AN ARMREST FOR A VEHICLE SEAT AND METHOD FOR ITS USE

Abstract

Method (100), comprising: transferring (112) an armrest (40) coupled to a vehicle seat (30) from a folded configuration to an unfolded configuration, wherein the armrest (40) comprises a first element (46) fixed in a fixed position, a second element (48) pivotably coupled to the first element (46), and a third element (50) pivotably coupled to the second element (48), wherein the first element (46), the second element (48), and the third element (50) are stacked while the armrest (40) is in the folded configuration, and wherein transferring the armrest (40) from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration comprises: pivoting the second element (48) relative to the first element (46) to arrange the armrest (40) in an intermediate configuration,wherein the second element (48) and the third element (50) cantilever from the first element (46) and extend over a first part of the vehicle seat (30) while the armrest (40) is in the intermediate configuration; and pivoting the third element (50) relative to the second element (48) to position the armrest (40) in the extended configuration, wherein the third element (50) cantilevers from the second element (48) and extends over a second part of the vehicle seat (30) while the armrest (40) is in the extended configuration; and applying (114) a load to the second element (48) and / or the third element (50).

Description

INTRODUCTIONThe technical field relates generally to vehicle seats and, more particularly, to an armrest for a vehicle seat that can be deployed to place a portion thereof over the vehicle seat and carry a load thereon.Modern automobiles offer a number of conveniences that are intended to increase the comfort of their occupants. Examples of these features are adjustable seats that can be adapted to the needs of specific occupants, e.g., with respect to seat height, angle of inclination, lumbar support, and height of the headrest.Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems and methods that promote occupant comfort in a vehicle. Moreover, other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing introduction.DESCRIPTIONA method of using an armrest of a vehicle seat is provided. In one example, the method includes transitioning the armrest from a folded configuration to a deployed configuration. The armrest includes a first member secured in a fixed position, a second member pivotally connected to the first member, and a third member pivotally connected to the second member. In the folded configuration, the first member, the second member, and the third member are stacked.The transition of the armrest from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration includes pivoting the second member relative to the first member to place the armrest in an intermediate configuration, pivoting the third member relative to the second member to place the armrest in the deployed configuration, and applying a load to the second member and / or the third member. The second member and the third member are cantilevered from the first member and extend over a first portion of the vehicle seat while the armrest is in the intermediate configuration. The third member is cantilevered from the second member and extends over a second portion of the vehicle seat when the armrest is in the deployed configuration.In various examples, the method may include transitioning the armrest from the deployed configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the third member relative to the second member such that the third member is stacked with the second member and extends over the first portion of the vehicle seat, pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member are stacked with the first member, and supporting an arm of an occupant of the vehicle seat on the armrest.In various examples, a first portion of the armrest may be connected to the vehicle seat, a second portion of the armrest may include the first member, the second member, and the third member, and the first member may be attached to the first portion. In such examples, pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member are stacked with the first member may bring adjacent outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion into aligned positions.In various examples, pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member are stacked with the first member may place first adjacent outer surfaces of the first member and the second member in first aligned positions and second adjacent outer surfaces of the second member and the third member in second aligned positions.In various examples, pivoting the second member relative to the first member may include pivoting the second member 180 degrees.In various examples, pivoting the third element relative to the second element may include pivoting the third element 180 degrees.In various examples, the second member is disposed between the first member and the third member in the folded configuration such that a first surface of the first member faces a second surface of the second member and a third surface of the second member opposite the second surface of the second member faces a fourth surface of the third member. In such examples, the transition of the armrest from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration may include aligning the first surface of the first member, the second surface of the second member, and a fifth surface of the third member opposite the fourth surface of the third member in a geometric plane.In various examples, the first surface of the first member and the second surface of the second member may be aligned in the geometric plane, and the third member may not be disposed in the geometric plane when the armrest is in the intermediate configuration.An armrest is provided for a vehicle seat. In one example, the armrest includes a first portion configured to be coupled to the vehicle seat and a second portion having a first member attached to the first portion, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, and a third member pivotally coupled to the second member. The second portion is configured to be selectively transitionable between a folded and a deployed configuration. The first member, the second