Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] This disclosure relates generally to elbow rests, and more particularly to elbow rests used in vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[002] In order to provide comfort and convenience to driver and passengers, vehicles are usually provided with armrests. These armrests may either be attached to seats, cabin walls, and/or cabin floor inside a vehicle. An armrest is useful in avoiding fatigue and inconvenience caused to an occupant (a driver or a passenger) inside the vehicle, especially during long drives. Absence of an armrest may lead to fatigue and irritation and may thus impact driver’s control over the steering wheel.
[003] However, a given armrest may not be suitable for people of different sizes. As a result of the variance in each individual’s height, body shape/size, and other personal preferences (which may also vary based on time, weather, and road conditions), conventional solutions fail to provide a universal and versatile armrest. As a result, with a conventional armrest, a driver’s elbow may remain unsupported or partially supported for a long duration. This may ultimately lead to fatigue and irritation.
[004] Therefore, there is a need for a versatile armrest in vehicles that can be adjusted based on personal preferences of each individual.

SUMMARY
[005] In one embodiment, armrest assembly is disclosed. The armrest assembly may also be termed as an elbow rest assembly. The armrest assembly includes a first bracket extending in a vertical direction and a first slider slidably cooperating with the first bracket and configured to vertically slide relative to the first bracket. The first slider further includes an arm extending horizontally. The armrest assembly includes a second slider mounted on the arm and configured to horizontally slide along the arm and a third slider configured to horizontally slide along the second slider in a direction perpendicular to the arm. The armrest assembly further includes a cup mounted on the third slider to support an elbow of a person.
[006] In another embodiment, a vehicle seat is disclosed. The vehicle seat includes a planar support that is configured with the vehicle seat. The vehicle seat further includes an armrest. The armrest includes a first bracket extending in a vertical direction and adjoined to the planar support. The armrest further includes a first slider slidably cooperating with the first bracket and configured to vertically slide relative to the first bracket. The first slider includes an arm extending horizontally. The armrest includes a second slider mounted on the arm and configured to horizontally slide in both directions along the arm and a third slider configured to horizontally slide along the second slider in a direction perpendicular to the arm. The armrest further includes a cup mounted on the third slider to support an elbow of a person.
[007] In one embodiment, a vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle includes a planar support adjoined to a cabin the vehicle. The vehicle further includes an armrest. The armrest includes a first bracket extending in a vertical direction and adjoined to the planar support. The armrest further includes a first slider slidably cooperating with the first bracket and configured to vertically slide relative to the first bracket. The first slider includes an arm extending horizontally. The armrest includes a second slider mounted on the arm and configured to horizontally slide in both directions along the arm and a third slider configured to horizontally slide along the second slider in a direction perpendicular to the arm. The armrest further includes a cup mounted on the third slider to support an elbow of a person.
[008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles.
[010] FIG. 1 illustrates perspective views of an armrest assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.
[011] FIG. 2 illustrates various additional views of the armrest assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.
[012] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the armrest assembly depicting various components, in accordance with some embodiments.
[013] FIG. 4 illustrates sectional views of various locking mechanisms used in the armrest assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.
[014] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view and a sectional view of a cup configured to receive elbow of a person, in accordance with some embodiments.
[015] FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the armrest assembly attached to a cabin wall within a vehicle, in accordance with some embodiments.
[016] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a vehicle installed with the armrest assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.
[017] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view of a vehicle depicting a driver seated relative to the armrest assembly, in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[018] The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which forms the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other devices, systems, assemblies and mechanisms for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its device or system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[019] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a system or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[020] Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals have been used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to FIGs. 1-8.
