U.S. patent application number 10/412289 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-14 for adjustable four plate assembly for a chair.
Invention is credited to Ingold, John Louis, Lee, Elizabeth Julia, Wilson, Christopher Barnabas.
Application Number | 20040201267 10/412289 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33491246 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040201267 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee, Elizabeth Julia ; et
al. |
October 14, 2004 |
ADJUSTABLE FOUR PLATE ASSEMBLY FOR A CHAIR
Abstract
An adjustable four plate assembly for a chair including a first
plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a second plate
having a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to receive the
top surface of the first plate so as to allow for the pivoting of
said second plate from side to side. A third plate having a top
surface and a bottom surface adapted to receive the top surface of
the second plate so as to allow for the lateral sliding of the
third plate from side to side. A fourth plate having a top surface
and a bottom surface adapted to receive the top surface of the
third plate so as to allow for the sliding of the fourth plate
forwards and backwards. The adjustable four plate assembly allows
for the second plate, the third plate and the fourth plate to move
independently of one another and or in combination with one
another.
Inventors: |
Lee, Elizabeth Julia;
(Mississauga, CA) ; Wilson, Christopher Barnabas;
(Toronto, CA) ; Ingold, John Louis; (Newmarket,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MILLER THOMPSON, LLP
20 QUEEN STREET WEST, SUITE 2500
TORONTO
ON
M5H 3S1
CA
|
Family ID: |
33491246 |
Appl. No.: |
10/412289 |
Filed: |
April 14, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/411.35 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 1/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/411.35 |
International
Class: |
A47C 007/54 |
Claims
1. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm
comprising: (a) a first plate having a top surface and a bottom
surface adapted to receive an arm support; (b) a second plate
having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface
adapted to receive said top surface of said first plate allowing
for the pivoting of said second plate along a curved path from side
to side; (c) a third plate having a top surface and a bottom
surface, said bottom surface adapted to receive 'said top surface
of said second plate allowing for the sliding of said third plate
from side to side adiusting the entire lateral width of said chair
arm; and (d) a fourth plate having a top surface and a bottom
surface, said bottom surface adapted to receive said top surface of
said third plate allowing for the sliding of said fourth plate
forwards and backwards and said top surface of said fourth plate
adapted to receive an arm rest; wherein said second plate, said
third plate and said fourth plate move independently of one another
and or in combination with one another.
2. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm as
claimed in claim 1 wherein said first plate further comprises at
least two bosses on said top surface, and said second plate further
comprises at least two curved slots to accommodate said two bosses
of said first plate for pivoting said second plate.
3. An adjustable four plate assembly for adiusting a chair arm as
claimed in claim 2 wherein said second plate further comprises at
least two sleeves on said top surface, and said third plate further
comprises at least two oblong slots to accommodate said two sleeves
of said second plate for sliding said third plate from side to
side.
4. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm as
claimed in claim 3 wherein said third plate further comprises at
least two apertures having sleeves on said top surface and said
fourth plate further comprises at least two oblong slots to
accommodate said two sleeved apertures of said third plate for
sliding said fourth plate forwards and backwards.
5. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm
comprising: (a) a first plate having a top surface having at least
two bosses on and a bottom surface adapted to receive an arm
support and at least two sleeves on said top surface adapted to
receive a spring and a bearing ball; (b) a second plate having a
tog surface having at least two sleeves and a bottom surface, said
bottom surface adapted to receive said top surface of said first
plate allowing for the pivoting of said second plate along a curved
path from side to side and at least two curved slots-to accommodate
said two bosses of said first plate for pivoting said second plate;
(c) a third plate having a top surface having at least two
apertures having sleeves and a bottom surface, said bottom surface
adapted to receive said top surface of said second plate allowing
for the sliding of said third plate from side to side adjusting
lateral width and at least two oblong slots to accommodate said two
sleeves of said second plate for sliding said third plate from side
to side for adjusting the entire lateral width of said chair arm;
and (d) a fourth plate having a top surface and a bottom surface,
said bottom surface adapted to receive said top surface of said
third plate allowing for the sliding of said fourth plate forwards
and backwards, and at least two oblong slots to accommodate said
two sleeved-apertures of said third plate for sliding said fourth
plate forwards and backwards and said top surface of said fourth
plate adapted to receive an arm rest; wherein said second plate,
said third plate and said fourth plate move independently of one
another and or in combination with one another.
6. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm as
claimed in claim 5 wherein said third plate further comprises at
least two sleeves on said bottom surface adapted to receive a
spring and a bearing ball.
7. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm
comprising: (a) a first plate having a top surface having at least
two bosses on and a bottom surface adapted to receive an arm
support and a series of apertures, with at least one aperture
centrally located; (b) a second plate having a top surface having
at least two sleeves and a bottom surface, said bottom surface
adapted to receive said top surface of said first plate allowing
for the pivoting of said second plate along a curved path from side
to side and at least two curved slots to accommodate said two
bosses of said first plate for pivoting said second plate; (c) a
third plate having a top surface having at least two apertures
having sleeves and a bottom surface, said bottom surface adapted to
receive said top surface of said second plate allowing for the
sliding of said third plate from side to side adjusting the entire
lateral width of said chair arm and at least two oblong slots to
accommodate said two sleeves of said second plate for sliding said
third plate from side to side for adjusting lateral width; and (d)
a fourth plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, said
bottom surface adapted to receive said top surface of said third
plate allowing for the sliding of said fourth plate forwards and
backwards, and at least two oblong slots to accommodate said two
sleeved apertures of said third plate for sliding said fourth plate
forwards and backwards and said top surface of said fourth plate
adapted to receive an arm rest; wherein said second plate, said
third plate and said fourth plate move independently of one another
and or in combination with one another.
8. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm as
claimed in claim 7 wherein said second plate further comprises a
sleeve located centrally and adapted to fit into said centrally
located aperture of said first plate.
9. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm
comprising: (a) a first plate having a top surface having at least
two bosses on and a bottom surface adapted to receive an arm; (b) a
second plate having a top surface having at least two sleeves and a
bottom surface, said bottom surface adapted to receive said top
surface of said first plate allowing for the pivoting of said
second plate along a curved path from side to side and at least two
curved slots to accommodate said two bosses of said first plate for
pivoting said second plate; (c) a third plate having a top surface
having at least two apertures having sleeves and a bottom surface,
said bottom surface adapted to receive said top surface of said
second plate allowing for the sliding of said third plate from side
to side adjusting the entire lateral width of said chair arm and at
least two oblong slots to accommodate said two sleeves of said
second plate for sliding said third plate from side to side for
adjusting lateral width, said sleeves of said second plate are
adapted to receive a washer and fastener for securement of said
sleeves within said oblong slots of said third plate; and (d) a
fourth plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom
surface adapted to receive said top surface of said third plate
allowing for the sliding of said fourth plate forwards and
backwards, and at least two oblong slots to accommodate said two
sleeved apertures of said third plate for sliding said fourth plate
forwards and backwards and, said top surface of said fourth plate
adapted to receive an arm rest; wherein said second plate, said
third plate and said fourth plate move independently of one another
and or in combination with one another.
10. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm
comprising: (a) a first plate having a ton surface having at least
two bosses on and a bottom surface adapted to receive an arm; (b) a
second plate having a top surface having at least two sleeves and a
bottom surface, said bottom surface adapted to receive said top
surface of said first plate allowing for the pivoting of said
second plate along a curved path from side to side and at least two
curved slots to accommodate said two bosses of said first plate for
pivoting said second plate; (c) a third plate having a top surface
having at least two apertures having sleeves and two bosses on and
a bottom surface, said bottom surface adapted to receive said top
surface of said second plate allowing for the sliding of said third
plate from side to side adjusting the entire lateral width of said
chair arm and at least two oblong slots to accommodate said two
sleeves of said second plate for sliding said third plate from side
to side for adjusting lateral width; and (d) a fourth plate having
a top surface and a bottom surface having an oblong recess for
accommodating said bosses of said third plate, said bottom surface
adapted to receive said top surface of said third plate allowing
for the sliding of said fourth Plate forwards and backwards, and at
least two oblong slots to accommodate said two sleeved apertures of
said third plate for sliding said fourth plate forwards and
backwards and said top surface of said fourth plate adapted to
receive an arm rest; wherein said second plate, said third plate
and said fourth plate move independently of one another and or in
combination with one another.
11. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm as
claimed in claim 4 wherein said sleeved apertures of said third
plate are adapted to receive fasteners that extend beyond said top
surface of said third plate and beyond said oblong slots of said
fourth plate.
12. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm as
claimed in claim 4 wherein said oblong slots of said third plate
are oriented across the width of said third plate.
13. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm as
claimed in claim 4 wherein said oblong slots of said fourth plate
are oriented along the length of said fourth plate.
14. (Cancel)
15. (Cancel)
16. (Cancel)
17. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm as
claimed in claim 4 wherein said second plate further comprises a
first series of slots defining individual pivot positions for the
pivoting motion of said second plate.
18. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm
comprising: (a) a first plate having a top surface having at least
two bosses on and a bottom surface adapted to receive an arm
support; (b) a second plate having a top surface having at least
two sleeves and a bottom surface, said bottom surface adapted to
receive said top surface of said first plate allowing for the
pivoting of said second plate along a curved path from side to side
and at least two curved slots to accommodate said two bosses of
said first plate for pivoting said second plate and a second series
of slots; (c) a third plate having a top surface having at least
two apertures having sleeves and a bottom surface, said bottom
surface adapted to receive said top surface of said second plate
allowing for the sliding of said third plate from side to side
adjusting the entire lateral width of said chair arm and at least
two oblong slots to accommodate said two sleeves of said second
plate for sliding said third plate from side to side for adjusting
lateral width and said second series of slots on said second plate
defining individual width adjustment positions for the sliding from
side to side of said third plate; and (d) a fourth plate having a
top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom surface adapted to
receive said top surface of said third plate allowing for the
sliding of said fourth plate forwards and backwards, and at least
two oblong slots to accommodate said two sleeved apertures of said
third plate for sliding-said fourth plate forwards and backwards
and said top surface of said fourth plate adapted to receive an arm
rest; wherein said second plate, said third plate and said fourth
plate move independently of one another and or in combination with
one another.
19. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm
comprising: (a) a first Plate having a top surface having at least
two bosses on and a bottom surface adapted to receive an arm; (b) a
second plate having a top surface having at least two sleeves and a
bottom surface, said bottom surface adapted to receive said top
surface of said first plate allowing for the pivoting of said
second plate along a curved path from side to side and at least two
curved slots to accommodate said two bosses of said first plate for
pivoting said second plate; (c) a third plate having a top surface
having at least two apertures having sleeves and a bottom surface,
said bottom surface adapted to receive said top surface of said
second plate allowing for the sliding of said third plate from side
to side adjusting the entire lateral width of said chair arm and at
least two oblong slots to accommodate said two sleeves of said
second plate for sliding said third plate from side to side for
adjusting lateral width and a series of teeth; and (d) a fourth
plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, said bottom
surface adapted to receive said top surface of said third plate
allowing for the sliding of said fourth plate forwards and
backwards, and at least two oblong slots to accommodate said two
sleeved apertures of said third plate for sliding said fourth plate
forwards and backwards and said top surface of said fourth plate
adapted to receive an arm rest and said fourth plate further
comprises a series of teeth wherein said series of teeth of said
third and fourth plates define the individual depth adjustment
positions for the sliding forwards and backwards: wherein said
second plate, said third plate and said fourth plate move
independently of one another and or in combination with one
another.
20. An adjustable four plate assembly for adjusting a chair arm as
claimed in claim 4 wherein said first plate and third plate are
made from acetal, said second plate is made from coated steel, and
said fourth plate is made from glass filled nylon.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates in general to an assembly that can be
used for adjusting a variety of components of a chair and more
particularly to an adjustable four plate assembly that can adjust
various components of a chair and more specifically the armrest of
a chair in isolated motions or motions in conjunction with one
another, namely, side to side in a lateral movement, pivoting in an
arc like motion and sliding forwards and backwards in a
longitudinal movement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The ability to adjust a chair to provide maximum comfort for
the user is a primary concern for the ergonomics discipline. As
users and chairs come in all shapes and sizes, the ability to
accommodate each user to each chair has become important to the
comfort and productivity of the user. This issue is of particular
importance for those individuals that use computers and/or spend
considerable lengths of time sitting. Therefore adjustable
armrests, backs, the height of the chair and various other
positions have been addressed in a wide variety of inventions to
improve on comfort and accommodate the user's desires.