member, and the third member are stacked and configured in combination to support an arm of an occupant of the vehicle seat while the armrest is in the folded configuration. The second member and the third member are cantilevered from the first member, extend over at least a portion of the vehicle seat, and are configured to bear a load thereon while the armrest is in the deployed configuration.In various examples, the second member may be disposed between the first member and the third member such that a first surface of the first member faces a second surface of the second member and a third surface of the second member opposite the second surface of the second member faces a fourth surface of the third member when the armrest is in the folded configuration.In various examples, the first surface of the first member, the second surface of the second member, and a fifth surface of the third member opposite the fourth surface of the third member may be aligned in a geometric plane when the armrest is in the deployed configuration.In various examples, the second portion may be configured to transition from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the second member relative to the first member across the vehicle seat to place the armrest in an intermediate configuration and then pivoting the third member relative to the second member across the vehicle seat. The first surface of the first member and the second surface of the second member may be aligned in a geometric plane, and the third member may not be disposed in the geometric plane when the armrest is in the intermediate configuration.In various examples, adjacent outer surfaces of the first part and the second part may be aligned with each other when the armrest is in the folded configuration.In various examples, first adjacent outer surfaces of the first member and the second member may be aligned with each other and second adjacent outer surfaces of the second member and the third member may be aligned with each other when the armrest is in the folded configuration.In various examples, the second portion may be configured to transition from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the second member relative to the first member across the vehicle seat to place the armrest in an intermediate configuration and then pivoting the third member relative to the second member across the vehicle seat.In various examples, the second member may be configured to be pivotable 180 degrees relative to the first member.In various examples, the third member may be configured to be pivotable 180 degrees relative to the second member.A vehicle is provided that, in one example, includes a vehicle seat and an armrest having a first portion connected to the vehicle seat and a second portion having a first member attached to the first portion, a second member pivotally connected to the first member, and a third member pivotally connected to the second member. The second portion is configured to be selectively transitionable between a folded and a deployed configuration. The first member, the second member, and the third member are stacked and configured in combination to support an arm of an occupant of the vehicle seat while the armrest is in the folded configuration. The second member and the third member are cantilevered from the first member, extend over at least a portion of the vehicle seat, and are configured to bear a load thereon while the armrest is in the deployed configuration.In various examples, the second member may be disposed between the first member and the third member such that a first surface of the first member faces a second surface of the second member and a third surface of the second member opposite the second surface of the second member faces a fourth surface of the third member when the armrest is in the folded configuration. In such examples, the first surface of the first member, the second surface of the second member, and a fifth surface of the third member opposite the fourth surface of the third member may be aligned in a geometric plane when the armrest is in the deployed configuration.In various examples, the second portion may be configured to transition from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the second member relative to the first member across the vehicle seat to place the armrest in an intermediate configuration and then pivoting the third member relative to the second member across the vehicle seat. In such examples, the first surface of the first member and the second surface of the second member may be aligned in the geometric plane, and the third member may not be disposed in the geometric plane when the armrest is in the intermediate configuration.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe exemplary embodiments are described below in connection with the following drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals designate like elements, and wherein: FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle having an armrest seat according to an example; FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the seat including the armrest of FIG. 1 according to an example; FIG. 3 is a first perspective view of the armrest of FIGS. 1 and 2 in a folded configuration according to an example; FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of the armrest of FIGS. 1-3 in the folded configuration according to one example; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the armrest of FIGS. 1-4 in an intermediate configuration according to an example; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the armrest of FIGS. 1-5 in an unfolded configuration according to an example; and FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using the armrest of FIGS. 1-6 according to an example.