Abstract: A tool to aid with pulling a closing loop cord through grommets in closing flaps on a parachute container. The cord is looped in a “U” shaped arrangement with two pulling “legs” of equal length being wrapped around a handle to provide a better grip. Only one leg of the cord can be permanently attached to the handle as the other leg must be removable for fishing through the grommets. The handle must have a diameter to permit passage through the eye of the grommet with the two legs of the cord trailing behind. With existing handles, the removable end of the cord slides off the end of the handle when passing through the grommet. An “O” ring placed on one or both ends of a radial groove in the handle holds the cord captive when passing the handle through the grommets to prevent the cord from sliding off.

Abstract: A locking quick connect fitting allows for the attachment and detachment of stays and rigging on sailboats and other related applications. The invention eliminates the need to handle clevis pins and cotter pins when setting up or tearing down the rigging of a sailboat, and especially for the standing rigging of a trailer able sailboat. Further, it can be tightened by wrench. In addition, the fitting helps keep the connection secure even if in the unlocked state. The presented invention is also modular and readily connectable to the rigging or fittings on existing sailboats. In order to avoid abandonment of the application, applicant must make these above agreed upon changes.

Abstract: A tool to aid with pulling a closing loop cord through grommets in closing flaps on a parachute container. The cord is looped in a “U” shaped arrangement with two pulling “legs” of equal length being wrapped around a handle to provide a better grip. Only one leg of the cord can be permanently attached to the handle as the other leg must be removable for fishing through the grommets. The handle must have a diameter to permit passage through the eye of the grommet with the two legs of the cord trailing behind. With existing handles, the removable end of the cord slides off the end of the handle when passing through the grommet. An “O” ring placed on one or both ends of a radial groove in the handle holds the cord captive when passing the handle through the grommets to prevent the cord from sliding off.

Abstract: A locking quick connect fitting allows for the easy attachment and detachment of stays and rigging on sailboats and other related applications. The invention eliminates the need to handle clevis pins and cotter pins when setting up or tearing down the rigging of a sailboat, and especially for the standing rigging of a trailer able sailboat. A more secure lockable device is provided that is less susceptible of being dislodged by the rubbing action of passing lines and sheets. Further, it can be tightened by wrench for even more security. In addition, the fitting helps keep the connection secure even if in the unlocked state and resists the snagging of passing lines. The presented invention is also designed to be modular and readily connectable to the rigging or fittings on existing sailboats.

Abstract: A plunger pin schackle locking apparatus that prevents accidental release of the snap shackle under heavy flogging during windy conditions or snagging. Two “at-rest” states or positions are provided. This first one prevents significant translation of the plunger pin such that apparatus remains closed and locked. The second one allows free translation of the plunger pin over a range sufficient to release the latch. The locking mechanism does not significantly change the overall configuration, size and relative dimensions of a similarly rated but non-locking equivalent plunger pin snap shackle to allow for interchangeability.

Abstract: A ball-type locking clevis pin having substantially the same overall dimensions and profiles as a standard clevis pin but without the snagging characteristics of cotter pins or rings used on typical clevis pins. The pin has a low profile flanged head of substantially the same dimensions as the head of a typical clevis pin. This low profile head greatly reduces the snagging tendencies of the large heads inherent with typical ball lock pins and the locking balls on the opposite end of the pin eliminate the snagging tendencies of cotter pins used on conventional clevis pins. A release button is located flush or recessed inside the flanged head so that it is not exposed to bumping and accidental release from external impacts. The pin consists of a hollow tube flanged on one end and of substantially the same dimensions as a standard clevis pin. The tube is bored from each end with a short internal section bored to a slightly smaller diameter in a location between the two ends.

Abstract: A mechanical knot apparatus for replacing the use of a conventional knot or fitting for fastening or securing a rope or cable to an object. A spool-like body with a slot or two holes bored crosswise across the middle of the spool perpendicular to its axis is provided. A loop is first formed in the rope by either splicing or by simply creating a loop with the use of a knot. The end of the loop is passed through the slot or holes in the spool and then passed around the object to be secured. The loop is then wrapped back over the flanges of the spool to create a hitch-like configuration. When tension is applied, the rope slips through the device until flanges or body of the spool seats against the object being secured. A secondary tightly fitting flexible ring such as a rubber “O” ring is optionally slipped around the root of the loop and can be slid up against the hitch to act as a “lock” which prevents the loop from bouncing off the flanges of the spool during severe flogging.

Abstract: A mechanical knot apparatus for replacing the use of a conventional knot or fitting for fastening or securing a rope or cable to an object. A spool-like body with a slot or two holes bored crosswise across the middle of the spool perpendicular to its axis is provided. A loop is first formed in the rope by either splicing or by simply creating a loop with the use of a knot. The end of the loop is passed through the slot or holes in the spool and then passed around the object to be secured. The loop is then wrapped back over the flanges of the spool to create a hitch-like configuration. When tension is applied, the rope slips through the device until flanges or body of the spool seats against the object being secured. A secondary tightly fitting flexible ring such as a rubber “O” ring is optionally slipped around the root of the loop and can be slid up against the hitch to act as a “lock” which prevents the loop from bouncing off the flanges of the spool during severe flogging.

Abstract: An improved shackle apparatus that introduces improvements to the basic shackle design to allow for easy attachment to the corner of a flexible membrane such as a sail. The releasable shackle comprises of a body, hook, internal trigger, and mounting lugs. The mounting lugs are located on the shackle body such that the shackle can be attached to the corner of a sail using standard webbing and eliminates the need to install an additional grommet or ring onto the sail. The lugs are oriented such as to position the pivot point of the shackle hook at the projected comer of the sail, or alternatively slightly below the bottom edge of the sail to prevent the foot of the sail from dragging over the deck when connected to a standard deck fitting.

Abstract: A quick release mechanism for releasing two members joined together under tension. The force necessary to release the mechanism is substantially independent of the tension being carried by the device. This is accomplished by providing a contact surface between the latch and its holder such that the moment necessary to release the latch holder must not increase with frictional force or normal force at the point of contact between the latch and latch holder. An equation that provides the configuration necessary to achieve this objective is derived which yields a logarithmic spiral solution set. The spiral expands from zero to infinity, with any portion of the curve being a valid solution to the curve that must machined into either a latch holder surface or a latch surface. The invention may also be used to provide a mechanism that will release once a pre-determined tension has been obtained, i.e., a reusable "week link" or the inverse "weak link", i.e.