U.S. patent application number 12/229223 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-30 for adjustable armrest and method for the use thereof.
Invention is credited to John F. Aldrich, Jason Holt, Timothy A. Hoogland, Robert W. Roth, Robert M. Seeley, Jeffrey A. Weber.
Application Number | 20090108660 12/229223 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40378613 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090108660 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weber; Jeffrey A. ; et
al. |
April 30, 2009 |
Adjustable armrest and method for the use thereof
Abstract
An adjustable armrest includes a base member pivotable about a
first horizontal axis in a side-to-side direction. An arm support
member is connected to the base member. A first latch member
includes a plurality of notches, while a second latch member
includes a pawl shaped to releasably engage at least one of the
plurality of notches. One of the first or second latch members is
mounted on the base member, with the second latch member being
moveable relative to the first latch member between at least one
engaged position and a release position. In another aspect, a chair
includes a pair of adjustable armrests. In another aspect, a method
of adjusting the lateral position of an armrest is provided.
Inventors: |
Weber; Jeffrey A.; (Golden
Valley, MN) ; Holt; Jason; (Minneapolis, MN) ;
Aldrich; John F.; (Grandville, MI) ; Hoogland;
Timothy A.; (Zeeland, MI) ; Roth; Robert W.;
(Holland, MI) ; Seeley; Robert M.; (Zeeland,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
40378613 |
Appl. No.: |
12/229223 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60965978 |
Aug 23, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/411.36 ;
297/411.37 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 1/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/411.36 ;
297/411.37 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/54 20060101
A47C007/54 |
Claims
1. An adjustable armrest comprising: a base member pivotable about
a first horizontal axis oriented in a fore-and-aft direction,
wherein said base member is pivotable about said axis in a
side-to-side direction; an arm support connected to said base
member and comprising an elongated armrest support extending in the
fore-and-aft direction; a first latch member comprising a plurality
of notches; and a second latch member comprising a pawl shaped to
releasably engage at least one of said plurality of notches,
wherein one of said first or second latch members is mounted on
said base member, wherein said second latch member is moveable
relative to said first latch member between at least one engaged
position, wherein said pawl is engaged with at least one of said
plurality of notches such that said base member is prevented from
pivoting about said first horizontal axis, and a release position,
wherein said pawl is disengaged from said plurality of notches such
that said base member is pivotable about said first horizontal
axis.
2. The armrest of claim 1 wherein said arm support comprises a stem
moveably connected to said base member, wherein said stem and said
base member are vertically moveable relative to each other.
3. The armrest of claim 2 wherein said armrest support is connected
to an upper portion of said stem.
4. The armrest of claim 2 wherein said stem is coupled to said
second latch member, wherein said second latch member is moveable
to said release position in response to an upward movement of said
movement of said stem.
5. The armrest of claim 4 wherein one of said stem or said base
member comprises a second plurality of notches and the other of
said stem or base member comprises a second pawl, wherein said
second pawl is moveable relative to said second plurality of
notches between at least one engaged position, wherein said second
pawl is engaged with at least one of said plurality of second
notches and said stem is coupled to said second latch member, and a
release position, wherein said second pawl is disengaged from said
second plurality of notches and said stem is decoupled from said
second latch member.
6. The armrest of claim 5 wherein said stem further comprises a
trigger connected to an actuator member, wherein said actuator
member comprises said second pawl and wherein said second plurality
of notches are disposed on said base member.
7. The armrest of claim 5 further comprising a rack configured with
said second plurality of notches, wherein said rack is moveably
mounted to said base member and wherein said second pawl is
moveable relative to and engageable with said rack.
8. The armrest of claim 7 further comprising a spring biasing said
rack in a downward direction.
9. The armrest of claim 7 wherein said rack is engaged with said
second latch member, wherein said second latch member is moveable
between said engaged and release positions as said rack is moveable
between at least a first position and a second position.
10. The armrest of claim 2 wherein at least a portion of said stem
has a curved shape, with said stem having an inner concave contour
and an outer convex contour.
11. The armrest of claim 1 wherein said one of said base member or
said first latch member comprises an indexing member engaged with
at least one of a plurality of second notches formed on the other
of said base member or said first latch member.
12. The armrest of claim 1 wherein said second latch member is
rotatably mounted to said base member about a second horizontal
axis spaced from said first horizontal axis.
