Parachord Dispenser and Associated Methods

Abstract

A backstacked parachord dispenser, comprising a body a lid and a backstacked length of parachord disposed therein. The body has a closed bottom and a first sidewall integrally connected to the bottom. The lid has a closed top with a through-hole disposed therethrough and a second sidewall integrally connected to the top. The second sidewall is sized to securely fit to the body. The length of parachord is disposed in the body and has one end extended through the through-hole. The parachord was backstacked into the body.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to chord dispensers. More specifically, the invention relates to a backstacked parachord dispensers and associated methods of making the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Parachord (also referred to as parachute chord, 550 parachord or 550 chord) is a type of lightweight nylon kernmantle rope originally used in suspension lines of parachutes. Kernmantle rope is rope which includes an interior core (or kern) that is surrounded by a woven exterior sheath designed to optimize strength, durability and flexibility. The core fibers provide the tensile strength of the rope, while the outer sheath protects the core from abrasion during use.

Parachord is inexpensive, light weight, tough, durable, flexible and has a very high breaking strength relative to its small diameter.

Parachord is typically manufactured in two general varieties, i.e., an exactingly defined military specification (or mil-spec) parachord, and a commercial parachord. The mil-spec parachord meets at least the technical standard of MIL-C-5040H type III and has a rated minimum breaking strength of 550 pounds (hence the name 550 chord). Mil-spec parachord typically has a core which includes 7 to 9 removable inner yarns with each yarn made up of at least 3 strands twisted together to form the yarn.

The use of parachord is limited only by one's imagination. However, mil-spec parachord especially is used throughout the world as an essential emergency or survival tool by such personnel as military personnel, emergency medical technicians, first responders, policemen, firemen, outdoorsmen and the like.

Virtually all members of the military carry mil-spec parachord on them as an emergency tool. In military field applications the parachord is used to perform an enormous variety of emergency tasks such as fashioning a handle for a litter to carry a wounded soldier out of a battle, tying a loose bumper to a motor vehicle, making and applying a tourniquet and so much more. In each emergency situation though, when the parachord is needed, it must be ready, tangle free and easily accessible.

However, providing a container or vessel that can carry, store and dispense a length of parachord as an emergency tool in such a manner that it remains tangle free is problematic. Most survival kits will have a length of parachord in them. However there is no prior art vessel designed to store and dispense the parachord in a tangle free manner. Often times a user of the parachord must spend precious time during an emergency situation unraveling a tangled bundle of the parachord that developed over time as the user carried the survival kit around.

An additional problem is that a user involved in an emergency situation will often be required to cut a specific length of parachord rather than use the entire length of parachord in the survival kit. Looking for a cutting tool appropriate to efficiently cut the tough parachord can also waste valuable time.

Moreover, the survival kit is regularly subjected to rough handling and high impacts as the personnel involved in an emergency situation must work in hazardous environments or travel over rough terrain. The survival kit and parachord may even be submerged in water during an emergency water rescue event. This frequent rough handling and exposure to hazardous environments can problematically serve to further tangle the parachord or damage any vessel containing the parachord such that the vessel will not dispense the parachord efficiently.

Being able to signal for rescue is very important in a survival situation. A well know signaling technique involves fastening a length of parachord to a luminescent chemlight (or glow stick) device and whirling the chemlight overhead to provide a glowing circular signal which can be easily seen at night or in poor visibility situations. This signaling technique (or method) is traditionally called a Buzz-Saw.

For purposes of clarity, a chemlight is a self-contained, short-term light-source. It generally includes a translucent plastic tube, about one half (½) of a foot long and about one half (½) to three quarters (¾) of an inch in diameter. The chemlight contains chemical substances in isolated compartments within the tube. The chemical substances can be combined by bending the chemlight tube to crack open the compartments. Once combined, the chemicals substances produce light through chemiluminescence. The chemlight does not require an external energy source, can only be used once and cannot be turned off. The chemical substances may be varied to produce different types and colors of light including infrared light, which is typically used in military grade chemlights. One such manufacturer of military grade chemlights is Cyalume Technologies, Inc. (www.cyalume.com) having executive offices located in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and manufacturing facilities located in West Springfield, Mass., USA.

