VEHICLE ARMREST SUPPORT
A deployable or fixed armrest support for a vehicle includes an elongate body operable between a vertical stowed position and a horizontal deployed position. The elongate body is configured to support the weight of a passenger in the vehicle. An extendable support is configured to be withdrawn from a cavity in the elongate body. The extendable support is operable between a deployed position and a stowed position. A plurality of spokes are disposed on and configured to rotate about a distal end of the deployable armrest support. The plurality of spokes including polymeric pads configured to support a portable computing device. One of a power port and a data port is disposed on the elongate body.
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The present invention generally relates to an armrest support for a vehicle, and more specifically, to an armrest support configured to detachably support a portable computing device for a vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONArmrest supports are generally used in vehicles to provide additional comfort to passengers. In addition, armrest supports that have increased utility and functionality can assist passengers that are attempting to conduct work activities and use portable computing devices inside the vehicle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONAccording to one aspect of the present invention, an armrest for a vehicle includes an elongate body operable between a vertical stowed position and a horizontal deployed position. The elongate body is configured to support the weight of an arm of a passenger in the vehicle. An extendable support is configured to be withdrawn from a cavity in the elongate body. The extendable support is operable between a deployed position and a stowed position. A plurality of spokes are disposed on and configured to rotate about a distal end of the extendable support. The plurality of spokes include polymeric pads configured to support a portable computing device. One of a power port and a data port is disposed on the elongate body.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle armrest includes an elongate body operable between a vertical stowed position and a horizontal deployed position. An extendable support is configured to be withdrawn from a cavity in the elongate body. A plurality of spokes are disposed on and configured to rotate about a distal end of the extendable support. The plurality of spokes include polymeric pads configured to support a portable computing device.
In yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle armrest includes an elongate body operable between a vertical stowed position and a horizontal deployed position. A raised gasket projects upward from a top surface of the elongate body when the elongate body is in the horizontal deployed position and is configured to frictionally engage a portable computing device. An interface button is configured to secure an underside of the portable computing device.
In still another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle armrest is configured for deployable use or fixed us. The vehicle armrest is operable to securely support a portable computing device and includes power and data ports. The vehicle armrest can also support tablets, books, magazines, food trays, etc.
These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present invention will be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon studying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.
In the drawings:
For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
As shown in
With reference to the embodiment illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment of
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Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in
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It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described invention and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein.
For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown in multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of the wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of the wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations.
It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.
It is to be understood that variations and modifications can be made on the aforementioned structure and methods without departing from the concepts of the present invention, and further it is to be understood that such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.
Claims
1. An armrest for a vehicle, comprising:
- an elongate body operable between a vertical stowed position and a horizontal deployed position, the elongate body being configured to support the weight of an arm of a passenger in the vehicle;
- an extendable support configured to be withdrawn from a cavity in the elongate body, the extendable support operable between a deployed position and a stowed position;
- a plurality of spokes disposed on and configured to rotate about a distal end of the extendable support, the plurality of spokes including polymeric pads configured to support a portable computing device; and
- one of a power port and a data port disposed on the elongate body.
2. The armrest of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spokes are generally equidistantly spaced about the distal end of the extendable support.
3. The armrest of claim 1, wherein the plurality of spokes includes two spokes, each of which is connected at a center portion thereof to the extendable support.
4. The armrest of claim 1, wherein the extendable support is extendable through a sidewall of the elongate body.
5. The armrest of claim 1, wherein the extendable support and the plurality of spokes are all constructed from a metallic material.
6. The armrest of claim 1, wherein the polymeric pads include a suction cup type construction.
7. An armrest for a vehicle comprising:
- an elongate body operably coupled with the vehicle;
- an extendable support configured to be withdrawn from a cavity in the elongate body; and
- a plurality of spokes disposed on and configured to rotate about a distal end of the extendable support, the plurality of spokes including polymeric pads configured to support a portable computing device.
8. The armrest of claim 7, wherein the plurality of spokes are generally equidistantly spaced about the distal end of the extendable support.
9. The armrest of claim 7, wherein the plurality of spokes includes two spokes, each of which is connected to a center portion thereof to the extendable support.
10. The armrest of claim 7, wherein the extendable support is extendable through a sidewall of the elongate body.
11. The armrest of claim 7, wherein the spokes extend upwardly from the distal end of the extendable support.
12. The armrest of claim 7, wherein the extendable support and the plurality of spokes are all constructed from a metallic material.
13. The armrest of claim 7, wherein the polymeric pads include a suction cup construction.
14. The armrest of claim 7, wherein the elongate body includes at least one of a power port and a data port.
15. The armrest of claim 7, wherein the elongate body includes a control panel on a top surface thereof.
16. A vehicle armrest comprising:
- an elongate body operable between a vertical stowed position and a horizontal deployed position;
- a raised gasket projecting upward from a top surface of the elongate body when the elongate body is in the horizontal deployed position and configured to frictionally engage a portable computing device; and
- an interface button configured to secure an underside of the portable computing device.
17. The vehicle armrest of claim 16, wherein the raised gasket is made of a polymeric material.
18. The vehicle armrest of claim 16, wherein the raised gasket includes a generally rectangular configuration.
19. The vehicle armrest of claim 16, wherein the elongate body includes at least one of a data and power port.
20. The vehicle armrest of claim 19, wherein the at least one of a data and power port is disposed within a spaced defined by the raised gasket.
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 20, 2014
Publication Date: Jul 23, 2015
Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Dearborn, MI)
Inventor: Jonathan Robert Pendlebury (Torquay)
Application Number: 14/159,236