USOO86785.

03B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,678,503 B2

Machael et al. (45) Date of Patent: Mar. 25, 2014

(54) ADJUSTABLE ARM FOR CHAIR 5,971,484 A * 10/1999 Lamart et al. ............ 297/.411.37
5,984,416 A 11/1999 Waldo et al.
ck
(75) Inventors: Jay R. Machael, Muscatine, IA (US); 28.6% A $38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297/.411.37
Jesse Hahn, Cedar Rapids, IA (US); 6,213,556 B1 4/2001 Chen
John Robert Koch, Muscatine, IA (US); 6,572,195 B1 6/2003 Lee
Todd Ireland, Coopersville, MI (US); 6,592,085 B2 7/2003 Iwata et al.
Brett Kooistra, Grand Haven, MI (US) 6,799,803 B1 * 10/2004 Lee et al. ................. 297/.41 135
(Continued)
(73) Assignee: HNI Technologies Inc., Muscatine, IA
(US) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this DE 29809099 U1 7, 1999
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 EP O958765 B1 T 2003
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
(21) Appl. No.: 13/269,318
International Search Report and Written Opinion issued in PCT/
(22) Filed: Oct. 7, 2011 IS2008/05893, mailed Jul. 17, 2008, 9 pages.
(65) Prior Publication Data
Primary Examiner — David R Dunn
US 2012/O112511 A1 May 10, 2012 Assistant Examiner — Tania Abraham
Related U.S. Application Data (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Faegre Baker Daniels LLP
(63) Continuation of application No. 12/048,111, filed on
Mar. 13, 2008, now Pat. No. 8,061,778. (57) ABSTRACT
(60) Provisional application No. 60/894,655, filed on Mar. A chair arm adjustment device according to embodiments of
13, 2007. the present invention includes an arm pad base slidably
coupled to the arm Support, the arm pad base sliding Substan
(51) Int. Cl. tially horizontally in two degrees of freedom with respect to
A47C 7/54 (2006.01) the arm Support within a range of motion of the arm pad base
(52) U.S. Cl. with respect to the arm Support, and an arm brake assembly
USPC ............. 297/411.37; 297/411.35; 297/411.36 coupled with the arm padbase, the arm brake assembly move
(58) Field of Classification Search able between a locked position in which the armbrake assem
USPC ............. 297/41135-411.37: 248/418, 124.2: bly substantially inhibits movement of the arm pad base rela
188/3OO tive to the arm Support and an unlocked position in which the
See application file for complete search history. arm brake assembly does not substantially inhibit movement
of the arm pad base relative to the arm support, wherein the
(56) References Cited arm brake assembly moves from the unlocked position to the
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS locked position at any position of the arm pad base within the
range of motion.
5,590,934. A * 1/1997 Gibbs ...................... 297,411.38
5,634,537 A * 6/1997 Thorn ........................... 188,300
5,927,811 A 7/1999 Tseng 8 Claims, 34 Drawing Sheets
 US 8,678,503 B2
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(56) References Cited 7,341,313 B2 * 3/2008 Bedford et al. .......... 297/.411.38

7,387.341 B1* 6/2008 Tsai ................ 297/41135
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 8,061,778 B2 * 1 1/2011 Machael et al. ......... 297/.411.37
2002/003.6422 A1 3/2002 Prince et al.
6,802,566 B2 * 10/2004 Prince et al. ............. 297,411.37 2002/0070598 A1* 6, 2002 Perl .......................... 297/.41 135
6,908,158 B2 6, 2005 Willette et al. 2003/0178882 A1 9, 2003 Schmitz et al.
6,969,116 B2 11/2005 Machael et al. 2005, 01461.92 A1 7/2005 Trego et al.
6,974,189 B2 12/2005 Machael et al. 2005, 0146.195 A1 7, 2005 Machael et al.
6,994.400 B2 2/2006 Koepke et al. 2006, OOO6723 A1 1/2006 Diffrient
7,066,538 B2 6/2006 Machael et al. 2006, O2500 18 A1 11, 2006 Tsai
7,066,546 B2 * 6/2006 Trego et al. .............. 297,411.37 2009/0033139 A1 2/2009 Machael et al.
7,201.449 B2 * 4/2007 Tsai ............ ... 297,411.36
7,246,859 B2 * 7/2007 Igarashi et al. .......... 297,411.36 * cited by examiner
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1. 2
ADJUSTABLE ARM FOR CHAIR element may be one or more springs. Some embodiments of
the present invention may further include a brake lifter with a
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED ramp opening, the ramp opening including a ramp. In Such
APPLICATIONS cases, the arm brake assembly may includes a post protruding
through the ramp opening. Such that sliding the brake lifter in
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent applica a Substantially horizontal direction raises the post along the
tion Ser. No. 12/048,111, filed on Mar. 13, 2008, and entitled, ramp to move the arm brake assembly from the locked posi
“Adjustable Arm for Chair, which claims the benefit of U.S. tion to the unlocked position. A spring may bias the arm brake
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/894,655, filed on assembly toward the locked position. According to some
Mar. 13, 2007, and entitled, “Adjustable Arm for Chair.” both 10 embodiments of the present invention, an arm link is pivot
of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entire ably coupled to the arm pad base at a first pivotaxis, a button
ties for all purposes. link including a button is pivotably coupled to the arm link at
a second pivotaxis and pivotably coupled to the brake lifter at
TECHNICAL FIELD a third pivot axis, such that pushing the button widens an
15 angle formed by the first, second, and third pivotaxes to slide
Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to the brake lifter in the substantially horizontal direction.
