Adjustable lumbar support mechanism for airline passenger seats with manual push button and cable control

Claim 1

An improved adjustable lumbar support mechanism adapted for use in a backrest of an airline passenger seat, comprising: (a) a moveable lumbar support panel element positioned in front of the seat backrest structure and underneath a lumbar seat back cushion, (b) a mechanical locking means assembly coupling said moveable panel to a rigid backrest support frame and permitting selected positioning of said moveable lumbar support panel element; (c) a mechanical control push button and cable assembly for manual disengagement of said mechanical locking means with a push button element installed remotely in a seat armrest and with a cable end routed and connected to a mechanical trigger element of said locking means, and; (d) a mechanical springload means to provide a preloaded force to said moveable lumbar support panel element wherein said force acts against an occupant's back to counterbalance a pressure from said occupants's back when said control push button is depressed; whereby such improvement provides: (e) a quick and easy readjustment of the lumbar cushion position whenever said control push button is depressed and when a light pressure is simultaneously applied against the back to a desired lumbar adjustment position, (f) a firm support of the lower back of the seat occupant throughout an adjustment range and regardless of the pressure applied on the seatback as long as said push button is not depressed, (g) further, to couple said remote control push button with the mechanically preloaded lumbar support permits elimination of: an electrical motor, power source, remote electrical switch; a pneumatic lumbar bag filled with a gas under pressure; or a considerable muscular power in hand and transmission means necessary to develop a rotational energy to operate and readjust a conventional mechanical lumbar support.