The Buzz-Saw signaling technique can be particularly critical in military combat situations where the evacuee is a wounded soldier. Military personnel around the world are regularly issued an infrared chemlight in their survival kits, along with their parachord, for just this purpose. The infrared light from the chemlight cannot be easily seen with the naked eyes of an enemy combatant, but can be seen by trained emergency personnel wearing night vision equipment.

However, fastening the parachord to the chemlight can take precious time. Additionally, the soldier must now find both the parachord and the chemlight in their survival kit, which also takes up time. Moreover, rough handling of the chemlight can bend an unprotected chemlight, causing it to activate and burn out its light source long before it is required. This can be particularly problematic with an infrared chemlight since the soldier deploying the Buzz-Saw technique may not be able to see the infrared light of the activated chemlight without special equipment and, therefore, may not know that the chemlight is defective.

Accordingly, there is a need for an inexpensive parachord dispenser system which allows efficient, tangle free access to the parachord. Additionally, there is a need for the dispenser system to be rugged and to be able to withstand a substantial impact without losing its functionality. Moreover, there is a need for the dispenser system to enable the user to easily measure off and cut a length of parachord that is appropriate for any particular emergency situation.

Additionally, there is a particular need for a parachord dispenser system that can both protect parachord and a chemlight simultaneously in order to reliably and quickly perform the Buzz-Saw technique in an emergency evacuation situation. There is also a need to decrease the amount of time required to find and assemble the parachord and chemlight in order to perform the Buzz-Saw signal method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention offers advantages and alternatives over the prior art by providing a dispenser system that allows efficient tangle free access to parachord for general purpose applications and can withstand substantial impacts during rough handling without losing functionality. Additionally the present invention provides a dispenser that can both protect parachord and a chemlight simultaneously in order to reliably and quickly perform the Buzz-Saw signaling technique during an emergency situation.

These and other advantages are accomplished in exemplary embodiments of the invention by providing a backstacked parachord dispenser which includes a body and a lid. The body having a closed bottom and a first sidewall integrally connected to the bottom and extending upward therefrom for a predetermined length L. The lid having a closed top and a second sidewall integrally connected to the top and extending downward therefrom, the second sidewall sized to securely fit to the body. A through-hole is disposed in the top. A length of parachord is disposed in the body and has one end extend through the through-hole. The parachord was backstacked into the body in sections that were allowed to fall naturally and entirely into the body, each section extended outward from the body for a length that is no greater than twice the length L of the body's first side wall prior to being backstacked into the body.

In an alternative embodiment, a method of backstacking a parachord dispenser is presented. The dispenser includes a body having a closed bottom and a first sidewall integrally connected to the bottom and extending upward therefrom for a predetermined length L. The dispenser also includes a lid having a closed top and a second sidewall integrally connected to the top and extending downward therefrom. The second sidewall is sized to securely fit to the body. A through-hole is disposed in the top of the lid. The method includes the steps of: inserting one end of a parachord into the body; repeatedly reaching back for a section of parachord that extends outward from the body for a length of no greater than twice the length L of the body' s first side wall; allowing each section to fall naturally and entirely into the body until the entire length of parachord is disposed in the body; extending another end of the parachord through the through-hole in the lid of the dispenser; and securely fastening the lid to the body.

In another alternative embodiment a chord dispenser includes a body having an inner chamber containing a length of chord, the chord having first and second chord ends. The chord dispenser also includes a first through-hole through which the first chord end is extended and through which the chord is dispensed for use in any general purpose application. A chemlight retaining mechanism is rigidly affixed to the body of the dispenser, the retaining mechanism being sized to removably secure and protect a chemlight from inadvertent activation during handling of the chord dispenser. The dispenser also includes a second through-hole through which the second chord end is extended and is securely attached to the chemlight. Wherein the chemlight can be removed from the retaining mechanism and used with the attached chord to provide a Buzz-Saw signal.