[0003] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,484 issued on Oct. 26, 1999
to Lambert et al relates to an adjustable armrest for chairs that
includes a support plate that is rotatable about the main pivot to
adjust the angular orientation of the armrest construction and is
laterally movable along continuously parallel positions to adjust
the width of the armrest construction relative to the chair.
[0004] Tornero is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,586,811 which, was
issued on Dec. 24, 1996 and this patent relates to an adjustment
device for selectively positioning a structural member such as an
office chair arm relative to the seat. The device includes a planar
support member and a retaining member which are joined to encase a
bearing through which a slidable structural member is adjusted. The
device allows for laterally positioning the arms of a chair to
accommodate users of different body widths.
[0005] Piretti is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 6,095,598 which, was
issued on Aug. 1, 2000, and this patent relates to a chair armrest
having pivotable front portion, and a chair including this armrest.
Specifically the device includes a front portion being rotatable
between two operative positions which are angularly spaced from
each other by about 180 degrees, allowing for the front portion to
be offset laterally inwardly with respect to a rear portion.
[0006] Bujaaryn is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,408 which, was
issued on Nov. 16, 1999 and this patent relates to compound lever
and armrest mounting assemblies, namely an armrest support that is
pivotally attached to the mounting assembly and includes a linkage
for indexing movements of the armrest support relative to motion of
the position of an upper rail relative to a lower rail, so that the
motion of the upper rail relative to the lower rail produces a
corresponding tilt of the armrest support
[0007] Urso is the owner of U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,650 which was
issued on May 26, 1998 and this patent relates to a home and office
health and fitness chair that includes a bracket that allows for
pivotal movement of the arm support about a horizontal axis. A
linear slide having an upper and lower portion is fixed to the
bracket to allow linear movement.
[0008] Thus an adjustable assembly which can adjust various
components of a chair and more specifically the armrest of the
chair in isolated motions or motions in conjunction with one
another, namely, side to side, pivoting and sliding front to back,
is desirable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] An object of one aspect of the present invention is to
provide an improved chair adjustment mechanism and more
specifically an adjustable four plate assembly for a chair that
provides for a variety of adjustments such as angular pivot
adjustment, width adjustment and depth adjustment.
[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there
is provided an adjustable four plate assembly for a chair including
a first plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a second
plate having a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to receive
the top surface of the first plate so as to allow for the pivoting
of said second plate from side to side. A third plate having a top
surface and a bottom surface adapted to receive the top surface of
the second plate so as to allow for the sliding of the third plate
from side to side. A fourth plate having a top surface and a bottom
surface adapted to receive the top surface of the third plate so as
to allow for the sliding of the fourth plate forwards and
backwards. The adjustable four plate assembly allows for the second
plate, the third plate and the fourth plate to move independently
of one another and or in combination with one another.
[0011] Conveniently, the adjustable four plate assembly includes
specific hardware to allow for maximum adjustment range for each of
the motions, as well as providing an individual position for each
of the motions within the ranges.
[0012] Advantages of the present invention include the ability to
move the four plate assembly in a variety of ways, namely sliding
forward and backward, sliding side to side or angular pivoting side
to side. These motions or positions may be conducted in isolation
or in conjunction with one another. The adjustable four plate
assembly may be used in adjusting an arm rest of a chair, or
adapted for use in the back of a chair or a lumbar support.
