US3726500A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Load-controlled disreefing mechanism for parachutes
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1971-08-23
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Granted: 1973-04-10
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Expires: 1991-08-23
Abstract
Abstract A device is provided for regulating continuously the growth rate of the diameter of parachute canopy skirt during initial inflation for the purpose of controlling drag area, drag force and opening shock. The varying degree of disreefing is accomplished automatically when the force on the parachute is below a maximum determined level enabling the parachute to be inflated safely in a minimum elapsed time.
Inventors
- 👤 V Bockelmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 20:46
CPC Classifications
B; B64; B64D; B64D17/00; B64D17/22; B64D17/34; B64D17/343
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
83 words
A disreefing mechanism for controlling the growth rate of a parachute having suspension lines and a canopy skiRt opening comprising: a reefing line extending around the periphery of the canopy skirt and having free and unconnected ends; storage means for containing a supply of said reefing line; brake means for controlling the paying-out of both adjacent free ends of said reefing line from the storage means; means for actuating said brake means in accordance with a predetermined load condition exerted on the parachute.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
83 words
A disreefing mechanism for controlling the growth rate of a parachute having suspension lines and a canopy skiRt opening comprising: a reefing line extending around the periphery of the canopy skirt and having free and unconnected ends; storage means for containing a supply of said reefing line; brake means for controlling the paying-out of both adjacent free ends of said reefing line from the storage means; means for actuating said brake means in accordance with a predetermined load condition exerted on the parachute.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The mechanism of claim 1 wherein a freely movable snubbing means is provided in the brake mechanism for snubbing the paying-out of the reefing line to provide a controlled rate of growth.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The mechanism of claim 2 wherein said snubbing means comprises a ring-like member about which each reefing line end is wrapped a predetermined number of turns.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said reefing line is composed of a plurality of separate sections; and a single brake means is provided for controlling the free ends of adjacent sections of reefing line.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
The mechanism of claim 1 wherein said brake includes: a pair of hinged levers; compressible means connected between corresponding ends of said levers to provide a predetermined force to maintain said levers in a non-braking position; said levers being connected to the suspension lines for actuating said levers against the compressible means and apply a force frictionally to engage the reefing line.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-04-09 | 1976-10-09 | 1977-04-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-04-09 | 1980-10-09 | 1981-04-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-04-09 | 1984-10-09 | 1985-04-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |