US2482693A

US2482693A - Parachute equipment

Info

Publication number: US2482693A
Application number: US605071A
Authority: US
Inventors: Harold G Rogers; Chester C Kajdan
Original assignee: Irving Air Chute Co Inc
Current assignee: Irving Air Chute Co Inc
Priority date: 1945-07-14
Filing date: 1945-07-14
Publication date: 1949-09-20
Anticipated expiration: 1966-09-20

Description

Sept. 20, 1949. G. ROGERS ET AL 2,482,693

PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT I Filed July 14, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR) Hero/d P It Cea/zr xVSjZ/P.

ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 20, 1949.

Filed July 14, 1945 H. G. ROGERS ET AL PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 7 I -INVENTOR.S

Harald .Qo ers- CAL, w flk ATTORNEYS.

p 1949- H. G. ROGERS ET AL 2,482,693,

PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT Eiled July 14, 1945 INVENTORS ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 20, 1949; H. G. ROGERS Em. 2,482,693

PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT Filed July 14, 1945 Y 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTORS. v Ham/a er; ll 8 v flea/er CT '04? ATTORNEYS.

S 1949- I H. G. ROGERS ET AL 2,482,693

PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT Filed July 14, 1945 8 sheets Sheet 5 H 6 Q INVENYTORS am age/t5 6666 2? C- Kgyan.

ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 20, 1949. H. G/ROGERS ET AL 7 2,482,693

PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT Filed July 14, 1945 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Ii 1Z INVENTORS ATTORNEYS.

Sept. 20, 1949. H. G. ROGERS ET AL PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed July 14, 1945 INVENTORS 2/15 Kafa ar).

Sept. 20, 1949. H. G. ROGERS ET AL FARACHUTE EQUIPMENT 8 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed July 14, 1945 INVENTORI.

n mm m M iT ld u c. ,az am.

ATTOR EY:

Patented Sept. 20, 1949 r PARACHUTE EQUIPMENT .Harold G. Rogers, Lexington, Ky., and'Chester C. Kaidan, Buffalo, N. Y., assignors to Irving Air Chute Company, Inc., Bulfalo,-N. Y., a corporation Application July 14, 1945, Serial No. 605,071

1 24 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in parachute packs.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of a parachute pack of the back pack type constructed to conform to the shape and contour of the back of a wearer and of a nature to readily flex longitudinally to permit the wearer to stoop and move about with ease, and under such circumstances that the pack will still conform to the wearers back without presenting projecting portions. Y

A further object of this invention is the provision of a form fitting back type parachute pack constituting an improvement upon the Erwin House Nichols form fitting parachute pack set forth in United States Patent 1,882,086, in that the container presents maximum longitudinal and lateral space for receiving the parachute and shroud lines under such condition that the pack will present a rather thin and flexible construction which will'conform to the body of a wearer and yet 'admit of bending so that the wearer may move longitudinally and twist transversely in a comfortable manner.

A further object of this invention is the provision'of an improved parachute pack which embodies a container having a minimum of metal shape providing parts, and so constructed that the parachute canopy and shroud lines may with facility and safety beipacked in the container under such circumstances as to prevent injury thereto and yet provide a pack which is relatively thin and entirely flexible to admit of normal movement of an aviator, whether he be a pilot, parachutist, gunner, etc. 7

With present aircraft it is sometimes necessary for aviators to .move'about in confined spaces. With that in mind, it' is a purposeof the present invention to provide a form fitting para-.

chute back pack without'cumbersome projection and protuberances, and which will flexibly conform to the shape of the wearers body.

A further object, of this invention is the prorelation with parachute body attaching harness;-

Other objects and-advantages of this, invention v2 will be apparent during the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings wherein for the purpose of illustration are shown difierent forms of the improved parachute back pack Figure 1 is a perspective view of one form of the improved pack and single point release harness associated in an improved relation therewith. I

Figure 2 is a normal front view of theparachute pack in a packed condition.

Figure 3 is a normal rear view of the parachute pack in a packed condition. v

Figure 4 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken thru the improved pack substantially on the line 4-4 of Figure 3. 1

Figure 5 is avtransverse cross sectional View taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Figure 6 is a view showing the flaps of the pack open and the parachute canopy removed, with the shroud lines: tucked in place and the riser webs extending from the pack.

Figures 7 and 8 are crosssectional views taken substantially on their respective lines in Figure 6 of the drawings, and ShOWiIlg more particularly reinforcing improvements in the pack.

Figure 9 is a developed'view showing the association of the various metal frame details of the pack container. I I i Figure 10 is a perspective view of another form of the improved form fitting parachute back pack.

Figure 11 is a normal front view of the pack of Figure 10. n v l Figure 12 is a normal rear View of the pack of FigurelO. V v

Figure 13 is a longitudinal cross sectional view taken thru the secondform of improved parachute pack substantially on the line l3|3 of Figure 12. I

Figure 14 is a transverse cross sectional View taken thru the pack of Figure 12 substantially on the line l4'l4 of Figure 12.

Figure 15 is a view of the pack showing the flaps open and the relation of packed shroud lines the-rein.-

Figures 16, 18 and 19 are crosssectional views 3 ness C associated in an improved relation therewith. The harness is of the single point release type including a U-shaped sling structure having riser webs 26 and 21 which extend into the pack container as shown in Figure 6 of the drawings. This harness includes a single point release coupling 3fl; the=general purposeofwhich is set forth in U. s. Patent 1,899,656; The single point release harness includes back straps SI and 32 which cross at the back of the wearer and are secured by adapters 33 to the riser, webs. of. the harness and extend downwardly at the front of the wearer at 34 and 35 andaarethreadedthru. fastener parts 36 adapted for-detachable connec-- tion with the single point release coupling 30. From the fastener parts 36 the

straps

34 and 35 are adjustably connected together tQfQlm' agbafiky cross strap 38. The back straps 31 and 32 at their lower ends are stitched at 39 to the riser webs of the U-shaped sling. The harness furthermore includes leg straps A8? and;4 I secured. upon; the seat portion 42 of the sling. 25.: and extended: therefrom aroundtheriser-webs ofthesling. as shown" in .Figured; to provide leg receiving loops; The ends of-these straps ell-and 4| are adjustably; provided .;with;.loops and. adapters to support fastener. partsAfi, for. detachable connection with.

' the single .point;release. coupling 30.

Referring to the pack B, the same generally; includes a.contai ner Cadaptedto receive a parachute canopy D and shroudlines E in packed; relationtherein.

The container C is of an improved construction, best adapted;to. re.c.eive the canopy and shroud lines therein .toprovide apack which isrelatively thin and extended both longitudinally and transe. versely. to the maximum dimensions, and under suchconditions that the pack may readily: flex. to conformto the bending of the wearersbody i 66 which are endwise convex and likewise convexly curved thruout their lengths.

The frame structure shown in Figure 9 defines the shape of the pack; the curved portions 86 of the frame fixing the curved shape of the pack at its upper and lower margins as shown in Figure 3. These frame-portions areplaced betweenthe plies of material-ofthe back of the container and intimately fit in position by stitching which borders all of the bar portions of these various frame pieces.

It will be noted that the frame structure when secured inlpositionpresents a back pack container with-considerable space between adjacent bar porwithout any projecting extensions which might.

catch upon'some part'of the. aircraft.

Referring to thedetailed construction of'the container C, the sameincludes what is conventionally referred to, in the parachute art, ,as. a

back-or body portion 150.: of flexible fabric matei rial, having top and bottom flaps 15L and52rrespectively associatedtherewith and side flaps 5 3; and 54.; The general, configuration of the. container back portion is, rectangular; the.

sides being straight... but; the upper and lower tionsv 6'! are securedtogether, at their. endsin. I;

parallelism by the end bar pieces 68.

The end pieces Bland; 6| are. similar in construction; eachincluding. a transversely flexible.- structure 62' similarin nature to the parts .62; each including. parallel bars 63, w hich .are longie tudinally curved and secured-attheir ends bycbar portions 64. The frame structure and 6 I. fur.- thermore include the, contiguous side pieces 65; (in line with-thebar portions 64); andatthe ends. the pieces 60 and B! have flexible cross portions.

