Patent Publication Number: US-10759316-B2

Title: Dynamic adjustable armrest

Description:
INTRODUCTION 
     The present disclosure relates to motor vehicles, and more specifically to motor vehicle interior armrests. Because motor vehicle occupants often spend significant portions of their days sitting inside their motor vehicles, motor vehicles are typically equipped not only with a variety of safety features, but a number of comfort amenities. Additionally, the ergonomic design of motor vehicle interiors is an important aspect in adding safety, reducing repetitive stress injuries, and increasing occupant comfort. Seating position relative to various hard points within the motor vehicle interior is carefully managed and calculated to provide an ergonomically sound position for a wide swath of the occupants who might potentially sit within a given vehicle. However, because the body size, shape, and proportions of potential occupants can vary wildly, it can be difficult to produce a seating position that allows all potential drivers to reach the steering wheel, pedals, gear lever, and the like, while also providing easy and comfortable use of other ergonomic features of the passenger compartment such as the armrests. 
     Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an ergonomically-designed armrest that can be produced simply at relatively low cost, and that is accessible and comfortable to use by occupants having substantially different physical characteristics, while improving occupant comfort for long and short periods of use, reducing the potential for injuries, and increasing occupant safety. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a dynamic adjustable armrest includes a bracket supporting the armrest, a rod guide having a plurality of detents, the rod guide in slidable communication with the bracket, a locking rod engageable with the rod guide and the bracket. The locking rod is movable between at least a first position and a second position, and the armrest is movable between at least an up position and a down position. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, the locking rod is selectively engageable with each of the plurality of detents. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the dynamic adjustable armrest includes a button, the button movable between at least an unpressed position and a pressed position. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a biasing member biases the locking rod towards the first position. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, when the button is in the unpressed position, the locking rod engages with at least one of the plurality of detents, and the armrest is immobilized in a locked position. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, when the button is in the pressed position, locking rod is displaced in a direction opposite to a direction of the bias of the biasing member, the locking rod disengages with at least one of the plurality of detents, and the armrest is movable in an unlocked position. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of detents further include a first end detent, and a second end detent. The first end detent engages with the locking rod to limit upward movement of the armrest and the second end detent engages with the locking rod to limit downward movement of the armrest. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a first vertical distance between each of the plurality of detents is about 10 mm, and a second vertical distance from the down position and the up position is between about 10 mm and about 40 mm. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the second vertical distance is between about 20 mm and about 30 mm. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the rod guide is mounted to a structural support of a motor vehicle passenger compartment, the rod guide is mounted at an angle, and as the armrest is moved between the down position and the up position, the armrest moves longitudinally between about 5 mm and about 20 mm. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, as the armrest is moved between the down position and the up position, the armrest moves laterally up to about 6 mm. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dynamic adjustable armrest includes a bracket supporting the armrest, a rod guide mounted to a structural support of a motor vehicle passenger compartment, the rod guide having a plurality of detents, the rod guide in slidable communication with the bracket, and a locking rod engageable with the rod guide and the bracket, and the locking rod is selectively engageable with each of the plurality of detents. The locking rod is movable between at least a first position and a second position, and the armrest is movable between at least an up position and a down position, and a biasing member biases the locking rod towards the first position. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the dynamic adjustable armrest further includes a button, the button movable between at least an unpressed position and a pressed position, and when the button is in the unpressed position, the locking rod engages with at least one of the plurality of detents and the armrest is immobilized in a locked position. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, when the button is in the pressed position, locking rod is displaced in a direction opposite to a direction of the bias of the biasing member, the locking rod disengages with at least one of the plurality of detents, and the armrest is movable in an unlocked position. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the plurality of detents further includes a first end detent; and a second end detent. The first end detent engages with the locking rod to limit upward movement of the armrest and the second end detent engages with the locking rod to limit downward movement of the armrest. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a first vertical distance between each of the plurality of detents is about 10 mm, and a second vertical distance from the down position and the up position is between about 10 mm and about 40 mm. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the second vertical distance is between about 20 mm and about 30 mm. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the rod guide is mounted at an angle, and as the armrest is moved between the down position and the up position, the armrest moves longitudinally between about 5 mm and about 20 mm. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, as the armrest is moved between the down position and the up position, the armrest moves laterally relative to a centerline of the motor vehicle up to about 6 mm. 
