Aeronautics and astronautics – Aircraft structure – Fuselage and body construction
Reexamination Certificate
2000-08-22
2001-10-02
Eldred, J. Woodrow (Department: 3644)
Aeronautics and astronautics
Aircraft structure
Fuselage and body construction
C002S006100, C002S006200, C002S413000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296204
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to aircrew ejection in general and more particularly to a restraint system for securing and protecting the crewmember's head during ejection from the aircraft.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Of major concern when a fighter aircraft is disabled in the air, is ejecting the crewmembers safely. In fighter aircraft, the air crewmembers initiate the process of ejection by pulling on an ejection handle, squeezing an ejection handle or some similar device to initiate ejection. The canopy that encloses the air crewmembers inside the aircraft cockpit is first blown or cut away. Next, the seat ejects out of the aircraft by a ballistic catapult along guide rails and the seat and air crewmember sitting thereon begins to enter the windblast. After the seat separates from the guide rails, it is propelled clear of the aircraft by rocket motors. When the seat reaches a safe trajectory, a parachute deploys for returning the air crewmember to the earth. The seat is stripped from the aircrew member and falls back to earth.
The proper positioning of the air crewmember in his seat is necessary for a safe ejection from the aircraft. Such a positioning is requires that the air crew member is correctly aligned in his seat and that his arms and legs are safety stowed. Many factors affect positioning such as the attitude of the aircraft, is it flying straight, level and upright or is it in some other position?
A system identified as Inflatable Body and Head Restraint System, “IBAHRS” has been proposed which provides a pair of inflatables inside the vertical harness that extends from the five point rotary buckle to each shoulder. IBAHRS is a passive system that automatically tightens the harness at the onset of the crash. The inflatable pretensions the straps and forces the occupant back against the seat. This action lessens the chances of the air crew member from striking cockpit objects during the emergency.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a principal advantage of the present invention to protect his head during ejection.
It is yet another advantage of the present invention to ensure that an air crewmember's helmet and head are properly supported by an inflatable between the helmet and the shoulders.
These and other advantages are found in a restraint system for a flight helmet for an aircrew member having a helmet. An inflatable member is stored inside of the helmet. The inflatable member is secured along one of its edges and below the headband. The member is adapted to be inflated by receiving inflating fluid through an inlet. A frangible cover is around the inflatable member. The cover maintains the inflatable member along the liner of the helmet and guides the inflatable downward from the liner. An inflator is operatively connected to the inlet for generating an inflating fluid for inflating the inflatable member.
A control means is operatively connected to the helmet and is responsive to an ejection signal for igniting the inflator. The ejection signal is initiated by the crewmember and is generated by ejection controls.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5039035 (1991-08-01), Fitzpatrick
patent: 5287562 (1994-02-01), Rush, III
patent: 5301903 (1994-04-01), Aronne
patent: 5546609 (1996-08-01), Rush, III
patent: 6014769 (2000-01-01), Baudou et al.
Lewis Donald J.
Merrifield Terry W.
Eldred J. Woodrow
Holden Jerry J.
The B. F. Goodrich Company
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