13. A chair comprising: a seat having a longitudinally spaced front
and back and laterally spaced opposite sides; and a pair of
armrests positioned along said opposite sides of said seat, each of
said armrests comprising: a base member pivotable about a
longitudinally extending horizontal axis; an arm support connected
to said base member, wherein said arm support and said base member
are pivotable about said horizontal axis toward and away from one
of said sides of said seat; a first latch member comprising a
plurality of notches; and a second latch member comprising a pawl
shaped to releasably engage at least one of said plurality of
notches, wherein one of said first or second latch members is
mounted on said base member, wherein said second latch member is
moveable relative to said first latch member between at least one
engaged position, wherein said pawl is engaged with at least one of
said plurality of notches such that said base member is prevented
from pivoting about said first horizontal axis, and a release
position, wherein said pawl is disengaged from said plurality of
notches such that said base member is pivotable about said first
horizontal axis.
14-24. (canceled)
25. A method of adjusting the position of an armrest comprising:
pulling up on an upper portion of said armrest; pivoting said
armrest about a horizontal axis in a side-to-side direction toward
and away from a side of a seat to a desired lateral position; and
releasing said upper portion of said armrest.
26. The method of claim 25 wherein said pulling up on said upper
portion of said armrest is performed free of any actuation of any
release mechanism.
27. The method of claim 25 further comprising pushing down on said
upper portion of said armrest and thereby locking said armrest such
that said armrest is prevented from pivoting about said horizontal
axis.
28. The method of claim 27 wherein said locking said armrest is
automatically performed by said pushing down on said upper portion
free of any independent actuation of any locking mechanism.
29. The method of claim 25 further comprising moving an armrest
vertically between a plurality of height positions and locking said
armrest at a desired one of said plurality of height positions,
wherein said pulling up on said upper portion of said armrest is
carried out while said armrest is locked at any one of said
plurality of height positions, wherein said armrest is laterally
adjustable when locked at any one of said plurality of height
positions.
30. The method of claim 29 wherein said moving said armrest
vertically between said plurality of height positions further
comprises actuating a trigger and moving said upper portion of said
armrest between said plurality of height positions, releasing said
trigger and thereby maintaining said armrest at said desired one of
said height positions.
31. A method of adjusting the position of an armrest comprising:
pivoting said armrest about a horizontal axis in a side-to-side
direction toward and away from a side of a seat to a desired
position free of any load being applied downwardly to said armrest;
and pushing down on said armrest and thereby locking said armrest
such that said armrest is prevented from pivoting about said
horizontal axis, wherein said locking said armrest is automatically
performed by said pushing down on said armrest free of any
independent actuation of any locking mechanism.
32. A chair comprising: a seat having a longitudinally spaced front
and back and laterally spaced opposite sides; and a pair of
armrests positioned along said opposite sides of said seat, each of
said armrests comprising: a lower support pivotable about a
longitudinally extending horizontal axis; and an upper support
connected to said lower support, wherein said upper support and
said lower support are pivotable about said horizontal axis toward
and away from one of said respective sides of said seat, and
wherein said upper support is moveably connected to said lower
support in a substantially vertical direction such that the height
of such upper support is adjustable relative to said lower support.
Description
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/965,978, filed Aug. 23, 2007, the entire
disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to an armrest, and
in particular, to an adjustable armrest, a chair incorporating such
an armrest and the method for the use thereof.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Chairs of the type typically used in offices and the like
often are configured with armrests. In many instances, the armrests
are provided with vertical adjustability. In some instances, an
upper portion of the armrest is provided with lateral
adjustability, such that an arm pad can be moved side-to-side to
accommodate users having different body widths. Typically, however,
the armrest includes a stem that is not laterally moveable, such
that lateral adjustment of the upper portion does not provide more
or less room between the stems, for example to accommodate a large
individual with wide legs. Conversely, stems that are spaced too
far apart can take up excess room, for example when chairs are
situated around a conference table. Therefore, while the lateral
adjustment of the upper portion of an armrest may provide for a
variety of reconfigurable positions to accommodate a range of
users, the fixed positions and/or configurations of the stems may
not be ideally suited for a wide cross-section of users and/or
applications.
[0004] In addition, the actuation of armrests, whether for vertical
or lateral adjustment, often requires independent actuation of a
trigger or release mechanism that allows the armrest to be moved.
Such triggers, however, may not be easily located by a user
unfamiliar with a particular chair, or may be difficult to actuate,
for example, by someone of limited dexterity and strength.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present inventions are defined by the claims, and
nothing in this section should be read as a limitation on those
claims. Rather, by way of general introduction and briefly stated,
various embodiments are described that relate to an adjustable
armrest, chairs incorporating such an armrest, and/or the method
for the use thereof.
[0006] For example and without limitation, in one aspect, one
embodiment of an adjustable armrest includes a base member
pivotable about a first horizontal axis oriented in a fore-and-aft
direction, wherein the base member is pivotable about the axis in a
side-to-side direction. An arm support is connected to the base
member and includes an armrest support extending in the
fore-and-aft direction. A first latch member includes a plurality
of notches, while a second latch member includes a pawl shaped to
releasably engage at least one of the plurality of notches. One of
the first or second latch members is mounted on the base member,
with the second latch member being moveable relative to the first
latch member between at least one engaged position and a release
position. In the engaged position, the pawl is engaged with at
least one of the plurality of notches such that the base member is
prevented from pivoting about said first horizontal axis. In the
release position, the pawl is disengaged from the plurality of
notches such that the base member is pivotable about the first
horizontal axis.
[0007] In another aspect, a chair includes a pair of adjustable
armrests and a seat having a longitudinally spaced front and back
and laterally spaced opposite sides. The pair of armrests are
positioned along the opposite sides of the seat and are pivotable
in a side-to-side direction about a longitudinally extending
horizontal axis.
[0008] In another aspect, a method of adjusting the position of an
armrest includes pulling up on an upper portion of the armrest,
pivoting the armrest about a horizontal axis in a side-to-side
direction toward and away from a side of a seat to a desired
lateral position, and releasing the upper portion of the armrest.
In one embodiment, the method further includes adjusting a height
of the armrest.
[0009] In another aspect, a method of adjusting the position of an
armrest includes pivoting the armrest about a horizontal axis in
side-to-side direction toward and away from a side of a seat to a
desired position while free of any load being applied downwardly to
the armrest. The method further includes pushing down on the
armrest and thereby locking the armrest such that the armrest is
prevented from pivoting about the horizontal axis. Locking the
armrest is automatically performed by pushing down on the armrest
free of any independent actuation of any locking mechanism.
[0010] The various aspects and embodiments provide significant
advantages over other armrests, chairs and methods for the user
thereof. For example, and without limitation, the lateral position
of the entire armrest can be easily adjusted to accommodate
different users, while providing a chair with a variable width
footprint. In addition, the lateral position of the armrests can be
easily adjusted without a separate, independent actuation of a
trigger mechanism, while at the same time providing rigid support
when loaded.
[0011] Of course, it should be understood that the various aspects
disclosed herein can be used individually or in combination, with
various combinations providing additional advantages. The present
invention, together with further objects and advantages, will be
best understood by reference to the following detailed description
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of an armrest
assembly.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a side view of the armrest assembly shown in FIG.
1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest shown in
FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest shown in
FIG. 2 taken along line 4-4.
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the armrest shown
in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a rear view of a rack.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front view of another embodiment of an
armrest.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sleeve member.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a front view of a second latch member.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a front view of a rack.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a front view of another embodiment of an
armrest.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest shown in
FIG. 11 taken along line 12-12.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest shown in
FIG. 11 taken along line 13-13.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of another
embodiment of an armrest.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a partial front view of the armrest shown in FIG.
14.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a partial front view of another embodiment of an
armrest.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a partial side view of the armrest shown in FIG.
16.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the armrest shown in FIG.
16.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a chair configured with an
armrest.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a spring plate.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an arm pad.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a front view of an armrest.
[0034] FIG. 23 is an interior side view of the armrest shown in
FIG. 22.
[0035] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest shown in
FIG. 23 taken along line 24-24.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest shown in
FIG. 23 taken along line 25-25.
