How Floyd Smith Designed the Modern Parachute Pack and Harness

A 1923 patent for a parachute system that introduced a reliable pack and harness design for aviators to safely exit aircraft.

What it covers

The patent describes a wearable parachute system that secures a folded canopy in a pack attached to a pilot's back via a harness. It focuses on the mechanical integration of the parachute container with the straps that distribute the shock of deployment across the user's body. By keeping the parachute as a self-contained unit worn by the pilot, it allowed for a quick exit from an airplane in an emergency, rather than requiring the parachute to be fixed to the aircraft structure.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover the aerodynamic design or folding pattern of the parachute canopy itself.
• —Does not cover automatic deployment mechanisms or barometric triggers.
• —Does not cover emergency ejection seats that use explosives to propel the pilot.

The clever bit

The innovation was moving the parachute from a static position on the plane to a mobile, wearable unit that remained with the pilot, ensuring the device was always available for an emergency exit.

Why it matters

This design was essential for the transition of parachuting from a circus stunt into a standard safety requirement for military and commercial aviation. It established the 'backpack' configuration that remains the industry standard for emergency parachutes today.

Real-world examples

• 1.Standard military emergency bailout parachutes
• 2.Modern skydiving container and harness systems