Seating arrangement and adjustable armrest arrangement

Abstract

The present application relates to a seating arrangement and an adjustable armrest arrangement. An adjustable armrest arrangement may comprise an armrest bracket, an armrest, and an armrest adjuster. The armrest may be adjustably connected to the armrest bracket. The armrest adjuster may be pivotally connected to the armrest and the armrest bracket. The armrest adjuster may also be pivotally connected to a seat of a seating arrangement. The armrest adjuster can adjust the armrest relative to the armrest bracket to (i) an extended position when the seat is moved to a first seating position, and (ii) a retracted position when the seat is moved to a second seating position.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to seating assemblies, for example for vehicles, having one or more adjustable armrest assemblies. Short description of the drawings

[0002] Although the claims are not limited to a particular illustration, an understanding of various aspects may be gained through the discussion of various examples. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or omitted to better illustrate and explain an innovative aspect of an example. Furthermore, the exemplary illustrations described herein are not exhaustive or otherwise limiting, and the embodiments are not limited to the precise form and configuration shown in the drawings or disclosed in the following detailed description. Example illustrations are described in detail with reference to the drawings as follows: Fig. 1A-1C are perspective views generally illustrating one embodiment of a seating assembly including a seat located in a first seating position, an intermediate seating position, and a second seating position, respectively, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. 2A-2C are side views generally illustrating one embodiment of a seating assembly including a seat located in a first seating position, an intermediate seating position, and a second seating position, respectively, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a perspective view generally illustrating one embodiment of an armrest frame and armrest support of a seat assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure, including a seat disposed in a first seating position. Detailed description

[0003] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the various described embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, processes, components, circuits, and networks have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0004] Referring to the Fig. 1A-3, a seating assembly 100 is a modular seating assembly 100 that includes a plurality of components that, when assembled together, form a vehicle seat, for example, for a passenger vehicle (e.g., cars, vans, SUVs, trucks, buses, trains, boats, ships, airplanes). The seating assembly 100 may be used in any other suitable situation or device, including, for example, homes, office buildings, theaters, stadiums, recreational vehicles, commercial vehicles, and / or agricultural equipment.

[0005] The seat assembly 100 includes a seat base 110, a seat adjuster 120, a seat 130, and one or more adjustable armrest assemblies (e.g., a first armrest assembly 174 and a second armrest assembly 174'). The seat 130 includes a seat bottom 132, a seat back 134, a seat frame 140, and one or more armrests (e.g., a first armrest 160 and a second armrest 160'). Optionally, the seat assembly 100 may also include a track assembly. The seat 130 and / or one or more portions thereof (e.g., the seat bottom 132, the seat back 134, the armrests 160, 160') include one or more other elements, components, and / or assemblies, such as: E.g. a cushion or pad, a lining assembly, a support / suspension mat, air bladders and / or air distributors (e.g. an air-directing layer, a duct, a blower).Portions of the seat 130 are configured to move (e.g., adjust, tilt, rotate, fold, collapse) relative to one another and / or along a track assembly (e.g., of a vehicle and / or the seat assembly 100) via the seat adjuster 120. The seat adjuster 120 is configured to adjust the seat 130 to one or more seating positions, including a first seating position (e.g., a construction position and / or a generally upright position) and a second seating position (e.g., a zero-gravity position). The . Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A and Fig. 3 show the seat assembly 100 and / or a portion thereof when the seat 130 is in a first seating position. Fig. 1B and Fig. 2B show the seat assembly 100 when the seat 130 is in an intermediate seating position between a first seating position and a second seating position. Fig. 1C and Fig. 2C show the seat assembly 100 when the seat 130 is in a second seating position.

[0006] Referring to the Fig. 1A and Fig. 2A, a first seating position is a so-called "design position." The design position corresponds to an average-sized occupant / user sitting in a predetermined occupant position (e.g., at a predetermined location with a predetermined orientation and posture). The predetermined occupant position is generally determined during the design of the seating assembly 100 and / or the vehicle (e.g., a vehicle interior, including safety systems such as airbags and seatbelts, may be designed based on an average adult male or female occupant sitting in the predetermined occupant position). Optionally, the seat 130 is configured to be in the design position when assessing whether the seating assembly 100 and / or the vehicle complies with one or more regulations and / or standards (e.g., safety standards).

[0007] Referring to the Fig. 1C and Fig. 2C, a second seating position is a so-called "zero-gravity position." When the seat 130 is in the zero-gravity position, an average-sized occupant / user of the seating assembly 100 is positioned such that the occupant's head and knees are slightly elevated above at least a portion of the occupant's heart, and the occupant's torso line and thigh line form approximately a 120° angle (e.g., at the occupant's hip). The zero-gravity position is configured such that the occupant / user is in or near a considered natural body position. The zero-gravity position is also configured to reduce and / or minimize stress on the occupant's spine and pelvis, improve blood flow / circulation, and / or reduce occupant fatigue, which may improve occupant comfort.

[0008] Referring to the Fig. 1A-2C, the seat base 110 is connected to the seat 130 and / or the seat adjuster 120. The seat base 110 is connectable and / or connected to one or more objects (e.g., one or more vehicle components, such as a vehicle floor and / or the track assembly) to, for example, connect, attach, and / or mount the seat assembly 100 to the object. The seat base 110 includes a main base body 112 and a plurality of rear base bodies (e.g., a first rear base body 114 and a second rear base body 114'). The main base body 112 and / or one or more portions thereof are connected to the object (e.g., a vehicle floor). The rear base bodies 114, 114' are connected to opposite sides of the main base body 112 at or about a rear end of the main base body 112 that is disposed at or about (e.g., adjacent to) the seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144.While the main base body 112 is in the . Fig. 1A-2C has a socket-like shape and / or configuration, the main base body 112 may have a variety of other shapes and / or configurations.

[0009] In embodiments, the seat assembly 100 includes a track assembly, and the seat base 110 is connected to one or more movable track portions of the track assembly to releasably and / or adjustably connect the seat 130 to the track assembly. The seat 130 may be adjustable (e.g., slidable) along the track assembly by actuating a motor of the seat adjuster 120, which adjusts (e.g., translates) the movable track portions relative to one or more fixed track portions of the track assembly to adjust the seat base 110, and consequently the connected seat 130, along the track assembly.

