Packs Patents (Class 244/148)
  • Patent number: 11794910
    Abstract: An emergency parachute system for rescue of persons or of manned or unmanned aerial vehicles includes a storage unit, which contains at least one cavity with an opening. The emergency parachute system further includes at least two parachutes, each of which contains a canopy, suspension lines, and a riser. The canopies of the at least two parachutes are folded separately and arranged in the cavity or cavities of the storage unit ejectably. The centers of the canopies are mutually interconnected by means of connection cords on the top side in order to stablize the system during flight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventor: Milan Babovka
  • Patent number: 11724812
    Abstract: A recovery parachute assembly may comprise a container comprising an open base end, a parachute packed within the container, a plurality of riser lines and suspension lines packed within the container and proximate the open base end, a tray including a lip configured to receive the open base end of the parachute container, and a first standoff block coupled to the tray, wherein the first standoff block compresses at least one of the riser lines or suspension lines into the base end of the container and away from the tray, wherein the first standoff block defines a channel between the lip of the tray and the first standoff block, wherein the channel includes a plurality of drain holes formed along a distal edge of the tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: AMI INDUSTRIES, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Holstine, John Hampton
  • Patent number: 11353291
    Abstract: A bullet-resistant user's wearable article convertible from a bullet-resistant backpack configuration and a bullet-resistant vest configuration and vice versa has two parts each provided with a bullet-proof shield and moveable relative to one another between a first position in which they are located at one side of a user's torso and assume the bullet-resistant backpack configuration and a second position which is assumed when one of them is turned around a user's torso and they become located at two opposite sides of the user's torso to assume the bullet-resistant vest configuration, a first connection releasably connecting the two parts with one another in the first position in which they are located at one side of the user's torso, a second connection located at one side of each of the Iwo parts for non-releasably connecting them with one another in the first position in which the parts are located at one side of the user's torso and in the second position in which the parts are located at opposite sides o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: INNOTECH INTERNATIONAL, LLC
    Inventors: Victor Lander, Jacob Gitman
  • Patent number: 11059596
    Abstract: A trap system is presented for deployment of a reserve parachute. The trap system includes a trap line with a first end coupled to a main parachute and a trap attached to a surface of the container. The trap includes an outer perimeter to removably hold the trap line and an interior to removably hold the reserve bridle. A kit is also presented for converting a parachute container into an improved parachute container to deploy a reserve parachute. The kit includes an attachment to be secured to a surface of the parachute container. The attachment includes a trap line with a first end configured to be coupled to the first end of the RSL lanyard, and a trap secured to a region of the attachment, with an outer perimeter to removably hold a second end of the trap line and an interior to removably hold the reserve bridle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Assignee: WE DESIGNS, LLC
    Inventors: Dawn Michelle English, William George Weber
  • Patent number: 10807725
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating folding and packing of a parachute into a deployment bag is a planar, semi-rigid, horizontally oriented rectangular fabric panel that is seamed or scored to fold at four or more junctures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Inventor: James Bauer
  • Patent number: 10792079
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical tool and a method of use thereof. The surgical includes a rod having opposite ends, the rod configured to be received into a rod-receiving portion of a head of a pedicle screw; a pair of elongated arms each having a proximal end and a distal end, the pair of elongated arms at proximal ends coupled to the opposite ends of the rod; and a handle connects the distal ends of the pair of elongated arms, the handle having a second length, the handle shaped to be grabbed by a hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Inventor: Wael Hamade
  • Patent number: 10625870
    Abstract: A parachute is coupled to a rocket where the parachute is extracted by having the rocket pull on the parachute. A parachute strap couples the parachute to an aircraft where at a first point in time, a first section of the parachute strap and a second section of the parachute strap are both secured independently of each other. At a second point in time, the second section of the parachute strap is still secured while the first section of the parachute strap is released where the released first section of the parachute strap gradually becomes taut as the parachute is extracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: WISK AERO LLC
    Inventors: John Melack, Cody Patrick Leuck, Sheldon Wong
  • Patent number: 10077115
    Abstract: A harness container for a parachutist has a bio-contoured support cradle or load distributing vest. The load distributing vest, which is generally U-shaped and includes an upper yoke and two straps integral with the yoke, has a multi-layer construction that includes an outer layer and an inner layer mounted on a bio-contoured pad. The outer layer and the inner layer are of corresponding shape and are sewn to one another along a reinforced edging with the pad therebetween. The upper yoke is attached to the front side of the harness container and the ends of the vest straps are attached to the main lift webs so that the vest elevates the harness container and distributes the load thereof across the jumper's shoulders, back and chest for increased comfort.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2018
    Assignee: AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA OF NJ, INC.
