Arm support

Abstract

An arm support includes a mounting bracket configured to mount the arm support to a support structure; the sliding rail is supported by the mounting bracket; a forearm support configured to support a forearm of a user; a linear bearing allowing a first degree of freedom for movement of the forearm support; a swivel bearing allowing a second degree of freedom for movement of the forearm support; and a universal joint that allows a third degree of freedom for movement of the forearm support.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 413,459, filed on October 5, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention generally relates to an arm support for supporting a user's arm, and more particularly to an arm support for a chair or a table. Background Art

[0004] Chairs and tables are evolving to accommodate users who engage in live streaming or gaming (i.e., video games). Users need to customize their equipment, such as table height, chair position, etc. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention provides an arm support comprising: a mounting bracket configured to mount the arm support to a support structure; a slide rail supported by the mounting bracket; a forearm support configured to support a user's forearm; a linear bearing that allows a first degree of freedom of movement for the forearm support; a rotary bearing that allows a second degree of freedom of movement for the forearm support; and a universal joint that allows a third degree of freedom of movement for the forearm support.

[0006] In another aspect, the arm support comprises a mounting bracket configured to mount the arm support to a support structure; a slide rail supported by the mounting bracket; a forearm support configured to support a user's forearm; a first mechanism that allows linear movement of the forearm support; a second mechanism that allows rotational movement of the forearm support, and a third mechanism that allows pivotal movement of the forearm support.

[0007] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a forearm support assembly configured to support a user's forearm. The forearm support assembly includes: a forearm support; a linear bearing that allows linear movement of the forearm support in a linear direction; a rotary bearing that allows rotational movement of the forearm support about a rotational axis perpendicular to the linear direction; and a universal joint that allows pivotal movement of the forearm support about a pivotal axis perpendicular to the rotational axis.

[0008] Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent by considering the detailed description and the drawings. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009] Figure 1Is a perspective view of a seat structure.

[0010] Figure 2 Is for use with Figure 1 a seat structure, and is a perspective view of an armrest assembly including an arm support according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 Is Figure 2 a perspective view of the arm support.

[0012] Figure 4 Is Figure 3 a top view of the arm support.

[0013] Figure 5 Is Figure 3 a side view of the arm support.

[0014] Figure 6 Is a perspective view of an arm support according to another embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 Is Figure 6 an exploded view of the arm support.

[0016] Figure 8 Is Figure 6 a top view and a front view of the arm support, illustrating the movement of the arm support.

[0017] Figure 9 Is Figure 6 a side view of the arm support. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Before explaining any embodiments of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0019] To avoid having the drawings cluttered with reference numerals for different ends, sides, etc. of parts of the chair, it will be assumed that those skilled in the art will read this disclosure with the ordinary meaning of directional and positional terms in mind. For example, throughout this disclosure, the terms "left", "right", "rear", "front", "forward", and "backward" are used from the perspective of an occupant or user sitting in the chair. Terms such as "top" and "bottom" are used with respect to the desired normal state of the chair. The term "above" means that one component is positioned higher than another component, not necessarily in the same vertical plane. The term "vertically above" means that one component is higher than another component and in the same vertical plane. "Below" means that one component is lower than another component, not necessarily in the same vertical plane, and "vertically below" means that the component is lower and also in the same vertical plane as the other component.

[0020] Figure 1 The illustrated seat structure 10, such as a chair. The seat structure 10 may also be referred to as a work chair or an office chair. The seat structure 10 includes a base 14, a seat 18, and a backrest 22. Various aspects of the seat structure 10 may be adjustable to fit the different sizes or preferences of users. In some embodiments, the seat structure 10 may further include a headrest assembly. The illustrated seat structure 10 is merely an example of a seat structure. The seat structure 10 may take other forms (e.g., shape, size, etc.) or may be a different type of seat structure (e.g., a stool, a bench, a recliner, a sofa, a divan, etc.).

