Air drop device

• US 6,942,184 B1
• Filed: 06/13/2003
• Issued: 09/13/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: David C. Morris
• Original Assignee: David C. Morris
• Inventors: Morris, David C.
• Primary Examiner(s): DINH, TIEN QUANG
• Application Number:
  US10/462,069
• Time in Patent Office: 823 Days
• Field of Search: 244/138.R, 244/139, 244/138.A, 244/142, 244/152, 244/145, 446/34, 446/37
• US Class Current: 244/138.00R
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 1/02 Dropping, ejecting, or releasing articles jettisonable fuel reservoirs B64D37/12
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 19/02 Rotary-wing parachutes

Abstract

An air drop device that includes a frame defining a through-hole and that supports a substantially vertical axle, substantially central to the through-hole. A blade assembly is rotatably mounted to the substantially vertical axle. Also, at least three tethers are connected to the frame and are adapted to be connected to the load. In addition, a set of tether length adjust devices, each located on a different one of said tethers, are capable to take-up some of the tether to reduce the length of said tether.

Claims

1. An air drop device, comprising:

(a) a frame defining a through-hole and supporting a substantially vertical axle, substantially central to said through-hole;

(b) a blade assembly, rotatably mounted to said substantially vertical axle;

(c) at least three tethers connected to said frame and adapted to be connected to a parcel; and

(d) a set of tether length adjust devices, each located on a different one of said tethers and being selectively and independently capable to take-up some of said tether to reduce the length of said tether, thereby steering said device.

2. The air drop device of claim 1, wherein each tether length adjust device is remotely controllable, so that a remote user could use said length adjust devices to steer said air drop device.

3. The air drop device of claim 1, wherein said blade assembly includes a set of blades and wherein each of said blades has a pitch that is adjustable.

4. The air drop device of claim 3, wherein said pitch of said blades is related to centripetal force of said blades.