    Inventor: Randolph Lee Copenhaver
  • Patent number: 10011364
    Abstract: Apparatuses and systems for activating parachutes are provided. For example, in an embodiment an apparatus includes a flexible concave shaped member between at least two layers of outer material. The outer layers are secured to each other. A first tuck flap and a second tuck flap are formed from portions of the outer layers of material. A plurality of locking tabs is secured to the outer layers of material. A handle and lanyard are secured to the outer layers and flexible material. A first locking pin is secured to one end of the lanyard and a second locking pin is secure to the other end of the lanyard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Dale E. Tabor, Brian E. Grady
  • Patent number: 9994328
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Inventor: Timothy T. Tylaska
  • Patent number: 9663234
    Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering packages via aerial vehicles are disclosed. The system can comprise a label that includes a parachute to enable the packages to be dropped from the aerial vehicle, yet land at the package's destination without damage. The system can include a self-adhesive backing, a plurality of parachute cords, a parachute, and a breakaway cover. The parachute cords can include a shock absorber to reduce the shock on the package of the parachute opening. The parachute and/or the breakaway cover can include graphics to provide address, velocity, or spin information for the package. The parachute cords can include a harness to separate the cords and reduce tangling of the cords and spinning of the parachute canopy with respect to the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jon T. Hanlon
  • Patent number: 9656758
    Abstract: An emergency parachute is a device for allowing the user to eject from a perilous high-altitude structure and float to safety once clear of the structure. The emergency parachute features a vest that may be donned by the user. The user is required to face toward the structure that he or she is escaping. In order to activate the canopy of the emergency parachute, the user is required to engage a first activation handle and a second activation handle of a simultaneous activation dual switch. The simultaneous activation dual switch ensures that the canopy is not accidentally deployed. A chute-inflation gas generator inflates the canopy and simultaneously ejects the user backward. The ejection serves the twofold purpose of ensuring that the user is able to clear the structure that he or she is escaping as well as aiding the user in overcoming any fears of jumping from a high altitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Inventor: Philip C. Reinpold
  • Patent number: 9242736
    Abstract: A parachute canopy release comprising a harness strap and a parachute riser. The parachute riser has a terminal end connected to a riser ring. The harness strap has a connector assembly comprising a ring assembly and a latch assembly. The ring assembly has a middle ring and a small ring secured to the harness strap at middle and small ring securing straps, respectively. The latch assembly has a base and a latch slide engaging the base. The middle ring is inserted through an inner diameter of the riser ring, the small ring is inserted through an inner diameter of the middle ring, and the latch slide is manipulated such that the small ring is retained intermediate said base and an interior surface of said latch slide when said parachute riser is releasably connected to said harness strap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Capewell Aerial Systems LLC
    Inventor: Adam J Fitzgerald
  • Patent number: 9205900
    Abstract: A harness assembly having a pouch attached thereto for storage of a manually deployable life raft. The harness assembly is comprised of a waist strap of sufficient length to reach around the mid-section of a human body and a back, frontal left, and frontal right panel sections integrally joined with one another forming a life vest. The frontal left and right panel sections include a fastener for coupling together to form a neck opening. The pouch is removably attached to the harness assembly and positioned thereinbetween the waist strap and life vest. The inflatable life raft is disposed of within the pouch in a deflated state. The life raft includes an elongated tether cord having a first end attached to the life vest and a second end attached to the life raft. The life raft is adapted to be inflated when, in an emergency situation, the raft is removed from the pouch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2015
    Inventor: Donnie Franklin Tatum
  • Patent number: 9162738
