Container apparatus for object to be dropped

A container apparatus for an object to be dropped, which contains an object to be dropped functioning as a point marker or a hydrographic conditions measuring device or the like and is dropped by a transport airplane such as an aircraft flying in the air to a water surface of sea, lake or the like, or to land or the like. The container apparatus follows a substantially uniform trajectory after being dropped by the transport airplane, and after being dropped, reduces the flight speed thereof to a fixed speed, to release the object to be dropped housed therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container apparatus for an object to be dropped, which contains an object to be dropped (hereunder referred to as a drop object) functioning as a point marker or a hydrographic conditions measuring device or the like and is dropped by a transport airplane such as an aircraft flying in the air to a water surface of sea, lake or the like, or to land or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

Conventionally, in order to drop an object from a transport airplane such as an aircraft, to a water surface of sea, lake or the like, or to land or the like, the object is simply thrown out, as it is, into the air to be dropped. However, an object thrown out by an aircraft flying at a high speed is subjected to a large aerodynamic load immediately after being thrown down. Accordingly, it is necessary for the drop object to be of high strength. Furthermore, sometimes a trajectory of the drop object after threw out by the aircraft becomes unstable under an influence of an air current near the transport airplane, and an influence of the aerodynamic interference between the drop object and the transport airplane. Accordingly, when the trajectory of the drop object is disturbed, there is a danger of the thrown drop object contacting the transport airplane, and in order to prevent this from occurring, it is necessary to invest a great deal of effort to test and guarantee that such contact does not occur.

In order to deal with this problem, conventionally, the drop object is housed in a container of a suitable shape, the container housing the drop object therein is loaded onto an aircraft to be transferred to a position over a target point, and is then dropped into the air. Immediately after being dropped by the aircraft, the container opens to release the drop object housed therein into the air. Alternatively, the container opens after having reached a certain altitude determined by an altimeter (barometer) installed in the container, to release the drop object housed therein into the air.

However, in this conventional method of dropping an object using a container, since immediately after being dropped by the aircraft, the container opens to release the drop object housed therein into the air, the drop object is subjected to a large aerodynamic load immediately after being released, in substantially the same manner as when the drop object is simply released, as it is, into the air. Consequently, there may the case where the drop object is broken, or is unable to perform a desired function. Therefore, the drop object must be of high strength. Alternatively, in the case where the container opens after having reached a certain altitude determined by an altimeter (barometer) installed in the container, to release the drop object housed therein into the air, the drop object may be released into the air before a falling speed of the container is decreased to a fixed speed to be subjected to a large aerodynamic load in the same manner as above. Accordingly, in the same manner as described above, the drop object must be of high strength.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished in view of the above problems, and has an object of providing a container apparatus for an object to be dropped, which, after being dropped by a transport airplane, follows a substantially uniform trajectory and decreases a falling speed thereof to a fixed speed, to release the drop object housed therein.

In order to achieve the object described above, a container apparatus for an object to be dropped according to the present invention comprises: a cylindrical container main body which is just divided vertically into two portions, with one ends of the two portions at one end section thereof being connected with each other by a hinge and the other ends of the two portions at the opposite end section thereof capable of being decoupled from each other to both sides, for housing therein an object to be dropped which exhibits a predetermined function, to be dropped by a transport airplane; main body coupling means for coupling the other ends at the opposite end section of the container main body so as to prevent them from being decoupled from each other; main body releasing means for releasing the coupling by the main body coupling means, to decouple the other ends from each other; and an automatic extending cable which extends from the one end section of the container main body and is attached to the transport airplane to activate the main body releasing means.

According to such a construction, the drop object which exhibits the predetermined function is housed in the cylindrical container main body which is just divided vertically into two portions, with the one ends of the two portions connected by the hinge and the opposite ends of the two portions capable of being decoupled from each other to both sides, the container housing the drop object therein is dropped by the transport airplane, and then, the main body releasing means are activated by the automatic extending cable which extends from the one end section of the container main body to be attached to the transport airplane, thereby releasing the coupling by the main body coupling means which couples the other ends at the opposite end section of the container main body to prevent the other ends from being decoupled from each other, to decouple the other ends at the opposite end section of the container main body. As a result, since the drop object is not released directly by the transport airplane, it is possible to prevent the drop object from being subjected to a large aerodynamic load immediately after being dropped. Accordingly, it is not necessary for the drop object to be excessively strong. Furthermore, the container main body housing the drop object therein is able to follow a substantially uniform trajectory after being dropped.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a container apparatus for an object to be dropped (hereunder referred to as a drop object) according to the present invention. This container apparatus houses therein a drop object which functions as a point marker or a hydrographic conditions measuring device or the like, to be dropped by a transport airplane such as an aircraft flying in the air to a water surface of sea, lake or the like, or to land or the like. The container apparatus comprises a container main body1, main body coupling means2, main body releasing means3, an automatic extending cable4, and a plumb bob5.