In another alternative embodiment a chord dispenser includes a body having an inner chamber containing a length of chord, the chord having a chord end. A chemlight retaining mechanism is rigidly affixed to the body of the dispenser, the retaining mechanism being sized to removably secure and protect a chemlight from inadvertent activation during handling of the chord dispenser. The dispenser also includes a through-hole through which the chord end is extended and securely attached to the chemlight. Wherein the chemlight can be removed from the retaining mechanism and used with the attached chord to provide a Buzz-Saw signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a backstacked parachord dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of the parachord dispenser of FIG. 1 wherein a backstacking method is beginning to be employed to backstack a length of parachord into the dispenser;

FIG. 3 is a perspective cutaway view of the parachord dispenser of FIG. 1, wherein the parachord is partially backstacked into the dispenser via the backstacking method;

FIG. 4 is a perspective cutaway view of the parachord dispenser of FIG. 1, wherein the parachord is further backstacked into the dispenser via the further application of the backstaking method;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the parachord dispenser of FIG. 1 fully assembled, wherein the parachord has been fully backstacked into the dispenser via the backstacking method;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the parachord dispenser of FIG. 5 with a cutting device integrally mounted to the dispenser;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the parachord dispenser of FIG. 5 with an attachment device integrally mounted to the dispenser;

FIG. 8 is an exploded, partially cutaway, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a dual output parachord dispenser in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded, perspective view of the dual output parachord dispenser of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is an exploded, perspective view of the dual output parachord dispenser of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the dual output parachord dispenser of FIG. 8;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the parachord dispenser of FIG. 8;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the parachord dispenser of FIG. 8;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the parachord dispenser of FIG. 8;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an operator deploying a Buzz-Saw signal in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 16 is an exemplary embodiment of a cutaway, perspective view of the dual output parachord dispenser of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 17 is another exemplary embodiment of a cutaway, perspective view of the dual output parachord dispenser of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods, systems, and devices disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the methods, systems, and devices specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a backstacked parachord dispenser 10 for dispensing a length of backstacked parachord in a tangle free manner in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the backstacked dispenser 10 includes a body (or container) 12 and a lid 14 for engagement with the body 12. In this particular illustration, the lid 14 is disengaged from the body 12 and can be assembled thereon.

The body 12 is generally tube shaped and has a closed bottom 16 having a diameter D, wherein the closed bottom 16 is integrally connected to a generally cylindrical first sidewall 18 extending upwardly from the bottom 16 for a length L. The closed bottom 16 and first sidewall 18 define an interior volume (or chamber) that is sized to contain a length of backstacked parachord. Body 12 can be composed of, or manufactured from, any number of materials, but is preferably composed of a durable, light weight plastic, such as a polycarbonate, that can be easily manufactured (for example through injection molding), can withstand frequent impacts and is water resistant. Alternatively, the body 12 may be manufactured, at least in part, of a flexible rubber, leather or similar material, such that the body will collapse or bend when subjected to an impact, but will flex back to its generally original shape thereafter.

One skilled in the art would recognize that the parachord dispenser 10 does not necessarily have to be generally cylindrical in shape. By way of example, the dispenser 10 may be more box shaped wherein the bottom 16 is generally rectangular and the first sidewall 18 includes four sections extending upwards from each straight edge of the bottom's rectangular perimeter.

Lid 14 has a closed top 20, which is integrally connected to a generally cylindrical second sidewall 22 extending downwardly from the top 20 and running along the entire perimeter of the top 20. The lid 14 can be composed of any number of materials, but is preferably composed of materials similar to the body 12. For example the lid may be composed of a plastic polycarbonate such that it is formed by means of an injection molding process to have inside dimensions which fit over the outer diameter D of body 12.

The top 20 of lid 14 also contains a through-hole 24 located generally in the center of top 20. Through-hole 24 is sized to allow a length of parachord to extend and be dispensed therethrough. Alternatively, the through-hole 24 may be composed of a plurality of intersecting slits (such as straw slits) in the lid 14, which allow the parachord to extend through and be dispensed with little resistance, but also holds the parachord in place and prevents the parachord from retracting back into the body 12.

