Abstract:
A control frame for accommodating various control devices in different aircraft cockpit and vehicle configurations used with computer flight simulation programs and diverse games. The control frame allows realistic placement of control devices, simulating different cockpit configurations consistent with actual aircraft types and vehicles. Ergonomic consideration in the design reduces fatigue. The modular properties enable a quick change of the configurations. Stable mounting of device controllers and to fix in place a common computer/office chair will optimize control performance. The light, sturdy and small apparatus enables ease of handling and storage.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates to the field of home computers and accessories for support of control hardware utilized in flight simulation programs and various games. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   When using simulation input devices, I found the operation of such devices not precise and realistic. The lack of steady and proper positioning of devices is detrimental to control performance. In addition, an unsteady seat position makes the manipulation of controls difficult. 
   Originally the computer keyboard was used for data inputs. This method, while possible, is slow and not realistic. The popularity of simulation and game software created a market for appropriate control devices. While expensive flight simulators are optimum in realism, they are not generic. They are out of reach to individuals for reasons of size, complexity and cost. There are a variety of home computer simulation devices on the market now. Initially they were analog, and now they are digital signal controllers. The controllers available include joysticks, yokes, steering wheels, throttles, rudder pedals, and vehicle pedals. Some of them are realistic and of high quality. The problem is the proper placement and fastening for a particular simulation. In addition, different aircraft have a variety of control configurations. The use of a simple joystick might be sufficient for a simple game. The use of a set of controls is desirable for a more realistic flight simulation. The differences in control configurations include types of controllers and their placement. Transport category aircraft have mostly yokes, while some of the newer fly-by-wire designs have side stick controllers. A throttle control or quadrant is located on a center pedestal. Consequently the control relationship between the left and right pilot station is reversed. Fighter aircraft have a joystick in the center or right side. The throttle control is placed on the left side. Small aircraft have also various control configurations. 
   Some devices have been developed to enhance the realism of the flight simulation. The “Aircraft Controls Simulator,” U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,007 to Albans (1987) shows a cabinet containing a control yoke and a throttle placed on a table. A second cabinet, containing rudder pedals is placed on the floor. While this is a good basic yoke control set-up, it isn&#39;t ergonomically optimized. The “Freestanding Integrated Control Stick, Rudder Pedals and Throttle for Computerized Aircraft Flight Simulation Program,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,459 to Edelberg (1992) feature the following: Two joysticks are rigged to duplicate the function of a control stick, a throttle, and a rudder. It simulates a stick configuration, and the benefits are diminished for today&#39;s available control devices. Also current stick controllers have integrated control buttons, not accessible in such a configuration. The “Pivoting Joystick and Keyboard Support Stand,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,313 to Crowe (1994), shows a pivoting joystick platform. Due to its high mounting on a desk, the ergonomic feature is not fully realized. The “Combined Computer and Vehicle Simulator Cockpit Desk and Method Thereof,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,307 to Forsythe (1995), integrates a desk with a cockpit. The configuration shows a left hand throttle, a center joystick, and the use of rudder pedals on the floor. This is a useful solution, however the versatility is limited. The “Steering Wheel Simulation Assembly,” U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,876 granted to Unbehand (1998) shows a force feel control device. The illustration however shows a control stand, with a vehicle control arrangement. 
   The advantages of the Computer Simulation Control Frame are:
         (a) to support compatibility with various control devices for flight simulation programs and diverse games;   (b) to provide a modular platform to enable different control configurations consistent with aircraft types and vehicles;   (c) to provide a stable mounting of control devices to optimize control performance;   (d) to provide a user ergonomic position in respect to control devices and monitor, and to minimize fatigue;   (e) to provide for means to change the configuration in a quick manner;   (f) to incorporate an adjustable pedal platform to accommodate diverse users;   (g) to provide a forward angled center stick platform to provide clearance for the legs and a better joystick interface in the center stick configuration;   (h) to provide for a graphic user interface pointing device (mouse) platform;   (i) to provide a table for navigation charts;   (j) to use a common rolling computer/office chair in a fixed position for better control performance;   (k) to prevent the swiveling action of a common rolling computer/office chair for better control performance;   (l) to provide for a light, sturdy and small apparatus, for ease of handling and storage;   (m) to provide for features in an economical manner.       

