Patent Publication Number: US-9884514-B2

Title: Floor brake assembly for an article of furniture

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/731,805 filed Jun. 5, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,532,656, issued Jan. 3, 2017. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Articles of furniture can be configured to include wheeled contact points between the furniture and a floor that supports the furniture. These wheeled contact points enable the easy movement of the furniture relative to the supporting floor. Example furniture can include, but is not limited to, chairs, tables, beds, and the like. The movable furniture may further include a braking mechanism or assembly configured to enable a controllable brake, to prevent the movement of the furniture relative to the floor, for example, when a user stands up from a movable chair. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a floor brake assembly for an article of furniture includes a base adapted to be affixed to an article of furniture and having a pivot point at a base first end, a bore at a base second end, a plunger extending through the bore and having a brake pad at a plunger first end and head at a plunger second end, wherein the plunger is moveable within the bore between a first position where the brake pad engages a floor and a second position where the brake pad is free of the floor, and wherein the plunger is biased away from the first position, a pivot arm rotatably mounted to the base intermediate the base first end and the base second end, and having a free end with a boss extending normally therefrom, wherein the pivot arm is rotatable between a braking position and an unbraking position, a first activation arm pivotally mounted to the base at the pivot point, and having an activation point engaging the head of the plunger and a cam surface between the mounting to the pivot point and activation point wherein the boss engages the cam surface, and a second activation arm pivotally mounted to the base at the pivot point, adjacent to the first activation arm, and having a free end biased away from the base, and having a continuous channel, wherein the boss engages the continuous channel, and the continuous channel includes a catch. When the pivot arm is rotated to the braking position, the boss traverses the continuous channel to stop at the catch while simultaneously engaging the cam surface to urge the activation point of the first activation arm against the head to force the plunger to the first position so that the brake pad engages the floor, and when the pivot arm is rotated to the unbraking position, the boss traverses the continuous channel out of the catch while simultaneously engaging the cam surface to enable the activation point of the first activation arm to move away from the base, allowing the bias of the plunger to move the plunger to the second position so that the brake pad is free of the floor. 
     In another aspect, an article of furniture includes a frame supporting the article of furniture relative to a floor and having a traversal interface configured to allow lateral movement of the article of furniture relative to the floor, and a floor brake assembly. The floor brake assembly further includes a base adapted to be affixed to the frame and having a pivot point at a base first end, a bore at a base second end, a plunger extending through the bore and having a brake pad at a plunger first end and head at a plunger second end, wherein the plunger is moveable within the bore between a first position where the brake pad engages a floor and a second position where the brake pad is free of the floor, and wherein the plunger is biased away from the first position, a pivot arm rotatably mounted to the base intermediate the base first end and the base second end, and having a free end with a boss extending normally therefrom, wherein the pivot arm is rotatable between a braking position and an unbraking position, a first activation arm pivotally mounted to the base at the pivot point, and having an activation point engaging the head of the plunger and a cam surface between the mounting to the pivot point and activation point wherein the boss engages the cam surface, and a second activation arm pivotally mounted to the base at the pivot point, adjacent to the first activation arm, and having a free end biased away from the base, and having a continuous channel, wherein the boss engages the continuous channel, and the continuous channel includes a catch. When the pivot arm is rotated to the braking position, the boss traverses the continuous channel to stop at the catch while simultaneously engaging the cam surface to urge the activation point of the first activation arm against the head to force the plunger to the first position so that the brake pad engages the floor, preventing lateral movement of the article of furniture relative to the floor, and when the pivot arm is rotated to the unbraking position, the boss traverses the continuous channel out of the catch while simultaneously engaging the cam surface to enable the activation point of the first activation arm to move away from the base, allowing the bias of the plunger to move the plunger to the second position so that the brake pad is free of the floor, allowing lateral movement of the article of furniture relative to the floor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective schematic view of an article of movable furniture. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of a floor brake assembly for the article of furniture of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an assembled view of the floor brake assembly of  FIG. 2 , showing movement of a pivot arm to engage the floor brake with the floor. 
         FIG. 4  is an assembled view of the floor brake assembly of  FIG. 2  showing the assembly engaged with the floor. 
