ADJUSTABLE ARMREST

Abstract

An armrest includes a stem and a sleeve defining a cavity. At least a portion of the stem is received in the cavity, with the stem being moveable relative to the sleeve. The sleeve includes opposite side walls defining in part the cavity, wherein at least one of the side walls includes a plurality of vertically spaced recesses. A carrier is moveably coupled to the stem. At least one lock member is carried by the carrier and is moveable relative to the carrier between a locked position and an unlocked position as the carrier is moved. The at least one lock member is received in at least one of the vertically spaced recesses when moved to the locked position. The at least one lock member is displaced from the vertically spaced recesses when moved to the unlocked position. A method of adjusting the armrest is also provided, as well as an adjustable arm support supported by the stem and methods for the use thereof.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an armrest, and in particular, to an adjustable armrest for use with a seating structure, such as a chair, together with methods for the use and assembly.

BACKGROUND

Seating structures, such as chairs, are often configured with armrests. Due to the different size and needs of the users, armrests are frequently made adjustable, whether in a vertical direction, or within a horizontal plane, including providing for example adjustment in a fore-aft, side-to-side and/or rotational direction. Often, adjustable armrests are provided with actuators, such as buttons or levers, which must be actuated in order to manipulate the armrest in the desired manner. As such, any movement requires coordination between the actuation and a force required to initiate the movement, which may be difficult or confusing. In addition, the actuators may not be readily visible to the user, or the function thereof may not be readily understood. Moreover, armrests configured with mechanisms to allow for the various adjustments may feel loose and/or rattle due to tolerance buildups and the like, thereby leading to concerns about quality and/or safety.

SUMMARY

The present invention is defined by the following claims, and nothing in this section should be considered to be a limitation on those claims.

In one aspect, one embodiment of an armrest includes a stem and a sleeve having a cavity. At least a portion of the stem is received in the cavity and is moveable relative to the sleeve. The sleeve includes opposite side walls defining in part the cavity. At least one of the side walls includes a plurality of vertically spaced recesses and a track forming a loop, wherein one side of the loop includes a plurality of vertically spaced notches. A pawl is moveably coupled to the stem. The pawl is moveable in the track between an engaged position wherein the pawl is engaged with at least one of the notches, and a disengaged position, wherein the pawl is disengaged from the notches. A carrier is moveably coupled to the stem. The carrier is moveably engaged by the pawl and is moveable between first and second positions as the pawl is moved between the engaged and disengaged positions. At least one lock member is carried by and moveable relative to the carrier moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position as the carrier is moved between the first and second positions. The at least one lock member is received in at least one of the vertically spaced recesses when moved to the locked position. The at least one lock member is displaced from the at least one of the vertically spaced recesses when moved to the unlocked position.

In another aspect, one embodiment of an armrest includes a stem extending in a first direction and a sleeve having a longitudinally extending cavity. At least a portion of the stem is received in the cavity. The stem is moveable relative to the sleeve. The sleeve includes opposite side walls defining in part the cavity, wherein at least one of the side walls includes a plurality of vertically spaced recesses. A carrier is moveably coupled to the stem. The carrier is reciprocally moveable in the first direction between first and second positions. At least one lock member is carried by the carrier and is moveable relative to the carrier in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The at least one lock member is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position as the carrier is moved between the first and second positions. The at least one lock member is received in at least one of the vertically spaced recesses when moved to the locked position. The at least one lock member is displaced from the vertically spaced recesses when moved to the unlocked position.

In yet another aspect, a method for vertically adjusting an armrest includes moving a stem upwardly relative to a sleeve and moving a carrier member relative to the stem in a first direction in response to the stem moving upwardly. The method further includes moving a lock member laterally inwardly away from at least one of a plurality of vertically spaced recesses formed in the sleeve in response to the carrier member moving relative to the stem.

The various embodiments of the armrest, and methods for adjusting the armrest, provide significant advantages over other workstations. For example and without limitation, vertical adjustment may be realized simply by grasping and moving the armrest upwardly, without the need to locate or actuate an actuator. When the desired position is achieved, the armrest may be simply released, with the lock members providing a robust and solid feeling to the stem.

