Suspension line assembly for parachute assembly, parachute assembly, and method for manufacturing a parachute assembly.

Abstract

To provide improved parachutes.SOLUTION: A suspension line assembly for a parachute assembly comprises a plurality of suspension lines bound together at a confluence, a first riser extending between the confluence and a first attachment location disposed on a first strap, a second riser extending between the confluence and a second attachment location disposed on a second strap, and a cradle disposed between the first riser and the second riser.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to parachutes, and more specifically to a parachute provided with a cradle for preventing injury during deployment of the parachute, and a method of manufacturing a parachute. Background Art

[0002] Parachutes can be used to decelerate and stabilize an object (e.g., an ejection seat or a person) supported by the parachute. A parachute generally includes a canopy that increases drag, and suspension lines coupled to the canopy. The suspension lines are woven or otherwise bound together to form risers configured to attach the object to the parachute, and can stabilize the object to reduce rotation while the object is under the canopy. Summary of the Invention Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to improve a parachute of the type mentioned at the beginning. Means for Solving the Problem

[0004] Disclosed is a suspension line assembly for a parachute, comprising: a plurality of suspension lines bound together at a confluence; a first riser extending between the confluence and a first attachment location disposed on a first strap; a second riser extending between the confluence and a second attachment location disposed on a second strap; and a cradle disposed between the first riser and the second riser.

[0005] In various embodiments, a first parallel riser is coupled parallel to the first riser, and a second parallel riser is coupled parallel to the second riser.

[0006] In various embodiments, the first tandem riser is coupled to the first parallel riser, and the second tandem riser is coupled to the second parallel riser.

[0007] In various embodiments, the cradle is coupled to a first tandem riser and a second tandem riser.

[0008] In various embodiments, a first set of horizontal straps is coupled to a first tandem riser and a first parallel riser, and a second set of horizontal straps is coupled to a second tandem riser and a second parallel riser.

[0009] In various embodiments, the first set of horizontal straps are spaced 0.5 inches to 8 inches (1.27 cm to 20.32 cm) apart from each other, and the second set of horizontal straps are spaced 0.5 inches to 8 inches (1.27 cm to 20.32 cm) apart from each other.

[0010] In various embodiments, a first set of horizontal straps includes a first navigation strap, a second set of horizontal straps includes a second navigation strap, and the first and second navigation straps are configured to control the maneuver of the parachute.

[0011] In various embodiments, the cradle includes at least one of canvas, nylon, polyester, cotton, reinforcing fibers such as aramid fibers and paraaramid fibers, and combinations thereof.

[0012] A parachute assembly is disclosed, comprising a canopy and a suspension line assembly coupled to the canopy, the suspension line assembly comprising a plurality of suspension lines tied together at a confluence, a first riser coupled to the confluence, a first parallel riser coupled to the confluence parallel to the first riser, a second riser coupled to the confluence, and a second parallel riser coupled to the confluence parallel to the second riser.

[0013] In various embodiments, the suspension line assembly further comprises a first tandem riser coupled to a first parallel riser and a second tandem riser coupled to a second parallel riser.

[0014] In various embodiments, the suspension line assembly further comprises a cradle coupled between a first tandem riser and a second tandem riser.

[0015] In various embodiments, the suspension line assembly further includes a first set of horizontal straps coupled to a first tandem riser and a first parallel riser, and a second set of horizontal straps coupled to a second tandem riser and a second parallel riser.

[0016] In various embodiments, the first set of horizontal straps are spaced 0.5 inches to 8 inches (1.27 cm to 20.32 cm) apart from each other, and the second set of horizontal straps are spaced 0.5 inches to 8 inches (1.27 cm to 20.32 cm) apart from each other.

[0017] In various embodiments, a first set of horizontal straps includes a first navigation strap, and a second set of horizontal straps includes a second navigation strap.

[0018] In various embodiments, the first and second navigation straps are configured to control the maneuvering of the parachute assembly.

[0019] In various embodiments, the suspension line assembly is coupled to a first mounting location located on the canopy and the first strap.

[0020] In various embodiments, the cradle includes at least one of canvas, nylon, polyester, cotton, reinforcing fibers such as aramid fibers and paraaramid fibers, and combinations thereof.

