Kit of parts for an armrest device and armrest device assembly for an item of furniture

Abstract

A handrail apparatus for a piece of furniture is disclosed, the handrail apparatus comprising: a mounting plate comprising a mounting portion; and a cam lock assembly attached to the mounting plate and configured to receive a handrail for the piece of furniture, wherein the mounting portion is configured to mount the cam lock assembly to a support base of the piece of furniture. A kit of parts for a handrail apparatus assembly is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to a handrail device for furniture articles, a component kit of a handrail device assembly, a method of manufacturing a handrail device, and a method of fitting a handrail device onto a furniture article. Background Technology

[0002] The following discussion of background is intended only to facilitate understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that this discussion is not an affirmation or acknowledgment that any material mentioned is public, known, or part of the common general knowledge of those skilled in the art in any jurisdiction up to the priority date of this disclosure.

[0003] Standard chairs include non-folding armrests to support the user's arms while using the chair. However, for activities such as playing video games or playing guitar, users may need additional space for free movement of their arms. In this setup, the chair's non-folding armrests may hinder arm movement. To obtain the necessary extra space, users may need to remove the armrests from the chair and reinstall them after the activity, which can be tedious and inconvenient. Furthermore, chairs with permanently removed armrests may affect user comfort.

[0004] A common solution involves a chair with foldable armrests. These armrests are attached to the chair back and include a single pivot at the base to allow folding. For example, the armrests can be folded by rotating outwards to the side, upwards, or downwards. To provide sufficient space for folding, the armrests must be positioned a wide distance from the seat base in the upright position when not folded. This compromises the ergonomic support of the armrests, as the user will need to extend outwards to rest their arms on them in the upright position. This can cause user discomfort, especially during extended use of a chair with such foldable armrests.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for an improved handrail device and / or a method for manufacturing handrail devices that seeks to solve at least one of the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] This disclosure is conceptualized as providing an improved armrest device for furniture articles. The improved armrest device includes a mounting plate having a cam locking assembly attached to the mounting plate. The cam locking assembly is configured to receive the armrest and move the armrest between a first position (e.g., an upright or unfolded position) and a second position (e.g., a retracted or folded position), in which the armrest can support a user's arm, and in the second position, the armrest does not need to support the user's arm. To this end, the improved armrest device includes a mounting portion for mounting the cam locking assembly to a support base of the furniture article, thereby providing a narrower distance, for example, 0 cm to 2.5 cm, between the support base and the armrest. In various embodiments, the armrest may be in direct contact with the support base of the furniture article. This provides a stable armrest that maintains optimal ergonomic support for supporting the user's arms in a first position, such as an upright or unfolded position, because the user no longer needs to extend their arms outward to rest them on the armrest. It also provides an armrest that can be moved to a second position when needed, such as a retracted or folded position. Furthermore, the improved armrest device's cam-locking assembly features a dual-axis rotation mechanism, such as a swivel mechanism, for moving the armrest to the second position, such as the retracted position, by rotating the armrest along the transverse and longitudinal planes of the cam-locking assembly. The dual-axis rotation mechanism allows the armrest to retract with sufficient clearance and enables it to be stably supported in the first position, such as the upright position.

[0007] Therefore, the improved handrail device provides a foldable handrail that offers optimal ergonomic support for the user and includes a dual-axis rotation mechanism for retracting the handrail to a second position (e.g., the retracted position). Furthermore, embodiments of this disclosure provide a simple and inexpensive manufacturing process for the improved handrail device.

[0008] The improved armrest design is particularly well-suited for providing armrests for ergonomic chairs, such as office chairs and gaming chairs.

[0009] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an armrest device for furniture articles is provided, the armrest device comprising: a mounting plate including a mounting portion; and a cam locking assembly attached to the mounting plate and configured to receive the armrest for the furniture articles, wherein the mounting portion is configured to mount the cam locking assembly to a support base of the furniture articles.

[0010] In various embodiments, the mounting portion includes at least one mounting hole disposed on the mounting plate, the at least one mounting hole being configured to receive a fastener for mounting the cam locking assembly to a support base of the furniture article. In some embodiments, the at least one mounting hole includes at least one elongated hole.

