Buckles – buttons – clasps – etc. – Separable-fastener or required component thereof – With third detached member completing interlock
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-14
2001-06-26
Sakran, Victor N. (Department: 3626)
Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
Separable-fastener or required component thereof
With third detached member completing interlock
C024S573110, C024S602000, C024S637000, C024S645000, C244S15100A
Reexamination Certificate
active
06249937
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to couplings having notable utility for connecting and quickly releasing a parachute canopy to a harness. More particularly, the invention relates to a new and improved latch mechanism for retaining the quick release coupling in a coupled condition.
A parachute canopy release comprises three major subassemblies: the base coupling member, the outer coupling member, and a latch mechanism which includes a cover. The outer coupling member is sewn permanently to the parachute risers and can not be changed. Consequently, there are large numbers of existing parachutes with these permanently attached outer coupling members. The base member is attached to the parachute harness. The base member is shaped to properly receive and nest or couple with the outer coupling member and therefore can not be changed without also changing the outer coupling member. During use, the outer coupling member is releasably nested with the base member so that the forces generated by the parachute can be transferred through the nested members to the harness. The latch mechanism and cover serves dual functions. In the overlying position it holds the members in the nested position, preventing accidental separation. In the release position, the mechanism allows quick and positive separation of the base and outer members.
The latch mechanism and cover is a significant concern in the design of parachute canopy releases. Previous latch mechanisms have extended above the outer member due to the design of their internal parts. Due to the position of the canopy release on the harness, prior latch mechanisms and their covers created a potential for impact with the wearer's chin during use. In addition, prior canopy releases have used latch mechanisms which contained a number of complex parts, requiring difficult and time consuming manufacturing and assembling steps. As in any life support equipment, reliability of the release coupling is a paramount concern. Finally, as is typical of aerospace applications, weight reduction is a serious consideration.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a parachute canopy release with a lower profile in the coupled position.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a parachute canopy latch mechanism and cover, which is simple to manufacture and assemble while still meeting the exacting reliability and actuation force requirements of previous latch mechanisms.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved low profile parachute canopy latch mechanism and cover which can be retrofitted into existing parachute canopy releases.
The canopy release comprises a base coupling member secured to the parachute harness and an outer coupling member secured to the parachute riser. The coupling members are held in the nested position by a “U” shaped latch slide. The latch slide moves within grooves in the base member between a withdrawn position and a position overlying the outer member. In the overlying position the latch slide retains both members in the nested relationship. The latch slide is connected to an operating lever. When the operating lever overlies the outer coupling member, the latch slide is moved to its overlying position. When the operating lever is pivoted outwardly and downwardly, the latch slide is moved to the withdrawn position.
The lever is mounted to a “W” shaped spring. The outside arms of the W-shaped spring include tabs. When the operating lever is in the overlying position, the W-shaped spring fits within an outer member cavity and the tabs are biased into apertures within the cavity walls. With the operating lever in the overlying position and the spring tabs biased into the apertures, the canopy release is thereby latched together as a single unit.
A lock release fits between the W-shaped spring and the operating lever. When the lock release is moved, the outside arms of the W-shaped spring are compressed, thereby freeing the tabs from the apertures. Continued pulling of the lock release pivots the operating lever outwardly and downwardly, moving the U shaped latch slide to the withdrawn position.
Preferably the W-shaped spring is connected to the operating lever by a positioning block. The positioning block extends through a slot in the lock release, thereby slidably capturing the lock release between the positioning block and the operating lever. Also, the lock release may include a lanyard to ease actuation of the mechanism. The latch mechanism also includes a safety cover which snaps over the lanyard and operating lever to prevent accidental release.
In the preferred configuration, pulling on the lanyard moves the lock release, compressing the outside arms of the W-shaped spring, and freeing the tabs from the outer member apertures. Continued pulling on the lanyard causes the operating lever to pivot outwardly and downwardly, moving the latch slide to the withdrawn position. With the latch slide withdrawn, the coupling members are free to separate, thereby allowing separation of the parachute and harness.
Since the W-shaped spring fits within the outer coupling member and the positioning block extends only slightly above it, the height of the present latch mechanism is reduced when compared to prior assemblies. Since the height of the latch mechanism is reduced, the height of the safety cover which overlies this assembly may similarly be reduced. In addition, the parts of the present mechanism are simple in configuration and easily manufactured and assembled. These advantages are attained with the low profile latch mechanism meeting the same exacting reliability and actuation force requirements of previous latch mechanisms. Finally, the inventive latch mechanism and cover can be retrofitted into previously manufactured coupling members, thereby enhancing existing parachute canopy releases at minimal cost.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2473554 (1949-06-01), Warner et al.
patent: 2522790 (1950-09-01), Johnston
patent: 2834083 (1958-05-01), Newell et al.
patent: 3141215 (1964-07-01), Turolla
patent: 3200463 (1965-08-01), Craven et al.
patent: 3380692 (1968-04-01), Gaylord
patent: 3426985 (1969-02-01), Pravaz
patent: 3453702 (1969-07-01), Alofs
patent: 4030689 (1977-06-01), Rodriguez
patent: 4365776 (1982-12-01), Gaylord et al.
patent: 4612687 (1986-09-01), Barwood
patent: 4684083 (1987-08-01), Maziarz
patent: 5105682 (1992-04-01), Jung
Alix Yale & Ristas, LLP
Capewell Components Company Limited Partnership
Sakran Victor N.
LandOfFree
Parachute canopy release does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Parachute canopy release, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Parachute canopy release will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2507885