[0010] Referring to the Fig. 1A-2C, the seat frame 140 includes a seat bottom frame 142 and a seatback frame 144. The seat frame 140 and / or portions thereof (e.g., the seat bottom frame 142, the seatback frame 144) include one or more members, such as support members, cross members, and / or side members. A member (e.g., a support member, a cross member, and / or a side member) may include one or more of various configurations, such as a member, a beam, a rod, a bar, a plate, and / or a tube.

[0011] Referring to the Fig. 1A-2C, the seat back frame 144 is arranged in and / or connected to the seat back 134. The seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144 is pivotally connected to the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 at or about a first pivot axis A1 (e.g., a seat back pivot axis). The seat back 134 and the seat back frame 144 are pivotable about the first pivot axis A1 to adjust an angle / inclination of the seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144 relative to the seat base 110, the seat bottom 132, and / or the seat bottom frame 142. The seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144 are pivotable about the first pivot axis A1 to a first seat back position (see, e.g., the Fig. 1A and Fig. 2A) and a second seat back position (see e.g. the Fig. 1C and Fig. 2C) is adjustable. An angle defined between (i) the seat back 134 and the seat bottom 132 and / or (ii) the seat back frame 144 and the seat bottom frame 142 is greater when the seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144 is in the second reclining position than when it is in the first reclining position. The seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144 is in the first reclining position when the seat 130 is in a first reclining position (e.g., the design position) and is in the second reclining position when the seat 130 is in a second reclining position (e.g., the zero-gravity position). By adjusting the seat back 134 to the second seat back position, for example from the first seat back position, the user's head is adjusted downward toward the seat base 110 and / or the rail assembly (e.g.to a position just above the level of the user's heart).

[0012] Referring to the Fig. 1A-2C, the seat bottom frame 142 is disposed within and / or connected to the seat bottom 132. The seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 are pivotally connected to the seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144 at or about the first pivot axis A1. The seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 are pivotally connected to the rear base bodies 114, 114' of the seat base 110 at or about a second pivot axis A2 (e.g., a seat bottom pivot axis). The seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 are also adjustably connected to the seat base 110 (e.g., the main base body 112) via an adjustment element 150. The first pivot axis A1 and the second pivot axis A2 extend generally in the Y-direction. The seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 are pivotable about the second pivot axis A2 into a lowered / standard position (see, for example, the Fig. 1A and Fig. 2A) and a raised / elevated position (see e.g. the Fig. 1C and Fig. 2C) is adjustable to adjust an angle / inclination of the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 relative to the seat base 110, the seat back 134, and / or the seat back frame 144. An angle defined between the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 and the seat base 110 is greater when the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 is arranged in the raised position than when it is arranged in the lowered position. The seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 are arranged in the lowered position when the seat 130 is in a first seating position (e.g., the construction position) and are arranged in the raised position when the seat 130 is in a second seating position (e.g., the zero-gravity position).By adjusting the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 to the raised position, for example, from the lowered position, the user's knees are adjusted upwardly away from the track assembly (e.g., to a position closer to, at, and / or slightly above the level of at least a portion of the user's heart).

[0013] Referring to the Fig. 1A-2C, the seat assembly 100 and / or the seat base 110 includes an adjustment element 150 adjustably connecting the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 to the seat base 110. The adjustment element 150 adjusts the seat bottom 132, the seat bottom frame 142, the first pivot axis A1, the seat back 134, and / or the seat back frame 144 about the second pivot axis A2 relative to the seat base 110. The adjustment element 150 is pivotally connected to the main base body 112 of the seat base 110 at or about a third pivot axis A3 (e.g., an element-base pivot axis). The adjustment element 150 is pivotally connected to the seat base 132 and / or the seat base frame 142 on or about a fourth pivot axis A4 (e.g., an element-seat pivot axis).

[0014] Referring to the Fig. 1A-2C, the adjustment element 150 includes a cross member 152 and a plurality of side members (e.g., a first side member 154 and a second side member 154'). Each of the side members 154, 154' includes a plurality of connecting elements (e.g., a first connecting element 156, 156' and a second connecting element 158, 158'). The cross member 152, the side members 154, 154', and / or the connecting elements 156, 156', 158, 158' of the adjustment element 150 may comprise one or more of a variety of configurations, such as a member, a beam, a rod, a bar, a tube, and / or a plate. One end of the first connecting element 156, 156' and one end of the second connecting element 158, 158' are pivotally connected to one another on or about a fifth pivot axis A5 (e.g., an element pivot axis).Another end of the first connecting element 156, 156' opposite the second connecting element 158, 158' is pivotally connected to the seat base 110 at or about the third pivot axis A3. Another end of the second connecting element 158, 158' opposite the first connecting element 156, 156' is pivotally connected to the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 at or about the fourth pivot axis A4. The cross member 152 extends between the side members 154, 154' (e.g., the first connecting elements 156, 156') and connects them together. The cross member 152 and the pivot axes A3-A5 extend generally in the Y direction (e.g., parallel to the pivot axes A1, A2 and / or generally perpendicular to the X direction). The cross member 152 is connected (e.g., physically and / or operatively) to a first motor 124A of the seat adjuster 120, which, when actuated, moves and / or adjusts the adjustment member 150.

[0015] Referring to the Fig. 1A-2C, the adjustment element 150 and / or one or more parts thereof are pivotable about one or more of the pivot axes A3-A5 by actuating the first motor 124A of the seat adjuster 120 to move and / or adjust the adjustment element 150, the seat bottom 132, the seat bottom frame 142, the first pivot axis A1, the seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144 relative to the seat base 110 (e.g., the main base body 112). The adjustment element 150 and / or one or more parts thereof are pivotable about the pivot axes A3-A5 into a position of the first element (see, e.g., the Fig. 1A and Fig. 2A) and a position of the second element (see e.g. the Fig. 1C and Fig. 2C). When the adjustment element 150 is in the first element position, (i) the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 is in the lowered position and (ii) a first angle is defined between the first connecting elements 156, 156' and the second connecting elements 158, 158' and / or between a first imaginary line connecting the pivot axes A5, A3 and a second imaginary line connecting the pivot axes A5, A4.When the adjustment element 150 is in the second element position, (i) the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 is in the raised position, and (ii) a second angle, greater than the first angle, is defined between the first connecting elements 156, 156' and the second connecting elements 158, 158' and / or between the first imaginary line connecting the pivot axes A5, A3 and the second imaginary line connecting the pivot axes A5, A4. The adjustment element 150 is in the first element position when the seat 130 is in a first seating position (e.g., the design position) and is in the second element position when the seat 130 is in a second seating position (e.g., the zero-gravity position).