[0011] In various embodiments, the cam locking assembly includes a lever operable to move the armrest between a first position and a second position, in which the armrest extends from the mounting plate along a first direction, and in the second position, the armrest extends from the mounting plate along a second direction different from the first direction. In some embodiments, the second direction is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

[0012] In various embodiments, the handrail device also includes a housing to cover a cam locking assembly having a first portion for supporting the arm of the handrail.

[0013] In various embodiments, the cam locking assembly includes: a first plate attached to a mounting plate via a first pivot; and a second plate attached to the first plate via a second pivot, the second plate being configured to receive an armrest; wherein the lever includes a lever bar extending from the second plate, a lever handle attached to the lever bar, and a lever housing for covering a portion of the lever bar and the lever handle, wherein when the armrest is in a first position, the housing is clamped against the mounting plate, and the lever housing and the first portion are clamped against the mounting plate. In some embodiments, both the first plate and the second plate include an L-shaped plate.

[0014] In various embodiments, the handrail device also includes a separating device operable to separate the lever housing from the first portion.

[0015] In various embodiments, the handrail device also includes a stop pin disposed on the first plate that extends along a portion of the periphery of the second pivot.

[0016] In various embodiments, pressing down on the lever handle is operable to release the lever housing from its clamping against the mounting plate, and upon releasing the clamping against the mounting plate, a first applied force is operable to rotate the first plate about a first pivot along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly, and a second applied force is operable to rotate the second plate about a second pivot along the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly. In some embodiments, the first plate is operable to rotate about the first pivot along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly to a first stop angle, the first stop angle being in the range of 160° to 200° relative to a first direction, optionally 180° relative to the first direction. In some other embodiments, the second plate is operable to rotate about the second pivot along the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly to a second stop angle, the second stop angle being in the range of 60° to 120° relative to the first direction, optionally 90° relative to the first direction.

[0017] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a component kit for an armrest device assembly for furniture articles is provided, the component kit comprising: a mounting plate including a mounting portion; and a cam locking assembly configured to be attached to the mounting plate and configured to receive an armrest for the furniture article, wherein the mounting portion is configured to mount the cam locking assembly to a support base of the furniture article.

[0018] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing an armrest device for furniture articles is provided, the method comprising: providing a mounting plate including a mounting portion; and providing a cam locking assembly attached to the mounting plate and configured to receive an armrest for the furniture article, wherein the mounting portion is configured to mount the cam locking assembly to a support base of the furniture article.

[0019] In various embodiments, the mounting portion includes at least one mounting hole provided on the mounting plate, the at least one mounting hole being configured to receive a fastener for mounting the cam locking assembly to a support base of the furniture article.

[0020] In various embodiments, the method further includes: providing a housing to cover a cam locking assembly having a first portion for supporting a rod portion of the armrest; and wherein providing the cam locking assembly includes: providing a first pivot for attaching a first plate to a mounting plate; providing a second pivot for attaching a second plate to the first plate, the second plate being configured to receive the armrest; and providing a lever including a lever bar extending from the second plate, a lever handle attached to the lever bar, and a lever housing for covering a portion of the lever bar and the lever handle, wherein when the armrest is in a first position, the lever housing and the first portion are clamped against the mounting plate.

[0021] In various embodiments, pressing down on the lever handle is operable to release the lever housing from the clamp against the mounting plate, and upon releasing the clamp against the mounting plate, a first applied force is operable to rotate the first plate about a first pivot along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly, and a second applied force is operable to rotate the second plate about a second pivot along the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method for fitting the armrest device of the first aspect onto a furniture article is provided, the method comprising: aligning a mounting portion of a mounting plate along an edge of a support base of the furniture article; and using the mounting portion to mount the mounting plate onto the support base of the furniture article.

[0023] In various embodiments of the first to fourth aspects, the furniture article is a chair, and the support base is the seat base of the chair. Attached Figure Description

[0024] This disclosure will be better understood when considered in conjunction with non-limiting examples and accompanying drawings, with reference to the detailed description, in which:

[0025] - Figure 1 A schematic diagram is shown of (A) a handrail device 100 for furniture articles and (B) an exemplary housing 150 of the handrail device 100;

[0026] - Figure 2 An exemplary handrail 180 mounted on a handrail device 100 is shown. Parts (A) and (B) show the handrail device 100 without a housing 150 and the handrail device 100 with a housing 150, respectively.

