# 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.

- **Patent:** US 1462456
- **Original title:** Parachute pack and harness, etc.
- **Owner:** FLOYD SMITH AERIAL EQUIPMENT C
- **Granted:** 1923
- **Status:** Public domain (expired)
- **Times cited:** 5
- **Field:** aerospace, mechanical

## What it does

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 does NOT 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.

## Real-world examples

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

## 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.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does How Floyd Smith Designed the Modern Parachute Pack and Harness cover?

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

### Who owns patent US 1462456?

FLOYD SMITH AERIAL EQUIPMENT C owns this patent, granted in 1923.

### When does this patent expire?

This patent has expired and is now in the public domain — anyone can use the invention freely.

### What is patent US 1462456 cited by?

This patent has been cited by 5 later patents that build on its ideas.

### What problem does this patent solve?

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.

### What does this patent NOT cover?

Does not cover the aerodynamic design or folding pattern of the parachute canopy itself.

**Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/1462456/free-fall-parachute-smith-irvin

**Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US1462456

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_Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._


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