office furniture, and more specifically to an adjustable arm for Embodiments of the present invention may further include
an office chair. arm base about which the arm Support pivots; for example, the
arm Support may pivot about the arm base through two or
BACKGROUND more discrete pivot angles. In some cases, the arm brake
assembly contacts the arm Support in the locked position but
Current adjustable arms often require a high degree of not in the unlocked position.
force to activate abutton which permits movement of the arm A chair arm adjustment device according to embodiments
pad; often, Such force has a level of magnitude at or above the of the present invention includes an arm base, an arm Support
force required to move the arm pad. Often, adjustable chair 25 pivotably coupled to the arm base, a slider slidably coupled to
arms do not permit arm pad movement in both side to side and the arm Support, the slider configured to slide Substantially
forward to backward directions in the horizontal plane, or horizontally along a first direction, and an arm pad base
often require separate buttons to be activated to move the arm slidably coupled to the slider. The arm pad base may be
pad in different directions in the same horizontal plane. configured to slide Substantially horizontally along a second
Adjustable chair arms which do offer adjustment often do not 30 direction with respect to the slider (the second direction sub
permit Subsequentlocking in an infinite number of selectable stantially perpendicular to the first direction), and the arm pad
positions. In addition, current adjustable arms often do not base may be configured to slide substantially horizontally
permit horizontal translation in more than one non-parallel simultaneously in the first and second directions with respect
direction, Swiveling in the horizontal plane, and also vertical to the arm Support. Such embodiments may further include an
height adjustment. Buttons for controlling adjustable arms 35 arm brake assembly coupled with the arm pad base, the arm
are often not located near to each other or in a location easily brake assembly moveable between a locked position in which
accessible for a user seated in the chair. the arm brake assembly substantially inhibits sliding of the
arm pad base with respect to the arm Support and an unlocked
SUMMARY position in which the arm brake assembly does not substan
40 tially inhibit sliding of the arm pad base with respect to the
A chair arm adjustment device according to embodiments arm Support, wherein the arm brake assembly is operable to
of the present invention includes an arm Support, an arm pad move from the unlocked position to the locked position at an
base slidably coupled to the arm Support, the arm pad base infinite number of positions of the arm pad base with respect
configured to slide Substantially horizontally in two degrees to the arm Support. According to some embodiments of the
of freedom with respect to the arm Support within a range of 45 present invention, the arm pad base slides with respect to the
motion of the arm pad base with respect to the arm Support, arm Support within a range of motion, and the arm brake
and an arm brake assembly coupled with the arm pad base. assembly is operable to move from the unlocked position to
The arm brake assembly is moveable between a locked posi the locked position in an infinite number of positions of the
tion in which the arm brake assembly substantially inhibits arm pad base with respect to the arm Support within the range
movement of the arm pad base with respect to the arm Support 50 of motion.
and an unlocked position in which the arm brake assembly A chair arm adjustment device according to other embodi
does not substantially inhibit movement of the arm pad base ments of the present invention includes an arm Support, an
with respect to the arm Support, and the arm brake assembly arm pad base coupled to the arm Support, the arm pad base
is operable to move from the unlocked position to the locked moveable with respect to the arm Support in any direction
position at any position of the arm pad base within the range 55 along a plane, and an arm brake assembly coupled with the
of motion, according to embodiments of the present inven arm pad base, the arm brake assembly moveable between a
tion. A width slider may be slidably coupled to the arm locked position in which the arm brake assembly interferes
Support and configured to slide back and forth Substantially with the arm support to substantially inhibit sliding of the arm
horizontally with respect to the arm Support along a first pad base with respect to the arm Support and an unlocked
direction, and the arm padbase may be slidably coupled to the 60 position in which the arm brake assembly does not substan
width slider, the arm pad base configured to slide back and tially interfere with sliding of the arm pad base with respect to
forth substantially horizontally with respect to the width the arm Support, wherein the arm brake assembly is operable
slider along a second direction different from (and in some to move from the unlocked position to the locked position at
cases perpendicular to) the first direction. an infinite number of positions of the arm pad base with
According to Some embodiments of the present invention, 65 respect to the arm Support. The arm pad may be coupled to the
a biasing element may be included to push the arm brake arm Support by a slider. Such embodiments of a chair arm
assembly toward the arm Support. In some cases, the biasing adjustment device may further include a button, a brake lifter
 US 8,678,503 B2
3 4
with a ramp opening with at least one ramp, wherein the arm FIG. 5 illustrates another side view of the chair of FIGS.
brake assembly includes a post extending through the ramp 1-4, according to embodiments of the present invention.
opening and wherein sliding the brake lifter raises the post FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the chair of FIGS. 1-5,
along the ramp to move the arm brake assembly from the according to embodiments of the present invention.
locked position to the unlocked position, and a means for 5 FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the chair of FIGS. 1-6,
sliding the brake lifter in response to a push of the button. according to embodiments of the present invention.