In other aspects, an arm support is coupled to the stem, and is moveable relative thereto. In one embodiment, the arm support is rotatable, as well as translatable in a fore-aft and side-to-side direction. In one embodiment, an armrest includes a stem and a rotation limiter nonrotatably coupled to the stem. A carrier is rotationally coupled to the stem. The rotation limiter is operably engaged with the carrier to limit the rotation of the carrier relative to the stem. A base member is longitudinally moveable relative to the carrier. A support member is laterally moveable relative to the base member.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The various preferred embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating structure configured with one embodiment of an armrest.

FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of one embodiment of an armrest.

FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of one embodiment of an armrest with one embodiment of an arm support.

FIG. 4 is a top view of one embodiment of an arm support.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the arm support shown in FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a top view of another embodiment of an arm support.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the arm support shown in FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7.

FIG. 8 is a partial exploded view of the arm support shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 9 is a partial exploded view of the arm support shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a partial exploded view of the armrest shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 11 is a partial interior view of one embodiment of the armrest.

FIG. 12A is a partial view of the armrest in a locked position, with the pawl and lock member in engaged and locked positions respectively.

FIG. 12B is a partial view of the armrest in a released position, with the pawl and lock member in disengaged and unlocked positions respectively.

FIG. 12C is a partial view of the carrier armrest in a lowering position, with the pawl and lock member in a locked-out and unlocked positions respectively.

FIG. 13A is a partial view of the armrest in a locked position, with the carrier, pawl and lock member in first, engaged and locked positions respectively.

FIG. 13B is a partial view of the armrest in a released position, with the carrier, pawl and lock member in second, disengaged and unlocked positions respectively.

FIG. 13C is a partial view of the armrest in a lowering position, with the carrier, pawl and lock member in second, locked-out and unlocked positions respectively.

FIG. 14 is a partial interior side view of one embodiment of an adjustable armrest.

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of one embodiment of an adjustable armrest.

FIG. 16A is a cross-sectional view of the armrest shown in FIG. 15 taken along line 16-16, with the pawl in an engaged position.

FIG. 16B is a cross-sectional view of the armrest shown in FIG. 15 taken along line 16-16, with the pawl in a disengaged position.

FIG. 17A is a cross-sectional view of the armrest with the lock members shown in an unlocked position.

FIG. 17B is a cross-sectional view of the armrest with the lock members shown in a locked position.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of an arm support.

FIG. 19 is a partial, top perspective view of one embodiment of an arm support.

FIG. 20 is a side view of one embodiment of an arm support.

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the arm support shown in FIG. 20 taken along line 21-21, with the armrest in a maximum lateral position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It should be understood that the term “plurality,” as used herein, means two or more. The term “longitudinal,” as used herein means of or relating to length or the lengthwise direction, for example from a top to a bottom of an elongated armrest. The term “lateral,” as used herein, means situated on, directed toward or running from side to side. The term “coupled” means connected to or engaged with whether directly or indirectly, for example with an intervening member, and does not require the engagement to be fixed or permanent, although it may be fixed or permanent, and includes both mechanical and electrical connection. The terms “first,” “second,” and so on, as used herein are not meant to be assigned to a particular component so designated, but rather are simply referring to such components in the numerical order as addressed, meaning that a component designated as “first” may later be a “second” such component, depending on the order in which it is referred. It should also be understood that designation of “first” and “second” does not necessarily mean that the two components or values so designated are different, meaning for example a first direction may be the same as a second direction, with each simply being applicable to different components. It should be understood that the phrases “vertical” direction or movement, etc., refer to at least a component of a vector extending in the vertical direction, and not that the described component be parallel to a vertical axis.

Seating Structure:

Referring to FIG. 1, a seating structure 2 is shown. The term seating structure is directed to any structure intended to support the body of a user, including for example and without limitation, furniture, such as office chairs, beds, sofas, etc., vehicular seating, including without limitation, automotive, rail and airplane seating, theatre and lounge seating, etc. In one embodiment, a chair includes a seat 4, a backrest 6, a base structure 8 and a pair of armrests 10, shown as supported by the base structure.

Vertically Adjustable Armrest:

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 11-14, a vertically adjustable armrest 10 includes a sleeve 12, which may be coupled to a support structure, such as the base structure, whether integrally formed or secured with fasteners, welding or other known attachment devices. The sleeve may include an outer sleeve 14 and an inner sleeve 16, although both components may be integrally formed. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner sleeve 16 includes an upper lip 18 that rests on and engages the outer sleeve 14. The inner sleeve includes a pair of sleeve components 24, each having a sidewall 26, which are interconnected with tabs 30 and clips 28 to form a cavity 60 therebetween. Each side wall has a plurality of vertically spaced recesses 32 and a looped track 34 positioned adjacent the recesses formed therein. On one side of the track loop, a plurality of vertically spaced notches 36 are formed, with the spacing between the notches corresponding to the spacing between the recesses 32. Each notch extends away from a longitudinally extending vertical channel 38 formed by the track, with a ramped surface 42 extending along and forming the top of each notch. The opposite side of the track loop is configured as a longitudinally extending vertical channel 40, with an upper ramped surface 44 leading to a top of the channel 38, and a lower ramped surface 46 leading from the channel back to a lowermost notch 48 on the other side of the loop.

The armrest further includes a stem 20 having a longitudinally extending lower portion 50 and an upper portion 52. The upper portion defines a platform for supporting an arm support 22, which may fixed or adjustable. For example in FIG. 2, the upper portion 52 is configured to attach a fixed arm support, while in FIG. 3, an adjustable arm support is shown. At least a lower portion of the stem has an interior cavity. A pair of horizontal slots 54, 56 is formed through each of a pair of opposite side walls 58, with one pair of opposed slots 54 shaped and sized to allow movement of a pawl 70, and the other pair of slots 56 positioned and shaped to receive a lock member 80 therein. The lower portion 50 of the stem is sized and dimensioned to mate with and move longitudinally with the cavity formed by the inner sleeve.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 11-14 and 15-17B, a support structure 62 is provided to be secured inside the cavity 60 of the stem. The support structure 62 includes a pair of resilient clips 63 that engage catch members 65 formed on the inside of the stem cavity, providing a snap fit as the support structure is inserted through a bottom of the stem and preventing movement of the support structure in a downward direction. The interface can be further modified to prevent upward movement. The support structure may include stop features formed along a bottom thereof that interface with recesses formed in the stem, or vice versa, so as to prevent upward movement. In an alternative embodiment, a fasteners, such as a screw or pin, may be inserted through the stem to secure the support structure to the stem.

A carrier 64 is moveably supported by the support structure 62, and thereby the stem. The carrier is moveable relative to the support structure and stem in a longitudinally extending vertical direction. In one embodiment, the support structure forms a track 71 in which the carrier is received, and includes a pair of tabs 73 or insert members that ride along corresponding tracks 75 formed in the carrier. A spring 79 is disposed between the support structure and carrier, and biases the carrier downwardly relative to the support structure. Although shown as a compression spring, the spring may be configured as a tension, torsion, cantilever or other known type of spring. The carrier has a track 66, defined as a slot, formed therethrough. In one embodiment, the track has a horizontal portion 68 and an oblique portion 72 extending upwardly from the oblique portion.

A pawl 70, having a base 74 and an end portion 76 is pivotally secured to the support structure, with the pawl being pivotable about a laterally extending horizontal axis 78. In one embodiment, the base 81 of the pawl is configured as a hub 81, which is received in and rotates relative to a correspondingly shaped bearing 83 defined by the support structure. The pawl is not directly spring loaded, but the action of the end portion 76 of the pawl riding in the slot, and in particular the oblique portion 72 applies an effective rotational “spring” force to the pawl. In particular, the force of the spring 79 on the carrier 64 exerts a resultant force on the end portion 76, biasing the pawl to the engaged position shown in FIG. 16A.

