Apparatuses and systems for activating parachutes are provided. For example, in an embodiment an apparatus includes a flexible concave shaped member between at least two layers of outer material. The outer layers are secured to each other. A first tuck flap and a second tuck flap are formed from portions of the outer layers of material. A plurality of locking tabs is secured to the outer layers of material. A handle and lanyard are secured to the outer layers and flexible material. A first locking pin is secured to one end of the lanyard and a second locking pin is secure to the other end of the lanyard.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to parachute systems and more specifically, to apparatuses and systems for activating parachutes.

BACKGROUND

Typical ripcord grips are non-aerodynamic designed in nature. They can be bulky and heavy due to the use of metals and cables. They rely solely on being secured via a hook and pile type material, metal clips, spring mechanisms, and or material tucks to keep in place that have a tendencies be non aerodynamic and to wear and fail without warning. They are prone to be snagged on the aircraft and or personal equipment, which may result in accidental deployment of the parachute that may cause serious injury and or death.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to parachutes and more specifically, to apparatuses and systems for activating parachutes. Apparatuses and systems for activating parachutes are provided. For example, in an embodiment an apparatus includes a flexible concave shaped member between at least two layers of outer material. The outer layers are secured to each other. A first tuck flap and a second tuck flap are formed from portions of the outer layers of material. A plurality of locking tabs is secured to the outer layers of material. A handle and lanyard are secured to the outer layers and flexible material. A first locking pin is secured to one end of the lanyard and a second locking pin is secure to the other end of the lanyard.

Embodiments presented herein are illustrated by way of example, and are not limited by the accompanying figures, in which like references indicate similar elements. Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, however, various changes using different configurations may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments disclosed herein. Thus, these embodiments are not considered limited to the particular illustrative embodiments shown in the specification and all such alternate embodiments are intended to be included in the scope of the appended claims.

Some of the advantages of the embodiments disclosed herein are: aerodynamic designs that reduces actuation due to wind between the ripcord grip and pack tray; designs that can be retrofitted to many existing parachute systems; an inclusion of “locking tabs;” and inclusion of a collapsible disk.

The collapsible ripcord grip is a device that maintains a parachute within a parachute pack tray during storage, transportation, and until a parachutist deploys the parachute. In addition to the aerodynamic design, embodiments also reduce hazards associated with snagging that can cause premature deployment of a parachute.

Embodiments disclosed herein can be used with main recovery parachutes. For example, embodiments disclosed herein can be used in high altitudes low opening (“HALO”) parachute operations or from static line deployed type parachute operations; and/or emergency chest or seat mounted parachutes or any combination of such parachute systems.

FIG. 1depicts a perspective view of a collapsible ripcord grip100, in accordance with an embodiment. The collapsible ripcord grip100includes a flexible/collapsible material (depicted inFIG. 3AandFIG. 3Bas flexible member300) sandwiched between at least two layers of outer material; a first tuck flap106; a second tuck flap108; and locking tabs1041,1042,1043, and1044(collectively “locking tabs104”). Although not shown inFIG. 1, the flexible/collapsible material is described below and is depicted inFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B.

InFIG. 1, only one of the outer layers is visible and is referred to herein as outside layer102or the “first layer of material.” The outer layer102can be made of various materials. For example, in an embodiment, the outer layer can be made of “CORDURA” fabric (a registered trademark of Invista headquartered in Wichita, Kans.).

Attached to the outer layer102is a deployment/ripcord grip handle110. In an embodiment, the ripcord grip handle110is constructed from a textile (e.g., CORDURA®), metal (e.g., steel/aluminum), composite (e.g., plastic/carbon fiber) and/or other similar material. There are various ways in which the ripcord grip handle110is attached to the outer layer102. For example, in an embodiment, strips of material are used to form the ripcord grip handle110that is sewn, riveted, bolted, and/or any similar method to the outer layer102. The location of the ripcord grip handle110is determined by principles of ergonomics for an individual movement to pull or deploy the parachute without hindering deployment of a parachute. In other embodiments, the ripcord grip handle110is secured to the ripcord grip100using an adhesive and rivets; stitching and an adhesive; or an adhesive and bolts.

