Abstract:
An adjustable sacral and spinal support assembly is provided that can be used in a variety of seat types. The support assembly includes both a sacral support section and in some situations, one or more complementary spinal support sections located in other areas of the seats. The sacral support section is adapted to support the sacrum of a seated user. A method is also provided for delivering primary support to a user&#39;s sacrum and sacral-pelvic anatomy, and in select situations, secondary support to one or more of the remaining regions of the spine and/or adjacent anatomy. The support assembly is designed to produce proper spinal positioning of seated individuals to reduce fatigue, increase comfort, structural balance, stability, and posture control for a seated user. The system also adjusts and controls the load distribution from the sacral anatomy to the spine and other anatomical structures adjacent a user&#39;s sacrum, for example, the pelvis, lumbar, thoracic and cervical regions, and includes both automatic and manual adjustment systems.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/730,855 filed Oct. 28, 2005, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present disclosure related generally to seating, including automotive seating, having an adjustable support system for controlling the posture and/or balance of a seated person.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     In today&#39;s society, people spend extended amounts of time seated at work, school, home, and/or while traveling. Millions of people sit in vehicles during lengthy commutes to and from work. Once at work, they may sit continuously in an office chair for many hours without getting up. Additionally, many occupations require spending much of the day seated in an automobile. For example police officers, truck drivers and taxi cab drivers, have jobs that require spending much of the day seated in an automobile. Similarly, airplane passengers and pilots spend much of the day seated in airplane seats. There are also many individuals who must spend long periods of time in wheelchairs or other similar confining seating environments, even including musicians, where improved seating and posture control would be a benefit.  
         [0004]     For the most part, seats have several elements in common. They have a bottom portion, or seat pan, which receives the bulk of a user&#39;s weight, and a seatback, against which the user reclines. With a focus on seatbacks, a wide variety of mechanisms have been developed that purportedly provide back support for a seat user. Most only concern support for the mid-back or lumbar region. Nevertheless millions of people continue to suffer from chronic and severe back pain caused by sitting for extended amounts of time. This is because conventional seatbacks incorrectly focus on the lumbar area and, consequently, have yet to provide overall back support that proactively resolves the seated individuals&#39; posture, when seated, as well as the medical causes of back pain. Rather, most modern seating is only concerned with the symptoms of back pain.  
         [0005]     By way of background, the spine has four regions: cervical (neck), thoracic (upper back), lumbar (lower back), and sacral (tail bone). The sacrum is a large triangular fusion of five vertebrae that forms the base of the spine. The sacrum is located between the pelvic bones, which include the left and right ilium. The ilia each have a posterior border portion known as the posterior superior iliac spine (“PSIS”). The lumbar region includes the five vertebrae, L 1 -L 5 , located above the sacrum, the thoracic region includes the twelve vertebrae, T 1 -T   , located above the lumbar region, and the cervical region includes the seven vertebrae, C 1 -C 7 , located above the thoracic region. Each region of the spine transitions into the adjacent region(s). For example, there is a thoracic-lumbar transition extending between thoracic vertebra  12  (T 12 ) and lumbar vertebra  1  (L 1 ), and a cervical thoracic transition between vertebras C 7  and T 1 .  
         [0006]     As viewed from the side, the spine of a person with good posture forms a rearward curve known as the thoracic or kyphotic curve, and two forward projecting curves known as the lumbar or lordotic curve and the cervical curve. When taken together, these three curves form an S-shaped portion of the spine. This S-Shape provides a great deal of strength, stability, flexibility, and endurance because the body primarily relies on the skeletal structures (i.e., the vertebrae) to support the weight of a persons body, rather than primarily relying on the musculature for support.  
         [0007]     Relating to a user&#39;s posture, conventional seats have a number of shortcomings. First, conventional seats cause or permit a user&#39;s spine to collapse from an S-shaped curve into a C-shape. This collapse occurs because of improper back support. Stated differently, conventional seats lack strategically located support. Without strategically located support, the sacrum tilts rearward, and causes the spine to assume a C-shape. Use of lumbar support in a seat will not, by itself, solve or correct this posture problem. When the spine is in a C-shape, the user primarily relies on the musculature for support rather than skeletal structures. Sitting with the spine in a C-shape, and thus placing an over-reliance on the musculature for support, can lead to a number of immediate problems, for example, increased fatigue, increased pressure on the lumbar discs, or the creation of muscle stresses, strains, and spasms. Moreover, various long-term problems can also occur. These problems include pain in the lower back muscles, discomfort between the shoulder blades, tightening of neck muscles and muscle soreness and headaches.  
         [0008]     Another problem is that conventional seats lack a contoured surface match between the surface of the seat and the surface of a user&#39;s anatomy. For example, conventional seats lack a proper nesting or receiving portion for the PSIS. In particular, the seat back pressures the PSIS. This can lead to poor posture, which often results in carrying degrees of discomfort and back or spine problems. Further, conventional seats provide poor distribution of the load forces experienced by the user.  
         [0009]     Somewhat recently, it has been recognized that a spinal support device for applying a directed and concentrated force on the sacrum to properly position the pelvis and spine of a user could be constructed. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,125,851 (“the &#39;851 patent”), which is commonly owned and hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference, a spinal support device is disclosed that helps support the sacrum of a user to induce the spine to take the preferable shape found in a normal standing posture.  
