WO2005012086A2

WO2005012086A2 - Rescue parachute device

Info

Publication number: WO2005012086A2
Application number: PCT/IL2004/000715
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benjamin Golovaty
Original assignee: AIP EVACUATION SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: AIP EVACUATION SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 2003-08-05
Filing date: 2004-08-03
Publication date: 2005-02-10
Anticipated expiration: 2006-02-05
Also published as: WO2005012086A3

Abstract

A rescue parachute device and method, which fully deploys the canopy (20) of the parachute prior to the jump and maintains it in the proper position. The device comprises: an inflatable canopy with inflation sleeves, housed in an initial deflated state within a housing (16); compressed gas canister (26), for containing compressed gas, with piping fluidly connected to the sleeves for inflating the inflatable canopy; a harness coupled to the housing for accoutering to a user; and an actuator for actuating release of compressed gas from the canister to inflate the canopy.

Description

RESCUE PARACHUTE DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a novel method and device for providing a rescue parachute capable of fully deploying prior to the user diving off elevated locations and for allowing a safe parachutist jumping from any altitude.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parachutes have been used for years by parachutists for safely diving off airplanes. Occasionally stuntmen and daredevils attempt diving off very high structures, such as bridges dams, or skyscrapers. Many parachutes are designed with round or square canopies, which when deployed slow down the user's free fall, thus facilitating safe landing on the ground. A typical sky-diving or an airplane parachute is tucked away inside a bag worn by the parachutist and is deployed when the activating string is pulled, opening the bag and causing the parachute to deploy. The response time of such a parachute is in the order of a few seconds, and requires initial high-velocity for successful deployment, which is good enough for sky-divers, but may prove fatal for persons diving off tall buildings. While normally people do not dive off buildings, it became clear, in wake of the dreadful events on Sept. 11, 2001 , when the twin towers of the World Trade Center were hit by airliners piloted by terrorists and came tumbling down, that there may be emergency situations where parachuting off a building would be the only way to escape a life-threatening situation, and therefore a prior-to-jump deploying parachute (which needs no initial velocity to deploy) is required. US Patent Application No. 20020134890 discloses a parachute having two air-balloon sections within the upper portion of the main canopy. Each of these air-balloon sections is isolated from the main canopy and from the other air- balloon section. Both air-balloon sections are filled with lighter-than-air gas and thus provide an active lift to the parachute. The sections are filled either manually, in accordance with a predetermined scheme, by the parachutist himself or automatically after the main canopy opens up. The characteristics of this device, inter-alia the arrangement of the inflatable member in sections as well as the manual inflation option, suggest that the device is not designed for rapid fully deployment prior to the user diving off elevated locations. It is an object of the present invention to provide a rescue parachute device and method including a rapid deploying mechanism for fully deploying the canopy prior to a hasty escape from any elevated location or building. Another object of the present invention is to provide such rescue parachute device that provides stability to the parachutist during the inflation procedure of the parachute. Another object of the present invention is to provide such rescue parachute device that is comfortable to wear and adjust and is easily handled. Another object of the present invention is to provide such parachute device that by being able to deploy before jumping, can be used as a safer alternative for the sport of jumping of tall structures (known as BASE jumping). Other advantages and aspects of the present invention will become apparent after reading the present specification and reviewing the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is thus provided, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a rescue parachute device comprising: Inflatable canopy with inflation sleeves, housed in an initial deflated state within a housing; Compressed gas canister, for containing compressed gas, with piping fluidly connected to the sleeves for inflating the inflatable canopy; A harness coupled to the housing for accoutering to a user; Actuator ,for actuating release of compressed gas from the canister to inflate the canopy. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a stabilizer support is provided, for enhanced stability of the user during inflation of the canopy. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the stabilizer support comprises a foldable support frame. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the pressurized gas comprises gas that is lighter than air. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the pressurized gas comprises helium. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the harness comprises straps for accoutering the device around the waist and under the legs of the user. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the piping comprises pipes provided on two opposing sides of the housing, so as to facilitate balanced symmetric deployment of the inflatable canopy. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, more than one pipe is provided on either of the two opposite sides. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the piping is aligned with a direction in which the canopy is deployed when inflated. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, strings are provided to hold the canopy in a desired position. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the strings are connected to a bar held by strings to the harness. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the strings are connected to a bar held by strings to the housing. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the housing is coupled to the harness at a position, which is over the head of the user. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the housing is provided with a depression designed to accommodate the head of the user. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the housing is coupled to the harness at a position which is against the chest of the user. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the sleeves and the canopy are made from a flexible impervious and impermeable material. Furthermore, in accordance with some preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method and device for a rescue parachute deployment prior to dive off an elevated platform comprising: Inflatable canopy with inflation sleeves, housed in an initial deflated state within a housing; Compressed gas canister, for containing compressed gas, with piping fluidly connected to the sleeves for inflating the inflatable canopy; A harness coupled to the housing for accoutering to a user; Actuator for actuating release of pressurized gas from the canister to inflate the canopy;, and actuating the release of the pressurized gas from the canister, thereby causing early inflation of the parachute prior to diving off any altitude.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

