US20110031785A1

US20110031785A1 - Chair arm transformable into a work surface

Info

Publication number: US20110031785A1
Application number: US12/851,318
Authority: US
Inventors: Daniel V. Steenson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-08-05
Filing date: 2010-08-05
Publication date: 2011-02-10

Abstract

A chair arm transformable into a work surface.

Description

PRIORITY/CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/231,590, filed Aug. 5, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to the field of computer accessories and chairs. Particular embodiments related to chair arms that are configured to swing around and convert into an adjustable work surface.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A chair arm for a chair, said chair arm comprising an arm support member which attaches to the chair, a first pivot means, a first swing arm, a second pivot means, a second swing arm, a connector, and a platform.
The purpose of the Abstract is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the inventive concept(s) of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the inventive concept(s) in any way.
Still other features and advantages of the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the inventive concept(s), simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out the inventive concept(s). As will be realized, the inventive concept(s) is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the inventive concept(s). Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective front side view of a first embodiment and a second embodiment of the inventive concept, shown installed on a chair.

FIG. 2 is an environmental, plan view of the embodiments of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective rear side view of the second embodiment of the inventive concept, shown in its active position, partially extended.

FIG. 4 is a perspective rear side view of the first embodiment of the inventive concept, shown in its active position, partially extended.

FIG. 5 is a perspective rear side view of the first embodiment of the inventive concept, shown in its stowed position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective front side view of the first embodiment of the inventive concept, shown in its stowed position.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first embodiment of the inventive concept, shown in its active position, more fully extended.

FIG. 8 is a side view of the first embodiment of the inventive concept, showing rotation of the second arm relative to the first arm, shown fully extended.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the first embodiment of the inventive concept, showing rotation of the second arm relative to the first arm, and the rotation of the platform relative to the second arm, shown fully extended.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the inventive concept.

DEFINITIONS

In the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals.
The use of “e.g.,” “etc,” and “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless otherwise noted.
The use of “including” means “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.
The use of “chair” means “any and all types of furniture,” unless otherwise noted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

