U.S. patent application number 13/240152 was filed with the patent office on 2013-03-28 for multi-surface armrest.
The applicant listed for this patent is Yu-Ting CHEN, Chi-Ming Yang. Invention is credited to Yu-Ting CHEN, Chi-Ming Yang.
Application Number | 20130076097 13/240152 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47910476 |
Filed Date | 2013-03-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130076097 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHEN; Yu-Ting ; et
al. |
March 28, 2013 |
MULTI-SURFACE ARMREST
Abstract
A multi-surface armrest is revealed. The multi-surface armrest
includes an armrest pad disposed on a top surface of an armrest
support. A lower part of the armrest support is connected to a
chair seat. The armrest pad consists of a middle part and a
plurality of armrest surfaces arranged around an outer surface of
the middle part. At least one positioning member is disposed
between the armrest pad and the armrest support. The armrest pad is
positioned at, assembled with or separated from the armrest
support. While the armrest pad and the armrest support are
separated, the armrest pad is rotated or moved so as to select one
of the armrest surfaces to place arms.
Inventors: |
CHEN; Yu-Ting; (Jubei City,
TW) ; Yang; Chi-Ming; (Jubei City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CHEN; Yu-Ting
Yang; Chi-Ming |
Jubei City
Jubei City |
|
TW
TW |
|
|
Family ID: |
47910476 |
Appl. No.: |
13/240152 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
297/411.45 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C 1/0307 20180801;
A47C 1/03 20130101; A47C 1/0308 20180801 |
Class at
Publication: |
297/411.45 |
International
Class: |
A47C 7/54 20060101
A47C007/54 |
Claims
1. A multi-surface armrest comprising: an armrest support whose
lower part is connected to a chair seat; an armrest pad arranged at
a top surface of the armrest support and having a middle part; a
plurality of armrest surfaces disposed around an outer surface of
the middle part and used to place arms; and a positioning member
arranged between the armrest pad and the armrest support; the
armrest pad is operated to be positioned at, assembled with or
separated from the armrest support by the positioning member; while
the armrest pad and the armrest support are separated, the armrest
pad is able to be moved for selecting one of the armrest surfaces
of the armrest pad to rest arms.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upper surface and a
lower surface of the middle part of the armrest pad are
respectively disposed with one armrest surface.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of
armrest surfaces is made from the same material or made from
different materials.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a receiving slot is
arranged at a top surface of the armrest support; the receiving
slot having an opening facing upwards so that the armrest pad
passes the opening to be mounted in the receiving slot and one of
the armrest surfaces on the armrest pad is exposed to place
arms.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positioning member
is a connection type so that the armrest pad and the armrest
support are not separated from each other completely while the
armrest pad is moved out of the top surface of the armrest
support.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the positioning member
includes a main body whose one end is disposed with a first pivot
part while the other end is arranged with a second pivot part; a
pivot part is disposed on one side of the middle part of the
armrest pad and is pivotally connected to the first pivot part of
the main body; one side of the armrest support is also arranged
with another pivot part that is pivotally connected to the second
pivot part of the main body; the armrest pad is pivoted to move
into and out of in relation to the armrest support by the
positioning member; the armrest pad is also rotated in relation to
the positioning member.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the positioning member
is a separate type so that the armrest pad and the armrest support
are separated from each other completely while the armrest pad is
moved out of the top surface of the armrest support.
8. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the positioning member
includes two male fasteners and two female fasteners fastened to
each other correspondingly; the two male fasteners are respectively
arranged at a front end and a rear end of the armrest support while
the two female fasteners are respectively disposed on a front end
and a rear end of the middle part of the armrest pad; the male
fastener and the female fastener can be operated to be fastened or
unfastened with each other.
9. The device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the positioning member
includes two sliding rails and two corresponding sliding slots;
each sliding rail is sliding in the sliding slot correspondingly;
the two sliding rails are respectively arranged at a left side and
a right side of the middle part of the armrest pad while the two
sliding slots are respectively disposed on an inner left side and
an inner right side of the armrest support; the armrest pad is
moved out of or moved into the armrest support by the two sliding
rails and the two sliding slots.
10. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a cross section of
the middle part of the armrest pad is triangular so that there are
three sides of the middle part and each side is disposed with one
armrest surface; thus the armrest pad has three armrest surfaces.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to an armrest, especially to
an armrest that includes an armrest pad disposed with a plurality
of armrest surfaces. The position of the armrest pad is changed so
as to select one of the armrest surfaces for resting users'
arms.