    Abstract: An inflatable life raft having one or more air channels forming a generally rectangular shaped body when the raft is unfolded and inflated. Valves in fluid communication with the air channels for inflating and deflating the life raft. A storage carrier is integrally constructed with the life raft for storing the folded normally deflated life raft so that the raft can be easily carried, transported, and automatically deployed. The inflatable raft includes a waterproof pouch releasably attached to the raft for storing items such as a rope, flare launcher, strobe light, glow sticks, and whistle. A tether couples the life raft to a user, and a plurality of reflectors is attached to the surface of the inflatable life raft. A replaceable gas cylinder, and manual hand pump are operatively coupled to the valves for automatically or manually inflating the life raft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventor: Troy Faletra
  • Patent number: 9060589
    Abstract: A parachute carrying device comprising a folding mat and a cover connected through a flexible strip, as well as cut outs for pulling out shoulder harnesses, allows to both pack a parachute and carry it securely while traveling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Inventors: David Gershfeld, Ilham P. Budihartono
  • Patent number: 8998145
    Abstract: A parachute package including a harness, a reserve parachute container attached to the harness, and a main parachute container releasably secured to the harness, wherein the main and reserve parachute containers are releasably fastened together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: North American Aerodynamics
    Inventor: John P. Higgins
  • Patent number: 8876047
    Abstract: A harpoon head (6) for a system for anchoring an aircraft on a grating (4) is characterized in that a distal end of the harpoon head has an interchangeable insert (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: DCNS
    Inventor: Séverine Proutiere
  • Patent number: 8528866
    Abstract: A maintaining equipment with variable length side transverse strap segments in with the one side fastening strap, includes two pairs of saddle straps connected via saddle straps, to either the back transverse strap, back straps crossing the container backrest, or extension of the side transverse straps. The latter extends into a side fastening strap. A loop at a location locatable from the waist to the leg straps is run through by the side fastening strap or the side transverse strap. Strap tightening can occur at hooking or thereafter, allowing adjustment of the side transverse strap and the side fastening strap to maintain the container on the solo skydiver's back or maintain the passenger to the tandem pilot during freefall. Unlocking and/or loosening after canopy deployment elongates the side transverse strap with shortening of the side fastening strap allowing backward movement of the lower back and progression of the leg straps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Fradet
  • Patent number: 8434722
    Abstract: A skydiving equipment with a drogue parachute to capture the deployment bag until the opening, and to suspend the parachutist(s) in a horizontal position during the free fall, while distributing the tension forces of the drogue parachute such that the ripcord operation is effortless, includes a first fastening strap bearing a lower tab and a second fastening strap bearing an upper tab to fasten the drogue parachute drogue bridle to the parachute pack at the desired level of the main container. A three-ring system connects the upper tab and the lower tab to the drogue parachute drogue bridle and is operational to effortlessly cause the release of the upper tab and the lower tab out of the drogue bridle simultaneously or successively, while the main container opens at a different time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Eric Fradet
  • Publication number: 20130087658
    Abstract: A harness container for a parachutist has a bio-contoured support cradle or load distributing vest. The load distributing vest, which is generally U-shaped and includes an upper yoke and two straps integral with the yoke, has a multi-layer construction that includes an outer layer and an inner layer mounted on a bio-contoured pad. The outer layer and the inner layer are of corresponding shape and are sewn to one another along a reinforced edging with the pad therebetween. The upper yoke is attached to the front side of the harness container and the ends of the vest straps are attached to the main lift webs so that the vest elevates the harness container and distributes the load thereof across the jumper's shoulders, back and chest for increased comfort.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA OF NJ INC.