The pawl includes an engaging member 82, configured as a pin in one embodiment, which extends laterally away from the end portion 76 through the track 66 in the carrier and through the slot 54 in the stem. The opposite ends of the engaging member 82 are received in the looped track 34 of the sleeve, and are moveable to various engaged, disengaged and locked out positions as further described below.

Referring to FIGS. 2,3, 11-14 A pair of lock members 80 are provided and positioned on opposite sides of the carrier 64. The lock members 80 are captured between the carrier 64 and the interior of the side wall 26 of the inner sleeve, and are positioned in the slots 56 formed in the stem 20. The carrier 64 has a ramped surface 84, such that the carrier provides a pair of lateral recesses 87 transitioning to an outermost side 89 of the carrier. In one embodiment, the lock members 80 are formed as metal cylinders or tubes, which roll or slide along the ramped surface as they transition from the recess to the outer surface of the carrier. It should be understood, however, that the lock members may be formed with other cross-sectional shapes (non-circular), and from other materials, which may slide, for example with low coefficients of friction. The lock members 80 are sized to be received in opposed recesses 32 formed in the side walls of the inner sleeve when in a locked position, with the lock members engaging the sleeve at a bottom of the recess, thereby preventing the stem from moving downwardly relative to the sleeve.

Operation of Vertically Adjustable Armrest:

In operation of the vertically adjustable armrest, the armrest is initially in one of a plurality of locked positions (see FIGS. 12A, 13A and 16A), depending on which recesses 32 and notches 36 are engaged. In such a position, the engaging member 82 of the pawl is received in one of the plurality of notches 36 in an engaged position, with the engaging member extending through the track 66 in the carrier and the opening 54 formed in the stem. In this position, the end portion of the pawl 76 is positioned in an upper portion of the oblique slot 72 of the carrier track, with the carrier 64 positioned in a first position. In this position, the ramped surface 84 of the carrier is positioned such that the lock members 80 are forced laterally outwardly to a lock position, where the lock members are engaged with and positioned in a pair of opposed recesses 32 formed in the sidewalls of the inner sleeve (see FIG. 17B). The lock members 80 move laterally in the slots 56 of the stem between the locked and unlocked position, with the stem helping maintain the longitudinal position of the lock members as they are captured between the carrier member and sleeve.

To adjust the vertical position of the armrest, the user simply lifts up on the stem 20, for example by applying a force through the arm support coupled thereto. As the stem is lifted, the engaging member 82 of the pawl rides along the ramped surface 42 at the top of the corresponding notch in which the engaging member is disposed. The ramped surface moves the engaging member 82 and pawl 70 to a disengaged position wherein the engaging member is positioned in the channel 38 of the track. As the pawl 70 is pivoted, the end portion 76 rides along the track 66 in the carrier, thereby moving the carrier 64 relative to the stem 20 to a second position in the horizontal portion 68 (FIG. 16B), for example in an upward direction. In an alternative embodiment, the engaging member may ride along the track 66. As the carrier member 64 is moved to a second position, the ramped surface 84 moves relative to the lock member 80 thereby increasing the depth of the recess and allowing the lock member to move to an unlocked position out of engagement with the recesses 32 in the inner sleeve (FIG. 17A). At this point, the stem 20, including the pawl 70 and the lock member 80, are disengaged from the sleeve 16, such that the stem can be moved to any desired, higher vertical position. The user then simply releases the stem, e.g., via the arm support. As the stem is released, the pawl 70, and in particular the engaging member 82, is biased into an adjacent notch 36 against ramped surface 42 to an engaged position by way of the end portion 76 traveling along the oblique slot 72 of the carrier 64, with the spring 79 biasing the carrier 64 back to a second position, e.g., downwardly. In this way, the pawl 70 and engaging member 82 are forced into an engaged position once they are past a vertical face, which is disposed between adjacent notches 36 and defines a portion of the channel 38. As the carrier is moved, the ramped surfaces 84 move relative to the lock members 80, thereby forcing the lock members laterally outwardly to a locked position and into engagement with adjacently positioned recesses 32.