[0002] For user's comfort, generally chairs are designed with
armrests respectively on two sides thereof to rest a forearm or an
elbow. There are various designs of the armrests, including height
adjustment mechanisms or changes in shape. However, a color,
pattern or material of an outer surface of an armrest pad (soft pad
in contact with arms) is generally fixed. Take synthetic leather as
an example. Foam with specific color and material is set into a
mold and a layer of leather is formed on surface during foam
molding processes. Thus the color or pattern of the synthetic
leather has been determined before molding, and unable to be
changed after being molded. This is unable to satisfy respective
requirements of various users.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Therefore it is a primary object of the present invention to
provide a multi-surface armrest that includes an armrest pad
disposed on a top surface of an armrest support. A lower part of
the armrest support is connected to a chair seat. The armrest pad
includes a middle part, and a plurality of armrest surfaces
arranged around an outer surface of the middle part. The armrest
surface allows users to rest their arms. At least one positioning
member is arranged between the middle part of the armrest pad and
the armrest support. By the positioning member, the armrest pad is
operated to be positioned at, assembled with, or separated from the
armrest support. While being separated, the armrest pad is moved or
rotated to select one of the armrest surfaces to place the arms.
Thereby the replacement of the armrest surface is accomplished by
simple rotation or movement of the armrest pad.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment according to
the present invention;
[0005] FIG. 2 is an explosive view of the embodiment in FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing showing a front view of an
embodiment in use according to the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing showing a front view of
another embodiment in use according to the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 5 is a schematic drawing showing a front view of a
further embodiment in use according to the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing showing a further embodiment
with a triangular armrest pad in use according to the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0010] Refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a multiple face armrest of the
present invention includes an armrest pad 10 disposed on a top
surface of an armrest support 20. A lower part of the armrest
support 20 is connected to a bottom surface of a chair seat (not
shown in figure). The armrest pad 10 has a plurality of armrest
surfaces 12 for users to place (rest, support) their arms. The e
armrest pad 10 can be moved in relation to the armrest support 20
such as being rotated, moved out or moved inward. In accordance
with the above movement, one of the armrest surfaces 12 is selected
and used to support user's arm. Thus the armrest surface 12 can be
changed according to user's needs.
[0011] The armrest pad 10 consists of a middle part 11 made from
metal such as aluminum or non-metal materials such as plastic. A
plurality of armrest surfaces 12 is disposed around an outer
surface of the middle part 11 to rest user's arms. The armrest
surfaces 12 are made from PC, PVC, PU, leather, etc to allow users
having different tactile senses. As shown in FIG. 2, the armrest
pad 10 has an upper armrest surface 12 and a lower armrest surface
12. The two armrest surfaces 12 are respectively disposed on an
upper surface 111 and a lower surface 112 of the middle part 11.
According to design requirements, the two armrest surfaces 12 can
be made from the same material or different materials.
[0012] The armrest support 20 is arranged with a receiving slot 21
on a top surface thereof. The receiving slot 21 has an opening 211
facing upwards so that the armrest pad 10 passes the opening 211 to
be mounted in the receiving slot 21. And one of the armrest
surfaces 12 on the armrest pad 10 is exposed to rest user's
arm.
[0013] At least one positioning member 30 is arranged between the
armrest pad 10 and the armrest support 20. By the positioning
member 30, the armrest pad 10 can be assembled with, separated from
or positioned at the armrest support 20. Moreover, the armrest pad
10 can be operated and moved in relation to the armrest support 20,
such as being rotated, moved inward or moved outward. Then one of
the armrest surfaces 12 of the armrest pad 10 is selected and used
to place the user's arm. The positioning member 30 can be
connection type or separate type. The connection type positioning
member 30 means the armrest pad 10 and the armrest support 20 are
still connected with each other, not separated from each other
completely while the armrest pad 10 is moved out of the top surface
of the armrest support 20. As to the separate type positioning
member 30, the armrest pad 10 and the armrest support 20 are not
connected with each other, separated from each other completely
while the armrest pad 10 is moved out of the top surface of the
armrest support 20.
Embodiment One
[0014] Refer to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the positioning member 30 is
connection type. The positioning member 30a (30) includes a
T-shaped main body 31 but not limited. It can also be I-shaped. One
end of the main body 31 is pivotally connected to one side of the
middle part of the armrest pad 10 while the other end thereof is
pivotally connected to one side of the armrest support 20. By the
positioning member 30a (30), the armrest pad 10 is pivotally moved
outward and inward in relation to the armrest support 20. The
armrest pad 10 can also rotate in relation to the positioning
member 30a (30).
[0015] Refer to FIG. 2, a first pivot part 311 is disposed on one
end of the main body 31 while a second pivot part 312 is arranged
at the other end of the main body 31. A pivot part 113 is disposed
on one side of the middle part 11 of the armrest pad 10 and the
pivot part 113 is pivotally connected to the first pivot part 311
of the main body 31. One side of the armrest support 20 is also
arranged with a pivot part 22 that is pivotally connected to the
second pivot part 312 of the main body 31.
[0016] Refer to FIG. 3, the armrest pad 10 and the armrest support
20 are assembled with each other. The armrest pad 10 is pivoted
around the positioning member 30a (30) to be moved outward in a
direction indicated by an arrow A. Then rotate the armrest pad 10
around the positioning member 30a (30) in a direction indicated by
an arrow B and the original armrest surface 12 is changed into
another armrest surface 12. Next the armrest pad 10 is pivoted
again and moved inward to be assembled with the armrest support 20,
back to the original state. Thus the replacement of the armrest
surface 12 is accomplished.