Other embodiments of a chair arm adjustment device may FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a left chair arm
include a brake lifter with a ramp opening with at least one according to embodiments of the present invention.
ramp, wherein the arm brake assembly includes a post 10
FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a right chair arm
extending through the ramp opening and wherein sliding the according to embodiments of the present invention.
brake lifter raises the post along the ramp to move the arm FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an arm
brake assembly from the locked position to the unlocked assembly according to embodiments of the present invention.
position, a button linkage with a button, the button linkage FIG. 11 illustrates another exploded perspective view of
pivotably coupled to the brake lifter at a first pivot point, and 15 the arm assembly of FIG. 10, according to embodiments of
an arm linkage pivotably coupled to the button linkage at a the present invention.
second pivot point and pivotably coupled to the arm pad base FIG. 12 illustrates a top view of an arm depth slider,
at a third pivot point, wherein an obtuse angle is formed by the according to embodiments of the present invention.
first, second, and third pivot points such that pushing the FIG. 13 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the arm
button slides the brake lifter. Embodiments of the present depth slider of FIG. 12, taken along line A-A of FIG. 12,
invention may further include an arm base about which the according to embodiments of the present invention.
arm Support pivots. FIG. 14 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the arm
A chair arm adjustment device according to yet other depth slider of FIG. 12, taken along line B-B of FIG. 12,
embodiments of the present invention includes an arm Sup according to embodiments of the present invention.
port, an arm pad base coupled to the arm Support, the arm pad 25 FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of the arm depth
base moveable with respect to the arm Support in any direc slider of FIGS. 12-14, according to embodiments of the
tion along a plane, an arm brake assembly coupled with the present invention.
arm pad base, the arm brake assembly moveable between a FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the arm
locked position in which the arm brake assembly interferes depth slider of FIGS. 12-15, according to embodiments of the
with the arm support to substantially inhibit sliding of the arm 30 present invention.
pad base with respect to the arm Support and an unlocked FIG. 17 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an arm
position in which the arm brake assembly does not substan brake assembly, according to embodiments of the present
tially inhibit sliding of the arm pad base with respect to the invention.
arm support, wherein movement of the arm brake from the FIG. 18 illustrates a top plan view of an arm brake, accord
locked position to the unlocked position is a Substantially 35 ing to embodiments of the present invention.
Vertical movement, an arm brake after, wherein sliding the FIG. 19 illustrates a side elevation view of the armbrake of
arm brake lifter substantially horizontally moves the arm FIG. 18, according to embodiments of the present invention.
brake from the locked position to the unlocked position, and FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the arm brake
abutton linkage assembly pivotably coupled to the arm brake of FIG. 18, taken along line A-A of FIG. 18, according to
lifter and to the arm pad base, the button linkage assembly 40 embodiments of the present invention.
comprising a button, wherein pushing the button causes the FIG. 21 illustrates a bottom plan view of the arm brake of
button linkage assembly to slide the brake lifter, and wherein FIGS. 18-19, according to embodiments of the present inven
an amount of force to depress the button decreases as the arm tion.
brake moves from the locked position to the unlocked posi FIG. 22 illustrates a top plan view of an arm brake pad,
tion. According to Such embodiments of the present inven 45 according to embodiments of the present invention.
tion, the arm brake assembly may be operable to move from FIG. 23 illustrates a side elevation view of the arm brake
the unlocked position to the locked position at an infinite pad of FIG. 22, according to embodiments of the present
number of positions of the arm pad base with respect to the invention.
arm Support. FIG. 24 illustrates a partial top plan view of a brake lifter,
While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other 50 according to embodiments of the present invention.
embodiments of the present invention will become apparent FIG. 25 illustrates a side elevation view of the brake lifter
to those skilled in the art from the following detailed descrip of FIG. 24, according to embodiments of the present inven
tion, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of tion.
the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed FIG. 26 illustrates a front elevation view of the brake lifter
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not 55 of FIGS. 24-25, according to embodiments of the present
restrictive. invention.
FIG. 27 illustrates a top plan view of an arm pivot support,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS according to embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 28 illustrates a side elevation view of the arm pivot
FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a chair accord 60 support of FIG. 27, according to embodiments of the present
ing to embodiments of the present invention. invention.
FIG. 2 illustrates front view of the chair of FIG. 1, accord FIG. 29 illustrates a bottom plan view of the arm pivot
ing to embodiments of the present invention. support of FIGS. 27-28, according to embodiments of the
FIG. 3 illustrates back view of the chair of FIGS. 1 and 2, present invention.
according to embodiments of the present invention. 65 FIG. 30 illustrates a front elevation view of the arm pivot
FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the chair of FIGS. 1-3, support of FIGS. 27-29, according to embodiments of the
according to embodiments of the present invention. present invention.
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FIG. 31 illustrates a side cross sectional view of the arm FIG. 56 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the chair
pivot of FIG. 27 taken along line A-A of FIG. 27, according to arm adjustment mechanism of FIGS. 54-55 in a locked posi
embodiments of the present invention. tion, according to embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 32 illustrates a top perspective view of the arm pivot FIG. 57 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the chair
support of FIGS. 27-31, according to embodiments of the arm adjustment mechanism of FIGS. 54-56 in an unlocked
present invention. position, according to embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 33 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the arm FIG.58 illustrates a chair arm adjustment mechanism with
pivot support of FIGS. 27-32, according to embodiments of the brake lifter removed, according to embodiments of the
the present invention. present invention.