[0037] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the armrest shown in
FIG. 23 taken along line 26-26.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
General
[0038] The terms "longitudinal" and "lateral" as used herein are
intended to indicate the directions 50, 52 of the chair from front
to back and from side to side, respectively. Similarly, the terms
"front", "side", "back", "forwardly", "rearwardly", "upwardly" and
"downwardly" as used herein are intended to indicate the various
directions and portions of the chair as normally understood when
viewed from the perspective of a user sitting in the chair. It
should be understood that the terms "mounted," "connected",
"coupled," "supported by," and variations thereof, refer to two or
more members or components that are joined, engaged or abutted,
whether directly or indirectly, for example, by way of another
component or member, and further that the two or more members, or
intervening member(s) can be joined by being integrally formed, or
by way of various fastening devices, including for example and
without limitation, mechanical fasteners, adhesives, welding, press
fit, bent-over tab members, etc. The term "plurality" means two or
more.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 19, a chair 2 includes a seat 4 having a
front 6 and back 8 and opposite sides 10. The chair includes a
support structure 12 supporting the seat. The support structure 12
is shown as including a base 14 with five arms, each terminating in
a caster. A central support column 16 is connected to a control
housing 18, with the control housing being rotatable relative to
the base about a vertical axis. A back 20, including a support
member, extends from and is pivotally connected to the control
housing. The back 20 and seat 4 are configured to tilt relative to
the tilt housing.
[0040] It should be understood that in other embodiments (not
shown), the chair can include other types of support structures,
including three or more fixed legs, sled bases, and other known
structures. In addition, it should be understood that the chair can
be configured with a seat and back that tilt together but at
different rates, or with a seat and back that are fixed and tilt
together at the same rate. In other embodiments, the seat may
remain fixed, with the back tilting by itself, or with both the
seat and back being fixed. It should be understood that an armrest
can be connected to the support structure for any of these types of
chairs, or other seating structures, including without limitation
vehicular and airplane seating, carts, bicycles, wheelchairs,
stadium seating or any other type of body support structures having
a seating surface.
Armrest Assembly:
[0041] Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6, 8 and 22-26 show an
armrest 22 having an upper arm support 24 and a lower arm support
26. The lower arm support includes a tubular structure 28. A pair
of mating sleeves (inner and outer) 30, 32 are mounted inside the
tube and define an interior cavity 34 therein. One of the sleeves
32 includes an upper annular flange 36 that forms a cap on the
lower arm support 26 and defines an upper opening into the cavity
34. In another embodiment, both sleeves include a portion of the
annular flange, with the sleeves in combination forming the entire
flange. The inner sleeve 30 is configured with a pair of flanges 38
that form a track in combination with an inner surface of the lower
arm support. The flanges are spaced outside of a corresponding pair
of flanges on the interior of the lower arm support, so as to
provide an anti-rotation coupling between the inner sleeve and the
lower arm support. The inner sleeve 30 also includes an elongated
opening 40 formed between the flanges so as to provide access to
the track. A rack is 42 slideably positioned within the track
between the flanges of the lower arm support. A spring 44 is
positioned between an upper portion of the rack 42 and a lower
surface of the annular flange 36 of the sleeve. The spring 44
biases the rack 42 downwardly. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 26,
a spring 176 biases a latch member 66, and by way of engagement,
the rack 44 downwardly. The rack has a limited amount of travel
within the track, with the rack 42 bottoming out in the track as it
bears against a top surface formed in the tubular structure 28. The
rack 42 includes a plurality of notches 46 formed by teeth facing
outwardly toward the cavity 34 with the notches exposed through the
elongated opening 40 formed in the sleeve 30. An opening 48 is
formed intermediate the top and bottom ends of the rack and opens
inwardly toward the cavity 34.
[0042] The lower arm support 26, otherwise referred to as a base
member, is configured with an inwardly extending flange 54. A latch
member 56 is mounted to the flange 54, with a pair of shims 58
secured to the latch member. The latch member 56 includes a rack
60, configured as a plurality of notches 74 defined by teeth formed
along a top thereof. The latch member 56 is fixedly mounted to the
support structure 12 in a non-rotatable relationship using the
shims 58, with the base member 26, including the flange 54, being
pivotally mounted to the latch member 56 and support structure
about a main pivot axis 62. The pivot axis 62 extends substantially
horizontally along the longitudinal (fore-and-aft) direction 50. In
this way, the lower arm support or base member 26, and connected
upper arm support 24, are pivotable about the main pivot axis 62 in
a side-to-side direction so as to accommodate users of different
widths. The flange 54 is provided with slots 64 of varying length
as a function of the distance from the pivot axis 62, such that the
lower arm support 26 can pivot relative to the latch member 56. A
pair of covers 117, separate from or integral with the lower arm
support, are also configured with slots 64.