[0027] - Figure 3 An illustration of an exemplary furniture article 500 is shown, wherein an armrest device 100 is mounted to a support base 502 of the furniture article 500;

[0028] - Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the handrail device 100 in the first position when the lever handle 134 is pressed is shown. (A) part of the handrail device 100 does not have the attached handrail 180 and housing 150, and (B) part of the handrail device 100 has the attached handrail 180 and housing 150.

[0029] - Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a handrail device 100 rotating about the lateral plane of a cam locking assembly 110 is shown. (A) part of the handrail device 100 does not have an attached handrail 180 and a housing 150, and (B) part of the handrail device 100 has an attached handrail 180 and a housing 150.

[0030] - Figure 6A schematic diagram of a handrail device 100 rotated to a second position about the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly 110 is shown. (A) part of the handrail device 100 does not have the attached handrail 180 and housing 150, and (B) part of the handrail device 100 has the attached handrail 180 and housing 150.

[0031] - Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing 700 handrail devices for furniture items is shown; and

[0032] - Figure 8 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method for fitting armrest devices 800 onto furniture items. Specific Implementation

[0034] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific details and embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and logical changes may be made, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0035] Features described in the context of an embodiment may be adapted accordingly to the same or similar features in other embodiments. Features described in the context of an embodiment may be adapted accordingly to other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in those other embodiments. Furthermore, additions and / or combinations and / or substitutions as described with respect to features in the context of an embodiment may be adapted accordingly to the same or similar features in other embodiments.

[0036] While terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various elements, these elements are not necessarily limited to these terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and do not define the corresponding elements, such as their order and / or importance. Without departing from the scope of this specification, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0037] In the context of the various embodiments, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” used with respect to features or elements include references to one or more features or elements. The term “and / or” as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0038] In the context of various embodiments, the indicated values ​​or limits of the indicated ranges for the terms "length" and "angle" provided below may refer to the average value of the terms. For example, the indicated values ​​or limits of the ranges for the terms "first length," "second length," "first stop angle," and "second stop angle" may refer to the average value or average limit of the range.

[0039] Throughout this description, the term "furniture article" as used herein can refer to an article suitable for supporting and / or providing comfort to a user. Furniture articles can refer to household furniture articles or office furniture articles, such as, but not limited to, chairs, sofas, and recliners. In various embodiments, chairs can include ergonomic chairs, such as gaming chairs, office chairs, and dining chairs.

[0040] Throughout this description, the term "support base" as used herein can refer to a portion of a furniture article designed to at least support the weight of a user and to provide comfort to the user by allowing them to rest on the support base, such as by sitting or reclining. In various embodiments, a support base can refer to a seat base of a furniture article. Therefore, in the context of this disclosure, the term "seat base" can include a seat, which includes a seat cushion or padding and a frame supporting the seat cushion or padding on the seat.

[0041] Throughout this description, the term "first position, such as upright position" as used herein may refer to a position in which the armrest is in its unfolded position when it is positioned to support the user's arm, allowing the user to rest their arm on the armrest. In the first position, the armrest may extend from the mounting plate along a first direction, for example, an "upward" direction relative to the support base of the furniture item.

[0042] Throughout this description, the term "second position, such as the retracted position" as used herein may refer to the position in which the armrest is in a folded position when it is retracted or tilted away from the seat base as desired by the user. In the second position, the armrest may extend from the mounting plate in a second direction different from the first direction, for example, a "lateral" direction relative to the support base of the furniture article.

[0043] Throughout this description, the term "operable as" as used herein may mean being able to be used and function in a certain way. The term "operable as" may also mean being constructed, set up, formed, or provided to function in a certain way.

[0044] Throughout the description, the term “generally vertical” as used herein may refer to an angle in the range of 80° to 100°, optionally 90°. That is, the second direction (when the handrail is in the second position, such as the retracted position) may be in the range of 60° to 120° relative to the first direction (when the handrail is in the first position, such as the upright position), optionally 90°.

[0045] Figure 1 A schematic diagram is shown of (A) a handrail device 100 for furniture articles and (B) an exemplary housing 150 of the handrail device 100. Figure 2 An exemplary handrail 180 is shown mounted on a handrail device 100. Parts (A) and (B) show the handrail device 100 with and without a housing 150, respectively. Figure 3 An illustration of an exemplary furniture article 500 is shown, wherein an armrest device 100 is mounted to a support base 502 of the furniture article 500.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown, in various embodiments, furniture article 500 may be a chair, and the support base 502 of furniture article 500 may be a seat base. The seat base may include a frame and the seat itself, with the seat supported on the frame.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 A to Figure 3 The handrail device 100 includes a mounting plate 102, which includes a mounting portion 104. A cam locking assembly 110 may be disposed on and attached to the mounting plate 102 and configured to receive the handrail 180.

[0048] Mounting portion 104 is configured to allow the cam locking assembly 110 to be mounted to the support base 502 of the furniture item 500. In various embodiments, mounting portion 104 may allow the cam locking assembly 110 to be mounted to the frame of a seat, and / or allow the cam locking assembly 110 to be mounted directly on the seat itself.

[0049] Mounting portion 104 may include at least one mounting hole / slot provided on mounting plate 102. For example, mounting plate 102 may include multiple mounting holes, such as three mounting holes. The mounting holes may be configured to receive one or more fasteners, such as screws, which may be threaded through the mounting holes to allow the cam locking assembly 110 and armrest 180 to be mounted to support base 502. In some embodiments, the mounting holes may include elongated holes, such as pill-shaped holes. This can simplify the assembly process of mounting mounting plate 102 to support base 502 of furniture article 500. It is contemplated that mounting portion 104 may include brackets and adhesive devices, and / or any other suitable means for enabling the cam locking assembly 110 and armrest 180 to be mounted to support base 502 of furniture article 500.

[0050] Mounting plate 102 may also include a slot 106 disposed on mounting plate 102 and configured to receive part of lever 130 of cam locking assembly 110 (see [link]). Figure 5 A and Figure 6 (A). In various embodiments, the lever rod 132 may be held within the slot 106 in a first position, such as an upright position.

[0051] like Figure 1 A and Figure 2 As shown in Figure A, the cam locking assembly 110 may include a first plate 112 attached to a mounting plate 102 via a first pivot 114 and a second plate 122 attached to the first plate 112 via a second pivot 124. In various embodiments, both the first plate 112 and the second plate 122 may include L-shaped plates. The length L1 of a portion of the first plate 112 may be shorter than the length L2 of a portion of the second plate 122. For example, the length L1 of the first plate 112 may be in the range of 2 cm to 4 cm, preferably in the range of 2.5 cm to 3 cm, and the length L2 of the second plate 122 may be in the range of 4.5 cm to 7 cm, preferably in the range of 5.5 cm to 6 cm.

[0052] Each of the first pivot 114 and the second pivot 124 may include a hinge or any other suitable means of enabling the first plate 112 and the second plate 122 to rotate about the first pivot 114 and the second pivot 124, respectively. In other words, the first pivot 114 and the second pivot 124 form a pivot point about which the first plate 112 and the second plate 124 are rotatable. In various embodiments, a stop pin 128 may be provided on the first plate 112 to extend along a portion of the periphery of the second pivot 124 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 5 A).

[0053] The second plate 122 may be configured to receive and support the handrail 180, and may include handrail fasteners 126 to securely mount the handrail 180 to the second plate 122, such as threaded screws (see [link to documentation]). Figure 3 In various embodiments, the armrest 180 can be fixed to the second plate 122 such that the armrest 180 cannot rotate or move. Therefore, the armrest 180 can stably support the user's arm in a first position, such as an upright position.

[0054] like Figure 1 B and Figure 2 As shown in Figure B, the handrail device 100 may further include a housing 150 to accommodate a cam locking assembly 110. The housing 150 may include a first portion 152, a second portion 154, a lever housing 156, and a fourth portion 158, which may cooperate with each other to accommodate the cam locking assembly 110. The first portion 152 may cover a portion of the handle 180's rod 182 and may support the handle 180's rod 182. The housing 150 may also provide additional support to the handrail 180 when the handrail 180 moves between a first position (e.g., an upright position) and a second position (e.g., a retracted position).

