GB187733A - Improvements in or connected with parachutes - Google Patents

Abstract

187,733. Potter, J. Aug. 2, 1921. Parachutes.-A parachute is provided with a rigid frame connected to the mouth by frangible means which hold the mouth partly open after the parachute is completely discharged from its container until the rigging lines are completely extended and the internal pressure reaches a predetermined limit. Fig. 1 shows the parachute after it has left its container and with the rigging lines 14 completely extended. A breakable string is passed through the loops which secure the lines 14 to the fabric and through eyelets on a metal frame 12, which may be of rectangular, circular, oval, D-shape or other form. The frame is suspended by a cord 18 from the apex 19 of the parachute which has a ring of sector shaped gussets looped around a central grommet so that the gussets are bunched together by the pull of the cord 18 to close the aperture. Branch cords 20 are connected to the breakable string so that when the predetermined pressure is reached the string is broken and the frame 12 remains suspended from the apex 19 which assumes its normal open form. The portion of the cord 18 below the branch cords 20 is initially slack to enable tension to be put on the cords 20. The parachute is packed in a case corresponding in shape to the frame 12, the apex of the parachute lying against the base x, Fig. 6, of the casing and the rigging lines 14 being arranged over the frame 12. Four triangular flaps z are folded over the packed parachute and the apices laced together by a breakable cord passed through the eye which connects the rigging lines 14 to a life-line 32. The life-line 32 is folded over the flaps z and a second similar casing is pulled over the first one and its flaps folded over the base x and laced together by a breakable cord passing through a ring which connects the base x of the first casing to a cord 33 connected to an aircraft. The base of the second casing is provided with shoulder straps 31 for securing it to an aviator's back. When the aviator jumps overboard, the cord 33 breaks the lacing of the second container and withdraws the first container therefrom. The life-line 32 then breaks the lacing of the first container, extends the rigging lines 14, and withdraws the parachute, which falls with its mouth held by the frame 12 until the predetermined internal pressure is reached.