Parachute ripcord pins

• US 20060038078A1
• Filed: 07/21/2005
• Published: 02/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Airborne Systems Limited (Transdigm Group Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Airborne Systems Limited (Transdigm Group Incorporated)
• Inventors: Jones, Adrian, Hirst, David Richard Jordan
• Granted Patent: US 7,387,278 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/147
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 17/46 Closing means
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 17/52 Opening, e.g. manual

Abstract

Ripcord pins secure a parachute pack and, on removal, allow the parachute to be deployed from the pack. Such pins are provided with indicating means that provide an indication, such as a visual indication, that the pin has been bent. This avoids the re-use of straightened pins that may break in use.

Claims

1. A parachute ripcord pin for holding a parachute pack closed removal of the ripcord pin allowing the pack to open for deployment of a parachute in said pack, the pin including means for providing an indication when the pin (10) has been deformed.

2. A ripcord pin according to claim 1 wherein the indication is a visual indication.

3. A ripcord pin according to claim 2 wherein the indication means have a first state when the pin is un-deformed and a second state when the pin has been deformed.

4. A ripcord pin according to claim 3 wherein the indication means are un-fractured in said first state and are fractured in said second state.

5. A ripcord pin according to claim 4 where the indication means are formed by a brittle paint on the pin, the brittle paint fracturing when the pin is deformed.

6. A ripcord pin according to claim 4 wherein the indication means are formed by a length of brittle material mounted on the pin, the brittle material fracturing when the pin is deformed.

7. A ripcord pin according to claim 6 wherein the brittle material is a ceramic rod.

8. A ripcord pin according to claim 7 wherein the ceramic rod is bonded to the pin.

9. A ripcord pin according to claim 1 wherein the pin includes an elongate groove extending along the length of the pin, the indication means being located in said groove.

10. A ripcord pin according to claim 1 wherein the indication means are located within the pin.

11. A ripcord pin according to claim 10 wherein the indication means include a dye contained within the pin, the dye being released when the pin is deformed.

12. A ripcord pin according to claim 1 wherein the indication means include a electrical resistance element providing a detectable change in resistance when the pin has been deformed.

13. A ripcord pin according to claim 1 wherein the pin is formed by a body for connection to a ripcord and a blade extending away from the body, the indication means being associated with the blade.

14. A parachute pack for containing a parachute, the parachute pack being closed by a ripcord pin or pins according to claim 1.

15. A parachute pack according to claim 14 and containing a packed parachute.