         [0010]     While the &#39;851 patent in part addresses the void created by seats around the sacral region, there still exists an urgent need to implement proper sacral support integrated within seatbacks such as those used in residential seating, office seating, and/or vehicular seating. In particular, there exists a need to provide proper sacral support in a system that is integral to a seatback and which automatically adjusts, or which can be adjusted, according to the preferences of a variety of users that differ from each other in proportion and size. Further, there exists a need to provide an efficient, responsive support system that will be useful in a wide variety of seat designs, be cost effective and yet provide improved load distribution across the surrounding pelvic area, especially around the PSIS. I have also filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/900,551, filed on Jul. 27, 2004 and entitled Sacral Support Member For Seating (now Published May 19, 2005 US2005/0104428),U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/166,341, filed on Jun. 27, 2005 and entitled Seat With Adjustable Support System, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/240,617, filed on Oct. 3, 2005 and entitled Seat With Adjustable Support System, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. Each of the &#39;851 patent, and the &#39;341 and the &#39;617 applications are commonly owned at the time of this filing.  
         [0011]     A full support system is also urgently needed, including proper primary sacral support combined with secondary or complementary support for other regions of the spine.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012]     The present invention is directed to an improved seat support system, and more broadly to improved seating technology, especially for use in all types of vehicle seating. According to a first aspect of the present invention, the improved support apparatus delivers adjustable, specific, stabilizing support and contoured fit to a user&#39;s sacrum and sacral-pelvic anatomy, and possibly to other types of upper-back support as well. While applicable to many types of seats, this invention will work with individuals who might be wearing belts, a waist pack or belts having attachments of various kinds. The improved seat effects changes in a user&#39;s overall seated position, spinal position and overall comfort, all stemming from establishing (and maintaining) proper sacral anatomy. This results in greater and improved user efficiency, strength, and muscle control. The improved seat structure begins by actively targeting and controlling specific portions of the sacrum, thereby increasing the comfort, endurance, and stability of a user. This is accomplished by use of an adjustable mechanism, where adjustment is convenient for users who differ from each other in proportion and size. Furthermore, the improved apparatus and approach permits seats to provide anatomically engineered and controlled contoured fit for a wide variety of individuals by offering a surface match between the contours of a user&#39;s anatomy and the seatback. The improved seat can also actively target other portions of the seat user&#39;s upper-back. In addition, the structure includes improved adjustable systems, control elements and activating mechanisms that permit a wide range of adjustability yet permit convenient and easy placement within a seat.  
         [0013]     More broadly, the present invention concerns an adjustable support system having a sacral support system and a complimentary support system, each of which is adjustable. The adjustability of the support system can control the position of an entire group of supports, of one of a group of such supports, or each of the supports, thereby providing a wide ranging level of control over the support being provided or which is available thereby. Thus, each of the user&#39;s sacral-pelvic region, thoracic-lumbar area, mid and upper thoracic area, or other parts of a user&#39;s back can be properly supported in tandem and individually. Such support ultimately can be used to control the user&#39;s overall seated posture.  
         [0014]     In general, the sacral support system includes a sacral support member, or a sacral force transmission plate, that is configured to be moved relative to the frame which supports it, relative to a plane formed by the seat back, and relative to a seat user. This allows a user wearing belts, medical devices, or even individuals wearing a utility belt, a waist pack or other obtrusive element (even as small as a belt loop), to contact and benefit from the sacral support without creating an uncomfortable pressure zone around the user&#39;s sacral area. The movement of the sacral support member allows the seatback to comfortably accommodate or nest relative to such an obtrusive element on the back of the seated user without sacrificing seating comfort or the desired level of sacral support. The sacral support system also includes a delivery mechanism that a user can employ to adjust the amount of sacral support delivered by the sacral support system, as well as by the complementary support system for the upper portions of a seat user&#39;s back above the sacral area. The sacral support system as well as the complementary support system can be operated automatically, by using one or more sensors in the seat that monitor pressure, or manually by the seated occupant, or some combination thereof. Further, each separate device can be controlled in unison or individually. There could also be a series of preset positions in which the various systems could work in harmony, with the possibility of one or the other being turned off or rendered less or more effective that the others. In short, the present invention is contemplated as being operable in a number of ways and combinations.  
         [0015]     As noted above, the sacral support system can be used either alone or in cooperation with a complementary support system. In general, the complementary support system includes a support member and a delivery mechanism that is also controlled as noted above. The complementary support system can be positioned within the seatback at a wide variety of positions that correspond with different areas of a user&#39;s back. For example, the complementary support system can be located within the seatback at a position corresponding with the thoracic-lumbar transition or the upper thoracic region of a user&#39;s back, or both such positions.  
         [0016]     According to another aspect of the present invention, a novel sacral support assembly for use with a vehicle seat is provided. The sacral support assembly provides a support mechanism that primarily supports the sacrum and sacral-pelvic anatomy, but which can be paired with, or connected to, complimentary devices and structures that can provide secondary or complementary support for one or more of the remaining regions of the spine.  
         [0017]     As used herein, the term “connected to” is intended to be interpreted broadly and to include direct and indirect connections.  
         [0018]     As used herein, the term “vehicle” is intended to be interpreted as broadly including any transportation-related application, including, in general, for example, automobiles, trucks, racing vehicles, airplanes, boats, trains, wheelchairs, as well as household, residential, office and industrial seats and seating applications.  
         [0019]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0020]      FIG. 1  is a front, partial perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2  is an exploded version showing the individual elements of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0022]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged, exploded view of the sacral support portion shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0023]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged, exploded view of a complementary support structure shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0024]      FIG. 5  is a side elevational view of a portion of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , with portions having been cut away for clarity;  
         [0025]      FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic, side elevational view showing a retracted full-line position and a dotted-line extended position;  
         [0026]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a separate sacral support assembly;  
         [0027]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 8 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 , with portions cut away for clarity;  
         [0031]      FIG. 12  is an exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of another embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0033]      FIG. 14  is a front perspective view of a seat including the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of a seat further including load distribution members;  
         [0035]      FIG. 16  is a front perspective view of a seat including additional support assemblies;  
         [0036]      FIG. 17  is a front perspective view of a seat with additional load distribution material;  
         [0037]      FIG. 18  is a rear perspective view of the use of load distribution material with a sacral support system;  
         [0038]      FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of the use of load distribution material with a sacral support system;  
         [0039]      FIG. 20  is a rear perspective view of the use of load distribution material with a sacral support system;  
         [0040]      FIG. 21  is a rear perspective view of the use of load distribution material with a sacral support system; and  
         [0041]      FIG. 22  is a diagram of the present invention with reference to the composite structure of a seat. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0042]     The present invention is described with reference to the drawings in which like elements are referred to by like numerals. The relationship between and functioning of the various elements of this invention are better understood by the following detailed description. However, the embodiments of this invention as described below are by way of example only, and the invention is not limited to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the drawings are not to scale and in certain instances details have been omitted, which are not necessary for an understanding of the present invention. Moreover, it should be noted that the invention described herein includes methodologies that have a wide variety of applications, including, those mentioned previously as well as military, and commercial seating applications.  