[021] Referring to FIG. 1, perspective views 100A and 100B of an armrest assembly 102 are disclosed, in accordance with some embodiments. The armrest assembly 102 may also be termed as an elbow rest assembly. The armrest assembly 102 incudes a first bracket 104 extending in a vertical direction. The first bracket 104, for example, may include a C-channel. The first bracket 104 may thus have two side walls that are separated by a gap. The armrest assembly 102 further includes a first slider 106 slidably cooperating with the first bracket 104. The first slider 106 is configured to vertically slide relative to the first bracket 104. The first slider 106 may thus be accommodated within the gap. It will be apparent that the first slider 106 slides within a C-channel, thereby, forming an ‘O’ inside a ‘C’ joint. The first slider 106 includes an arm 108 extending horizontally and a base 110 that vertically and slidably cooperates with the first bracket 104. The arm 108 extends horizontally and perpendicularly from the base 110. The arm 108, for example, may a rectangular cross-section and may be a hollow structure. The arm 108 and the base 110 may be portions of a single-piece first slider 106. Alternatively, the arm 108 and the base 110 may be separate parts that may have been integrated together to form the first slider 106. Such an integration may be enabled through various fastening or attaching mechanisms, which, for example, may include, but are not limited to welding, bolting, riveting, or other similar mechanisms.

[022] In order to enable vertical sliding of the first slider 106 relative to the first bracket 104, the first bracket 104 may include a first set of tracks 112 extending in the vertical direction. In the current embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 1, the first set of tracks 112 may be a set of slits formed on side walls of the first bracket 104. Additionally, the first bracket 104 may enclose the base 110. Thus, in this embodiment, the base 110 may vertically slide within the first bracket. In alternative implementations, the first set of tracks 112 may be indentations formed in an interior portion or an exterior portion of first bracket 104. In such case, the base 110 may slide over these indentations. Moreover, instead of the base 110 being enclosed within the first bracket 104, the base 110 may enclose the first bracket 104 in some implementations.

[023] In order to selectively restrict sliding of the first slider 106 against the first bracket 104, a first locking mechanism 114 may be provided. To this end, the first locking mechanism 114 may be configured to contact the first slider 106 and the first set of tracks 112. The first locking mechanism 114 may use a particular type of fastener or a combination of various fasteners. Examples of the fasteners may include, but are not limited to screws, bolts, nuts, or washers. In the current embodiment, when the first set of tracks 112 are slits, the first locking mechanism 114 may include a combination of bolts provided on the first bracket 104 and nuts affixed to the base 110. Sliding of the first slider 106 against the first bracket 104 may be restricted by screwing the bolts into the nuts to a selective degree. For example, screwing the entire length of the bolts into the corresponding nuts may completely restrict movement of the first slider 106. The first locking mechanism 114 is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.

[024] The armrest assembly 102 may further include a second slider 116 that is mounted on the arm 108. The second slider 116, for example, may include a C-channel. The second slider 116 may thus have two side walls that are separated by a gap. The second slider 116 is configured to horizontally slide along the arm 108, which as explained earlier may be a hollow structure with a rectangular cross-section. The gap within the second slider 116 may enclose the arm 108. It will be apparent that the second slider 106, which includes a C-channel, encloses the arm 108, thereby, forming a joint where ‘C’ encloses an ‘O’. To this end, the arm 108 may include a second set of tracks 118, such that the second slider 116 is configured to slide along the second set of tracks 118. In the current embodiment, as depicted, the second set of tracks 118 may be slits formed on both sides of the arm 108. In this case, the second slider 116 may slide over these slits. In an alternative implementation, the second set of tracks 118 may be indentations formed over the surface of the arm 108 on both sides of the arm 108. In this case, the second slider 116 may slide over these indentations.