InFIG. 1, the container main body1houses therein a drop object which exhibits a predetermined function, to be dropped by the transport airplane (not shown in the figures), and is formed from thick paper, plastic or metal or the like in the shape of a cylinder with a circular or polygonal cross-section. The container main body1is just divided vertically into two portions (1aand1b), and as shown inFIG. 3, one ends (upper ends) of the two portions at one end section of the container main body1are connected by a hinge6and the other ends (lower ends) at the opposite end section of the container main body1are able to be decoupled from each other to both sides, as indicated by the arrows A and B. Specifically, as shown inFIG. 1, the shape of the container main body1is a circular cylinder with an outer diameter of approximately 120 mm and a total length of approximately 1000 mm, for example, and one of division lines7between the vertically divided main body members1aand1bis shown on the side wall of the container main body1.

The main body coupling means2is provided at the opposite end section near the bottom of the container main body1. This main body coupling means2couples the other ends of the two portions of the container main body1to prevent the other ends from being decoupled, and as an example, consists of a tape member wound around the outer peripheral surface of the opposite end section of the container main body1. Specifically, an adhesive tape with a width of approximately 100 mm and a length of approximately 220 mm is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the opposite end section of the container main body1. Accordingly, it is possible with a simple material to couple the other ends at the opposite end section of the container main body1to prevent the other ends from being decoupled. This main body coupling means2consisting of the tape member can be cut with a cord type member as described below.

The main body releasing means3are attached to opposite side wall portions of the container main body1. The main body releasing means3release the coupling of the main body coupling means2, thereby decoupling the other ends at the opposite end section of the container main body1, and as an example, consists of a cord type member which is connected to the automatic extending cable4described below to cut the tape member serving as the main body coupling means2by the extension of the automatic extending cable4. Specifically, a type of line known as “silken gut”, which is a strong line used in fishing, can be used for the cord type member serving as the main body releasing means3. This cord type member (3) is not limited to the silken gut mentioned above, and a line made of synthetic fibers or metal or the like may also be used. By using such members, it is possible with a simple construction to release the coupling by the main body coupling means2, thereby decoupling the other ends at the opposite end section of the container main body1.

Then, as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the cord type member (3) is arranged in an elongated loop shape in a manner to loop around the inside and outside of the container main body1, along each of the division lines7on the opposite side wall portions of the container main body1, and also to loop around the lower edge of the tape member (2) at a lower end portion thereof, and to be connected to the automatic extending cable4described below at an upper end portion thereof. Accordingly, the cord type member (3) is pulled upward due to the extension of the automatic extending cable4to cut through the tape member (2). At this time, it becomes possible to facilitate the cutting if a tape easy to be cut is used as the tape member (2), and incision is made at the lower edge of the tape member (2), to loop around the incision with the lower end portion of the looped cord type member (3).

The automatic extending cable4is connected to the one end section (upper end section) of the container main body1. This automatic extending cable4is for operating the main body releasing means3, and extends from the upper end section of the container main body1to be attached to the transport airplane (not shown in the figures). The automatic extending cable4consists of, for example, a flexible rope member. A ring8to be hooked onto a part of the aircraft or the like serving as the transport airplane is attached to an end portion of the rope member. Accordingly, if the entire container apparatus is dropped into the air while this ring8is hooked onto the part of the aircraft or the like, then the automatic extending cable4will extend automatically, thereby operating the main body releasing means3.

A plumb bob5is incorporated in the inside of the container main body1. This plumb bob5is for adjusting a trajectory followed by the entire container apparatus9housing therein the drop object, constructed as described above, after being dropped by the transport airplane. One or a plurality of weights is provided at predetermined locations inside the container main body1, according to need, for example at the upper end section, or in the middle of the main body1. As a result, it becomes possible to adjust the weight, center of gravity, and moment of inertia of the entire container main body1housing therein the drop object to conform the dropping property of the transport airplane. In the case where the plumb bob5is unnecessary, depending on the weight or center of gravity or the like of the entire container main body1housing therein the drop object, the plumb bob5needs not be provided.