   The object of the Computer Simulation Control Frame, or CSCF is to support various input devices for aircraft and vehicle simulation. Additional objects are ergonomic and modular properties, to enable various more realistic control configurations. Further objects will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of the entire CSCF. 
       FIG. 2  shows a perspective exploded view of the assemblies. 
       FIG. 3  shows a perspective exploded view of the entire CSCF. 
       FIG. 4  shows a perspective view of a basic yoke configuration. 
       FIG. 5  shows a perspective view of a traditional transport category aircraft configuration. 
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a side stick aircraft configuration. 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a transport category aircraft side stick configuration. 
       FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of a traditional center stick configuration. 
       FIG. 9A  shows a sectional view of the fastening detail using a rivet-nut. 
       FIG. 9B  shows a sectional view of the fastening of the pedals platform. 
       FIG. 9C  shows a sectional view of the fastening detail using a counter-sunk screw and a wing nut. 
       FIG. 9D  shows a sectional view of the fastening detail using a T-nut and knob screw. 
       FIG. 9E  shows a sectional view of the fastening detail with the auxiliary support using a T-nut and knob screw. 
       FIG. 9F  shows a sectional view of the fastening detail with the auxiliary support using a counter-sunk screw and a wing nut. 
       FIG. 9G  shows a sectional view of the fastening detail using a rivet-nut and screw knob. 
       FIG. 9H  shows an elevation view showing the mounting detail of a controller device with a nylon-cable-tie. 
       FIG. 9I  shows an elevation view of the mounting detail of a controller device having fastening slots. 
       FIG. 9J  shows an elevation view seen from the front, illustrating the fastening of the seat chock assembly. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   An overall view of the entire CSCF is illustrated in  FIG. 1  showing the different platforms available for control devices. The number  34  shows a pedals platform. A center platform is marked with the number  50 . A left side platform is shown with the number  68 . A right side platform is designated with the number  70 . A GUI pointing device platform (mouse) is  78 . A center stick platform is shown with the number  86 . The number  20  shows a seat chock assembly to fix in place a rolling computer/office chair. 
     FIG. 2  illustrates the modular design of the CSCF. A base assembly is designated with the number  10 . The number  12  shows a center support assembly. A left side support assembly is marked with the number  14 . Number  16  denotes the right side support assembly. A center stick support assembly is indicated by the number  18  and can be mounted on the center support assembly  12 . Number  20  shows the seat chock assembly for use with a rolling chair. 
   The exploded view in  FIG. 3  shows the individual parts and their relationship with each other. The platforms are made of particleboard, however other materials could be used. They are attached as shown in detail  FIGS. 9B ,  9 C,  9 D,  9 E and  9 F. The remainder of the structure is made of steel but other materials such as aluminum and others are suitable. Rivet nuts are used on the metal tubing for fastening as shown in FIG.  9 A and FIG.  9 G. Some parts are welded together. Different means of joining and fastening are possible on the entire structure. 
   The base assembly  10  identified in  FIG. 2  is described with reference to  FIG. 3. A  base cross member  22 , a left base beam  24 , a right base beam  26  and a center support beam  28  made of square tubing are welded together. A left pedals platform rail  30  is welded to the left base beam  24 . A right pedals platform rail  32  is welded to the right base beam  26 . The pedal platform rails are made of an angle extrusion and each have a hole for fastening. The pedal platform  34  has multiple holes for position adjustment on the platform rails and is attached with reference to  FIG. 9B. A  left forward leveling glide  36  is installed on the left base beam  24 . A right forward leveling glide  38  is installed on the right base beam  26 . A left aft leveling glide  40  and a right aft leveling glide  42  are installed on the base cross member  22 . 
   The center support assembly  12  identified in  FIG. 2  is described with reference to FIG.  3 . The center platform  50  has a center platform fillet  52  glued to it on the underside. Said center platform  50  is mounted on a center platform flange  48  as shown in detail FIG.  9 C. The center platform flange  48 , made of a flat extrusion is welded to a center post  44 . The center post  44  made of square tubing is at an angle to the vertical and is welded to a center post flange  46 . The center post flange  46  is made of a flat extrusion and is attached to the base cross member  22  shown in detail  FIG. 9A. A  center post brace  54  made of a flat extrusion is fastened to the center post  44  and the center support beam  28  shown in detail FIG.  9 A. 
   The left side support assembly  14  identified in  FIG. 2  is described with reference to FIG.  3 . The left side platform  68  is mounted to a left side post platform flange  64  as shown in detail FIG.  9 D. The left side post platform flange  64  made of a flat extrusion is welded to a left side post  56 . The left side post  56  is made of square tubing and is welded to a left side post flange  60 . The left side post flange  60  is made of a flat extrusion and is attached to the base cross member  22  as shown in detail  FIG. 9A. A  left side post brace  72  made of a flat extrusion is fastened to the left side post  56  and the left base beam  24  as shown in detail FIG.  9 A. 
   The right side support assembly  16  identified in  FIG. 2  is described with reference to FIG.  3 . The right side platform  70  is mounted to an auxiliary support  76  as shown in detail FIG.  9 D. The auxiliary support  76  is made of a flat extrusion. The GUI pointing device platform  78  is mounted to a right side post platform flange  66  with the auxiliary support  76  inserted in between. The mounting is illustrated in detail FIG.  9 F. Said right post platform flange  66  is welded to a right side post  58 . The right side post  58  is made of square tubing and is welded to a right side post flange  62 . The right side post flange  62  is made of a flat extrusion and is attached to the base cross member  22  as shown in detail  FIG. 9A. A  right side post brace  74  made of a flat extrusion is fastened to the right side post  58  and the right base beam  26  as shown in detail FIG.  9 A. 
   The center stick support assembly  18  identified in  FIG. 2  is described with reference to FIG.  3 . The center stick platform  86  is mounted to a center stick platform flange  84  as shown in detail FIG.  9 D. The center stick platform flange  84  is made of a flat extrusion welded to a center stick support  82 . The center stick support  82  is welded to a center stick support flange  80 . To insure stability with two fastening screws, the center stick support flange  80  has the holes counter-bored to create a flush mating surface with the protrusions of the rivet nuts installed on the center post  44 . The mounting detail of the center stick support flange  80  to the center post  44  is shown in detail  9 G. 
   The seat chock assembly  20  identified in  FIG. 2  is described with reference to  FIG. 3. A  seat forward chock  88  made of an angle extrusion is welded to a left chock brace  92  and a right chock brace  94 . The left chock brace  92  and the right chock brace  94  are made of square tubing and each have an anchor hole. A seat aft chock  90  made of an angle extrusion is welded to the left chock brace  92  and the right chock braces  94 . 
   The CSCF is placed before a computer desk with a computer monitor, or a video screen. The modular design allows for different control configuration consistent with layouts of various aircraft models. If mounting of device controllers is not feasible as shown in  FIG. 9H  or  FIG. 9I , hoop and loop fasteners can be used. It is highly recommended to use a chair with armrests to optimize control performance. The following describes the usage of the various control configurations referring to the different drawings. 