FIG. 2Adepicts another perspective view of the embodiment of the collapsible ripcord grip100depicted inFIG. 1. Specifically,FIG. 2Adepicts an opposite side200(also referred to herein as the “bottom layer200” or the “second layer of material”) as of the collapsible ripcord grip100depicted inFIG. 1. Attached to the bottom layer200is a plurality of locking tabs104. In an embodiment, the bottom layer200is made of CORDURA®.

The locking tabs104(in conjunction with stowage flaps (not shown)) help to secure the collapsible ripcord grip100into a parachute pack tray (not shown) by providing a resistance that must be overcome by a pulling force sufficient to extract the collapsible ripcord grip100from the parachute pack tray. The resistive force necessary for extraction of the ripcord grip100can be modified by changing the attachment location(s) of the locking tabs104on the collapsible ripcord grip100, changing the dimensions of the locking tabs104, the material composition of the locking tabs104, and/or changing the dimensions and/or material composition of the flexible/collapsible material300.

In an embodiment, each locking tab104is made of a material that is about one inches wide and is attached to the collapsible ripcord grip100in four symmetrical locations spaced between the first tuck flap106and the second tuck flap108. In an embodiment, attachment of the locking tabs104to the collapsible ripcord grip100is made by stitching the locking tabs104to the collapsible ripcord grip100. For example, a42stitch ⅞-in bartack with “E thread” can be used to stitch the locking tabs104to the collapsible ripcord grip100. The location of the locking tabs104is dependent on the desired “pull force” to activate a parachute in the parachute pack tray. The dimensions of the locking tabs104and their position on the collapsible grip100determine, in part, the magnitude of the activation “pull force.”

In an embodiment, the locking tabs104have a color that is different than the color(s) of the rest of the collapsible ripcord grip100to allow easier inspection of the collapsible ripcord grip100. For example, inspection of the collapsible ripcord grip100can include verifying a fully seated collapsible ripcord grip100to increase individual jumper safety.

Also secured to the bottom layer200is a pin lanyard204. The pin lanyard204is secured to the bottom layer200. On one end of the pin lanyard204is a pin2021and on the other end of the lanyard pin204is a pin2022. Pin2021and pin2022are collectively referred to herein as “pins202.” In an embodiment, the pins202are curved.

FIG. 2Bdepicts an embodiment for securing the plurality of locking tabs104to the collapsible ripcord grip100. Specifically,FIG. 2Bdepicts bolts206securing the plurality of locking tabs104to the collapsible ripcord grip100. In other embodiments, an adhesive can be used in conjunction with the bolts206to secure the locking tabs104to the collapsible ripcord grip100.

FIG. 2Cdepicts an embodiment for securing the plurality of locking tabs104to the collapsible ripcord grip100. Specifically,FIG. 2Cdepicts rivets208securing the plurality of locking tabs104to the collapsible ripcord grip100. In other embodiments, an adhesive can be used in conjunction with the rivets208to secure the locking tabs104to the collapsible ripcord grip100.

FIG. 2Ddepicts an embodiment that uses substantially straight lanyard pins2101and2102(collectively “pins210”). Although other figures have been described herein as utilizing curved pins (e.g., pins202) those descriptions are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended in any way to limit the scope of the material described and taught herein. It is appreciated that any of the embodiments described herein utilized pins210rather than pins202.