[0055] The cam locking assembly 110 may also include a lever 130 operable to move the armrest 180 from a first position (e.g., an upright or non-folded position) to a second position (e.g., a retracted or folded position). The lever 130 may include a lever bar 132 extending from the second plate 122 and a lever handle 134 attached to the lever bar 132. For example, the lever bar 132 may be threaded through an opening in the lever handle 134 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 6 (A). The lever 130 may also include a lever housing 156 that covers a portion of the lever rod 132 and the lever handle 134. The lever handle 134 may not be fully contained within the housing 150 to allow the user easy access to the lever handle 134 to move the handrail 180 from a first position (e.g., an upright position) to a second position (e.g., a retracted position).

[0056] In the first position, such as the upright position, as Figure 2 A and Figure 2As shown in Figure B, the lever housing 156 and the first portion 152 can be clamped against the mounting plate 102. In this position, the lever rod 132 can be held within the groove 106 of the mounting plate 102. In the first position, such as the upright position, the lever housing 156 and the first portion 152 can cooperate to apply a "clamping force," such as a compressive force, against the mounting plate 102 to hold the armrest 180 in the first position, such as the upright position. Thus, the lever housing 156 and the first portion 152 can function as clamping elements to hold the second plate 122 to which the armrest 180 is attached in the first position, such as the upright position, and can be operable to move the armrest 180 to a second position, such as the retracted position. The clamping of the lever housing 156 and the first portion 152 against the mounting plate 102 can also secure and lock the second plate 122 to which the armrest 180 is attached to provide stable support for the user's arm.

[0057] In a first position, such as an upright position, the armrest 180 extends from the mounting plate 102 along a first direction D1. The first direction D1 can be an "upward" direction relative to the support base 502 of the furniture article 500 (see [reference]). Figure 3 In a second position, such as the retracted position, the armrest 180 may extend from the mounting plate 102 along a second direction D2 different from the first direction D1. The second direction D2 may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1. For example, the second direction D2 may be in the range of 80° to 100° relative to the first direction D1, and optionally, the second direction D2 may be at 190° relative to the first direction D1. The second direction D2 may be a "lateral" direction relative to the support base 502 of the furniture item (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 ).

[0058] In various embodiments, lever 130 may include a separating device, such as a spring, configured to separate lever housing 156 from a first portion 152 of housing 150. This separating device may be used to separate lever housing 156 from the first portion 152 in a first position, such as a vertical position, and, as will be explained below, to facilitate further separation of lever housing 156 from the first portion 152 when lever handle 134 is depressed.

[0059] Figures 4 to 6 This illustrates the situation when the handrail device 100 moves the handrail 180 from a first position, such as an upright position (see [reference]). Figure 4 A and Figure 4 B) moves to the second position, such as the retracted position (see Figure 6 A and Figure 6A schematic diagram of the handrail device 100 is shown in section B). In various embodiments, pressing down on the lever handle 134 can operate to move the handrail 180 from a first position (e.g., an upright position) to a second position (e.g., a retracted position).

[0060] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a handrail device 100 in a first position when the lever handle 134 is pressed is shown. Part (A) shows the handrail device 100 without the attached handrail 180 and housing 150, while part (B) shows the handrail device 100 with the attached handrail 180 and housing 150. Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a handrail device 100 rotating about the transverse plane of a cam locking assembly 110 is shown. Part (A) shows the handrail device 100 without the attached handrail 180 and housing 150, while part (B) shows the handrail device 100 with the attached handrail 180 and housing 150. Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a handrail device 100 rotated to a second position about the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly 110 is shown. Part (A) shows the handrail device 100 without the attached handrail 180 and housing 150, while part (B) shows the handrail device 100 with the attached handrail 180 and housing 150.

[0061] refer to Figure 4 A and Figure 4 B, for example, is caused by a downward pressure D1 applied by an external force, wherein the lever handle 134 moves away from the second plate 122, for example, away from the second plate 122, which can cause the cam locking assembly 110 to release the clamping force against the mounting plate 102. In various embodiments, the downward pressure of the lever handle 134 pulls the lever rod 132 away in a direction opposite to the first direction D1, for example, a "downward" direction relative to the support base 502 (see [link]). Figure 3 ), so that the lever housing 156 moves away from the mounting plate 102 in the first direction D1, for example, in the "downward" direction relative to the support base 502 (see Figure 3 This releases the clamping force against the mounting plate 102. In other words, the lever housing 156 is no longer clamped against the mounting plate 102 and is no longer in direct contact with it. This releases the cam locking assembly 110 and allows dual-axis rotation along the transverse and longitudinal planes of the cam locking assembly 110. In various embodiments, the depressurization of the lever handle 134 can further operate to extend the separating device, such as a spring, along a first direction D1 to facilitate movement of the lever housing 156 away from the mounting plate 102.