[0016] Referring to the Fig. 1A-3, the seat assembly 100 and / or the seat 130 includes one or more armrests (e.g., a first armrest 160 and a second armrest 160') upon which an occupant of the seat assembly 100 can rest their arm(s). The first armrest 160 and the second armrest 160' are disposed on and connected to opposite sides of the seat base 110 relative to the Y-direction via a first armrest mount 180 and a second armrest mount 180', respectively. The seat frame 140, the seat bottom 132, and / or the seat back 134 are disposed between the armrests 160, 160' with respect to the Y-direction. The armrests 160, 160' each comprise an armrest frame (e.g., a first armrest frame 162 and a second armrest frame 162'). The armrests 160, 160' and / or the armrest frames 162, 162' are adjustable, movable, slidable, and / or extendable into an extended position (see, e.g., the Fig. 1A and Fig. 2A) and a retracted position (see e.g. the Fig. 1C and Fig. 2C) to adjust (i) a height of the armrests 160, 160', (ii) a height of the armrest frames 162, 162', (iii) a distance (e.g., generally in the Z direction) between the armrests 160, 160' and the main body 112 of the seat base 110, the seat bottom 132, and / or the seat bottom frame 142, and / or (iv) a distance (e.g., generally in the Z direction) between the armrest frames 162, 162' (e.g., the arm support bodies 164, 164') and the armrest mounts 180, 180', the main body 112 of the seat base 110, the seat bottom 132, and / or the seat bottom frame 142. The armrests 160, 160' and / or the armrest frames 162, 162' (e.g., the arm support bodies 164, 164') are located further away from the seat base 110 and / or the armrest mounts 180, 180' in the extended position than in the retracted position.The armrests 160, 160' and / or armrest frames 162, 162' are in the extended position when the seat 130 is in a first seating position (e.g., the construction position) and are in the retracted position when the seat 130 is in a second seating position (e.g., the zero-gravity position).

[0017] The first armrest 160 and / or the first armrest frame 162 is adjustably (e.g., slidably) connected to the first armrest mount 180. The first armrest frame 162 includes an armrest body 164, an extension 166, and a sliding piece 170.

[0018] The arm support body 164 extends generally in the X-direction (e.g., obliquely or perpendicular to a direction of gravity) and is configured to contact and support an arm of an occupant of the seat assembly 100. One or more components and / or elements (e.g., a bolster, a cushion, a trim assembly, a cup holder) of the first armrest 160 may be located on and / or connected to the arm support body 164. An orientation of the arm support body 164 relative to the seat base 110 is generally maintained constant when the first armrest 160 is adjusted from the extended position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position.

[0019] The extension 166 extends and / or protrudes from the arm support body 164 generally toward the first rear base body 114 of the seat base 110 (e.g., generally perpendicular to the Y-direction and transverse to the X-direction and the Z-direction). The extension 166 is a hollow, rectangular, tubular body defining an interior space 168 for selectively receiving at least a portion of the first armrest support 180. The slider 170 is connected to and / or integrally formed with the extension 166. The slider 170 is partially located within the interior space 168 of the extension 166. The slider 170 protrudes from the interior space 168 and projects from a free end of the extension 166. The sliding piece 170 includes one or more projections or rails (e.g., a first projection 172A and a second projection 172B) that slidably engage the first armrest bracket 180 (e.g.,the connectors 182A-182D, guide surfaces 184A-184C, and / or grooves 186A-186C), whereby the first armrest 160 and the first armrest bracket 180 are slidably connected. The first projection 172A and the second projection 172B extend from opposite sides of the slider 170 and extend along a longitudinal extent of the slider 170.

[0020] The second armrest frame 162' includes an arm support body 164', an extension 166', an interior space, a sliding piece, and one or more projections configured substantially similarly to the corresponding elements of the first armrest frame 162 described above.

[0021] Referring to the Fig. 1A-3, the seat assembly 100 and / or the seat base 110 includes one or more armrest mounts (e.g., a first armrest mount 180 and a second armrest mount 180') and one or more armrest adjusters (e.g., a first armrest adjuster 190 and a second armrest adjuster 190'). The first armrest mount 180 and the second armrest mount 180' adjustably connect the first armrest 160 and the second armrest 160', respectively, to the seat base 110. The first armrest mount 180 and the second armrest mount 180' are located on opposite sides of the main base body 112 relative to the Y direction and are connected thereto. The armrest adjusters 190, 190' connect the armrests 160, 160' to the seat bottom frame 142 such that adjusting the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 simultaneously adjusts a position of the armrests 160, 160' and / or the armrest frames 162, 162'.The first armrest adjuster 190 extends between and interconnects the first armrest 160, the first armrest frame 162, the first armrest support 180 (e.g., the seat base 110), the seat bottom 132, and / or the seat bottom frame 142. The second armrest adjuster 190' extends between and interconnects the second armrest 160', the second armrest frame 162', the second armrest support 180' (e.g., the seat base 110), the seat bottom 132, and / or the seat bottom frame 142. The second armrest 160', the second armrest frame 162', the second armrest bracket 180', and the second armrest adjuster 190' are configured substantially similarly to the first armrest 160, the first armrest frame 162, the first armrest bracket 180, and the first armrest adjuster 190, respectively (e.g., are mirrored configurations thereof). The first armrest 160 (e.g.,The first armrest frame 162, the first armrest bracket 180, and the first armrest adjuster 190 define the first adjustable armrest assembly 174 of the seat assembly 100. The second armrest 160' (e.g., the second armrest frame 162'), the second armrest bracket 180', and the second armrest adjuster 190' define the second adjustable armrest assembly 174' of the seat assembly 100.