         FIG. 5  an assembled view of the floor brake assembly of  FIG. 2 , showing movement of a pivot arm to disengage the floor brake with the floor 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention may be implemented in any environment wherein a unit, such as a box, container, bin, or article of furniture is configured to move relative to a supporting floor, wherein the floor is configured to provide a suitable support from which to base a braking system configured to prevent movement of the unit relative to the floor. For purposes of this description, such movable unit will be generally referred to as an article of furniture or similar language; however embodiments of the disclosure can be equally suitable for any movable unit in a residential, industrial, or medical setting. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates an article of furniture  10 , shown as a bed  12 , having a mattress  14 , a structural frame  16 , configured to support the mattress  14 , and a set of legs  18  structurally supporting the frame  16  against a floor  20 . Each of the set of legs  18  can further include a traversal interface  22 , shown as a corresponding set of wheels, configured to allow traversal movement of the furniture  10 , bed  12 , mattress  14 , frame  16 , or set of legs  18  relative to the floor. The traversal interface  22  can, for example, provide for a single direction of traversal movement relative to the floor (e.g. forward and backward), or multidirectional traversal movement relative to the floor (e.g. forward, backward, side-to-side). 
     While the traversal interface  22  has been illustrated as wheeled legs interacting with the floor  20 , embodiments of the disclosure envision any form of traversal interface allowing partial or full movement of the article of furniture  10  relative to the floor  20 . Alternative traversal interfaces  22  can include, but are not limited to, bearings, slide rails, tracks, and the like. Moreover, embodiments of the disclosure are envisioned wherein the article of furniture  10  or the traversal interface  22  can be further coupled with one or more mechanical, hydraulic, or electro-mechanical movement mechanisms such as pistons, or other propulsion devices to provide for the movement of the article of furniture  10  relative to the floor  20 . 
     As shown, the article of furniture  10  can further include a brake assembly  24  supported by at least one of the article of furniture  10 , bed  12 , mattress  14 , frame  16 , or legs  18  configured to selectably prevent movement of the furniture  10  relative to the floor  20 . While only a single brake assembly  24  has been illustrated, embodiments of the disclosure are envisioned including a plurality of brake assemblies  24 , selectably controlled as a group or individually, to prevent movement of the article of furniture  10  relative to the floor  20 . Additionally, the illustrated position of the brake assembly  24  relative to the article of furniture  10 , bed  12 , mattress  14 , frame  16 , set of legs  18 , or floor  20  is understood as merely one non-limiting example embodiment of the disclosure, and alternative position of the assembly or assemblies  24  relative to any of the aforementioned components  10 ,  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  18 ,  20  is envisioned. 
     For instance, embodiments of the disclosure are envisioned wherein opposing brake assemblies are simultaneously controlled on each side of the frame  16  by a single user-controllable interface, such as a handle, lever, foot pad, step pad, electro-mechanical mechanism, or the like. In another example embodiment, a set of brake assemblies  24  can be selectably added or removed to the article of furniture  10 , for instance, via a quick-latching mechanism, to provide additional or individually-controllable braking capabilities (as-needed or on-demand) for the furniture  10 , for various environmental or flooring  20  conditions. For example, an article of furniture  10  on an incline may need additional brake assemblies  24  to prevent movement of the furniture  10  relative to the floor  20 , or an article of furniture  10  may need a different brake assembly  24  to prevent movement of the furniture  10  while on a smooth surface, compared with a brake assembly  24  configured for braking on carpet. 
     As explained above, while the article of furniture  10  has been illustrated in the form of a bed  12 , the brake assembly  24  can be configured to operate with any unit, box, container, bin, or article of furniture  10 , such as chairs, tables, beds, and the like. The configuration of the brake assembly  24  will be described in further detail below. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded side view of the brake assembly  24 . As shown, the brake assembly  24  can include a base component  26 , a first activation arm  28 , a second activation arm  30 , a pivot arm  32 , and a plunger  34 . The base  26  can be removably coupled with, supported by, or adapted to be affixed to the frame  16  (shown in dotted outline) or the article of furniture  10 , and can be configured to include a pivot point  36  or pivot mounting bracket at a first end  38  of the base  26 , and a bore  40  (shown in dotted outline) at a second end  42  of the base  26 . As shown, the bore  40  can be configured to define an aperture though the base  26 , in a direction normal to the floor  20  (shown for reference). The base  26  can further include a biasing mount  44  configured to receive a biasing element  45 , such as a mechanical spring, and a pivot arm mount  48  configured to receive or mount the pivot arm  32  with the base  26 . 
     While the bore  40  is illustrated normal to the floor  20 , alternative configurations are envisioned wherein the bore  40  extends though the base  26  at an angle not normal to the floor  20 , for example, at a 45 degree angle relative to the floor  20 , where the brake assembly  24  is intended to be used on an incline. Moreover, alternative configurations of the base  26  can include a configurable or selectable second end  42  or bore  40  to allow a user to change, select, or modify the angle of the bore  40  direction relative to the floor  20 . 
     The plunger  34  can include a shaft  50  with a first end  52  having a stopping element  54  and a second end  56  having a head  58  (illustrated separate from the shaft  50  for ease of understanding the brake assembly  24 ). The stopping element  54  is configured to interact with the floor  20  to prevent, hinder, inhibit, or restrain movement of the article of furniture  10  relative to the floor  20 . For example, the stopping element  54  can include a brake pad, a friction pad, or suction cup, that when held against the floor  20 , is configured to fully or partially restrain lateral movement, relative to the floor  20 , of any components coupled with the plunger  34 . 
     The shaft  50  of the plunger  34  is keyed or sized to be received by the bore  40  of the base  26  such that the assembling of the plunger  34  with the base  26  can operatively prevent movement of the base  26  (and, for example, the frame  16 ) relative to the floor  20 , by way of the stopping element  54  restraining movement of the plunger  34  relative to the floor  20 . The first end  52  of the plunger  34  can be configured to axially extend through and beyond the bore  40 , where it may be coupled with the head  58 . In this sense, the head  58  can be configured to prevent the plunger  34  or shaft  50  from being removed from the bore  40  without disassembly. In one non-limiting example configuration, the head  58  may be configured with a diameter greater than the diameter of the bore  40 , and other assembly configurations are envisioned. 
     The plunger can also include a biasing element  46 , such as a mechanical spring, configured to bias the plunger  34  away from the floor  20 . For example, in the configuration shown, a biasing element  46  can be configured about the second end  56  of the shaft  50  that extends axially beyond the bore  40  when the plunger  34  and base  26  are assembled. In this example, the biasing element  46 , bore  40 , shaft  50 , and head  58  can be configured such that the biasing element  46  is physically restrained in the direction of the bias by the head  58  and an opening of the bore  40  (i.e. the biasing element  46  cannot be received within the bore  40 ). In one non-limiting configuration, the biasing element  46  can be a spring having a diameter large enough to receive the shaft  50  through the spring, but also configured such that the diameter of the head  58  is greater than the diameter of the biasing element  46 , and that the diameter of the bore  40  is less than the diameter of the biasing element  46 . 
     The plunger  34  or shaft  50  can be configured to be moveable within or slidably coupled with the bore  40 . In this configuration, the plunger  34  can move within the bore  40  between a first position, wherein the plunger  34  extends towards the floor  20  from the base  26  such that the stopping element  54  engages the floor  20 , and a second position, wherein the plunger  34  moves away from the floor  20  such that the stopping element  54  does not engage, or is free from, the floor  20 . Thus, an assembled base  26 , plunger  34  and biasing element  46  can be configured such that the biasing element  46  biases, or naturally “rests” the plunger  34  in the second position wherein the stopping element  54  would not be in contact with the floor  20 . Conversely, the bias of the biasing element  46  can be overcome, and wherein a force applied to the head  58  of the plunger  34 , if greater than the biasing force of the biasing element  46 , can extend the plunger  34  through the bore  40  downward into the second position, such that the stopping element  54  engages the floor  20 . 
     The first activation arm  28  includes a first pivot coupling point  60  configured to mount with the pivot point  36  of the base  26 , and an activation point  62  distal from the pivot coupling point  60 , and configured to contact the head  58  of the plunger  34 . The first activation arm  28  can further include an aperture  64  extending though the arm  28 , positioned between the pivot coupling point  60  and the activation point  62 , and defining a surface  66  configured to receive a mechanical or physical interaction with one or more components, described below. As shown, the aperture  64  can be configured to include a first leg  68  and a second leg  70 , wherein the first and second leg  68 ,  70  are non-linear. In one non-limiting example, the surface  66  can include a cam surface configured to receive a cam. In another non-limiting example, the surface  66  can include a groove or channel configured to receive a ball bearing. Additional configurations of the aperture  64  or surface  66  are envisioned. 
     The first activation arm  28  is configured such that when the first pivot coupling point  60  mounts with the pivot point  36  of the base  26 , the activation point  62  is configured to engage the head  58  of the plunger  34 . In this sense, the first activation arm  28  can be pivotally mounted with the base  26  at the pivot point  36  such that rotation of the arm  28  and activation point  62  about the pivot point  36  allows the movement of the activation point  62  to engage the head  58 , and consequently, to move the plunger  34  between the first position and the second position. 
     The second activation arm  30  includes a second pivot coupling point  72  configured to mount with the pivot point  36  of the base  26 , a biasing mount  44  located to correspond to the biasing mount  44  of the base  26 , and having a free end  74 , distal from the second pivot coupling point  72 . As used herein, the free end  74  is “free” in the sense that it can rotate freely about the second pivot coupling point  72 . The free end  74  can further include a continuous or closed loop channel  76 , track, or pathway, wherein at least a portion of the channel  76  defines a catch  78  or trap. 
     The catch  78  can be a portion of the channel  76  wherein a component traversing the channel  76  would be prevented from completing a full loop in the channel  76  when moving in a linear direction. For example, the channel  76  illustrated is configured to prevent a component traversing the channel  76  in the linear direction represented by a first arrow  80  when the component abuts or confronts a first retaining wall  82 . The component traversing the channel  76  can change direction of traversal, illustrated as a second arrow  84 , causing the component to “fall” into the catch  78 , where, for example, the component can rest without having to move in any direction of traversal, absent a new compulsion of the component in the same or parallel linear direction as the first arrow  80 . 
     If the component again traverses the channel  76  in a parallel direction, represented by a third arrow  86 , the component can travel along another portion of the channel  76  configured such that the component can abut or confront a second retaining wall  88 , but a following change in the direction of traversal, illustrated by a fourth arrow  90 , causes the component to “fall” out of the trap, and traverse along the remaining portion of the channel  76  back to the starting position. As illustrated, and explained herein, the channel  76  and catch  78  can be configured such that a component traversing the channel  76  may need two discrete linear traversals, with a break, or corresponding change in direction of traversal between the discrete traversals, in order to traverse the complete loop of the channel  76 . While a linear direction is provided as an example of how a component can traverse the channel  76 , embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to strictly linear directions, and at least one of the channel  76  or catch  78  can be configured such that slightly non-linear directions, for example, rotational direction such as from a lever or arm distal from a pivot point, can provide the aforementioned loop-traversing capability. 
     The second activation arm  30  is configured such that when the second pivot coupling point  72  mounts with the pivot point  36  of the base  26 , the corresponding biasing mounts  44  on the second activation arm  30  and the base  26  can mount, restrain, or hold a biasing element configured to bias the second activation arm  30  away from the base  26 , about the pivot point  36 . In this sense, the second activation arm  30  is pivotally mounted with the base  26  at the pivot point  36 , just as with the first activation arm  28 . However, embodiments of the disclosure are envisioned wherein the first and second activation arms  28 ,  30  are configured to be adjacent to each other  28 ,  30  and independently pivotally mounted with the pivot point  36 . Stated another way, each of the arms  28 ,  30  can pivot independent of the other arm  30 ,  28 , about the pivot point  36 . As shown, the biasing element  45  can include a mechanical spring, however alternative or additional biasing elements  45  can be included. 
     The pivot arm  32  is illustrated in both a front-facing view  92 , as the pivot arm  32  would be assembled with the other brake assembly  24  components  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  34 , and in a side-facing view  94 , to better show some of the features of the arm  32 . As shown on the front-facing view  92 , the pivot arm  32  includes a first end  96  and a distal free end  98 . As used above, the free end  98  is “free” in the sense that it can rotate freely about the first end  96 . The first end  96  can include a pivot mounting  100  configured to mount the pivot arm  32  with the pivot arm mount  48  of the base  26 . The pivot mounting  100  or first end  96  can further include a biasing element (not shown) configured so that assembling of the pivot arm  32  with the base  26  biases the pivot arm in a counter-clockwise direction about the first end  96 , relative to the base  26 . While a counter-clockwise direction bias is described, it is understood that a clockwise bias may be equally interchangeable with embodiments of the disclosure, as well as alternative configurations of the channel  76  of the second activation arm  30  to enable the operation of the brake assembly  24 , described below. The first end  96  can further be configured or keyed to receive a source of rotational force for rotating the pivot arm  32  about the pivotal mounting with the base  26  to generate rotation of the free end  98  in the same or opposing direction of the bias, if a biasing element is utilized. For example, the source of rotational force for rotating the pivot arm  32  can include a mechanical interface, which can be further keyed to rotate the pivot arm  32  in a predetermined direction. 