[0062] refer to Figure 5 A and Figure 5In step B, when the clamping force applied by the lever housing 156 against the mounting plate 102 is released, the first applied force F1 can operate to rotate the first plate 112 about the first pivot 114 along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly 110. The first applied force F1 can be provided by the user's hand, which pushes the armrest 180, causing the lever rod 132 to move out of the slot 106, for example, slide out of the slot 106, so that the first plate 112 rotates about the first pivot 114. Since the first pivot 114 attaches the first plate 112 to the mounting plate 102, the first plate 112 rotates along the transverse plane or horizontal plane of the cam locking assembly 110. In other words, the first plate 112 and the second plate 122 (with the attached armrest 180) connected to the first plate 112 can rotate "outward" relative to the support base 502 of the furniture article 500 (see Figure 3 In this position, the armrest 180 can extend from the mounting plate 102 along the first direction D1 (see...). Figure 5 (B), because the rotation of the first plate 112 and the second plate 122 is along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly 110.

[0063] The first plate 112 is operable to rotate about a first pivot 114 along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly 110 to a first stop angle. In various embodiments, the first stop angle may be in the range of 160° to 200° relative to the first direction, and in some embodiments, the first stop angle may be 180° relative to the first direction. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that another stop pin may be provided to prevent the first plate 112 from over-rotating to an angle greater than 200°.

[0064] refer to Figure 6 A and Figure 6 After the first plate 112 rotates along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly 110, the second applied force F2 can operate to rotate the second plate 122 along the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly 110 about the second pivot 124. The second applied force F2 can be provided by the user's hand, causing the second plate 122 with the attached armrest 180 to rotate along the longitudinal or vertical plane of the cam locking assembly 110. That is, the second plate 122 rotates relative to the first plate 112, which is mounted to the mounting plate 102 and remains stationary. In other words, the second plate 122 with the attached armrest 180 can rotate "laterally" relative to the support base 502 of the furniture item 500 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 3 The armrest 180 can be moved to a second position, such as a retracted position. Therefore, in the second position, such as the retracted position, the armrest 180 can extend from the mounting plate 102 along a second direction D2, which can be substantially perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0065] The second plate 122 is operable to rotate about the second pivot 124 along the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly 110 to a second stop angle. In various embodiments, the second stop angle may be in the range of 60° to 120° relative to the first direction, and in some embodiments, the second stop angle may be 90° relative to the first direction. In various embodiments, a stop pin 128 extending along a portion of the periphery of the second pivot 124 may be configured to prevent the second plate 122 from over-rotating to an angle greater than 120°.

[0066] Therefore, in the second position, such as the retracted position, the armrest 180 can be neatly folded into the side of the furniture item 500 without obstructing access to and adjustment of various other levers located at the bottom, such as near the base of the furniture item 500. This also aesthetically appeals to the user and allows for free joint movement of the user's arm when needed.

[0067] To move the armrest 180 from a second position (e.g., a retracted position) to a first position (e.g., an upright position), the user can first rotate the second plate 122, to which the armrest 180 is attached, about the second pivot 124 along the longitudinal or vertical plane of the cam locking assembly 110. The second plate 122 can be rotated while the first plate 112 remains stationary. In other words, the second plate 122 can be rotated "laterally" away from the support base 502 of the furniture item. Therefore, the armrest 180, extending from the mounting plate 102 along the second direction D2, can be moved to extend from the mounting plate 102 along the first direction D1 (see...). Figure 5 (Position in B).

[0068] The user can then rotate the first plate 112 about the first pivot 114 along the transverse or horizontal plane of the cam locking assembly 110. When the first plate 112 is connected to the second plate 122 with the attached armrest 180, rotation of the first plate 112 causes the second plate 122 to rotate together with the first plate 112. In other words, the first plate 112 can rotate "inward" relative to the support base 502 of the furniture article 500. Therefore, the armrest 180 can be moved to a first position, such as an upright position, in which the armrest 180 extends from the mounting plate 102 in a first direction D1. In this position, the lever housing 156 can also move toward the mounting plate 102 to cooperate with the first portion 152 to clamp against the mounting plate 102, thereby stabilizing the armrest 180 in the first position, such as the upright position.

