Knots and knot tying – Methods
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-27
2001-08-07
Jordan, Charles T. (Department: 3644)
Knots and knot tying
Methods
C244S15100A, C244S152000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270128
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to parachutes, and more particularly to a connector link used for connecting groups of parachute suspension lines to the harness via risers, as well as attaching bridle cords to canopies, such as pilot chutes.
2. Description of the Related Art
Links for connecting suspension lines to the harness via risers and bridle cords to canopies are known in the industry. Prior to links the suspension lines were sewn directly to the risers. Typically, these links require tools to install or remove the links. Often the links also required sewing to install and have knots that can slip. Conventional links also commonly use metal hardware. When using prior art links, the riser often is modified to install a snap thereon. Where the links are sewn on, they cannot be reused. Furthermore, the use of metal hardware increases the wear and tear of the connector link, and also increases the weight of the link. Additionally, the use of metal links increases the cost of the connector link. The use of metal links also causes bumps in parachute containers and riser covers and often requires a device that protects the grommets of the slider from being damaged. Accordingly what is needed in the art is a connector link for connecting a first item to a second item, such as groups of parachute suspension lines to a riser, which requires no sewing, metal hardware and which is reusable. It is therefore to the effect a resolution of the shortcomings of the prior art, that the present invention is directed.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a connector link for primarily connecting a group of parachute suspension lines to a harness riser, as well as attaching bridle cords to the canopy (pilot chute). However, the invention is not limited to such uses and can be also used outside the parachute industry for connecting a first item or member to a second item or member, respectively. The soft connector links are preferably reusable and require no tools to install or remove. The present invention links also require no sewing to install. Additionally, the links have no knots that can slip, and use no metal hardware.
The links preferably are constructed from a rope-like material and preferably from a fiber material, such as a high strength fiber such as ones offered under the trademarks SPECTRA, VECTRAN and/or KEVLAR. Other materials such as nylon or fabric can also be used and all are considered within the scope of the invention. Preferably, the links include a loop member at each end, to allow the link to be used in either of the attachment methods discussed below. However, where the link is used only with the second attachment method, described below, the link can alternatively include a loop at one end and a lump and/or tab at the opposite end. Where two loops are provided, preferably, one of the loop members is provided with a tab member attached or secured thereto. Preferably, two different methods are used for attaching the suspension lines to the riser. The first method is used for larger risers and includes the following steps:
(i) passing a first end of the link through a loop defined at the end of the suspension lines and passing a second end of the link through a loop disposed at the end of the riser;
(ii) passing the first end of the link through the loop disposed at the end of the riser and then through the suspension lines for a second time;
(iii) passing the first non-tabbed looped end of the link through the loop of the second tabbed end of the link;
(iv) passing the non-looped end over the tab member of the second looped end of the link;
(v) feeding the tab member through the first non-tabbed looped end of the link;
(vi) pulling tight on a portion of the link body member; and
(vii) cinching tight the connection point.
The second method is preferably used for smaller risers and as stated above does not require a loop at each end of the body member of the link. The second method includes the following steps:
(i) passing a first end of the link through a loop defined at the end of the suspension lines and passing the second end of the link through a loop disposed at the end of the riser;
(ii) passing the first end of the link through the loop disposed at the end of the riser and then through the suspension lines for a second time;
(iii) inserting a tabbed and/or lumped end through the loop end of the link to create an adjustably sized new non-tabbed looped end;
(iv) inserting the tabbed second end through the new non-tabbed looped end;
(v) pulling tight on the link body member adjacent the new non-tabbed looped end; and
(vi) cinching tight at the connection point.
With either method, the present invention provides a soft connector link, which eliminates the need of any metal hardware thus reducing the weight and the cost of the link. Furthermore, the connector link is easier to install as opposed to previous connector links, and does not require any sewing or tools for installation.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a soft connector link that requires no tools or sewing for installation.
It is another object of the invention to provide a connector link that is reusable.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a connector link that uses no metal hardware.
It is even still another object of the invention to provide a connector link that eliminates the need for a protective device to prevent damage to any slider grommets.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide a connector link that eliminates lumps in parachute containers and riser covers.
It is even still a further object of the invention to provide a connector link that is relatively low in cost to manufacture.
It is yet still another object of the invention to provide a connector link that is relatively easy to use.
In accordance with these and other objects which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4099750 (1978-07-01), McGrew
patent: 5062344 (1991-11-01), Gerker
Jordan Charles T.
Malin Haley & DiMaggio, P.A.
P.D. of Miami, Inc.
Steele George L
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