US20050189807A1 - Chair with functional armrest - Google Patents
Chair with functional armrest Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050189807A1 US20050189807A1 US10/788,692 US78869204A US2005189807A1 US 20050189807 A1 US20050189807 A1 US 20050189807A1 US 78869204 A US78869204 A US 78869204A US 2005189807 A1 US2005189807 A1 US 2005189807A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- support member
- armrest
- armrests
- base member
- frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
- A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
- A47C1/022—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts
- A47C1/03—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts being arm-rests
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
- A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
- A47C1/022—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts
- A47C1/03—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts being arm-rests
- A47C1/0307—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts being arm-rests adjustable rectilinearly in horizontal direction
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C1/00—Chairs adapted for special purposes
- A47C1/02—Reclining or easy chairs
- A47C1/022—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts
- A47C1/03—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts being arm-rests
- A47C1/0308—Reclining or easy chairs having independently-adjustable supporting parts the parts being arm-rests adjustable by rotation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47C—CHAIRS; SOFAS; BEDS
- A47C7/00—Parts, details, or accessories of chairs or stools
- A47C7/54—Supports for the arms
- A47C7/541—Supports for the arms of adjustable type
Definitions
- the present invention relates to armrests for seating units such as office chairs and the like.
- Seating units such as office chairs may include armrests to support the forearms of a seated user.
- armrests are often padded, and may include various positional adjustment features to accommodate the needs of a particular user.
- adjustment features may include height adjustment, side-to-side adjustment, and/or front to rear adjustment.
- Such adjustment may require that a user manipulate a release lever or the like to unlock the adjustment mechanism to permit movement of the armrest.
- the armrest may contact the edge of a desk or the like, potentially resulting in damage to the armrest. Such contact may also limit the movement of the chair itself and limit the ability of the user to get as close to the desk as desired.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,537 does disclose an adjustable armrest assembly including detent arrangement wherein an armrest will move from a normal use position to a retracted position when the chair is moved such as when the armrest engages a desk.
- known adjustment mechanisms may be somewhat awkward or difficult to use, and may not permit a user to quickly and easily lock the armrest in the desired position.
- One aspect of the present invention is an adjustable armrest for a chair including a base and a support member slidably coupled to the base for movement in first and second directions between first and second positions relative to the base, wherein the support member is biased into the first position.
- the armrest includes a device selectively retaining the support member in the second position, and the device includes a catch and a removable retaining member that is engagable with the catch to retain the support member in the second position. The retaining member disengages from the catch upon movement of the support member to permit movement of the support member relative to the base.
- a seating unit including a frame, a seat, and a pair of armrests movably mounted to the frame for movement between forward and rearward positions.
- the armrests are biased into the forward position, and each armrest includes a device selectively retaining the armrest in the rearward position. Movement of the armrest releases the device such that the armrest moves to the forward position due to the bias.
- a seating unit including a frame, a seat, a backrest, and a pair of armrests movably mounted to the frame for movement between forward and rearward positions.
- the armrests are biased into the forward position, and a heart and pawl device operably interconnects the armrest with the frame.
- the heart and pawl device selectively retains the armrest in the rearward position, and biases the armrest towards the forward position.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating unit according to one aspect of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an armrest according to another aspect of the present invention.
- FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of the heart-shaped portion of the track in the slide block of FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an armrest according to another aspect of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is an end view of the armrest of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an armrest having the heart and pawl mechanism of FIGS. 6 and 6 A;
- FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view showing the heart and pawl mechanism of the armrest of FIG. 5 from another perspective;
- FIG. 6 is a plan view of a heart and pawl mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention, wherein the armrest is in the forward position;
- FIG. 6A shows the armrest of FIG. 6 wherein the armrest is held in the rear position by the heart and pawl mechanism
- FIG. 6B is a schematic drawing of an armrest having side-to-side adjustment according to another aspect of the present invention.
- FIG. 6C is a schematic drawing of an armrest having rotational adjustment according to another aspect of the present invention.
- FIG. 6D is a schematic drawing of an armrest having height adjustment according to another aspect of the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an armrest according to yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein the armrest includes an angular adjustment mechanism;
- FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of another version of the angular adjustment mechanism of FIG. 7 ;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the armrest of FIG. 7 from another perspective.
- the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1 .
- the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary.
- the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.
- a seating unit such as a chair 1 for offices and the like includes a frame 2 , a chair base 3 for supporting the chair on a floor surface, a seat 4 , and a backrest 5 .
- the armrests 6 are connected to the frame by support members 7 , and may be moved forwardly and rearwardly as indicated by the arrow “A”.
- each armrest assembly 6 may include a support member 10 having a padded cushion 11 for supporting the forearm of a seated user.
- An armrest base member such as slide block 12 is secured to the armrest support member 7 by screws 13 , and is slidably received in a guide member 14 .
- the slide block 12 may be made of a relatively strong material, such as aluminum, and the guide member 14 may be made of a low-friction polymer or other suitable material.
- the guide member 14 is generally C-shaped in cross section, and slide block 12 includes raised pads 15 at each corner having cylindrical surface portions that slidably engage the curved inner surface 16 of guide member 14 .
- a pin 17 extends through a keyhole shaped opening 18 in guide member 14 , and into a slot or track 19 formed in slide block 12 to form what is sometimes referred to as a “push-push mechanism”.
- a push-push mechanism is a device that secures a useful component at one end of a stroke when pushed and released a first time, but then releases the component when pushed in the same direction and released a second time.
- the track 19 includes an elongated linear portion 20 , and a heart-shaped end portion 21 .
- the guide member 14 When assembled, the guide member 14 is positioned between tabs 22 and horizontal web 23 of support member 10 .
- Support member 10 is made of a sheet metal material, and tabs 22 are formed by making U-shaped cuts in vertical side web 10 A of support member 10 .
- Tabs 22 are then bent inwardly to form openings 22 A.
- a downwardly extending tab 24 of support member 10 extends through opening 25 , and provides a stop for a spring 26 .
- Tab 24 is formed in a similar manner to tabs 22 , and forms an opening 24 A after tab 24 is bent downwardly.
- spring 26 When assembled, spring 26 is positioned within channel 27 of slide block 12 , with a first end 28 of spring 26 contacting an end 30 of channel 27 , and a second end 29 of spring 26 contacts tab 24 of support member 10 .
- Spring 26 is in compression to thereby bias the support member 10 in the forward direction as indicated by the arrow “F”.
- the lower end 31 of pin 17 When assembled, the lower end 31 of pin 17 is received in track 19 , and shoulder 32 of pin 17 is sandwiched between the upper web 33 of guide member 14 and the upper surface 34 of slide block 12 .
- Upper end 35 of pin 17 is slidably received in the elongated opening 18 in guide member 14 .
- the pin 17 will engage the elongated portion 20 of track 19 .
- the pin 17 will travel along track 19 until it encounters the heart-shaped portion 21 .
- the pin 17 will travel as indicated by the arrows E and F and return to the elongated portion 20 of track 19 , and the spring 26 will push the support member 10 back to the forward position.
- the pin 17 may be biased by a spring or the like (not shown) in the direction of the arrow “G” to ensure that the pin 17 shifts into engagement with notch 39 when the force on the support member 10 is released immediately after the support 10 is pushed to the rearward most position wherein end 31 of pin 17 contacts sidewalls portions 37 and 38 .
- an armrest 50 includes a support member 51 that is similar to the support member 7 described above for connecting the armrest 50 to a seating unit such as the office chair 1 of FIG. 1 described in detail above.
- a padded cushion 52 is secured to a structural member 53 .
- the structural member 53 has a shallow C-shape in cross section with a web 54 , sidewalls 55 , and lips 56 forming channels 57 that slidably receive extensions 58 of a slide block 59 that is secured to the support member 51 .
- a “heart and pawl” device 60 includes a rod 61 that is pivotably connected to a clevis 62 on structural member 53 .
- Heart and pawl device 60 is a commercially available prior art unit that is available from Lord Corporation, and includes an internal heart and pawl mechanism (not shown) and an internal spring (also not shown) biasing the rod 61 outwardly from the cylindrical section 65 of device 60 to thereby bias the structural member 53 and cushion 52 in the direction of the arrow “F”.
- Heart and pawl device 60 will latch to retain the cushion 52 and structural member 53 in the rearward position 66 .
- the heart and pawl device 60 will release, and the bias of rod 61 will push the cushion 52 and structural member 53 in the direction of the arrow “F” until it reaches the forward most position wherein the heart and pawl device 60 is fully extended.
- an armrest 70 includes a support structure 71 for connecting to a chair frame.
- Support structure 71 includes a square boss 72 extending from an upper end 73 of the support structure.
- the square boss 72 is slidably received in an elongated slot 75 in a slide member 74 .
- a fastener 76 extends through an opening 77 in a detent member 78 and into a threaded opening 79 on boss 72 .
- Retainer member 78 includes a cylindrical lower extension 80 that is received in an opening 81 in block 82 .
- a padded cushion 83 When assembled, a padded cushion 83 is secured to the slide member 74 , and the block 82 is positioned within channel 84 of slide member 74 .
- An elongated flexible wire 85 has a curved end portion 86 that is rigidly fixed to the slide member 74 via a threaded fastener 87 and washer 88 that are received in a threaded opening 89 .
- Wire 85 includes a transversely (upwardly) extending end portion 90 that is received in track 91 of block 82 .
- Spring 92 includes a first end 93 that interconnects to a connector 94 on block 82 (see also FIGS. 6 and 6 A).
- spring 92 When assembled, spring 92 is positioned within channel 95 of block 82 , and a second end 96 of spring 92 is connected to a connector 97 on slide member 74 .
- the spring 92 is tensioned to bias the slide member 74 and padded cushion 83 in the forward direction indicated by the arrow “F”.
- end 90 of wire 85 is received in track 91 of block 82 to form a heart and pawl device.
- the end 90 of wire 85 will initially travel along the straight portion 98 of track 91 from the forward most position illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- End 90 eventually contacts the heart-shaped raised portion 99 , and travels along track section 100 until it contacts the corner 101 .
- the force on the slide member 74 is then released, the end 90 will contact extension 102 and member 74 will shift forward slightly in the direction of the arrow F, until the end 90 is positioned in corner 103 as illustrated in FIG. 6A .
- slide member 74 If the force acting on slide member 74 is then released, slide member 74 will then slide forward in the direction of the arrow F, and end 90 of wire 85 will travel through the track portion 106 and through straight portion 98 of track 91 due to the bias of spring 92 until slide member 74 returns to the forward most position illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- an armrest including the present push-push mechanism may also include the adjustment features illustrated schematically in FIGS. 6B, 6C and 6 D. More specifically, the armrest 6 may be movable side-to-side relative to the support 7 as indicated by the arrow “S”; FIG. 6B .
- the side-to-side adjustment mechanism may be a mechanism as illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,971,484 or 5,439,267, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- armrest 6 could rotate about a vertical axis 108 relative to support 7 as indicated by the arrow “Z”; FIG. 6C .
- the mechanism for providing such rotation may be a mechanism as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,484, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
- armrest 6 may be vertically adjustable relative to support 7 as illustrated by the arrow “V”; FIG. 6D .
- the mechanism for providing vertical adjustment may be the mechanism of the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,484.
- an armrest according to the present invention could have all of the adjustment features illustrated in FIGS. 6B, 6C , 6 D or any combination thereof. Alternately, the armrest could only have the fore-to-aft heart and pawl movement described in more detail above.
- an armrest 110 includes a block 82 , slide member 74 , wire 85 and spring 92 that are substantially the same as discussed in more detail above in connection with FIGS. 5-6A . Because this heart and pawl mechanism was described in detail above, it will not be further discussed in connection with the armrest of FIGS. 7, 7A and 8 .
- the armrest 110 includes a height adjustment mechanism 111 that telescopically interconnects lower member 112 to upper member 113 .
- Mechanism 111 may be of the type discussed above in connection with FIG. 6D that is operated (released) by button 130 .
- the armrest 110 also includes rotational adjustment provided by detent member 78 and block 82 .
- detent members 135 are received in channels 137 of detent member 78 , and are biased outwardly by springs 136 .
- Cylindrical extension 80 of detent member 78 is rotatably received in opening 81 in block 82 .
- Square opening 138 in detent member 78 engages square boss 139 of plate 114 , such that detent member 78 does not rotate relative to the base 112 .
- detent members 135 are biased into engagement with notches 141 formed in arcuate detent sidewalls 140 of block 82 .
- FIG. 7A illustrates another version of the rotational adjustment mechanism.
- the mechanism of FIG. 7A includes smooth sidewalls 140 A, but includes detents 141 A in the surface 82 A of block 82 .
- Detent members are received in vertical channels (not shown) in detent member 78 , and are biased downwardly by springs 136 A to thereby provide rotational adjustment including detents to retain the armrest at a selected angular position.
- the rotational adjustment may include smooth detent walls 140 A in combination with the detent members 135 of FIG. 8 to thereby provide continuous rotational adjustment, without detents. If this arrangement is utilized, detent members 135 may be made of a relatively high friction material to engage the sidewall 14 A and thereby retain the armrest in the selected angular position.
Abstract
A seating unit includes a frame, a seat, and a pair of armrests movably mounted to the frame for movement between forward and rearward positions. The armrests are biased into the forward position, and each armrest includes a device selectively retaining the armrest in the rearward position. Movement of the armrest releases the device such that the armrest moved to the forward position due to the bias.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to armrests for seating units such as office chairs and the like.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Seating units such as office chairs may include armrests to support the forearms of a seated user. Such armrests are often padded, and may include various positional adjustment features to accommodate the needs of a particular user. Such adjustment features may include height adjustment, side-to-side adjustment, and/or front to rear adjustment. Such adjustment may require that a user manipulate a release lever or the like to unlock the adjustment mechanism to permit movement of the armrest.
- Also, in use, the armrest may contact the edge of a desk or the like, potentially resulting in damage to the armrest. Such contact may also limit the movement of the chair itself and limit the ability of the user to get as close to the desk as desired. U.S. Pat. No. 5,931,537 does disclose an adjustable armrest assembly including detent arrangement wherein an armrest will move from a normal use position to a retracted position when the chair is moved such as when the armrest engages a desk. However, known adjustment mechanisms may be somewhat awkward or difficult to use, and may not permit a user to quickly and easily lock the armrest in the desired position.
- One aspect of the present invention is an adjustable armrest for a chair including a base and a support member slidably coupled to the base for movement in first and second directions between first and second positions relative to the base, wherein the support member is biased into the first position. The armrest includes a device selectively retaining the support member in the second position, and the device includes a catch and a removable retaining member that is engagable with the catch to retain the support member in the second position. The retaining member disengages from the catch upon movement of the support member to permit movement of the support member relative to the base.
- Another aspect of the present invention is a seating unit including a frame, a seat, and a pair of armrests movably mounted to the frame for movement between forward and rearward positions. The armrests are biased into the forward position, and each armrest includes a device selectively retaining the armrest in the rearward position. Movement of the armrest releases the device such that the armrest moves to the forward position due to the bias.
- Yet another aspect of the present invention is a seating unit including a frame, a seat, a backrest, and a pair of armrests movably mounted to the frame for movement between forward and rearward positions. The armrests are biased into the forward position, and a heart and pawl device operably interconnects the armrest with the frame. The heart and pawl device selectively retains the armrest in the rearward position, and biases the armrest towards the forward position.