[0069] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a component kit is provided for an armrest assembly for furniture articles. This armrest assembly can be referred to as... Figures 1 to 6 The handrail equipment under discussion is 100.

[0070] The component kit includes: a mounting plate including a mounting portion; and a cam locking assembly configured to be attached to the mounting plate and configured to receive an armrest for a furniture item, wherein the mounting portion is configured to mount the cam locking assembly to a support base of the furniture item.

[0071] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing 700 handrail devices for furniture items is shown. The handrail devices and furniture items can be referenced. Figure 1 A to Figure 6 B discusses 100 handrail devices and 500 furniture items.

[0072] Method 700 includes: providing a mounting plate including a mounting portion (step 702); providing a cam locking assembly attached to the mounting plate and configured to receive an armrest for a furniture article, wherein the mounting portion is configured to mount the cam locking assembly to a support base of the furniture article (step 710).

[0073] In various embodiments, the second direction is generally perpendicular to the first direction.

[0074] In various embodiments, the mounting portion may include at least one mounting hole / slot provided on the mounting plate, the mounting hole being configured to receive a fastener for mounting a cam-locking assembly to a support base of a furniture item. In some embodiments, the at least one mounting hole may include at least one elongated hole.

[0075] In various embodiments, the cam locking assembly includes a lever operable to move the armrest between a first position and a second position, in which the armrest extends from the mounting plate in a first direction and in the second position in which the armrest extends from the mounting plate in a second direction different from the first direction.

[0076] In various embodiments, method 700 may further include: providing a housing to cover a cam locking assembly having a first portion for supporting a rod portion of the armrest (step 712); providing a first pivot for attaching a first plate to a mounting plate (step 714); providing a second pivot for attaching a second plate to the first plate, the second plate being configured to receive the armrest (step 716); and providing a lever including a lever bar extending from the second plate, a lever handle attached to the lever bar, and a lever housing for covering a portion of the lever bar and the lever handle, wherein when the armrest is in a first position, such as an upright position, the lever housing and the first portion are clamped against the mounting plate (step 718). In some embodiments, both the first plate and the second plate include an L-shaped plate.

[0077] In various embodiments, method 700 may further include providing a separating device operable to separate the lever housing and the first portion.

[0078] In various embodiments, method 700 may further include providing a stop pin disposed on a first plate that extends along a portion of the periphery of a second pivot.

[0079] In various embodiments, pressing down on the lever handle is operable to release the lever housing from the clamp against the mounting plate, and upon releasing the clamp against the mounting plate, a first applied force is operable to rotate the first plate about a first pivot along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly, and a second applied force is operable to rotate the second plate about a second pivot along the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly.

[0080] In various embodiments, the first plate is operable to rotate about a first pivot along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly to a first stop angle, the first stop angle being in the range of 160° to 200° relative to the first direction, optionally at 180° relative to the first direction. In various other embodiments, the second plate is operable to rotate about a second pivot along the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly to a second stop angle, the second stop angle being in the range of 60° to 120° relative to the first direction, optionally at 90° relative to the first direction.

[0081] In various embodiments, the furniture article includes a chair, and the support base includes the seat base of the chair.

[0082] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a method for fitting an armrest device 800 onto a furniture article according to a fourth aspect of this disclosure is shown. The armrest device may refer to armrest device 100, and the furniture article may refer to... Figure 1 A to Figure 6 The furniture items discussed in section B number 500.

[0083] Method 800 includes: aligning the mounting portion of the mounting plate along the edge of the support base of the furniture article, for example, along one side of the support base of the furniture article (step 802); and using the mounting portion, mounting the mounting plate to the support base of the furniture article (step 804).