FIG. 3AandFIG. 3Bdepict a cross-sectional view along the3-3line of the embodiment depicted inFIG. 1. In addition to those elements already discussed regardingFIG. 1,FIG. 2A,FIG. 2B,FIG. 2C, andFIG. 2D; these figures include a flexible collapsible member.FIG. 3AandFIG. 3Bdepicts a flexible collapsible member300that is included inFIG. 1,FIG. 2A,FIG. 2B,FIG. 2C, andFIG. 2Ddiscussed above and is also included in the remaining figures. Returning toFIG. 3A,FIG. 3Adepicts a cross-sectional view of the collapsible ripcord grip100, along the3-3line ofFIG. 1, with the ripcord grip handle110facing upwards.FIG. 3Bdepicts a cross-sectional view of the collapsible ripcord grip100, along the3-3line ofFIG. 1, with the locking tabs104facing upwards.

The flexible member300can be made of various materials (e.g., polycarbonate or spring steel). The flexible member300can have various shapes. For example, in an embodiment the flexible member300has a substantially circular shape designed to take the shape and maintain the contour of the parachute pack tray. In an embodiment, the flexible member300has a generally concave shape wherein one side is concave and the opposing is convex as shown inFIG. 3B. The type of material and the shape and thickness of the material determine the flexibility/collapsibility of the flexible member300. The flexibility/collapsibility contribute to the overall pull force required to pull the collapsible ripcord grip100from the parachute pack tray.

The flexible member300has a substantially concave shape and includes a first side and a second side. The first tuck flap106and second tuck flap108extend from the flexible member300. The first tuck flap106and second tuck flap108each include a first side and a second side. A plurality of locking tabs104is secured to the flexible member300. A handle110is secured to the first side of the flexible member300. A lanyard204is secured to the second side of said flexible member300. A first locking pin secured to the first end of said lanyard204and a second locking pin secured to the second end of the lanyard204.

A first layer of material is secured to the first side of the flexible member300, the first side of the first tuck flap106, and the first side of the second tuck flap108. A second layer of material is secured to the second side of the flexible member300, the second side of the first tuck flap106, and the second side of the second tuck flap108.

In an embodiment, the first layer of material includes a first window and a second window; and the second layer of material includes a first window and a second window. The first window of the first layer is aligned with the first window of the second layer and the second window of the first layer is aligned with the second window of the second layer.

In an embodiment, there are more the collapsible ripcord grip includes more than three layers (i.e., more layers than the flexible member300, the first layer of material, and the second layer of material). For example, in an embodiment, the collapsible ripcord grip includes at least one other flexible member secured to the flexible member.

In an embodiment, the plurality of locking tabs is secured to the flexible member300by stitches, bolts, and/or rivets. In an embodiment, an adhesive is used in conjunction with the stitches, bolts, and/or rivets to secure the plurality of locking tabs to the flexible member.

FIG. 4depicts a perspective view of a collapsible ripcord grip400, in accordance with an embodiment. The collapsible ripcord grip400includes a flexible material (not shown) sandwiched between at least two layers of outer material; a first tuck flap406; a second tuck flap408; and locking tabs4041,4042,4043, and4044(collectively “locking tabs404”).

InFIG. 4, only one of the outer layers is visible and is referred to herein as outside layer402. The outer layer402can be made of various materials. For example, in an embodiment, the outer layer can be made of CORDURA® fabric.

Attached to the outer layer402is a deployment/ripcord grip handle410. In an embodiment, the ripcord grip handle110is constructed from a textile (e.g., CORDURA®), metal (e.g., steel/aluminum), composite (e.g., plastic/carbon fiber) and/or other similar material. There are various ways in which the ripcord grip handle410is attached to the outer layer402. For example, in an embodiment, strips of material are used to form the ripcord grip handle410that is sewn, riveted, bolted, and/or any similar method to the outer layer402. The location of the ripcord grip handle410is determined by the principles of ergonomics for an individual movement to pull or deploy the parachute without hindering deployment of a parachute.

In other embodiments, the ripcord grip handle410is secured to the ripcord grip400using an adhesive and rivets; stitching and an adhesive; or an adhesive and bolts. The location of the ripcord grip handle410is determined by the resistance of force required to pull or deploy the parachute without hindering deployment of a parachute. In other embodiments, the ripcord grip handle410is secured to the ripcord grip400using an adhesive and rivets; stitching and an adhesive; or an adhesive and bolts.