- tions=62and fiil -sothat the pack has easy longitudinal flexing. Of-course the spring nature of the frame-work;willzpermit transverse flexing and actually the bar portions are transversely flexed when the container is closed to admit of ready opening of the flaps of the container. This tensioning: of the bar portions whenthe container is closed, with the parachute canopy therein, does not interfere with proper curvature of the framework in conformity tothe. back of'the wearer,

since the. harness will hold. the-back pack intimately against the shape of the wearers back.

It will be noted that. the side flaps 53 and: 5%

extendsubstantially the fulllength of the cone tainer-with the exception of the bowed ends 655 1 ofjthe frame work; Inewidthsthey are sufficient to overlap in conventional manner. The top and bottomflaps Eland 52 are relatively short.

The outer side .fiapid lnis provided with grommets l5 and the otherlsideflap 53., as well as the top andvbottom flaps 51 and 52; are provided with cones adaptedto. interfit in, conventional manner with the grommetsJlLr As shown in Figure 30f thegdrawings. .aripgcord housing 12 is secured at 'ldzcentrally upon the outer surface. of the top flap 5 l and-this housingzextends along; the riser web-of the harness and issecured'. at l 5. The rip cord, extendsg-thruthis.housing and has a rip cord. handle. 16 whichispocketed in conventional relation on the riser. web of the harness,

= asshown in Figure 11;:

An important feature. of the-invention is the provision of flexible fabric webbing reinforcement alongthe-sides of the container exteriorly thereon; generally designated ;at-; suchwebbing :includingaportion 8l1secured1as by stitching to theexterior ofthe fabric back 50 and extending around. the marginof theback and at 82:1 over the externalsurfaceof eachofethe side flaps-53,

and ;54,. as bestshown in-Figure 8.: This web .bing is rather stiff and reinforces the sides of the pack againstwear; holds -.theshape of the pack, andprevents the-:pinchingof the shroud lines and canopy. within-.thevpack.

Anjimproved association of shroud line retain- ..-,.ing pockets in relation to the frame structure is associated .with' the. container consisting of strips 84 and'85 securedupon the inside-surface of the back .of the pack, defining pockets 86 for receiving the ends-of the. shroud lines when tucked in zigzag fashion crosswise upon the back of the pack, as

shown in Figure 6; the pockets86being all located either withinthe large. open partof end frame pieces, or in the spaces between the. frame portions 62-and 62 These pockets do not directly overlie any part of the framework, and of course,

as-an incident of flexing of the framework, the pocket-and the shroud tucked, therein will not be appreciablydisturbed: This'prevents chafing of the shroud lines. etc.

As a cooperative part of the--pack= container j' Referring to the association of the one piece 7 point release harness C upon the pack structure B, We provide a transverse harness securing strip 94 upon the normal outer surface of the back of thecontainer, as shown in Figure 1, stitched to the two plies of the back 50 of the container and at its ends having snap fasteners 95 for detachably holding the upper cross pieces 3| and 32 of the harness in :position upon the pack. Guard strips 96 having snap fasteners 91 are provided uponthe back 50 of the pack at the sides thereof for holding the lower ends of the cross pieces 3| and 32 o-f the harness in place. As shown in Figure 2 of the drawings, these strips are continuedand provided with snap fasteners 38 at their lower ends for detachably holding the cross piece of the harness in position.

The position holding flaps 90 and 9| receive the riser webs of the sling of the harness therein just above the seat portion 42 at a point just be low where the leg straps 40 and II are turned about the riser webs. Thus, these loops 93 hold the leg straps in position and define a means of properly locating the leg straps, from which position they cannot ride down the riser webs.

It will be apparent from the foregoing that with the single point release harness, in its association, above defined, with the pack, will insure that the pack will be held snugly along the sides and conform to the contour of the wearers back. Theposition flaps 90 and 9| hold the pack snugly at the sides and also are a means of holding the harness properly upon the body.

Referring to the form of pack and harness structure. shown in Figures 10 to 19 inclusive, therein is shown the harness C which conforms in allessential characteristics to the harness C above described, and the same reference characters have been applied to both harnesses. However, in association with the harness C' of the form of invention shown in Figure 10, is an improved pack G which, while possessing some of the characteristics of the form of pack C above described, is diiferent in some respects, altho the purpose of the invention and the functions served by it are in the main the same as that above defined for the pack B. Referring to the pack G, the same includes a container H wherein it is adapted to releasably store a canopy K and shroud lines L in a manner to be subsequently mentioned.

. The pack G is characterized by the fact that it is extremely flexible and uses an exact minimum of flexible metal or plastic spring material for .reinforcing and holding the position of the pack.

. The container H includes what is referred to .as the normal back portion I00, which is of double ply" material. The side flaps IN and I02 are provided, extending along the entire length of the packwith the exception of the upper bowed portion of the pack enclosed. A bottom free flap I04 is provided along thepbottom margin of the, back Wall I00, and a pocketed flap I05 is secured ture' I00 of the container, below the lowermost .6 upon the back'wall structure I00 of'thepack. This flap is not entirely free, in that its upper margin I06 is convexly curved upwards and stitched to the back wall of the flap, presentinga pocket which receives part Of the canopy structime It is an aim of this invention to provide as long and wide a container surface as possible s0-that the pack will be relatively thin at all points and yet conform to the curvature of the backof the wearer.

Preferably three spring metal frame pieces II 0 are provided between the plies of the back wall I00; one of them being placed midway between the top and bottom of the pack and the other about one-sixth of the distance fromthe top and bottom margins of the pack container. These pieces IIO may be of springmetal or plastic or other material and extend from side margin to side margin of the Pack. They are of double bar constructiomeach including bar portions I I I and H2 secured at their ends by end bar portions H3. The bars III and H2 between their ends may have an elongated connectingportion II4 which adds to the longitudinal resiliency of these members IIB, since it is at this point that the spring frame portion fulcrums during transverse flexing thereof. The terminals of thebar .portions I I0 are shown in Figure 14 short of the extreme'side marginal edges of the container.

Thelower portion I20 =ofthe back wall struc frame piece III), as shown in Figure 15 of the drawings, is completely flexible, yet reinforced by means of an additional piece of webbing or fabric placed between the plies of the back 50, as indicated at I20? in Figure 19 of the drawings. The plies and this webbing are held together by means of transverse stitching I2I in closely spaced relation. This structure is suflicient to hold the position of the pack when the parachute canopy and shroud lines are packed therein. The upper .part" of the back wall structure I00 is similarly formed, above the uppermost, frame piece III). This portion of the back wall structure is indicated at I25 in Figures 15 and 18 of the drawings, andincludes a fabric piece" I25 (see Figure. 18) between the plies of the back wall, stiffened by means of closely spaced transverse stitching indicated in dotted lines in Figure 15 of the drawings at I26. This flap structure I25, forming a part of the back wall, extends above the top margin of the flap I05. It is adapted to overlie the back below the neckof the wearer in a comfortable position, holding of the back structure upon the wearer. r

. The normal transverse curvature oft'he spring bars or members IIIlare flexed somewhat when the pack is closed, but they are still curved, as shown in Figure 14, to comfortably conform to the back of the wearer.

The structure of the container along the side margins of the pack is important in that the flaps [WI and I02 are provided with reinforced flexible webbing I30 stitched upon the respective flaps at I3I, as shown in Figure 16 of the drawings; this webbing and the flaps IBI and I02 being stitched at I32 upon the extension portion 133 of the back structure IIO beyond the ends of the frame pieces I I0, as shown in Figure 16. This webbing I30 adds reinforcement and stiffness to the sides of the pack for the purposeof reinforcement-shape holding and prevents pinching 'of the material within the container. "HThe packalso includes body positioning flaps I35 and I36 secured along the side margins of amassethe :container, eextendingjfrom ath'e sbottom nupwardly to adjacentzthe top .:of1the ;:pack. fThese flaps 1 35; and; 13.6nare; ofmlfltieplyzwvebbingmeinformed;materialstitchedtoraddastifiness thereto. Eachzofsthem are provided with harnessrreceiving loops .131 secured in closed relation :by snap fasteners l 3.8 shownin :Figure 11 :of 1 the drawings. These fiapssare additionally proyided with harness retaining strips l39 securedabyasnap fastenors I40, for a purpose to be subse uentlymentioned.