FIG. 34 illustrates a top plan view of an arm width slider, 10 While the invention is amenable to various modifications
according to embodiments of the present invention. and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been
FIG. 35 illustrates a front cross-sectional view of the arm shown by way of example in the drawings and are described
width slider of FIG. 34, taken along line A-A of FIG. 35, in detail below. The intention, however, is not to limit the
according to embodiments of the present invention. invention to the particular embodiments described. On the
FIG. 36 illustrates a bottom plan view of the arm width 15 contrary, the invention is intended to coverall modifications,
slider of FIGS. 34-35, according to embodiments of the equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the
present invention. invention as defined by the appended claims.
FIG. 37 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the arm
width slider of FIGS. 34-36, according to embodiments of the DETAILED DESCRIPTION
present invention.
FIG.38 illustrates a top perspective view of the arm width Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to
slider of FIGS. 34-37, according to embodiments of the office furniture, and more specifically to an adjustable arm for
present invention. an office chair. FIGS. 1-7 depict an office chair 100 according
FIG. 39 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the arm to embodiments of the present invention. Chair 100 includes
width slider of FIGS. 34-38, according to embodiments of the 25 a back 102, a seat 104, a left arm 106, a right arm 108, and a
present invention. base pedestal 110. Seat 104 and back 102 of chair 100 rotate
FIG. 40 illustrates a top perspective view of an arm pad about base pedestal 110, and casters 112 or wheels may be
assembly, according to embodiments of the present invention. coupled to base pedestal 110 to contact an underlying Surface
FIG. 41 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the arm (such as, for example, a floor), according to embodiments of
pad assembly, according to embodiments of the present 30 the present invention. Back 102 may include a Support mem
invention. ber 116 and a covering (not shown) made of mesh, fabric, or
FIG. 42 illustrates atop plan view of an arm link, according the like which is coupled to back 102 along outer frame 114
to embodiments of the present invention. and against which a user's back would rest.
FIG. 43 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the arm link of As used herein, the term “coupled' is used in its broadest
FIG. 42, taken along line A-A of FIG. 42, according to 35 sense to refer to elements which are connected, attached,
embodiments of the present invention. and/or engaged, either directly or integrally or indirectly via
FIG. 44 illustrates a bottom plan view of the arm link of other elements, and either permanently, temporarily, or
FIGS. 42-43, according to embodiments of the present inven removably. As used herein, the term "swivelably coupled' is
tion. used in its broadest sense to refer to elements which are
FIG. 45 illustrates a side elevation view of the arm link of 40 coupled in a way that permits one element to swivel with
FIGS. 42-44, according to embodiments of the present inven respect to another element. As used herein, the terms "rotat
tion. ably coupled' and “pivotably coupled are used in their
FIG. 46 illustrates a front plan view of an arm pivot lock, broadest sense to refer to elements which are coupled in away
according to embodiments of the present invention. that permits one element to rotate or pivot with respect to
FIG. 47 illustrates a side elevation view of the arm pivot 45 another element. As used herein, the term "slidably coupled
lock of FIG. 46, according to embodiments of the present is used in its broadest sense to refer to elements which are
invention. coupled in away that permits one element to slide or translate
FIG. 48 illustrates a side elevation view of an arm clamp with respect to another element.
spring, according to embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the terms “horizontal. “horizontally,” and
FIG. 49 illustrates a front elevation view of the arm clamp 50 the like are used in their broadest sense to refer to a direction
spring of FIG. 48, according to embodiments of the present along or parallel to a plane relative to a chair 100, where such
invention. plane is defined by the lines H1 and H2 depicted in FIGS. 2.
FIG. 50 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a button, 5 and 6. Although lines H1 and H2 are not shown in all views,
according to embodiments of the present invention. the plane defined by H1 and H2 in FIGS. 2, 5 and 6 serves to
FIG. 51 illustrates a top perspective view of the button of 55 define such plane in all views as such plane is defined relative
FIG.50, according to embodiments of the present invention. to chair 100. As used herein, the terms “vertical.” “vertically.”
FIG. 52 illustrates a top plan view of an arm button link, and the like are used in their broadest sense to refer to a
according to embodiments of the present invention. direction along or parallel to a line relative to a chair 100,
FIG.53 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the arm button where such line is defined by the line V1 of FIGS. 2, 5 and 6.
link of FIG. 52, taken along line A-A of FIG. 52, according to 60 Although line V1 is not shown in all views, line V1 serves to
embodiments of the present invention. define such line in all views as such line is defined relative to
FIG. 54 illustrates a top perspective view of a chair arm chair 100.
adjustment mechanism in a locked position, according to FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a left chair arm 106,
embodiments of the present invention. and FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a right chair arm
FIG.55 illustrates a top perspective view of the chair arm 65 108 according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG.