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONThe following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the application and uses. Moreover, there is no intention to be bound by any explicit or silent theory set forth in the preceding introduction or the following detailed description.FIG. 1 shows a vehicle 10, according to one example. In certain examples, the vehicle 10 includes an automobile. In various examples, the vehicle 10 may be any of a number of different types of vehicles, such as a sedan, wagon, truck, or sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may include two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or in certain examples, various other types of vehicles or mobile platforms.As shown in FIG. 1, the example vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. the body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and substantially encloses the components of the vehicle 10. The wheels 16- 18 are each rotatably connected to the chassis 12 proximate a respective corner of the body 14.The vehicle 10 may include a steering system 24. The steering system 24 affects the position of the wheels 16- 18. Although a steering wheel 24 ais illustrated for purposes of illustration, in some examples contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel.The vehicle 10 may include a seat 30 configured to support an occupant of the vehicle 10 seated thereon. The seat 30 may include a frame (not shown) fixed to the floor of the vehicle 10, a seat cushion 32 connected to the frame, a seat back 34 fixed at a lower end thereof to the seat cushion 32 and / or the frame, and a head rest (not shown) fixed to an upper end of the seat back 34. The seat cushion 32 may be configured to support the back and / or the thigh of the occupant seated thereon, the seat back 34 may be configured to support the back of the occupant while seated on the seat cushion 32, and the head rest may be configured to support the head of the occupant. The seat 30 may include various components that enable adjustment of the seat 30, e.g., systems for adjusting the height of the seat 30 relative to the vehicle floor, the angle of inclination of the seat back 34, the lumbar support, and the height of the head rest relative to the upper end of the seat back 34.The seat 30 includes an armrest 40 configured to support an arm of the occupant while seated on the seat cushion 32. The armrest 40 includes a first portion 42 configured to be secured to the frame and / or the seatback 34 on either side of the seatback 34. In some examples, the seat 30 may include two armrests 40, each attached to a respective side of the seat 30. The armrest 40 may be secured at various positions along the side of the seatback 34 to allow for various dimensions (e.g., heights) between the seat cushion 32 and the armrest 40. In some examples, the height of the armrest 40 may be adjustable, e.g., by sliding and locking the armrest 40 in various positions along the side of the seatback 34. For example, the first portion 42 may be rotated between first and second positions, wherein in the first position, a distal end thereof abuts or abuts the seatback 34, and in the second position, the distal end extends away from the seatback 34 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 ). In such examples, the user may rotate the first portion 42 to the first position when use of the armrest 40 is not desired and rotate the first portion 42 to the second position when use of the armrest 40 is desired.The armrest 40 includes a second portion 44 having a first member 46 secured to the first portion 42, a second member 48 pivotally connected to the first member 46, and a third member 50 pivotally connected to the second member 48. The first member 46 and the second member 48 may be connected to first pivot joints 52. The second member 48 and the third member 50 may be connected to second pivot joints 54. The second portion 44 is configured to selectively transition between a folded configuration (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2-4 ) and a deployed configuration (as shown in FIG. 6 ).In the folded configuration, the first member 46, the second member 48, and the third member 50 are stacked and configured in combination to support an arm of the occupant of the seat 30. In the example of FIGS. 2-4, the second element 48 is arranged between the first element 46 and the third element 50 in the stacked state. In some examples, the first hinges 52 are disposed on the sides of the first portion 46 and the second portion 48 closest to the seat 30, referred to as the seat side of the armrest 40, when the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration. In some examples, the second hinges 54 are disposed on the sides of the first portion 46 and the second portion 48 furthest from the seat 30 when the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration, referred to as the exterior of the armrest 40.In some examples, while the second part 44 is in the collapsed configuration, first adjacent outer surfaces of the first portion 42 and the second portion 44, i.e., outer surfaces that are adjacent a distal end of the first part 42 and a proximal end of the second part 44, are aligned or flush with each other. In some examples, while the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration, second adjacent outer surfaces of the first member 46 and the second member 48, i.e., along the sides or edges of the first member 46 and the second member 48, are aligned or flush. In some examples, while the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration, third adjacent outer surfaces of the second member 48 and the third member 50, i.e., along the sides or edges of the second member 48 and the third member 50, are aligned or flush. In the example of FIGS. 2-4, wherein the first adjacent surfaces, the second adjacent surfaces, and the third adjacent surfaces are respectively aligned or flush, the outer sides of the first portion 42 and the second portion 44 are contoured to have a similar appearance and / or functionality as an armrest made from a single integral body. In some examples, the exposed surfaces of the first hinges 52 and the second hinges 54 are configured to be flush with the adjacent outer surfaces of the second portion 44 when the second portion 44 is in the folded configuration.FIG. 5 shows the second portion 44 in an intermediate configuration between the folded configuration of FIGS. 2-4 and the deployed configuration of FIG. 6. the second portion 44 may be transferred from the folded configuration to the intermediate configuration by pivoting the second member 48 (with the third member 50 stacked thereon) relative to the first member 46 until the edges coupled by the first pivot joints 52 contact