United States Patent: 3592505

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United States Patent	3,592,505
Paine , et al.	July 13, 1971

COLLAPSIBLE APOLLO COUCH

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:	Paine; T. O. Acting Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space (N/A), N/A (Northridge, CA), Johansen; David L. (Northridge, CA), Cooper; Walter E. (San Fernando, CA), Ferrara; Liborio J.
Appl. No.:	04/796,358
Filed:	February 4, 1969

Current U.S. Class: 297/68 ; 285/410; 297/232

Current International Class: A47C 1/022 (20060101); B64G 1/22 (20060101); B64G 1/60 (20060101); A47c 001/022 (); A47c 001/031 ()

Field of Search: 297/69,70,248,244,232 285/364,367,365,366,369,370,371,372,410 5/69

References Cited [Referenced By]

U.S. Patent Documents


649383	May 1900	Wilcke
1263953	April 1918	Smyth
3144272	August 1964	Yadven
3346279	October 1967	Stachiw et al.
3466085	September 1969	Webb

Foreign Patent Documents


884,137	Jul., 1953	DT
856,890	Dec., 1960	GB

Primary Examiner: Gay; Bobby R.
Assistant Examiner: Aschenbrenner; Peter A.

Claims

What I claim and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

Description

ORIGIN OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein was made in the performance of work under a NASA contract and is subject to the provisions of Section 305 of the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, Public Law 85-568 ( 72 Stat. 435, 42 U.S.C. 2457).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a multiple couch system, and more particularly to a readily dismantable and stowable couch system for supporting occupants of a space vehicle.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The present invention is an improvement resulting from a subsequent phase of the work which produced a prior invention, the subject of an earlier filed U.S. Pat. application entitled, "Articulated Multiple Couch assembly," Ser. No. 695,973, filed Jan. 5, 1968. This prior couch assembly, while exhibiting some related features and functions of the present invention, does not permit dismantling of the main frame structure for stowage in a minimum of space when not in use to further increase the work space. Moreover, the entire main frame structure in the prior couch must be in place even when only one couch is set up for use. A further problem of the prior couch lies in the limitations and complexity of the couch subframe articulation.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a couch system for manned space vehicles comprising a separable main frame structure which supports three couches and which may be readily dismantled or partially dismantled for stowage to provide increased space in the space vehicle. Three foldable couches on highly but simple articulated couch frames are supported by the separable main frame structure and are individually readily detachable therefrom for compacting and stowage. One of the couches is supported on rollers received in a track on the main frame structure providing the capability of limited longitudinal movement and manipulation into an essentially seated position instead of the normal supine position to facilitate operation of various controls and permit viewing through a particular window in the vehicle.

The advantages over the prior art attendant in the instant invention include greater dismantleability for stowage, the capability to set up only that portion of the main frame structure necessary to support the number of couches required at any one time, and greater simplicity and flexibility in the articulation of the individual couch frames.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other and further features of advantage will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary plan view of the stowable couch construction, two of the couches being shown with the fabric coverings removed.

FIG. 2 is a side view thereof, with portions of the supporting structure shown fragmentarily.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken through 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the couches, with the fabric covering showing in place.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary side view, corresponding to FIG. 2, showing one of the end couches in a displaced or extended position.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of the end couch, taken within Circle 6 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a further enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken through 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a further enlarged fragmentary end view, taken from 8-8 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken within circle 9 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken within Circle 10 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view, taken essentially through 11-11 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken through 12-12 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken through 13-13 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken through 14-14 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view, taken through 15-15 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 16 is a transverse sectional view, taken through 16-16 of FIG. 15.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged fragmentary end view, taken from 17-17 of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 18, 19, 20, and 21 are essentially diagrammatical side views of one of the couches, showing the manner in which the couch may be folded.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring in more detail to the drawings, there is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 three couches, between which are disposed a pair of main supporting brackets 1, each including an inclined arm 2, which is pivotally attached to a suspension strut 3, secured to the ceiling of the compartment in which the couches are mounted. The supporting brackets 1 also include horizontal arms 4, which extend between the couches, and are braced intermediate their ends by downwardly inclined struts 5, suitably secured to the floor of the compartment.

The extended ends of the arms 4 are joined to a common cross beam, 6, which is supported essentially in alignment with U-shaped slideable keeper plate 11, best illustrated in FIG. 13 with one leg broken away to show coaction with latch bracket 9, straddles latch bracket 9 and is slideably supported thereon by means of a hand screw 13 threaded in the base section of the "U" and mounted at its upper end for axial rotation in latch bracket 9, such that rotation of hand screw 13 will raise or lower keeper plate 11 with respect to latch bracket 9. Notches 12 provided in keeper plate 11 mate with notches 10 in latch bracket 9 such that latch pins 8 will be locked in latch bracket 9 when keeper plate 11 is in its lower position, or released therefrom to permit disconnection of the horizontal arm 4 when keeper plate 11 is in its upper position. The relationship between arms 4 and crossbeam 6 are illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5.

In the region of intersection of the inclined arms 2 and the horizontal arms 4 of the main supporting brackets 1 are relatively large apertures which receive a segmental crossbeam 14, shown principally in FIGS. 14 and 15. Each aperture receives a pair of fittings 15 and 16, which screw thread one into the other, and are provided with radially outwardly directed flanges 17, spaced a slight distance axially from the corresponding sides of the brackets 1. The two brackets are joined by a sleeve 18, having end flanges 19, which confront the corresponding flanges 17. A pair of relatively outwardly directed sleeves 20 are provided, having flanges 21 which confront the remaining flanges 17. Each pair of confronting flanges is secured together by any appropriate means, such as by split clamp bands 22 and tie bolts 23, best illustrated in FIG. 14. Split clamp bands 22 are internally channelled split rings, pivoted at 22a diametrically opposite the split portion such as to secure together pairs of confronting flanges when in the closed position and alternatively permit separation of the various sections of segmental crossbeam 14 when in the open position. The bottom half of split clamp band 22 has a radially extending lip 22b provided with an elongated slot 22c. The upper half of split clamp band 22 has a radially extending curved forked projection 22d. Tie bolt 23 comprises a T-member 23a threaded into a sleeve member 23b. T-member 23a when screwed down into sleeve member 23b serves to lock the halves of split clamp bands 22 together by means of the upper end of sleeve member 23b abutting lip 22b with the stem of T-member passing through both the elongated slot 22c and the space between the two legs of forked projection 22d such that the T-head 23c lies across the top of the two legs of the forked projection 22d. To release split clamp band 22, sleeve member 23b of tie bolt 23 is partially unscrewed so that T-head 23c of T-member 23a can be lifted up and out from forked projection 22d by sliding tie bolt 23 radially outward in the elongated slot 22c. Split clamp band 22 is then free to open.

The sleeves 18 and 20 receive three couch frame mounting sleeves or outer sleeves 24. The two sleeves, which extend in opposite directions from the two main supporting brackets 1, project beyond the sleeves 20 and are provided with second internal sleeves 25. The sleeves 25 have secured therein extensions 26, which terminated in wall abutment plates 27. The inner sleeves 25 are held in their extended positions by a plurality of internal stops 28 spaced circumferentially within outer sleeve 24 and fixedly attached thereto, which stops abut the inner ends of the sleeves 25. The sleeves 25 are provided with axially extending external grooves 29 spaced circumferentially around sleeve 25 to correspond with stops 28 so that the sleeves 25 may be turned to bring the grooves 29 into registry with stops 28, thereby to permit retraction of the sleeves 25 and the extensions 26. One of the grooves 29 is engageable by a manually operable latch pin 30, located out of registry with the internal stops 28, so as to prevent retraction of the extensions 26. The latch pin 30 is slidable in a fitting 30a and is urged toward its engaging position by a spring 30b. The pin 30 is connected to a surrounding sleeve 30c by a keeper pin 30d. The sleeve is normally screw-threaded to the fitting 30a. When it is desired to retract the pin 30, the sleeve is unscrewed and pulled manually.

As stated previously, three couches are provided which are identical in most respects. Each couch includes a head frame 31, shown principally in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5. The head frame includes a peripheral member which is essentially U-shaped in section, designated 32. The extremities of the U-shaped member 32 are joined by a crossbar 33. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 17, each head frame is provided with a connecting bracket 34, and the crossbeam 6 is provided with corresponding connecting brackets 35, which are joined by manually accessible latch bolts 36.

Hinged to the head frame 31 is a torso frame 37, including parallel side members 38. The confronting corners of the head frame 31 and the torso frame 37 are provided with connecting brackets 39 and 40, respectively, which are provided at the top and bottom sides with mating apertures arranged in pairs and adapted to receive manually operable latch bolts 41.

The ends of the torso frame opposite from the head frame are secured to mounting pads 42, shown principally in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6. The torso frames of two of the couches are secured to their respective mounting pads, whereas, the torso frame of one of the end couches is capable of limited longitudinal movement with respect to the corresponding mounting pads.

All of the mounting pads are adapted to fit the segmental crossbeam 14. The mounting pads for the centrally located couch which is between the two main supporting brackets 1, are mounted adjacent the extremities of the sleeve 18, as indicated in FIG. 15, and are secured in position by the center of the three couch frame mounting sleeves or outer sleeves 24. One of the mounting pads of each lateral couch is mounted on a sleeve 20, adjacent the main supporting bracket 1. The other mounting pad is fitted on the corresponding couch frame outer sleeve 24, adjacent its extremity and is secured there by a screw-threaded collar 44.

The mounting pads corresponding to two of the couches are provided with upwardly projecting ends 45, terminating substantially flush with the upper sides of the corresponding torso frames 37. The side members 38 of the remaining torso frame are provided with horizontal projections 46.

Each couch includes a thigh frame 47, which includes side members 48, spaced by a lower crossbar 49. The thigh frames are shown principally in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7. The crossbar 49 is provided at its extremities with journal pins 50, which are received in the upwardly projecting ends 45, or in the projections 46. The journal pins are secured against rotation with respect to the thigh frames and are provided with latch discs 51, having notches 52 therein.

Slidably mounted in each side member 48 is a latch pin 53, adapted to engage a selected notch 52, so as to secure each thigh frame in predetermined angular relations with respect to the corresponding torso frames 37. Each latch pin is pivotally attached to a link 53a which, in turn is pivotally attached to a release lever 54, provided with a handle 55. A spring 56 urges each latch pin toward engagement with the latch disc.

The upper end of the thigh frame 47 is joined to a leg frame 57, having side members 58. Each leg frame is provided with a crossbar 59, having journal pins 60, secured in brackets 61, forming the upper extremities of the thigh frame side members 48. Each journal pin is provided with a latch disc 62, having notches 63. Mounted in each thigh frame side member 48 is a latch pin 64, pivotally attached to a link 64a which, in turn, pivotally connected to a release lever 65, equipped with a handle 66, so as to retract the latch pin. A spring 67 urges each latch pin 64 into engagement with its corresponding latch disc 62. The latch discs 51 and 62 are similar, except for the number of notches; also, the latch pins 53 and 64, as well as the associated lever and handle, are similar.

Each leg frame is provided at its extremity with a second crossbar 68, on which are mounted upwardly directed foot rests 69.

It is desirable that one of the couches be capable of limited longitudinal movement. This is accomplished by means of tracks 70 provided on top of the corresponding mounting pads 42, shown principally in FIGS. 2, 5, and 8. The tracks 70 receive rollers 71, which are secured to the projection 46. Extending toward the side members 48 of the corresponding thigh frame, are a pair of brackets 72, having latch pins 73.

Each latch pin is engaged by a latch hook 74, shown principally in FIGS. 6 and 9. The pair of latch hooks are joined by a connecting shaft 75. At one end, the shaft 75 is joined to a control lever 76, extending upwardly along one side of the corresponding torso frame 37. The control lever is provided with a sleeve 77, urged radially toward the shaft 75 by a spring 78. At its end adjacent the shaft 75, the sleeve is provided with a laterally extending latch pin 79, which engages a quadrant 80, having notches 81. Each latch hook 74 is provided with a shoulder 82, which serves to engage and hold the corresponding latch pin 73. The extended end of the sleeve is provided with a flared handle 77a. The control lever 76 terminates in a button 76a which serves as a tactile and visual means of indicating the locked position. The handles 55 and 66 may also be provided with similarly functioning positive locking structure as the spring biased detent of control lever 76, and while such structure is not specifically shown in the drawings, it is suggested in FIG. 7 by means of button 55a and spring 55b.

Mounted on adjacent supporting bracket 1 is an S-track 83, shown principally in FIGS. 2, 5, and 10. The S-track guides a roller 84, supported from a bracket 85, attached to the corresponding side member 38 of the torso frame. The upper end of the S-track is supported by a fitting 86, having a guide way 87, which slidably receives a retainer pin 88, terminating in a handle loop 89. The retainer pin may be provided with a lateral lug 90, FIG. 11, for attachment to a control cable 91, leading to a suitable operating handle, not shown, positioned in a more favorable location for engagement by the occupant of the couch, should this be desirable.

Each couch is provided with a fabric covering which includes a head section 92, having a head rest 93, a torso section 94, thigh section 95, and a leg section 96. Straps 97 are also provided to secure the astronaut on the couch. The fabric illustrated is not designed to yield controllably when subjected to excessive loads as may occur during landing of the space vehicle. However, such a fabric has been fully disclosed in U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 695,973, previously discussed.

During take off and landing, the couches are in the position shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. However, one of the couches may be in the position shown in FIG. 5, after the loads incidental to take off have subsided, or before the loads incidental to landing have developed. During flight, it is desirable that one or all of the couches be capable of folding into a compact bundle, so as to occupy a minimum space. The manner in which each couch may be folded is illustrated in FIGS. 18 through 21. More specifically, the footrests are folded against the leg frame, the leg frame is folded against the thigh frame, and these two frames are folded against the torso frame. The head frame may then be folded against the torso frame, or vice versa, resulting in the package shown in FIG. 21. It will also be noted that the thigh and leg frames may be extended into essentially horizontal relation with respect to the head and torso frames, so as to form a couch configuration suitable for use during rest periods.

By reason of the sectional construction of the crossbeam 14 and the provision of the clamp bands 22, the sections of the crossbeam are disconnected when the couches are folded. Still further, the main supporting brackets 1 may be disassembled for storage, should this be desired.

It should be noted that it is intended to support the three couches from the main supporting brackets 1, suspension struts 3 and 7, and from the inclined struts 5. The wall abutment plates 27 are intended merely to restrain the couches and their supporting structure against lateral displacement by reason of engagement of the plates 27 with the adjacent walls. When the side couches are stored, the extensions 26 and the plates 27 are retracted.

* * * * *

Current U.S. Class:	297/68 ; 285/410; 297/232
Current International Class:	A47C 1/022 (20060101); B64G 1/22 (20060101); B64G 1/60 (20060101); A47c 001/022 (); A47c 001/031 ()
Field of Search:	297/69,70,248,244,232 285/364,367,365,366,369,370,371,372,410 5/69