While the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventive concept(s) to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept(s) as defined in the claims.
Embodiments of the inventive concept are platform supports. Other embodiments of the inventive concept are chair arms transformable into one or more work surfaces, wherein one or more of the work surface supports are configured for use as chair arm rests.
FIGS. 1-10 show a pair of embodiments of the inventive concepts. Referring initially to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-2, shown is a chair 2 having a seat portion 3, a back portion 5 and a base portion 7. Attaching to the seat portion 3 is a first chair arm 10 and a second chair arm 110. Alternatively, one or both of the chair arms could attach to the back portion or the base portion of the chair. It is preferred that this attachment be accomplished through use of one or more fasteners, including but not limited to screws, bolts, other mechanical fasteners, as well as permanent connections such as welding and through the use of adhesives. In the embodiments shown, the attachment is through the use of fasteners 15, as can be seen in FIG. 2 and FIG. 10 where a bolts or screws are inserted through a slot 20, 120 or other passageway in attachment portion 14, 114 and fastened to the seat portion, such as through screwing into a plastic, wood or metal portion of the seat portion.
Embodiments of the inventive concept are particularly useful for supporting computer accessories, for instance the keyboard 6 and the mouse 4 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 showing the keyboard 6 supported by the first platform (hidden from view) and the mouse 4 supported by the second platform 44.
FIG. 3 shows that the chair arm 110 comprises an arm support member 118, a first pivot means 122, a first swing arm 126, a second pivot means 130, a second swing arm 134, a connector 46, and a platform 44.
The arm support member 118 comprising an attachment portion 114 and an upright portion 116. The arm support member preferably generally L-shaped. The attachment portion 114 configured for attachment to said chair 2, for instance through use of one or more fasteners 15 fastened through a slot 120 defined in said attachment portion. While a slot is shown, a hole or other means for attachment may be utilized. Utilization of a slot is preferred in that it allows for lateral adjustment of the location of the upright portion 116 relative to the seat portion, as desired.
The upright portion 116 having a proximal end 119 and a distal end 117. The proximal end 119 attaching to the attachment portion 114 and extending generally vertically there-from. The distal end 117 configured for connection with a first swing arm first end 127 via a first pivot means.
The attachment portion 114 may have an orifice 121 defined there-in which is sized to receive the upright portion 116 there-through. A lock portion 113 allowing for adjustment of the connection between the attachment portion 114 and the upright portion 116, allowing the upright portion 116 to be moved vertically and then locked into position (as desired). This enables a user to adjust the height of the keyboard or mouse relative to himself or herself.
Alternatively, the arm support member 118 may configured differently, including, but not limited to the attachment portion 114 being fixed permanently to the upright portion 116, for instance, the attachment portion and upright portion being integral to one another.
The first pivot means 130 pivotally connecting the first swing arm 126 first end 127 to the arm support member's distal end 117. The first pivot means can be a separate component or may be integral to one or both of the first swing arm and/or the arm support member. The first pivot means 122 shown in the figures comprising an elongated cylindrical pin configured for insertion into a bore (not shown). The pin held in the bore via common means, including but not limited to set screws. Alternatively, the pivot pin may extend both into a bore in the upright portion as well as into a bore defined within the swing arm, being attached there-to as necessary.
The first swing arm 126 having a first end 127 and a second end 128. The first end 127 being pivotally attached to the distal end 117 of the upright portion 116 by the first pivot means 122. The second end 128 being pivotally attached to a second swing arm 134 (preferably at its first end 135) via a second pivot means 130. The second pivot means 130 shown in the figures comprising an elongated cylindrical pin configured for insertion into a bore (not shown). The pin held in the bore via common means, including but not limited to set screws. Alternatively, the pivot pin may extend both into a bore in the upright portion as well as into a bore defined within the swing arm, being attached there-to as necessary.
It is preferred that the second swing arm body 138 have an upper portion 132, and that the chair arm further comprise a padded portion 136 attached to said upper portion 132. The padded portion is preferably molded foam, upholstery, or other cushioning material for providing comfort for the user when the second swing arm is used as an armrest, for instance when the platform is stowed.
The second pivot means 130 pivotally connecting the first swing arm 126 (at its second end 128) to the second swing arm 134 (at its first end 135). The second swing arm 134 having a first end 135 and a second end 137 defining a body 138 there-between. The body 138 having an upper portion 132. A padded portion 136 preferably attaching to and covering at least a portion of the upper portion 132. The first end 135 being pivotally attached to the first swing arm second end 128 by said second pivot means 130. The second end 137 connecting to the platform 44 via a connector 46.