[025] In order to selectively restrict sliding of the second slider 116 along the arm 108, the second slider 116 may further include a second locking mechanism 120 that is configured to contact the second slider 116 and the second set of tracks 118. The second locking mechanism 120 may use a particular type of fastener or a combination of various fasteners. Examples of the fasteners may include, but are not limited to screws, bolts, nuts, or washers. In the current embodiment, when the second set of tracks 118 are slits, the second locking mechanism 120 may include a combination of a bolt and a nut. The nut may be affixed to the outer side of one of the side walls of the second slider 116. The bolt on the other hand may be screwed from the outer side of the other side wall into the nut and through the slits formed on the arm 108. Sliding of the second slider 116 against the arm 108 may be restricted by screwing the bolt into the nut to a selective degree. For example, screwing the entire length of the bolt into the nut may completely restrict movement of the second slider 116. The second locking mechanism 120 is further explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[026] The armrest assembly 102 may include a third bracket 122 that may be mounted on the second slider 116. The third bracket 122, for example, may include a C-channel. The third bracket 122 may thus have two side walls that are separated by a gap. A third slider 124 may be configured to slidably cooperate with the third bracket 122 and horizontally slide along the second slider 116 in a direction perpendicular to the arm 108. The third slider 124 may thus be accommodated within the gap. It will be apparent that the third slider 124 slides within a C-channel, thereby, forming an ‘O’ inside a ‘C’ joint. The third bracket 122 may include a third set of tracks 126. In the current embodiment, as depicted, the third set of tracks 126 may be slits formed on both walls of the third bracket 122. In this case, the third slider 124 may be enclosed within the third bracket 122 and may slide using these slits. In an alternative implementation, the third set of tracks 126 may be indentations formed in an interior or exterior portion of walls of the third bracket 122. In this case, the third slider 124 may slide over these indentations.
[027] In order to selectively restrict sliding of the third slider 124 along the third bracket 122, the third bracket 122 may further include a third locking mechanism 128 configured to contact the third slider 124 and the third set of tracks 126. The third locking mechanism 128 is configured to selectively restrict sliding of the third slider 124 against the third bracket 122. The third locking mechanism 128 may use a particular type of fastener or a combination of various fasteners. Examples of the fasteners may include, but are not limited to screws, bolts, nuts, or washers. In the current embodiment, when the third set of tracks 126 are slits, the third locking mechanism 128 may include combination of a bolt provided on one of the exterior walls of the third bracket 122 and a nut provided on an oppositely disposed wall of the third bracket 122. Sliding of the third slider 124 against the third bracket 122 may be restricted by screwing the bolt into the nut to a selective degree. For example, screwing the entire length of the bolt into the nut may completely restrict movement of the third slider 124. The third locking mechanism 128 is explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3 and FIG. 4.
[028] In the armrest assembly 102, a cup 130 is mounted atop the third slider 124 to support an elbow of a person (a driver or a passenger). The cup 130 may be mounted on the third slider 124 via a ball joint 132. The ball joint 132 may be configured to attach the cup 130 to the third slider 124. The cup 130 is configured to rotate about a vertical axis along with the ball joint 132.The cup 130 may be able to rotate up to 360 degree about the vertical axis. In some implementations, the cup 130, enabled by the ball joint 132, may also be able to tilt in any direction with respect to the vertical axis. The ball joint 132 may be a damped ball joint. Thus, the rotation of the cup 130 may occur only after the person resting his elbow on the cup 130 may apply a force greater than a predefined threshold.
[029] The cup 130 may further include a first side 134 contoured to receive an elbow of the person. A pad (not shown in FIG. 1) may be attached to the first side 134 of the cup 130. The pad may be made up of a material that is cushioned and comfortable to human touch. Example of the material may include, but are not limited to rubber, leather, or thermoplastic polyurethane. The cup 130 further includes a second side 136 that includes a ball socket (not shown). The ball socket is configured to receive a distal end (not shown) of the ball joint 132 and attach the cup 130 thereto. A proximal end (not shown) of the ball joint 132 may be accommodated within a housing (not shown) extending vertically from a base 138 of the second slider 116. The ball joint 132 may be configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the base 138.
[030] In addition to the perspective views 100A and 100B depicted in FIG. 1, a front view 200A, a back view 200B, a side view 200C, a side view 200D, a top view 200E, and a bottom view 200F of the armrest assembly 102 are illustrated in FIG. 2, in accordance with some embodiments.