In order to better understand the present invention, and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are provided and referenced hereafter. It should be noted that the Figures are given as examples only and in no way limit the scope of the invention. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals. Fig. 1 illustrates a frontal view of a rescue parachute device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, engaged to a user, in an initial non-deployed state. Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the device shown in Fig. 1 , with the user leaning over a window, aided by a stabilizer frame of the device, during the deployment of the parachute. Fig. 3a illustrates an early stage in the deployment of the rescue parachute device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3b illustrates an intermediary stage in the deployment of the rescue parachute device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3c illustrates a final stage in the deployment of the rescue parachute device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 illustrates a rescue parachute device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the deflated canopy stored in a housing held against the chest of the user

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An aspect of the present invention is the provision of rescue parachute device and method, facilitating a quick-response parachute device, for allowing successful escape from life-threatening situations at any altitude. Another aspect of the present invention is the provision of a rescue parachute device that is provided with stabilizing aid to minimize the risk of the wearer losing balance during the deployment of the parachute and falling off his feet. Yet another aspect of the present invention is the provision of a rescue parachute device that allows the user to dive off any elevation, since the parachute deploys prior to the jump, eliminating the need for minimal deployment altitude . The novel rescue parachute device of the present invention comprises a main inflatable canopy, a gas tank filled with pressurized gas (lighter than air to hold the inflated canopy above the jumper prior to jump) for inflating the parachute, inflation tubes connected to the inflatable canopy, a housing for housing the inflatable canopy in its deflated state and means for accoutering the device to the user's body. In order to enhance stability and support the user during the deployment of the parachute a stabilizer frame is further provided for setting a convenient supported posture of the user in the deployment stage. In accordance with the present invention, the device may be activated at any altitude without significantly affecting its efficiency and speed of deployment. Additionally, the device is comfortable to wear and adjust and is easily handled by the parachutist. Reference is now made to the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 illustrates a frontal view of a rescue parachute device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, engaged to a user, in an initial non-deployed state. The rescue parachute device generally denoted by numeral 10 comprises a housing 16 for housing an inflatable canopy 20 in a deflated state. The inflatable canopy 20 is fluidly connected to inflating pipes 22, which are used to deliver inflating gas into the inflatable canopy and inflate it rapidly, deploying it outside the housing 16. The housing is provided with a harness 14, for accoutering the device to a users body 12, around his waist and under his legs, as well as securing the gas canister (see Fig. 2) over his back. The housing is designed to be positioned over the user's head, so as to deploy the parachute directly over-head. For this end a depression in the housing is provided, designed to accommodate the user's head. A rigid support frame 28 is optionally provided for enhancing the stability of the housing over the user's head, the frame connected to the housing and to the harness. The harness may be in the form of strips or a vest. The inflating pipes 22 are provided on opposite sides, over both shoulders, so as to facilitate balanced symmetric deployment of the parachute. An optional stabilizer frame 18 is provided, pivotally (24) attached adjacent the user's chest, attached to the harness, so as to aid the user to assume a stable posture during the deployment of the parachute (see also Fig. 2). Fig. 2 illustrates a side view of the device shown in Fig. 1 , with the user leaning over a window, aided by a stabilizer frame of the device, during the deployment of the parachute. The user is shown to be inside a room, standing by a window 42 in wall