=It will: be noted-that :theawall portion' l-25.-.at the top of thez back :of v the container :is p vided with harness .-attaching .-.extensi0ns J40 which extend over theshoulders of r the wearer toprotect the wearers shouldersfromharness adapters, etc.,' and. to insure. body. conforming-of the :outline :of: the container to the wearer.

-Withreference to-the association of the harness .C withthe pack G, the ibaekestrapsd I and 32 --.aresecured-upon. the. portion I of the .-back wall of the pack-by .a snapJfastener-retained strip.- HH where these straps cross. .-Additional-ly, areta-ining strip. 1 4.2. provided at. its ends-with snap fastenerv held portionsl43.-which :securethe .upper ends .-of these. .backcrossing straps in. .position upon theextreme top. of the wall, portion I25, and at the:upper .tips..of the extensions I 40* are-provided snap. fastenerv held strips 145 which hold theshoulder; portionsof .the. harness thereupon. The straps ..3l=.and .32 where they extend to the flaps. l35 .and. I36 areheld .inplace by :the. snap. fastener. held strips 1.39 -.above. .described, .as shown in the drawings,. and. the. waist portion. formed ..by adjustable. connection of. the lower parts .of thestraps .3l ..and-32..are .held .by other snap. fastener heldstrips M1,- shown' best in Figure 1'1..of'.the drawings.

The leg strapsl llland -4.l..are. threaded about the riser websof..the..sling..and the ..-snap.fastener loops l31..of..the..side flaps 135.,and.l.36 .engage'the riser ..webs. of the harness; theleg strapslln. and. being. located-between the. respective loopsoi thesefiapsin the relationshown in Fig...l0.. This. holdsathe positioneof the. leg straps and insures accuracyin the, pos'itionin .of the flaps against riding. up. or down-alongthe riser .webs. In. thismanner. the side flaps I35 and I 3.6..are assured ofsnugfitting about the sides .of the body; preventing any exposed side margins. oithe. pack, liable to .catch .upon objects .duringmovementof. the wearer. 7

"From the foregoingdescription of the packlG itwill' .be .appreciated that the same will .beextremely flexible longitudinally, and withv respect to the upper and lower portions this willbeparticularly true, because of the stili. yjet yieldable reinforced portions of .the.back wall structure.

' The. ends ofthe harness webs. .extendinto the container of the pack over the portions 140% and the shroud lines .are preferably longitudinally-secured upon. the. wall. Jill] -of-; the pack in. po.ckets J 5.0.. formedv by. strips which .are xplaced immediately below. the upper frame piece. .l.l0...and-,immediat'ely abovetheelower. frame piece 1,] l1. desired, these pockets may .be, placed to position .the strands of. shroud .lines crosswise. The. can.- 'opy-Kis .packed. .in the container. .with..a ,portion .extending .into. the..pocket..formed by. the. upper flap. 1.05.

It. will .be .noted. thatv the. housingJ 5]: for the rip cordis connected. at .its. .lower. end. .uponthe harness riser web .and. at -itsdupper-i end. .it is :connected son. the :free end .of-the ,flapr 4.0.5, rat .1 52 .(-see-:Eigure 11-) tures Offiaps. 101,: H14 and: [:05.

.In .addition tootherfeatures .-.common to: bothforms of invention, itwillgbernotedz thatthe rip cord extends thru; the cones oiwtheafiaps inthe usual -manner,. as shown: in. Figures ;-3::and 12 :of the drawings. Also; in .bothformsof invention elasticszll3 are provided which are,-positi0.ned over. the. frame piecesand extend over-the sides ofzthe pack for attachment to the;.side.ilaps. Tubular sheath portions: maygibe; provided upon the wall structure'offthe container to hold these elasticsv :in I place. Due tothe spaced-bar constructions; 'ofthe cross sprinss.- the elastics. and their sheaths can socket between the bars without resulting in body, discomfort to the ,wearer. Also, pilot, parachutes I10 may be provided,.-.as shown in the longitudinal sectional.viewsoflFigures 4, 5, l3 and 14, separated from the main canopy by auxiliary flapswlll placed upon the side-.iiaps of the container. Also, .safetyfiaps maybe-provided for housing'the ripcordeand grommet and cone structures as :is usual.

Various changes in the shape, size andarrangement of parts may be made-to the'forms of invention herein shown and described, .-without departing from the spiritof thei-nvention orthe. scope of the following, claims.

We claim:

.1. In a parachute pack the; combinationpfa flexible fabric container, andtransverse. flexible form retaining strips secured totthe backqof the container and terminating-short of. the extreme side edges of the container said strips-beingof non-fabric material and each consistingof. relatively spaced but relatively connected multiple bar portions.

2. In auform fitting backpack forqparachute equipmentthe combination. of arcontainerin- .cluding a. foundation wall, side flapssecured. to said. wall, top. andbottom flapssecur-ed. to said walL- resilient frame members. positioned transversely upon the ioundationwallin spaced relation,. and side wall. forming fabric reinforcement secured directly at the junctureof said sides of .the foundation wallandsidefiaps ..and.. extending along. said juncture and partially. across each of said side flaps,..a parachute. canopy, shroud lines. and means. for securingsaid shroud lines and canopy within .the packcontal'ner.

3. Ina form fitting backpack the combination of .a container. includinga foundation .wall having enclosure flaps, means .fordetachably .con :necting said .fiaps together. .to. forma container for receiving. a parachute. and shroud lines; frame means in said foundation wall slde walls of stiff fabric reinforcementalong the sides of said foundation wall,,and harness attaching side iflaps connected with said 'stiii fabric reinforcement.

.4.- In a. form fittingl back pack'for parachute equipment the combination .of a container including a foundation wall and. releasably connected flaps for receiving a parachute in enclosed relation therein, and aplurality of frame pieces relatively narrow .and extending in length crosswise upon the foundation .wa'll, said frame pieces being flexible yet sufficiently sprin yto hold the shape of the .pa'ckand flex under bQdy movementv of the wearer, said frame pieces being .of closely spaced double bars secured together at their ends.

Ina .form. fittingback, pack for parachute .equipmentthe combination of a ccntainerincluding :a foundation wall and. releasably...connected Eliheiiap 4.02 .isprovided with .75 .flapsifor. receiving a parachute-in enclosed relanarrow and extending in length crosswise upon the foundation wall, said frame pieces being flexible yet sufficiently springy to hold the shape of the pack and flex underbody movement of the wearer, said frame pieces being of closely spaced double bars secured together at their ends, and flap opening elastic means secured upon the foundation wall and extending along frame pieces between the bars thereof.

6. In a back pack construction for parachutes the combination of a foundation wall, flaps connected with the foundation wall marginally thereof, means to releasably connect said flaps together to enclose a parachute and shroud lines, upper and lower spring material frame pieces having convexly arcuate upper and lower portions adapted to curve the pack at the top and bottom thereof, and independent cross frame pieces of spring material connected with the foundation wall between the upper and lower frame pieces above mentioned and independent thereof, said upper and lower frame pieces and the intermediate frame pieces each including spaced'double bar portions in close'relation.

7. In a back packconstruction for parachutes the combination of a foundation wall, flaps connected with the foundation wall marginally thereof, means to releasably connect said flaps together to enclose a parachute and shroud lines, upper and lower spring'material frame pieces having convexly arcuate upper and lower portions adapted to curve the pack at the top and bottom thereof, and independent cross frame pieces of spring material connected with the foundation wall between the upper and lower frame pieces above mentioned and independent thereof, said upper and lower frame pieces and the intermediate frame pieces each including spaced bar portions in close relation, said frame pieces all terminating short of the side marginal extremities of the foundation wall, and elastic flap opening means secured upon the foundation wall extending along said frame pieces between the individual bars thereof and around the sides of the container and being attached to the respective side flaps of said container.

8. In a form fitting thin parachute pack the combination of a foundation wall of substantially rectangular formation having relatively wide side fiaps secured thereto, short top and bottom flaps, relatively independent spring frame pieces secured independently upon the foundation wall, and fabric shape holding and reinforcing webbing secured upon said pack at the side margins of said foundation wall and extending upwardly along said side flaps and partially thereacross.

