US 5,664,897 A · Releasable connector with severable line

Abstract

A releasable connector for a pair of tensioned elements, such as straps sorting a parachuted load, has a cylindrical body separable at a diametrical plane into a pair of blocks each adapted for connection of the block to one of the elements. A helical groove is disposed about the body and is wound in one circumferential direction with the majority of an endless line of para-aramid fiber. The line is tensioned to hold the blocks in engagement so that the elements are joined by the connector. The ends of the groove return helically in the opposite circumferential direction, and the remainder of the line is wrapped in this opposite direction about the majority of the line. The body has a pair of recesses extending radially inwardly from the groove and individually receiving a pair of pyrotechnic line cutters. Each cutter extends into the groove and, at the groove, has an eye through which the line extends for severing by either cutter to release the blocks from engagement and disconnect the tensioned elements.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A releasable connector comprising:

a pair of blocks, each of the blocks having
a first surface conforming to the first surface of the other block so that the pair of blocks are engageable at the first surfaces,
means for connecting the block to an element to be connected by the connector when the element is tensioned in a direction away from the first surface, and
a second surface disposed oppositely from the first surface of the block;
a line wrapped about both of the second surfaces of the pair of blocks when the blocks are engaged at the first surfaces, tension in the line holding the pair of blocks in engagement when the element is tensioned in said direction;
a ridge extending from the second surface of each of the blocks, said ridge being disposed so as to retain the line on the second surface against movement of the line in a direction along the first surface of the block;
and
a selectively actuatable line cutter having a body terminating in a cutting end, said body being disposed in one of the blocks and said cutting end extending from the second surface of the one block into cutting relation with said line where the line is wrapped about the second surface of the one block.

5 more elements

A device for connecting and for disconnecting a pair of tensionable elements, the device comprising:

a body
having a cylindrical periphery defining a helical groove, said body being separable at a diametrical plane into a pair of body portions engageable at said plane,
having means for attaching the tensionable elements individually to said body portions, and
defining a recess extending diametrically into said body from a point along said helical groove;
a pyrotechnic line cutter having a cylinder extending from an eye and including means for severing a line extending through said eye, said cutter being disposed with said eye aligned with said helical groove and with said cylinder extended from said eye into said recess;
a line extending along said helical groove and through said eye, said line
having opposite ends connectable at said cylindrical periphery to tension said line in said helical groove and to maintain said pair of body portions in engagement at said diametrical plane so that the tensionable elements can be connected at the device by tension in said line, and
said line being severable at said eye by said pyrotechnic cutter so as to release said tension in said line, whereby said body portions are released from said engagement and said tensionable elements can be disconnected at the device.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Releasable connector with severable line

Life of this patent

Releasable connector with severable line

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9