    Inventor: AIRBORNE SYSTEMS NORTH AMERICA OF NJ
  • Patent number: 8403268
    Abstract: A pilot chute device is connected to a parachute canopy for deploying the parachute canopy out of a container adapted to be closed and opened and within which the parachute canopy is foldable. The pilot chute device includes an inflatable pilot chute adopted to assist the deployment of the parachute canopy, the inflatable pilot chute being foldable into the container, and a spring device adopted to push the inflatable pilot chute outside the container when the container is opened. The spring device is dispensed apart from the inflatable pilot chute, between the pilot chute and the parachute canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Aerazur
    Inventors: Gael Suze, Philippe Besnier
  • Patent number: 8328141
    Abstract: An apparatus for packing a parachute is presented, the apparatus including an expander member extending along a longitudinal axis and having at least a ramp portion that extends in the direction from a first end of the expander member to a second end of the expander member. The ramp portion has an outer surface expanding in perimeter shape from the first end to the second end of the expander member. A channel defined from inner surfaces of the ramp portion extends along the longitudinal axis from an opening at the second end of the expander member towards the first end. The first end of the expander member is configured to engage a substantially unexpanded loop of a stowage device and to expand the perimeter shape of the loop as the loop is moved along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Inventor: William Caldwell
  • Patent number: 8152105
    Abstract: A parachute packing system for facilitating insertion of a parachute canopy into a deployment receptacle or parachute receptacle includes an adjustable spring-like cylindrical sleeve that conforms to a “C”-shaped cross section, the sleeve member having rounded edges to prevent snagging of parachute material, and a gap defining a line passage slot within the cylindrical sleeve for passage of parachute suspension lines and bridle, and a pair of opposing deployment receptacle attachment points or knobs affixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical sleeve. Preferably, at least one of the receptacle attachment points or knobs engages a slotted track for sliding adjustment thereof, and a mechanism for reversibly locking the receptacle attachment point or knob within the slotted track. Optionally, the cylindrical sleeve includes an integral mat attachment hook, which runs across the bottom of the sleeve opening, for attachment to a packing mat made of non-slip rubberized material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Inventor: Anthony John Rossi
  • Patent number: 8074934
    Abstract: A device, system and method of reserve parachute deployment comprising; a reserve bridle 2 connecting the reserve deployment bag 5 to the reserve pilot chute 4, and a lanyard 3 connecting the main parachute 1 to the reserve bridle 2 with a releasable attachment and a retention means of this attachment. This connection being placed onto a holding flap 17 of the reserve container 22, by releasable holding means. The system and method of realization allows the reserve parachute to be activated without cutting-away a main parachute, in a manner that the holding means are not released, while if the main parachute is cut away then the holding means release without the retention means doing so.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Eric Fradet
  • Publication number: 20110220765
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a skydiving equipment with a drogue parachute which is intended to capture the deployment bag until the opening, and to suspend the parachutist(s) in a horizontal position during the free fall, while distributing the tension forces of a drogue parachute (1) such that the ripcord operation is effortless. This arrangement includes first and second fastening straps and releasable fastening means fastening the drogue parachute (1) drogue bridle (2) to the parachute pack (18) at the desired level of the main container (10). Connecting means, which consist of a three-ring system, connect the upper tab (61) and the lower tab (51) to the drogue parachute (1) drogue bridle (2). The connecting means are operational to effortlessly cause the release of the upper tab (61) and the lower tab (51) out of the drogue bridle (2) simultaneously or successively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Fradet Eric
  • Publication number: 20110168846
    Abstract: A parachute container system including: a reserve compartment; a main compartment; a reserve parachute pathway configured to enable a mechanical connection between a reserve parachute canopy and a reserve parachute connection point external to the parachute container system when a reserve parachute canopy is positioned in the reserve compartment; and a main parachute pathway configured to enable a mechanical connection between a main parachute canopy and a main parachute connection point external to the parachute container system when a main parachute canopy is positioned in the main compartment. When the parachute container system is positioned on a parachutist at least a portion of the reserve compartment is disposed between the main compartment and the parachutist.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventor: Edward Strong
  • Publication number: 20110006161
    Abstract: An apparatus for packing a parachute is presented, the apparatus including an expander member extending along a longitudinal axis and having at least a ramp portion that extends in the direction from a first end of the expander member to a second end of the expander member. The ramp portion has an outer surface expanding in perimeter shape from the first end to the second end of the expander member. A channel defined from inner surfaces of the ramp portion extends along the longitudinal axis from an opening at the second end of the expander member towards the first end. The first end of the expander member is configured to engage a substantially unexpanded loop of a stowage device and to expand the perimeter shape of the loop as the loop is moved along the longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventor: William Caldwell
  • Publication number: 20100032526
    Abstract: A parachute package including a harness, a reserve parachute container attached to the harness, a main parachute container releasably secured to the harness, and means for releasably fastening together the main and reserve parachute containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Inventor: John P. Higgins
  • Publication number: 20100001140
    Abstract: A load assisted release system for releasably connecting cargo to a primary delivery vehicle, including a releasable connector and a bridle. The bridle includes a bridle attachment point, a slack loop, a first stage release link connecting a slack loop upper end to a slack loop lower end, and a responsive point in the bridle responsive to a releasing of the first stage release link to cause the releasable connector to release the bridle from the primary delivery vehicle once the first stage release link is released and the responsive point has moved away from the slack loop upper end the second predetermined distance. The releasable connector is configured to connect the bridle to the primary delivery vehicle, and a release force required to move the responsive point in the bridle the second predetermined distance is generated by the cargo as it moves away from the primary delivery vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventors: Charles O. McHugh, Scott Hilton, Frank Deazley
  • Publication number: 20090032646
    Abstract: A parachute packing system for facilitating insertion of a parachute canopy into a deployment receptacle or parachute receptacle includes an adjustable spring-like cylindrical sleeve that conforms to a “C”-shaped cross section, the sleeve member having rounded edges to prevent snagging of parachute material, and a gap defining a line passage slot within the cylindrical sleeve for passage of parachute suspension lines and bridle, and a pair of opposing deployment receptacle attachment points or knobs affixed to the outer surface of the cylindrical sleeve. Preferably, at least one of the receptacle attachment points or knobs engages a slotted track for sliding adjustment thereof, and a mechanism for reversibly locking the receptacle attachment point or knob within the slotted track. Optionally, the cylindrical sleeve includes an integral mat attachment hook, which runs across the bottom of the sleeve opening, for attachment to a packing mat made of non-slip rubberized material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Anthony John Rossi
  • Publication number: 20080272238
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an equipment for jump in an oversized parachute for carrying a pilot (1) and a passenger (2) comprising a main harness (3) and a secondary harness (4) connected to the main harness (3) and provided with at least a dorsal part and a frontal part which can be applied on the back and the belly of the passenger (2), respectively, characterized in that it comprises means to maintain the dorsal part and the frontal part of the secondary harness (4) spaced apart. The invention has the advantage of enabling a better positioning of the passenger (2) during the canopy descent in view of the landing operations. The invention will find its application during jumps in tandem parachute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: Eric Fradet
  • Patent number: 7387278
    Abstract: Ripcord pins secure a parachute pack and, on removal, allow the parachute to be deployed from the pack. Such pins are provided with indicating means that provide an indication, such as a visual indication, that the pin has been bent. This avoids the re-use of straightened pins that may break in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Airborne Systems Limited
    Inventors: David Richard Jordan Hirst, Adrian Jones
  • Patent number: 6932300
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for closing parachute packs, each of which has a plurality of flaps and a closing cord (36), the device (10) being characterised by a base (12) for bearing on a flap in one direction during the packing operation, and by a mechanism (18, 22) adapted to draw a pull cord (34) connectable to the closing cord (36) in substantially an opposite direction to allow the flaps to be secured relative to the closing cord (36) by a pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: DSO National Laboratories
    Inventor: Naresh Kumar
  • Patent number: 6776374
    Abstract: An improved pack for parachutes for powered parachute aircraft breaks down to lie flat against the ground providing a staging area for folding the parachute and full access to the parachute to remove entrapped air. Flaps of the pack fold up around the parachute to create an enclosure. The pack may include attached bungee cords for tying it to the frame of the cockpit and may be part of a kit including line socks and frame attachment hooks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: Abby Air LLC
    Inventor: Jack C. LaSee
  • Publication number: 20040155152