[0022] The first armrest mount 180 adjustably connects the first armrest 160 and / or the first armrest frame 162 to the seat base 110. The first armrest mount 180 is connected and / or attached (e.g., fixed) to the main base body 112 of the seat base 110. The first armrest mount 180 extends and / or protrudes obliquely or perpendicularly from the main base body 112 (e.g., generally vertically, in the Z direction, and / or toward the armrest body 164 of the first armrest frame 162). The first armrest mount 180 is at least partially located within the interior space 168 of the armrest frame 162, at least when the first armrest 160 is in the retracted position.

[0023] The first armrest mount 180 includes one or more connectors 182A-182D (e.g., first, second, third, and fourth connectors 182A-182D). The connectors 182A-182D engage the armrest frames 162 (e.g., the projections 172A, 172B of the slider 170) and adjustably (e.g., slidably) connect the first armrest 160 and / or the first armrest frame 162 to the first armrest mount 180. The connectors 182A-182D each include, have, and / or define one or more guide surfaces in which the guide surfaces 184A-184C form and / or define a groove 186A-186C of some of the connectors 182A-182D. The groove 186A-186C receives at least a portion of the first armrest frame 162 (e.g., a projection 172A, 172B of the slider 170) that adjustably and / or slidably secures, attaches, and / or connects the first armrest frame 162 to the first armrest bracket 180. The guide surfaces 184A-184C are (e.g.,slidably) engage, contact, and / or support the first armrest frame 162 (e.g., the projections 172A, 172B and / or the slider 170) and facilitate, direct, and / or guide the adjustment and / or movement of the first armrest 160 and / or the first armrest frame 162 relative to the first armrest bracket 180, the seat base 110, the seat bottom frame 142, and / or the seat bottom 132 (e.g., generally oblique or perpendicular to the Y direction). The first connector 182A and the second connector 182B define a first pair of connectors. The first and second connectors 182A, 182B are opposite and / or spaced apart from each other and are aligned such that their grooves 186A, 186B are open toward each other. The third connector 182C and the fourth connector 182D define a second pair of connectors.The third and fourth connectors 182A, 182B are opposite each other and / or spaced apart from each other and are aligned such that their grooves are open toward each other. The first pair of connectors 182A, 182B and the second pair of connectors 182C, 182D are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the sliding piece 170. The first projection 172A of the sliding piece 170 slidably engages the groove 186A and the guide surface 184A of the first connector 182A and the groove 186C and the guide surface 184C of the third connector 182C. The second projection 172B of the sliding piece 170 slidably engages the groove 186B and the guide surface 184B of the second connector 182B and the groove and guide surface of the fourth connector 182D. The connectors 182A-182D may alternatively have other suitable configurations, elements and / or structures.Additionally and / or alternatively, the first armrest support 180 and / or one or more other parts thereof may include and / or define one or more of the guide surfaces 184A-184C.

[0024] The second armrest mount 180' includes a plurality of connectors, grooves, and guide surfaces configured substantially similarly to the corresponding elements of the first armrest mount 180 described above.

[0025] Referring to the Fig. 1A-2C, the first armrest adjuster 190 is adjustably (e.g., pivotably) connected to the first armrest 160 (e.g., the first armrest frame 162), the first armrest support 180, and the seat 130 (e.g., the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142). The first armrest adjuster 190 simultaneously adjusts the armrest 160 relative to the first armrest support 180 and the seat base 110 to and / or toward (i) the extended position when the seat adjuster 120 adjusts the seat 130 to and / or toward a first seating position, and (ii) the retracted position when the seat adjuster 120 adjusts the seat 130 to and / or toward a second seating position. The first armrest adjuster 190 includes a plurality of connecting elements 192, 194, 196 pivotally connected to each other, to the seat 130 (e.g., the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142), the first armrest 160, and the first armrest bracket 180.The plurality of interconnecting members includes a pivot interconnecting member 192, a drive interconnecting member 194, and a follower interconnecting member 196. The pivot interconnecting member 192 is pivotally connected to and / or mounted on the first armrest support bracket 180 at or about a sixth pivot axis A6 (e.g., a connector-support pivot axis). A first longitudinal end of the pivot interconnecting member 192 is pivotally connected to the drive interconnecting member 194 at or about a seventh pivot axis A7 (e.g., a pivot-drive pivot axis). A second, opposite longitudinal end of the pivot interconnecting member 192 is pivotally connected to the follower interconnecting member 196 at or about an eighth pivot axis A8 (e.g., a pivot-follower pivot axis). A first longitudinal end of the drive connecting element 194 is pivotable on or about a ninth pivot axis A9 (e.g.A second, opposite longitudinal end of the drive link 194 is pivotally connected to the seat bottom frame 142 at or about the seventh pivot axis A7. A second, opposite longitudinal end of the drive link 194 is pivotally connected to the first end of the pivot link 192 at or about the seventh pivot axis A7. A first, opposite longitudinal end of the follower link 196 is pivotally connected to the extension 166 of the armrest frame 162 at or about a tenth pivot axis A10 (e.g., an articulated armrest 160 pivot axis). A second, opposite longitudinal end of the follower link 196 is pivotally connected to the second end of the pivot link 192 at or about the eighth pivot axis A8. The connecting elements 192-196 may comprise one or more of various configurations, such as an element, a beam, a rod, a bar, a tube, and / or a plate.

[0026] The second armrest adjuster 190' includes a pivot link, a drive link, and a follower link configured substantially similarly to the corresponding elements of the first armrest adjuster 190 described above.