The platform 44 attached to the second end 137 of the second swing arm 134 via the connector 46. The platform is configured for alternatively positioning in an active position where said platform is generally horizontal, and in a stowed position where said platform is generally vertical. It is preferred that the platform be moved from active position to stowed position by rotation of the connector 46.
The platform 44 preferably defines a generally planar surface capable of supporting a computer accessory, I/O (input/output) devices, and writing utensils. In the embodiment shown, the platform 44 comprises a computer mouse pad 45 upon on said planar surface. Additionally, the platform may be used to write notes, secure a remote control, hold food or a beverage, or facilitate other similar uses. The tray assembly/platform utilized with the transformable chair arm may be something similar to what is disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/564,195, filed 28 Nov. 2006, and what is disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/382,311, filed 9 May 2006, the disclosures of which is incorporated herein by reference.
The connector 46 preferably comprises at least one pivot means pivotally connecting the platform 44 to the second swing arm second end 137. Thusly, the platform 44 can be moved from the active position to the stowed position by rotation of the pivot means of the connector 46. For instance, shown is a fourth pivot means 150 having a generally vertical axis of rotation. As such, at least one of the said swing arms can be rotated at the first and/or second pivot means to position the connector as desired by a user relative to the arm support member.
The fourth pivot means 150 pivotally connected to a first connector segment 152, the first connector segment 152 having a fifth pivot means 170 having a generally horizontal axis of rotation. The fifth pivot means 170 pivotally connected to a second connector segment 154, the second connector segment 154 having a sixth pivot means 180 having an axis of rotation generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said fifth pivot means 170. The sixth pivot means 180 pivotally connected to a platform bracket.
Preferably, when the platform 44 is configured in the active position, the platform 44 is generally horizontal and extends generally away from the second end 137 of the second swing arm 134, and the first and second swing arms are not generally planar to one another.
Preferably, when the platform 44 is configured in the stowed position, the platform 44 is generally vertical and is stowed below and adjacent to the second swing arm second end 137, and the first and second swing arms are generally planar to one another.
Preferably, the first pivot means and the second pivot means have generally parallel axes of rotation. Preferably, both the first and second pivot means have a generally vertical axis of rotation.
It is preferred that the second swing arm further comprise a third pivot means 160. The third pivot means 160 having a generally horizontal axis of rotation which is preferably generally perpendicular to the generally vertical axis of rotation of the second pivot means 130.
FIGS. 4 and 10 shows that the chair arm 10 comprises an arm support member 18, a first pivot means 22, a first swing arm 26, a second pivot means 30, a second swing arm 34, a connector 42, and a platform 40.
The arm support member 18 comprising an attachment portion 14 and an upright portion 16. The arm support member preferably generally L-shaped. The attachment portion 14 configured for attachment to said chair 2, for instance through use of one or more fasteners 15 fastened through a slot 20 defined in said attachment portion. While a slot is shown, a hole or other means for attachment may be utilized. Utilization of a slot is preferred in that it allows for lateral adjustment of the location of the upright portion 16 relative to the seat portion, as desired.
The upright portion 16 having a proximal end 19 and a distal end 17. The proximal end 19 attaching to the attachment portion 14 and extending generally vertically there-from. The distal end 17 configured for connection with a first swing arm first end 27 via a first pivot means.
The attachment portion 14 may have an orifice 21 defined there-in which is sized to receive the upright portion 16 there-through. A lock portion 13 allowing for adjustment of the connection between the attachment portion 14 and the upright portion 16, allowing the upright portion 16 to be moved vertically and then locked into position (as desired, as shown in FIG. 9. This enables a user to adjust the height of the keyboard or mouse relative to himself or herself.
Alternatively, the arm support member 18 may configured differently, including, but not limited to the attachment portion 14 being fixed permanently to the upright portion 16, for instance, the attachment portion and upright portion being integral to one another.
The first pivot means 30 pivotally connecting the first swing arm 26 first end 27 to the arm support member's distal end 17. The first pivot means can be a separate component or may be integral to one or both of the first swing arm and/or the arm support member. The first pivot means 22 shown in the figures comprising an elongated cylindrical pin configured for insertion into a bore (not shown). The pin held in the bore via common means, including but not limited to set screws. Alternatively, the pivot pin may extend both into a bore in the upright portion as well as into a bore defined within the swing arm, being attached there-to as necessary. In the embodiment shown, the elongated cylindrical pin 23 extends from the first end 27 of the first swing arm 26 and is received into a bore 24 defined in the upright portion 16. Other suitable pivot means could likewise be used.