Next, the use and operation of the container apparatus9constructed in this manner are described with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 3. First, inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the lower ends of the main body members1aand1bwhich are formed by just dividing the container main body1vertically into two are placed in a state in which they can be opened, these lower ends of the main body members1aand1bare opened outwards to the left and right, and the drop object which exhibits the function as the point marker or the hydrographic conditions measuring device or the like, is housed in the container main body1.

Subsequently, the lower ends of the main body members1aand1bare closed, and as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the tape member serving as the main body coupling means2is wound around the outer peripheral surface of the opposite end section, thereby coupling the lower ends of the main body members1aand1bof the container main body1and preventing it from being opened. At this time, as shown inFIG. 2, the cord type member serving as the main body releasing means3is arranged in a loop shape in a matter to loop around the outside and the inside of the tape member (2) in a loop, and is connected to the automatic extending cable4at the upper end portion thereof. The drop object is thereby housed in the container main body1.

Next, the container apparatus9housing therein the drop object as described above, is loaded onto the aircraft serving as the transport airplane. The aircraft carrying the container apparatus9housing the drop object then flies to a position above a predetermined land area or sea area, and upon reaching a point of salvage or search practice, for example, an operator on the aircraft hooks the ring8of the automatic extending cable4onto a part of the aircraft, opens a door or hatch and drops the entire container apparatus9into the air. The container apparatus9housing therein the drop object then falls freely, and follows a substantially uniform trajectory after being dropped by the transport airplane, due to the cylindrical container shape and the plumb bobs5and the like.

In this state, the automatic extending cable4, the ring8of which is hooked onto the part of the aircraft, extends automatically to a predetermined length, and upon reaching the full length, the automatic extending cable4pulls the cord type member (3), thereby cutting the tape member2with the cord type member (3). Consequently, the coupling at the opposite end section of the container main body1is released, and as shown inFIG. 3, an air pressure during the falling causes the main body members1aand1bto rotate about the hinge6to be opened, as indicated by the arrows A and B. As a result, a drop object10housed in the container main body1is released, and then falls as indicated by the arrow C.

Subsequently, the drop object10falls freely, or falls using a parachute or the like, and lands on the land or water surface of the predetermined land area or sea area, to exhibit the function as the point marker or the hydrographic conditions measuring device, or the like.

FIG. 4is an explanatory diagram showing another embodiment of the main body coupling means2and the main body releasing means3.FIG. 4shows a configuration of the bottom face of the container main body1shown inFIG. 1, and in this embodiment, as a main body coupling means2′, there is used a thread type member which draws together and ties the main body members1aand1bwhich are formed by just dividing the container vertically into two, and which is melted to be broken at a predetermined heating temperature, and as a main body releasing means3′, there is used a heating member which is activated by the extension of the automatic extending cable4, and melts to brake the main body coupling means2′.

A strong line used in fishing known as “silk gut” can be used for the thread type member serving as the main body coupling means2′. Furthermore, opposing hooks11which face inward are mounted at the lower ends of the main body members1aand1bof the container main body1, and the thread type member (2′) is wound between these hooks11a plurality of times, and tightened so as to draw the main body members1aand1btogether. Moreover, it is possible to adjust a distance between the hooks11by turning screws12used to mount the hooks11, by a screwdriver, thereby adjusting the tightness of this thread type member (2′). Furthermore, provided that the thread type member (2′) is melted to be broken at the predetermined heating temperature, the thread type member (2′) is not limited to the silk gut mentioned above, and a line made of a synthetic fiber or a metal or the like may also be used. Accordingly, it is possible with a simple material to couple the other ends at the opposite end section of the container main body1so as to prevent them from being decoupled.

A nichrome wire having a suitable resistance can be used as the heating member serving as the main body releasing means3′, for example. Then, the heating member (3′) is wound onto a part of the thread type member (2′) wound between the hooks11, as shown inFIG. 4, and power is supplied to this heating member (3′) from a battery (not shown in the figure) via a lead wire13. InFIG. 4, reference numeral14denotes a hook cover provided in the vicinity of the hooks11, which also serves as a bottom plate of the container main body1.

FIG. 5is a circuit diagram showing a heating control circuit for heating the heating member serving as the main body releasing means3′. This heating control circuit comprises a battery E, a heating member (3′) formed from nichrome wire, a time controller15, a main switch16, a test switch17for battery testing, and a battery test lamp (such as a light emitting diode)18.