The collapsible ripcord grip400also includes site windows4121and4122. Site windows4121and4122are collectively referred to herein as “site windows412.” Sight window4121and4122allows inspection of pin4141and4142, respectively, for easy inspection (e.g., for proper seating and placement) by a jumper, a parachute rigger, and/or a jumpmaster. Pin4141and pin4142are collectively referred to herein as “pins414.” In an embodiment, the pins414are straight. In another embodiment, the pins414are curved. A lanyard416is partially visible in the site windows412and is attached to an opposing side (not shown) of the collapsible ripcord grip400.

FIG. 5Adepicts another perspective view of the embodiment of the collapsible ripcord grip400depicted inFIG. 4. Specifically,FIG. 5Adepicts an opposite side500(also referred to herein as the “bottom layer500”) of the collapsible ripcord grip400depicted inFIG. 4. Attached to the bottom layer500is a plurality of locking tabs504. The lanyard404is secured to the collapsible ripcord grip on the bottom layer200and sewn through the three layers of material (i.e., the first and second layer of material and a flexible member (not shown)). For example, sewing is accomplished with a42stitch per inch bar tack or equivalent stitch pattern. In an embodiment, the lanyard404is riveted and/or bolted to the collapsible ripcord grip400.

InFIG. 5A, the locking tabs404are secured to the collapsible ripcord grip400by stitching. The locking tabs404(in conjunction with stowage flaps (not shown)) help to secure the collapsible ripcord grip400into a parachute pack tray (not shown) by providing a resistance that must be overcome by a pulling force sufficient to extract the collapsible ripcord grip400from the parachute pack tray. The resistive force necessary for extraction of the ripcord grip400can be modified by changing the attachment location(s) of the locking tabs404on the collapsible ripcord grip400, changing the dimensions of the locking tabs404, the material composition of the locking tabs404, and/or changing the dimensions and/or material composition of the flexible/collapsible material400.

In an embodiment, each locking tab404is made of a material that is about one inches wide and is attached to the collapsible ripcord grip400in four symmetrical locations spaced between the first tuck flap406and the second tuck flap408. In an embodiment, attachment of the locking tabs404to the collapsible ripcord grip400is made by stitching the locking tabs404to the collapsible ripcord grip400. For example, a42stitch ⅞-in bartack with “E thread” can be used to stitch the locking tabs404to the collapsible ripcord grip400. The location of the locking tabs404helps to achieve a desired “pull force” to activate a parachute in the parachute pack tray. The dimensions of the locking tabs404and their position on the collapsible grip400determine, in part, the magnitude of the activation “pull force.”

In an embodiment collapsible ripcord grip400includes a flexible member300(not shown) having a first side and a second side. A first layer of material402is secured to the first side of the flexible member300and a second layer of material500is secured to the second side of the flexible member300. The first layer of material402and the second layer of material500are secured to each other. A first tuck flap406extends from the secured first layer of material402and the second layer of material500. A second tuck flap408extends from the secured first layer of material402and the second layer of material500. A plurality of locking tabs404(e.g. four) is secured to the first layer of material402and the second layer of material500. A handle410is in contact with the first layer of material402and is secured to the first layer of material402, the flexible member300, and the second layer of material500. A lanyard404is in contact with the second layer of material500and is secured to the first layer of material402, the flexible member300, and the second layer of material500. The lanyard404includes a first end and a second end. A first locking pin4021is secured to the first end of the lanyard404and a second locking pin4022is secured to the second end of the lanyard404.

In an embodiment, the first layer of material402includes a first window4121and a second window4122; and the second layer of material500includes a first window and a second window. The first window4121of the first layer402is aligned with the first window of the second layer500and the second window4122of the first layer of material402is aligned with the second window of the second layer of material500.