         [0043]     Reference can first be made to  FIG. 22  which demonstrates, in a very general fashion, the concept of how the adjustable support systems, which are the subject of this invention, their individual adjustable support members, and the various delivery systems referenced hereinafter, work on a seat user&#39;s anatomy through the various layers within seating associated with seating, including vehicle seating, and, in some instances through the use of load distribution material, as defined below.  
         [0044]     The term trim package refers to the covering used on a particular seat, such as, for example, cloth, leather or some combination of seat covering materials. The foam layer includes the various underlying layers of material used beneath the trim package including one or more foam layers, or other material used below the seat covering material.  FIG. 22  shows one suggested configuration in which the delivery mechanism apples a force against a load distribution material which in turn apples a force on the foam layer, then against the trim package and finally against the seated user&#39;s anatomy. It should be understood that this represents but one possible seat configuration, and the present invention will work in this and many other types of structural seat configurations.  
         [0045]     Referring to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention, and particularly, an adjustable support system having a sacral support system and a complementary support system for use with the upper back, positioned above the sacral system. The combined adjustable support system can control the position of the user&#39;s sacral-pelvic region, thoracic-lumbar area, mid and upper thoracic area, or a wide variety of other parts of a user&#39;s back. Such support ultimately can be used to control the user&#39;s overall seated posture.  
         [0046]     In general, the combined back support system includes both an upper back support assembly and a sacral support member both of which are configured to move between retracted and extended positions along a plane formed by the seatback. It should be understood as well that either could be used separately. This allows a user, even those wearing a utility belt, a waist pack, a belt having various attachments, or other obstructive element (even as small as a belt loop), to contact either or both supports without creating an uncomfortable pressure zone around the user&#39;s lumbar and sacral areas. This allows the seatback to comfortably accommodate or nest an obstructive element, possibly being worn by the user, without sacrificing comfort of either upper-back or sacral support. The sacral and complementary support systems also include a delivery mechanism that permits a user to infinitely adjust the desired amount of sacral support delivered by the sacral support system, the amount of upper-back support and a way to correlate the forces being applied by each system to provide a comprehensive support system.  
         [0047]     As noted above, the upper-back and sacral support systems can be used either alone or in cooperation as complementary support systems. In general, the complementary support system includes a support member and a delivery mechanism that is controlled by the user. Complementary support systems can be positioned within the seatback at a wide variety of positions that correspond with different areas of a user&#39;s back. For example, a complementary support system can be located within the seatback at a position corresponding with the thoracic-lumbar transition or the upper thoracic region if a user or both. The sacral support system and the complementary support system are each discussed in detail as follows.  
         [0048]     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , the present invention comprises an adjustable support system indicated generally at  100 . This system  100  is comprised of an upper-back support assembly  102 , a lower or sacral support assembly  104 , and a support frame  106  comprised of an outer, generally U-shaped frame  110 , and two cross-members  112  and  114  that, respectively, support the upper-back support assembly  102 , and the sacral support assembly  104 .  
         [0049]     It should be understood that support frame  106  is merely illustrative of a way of supporting the support assemblies within a seat. In some of the drawings only the cross members  112  or  114 , or portions thereof, are shown.  
         [0050]     As seat types vary, the internal support frame or structure can be adapted to provide a suitable connection to the sacral support assembly, and for the complementary support assembly where that system is also to be used. The present invention provides a mechanism that is easily adjusted or adapted to what ever interval support frame or device a seat or chair manufacturer might choose to use.  
         [0051]      FIG. 2  shows an exploded view of the various components used to construct the support assemblies described in  FIG. 1 . For example, the upper-back support assembly  102  includes a rear mounting base  120 , a front frame  122  in which a control side  124  is designed to move vertically. Pin  126  holds the upper part of an H-link or bracket member  130  to the lower portion of frame  122 , and a support or force transmission plate  132  is pivotally supported on the H-link  130  by pin  128 . The force transmission plate  132  can be about 25 mm in width and about 65 mm in height, with a thickness of about 3.35 mm.  
         [0052]     The sacral support assembly  104  includes a rear mounting bracket  140  to which a front frame  142  is supported. A control slide  144  is designed to move and operate within the frame  142 . Pin  146  holds an H-link member  150  to the lower portion of frame  142 , while pin  148  holds a sacral plate  152  in a pivotal manner to the lower portion of H-link  150 .  
         [0053]     Turning now to  FIG. 3 , the sacral support assembly  104  includes a control slide  144  that is comprised of a central block  160  provided with a vertically extending threaded hole  162  located in the center of block  160 . In addition, two cam pins,  164  and  166 , extend from opposite sides of block  160  and operate, respectively, in vertically oriented cam slots  170  and  172  in the upper portion of frame  142 . The H-link  150  includes two side pieces,  180  and  182 , which are connected together by a central support plate  184  comprised of an enlarged central area through which a through bore or hole  186  is drilled or otherwise formed to receive pin  146 . The upper portion of H-link  150  includes a pair of apertures  188  and  190 , and another pair of apertures  192  and  194  are located at the bottom thereof. Apertures  192  and  194  receive the pin  148  which pivotally secures a rear portion  196 , as best shown in  FIG. 5 , of the sacral support plate  152  to H-link  150 . Apertures  188  and  190  are respectively placed over and pivotally receive the cam pins  164  and  166  of control slide  144 .  