[0027] Referring to the Fig. 1A-2C, the armrest adjusters 190, 190' and / or one or more parts thereof are pivotable about one or more of the pivot axes A6-A10 by adjusting and / or moving the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 relative to the seat base 110 (e.g., pivoting the seat bottom frame 142 about the second pivot axis A2 by adjusting the adjustment element 150). The armrest adjusters 190, 190' and / or one or more parts thereof are pivotable about one or more of the pivot axes A6-A10 into a first adjuster position (see, e.g., the Fig. 1A, Fig. 2A, Fig. 3) and a second adjuster position (see e.g. the Fig. 1B and Fig. 2B) adjustable, rotatable and / or pivotable. When the armrest adjusters 190, 190' are in the first adjuster position, the ninth pivot axis A9 and the tenth pivot axis A10 are at a first distance (e.g., a vertical distance and / or generally in the Z direction) from each other, the seventh pivot axis A7 is located below the sixth pivot axis A6 relative to the Z direction, and the eighth pivot axis A8 is located above the sixth pivot axis A6 relative to the Z direction. When the armrest adjusters 190, 190' are in the second adjuster position, the ninth pivot axis A9 and the tenth pivot axis A10 are at a second distance (e.g.,a vertical distance and / or generally in the Z direction) from each other which is smaller than the first distance, the seventh pivot axis A7 is located relative to the Z direction above the sixth pivot axis A6 and the eighth pivot axis A8 is located relative to the Z direction below the sixth pivot axis A6.

[0028] The armrest adjusters 190, 190' are in the first adjuster position when (i) the armrests 160, 160' and / or armrest frames 162, 162' are in the extended position, (ii) the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 is in the lowered position, and / or (iii) the seat 130 is in a first seating position (e.g., the design position). The armrest adjusters 190, 190' are in the second adjuster position when (i) the armrests 160, 160' and / or armrest frames 162, 162' are in the retracted position, (ii) the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 is in the raised position, and / or (iii) the seat 130 is in a second seating position (e.g., the zero gravity position).

[0029] Referring to the Fig. 1A-2C, the seat adjuster 120 is connected (e.g., physically and / or operatively) to the seat 130, the seat base 110, and / or the recliner 150. The seat adjuster 120 includes a controller and one or more motors (e.g., a first motor 124A, a second motor 124B). The seat adjuster 120 and / or the controller actuate and / or otherwise control the one or more motors 124A, 124B (e.g., individually and / or simultaneously). In examples, the seat adjuster 120 and / or the controller includes an electronic controller and / or includes an electronic processor, such as a programmable microprocessor and / or microcontroller. The seat adjuster 120 and / or the controller may also include, for example, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a central processing unit (CPU), a memory (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), and / or an input / output (I / O) interface.The seat adjuster 120 and / or the controller are configured to perform various functions, including those described in more detail herein, with corresponding programming instructions and / or code embodied in software, hardware, and / or another medium. The seat adjuster 120 and / or the controller may be connected to a display, such as a touchscreen display.

[0030] The seat adjuster 120 includes a first motor 124A that is physically and / or operatively connected to the adjustment member 150 (e.g., the cross member 152) and the seat base 110 (e.g., the main base body 112). The first motor 124A adjusts a position of the adjustment element 150 relative to the seat base 110 (e.g., the main base body 112), the seat bottom 132, and / or the seat bottom frame 142 when actuated by the seat adjuster 120, to in turn adjust a position of the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 (e.g., to the lowered position and / or to the raised position), the first pivot axis A1, the seatback 134 and / or the seatback frame 144, the armrests 160, 160' and / or the armrest frames 162, 162' (e.g., to the extended position and / or to the retracted position), and the armrest adjusters 190, 190' (e.g.,into the first adjuster position and / or into the second adjuster position) relative to the seat base 110.

[0031] Optionally, the seat adjuster 120 includes a second motor 124B physically and / or operatively connected to the seatback 134, the seatback frame 144, the seat bottom 132, and / or the seat bottom frame 142. The second motor 124B adjusts a position of the seatback 134 and / or the seatback frame 144 relative to the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 when actuated by the seat adjuster 120, for example, to adjust the seatback 134 and / or the seatback frame 144 to the first seatback position and / or the second seatback position.

[0032] Referring to the Fig. 1A and Fig. 2A, portions of the seat assembly 100 are arranged as described below when the seat 130 is in a first seating position (e.g., the design position). The seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 are in the lowered position. The seatback 134 and / or the seatback frame 144 are in the first seatback position. The armrests 160, 160' and / or the armrest frames 162, 162' are in the extended position. The recliner 150 is in the first member position. The armrest adjusters 190, 190' are in the first adjuster position.

[0033] Referring to the Fig. 1C and Fig. 2C, portions of the seat assembly 100 are arranged as described below when the seat 130 is in a second seating position (e.g., the zero-gravity position). The seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 are in the raised position. The seatback 134 and / or the seatback frame 144 are in the second seatback position. The armrests 160, 160' and / or the armrest frames 162, 162' are in the retracted position. The recliner 150 is in the second member position. The armrest adjusters 190, 190' are in the second adjuster position.

[0034] The seat adjuster 120 adjusts the seat 130 to one or more seating positions, including a first seating position (e.g., a construction position) and a second seating position (e.g., a zero-gravity position). When adjusting the seat 130 from a first seating position to a second seating position, or vice versa, the seat adjuster 120 actuates the first motor 124A and selectively (e.g., simultaneously) actuates the second motor 124B.

[0035] For example, when the seat 130 is adjusted from a first seating position to a second seating position, the seat adjuster 120 actuates the first motor 124A to adjust the adjustment member 150 from the first member position to the second member position, thereby adjusting the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 from the lowered position to the raised position, thereby adjusting the armrest adjusters 190, 190' from the first adjuster position to the second adjuster position, thereby adjusting the armrests 160, 160' and / or the armrest frames 162, 162' from the extended position to the retracted position. Optionally, the seat adjuster 120 also actuates (e.g., simultaneously) the second motor 124B to adjust the seat back 134 from the first seat back position to the second seat back position.

