A clutching mechanism for pivotably mounting a first member relative to a second member includes an axis of rotation, a first member, a second member, a shaft, a coil spring clutching member, a cam plate, and a clutch engagement member. The axis of rotation passes through the first member. The second member is pivotably mounted relative to the first member for relative rotation therebetween about the axis of rotation. The shaft is fixed to the first member and is centered on the axis of rotation. The coil spring clutching member has a helically wound body wrapped around the shaft. A first end of the spring clutching member extends radially outwardly from the body to engage the second member. A second end of the spring clutching member extends radially outwardly from the body as well. The cam plate is fixed relative to the shaft and is disposed adjacent the second member. The clutch engagement member is slideably disposed relative to the second member and receives the second end of the spring clutching member. The clutch engagement member is biased relative to the second member in a first rotative direction to a clutch engaged position by the coil spring clutching member. The clutch engagement member is selectively displaceable in a second rotative direction to a clutch released position responsive to engagement of the clutch engagement member with the cam plate. When the clutch engagement member is in the clutch engaged position, the coil spring clutching member acts as a one-way clutch preventing relative rotation in a first direction in any one of an infinite number of in-use positions while enabling rotation of the second member relative to the first in a second direction. When the clutch engagement member is in the clutch released position, the coil spring clutching member enables rotation in both directions.

An adjustable armrest mechanism includes a mounting bracket securely mounted relative to a vehicle seatback, an armrest rotatable relative to the mounting bracket, an armrest bracket securably attachable to the armrest, a pawl attachable with the armrest bracket, a coil spring for biasing the pawl, and a ratchet securably mounted onto the mounting bracket. The ratchet includes a camming surface having a plurality of serrated teeth for engagement with the pawl. A plurality of in-use positions are defined by engagement between the pawl and the serrated teeth. The armrest bracket includes a stop which prevents further rotation of the pawl member during disengagement. Cooperative engagement of the pawl with an armrest stop and a ratchet stop on the camming surface prevents further rotation of the pawl during relative rotation into the non-use position.

An automobile comfort armrest having a mounting shaft and a mechanical adjustment mechanism located between the two ends of the armrest is disclosed. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment button, an adjustment rod, a sector, a cam, and a pawl. The sector contains gear teeth, an adjustment slot, a stowing notch, and a release ramp to permit retrieval of the comfort armrest from its stowed position. The cam contains a peripheral raised portion, a biasing adjustment nodule, a pawl release ramp to assist the armrest in retreating to its stowed position, and an adjustment rod slot to allow the user to mechanically adjust the position of the armrest. The pawl contains an end with teeth to mesh with the sector teeth and an end with a pointed hook to fit into the notch located in the sector to facilitate a downward stowing position. The mounting shaft contains two end slots at ninety degree angles with a rounded, protruding corner at their intersection to accompany a mounting bracket pin installed in the mounting shaft. The mounting shaft passes through the mounting bracket while the mounting shaft pin locates in the mounting shaft slots. The mounting shaft is then biased against a flat washer and a biasing washer to firmly secure the comfort armrest in place without the use of tools, yet permit its adjustment. The comfort armrest will approximately adjust within a variable number of degrees of its horizontal position and the mechanical adjustment mechanism will memorize the position and return the armrest to the memorized position, even after being retrieved from its downward, stowed position.