     In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dynamic adjustable armrest includes a bracket supporting the armrest, a rod guide mounted to a structural support of a motor vehicle passenger compartment, the rod guide having a plurality of detents, including at least a first end detent and a second end detent, the rod guide in slidable communication with the bracket, and a locking rod engageable with the rod guide and the bracket, and the locking rod is selectively engageable with each of the plurality of detents, the locking rod movable between at least a first position and a second position, and the armrest is movable between at least an up position and a down position, and a biasing member biases the locking rod towards the first position. The dynamic adjustable armrest further includes a button, the button movable between at least an unpressed position and a pressed position. When the button is in the unpressed position, the locking rod engages with at least one of the plurality of detents and the armrest is immobilized in a locked position, and when the button is in the pressed position, locking rod is displaced in a direction opposite to a direction of the bias of the biasing member, the locking rod disengages with at least one of the plurality of detents, and the armrest is movable in an unlocked position. The first end detent engages with the locking rod to limit upward movement of the armrest and the second end detent engages with the locking rod to limit downward movement of the armrest, a first vertical distance between each of the plurality of detents is about 10 mm, and a second vertical distance from the down position and the up position is between about 20 mm and about 30 mm. The rod guide is mounted at an angle. As the armrest is moved between the down position and the up position, the armrest moves longitudinally between about 12 mm and about 15 mm, the armrest moves laterally relative to a centerline of the motor vehicle between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. 
     Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a motor vehicle having a dynamic adjustable armrest according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a motor vehicle door having an interior door trim panel with dynamic adjustable armrests in a first position according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a motor vehicle door having an interior door trim panel with dynamic adjustable armrests in a second position according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded diagram of a dynamic adjustable armrest according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  is a partial perspective view of a dynamic adjustable armrest in a locked position according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  is a partial perspective view of a dynamic adjustable armrest in an unlocked position according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  is a partial perspective view of a portion of a dynamic adjustable armrest showing a locking rod in a locked position according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5B  is a partial perspective view of a portion of a dynamic adjustable armrest showing a locking rod in an unlocked position according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a partial perspective top section view of a portion of a dynamic adjustable armrest according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial perspective front section view of a portion of a dynamic adjustable armrest according to an aspect of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8A  is a transparent view of a motor vehicle door having a dynamic adjustable armrest according to an aspect of the present disclosure; and 
         FIG. 8B  is a transparent sectional front view of the motor vehicle door of  FIG. 8A  according to an aspect of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the disclosure that are illustrated in accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not to precise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, over, above, below, beneath, rear, and front, may be used with respect to the drawings. Likewise, the terms “forward”, “rear”, “inner”, “inwardly”, “outer”, “outwardly”, “above”, and “below” are terms used relative to the orientation of the motor vehicle as shown in the drawings of the present application. Thus, “forward” refers to a direction toward a front of a motor vehicle, “rearward” refers to a direction toward a rear of a motor vehicle, “passenger” refers to a direction towards a passenger side of the motor vehicle (right-hand side in the context of this particular application), “driver” or “driver side” refers to a direction towards the driver&#39;s side of the motor vehicle (right-hand side in the context of this particular application), “inner” and “inwardly” refers to a direction towards the interior of a motor vehicle, and “outer” and “outwardly” refers to a direction towards the exterior of a motor vehicle, “below” refers to a direction towards the bottom of the motor vehicle, and “above” refers to a direction towards a top of the motor vehicle. These and similar directional terms are not to be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. 
     Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. 
     The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “includes,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed. 
     When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “disposed on,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, disposed, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly disposed on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all storage compartmentations of one or more of the associated listed items. 
     Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments. 
     Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly. 