[0043] A second latch member 66 is pivotally mounted to the base
member 26, and in particular the flange 54, about a second pivot
axis 72, also running in the fore-and-aft or longitudinal direction
50. The pivot axis 72 is spaced apart, preferably inwardly and/or
upwardly, from the main pivot axis 62. The second latch member 66
includes a downwardly extending pawl 68 that is shaped to engage at
least one of the notches 74 of the rack 60 of the latch member 56.
The term "pawl" as used herein means any protuberance, projection,
detent or other member capable of mating with and/or engaging a
corresponding opening or projection/protuberance, such as a notch,
tooth, etc. A distal end 70 of the latch member 66 is inserted into
the opening 48 formed in the rack 42 and is constrained by the rack
42. It should be understood that in an alternative embodiment the
position of the pawl and rack can be reversed on the two latch
members 56, 66. In yet another embodiment, a pivotable latch
member, having a pawl or rack, is pivotally connected to the
support structure, and a latch member fixed relative to the support
structure and having a mating rack or pawl, is moveably connected
to the base member or lower arm support such that the latch member
remains pivotally stationary as the base member pivots.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 7, the end 170
of the latch member 166 is rotatably connected to a rack 142
configured with notches 146. A spring 176 is connected to one or
both of the rack 142 and latch member 166 and biases the latch
member 166 and rack in a downward direction such that a plurality
of pawls 168 engage notches 74 of rack 60.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 22-26, the upper arm support 24
includes a stem 76 slidably received and vertically moveable
relative to the lower arm support 24. The upper and lower arm
supports are curved relative to a longitudinal axis, with an inner
concave curvature (curved surface 78) facing the user and an outer
convex curvature (curved surface 80) facing away from the user. In
this way, the curved armrest provides greater clearance for the
user, including for example the user's thighs.
[0046] The upper arm support 24 includes an elongated armrest
support 80 extending forwardly from the stem, and also rearwardly a
lesser amount. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, a pad 82, made from one
or more of a foam, gel, fabric or other compressible or
non-compressible material, is mounted on an upper portion 80 of the
armrest support. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, an opening 84 is formed
in a forward portion of the stem. A trigger 86 extends at least
partially outside of the opening for exposure to the user and is
moveably, e.g., rotatably, secured to the stem. An upper surface 88
of the trigger on the interior of the stem engages the bottom of a
free end 94 of a spring plate 90. The spring plate 90 has an
opposite end 92 fixedly secured to the stem.
[0047] An actuator member 98 includes a head 100 that is connected
to the spring plate 90 intermediate the free end 94 and the fixed
end 92. A necked portion 102 of the head is inserted into a slot 96
to connect the actuator and spring plate. The actuator includes an
elongated shaft 104. An annular flange 106 extends transversely
from the shaft below the head and slideably engages the interior
side walls of the cavity 134 of the upper arm support, or stem, so
as to stabilize the actuator. A lower end 112 of the actuator
includes a tapered cavity 108 with a slotted opening formed
therein. A pawl 110, configured as a bullet shape, is slideably
secured to the lower end 112 of the actuator, for example in a
track, and extends through an opening 113 in the stem 76. The pawl
110 is slideable along the tapered surface 114 of the cavity such
that the pawl is extended or retracted transversely relative to the
actuator shaft and rack 42 as the shaft moves down and up
respectively in response to actuation of the trigger 86. In an
alternative embodiment, the pawl 110 is not attached to the
actuator, but rather simply is inserted through the opening 113 in
the stem 76, and is biased in and out of engagement with the rack
simply by movement of the rack and a tapered opening behind the
pawl, thereby allowing it to move out of engagement with the rack.
The pawl 110 is releasably engaged with one of the notches 46
formed in the rack to secure the upper arm support 24 in a desired
vertical (height) position relative to the lower arm support 26.
Instead of the spring plate, or in addition thereto, a spring 115
is attached to the bottom of the actuator as shown in FIG. 26 so as
to pull the actuator downwardly and thereby engage the pawl 110
with at least one of the rack notches 46.