adjustment mechanism of FIG. 54 in an unlocked position, 10 illustrates an exploded perspective view of various swiv
according to embodiments of the present invention. eling components of arm 106 according to embodiments of
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the present invention. Arm 106 includes an arm pivot support that the arm depth slider 415 can move to an infinite number
423 coupled to an arm base 405, for example via one or more of positions within its range of motion, and also the arm depth
screws 282,294, washers 283, 305, and/or lock washers 284, slider 415 can be locked with respect to the arm pivot support
according to embodiments of the present invention. 423 in an infinite number of positions by moving the arm
According to Some embodiments of the present invention, brake assembly 417 back into engagement (e.g. frictional
the arm pivot support 423 is pivotably coupled to the arm base engagement) with the arm pivot Support 423, according to
405 at screw 282 and pivots about screw 282. Screw 16 embodiments of the present invention.
contacts the segments of an arm pivot lock 433 to permit The arm brake assembly 417 may be raised and lowered by
pivoting of the arm pivot support 423 with respect to the arm a brake lifter 421 in engagement with the arm depth slider
base 405 through several discrete pivot locations; for 10 415, according to embodiments of the present invention. Pegs
example, the arm pivot lock 433 may permit the arm pivot on the arm brake assembly 417 may extend through ramp
support 423 to pivot between three discrete pivot locations, openings on the brake lifter 421 such that sliding the brake
according to embodiments of the present invention. An arm lifter 421 causes the pegs and thus the arm brake assembly
width slider 425 is slidably coupled to the arm pivot support 417 to move vertically as the pegs travel along ramps formed
423, according to embodiments of the present invention, Such 15 in the ramp openings, according to embodiments of the
that the arm pivot support 423 slides back and forth in a present invention. The brake lifter 421 may be slidably
horizontal direction with respect to the arm pivot support 423. coupled to the arm depth slider 415, according to embodi
FIG. 11 illustrates another exploded perspective view of ments of the present invention. For example, an arm link 431
the chair arm 106, according to embodiments of the present may be pivotably coupled to the arm depth slider 415 and to
invention. An arm depth slider 415 is slidably coupled to the an arm button link 441, and the arm button link 441 may also
arm width slider 425, according to embodiments of the be pivotably coupled to the brake lifter 421, such that pushing
present invention. The arm depth slider 415 slides back and a button 439 coupled to the arm button link 441 changes an
forth along a substantially horizontal direction with respect to angle formed between the arm link 431 and the arm button
the arm width slider 425, according to embodiments of the link 441 to slide the brake lifter 421 with respect to the arm
present invention. According to some embodiments of the 25 depth slider 415, according to embodiments of the present
present invention, the arm width slider 425 slides back and invention. For example, pushing the button 439 may be con
forth in a direction with respect to the arm pivot support 423 figured to increase an angle formed between the arm link 431
which intersects another direction in which the arm depth and the arm button link 441, such that as the arm link 431 and
slider 415 slides back and forth with respect to the arm width button link 441 angle approaches a one hundred eighty degree
slider 425. According to some embodiments of the present 30 angle, the work required to hold the button 439 in position to
invention, the arm depth slider 415 and the arm width slider raise the brake assembly 417 decreases, according to embodi
425 slide back and forthin substantially horizontal directions. ments of the present invention. According to some embodi
According to other embodiments of the present invention, the ments of the present invention, the range of motion of the arm
arm depth slider 415 and the arm width slider 425 slide back link 431 and/or the arm button link 441 is limited such that the
and forth in substantially horizontal perpendicular directions. 35 angle between the arm link 431 and the arm button link 441
An arm brake assembly 417 may be coupled to the arm remains less than one hundred eighty degrees, such as, for
depth slider 415 with screws 280 and bushings 293, according example, to avoid an over-centering situation in which the
to embodiments of the present invention. Arm clamp Springs button becomes stuck in a depressed position.
435 push against the bushings 293 and the arm brake assem The arm pad assembly 427 may be coupled to the arm
bly 417 to push the arm brake assembly 417 downward 40 depth slider 415 such that the arm pad assembly 427 moves
through the arm depth slider 415, according to embodiments with and according to the arm depth slider 415, according to
of the present invention. Springs 435 push the arm brake embodiments of the present invention. For this reason, the
assembly 417 against the arm pivot support 423 to substan terms “arm depth slider” and “arm pad base' are used inter
tially prevent the substantially horizontal sliding of the arm changeably herein. As such, the term "arm padbase' may also
width slider 425 and/or the arm depth slider 415 when the arm 45 include an arm pad base that is coupled directly or indirectly
brake assembly 417 is engaged with the arm pivot Support to the arm pivot support 423 in ways which differ from the
423, such as, for example, when the arm brake assembly 417 depicted coupling between the arm depth slider 415 and the
is in frictional engagement with the arm pivot Support 423, arm pivot Support 423, according to embodiments of the
according to embodiments of the present invention. The arm present invention.