[031] Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded perspective view 300 of the armrest assembly 102 depicting various components of the armrest assembly 102 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. As depicted, the base 110 of the first slider 106 includes two holes 302 on each of lateral surfaces 304. Each hole 302 on one of the lateral surfaces 304 is aligned with one of the holes 302 on the oppositely disposed lateral surface 304. A nut (not shown) is affixed and aligned with each of the holes 302 from the inner side of the lateral surfaces 304. The nut may be affixed by way of welding or by using epoxy glue. The nut, for example, may be an M8 weld nut. Once the base 110 is inside and enclosed within the first bracket 104, a bolt 306 may be screwed into one of the nuts through the associated hole 302. It may be noted that instead of using nuts, diameters of each of the holes 302 on the lateral surfaces 304 may be such that they are equal to the minor diameter of the bolt 306. Additionally, or alternatively, the holes 302 may have threads complementing threads of the bolt 306. As a result, the bolts 306 may be directly screwed into the holes 302, without requiring nuts. The bolts 306, for example, may be M8 x 15 mm, plastic cap type bolts. The bolts 306 may pass through the first set of tracks 112 (slits in the current embodiment) before being screwed into the associated nut. This may ensure that while the base 110 is locked and enclosed within the first bracket 104, the base 110 may slide vertically within the first bracket 104. Sliding of the base 110 (and thus the first slider 106) may be restricted by screwing the bolts 306 into the nuts to a selective degree. Thus, if the first slider 106 is required by the driver to be at a certain height from the vehicle floor, the first slider 106 may be vertically moved within the first bracket 104 to a desired location, and the bolts 306 may then be completely screwed into the associated nuts to lock the first slider 106 at the desired location as per the driver. The first slider 106 thus facilitates movement of the armrest assembly along the Z axis, i.e., in a height direction of the vehicle.
[032] In a similar manner, the second slider 116 may include a hole (not shown) on each of lateral surfaces 308. The hole on one of the lateral surfaces 308 is aligned with the hole on the oppositely disposed lateral surface 308. A nut 310 is affixed to one of the lateral surfaces 308 and is aligned with the holes. The nut may be affixed by way of welding or by using epoxy glue. The nut, for example, may be an M8 weld nut. Once the second slider 116 is placed over the arm 108 and the holes are aligned with the second set of tracks 118 (slits in the current embodiment), a bolt 312 may be screwed into the nut 310 through the holes. The bolt 312, for example, may be M8 x 65 mm, plastic cap type bolt. It may be noted that instead of using the nut 310, diameters of each of the holes on the lateral surface 308 may be such that they are equal to the minor diameter of the bolt 312. Additionally, or alternatively, the hole may have threads complementing threads of the bolt 312. As a result, the bolts 312 may be directly screwed into the hole, without requiring the nut 310. The bolt 312 may pass through the second set of tracks 118 before being screwed into the nut 310. This may ensure that while the second slider 116 is locked and placed over the arm 108, the second slider 116 may slide horizontally over the arm 108. Sliding of the second slider 116 may be restricted by screwing the bolt 312 into the nut 310 to a selective degree. Thus, if the second slider 116 is required by the driver to be at a certain distance from a cabin wall to which the armrest assembly 102 is attached, the second slider 116 may be horizontally moved over the arm 108 to a desired position, and the bolt 312 may then be completely screwed into the nut 310 to lock the second slider 116 at the desired position as per the driver. The second slider 106 thus facilitates movement of the armrest assembly 102 along the X axis, i.e., along a length direction of the vehicle.
[033] The third slider 124 may also include a hole 314 on each of lateral surfaces 316. The holes 314 on oppositely disposed lateral surfaces 316 are aligned with each other. Once the third slider 124 is placed and enclosed within the third bracket 122, the holes 314 are aligned with the third set of tracks 126 (slits in the current embodiment) and a bolt 318 is passed through the third set of tracks 126 from a first end of the third bracket 122. The bolt 318 further passes through the holes 314 and emerges from the oppositely disposed end of the third bracket 122. A nut 320 may then be screwed onto the bolt 318. The nut 320, for example, may be an M10 x 95 nut and the bolt 318, for example, may be M10 x 95 mm, plastic cap type bolt. The bolt 318 and the nut 320 arrangement may ensure that while the third slider 124 is locked and enclosed within the third bracket 122, the third slider 124 may slide horizontally along the third bracket 122 in a direction perpendicular to the arm 108. Sliding of the third slider 124 may be restricted by screwing the bolt 318 and the nut 320 to a selective degree. Thus, if the third slider 124 is required by the driver to be at a certain distance from his body, the third slider 124 may be moved perpendicular to the arm 108 to a desired position. Thereafter, the bolt 318 and the nut 320 may be tightly screwed to lock the third slider 124 at the desired position as per the driver. The third slider 124 thus facilitates movement of the armrest assembly 102 along the Y axis, i.e., in a width direction of the vehicle.