     As shown in the side-facing view  94 , the first end  96  can further include a boss  102  extending normally from the first end  96 . In the example illustrated, the boss  102  can include a set of bosses, such as a first boss  104  extending normally from the free end  98  and a second boss  106  extending normally farther than, or past, the first boss  104  and having a diameter less than the diameter of the first boss  104 . As shown, the first and second bosses  104 ,  106  can be axially aligned. Embodiments of the disclosure are envisioned wherein each boss  104 ,  106  is configured as a cam, and configured to match corresponding components. For example, the first boss  104  can include a rolling cam configured to match the aperture  64 , surface  66 , or legs  68 ,  70  of the first activation arm  28 . Likewise, the second boss  106  can include a cam or ball bearing configured to match the channel  76  of the second activation arm  30 . Each boss  104 ,  106  can, for example, have a different configuration including structure, diameter, length of extension normally away from the free end  98 , etc. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an example embodiment of the assembled brake assembly  24 . For ease of understanding, the brake assembly  24  is illustrated in an “unbraking position,” that is, where the plunger  34  is in the second position and the brake pad  54  is free of, or is not engaging the floor  20 . In the illustrated example, the pivot arm  32  is rotatably mounted to the base  26  intermediate the first end  38  and second end  42  of the base  26 . Additionally, the first boss  104  of the pivot arm  32  engages the surface  66  of the first activation arm  28 , and simultaneously, the second boss  106  of the pivot arm  32  engages the channel  76  of the second activation arm  30 . As explained above, the pivot arm  32  can be configured to be biased in a counter-clockwise direction, relative to the base  26 , such that the first boss  104  of the pivot arm  32  is biased against at least a portion of the first leg  68  of the surface or the second boss  106  is biased a wall of the channel  76 . The pivot arm  32  can further be biased in the opposite direction of the predetermined direction of rotation, delivered by the source of pivot arm  32  rotation, as explained above. 
     When a source of rotation rotates the pivot arm  32  in a clockwise direction (illustrated as arrow  108 ), the second boss  106  traverses a portion of the channel (shown by arrow  80 ). During this traversal  80 , the fixed radial length of the pivot arm  32 , in addition to the interaction of the second boss  106  with the channel  76 , can rotate the second activation arm  30  about the pivot point  36  of the base  26  to force the second activation arm  30  closer to the base  26 , overcome the biasing element  45  attempting to bias the arm  30  away from the base  26 . While the traversal  80  is occurring, the first boss  104 , moving in unison with the second boss  106 , is likewise traversing the surface  66  of the aperture  64  in the first activation arm  28 , and may traverse from the first leg  68  of the surface  66  to the second leg  70 . During the traversal  80 , and similar to the movement of the second activation arm  30 , the fixed radial length of the pivot arm  32 , in addition to the interaction of the first boss  104  with the surface  66  of the first activation arm  28 , rotates the first activation arm  28  about the pivot point  36  of the base  26  to force the first activation arm  28  closer to the base  26 . The rotation of the first activation arm  28 , and consequently the activation point  62 , closer to the base  26  in turn urges the activation point  62  against the head  58  of the plunger  34 , forcing the plunger  34  downward to the first position, wherein the brake pad  54  engages the floor  20 . Collectively, the rotation of the pivot arm  32  and the movements of the first activation arm  28 , the second activation arm  30 , and the plunger  34  transition the brake assembly  24  from the unbraking position to the braking position, wherein the frame  16  or article of furniture  10  is restrained from movement relative to the floor  20 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the continuation of the pivot arm  32  rotation shown in  FIG. 3 . As the pivot arm  32  continues to rotate, the traversal of the second boss  106  along the direction of arrow  84  within the channel  76  ultimately encounters or confronts the first retaining wall  82 , preventing the second boss  106  from continuing in the same direction, and consequently, the pivot arm  32  from further clockwise rotation. Simultaneously with the second boss  106  encountering or confronting the first retaining wall  82 , the biasing element  45  coupled with the second activation arm  30  biases the second activation arm  30  away from the base  26 . The portion of the channel  76  relative to the catch  78  and first retaining wall  82  is configured such that the combination of the biasing and confronting of the second boss  106  with the first retaining wall  82  allows the second boss  106  to be fall into, engage with, or otherwise be positioned within the catch  78 . Additionally, simultaneously with and prior to the pivot arm  32  being prevented from further clockwise rotation, the first boss  104  transitions from being biased against at least a portion of the first leg  68  to be biased against at least a portion of the second leg  70 , as the first boss  104  engages the surface  66 . 