or otherwise abut each other. Since the first pivot joints 52 are located on the seat side of the armrest 40 in the folded-in state, the second element 48 is arranged above the seat 30 by pivoting it, wherein the third element 50 lies below the second element 48.The second portion 44 may be transferred from the intermediate configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the third member 50 relative to the second member 48 until the edges coupled by the second pivot joints 54 contact each other or are otherwise juxtaposed. Since the second pivot joints 54 are located on the seat side of the armrest 40 in the intermediate configuration, the third element 50 is further disposed over the seat 30 by pivoting thereof.In the example of FIGS. 2-6, the first member 46 includes a first surface 60, the second member 48 includes a second surface 62 and a third surface (not shown) opposite the second surface 62, and the third member 50 includes a fourth surface 64 and a fifth surface (not shown) opposite the fourth surface 64. In the folded configuration, the first surface 60 and the second surface 62 are in contact or otherwise adjacent and face each other, and the third surface and the fifth surface are in contact or otherwise adjacent and face each other. In the intermediate configuration, the first surface 60 and the second surface 62 are aligned in a geometric plane, and the third member 50 is not disposed in the geometric plane. In the deployed configuration, the first surface 60, the second surface 62, and the fourth surface 64 are aligned in the geometric plane.In both the intermediate configuration and the deployed configuration, the second member 48 and the third member 50 are cantilevered from the first member 46, extend over at least a portion of the seat 30, and are configured to bear a load thereon. That is, the first surface 60 and the second surface 62 define a first support region in the intermediate configuration and the first surface 60, the second surface 62, and the fourth surface 64 define a second support region in the deployed configuration. Therefore, the occupant may transition the second portion 44 to either the intermediate configuration or the deployed configuration depending on the desired size of the seating surface and place a portion of the occupant's body and / or other items thereon, such as an electronic device (e.g., laptop, tablet, smartphone, etc.).In some examples, one or both of the first pivot joints 52 and the second pivot joints 54 may be lockable or otherwise configured to maintain the second member 48 and the third member 50 in fixed positions while a load is applied to one or both of the second surface 62 and the fourth surface 64. In some examples, the first hinges 52 and the second hinges 54 are two-axis torque hinges.Referring now to FIG. 7 and with continued reference to FIGS. 1-6, a flowchart illustrates a method 100 of operating the armrest 40 according to various examples. As will be appreciated in light of the disclosure, the order of operation within the method 100 is not limited to sequential execution as illustrated in FIG. 7, but may be performed in one or more different orders as appropriate and in accordance with the present disclosure.In one example, the method 100 may begin at 110. At 112, the method 100 may include transitioning the armrest 40 from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration. During the transition, the first member 46 is held in a fixed position by the first portion 42.The transition of the armrest 40 from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration includes pivoting the second member 48 relative to the first member 46 to define the intermediate configuration in which the second member 48 and the third member 50 are cantilevered from the first member 46 and extend over a first portion of the seat 30, and pivoting the third member 50 relative to the second member 48 to define the deployed configuration in which the third member 50 is cantilevered from the second member 48 and extends over a second portion of the seat 30. At 114, the method 100 includes applying a load to the second member 48 and / or the third member 50. for example, an occupant of the seat 30 may place a portion of their body (e.g., head, arms, hands, etc.) and / or another item (e.g., book, laptop, smartphone, etc.) on the second member 48 and / or the third member 50.At 116, the method 100 may include transitioning the armrest 40 from the deployed configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the third member 50 relative to the second member 48 such that the third member 50 is stacked with the second member 48 and extends over the first portion of the seat 30, and pivoting the second member 48 relative to the first member 46 such that the second member 48 and the third member 50 are stacked with the first member 46. At 118, the method 100 may include supporting the occupant's arm on the armrest 40. The method 100 may end at 120.The systems and methods disclosed herein provide various advantages over certain existing systems and methods. For example, an occupant of the seat 30 may fold the armrest 40 to the deployed configuration to support a portion of their body and / or other object. This may promote occupant comfort and / or ease of various activities, such as reading books, utilizing smart phones, tablets or laptops, sleeping, eating, etc. Moreover, an occupant may fold the armrest into the folded state to use similar to a conventional armrest.Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be understood that there are a variety of variations. It is also to be understood that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description provides those skilled in the art with a convenient roadmap for implementing the example embodiment or embodiments. It is to be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