         [0054]     With a reference to  FIG. 3 , frame  142  also includes a pair of lower cam slots  200  and  204 , that have an angle slightly down from horizontal, in which pin  146  can be received and permitted to slide between a rear position closest to frame  112 , and a forward or extended position away from frame  112 . As pin  146  slides within the cam slots  200  and  204 , the central portion of H-link  150  moves back and forth which, in turn, causes the sacral plate  152  to move between retracted (rear) and extended (forward) positions. Those retracted and extended positions are shown, for example, in  FIG. 6  with the retracted positions being shown in full lines and the extended positions being shown in dotted lines. The distance can vary between those retracted and extended positions, but a typical amount of total there between can be about 30 to 40 mm, and, of course, lesser amounts within the range of 0-40 mm, depending on the effect to be achieved.  
         [0055]     Movement of the sacral support plate  152  is under the control of control slide  144 . Pins  164  and  166  connect pivotally within apertures  188  and  190  as well as vertically within cam slots  170  and  172 . Movement of control slide is caused by the rotation of threaded rod  294  within the threaded hole  162  as caused by motor  290  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Motor  290  will drive threaded rod  294  both clockwise and counterclockwise thereby driving control slide both upwardly and downwardly.  
         [0056]     As control slide  144  moves in an upward direction, pins  164  and  166  moves the upper portion of H-link  150  upwardly in slots  170  and  172  causing pin  146  to move rearwardly and inwardly within angled cam slots  200  and  204 . This moves the bottom portion of H-link  150  inwardly, and thus retracts the sacral support plate from the dotted line position toward the full line position as shown in  FIG. 6 . Conversely, as control slide  144  moves downwardly in slots  170  and  172 , the central portion of H-link  150  moves outwardly and at an angle downwardly as pin  146  moves in slots  200  and  204 . This, in turn, forces the lower part of H-link  150  outwardly and moves sacral support plate  152  from the full line position toward the extended, dotted line position shown in  FIG. 6 . The up and down movement of control slide  144 , as controlled by motor  290 , and suitable electrical controls or switching to control motor operation, is progressive, and permits an infinite number of positions for control slide  144  and, consequently, for sacral support plate  152 . This allows very fine tuning and control over the position of sacral support plate  152  within its range of motion referenced above.  
         [0057]     Turning to  FIG. 4 , the upper-back support assembly  102  includes mounting frame  122 , and a control slide  124  that includes a center block  220 , a threaded through bore  222 , and two opposing extension pins or lugs  224  and  226  that operate, respectively, in a pair of apertures  230  and  232  in the H-link  130  and within vertical slots  250  and  252  in frame  122 . H-link  130  also includes a pair of lower apertures  234  and  236  that receive the pin  128  which pivotally attaches connection member  240 , that extends rearwardly from the back of plate  132  to H-link  130 . Connection member  240  includes an aperture  242  through which pin  128  will pass to pivotally hold plate  132  onto H-link  130 .  
         [0058]     Frame  122  includes a pair of vertically extending cam slots, shown at  250  and  252 , and a lower pair of angled cam slots  254  and  256 . H-link  130  also includes a central support member  260  positioned between two side members  264  and  266 . A through bore  262  is provided in support member  260 , and pin  126  passes through bore  262  and through the lower angled slots  254  and  256  within frame  122  thereby holding H-link  130  to frame  122 . As noted above, pins  224  and  226 , on control slide  124 , respectively operate in vertical cam slots  252  and  250 , thereby permitting vertical movement of the control slide  124  within and relative to frame  122 . Pins  224  and  226  also pivotally engage and operate within apertures  230  and  232  in H-link  130 . Accordingly, movement of the control slide  124  by motor  280  and threaded rod  284  shown in  FIG. 2 , moves the upper portion of H-link  130  up and down depending upon the direction of rotation of rod  284 . As the upper portion of H-link  130  moves down, the middle portion of H-link  130 , controlled by pin  126 , moves outwardly within the lower pair of angled cam slots  254  and  256  which pushes the lower portion of H-link  130  outwardly away from frame  122  toward the dotted line position in  FIG. 6 . As control slide  124  moves up, the force transmission plate  132  moves from the dotted line position, shown in the upper part of  FIG. 6  toward the full line position. Both the up and down movement of control slide  124 , and the inward and outward movement of force transmission plate are incremental and progressive, and can be controlled in an infinite number of positions, within the range of motion for plate  132  which comprises a range of about 15 to 20 mm, or 0-20 mm. This range of movement, and control thereof, permits very fine tuning and control over the position of force transmission plate  132 .  
         [0059]     The operation of both force transmission plates  132  and  152  can be controlled by either a single, or separate sets of motorized actuators each being designed to operate in two drive directions, both clockwise and counterclockwise. First, in one embodiment a single motor  270 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , can be mounted to frame  110  by a mounting bracket  271  or other suitable mounting approach. A single threaded actuating rod  272  is drivingly connected, by a suitable coupling, to motor  290  and is engaged with and controls and moves both the sacral support plate  152  and the force transmission plate  132 . Actuating rod  272  can pass through both the threaded bore  222  in control slide  124 , and through the threaded bore  162  in control slide  144  so that its rotation moves both control slides  124  and  144  in unison. By actuating motor  270 , the control slides  124  and  144  can be moved up and down in a coupled manner. As control slides  124  and  144  are moved up, the force transmission plates  132  and sacral support plate  152  would be retracted; conversely, as control slides  124  and  144  move downwardly, the force transmission plates  132  and sacral support plate  152  can be moved toward or into their extended dotted line positions as shown in  FIG. 6 .  