40. In an emergency the user wears the rescue parachute device, strapping the harness onto himself. A gas canister 26, filled with pressurized gas, preferably lighter than air (like helium), is provided on the back support frame 28, and connected to inflating pipes 22. The user lean across the sill, unfolding the stabilizer frame 19, which is preferably limited by auxiliary bar 19, for support. He then actuates the gas canister by pulling activating release cord 52, releasing the pressurized gas through the inflating pipes 22 into sleeves 30 of canopy 20. As gas fills the pipes and enters the inflatable canopy 20, the canopy emerges from the housing and deploys over the user's head. The inert force of the pressurized gas is efficiently utilized for fast and appropriate inflation of the canopy by installing the sleeves of the inflatable canopy over the inflating pipes, preferably aligning the inflatable canopy with the inflating pipes. The stabilizer frame 18 not only serves for support but also causes the user to bend over the sill into a desired position, preferably defining about 45 degrees between his back and the wall, allowing the canopy to deploy outside the window, preventing deployment inside the room, which might lead to the user being captured inside and unable to rescue himself. The canopy is further provided with strings 32 (like in ordinary parachutes) which are preferably connected to a base frame 31 that is held over the user's head by strings 54 attached to his harness. Alternatively the strings are directly attached to the harness. Note that pipes 22 ought to allow high gas flow rate through in order to efficiently deploy the canopy. This may be achieved by providing wide enough sleeves. Fig. 3a illustrates an early stage in the deployment of the rescue parachute device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As gas enters sleeves 30 canopy 50 emerges from the housing 16. Fig. 3b illustrates an intermediary stage in the deployment of the rescue parachute device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. When outside, canopy 50 begins deploying laterally, as well as upwards. Fig. 3c illustrates a final stage in the deployment of the rescue parachute device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this final stage the canopy 50 is fully inflated and deploys, with strings 32 deployed and holding canopy 50 is the right orientation for the user to dive off and slowly descend down to safety. Fig. 4 illustrates a rescue parachute device in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the deflated canopy stored in a housing held against the chest of the user. The housing also serves as a stabilizer to support the user during the deployment stage of the parachute. Alternatively an additional stabilizer may be added to that aim. It is possible to enhance the rapid deployment of the inflatable canopy by pyrotechnic means such as: small separated chambers within the canopy or sleeves, that are inflated in a very short time by gas generated by a pyrotechnic device, thus stiffening the structure and shaping the parachute as desired, before it is fully inflated, or within the housing, to improve the stability and control the direction of deployment. To prevent deflation of the canopy, the flexible air sleeves 30, as well as the inflatable canopy itself are preferably made of a gas impermeable material, for example durable plastic nylon or polymer. Positioning the parachutist in the optimal bending position, as proposed, is provided to absorb the blast and resisting forces, which result from the expansion of the helium gas and the inflation of the canopy. At the last step, the parachutist climbs over the window and pushes off the wall, straightening himself up from his bending position and descending to safety. The inflating pipes are preferably aligned with the direction in which the inflatable canopy deploys, as this is important for fast deployment of the parachute. This maximizes efficiently the thrust provided by the errupting gas from the canister (and pyrotechnic means if these are used) to deploy the canopy in the right position over the user's head. The lift forces of the lighter-than-air gas facilitate prolonged suspension of the canopy over the user before he dives off. The rescue parachute device of the present invention can be used at any elevation, since it is fully deployed prior to diving. This renders this invention particularly suitable for emergency escapes from any floor of a building or other elevated paltform. It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope as covered by the following Claims. It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification could make adjustments or amendments to the attached Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the following Claims.

Claims

1. A rescue parachute device, which is fully deployed prior to jump, comprising: Inflatable canopy with inflation sleeves, housed in an initial deflated state within a housing; Compressed gas canister, for containing compressed gas, with piping fluidly connected to the sleeves for inflating the inflatable canopy; A harness coupled to the housing for accoutering to a user; and Actuator for actuating release of compressed gas from the canister to inflate the canopy.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein a stabilizer support is provided, for enhanced stability of the user during inflation of the canopy.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the stabilizer support comprises a foldable support frame.

4. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pressurized gas comprises gas that is lighter than air.

5. The device of claim 4, wherein the pressurized gas comprises helium.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the harness comprises straps for accoutering the device around the waist and under the legs of the user.

7. The device of claim 1 , wherein the piping comprises pipes provided on two opposing sides of the housing, so as to facilitate balanced symmetric deployment of the inflatable canopy.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein more than one pipe is provided on either of the two opposite sides.

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the piping is aligned with a direction in which the canopy is deployed when inflated.

10. The device of claim 1 , wherein strings are provided to hold the canopy in a desired position.

1 1. The device of claim 10, wherein the strings are connected to a bar held by strings to the harness.

12. The device of claim 10, wherein the strings are connected to a bar held by strings to the housing.

13. The device of claim 1 , wherein housing is coupled to the harness at a position, which is over the head of the user.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein the housing is provided with a depression designed to accommodate the head of the user.

15. The device of claim 1 , wherein the housing is coupled to the harness at a position which is against the chest of the user.

16. The device of claim 1 , wherein the sleeves and the canopy are made from a flexible impervious material.

17. A method for rescue parachute to be used to dive off any elevated platform comprising:

Providing a rescue parachute device comprising: Inflatable canopy with inflation sleeves, housed in an initial deflated state within a housing; Compressed gas canister, for containing compressed gas, with piping fluidly connected to the sleeves for inflating the inflatable canopy; A harness coupled to the housing for accoutering to a user; Actuator for actuating release of pressurized gas from the canister to inflate the canopy; and actuating the release of the pressurized gas from the canister, thereby causing effective inflation of the parachute.

18. A rescue parachute device substantially as described in the present specification, accompanying drawings and appending claims.

19. A method for rescue parachute to be used to dive off any altitude substantially as described in the present specification, accompanying drawings and appending claims.