     The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1  a motor vehicle is shown and generally indicated by reference number  10 . While the motor vehicle is illustrated as a car, it should be appreciated that the motor vehicle  10  may be any type of vehicle including a car, a van, a truck, a bus a motor home, an aircraft, a spacecraft, a water craft, or any other such vehicle without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The motor vehicle  10  includes a passenger compartment  12  having a plurality of seats  14  including a driver seat  16 , a passenger seat  18 , a left rear seat  20 , and a right rear seat  22 . The motor vehicle  10  also includes a plurality of doors  24 . The driver seat  16  is positioned proximate a driver door  26 , and the passenger seat  18  is positioned proximate a passenger door  28 . In some examples, the left rear seat  20  is positioned proximate left rear door  30  and the right rear seat  22  is positioned proximate a right rear door  32 . It should be appreciated, that depending on the particular motor vehicle  10 , each of the plurality of seats  14  may be placed proximate at least one of the plurality of doors  24 . However, it should be appreciated that depending on the type and construction of a given motor vehicle  10 , the quantity of doors  24  and the quantity of seats  14  proximate the doors  24 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , and with continuing reference to  FIG. 1 , in several aspects, each of the plurality of doors  24  is has an exterior door skin  34  a door inner panel  36 , and an interior door trim panel  38 . The interior door trim panel  38  is an aesthetically and ergonomically designed component of the motor vehicle  10  passenger compartment  12 . The interior door trim panel  38  is supported via a plurality of connectors (not specifically shown), such as screws, bolts, nuts, rivnuts, rivets, adhesives, press-fit fasteners, or the like, on the door inner panel  36 . The exterior door skin  34  is affixed to a structural frame (not specifically shown) of the door  24 , via a plurality of mechanical fasteners (not shown), such as rivets, bolts, rivnuts, screws; or the like or chemical fasteners (not shown), such as adhesives, glues, or the like; or other bonding processes such as braising, welding, or the like. The interior door trim panel  38  is formed of any of a variety of different materials including plastics, metals, vinyl, leather, wood, and other such materials. In several aspects, the interior door trim panel  38  is equipped with an armrest  40 . Additional armrests  40  may be disposed between occupants of the motor vehicle  10 , such as between the pilot and copilot and/or passenger seats  14  on an aircraft (not shown), between passenger seats  14  on a watercraft (not shown), between passenger seats  14  on a bus (not shown), or the like without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. The armrests  40  equipped to the doors  24  of the motor vehicle  10  are aesthetically designed to complement other features and aspects of the passenger compartment  12 , as well as being structurally and ergonomically designed to support appendages of motor vehicle  10  occupants. For example, the armrests  40  are operable to support the arms, elbows, wrists, hands, and the like of the motor vehicle  10  occupants. 
     In several aspects, the armrests  40  include comfort features  42  such as flexible or pliable foam materials disposed beneath a covering surface  44 , such as leather, vinyl, or other such materials. In some applications, a plurality of armrests  40  may be disposed on a given door  24 . For example, a first armrest  40 ′ is disposed along a central portion of the door  24 , proximate an interior door handle  41 . A second armrest  40 ″ is disposed along a beltline or upper door trim edge  46  of the door  24 . Accordingly, depending on the physical characteristics of the occupants of the motor vehicle  10 , the occupant may rest his or her elbow, arm, wrist, hand, or the like on either of the first or the second armrests  40 ′,  40 ″. Moreover, in several aspects, the armrests  40 , including the first and second armrests  40 ′,  40 ″, may be dynamically adjustable. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B , and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-2B , the armrests  40  of the present disclosure are dynamically adjustable between at least a first or down position “P 1 ”, and a second or up position “P 2 .” In some examples, when in the down position “P 1 ”, the armrest  40  is substantially flush with contours of the interior door trim panel  38 . However, it should be appreciated that depending on the design and structure of the interior door trim panel  38 , on which the armrest  40  is disposed, when in the down position “P 1 ”, the armrest  40  of some examples may be disposed substantially below or recessed from neighboring contours of the interior door trim panel  38  without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. By contrast, when the armrest  40  is in the up position “P 2 ”, in several aspects the armrest  40  is raised to be at least flush with, and in some examples, substantially above neighboring contours and/or features of the interior door trim panel  38 . In one example, a vertical distance or height “H” traversed by the armrest  40  as the armrest  40  moves between the down position “P 1 ” and the up position “P 2 ” is about 10 mm to about 40 mm. In another example, the vertical distance or height “H” traversed by the armrest  40  as the armrest  40  moves between the down position “P 1 ” and the up position “P 2 ” is about 20 mm to about 30 mm. In some applications, a storage compartment (not specifically shown) may be hidden beneath the armrest  40  and accessible by occupants of the motor vehicle  10  when the armrest  40  is in the up position “P 2 .” Accordingly, the storage compartment may be hidden by moving the armrest  40  to the down position “P 1 .” 