clamp Springs 435 may have a spring rate of 103 pounds per 50 The arm pivot support 423 may be attached to the arm
inch, with 2.266 active coils and 4.266 total coils, according support assembly 405 as illustrated. Arm pivot support 423
to embodiments of the present invention. includes a hole 3602 and two curved slots 3604,3606, as well
According to Some embodiments of the present invention, as a tab 3608 and a guide protrusion 3610 (see FIGS. 27-33),
not only does the arm depth slider 415 move in a substantially according to embodiments of the present invention. A screw
horizontal plane simultaneously along two transverse direc 55 282 may be placed through a lock washer 284, through
tions with respect to the arm pivot support 423, but also the another washer 283, through hole 3602 and into arm support
frictional-type engagement of the arm brake assembly 417 assembly 405 as illustrated, to swivelably couple arm pivot
with the underlying arm pivot support 423 permits the arm support 423 with arm support assembly 405, according to
depth slider 415 to be locked into any number of infinite embodiments of the present invention. A screw 294 may be
positions within its range of motion with respect to the arm 60 placed through a washer 305, through slot 3604, and into arm
pivot support 423. Because the position of the arm depth support assembly 405 as illustrated. Another screw may be
slider 415 need not be confined to a defined set of coordinates 294 may be placed through a washer 305, through slot 3606,
when the arm brake assembly 417 is engaged with the arm and into arm support assembly 405 as illustrated. An arm
pivot Support 423, the user is given a greater degree of cus pivot lock 433 may be attached under arm pivot support 423
tomization. In other words, the arm depth slider 415 moves in 65 by placing a connector through hole 4502 (see FIGS. 46–47)
a Substantially horizontal plane in two degrees of freedom and then through hole 3612 (see FIG. 29), according to
when the brake assembly 417 is in an unlocked position, such embodiments of the present invention.
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The resulting configuration permits arm pivot Support to Armbrake assembly 417 includes an arm brake 418 and an
Swivel in a Substantially horizontal plane about pivot point arm brake pad 419 attached underneath the arm brake 418
3602, with the range of swiveling motion limited by the extent (see FIG. 17). Armbrake assembly 417 is biased in the down
of slot 3604 and/or 3606. According to some embodiments of ward or “locked’ position by the arm clamp springs 435 (see
the present invention, the range of swiveling motion is limited 5 FIGS. 48-49), according to embodiments of the present
by slot 3604 to approximately twenty-five degrees due to the invention. In the down or locked position, arm brake pad 419
placement of screw 294 through and within slot 3604. In one is pushed against a top Surface of arm pivot Support 423,
embodiment, arm pivot lock 433 may be configured to pro thereby substantially inhibiting horizontal forward or back
vide Swiveling resistance and/or a set of pre-defined positions ward or side-to-side translation of arm padassembly 427 with
between which arm pivot support 423 may be swiveled, by 10 respect to arm pivot Support 423.
contacting the screw 294 which has been placed through slot The arm brake assembly 417 may be lifted by arm brake
3606 with the outer edge 4504 of arm pivot lock 433. Accord lifter 421, according to embodiments of the present invention.
ing to Some embodiments of the present invention, use of arm Armbrake lifter 421 may be placed on top of arm depth slider
pivot lock 433 imparts a “center position, a “left' position, 415 between ridges 2830, such that post 3502 extends within
and a “right' position. 15 a gap 2832 between ridges 2830 and post 3504 extends within
The arm width slider 425 slidably couples arm pivot sup another gap 2834 between ridges 2830 (see FIG. 12), accord
port 423 with arm depth slider 415, according to embodi ing to embodiments of the present invention. Forward or
ments of the present invention. Arm width slider 425 (see backward sliding of arm brake lifter 421 may thus be limited
FIGS. 34-39) includes a slot 3902 which extends to the edge by the posts 3502,3504 abutting the ridges 2830 at the front
of arm width slider 425 and another slot 3904 which does not or back of gaps 2832, 2834, respectively. The forward posts
extend to the edge of arm width slider 425. Arm pivot support 3110 of arm brake assembly 417 extend within slots 3506 of
423 (see FIGS. 27-33) includes an edge 3614 shaped to cor arm brake lifter 421, and the rearward posts 3112 of armbrake
respond with an outer edge 3906 of arm width slider 425: arm assembly 417 extend within slots 3512 of arm brake lifter 421
width slider 425 may be inserted or slid into arm pivot support (see FIGS. 24-25), according to embodiments of the present
423 by inserting slot 3902 over guide protrusion 3610; tab 25 invention. When the arm brake assembly 417 is in the down
3608 may be depressed initially as arm width slider 425 is slid ward or “locked configuration, posts 3110 rest within a
into arm pivot and then may pop up once slot 3904 passes over trough 3508 of slot 3506, and posts 3112 likewise rest within
tab 3608. Once tab 3608 has popped up within slot 3904, the a trough 3514 of slot 3512, according to embodiments of the
lateral sliding movement of arm width slider 425 is limited by present invention. When the arm brake lifter 421 is slid for
tab 3608 and slot 3904, and is further stabilized by guide 30 ward along arm depth slider 415, the shape of slots 3506,
protrusion 3610 within slot 3902, according to embodiments 3512 causes a corresponding vertical displacement of posts
of the present invention. Thus, arm width slider 425 is able to 3110, 3112 which lifts the arm brake assembly 417. In other
freely slide back and forth in a substantially horizontal direc words, in a lifted or “unlocked’ position, arm brake lifter 421
tion with respect to arm pivot support 423. has been slid forward causing posts 3110 to be pushed toward
Arm width slider 425 includes a pair of prongs 3908 which 35 or against the upper end 3510 of slot 3506 and causing posts
may be inserted through a widest portion 2802 of a slot 3112 to be pushed toward or against the upper end 3516 of slot
formed within arm depth slider 415, after which the prongs 3512. According to such embodiments of the present inven
3908 may be slid over rails 2804 such that arm depth slider tion, slots 3506, 3512 act as ramps to lift the arm brake
415 slides on arm width slider 425 in a forward and backward assembly 417 vertically as the arm brake lifter 421 is slid
substantially horizontal direction along prongs 3908. Arm 40 horizontally.