[034] As explained in FIG. 1, the cup 130 is mounted atop the third slider 124 via the ball joint 132. On the first side 134 that is contoured to receive an elbow, a pad 324 may be attached. The pad 324 may be contoured to take the shape of the first side 134. The pad 324 may be made up of a material that is cushioned and comfortable to human touch. The cup 130 along with the pad 324 are attached to the ball joint 132 via a bolt 326, which, for example, may be an M5 x 16 Allen Bolt. Since the ball joint 132 is a damped ball joint, rotation of the cup 130 may occur only after the driver resting his elbow on the cup 130 may apply a force greater than a predefined threshold.
[035] Thus, enabled by the sliders 106, 116, and 124, a driver may move the armrest assembly 102 along X, Y, and Z axis based on his personal preference and current requirement. Moreover, the cup 130 contoured to receive the elbow further enables the driver to rotate the cup 130 by up to 360 degrees about a vertical axis using the ball joint 132. Facilitated by the contoured cup 130 and the ability to rotate the cup 130 up to 360 degrees, a driver may easily rest his elbow on the cup 130, even while he is rotating the steering wheel. As a result, the armrest assembly 102 has six degrees of freedom. To further elaborate, each of the sliders 106, 116, and 124 form an “O” inside “C” joints. Thus, there are a total of three such joints in the armrest assembly 102. Additionally, there is one ball joint, i.e., the ball joint 132. The sliders 106, 116, and 124 and the ball joint 132 in combination form seven links. Moreover, there are three locking mechanism, i.e., the locking mechanisms 114, 120, and 128. Additionally, the total number of higher pairs are six. As a result, such an arrangement provided in the armrest assembly 102 provide six degrees of freedom. In other words, six degrees of freedom provided movement along +/- X axis, +/-Y axis, +/-Z axis, and angle of inclination and/or rotation around the X, Y, and Z axis. Thus, the armrest assembly 102 provides 100 percent versatility to achieve placement of the armrest assembly 102 in any location in any orientation.
[036] Referring now to FIG. 4, the first locking mechanism 114, the second locking mechanism 120, and the third locking mechanism 128 are illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. A side view 400 of the armrest assembly 102 is depicted and various sections are cut from the armrest assembly 102 to describe the locking mechanisms 114, 120, and 128 in detail. A sectional view 402 depicts the first locking mechanism 114. As depicted, the base 110 is enclosed within the first bracket 104 and is held in position using the first locking mechanism 114 that includes the bolts 306 screwed into corresponding nuts 408. A sectional view 404 depicts the second locking mechanism 120 and a sectional view 406 depicts the third locking mechanism 128. Working of the locking mechanisms 114, 120, and 128 has already been explained in detail in conjunction with FIG. 3.
[037] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view 500 and a sectional view 502 of the cup 130, in accordance with some embodiments. As depicted, in the sectional view 502, the second slider 116 includes a base 504 and a housing 506 extending vertically from the base 504. A proximal end of the ball joint is accommodated within the housing 504, while a distal end of the ball joint 132 is received via a ball socket 508 in order to attach the cup 130 to the ball joint 132.
[038] Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view 600 of the armrest assembly 102 attached to a cabin wall 602 within a vehicle is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. In some embodiments, the armrest assembly 102 may be attached to any other planar support adjoined to a cabin within the vehicle. The planar surface, for example, may be supported through the floor or roof of the vehicle.
[039] Referring now to FIG. 7, a perspective cross-sectional view 700 of a vehicle 702 installed with the armrest assembly 102 is illustrated, in accordance with some embodiments. FIG. 8 further illustrates a perspective cross-sectional view 800 of the vehicle 702 depicting a driver 804 seated relative to the armrest assembly 102, in accordance with some embodiments. As depicted, an elbow 806 of the driver 804 would be rested on the armrest assembly 102, after it has been adjusted based on personal preference and requirements of the driver 804. In some embodiments, the armrest assembly 102 may be attached to or integrate within a vehicle seat (not shown). The vehicle seat may include a planar support that is configured with the vehicle seat. In this case, the first bracket 104 may be adjoined to the planar support.
[040] Various embodiments provide an armrest assembly. The armrest assembly includes a first bracket extending in a vertical direction and a first slider slidably cooperating with the first bracket. The first slider is configured to vertically slide relative to the first bracket. The first slider further includes an arm extending horizontally. The armrest assembly includes a second slider mounted on the arm and configured to horizontally slide along the arm and a third slider configured to horizontally slide along the second slider in a direction perpendicular to the arm. The armrest assembly further includes a cup mounted, via a ball joint, on the third slider to support an elbow of a person. The armrest assembly also includes three locking mechanism (one for each slider), which enable selectively restricted movement for each of the sliders.
[041] The three sliders provided in the armrest assembly form an “O” inside “C” joints. Thus, there are a total of three such joints in the armrest assembly. Additionally, there is one ball joint. The sliders and the ball joint in combination form seven links. Also, there are three locking mechanism. Such an arrangement provided in the armrest assembly provide six degrees of freedom. None of the conventional armrests provides six degrees of freedom. The armrest assembly of the current invention is thus versatile and suitable for people of all shapes and sizes. Moreover, the armrest assembly, because of the six degrees of freedom, is agnostic to variance in each individual’s height, body shape/size, and other personal preferences. The armrest assembly thus ensures that a driver’s elbow may always remain completely supported, thereby avoiding any fatigue, irritation, or inconvenience to the driver.
[042] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[043] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations.
[044] However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[045] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[046] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

, Claims:CLAIMS

I/We claim:
1. An armrest assembly (102) comprising:
a first bracket (104) extending in a vertical direction;
a first slider (106) slidably cooperating with the first bracket (104), and configured to vertically slide relative to the first bracket (104), the first slider (106) comprising:
an arm (108) extending horizontally;
a second slider (116) mounted on the arm (108) and configured to horizontally slide along the arm (108);
a third slider (124) configured to horizontally slide along the second slider (116) in a direction perpendicular to the arm (108); and
a cup (130) mounted on the third slider (124) to support an elbow of a person.
2. The armrest assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first bracket (104) comprises:
a first set of tracks (112) extending in the vertical direction; and
a first locking mechanism (114) configured to contact the first slider (106) and the first set of tracks (112), and wherein the first locking mechanism (114) is configured to selectively restrict sliding of the first slider (106) against the first bracket (104).
3. The armrest assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first slider (106) comprises:
a base (110) vertically slidably cooperating with the first bracket (104), wherein the arm (108) extends horizontally and perpendicularly from the base (110).
4. The armrest assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the arm (108) comprises a second set of tracks (118), and wherein the second slider (116) is configured to slide along the second set of tracks (118), wherein the second slider (116) comprises:
a second locking mechanism (120) configured to contact the second slider (116) and the second set of tracks (118), and wherein the second locking mechanism (120) is configured to selectively restrict sliding of the second slider (116) along the arm (108).
5. The armrest assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cup (130) is mounted on the third slider (124) via a ball joint (132) configured to couple the cup (130) to the third slider (124), and wherein the cup (130) comprises:
a first side (134) contoured to receive an elbow of the person; and
a second side (136) comprising a ball socket (508) configured to receive a distal end of the ball joint (132) and attach the cup (130) thereto, and wherein the cup (130) is configured to rotate about a vertical axis along with the ball joint (132).
6. The armrest assembly (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the armrest assembly (102) comprises:
a third bracket (122) mounted on the second slider (116), wherein the third bracket (122) comprises:
a third set of tracks (126); and
a third locking mechanism (128) configured to contact the third slider (124) and the third set of tracks (126), and wherein the third locking mechanism (128) is configured to selectively restrict sliding of the third slider (124) against the third bracket (122).
7. A vehicle seat comprising:
a planar support configured with the vehicle seat; and
an armrest assembly (102), comprising:
a first bracket (104) extending in a vertical direction and adjoined to the planar support;
a first slider (106) slidably cooperating with the first bracket (104), and configured to vertically slide relative to the first bracket (104), the first slider (106) comprising:
an arm (108) extending horizontally;
a second slider (116) mounted on the arm (108) and configured to horizontally slide in both directions along the arm (108);
a third slider (124) configured to horizontally slide along the second slider (116) in a direction perpendicular to the arm (108); and
a cup (130) mounted on the third slider (124) to support an elbow of a person.
8. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first bracket (104) comprises:
a first set of tracks (112) extending in the vertical direction; and
a first locking mechanism (114) configured to contact the first slider (106) and the first set of tracks (112), and wherein the first locking mechanism (114) is configured to selectively restrict sliding of the first slider (124) against the first bracket (104).
9. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 7, wherein the arm (108) comprises a second set of tracks (118), and wherein the second slider (124) is configured to slide along the second set of tracks (118) of the arm (108), wherein the arm (108) comprises:
a second locking mechanism (120) configured to contact the second slider (116) and the second set of tracks (118), and wherein the second locking mechanism (120) is configured to selectively restrict sliding of the second slider (116) along the arm (108).
10. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 7, wherein the cup (130) is mounted on the third slider (124) via a ball joint (132) configured to couple the cup (130) to the third slider (124), and wherein the cup (130) comprises:
a first side (134) contoured to receive the elbow of the person; and
a second side (136) comprising a ball socket (508) configured to receive a distal end of the ball joint (132) and attach the cup (130) thereto, and wherein the cup (130) is configured to rotate about a vertical axis along with the ball joint (132).
11. The vehicle seat as claimed in claim 7, wherein the armrest assembly comprises:
a third bracket (122) mounted on the second slider(116), wherein the third bracket (122) comprises:
a third set of tracks (126); and
a third locking mechanism (128) configured to contact the third slider (124) and the third set of tracks (126), and wherein the third locking mechanism (128) is configured to restrict sliding of the third slider (124) against the third bracket (122).
12. A vehicle (702) comprising:
a planar support adjoined to a cabin in the vehicle; and
an armrest assembly (102), comprising:
a first bracket (104) extending in a vertical direction and adjoined to the planar support;
a first slider (106) slidably cooperating with the first bracket (104), and configured to vertically slide relative to the first bracket (104), the first slider (106) comprising:
an arm (108) extending horizontally;
a second slider (116) mounted on the arm (108) and configured to horizontally slide along the arm (108);
a third slider (124) configured to horizontally slide along the second slider (124) in a direction perpendicular to the arm (108); and
a cup (130) mounted on the third slider (124) to support an elbow of a person.
13. The vehicle (702) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the first bracket (104) comprises:
a first set of tracks (112) extending in the vertical direction; and
a first locking mechanism (114) configured to contact the first slider (106) and the first set of tracks (112), and wherein the first locking mechanism (114) is configured to selectively restrict sliding of the first slider (106) against the first bracket (104).
14. The vehicle (702) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the arm (108) comprises a second set of tracks (118), and wherein the second slider (116) is configured to slide along the second set of tracks (118) of the arm (108), wherein the arm (108) comprises:
a second locking mechanism (120) configured to contact the second slider (116) and the second set of tracks (118), and wherein the second locking mechanism (120) is configured to selectively restrict sliding of the second slider (116) along the arm (108).
15. The vehicle (702) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the cup (130) is mounted on the third slider (124) via a ball joint (132) configured to couple the cup (130) to the third slider (124), and wherein the cup (130) comprises:
a first side (134) contoured to receive the elbow of the person; and
a second side (136) comprising a ball socket (508) configured to receive a distal end of the ball joint (132) and attach the cup (130) thereto, and wherein the cup (130) is configured to rotate about a vertical axis along with the ball joint (132).
16. The vehicle (702) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the armrest assembly (102) comprises:
a third bracket (122) mounted on the second slider(116), wherein the third bracket (122) comprises:
a third set of tracks (126); and
a third locking mechanism (128) configured to contact the third slider (124) and the third set of tracks (126), and wherein the third locking mechanism (128) is configured to restrict sliding of the third slider (124) against the third bracket (122).