     Because the armrest  40  is dynamically movable or adjustable, the armrest  40  is supported on a bracket  48 . The bracket  48  is a structural component formed of metal, plastics, composite materials or the like, and capable of withstanding forces imparted to the armrest  40  by occupants of the motor vehicle  10  without substantial deflection. The bracket  48  is mounted to the door inner panel  36  by a plurality of attachment features  49 . In several aspects, the attachment features  49  include screws, bolts, nuts, rivnuts, rivets, adhesives, press-fit fasteners, or the like. The bracket  48  also supports a plurality of features used to selectively allow vertical movement of the armrest  40  relative to the bracket  48 , and more generally, to allow movement of the armrest  40  relative to the interior door trim panel  38 . Specifically, the bracket  48  supports a rod guide  50 , and a locking rod  52 . The locking rod  52  is movable between at least a first or locked position “P 3 ” and a second or unlocked position “P 4 .” In the locked position “P 3 ”, the locking rod  52  is engaged in at least one of a plurality of detents  54  formed in the rod guide  50 . In several aspects, each of the plurality of detents  54  is spaced apart from the next of the plurality of detents  54  by a distance “D”. In some examples, in order to provide sufficient granularity in movement of the armrest  40 , the distance “D” is between about 0 mm and about 15 mm. In some examples, the distance “D” is about 5 mm, and in other examples, the distance “D” is about 10 mm. In further aspects, the plurality of detents  54  includes at least a first end detent  55  and a second end detent  57 . The first and second end detents  55 ,  57  are protrusions within the rod guide  50  that are permanent fixtures within the rod guide  50 . That is, the first and second end detents  55 ,  57  prevent or otherwise limit over-movement of the locking rod  52 , and thereby prevent or limit over-extension of the armrest  40  as the armrest  40  is moved. A biasing member  56 , such as a spring, biases the locking rod  52  towards the locked position “P 3 .” The biasing member  56  may take any of a variety of forms without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. In some examples, the biasing member  56  is a linear spring, a coil spring, a leaf spring, a mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic actuator, or the like. The rod guide  50  is also a movable component of the dynamically adjustable armrest  40  and is operable to selectively allow movement of the armrest  40  between the up position “P 2 ” and the down position “P 1 .” In several aspects, the rod guide  50  is in slidable communication with the bracket  48  to allow the movement of the armrest  40  between the down position “P 1 ” and the up position “P 2 .” In some examples, the dynamically adjustable armrest  40  also includes a bracket cover  58  and an armrest cover  60 . The bracket cover  58  is a functional component of the armrest  40  that limits the potential for dust, dirt, and other objects from entering the bracket  48  and possibly impeding operation of the bracket  48 , rod guide  50 , locking rod  52 , and the like. The armrest cover  60  performs substantially similar functions to the bracket cover  58 , and additionally forms an aesthetically appealing and ergonomically robust cover for the bracket  48 , rod guide  50 , locking rod  52 , and other componentry disposed beneath the comfort features  42  and covering surface  44  of the armrest  40 . 
     The dynamically adjustable armrest  40  also includes a button  62 . In several aspects, the button  62  is movable between at least an unpressed or locked position “P 5 ” and a pressed or unlocked position “P 6 .” In the unpressed position, the locking rod  52  engages with at least one of the plurality of detents  54  of the rod guide  50  and the armrest  40  is immobilized or locked in position. By contrast, when the button  62  is in the pressed position “P 6 ”, the locking rod  52  is disengaged from the rod guide  50  and the armrest  40  is free to move in a direction supported by the rod guide  50  and the bracket  48  between the down position “P 1 ” and the up position “P 2 ,” or vice versa. More specifically, when the button  62  is in the pressed position “P 6 ”, the locking rod  52  is mechanically, electrically, or hydraulically displaced in a direction opposite to the direction of the bias of the biasing member  56 . 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-4B , in one example, the button  62  is a mechanical apparatus disposed within a track  64  of the bracket  48 . In some aspects, the track  64  is formed unitarily with, or molded with the bracket  48  while in other examples, the track  64  is at least one separate component that is affixed to the bracket  48  during assembly. The track  64  generally includes a plurality of guiding features that retain and limit motion of the button  62  to a predetermined direction. In the examples of  FIGS. 4A-5B , the track  64  limits motion of the button  62  to a longitudinal direction that is substantially parallel to a longitudinal aspect of the door  24  and therefore, of the motor vehicle  10 . 