         [0060]     Alternatively, each of the upper-back support assembly  102  and the sacral support assembly  104  can be independently and separately operated by motors  280  and  290 , respectively. Motor  280  includes a drive assembly  282  and a depending drive rod  284  which will be threadly engaged within the threaded bore  222  of control slide  124  to operate it in the same vertical up and down fashion within frame  122 . Motor  290  includes its own separate drive  292  and its depending drive rod,  294 , that would operate within the thread bore  162  to control the up and down movement of control slide  144  within the cam slots  170  and  172  in frame  142 . In addition, suitable support brackets  286  and  296  respectively hold motors  280  and  290  to frame elements  112  and  114  or to suitable seat frame components depending upon the seat designs.  
         [0061]     The above embodiments have included several different operating arrangements including three motors  270 ,  280  and  290 , along with suitable drive mechanisms and threaded drive rods, or other activating mechanisms. Each of these motors or drive systems will be able to move the system components drive to enable the raising and/or lowering of control slides  124  and  144  and the extending and retracting movement of force plates  132  and  152 .  
         [0062]     The activation of motors  270 ,  280  or  290 , can be accomplished by separate motor control switches that could be, for example, manually operated. Alternatively, one or more, preferably a series of, sensors could be mounted in the finished seat to sense, for example, the pressures between the seat and the user, or to sense the forces being exerted and, in response to the sensed parameters, automatically move and vary the position of sacral plate  152  and/or force transmission plate  132  to provide a desired amount of pressure on the seat components and on the seated user. As is indicated above, sacral plate  152  and force transmission plate  132  can be operated together, or in tandem, or individually. Actuating control could also include a switch on the seat that could provide a selection between manual and automatic control. Further, there could be a series of preset positions of which the sacral plate  152  and/or force transmission plate  132  could be set and the switching between such preset positions could also be accomplished either manually or automatically as controlled by switch positions, by pressure or force sensors mounted in the seat cushion, such as shown at  103  and  105  in  FIG. 14 , respectively, for sacral plate  152  and force transmission plate  132  or even in conjunction with seat positioning switches.  
         [0063]     In addition, either or both of the sacral and complementary systems could be pre-set at what was believed to be the most effective position for each to cooperatively, or individually provide the desired support in a particular seat design.  
         [0064]      FIG. 7  shows an assembled version of the sacral support assembly  104  in conjunction with motor  290  as a separate or stand alone unit that would not be linked with the upper-back support assembly  102 . This sacral support assembly could itself be mounted in a seat and be used as a stand alone device to provide varying amounts of sacra support to a seated used.  
         [0065]     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , sacral support system  104  includes a sacral support member  152 , which is located within the seatback at a position that corresponds with the sacrum and sacral-pelvic anatomy of a user. The sacral support member  152  is engineered to support the sacrum and sacral-pelvic anatomy of a user. The sacral support member preferably is formed of a substantially rigid material, such as steel, aluminum, plastics, reinforced plastics or resins, carbon fiber, or combinations of like materials but materials providing a similar level of support can also be used. Sacral support member  152  is generally flat, pear-shaped, and oriented with a larger width dimension positioned at a top portion, and a smaller width located at the bottom portion. This shape and orientation coincides with the shape and orientation of the sacrum of a user. More specifically, an upper portion of sacral support member  152  has a horizontal width of, for example, approximately 3.25 inches. A lower portion of sacral support member  152  has a horizontal width of, for example, approximately 2.6 inches. Preferably, the vertical length of sacral support member  152  is approximately 5.25 inches.  
         [0066]     The top width of sacral support member  152  can vary from 3 times the width of the sacrum of a user at the level of the sacral base of the user to approximately equal to the width of the sacrum of a user at the level of the sacral base of the user. The width of sacral support member  152  decreases progressively from a top portion to a bottom portion of sacral support member  152 . The width of the bottom portion is approximately greater than or equal to the width of the sacrum of a user at a level corresponding with the bottom portion. However, as discussed below, the dimensions of the sacral support member  152  may vary depending on a variety of factors.  
         [0067]     Alternatively, separate load distribution pieces can be provided with a variety of outer shape configurations, including various anatomical designs, they could be thicker or thinner, depending upon cost and/or weight considerations, and can be fabricated from a variety of materials including steel, plastic, aluminum, other metals, combinations of metals and plastic or resin materials, composites and other spring or flexible type materials. Such load distribution mechanisms, devices or materials (collectively herein load distribution material) would be positioned between sacral support member  152  and the sacrum of a user, preferably on the interior of the seat and directly adjacent force transmission plates  132  and  152 , and extending outwardly from such plates as illustrated in  FIGS. 15-17 . For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 15 , a seat  360  is comprised of a seat back  362  and a seat bottom  364 . This seat  360  can have a variety of layers, including, for example, the configuration demonstrated in  FIG. 22 . As shown in  FIG. 15 , a load distribution material  320  is positioned in the lower portion of the seatback adjacent the sacral support assembly  104  and the sacral plate  152 . This load distribution material  320  might be, for example a thin strip of a light weight metal, such a steel of aluminum, with a thickness varying from about 0.001 to about 0,010 inches, or a plastic or foam strip having a thickness that might vary from about 1/16 inches to about ¼ inches. Such thicknesses can vary depending upon the material being used in the seat, the flexibility or stiffness of the combined layers of material including the foam layer and the seat trim. This load distribution material  320  provides a surface that adjusts to the contours of the sacrum and sacral-pelvic area of a user. Alternatively, the load distribution material  320  can provide a contoured, nesting area for the PSIS&#39;s of the ilias. Other preferred arrangements and designs of the load distribution material can include load distribution material having a partially butterfly shape, the use of two or more load distribution materials that work in conjunction with one another and which might be of the same or differing types, or a load distribution material designed to generally cover the anatomical surfaces of the sacral-pelvic area, while also avoiding the potential pressure build-up on the PSIS&#39;s of the ilias.  