The lid 14 may be designed to fasten securely to the body 12 in any number of ways. For example, the second sidewall 22 of lid 14 may contain female threads designed to screw onto male threads in the first sidewall 18 of body 12. Alternatively, the lid 14 and body 12 may simply slide together in a friction fit or may contain clasps to securely hold the lid 14 to the body 12.

One skilled in the art would recognize that even though the second sidewall 22 of the lid 14 in this exemplary embodiment is illustrated as being substantially the same length L as the first sidewall 18 of the body 12, the second sidewall 22 can be substantially shorter than the first sidewall 18. That is the lid 14 may securely fasten to the body 12 while covering only a small portion of the body 12. In fact, the second sidewall 22 of the lid 14 may be designed to fasten, and sized to fit, securely into the inside dimensions of the body (for example, via male threads on the outside surface of sidewall 22 and corresponding mating female threads on the inside surface of sidewall 18), thus covering virtually no outside portion of the first sidewall 18 at all.

Referring to FIG. 2, a manufacturer 25 is preparing to backstack a length of parachord 26 into body 12 using a backstacking technique or method. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the backstacking process begins by placing one end 28 of parachord 26 into the bottom of body 12.

Referring to FIG. 3, once the end 28 of the parachord 26 has been placed into the body 12, the manufacturer 25 then repeatedly reaches back for a section of cord 26 that is extending outside of the body 12 equal to the length L of the body 12 or less. Though is it most preferred that the section of cord extend outside of the body for a length no greater than L,

the backstacking technique will work if the section of cord extended back a distance of 2 L or less and more preferably for a distance of 1.5 L or less. This is because each section of cord 26 must be allowed to fall naturally and completely onto the sections of parachord that have already been backstacked into the body 12. If the length of the section were too long (i.e., greater than 2 L in length), the section would tend to fall outside of the body 12 and hang as a loop on the outside of the body 12, which could cause the parachord to get tangled when being dispensed.

Referring to FIG. 4, the manufacturer 25 has almost completed the backstacking process by letting each section of parachord fall naturally onto the previously backstacked sections of parachord. The manufacturer will continue this process until the entire length of parachord is packed, or backstacked, into the body 12.

One skilled in the art would understand that even though the manufacturer 25 is represented by an illustrated hand, any number of more automated techniques can be employed by manufacturer 25 to accomplish the same backstacking technique. For example, robotics may be utilized by the manufacturer 25 for high production backstacking of the bodies 12 on a fully automated or semi-automated assembly line.

Referring to FIG. 5, the backstacked parachord dispenser 10 is fully assembled with lid 14 securely over body 12. The other end 30 of parachord 26 now extends outwardly from through-hole 24.

In use, backstacking the parachord 26 into body 12 in this manner ensures that the fully assembled dispenser 10 will dispense any length of parachord 26 quickly and tangle free. Additionally, since the parachord 26 has been backstacked into the dispenser 10, the backstacked dispenser 10 will keep the parachord 26 tangle free during virtually any amount of rough handling or during exposure to virtually any hazardous environment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the dispenser 10 has a cutting device 32 integrally mounted to the dispenser 10. In this exemplary embodiment the cutting device 32 is mounted to the lid 14 of the dispenser 10, but one skilled in the art would recognize that the cutting device could also be designed to mount to the body 12 as well. One would also recognize that any number or other cutting device embodiments may be mounted to the dispenser 10 other than the one described in this particular exemplary embodiment.

The cutting device 32 includes a blade 34 with a downwardly pointing knife edge 35. The blade 34 is surrounded on three sides by the combination of a handle 36 and a body 38, the body being mounted to the lid 14. A channel 40 is formed by the handle 36 and body 38 which opens downward to protect a user from getting cut while using the cutting device 32. The channel 40 is sized to receive a diameter of the parachord 26 such that a user can slide the parachord 26 against the knife edge 35 of the blade 34 to safely and efficiently cut a desired length of the parachord 26.