[0021] The seat structure 10 further includes a pair of armrests 58. The illustrated armrests 58 are coupled to the base 14 and / or the seat 18. In other embodiments, the armrests 58 may be coupled to other parts of the seat structure 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the armrests 58 are disposed within cavities formed by side posts 62. Each armrest 58 includes an arm support 66 coupled to a rod 68. The rod 68 is disposed within a corresponding one of the cavities in the side posts 62. The arm support 66 may include padding (e.g., foam padding) to provide cushioning to a user's arms when the user is seated in the seat structure 10. In various embodiments, the armrests 58 may be vertically adjusted by moving the rod 68 relative to the side posts 62. The armrests 58 may have various shapes and forms to provide different aesthetic appearances of the seat structure 10.

[0022] Figure 2 The illustrated armrest assembly 70 includes one of the armrests 58 discussed above and another arm support 74. The arm support 74 may be coupled to the armrest 58 after sale, or the armrest 58 may be provided pre-equipped with the arm support 74 in place of the arm support 66 discussed above. Additionally, the armrest assembly 70 may be provided with the seat structure 10 discussed above, or may be a post-sale add-on. The armrest assembly 70 includes a support bracket 78 that may be coupled to the top side of the armrest 58 or the arm support 66.

[0023] Reference Figures 3 to 5 , the arm support 74 includes a mounting bracket 82 and a forearm support assembly 86 supported by the mounting bracket 82. The mounting bracket 82 may also be referred to as an adjustment bracket. The mounting bracket 82 may be coupled to the support bracket 78 using fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, etc.) or the like. The mounting bracket 82 includes a first end 90, a second end 94 opposite the first end 90, and a slide rail 98 extending between the first and second ends 90, 94. The mounting bracket 82 includes a pivot aperture 102 adjacent the first end 90 ( Figure 3) to receive a projection or fastener. The pivot aperture 102 and the projection / fastener pivotally couple the mounting bracket 82 to the support bracket 78, allowing the second end 94 to pivot relative to the support bracket 78. In this way, the mounting bracket 82 can be positioned on the support bracket 78 in multiple positions and / or orientations. Additionally, the mounting bracket 82 includes an arcuate recess 106 that receives a projection or fastener extending from the top side of the support bracket 78. The arcuate recess 106 is approximately midway between the first end 90 and the second end 94. The arcuate recess 106 and the projection / fastener assist in guiding and restricting the pivotal movement of the mounting bracket 82 relative to the support bracket 78. The projection / fastener can be loosened to allow adjustment of the angular position of the mounting bracket 82 relative to the support bracket 78.

[0024] The illustrated forearm support assembly 86 includes a shuttle 110, a rotary bearing 114, a universal joint 118, and a forearm support 122. The shuttle 110 includes a recess 126 corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the slide rail 98 to couple the forearm support assembly 86 to the mounting bracket 82. The shuttle 110 also includes a linear bearing 112 that allows linear movement along the slide rail 98 in a first linear direction (indicated by arrow A). The linear bearing 112 can include ball detents or rollers to assist the shuttle 110 in moving along the slide rail 98. The linear bearing 112 provides sufficient force to hold the forearm support assembly 86 in a substantially fixed position along the slide rail 98. However, if the user wants to change the position of the forearm support assembly 86 relative to the mounting bracket 82, the linear bearing 112 allows the force to be easily overcome. Thus, the linear bearing 112 is part of a first mechanism that allows the forearm support 122 to move linearly relative to the mounting bracket 82.

[0025] The rotary bearing 114 is supported on the top side of the shuttle 110. The rotary bearing 114 is defined between a first circular flange 130 extending from the shuttle 110 and a second circular flange 134 of the universal joint 118. The rotary bearing 114 allows the forearm support 122 to rotate about a rotational axis 138 that is generally perpendicular to the first linear direction A. Similar to the linear bearing 112, the rotary bearing 114 provides sufficient force to hold the forearm support 122 in a substantially fixed rotational position. However, if the user wants to change the angular position of the forearm support 122 relative to the shuttle 110, the force can be easily overcome. Thus, the rotary bearing 114 is part of a second mechanism that allows the forearm support 122 to rotate relative to the mounting bracket 82.