The first swing arm 26 having a first end 27 and a second end 28. The first end 27 being pivotally attached to the distal end 17 of the upright portion 16 by the first pivot means 22. The second end 28 being pivotally attached to a second swing arm 34 (preferably at its first end 35) via a second pivot means 30. The second pivot means 30 shown in the figures comprising an elongated cylindrical pin configured for insertion into a bore (not shown). The pin held in the bore via common means, including but not limited to set screws. Alternatively, the pivot pin may extend both into a bore in the upright portion as well as into a bore defined within the swing arm, being attached there-to as necessary. In the embodiment shown, the elongated cylindrical pin 39 extends from the first end 35 of the second swing arm 34 and is received into a bore 43 defined in the second end 28 of the first swing arm 26. Other suitable pivot means could likewise be used.
It is preferred that the second swing arm body 38 have an upper portion 32, and that the chair arm further comprise a padded portion 36 attached to said upper portion 32. The padded portion is preferably molded foam, upholstery, or other cushioning material for providing comfort for the user when the second swing arm is used as an armrest, for instance when the platform is stowed.
The second pivot means 30 pivotally connecting the first swing arm 26 (at its second end 28) to the second swing arm 34 (at its first end 35). The second swing arm 34 having a first end 35 and a second end 37 defining a body 38 there-between. The body 38 having an upper portion 32. A padded portion 36 preferably attaching to and covering at least a portion of the upper portion 32. The first end 35 being pivotally attached to the first swing arm second end 28 by said second pivot means 30. The second end 37 connecting to the platform 40 via a connector 42.
The platform 40 attached to the second end 37 of the second swing arm 34 via the connector 42. The platform is configured for alternatively positioning in an active position where said platform is generally horizontal, and in a stowed position where said platform is generally vertical. It is preferred that the platform be moved from active position to stowed position by rotation of the connector 42.
The platform 40 preferably defines a generally planar surface capable of supporting a computer accessory, I/O (input/output) devices, and writing utensils. In the embodiment shown, the platform 40 comprises a fastener 41 for attaching a computer keyboard to said platform planar surface. Preferably, said fastener 41 is hook-and-loop material such as Velcro®. Additionally, the platform may be used to write notes, secure a remote control, hold food or a beverage, or facilitate other similar uses. The tray assembly/platform utilized with the transformable chair arm may be something similar to what is disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/564,195, filed 28 Nov. 2006, and what is disclosed in application Ser. No. 11/382,311, filed 9 May 2006.
The connector 42 preferably comprises at least one pivot means pivotally connecting the platform 40 to the second swing arm second end 37. Thusly, the platform 40 can be moved from the active position to the stowed position by rotation of the pivot means of the connector 42. For instance, shown is a fourth pivot means 50 having a generally vertical axis of rotation. As such, at least one of the said swing arms can be rotated at the first and/or second pivot means to position the connector as desired by a user relative to the arm support member.
The fourth pivot means 50 pivotally connected to a first connector segment 52, the first connector segment 52 having a fifth pivot means 70 having a generally horizontal axis of rotation. The fifth pivot means 70 pivotally connected to a second connector segment 54, the second connector segment 54 having a sixth pivot means 80 having an axis of rotation generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said fifth pivot means 70. The sixth pivot means 80 pivotally connected to a platform bracket 48.
The platform bracket 48 defines a slot 49. The connector 42 further comprises a fastener 47 adapted for insertion through the slot and into the platform, thereby allowing the connector 42 to be connected to said platform 40.
Preferably, when the platform 40 is configured in the active position, the platform 40 is generally horizontal and extends generally away from the second end 37 of the second swing arm 34, and the first and second swing arms are not generally planar to one another.
Preferably, when the platform 40 is configured in the stowed position, the platform 40 is generally vertical and is stowed below and adjacent to the second swing arm second end 37, and the first and second swing arms are generally planar to one another.
Preferably, the first pivot means and the second pivot means have generally parallel axes of rotation. Preferably, both the first and second pivot means have a generally vertical axis of rotation.
It is preferred that the second swing arm further comprise a third pivot means 60. The third pivot means 60 having a generally horizontal axis of rotation which is preferably generally perpendicular to the generally vertical axis of rotation of the second pivot means 30. The third pivot means allowing the arm to be swung upwards, as shown in FIGS. 8-9.
The chair arm enables the user to move a computer keyboard and mouse, and other computer peripherals, tools and objects from the desk to the chair, and to orient them in virtually any desired position and angle relative to the user. In so doing, the chair arm enables the user to sit back comfortably supported by their chair, particularly the back rest, without leaning or hunching over a desk. Using the chair arm also enables the user to adjust his or her position relative to a computer monitor to avoid discomfort, pain and injury that results from utilizing a computer in a static position for extended periods of time.
A listing of some of the potential embodiments (along with those disclosed) of the inventive concept follows:

Embodiment 1

A chair arm for a chair, said chair arm comprising an arm support member, a first pivot means, a first swing arm, a second pivot means, a second swing arm, a connector, and a platform.

Embodiment 2

A chair arm for a chair, said chair arm comprising an arm support member, a first pivot means, a first swing arm, a second pivot means, a second swing arm, a connector, and a platform. The arm support member comprising an attachment portion and an upright portion, said attachment portion connecting to said chair, said upright portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end attaching to said attachment portion and extending generally vertically therefrom, said distal end connecting to a first swing arm first end via said first pivot means; said first pivot means pivotally connecting said first swing arm first end to said arm support member distal end; said first swing arm having said first swing arm first end and a first swing arm second end, said first swing arm first end being pivotally attached to the distal end of said upright portion by said first pivot means, said first swing arm second end being pivotally attached to a second swing arm first end via said second pivot means; said second pivot means pivotally connecting said first swing arm second end to said second swing arm first end; said second swing arm having said second swing arm first end and a second swing arm second end defining a body there-between, said second swing arm first end being pivotally attached to the first swing arm second end by said second pivot means, said second swing arm second end connecting to said platform via said connector; said connector connecting said platform to said second swing arm second end; and said platform, said platform attached to the second end of said second swing arm via said connector, wherein said platform is configured for alternatively positioning in an active position where said platform is generally horizontal, and in a stowed position where said platform is generally vertical, wherein said platform can be moved from active position to stowed position by rotation of said connector. Preferably, said first pivot means and said second pivot means have generally parallel axes of rotation. Preferably, said first pivot means has a generally vertical axis of rotation. Preferably, said second pivot means has a generally vertical axis of rotation. Preferably, said second swing arm further comprises a third pivot means, said third pivot means having a generally horizontal axis of rotation, said horizontal axis of rotation generally perpendicular to the generally vertical axis of rotation of said second pivot means. Preferably, said platform defines a generally planar surface capable of supporting a computer accessory. Preferably, said platform comprises a computer mouse pad on said planar surface. Preferably, said platform comprises a fastener for attaching a computer keyboard to said platform planar surface. Preferably, said second swing arm body has an upper portion, and wherein said chair arm further comprises a padded portion attached to said upper portion. Preferably, said attachment portion connects to said chair at a location selected from the group consisting of a seat portion of said chair, a back portion of said chair, and an attachment portion of said chair. Preferably, said arm support member is generally L-shaped. Preferably, said attachment portion attaches to said chair via at least one fastener. Preferably, at least one of said swing arms can be rotated at least one of said first and second pivot means to position the connector as desired by a user relative to said arm support member. Preferably, said connector comprises at least one fourth pivot means pivotally connecting said platform to said second swing arm second end. Preferably, said platform can be moved from said active position to said stowed position by rotation of at least one of said at least one fourth pivot means of said connector. Preferably, said connector comprises a fourth pivot means having a generally vertical axis of rotation, said fourth pivot means pivotally connected to a first connector segment, said first connector segment having a fifth pivot means having a generally horizontal axis of rotation, said fifth pivot means pivotally connected to a second connector segment, said second connector segment having a sixth pivot means having an axis of rotation generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said fifth pivot means, said sixth pivot means pivotally connected to a platform bracket. Preferably, said platform can be moved from said active position to said stowed position by rotation of one or more pivot means of said connector. Preferably, said platform bracket defines a slot, and wherein said connector further comprises a fastener adapted for insertion through said slot and into said platform, thereby allowing the connector to be connected to said platform. Preferably, when said platform is configured in said active position said platform is generally horizontal and extends generally away from said second end of said second swing arm and said first and second swing arms are not generally planar to one another. Preferably, when said platform is configured in said stowed position said platform is generally vertical and is stowed below and adjacent to said second swing arm second end and said first and second swing arms are generally planar to one another.

Embodiment 3

The arms of an existing chair are removed and replaced.

Embodiment 4

Only a left arm chair arm is configured using the inventive concept.

Embodiment 5

Only a right arm chair arm is configured using the inventive concept.

Embodiment 6

Both the left and right arm chair arms are configured using the inventive concept.

Embodiment 7

Both platforms are provided with mouse pads.

Embodiment 8

Both platforms are provided with a fastener, such as hook-and-loop material.

Embodiment 9

More than two arm chair arms are provided.
While certain exemplary embodiments are shown in Figures and in this disclosure, it is to be distinctly understood that the presently disclosed inventive concept(s) is not limited thereto but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A chair arm for a chair, said chair arm comprising an arm support member, a first pivot means, a first swing arm, a second pivot means, a second swing arm, a connector, and a platform;

said arm support member comprising an attachment portion and an upright portion, said attachment portion connecting to said chair, said upright portion having a proximal end and a distal end, said proximal end attaching to said attachment portion and extending generally vertically therefrom, said distal end connecting to a first swing arm first end via said first pivot means;

said first pivot means pivotally connecting said first swing arm first end to said arm support member distal end;

said first swing arm having said first swing arm first end and a first swing arm second end, said first swing arm first end being pivotally attached to the distal end of said upright portion by said first pivot means, said first swing arm second end being pivotally attached to a second swing arm first end via said second pivot means;

said second pivot means pivotally connecting said first swing arm second end to said second swing arm first end;

said second swing arm having said second swing arm first end and a second swing arm second end defining a body there-between, said second swing arm first end being pivotally attached to the first swing arm second end by said second pivot means, said second swing arm second end connecting to said platform via said connector;

said connector connecting said platform to said second swing arm second end; and

said platform, said platform attached to the second end of said second swing arm via said connector, wherein said platform is configured for alternatively positioning in an active position where said platform is generally horizontal, and in a stowed position where said platform is generally vertical, wherein said platform can be moved from active position to stowed position by rotation of said connector.

2. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein said first pivot means and said second pivot means have generally parallel axes of rotation.

3. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein said first pivot means has a generally vertical axis of rotation.

4. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein said second pivot means has a generally vertical axis of rotation.

5. The chair arm of claim 4, wherein said second swing arm further comprises a third pivot means, said third pivot means having a generally horizontal axis of rotation, said horizontal axis of rotation generally perpendicular to the generally vertical axis of rotation of said second pivot means.

6. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein said platform defines a generally planar surface capable of supporting a computer accessory.

7. The chair arm of claim 6, wherein said platform comprises a computer mouse pad on said planar surface.

8. The chair arm of claim 6, wherein said platform comprises a fastener for attaching a computer keyboard to said platform planar surface.

9. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein said second swing arm body has an upper portion, and wherein said chair arm further comprises a padded portion attached to said upper portion.

10. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion connects to said chair at a location selected from the group consisting of a seat portion of said chair, a back portion of said chair, and an attachment portion of said chair.

11. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein said arm support member is generally L-shaped.

12. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein said attachment portion attaches to said chair via at least one fastener.

13. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein at least one of said swing arms can be rotated at least one of said first and second pivot means to position the connector as desired by a user relative to said arm support member.

14. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein said connector comprises at least one fourth pivot means pivotally connecting said platform to said second swing arm second end.

15. The chair arm of claim 14, wherein said platform can be moved from said active position to said stowed position by rotation of at least one of said at least one fourth pivot means of said connector.

16. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein said connector comprises a fourth pivot means having a generally vertical axis of rotation, said fourth pivot means pivotally connected to a first connector segment, said first connector segment having a fifth pivot means having a generally horizontal axis of rotation, said fifth pivot means pivotally connected to a second connector segment, said second connector segment having a sixth pivot means having an axis of rotation generally perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said fifth pivot means, said sixth pivot means pivotally connected to a platform bracket.

17. The chair arm of claim 16, wherein said platform can be moved from said active position to said stowed position by rotation of one or more pivot means of said connector.

18. The chair arm of claim 16, wherein said platform bracket defines a slot, and wherein said connector further comprises a fastener adapted for insertion through said slot and into said platform, thereby allowing the connector to be connected to said platform.

19. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein when said platform is configured in said active position said platform is generally horizontal and extends generally away from said second end of said second swing arm and said first and second swing arms are not generally planar to one another.

20. The chair arm of claim 1, wherein when said platform is configured in said stowed position said platform is generally vertical and is stowed below and adjacent to said second swing arm second end and said first and second swing arms are generally planar to one another.