- These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating unit according to one aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of an armrest according to another aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of the heart-shaped portion of the track in the slide block ofFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 3 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an armrest according to another aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is an end view of the armrest ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of an armrest having the heart and pawl mechanism ofFIGS. 6 and 6 A; -
FIG. 5A is an exploded perspective view showing the heart and pawl mechanism of the armrest ofFIG. 5 from another perspective; -
FIG. 6 is a plan view of a heart and pawl mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention, wherein the armrest is in the forward position; -
FIG. 6A shows the armrest ofFIG. 6 wherein the armrest is held in the rear position by the heart and pawl mechanism; -
FIG. 6B is a schematic drawing of an armrest having side-to-side adjustment according to another aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 6C is a schematic drawing of an armrest having rotational adjustment according to another aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 6D is a schematic drawing of an armrest having height adjustment according to another aspect of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of an armrest according to yet another aspect of the present invention, wherein the armrest includes an angular adjustment mechanism; -
FIG. 7A is an enlarged view of another version of the angular adjustment mechanism ofFIG. 7 ; and -
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the armrest ofFIG. 7 from another perspective. - For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. - With reference to
FIG. 1 , a seating unit such as achair 1 for offices and the like includes aframe 2, achair base 3 for supporting the chair on a floor surface, aseat 4, and abackrest 5. Thearmrests 6 are connected to the frame bysupport members 7, and may be moved forwardly and rearwardly as indicated by the arrow “A”. - With further reference to
FIG. 2 , eacharmrest assembly 6 may include asupport member 10 having a paddedcushion 11 for supporting the forearm of a seated user. An armrest base member such asslide block 12 is secured to thearmrest support member 7 byscrews 13, and is slidably received in aguide member 14. Theslide block 12 may be made of a relatively strong material, such as aluminum, and theguide member 14 may be made of a low-friction polymer or other suitable material. Theguide member 14 is generally C-shaped in cross section, andslide block 12 includes raisedpads 15 at each corner having cylindrical surface portions that slidably engage the curvedinner surface 16 ofguide member 14. Apin 17 extends through a keyhole shapedopening 18 inguide member 14, and into a slot ortrack 19 formed inslide block 12 to form what is sometimes referred to as a “push-push mechanism”. A push-push mechanism is a device that secures a useful component at one end of a stroke when pushed and released a first time, but then releases the component when pushed in the same direction and released a second time. - There are different ways to construct a push-push mechanism. As illustrated, the
track 19 includes an elongatedlinear portion 20, and a heart-shaped end portion 21. When assembled, theguide member 14 is positioned betweentabs 22 andhorizontal web 23 ofsupport member 10.Support member 10 is made of a sheet metal material, andtabs 22 are formed by making U-shaped cuts invertical side web 10A ofsupport member 10. Tabs 22.are then bent inwardly to formopenings 22A. A downwardly extendingtab 24 ofsupport member 10 extends throughopening 25, and provides a stop for aspring 26.Tab 24 is formed in a similar manner totabs 22, and forms anopening 24A aftertab 24 is bent downwardly. When assembled,spring 26 is positioned withinchannel 27 ofslide block 12, with afirst end 28 ofspring 26 contacting anend 30 ofchannel 27, and asecond end 29 ofspring 26contacts tab 24 ofsupport member 10.Spring 26 is in compression to thereby bias thesupport member 10 in the forward direction as indicated by the arrow “F”. When assembled, thelower end 31 ofpin 17 is received intrack 19, andshoulder 32 ofpin 17 is sandwiched between theupper web 33 ofguide member 14 and theupper surface 34 ofslide block 12.Upper end 35 ofpin 17 is slidably received in theelongated opening 18 inguide member 14. In use, when thesupport member 10 is in the forward position, thepin 17 will engage theelongated portion 20 oftrack 19. As thesupport member 10 is pushed rearwardly in the direction of the arrow “R” thepin 17 will travel alongtrack 19 until it encounters the heart-shapedportion 21. - With further reference to
FIG. 2A , as theend portion 31 ofpin 17 travels along thetrack 19 in the direction of the arrow “B”, it will encounter an angled portion orlobe 36 oftrack 19, and contact angledsidewall 37.Pin 17 will eventually also contactsidewall portion 38, thereby preventing further rearward motion ofsupport member 10. If the force onsupport member 10 is then released, thespring 26 will begin to shift thesupport member 10 in the forward direction, causing theend 31 ofpin 17 to engage notch orcorner 39, thereby retaining thesupport member 10 in the rearward position. If a user then applies another rearward force to thesupport member 10, thepin 31 will then travel in the direction indicated by the arrow “D” until it contacts sidewall 40. If the force is then released, thepin 17 will travel as indicated by the arrows E and F and return to theelongated portion 20 oftrack 19, and thespring 26 will push thesupport member 10 back to the forward position. Thepin 17 may be biased by a spring or the like (not shown) in the direction of the arrow “G” to ensure that thepin 17 shifts into engagement withnotch 39 when the force on thesupport member 10 is released immediately after thesupport 10 is pushed to the rearward most position wherein end 31 ofpin 17 contacts sidewallsportions - With reference to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , an armrest 50 according to another aspect of the present invention includes asupport member 51 that is similar to thesupport member 7 described above for connecting the armrest 50 to a seating unit such as theoffice chair 1 ofFIG. 1 described in detail above. Apadded cushion 52 is secured to astructural member 53. Thestructural member 53 has a shallow C-shape in cross section with aweb 54, sidewalls 55, andlips 56 formingchannels 57 that slidably receiveextensions 58 of aslide block 59 that is secured to thesupport member 51. A “heart and pawl”device 60 includes arod 61 that is pivotably connected to aclevis 62 onstructural member 53.Pins 63 interconnect anopposite end 64 of heart andpawl device 60 to theslide block 59. Heart andpawl device 60 is a commercially available prior art unit that is available from Lord Corporation, and includes an internal heart and pawl mechanism (not shown) and an internal spring (also not shown) biasing therod 61 outwardly from thecylindrical section 65 ofdevice 60 to thereby bias thestructural member 53 andcushion 52 in the direction of the arrow “F”. In use, if a force is applied to thecushion 52 in the direction of the arrow “R”, the cushion will slide rearwardly to the rearward position designated 66, and the heart andpawl device 60 will latch to retain thecushion 52 andstructural member 53 in therearward position 66. If a force is again applied in the direction of the arrow R, the heart andpawl device 60 will release, and the bias ofrod 61 will push thecushion 52 andstructural member 53 in the direction of the arrow “F” until it reaches the forward most position wherein the heart andpawl device 60 is fully extended. - With further reference to
FIGS. 5 and 5 A, an armrest 70 according to another aspect of the present invention includes asupport structure 71 for connecting to a chair frame.Support structure 71 includes asquare boss 72 extending from anupper end 73 of the support structure. Thesquare boss 72 is slidably received in anelongated slot 75 in aslide member 74. When assembled, afastener 76 extends through anopening 77 in adetent member 78 and into a threadedopening 79 onboss 72.Retainer member 78 includes a cylindricallower extension 80 that is received in anopening 81 inblock 82. When assembled, apadded cushion 83 is secured to theslide member 74, and theblock 82 is positioned withinchannel 84 ofslide member 74. An elongatedflexible wire 85 has acurved end portion 86 that is rigidly fixed to theslide member 74 via a threadedfastener 87 andwasher 88 that are received in a threadedopening 89.Wire 85 includes a transversely (upwardly) extendingend portion 90 that is received intrack 91 ofblock 82.Spring 92 includes afirst end 93 that interconnects to aconnector 94 on block 82 (see alsoFIGS. 6 and 6 A). When assembled,spring 92 is positioned withinchannel 95 ofblock 82, and asecond end 96 ofspring 92 is connected to aconnector 97 onslide member 74. Thespring 92 is tensioned to bias theslide member 74 and paddedcushion 83 in the forward direction indicated by the arrow “F”. - With reference to
FIGS. 6 and 6 A, end 90 ofwire 85 is received intrack 91 ofblock 82 to form a heart and pawl device. In use, if a force is applied to theslide member 74 in the direction of the arrow R to move the armrest in the rearward direction, theend 90 ofwire 85 will initially travel along thestraight portion 98 oftrack 91 from the forward most position illustrated inFIG. 6 .End 90 eventually contacts the heart-shaped raisedportion 99, and travels alongtrack section 100 until it contacts thecorner 101. If the force on theslide member 74 is then released, theend 90 will contactextension 102 andmember 74 will shift forward slightly in the direction of the arrow F, until theend 90 is positioned incorner 103 as illustrated inFIG. 6A . Because thespring 92biases member 74 in the direction of the arrow F, theend 90 is thereby retained incorner 103, and theslide member 74 and cushion 83 are retained in the rearward position ofFIG. 6A . If a force is then applied to theslide member 74 in the direction of the arrow R when in the position illustrated inFIG. 6A , theend 90 ofwire 85 will again contactextension 102, and shift into the U-shaped portion of thetrack 104 until itcontacts corner 105. If the force acting onslide member 74 is then released,slide member 74 will then slide forward in the direction of the arrow F, and end 90 ofwire 85 will travel through thetrack portion 106 and throughstraight portion 98 oftrack 91 due to the bias ofspring 92 untilslide member 74 returns to the forward most position illustrated inFIG. 6 . - In addition to the fore and aft adjustment of the armrest described above, it is contemplated that the present invention of a push-push mechanism can be used on a variety of different armrests and in a variety of different furniture applications. For example, an armrest including the present push-push mechanism may also include the adjustment features illustrated schematically in
FIGS. 6B, 6C and 6D. More specifically, thearmrest 6 may be movable side-to-side relative to thesupport 7 as indicated by the arrow “S”;FIG. 6B . For example, the side-to-side adjustment mechanism may be a mechanism as illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,971,484 or 5,439,267, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Also,armrest 6 could rotate about avertical axis 108 relative to support 7 as indicated by the arrow “Z”;FIG. 6C . The mechanism for providing such rotation may be a mechanism as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,484, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Also,armrest 6 may be vertically adjustable relative to support 7 as illustrated by the arrow “V”;FIG. 6D . The mechanism for providing vertical adjustment may be the mechanism of the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,484. It will be readily understood that an armrest according to the present invention could have all of the adjustment features illustrated inFIGS. 6B, 6C , 6D or any combination thereof. Alternately, the armrest could only have the fore-to-aft heart and pawl movement described in more detail above. - With further reference to
FIGS. 7, 7A and 8, anarmrest 110 according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes ablock 82,slide member 74,wire 85 andspring 92 that are substantially the same as discussed in more detail above in connection withFIGS. 5-6A . Because this heart and pawl mechanism was described in detail above, it will not be further discussed in connection with the armrest ofFIGS. 7, 7A and 8. Thearmrest 110 includes a height adjustment mechanism 111 that telescopically interconnectslower member 112 toupper member 113. Mechanism 111 may be of the type discussed above in connection withFIG. 6D that is operated (released) bybutton 130. - The
armrest 110 also includes rotational adjustment provided bydetent member 78 andblock 82. As illustrated inFIG. 8 ,detent members 135 are received inchannels 137 ofdetent member 78, and are biased outwardly bysprings 136.Cylindrical extension 80 ofdetent member 78 is rotatably received in opening 81 inblock 82.Square opening 138 indetent member 78 engagessquare boss 139 ofplate 114, such thatdetent member 78 does not rotate relative to thebase 112. When assembled,detent members 135 are biased into engagement withnotches 141 formed in arcuate detent sidewalls 140 ofblock 82. Rotation of theslide member 74 and cushion 83 about a vertical axis causes block 82 to rotate because it is positioned withinchannel 84 ofslide member 74. As theblock 82 rotates, thedetent members 135 slide along thedetent sidewall 140 and engage thenotches 141 to retain theblock 82 at a selected angular position. -
FIG. 7A illustrates another version of the rotational adjustment mechanism. The mechanism ofFIG. 7A includes smooth sidewalls 140A, but includesdetents 141A in thesurface 82A ofblock 82. Detent members are received in vertical channels (not shown) indetent member 78, and are biased downwardly bysprings 136A to thereby provide rotational adjustment including detents to retain the armrest at a selected angular position. - In addition to the rotational detent devices just described, the rotational adjustment may include
smooth detent walls 140A in combination with thedetent members 135 ofFIG. 8 to thereby provide continuous rotational adjustment, without detents. If this arrangement is utilized,detent members 135 may be made of a relatively high friction material to engage the sidewall 14A and thereby retain the armrest in the selected angular position. - In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims (35)
1. An adjustable armrest for a chair, comprising:
an armrest base member;
a support member slidably coupled to the armrest base member for movement in first and second directions between first and second positions relative to the base, wherein the support member is biased into the first position; and
a device selectively retaining the support member in the second position, the device including a catch and a movable retaining member that is engagable with the catch to retain the support member in the second position, the retaining member disengaging from the catch upon movement of the support member to permit movement of the support member relative to the armrest base member.
2. The adjustable armrest of claim 1 , wherein:
the device includes a push-push mechanism.
3. The adjustable armrest of claim 2 , wherein the push-push mechanism includes a track having a heart-shaped end portion forming the catch.
4. The adjustable armrest of claim 3 , wherein:
the track is formed in the armrest base member;
the retaining member is rotatably attached to the support member and includes an extension engaging the track.
5. The adjustable armrest of claim 4 , wherein:
the track includes an elongated generally straight portion, and the heart-shaped end portion is angled relative to the straight portion.
6. The adjustable armrest of claim 5 , wherein:
the heart-shaped portion of the track includes two lobes that intersect to form a notch, and the track includes an extension adjacent the notch that pushes the extension of the retaining member into the notch.
7. The adjustable armrest of claim 4 , wherein:
the support member includes a padded cushion to support a user's forearm.
8. The adjustable armrest of claim 1 , including:
a spring biasing the support member into the first position.
9. The adjustable armrest of claim 1 , wherein:
the first position comprises a forward position wherein the support member is extended forwardly;
the second position comprises a rearward position wherein the support member is retracted rearwardly; and
the retaining member disengages from the catch upon rearward motion of the support member.
10. The adjustable armrest of claim 9 , wherein:
the support member is movably coupled to the base to permit side-to-side adjustment of the position of the support member.
11. The adjustable armrest of claim 9 , wherein:
the support member is rotatably coupled to the base to permit rotational adjustment of the support member.
12. The adjustable armrest of claim 11 , wherein:
the support member rotates about a generally vertical axis.
13. The adjustable armrest of claim 9 , wherein:
the support member is movably mounted to the base to permit vertical movement of the support member to provide height adjustment.
14. (canceled)
15. The adjustable armrest of claim 14 , wherein:
the armrest base member includes a slide member having opposite sides;
the support member includes a guide member extending around the opposite sides and slidably engaging the slide member.
16. The adjustable armrest of claim 15 , wherein:
the guide member is made of a polymer material and has a C-shaped cross section forming a channel; and wherein:
the slide block is disposed in the channel.
17. The adjustable armrest of claim 16 , wherein:
the slide member includes an elongated channel having a heart-shaped end portion; and including:
a pin slidably engaging the guide member and the channel.
18. The adjustable armrest of claim 17 , including:
a spring that is compressed to bias the support member into the first position.
19. The adjustable armrest of claim 18 , wherein:
the slide block defines four corners, each includes a raised surface portion having a contour that closely matches inner surface portions of the guide member.
20. The adjustable armrest of claim 19 , wherein:
the slide block includes a channel; and
the spring is disposed in the channel.
21. A seating unit, comprising:
a frame;
a seat;
a backrest;
a pair of armrests movably mounted to the frame for movement between forward and rearward positions, wherein the armrests are biased into the forward position;
each armrest including a device selectively retaining the armrests in the rearward position, wherein movement of the armrests releases the device such that the armrests move to the forward position due to the bias.
22. The seating unit of claim 21 , wherein:
the devices include an elongated track having a heart-shaped portion forming a catch, and a movable retaining member engaging the track.
23. The seating unit of claim 22 , wherein:
the armrests each include a armrest base member connected to the frame, and a support member slidably coupled to the armrest base member;
the track is formed in the armrest base member;
the retaining member is rotatably attached to the support member and includes an extension engaging the track.
24. The seating unit of claim 23 , wherein:
the track includes an elongated generally straight portion, and the heart-shaped end portion is angled relative to the straight portion.
25. The seating unit of claim 24 , wherein:
the heart-shaped portion of the track includes two lobes that intersect to form a notch, and the track includes an extension adjacent the notch that pushes the extension of the retaining member into the notch.
26. The seating unit of claim 21 , wherein:
the devices release upon rearward movement of the armrest.
27. The seating unit of claim 21 , wherein:
the armrests each include a armrest base member connected to the frame, and a support member slidably coupled to the armrest base member;
the support member is movably coupled to the armrest base member to permit side-to-side adjustment of the position of the support member.
28. The seating unit of claim 21 , wherein:
the armrests each include a armrest base member connected to the frame, and a support member slidably coupled to the armrest base member;
the support member is rotatably coupled to the armrest base member to permit rotational adjustment of the support member.