[0026] As mentioned above, the universal joint 118 is coupled to the top side of the swivel bearing 114 using the second circular flange 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the universal joint 118 is integrally formed with the forearm support 122. In other embodiments, the universal joint 118 can be a separate piece coupled to the forearm support 122 using fasteners or the like. The universal joint 118 permits relative pivoting of the forearm support 122 in multiple directions about an imaginary pivot axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation 138. In other words, the universal joint 118 permits the forearm support 122 to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation 138 and to move 360 degrees about the axis of rotation 138. Accordingly, the universal joint 118 is part of a third mechanism that permits pivotal movement of the forearm support 122 relative to the mounting bracket 82.

[0027] The forearm support 122 is configured to support a user's forearm in a seated position. In some embodiments, the size or shape of the forearm support 122 can also be increased to also or alternatively support the user's elbow. The illustrated forearm support 122 includes a U-shaped bracket 142 and a cushion 146. In some embodiments, the lateral ends of the forearm support 122 can be adjustable to vary the arc and / or width of the U-shaped bracket 142. For example, the outer ends can be bent more inwardly to accommodate a user with a smaller forearm size. In other embodiments, the forearm support 122 can have other shapes or sizes. For example, the forearm support 122 can include a generally flat cushion. Alternatively, the forearm support 122 can have only one curved lateral end or side. In some embodiments, the forearm support 122 can include a partially wound strap that completely surrounds the user's forearm.

[0028] During use of the armrest assembly 70, a user can first adjust the macroscopic settings of the armrest assembly 70, including the vertical position of the adjustment rod 68 relative to the column 62 and the position of the mounting bracket 82 of the arm support 74 relative to the support bracket 78. In some embodiments, the arm support 74 can also move back and forth relative to the seat 18 by pivoting the side column 62 about the pivot axis 150 and / or sliding the side column 62 along the axis 154. Adjusting the macroscopic settings fixes the positions of the arm support 74 and the mounting bracket 82 relative to the armrest 58. Generally, adjusting the macroscopic settings includes adjusting the position of the armrest assembly 70 for use at a workbench or table where a user can use an electronic device. The armrest assembly 70 can be positioned at an ideal position relative to the table at which the user can comfortably and conveniently use a mouse or other controller of the electronic device.

[0029] Once the macro settings are fixed, the user can then actively adjust the micro settings of the forearm support member assembly 86 during use, such as when playing an interactive application (e.g., a computer game, etc.) on an electronic device. When dynamically moving a mouse or a controller, the linear bearing 112, the rotary bearing 114, and the universal joint 118 allow the user to dynamically move the position of the forearm support member 122 for the desired application. Thus, the arm support member 74 allows for convenient, natural, intuitive, and comfortable use of the mouse or the controller when using the application. In additional embodiments, each of the linear bearing 112, the rotary bearing 114, and the universal joint 118 may include a locking member to selectively fix the position of the forearm support member 122 and prevent adjustment of the micro settings. For example, a clip or a fastener may be used to lock the linear position, the angular position, and / or the pivotable position of the forearm support member assembly 86.

[0030] Accordingly, the linear bearing 112, the rotary bearing 114, and the universal joint 118 provide three degrees of freedom for the forearm support member 122. In some embodiments, the armrest assembly 70 may include only a subset of the linear bearing 112, the rotary bearing 114, and the universal joint 118 to allow for fewer than three degrees of freedom. For example, the armrest assembly 70 may include only one of the linear bearing 112, the rotary bearing 114, and the universal joint 118 to provide one degree of freedom for the forearm support member 122. Alternatively, the armrest assembly 70 may include two of the linear bearing 112, the rotary bearing 114, and the universal joint 118 to provide two degrees of freedom for the forearm support member 122. For example, the armrest assembly 70 may include the linear bearing 112 and the rotary bearing 114, may include the linear bearing 112 and the universal joint 118, or may include the rotary bearing 114 and the universal joint 118. In other embodiments, the armrest assembly 70 may provide more than three degrees of freedom for the forearm support member 122.