The time controller15controls a period of time until the thread type member (2′) serving as the main body coupling means is heated and melted to be broken by the heating member (3′), and comprises a resistor which gives a predetermined delay time, and which may be a variable resistor. Furthermore, the main switch16switches the ON/OFF of the power supply to the heating member (3′) from the battery E, and a switching member thereof is activated by the extension of the automatic extending cable4shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, to turn the main switch16ON/OFF. In other words, the main switch16is normally OFF, but turns ON by the extension of the automatic extending cable4attached to the transport airplane.

Next is a description of the operations of the main body coupling means2′ and the main body releasing means3′ shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 5. First, the drop object10, which exhibits the function as the point marker or the hydrographic conditions measuring device or the like, is housed in the container main body1in exactly the same manner as in the embodiment described above. Then, in the state where the lower ends of the main body members1aand1bare closed, the thread type member (2′) is wound a plurality of times between the opposing hooks11and tightened so as to draw the main body members1aand1btogether, thereby coupling the lower ends of the main body members1aand1bat the opposite end section of the container main body1so as to prevent the opposite end section of the container main body1from being opened.

Next, the heating member (3′) is wound onto a part of the thread type member (2′) wound between the hooks11, and the battery E shown inFIG. 5is connected to this heating member (3′) via a lead wire13. At this time, an actuating portion for the switching member of the main switch16shown inFIG. 5is connected to the automatic extending cable4shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2. The drop object10is thereby housed in the container main body1.

Next, the container apparatus9housing therein the drop object10is loaded onto an aircraft serving as the transport airplane. Then, in the same manner as above, the aircraft carrying the container apparatus9housing therein the drop object flies to a position above a predetermined land area or sea area, an operator on the aircraft hooks the ring8of the automatic extending cable4onto a part of the aircraft, opens a door or hatch, and drops the entire container apparatus9into the air.

In this state, the automatic extending cable4, the ring8of which is hooked onto the part of the aircraft, extends automatically to a predetermined length, and upon reaching the full length, activates the switching member of the main switch16, turning the main switch16ON. As a result, the power from the battery E is sent to the heating member (3′), and after a delay time determined by the time controller15, the heating member (3′) is heated up to a predetermined heating temperature.

Consequently, the temperature of this heating member (3′) melts the thread type member (2′) to be broken. As a result, the coupling at the opposite end section of the container main body1is released, and as shown inFIG. 3, the air pressure during the falling causes the main body members1aand1bto rotate about the hinge6to be opened, as indicated by the arrows A and B. As a result, the drop object10housed in the container main body1is released, and then falls as indicated by the arrow C. Subsequently, the drop object10falls freely, or falls using a parachute or the like, and lands on the land or water surface of the predetermined land area or sea area, to exhibit the function as the point marker or the hydrographic conditions measuring device, or the like.

In this manner, since the heating member (3′) which melts to break the thread type member (2′) when activated by the extension of the automatic extending cable4is used as the main body releasing means, it is possible to reduce the flight speed of the container main body1to a fixed speed within a fixed time before the thread type member (2′) is melted to be broken, causing the lower ends at the opposite end section of the container main body1to be decoupled, thereby releasing the drop object10housed in the container main body1. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the drop object10from being subjected to a large aerodynamic load, and it is not necessary for the drop object10to be excessively strong.

Furthermore, since the main body releasing means3is provided with the time controller15which controls the period of time until the thread type member (2′) is heated and melted to be broken by the heating member (3′), it is possible to control a period of time until the container reduces the flight speed thereof to the fixed speed to release the drop object10housed therein after being dropped. Accordingly, it is possible to control the object release time according to the configuration and function and the like of the drop object10, to prevent the drop object10from being subjected to a large aerodynamic load.

In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4, a tape member serving as the main body coupling means2may also be wound around the opposite end section of the container main body1in the same manner as shown inFIG. 1andFIG. 2. In such a case, when the container apparatus9housing therein the drop object is dropped by an aircraft into the air and the automatic extending cable4is extended automatically to a predetermined length and upon reaching the full length, the tape member (2) is cut, and also the switching member of the main switch16is activated, turning the main switch16ON. After a predetermined delay time, the thread type member (2′) is melted to be broken, the coupling between the lower ends at the opposite end section of the container main body1is released, the lower ends are opened as indicated by the arrows A and B, and the drop object10housed in the container apparatus9is released.