GB1047761A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,047,761. Releasable fastenings. T. G. JUNGERSEN and T. G. JUNGERSEN, JR. June 28, 1963 [July 12, 1962], No. 25862/63. Heading E2A. A jumper operated optionally automatic release mechanism for parachute harness parts or harness riser parts comprises a plurality of releasable connection means for connection to said parts, said releasable connector means being subject to tension between them due to gravity while the parachute is descending carrying the weight of the jumper, said release mechanism including retaining means effective when effected by such tension to retain said connector means connected during descent of the jumper, said release mechanism including a manually operable safety lock for controlling release of said connector means in all attitudes of descent of the jumper, said safety lock including spring pressed manually displaceable means positionable with respect to said connector means for positive locking to prevent release of the connector means and for automatic release in an automatic release position and re-positionable for positive locking at the jumpers option during descent, the arrangement being such that when the manually displaceable means permits automatic release this takes place positively when descending tension is not imposed between the connector means. In one construction Figs 3 and 4 the release mechanism includes a control member housing a body 10 in which four pins are slidably mounted three of the pins 21 being latching pins for releasably engaging connectors 19 and the other pin 20 making permanent connection with a fourth connector 19. The connectors when in position in the body are separated by tubular spacers 17 held in place by screws 18. The four pins are carried by a plate 24 and the three latching pins can each move relative to the plate against the bias of a spring 22 to enable the connectors to be engaged with the pins. Each pin has an arcuate channel which is engaged by the connector and the shape of this channel in each pin is such that the pin cannot be disengaged from the connector under the urge of a spring 14 unless tension between the connectors i.e. the descending tension is absent. The plate 24 is mounted between a cam 12 and a cover 11 in such a manner that the cam and cover can be rotated manually relative to the plate 24 and the spring 14 is positioned in a recess in the cam and bears on the bottom of the body so that when the cam is in one position the spring urges the cam, the cover and the plate 24 with the pins axially of the body so that the pins 21 become free of their connectors provided the descending tension is absent. In another position of the cam and cover however a screw 15 in the body engages a locking depression 12d of the cam and prevents release of the connectors. Thus in use for fastening a harness about a parachute jumper the jump is made with the control member in the locked condition and during the descent the cover is rotated to free the cam from the screw 15 and, immediately descending tension ceases, the spring 14 moves the pins 20 and 21 so that the pins 21 release their connectors. In a second construction Figs. 5 and 8 for connecting .parachute harness to a canopy, a separate releasemechanism is used in each riser which connects the harness to the canopy and each release mechanism consists of a control member and a hook harness connector 29. The control member consists of an eye harness connector 28 and a safety lock 30 slidably mounted on the connector 28. Both of the connectors have slots for engagement with strap portions. The safety lock 30 includes a housing and two lock bolts 31 which are carried by the housing, the bolts being mounted on a spindle around which is a spring 33 which biases the two bolts outwardly so that when the lock 30 is in the position in which it keeps the connectors in engagement, the two bolts engage under abutments 28a to prevent the release of the connectors. During the descent the parachute jumper presses the two bolts inwardly and raises the lock 30 on the connector 28 so that the connectors are no longer locked together; release is prevented so long as tension exists between the connectors by the arcuate shape of the hook of the connector 29 and the portion of the eye of the connector 28 with which it engages; as soon as tension is released a spring 34 carried by the hook connector forces the hook out of the eye to disconnect the connectors. In a modification of this construction the housing instead of being sleeve-like as in the previous construction has re-entrant flanges at each end which engage the eye connector 28 and openings are provided so that when the bolts are in the locking positions a painted portion of each bolt is visible in its opening.