In an embodiment, there are more the collapsible ripcord grip includes more than three layers (i.e., more layers than the flexible member300, the first layer of material402, and the second layer of material500). For example, in an embodiment, the collapsible ripcord grip includes at least one other flexible member secured to the flexible member300.

In an embodiment, the plurality of locking tabs404is secured to the flexible member300by stitches, bolts, and/or rivets. In an embodiment, an adhesive is used in conjunction with the stitches, bolts, and/or rivets to secure the plurality of locking tabs to the flexible member.

In an embodiment, in addition to site windows412, the locking tabs404have a color that is different than the color(s) of the rest of the collapsible ripcord grip400to allow easier inspection of the collapsible ripcord grip400. For example, inspection of the collapsible ripcord grip400can include verifying a fully seated collapsible ripcord grip400to increase individual jumper safety.

FIG. 5Bdepicts an embodiment for securing the plurality of locking tabs404to the collapsible ripcord grip400. Specifically,FIG. 5Bdepicts bolts506securing the plurality of locking tabs404to the collapsible ripcord grip400. In other embodiments, an adhesive can be used in conjunction with the bolts506to secure the locking tabs404to the collapsible ripcord grip400.

FIG. 5Cdepicts an embodiment for securing the plurality of locking tabs404to the collapsible ripcord grip400. Specifically,FIG. 5Cdepicts rivets508securing the plurality of locking tabs404to the collapsible ripcord grip400. In other embodiments, an adhesive can be used in conjunction with the rivets508to secure the locking tabs404to the collapsible ripcord grip400.

FIG. 6Adepicts a perspective view of yet another embodiment. Specifically,FIG. 6Adepicts a perspective view of a collapsible ripcord grip600, in accordance with an embodiment. The collapsible ripcord grip600includes a first tuck flap606; a second tuck flap608; locking tabs6041,6042,6043, and6044(collectively “locking tabs604”); ripcord grip handle610; and lanyard (not shown inFIG. 6). In an embodiment, the collapsible ripcord grip600is from a single piece of material614that does not include the first tuck flap606; the second tuck flap608; and locking tabs6041,6042,6043, and6044(collectively “locking tabs604”). The first tuck flap606; the second tuck flap608; and locking tabs604are subsequently secured to the material614. There are various ways in which the first tuck flap606; the second tuck flap608; and locking tabs604are secured to the material614. For example, in an embodiment, the first tuck flap606and the second tuck flap608; and/or the locking tabs604are secured to the material614using rivets. In another embodiment, the first tuck flap606and the second tuck flap608; and/or the locking tabs604are secured to the material614using bolts.

For illustrative purposed only,FIG. 6Adepicts locking tab6042, locking tab6044, and the first tuck flap606as being secured to the material614by rivets616.FIG. 6Aalso depicts locking tab6041, locking tab6043, and the second tuck flap608as being secured to the material614by bolts618. It is appreciated that any combination of rivets616and/or bolts618can be used to secure the locking tabs604, the first tuck flap606, and/or the second tuck flap608to the material614.

The collapsible ripcord grip600is made of a flexible material (e.g., polycarbonate). The composition of the flexible material, the dimensions of the flexible material, and other factors contribute to the overall pull strength of the collapsible ripcord grip600. Other factors that contribute to the overall pull strength of the collapsible ripcord grip600include, but are not limited to, the location of the locking tabs604with respect to the first tuck flap606and the second tuck flap608; and the dimensions of the locking tabs604.

For example, positioning locking tab6041and locking tab6042closer to the first tuck flap606; and locking tab6043and locking tab6044closer to the second tuck flap608increases the pull strength required to extract the collapsible ripcord grip600from the pack tray. As the position of the locking tab6041and locking tab6042is moved further away from the first tuck flap606; and locking tab6043and locking tab6044is likewise moved further away from the second tuck flap608the pull strength decreases.