     In some aspects, a single biasing member  56  may provide bias against movement of both the locking rod  52  and the button  62 . For example, movement of the button  62  between the unpressed position “P 5 ” and the pressed position “P 6 ” is resisted by the biasing member  56 . However, a plurality of biasing members  56  may be used with the button  62 , the locking rod  52  and the bracket  48  without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. For example a first biasing member  56 ′ is connected to the track  64  and the button  62  and resists longitudinal motion of the button  62  relative to the track  64 . The first biasing member  56 ′ operates as a return spring and both resists motion of the button  62  from the unpressed position “P 5 ” to the pressed position “P 6 ,” and returns the button  62  to the unpressed position “P 5 ” after an occupant has moved the button  62  to the pressed position “P 6 .” A second biasing member  56 ″ is connected to the track  64  and contacts the locking rod  52 , thereby biasing the locking rod  52  into the locked position “P 3 ”. The second biasing member  56 ″ also operates as a return spring that both resists motion of the locking rod  52  from the locked position “P 3 ” to the unlocked position “P 4 ” and returns the locking rod  52  from the unlocked position “P 4 ” to the locked position “P 3 ” when an occupant has used the button  62  to move the locking rod  52  to the unlocked position “P 4 ” from the locked position “P 3 .” 
     However, as the button  62  is moved from the unpressed position “P 5 ” shown in  FIG. 4A  to the pressed position “P 6 ” shown in  FIG. 4B  the button  62  apparatus moves towards the left-hand side of  FIGS. 4A and 4B . The left-hand side of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  represents a rear portion  66  of the interior door trim panel  38 , while the right-hand side of  FIGS. 4A and 4B  represents a front portion  68  of the interior door trim panel  38  relative to a rear  70  and a front  72  of the motor vehicle  10  respectively. As the button  62  moves towards the rear portion  66  of the interior door trim panel  38 , the locking rod  52  is carried by molded features  74  of the button  62  in conjunction with interfacing features  76  of the bracket  48  to move towards the rear portion  66  as well. The molded features  74  of the button  62  of some examples are formed unitarily with the button  62  and when assembled in the armrest  40 , engage with and carry the locking rod  52  such that movement of the button  62  translates to movement of the locking rod  52 . However, because movement of the button  62  is substantially linear, in order to disengage the locking rod  52  from the rod guide  50  when the button  62  is moved to the pressed position P 6 , the locking rod  52  of some examples must also move in a direction other than the linear direction of movement of the button  62 . The interfacing features  76  of the bracket  48  interact with the molded features  74  of the button  62  and engage with the locking rod  52  to deflect the locking rod  52  as the button  62  travels along the track  64 . More specifically, the locking rod  52  is deflected from the direction of travel of the button  62  such that the locking rod  52  moves laterally relative to the movement of the button  62 . In some examples, the lateral movement of the locking rod  52  is substantially orthogonal to the movement of the button  62 , however other angular deflections may be used without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-5B , another example of the dynamic adjustable armrest  40  is shown in partial cross-sectional view. Whereas in  FIGS. 3-5B , the dynamic adjustable armrest  40  is shown with the button  62  disposed towards the front portion  68  of the interior door trim panel  38 , the dynamic adjustable armrest  40  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  is oriented such that the button  62  faces inwards relative to the motor vehicle  10 . That is, the button  62  faces the occupant of the motor vehicle  10 . The button  62  includes substantially the same features as those discussed above with respect to  FIGS. 1-5B , and therefore like components are labeled with like reference numbers. In some aspects, the dynamic adjustable armrest  40  of  FIGS. 6 and 7  includes a first locking rod  52 ′ disposed within a first rod guide  50 ′ and a second locking rod  52 ″ disposed within a second rod guide  50 ″. When an occupant presses the button  62  of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the button  62  moves against the first biasing member  56 ′ and towards the exterior door skin  34  of the door  24 . Movement of the button  62  is then translated by the molded features  74  of the button  62  and the interfacing features  76  of the bracket  48  into longitudinal motion of each of the first and second locking rods  52 ′,  52 ″. More specifically, movement of the button  62  is translated into movement of the first locking rod  52 ′ away from the rear portion  66  of the interior door trim panel  38 , and movement of the second locking rod  52 ″ away from the front portion  68  of the interior door trim panel  38 . Thus, when the button  62  is in the pressed position “P 6 ”, the first and second locking rods  52 ′,  52 ″ are moved away from the plurality of detents  54  in the first and second rod guides  50 ′,  50 ″ thereby allowing movement of the armrest  40  relative to the interior door trim panel  38 . Likewise, when the button  62  is released and reverts back to the unpressed position “P 5 ”, the first and second locking rods  52 ′,  52 ″ are biased towards and engage with at least one of the plurality of detents  54  in the first and second rod guides  50 ′,  50 ″ by the second biasing members  56 ″. 