GB147993A - Improvements relating to parachutes - Google Patents

Abstract

147,993. Calthrop, E. R. April 23, 1919. Parachutes. - The rigging of a parachute is folded into packs arranged to retain the periphery of the parachute in an annular form within the container, so that the load withdraws the parachute from the container with its mouth in an annular form, ensuring entry of sufficient air for the complete expansion. Figs. 1 and 6 show the rigging arranged in packs 4 disposed vertically within a cylindrical member on the lower portion 2 of the container, and the parachute body 3 formed into radial pleats, Fig. 6, and then folded as indicated in Fig. 1 within the upper portion 1 of the container. A rupturable connexion 17 is provided between the parts 1, 2 of the container, and other rupturable connexions 15, Fig. 2, of dissimilar lengths are arranged between the rigging tapes 4 and suspension loops 16, or between the upper ends of the tapes and the upper part 1 of the container. When the load is applied, the part 2 breaks away and the tapes 4 become extended as indicated in Fig. 2, whereupon the connexions 15 break one after the other, bringing the load to bear on the parachute body, which is then withdrawn in annular form, the radial pleats straightening out. The upper part 1 of the container is provided with a rubber ring 5 which is engaged over the lower portion 2, the flange 8 of which is lightly secured to an annular flap 9 within the part 1. In a modification, the part 2 may be a flat circular member, the packs 4 being arranged thereon by means of a tube temporarily placed in the centre.