Soft link for connecting a group of parachute suspension lines to harness via risers

Abstract

A soft connector link is disclosed for connecting a first item to a second item such as canopy suspension lines to a canopy riser. In a first embodiment, the soft link preferably includes a flexible body member having a first looped end and a second looped end. A tab member is preferably attached or secured to the second looped end. The soft link is preferably constructed from a rope-like material such as high strength fiber. In an alternative embodiment, the second end of the body member is tabbed or lumped, as opposed to being looped. Two attachment methods for using the soft link as a connector are also disclosed and illustrated.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A soft link for connecting a first member to a second member, said soft link comprising: 
 a flexible body member having a first looped end and a second end.    
     
     
         2 . The soft link of    claim 1    wherein said second end is provided with a lump.  
     
     
         3 . The soft link of    claim 1    wherein the second end of said body member is looped.  
     
     
         4 . The soft link of    claim 3    further including a tab member secured to said second looped end.  
     
     
         5 . The soft link of    claim 1    wherein said body member is constructed from a rope like material.  
     
     
         6 . The soft link of    claim 5    wherein said rope like material is relatively high strength fibers.  
     
     
         7 . The soft link of    claim 1    wherein the first member is a group of parachute suspension lines and said second member is a riser.  
     
     
         8 . The soft link of    claim 1    wherein the first member is a bridle cord and the second member is a canopy.  
     
     
         9 . The soft link of    claim 8    wherein said canopy is a pilot chute.  
     
     
         10 . A soft link for connecting a first member to a second member, said soft link comprising: 
 a flexible body member having a first looped end and a second looped end; and    a tab member secured to said second looped end;    wherein said body member is constructed from a rope like material.    
     
     
         11 . The soft link of    claim 10    wherein said rope like material is relatively high strength fibers.  
     
     
         12 . The soft link of    claim 10    wherein the first member is a group of parachute suspension lines and said second member is a riser.  
     
     
         13 . The soft link of    claim 10    wherein the first member is a bridle cord and the second member is a canopy.  
     
     
         14 . The soft link of    claim 13    wherein said canopy is a pilot chute.  
     
     
         15 . The soft link of    claim 10    wherein said rope like material is nylon.  
     
     
         16 . The soft link of    claim 10    wherein said flexible body member including at least one bartack thread.  
     
     
         17 . A soft link for connecting a first member of a parachute assembly to a second member of a parachute assembly, said soft link comprising: 
 a flexible body member having a first looped end and a second looped end, said flexible body member having a plurality of bartack threads; and    a tab member secured to said second looped end;    wherein said body member is constructed from relatively high strength fibers.    
     
     
         18 . The soft link of    claim 17    wherein the first member is a group of parachute suspension lines and said second member is a riser.  
     
     
         19 . The soft link of    claim 17    wherein the first member is a bridle cord and the second member is a canopy.  
     
     
         20 . The soft link of    claim 19    wherein said canopy is a pilot chute.  
     
     
         21 . The soft link of    claim 17    wherein said tab member includes a nylon member secured to the second looped end of said body member and a label attached to the nylon member.