[0036] If, as is generally the case in the Fig. 1A-1C and 2A-2C, when the seat 130 is adjusted from a first seating position to a second seating position, actuation of the first motor 124A causes the first motor 124A to adjust, move, and / or slide the cross member 152 of the adjustment member 150 away from the seat base 110 and / or toward the armrests 160, 160' and / or the armrest frames 162, 162'. This movement rotates the first link member 156, 156' about the third pivot axis A3 relative to the seat base 110, which adjusts, moves, and / or slides the fifth pivot axis A5 away from the seat base 110 (e.g., generally in the Z direction). This in turn rotates the first connecting element 156, 156' and the second connecting element 158, 158' relative to each other about the fifth pivot axis A5, thereby increasing the angle defined between them (e.g.from the first angle to the second angle) such that the adjustment element 150 is adjusted from the position of the first element to the position of the second element. This also causes the second connecting elements 158, 158' to adjust, move, and / or slide the fourth pivot axis A4, a portion of the seat bottom 132, and / or a portion of the seat bottom frame 142 away from the seat base 110 (e.g., generally in the Z direction). As a result, the seat bottom 132, the seat bottom frame 142, the first pivot axis A1, the seat back 134, and the seat back frame 144 are adjusted, pivoted, and / or rotated about the second pivot axis A2 relative to the seat base 110 such that the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 is adjusted from the lowered position to the raised position.

[0037] As in the Fig.2A-2C, adjusting the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 about the second pivot axis A2 to the raised position adjusts and / or moves the ninth pivot axis A9 and the drive link 194 of the first armrest adjuster 190 away from the seat base 110 (e.g., generally in the Z direction). This causes the drive link 194 to adjust, move, and / or pull the seventh pivot axis A7 and the first end of the pivot link 192 away from the seat base 110, causing the pivot link 192 to rotate about the sixth pivot axis A6 relative to the first armrest mount 180.This rotation of the pivot link 192 adjusts, moves, and / or rotates the second end of the pivot link 192, the eighth pivot axis A8, and the follower link 196 toward the seat base 110, which decreases the distance between the ninth pivot axis A9 and the tenth pivot axis A10 (e.g., from the first distance to the second distance) and adjusts the armrest adjuster 190 from the first adjuster position to the second adjuster position. This adjustment of the follower link 196 adjusts, moves, and / or pulls the tenth pivot axis A10, the first armrest 160, and / or the first armrest frame 162 toward the seat base 110, which decreases the distance between the seat base 110 and the first armrest 160, the first armrest frame 162, and / or the arm support body 164 and adjusts the first armrest 160 from the extended position to the retracted position.When the first armrest 160 and / or the first armrest frame 162 adjusts and / or moves toward the seat base 110, the projections 172A, 172B of the slide piece 170 adjust, move and / or slide through the grooves 186A-186C and / or along the guide surfaces 184A-184C of the connectors 182A-182D of the first armrest bracket 180, which guides the adjustment and / or movement of the first armrest 160 and / or the first armrest frame 162 relative to the first armrest bracket 180. While this adjustment process is described with respect to the first armrest adjuster 190 and the first armrest 160, a substantially similar (e.g., identical) process occurs simultaneously with respect to the second armrest adjuster 190' and the second armrest 160'.

[0038] When adjusting the seat 130 from a second seating position to a first seating position, the seat adjuster 120 actuates the first motor 124A to adjust the adjustment member 150 from the second member position to the first member position, thereby adjusting the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 from the raised position to the lowered position, thereby adjusting the armrest adjusters 190, 190' from the second adjuster position to the first adjuster position, thereby adjusting the armrests 160, 160' and / or the armrest frames 162, 162' from the retracted position to the extended position. Optionally, the seat adjuster 120 also actuates (e.g., simultaneously) the second motor 124B to adjust the seat back 134 from the second seat back position to the first seat back position.When adjusting the seat 130 from a second seating position to a first seating position, actuation of the first motor 124A causes the detailed adjustment process described in the two paragraphs immediately preceding this paragraph to take place in reverse order.

[0039] In other embodiments, the seat assembly 100 and / or the seat adjuster 120 does not include a second motor 124B. In such embodiments, the seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144 may be adjustable about the first pivot axis A1 manually and / or via the first motor 124A. By adjusting the adjusting element 150 about the third pivot axis A3 (e.g., in the direction of the position of the first element and / or in the direction of the position of the second element) by actuating the first motor 124A, (i) the seat bottom 132, the seat bottom frame 142, the first pivot axis A1, the seat back 134, and / or the seat back frame 144 can simultaneously rotate about the second pivot axis A2 relative to the seat base 110, and (ii) the seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144 can simultaneously rotate about the first pivot axis A1 relative to the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142.For example, in some embodiments, actuating the first motor 124A to move the adjustment member 150 from the first member position to the second member position simultaneously (i) moves the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 about the second pivot axis A2 relative to the seat base 110 toward the raised position and (ii) moves the seat back 134 and / or the seat back frame 144 about the first pivot axis A1 relative to the seat bottom 132 and / or the seat bottom frame 142 toward the second seat back position.