Referring to FIG. 7, an attachment device 42 is integrally mounted to the dispenser 10. In this exemplary embodiment the attachment device 42 is mounted to the lid 14 of the dispenser, but one skilled in the art would recognize that the attachment device 42 could also be designed to mount to the body 12 as well.

The attachment device 42 includes a strap 44 which is integrally mounted to the lid 14 at an anchored end 46. A male snap fastener 48 is riveted to the strap 44 proximate the anchored end 46. A female snap fastener 50 is also riveted to the strap 44 proximate a distal end 52 of the strap 44. The strap 44 has a length sized to loop over an article of a users clothing or gear, such as a belt 54, as the male 48 and female 50 snap fasteners mate securely together to hold the dispenser 10 thereon.

One skilled in the art would recognize that any number or other attachment device embodiments may be mounted to the dispenser 10 other than the one described in this particular exemplary embodiment. For example, the attachment device may be a pair of straps compatible with a MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) type system, such as the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,438,811 and frequently used by the US military. Additionally, the attachment device could be a D-ring system which is also sized to attach to the belt 54.

FIGS. 8-17 illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a dual output parachord dispenser 100 for dispensing a length of parachord in a tangle free manner from a first through-hole output and for rapidly and reliably enabling the deployment of a Buzz-Saw signaling technique from a second through-hole output in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, a dual output parachord dispenser 100 includes a body 112 and a lid 114 for engagement with the body 112. In this particular illustration, the lid 114 is shown disengaged from the body 112 during an assembly process and will be assembled onto the body 112.

The body 112 is generally tube shaped and has a closed bottom 116 (best seen in FIG. 14), wherein the closed bottom 116 is integrally connected to a generally cylindrical body sidewall 118 extending upwardly from the bottom 116 for a length L. The closed bottom 116 and body sidewall 118 define an inner chamber 120 that is sized to contain a length of parachord 122 which, in this illustration, is shown being backstacked into the chamber 120 by a manufacturer 124.

The lid 114 has a closed top 126, which is integrally connected to a generally cylindrical lid sidewall 128 extending downwardly from the top 126 and running along the entire perimeter of the top 126. The lid 114 is sized to fit securely to the body 112 to form the assembled dispenser 100.

Referring to FIG. 9, which illustrates the dispenser 100 having the parachord 122 fully backstacked within chamber 120 and the lid 114 disengaged from the body 112. Parachord 122 has a first parachord end 130 and a second parachord end 132. The first end 130 extends through a first through-hole 134, which is disposed generally in the center of the top 126 of the lid 114. The second end 132 extends through a second through-hole 136 (best seen in FIG. 14), which is disposed generally in the center of the bottom 116 of the body 112. The second end 132 of parachord 122 is securely attached to the bottom tab of a chemlight 138.

Even though the first and second through-holes 134 and 136 are located at the top and bottom of dispenser 100, one skilled in the art would recognize that the through-holes may be disposed in other locations on dispenser 100. For example the first and second through-holes 134 and 136 may be located on upper and lower portions of the body sidewall 118 respectively.

During operation, the parachord 122, which is dispensed through the first through-hole 134, can be used for any general purpose application as discussed earlier herein. However, the parachord 122 which is dispensed through the second through-hole 136, along with the attached chemlight 138, is dedicated to providing a Buzz-Saw signal, as will be discussed in further detail herein when referring to FIG. 15.

Referring to FIG. 10, a chemlight retaining mechanism 140 is rigidly affixed to the body 112 and lid 114 of the dispenser 100. The retaining mechanism 140 is sized to removably secure and protect chemlight 138 from inadvertent activation during handling of the parachord dispenser 100. The chemlight 138 in this illustration is shown as being disengaged from the retaining mechanism 140.

