Patent Description:
Parachutes may be used to slow and stabilize an object (e.g., an ejection seat or a person) supported by the parachute. Parachutes typically comprise a canopy to increase drag, and suspension lines coupled to the canopy. The suspension lines may be weaved or otherwise bound to one another to form risers configured to attach the object to the parachute and stabilize the object to reduce rotation while under canopy. A parachute system is disclosed in <CIT>.

A suspension line assembly for a parachute is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first set of horizontal straps are between <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (<NUM> to <NUM>) apart from each other and the second set of horizontal straps are between <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (<NUM> to <NUM>) apart from each other.

In various embodiments, the first set of horizontal straps comprises a first navigational strap and the second set of horizontal straps comprises a second navigational strap, and the first navigational strap and the second navigational strap are configured to control steering of the parachute.

In various embodiments, wherein the cradle comprises at least one of canvas, nylon, polyester, cotton, reinforcement fibers such as aramid and para-aramid fiber, and combinations of the same.

A parachute assembly is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

A method of making a parachute is provided as defined by claim <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises coupling a canopy to the first plurality of suspension lines and the second plurality of suspension lines.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises coupling a first set of horizontal straps between the first parallel riser and the first tandem riser, and coupling a second set of horizontal straps between the second parallel riser and the second tandem riser.

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosures, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein.

The scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Also, any reference to tacked, attached, fixed, coupled, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and/or any other possible attachment option. Surface shading lines may be used throughout the figures to denote different parts but not necessarily to denote the same or different materials.

Disclosed herein is a parachute assembly including, in various embodiments, a suspension line assembly having risers and a cradle disposed between the risers. When a parachute assembly is deployed there is a large amount of force put on the parachute assembly which is then transferred to the parachute operator. The cradle may be configured to dampen the forces applied to the parachute operator's neck and head during deployment of the parachute assembly.

With reference to <FIG>, a parachute assembly <NUM> is illustrated in a deployed position <NUM>, in accordance with various embodiments. Parachute assembly <NUM> may comprise a canopy <NUM> and a suspension line assembly <NUM>. Suspension line assembly <NUM> comprises a first plurality of suspension lines <NUM>, a first confluence <NUM> which splits into a first riser <NUM> and a first parallel riser <NUM>, and a second plurality of suspension lines <NUM>, a second confluence <NUM> which splits into a second riser <NUM> and a second parallel riser <NUM>. In various embodiments, suspension lines <NUM> and suspension lines <NUM> may be attached to canopy <NUM> at a first end <NUM> of suspension line assembly <NUM>.

The first riser <NUM>, the first parallel riser <NUM>, the second riser <NUM>, and the second parallel riser <NUM> may be configured to attach an object, such as an occupant harness <NUM>, to parachute assembly <NUM>. In various embodiments the occupant harness <NUM> comprises a first strap <NUM> and a second strap <NUM>, with momentary reference to <FIG>. In various embodiments, first riser <NUM>, and first parallel riser <NUM>, may comprise a first attachment location <NUM>. In various embodiments, second riser <NUM>, and second parallel riser <NUM>, may comprise a second attachment location <NUM>. First attachment location <NUM> and second attachment location <NUM> may be proximate a second end <NUM> of suspension line assembly <NUM>. First attachment location <NUM> and second attachment location <NUM> may comprise any suitable attachment mechanism for securing an object to parachute assembly <NUM>. In various embodiments, first attachment location <NUM> and second attachment location <NUM> may comprise a loop created by each riser being bound to itself. In various embodiments, attachment locations <NUM> and <NUM> may comprise a shackle. In various embodiments, a cradle <NUM> is disposed between the first riser <NUM>, and the second riser <NUM>.

With additional reference to <FIG>, a first tandem riser <NUM> is coupled to the first parallel riser <NUM>. In various embodiments, the first tandem riser <NUM> may be coupled to the first parallel riser <NUM> by reinforced stitching, adhesives, or fabric A second tandem riser <NUM> is coupled to the second parallel riser <NUM>. In various embodiments, the second tandem riser <NUM> may be coupled to the second parallel riser <NUM> by reinforced stitching, adhesives, or fabric bonding.