[0021] A method for making a parachute is disclosed, the method comprising: forming a first riser by tying together a first set of suspension lines; forming a second riser by tying together a second set of suspension lines; forming a first junction using the first set of suspension lines; forming a second junction using the second set of suspension lines; connecting a first parallel riser parallel to the first riser between the first junction and a first mounting location; and connecting a second parallel riser parallel to the second riser between the second junction and a second mounting location of the second riser. The method includes connecting a first tandem riser to a first parallel riser, connecting a second tandem riser to a second parallel riser, and connecting a cradle between the first tandem riser and the second tandem riser, wherein the first riser, first parallel riser, first tandem riser, second riser, second parallel riser, second tandem riser, and cradle are compressed together when the parachute is in the stowed position, and the first riser, first parallel riser, first tandem riser, second riser, second parallel riser, second tandem riser, and cradle are depressurized depending on the deployed position of the parachute.

[0022] In various embodiments, the method further includes integrating a canopy with a first set of suspension lines and a second set of suspension lines.

[0023] In various embodiments, the method further includes connecting a first set of horizontal straps between a first parallel riser and a first tandem riser, and connecting a second set of horizontal straps between a second parallel riser and a second tandem riser.

[0024] The foregoing features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. These features and elements of the disclosed embodiments, as well as the operation thereof, will become more apparent when considered in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings.

[0025] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the present specification. However, a more complete understanding of the present disclosure may best be obtained by reference to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings. In the following drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements and steps throughout the figures.

[0026] Elements and steps of the figures are shown for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been presented in any particular order. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different orders are shown in the figures to facilitate understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a parachute assembly with a riser in a deployed position, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a suspension line assembly, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a suspension line assembly, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a suspension line assembly configured in a stowed position, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 4b] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a suspension line assembly configured in a stowed position, in accordance with various embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 6 illustrates a method of making a parachute in various embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] A detailed description of the exemplary embodiments herein refers to the accompanying drawings illustrating the exemplary embodiments. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations of design and configuration may be made in accordance with the disclosure and the teachings herein. Accordingly, the detailed descriptions herein are presented for illustrative purposes only and not limiting purposes.

[0029] The scope of this disclosure is defined not merely by the examples described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. For example, any steps enumerated in any description of a method or process may be performed in any order, and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to a single entity may include multiple embodiments, and any reference to two or more components or steps may include a single embodiment or step. Also, any reference to “tacked,” “attached,” “fixed,” “coupled,” “connected,” etc., may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full, and / or any other possible attachment options. In addition, any reference to “without contact” (or similar phrases) may also include reduced or minimal contact. Shading lines on surfaces may be used throughout the figures to indicate different parts, but not necessarily the same or different materials.

[0030] Disclosed herein are parachute assemblies, in various embodiments, that include a suspension line assembly having risers and a cradle positioned between the risers. When the parachute assembly is deployed, a large force acting on the parachute assembly is transmitted to the parachute operator. The cradle may be configured to reduce the force exerted on the parachute operator's neck and head during the deployment of the parachute assembly.

[0031] Referring to Figure 1, the parachute assembly 100 is shown in the deployed position 10 according to various embodiments. The parachute assembly 100 may comprise a canopy 102 and a suspension line assembly 104. The suspension line assembly 104 may include a first confluence 130 that divides into a first plurality of suspension lines 110, a first riser 120 and a first parallel riser 122, and a second confluence 132 that divides into a second plurality of suspension lines 115, a second riser 124 and a second parallel riser 126. In various embodiments, the suspension lines 110 and 115 may be attached to the canopy 102 at the first end 112 of the suspension line assembly 104.

[0032] The first riser 120, the first parallel riser 122, the second riser 124, and the second parallel riser 126 may be configured to attach objects such as a crew harness 190 to the parachute assembly 100. In various embodiments, the crew harness 190 comprises a first strap 140 and a second strap 142, with a brief reference to Figure 1. In various embodiments, the first riser 120 and the first parallel riser 122 may include a first mounting location 134. In various embodiments, the second riser 124 and the second parallel riser 126 may include a second mounting location 138. The first mounting location 134 and the second mounting location 138 may be located near the second end 136 of the suspension line assembly 104. The first mounting location 134 and the second mounting location 138 may include any suitable mounting mechanism for securing objects to the parachute assembly 100. In various embodiments, the first mounting location 134 and the second mounting location 138 may include loops created by each riser being tied to itself. In various embodiments, mounting locations 134 and 138 may include shackles. In various embodiments, the cradle 150 is positioned between the first riser 120 and the second riser 124.

