Armrest torque control
AssigneePrince Corporation
InventorsDale J. Frye, Kenneth M. Lindberg, Alan L. Kindig, Robert J. Stander, Joseph B. Buonodono, Jeffrey D. Gras, David A. Ozios
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A torque control for providing a desired frictional resistance to a pivotally mounted vehicle accessory, such as an armrest or headrest, which includes a resilient member having an irregular arcuate slot. A resistance element extends in the slot to move along the length thereof as the pivoted component pivots about the pivot axis. In one modification, the shape of the slot provides a desired predetermined frictional resistance and in another modification a cutout is made in one of the walls of the slot permitting such wall to flex.
Claims12
A torque control for use in conjunction with a component pivotally mounted to a support structure for pivotal movement about a pivot pin, said torque control comprising:
- at least one cylindrical resistance element adapted to be fixedly mounted to one of said component or structure in spaced relationship to the pivot pin, said resistance element having a predetermined diameter;
- and
- a member composed of a resilient polymeric material for attachment to the other of the component or structure, said member having at least one arcuate slot spaced from the pivot pin and receiving therein said resistance element for movement longitudinally therethrough as the component pivots about the pivot pin;
- said slot having a width dimension relatively smaller than said diameter of said resistance element, whereby a desired frictional resistance is obtained as the component is pivotally moved, and wherein means is provided to continuously vary the force exerted by the sides of said slot on said resistance element as it travels through substantially the entire arcuate length of said slot whereby a variable frictional resistance is provided on said resistance element as it slides along said slot.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.