[0040] The disclosure includes, without limitation, the following embodiments: 1. An adjustable armrest assembly comprising: an armrest support; an armrest adjustably connected to the armrest support; and an armrest adjuster pivotally connected to the armrest and the armrest support; wherein the armrest adjuster is pivotally connectable to a seat of a seating assembly; and wherein the armrest adjuster adjusts the armrest relative to the armrest support: to an extended position when the seat is adjusted to a first seating position; and to a retracted position when the seat is adjusted to a second seating position. 2. The adjustable armrest assembly according to embodiment 1, wherein: the first seating position is a design position; and the second seating position is a zero-gravity position. 3. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the armrest adjuster comprises a plurality of connecting elements pivotally connected to one another. 4. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the plurality of connecting elements comprises a pivot connecting element, a drive connecting element, and a follower connecting element. 5. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the pivot link is pivotally connected to the armrest mount at or about a link-mount pivot axis; the pivot link is pivotally connected to the drive link at or about a pivot-drive pivot axis; the pivot link is pivotally connected to the follower link at or about a pivot-follower pivot axis; the drive link is pivotally connectable to the seat at or about a link-seat pivot axis; and the follower link is pivotally connected to the armrest at or about a link-armrest pivot axis. 6. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the armrest adjuster is in a first adjuster position when the seat is in the first seating position; and the armrest adjuster is in a second adjuster position when the seat is in the second seating position. 7. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the link seat pivot axis and the link armrest pivot axis are arranged at a first distance from each other when the armrest adjuster is in the first adjuster position; the link seat pivot axis and the link armrest pivot axis are arranged at a second distance from each other when the armrest adjuster is in the second adjuster position; and the second distance is less than the first distance. 8. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the armrest is slidably connected to the armrest mount. 9. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein: the armrest support comprises at least one connector; and the armrest comprises a sliding piece engaging the connector and slidably connecting the armrest and the armrest support. 10. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein: the at least one connector comprises a groove and a guide surface defining the groove; and the slide piece comprises a projection located in the groove of the at least one connector. 11. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the armrest comprises an armrest frame; the armrest frame comprises an arm support body; and an orientation of the arm support body is maintained when the armrest is adjusted from the extended position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position. 12. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the arm support body is located farther from the armrest mount when the armrest is in the extended position than when the armrest is in the retracted position. 13. The adjustable armrest assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein: the armrest includes an armrest frame; the armrest frame includes a protrusion defining an interior space; and when the armrest is in the retracted position, the armrest support is at least partially located within the interior space. 14. A seat assembly comprising: a seat base; a seat connected to the seat base, the seat comprising: a seatback; a seat bottom; and an armrest; a seat adjuster connected to the seat; and an adjustable armrest assembly comprising: the armrest; an armrest support connected to the seat base, the armrest adjustably connected to the armrest support; and an armrest adjuster pivotally connected to the armrest, the armrest support, and the seat bottom; wherein the seat adjuster comprises one or more motors; wherein the seat adjuster adjusts the seat by adjusting the seat bottom and the seatback to a first seating position or to a second seating position; and wherein the armrest adjuster simultaneously adjusts the armrest relative to the armrest support: to an extended position when the seat adjuster adjusts the seat to the first seating position;and adjusted to a retracted position when the seat adjuster adjusts the seat to the second seating position.; 15. The seating assembly according to embodiment 14, wherein: the first seating position is a construction position; and the second seating position is a zero-gravity position. 16. The seat assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein: the armrest adjuster comprises a pivot link, a drive link, and a follower link; the pivot link is pivotally connected to the armrest support at or about a link-armrest pivot axis; the pivot link is pivotally connected to the drive link at or about a pivot-drive pivot axis; the pivot link is pivotally connected to the follower link at or about a pivot-follower pivot axis; the drive link is pivotally connected to the seat bottom at or about a link-seat pivot axis; and the follower link is pivotally connected to the armrest at or about a link-armrest pivot axis. 17. The seat assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the connecting element support pivot axis, the connecting element seat pivot axis, the connecting element armrest pivot axis, the pivot drive pivot axis and the pivot follower pivot axis are substantially parallel to one another. 18. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein: the armrest comprises an armrest frame; the armrest frame comprises an arm support body; and an orientation of the arm support body relative to the seat base is maintained when the armrest is adjusted from the extended position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position. 19. The seat assembly of any preceding embodiment, wherein the arm support body is located farther from the seat base when the armrest is in the extended position than when the armrest is in the retracted position. 20. The seat assembly according to any preceding embodiment, wherein: the armrest includes a slider; and the armrest support includes a guide surface slidably engaging the slider and guiding adjustment of the armrest to the extended position or the retracted position.

[0041] Various examples / embodiments of various devices, systems, and / or methods are described herein. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the overall structure, function, manufacture, and use of the examples / embodiments as set forth in the specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the examples / embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known operations, components, and elements have not been described in detail in order not to obscure the examples / embodiments set forth in the specification.Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the examples / embodiments set forth and illustrated herein are not limiting examples, and therefore, it will be appreciated that the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein may be representative and do not necessarily limit the scope of the embodiments.

[0042] References throughout the specification to "examples," "in examples," "with examples," "various embodiments," "with embodiments," "in embodiments," or "an embodiment" or the like mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example / embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, occurrences of the terms "examples," "in examples," "with examples," "in various embodiments," "with embodiments," "in embodiments," or "an embodiment" or the like throughout the specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics in one or more examples / embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner.Therefore, the particular features, structures, or properties illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment / example may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, functions, and / or properties of one or more other embodiments / examples without limitation, provided that such combination is not illogical or dysfunctional. Furthermore, many changes may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope.

[0043] It should be understood that references to a single element are not necessarily limited to this and may include one or more such elements. All directional references (e.g., plus, minus, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, above, below, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the present disclosure and do not constitute limitations, particularly regarding the position, orientation, or use of examples / embodiments.

[0044] “One or more” includes a function performed by one element, a function performed by more than one element, e.g., in a distributed manner, multiple functions performed by one element, multiple functions performed by multiple elements, or any combination of the above.

[0045] It should also be understood that although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used in some instances herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element could be referred to as a first element, without departing from the scope of the various described embodiments. The first element and the second element are both elements, but they are not the same element.

[0046] The terminology used in the description of the various embodiments described herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used in the description of the various illustrated embodiments and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is also to be understood that the term "and / or," as used herein, refers to and includes all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.It is further understood that the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0047] Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate elements between a connection of elements, relative movement between elements, direct connections, indirect connections, fixed connections, movable connections, operative connections, indirect contact, and / or direct contact. Therefore, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected / coupled and in a fixed relationship to one another. Connections of electrical components, if present, may include, but are not limited to, mechanical connections, electrical connections, wired connections, and / or wireless connections. The use of "e.g.," "such as," and "such as" in the description should be interpreted broadly and are used to provide non-limiting examples of embodiments of the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited to such examples.

[0048] Although processes, systems, and methods may be described herein in connection with one or more steps in a particular order, it should be understood that such methods may be performed with the steps in a different order, with certain steps performed concurrently, with additional steps, and / or with certain described steps omitted.

[0049] As used herein, the term "if" is optionally interpreted to mean "when" or "after" or "in response to the determination" or "in response to the detection," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrase "when it is determined" or "when [a specified condition or event] is detected" is optionally interpreted to mean "after the determination" or "in response to the determination," or "after determining [the specified condition or event]" or "in response to the detection [of the specified condition or event]," depending on the context.

[0050] All details contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative only and not as restrictive. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the present disclosure.