Furthermore the present invention requires fewer components to
achieve the desired movements and does not require covers to hide
the components. All of the components of the invention are
contained within the adjustable four plate assembly and are not
exposed when the arm rest is moved to extreme positions. Finally
the components of the present invention are configured in such a
way that a portion of the entire assembly is housed with in the arm
rest reducing the size and bulk of the visible plates between the
armrest support and the armrest.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] A detailed description of the preferred embodiment is
provided herein below by way of example only and with reference to
the following drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 in a top view, illustrates an adjustable four plate
assembly for a chair in accordance with the preferred embodiment of
the present invention where all four plates are centered;
[0015] FIG. 2 in a bottom view, illustrates the four plate assembly
of FIG. 1.
[0016] FIG. 3 in an end view, illustrates the four plate assembly
of FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 in a side view, illustrates the four plate assembly
of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 in a perspective view, illustrates the bottom of the
first plate allowing for pivoting motion from side to side.
[0019] FIG. 6 in a perspective view, illustrates the top of the
first plate allowing for pivoting motion from side to side.
[0020] FIG. 7 in a perspective view, illustrates the bottom of the
second plate allowing for pivoting motion from side to side.
[0021] FIG. 8 in a perspective view, illustrates the top of the
second plate allowing for pivoting motion from side to side.
[0022] FIG. 9 in a perspective view, illustrates the bottom of the
third plate allowing for side to side motion.
[0023] FIG. 10 in a perspective view, illustrates the top of the
third plate allowing for side to side motion.
[0024] FIG. 11 in a perspective view, illustrates the bottom of the
fourth plate allowing for sliding forward and backward motion.
[0025] FIG. 12 in a perspective view, illustrates the top of the
fourth plate allowing for sliding forward and backward motion.
[0026] FIG. 13 in an exploded view, illustrates an adjustable four
plate assembly for a chair in accordance with the preferred
embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 14 in a top view, illustrates the preferred embodiment
of the present invention in the slide forward position.
[0028] FIG. 15 in a side view, illustrates the preferred embodiment
of the present invention in the slide forward position.
[0029] FIG. 16 in a top view, illustrates the preferred embodiment
of the present invention in the slide side-ways position.
[0030] FIG. 17 in a top view, illustrates the preferred embodiment
of the present invention in the pivot to the side position.
[0031] FIG. 18 in a top view, illustrates the preferred embodiment
of the present invention in both the slide forward and slide
side-ways positions.
[0032] FIG. 19 in an end view, illustrates the preferred embodiment
of the present invention in both the slide forward and slide
side-ways positions.
[0033] FIG. 20 in a top view, illustrates the preferred embodiment
of the present invention in the slide forward position, the slide
side-ways position and the pivot from side to side position.
[0034] FIG. 21 in an end view, illustrates the preferred embodiment
of the present invention in the slide forward position, the slide
side-ways position and the pivot from side to side position.
[0035] In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are
illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood
that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of
illustration and as an aid to understanding, and are not intended
as a definition of the limits of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1-13, there is illustrated in various
views, an adjustable four plate assembly 10 for a chair 12 in
accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The adjustable four plate assembly 10 includes a first plate 14, a
second plate 16, third plate 18 and a fourth plate 20.
[0037] The first plate 14 has a profile 22 having a top and a
bottom surface 23 and 25 respectively and that includes at least
three apertures 24, at least two sleeves 26 and two bosses 27. The
two sleeves 26 and two bosses 27 are located on the top surface 23,
so that the bosses 27 extend beyond the top surface 23 of the first
plate 14. The apertures 24 are adapted to receive various fastening
means (not shown), for example, at least two of the apertures 24
may be hexagonal in shape to receive two indented hex head bolts.
Furthermore at least one aperture 24 is centrally located in the
first plate 14. The sleeves 26 are adapted to each receive a spring
and a bearing ball (not shown). The first plate 14 may be made from
acetal.
[0038] The second plate 16 has a profile 30 with both a top and a
bottom surface 32 and 34 respectively and includes at least two
sleeves 36 on the top surface 32. There is at least one sleeve 38
centrally located on the bottom surface 34 of the second plate 16
and sleeve 38 is adapted to fit into centrally located aperture 24
of the first plate 14. The second plate 16 further includes at each
end 40 of the second plate 16 a curved slot 41. The curved slots 41
each accommodate one of the bosses 27 when the first plate 14 and
the second plate 16 are aligned together. The curved slots 41
accommodate the angular pivoting action or movement of the
adjustable four plate assembly 10 explained herein below. The
bottom surface 34 of the profile 30 of the second plate 16 is
adapted to fit the top surface 23 of the profile 22 of the first
plate 14. The second plate 16 may be made from coated steel.
