the back support portion also permits the upper portion of the flexible body  38  to move forwardly or rearwardly to accommodate increasing load applied to the upper portion of the flexible body  38  as the back support portion  14  rotates to the fully reclined position. Use of a cable and selection lever of the present disclosure provides the occupant with access to adjustment elements for all reclined positions to allow lumbar adjustment in all reclined positions. 
         [0055]    The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the invention, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.