[0051] It should be understood that a computer / computing device, electronic control unit (ECU), system, and / or processor as described herein may comprise conventional processing apparatus known in the art, which may be capable of executing pre-programmed instructions stored in associated memory, all of which operate according to the functionality described herein. To the extent that the methods described herein are carried out in software, the resulting software may be stored in associated memory and may also constitute means for carrying out such methods. Such a system or processor may also be of the type comprising ROM, RAM, RAM, and ROM, and / or a combination of non-volatile and volatile memory, such that any software may be stored while still allowing the storage and processing of dynamically generated data and / or signals.

[0052] It is further understood that an article of manufacture according to this disclosure may comprise a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having encoded thereon a computer program for implementing logic and other functions described herein. The computer program may include code for performing one or more of the methods described herein. Such embodiments may be configured to execute via one or more processors, for example, multiple processors integrated into a single system or distributed and interconnected via a communications network, and the communications network may be wired and / or wireless.Code for implementing one or more of the functions described in connection with one or more embodiments, when executed by a processor, may cause a plurality of transistors to transition from a first state to a second state. A particular pattern of transition (e.g., which transistors transition state and which do not) may be predetermined, at least in part, by the logic and / or code.

Claims

[1] An adjustable armrest assembly comprising: an armrest holder; an armrest that is adjustably connected to the armrest bracket; and an armrest adjuster pivotally connected to the armrest and the armrest bracket; wherein the armrest adjuster is pivotally connectable to a seat of a seating arrangement; and where the armrest adjuster adjusts the armrest relative to the armrest bracket: adjusted to an extended position when the seat is adjusted to a first seating position; and into a retracted position when the seat is adjusted to a second seating position. [2] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 1, wherein: the first seating position is a design position; and the second seating position is a zero-gravity position. [3] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the armrest adjuster comprises a plurality of connecting members pivotally connected to one another. [4] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 3, wherein the plurality of linkages comprises a pivot linkage, a drive linkage, and a follower linkage. [5] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 4, wherein: the pivoting connecting element is pivotally connected to the armrest bracket on or about a connecting element bracket pivot axis; the swivel connecting element is pivotally connected to the drive connecting element on or about a swivel drive pivot axis; the swivel connecting element is pivotally connected to the follower connecting element on or about a swivel follower pivot axis; the drive connecting element is pivotally connectable to the seat on or about a connecting element-seat pivot axis; and the follower connecting element is pivotally connected to the armrest on or about a connecting element armrest pivot axis. [6] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 5, wherein: the armrest adjuster is in a first adjuster position when the seat is in the first seating position; and the armrest adjuster is in a second adjuster position when the seat is in the second seating position. [7] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 6, wherein: the connecting element seat pivot axis and the connecting element armrest pivot axis are arranged at a first distance from each other when the armrest adjuster is in the first adjuster position; the connecting element seat pivot axis and the connecting element armrest pivot axis are arranged at a second distance from each other when the armrest adjuster is in the second adjuster position; and the second distance is smaller than the first distance. [8] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 1, wherein the armrest is slidably connected to the armrest support. [9] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 1, wherein: the armrest bracket comprises at least one connector; and the armrest comprises a sliding piece that engages with the connector and slidably connects the armrest and the armrest bracket. [10] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 9, wherein: the at least one connector comprises a groove and a guide surface defining the groove; and the sliding piece comprises a projection which is located in the groove of the at least one connector. [11] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 1, wherein: the armrest comprises an armrest frame; the armrest frame comprises an armrest body; and an alignment of the armrest body is maintained when the armrest is adjusted from the extended position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position. [12] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 11, wherein the arm support body is farther from the armrest support when the armrest is in the extended position than when the armrest is in the retracted position. [13] The adjustable armrest assembly of claim 1, wherein: the armrest comprises an armrest frame; the armrest frame includes a projection defining an interior space; and when the armrest is in the retracted position, the armrest bracket is at least partially located in the interior. [14] A seating arrangement comprising: a seat base; a seat connected to the seat base, the seat comprising: a seat back; a seat base; and an armrest; a seat adjuster connected to the seat; and an adjustable armrest assembly comprising: the armrest; an armrest support connected to the seat base, the armrest being adjustably connected to the armrest support; and an armrest adjuster pivotally connected to the armrest, the armrest bracket, and the seat base; wherein the seat adjuster comprises one or more motors; wherein the seat adjuster adjusts the seat by adjusting the seat bottom and the seat back to a first seating position or to a second seating position; and The armrest adjuster simultaneously adjusts the armrest relative to the armrest bracket: adjusted to an extended position when the seat adjuster adjusts the seat to the first seating position; and adjusted to a retracted position when the seat adjuster adjusts the seat to the second seating position. [15] The seat assembly of claim 14, wherein: the first seating position is a design position; and the second seating position is a zero-gravity position. [16] The seat assembly of claim 14, wherein: the armrest adjuster comprises a pivot link, a drive link and a follower link; the pivoting connecting element is pivotally connected to the armrest bracket on or about a connecting element bracket pivot axis; the swivel connecting element is pivotally connected to the drive connecting element on or about a swivel drive pivot axis; the swivel connecting element is pivotally connected to the follower connecting element on or about a swivel follower pivot axis; the drive connecting element is pivotally connected to the seat base on or about a connecting element-seat pivot axis; and the follower connecting element is pivotally connected to the armrest on or about a connecting element armrest pivot axis. [17] The seat assembly of claim 16, wherein the link bracket pivot axis, the link seat pivot axis, the link armrest pivot axis, the pivot drive pivot axis, and the pivot follower pivot axis are substantially parallel to each other. [18] The seat assembly of claim 14, wherein: the armrest comprises an armrest frame; the armrest frame comprises an armrest body; and an alignment of the armrest body relative to the seat base is maintained when the armrest is adjusted from the extended position to the retracted position and from the retracted position to the extended position. [19] The seat assembly of claim 18, wherein the arm support body is located farther from the seat base when the armrest is in the extended position than when the armrest is in the retracted position. [20] The seat assembly of claim 14, wherein: the armrest includes a sliding piece; and the armrest bracket comprises a guide surface which slidably engages with the sliding piece and guides the adjustment of the armrest into the extended position or into the retracted position.

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