29. The seating unit of claim 21 , wherein:
the armrests each include a armrest base member connected to the frame, and a support member slidably coupled to the armrest base member;
the support member is movably mounted to the armrest base member to permit vertical movement of the support member to provide height adjustment.
30. The seating unit of claim 21 , wherein:
the armrests each include a armrest base member connected to the frame, and a support member slidably coupled to the armrest base member;
the armrest base member includes a slide member having opposite sides;
the support member includes a guide member extending around the opposite sides and slidably engaging the slide member.
31. A seating unit, comprising:
a frame;
a seat;
a backrest;
a pair of armrests movably mounted to the frame for movement between forward and rearward positions, wherein the armrests are biased into the forward position;
a heart and pawl device operably interconnecting the armrests with the frame to selectively retain the armrests in the rearward position, the heart and pawl device biasing the armrests towards the forward position.
32. The seating unit of claim 31 , wherein:
the armrests each include a armrest base member connected to the frame, and a support member slidably coupled to the armrest base member;
the support member is movably coupled to the armrest base member to permit side-to-side adjustment of the position of the support member.
33. The seating unit of claim 31 , wherein:
the armrests each include a armrest base member connected to the frame, and a support member slidably coupled to the armrest base member;
the support member is rotatably coupled to the armrest base member to permit rotational adjustment of the support member.
34. The seating unit of claim 31 , wherein:
the armrests each include a armrest base member connected to the frame, and a support member slidably coupled to the armrest base member;
the support member rotates about a generally vertical axis.
35. The seating unit of claim 31 , wherein:
the armrests each include a base connected to the frame, and a support member slidably coupled to the armrest base member;
the support member is movably mounted to the base to permit vertical movement of the support member to provide height adjustment.
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/788,692 US20050189807A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2004-02-27 | Chair with functional armrest |
EP04254176A EP1568297A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2004-07-13 | Chair with functional armrest |
JP2004219196A JP2005237944A (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2004-07-27 | Adjustable armrest and chair unit |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/788,692 US20050189807A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2004-02-27 | Chair with functional armrest |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050189807A1 true US20050189807A1 (en) | 2005-09-01 |
Family
ID=34750536
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/788,692 Abandoned US20050189807A1 (en) | 2004-02-27 | 2004-02-27 | Chair with functional armrest |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20050189807A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1568297A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2005237944A (en) |
Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060226691A1 (en) * | 2005-04-08 | 2006-10-12 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Armrest with height adjustment mechanism |
US20080084103A1 (en) * | 2005-04-13 | 2008-04-10 | Bock 1 Gmbh & Co. Kg | Armrest, in Particular for an Office Chair |
US20080277991A1 (en) * | 2007-05-10 | 2008-11-13 | Porter Group, Llc | Vehicle seat armrest assembly |
US7537287B2 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2009-05-26 | Irvin Automotive Products, Inc. | Sliding armrest |
US20100207414A1 (en) * | 2007-07-30 | 2010-08-19 | Nifco Inc. | Console box |
WO2011130270A1 (en) * | 2010-04-13 | 2011-10-20 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Adjustable armrest |
US20130153447A1 (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2013-06-20 | Chrysler Group Llc | Armrest assembly |
US20140077567A1 (en) * | 2012-09-20 | 2014-03-20 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair Arm Assembly |
US20160297335A1 (en) * | 2015-04-13 | 2016-10-13 | Hyundai Motor Company | Sliding armrest device for vehicle |
US10932574B2 (en) * | 2019-06-06 | 2021-03-02 | Chuan Hsing Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. | Adjustable armrest |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP2010051687A (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-11 | Itoki Corp | Rocking chair with armrest apparatus |
JP2010051613A (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-11 | Itoki Corp | Armrest apparatus |
JP2010051614A (en) * | 2008-08-29 | 2010-03-11 | Itoki Corp | Armrest apparatus |
ITRA20100035A1 (en) * | 2010-11-16 | 2012-05-17 | Carpam Sport S R L | MECHANISM FOR TRANSFORMABLE FURNITURE. |
US11304528B2 (en) | 2012-09-20 | 2022-04-19 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair assembly with upholstery covering |
Citations (91)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US43843A (en) * | 1864-08-16 | Improvement in wind-wheels | ||
US984474A (en) * | 1909-04-27 | 1911-02-14 | Peter & Volz | Hinged seat. |
US1262596A (en) * | 1915-01-18 | 1918-04-09 | Wisconsin Chair Company | Theater-chair hinge. |
US3025108A (en) * | 1959-10-08 | 1962-03-13 | Ritter Co Inc | Dental chair |
US3140119A (en) * | 1962-07-03 | 1964-07-07 | Offner Edwin | Adjustable wheel chair arm rests |
US3489458A (en) * | 1968-06-21 | 1970-01-13 | Hardman Aerospace | Armrest assembly |
US3829159A (en) * | 1972-05-30 | 1974-08-13 | Pelton & Crane Co | Treatment chair having improved movable arm support devices |
US3950027A (en) * | 1974-10-15 | 1976-04-13 | Sybron Corporation | Armrest for dental chair |
US4040665A (en) * | 1976-03-12 | 1977-08-09 | General Engineering & Mfg. Corporation | Arm rest assembly for seating structures |
US4244623A (en) * | 1979-05-08 | 1981-01-13 | Uop Inc. | Multi-position armrest |
US4277102A (en) * | 1978-05-24 | 1981-07-07 | International Standard Electric Corporation | Chair |
US4311338A (en) * | 1978-11-01 | 1982-01-19 | Uop Inc. | Armrest assembly for a seat |
US4496190A (en) * | 1983-02-10 | 1985-01-29 | Uop Inc. | Parallel folding armrest |
US4576351A (en) * | 1984-06-15 | 1986-03-18 | Brink T A | Portable stroke victims arm rest |
US4659135A (en) * | 1984-01-20 | 1987-04-21 | Schmelzer Corporation | Adjustable arm rest |
US4674790A (en) * | 1984-01-20 | 1987-06-23 | Schmelzer Corporation | Adjustable arm rest and console assembly |
US4807935A (en) * | 1987-12-07 | 1989-02-28 | Qmp, Inc. | Seat arm rest assembly |
US4848840A (en) * | 1988-08-11 | 1989-07-18 | Tachi-S Co., Ltd. | Locking mechanism for armrest |
US4951995A (en) * | 1989-10-10 | 1990-08-28 | Steelcase Inc. | Arm height adjustment mechanism for a chair |
US4997054A (en) * | 1989-04-14 | 1991-03-05 | J. I. Case Company | Adjustable wrist rest |
US5009467A (en) * | 1989-05-30 | 1991-04-23 | Mccoy David C | Adjustable armrest for chair |
US5281001A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 1994-01-25 | Bergsten Jeffrey D | Ergonomic arm support |
US5318347A (en) * | 1992-10-19 | 1994-06-07 | Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Height-adjustable armrest unit for chair |
US5342115A (en) * | 1992-05-21 | 1994-08-30 | Gestind-M.B. "Manifattura Di Bruzolo" S.P.A. | Arm rest for motor vehicle seats |
US5382079A (en) * | 1993-10-25 | 1995-01-17 | Chromcraft Revington, Inc. | Adjustable arm attachable to a chair body |
US5388892A (en) * | 1993-04-02 | 1995-02-14 | Tornero; Lino E. | Mechanism for the relative positioning of telescoping members |
