Abstract: A connection between a tensile element and an object is described having a slotted plate, a connector and a retainer. The slotted plate is attached to or part of the object and the slot has a first part and a second part. The connector has a first end that is engageable with the tensile element and a second end that can be inserted into the second part of the slot and slid towards the first part of the slot to engage the first part of the slot. The retainer inhibits the connector from moving back into the second part of the slot once it is engaged with the first part of the slot. Such a connection can be used to attach a cable assembly to a seat basket to provide adjustable lumbar support.

Abstract: A shape adjusting mechanism is provided having a basket that is flexed on a guide track by a cable mechanism. The basket comprises an elongate resilient plate in which is defined at least one slot. The slot has at least one reinforcing flange that defines a region of high bending resistance relative to a controlled arch region in the plate in order that the flex of the plate in the controlled region will be more pronounced than in the region with the slot. A reinforcing edge flange is also provided along at least a portion of the longitudinal edge of the plate. In a further embodiment a plurality of crossforms are define transversely in the controlled arch region to predefine an arch in the plate while the plate is in a rest state.

Abstract: A shape-adjusting mechanism for a backrest has a lumbar basket which includes a pair of supports spaced apart along a predetermined axis. Resilient axial ribs are fastened between the brackets, and resilient transverse ribs are fastened to the axial ribs. The axial ribs are structured to flex as the supports are drawn together, to achieve a profile that better conforms to the shape of a user's spine. To that end, each axial rib is stamped with reinforcing flanges that extend partially along its length and produce lengthwise rib sections of different bending resistance that determine the profile of the lumbar basket in its flexed state. No separate stiffening component or additional stamping operation is required.

Abstract: A shape-adjusting mechanism for a backrest has a lumbar basket which includes a pair of supports spaced apart along a predetermined axis. Resilient axial ribs are fastened between the brackets, and resilient transverse ribs are fastened to the axial ribs. The axial ribs are structured to flex as the supports are drawn together, to achieve a profile that better conforms to the shape of a user's spine. To that end, each axial rib is stamped with reinforcing flanges that extend partially along its length and produce lengthwise rib sections of different bending resistance that determine the profile of the lumbar basket in its flexed state. No separate stiffening component or additional stamping operation is required.