Chair holds man in semistanding posture enabling astronauts to work comfortably with minimum restriction in weightless environment. Seat, angled at 130 deg to back support, twists and swivels up to 20 deg in all directions but forward. Two flexible thigh clips prevent occupant from slipping off

Schermerhorn, R. S.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

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August 1971	 Brief 71-10301 
S NASA TECH BRIEF 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Ofe, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
High Mobility Work Station Restraint Support 
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Restraint Support 
A device has been developed which enables an 
astronaut to work comfortably and with the minimum 
of restrictions in a weightless environment. In essence, it 
is a novel form of chair which holds the man in , a semi-
standing posture. The seat is angled at 1300 to the back 
support, and has two curved flexible clips which fit over 
the thighs to prevent its occupant from sliding off. 
Seats in which the occupant adopts the conven-
tional sitting posture during space flight have been 
criticized by astronauts for two main reasons. First, be-
cause of the overall physical strain caused by maintaining 
this position while operating controls and mechanisms 
in the spacecraft and secondly because of the particular
fatigue imposed by the restrictions of ankle or lap 
straps. In weightless conditions the most relaxed posture 
for the human body is a supine attitude, and the new de-
vice permits the maximum of comfort possible in the 
confines of a spaceship. In his seat the astronaut can 
swivel and tilt his position up to 20 0
 in every direction 
except forward. Additionally, the whole unit can be 
tilted back at floor level through another 20 0 , and the 
height is adjustable from 25 to 33 inches. The whole 
device is locked in any position by a kick knob at the 
base.
To secure the occupant in his seat, a novel pair of 
"thigh grabbers" has been used instead of the usual lap 
(inntinued overleaf) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National
	 Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States
	 information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United 'States
	 will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19710000300 2020-03-17T02:21:47+00:00Z
belt. If the device is to be used in more conventional 
circumstances, however, the use of a broad, soft, elastic 
strap might be preferable. 
The device allows a man to work from what is 
virtually an erect position; this enables him to react 
quickly. Yet the occupant is as relaxed as if he were 
sitting in a chair; over a period of time this reflects in a 
reduction of fatigue. 
The design is also such as to provide for almost 
any movement. Where fatigue is a limiting factor in 
sedentary operations, as on an accessory production line, 
output should benefit from the adoption of a commer-
cial version of this innovation.
Note:
Requests for further information may be directed 
to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center, Code JM7 
Houston, Texas 77058 
Reference: TSP71- 10301 
Patent status: 
No patent action is contemplated by NASA. 
Source: Robert S. Schermerhorn 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
(MSC-12419)
. 
Brief 71-10301
	 Category 07


High mobility work station restraint support

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