Patent Application
20050264045
The present invention relates generally to a stowable armrest. More specifically, the invention relates to an armrest for a vehicle seat which may be readily stowed behind the seat to improve access to the area behind the seat.
In recent years, the space between front seats in vehicles, particularly truck cabs for example, has become more crowded. The proliferation of electronic and other equipment located between or on the armrests of the seats contributes to this congestion. Often, truckers have a sleeping area located in the cab behind the vehicle seats, but the limited space between the seats may make it difficult to access this area.
The present invention is directed to this problem of freeing up space between vehicle seats, where armrests are normally permanently located.
The present invention overcomes disadvantages of prior armrests, while providing new advantages not previously obtainable.
In one embodiment of the present invention, an armrest assembly is provided for a vehicle seat. The armrest assembly comprises an armrest support bracket adapted for mounting in fixed position relative to the seat; and an armrest having a base end and a free end, the base end of the armrest being pivotally connected to the support bracket. The armrest is movable in a rearward direction from an operative position suitable for use by a seat occupant to an intermediate stowed position with the armrest extending upwardly; the armrest is also movable in a lateral direction from the intermediate stowed position toward the center line of the seat to a final stowed position.
The novel features which are characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, together with further objects and attendant advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Set forth below is a description of what is currently believed to be the preferred embodiment of the invention claimed. Alternatives and modifications to this preferred embodiment are contemplated. Any alternatives or modifications which make insubstantial changes in function, in purpose, in structure or in result are intended to be covered by the claims of this patent.
Referring first to
Referring to
The armrest 20 is mounted in a conventional manner to pivot pin 30 which includes a stop pin 31 to limit the angular orientation of the armrest in its operative position, again in a manner well known in the art.
Pivot pin 30 is rigidly attached to swing bracket 40. Swing pin 43 passes through apertures 41, 51, connecting main pin 50 with swing bracket 40. The other end of main pin 50 is retained within pivot tube 67 on main bracket 60. Main bracket 60 also includes stop pin 63. Suitable devices, such as a keeper spring, e.g., a spring clip (not shown), may be used to retain main pin 50 within the pivot tube during use.
In operation, armrest 10 is movable rearwardly from the operating, “down” position shown in
Armrest 20 may rotate upwardly and rearwardly about main pin 50 with respect to seat 10. This rotation may be effected by applying an upward force on the distal portion 24 of armrest 20. This will cause armrest 20 to rotate about main pin 50, rotating within pivot tube 67, to the intermediate raised position shown in
When in the raised position shown in
It will be understood that modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment disclosed, to change the rotational movement of the armrest from the operating position to the fully raised position, from 107° to other rotational ranges. It will also be understood that the devices disclosed may be modified to enhance the swing range of the armrest, so that it may be stowed at any angular position relative to the horizontal.
It should also be understood that other mechanisms may be employed to achieve rotation of the armrest to a raised position, and then swinging of the armrest to a position behind the seat. Such mechanisms include but are not limited to a ball joint or universal pivot mechanism, and other equivalent structures well known to those skilled in the art.
The above description is not intended to limit the meaning of the words used in the following claims that define the invention. Rather, it is contemplated that future modifications in structure, function or result will exist that are not substantial changes and that all such insubstantial changes in what is claimed are intended to be covered by the claims.