         [0068]     In use, when sacral support member  152  is in an engaged position, the load distribution material  320  improves load distribution across soft tissues of the sacral area of the user and avoids localized pressure on the PSIS&#39;s of the ilias.  
         [0069]     As is also shown in  FIG. 15 , seat back  362  can also include an upper-back assembly  102  and in addition to the force transmission plate  132 , an extended flexible support or force transmission sheet or plate  322  formed from material as described above for material  320 . This extended, flexible plate  322  would spread out the applied force from the upper back assembly  102  so as to extend the effects over a greater portion of the back of a person occupying the seat. Both of these additional force transmission elements  320  and  322 , should be flexible and yet strong enough to provide active flexible support extending over a larger area as controlled by the underlying assemblies.  
         [0070]     As shown in  FIG. 16 , an additional upper-back support assembly  102 ′ could be included as well above the upper-back assembly generally indicated in  102  to provide support for the upper portion of the back, the area specifically between the driver&#39;s shoulders. Here too, a load distribution material  324  could be used to spread out the applied force so as to extend the effects over a greater portion between the shoulders. This load distribution material would also be flexible and formed from material such as that described above for material  320 .  
         [0071]      FIG. 17  shows another modified version of seatback  362  as including three support assemblies,  102 ,  104  and  102 ′, as well as a one piece load distribution material  326  that spans between the three support assemblies. The shape of load distribution material  326  can vary from the shape shown in  FIG. 17 , and it is only important that the three support assemblies be linked together thereby. For example, the top portion could have a more circular shape, as shown by dotted line  330 , the central portion could have a more horizontally extending section, as shown by dotted line  332 , and the lower portion could have a narrower and more upwardly extending shape as shown by dotted line  334 .  
         [0072]     A variety of support materials may be used as the load distribution material, including compressed foams, plastics, reinforced resins, or strips of lightweight metals, including, for example aluminum. The size and shape of the load distribution material may be altered to accommodate the user&#39;s specific anatomical contours and provide improved support and fit. The size and shape of the load distribution can also be altered depending on the particular seat design, including the foam construction and the nature of the trim package. For example, bucket type seats configured for racing applications can be outfitted with relatively rigid load distribution materials, so as to provide greater support and load distribution whereas lightweight seats may be most effective with relatively flexible, lightweight load distribution material.  
         [0073]     In addition, cushioning, such as the foam layer in  FIG. 22 , is preferably provided between the user, the front portion of the seatback and load distribution material. The cushioning may be formed of conventional cushioning materials such as, for example, foam of a variety of densities and thicknesses. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, a front portion of the seatback, the trim package, is followed by a cushioning, which is followed by a load distribution material, which is followed by sacral support member  152 . Alternatively, a load distribution material can be provided between the trim package in front portion of the seatback and the cushioning layer.  
         [0074]     It should be understood that the amount size, shape and flexibility of load distribution material, cushioning, and the dimensions of the sacral support member are related, and can be altered while still achieving the desirable levels of sacral support and contoured fit. For example, to some extent, a sacral support member having smaller dimensions than discussed above may be used if a relatively large load distribution material or cushion is provided between the sacral support member and the user. Conversely, a larger sacral support member than suggested above may be used if relatively less cushioning and load distribution material is provided between the sacral support member and the user. Also, the sacral support member, the load distribution material and cushion may be formed of a unitary structure while still achieving the preferred results of sacral support and contoured fit. Similarly, the load distribution material can be attached directly to the sacral support member. Further, load distribution material may be entirely omitted.  
         [0075]     When the sacral support is in an engaged position, sacral support member  152  extends approximately between 1.5 inches and 3 inches forward with respect to a plane created by the seatback. It has been discovered that delivering sacral support member  152  a distance greater than about 3 inches forward of the plane created by the seatback is unnecessary. One embodiment of sacral support system show in  FIGS. 1-7  is designed to deliver sacral support member  152  up to 1.25 inches forward of the plane created by the seatback. Notwithstanding this, alternative embodiments of the present invention may deliver sacral support member  152  a maximum distance up to or greater than 3 inches forward of the plane created by a user&#39;s back, or a maximum distance less than 3 inches forward of the plane created by a user&#39;s back, as described in detail below.  
         [0076]     The overall distance of travel of sacral support member  152  toward the user depends on a variety of factors. For example, the overall distance of travel of sacral support member  152  may change depending on the location where the sacral support system is mounted within a seat frame, the size of the seat frame, the type of material used to cover the seat, and the thickness of any cushioning and load distribution material that may be located between the seat cover and sacral support member.  
         [0077]     Another embodiment of a sacral support assembly is set forth in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . This embodiment is a more streamlined version of the sacral support assembly shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , yet the function is similar, and the sacral plate  470  is still moved in a forward and backward manner relative to the seatback and to the seated user. Here, the sacral support assembly is generally indicated at  400  and is comprised of a main frame  402  having a rear mounting bracket  404  that cooperates with a bar  406  that is part of a seat frame such as that shown in  FIG. 1  at  106 . Bracket  404  mounts over bar  406  and a spring  408 , mounted to frame  402  such as by being welded thereto at tabs  410  and  412 , cooperates with the bar  406  to help hold the sacral support assembly in place yet provide some flexibility.  
