US3592505A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Collapsible apollo couch
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1969-02-04
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Granted: 1971-07-13
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Expires: 1989-02-04
Abstract
Abstract A couch system for manned space vehicles comprising a separable main frame structure and three individually foldable couches detachable therefrom, each supported by highly articulated couch frames which may be manipulated by individual occupants. The main frame and the couches may be dismantled, either completely or partially, and compacted for storage when not in use to provide more room for the occupants of the vehicle. One couch is additionally adjustable to a more upright position to facilitate operation of various controls and improve the occupant''s view through a window.
Inventors
- 👤 David L Johansen
- 👤 Walter E Cooper
- 👤 Liborio J Ferrara
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-06 17:19
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64G; B64G1/00; B64G1/22; B64G1/60
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
308 words
In a multiple couch assembly including a main frame structure means for supporting a plurality of couches in side-by-sIde position; a plurality of articulated couch frames of rigid-spaced members, each said couch frame encompassing an occupant receiving space, each said couch frame comprising a torso support section, a thigh support section pivotally connected to said torso support section, and a lower leg support section pivotally connected to said thigh support section; detach means for releasably securing each said couch frame from said main frame structure means; and, releasable latch means for selectively securing said thigh support section and said torso support section in one of a number of selected angular relationships, including that in which said thigh support section is substantially parallel and superposed with said torso support section, and also for selectively securing said thigh support section and said lower leg support section in one of a number of selected angular relationships, including that in which said thigh support section is substantially parallel and superposed with said lower leg support section; the combination thereof wherein said main frame structure means comprises: a dismantleable segmental crossbeam perpendicular to said plurality of couches and segmented therebetween; main supporting brackets positioned between adjacent couch frames and parallel thereto; a pair of threadedly engaged fittings received in an aperture in each of said main supporting brackets, said fittings provided with radially outwardly extending flanges spaced a slight distance axially from either side of said supporting bracket; corresponding end flanges at points of segmentation on said segmental crossbeam confronting said radially outwardly extending flanges on said fittings; and, clamp means for securing together said radially outwardly extending flanges on said fittings and said corresponding end flanges on said segmental cross beam, such as to provide means for releasably securing said main supporting brackets to said segmental crossbeam at its points of segmentation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
308 words
In a multiple couch assembly including a main frame structure means for supporting a plurality of couches in side-by-sIde position; a plurality of articulated couch frames of rigid-spaced members, each said couch frame encompassing an occupant receiving space, each said couch frame comprising a torso support section, a thigh support section pivotally connected to said torso support section, and a lower leg support section pivotally connected to said thigh support section; detach means for releasably securing each said couch frame from said main frame structure means; and, releasable latch means for selectively securing said thigh support section and said torso support section in one of a number of selected angular relationships, including that in which said thigh support section is substantially parallel and superposed with said torso support section, and also for selectively securing said thigh support section and said lower leg support section in one of a number of selected angular relationships, including that in which said thigh support section is substantially parallel and superposed with said lower leg support section; the combination thereof wherein said main frame structure means comprises: a dismantleable segmental crossbeam perpendicular to said plurality of couches and segmented therebetween; main supporting brackets positioned between adjacent couch frames and parallel thereto; a pair of threadedly engaged fittings received in an aperture in each of said main supporting brackets, said fittings provided with radially outwardly extending flanges spaced a slight distance axially from either side of said supporting bracket; corresponding end flanges at points of segmentation on said segmental crossbeam confronting said radially outwardly extending flanges on said fittings; and, clamp means for securing together said radially outwardly extending flanges on said fittings and said corresponding end flanges on said segmental cross beam, such as to provide means for releasably securing said main supporting brackets to said segmental crossbeam at its points of segmentation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
132 words
The multiple couch assembly of claim 1 wherein said releasable latch means comprises: A first latch disc having notches spaced about its periphery, said first latch disc fixedly attached to said torso support section; A first latch pin slidably mounted in said thigh support section for selective engagement into said notches of said first latch disc; A second latch disc having notches spaced about is periphery, said second latch disc fixedly attached to said lower leg support section; A second latch pin slidably mounted in said thigh support section for selective engagement into said notches of said second latch disc and, Control means attached to said first and second latch pins for operating said releasable latch means to select the desired angular relationship between said lower leg, thigh, and torso support sections.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
The multiple couch assembly of claim 1 further including guide track means on said main frame structure means, roller means on one of said couch frames cooperable with said guide track means for longitudinal movement of one said couch frame relative to the other couch frames from a supine position into an essentially seated position, and control means on said couch frame for releasably securing said couch frame in the selected positions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
The multiple couch assembly of claim 1 further including a telescoping extension member on at least one end of said segmental crossbeam, a wall abutment plate at the termination of said telescoping extension member, and adjustable stop means on said telescoping extension member, whereby extending said extension member until said wall abutment plate abuts a lateral wall of the structure enclosing said couch assembly will restrain said couch assembly against lateral displacement.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
The multiple couch assembly of claim 1 wherein each said couch frame further includes a head support section pivotally and detachably connected to said torso support section; and, wherein said main frame stRucture further includes a common crossbeam releasably secured to each said couch frame at said head support section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
45 words
The multiple couch assembly of claim 1 further including a plurality of suspension struts each pivotally attached at one end to said main frame structure, means and a space vehicle compartment to which the other end of each of said suspension struts is pivotally attached.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-12 | 1975-01-11 | 1975-07-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-12 | 1979-01-11 | 1979-07-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-12 | 1983-01-11 | 1983-07-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |