US3209487A

US3209487A - Chute launcher

Info

Publication number: US3209487A
Application number: US311408A
Authority: US
Inventors: Fisher George Cecil
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1963-09-25
Filing date: 1963-09-25
Publication date: 1965-10-05
Anticipated expiration: 1982-10-05

Description

Oct. 5, 1965 G. c. FISHER GHUTE LAUNCHER Filed Sept. 25, 1963 INVENTOR. 66'086'6' C. F/Sl/f/F HTTOAF/VIY United States Patent 3,209,487 CHUTE LAUNCHER George Cecil Fisher, 1603 Dewitt Drive, Dayton, Ohio Filed Sept. 25, 1963, Ser. No. 311,408 8 Claims. (Cl. 46-86) This invention relates to apparatus for launching a parachute or similar device from an elevated track. It has particular significance in the toy art and will be so described. However, it should become evident from the following that its application is not so limited and such is not intended.

A primary object of the invention is to provide an improved device for launching parachutes and the like from an elevated track which is simple and economical to fabricate, more elficient and satisfactory in use, adaptable to a wide variety of applications and unlikely to malfunction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel unit for launching toy parachutes or the like from a kite string.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means for launching parachutes or similar devices from an elevated track consisting of a cable, cord or string.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means for launching a parachute or similar device incorporating novel connector and release mechanism.

An additional object of the invention is to provide novel means for launching a parachute or similar device from an elevated track possessing the advantageous structural features, the inherent, meritorious characteristics, and the means and mode of operation herein described.

With the above and other incidental objects in view, as will more fully appear in the specification, the invention intended to be protected by Letters Patent consists of the features of construction, the part and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation as here and after described or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, or their equivalents.

Referring to the accompanying drawings wherein is shown one but not necessarily the only form of embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates a toy parachute launching unit in accordance with the invention applied to a track in the form of a kite string;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the chute connector untilized in the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the trolley portion of the device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 provides a view of the launching of a parachute in the operation of the device illustrated.

Like parts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

The invention embodiment illustrated affords an amusement device which may be applied to any string 1 carried aloft by a kite 2. It includes a trolley portion 3 and a connector 4, the latter serving to releasably connect a parachute assembly 5.

The trolley portion 3 includes a U-shaped frame 6 providing spaced parallel leg portions 7 having aligned apertures in their adjacent projected extremities. The projected extremities of the 'legs-7 are bridged by the pin portion 8 of a lock-arm 9 which is press-fit through the aforementioned apertures. The lock-arm 9 consists of the pin portion 8 and an arm portion 10 formed integral withand at right angles to one end thereof. The projected extremity of the arm portion 10 has the form of a rightangled hook 11 directed in the sense of and parallel to the pin portion 8. On assembly of the lock-arm 9 to the frame 6, the pin portion 8 rotatably mounts a pulley 12 between the leg portions 7 and arm portion 10 lies parallel and adjacent to the outer side of one leg portion 7, the latter of which has a recess 11' accommodating a press-fit of the hook 11.

Fixed to project centrally from the bridging portion of the frame 6 and in the plane of the pulley 12 is a hook member 13 mounting a weight 14 adjacent to the frame.

As shown in the drawings, the assembly 5 consists of a parachute 15, the lines of Which commonly connect to a hook 16 mounting a fixed weight 17 adjacent thereto.

The connector element 4, as illustrated, consists of a rectangular section 18 of paper or similar substance having a pair of spaced

apertures

19 and 20 respectively adjacent opposite edges thereof and spaced therefrom. In the line of the

apertures

19 and 20 and extending inwardly from one of said opposite edges to the aperture 19 is a row of perforation 21. In effect, the row of perforations provides a localized weakening of the connector 4 in communication with the aperture 19.

As seen from the drawings, the connector 4 accommodates the hook 13 of the trolley device 3 through its aperture 19 and the hook 16 of the parachute assembly 5 through its aperture 20.

The assembly thus provided may be readily applied to the kite string on removal of the lock-arm 9, whereupon the pulley 12 may be displaced to permit the string 1 to be nested between the leg portions 7 of the frame 6. On reassembly of the pulley 12 through the medium of the lock-arm 9, pulley 12 will accommodate the string 1 in its peripheral groove in a manner believed obvious. The nature and character of the lock-arm 9 is such to insure a fixed containment of the pulley 12 with reference to the frame 6.

The entire unit including the trolley device 3, the connector 4 and the parachute assembly 5 is thereby interengaged in the kite string 1 to track thereon. On occurrence of a suitable gust of wind, the canopy defined by the parachute 15 will be filled, causing it to elevate and pull the trolley device 3 upwardly of the string 1 through the medium of the connector 4. There will be a natural containment of the string within the confines of the grooved portion of the pulley 12 as the trolley device is pulled upwardly of the string until it engages with or abuts a peg-like stop 22 anchored in any suitable fashion to the string 1 adjacent the kite 2. When the upward advance of the trolley device 3 is suddenly interrupted by engagement of the pulley 12 with the stop 22, the pull of the expanded parachute 15 with reference to the trolley device through the medium of the connector 4 will cause a severing of the connector 4 by the hook element 13 on the line of its weakened portion defined by the perforations 21. As this occurs, the expanded chute assembly 5 isautomatically launched, assuming a vertical orientation under the influence of the weight 17 on its connected hook 16. The parachute assembly will then descend in a conventional manner. The weight 14 on the trolley device will cause the frame 6 to depend on release of the chute assembly and carry the trolley device downwardly of the string 1 under the influence of gravity. The descent of the trolley device is simple and smooth due to the containment of the string as it provides a track for the pulley 12.