9 In a form fitting thin parachute pack the combinationof a foundation wall of substantially rectangular formation having relatively wide side flaps securedthereto, short top and bottom flaps, relatively independent spring frame pieces secured independently upon'the' foundation wall, fabric shape holding'and reinforcing webbing secured upon said pack at the side margins of said foundation wall and extending upwardly along said side flaps and partially thereacross, and position holding flaps secured externally upon said side flaps at the locational securement of said reinforcing webbing. V

10. In a form fitting back pack for parachutes the combination of a container including, a foundation wall having flexible enclosure flaps connected marginally thereabout, said foundation wall having a plurality of relatively spaced spring T10 frames whichvare transversely flexible and normally curved terminating short of the extreme side margins of said foundation wall.

1. In a form fitting back pack for parachutes the-combination of a container including a foundation wall with enclosure flaps for the parachute, said foundation wall having a plurality of relatively spaced spring frames which are transversely flexible and normally curved, terminating short of the side margins of said foundation wall, and side wall providing reinforced shaping fabric secured at the juncture of said foundation wall and side flaps and extending upwardly along the latter. I Y

12. In a form fitting parachute pack the combination of a foundation wall having multiple ply fabric reinforced upper and lower portions covering a substantial area of said foundation wall, transversely positioned resilient frame pieces upon the foundation wall between the fabric reinforced upper and lower portions, and flexible enclosure flaps for enclosing the parachute and shroud linesmarginally connected upon the foundation wall. 1

13. In a form fitting parachute pack the com bination. Of a foundation wall including fabric reinforced upperand lower portions, transversely positioned resilient frame piecesupon the foundation wall between the fabric reinforced upper and lower portions,venclosure flaps for enclosing the parachute shroud lines upon the foundation wall, said frame pieces terminating short of the extremities of the side margins of the foundation wall, and fabric stiffener reinforcement upon the side flaps adjacent the side margins of said foundationwalll 14. In a form fitting-parachute pack the combination of a foundation wall including fabric reinforced upper and lower portions, transversely positioned resilient frame pieces upon the foundation wall between the fabric reinforced upper and lower portions, enclosure flaps for enclosing. the parachute and shroudlines upon the foundation wall, said frame pieces terminating short of the extremities of the side margins of the foundation wall, fabric stiffener reinforcement upon the side flaps adjacent the side margins of said foundation wall, and pocket means secured upon the foundation wall for releasably receiving shroud lines in longitudinal extension upon said foundation wall.

15. In a form fitting parachute pack the combination of a foundation wall, transverse spring frame, pieces mounted as a part of said foundation wall, said frame pieces being transversely yieldable, said foundation wall above the uppermost frame piece. having flexible fabric reinforcement and the foundation wall below the lowermost posed intermediate the upper and lower portions of said upper fabric reinforced portion of the foundation wall .and shaped to provide a downwardly facing pocketgand means for releasably holding said flaps in parachute canopy enclosing relation. I r

16. In a form fittingbackpack for parachutes the combination of a foundation wall, transversely yieldable metal spring frame pieces inindependent relationup'on foundation wall, side flaps, side reinforcement of webbing material secured to said side 'flaps adjacent the connection of the pal-Ire with .the sides of said foundatio n wall, up-

age-sages 111 per and lower fabricreinfoi'ced'portionsas 'a' continuation of thefoufldation-wall above and below the frame pieces above menti'oneo, said foundation wall at th'et0pthereof-" abovethe upper fabric reinforcing f portion 'providin'g spaced "harness attaching extensions.

17. In aformfittingparachuteback-"pack the combination of a" container formed of a flexible fabric foundation wall; fl'xi-ble'fabric side walls connected therewith, and-flexible fabric top and bottom flaps connectedwith the foundation wall, a plurality of transversely flexible pack shaping springs oonnecteu in spacedin'dependent relation across the foundation wall short of the upper and lowenportions" thereofffabric reinforcement upon theuppefaiidlower portions of said foundation" wall above and" below the extreme spring members positioned therein to laterally and longitudinallystifien said"foundation wall, sidewall fabric reinforcements secured-to the side flapsadjacentto"theextreniemarginsof the foundation wall; andm'ean'sto rel'ea'sab'ly en'- close said side, top andbottoniflapsupon aparachute canopy.