A method comprising: transferring an armrest coupled to a vehicle seat from a folded configuration to a deployed configuration, the armrest comprising a first member secured in a fixed position, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, and a third member pivotally coupled to the second member, wherein the first member, the second member, and the third member are stacked while the armrest is in the folded configuration, and wherein transferring the armrest from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration comprises: pivoting the second member relative to the first member to place the armrest in an intermediate configuration, wherein the second member and the third member are cantilevered from the first member and extend over a first portion of the vehicle seat, while the armrest is in the intermediate configuration; and pivoting the third member relative to the second member to place the armrest in the deployed configuration, wherein the third member is cantilevered from the second member and extends over a second portion of the vehicle seat while the armrest is in the deployed configuration; and applying a load to the second member and / or the third member.The method of claim 1, further comprising: transitioning the armrest from the deployed configuration to the deployed configuration by: pivoting the third member relative to the second member such that the third member is stacked with the second member and extends over the first portion of the vehicle seat; and pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member are stacked with the first member; and supporting an arm of an occupant of the vehicle seat on the armrest.The method of claim 2, wherein a first portion of the armrest is coupled to the vehicle seat, a second portion of the armrest comprises the first member, the second member, and the third member, and the first member is secured to the first portion, wherein pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member are stacked with the first member locates adjacent outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion in aligned positions, wherein pivoting the second member relative to the first member such that the second member and the third member are stacked with the first member locates first adjacent outer surfaces of the first member and the second member in first aligned positions and second adjacent outer surfaces of the second member and the third member in second aligned positions.The method of claim 1, wherein pivoting the second member relative to the first member comprises pivoting the second member 180 degrees and pivoting the third member relative to the second member comprises pivoting the third member 180 degrees.The method of claim 1, wherein the second member is disposed between the first member and the third member in the folded configuration such that a first surface of the first member faces a second surface of the second member and a third surface of the second member opposite the second surface of the second member faces a fourth surface of the third member, wherein the transition of the armrest from the folded configuration to the unfolded configuration comprises placing the first surface of the first member, the second surface of the second member, and a fifth surface of the third member opposite the fourth surface of the third member in a geometric plane, wherein the first surface of the first member and the second surface of the second member are aligned in the geometric plane and the third member is not disposed in the geometric plane, while the armrest is in the intermediate configuration.An armrest for a vehicle seat, comprising: a first portion configured to be coupled to the vehicle seat; and a second part including a first member secured to the first part, a second member pivotally coupled to the first member, and a third member pivotally coupled to the second member, the second part configured to selectively transition between a folded configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the first member, the second member, and the third member are stacked and configured in combination to support an arm of an occupant of the vehicle seat while the armrest is in the folded configuration, wherein the second member and the third member project from the first member, extend over at least a portion of the vehicle seat, and are configured to support a load thereon while the armrest is in the deployed configuration.The armrest of claim 6, wherein the second member is disposed between the first member and the third member such that a first surface of the first member faces a second surface of the second member and a third surface of the second member opposite the second surface of the second member faces a fourth surface of the third member when the armrest is in the folded configuration, wherein the first surface of the first member, the second surface of the second member, and a fifth surface of the third member opposite the fourth surface of the third member are aligned in a geometric plane while the armrest is in the deployed configuration, wherein the second portion is configured to transition from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the second member relative to the first member over the vehicle seat, to arrange the armrest in an intermediate configuration, and then the third member is pivoted relative to the second member over the vehicle seat, wherein the first surface of the first member and the second surface of the second member are aligned in a geometric plane and the third member is not arranged in the geometric plane while the armrest is in the intermediate configuration.The armrest of claim 6, wherein adjacent outer surfaces of the first portion and the second portion are aligned with each other when the armrest is in the folded configuration, wherein first adjacent outer surfaces of the first member and the second member are aligned with each other and second adjacent outer surfaces of the second member and the third member are aligned with each other when the armrest is in the folded configuration.The armrest of claim 6, wherein the second portion is configured to transition from the folded configuration to the deployed configuration by pivoting the second member relative to the first member across the vehicle seat to place the armrest in an intermediate configuration and then pivoting the third member relative to the second member across the vehicle seat.The armrest of claim 6, wherein the second member is configured to pivot 180 degrees relative to the first member and the third member is configured to pivot 180 degrees relative to the second member.

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