Methods and systems for mass distribution of supply packs

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention relates to packs and methods and systems for manufacturing the packs. More particularly, the invention is directed to cost-effective packs adapted to be distributed from an aircraft and methods and systems for manufacturing the packs.

#2. Description of the Background

#FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an emergency pack according to one embodiment of the disclosure, the emergency pack shown in a formed position.

#FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the emergency pack illustrated in FIG. 1, the emergency pack shown in a formed position.

#FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the emergency pack illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, the emergency pack shown in a flight position.

#Providing supplies to a population under emergency conditions is an extremely risky undertaking. Typically, transportation infrastructures have been disrupted, for example, by natural disasters or political or social upheaval. It is often difficult or impossible to truck relief supplies to the disaster area because roads are destroyed and/or access points are blocked. In addition, the relief workers themselves are placed in danger, which may be from environmental concerns (e.g. floods, mudslides, earthquakes, radiation) or dangerous military actions on the ground. Providing supplies by air is often the only viable option in a disaster, but there are still many problems. Because supplies are provided in bulk, the process generally requires precise targeting and coordination with those on the ground to avoid damage to the supplies themselves, damage to structures on the ground, and harm to persons and animals. Whether delivered by truck, ship, or aircraft, supplies are often stolen or confiscated by governments or persons wishing to establish regional political or military dominance. Consequently, the cost of delivery is high and the effectiveness of providing real relief is minimal.

#It has been surprisingly discovered that a cost-effective pack of supplies can be manufactured and air dropped for distribution to large numbers of people with a minimized risk of damage to structures on the ground, to the supplies themselves, and with minimal risk of harm to people and animals on the ground, all while maximizing the receipt of supplies to those in need. Whereas conventional delivery methods typically maximize the quantity delivered, such as bulk delivery by truck, ship, or air, the invention described herein is directed to delivering large numbers of low-weight packs by air so that the packs are distributed evenly and randomly over a large predetermined area. Delivering large numbers packs over a region makes it difficult or impossible for all supplies to be stolen or otherwise sequestered by individuals who are not the intended recipients. This effectively destroys the black market potential that can be created when supplies are delivered in bulk, whether that delivery is by truck, ship or air, and, more importantly, maximizes the quantity of supplies received by the targeted persons.

#Preferably, each pack is configured as a single delivery unit and packs are delivered in large numbers, so the risk of supplies not reaching the intended victims or being otherwise stolen is minimized. As aspect on the invention is therefore the rapid construction and assembly of packs in large numbers. Single station, and semi automated manufacturing apparatus are configured to produce thousands to tens of thousands of packs per day. Packs preferably contain one or only a few rations of the supplies such as, for example, food, water, or medicine. Although the supply lasts for a short time, because costs are minimized, deliveries can be repeated many times and with minimal risk to those involved. Importantly, because packs are delivered by air, relief workers never need to enter the disaster area itself. Also, depending on the aerodynamic components of the pack, distribution can be from almost any altitude, again keeping relief workers safe from danger.