Parachutes

Abstract

A parachute has a canopy and rigging lines with skirt assist lines connected between a point on each rigging line adjacent a lower edge of the canopy and a point on the interior of the canopy spaced from the lower edge. The arrangement is such that a portion of the canopy between the point and the lower edge is relieved of tension as the canopy is deployed to assist the opening of the canopy. The skirt assist lines are frangible. This prevents rapid deployment of the canopy to lower g-forces on the load in high speed opening.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A parachute comprising a canopy having a lower edge, rigging lines connecting the canopy to a load and a plurality of skirt assist lines, each skirt assist line extending between a respective rigging line and a respective point on the interior of the canopy such that a portion of the canopy between the point and the lower edge is relieved of tension as the canopy is deployed to assist the opening of the canopy, the skirt assist lines being frangible.  
     
     
         2 . A parachute according to  claim 1  wherein the skirt assist lines are frangible prior to deployment of the canopy.  
     
     
         3 . A parachute according to  claim 1  wherein the skirt assist lines are frangible during deployment of the canopy if the load in the skirt assist lines exceed a predetermined maximum.  
     
     
         4 . A parachute according to  claim 3  wherein each skirt assist line includes a weak point designed to break the associated skirt assist line if the load in the skirt assist line exceeds a predetermined maximum.  
     
     
         5 . A parachute according to  claim 2  wherein each skirt assist line is severable.  
     
     
         6 . A parachute according to  claim 5  wherein means are associated with each skirt assist line for severing the skirt assist line.