[0039] The third plate 18 has a profile 42 with both a top and a
bottom surface, 44 and 46 respectively and includes at least two
apertures 48 having two sleeves 50 that extend beyond the top
surface 44. The apertures 48 and the sleeves 50 are adapted to
receive various fastening means (not shown). For example, the
apertures 48 may be hexagonal in shape to receive two indented hex
head bolts. The bottom surface 46 further includes two sleeves 49
that are adapted to each receive a spring and a bearing ball (not
shown). The third plate 18 also includes two bosses 51 located on
the top surface 44 of the third plate 18. The bosses accommodate
the spring length and also act as an additional stop for the
forward-backward motion. The third plate 18 further includes a
series of teeth 53 on the outside edge of the length of the
plate.
[0040] The third plate 18 further includes at each end 52 of the
third plate 18, an oblong slot 54 oriented across the width of the
third plate 18. Each of the oblong slots 54 accommodate the sleeves
36 when the second plate 16 and the third plate 18 are aligned
together. The oblong slots 54 accommodate the sliding motion or
movement from side to side (or lateral width) of the adjustable
four plate assembly 10 explained herein below. The bottom surface
46 of the profile 42 of the third plate 18 is adapted to fit the
top surface 32 of the profile 30 of the second plate 16. The third
plate 18 may be made from acetal.
[0041] The fourth plate 20 has a profile 58 with both a top and a
bottom surface, 62 and 60 respectively. The top surface 62 is
further defined as having a wall 63 that runs around the edge of
the top surface 62. The fourth plate 20 includes at least two
apertures 64 and an elongated recess 66 on the bottom surface 60 of
the fourth plate 20. The fourth plate 20 further includes on each
side, oblong slots 68 oriented along the length of the fourth plate
20. Furthermore, the fourth plate 20 has a series of teeth 70 on
the inside of the wall 63 that engage with teeth 53 on the outside
wall of the third plate 18.
[0042] The elongated recess 66 accommodates the two bosses 51 of
the third plate 18 and each of the oblong slots 68 accommodate the
two sleeves 50 of the third plate 18. The oblong slots 68
accommodate the sliding action or movement forwards and backwards
(or longitudinal depth) of the adjustable four plate assembly 10
described herein below. The bottom surface 60 of the fourth plate
20 is adapted to receive the top surface 44 of the profile 42 of
the third plate 18. The fourth plate 20 may be made from
glass-filled nylon.
[0043] The adjustable four plate assembly 10 may be assembled in
the following fashion by way of example only. The first plate 14
has two indented hex head bolts inserted into the hex shaped
apertures 24 from the top surface 23 of the first plate 14. Two
springs may then be inserted into the two circular sleeves 26 in
the first plate 14. One bearing ball may be placed on top of each
of the springs for a total of two balls. The bearing ball may be
made of chrome alloy steel.
[0044] The second plate 16 is then added to the first plate 14 so
that the bottom surface 34 of the profile 30 of the second plate 16
is aligned with the top surface 23 of the profile 22 of the first
plate 14. In this position, the central aperture 24 of the first
plate 14 is aligned with the centrally located sleeve 38 on the
bottom surface 34 of the second plate 16. In this position the
centrally located sleeve 38 goes through the central aperture in
the first plate 14.
[0045] Both the first and second plates 14 and 16 respectively are
then held tightly together. A fastener 100 (not shown), such as a
truss head screw by way of example, is then inserted through the
centrally located sleeve 38 and tightened thereby securing the
first plate 14 and the second plate 16 together. Once the first and
second plates 14 and 16 respectively are assembled, this
subassembly is set aside.