    Abstract: The invention provides a device for closing parachute packs, each of which has a plurality of flaps and a closing cord (36), the device (10) being characterised by a base (12) for bearing on a flap in one direction during the packing operation, and by a mechanism (18, 22) adapted to draw a pull cord (34) connectable to the closing cord (36) in substantially an opposite direction to allow the flaps to be secured relative to the closing cord (36) by a pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventor: Naresh Kumar
  • Patent number: 6705572
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses an emergency low altitude parachute having a parachute canopy 28 that inflates by the introduction of compressed gas. A compressed gas canister 30 is located within the housing of the inflatable portion of the device and is activated by an activation ring 24. The device is stored within a carrying case 16 prior to use. When the low altitude emergency parachute 14 is removed from its storage case, the user 12 attaches the attachment harness 32 to their body. A helmet 22 with breathing apparatus is supplied. Once the user 12 is harnessed in, the device is held in the front of the body and an activation ring 24 is provided as means of activating the compressed gas canister 30. Once activated the parachute pontoons fill with the gas rapidly, expanding them and unfolding the parachute canopy 28. The device 10 is then released through the threshold 26 of the escape route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Karim S Christopher
  • Patent number: 6651934
    Abstract: A rescue system for rescuing persons by air, particularly from tall buildings or airplanes, has a receptacle with at least one parachute or paraglider. A harness for the parachute or paraglider is connected to the receptacle. The receptacle is constructed as a closable package with a substantially cuboid or suitcase-like shape and also has an opening mechanism. The harness for the parachute or paraglider is disposed inside the closed receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Markus Villinger
  • Patent number: 6629671
    Abstract: A parachute is stored within the specially configured seat back of each passenger seat of a commercial aircraft, behind a removable front upholstery panel. The parachute harness extends outwardly from the concealed parachute, through and beyond the periphery of the removable panel, for donning by the seated passenger. An openable upper cover extends over the top of the concealed parachute. When the parachute is needed, the passenger (having previously donned the parachute harness) pulls forward from the seat to release the front upholstery panel from the seat back to pull the parachute free, and escapes from the aircraft. In the event the seat structure separates from the aircraft, the still seated passenger opens the top flap of the seat back to access the parachute rip cord. A second embodiment comprises a child harness having a series of D-rings thereon, for face-to-face attachment to the parachute harness of an accompanying adult.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2003
    Inventor: Pete K. Hilsenbeck
  • Publication number: 20030136880
    Abstract: An improved pack for parachutes for powered parachute aircraft breaks down to lie flat against the ground providing a staging area for folding the parachute and full access to the parachute to remove entrapped air. Flaps of the pack fold up around the parachute to create an enclosure. The pack may include attached bungee cords for tying it to the frame of the cockpit and may be part of a kit including line socks and frame attachment hooks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Jack C. LaSee
  • Patent number: 5722619
    Abstract: An improved parachute bridle assembly and an improved method for deploying a parachute are provided. The improved bridle assembly includes a bridle having a main pilot chute attached at a distal end thereof, and a second pilot chute attached to the bridle at about a midpoint thereof. The second pilot chute is spaced from the main pilot chute by a distance that allows the second pilot chute to enter the airstream independently of the main pilot chute. In use of the bridle assembly, deployment is initiated by spring ejection of the main pilot chute into the airstream. Thereafter, the second pilot chute is ejected into the airstream. The pilot chutes pull a deployment bag from the harness container thereby extracting the main canopy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 3, 1998
    Assignee: Fliteline Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael W. Cottle
  • Patent number: 5544846
    Abstract: A parachute deployment system having a pack with an attached parachute and a detachably coupled handle. The handle is used to activate the deployment system by physically opening the pack via an internal rip cord pin in communication therewith. Further, the handle is used to pull a pilot bag, which holds the parachute, from the pack and into the air stream. The pilot bag provides sufficient drag for effectively deploying the parachute therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 13, 1996
    Inventor: Robert W. Stroud
  • Patent number: 5263663
    Abstract: A stowage band adapted for releasably maintaining parachute suspension lines in a looped condition and also relates to a method of using such stowage band. The stowage band includes an elastic, hollow, seamless, endless ring, or alternatively, an elastic, hollow tube having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end. One of the longitudinal ends is inserted within the interior of the other longitudinal end, and the longitudinal ends are permanently secured together by an adhesive. The stowage band is capable of stretching to a relatively great degree and is capable of rolling and twisting to a relatively great degree. Also, the stowage band tends not to break during normal usage, but is sufficiently weak so that breakage will occur if the suspension lines are severely snagged. The stowage band is wrapped about a stowage holder such that only portions of the stowage band other than the region of the interconnected longitudinal ends surrounds the looped suspension lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Inventor: William T. Widgery
  • Patent number: 5253826
    Abstract: An environmentally-sealed parachute deployment system for bail-out parachutes comprising a spring-loaded pilot parachute, an environmentally sealed vacuum bag, a deployment bag having one or two elastic closure loops, and a man-rated parachute. The drag force exerted by the pilot parachute tears open the environmentally sealed bag, initiating deployment of the parachute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1993
    Assignee: Simula Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph W. Coltman, Kenneth W. Sego, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5232184
    Abstract: A self-staging parachute apparatus including a drogue parachute and a main parachute each encapsulated in a respective packing bag with the main parachute packing bag defining a side pocket through which a specialized retention bridle extends from the suspension lines of the drogue chute directly to a load line connected to the load. The load thus utilizes a single point of attachment for both the drogue parachute and the main parachute with the retention bridle of the drogue parachute in movable engagement extending through the pocket of the main parachute deployment bag. The main parachute and drogue parachute when packed are designed to form a generally cylindrical shape which is adapted to be easily placed within cylindrical payloads such as flares or the like to facilitate deployment thereof after the rocket motor has been separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Pioneer Aerospace Corporation
    Inventor: James D. Reuter
  • Patent number: 5125599
    Abstract: A parachute pack of the type including a pilot chute for drawing a main parachute canopy out of its container uses a single adjustable tension retainer cord and pin which holds a compression spring for the pilot chute in an adjustably tensioned state. Various packing methods and canopy sizes may be used with the pack so that a constant tension may be placed on the compression spring regardless of the thickness of the pack. In addition, ends of side flaps of the container are attached to the bottom flap of the container, and epaulet flaps are fastened to a top flap, to form a boxlike enclosure for the main parachute so as restrict release of the main parachute from the container until after the pilot chute has attained a sufficient amount of positive drag to urge the main chute therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1992
    Inventor: John B. Sherman
  • Patent number: 5090641
    Abstract: A casing for parachutes adapted to set down a load, said parachutes having a parachute canopy, shroud lines, and a carrying harness attached thereto for the load. To simplify manufacture and shorten packing time, and to make it particularly suitable for accommodating a parachute that is adapted to set down a rapidly rotating load, the casing comprises at least two substantially flat fabric sections (11, 12) arranged one above the other and joined together at their outer edges by an encircling seam (14), with one fabric section having a central opening (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Assignee: Autoflug GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Hubert Nohren, Werner Moritzen, Gerhard Siebrand, Helmut Knofe
  • Patent number: 4923150
    Abstract: A parachute ring release mechanism with a spring incorporated to insure disengagement of the parachute risers. The ring release is structured such that the parachute risers may be released by either one of two rip cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: McDonnell Douglas Corporation
    Inventors: Robert B. Calkins, Frederick F. Rinke
  • Patent number: 4898346
    Abstract: The reserve parachute is folded and disposed in a covering. A pilot chute overlies the reserve parachute outside of the covering. A disc overlies the pilot chute and bears against a compression spring maintained under compression by a single centrally positioned cord connected between the disc and a single release pin on the opposite side of the covering. The cord extends centrally through the compression spring and is connected centrally of the disc. Handling, packing and releasing of the reserve parachute and deployment of the pilot chute is thereby simplified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Inventor: Stefan Ertler
  • Patent number: 4793575
    Abstract: A chest-mountable emergency parachute pack is provided having an upper compartment for a parachute and a lower compartment for an inflatable flotation device such as a life raft. A rear compartment for an inflatable personal flotation device such as a life vest may be provided. Additional pockets may store other survival equipment. The pack is provided with means for attachment to a custom-filled harness which is worn by a crew member. In an emergency, the parachute pack may be quickly attached to the harness for appropriate emergency procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: December 27, 1988
    Inventor: Manley C. Butler