Patent ID: 8091834
Filing Date: 2012-01-10
Classification: B64D

Abstract:
1. In combination with a ram air parachute canopy having upper and lower airfoil surfaces separated by chordwise-extending ribs to form cells inflated by inflow of air at an open leading edge, and suspension lines connecting the lower surface of the canopy to a load, the improvement comprising: a reefing slider having grommets through which the suspension lines extend, said slider further having a plurality of separate retaining devices, each retaining device including a slider retaining element secured to said slider and a canopy retaining element secured to said canopy, said slider retaining elements and said canopy retaining elements being releasably secured to one another to retard descent of the slider relative to the canopy from an upper reefing position in which inflation of the canopy is restricted, said slider being releasable from said canopy to descend along said suspension lines in response to release of said slider retaining elements from said canopy retaining elements do to force created by said inflow of air to said cells.