   The basic yoke configuration is described with reference to FIG.  4 . This configuration is used on a typical light aircraft with a yoke, having an integrated throttle. The center support assembly  12  is fastened to the base assembly  10  as shown in  FIG. 9A. A  yoke controller  102  is mounted on the center platform  50  by clamps. A rudder pedals controller  106  is placed on the pedals platform  34 . The surface texture of the pedals platform  34  provides stability of the rudder pedals controller  106  without fastening. If desired, a hook and loop fastener or other means can be utilized. Any leg adjustment is accomplished by moving the rudder pedals controller  106  on the pedals platform  34 . In addition the pedal platform  34  is movable on the left pedal platform rail  30  and the right pedal platform rail  32 . The pedal platform  34  is fastened as shown in FIG.  9 B. To simulate a vehicle, a steering wheel and foot pedals can be used instead of the yoke controller  102  and the rudder pedal controller  106 . If a rolling computer/office chair is used, the chair  100  is placed on the seat chock assembly  20 . This prevents the chair  100  from rolling and provides for the seat adjustment. An additional feature for chairs without a swivel lock provides for stabilization by fastening as shown in  FIG. 9J   
   The traditional transport aircraft configuration is described with reference to FIG.  5 . This configuration is common on airline and corporate jet aircraft. The center support assembly  12  is installed on the base assembly  10  as shown in FIG.  9 A. The yoke controller  102  is mounted on the center platform  50  and the rudder pedals controller  106  is placed on the pedals platform  34  as mentioned in the description of FIG.  4 . In addition the right side support assembly  16  is fastened to the base assembly  10  as shown in  FIG. 9A. A  GUI pointing device  110  is placed on the GUI pointing device platform  78  for data inputs. This approximates the position of flight management interfaces and radio controls in actual aircraft. The GUI platform  78  is mounted for quick change as shown in  FIG. 9F. A  throttle controller  108  is placed on the right side platform  70  and fastened with the mounting options shown in  FIG. 9H  or  9 I. The increased offset of the throttle is common in large aircraft. The right side platform  70  is mounted for quick change as shown in FIG.  9 D. The right side support assembly  16 , the GUI pointing device  110  and the throttle controller  108  can be placed mirror reversed on the left hand side to simulate operation from the right seat position. If necessary, the chair  100  is placed in the seat chock assembly  20  as mentioned in the description of FIG.  4 . 
   The side stick aircraft configuration is described in reference to FIG.  6 . This configuration is found in modern fly-by-wire fighter type aircraft. The rudder controller  106  is placed on the pedal platform  34  as mentioned in the description of FIG.  4 . The left side support assembly  14  is fastened to the base assembly  10  as shown in FIG.  9 A. The throttle controller  108  is placed on the left side platform  68  and fastened with the mounting option as shown in  FIG. 9H  or  9 I. The left side platform  68  is mounted for a quick change as shown in FIG.  9 D. The right side support assembly  16  is fastened to the base assembly  10  as shown in  FIG. 9A. A  joystick  104  is placed on the right side platform  70  and fastened with the mounting option as shown in  FIG. 9H  or  9 I. The right side platform  70  is mounted for a quick change as shown in FIG.  9 E. The GUI pointing device  110  is placed on the GUI pointing device platform  78 . The GUI pointing device platform  78  is mounted for quick change as shown in FIG.  9 C. If necessary, the chair  100  is placed in the seat chock assembly  20  as mentioned in the description of FIG.  4 . 
   The transport category aircraft side stick configuration is described in reference to FIG.  7 . This configuration is found in modern fly-by-wire transport category aircraft. The rudder controller  106  is placed on the pedals platform  34  as mentioned in the description of FIG.  4 . The center support assembly  12  is installed on the base assembly  10  as shown in FIG.  9 A. In this configuration, the center platform  50  is used as a chart table. The left side support assembly  14  is fastened to the base assembly  10  as shown in FIG.  9 A. The joystick controller  104  is placed on the left side platform  68  and fastened with the mounting option as shown in  FIG. 9H  or FIG.  9 I. The left side platform  68  is mounted for a quick change as shown in FIG.  9 D. In addition the right support assembly  16  is installed on the base assembly  10  as shown in FIG.  9 A. The GUI pointing device  110  is placed on the GUI pointing device platform  78  for data entry. The GUI pointing device platform  78  is mounted for a quick change as shown in FIG.  9 F. The throttle controller  108  is placed on the right side platform  70  and fastened with the mounting option as shown in  FIG. 9H  or  9 I. The right side platform  70  is mounted for a quick change as shown in FIG.  9 D. For simulation of the right pilot position, the left side post platform  68  with the joystick controller  104  can be mirror reversed to the right side. In this case, the GUI pointing device platform  78 , the GUI pointing device  110 , the right side platform  70 , and the throttle controller  108  are moved to the left side. If necessary, the chair  100  is placed on the seat chock assembly  20  as mentioned in the description of  FIG. 4   
   The traditional center stick aircraft configuration is described with reference to FIG.  8 . This configuration has been used since the beginning of aviation on light aircraft, and it is particular suited to aerobatic and fighter airplanes and therefore still found in current manufactured aircraft. The rudder controller  106  is placed on the pedals platform  34  as mentioned in the description of FIG.  4 . The center support assembly  12  is installed on the base assembly  10  as shown in FIG.  9 A. In this configuration, the center platform  50  can be used as a chart table. The center stick support assembly  18  is mounted for a quick change to the center support assembly  12  as shown in FIG.  9 G. The joystick controller  104  is placed on the center stick platform  86  and fastened with the mounting option as shown in  FIG. 9H  or FIG.  9 I. The center stick platform  86  is mounted for a quick change as shown in FIG.  9 D. The left side support assembly  14  is fastened to the base assembly  10  as shown in FIG.  9 A. The throttle controller  108  is placed on the left side platform  68  and fastened with the mounting option as shown in  FIG. 9H  or FIG.  9 I. The left side platform  68  is mounted for a quick change as shown in FIG.  9 D. The right side support assembly  16  is fastened to the base assembly  10  as shown in FIG.  9 A. The GUI pointing device platform  78  is mounted for quick change as shown in FIG.  9 C. The GUI pointing device  110  is placed on the GUI pointing device platform  78 . If necessary, the chair  100  is placed on the seat chock assembly  20  as mentioned in the description of FIG.  4 . 
     FIG. 9A  is a sectional view showing the fastening detail using a rivet nut  120 . The rivet nut  120  is installed into the square metal tubing  118 . A metal flange  116  is fastened by means of a round head machine screw  122  and a lock washer  124  to the square metal tubing  118 . 
     FIG. 9B  is a sectional view showing the fastening detail of the pedals platform  34 . The pedals platform  34  is fastened by means of a wood screw  114  to a pedals rail  112 . 
     FIG. 9C  is a sectional view showing the fastening detail using a counter-sunk screw  130  and a wing nut  132 . The platform  126  is fastened to a platform flange/auxiliary support  128  by means of the counter-sunk machine screw  130  and the wing nut  132 . 
     FIG. 9D  is a sectional view showing the fastening detail using a T-nut  134  and a knob screw  136 . The platform  126  is fastened to the platform flange/auxiliary support  128  by means of the T-nut  134  and the knob screw  136 . 
     FIG. 9E  is a sectional view showing the fastening detail with the auxiliary support  76  using the T-nut  134  and a knob screw  136 . The platform  126  and the auxiliary support  76  are fastened to a platform flange  138  by means of the T-nut  134  and the knob screw  136 . 
     FIG. 9F  is a sectional view showing the fastening detail with the auxiliary support  76  using the counter-sunk screw  130  and the wing nut  132 . The platform  126  and the auxiliary support  76  is fastened to the platform flange  138  by means of a counter-sunk machine screw  130  and a wing nut  132 . 
     FIG. 9G  is a sectional view showing the fastening detail using the rivet nut  120  and the knob screw  136 . The rivet nut  120  is installed in the center post  44 . The center stick support flange  80  is fastened with the knob screw  136 . 
     FIG. 9H  is an elevation view showing the fastening detail of a controller device without fastening holes  140 . The controller device without fastening holes  140  is mounted to the platform  126  using a nylon cable tie  142 . 
     FIG. 9I  is an elevation view showing the fastening detail of a controller device with fastening slots or holes  144 . The controller device with fastening slots or holes  144  is mounted to the platform  126  using the wood screws  114 . 
     FIG. 9J  is an elevation view from the front, showing the fastening of the seat chock assembly  20 . A left chain assembly  96  and a right chain assembly  98  are fastened to the chair  100  using the existing screws and holes in the frame. The seat is lowered to its&#39; lowest position. The chain assembly  96  and chain assembly  98  are crossed and fastened to the seat chock assembly  20 . Turnbuckles included in the chain assemblies are used to tighten the chains to prevent the seat/chair  100  from swiveling. Straps and buckles can be used instead of the chain assemblies.