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US 12,146,349 B2Granted
Lever-lock release systems and methods
AssigneeRoy L. Fox, Jr.
InventorRoy L. Fox, Jr.
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A lever-lock release system is configured to releasably couple two objects together, for example a parachute and a payload. The lever-lock release system may comprise a first lever and a second lever, each rotatably coupled to a rigid base. When activated, the levers cascadingly rotate to release a first object and a second object. With these systems and related methods, various failure modes may be eliminated, such as undesired premature deployment of recovery parachutes during aerial delivery.
Claims11
A lever-lock release system, comprising:
- a rigid base having a first pivot point and a second pivot point;
- a first lever having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally coupled to the rigid base via the first pivot point such that the first lever is rotatable with respect to the base;
- and
- a second lever having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second lever is pivotally coupled to the rigid base via the second pivot point such that the second lever is rotatable with respect to the base,
- wherein the second end of the second lever is configured to overlappingly engage the first end of the first lever,
- wherein the first pivot point and the second pivot point are fixed with respect to the rigid base,
- wherein the first lever is coupled to the base via a pivot arm, and
- wherein the pivot arm and the first lever are rotatable with respect to one another.
5 more elements
A lever-lock release system, comprising:
- a rigid base having a first pivot point and a second pivot point;
- a first lever having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally coupled to the rigid base via the first pivot point such that the first lever is rotatable with respect to the base;
- a second lever having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second lever is pivotally coupled to the rigid base via the second pivot point such that the second lever is rotatable with respect to the base;
- and
- a suspension sling of an aerial delivery payload releasably coupled to the second lever,
- wherein the second end of the second lever is configured to overlappingly engage the first end of the first lever,
- wherein the first pivot point and the second pivot point are fixed with respect to the rigid base,
- wherein the base has a top end and a bottom end,
- wherein the second lever is configured with a J-shape when viewed in a direction sideways to the top-to-bottom direction of the base, and
- wherein, responsive to rotation of the second lever, the suspension sling slides off the second lever.
7 more elements
A lever-lock release system, comprising:
- a rigid base having a first pivot point and a second pivot point;
- a first lever having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is pivotally coupled to the rigid base via the first pivot point such that the first lever is rotatable with respect to the base;
- a second lever having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the second lever is pivotally coupled to the rigid base via the second pivot point such that the second lever is rotatable with respect to the base;
- and
- a third lever coupled to the rigid base such that the third lever is rotatable with respect to the base,
- wherein the second end of the second lever is configured to overlappingly engage the first end of the first lever,
- wherein the first pivot point and the second pivot point are fixed with respect to the rigid base,
- wherein rotation of the first lever at least 20 degrees with respect to the base frees the second lever to rotate with respect to the base,
- wherein rotation of the second lever at least 20 degrees with respect to the base frees the third lever to rotate with respect to the base, and
- wherein the third lever is configured to slidably release a suspension sling of a payload responsive to rotation of the third lever with respect to the base.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.