         [0078]     Frame  402  has a U-shaped cross section that is open in the front, with a width of about 43 mm, and has opposing vertically oriented slots  480  and  482  provided in the upper portion of side walls  414  and  416 , respectively. Side walls  414  and  416  also include a front wise extending portion including opposing slots  484  and  486 , which extend in a some what downwardly sloping angle from vertical. An operating member or lever  440  is comprised of a reverse curved neck portion  442 , and a lower portion that includes two downwardly extending, spaced apart leg members  444  and  446 . This lever can be about 70 mm in front to back depth, about 35 mm in side to side width and about 150 mm in height. There is also a central section that includes an aperture  452 . The operating member  440  also includes an aperture  450  at the top of the neck portion  442  and apertures  454  and  456  located at the bottom of each of leg members  444  and  446 , respectively. In addition, apertures  481  and  483  are located at the bottom rear of side walls  414  and  416 .  
         [0079]     A motor  460  that is controllable as noted previously for motors  270 ,  280  and/or  290 , is mounted via depending tangs  466  and  468  to the bottom of frame  402  by a pin  426  that passes through  481  and  483  in frame  402  and apertures  461  and  463  in tangs  466  and  468 . A cotter pin  436  and washer  439  can be used to maintain pin  426  in place.  
         [0080]     Pin  420  passes through aperture  450  and also apertures  465  and  467  at the top of a force transmission member  466  that connects to motor  460  by means of an actuating rod  464  that moves vertically by a suitable drive unit  462 . The vertical movement of drive member  466  is shown by the double arrow. Drive member  466  is a hollow cylinder which includes an open slot  469  into which the reverse curved neck  442  fits and moves. Motor  460  can be, for example, a Johnson Electric model VD751 series motor, number BC03040.  
         [0081]     Pin  422  passes through slots  484  and  486  as well as aperture  452  and cotter pin  432  holds pin  422  in place along with washer  438 . Operating member  440  pivots around pin  422  and moves along slots  484  and  486  as the drive member  466  moves vertically under the control of motor  460 .  
         [0082]     A sacral plate  470  includes a rearwardly extending mounting lug  427  that includes an aperture  474 . Sacral plate is about 136 mm high, and has a width, at the widest portion of the upper part thereof, of about 65 mm. Pin  424  passes through apertures  454  ad  456  in legs  444  and  446  as well as aperture  474  to pivotally hold sacral plate  470  to the bottom of operating member  440 . Cotter pin  434  holds pin  424  in place as shown in  FIG. 8 . It might be noted, as well, that sacral plate  152  can be similarly dimensioned.  
         [0083]      FIG. 9  also shows an optional load distribution material  490  that can work along with sacral plate  470  to uniformly spread out the forces exerted by sacral plate  470 .  
         [0084]     In operation, when sacral plate  470  is in its retracted position, similar to that shown for sacral plate  152  in full line in  FIG. 6 , the drive member  466  will be in its most upward position, pin  420  will be adjacent the top of slots  480  and  482 , pin  422  will be located at the rear portion of slots  484  and  486 , and legs  444  and  446  will be rotated counter clockwise so that they are predominately located within frame  402 . As motor  460  is operated, which can move drive member  466  in a progressive manner downwardly, thus providing an infinite number of positions for sacral plate  470 , as drive member  466  moves down within frame  402 , pin  420  will slide down slots  480  and  482  and pin  422  will move toward the front of slots  484  and  486 . This action rocks neck  422  downward and counter clockwise about pin  422  which simultaneously rotates legs  444  and  446  clockwise as the operating member  440  moves outwardly along slots  484  and  486 . This, in turn, moves sacral plate  470  outwardly toward and finally to a fully extended position. The reverse of this operation would pull sacral plate  470  inwardly to a fully retracted position.  
         [0085]     Another embodiment is shown in  FIGS. 10-12 , and includes as its lower portion many of the elements used in the sacral support assembly shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Here, however, the embodiment also includes an upper support assembly that is linked to and driven by motor  460  as used previously for the lower sacral support assembly.  
         [0086]      FIG. 10  shows the assembled view while  FIG. 11  shows an assembled view from which portions have been cut away for better clarity, and  FIG. 12  shows an exploded view of each of the elements used.  
         [0087]     The frame used in this embodiment is vertically longer and is identified as  402 ′. It has a height of about 289 mm and a similar width to the  FIG. 9  embodiment of about 43 mm. Frame  402 ′ includes an extended upper portion with side walls  414 ′ and  416 ′ further including upper slots  580 - and  582  as well as downwardly sloping slots  584  and  586 .  
         [0088]     An H-shaped member  500  is used and is comprised of side pieces  502  and  504 , a pair of upper opposed apertures  506  and  508 , and a pair of opposed lower apertures  510  and  512 . A central piece  518  joins the two sides  502  and  504 , and forms them into a one piece unit, for example, by being welded together. The central section  518  also includes an aperture  520 .  
         [0089]     A pair of elongated side mounted drive members,  560  and  562 , are connected to drive member  466  by pin  420 . These drive members include an upper slot  564  and  566 , as well as a lower aperture  568  and  570 . With reference to  FIGS. 10-12 , the H-shaped member is located within frame  402 ′ by pin  530  that passes through slot  564 , apertures  508  and  506 , slot  580  and slot  566 . Pin will be held in place by cotter pin  540  and washed  542 . The central aperture  520  in H-shaped piece is connected to slots  584  and  586  by pin  532 , which is held in place by cotter pin  544  and washed  546 . An upper force transmission plate  590 , which includes a rear tang  592  and aperture  596 , is pivotally mounted to the H-shaped member by pin  534  which passed through apertures  510  and  512  and  596 . Pin  534  is held in place by cotter pin  548 . In addition, a load distribution material  600  is also shown as being available for use with the upper force transmission plate in order to provide a mechanism to extend the effective area of the upper support assembly.  
         [0090]     Spring  522  is longer, but this assembly is held on frame member  406  by a rear bracket  404  and spring  522  will contact frame  406  as shown in  FIGS. 10-11 .  
         [0091]     In operation, motor  460  will control the vertical movement of drive member  466 . With drive member  466  in its up or extended position, both sacral plate  470  and the upper back or lumbar plate  590  will be in their retracted positions. In that position, lumbar plate  590  can be flush with, or aligned with the front face of the sacral plate  470 , or alternatively, plate  590  can be off set rearwardly a slight amount from the front face of the sacral plate  470 , for example by about 12 mm. This aligned or offset relationship will vary depending upon seat design, the slope in angle of the seat and/or internal seat configurations. As drive member  466  starts to move downwardly, both the operating member  440  and the H-shaped member  500  will begin to move. Pin  420  connects drive member  466  to the hooked end  442  of the operating member  440  and to the drive members  560  and  562  which in turn connect to the top portion of H-shaped member  500 . H-shaped member  500  will be pulled downwardly and the central portion, together with pin  532  will begin to slide outwardly causing the H-shaped member  500  to pivot its bottom portion outwardly which moves the lumbar force plate  590  outwardly. The operation of the lower operating member  440  will be the same as described above.  
         [0092]      FIG. 13  shows an additional embodiment that is in most respects the same as the embodiment shown and described in  FIGS. 10-12  except that here the actuation is not under the control of a motor, but rather is a manually activated system. The frame and operating elements are the same as in the  FIG. 10-12  embodiment, but the motor  460  is replaced by a manual control system  700  that includes a control wire or cable  702  with a cable connection  710  at one end and an actuation knob  712  at the opposite end, and a cable holder  704  that is mounted to the bottom of frame  402 ′ by a screw  706  and a nut  708 , with screw  706  passing through apertures  481  and also  483  (not shown). Cable holder  704  will receive cable  702  and permit the cable end connection  710  to be connected to pin  422  so that the cable will be able to pull and push the drive members  560  and  562  as well as the operating member  440 , by movement of the upper end of the curved end of portion  442 . The movement of cable end  710  will be under the control of the actuation knob  712  as controlled by a seat user, and could be either a push-pull or rotation control mechanism. It is preferred that the actuation knob  712  be located adjacent the side of the seat, and within reach of a user, but it may be positioned at other locations as well.  
         [0093]     The parts of the embodiments disclosed herein are preferably constructed from light weight metal, including aluminum, or steel, but molded plastic parts, or reinforced resins, such as, for example, ZYTEL® (70G33HS1L-NC010-33% glass reinforced nylon resin), or a PPO resin like General Electric&#39;s Noryl PPO resin, for example GTX-910 could be used as well. It is important that the support assemblies be light weight yet sufficiently strong to operate correctly and effectively for the life of the seat. Thus, the parts should be fabricated from materials that will provide the functions and results while not be overly strong, heavy or bulky. The main support bracket, for example  402 ′ in  FIG. 12 , might be made from a metal, while the remaining parts could be made from a resin material. Alternatively, all parts could be made from metal or all parts could be made from resin material. This, it is contemplated that a combination of resin and metal parts might be used as well as all one material.  
         [0094]      FIGS. 18-21  show varying forms of load distribution materials.  FIG. 18  illustrates use of a load distribution material  321  in the form of a rectangular plate which provides a contoured, nesting area for the PSIS&#39;s of the ilias. Other preferred arrangements and designs of the load distribution material can be contemplated as well and several other forms are depicted in  FIGS. 19-21 . For example,  FIG. 19  illustrates an embodiment in which the load distribution material  323  exhibits a partially butter flied shape.  FIG. 20  illustrates an embodiment in which two load distribution materials  325  and  327  are provided.  FIG. 21  illustrates a load distribution material  329  that has been designed to generally cover the anatomical surfaces of the sacral-pelvic area, while also avoiding the PSIS&#39;s of the ilias.  
         [0095]     In use, when sacral support member  152  and/or  470  is in an engaged position, the load distribution material improves load distribution across soft tissues of the sacral area of the user and avoids localized pressure on the PSIS&#39;s of the ilias. Preferably, conventional support materials may be used to provide load distribution, such as compressed foams, plastics or strips of lightweight metals, for example aluminum. The size and shape of the load distribution material may be altered to accommodate the user&#39;s specific anatomical contours and provide improved support and fit. The size and shape of the load distribution can also be altered depending on the particular seat trim package. For example, bucket type seats configured for racing applications can be outfitted with relatively rigid load distribution materials, so as to provide greater support and load distribution.  
         [0096]     In addition, cushioning is preferably provided between the user, the front portion of the seatback and load distribution material. The cushioning may be formed of conventional cushioning materials such as foam. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, a front portion of the seatback is followed by a cushioning, which is followed by a load distribution material, which is followed by sacral support member  152  and/or  470 . Alternatively, a load distribution material can be provided between the front portion of the seatback and the cushioning.  
         [0097]     It should be understood that the amount of load distribution material, cushioning, and the dimensions of the sacral support member are related, and can be altered while still achieving the desirable levels of sacral support and contoured fit. For example, to some extent, a sacral support member having smaller dimensions than discussed above may be used if a relatively large load distribution material or cushion is provided between the sacral support member and the user. Conversely, a larger sacral support member than suggested above may be used if relatively less cushioning and load distribution material is provided between the sacral support member and the user. Also, the sacral support member, the load distribution material and cushion may be formed of a unitary structure while still achieving the preferred results of sacral support and contoured fit. Similarly, the load distribution material can be attached directly to the sacral support member.  
         [0098]     The foregoing description has been directed to specific embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that modifications may be made to the described embodiments of the present invention, with the attainment of all or some of the advantages. For example, the techniques of the present invention may be utilized for seats other than in automobiles or trucks, including seats for airplanes, wheel chairs, office furniture, home furniture and the like. Therefore, the object of the appended claims is to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the spirit and scope of the invention.