[0048] It should be understood that when the upper support member
pawl 110 is engaged with the rack 42, the upper support member 24
is "coupled" to the latch member 166 by way of the rack 42. Of
course, when the upper support member pawl 110 is disengaged with
the rack 42, for example when the height of the armrest is being
adjusted, the upper support member is not coupled to the latch
member 66, such that the pawl 68 remains engaged with at least one
of the notches 74 on the latch member 56. In this way, an
adjustment of the height of the armrest, by pulling up on the
armrest with the trigger 86 depressed, does not inadvertently
disengage the latch members 66, 56 thereby allowing the armrest
also to move side-to-side. At the same time, it should be
understood that even when the upper support member pawl 110 is
engaged with the rack 42, the upper support member 24 is moveable
in a vertical direction relative to the lower support member 26 a
small amount so as to allow the rack 42 to move and disengage the
pawl 68 from the latch member 56.
[0049] Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 11-15, a pair of latch
members 256 each has a rack with notches 274 formed along a top
thereof. A pair of outer covers 280 are secured to the latch
members. A base member 226 includes a pair of sleeve members 230,
232 sandwiched between the latch members 256. The sleeve members
include an upwardly extending stem portion that is configured with
a rack 242. An upper arm support 282 is moveably secured to the
sleeve members, and in particular the stem portion, and includes a
pawl (not shown) that releasably engages the rack 242. The base
member 226, or lower arm support, also includes a stem 276
connected to a flange 254, which are sandwiched between the sleeve
members. The sleeve members 230, 232 and upper arm support 282 are
slidably connected to the stem 276 and flange 254. Specifically,
the flange 254 includes a pair of vertically elongated slots 286.
The sleeve members include a pair of guides 288 extending
therebetween that slide in the slots thereby allowing the sleeve
members to move vertically relative to the stem. A spring 290
engages against the bottom end of the stem and biases the sleeve
members 230, 232 downwardly. A latch member 292, formed as a pin
defining a pawl, is engaged by a bottom surface of inwardly
extending arm portions 296 of the sleeve members 230, 232. A
vertically elongate slot 298 is formed in the flange member 254 of
the stem and receives the latch member 292. The latch member 292
releasably engages one of the notches 274 of the rack. The flange
254 includes an elongated slot 250 curved relative to the main
pivot axis 62. A pin 252 connects the latch members 256. The
armrest, including the base member 226 and upper arm support 282,
pivots about the main pivot axis 62 as the pin 252 rides in the
slots 250.
[0050] In another aspect of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14 and
15, a second rack 218 is configured along a top edge of an opening
formed in the flange 254 connected to the stem. A resilient detent
member 220, having a plurality of pawls, is connected to the base
member plates. The detent member 220 acts as an indexing member
that holds the lower arm support 226 in a desired position (five
shown) relative to the latch members 256. It should be understood
that a plurality, meaning more than one, position can be provided,
including the five shown.
[0051] In yet another embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-18, the armrest
includes a lower arm support 376, or base member, pivotally
connected to a support structure and latch members 380 along a
longitudinal extending (fore-and-aft) horizontal pivot axis 378.
The pair of latch members 380 each have a rack with a plurality of
notches 382 formed along an upper edge thereof. An upper arm
support 384 is slidable relative to the lower arm support 376 in a
vertical direction. A latch member 386, configured as a pin or
pawl, is coupled or secured to the upper arm support 384, with a
shaft of the pin riding in a slot 388 formed through the lower arm
support 376, such that the latch member is moveably mounted to the
lower arm support 376. A spring (not shown) can be included to bias
the upper arm support and connected latch member 386 downwardly
into engagement with the latch member 380.
[0052] The upper and lower arm supports, or various components
thereof such as the tubular structure, flange and rack, are
preferably made of plastic, for example nylon 33% GF BASF Capron
8223G HS, although it should be understood that they can be made of
other materials, such as metal with the flange being welded to a
tubular structure (see FIG. 14), or can include components made of
plastic and components made of metal. Likewise, the sleeve members
making up a portion of the lower arm support also are preferably
made of plastic, such as acetal copolymer ticona celcon LW90, or
other suitable materials such as metal. The latch members are
preferably made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, although they
also can be made of plastic, composites or other suitable
materials.