To move the armrest downwardly, the stem 20 is moved to an uppermost position, with the engaging member 82 riding along the upper ramped surface 44 leading to the top of the opposite channel 40. As the armrest is then moved downwardly, the engaging member 82 rides along the channel 40 in a locked-out position. At the same time, the engaging member 82 has moved the carrier 64 to a second position, with the lock members 80 positioned in an unlocked position as they ride along the ramped surface 84 away from the recesses 32 in the inner sleeve (FIG. 17A). In this configuration, the armrest is lowered to a lowermost position, wherein the engaging member 82 is then moved along a lower ramped surface 46 leading from the channel 40 back to a lowermost notch 48 on the other side of the loop. As the engaging member 82 moves along the ramped surface 46, the end portion 76 moves within the oblique slot 72, thereby moving the carrier 64 to a first position, and moving the corresponding lock members 80 to a lock position. The armrest may then be vertically adjusted as previously described.

In this way, the armrest is fully vertically adjustable without the need to locate or actuate any auxiliary actuator. Rather, the lifting or lowering motions themselves provide the adjustment. At the same time, the armrest is firmly and robustly locked in one of a plurality of oppositions by way of the lock members and engaging member.

Horizontally Adjustable Arm Support:

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3-10 and 18-21, an arm support 22 is secured to a plate 102, coupled to the upper platform of the stem, for example with a plurality of fasteners 103. The arm support may include an upper pad 100, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 20-21. Referring to FIGS. 3-10 and 18-21, the arm support includes a base member 104, a support member 106 and a carrier 108. The base member includes a longitudinally extending recess 110 having a pair of opposite side walls 112, each formed with a plurality of depressions 114, formed in one embodiment as scallops.

The carrier 108 is disposed in the recess 110 and is shaped and sized to reciprocally move relative to the base member. A pair of rollers 116 are coupled to the carrier and are configured with at least an outer annular elastomeric component. The rollers serve as detents that are disposed in opposing depressions 114. As the base member 104 is moved longitudinally, the rollers 116 compress and/or rotate as the rollers move from engagement with one set of opposing depressions to another set. In this way, the base member 104 is moveable relative to the carrier 108 to a plurality of longitudinal positions, thereby providing the arm support with fore and aft adjustability.

The base member 104 has a slot 118 formed in a bottom thereof, with a boss 120 formed on the plate 102 that extends through the slot 118. The carrier has an opening 122 formed through the bottom thereof, and a rotation limiter disposed in a second opening 124, or recess, formed in a top of the carrier coaxially with the opening 122. The opening 124 has a central, circular opening portion 126, and a pair of opposed tracks 128 communicating the circular opening. A rotation limiter 130 has a center portion 132 and a pair of limiters 134 positioned in the tracks 128, with the limiters having a shorter arcuate length than the tracks. A slide plate 131 functions as a safety cover, which prevents the user from inserting their fingers into the mechanism through slot 118. The rotation limiter 130 is secured to the plate 102 in a non-rotatable relationship with a fastener 107.

In one embodiment shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8, a plurality of horizontally extending depressions 136 (shown as three) is formed radially in one of the rotation limiter or the carrier, with a single depression 138 formed in the other of the rotation limiter or carrier. A pair of opposed detents 142, formed in one embodiment as pins, preferably made of a hard material such as nylon or steel, are disposed in the depressions, with a resilient member 144, such as compressible material (e.g., foam) disposed beneath the pins in the depression 138. In operation, the carrier (and base member) may be rotated in a first or second direction, with the detent 142 moving from a central depression to one of the outer depressions, and the limiter 134 engaging the ends of the track 128. The pins 142 compress the resilient member 144 such that detents may be moved from one depression 136 to another. In this way, the armrest is provided with rotational adjustability. The rotation limiter or carrier can be provided with more or less depressions to provide for more or less adjustment positions.

In another embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 9, the detents 146 are formed as vertical members, with two pairs of opposed pins 146, 148, each pair including a compression pin 148 and a lock pin 146. The rotation limiter 150 includes a plurality of depressions (shown as three) formed along a circumferential wall thereof. The carrier 108 has a recess 152 in which the pins are positioned. In operation, the carrier 108 (and base member 104) are rotated, with the pins 146 moving from one depression 150 to another. The limiter members 134 also engage the ends of the tracks 128 at the outermost rotational positions. The rotation limiter can be provided with more or less depressions to provide for more or less adjustment positions. In addition, the pins can be retained by the rotation limiter, and successively engage depressions formed in the carrier.

As shown in FIGS. 3-10, the base member 104 has upstanding bosses 154, 156 formed on opposite ends thereof. The bosses 154, 156 are longitudinally spaced, and extend in a lateral direction. Referring to FIGS. 3-10 and 18-21, the support member 106 has a pair of longitudinally spaced and laterally extending slots 158 that receive the bosses. In operation, the support member 106 and attached pad 100 are moved laterally by moving the slots 158 along and relative to the bosses 154, 156. In one embodiment, the carrier and base member are each configured with a detent member 171, longitudinally spaced. The detents may be resiliently supported, whether by a spring or other resilient member. The bottom of the support member is configured with a first plurality of laterally spaced, and longitudinally extending recesses 173 or slots that interface with one of the detent members. A second plurality of recesses 175 are longitudinally spaced from the first plurality, and laterally spaced at the same spatial interval. In operation, various corresponding pairs of the first and second pluralities of recesses interface with the detents to maintain a desired lateral location of the support member and pad relative to the base member and carrier. For example, as shown in FIG. 21, the support member 106 is moved to one maximum outer lateral position, with the side of the pad 100 being substantially flush with a side of the base member 104. The first set of recesses 173 are elongated to accommodate the longitudinal movement of the support member 106 relative to the carrier 108, in which a mating detent member 171 is supported. In an alternative embodiment, the support member can be infinitely adjustable relative to the base member, for example with a friction fit between the bosses and slots to hold the support member in a desired position.

In operation, the use simply grasps the arm support 22, i.e., the pad or support member, and moves the support member 106 and pad 100 laterally relative to the base member 104, or longitudinally (with the base member) relative to the carrier member 108 secured to the stem, or rotationally (with the carrier member and base member) relative to the stem 20 (and rotation limiter). In this way, the arm support 22 is provided with longitudinal (fore and aft), lateral (side to side) and rotational adjustment capabilities. At the same time, the armrest is fully adjustable within a single plane (e.g., a horizontal plane) without the need to locate or actuate any auxiliary actuator. Rather, the adjustment motion itself actuates the arm support. At the same time, the arm support is firmly and robustly engaged in any one of a plurality of positions by way of the detents and depressions.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. As such, it is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is the appended claims, including all equivalents thereof, which are intended to define the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An armrest comprising: a stem;a sleeve having a cavity, wherein at least a portion of said stem is received in said cavity and is moveable relative to said sleeve, wherein said sleeve comprises opposite side walls defining in part said cavity, wherein at least one of said side walls comprises a plurality of vertically spaced recesses and a track forming a loop, wherein one side of said loop comprises a plurality of vertically spaced notches;a pawl moveably coupled to said stem, wherein said pawl is moveable in said track between an engaged position wherein said pawl is engaged with at least one of said notches, and an disengaged position, wherein said pawl is disengaged from said notches;a carrier moveably coupled to said stem, wherein said carrier is moveably engaged by said pawl and is moveable between first and second positions as said pawl is moved between said engaged and disengaged positions; andat least one lock member carried by and moveable relative to said carrier moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position as said carrier is moved between said first and second positions, wherein said at least one lock member is received in at least one of said vertically spaced recesses when moved to said locked position, and wherein said at least one lock member is displaced from said at least one of said vertically spaced recesses when moved to said unlocked position.

2. The armrest of claim 1 wherein said carrier comprises a track, wherein said pawl comprises a portion disposed in said track, wherein said carrier is moved between said first and second positions as said pawl is moved in said track.