US5393125A (en) * | 1993-05-28 | 1995-02-28 | Steelcase Inc. | Height adjustable chair arm assembly |
US5393124A (en) * | 1992-12-08 | 1995-02-28 | Neil; Gary K. | Armrest assembly |
US5407249A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1995-04-18 | Bonutti; Peter M. | Armrest assembly |
US5415459A (en) * | 1993-06-08 | 1995-05-16 | Hon Industries, Inc. | Adjustable width arm rest |
US5435626A (en) * | 1994-06-21 | 1995-07-25 | Lai; Yu-Shan | Armrest-adjusting mechanism |
US5439267A (en) * | 1993-05-28 | 1995-08-08 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair with adjustable arm assemblies |
US5439268A (en) * | 1994-06-14 | 1995-08-08 | Shin Yen Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Adjustable armrest assembly for a chair |
US5484187A (en) * | 1994-04-11 | 1996-01-16 | Doerner Products Ltd. | Chair armrest adjustment mechanism |
US5498039A (en) * | 1994-04-20 | 1996-03-12 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Spring loaded latch assembly |
US5590934A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1997-01-07 | Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Adjustable chair-armrest assembly |
US5597207A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 1997-01-28 | Industrial Ergonomics | Ergonomic arm support |
US5599067A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-02-04 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Adjustable arm rest assembly |
US5620233A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-04-15 | Jami, Inc. | Adjusting mechanism for selectively positioning chair components |
US5641203A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-06-24 | Herman Miller Inc. | Adjustable arm rest assembly |
US5647638A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-07-15 | Haworth, Inc. | Height-adjustable chair arm assembly |
US5649741A (en) * | 1996-02-16 | 1997-07-22 | Northfield Metal Products Ltd. | Adjusting mechanism |
US5651586A (en) * | 1996-01-30 | 1997-07-29 | Corel, Inc. | Laterally adjustable armrest for a chair |
US5655814A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1997-08-12 | Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Adjustable chair-armrest assembly |
US5660442A (en) * | 1994-08-15 | 1997-08-26 | Tornero; Lino E. | Adjusment device for chair arms |
US5735577A (en) * | 1996-12-23 | 1998-04-07 | Gentle Pao Industry Co., Ltd. | Adjusting mechanism for use on the armrest of a vehicle's seat |
US5749628A (en) * | 1996-06-11 | 1998-05-12 | Fixtures Manufacturing Corporation | Vertically adjustable chair arm with rotatable armrest |
US5749629A (en) * | 1997-01-16 | 1998-05-12 | Ford Motor Company | Console assembly with adjustable armrest |
US5752683A (en) * | 1995-11-14 | 1998-05-19 | Global Upholstery Company | Arm support device |
US5765804A (en) * | 1992-06-15 | 1998-06-16 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Pneumatic support colunm for a chair |
US5765920A (en) * | 1997-06-02 | 1998-06-16 | Lai; Yu-Shan | Height-adjusting mechanism for arm rest of a chair |
US5769497A (en) * | 1997-04-04 | 1998-06-23 | Fusco Industrial Corporation | Arm support structure |
US5782536A (en) * | 1995-02-17 | 1998-07-21 | Steelcase Inc. | Modular chair construction and method of assembly |
US5876097A (en) * | 1998-07-20 | 1999-03-02 | Cao; Zi-Wen | Adjustable armrest device |
US5879054A (en) * | 1998-02-27 | 1999-03-09 | Cao; Zi-Wen | Armrest Device |
US5884975A (en) * | 1998-02-26 | 1999-03-23 | Su; Wen-Fa | Chair armrest |
US5884974A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 1999-03-23 | Industrial Ergonomics | Ergonomic arm support and bracket |
US5884976A (en) * | 1998-02-06 | 1999-03-23 | Nightingale Inc. | Chair swivel arm rest |
US5895095A (en) * | 1997-09-29 | 1999-04-20 | Chen; Su-Jan | Adjustable armrest assemblies for chairs |
US5897089A (en) * | 1994-01-11 | 1999-04-27 | Lescoa Inc | Container holder |
US5908221A (en) * | 1997-06-09 | 1999-06-01 | Allseating Corporation | Vertically adjustable armrest assembly for a chair |
US5918938A (en) * | 1996-11-05 | 1999-07-06 | Nowy Styl Sp. Z O.O. | Safety device for mechanisms for lifting the back of a chair or armchair |
US5927811A (en) * | 1998-02-27 | 1999-07-27 | Shin Yen Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Adjustable chair-armrest assembly |
US5931536A (en) * | 1997-10-16 | 1999-08-03 | Wu; Yao-Chuan | Adjustable armrest of a chair |
US6017091A (en) * | 1999-03-04 | 2000-01-25 | Cao; Zi-Wen | Adjustable armrest assembly |
US6022079A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 2000-02-08 | Industrial Ergonomics | Ergonomic arm support |
US6045191A (en) * | 1997-05-28 | 2000-04-04 | Desital Holland B.V. | Arm-rest for a chair and a chair comprising this arm-rest |
US6053578A (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 2000-04-25 | Knoll, Inc. | Multi-adjustable armrest assembly |
US6059366A (en) * | 1999-05-06 | 2000-05-09 | Hu; Jung-Hua | Adjustable armrest for chairs |
US6062646A (en) * | 1997-04-23 | 2000-05-16 | Bock 1 Gmbh & Co. | Adjustable-height armrest, in particular for an office chair |
US6074012A (en) * | 1999-03-30 | 2000-06-13 | Wu; Yao Chuan | Adjustable armrest device |
US6076891A (en) * | 1997-11-17 | 2000-06-20 | Bernhardt; Sean E. | Dual-pivot multi-position ratcheting chair arm |
US6086153A (en) * | 1997-10-24 | 2000-07-11 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair with reclineable back and adjustable energy mechanism |
US6168237B1 (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 2001-01-02 | Steelcase Development Inc. | Adjustable armrest for chairs |
US6203109B1 (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 2001-03-20 | Industrial Ergonomics, Inc. | Ergonomic arm support |
US6209840B1 (en) * | 1997-05-23 | 2001-04-03 | Chao Ken Chen | Mechanism for the relative positioning of chair arm |
US6213454B1 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2001-04-10 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Reverse air damper with latching mechanism |
US6250715B1 (en) * | 1998-01-21 | 2001-06-26 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Chair |
US6343840B1 (en) * | 2001-05-18 | 2002-02-05 | Yi Chun Enterprise Ltd. | Height adjustment mechanism for chair backrest or arm |
US20020036422A1 (en) * | 2000-09-28 | 2002-03-28 | Formway Furniture Limited | Arm assembly for a chair |
US20020043862A1 (en) * | 2000-06-06 | 2002-04-18 | Pro-Cord S.P.A. | Armrest for chair, armchair or similar, a chair using said armrest |
US6394553B1 (en) * | 2000-06-09 | 2002-05-28 | Knoll, Inc. | Adjustable armrest assembly with single adjustment lever |
US20020070598A1 (en) * | 2000-12-08 | 2002-06-13 | Loui Perl | Swivel arm adjustment |
US20020074844A1 (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2002-06-20 | Michael Klingstedt | Adjustable armrest |
US6502904B1 (en) * | 1999-04-12 | 2003-01-07 | Sdm Hansen Ag | Arm support for a chair |
US20030025378A1 (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2003-02-06 | Chin-Tao Lin | Turnable armrest for an office chair |
US20030030317A1 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2003-02-13 | Chen Chao Ken | Armrest of chair with cushion |
US6523898B1 (en) * | 1999-06-17 | 2003-02-25 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Chair construction |
US6554364B1 (en) * | 1995-02-17 | 2003-04-29 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Articulating armrest |
US6557939B1 (en) * | 1998-10-21 | 2003-05-06 | Vitra Patente Ag | Adjustment mechanism, back cover and arm rest for a chair |
US6588847B2 (en) * | 1999-12-04 | 2003-07-08 | Kokuyo Co., Ltd. | Chair |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5931537A (en) | 1997-09-30 | 1999-08-03 | Gollin & Co., Inc. | Adjustable chair arm assembly |