[0031] Figure 6 Illustrated is an arm support member 210 according to another embodiment. The arm support member 210 is similar to the arm support member 74 discussed above, where like reference numerals are used to denote like elements. Generally, the arm support member 210 is configured to be directly mounted to a workbench (e.g., a table, a desk, a counter, etc.) rather than to an armrest of a seating structure.

[0032] Reference Figure 7 , the arm support member 210 includes a mounting bracket 214, an upper adjustment plate 218, a lower adjustment plate 222, a slide rail 226, and a forearm support member assembly 230. The mounting bracket 214 includes a recess 234 having a plurality of sliding apertures 238. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting bracket 214 includes three sliding apertures 238. In other embodiments, the mounting bracket 214 may include more or fewer than three sliding apertures 238. The sliding apertures 238 are in the longitudinal direction of the mounting bracket 214 (indicated by arrow B;Figure 8 ) is elongated. The mounting bracket 214 also includes a plurality of fastening apertures 242 to secure the arm support 210 to a workbench 246( Figure 9 ), such as a table or other support. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting bracket 214 is configured to mount to the lower surface of the workbench 246. In other embodiments, the mounting bracket 214 may be configured to mount to the upper surface of the workbench 246.

[0033] The lower adjustment plate 222 includes a plurality of arcuate sliding apertures 250 and pivot apertures 254. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower adjustment plate 222 includes two arcuate sliding apertures 250. In other embodiments, the lower adjustment plate 222 may include more or less than two arcuate sliding apertures 250. The lower adjustment plate 222 also includes a receiver 258 on the bottom side, the receiver being configured to receive the slide rail 226. The upper adjustment plate 218 is generally triangular and includes pins 262 extending from the bottom side located at each corner of the upper adjustment plate 218. The upper adjustment plate 218 is slidably received within the recess 234 of the mounting bracket 214, where one of the pins 262 extends into each of the sliding apertures 238. Additionally, when received in the recess 234, one of the pins 262 extends into the pivot aperture 254 of the lower adjustment plate 222, and two of the pins 262 extend into the arcuate sliding apertures 250, respectively.

[0034] The slide rail 226 defines a first end 266, a second end 270 opposite the first end 266, and a first linear direction (indicated by arrow C; Figure 8 ) between the first and second ends 266, 270. The slide rail 226 supports the forearm support assembly 230 and the shuttling member 274 using linear bearings 278. The forearm support assembly 230 is similar to the forearm support assembly 86 and includes a forearm support 122, a rotary bearing 114, and a universal joint 118. However, the shuttling member 274 is now separately supported on the slide rail 226. The shuttling member 274 is received within the receiver 258 of the lower adjustment plate 222, and the slide rail 226 is supported within a recess 286 of the shuttling member 274. In the illustrated embodiment, the shuttling member 274 and the linear bearings 278 are fixed relative to the receiver 258 to allow the slide rail 226 to slide along the linear bearings 278 in the first linear direction C.

[0035] Reference Figure 8, when assembled, the arm support 210 allows adjustability of the forearm support assembly 230 relative to the workbench 246. First, the upper adjustment plate 218 and thus the slide rail 226 can move relative to the mounting bracket 214 along the longitudinal direction B to adjust the position of the forearm support 122. The bolt 236 of the upper adjustment plate 218 slides within the sliding orifice 238 to adjust the lateral position of the slide rail 226 and the forearm support assembly 230. Additionally, the lower adjustment plate 222 can pivot about an axis defined by the pivot orifice 254( Figure 7 ) to adjust the angular position of the slide rail 226 and thus the angular position of the forearm support assembly 230. When the lower adjustment plate 222 pivots, the bolt 236 moves within the arcuate sliding orifice 250. The angular position of the lower adjustment plate 222 and the lateral position of the upper adjustment plate 218 can be fixed in place using locking or fastening members. It should be noted that adjusting the lateral position and angular position of the forearm support assembly 230 corresponds to the static adjustment of the macroscopic setting of the arm support 210 to fit the user.