3. The armrest of claim 2 wherein said track in said carrier comprises an angled portion forming an oblique angle relative to a horizontal plane.

4. The armrest of claim 1 wherein said stem comprises a recess shaped to receive at least a portion of said at least one lock member when said lock member is moved to said locked position.

5. The armrest of claim 1 wherein said lock member is maintained in said unlocked position when said pawl is disposed in an opposite side of said loop in a locked-out position.

6. The armrest of claim 1 wherein said lock member comprises a pin.

7. The armrest of claim 1 wherein both of said side walls comprises said plurality of vertically spaced recesses, and wherein said at least one lock member comprises a pair of lock members disposed on opposite sides of said carrier member.

8. The armrest of claim 1 further comprising an arm support coupled to said stem above said sleeve, wherein said arm support is moveable relative to said stem.

9. The armrest of claim 8 wherein said arm support is rotatable relative to said stem, and is longitudinally and laterally translatable relative to said stem.

10. An armrest comprising: a stem extending in a first direction;a sleeve having a longitudinally extending cavity, wherein at least a portion of said stem is received in said cavity and wherein said stem is moveable relative to said sleeve, wherein said sleeve comprises opposite side walls defining in part said cavity, wherein at least one of said side walls comprises a plurality of vertically spaced recesses;a carrier moveably coupled to said stem, wherein said carrier is reciprocally moveable in said first direction between first and second positions; andat least one lock member carried by said carrier and moveable relative to said carrier in a second direction substantially perpendicular to said first direction, wherein said at least one lock member is moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position as said carrier is moved between said first and second positions, wherein said at least one lock member is received in at least one of said vertically spaced recesses when moved to said locked position, and wherein said at least one lock member is displaced from said at last one of said vertically spaced recesses when moved to said unlocked position.

11. The armrest of claim 10 wherein said at least one lock member comprises a cylindrical component.

12. The armrest of claim 10 wherein said at least one lock member is moveably captured between said carrier and said sleeve, but is otherwise free of any attachment to said carrier or sleeve.

13. The armrest of claim 10 wherein both of said side walls comprises said plurality of vertically spaced recesses, and wherein said at least one lock member comprises a pair of lock members disposed on opposite sides of said carrier member.

14. A method of vertically adjusting an armrest comprising: moving a stem upwardly relative to a sleeve;moving a carrier member relative to said stem in a first direction in response to said stem moving upwardly; andmoving a lock member laterally inwardly away from at least one of a plurality of vertically spaced recesses formed in said sleeve in response to said carrier member moving relative to said stem.

15. The method of claim 14 further comprising moving said carrier member relative to said stem in a second direction opposite said first direction and thereby moving said lock member laterally outwardly so as to be disposed in at least one of said recesses and thereby immobilizing said stem relative to said sleeve.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein said moving said carrier member comprises moving a pawl from an engaged position wherein said pawl is engaged with at least one of a plurality of notches formed along an inner side wall of said sleeve to a disengaged position wherein said pawl is disposed in one side of a track loop.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising moving said stem to an uppermost position and thereby moving said pawl to an opposite side of said track loop, lowering said stem to a lowermost position, wherein said pawl is engaged with one of said plurality of said notches and said lock member is disposed in one of said recesses when said stem is moved to said lowermost position.

18. The method of claim 14 further comprising moving an arm support relative to stem.

19. The method of claim 18 wherein said moving said arm support comprises rotating said arm support relative to said stem.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein said moving said arm support comprises translating said arm support relative to said stem.

21. An armrest comprising: a stem;a rotation limiter nonrotatably coupled to said stem;a carrier rotationally coupled to said stem, wherein said rotation limiter is operably engaged with said carrier to limit the rotation of said carrier relative to said stem;a base member longitudinally moveable relative to said carrier; anda support member laterally moveable relative to said base member.

22. The armrest of claim 21 further comprising a detent disposed between said rotation limiter and said carrier, said detent comprising a first detent member and a second detent member, wherein said first and second detent members have different resiliencies.

23. The armrest of claim 21 further comprising a detent disposed between said carrier and said base member.