Release mechanism device, parachute systems and parachute stabilization

Abstract

A cargo parachute stabilization system, utilized with an Intermediate Load Attachment Platform (ILAP) operationally disposed between the parachute and a cargo load. The parachute stabilization system secures the deployment bag to the ILAP during drogue fall and is released in response to dislodgment of at least one pull pin coupled directly or indirectly to the drogue parachute.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A cargo parachute system comprising:
 a drogue parachute;   a main parachute disposed in a deployment bag;   an intermediate load attachment platform for coupling a cargo load to the main parachute; and,   a parachute stabilization system comprising at least a first retention line operationally tautly extending between the deployment bag and the platform, and coupled to at least one of the deployment bag or the platform by a releasable stabilization anchor, the stabilization anchor being releasable responsive to dislodgment of a pull pin coupled directly or indirectly to the drogue parachute.   
     
     
         2 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the releasable stabilization anchor further comprises an anchor plate defining a passage therethrough, a retainer member operationally and removably disposed partially through the passage, wherein the pull pin is disposed to maintain the retainer member disposed through the passage when the retainer member is engaged by the pull pin, and release the retainer member to be removed from the passage when the pull-pin is dislodged. 
     
     
         3 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 2 , wherein the retainer member comprises an eyelet coupled to at least one retention line. 
     
     
         4 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 2 , wherein the retainer member comprises a bight in the retention line extending partially through the passage and operationally prevented from being released from the passage by the pull pin. 
     
     
         5 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 2 , wherein the anchor plate is embodied by a wall of the platform, and the passage is formed in the wall. 
     
     
         6 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 2 , wherein the retainer member is an anchor pin having a cavity therein, the cavity dimensioned to receive a portion of the pull pin therein; and,
 wherein the passage being operationally engaged by the anchor pin and being disposed between the deployment bag or the platform, and the pull pin operationally disposed in the anchor pin cavity.   
     
     
         7 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least a second additional retention line operationally tautly extending between the parachute bag and the platform, the second retention line being disposed on an opposite side of the platform from the first retention line. 
     
     
         8 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 1 , wherein the first retention line has a first and second ends, the first and second ends being anchored to one of the platform or the parachute bag, and having a bight engaging the pull pin directly or via an intermediate member, the bight defining a first section and a second section of the retention line, the first and second sections forming an angle therebetween. 
     
     
         9 . A cargo parachute system comprising:
 a drogue parachute;   a main parachute disposed in a deployment bag having a first side and an opposing second side;   an intermediate load attachment platform for coupling a cargo load to the main parachute;   a parachute bag stabilization system comprising a first retention line operationally tautly extending between the parachute bag and the platform, and coupled to at least one of the deployment bag or the platform by a first releasable stabilization anchor, the first retention line having two sections forming an angle therebetween, at least a portion of the two sections of the first retention line being adjacent the first side of the deployment bag; and,   a second retention line operationally tautly extending between the parachute bag and the platform, and coupled to at least one of the deployment bag or the platform by a second releasable stabilization anchor, the second retention line having a first and second sections forming an angle therebetween, at least a portion of the two sections of the second retention line being adjacent the second side of the deployment bag;   at least the first stabilization anchor being releasable responsive to a dislodgment of a pull pin coupled directly or indirectly to the drogue parachute.   
     
     
         10 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second sections of first retention line, or the first and the second retention lines each respectively, having a bight engaging the pull pin directly or via an intermediate member. 
     
     
         11 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 10 , wherein the intermediate member comprises an anchor plate. 
     
     
         12 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 10 , wherein the intermediate member comprises an anchor pin having a cavity to receive the pull pin therein, the anchor pin being operationally prevented from releasing the retention line when engaged by the pull pin. 
     
     
         13 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a third retention line operationally tautly extending between the parachute bag and the platform, and coupled to at least one of the deployment bag or the platform by a third releasable stabilization anchor, the third retention line having two sections forming an angle therebetween, at least a portion of the two sections of the first retention line being adjacent the first side of the deployment bag;   a fourth retention line operationally tautly extending between the parachute bag and the platform, and coupled to at least one of the deployment bag or the platform by a fourth releasable stabilization anchor, the fourth retention line having a first and second sections forming an angle therebetween, at least a portion of the two sections of the second retention line being adjacent the second side of the deployment bag.   
     
     
         14 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 13 , wherein at least one of the first and second sections of the third line cross at least one of the first and second sections of the first retention line; and at least one of the first and second sections of the fourth line cross at least one of the first and second sections of the second retention line. 
     
     
         15 . The parachute stabilization system of  claim 9 , wherein the second stabilization anchor being releasable responsive to a dislodgment of a pull pin coupled directly or indirectly to the drogue parachute. 
     
     
         16 . A method of securing a parachute to an intermediate load attachment platform, comprising:
 providing a main parachute disposed in a deployment bag;   providing a drogue parachute;   providing an intermediate load attachment platform;   securing the parachute bag to the platform by coupling a first retention line between the deployment bag or the platform, wherein the first retention line is coupled to at least one of the deployment bag or the platform by a releasable stabilization anchor, coupling a pull pin to the stabilization anchor, the stabilization anchor being releasable responsive to dislodgment of a pull pin, the pull pin being coupled directly or indirectly to the drogue parachute.   
     
     
         17 . A method as claimed in  claim 16 , wherein the deployment bag having a first side and a second, opposing side, and wherein the step of coupling the first retention line comprises coupling the first retention line to the first side, and further comprising: 
 coupling a second retention line between the second side of the deployment bag or the platform, wherein the second retention line is coupled to at least one of the deployment bag or the platform by a second releasable stabilization anchor; and,   coupling a second pull pin to the second stabilization anchor, the second stabilization anchor being releasable responsive to dislodgment of the second pull pin, the second pull pin being coupled directly or indirectly to the drogue parachute.