[0033] Referring further to Figure 2, the first tandem riser 202 may be coupled to the first parallel riser 122. In various embodiments, the first tandem riser 202 may be coupled to the first parallel riser 122 by reinforced seams, adhesive, or fabric bonding. In various embodiments, the second tandem riser 204 may be coupled to the second parallel riser 126. In various embodiments, the second tandem riser 204 may be coupled to the second parallel riser 126 by reinforced seams, adhesive, or fabric bonding.

[0034] In various embodiments, the cradle 150 is positioned between the first riser 120 and the second riser 124. In various embodiments, the cradle 150 is coupled to the first tandem riser 202 and the second tandem riser 204. The cradle 150 may include common fabric materials such as canvas, nylon, polyester, cotton, aramid and para-aramid fibers, and combinations thereof. The cradle 150 may be rectangular in shape so as to be able to enclose part of the parachute operator. In various embodiments, the cradle 150 may be any suitable geometric shape. The cradle 150 may further consist of multiple panels, with or without gussets, to form three-dimensional curves or other shapes. The cradle 150 may consist of other suitable geometric shapes such as squares, trapezoids, or circles. The cradle 150 may also be elastic and consist of nets, webbing, etc. The cradle 150 can be mounted on the first tandem riser 202 and the second tandem riser 204, thereby creating space between the first parallel riser 122 and the first tandem riser 202, and space between the second parallel riser 126 and the second tandem riser 204. The space between the parallel risers and the tandem risers creates a window of view for the parachute operator, which may be useful in an emergency.

[0035] In various embodiments, the first riser 120, the first parallel riser 122, the second riser 124, and the second parallel riser 126 may be configured to attach an object such as a crew harness 190 to the parachute assembly 100. The crew harness may include a first strap 140 attached to a first attachment point 134. In various embodiments, the crew harness may include a second strap 142 attached to a second attachment point 138.

[0036] In various embodiments, there is at least one first horizontal strap 208 coupled to a first parallel riser 122 and a first tandem riser 202. In various embodiments, there may be a first set of horizontal straps consisting of two or more first horizontal straps 208. In various embodiments, the first set of horizontal straps may also include a first navigation strap 210 coupled to the first parallel riser 122 and the first tandem riser 202. When the parachute assembly is in the deployed position 10, the parachute operator may use the navigation strap to steer the parachute assembly. In various embodiments, there is at least one second horizontal strap 214 coupled to a second parallel riser 126 and a second tandem riser 204. In various embodiments, there may be a second set of horizontal straps consisting of two or more first horizontal straps 214. The second set of horizontal straps may also include a second navigation strap 216 coupled to the second parallel riser 126 and the second tandem riser 204.

[0037] In various embodiments, the first navigation strap 210 and the second navigation strap 216 are configured to control the maneuvering of the parachute assembly. In various embodiments, the parachute operator can control the parachute assembly by applying force to one or both of the first navigation strap 210 and the second navigation strap 212. Applying force to the navigation straps creates more drag on the canopy on the side where the force is applied. This allows the parachute operator to control the navigation of the parachute assembly. The horizontal straps also create a system that prevents the parachute operator from becoming trapped between the tandem riser and the parallel riser, which could cause injury.

[0038] Referring together to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the suspension line assembly 300 comprises at least one first horizontal strap 208 coupled to a first parallel riser 122 and a first tandem riser 202. In various embodiments, there may be a first set 212 of horizontal straps comprising two or more first horizontal straps 208 and at least one first navigation strap 210. Each of the first horizontal straps 208 may be spaced 0.5 to 8 inches (1.27 cm to 20.32 cm) apart from each other, 1 to 6 inches (2.54 cm to 15.24 cm) apart from each other, and 2 to 4 inches (5.08 cm to 10.16 cm) apart from each other. In various embodiments, the first set 212 of horizontal straps may include four first horizontal straps 208.

[0039] In various embodiments, the suspension line assembly 300 includes at least one second horizontal strap 214 coupled to a second parallel riser 126 and a second tandem riser 204. In various embodiments, there may be a second set 218 of horizontal straps comprising two or more second horizontal straps 214 and at least one second navigation strap 216. Each of the second horizontal straps 214 may be spaced 0.5 inches to 8 inches (1.27 cm to 20.32 cm) apart from each other, 1 inch to 6 inches (2.54 cm to 15.24 cm) apart from each other, and 2 inches to 4 inches (5.08 cm to 10.16 cm) apart from each other. In various embodiments, the second set 218 of horizontal straps may include four second horizontal straps 214. The suspension line assembly 300 also includes a cradle 150 coupled to a first tandem riser 202 and a second tandem riser 204.

