Patent ID: 6302486
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: A47C,Y10T

Abstract:
A seating unit comprising:a seat, and a backrest operably connected with the seat and extending upwardly adjacent said seat;a support operably connected with at least a selected one of the seat and the backrest and having a mounting block thereon;an armrest including a pivot block defining a lower surface;a main pivot mounted on one of the mounting block and the pivot block that pivotally interconnects the mounting block to the pivot block, the main pivot including a pivot hole and the other of the mounting block and the pivot block including a protrusion configured to rotatably engage the hole, the pivot hole and the protrusion including interfacing surfaces having a predetermined high coefficient of friction such that rotation of the armrest about the main pivot requires a predetermined amount of force;a brake pad separate from the main pivot and located between the mounting block and the pivot block, the brake pad being spaced from the main pivot and contacting the lower surface of the pivot block, whereby the armrest is rotatable about the main pivot, but a predetermined minimum torsional force is required sufficient to overcome a frictional force of the brake pad and of the main pivot to cause rotation of the armrest;the main pivot including a bushing having an integral spacer positioned between, engaging, and spacing apart the mounting block and the pivot block and contacting the upper surface of the mounting block and also contacting the pivot block to support said pivot block; and wherein:the interfacing surfaces both have ridges that engage each other to provide a detented frictional force opposing rotation about the main pivot.