EP0958765B1 (en) * | 1998-05-22 | 2003-07-30 | Froli Kunststoffwerk Heinrich Fromme OHG | Arm support, particularly for office chairs and swivel chairs |
-
2004
- 2004-02-27 US US10/788,692 patent/US20050189807A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2004-07-13 EP EP04254176A patent/EP1568297A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-07-27 JP JP2004219196A patent/JP2005237944A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (99)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US43843A (en) * | 1864-08-16 | Improvement in wind-wheels | ||
US984474A (en) * | 1909-04-27 | 1911-02-14 | Peter & Volz | Hinged seat. |
US1262596A (en) * | 1915-01-18 | 1918-04-09 | Wisconsin Chair Company | Theater-chair hinge. |
US3025108A (en) * | 1959-10-08 | 1962-03-13 | Ritter Co Inc | Dental chair |
US3140119A (en) * | 1962-07-03 | 1964-07-07 | Offner Edwin | Adjustable wheel chair arm rests |
US3489458A (en) * | 1968-06-21 | 1970-01-13 | Hardman Aerospace | Armrest assembly |
US3829159A (en) * | 1972-05-30 | 1974-08-13 | Pelton & Crane Co | Treatment chair having improved movable arm support devices |
US3950027A (en) * | 1974-10-15 | 1976-04-13 | Sybron Corporation | Armrest for dental chair |
US4040665A (en) * | 1976-03-12 | 1977-08-09 | General Engineering & Mfg. Corporation | Arm rest assembly for seating structures |
US4277102A (en) * | 1978-05-24 | 1981-07-07 | International Standard Electric Corporation | Chair |
US4311338A (en) * | 1978-11-01 | 1982-01-19 | Uop Inc. | Armrest assembly for a seat |
US4244623A (en) * | 1979-05-08 | 1981-01-13 | Uop Inc. | Multi-position armrest |
US4496190A (en) * | 1983-02-10 | 1985-01-29 | Uop Inc. | Parallel folding armrest |
US4659135A (en) * | 1984-01-20 | 1987-04-21 | Schmelzer Corporation | Adjustable arm rest |
US4674790A (en) * | 1984-01-20 | 1987-06-23 | Schmelzer Corporation | Adjustable arm rest and console assembly |
US4576351A (en) * | 1984-06-15 | 1986-03-18 | Brink T A | Portable stroke victims arm rest |
US4807935A (en) * | 1987-12-07 | 1989-02-28 | Qmp, Inc. | Seat arm rest assembly |
US4848840A (en) * | 1988-08-11 | 1989-07-18 | Tachi-S Co., Ltd. | Locking mechanism for armrest |
US4997054A (en) * | 1989-04-14 | 1991-03-05 | J. I. Case Company | Adjustable wrist rest |
US5009467A (en) * | 1989-05-30 | 1991-04-23 | Mccoy David C | Adjustable armrest for chair |
US4951995A (en) * | 1989-10-10 | 1990-08-28 | Steelcase Inc. | Arm height adjustment mechanism for a chair |
US5597208A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1997-01-28 | Bonutti; Peter M. | Armrest assembly |
US5407249A (en) * | 1990-10-15 | 1995-04-18 | Bonutti; Peter M. | Armrest assembly |
US6022079A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 2000-02-08 | Industrial Ergonomics | Ergonomic arm support |
US6203109B1 (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 2001-03-20 | Industrial Ergonomics, Inc. | Ergonomic arm support |
US5884974A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 1999-03-23 | Industrial Ergonomics | Ergonomic arm support and bracket |
US5281001A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 1994-01-25 | Bergsten Jeffrey D | Ergonomic arm support |
US5597207A (en) * | 1991-09-05 | 1997-01-28 | Industrial Ergonomics | Ergonomic arm support |
US5342115A (en) * | 1992-05-21 | 1994-08-30 | Gestind-M.B. "Manifattura Di Bruzolo" S.P.A. | Arm rest for motor vehicle seats |
US5772282A (en) * | 1992-06-15 | 1998-06-30 | Herman Miller Inc. | Tilt control mechanism for a chair |
US5765804A (en) * | 1992-06-15 | 1998-06-16 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Pneumatic support colunm for a chair |
US20030020310A1 (en) * | 1992-06-15 | 2003-01-30 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Seating structure having a backrest with a flexible membrane and a moveable armrest |
US5318347A (en) * | 1992-10-19 | 1994-06-07 | Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Height-adjustable armrest unit for chair |
US5393124A (en) * | 1992-12-08 | 1995-02-28 | Neil; Gary K. | Armrest assembly |
US5388892A (en) * | 1993-04-02 | 1995-02-14 | Tornero; Lino E. | Mechanism for the relative positioning of telescoping members |
US5439267A (en) * | 1993-05-28 | 1995-08-08 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair with adjustable arm assemblies |
US5393125A (en) * | 1993-05-28 | 1995-02-28 | Steelcase Inc. | Height adjustable chair arm assembly |
US5415459A (en) * | 1993-06-08 | 1995-05-16 | Hon Industries, Inc. | Adjustable width arm rest |
US5382079A (en) * | 1993-10-25 | 1995-01-17 | Chromcraft Revington, Inc. | Adjustable arm attachable to a chair body |
US5897089A (en) * | 1994-01-11 | 1999-04-27 | Lescoa Inc | Container holder |
US5484187A (en) * | 1994-04-11 | 1996-01-16 | Doerner Products Ltd. | Chair armrest adjustment mechanism |
US5498039A (en) * | 1994-04-20 | 1996-03-12 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Spring loaded latch assembly |
US5439268A (en) * | 1994-06-14 | 1995-08-08 | Shin Yen Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Adjustable armrest assembly for a chair |
US5435626A (en) * | 1994-06-21 | 1995-07-25 | Lai; Yu-Shan | Armrest-adjusting mechanism |
US5660442A (en) * | 1994-08-15 | 1997-08-26 | Tornero; Lino E. | Adjusment device for chair arms |
US6554364B1 (en) * | 1995-02-17 | 2003-04-29 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Articulating armrest |
US5782536A (en) * | 1995-02-17 | 1998-07-21 | Steelcase Inc. | Modular chair construction and method of assembly |
US5647638A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-07-15 | Haworth, Inc. | Height-adjustable chair arm assembly |
US5641203A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-06-24 | Herman Miller Inc. | Adjustable arm rest assembly |
US5620233A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-04-15 | Jami, Inc. | Adjusting mechanism for selectively positioning chair components |
US5599067A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-02-04 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Adjustable arm rest assembly |
US5752683A (en) * | 1995-11-14 | 1998-05-19 | Global Upholstery Company | Arm support device |
US5651586A (en) * | 1996-01-30 | 1997-07-29 | Corel, Inc. | Laterally adjustable armrest for a chair |
US5649741A (en) * | 1996-02-16 | 1997-07-22 | Northfield Metal Products Ltd. | Adjusting mechanism |
US5655814A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1997-08-12 | Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Adjustable chair-armrest assembly |
US5590934A (en) * | 1996-03-07 | 1997-01-07 | Shin Yeh Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Adjustable chair-armrest assembly |
US5749628A (en) * | 1996-06-11 | 1998-05-12 | Fixtures Manufacturing Corporation | Vertically adjustable chair arm with rotatable armrest |
US5918938A (en) * | 1996-11-05 | 1999-07-06 | Nowy Styl Sp. Z O.O. | Safety device for mechanisms for lifting the back of a chair or armchair |
US5735577A (en) * | 1996-12-23 | 1998-04-07 | Gentle Pao Industry Co., Ltd. | Adjusting mechanism for use on the armrest of a vehicle's seat |
US5749629A (en) * | 1997-01-16 | 1998-05-12 | Ford Motor Company | Console assembly with adjustable armrest |
US5769497A (en) * | 1997-04-04 | 1998-06-23 | Fusco Industrial Corporation | Arm support structure |
US6062646A (en) * | 1997-04-23 | 2000-05-16 | Bock 1 Gmbh & Co. | Adjustable-height armrest, in particular for an office chair |
US6209840B1 (en) * | 1997-05-23 | 2001-04-03 | Chao Ken Chen | Mechanism for the relative positioning of chair arm |
US6045191A (en) * | 1997-05-28 | 2000-04-04 | Desital Holland B.V. | Arm-rest for a chair and a chair comprising this arm-rest |
US5765920A (en) * | 1997-06-02 | 1998-06-16 | Lai; Yu-Shan | Height-adjusting mechanism for arm rest of a chair |