This simple but efiective connector means insures a prompt and positive release of the parachute assembly from the trolley device at the instant of interruption of the trolley movement by the stop element 22. There is practically no possibility of malfunction in the launching of a parachute as described. Moreover, the connector means as employed is so insignificant in cost as to render it readily disposable. Thus, one need only replace the connector 4 to reconnect the chute assembly 5 to the trolley device 3.

It should be evident also that the trolley device is so simply fabricated to insure a free and fluid movement thereof whether upwardly or downwardly of the string 1.

In the alternative to forming the connector 4 as described in the preferred embodiment, the connector 4 may be formed of any suitable, flexible material and the perforations 21 replaced by a slit which communicates with the aperture 19. In such event, when the entire assembly moves upwardly under the influence of the expanded canopy of the chute 15 and the pulley 12 comes into abutment with the stop 22, the pull of the wind on the expanded canopy of the parachute will cause the slit in the connector 4 to be spread in an obvious manner by the hook 13 which passes therethrough to release the chute assembly and the connector 4 therewith.

It should be clear that the perforations or slit employed may in the alternative communicate the aperture 20. In such case, the connector 4 will remain with the trolley assembly on release of the parachute assembly 5.

Thus, a simple but very effective toy device for launching parachutes or similar elements from a kite string is enabled by the present invention. It should be apparent to those versed in the art that while the device is referenced by way of example to the toy art, the same principles and structure as described herein may be readily adapted to similar and more practical purposes. Such is contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.

From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail con struction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificing any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, 1 claim:

1. For use in combination with a parachute or the like for launching thereof from an elevated track having limit means thereon, a carrier unit consisting of a trolley device adapted for free movement on the track to a degree limited only by the limit means thereon, deformable connector means on said trolley device including an apertured portion for engagement thereof by the parachute or the like and a portion adapted to physically spread on a pull being exerted on said connector means to afford a release of the parachute or the like from said trolley device.

2. A launching device for a parachute assembly or the like comprising a trolley device, a connector means for engagement therewith and to a parachute assembly or the like, said connector means consisting of a single element weakened in an area thereof to provide a separation therein on a pull being exerted thereon referenced to the parachute assembly or the like.

3. A launching device for a parachute assembly or the like comprising, a trolley device, a paper-like connector element in connection with said trolley device having means accommodating a connection of a parachute assembly or the like thereto, said connector means including a row of perforations providing a line on which it tears to provide a release of said parachute assembly or the like from said trolley device on a pull being exerted on said connector means referenced to said parachute assembly or the like.

4. A launching device for a parachute assembly or the like comprising, a trolley device, a deformable sheet-like connector element having spaced apertures, means on said trolley device for engagement of said element through one of said spaced apertures, the other said spaced apertures providing means for engagement thereof to a parachute assembly or the like and means defining a line of separation in said element communicating with at least one of said apertures whereby on a direct pull on said element referenced to said parachute assembly, said connector element will automatically open on said line of separation to provide a release of the parachute assembly or the like from said trolley device.

5. A launching device for a parachute assembly or the like consisting of a U-shaped frame having trolley-type track engaging means to one end and hook means to an opposite end, deformable parachute connector means for engaging a parachute assembly or the like to said hook means formed to provide a physical separation thereof from said hook means on pull thereon.

6. Apparatus for launching a parachute assembly or the like from an elevated trackconsisting of a U-shaped frame, a pulley element rotatably mounted between the legs of said U-shaped frame, a connector element having spaced apertures, engaging means on said frame projected through one of said spaced apertures, the other of said spaced apertures adapting said connector element for hooking a parachute or the like thereto, said connector element being formed to provide for physical movement therethrough of means engaged through one said aperture to provide for separation of the parachute or the like from said frame.

7. Launching apparatus, including a movable frame; an object to be launched; and a connection therebetween, including an expendable rupturable connector member, and opposed connections from said frame and said object to said member at least one of which is a rigid hook-like device applying a rupturing force to said member upon sudden interruption of the movement of said frame whereby to separate said object from said frame.

8. Launching apparatus, including a movable frame; an object to be launched; and a connection therebetween, including opposed connections extending toward one another from said frame and said object respectively, at least one of said connections terminating in a rigid hooklike extremity, and an expendable rupturable connector member to which said connections are attached, said hooklike extremity tearing through and separating from said connector member upon sudden interruption in the movement of said frame, said member having an aperture receiving said hook-like extremity and being formed with a weakened tear line extending from said aperture to an edge of said member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,279,152 4/42 Whitehurst 244- 2,396,126 3/46 Quilter et al. 244-148 2,680,584 6/54 Lucci et al. 244-155 2,936,545 5/60 Enterkin 46-86 3,006,586 10/61 Strelakos 244-155 3,052,434 9/62 Tucci 244-155 FOREIGN PATENTS 598,760 5/60 Canada.

FERGUS S. MIDDLETON, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. A FOR USE IN COMBINATION WITH A PARACHUTE OR THE LIKE FOR LAUNCHING THEREOF FROM AN ELEVATED TRACK HAVING LIMIT MEANS THEREON, A CARRIER UNIT CONSISTING OF A TROLLEY DEVICE ADAPTED FOR FREE MOVEMENT ON THE TRACK TO A DEGREE LIMITED ONLY BY THE LIMIT MEANS THEREON DEFORMABLE CONNECTOR MEANS ON SAID TROLLEY DEVICE INCLUDING AN APERTURED PORTION FOR ENGAGEMENT THEREOF BY THE PARACHUTE OR THE LIKE AND A PORTION ADAPTED TO PHYSICALLY SPREAD ON A PULL BEING EXERTED ON SAID CONNECTOR MEANS TO AFFORD A RELEASE OF THE TEMPERATURE OR THE LIKE FROM SAID TROLLEY DEVICE.