[0046] The third plate 18 is positioned with the top surface 44
inverted and the two bosses 51 pointing down. Two indented hex head
bolts are inserted into the hexagonal shaped apertures 48 from the
bottom surface 46 of the third plate 18 so that they extend beyond
the sleeves 50 of the top surface 44 of the third plate 18. Two
springs are inserted into the two sleeves 49, followed by a bearing
ball on top of each of the springs. The bearing ball may be made of
chrome alloy steel. The subassembly of the first plate 14 and
second plate 16 is then positioned over the third plate 18 so that
the two sleeves 36 on the top surface 32 of the second plate 16
point downwards. The subassembly is then placed on top of the third
plate 18 so that the second plate 16 and the third plate 18 are
adjacent to each other. The two sleeves 36 of the second plate 16
are therefore positioned into the two oblong slots 54 in the third
plate 18.
[0047] In this position both the second and third plates 16 and 18
are aligned with one another and the third plate 18 is positioned
in the middle of the second plate 16. While compressing the first,
second and third plates 14, 16, and 18 together and engaging the
springs, the assembly is then inverted so that the top surface 44
of the third plate 18 is pointing upwards. A washer (not shown) is
placed on top of each of the sleeves 36 from the second plate 16
that protrude through the oblong slots 54. A fastener such as a
truss head screw is then inserted through the washer into each of
the sleeves 36 and each is tightened.
[0048] The fourth plate 20 is then placed on top of third plate 18
so that the indented hex head bolt shafts from the third plate 18
come through the oblong slots 68 of the fourth plate 20. A washer
is then placed over each of the indented hex head bolt shafts. A
machine screw nut is placed onto each of the hex head bolt shafts
and tightened. Hardware is not shown.
[0049] The adjustable four plate assembly 10 may then be mounted by
way of example to a chair arm. The indented hex head bolts that
were inserted into the hex shaped apertures 24 of the first plate
14 may be used to mount the adjustable four plate assembly 10 to an
arm chair support and the apertures 64 in the fourth plate 20 may
be used to attach an arm rest. The adjustable four plate assembly
10 therefore allows for the adjustment of the individual chair arms
to a number of desired positions.
[0050] In operation, the adjustable four plate assembly 10 allows
for the movement of the second plate 16 in a pivoting action from
side to side, the movement of the third plate 18 in a sliding
motion from side to side, and the movement of the fourth plate 20
in a sliding motion forwards and backwards. How this is achieved is
explained herebelow with reference to FIGS. 14-21.
[0051] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the four plate assembly 10 in the
slide forward position. In this position the user would have
applied pressure in the forward position so that the fourth plate
20 slides along the oblong slots 68 to the desired position. FIG.
16 illustrates the four plate assembly 10 in the slide side to side
position. In this position the user would have applied pressure
either to the outside or the inside of the arm rest so that the
third plate 18 slides along the oblong slots 54 oriented along the
width of the third plate 18 to the desired position.
[0052] FIG. 17 illustrates in a top view the four plate assembly 10
in the pivoted position. In this position the user would have
applied pressure either to the left or the right allowing for the
pivoting of the second plate 16 along the curved slots 41 to the
desired position.
[0053] FIGS. 18 and 19 in a top view and an end view illustrate the
four plate assembly 10 in both the slid forward position and the
slid sideways position. FIGS. 20 and 21 illustrate in a top view
and an end view the four plate assembly 10 adjusted in all three
positions slide forward, slide side ways and pivot.
[0054] The individual pivot positions are defined separately from
the general pivot motion by using a first series of slots 102 in
the second plate 16 and the two spring and bearing ball assemblies
in the first plate 14. When the second plate 16 is placed on top of
first plate 14, the second plate 16 compresses the spring and
bearing ball assemblies. The series of slots 102 in the second
plate 16 define specific angular positions.
[0055] When the second plate 16 is rotated on the first plate 14,
the bearing ball is pushed down, compressing the spring, allowing
second plate 16 to move over top of the first plate 14. When the
next slot 102 is reached, the bearing ball can move upward and the
spring can extend upward so that the bearing ball engages the
available slot 100. This motion can occur in either the clock-wise
or counter-clock-wise direction. The motion and positions are
controlled by extension and compression of springs and bearing
balls into slots 102.
[0056] The side to side movement or width adjustment is also
controlled by a second series of slots 110 in the second plate 16,
springs, and bearing balls (similar to the pivot motion) to define
the width adjustment of the armrest. In the width adjustment
motion, two springs are placed in the sleeves 49 in the third plate
18. Two bearing balls are then placed on top of these two
springs.
[0057] The second series of slots 110 are used to define the
individual positions for the width adjustment motion. The third
plate 18 can be slid across the top surface 32 of the second plate
16. When the third plate 18 is moved, the sleeve 36 slides
laterally in the oblong slot 54. The oblong slots 54 limit the
amount of width adjustment available. Similarly, to the pivot
motion, the bearing balls are compressed, causing the springs to be
compressed, allowing the third plate 18 to pass over top. When the
next slot 110 is reached, the ball can move upward, allowing the
spring to extend, and the ball to engage in the slot 110.
[0058] The spring properties are what define the amount of force
required to move the arm between the pivot positions. Because of
this, it is possible to use different springs with different
properties to alter the force required to move from angular
position to angular position. By doing this, it is possible to
adjust the feel of the motion for the desired application. Also,
the pivot motion is independent of the other two motions, therefore
the assembly can be pivoted without having to change width or
longitudinal positions.
[0059] The force required to move the plates is also a function of
the clearance between the plates. The more tightly together the
plates are held, the more force is required to move the arm to
different positions. For the pivot and side-side motion, by holding
the related plates very tightly together, the springs can be
pre-loaded (compressed initially), thus increasing the minimum
force required to move the arm in these directions. For the
front-back motion, if the hardware is tightened aggressively, the
plastics can be compressed, increasing the minimum force required
to move the arm in this direction.
[0060] As described for the pivot motion, the spring is what
determines the force required to move from position to position.
Because the width movement has a separate series of position slots,
separate springs, and separate paths, the width motion can be
adjusted for specific applications, independently of the other two
motions (pivot and depth). It can also be achieved as a stand-alone
motion, for example the assembly can be moved laterally without
pivoting or sliding forward or backward.
[0061] The adjustable four plate assembly 10 can be moved forward
and backward, but unlike the other two motions, this motion does
not use a spring and bearing ball combination to achieve individual
positions. For depth adjustment, the fourth plate 20 slides along
the top surface 44 of the third plate 18.
[0062] The material properties of third plate 18 and the fourth
plate 20 allow the walls of each plate to flex so that each set of
teeth 53 and 70 can move past one another into the next position
(the third plate 18 is made of acetal and the fourth plate is made
of glass-filled nylon). These materials are typically used in
combination for wear applications. The amount of depth adjustment
available is determined by two oblong slots 68. The clearance
between the two sleeves 50 of the third plate 18 and the oblong
slots 68 in the fourth plate 20 allow the sleeves 50 to slide
freely in the oblong slots 68. These two sleeves 50 ensure the
motion is in one direction only and act as stops at the end of the
oblong slots. The individual positions are defined by the teeth 53
on the third plate 18 and the teeth 70 of the fourth plate 20.
[0063] To adjust the force required to move the fourth plate 20
forward and backward, the clearance between the teeth 53 and 70 can
be altered. This can be done by adjusting the sizing of the plates
during the injection moulding process or through a change to the
injection mould. Although this is not as simple as changing a
spring for the other motions, the force required for depth motion
can still be adjusted without affecting the other motions. The
amount of depth adjustment available can be changed by altering the
length of the oblong slots 68.
[0064] As illustrated in the Figures, the adjustable four plate
assembly 10 can accommodate a variety of positions according to the
user's desire for positioning the arm rest. These movements may be
achieved in isolation, or in a variety of combinations. For
example, the user may wish to have the arm rest forward and pivoted
slightly inwards, or the user might wish to have the arm rest slid
away from the user's body to allow for easier and greater access to
the chair 12 itself. The adjustable four plate assembly 10 may also
be adapted and mounted at other locations on a chair 12 for example
a chair back or lumbar support.
[0065] Other variations and modifications of the invention are
possible. All such modifications or variations are believed to be
within the sphere and scope of the invention as defined by the
claims appended hereto.
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