     After the second boss  106  has encountered the first retaining wall  82 , the only available movement of the pivot arm  32  is to move in a counter-clockwise direction, which for example, can be from a force rotating the pivot arm  32  about the pivot mounting  100  in a counter-clockwise direction, or by releasing the clockwise-directed force on the pivot arm  32 , and allowing the pivot arm  32  to be biased in the counter-clockwise direction, as explained above. 
     The counter-clockwise direction of the pivot arm  32  movement, in turn, allows the second boss  106  to encounter, engage, or otherwise be nestled into the catch  78  (as illustrated), as the biasing element  45  coupled with the second activation arm  30  biases the second activation arm  30  away from the base  26 . Thus, as shown, the second boss  106  has been stopped at the catch  78  of the second activation arm  30  while the first boss  104  has simultaneously engaged the second leg  70  of the surface, urging the activation point  62  of the first activation arm  28  against the head  58  of the plunger  34  to force the plunger  34  to the first position wherein the brake pad  54  engages the floor  20 . Since the second boss  106  is in the catch  78 , and will not be removed from the catch without further active (i.e. not biased) movement of the pivot arm  32 , the second boss  106 , pivot arm  32 , or brake assembly  24  can be thought of as “locked” in the braking position, which can be “unlocked” to an unbraking position (e.g. where the brake assembly  24  does not engage the floor  20 ) with further movement by the pivot arm  32 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates continuation of the pivot arm  32  rotation following the arm  32  or second boss  106  resting in the catch  78  (i.e. the braking position) of  FIG. 4 . When a source of rotation rotates the pivot arm  32  in a clockwise direction for a second time (illustrated as arrow  110 ), the second boss  106  traverses a portion of the channel  76  (shown by arrow  112 ) until the second boss  106  encounters or confronts the second retaining wall  88 , preventing further traversal of the second boss  106  caused by the clockwise motion of the pivot arm  32 . Simultaneously with the second boss  106  encountering or confronting the second retaining wall  88 , the biasing element  45  coupled with the second activation arm  30  biases the second activation arm  30  away from the base  26 . The portion of the channel  76  relative to the catch  78  and second retaining wall  88  is configured such that the combination of the biasing and confronting of the second boss  106  with the second retaining wall  88  allows the second boss  106  to fall out of, disengage with, or otherwise be removed from the catch  78 . For example, the movement of the second boss  106 , illustrated by arrow  112  removes the second boss  106  from the catch  78 , such that the second boss  106  is free to further traverse a portion of the channel  76 . 
     With the pivot arm  32  prevented from being rotated in a clockwise direction due to the second boss  106  engaging or confronting the second retaining wall  88 , the only available movement of the pivot arm  32  is to move in a counter-clockwise direction, which for example, can be from a force rotating the pivot arm  32  about the pivot mounting  100  in a counter-clockwise direction, or by releasing the clockwise-directed force on the pivot arm  32 , and allowing the pivot arm  32  to be biased in the counter-clockwise direction, as explained above. The counter-clockwise motion of the pivot arm  32  is illustrated by arrow  114 . 