[0036] Continuing to refer to Figure 8 , during use of the arm support 210, due to the linear bearing 278 in the shuttling member 274, the user can slide the slide rail 226 and thus the forearm support assembly 230 in a first linear direction C to move closer to or farther from the workbench 246. Additionally, due to the rotary bearing 114, the forearm support 122 can rotate about the rotational axis 138. Further, due to the universal joint 118, the forearm support 122 can pivot in multiple directions. It should be noted that adjusting the position of the forearm support 122 through the linear bearing 278, the rotary bearing 114, and the universal joint 118 corresponds to the dynamic adjustment of the microscopic setting of the user's movement when using the arm support 210. In other words, the linear bearing 278, the rotary bearing 114, and the universal joint 118 provide multiple degrees of freedom to adjust the position of the forearm support 122 when actively using the mouse or controller of an electronic device. In the illustrated embodiment, the linear bearing 278, the rotary bearing 114, and the universal joint 118 provide three dynamic degrees of freedom for the forearm support 122. In other embodiments, the forearm support 122 may include more than three dynamic degrees of freedom. Additionally, similar to the arm support 74 described above, in some embodiments, the arm support 210 may include a subset of the linear bearing 278, the rotary bearing 114, and the universal joint 118 to provide fewer than three degrees of freedom.

[0037] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, there are variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the described invention. The various features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An arm support, comprising: A mounting bracket configured to mount the arm support to a support structure; A slide rail supported by the mounting bracket; A forearm support configured to support a user's forearm; A linear bearing that allows a first degree of freedom of movement for the forearm support; A rotary bearing that allows a second degree of freedom of movement for the forearm support; and A universal joint that allows a third degree of freedom of movement for the forearm support.

2. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The first degree of freedom is linear movement.

3. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The second degree of freedom is rotational movement.

4. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The third degree of freedom is pivotal movement.

5. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting bracket is pivotable relative to the support structure to adjust the angular position of the forearm support.

6. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The slide rail is pivotable relative to the mounting bracket to adjust the angular position of the forearm support.

7. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The linear bearing is positioned between the forearm support and the slide rail, and wherein the forearm support is movable along the length of the slide rail to adjust the position of the forearm support.

8. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The linear bearing is positioned between the mounting bracket and the slide rail, and wherein the slide rail is movable relative to the mounting bracket along the longitudinal direction of the mounting bracket to adjust the position of the forearm support.

9. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The linear bearing allows linear movement of the forearm support in a linear direction.

10. The arm support according to claim 9, wherein, The rotary bearing allows rotational movement of the forearm support about a rotational axis generally perpendicular to the linear direction.

11. The arm support according to claim 10, wherein, The universal joint allows pivotal movement of the forearm support about a pivotal axis perpendicular to the rotational axis.

12. The arm support according to claim 11, wherein, The pivotal axis is movable 360 degrees about the rotational axis.

13. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The forearm support includes a U-shaped bracket.

14. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting bracket is configured to be mounted to a chair.

15. The arm support according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting bracket is configured to be mounted to a workbench.

16. An arm support, comprising: A mounting bracket configured to mount the arm support to a support structure; A slide rail supported by the mounting bracket; A forearm support configured to support a user's forearm; A first mechanism that allows linear movement of the forearm support; A second mechanism that allows rotational movement of the forearm support; And A third mechanism that allows pivotal movement of the forearm support.

17. The arm support according to claim 16, wherein, The first mechanism includes a linear bearing.

18. The arm support according to claim 16, wherein, The second mechanism includes a rotary bearing.

19. The arm support according to claim 16, wherein, The third mechanism includes a universal joint.

20. A forearm support assembly configured to support a user's forearm, the forearm support assembly comprising: A forearm support; A linear bearing that allows linear movement of the forearm support in a linear direction; A rotary bearing that allows rotational movement of the forearm support about a rotational axis perpendicular to the linear direction; And A universal joint that allows pivotal movement of the forearm support about a pivotal axis perpendicular to the rotational axis.

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