[0040] Referring together to Figures 3, 4a, and 4b, the suspension line assembly 300 may be positioned in a stowed position 400. In the stowed position 400, the first riser 120, the first parallel riser 122, the first tandem riser 202, and the first set 212 of horizontal straps are compressed together by non-permanent fastening means such as tack fastening. In the stowed position 400, the second riser 124, the second parallel riser 126, the second tandem riser 204, and the second set 218 of horizontal straps are compressed together by non-permanent fastening means such as tack fastening. In various embodiments, the straps may be compressed together by other suitable non-permanent fastening means so that when the parachute assembly is deployed, the straps can be decompressed and separated from each other, as shown in Figure 3.

[0041] In various embodiments, the cradle 150 is joined to the first tandem riser 202 and the second tandem riser 204 by stitching, although joining can also be achieved by using adhesives, fabric bonding, rivets, other fasteners, and combinations thereof. In various embodiments, the cradle 150 is compressed and its materials are folded together in the storage position 400. In various embodiments, the materials of the cradle 150 may be folded together like bellows to make the cradle 150 compact while in the storage position 400. In various embodiments, the cradle 150 may also be folded into a V shape while in the storage position 400. Folding and compressing the cradle 150 while in the storage position 400 makes it possible to store the cradle 150 more easily when the parachute is not deployed.

[0042] Referring further to Figures 1, 4a, 4b, and 5, a method 500 for forming a parachute assembly 100 is provided according to various embodiments. Method 500 includes forming a first riser 120 by binding together a first plurality of suspension lines 110 (step 510). Method 500 includes forming a second riser 124 by binding together a second plurality of suspension lines 115 (step 520). Method 500 includes forming a first confluence point 130 using the first plurality of suspension lines 110 (step 530). Method 500 includes forming a second confluence point 132 using the second plurality of suspension lines 115 (step 540). Method 500 includes coupling a first parallel riser 122 parallel to the first riser 120 between the first confluence point 130 and a first mounting position 134 (step 550). Method 500 includes coupling the second parallel riser 126 parallel to the second riser 124 between the second junction 132 and the second mounting position 138 (step 560). Method 500 includes coupling the first tandem riser 202 to the first parallel riser 122 and coupling the second tandem riser 204 to the second parallel riser 126 (step 570). Method 500 includes coupling the cradle 150 between the first tandem riser 202 and the second tandem riser 204 (step 580).

[0043] In various embodiments, the first riser 120, the first parallel riser 122, the first tandem riser 202, the second riser 124, the second parallel riser 126, the second tandem riser 204, and the cradle 150 are compressed together when the parachute is in the stowed position 400. In various embodiments, the first riser 120, the first parallel riser 122, the first tandem riser 202, the second riser 124, the second parallel riser 126, the second tandem riser 204, and the cradle 150 are depressurized according to the deployment position 10 of the parachute assembly.

[0044] In various embodiments, method 500 may further include connecting the canopy 102 to the first plurality of suspension lines 110 and the second plurality of suspension lines 115. In various embodiments, method 500 may further include connecting the first plurality of horizontal straps 212 between the first parallel riser 122 and the first tandem riser 202, and connecting the second plurality of horizontal straps 218 between the second parallel riser 126 and the second tandem riser 204.

[0045] The benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems relating to specific embodiments have been described herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical connections between various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems, as well as any element that may produce or make more prominent any benefit, advantage, or solution, shall not be construed as material, necessary, or essential features or elements of this disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure shall not be limited by anything other than the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and references to singular elements shall mean "one or more" rather than "one or only" unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, if any phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the “claims,” it is intended that such phrase be interpreted as meaning that in one embodiment only A may exist, in another embodiment only B may exist, in another embodiment only C may exist, or that any combination of elements A, B, and C (e.g., A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C) may exist in a single embodiment.

[0046] Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In embodiments for carrying out the inventions herein, references to “various embodiments,” “one embodiment,” “a certain embodiment,” and “exemplary embodiments” indicate that the embodiments described may include certain characteristics, structures, or features, but not all embodiments may include certain characteristics, structures, or features. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when certain characteristics, structures, or features are described in relation to an embodiment, it is considered within the knowledge of those skilled in the art that such characteristics, structures, or features will be affected in relation to other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not. After reading the description, it will be clear to those skilled in the art how to carry out the disclosure in alternative embodiments.