There are various ways in which the collapsible ripcord grip600can be constructed. For example, in an embodiment, the collapsible ripcord grip600is “stamped” from a die having a substantially circular shape614defined in part by optional dashed lines6121and6122. In an embodiment, a die stamps material having a shape that includes the substantially circular shape614. In an embodiment, a die stamps material having a shape that includes the substantially circular shape614. In an embodiment, the material is made of a sheet metal or a polysheeting (e.g., a polycarbonate) material.

As indicated above, the first tuck flap606, the second tuck flap608, and the locking tabs604can be secured to the collapsible ripcord grip600in different ways. Other example, embodiments are described below that include collapsible ripcord grips having die stamped components.

FIG. 6Bdepicts an embodiment of a collapsible ripcord grip601. The collapsible ripcord grip601is stamped from a die stamp having a shape that includes the substantially circular shape614, the first tuck flap606, the second tuck flap608, and locking tabs604. The remaining components (e.g., grip handle610, lanyard (not shown), and pins (not shown)) are subsequently added to the collapsible ripcord grip601.

FIG. 6Cdepicts an embodiment of a collapsible ripcord grip603. The collapsible ripcord grip603is stamped from a die stamp having a shape that includes the substantially circular shape614, the first tuck flap606, and the second tuck flap608.

The locking tabs604are subsequently secured to the material614in various ways. For example, in an embodiment, the locking tabs604are secured to the material614using rivets616. In another embodiment, the locking tabs604are secured to the material614using bolts618.

For illustrative purposed only,FIG. 6Cdepicts locking tab6042and locking tab6044as being secured to the collapsible ripcord grip603by rivets616.FIG. 6Calso depicts locking tab6041and locking tab6043as being secured to the collapsible ripcord grip603by bolts618. It is appreciated that any combination of rivets616and/or bolts618can be used to secure the locking tabs604to the collapsible ripcord grip603.

The remaining components (e.g., grip handle610, lanyard (not shown), and pins (not shown) are subsequently added to the collapsible ripcord grip603.

FIG. 7depicts another perspective view of the embodiment of the collapsible ripcord grip600depicted inFIG. 6A. For illustrative purposes only,FIG. 7depicts an opposite side700(also referred to herein as the “bottom layer700”) of the collapsible ripcord grip600depicted inFIG. 6A. However, it is appreciated that a lanyard700and pins702are included on the bottom layer of the embodiment601and603depicted inFIG. 6BandFIG. 6C, respectively.

In an embodiment, a plurality of locking tabs604is attached to the bottom layer700. The lanyard704is attached to the bottom layer700in at least one location. Illustratively, the lanyard704is attached to the bottom layer700in one location.

The locking tabs604(in conjunction with stowage flaps (not shown)) help to secure the collapsible ripcord grip600into a parachute pack tray (not shown) by providing a resistance that must be overcome by a pulling force sufficient to extract the collapsible ripcord grip600from the parachute pack tray. The resistive force necessary for extraction of the collapsible ripcord grip600can be modified by changing the attachment location(s) of the locking tabs604on the collapsible ripcord grip600, changing the dimensions of the locking tabs604, the material composition of the locking tabs604, and/or changing the dimensions and/or material composition of the flexible/collapsible material600.

In an embodiment, each locking tab604is made of a material that is about one inches wide and is attached to the collapsible ripcord grip600in four symmetrical locations spaced between the first tuck flap606and the second tuck flap608. In an embodiment, attachment of the locking tabs604to the collapsible ripcord grip600is made by stitching the locking tabs604to the collapsible ripcord grip600. For example, a42stitch ⅞-in bartack with “E thread” can be used to stitch the locking tabs604to the collapsible ripcord grip600. The location of the locking tabs604helps to achieve a desired “pull force” to activate a parachute in the parachute pack tray. The dimensions of the locking tabs604and their position on the collapsible grip600determine, in part, the magnitude of the activation “pull force.”

In an embodiment, the locking tabs604have a color that is different than the color(s) of the rest of the collapsible ripcord grip600to allow easier inspection of the collapsible ripcord grip600. For example, inspection of the collapsible ripcord grip600can include verifying a fully seated collapsible ripcord grip600to increase individual jumper safety.

FIG. 8depicts stowage flaps8001and8002(collectively referred to herein as “stowage flaps800”), in accordance with an embodiment. Illustratively, each stowage flap800has two 42 stitch ⅞-in, bartack located on the top and bottom inner portion which serve to interface and mate with the locking tabs when the collapsible ripcord grip is seated on the parachute (not shown). These bartack are placed during attachment of the stowage flap. In an embodiment, the stowage flaps800are made of CORDURA®.

FIG. 9depicts an embodiment in a parachute pack tray900. Specifically,FIG. 9depicts collapsible ripcord grip100inside a parachute pack tray system900. Visible inFIG. 9are the outer layer102, ripcord grip handle110, and stowage flaps800. Pocket9021and stowage pocket9022(collectively “stowage pockets902”) are components of the pack tray900. Stowage pockets902are not part of the collapsible ripcord grip100.

A pack tray can be retrofitted to accommodate the collapsible ripcord grips depicted in the figures. For example, sewing stowage pockets902and stowage flaps800onto a pack tray accomplish retrofitting a pack tray.

By inserting202and2022in the parachutes soft closing loops to close the parachute packtray, then collapsing the collapsible ripcord grip100behind the stowage flaps800and stowage pockets902the collapsible ripcord grip100is secured in place by way of pressure exerted by the folded parachute inside the packtray (not shown) and pressure against the stowage flaps800and stowage pockets902. The concave shape of the flexible member300conforms to the contour of the parachute inside the pack tray900. In addition, an embodiment can be used with parachutes that incorporate a spring assist as a deployment assist device which that applies an outward pressure and force against the collapsible ripcord grip, the first tuck flap106, the second tuck flap108, and the stowage pockets900.

Activation of the parachute is achieved when a sufficient pulling force is applied to the ripcord grip handle110. When the ripcord handle110is pulled, the collapsible ripcord grip100collapses and is removed from each stowage flap800allowing the locking tabs104(not shown inFIG. 9) and tuck flaps106and108to receive tension and be pulled free from the pack tray900. The sufficient pulling force created with such a movement transfers to the lanyard204and locking pins202. The locking pins202become dislodged from a soft closing loop and the parachute is activated.

The locking tab104allows closure of the collapsible ripcord grip100with an aerodynamic transition of the collapsible ripcord grip100from inside the stowage flaps800on the parachute pack tray900to the top of the parachute pack tray. The stowage flaps800and collapsible ripcord grip100with locking tabs104are designed to provide an aerodynamic closure of the parachute pack900and maintain a specific force required to prevent accidental deployment caused by airflow and lifting the ripcord grip off the parachute pack tray during parachute jump operations.

The locking pins202,210are secured in place with a textile, composite and or metal type material sewn, welded or an epoxy material to the collapsible ripcord grip100. Although some figures depict pins210and others depict202, it is appreciated that they are used interchangeably and that all of the figures depicted can use either pins210and/or pins202.

The flexible member300is fabricated in a circular, conical, straight or rectangular shaped with multiple ply of textiles, plastics, metal and or composites or like materials. The flexible member300, constructed of textiles, plastics, metal and or composites or like materials specific to the application to be utilized, may be utilized as an “extractor or pilot chute ring.” The extractor or pilot chute ring is designed to prevent movement of the extractor or a spring loaded pilot chute during storage, transportation and throughout the duration of a parachute jump until such time as the parachute is determined by the parachutist to be deployed and or maintenance or service is required.

In the embodiments described herein, and depicted in the FIGs., some components are depicted and described as a single component. However, these depictions and descriptions are not intended, in any way, to limit the scope of the material taught herein.