Reclining support for astronomy observations

Chairs and seats – Movable bottom – Bottom and back movable as a unit

Patent

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Details

297330, 2972173, 2972171, A47C 318

Patent

active

058035478

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to a reclining support, which although not limited to astronomy use, is particularly applicable to astronomy observation.


BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is known that astronomy observations sometimes use reclining supports, wherein for example the seat back of a seat and seat back assembly can tilt to some extent, and seats which rotate about vertical axes are also quite well known. It is also known to have an arrangement whereby a pair of binoculars can be held by a structure attached to a seat back, to avoid the fatigue which is encountered when binoculars are held by hand, and also to reduce the apparent target movement due to variation of line of sight. The applicant has perceived a need for a reclining support so constructed that it can be readily transported and assembled or dismantled quickly and easily, thereby making it mobile and adaptable for use by an amateur astronomer for example.


PRIOR ART

A search conducted by the applicant through available patent records was unsuccessful in locating any patent records which were of direct relevance to this invention, although the applicant may refer to the U.S. Pat. No. 4637536 in the name of Wong wherein binoculars were supported by a harness attached to a user's shoulders. Another partly relevant specification is a British specification 2157555 in the name of Maris, which provided the reclinable seat and seat back rotatable about a vertical axis, and which would carry binoculars for astronomical observation.
However, it is believed that a reference on page 51 of January 1974 U.S. Magazine "Sky and Telescope" is closer prior art than either of the above two references, which made use of a reclinable chair with a seat back, carried on a turntable and being adjustable for astronomical observation. The structure was built around an airport cargo transporter, but was much heavier and no reference was made to simple dismantling or knock-down procedures to enable a user to transport it in a motor vehicle, but rather use was made of a trailer arrangement. The inventor Pearson Menoher described this arrangement wherein "the position of the binoculars is fixed relative to the chair, but the head rest is adjustable to accommodate different observers and allow moving the head in or out of the viewing position." Referring to tilt control for varying elevational sights, he stated "in the present arrangement, tilt is controlled through a long 3/4 inch screw threaded (rod) to a coupling on the footrest of the chair. This fixes the position of the chair solidly in elevation so that no movement can occur unless the long screw is turned."
The elevation drive motor was described as being similar to the one for azimuth and reference is made to a V-belt drive to a 100:1 reduction gear, and the statement was made that the flexibility of the V-belt was important which driving power must not be lost and the sheave on the elevation screw shifts position slightly as the chair rises."
In order to achieve the advantage of readily dismantling or reassembling sub-assemblies so that the operator only needs to handle light weight components, it has been necessary for the inventor herein to provide a different arrangement described by Mr Menoher, even though the Menoher arrangement obviously results in an excellent viewing arrangement.


BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In this invention, a reclining support for astronomy observation is provided with three sub-assemblies which can be readily connected together or dismantled. A base sub-assembly has legs which support a turntable, and the turntable supports a chassis sub-assembly which can rotate about the central pin upstanding from the base, and further it is coupled to the base by an elevation tilt control link which can be easily and quickly disconnected. The chassis carries on it a pair of upwardly facing "U" supports by which a chair frame sub-assembly can be supported for ready removal, and the chair frame itself carries a binocular frame in an adjustable and slidable binocular carrier sub-assembly whic

REFERENCES:
patent: 2714922 (1955-08-01), McKibban et al.
patent: 4173372 (1979-11-01), Norris
patent: 4637536 (1987-01-01), Wong
patent: 5042864 (1991-08-01), Mochizuki
patent: 5346280 (1994-09-01), Deumite
patent: 5489142 (1996-02-01), Mathieu
"Gleanings for ATM's", Jan., 1974 Sky and Telescope pp. 51-55.
"An Altazimuth Sky Chair", Nov., 1991 Sky & Telescope p. 545.
Jan., 1992 Sky & Telescope p. 17.
Apr., 1994 Sky & Telescope p. 103.
"In Search of a Good Binocular Mount", Jun. 1993 Sky & Telescope pp. 35-40.
Oct. 1992, Astronomy p. 12.
"Build a Reclining Binocular Mount", Apr. 1993 Sky & Telescope pp. 90-92.

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