GB334365A - Safety parachute device - Google Patents

Abstract

334,365. Keller, E. March 14, 1929, [Convention date]. Parachutes.-A compound parachute comprises at least two parachutes arranged one above the other in spaced relation and connected together by cords, a fabric flue or flues being provided for conducting air from the lowermost parachute to that or those located above it in order to secure their rapid opening. A compound parachute to be worn by a pilot comprises two parachutes 6, 7, Fig. 2, of which 6 is folded and placed on straps 9, 10 and 7 is partly folded to leave downwardlyextending openings 11 which are kept open by a rim 12 stiffened by elastic material such as celluloid or by a rubber hose which may be inflated from a compressed-air container having a valve actuated by a cord connected to the aircraft as the pilot falls clear. A tearing-cord 15 attaches parachutes 6, 7 and straps 9, 10 to a belt 8 passing between folds 14 to which it gives the shape shown in Fig. 2. Cords 17, Fig. 6, are attached to the parachute rim at 18, Fig. 2, and assembled in a skein 19 pass underneath and behind parachute 7 to spring-hook connections on belt 8, and shoulder straps 9, 10; where they pass over the parachute they are bound tegether by frangible cords to form a skein 20. The fabric flue 21 and the cords for parachute 6 are folded with the latter over parachute 7. The flue 21 is held in its correct position after opening by cords 22 - - 25, Fig. 6. When the pilot jumps out, air collecting in the folds 14 causes rupture of the cords 15 to release the parachute, the parachute 7 being opened by the action of its elastic rim and parachute 6 by the air flowing through flue 21. If the pilot falls head first, release of the parachute 6, 7 by breaking cords 15 is effected by the pressure of the air in the folds of a pilot parachute 27, Fig. 2, connected to parachute 6. Fig. 7 shows a compound parachute adapted to support an aircraft. The cords of each superposed parachute are connected to the rim of that beneath it bv spring hooks to allow of detachment of individual, or the addition of extra, parachutes. An automatic release mechanism comprises a compressed-air container 35, Fig. 8, of which the valve is opened to supply air to parachute 28, Fig. 7, automatically upon the aircraft reaching a dangerous inclination. This valve is normally kept shut by a spring acting upon the valve lever 37. A fixed container 39 is partially filled with mercury which is spilled through holes 41 in its walls into a bowl 38 fixed to lever 37 when the aircraft is tilted to a dangerous extent, thus causing the weight of the lever to overcome the pressure of the spring and open the air-release valve. A collapsable basketshaped buoyant platform 45 may be arranged in cords of parachute 28 to receive the occupants of the aircraft in case of fire and to carry signalling apparatus, a release device being provided at 48, Fig. 7. In large aircraft access to the platform may be obtained by the use of rope ladders or conveyer baskets.