Reinforcing material for parachutes and methods for reinforcing parachutes

• US 20050077431A1
• Filed: 06/23/2004
• Published: 04/14/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/23/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Luminati Aerospace, LLC
• Original Assignee: Atair Aerospace, Inc.
• Inventors: Preston, Daniel
• Granted Patent: US 7,178,762 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/145
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2405/00 Adhesive articles, e.g. adhesive tapes
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/00 Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin fibrous or filamentary layer made of a synthetic resin B32B5/02; particulate layer made of a synthetic resin B32B5/16; foamed layer made of a synthetic resin B32B5/18
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 27/12 next to a fibrous or filamentary layer
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 5/26 another layer next to it also being fibrous or filamentary relative arrangement of fibres or filaments of different layers B32B5/12
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 17/02 Canopy arrangement or construction
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 17/025 for gliding chutes

Abstract

A parachute is formed using a non-woven composite material. The non-woven composite material is formed by fusing a plurality of mono-filament fibers between thin layers of plastic. The non-woven material may be used as reinforcing tapes or as parachute lines in connection with a parachute of typical construction.

Claims

1. A parachute comprising:

a canopy comprising a plurality of panels affixed together;

a plurality of suspension lines for suspending a payload from the canopy; and

reinforcing tape affixed to the canopy at predetermined locations, wherein the reinforcing material comprises a lower film, an upper film and a plurality of mono-filaments provided there between.

2. The parachute according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing tape further comprises at least one of a sensor and a circuit provided between the upper film and lower film.

3. The parachute according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing tape is affixed to one or more seams established by the assembly of the plurality of panels.

4. The parachute according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing tape includes one or more electrical devices and/or electrical wire for conducting electrical signals.

5. The parachute according to claim 4, wherein the electrical devices comprise a sensor.

6. A parachute comprising:

a canopy comprising a plurality of panels affixed together;

a plurality of suspension lines for suspending a payload from the canopy; and

reinforcing tape affixed to the canopy at predetermined locations, wherein the reinforcing material comprises a plastic film reinforced by fibers.

7. A method for constructing a parachute comprising:

forming a plurality of parachute panels of a first material;

affixing the plurality of parachute panels together in a predetermined manner, wherein a plurality of joints are formed at the junctures between affixed panels;

affixing reinforcing tape to at least the joints in a predetermined position, wherein the reinforcing tape comprises a lower film, an upper film and a plurality of mono-filaments provided there between.