brake assembly 417 may be coupled with arm depth slider The forward sliding of the arm brake lifter 421 may be
415 by inserting hole 3108 over mount 2810 and by inserting imparted by a “toggle lock” type mechanism activated by the
hole 3106 over mount 2822, then by inserting an arm clamp arm button 439, and as illustrated in FIGS. 54-58. Arm link
spring 435, bushing 293, and screw 280 onto each mount 431 may be pivotably coupled to arm depth slider 415 by an
2810, 2822. Armbrake assembly 417 is sized to fit within the 45 attachment device such as, for example, by screw 281 placed
slot formed in arm depth slider 415, such that shoulders 3102 through hole 4402 (see FIGS. 42-45) and then into arm depth
are placed near edges 2806 and shoulders 3104 are placed slider 415 at pivot point 2812 (see FIG. 12). Arm button link
near edges 2808, according to embodiments of the present 44.1 may be pivotably coupled to the top of arm brake lifter
invention. Once arm brake assembly 417 is in place, the 421 at pivot point 3520 by an attachment device such as, for
forward and backward movement of arm depth slider 415 50 example, by screw 300 placed through a washer and then
along arm width slider 425 is limited by the abutment of the through hole 5004 (see FIGS. 52-53) and into arm brake lifter
arm width slider 425 against posts 3110 in a forward position 421 at pivot point 3520 (see FIG. 24). Arm link 431 may be
and by the abutment of the arm width slider 425 against pivotably coupled with arm button link 441 by pivotably
shoulder 3104 in a rearward position, according to embodi coupling pivot point 4404 with pivot point 5002 (see FIGS.
ments of the present invention. As used herein, the phrase 55 42. 52), according to embodiments of the present invention.
“range of motion' is used in its broadest sense to refer to the Because arm button link 441 is linked to arm button 439,
full set of positions available for one element with respect to pushing the arm button 439 inwardly causes a sliding move
another. For example, the range of motion of the width slider ment of arm brake lifter 421 and corresponding lifting of the
425 includes the furthest the width slider 425 can move in one arm brake assembly 417, as illustrated in FIGS. 54-58.
direction with respect to the arm pivot support 423 and the 60 Thus, the button 439 activates this “toggle lock” type
furthest the width slider 425 can move in the opposite direc mechanism to release the rubber clutch pad 419. Such a
tion with respect to the arm pivot Support 423, and all posi “toggle lock” type mechanism is beneficial, according to
tions in between. The range of motion of the arm depth slider embodiments of the present invention, because the force to
415 includes all positions between the furthest forward, back hold the button 439 in as the pad 419 is adjusted is lower than
ward, and sideways extents to which the arm depth slider 415 65 the initial force to activate. Activating the button 439 allows
can slide with respect to the arm pivot Support 423, according the arm to move fore/aft and left/right in a substantially hori
to embodiments of the present invention. Zontal plane.
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As such, embodiments of the present invention include a unlocked position, according to embodiments of the present
compact set of mechanisms within a chair arm to permit a invention. In the unlocked position, the button 439 is
Swiveling and/or pivoting motion of the arm pad assembly depressed, the brake pad 419 is lifted with respect to the arm
427 in a substantially horizontal plane and a translation pivot support 423, and the width slider 425 slides freely with
motion of the arm pad assembly 427 in both forward-and 5 respect to the arm pivot support 423 and the arm depth slider
backward and side-to-side directions in a Substantially hori 415 slides freely with respect to the width slider 425, accord
Zontal plane. According to other embodiments of the present ing to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 58 illus
invention, the slot 3614 in arm pivot support 423 into which trates a chair arm adjustment mechanism in a locked position
arm width slider 425 may be inserted is curved, and/or the arm with the brake lifter removed, according to embodiments of
width slider 425 is curved or otherwise adapted, such that 10 the present invention. In the unlocked position, the pair of
lifting the brake assembly 417 permits the arm pad to be prongs 3908 slide over rails on the arm depth slider 415,
moved through an arc Substantially in the horizontal plane. according to embodiments of the present invention.
According to other embodiments of the present invention, the Various modifications and additions can be made to the
arm pivot support 423 and/or arm width slider 425 may be exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from
similarly adapted to permit the armpad to slide forward and 15 the scope of the present invention. For example, while the
outward at the same time, once brake assembly 417 has been embodiments described above refer to particular features, the
lifted. Scope of this invention also includes embodiments having
According to embodiments of the present invention, brake different combinations of features and embodiments that do
419 and/or the top of arm pivot support 423 may include not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the
materials and/or structures which cause them to Substantially Scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all Such
inhibit movement of the pad assembly 427 when the brake alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the
419 contacts the arm pivot support 423 and substantially Scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
permit movement of the pad assembly 427 when the brake
419 has been lifted away from arm pivot support 423. For What is claimed is:
example, the brake 419 and/or the arm pivot support 423 may 25 1. A chair arm adjustment device, comprising:
be constructed of a rubber material or other such material an arm base; and
which creates resistance to movement due to friction. The an arm Support pivotably coupled to the arm base and
brake 419 and/or arm pivot support 423 may also feature, comprising first and second arcuate slots, wherein the
according to embodiments of the present invention, a mild arm Support pivots about the arm base through two or
protrusion which interfaces with a mild indentation to sub 30 more discrete pivot angles;
stantially inhibit arm pad assembly 427 movement in the wherein the arm Support further comprises a hole config
locked position. According to yet other embodiments of the ured to receive a fastener that swivelably couples the arm
present invention, the brake 419 and/or the arm pivot support Support to the arm base and the first and second arcuate
423 may include one harder surface with small protrusions, slots are arranged such that a pivot axis of the arm
spikes, or bumps which are configured to interface with and/ 35 Support extends through the hole and the first and second
or embed within a softer surface to substantially inhibit arm arcuate slots are generally perpendicular.
pad assembly 427 movement in the locked position. 2. A chair adjustment device:
FIG. 54 illustrates a top perspective view of a chair arm an arm base;
adjustment mechanism in a locked position, according to an arm Support pivotably coupled to the arm base, wherein
embodiments of the present invention. The button 439 is in 40 the arm Support pivots about the arm base through two or
the out or locked position, and the links 431, 441 are at more discrete pivot angles; and
approximately sixteen degrees angle from flat (e.g. the links a pivot lock configured to provide Swiveling resistance
431, 441 have an angle formed between them of approxi and/or a set of pre-defined positions between which arm
mately one hundred sixty-four degrees), according to Support may be swiveled;
embodiments of the present invention. The springs are 45 wherein the pivot lock is coupled to the arm Support
uncompressed, the post 3502 is in a forward position, and the between the arm base and arm Support; and
posts 3110, 3112 are in the lower position in which the posts first and second fasteners configured to couple the arm base
3110, 3112 are in the rear of the slots, according to embodi to the arm Support, wherein the first and second fasteners
ments of the present invention. FIG.55 illustrates a top per extend through and are translatable with respect to the
spective view of the chair arm adjustment mechanism of FIG. 50 first and second arcuate slots, respectively, and wherein
54 in an unlocked position, according to embodiments of the the first fastener engages the pivot lock in one of three
present invention. In the unlocked position, the button 439 is pre-defined positions.
depressed, the links form angles of approximately five 3. A chair adjustment device comprising:
degrees from flat (e.g. the links 431,441 have an angle formed an arm base;
between them of approximately one hundred seventy-five 55 an arm Support including first and second arcuate slots
degrees), according to embodiments of the present invention. first and second fasteners configured to couple the arm base
The post 3502 is moved back, the spring is compressed, and to the arm Support, wherein the first and second fasteners
the posts 3110,3112 have slid and lifted in the slots within the extend through and move with respect to the first and
brake lifter 421, according to embodiments of the present second arcuate slots, respectively; and
invention. 60 a third fastener extending through a hole in the arm Support
FIG. 56 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the chair to Swivelably couple the arm Support to the arm base;
arm adjustment mechanism of FIGS. 54-55 in a locked posi wherein the first and second arcuate slots are non-parallel.
tion, according to embodiments of the present invention. In 4. A chair arm adjustment device comprising:
the locked position, the button 439 is in the “home” or locked an arm base;
position, and the brake pad 419 interferes with the arm pivot 65 an arm Support including first and second arcuate slots;
support 423. FIG. 57 illustrates a bottom perspective view of first and second fasteners configured to couple the arm base
the chair arm adjustment mechanism of FIGS. 54-56 in an to the arm Support, wherein the first and second fasteners
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extend through and move with respect to the first and to the first arcuate slot and through a second pivotangle
second arcuate slots, respectively; due to translation of the second fastener with respect to
a third fastener extending through a hole in the arm Support the second arcuate slot;
to Swivelably couple the arm Support to the arm base; wherein the arm Support further comprises a hole config
and 5 ured to receive a third fastener that swivelably couples
a pivot lock configured to provide Swiveling resistance the arm Support to the arm base and the first and second
and/or a set of pre-defined positions between which arm arcuate slots are arranged Such that a pivot axis of the
arm Support extends through the hole and the first and
Support may be swiveled and the pivot lock is coupled to second arcuate slots are non-parallel.
the arm Support between the arm base and arm Support; 6. The chair arm adjustment device of claim 5, further
wherein the first fastener engages the pivot lock in one of comprising:
three pre-defined positions. a pivot lock configured to provide Swiveling resistance
5. A chair arm adjustment device comprising: and/or a set of pre-defined positions between which arm
an arm base; Support may be swiveled.
an arm support including first and secondarcuate slots; and 5 7. The chair arm adjustment device of claim 6, wherein the
first and second fasteners configured to couple the arm base pivot lock is coupled to the arm Support between the arm base
to the arm Support, wherein the first and second fasteners and arm Support.
extend through and are translatable with respect to the 8. The chair arm adjustment device of claim 7, wherein the
first and second arcuate slots, respectively, Such that the first fastener engages the pivot lockin one of three pre-defined
arm Support is movable horizontally through a first pivot positions.
angle due to translation of the first fastener with respect