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Sliding Armrest

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-11-15
COLLINS & AIKMAN PROD CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] In a first exemplary embodiment, the actuating mechanism for the slidable armrest may include a paddle latch which when squeezed may actuate a slide which is attached to a comb-like member. The comb-like member may engage a pin which may be welded to a support bracket. The slide may include one or more slots at about a 45° angle, such that actuation of the latch allows the comb to disengage the pin and may allow the armrest to be slid fore or aft. Releasing the latch may cause springs to re-engage the comb around the pin, but in a different fore / aft location. Since relatively few mechanical components may be involved, greater reliability, less wear and fewer buzz, squeak and rattle issues may result. The armrest upper portion may be of various constructions: skin, foam, wrapped, injection molded, etc.
[0008] In a second exemplary embodiment, the actuating mechanism for the slidable armrest may include a hinged latch handle which when actuated (e.g. squeezed) may actuate a cable assembly which is attached to a detent plate. The detent plate may be attached through a detent housing to a support bracket and engage one or more depressions formed in the armrest base. Actuation of the latch allows the cable to pull the spring-loaded detent plate from engagement with the one or more depressions and may allow the armrest to be slid fore or aft. Releasing the latch may cause the springs to force projections formed in the detent plate back into engagement with the depressions, but in a different fore / aft location. Since relatively few mechanical components may be involved, greater reliability, less wear and fewer buzz, squeak and rattle issues may result. The armrest upper portion may be of various constructions: skin, foam, wrapped, injection molded, etc.
[0009] The sliding armrest may overlie a center console or any other trim component in the vehicle which may include a storage compartment. The armrest may be mounted on a bracket separate from the console and may be positioned fore / aft relative to the bracket along slides allowing for multiple forward positional adjustments of the armrest surface to support an occupant's arms as well as to a rearward position which may allow relatively easy access to the storage compartment in the underlying console. In this manner, the slidable armrest of the present invention may function independently, and need not be associated with or adjacent to, a console in a vehicle.

Problems solved by technology

Since relatively few mechanical components may be involved, greater reliability, less wear and fewer buzz, squeak and rattle issues may result.
Since relatively few mechanical components may be involved, greater reliability, less wear and fewer buzz, squeak and rattle issues may result.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
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first embodiment

[0027] For elements common to the various embodiments of the invention, the numerical reference character between the embodiments is held constant, but distinguished by the addition of an alphanumeric character to the existing numerical reference character. In other words, for example, an element referenced at 10 in the first embodiment is correspondingly referenced at 10A, 10B, and so forth in subsequent embodiments. Thus, where an embodiment description uses a reference character to refer to an element, the reference character applies equally, as distinguished by alphanumeric character, to the other embodiments where the element is common.

[0028] An exemplary embodiment of the sliding armrest according to the present invention is shown in perspective view in FIGS. 1A and 1B. FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a center console for a transportation vehicle such as would be positioned between the front seats of that vehicle. Alternatively, a similar console, without the shifting mechani...

second embodiment

[0049] the actuating mechanism which releasably connects the base portion 50 to the reinforcement or support bracket 70 will now be described. A detent plate 156 including one or more projections 110 may be loosely held in place on the bracket by detent housing 153 (see FIG. 11). Springs 157 may be located between the detent plate 156 and the support bracket 70 and may bias the plate against the housing. The cable assembly 154 may attach at one end to latch handle 148 and at the opposite end attach to the detent plate 156. When the hatch handle 148 is squeezed, it may pull on the wire in cable assembly 154 causing the detent plate 156 to move downward and compress springs 157 against reinforcement 70.

[0050] The center area of base portion 50 may be formed into one or more rows 151 of inverted depressions 100 (see FIG. 10) which may engage the projections 110 on the detent plate 156 (see FIG. 11) to latch the armrest 10 in selected fore / aft positional locations. Retraction of the pro...

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PUM

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a slidable armrest that may be used in combination with a console within a transportation vehicle. The armrest may be slidably mounted to a mounting bracket and overlie a console lid / compartment and be moveable forward to provide arm support for vehicle occupants or rearward to allow access to an underlying storage compartment. Two exemplary embodiments of actuating mechanisms for controlling fore / aft positioning of the armrest are disclosed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 60 / 759,790, filed Jan. 18, 2006 and 60 / 762,631, filed Jan. 27, 2006, the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to a movable armrest which may overlie a console assembly in a vehicle, and more particularly, to a sliding armrest supported separately from the console, capable of fore / aft adjustment and including a storage space located therein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Storage and ergonomics in transportation vehicles are key considerations to excite and delight the consumer and encourage purchase. The storage of articles in the center console area between the seats may include a need for cupholders, as well as space to store cellular phones, sunglasses, CD's, PDA's, wallets, maps, tools and the like. Generally, the lid of a center console is not at the optimal ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A47C7/54
CPCB60N2/4686B60N2/4646B60N2/773B60N2/793
Inventor CODY, ROBERT S.HASER, DANIEL M.SAVALLE, PHILIPMONTESI, SCOTT W.HERRELL, MARK W.ROBERTS, ANDREWDEMERS, SHAWN P.
Owner COLLINS & AIKMAN PROD CO
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