[0047] Furthermore, elements, components, or steps of a method in this disclosure are not intended to be made available to the public, whether or not they are expressly described in the claims. Unless an element is expressly described using the phrase “means for,” the elements of the claims are not intended to exercise § 112(f) of the U.S. Patent Act. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof as used herein are intended to be non-exclusive inclusions, so that a process, method, article, or apparatus containing a list of elements may include other elements not expressly listed, or other elements not specific to such process, method, article, or apparatus, but not limited to those elements alone.

Claims

1. A suspension line assembly for a parachute assembly, Multiple suspension lines tied together at the merging point, A first riser extending between the junction and a first mounting location positioned on the first strap, A second riser extending between the aforementioned junction and a second mounting location positioned on the second strap, A cradle positioned between the first riser and the second riser, A first parallel riser coupled in parallel with the first riser, A second parallel riser coupled in parallel with the aforementioned second riser, A first tandem riser coupled to the first parallel riser, A second tandem riser coupled to the second parallel riser, Equipped with, The cradle is coupled to the first tandem riser and the second tandem riser. A first set of horizontal straps coupled to the first tandem riser and the first parallel riser, A second set of horizontal straps coupled to the second tandem riser and the second parallel riser, The suspension line assembly further comprises the following:

2. The suspension line assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first set of horizontal straps is spaced 0.5 inches to 8 inches (1.27 cm to 20.32 cm) apart from each other, and the second set of horizontal straps is spaced 0.5 inches to 8 inches (1.27 cm to 20.32 cm) apart from each other.

3. The first set of horizontal straps includes a first navigation strap, and the second set of horizontal straps includes a second navigation strap. The suspension line assembly according to claim 2, wherein the first navigation strap and the second navigation strap are configured to control the steering of the parachute assembly.

4. The suspension line assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cradle comprises at least one of canvas, nylon, polyester, cotton, aramid fiber, and paraaramid fiber.

5. Parachute assembly, Canopy and, The suspension line assembly is coupled to the canopy, and the suspension line assembly is Multiple suspension lines tied together at the merging point, A first riser connected to the aforementioned confluence point, A first parallel riser is coupled to the confluence point parallel to the first riser, A second riser connected to the aforementioned confluence point, A second parallel riser is coupled to the confluence point parallel to the second riser, A cradle positioned between the first riser and the second riser, Equipped with, The suspension line assembly further comprises a first tandem riser coupled to the first parallel riser and a second tandem riser coupled to the second parallel riser. The suspension line assembly further comprises a cradle coupled between the first tandem riser and the second tandem riser, The suspension line assembly further includes a first set of horizontal straps coupled to the first tandem riser and the first parallel riser, and a second set of horizontal straps coupled to the second tandem riser and the second parallel riser, in a parachute assembly.

6. The first set of horizontal straps is spaced 0.5 inches to 8 inches (1.27 cm to 20.32 cm) apart from each other, and the second set of horizontal straps is spaced 0.5 inches to 8 inches (1.27 cm to 20.32 cm) apart from each other. The parachute assembly according to claim 5, wherein the first set of horizontal straps includes a first navigation strap, and the second set of horizontal straps includes a second navigation strap.

7. The parachute assembly according to claim 6, wherein the first navigation strap and the second navigation strap are configured to control the steering of the parachute assembly.

8. The parachute assembly according to claim 7, wherein the suspension line assembly is coupled to a first mounting location located on the canopy and the first strap.

9. The parachute assembly according to claim 8, wherein the cradle includes a cloth.

10. A method for creating a parachute assembly, Forming a first riser by binding together a first set of suspension lines, Forming a second riser by binding together a second set of suspension lines, Using the aforementioned first set of suspension lines, a first confluence point is formed, Using the aforementioned second set of suspension lines, a second junction point is formed, Between the first junction and the first mounting location, the first parallel riser is connected in parallel with the first riser, The second parallel riser is coupled parallel to the second riser between the second junction and the second mounting location of the second riser, The first tandem riser is connected to the first parallel riser, and the second tandem riser is connected to the second parallel riser, This includes connecting a cradle between the first tandem riser and the second tandem riser, The first riser, the first parallel riser, the first tandem riser, the second riser, the second parallel riser, the second tandem riser, and the cradle are compressed together when the parachute is in the stowed position. The first riser, the first parallel riser, the first tandem riser, the second riser, the second parallel riser, the second tandem riser, and the cradle are depressurized according to the deployment position of the parachute assembly. The invention further includes connecting a canopy to the first and second sets of suspension lines, Connecting a first set of horizontal straps between the first parallel riser and the first tandem riser, Connecting a second set of horizontal straps between the second parallel riser and the second tandem riser, Methods that further include the following.

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