[0084] Therefore, various embodiments of this disclosure provide an improved armrest device for furniture articles. This improved armrest device includes a mounting portion for enabling a cam-locking assembly to be mounted onto a support base of the furniture article, thereby providing a narrower distance, for example, 0 cm to 2.5 cm, between the support base and the armrest. For example, the armrest may be in direct contact with the support base of the furniture article. This provides a stable armrest that maintains optimal ergonomic support for supporting the user's arm in a first position, such as an upright or folded position, because the user no longer has to extend their arm outward to rest it on the armrest, and provides an armrest that can be moved to a second position, such as a retracted or folded position, when needed.

[0085] Furthermore, the improved handrail device's cam locking assembly features a dual-axis rotation mechanism, such as a slewing mechanism, for moving the handrail to a second position, such as a retracted position, by rotating the handrail along the transverse and longitudinal planes of the cam locking assembly. The dual-axis rotation mechanism allows the handrail to retract with sufficient clearance and enables it to be stably supported in the first position, such as the upright position.

[0086] Therefore, the improved handrail device offers a foldable handrail that provides optimal ergonomic support for the user, and includes a dual-axis rotation mechanism for retracting the handrail to a second position, such as the retracted position. Furthermore, the improved handrail device offers a simple and inexpensive manufacturing process.

[0087] While this disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is indicated by the appended claims and is thus intended to include all variations falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims.

Claims

1. A handrail device for furniture, characterized in that, The handrail device includes: Mounting plate, the mounting plate including a mounting part; and A cam-locking assembly is attached to the mounting plate and configured to receive an armrest for the furniture item. The mounting portion is configured to mount the cam locking assembly to the support base of the furniture item.

2. The handrail device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting portion includes at least one mounting hole provided on the mounting plate, the at least one mounting hole being configured to receive a fastener for mounting the cam locking assembly to the support base of the furniture article.

3. The handrail device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The at least one mounting hole includes at least one elongated hole.

4. The handrail device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cam locking assembly includes a lever operable to move the armrest between a first position and a second position, in which the armrest extends from the mounting plate along a first direction, and in the second position, the armrest extends from the mounting plate along a second direction different from the first direction.

5. The handrail device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second direction is approximately perpendicular to the first direction.

6. The handrail device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The handrail device also includes a housing to cover the cam locking assembly, the housing having a first portion for supporting the arm of the handrail.

7. The handrail device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The cam locking assembly includes: A first plate, the first plate being attached to the mounting plate via a first pivot; and A second plate, which is attached to the first plate via a second pivot, is configured to receive the armrest; The lever includes a lever rod extending from the second plate, a lever handle attached to the lever rod, and a lever housing for covering a portion of the lever rod and the lever handle. When the handrail is in the first position, the lever housing and the first part are clamped together to abut against the mounting plate.

8. The handrail device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The handrail device also includes a separating device operable to separate the lever housing from the first portion.

9. The handrail device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The handrail device also includes a stop pin disposed on the first plate, the stop pin extending along a portion of the periphery of the second pivot.

10. The handrail device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The downward pressing of the lever handle can be operated to release the lever housing from the clamping of the mounting plate, and when the clamping of the mounting plate is released, The first applied force is operable to rotate the first plate about the first pivot, along the lateral plane of the cam locking assembly, and The second applied force can be operated to rotate the second plate about the second pivot along the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly.

11. The handrail device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first plate is operable to rotate along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly about the first pivot to a first stop angle, the first stop angle being in the range of 160° to 200° relative to the first direction.

12. The handrail device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first plate is operable to rotate along the transverse plane of the cam locking assembly, about the first pivot, to a first stop angle, the first stop angle being 180° relative to the first direction.

13. The handrail device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second plate is operable to rotate along the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly about the second pivot to a second stop angle, the second stop angle being in the range of 60° to 120° relative to the first direction.

14. The handrail device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second plate is operable to rotate along the longitudinal plane of the cam locking assembly about the second pivot to a second stop angle, the second stop angle being 90° relative to the first direction.

15. The handrail device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Both the first plate and the second plate include an L-shaped plate.

16. The handrail device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The furniture item includes a chair, and the support base includes the seat base of the chair.

17. A component kit for an armrest assembly in furniture articles, characterized in that, The component kit includes: Mounting plate, the mounting plate including a mounting part; and A cam-locking assembly configured to be attached to the mounting plate and configured to receive an armrest for the furniture item. The mounting portion is configured to mount the cam locking assembly to the support base of the furniture item.

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