Patent ID: 6918634

Claim:
An adjustable lumbar support for use in the back rest of a seat, wherein the lumbar support includes a flexible band which in use extends longitudinally across the back rest so that opposite ends of the band are adjacent respective opposite sides of the back rest and further includes adjusting means operable to vary the extent to which the flexible band is able to curve rearwardly relative to the seat back rest; wherein the flexible band includes a plurality of elongated members which are spaced along,, and extend transversely with respect to, the longitudinal extent of the band, and a respective resiliently compressible bridging element joining together successive elongated members; wherein each elongated member is sufficiently flexible whereby at least some of the elongated members are adapted to bend resiliently at opposite end portions thereof, and thereby to bend rearwardly to conform substantially to the shape of and provide resilient support for the lumbar region of an occupant of the seat, as the adjusting means is operated to reduce the extent to which the flexible band curves rearwardly; and wherein each bridging element comprises a resilient spring element which has a form of oppositely acting leaf springs with the leaf springs of each pair being joined together at respective ends and each is joined intermediate its ends to a respective one of the respective elongate members joined by the spring element.