US6076892A (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 2000-06-20 | Knoll, Inc. | Multi-adjustable armrest assembly |
US6053578A (en) * | 1997-06-04 | 2000-04-25 | Knoll, Inc. | Multi-adjustable armrest assembly |
US5908221A (en) * | 1997-06-09 | 1999-06-01 | Allseating Corporation | Vertically adjustable armrest assembly for a chair |
US5895095A (en) * | 1997-09-29 | 1999-04-20 | Chen; Su-Jan | Adjustable armrest assemblies for chairs |
US5931536A (en) * | 1997-10-16 | 1999-08-03 | Wu; Yao-Chuan | Adjustable armrest of a chair |
US6086153A (en) * | 1997-10-24 | 2000-07-11 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair with reclineable back and adjustable energy mechanism |
US6076891A (en) * | 1997-11-17 | 2000-06-20 | Bernhardt; Sean E. | Dual-pivot multi-position ratcheting chair arm |
US6176550B1 (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 2001-01-23 | Steelcase Development Inc. | Adjustable armrest for chairs |
US6168237B1 (en) * | 1997-12-03 | 2001-01-02 | Steelcase Development Inc. | Adjustable armrest for chairs |
US6250715B1 (en) * | 1998-01-21 | 2001-06-26 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Chair |
US6386636B2 (en) * | 1998-01-21 | 2002-05-14 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Chair |
US6367876B2 (en) * | 1998-01-21 | 2002-04-09 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Chair |
US5884976A (en) * | 1998-02-06 | 1999-03-23 | Nightingale Inc. | Chair swivel arm rest |
US5884975A (en) * | 1998-02-26 | 1999-03-23 | Su; Wen-Fa | Chair armrest |
US5879054A (en) * | 1998-02-27 | 1999-03-09 | Cao; Zi-Wen | Armrest Device |
US5927811A (en) * | 1998-02-27 | 1999-07-27 | Shin Yen Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Adjustable chair-armrest assembly |
US5876097A (en) * | 1998-07-20 | 1999-03-02 | Cao; Zi-Wen | Adjustable armrest device |
US6557939B1 (en) * | 1998-10-21 | 2003-05-06 | Vitra Patente Ag | Adjustment mechanism, back cover and arm rest for a chair |
US6017091A (en) * | 1999-03-04 | 2000-01-25 | Cao; Zi-Wen | Adjustable armrest assembly |
US6074012A (en) * | 1999-03-30 | 2000-06-13 | Wu; Yao Chuan | Adjustable armrest device |
US6213454B1 (en) * | 1999-03-31 | 2001-04-10 | Illinois Tool Works Inc. | Reverse air damper with latching mechanism |
US6502904B1 (en) * | 1999-04-12 | 2003-01-07 | Sdm Hansen Ag | Arm support for a chair |
US6059366A (en) * | 1999-05-06 | 2000-05-09 | Hu; Jung-Hua | Adjustable armrest for chairs |
US6523898B1 (en) * | 1999-06-17 | 2003-02-25 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Chair construction |
US6588847B2 (en) * | 1999-12-04 | 2003-07-08 | Kokuyo Co., Ltd. | Chair |
US20020043862A1 (en) * | 2000-06-06 | 2002-04-18 | Pro-Cord S.P.A. | Armrest for chair, armchair or similar, a chair using said armrest |
US6540300B2 (en) * | 2000-06-06 | 2003-04-01 | Pro-Cord S.P.A. | Armrest for chair, armchair or similar, a chair using said armrest |
US6394553B1 (en) * | 2000-06-09 | 2002-05-28 | Knoll, Inc. | Adjustable armrest assembly with single adjustment lever |
US20020036422A1 (en) * | 2000-09-28 | 2002-03-28 | Formway Furniture Limited | Arm assembly for a chair |
US20020070598A1 (en) * | 2000-12-08 | 2002-06-13 | Loui Perl | Swivel arm adjustment |
US20020074844A1 (en) * | 2000-12-18 | 2002-06-20 | Michael Klingstedt | Adjustable armrest |
US6343840B1 (en) * | 2001-05-18 | 2002-02-05 | Yi Chun Enterprise Ltd. | Height adjustment mechanism for chair backrest or arm |
US20030025378A1 (en) * | 2001-06-21 | 2003-02-06 | Chin-Tao Lin | Turnable armrest for an office chair |
US20030030317A1 (en) * | 2001-08-08 | 2003-02-13 | Chen Chao Ken | Armrest of chair with cushion |
Cited By (21)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060238011A1 (en) * | 2005-04-08 | 2006-10-26 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Adjustable armrest with motion control |
US7234779B2 (en) | 2005-04-08 | 2007-06-26 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Armrest with height adjustment mechanism |
US7341313B2 (en) | 2005-04-08 | 2008-03-11 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Adjustable armrest with motion control |
US20060226691A1 (en) * | 2005-04-08 | 2006-10-12 | Steelcase Development Corporation | Armrest with height adjustment mechanism |
US7837269B2 (en) | 2005-04-13 | 2010-11-23 | Bock1 Gmbh & Co. Kg | Armrest, in particular for an office chair |
US20080084103A1 (en) * | 2005-04-13 | 2008-04-10 | Bock 1 Gmbh & Co. Kg | Armrest, in Particular for an Office Chair |
US7537287B2 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2009-05-26 | Irvin Automotive Products, Inc. | Sliding armrest |
US20090206647A1 (en) * | 2005-11-23 | 2009-08-20 | Irvin Automotive Products, Inc. | Sliding armrest |
US8029065B2 (en) | 2005-11-23 | 2011-10-04 | Irvin Automotive Products, Inc. | Sliding armrest |
US20080277991A1 (en) * | 2007-05-10 | 2008-11-13 | Porter Group, Llc | Vehicle seat armrest assembly |
US7828390B2 (en) | 2007-05-10 | 2010-11-09 | Porter Group, Llc | Vehicle seat armrest assembly |
US20100207414A1 (en) * | 2007-07-30 | 2010-08-19 | Nifco Inc. | Console box |
US8162369B2 (en) * | 2007-07-30 | 2012-04-24 | Nifco, Inc. | Console box |
WO2011130270A1 (en) * | 2010-04-13 | 2011-10-20 | Herman Miller, Inc. | Adjustable armrest |
US20130153447A1 (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2013-06-20 | Chrysler Group Llc | Armrest assembly |
US9022466B2 (en) * | 2011-12-19 | 2015-05-05 | Fca Us Llc | Armrest assembly |
US20140077567A1 (en) * | 2012-09-20 | 2014-03-20 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair Arm Assembly |
US9028001B2 (en) * | 2012-09-20 | 2015-05-12 | Steelcase Inc. | Chair arm assembly |
US20160297335A1 (en) * | 2015-04-13 | 2016-10-13 | Hyundai Motor Company | Sliding armrest device for vehicle |
US9776539B2 (en) * | 2015-04-13 | 2017-10-03 | Hyundai Motor Company | Sliding armrest device for vehicle |
US10932574B2 (en) * | 2019-06-06 | 2021-03-02 | Chuan Hsing Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. | Adjustable armrest |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1568297A1 (en) | 2005-08-31 |
JP2005237944A (en) | 2005-09-08 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20050189807A1 (en) | Chair with functional armrest | |
US9427085B2 (en) | Chair arm assembly | |
US7708347B2 (en) | Footrest mounting arrangement for an article of furniture | |
US6994400B2 (en) | Chair with adjustable seat depth | |
US8678503B2 (en) | Adjustable arm for chair | |
EP3808221A1 (en) | Chair arm assembly | |
US7753448B2 (en) | Seat position-adjusting device for a highchair | |
US10524575B2 (en) | Furniture member with foldable pawl and ratchet assembly | |
AU6565101A (en) | Arm assembly for a chair | |
CA2881887A1 (en) | Chair arm assembly | |
US20020140266A1 (en) | Height-adjustment mechanism for a chair | |
US20060284461A1 (en) | Chair with recline control mechanism, recline limit control and back tilt mechanism | |
US8079645B2 (en) | Force multiplier device for furniture member adjustment | |
US6422652B1 (en) | Height adjusting mechanism | |
US7052089B2 (en) | Multi-position headrest and mechanism therefor | |
US5800009A (en) | Hands-free recliner | |
CA2696407A1 (en) | Vehicle seat apparatus | |
US6659561B1 (en) | Arm rest adjustable forwardly and rearwardly | |
US20090230750A1 (en) | Infinitely adjustable armrest for seat | |
JPH10313974A (en) | Armrest device for chair | |
JP3637732B2 (en) | Chair armrest device | |
JP3675104B2 (en) | Chair armrest device | |
JPH10313972A (en) | Armrest device for chair | |
JPH11155685A (en) | Device for chair with armrest | |
KR20230018673A (en) | Seat assembly |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: STEELCASE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NORMAN, CHRISTOPHER J.;KARSTEN, GARY L.;REEL/FRAME:015032/0833 Effective date: 20040225 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |