Infinitely vertically adjustable drop down armrest mechanism

US9616785B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PAC SEATING SYSTEMS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Hector Noel Marini · Stuart, US
• Michael Edward Boyle · Port St. Lucie, US
• Kenneth Raymond Davie · Port St. Lucie, US
• Sean August Kimpel · Stuart, US
• Charles Christopher Tufano · Stuart, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 9, 2014
• Grant date: Apr 11, 2017
• Expiry date: Jan 20, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B60N2/77
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A vehicle seat having a bottom frame, a seat back connected to the frame, and an armrest capable of upward and downward movement. The armrest includes a seat bracket connecting the armrest to the frame and a vertically variable adjustment mechanism. The mechanism has a control disposed in the armrest, a lock actuated to an engaged or disengaged position by the control, a rack disposed in a generally vertical direction, and a one-way bearing acting as pinion and having two rotational states. The first rotational state is a locked state where the lock is engaged and prevents the one-way bearing from rotating, preventing the rack and armrest from a downward movement. The second rotational state is a free state where the lock is in the engaged position and a force is applied in the upward direction, the one-way bearing can rotate, allowing the rack and armrest an upward movement.