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 8A and 8B , and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-7 , the bracket  48  of the dynamic adjustable armrest  40  is mounted to the motor vehicle  10  door  24 . Motor vehicle  10  occupants come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. Accordingly, in order to provide a comfortable, safe, and broadly useable armrest  40  for each and every potential occupant of the motor vehicle  10 , the dynamic adjustable armrest  40  moves in a substantially linear fashion along the rod guides  50 . However, the linear movement of the dynamic adjustable armrest  40  is augmented by placing the armrests  40  in carefully determined positions and orientations on the motor vehicle  10  doors  24 . That is, while substantially linear movement of the armrest  40  in either a vertical, longitudinal, or lateral direction, relative to the interior door trim panel  38  would confer to occupants a substantial benefit in terms of comfort, safety, and the like, additional benefits are available. Specifically, by mounting the bracket  48  at an angle, and therefore, by causing the armrest  40  to move along the rod guides  50  at an angle, the armrest  40  may move in vertical, lateral, and longitudinal directions all at the same time while still moving substantially linearly. While the bracket  48  has been described as being mounted at an angle, it should be appreciated that in order to provide sufficient adjustability, the bracket  48  may more accurately be described as being mounted to the door inner panel  36  at a plurality of angles. 
     In  FIG. 8A , for example, the bracket  48  is mounted to the door inner panel  36  at an angle rotated from vertical, thereby tilting a top portion  78  of the bracket  48  towards the front  72  of the motor vehicle  10 . The precise angle at which the bracket  48  is tilted or rotated towards the front  72  of the motor vehicle  10  may vary substantially depending on the motor vehicle  10  and the seating position, size of the passenger compartment  12 , and the like. In some examples, the bracket  48  is rotated towards the front  72  of the motor vehicle  10  by a first angle “A 1 ” of about 0° to about 15°, and allows fore-aft or longitudinal movement of the armrest  40  for a distance “D 1 ” of between about 5 mm and about 20 mm as the armrest  40  is moved between the down position “P 1 ” and the up position “P 2 .” In another example, as the armrest  40  is moved between the down position “P 1 ” and the up position “P 2 ”, the armrest  40  moves longitudinally for the distance “D 1 ” of between about 12 mm and about 15 mm. 
     In  FIG. 8B , the bracket  48  is also mounted to the door inner panel  36  at a second angle “A 2 ” such that the top portion  78  of the bracket  48  is tilted laterally inwards towards the centerline “C” of the motor vehicle  10 . The precise angle at which the bracket  48  is tilted or rotated towards the centerline “C” of the motor vehicle  10  may vary substantially depending on the motor vehicle  10  and the seating position, size of the passenger compartment  12 , and the like. In some examples, the bracket  48  is tilted towards the centerline “C” of the motor vehicle  10  by the second angle “A 2 ” of about 0° to about 30°, and allows inward or lateral movement of the armrest  40  for a distance “D 2 ” of between about 0 mm and about 6 mm as the armrest  40  is moved between the down position “P 1 ” and the up position “P 2 .” In another example, as the armrest  40  is moved between the down position “P 1 ” and the up position “P 2 ”, the armrest  40  moves laterally for the distance “D 2 ” of between about 2 mm and about 6 mm. However with respect to both the angular measures of the first and second angles “A 1 ”, “A 2 ”, and the first and second distances “D 1 ”, “D 2 ”, it should be appreciated that the exact angular measures and distances travelable by the armrest  40  may vary substantially depending on the geometry of the motor vehicle  10  and occupant safety, comfort, and ergonomics requirements without departing from the scope or intent of the present disclosure. 
     A dynamic adjustable armrest  40  of the present disclosure offers several advantages. These include eliminating or at least substantially reducing motor vehicle  10  occupant safety concerns, while providing a wide variety of adjustability, and improving occupant comfort for a wide variety of occupant demographics, and which may be mass produced at low cost and fitted or retrofitted to a wide variety of motor vehicle  10  platforms without requiring substantial modification of current production doors  24  or door  24  components. 
     The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.