18. In" a 'parac'hutrprack' construction the combination' of a flexible fabric foundation Wall of substantially rectangular appearance, transverse flexible form retaining strips secured to the foundation wall normal totlie"major axis of the container, each ofwhiel'iterlninate's'at its ends a short distance from'the extremeside'edges of the foundation wa11',*siue enclosurefl'apsof a flex ible nature 'marginally'secured" to "the" side edges of the foundation" wall b'eyondthe ends" of said retaining strips, and flexible end closure walls connected to the ends oftiie'fouridatiofiwall.

19. In a parachutepack construction the'combination of a foundation"wall"of"flexible construction, flaps connected marginally with the foundation wall; mea'nsto re'leasably' connect-said flaps together to" enclose" a" parachute and its shroud lines, aplurali't'yo'f elongated transverse- 1y flexible springyfbrfn retainiirgmemb'ers connected to the foundation wall each formed of relatively spaced bar portions, 'andflap' op'ening elastics connected with" thefl'ap's' and with the foundation wall extending. parallel within the space between the spacedbars of said frame pieces.

20. In a formfltting"parachuteback'pack the combination of an elongated"foundation" wall of flexibleni'ateria'l, top and b'o'ttbin" flaps" connected with said foundation wall; sideflaps connected with said foundation wall, means to releasably connect said flaps tb'g'ethertoenclose aparachute canopy'and shroud neswitliiritlie'pack, transversely extendingspringy framep'ieces connected to the ioundationwaii' in' relatively spacedrelation, and shroud line retainlng" pockets secured upon the foundation wail adjacent to the side flapswith the openingsthereoffacing in a line normal't'o the major' axisof'thefoundation wall.

21. In a form fitting'backipack for'parachutes the combination or a, c'ontainerincluding-a foundation wall with enclosure" flaps for" the parachute; said foundation" wall I having a plurality of relatively spaced'springf'rames of a transversely flexible nature secured thereto, the endso'f said springs terminating short ofthe side margins of the foundation wall, and" side'wall providing reinfo'rcing fabric secured at the juncture of the foundation wall and side flaps and extending marginally along the foundation wall and partially across each ofthe side flaps.

22. In a container" construction for' parachute packs "the combination ofx'afoundationi wall- :or flexible material-having marginally: connected therewith a plurality-of enclosure-flaps; frame springs of flexible 'spz-"ing yvma-teria'l connected to remote ends-of the foundationiwall in shape re"- taining relation therefor each including a pair of r relatively spaced bar portions, and a plurality of independent frame springs connected-to the foundation wall between the f'aforem'entioned end frame springs and each 'of-which'intermediate framesprings consists 'of 'a' 'pairof relatively spaced bar portions;

23-. In a form' fitting 'backipa'ck' for parachutes the-combination ofzan elongated foundation wall of flexible material; side-flaps: marginally" connected to the foundation' wall, a bottom end flap marginally connected to thebottom end of the foundation wall,'.and. a' form shaped curved flexible'rflap secured upon thevpackforming surface of the-foundation'wallat: the top end thereof short of theextre-me edge-thereof, the bottom portion of the foundation wall for an appreciable nected-'tothe. foundation wall; a? bottom end flap marginally connected to the r bottom end" of. the

foundation wall; I and a form shaped curved flexible flap secured 'upon the packforming. surface 'of' the foundation wall "at the top end" thereof short Of the extreme edge thereof, the bottom portion of the foundation 'wall for an appreciable area: being' reinforcediwithstiff flexible material upwardly of the flap *conne'otedat'the marginof 'the'foundation wal1,.and thestopportion of the foundation wall both' "outwardly beyond and downwardly of the. top'curved' flap being-reinforced with stiffening" material thereacross, and transversely extending frame springs connected to the foundation wall-between the-reinforced lower and upper portionsaofrthe foundation wall.

HAROLD G; ROGERS; CI-EES'I'ER'C'. REFERENGES CITED The following references-are-of record in the fileof this patent:

UNITED STATES" PA'IENTS' V OTHERREFERENGES Irvin service'Manualg 1928, page 9