Embodiment Two
[0017] Refer to FIG. 4, a positioning member 30b (30) can be
separate type and having two male fasteners 32 and two female
fasteners 33 fastened to each other correspondingly. The two male
fasteners 32 are respectively arranged at a front end and a rear
end of the armrest support 20 (from the user's point of view), or
at a right side and left side (not shown in figure) of the armrest
support 20. As to the two female fasteners 33, they are
respectively disposed on a front end and a rear end of the middle
part 11 of the armrest pad 10, or at a right side and left side
(not shown in figure) of the middle part 11 of the armrest pad 10.
By the male fasteners 32 and the female fasteners 33 fastened or
released, the armrest pad 10 and the armrest support 20 are
assembled with or separated from each other. Moreover, the
positions of the male fasteners 32 and the female fasteners 33 can
be interchanged. The two male fasteners 32 are disposed on the
middle part 11 of the armrest pad 10 (not shown in figure) while
the two female fasteners 33 are set on the armrest support 20 (not
shown in figure). Thereby the armrest pad 10 and the armrest
support 20 are fastened and positioned correspondingly, or
separated from each other.
[0018] For examples, under the condition that the armrest pad 10
and the armrest support 20 are fastened and positioned, operate the
positioning member 30b (30) to make the male fasteners 32 and the
female fasteners 33 release from each other. Then take out the
armrest pad 10 from a top surface of the armrest support 20, as
indicated by an arrow C. Next change the original armrest surface
12 into another armrest surface 12 for the user's arm to rest upon,
as indicated by an arrow D. The armrest pad 10 is set back to the
top surface of the armrest support 20, fastened, and assembled with
the armrest support 20 by the positioning member 30b (30). Thus the
change of the armrest surface 12 is achieved.
Embodiment Three
[0019] Refer to FIG. 5, a positioning member 30c (30) can be
separate type and having two sliding rails 34 and two corresponding
sliding slots 35. Each sliding rail 34 is sliding in the sliding
slot 35 correspondingly. The two sliding rails 34 are respectively
arranged at a left side and a right side of the middle part 11 of
the armrest pad 10 (from the user's point of view) while the two
sliding slots 35 are respectively disposed on two inner sides
(right and left sides) of the armrest support 20. Thereby the
armrest pad 10 is moved outward and inward in relation to the
armrest support 20. Furthermore, the positions of the two sliding
rails 34 and two sliding slots 35 can be interchanged. That means
the two sliding rails 34 set on the armrest support 20 (not shown
in figure) and the two sliding slots 35 installed at the middle
part 11 of the armrest pad 10 (not shown in figure).
[0020] For example, as indicated by an arrow E, the armrest pad 10
is moved out from a top surface of the armrest support 20 and
separated with each other by shift of the sliding rails 34 of the
positioning member 30c (30) along the sliding slots 35. Then the
original armrest surface 12 is changed into another armrest surface
12 to rest the arms, as indicated by an arrow F. Next the armrest
pad 10 is moved inward and positioned in relation to the armrest
support 20 by the positioning member 30c (30). The change of the
armrest surface 12 is achieved.
Embodiment Four
[0021] Refer to FIG. 6, an armrest pad 10 includes three armrest
surfaces 12. A cross section of the middle part 11 of the armrest
pad 10 is a triangle so that the three armrest surfaces 12 are
respectively arranged at the three sides of the middle part 11. The
three armrest surfaces 12 can be made from the same material or
different materials or only a part thereof is made from the same
material. The receiving slot 21 on the top surface of the armrest
support 20 can be designed to have the shape that fits the above
triangle. One of the armrest surfaces 12 of the armrest pad 10 is
facing upward and exposed to rest users' arms. Similarly the
armrest pad 10 is assembled, separated and positioned in relation
to the armrest support 20 by means of the positioning member 30.
Moreover, operate the armrest pad 10 to move it out from the top
surface of the armrest support 20, as indicated by an arrow G. And
one of the three armrest surfaces 12 of the armrest pad 10 is
selected to place arms. Next the armrest pad 10 is put back to the
top surface of the armrest support 20. Thus the replacement of the
armrest surface 12 is accomplished.
[0022] In summary, the armrest pad 10 can be moved out from the
armrest support 20. Then the armrest pad 10 is rotated to select
one armrest surface 12, allowing users' arms to rest. Next the
armrest pad 10 is turned back to the armrest support 20. By the
positioning member 30, the armrest pad 10 and the armrest support
20 are positioned and assembled with each other. Moreover, the
armrest pad 10 is moved inward and moved outward in relation to the
armrest support 20 by the positioning member 30. During the
movement, the armrest 10 is moved stably and smoothly.
[0023] The multi-surface armrest features on simple structure,
fewer components, reduced assembly time, easy and convenient
operation, and easy replacement of the armrest surface. Therefore
the performance is improved, the cost is reduced and the product
competitiveness is strengthened.
[0024] Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur
to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its
broader aspects is not limited to the specific details, and
representative devices shown and described herein. Accordingly,
various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the
appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *