Passive zero-gravity leg restraint

US4865270A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventor

• Christopher R. Miller · Swanton, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 6, 1988
• Grant date: Sep 12, 1989
• Expiry date: Oct 6, 2008

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/60
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A passive zero or microgravity leg restraint (10) includes a central support post (17) with a top (12) and a bottom (20). Extending from the central support post (17) and calf pad tab (15), to which calf pad (16) is attached, and foot pad tab (19), to which foot pad (18) is attached. Also extending from central support post (17) are knee pads (13 and 14). When the restraint is in use the user's legs are forced between pads (13, 14, 16 and 18) by a user imposed scissors action of the legs. The user's body is then supported in a zero or microgravity neutral body posture by the leg restraint. Calf pad (16) has semi-rigid elastic padding material covering structural stiffener (26). Foot pad (18) has padding material (25) and structural stiffener (27). Knee pads (13 and 14) have structural tube stiffener (28) at their core.