Dual function stowable armrest

US10112516B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Ford Global Technologies, LLC · US

Inventors

• Srinivasan Sundararajan · Ann Arbor, US
• Kevin Michael Pline · Plymouth, US
• Derek Board · Ferndale, US
• Rick Anderson · Walnut Creek, US
• Ronald A. Bozio · Holland, US
• David John McCarthy · Holland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 17, 2016
• Grant date: Oct 30, 2018
• Expiry date: Dec 30, 2036

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N3/02
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An armrest assembly for a vehicle includes a displaceable armrest element and a linkage assembly. The linkage assembly is configured for translating the displaceable armrest element between a deployed configuration and a folded configuration. The linkage assembly includes a spring-actuated pivoting over-center link configured to disengage the linkage assembly to allow the displaceable armrest element to rotate. An actuator is provided which on sensing an impact ruptures a frangible fastener holding the over-center link in a substantially parallel orientation to at least one drive link, thereby allowing the spring-actuated over-center linkage to pivot relative to the at least one drive link.