Operation of Width Adjustment:
[0053] In operation, and referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5,
the user lifts up on the upper portion of the upper arm support 26,
for example by grasping the armrest support 80. The upward lifting
of the stem 76 thereby raises the rack 42 within the track of the
lower arm support 24 against the biasing force of the spring 44 by
way of the engagement between the pawl 110 and the rack 42. As the
rack 42 is moved upwardly by the pawl 110, the end of the latch
member 66 connected to the rack 42 is also lifted upwardly thereby
disengaging the pawl 68 from the notches 74 of the rack 60 formed
on the latch member 56. The user thereafter pivots the armrest
side-to-side toward and away from the side of the seat to a desired
lateral position. The user then simply releases the armrest 22,
with the spring 44 and gravity thereby moving the rack 42
downwardly in the track and thereby moving the latch member 66
downwardly and engaging the notches 74 of the rack with the pawl
68. In this way, adjustment of the lateral position of the armrest
is made possible simply by pulling upwardly on the armrest 22 free
of any actuation of any other release mechanism.
[0054] Referring to the armrest embodiment of FIGS. 16-18, the user
again simply pulls upwardly on the upper arm support 384 so as to
disengage the latch member 386 from the latch members 380, moves
the armrest side-to-side toward and away from the side of the seat
to a desired lateral position and then releases the upper arm
support to reengage the latch members at a different lateral
setting.
[0055] Alternatively, in the various embodiments, the user can
simply push the armrest sideways so as to overcome the spring force
and bump the latch member 66, 380 to another location as long as a
downward force is not being applied.
[0056] In some embodiments, such as in FIG. 7, the lateral position
of the armrest can be adjusted simply by pushing or pivoting the
armrest 22 in a side-to-side direction toward and away from the
side of the seat free of any load being applied downwardly to the
armrest. Again, this lateral adjustment can be performed simply by
pushing the armrest free of any actuation of any other release
mechanism.
[0057] The armrest embodiment of FIGS. 11-15 is adjusted the same
way. In particular, the user pulls upwardly on the armrest 22, or
simply pushes the armrest sideways such that the latch member 292
disengages from one of the notches 274 and reengages with another
notch at a desired location. The indexing member 220 helps to
provide some resistance to the lateral adjustment.
[0058] In any of the embodiments, when the user pushes down on the
armrest 22, for example when exiting the chair or when working with
their arms resting on the armrests, the latch members 56, 66, 166,
256, 292, 380, 386 are firmly engaged and prevent any rotation of
the armrest in a lateral direction. In addition, when no load is
applied to the armrest, one or more springs bias the latch members
into engagement such that the lateral position of the armrest is
not inadvertently changed.
Operation of Height Adjustment:
[0059] In operation, and referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5,
the height of the armrest is adjusted by pushing or pulling the
trigger 86, which in turn pushes upwardly on the spring plate 90.
The spring plate 90 in turn pulls the actuator 104 upwardly and
thereby causes the latch member 110 or pawl to retract into the
cavity 108 of the actuator along the tapered surface 114 thereof.
As the pawl 110 retracts from the rack 42, the upper arm 24 support
can be moved to a desired location, wherein after the trigger 86 is
released. Of course, the trigger can be released once the pawl 110
is moved out of a notch 46 and the armrest is raised and lowered
but before the pawl is aligned with another notch, such that the
pawl 110 is automatically biased into engagement with a notch 46
once they are brought into alignment. In either case, once the
trigger is released, the pawl 110 and rack 42 are engaged such that
the upper arm support is again coupled to the latch member 66. The
spring plate 90 is biased downwardly thereby moving the actuator
104 downwardly and moving the pawl 110 inwardly into engagement
with one of the notches 46 in the rack 42 as the pawl 116 slides
along the tapered surface 114 of the actuator.
[0060] In addition, as explained above, when the pawl 110 is
disengaged with the rack 42, for example when the height of the
armrest is being adjusted, the upper support member 24 is not
coupled to the latch member 66, such that the pawl 68 remains
engaged with the rack 74 on the latch member 56. In this way, an
adjustment of the height of the armrest by pulling up on the
armrest with the trigger depressed does not inadvertently disengage
the latch members 66, 56 thereby allowing the armrest also to move
side-to-side.
[0061] Although the present invention has been described with
reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will
recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it
is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as
illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended
claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to
define the scope of the invention.
* * * * *