     As the pivot arm  32  moves in the counter-clockwise motion  114 , the second boss  106  traverses along a portion of the channel  76  represented by arrow  116 , and returns to the unbraking position shown in  FIG. 3 . Simultaneously with the second boss  106  falling out of the catch  78  and traversing the channel  76  in the direction of arrow  116 , the first boss  104  engages the surface  66  to traverse from the second leg  70  to the first leg  68 , as guided by the counter-clockwise movement  114  of the pivot arm  32 . The traversal of the first boss  104  to the first leg  68  releases the downward pressure from the activation point  62  of the first activation arm  28 , allowing the activation arm  28  to move away from the base  26 . The bias of the plunger  34  biasing element  46  biases the plunger  34 , which is no longer held in the first position by the activation point  62  or first activation arm  28 , toward the second position, wherein the brake pad  54  is free of the floor  20 . The bias of the plunger  34  biasing element  46  further biases the activation point  62  or first activation arm  28  away from the base  26 , by way of the activation point  62  engaging the head  58  of the plunger  34 . 
     Thus, embodiments of the disclosure describe a brake assembly  24  for an article of furniture  10  wherein a pivot arm  32 , in an unbraking position can be rotated or moved in a first direction to engage a catch  78  which locks or holds the brake assembly  24  in a braking position, and wherein the pivot arm  32  can be rotated or moved in either a same or different direction to disengage the catch  78 , which unlocks or removes the brake assembly  24  from the braking position to an unbraking position. 
     Many other possible embodiments and configurations in addition to that shown in the above figures are contemplated by the present disclosure. For example, as explained above, embodiments of the disclosure contemplate different sources of rotational, transitional, or lateral movement of the pivot arm  32  as used herein. Non-limiting examples of sources of pivot arm  32  movement can include a lever, step pad, remote controlled mechanical mechanisms, or the like. Additionally, embodiments of the disclosure envision including one or more biasing elements  45 ,  46  or dampeners to reduce vibrations or audible noise during operation of the brake assembly  24 . 
     Another possible embodiment contemplated by the present disclosure can include a set of brake assemblies  24  removably affixed with the frame  16 , wherein the set, or a subset, of the brake assemblies  24 , pivot arms  32 , first or second activation arms  28 ,  30 , or brake pads  54  are simultaneously controllable by a common mechanical interface, such as a single lever. Yet another possible embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured such that first and second activation arms  28 ,  30  are positioned on opposing sides of the pivot arm, and wherein the pivot arm  32  includes a first boss  104  extending normally from the pivot arm  32  on the first side, and a second boss  106  extending normally from the pivot arm  32  on the opposing second side. Additionally, the design and placement of the various components may be rearranged such that a number of different in-line configurations could be realized. 
     The embodiments disclosed herein provide a floor brake assembly for an article of furniture. One advantage that may be realized in the above embodiments is that the above-described embodiments have enabled easy operation of locking/unlocking or braking/unbraking a brake assembly, allowing a user to operate the brake assembly without direct inspection of whether the brake assembly engages the floor or not. Additionally, the brake assembly utilizes a pivot arm that can be configured to alternate between the braking and unbraking position by utilizing the same clockwise or counter-clockwise motion or direction by a user, such as via a lever, or a step pad. Thus, different motions are not needed to alternate between the braking and unbraking positions. 
     Another advantage that may be realized in the above embodiments is that the above-described embodiments allow for locking the braking position in place by way of the catch  78  configuration of the channel  76 . In this configuration, once the brake assembly is in the braking position, the catch  78  allows the brake assembly to remain in the braking position until a user engages the pivot arm to unlock the brake assembly from the braking position. The utilization of the catch reduces the need to provide constant force, pressure, or monitoring of the brake assembly while in the braking position, and can reduce the accidental unlocking of the brake assembly from the braking position to the unbraking position. Yet another advantage can include the modular inclusion of one or more brake assemblies on a single article of furniture to provide increased or improved braking capabilities on different floor terrains, such as on inclines, or with brake pads  54  configured for braking on specific surface types, as described above. Moreover, the first activation arm  28 , second activation arm  30 , surface  66 , first leg  68 , second leg  70 , channel  76  and/or catch  78  can be configured, designed, or engineered to minimize activation force, such as the source of rotation for the pivot arm, for instance, by a user, while maximizing brake pad application pressure to the floor surface. Such configurations are especially beneficial in user settings wherein the user may be physically limited, such as in a medical or retirement facility. 
     To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments may be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature may not be illustrated in all of the embodiments is not meant to be construed that it may not be included, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments may be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. Moreover, while “a set of” various elements have been described, it will be understood that “a set” may include any number of the respective elements, including only one element. All combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.