In various embodiments the cradle <NUM> is disposed between the first riser <NUM> and the second riser <NUM>. The cradle <NUM> is coupled to the first tandem riser <NUM> and the second tandem riser <NUM>. The cradle <NUM> may comprise typical fabric materials like canvas, nylon, polyester, cotton, reinforcement fibers such as aramid and para-aramid fiber, and combinations of the same. The cradle <NUM> may be a rectangular shape such that it can wrap around a portion of the parachute operator. In various embodiments, the cradle <NUM> may be any suitable geometric shape. The cradle <NUM> may further be constructed with multiple panels, with or without gussets, to form a three-dimensional curve or other shape. The cradle <NUM> may be comprised of other suitable geometric shapes such as a square, a trapezoid or a circle. The cradle <NUM> may also be elastic and comprised of netting, webbing or the like. The cradle <NUM> may be attached to the first tandem riser <NUM> and the second tandem riser <NUM> such that there is space between the first parallel riser <NUM> and the first tandem riser <NUM>, and there is space between the second parallel riser <NUM> and the second tandem riser <NUM>. The space between the parallel risers and the tandem risers creates a window of visibility for the parachute operator which may be useful in an emergency situation.

In various embodiments the first riser <NUM>, the first parallel riser <NUM>, the second riser <NUM>, and the second parallel riser <NUM> may be configured to attach an object, such as the occupant harness <NUM>, to parachute assembly <NUM>. The occupant harness may comprise a first strap <NUM> which attaches to the first attachment location <NUM>. In various embodiments the occupant harness may comprise a second strap <NUM> which attaches to the second attachment location <NUM>.

There is at least one first horizontal strap <NUM> coupled to the first parallel riser <NUM> and the first tandem riser <NUM>. In various embodiments, there may be a first set of horizontal straps comprised of more than one first horizontal strap <NUM>. In various embodiments, the first set of horizontal straps may also comprise a first navigational strap <NUM> coupled to the first parallel riser <NUM> and the first tandem riser <NUM>. Navigational straps may be used by the parachute operator to steer the parachute assembly once it's in the deployed position <NUM>. In various embodiments there is at least one second horizontal strap <NUM> coupled to the second parallel riser <NUM> and the second tandem riser <NUM> There is a second set of horizontal straps comprised of more than one first horizontal strap <NUM>. The second set of horizontal straps may also comprise a second navigational strap <NUM> coupled to the second parallel riser <NUM> and the second tandem riser <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first navigational strap <NUM> and the second navigational strap <NUM> are configured to control steering of the parachute assembly. In various embodiments, the parachute operator may control the parachute assembly by placing a force on one or both of the first navigational strap <NUM> and the second navigational strap <NUM>. Placing force on the navigational strap will create more drag in the canopy on the side the force is placed, which in allows the parachute operator to have navigational control of the parachute assembly. The horizontal straps also create a system that prevents the parachute operator from potentially getting an operator's head and/or neck stuck between a tandem riser and a parallel riser, which can cause injury.

With combined reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a suspension line assembly <NUM> comprises at least one first horizontal strap <NUM> coupled to the first parallel riser <NUM> and the first tandem riser <NUM>. In various embodiments there may be a first set of horizontal straps <NUM> comprised of more than one first horizontal strap <NUM> and at least one first navigational strap <NUM>. Each first horizontal strap <NUM> may be between <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (<NUM> to <NUM>) apart from each other, between <NUM> inch to <NUM> inches (<NUM> to <NUM>) apart from each other, and between <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (<NUM> <NUM>) apart from each other. In various embodiments, the first set of horizontal straps <NUM> may comprise four first horizontal straps <NUM>.

The suspension line assembly <NUM> comprises at least one second horizontal strap <NUM> coupled to the second parallel riser <NUM> and the second tandem riser <NUM>. In various embodiments, there may be a second set of horizontal straps <NUM> comprised of more than one second horizontal strap <NUM> and at least one second navigational strap <NUM>. Each second horizontal strap <NUM> may be between <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (<NUM> to <NUM>) apart from each other, between <NUM> inch to <NUM> inches (<NUM> to <NUM>) apart from each other, and between <NUM> inches to <NUM> inches (<NUM> <NUM>) apart from each other. In various embodiments the second set of horizontal straps <NUM> may comprise four second horizontal straps <NUM>. Suspension line assembly <NUM> also comprises a cradle <NUM> which is coupled to the first tandem riser <NUM> and the second tandem riser <NUM>.

With combined reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the suspension line assembly <NUM> may be disposed in a stowed position <NUM>. In the stowed position <NUM> the first riser <NUM>, the first parallel riser <NUM>, the first tandem riser <NUM>, and the first set of horizontal straps <NUM>, are compressed together via a non-permanent bonding means such as tacking. In the stowed position <NUM> the second riser <NUM>, the second parallel riser <NUM>, the second tandem riser <NUM>, and the second set of horizontal straps <NUM>, are compressed together via a non-permanent bonding means such as tacking. In various embodiments the straps may be compressed together by other suitable non-permanent bonding means such that when the parachute assembly deploys then the straps may decompress and separate from each other such as in <FIG>.

