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Armrest and armrest mechanism

Inactive Publication Date: 2008-12-11
GILL INDS
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The improved armrest mechanism utilizing this invention allows an armrest to travel in an arc of somewhat more than ninety degrees. During a first angular portion of the arc, the armrest can be secured in several discrete angular positions. Movement of the armrest in the first portion is “one way” (e.g., counterclockwise)—it can be rotated only upward but also allowing it to be secured at one of several discrete positions. If the armrest is rotated beyond the first angular portion by several degrees,

Problems solved by technology

One problem with such a mechanism is that the latch may become worn, allowing premature contact between the two ratchets.
Additionally, the latch may not reliably release the ratchet, requiring an additional force to move the armrest into the desired position.

Method used

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  • Armrest and armrest mechanism
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  • Armrest and armrest mechanism

Examples

Experimental program
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Effect test

Embodiment Construction

[0014]For the purposes of this description, the armrest moves counterclockwise from the design position to the stowed position. Obviously, the armrest could rotate clockwise from the design position to the stowed position

[0015]FIG. 1A shows armrest 2 attached to a seat 4 when the armrest is in the design position. Arc 6 shows the range of movement of armrest 2. Arc 6 is divided into angular portion I, angular portion II, and angular portion III. The armrest may be rotated counterclockwise to the stowed position, shown in FIG. 1B.

[0016]In angular portion I, user can position the armrest at discrete angles between the design position and the stowed position. The armrest resists any movement in the clockwise direction, although the armrest can be rotated in the counterclockwise direction. When the armrest is moved into angular portion II, the armrest can be moved either to the stowed position or the design position. If the armrest is moved to the stowed position, armrest 2 is rotated t...

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PUM

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Abstract

An armchair mechanism that includes a toothed pawl and cam mechanism which allows the armrest to rotate in an arc greater than 90 degrees and into a first angular position. The armchair mechanism further includes a lockout member which locks the armrest in a design position and a stowed position. During a first angular portion of movement along the rotation arc, the armrest can be secured in several discrete angular positions whereas movement of the armrest in the first angular position is one-way so that the armrest can only rotate upward and be secured in any one of the several discrete angular positions.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to an adjustment mechanism and an armrest for using the adjustment mechanism, and more particularly, to an armrest adjustment mechanism and armrest for use within a vehicle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Vehicle seats, especially those located in the rear of vans or mini-vans, often have an armrest pivotable from a generally vertical, stowed position to a generally horizontal, in-use design position. When in the stowed position, the armrest does not hinder movement into or out of the seat and facilitates folding the backrest of the seat to allow the seat to be more easily removed from the vehicle or stored within the vehicle.[0003]In some applications, it is desirable for the armrest to be adjustable to one of many fixed positions between the design position and the fully upright stowed position. A mechanism for implementing such a function in an armrest is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,106,068, issued to Marc Lefevere...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): A47C7/54
CPCB60N2/4606B60N2/4633B60N2/753B60N2/767
Inventor VAN DE VEN, MICHIEL P.SUTTER, JR., ROBERT R.
Owner GILL INDS