In various embodiments, the cradle <NUM> is coupled to the first tandem riser <NUM> and the second tandem riser <NUM> by stitching, though coupling may also be achieved through use of adhesives, fabric bonding, rivets, other fasteners, and combinations of the same. In various embodiments, the cradle <NUM> is compressed and its material is folded together in the stowed position <NUM>. In various embodiments, the cradle <NUM> material may be folded together in the manner of bellows to make the cradle <NUM> compact while in the stowed position <NUM>. In various embodiments, the cradle <NUM> may also be folded in the shape of a v while in the stowed position <NUM>. Folding and compressing the cradle <NUM> while in the stowed position <NUM> allows for easier storage of the cradle <NUM> while the parachute is not deployed.

With additional reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, a method <NUM> for forming the parachute assembly <NUM> is provided, in accordance with various embodiments. Method <NUM> includes, forming the first riser <NUM> by binding the first plurality of suspension lines <NUM> together (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes forming the second riser <NUM> by binding the second plurality of suspension lines <NUM> together (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes forming the first confluence <NUM> using the first plurality of suspension lines <NUM> (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes forming the second confluence <NUM> using the second plurality of suspension lines <NUM> (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes coupling the first parallel riser <NUM> in parallel with the first riser <NUM> between the first confluence <NUM> and the first attachment location <NUM> (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes coupling a second parallel riser <NUM> in parallel with the second riser <NUM> between the second confluence <NUM> and a second attachment location <NUM> (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes coupling a first tandem riser <NUM> to the first parallel riser <NUM>, and a second tandem riser <NUM> to the second parallel riser <NUM> (step <NUM>). Method <NUM> includes coupling the cradle <NUM> between the first tandem riser <NUM> and the second tandem riser <NUM> (step <NUM>).

The first riser <NUM>, the first parallel riser <NUM>, the first tandem riser <NUM>, the second riser <NUM>, the second parallel riser <NUM>, the second tandem riser <NUM> and the cradle <NUM> are compressed together when the parachute is in the stowed position <NUM>. The first riser <NUM>, the first parallel riser <NUM>, the first tandem riser <NUM>, the second riser <NUM>, the second parallel riser <NUM>, the second tandem riser <NUM> and the cradle <NUM> are decompressed in response to a deployed position <NUM> of the parachute assembly.

In various embodiments, method <NUM> may further comprise coupling the canopy <NUM> to the first plurality of suspension lines <NUM> and the second plurality of suspension lines <NUM>. In various embodiments, method <NUM> may further comprise coupling the first plurality of horizontal straps <NUM> between the first parallel riser <NUM> and the first tandem riser <NUM> and coupling the second plurality of horizontal straps <NUM> between the second parallel riser <NUM> and the second tandem riser <NUM>.

However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosures. The scope of the disclosures is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more.

Claim 1:
A suspension line assembly : (<NUM>) for a parachute assembly, comprising:
a first end of suspension line assembly (<NUM>);
a first plurality of suspension lines (<NUM>) bound together at a first confluence (<NUM>), a second plurality of suspension lines (<NUM>) bound together at a second confluence (<NUM>);
a first riser (<NUM>) extending between the first confluence and a first attachment location disposed on a first strap proximate a second end (<NUM>) of the suspension line assembly (<NUM>);
a second riser (<NUM>) extending between the second confluence and a second attachment location disposed on a second strap proximate a second end (<NUM>) of the suspension line assembly (<NUM>);
a cradle (<NUM>) disposed between the first riser and the second riser;
a first parallel riser (<NUM>) coupled between the first confluence (<NUM>) and the first attachment location in parallel with the first riser;
a second parallel riser (<NUM>) coupled between the second confluence (<NUM>) and the second attachment location in parallel with the second riser;
a first tandem riser (<NUM>) coupled to the first parallel riser; and
a second tandem riser (<NUM>) coupled to the second parallel riser, wherein the cradle is coupled to the first tandem riser and the second tandem riser; wherein a first set of horizontal straps (<NUM>) is coupled to the first tandem riser and the first parallel riser; and
a second set of horizontal straps (<NUM>) is coupled to the second tandem riser and the second parallel riser.