In this embodiment, the retaining mechanism 140 includes a crescent shaped tapered channel integrally formed into the body 112 and lid 114 of the dispenser 100. A first portion 142 of the crescent shaped channel retaining mechanism 140 is integrally formed into the body sidewall 118 and extends longitudinally upward along the body sidewall 118. A second portion 144 of the crescent shaped channel 140 is integrally formed into the lid sidewall 128, which extends longitudinally downward along the lid sidewall 128. When the body 112 and lid 114 are assembled to form dispenser 100, the first and second portions 142 and 144 respectively align to form the entire crescent shaped channel retaining mechanism 140 in the dispenser 100.

Referring to FIG. 11, which illustrates chemlight 138 engaged with crescent shaped channel 140. Crescent shaped channel 140 is sized to receive and secure chemlight 138 in snap-fit fashion. In order to facilitate a snap-fit engagement between chemlight 138 and crescent shaped channel 140, the body 112 and lid 114 are preferably manufactured from a resilient material, such as a light weight polycarbonate plastic. Therefore, as the slightly larger diameter of chemlight 138 is pressed against the slightly smaller opening in channel 140, the opposing edges of the crescent will be forced apart until the opening is large enough to allow the diameter of the chemlight 138 to pass through. Once the diameter of chemlight 138 has cleared the edges of channel 140, the crescent shaped channel 140 will flex back to its generally original shape, snuggly holding chemlight 138 within channel 140. Additionally, the channel is tapered (best seen in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14) such that the diameter of the crescent channel 140 is larger at the top of the dispenser 100 than it is at the bottom. This taper of channel 140 further conforms to the tapered shape of the chemlight 138 and further prevents the chemlight 138 from sliding out of the bottom of the channel 140 when engaged therein.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate top, side and bottom views respectively of the chemlight 138 fully engaged with the chemlight retaining mechanism 140. In this embodiment, the crescent shaped channel 140 is formed to have a length that is equal to or greater than the length of the chemlight 138 for maximum protection against damage to the chemlight 138 during rough handling of the dispenser 100. Additionally, the crescent shaped channel 140 is deep enough so that when the chemlight 140 is fully engaged, only a small portion of the chemlight 140 is exposed. Accordingly, the geometry of the crescent shaped channel 140 virtually assures that the chemlight will be protected from damaging blows, bending and inadvertent activation of its chemiluminescence.

Even though the chemlight retaining mechanism 140 is shown in these embodiments as a crescent shaped channel, integrally formed into the body 112 and lid 114 of the dispenser 100, one skilled in the art will recognize that the retaining mechanism 140 may have different designs. For example, the retaining mechanism 140 may be attached to the side of the dispenser with rivets, rather than formed into the body and lid walls. Additionally, straps may be used to retain the chemlight 138 within the retaining mechanism 140. Alternatively, the channel 140 may not be crescent shaped and may be sized for a frictional interference or press fit rather than a snap fit. In any design, however, the retaining mechanism 140 must function to removably secure and protect the chemlight 138 from inadvertent activation during handling of the parachord dispenser 100.

Referring to FIG. 15, an operator 146, such as a solder, has removed the chemlight 138 from its retaining mechanism 140, and is shown deploying the Buzz-Saw signaling technique to produce a Buzz-Saw signal 148. To do this, a length of parachord 122, typically about 3 feet long, is dispensed from the second through-hole 136 of dispenser 100. The pre-attached chemlight 138 is then bent to activate its light source and whirled overhead to create the Buzz-Saw signal 148.

There are several synergistic advantages that come from a parachord dispenser system 100 that can both protect parachord and chemlight simultaneously from damage during handling. First, reliability is increased as damage or inadvertent activation of the chemlight is virtually eliminated. Second, speed of deployment is also increased since an operator no longer has to search for the parachord and chemlight separately, and the chemlight is already attached to an end of the parachord. Third, versatility is increased since the parachord dispenser can be used reliably for a variety of general purpose applications in addition to the critical Buzz-Saw signaling technique.

It is also important to note that backstacking the parachord 122 into the dispenser 100, not only prevents the parachord from becoming tangled during rough handling, it also synergistically enables the dispenser 100 to dispense the parachord 122 from either end 130, 132 of the parachord 122. That is, there are only a limited number of methods of packing the parachord 122 into the inner chamber 120 of the dispenser 100, which will enable later extraction of either end 130, 132 of the parachord 122 for such a dual output dispenser system 100. For example, wrapping the parachord on a spool disposed in the chamber 120 of dispenser 100 will only allow one end 130 of the parachord 122 to be extracted during operation. This is because the other end 132 of the parachord 122 will be tightly bound to the spool by several layers of parachord.

One other method of packaging the parachord 122 into dispenser 100 for dual output operation would be to wrap two separate lengths of parachord 122, that is a first parachord length and a second parachord length, around two distinct sections of at least one spool. The first parachord length would have the first end 130 and would extend through the first through-hole 134 for general purpose applications. The second parachord length would have the second end 132 and would extend through the second through-hole 136 to attach to the chemlight 138 for applying the Buzz-Saw signaling technique. Since the two lengths are on two separate sections of spool, they would not interfere with each other's deployment or operation.

Referring to FIG. 16, the preferred embodiment is to use one length of parachord 122 extending through both through-holes 134, 136 in order to reduce cost, complexity and assembly time. However, with one parachord length being deployed from two though-hole outputs 134, 136, there is the potential issue of using up all of the parachord 122 for general purpose applications through the first through-hole 134 and not having enough parachord 122 left to deploy the Buzz-Saw signaling technique when needed through the second through-hole 136.

In order to prevent this issue from occurring, a stop device 150 can be fastened to the parachord 122 at a proper location on the parachord. The stop device 150 can be any solid object (such as a washer, nut or sphere) fastened solely to the parachord or even just a properly tied knot in the parachord 122 itself. Alternatively, the stop device can also be rigidly anchored to the inner chamber 120 of the dispenser 100. If the stop device 150 is not anchored to the inner chamber 120, then the stop device must be sized to prevent any further dispensing of parachord 122 through the first through-hole 134 once the stop device 150 is engaged with the first through-hole 134. Simply put, the stop device 150 must be enough larger than the through-hole 134 so that it cannot be pulled through the through-hole 134.

Additionally, the stop device 150 must be positioned on the parachord 122 to allow a sufficient length of parachord 122 to be dispensed through the second through-hole 136 to provide a Buzz-Saw signal even when the stop device 150 is engaged with the first through-hole 134. For example, if it is determined that a three foot length of parachord 122 should be dedicated to the Buzz-Saw signaling technique, than the stop device 150 should be affixed to the parachord 122 at least three feet from the second end 132 which is attached to the chemlight 138. That way, when the stop device 150 is pulled up against the first through-hole 134 or anchored to the inner chamber 120 to prevent any further use for general purpose applications, there will still be about 3 feet of parachord 122 left for the Buzz-Saw signaling technique.

Referring to FIG. 17, it should be noted, that if two separate lengths of parachord 122a and 122b are dispensed through the two through-holes 134 and 136 of the dispenser 100, either though backstacking, spooling or the like, than the stop device 150 will not be required. This is because the first length of parachord 122a, dispensed through first through-hole 134, will be dedicated to general purpose applications and can be entirely used up without interfering with the second length of parachord 122b. The second length of parachord 122b, dispensed through second through-hole 136, will be dedicated solely to the Buzz-Saw signaling technique.

Though the embodiments described herein exemplify parachord dispensers, one skilled in the art would recognize the other types of chord can also be utilized and dispensed with the present invention. For example, other types of chord may include: nylon cord, any type of thin rope, yarn, flexible stranded material or the like.

Although the invention has been described by reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that numerous changes may be made within the spirit and scope of the inventive concepts described. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it have the full scope defined by the language of the following claims.

Claims

1. A backstacked chord dispenser, comprising: a body having: a closed bottom, anda first sidewall integrally connected to the bottom and extending upward therefrom for a predetermined length L;a lid having: a closed top,a second sidewall integrally connected to the top and extending downward therefrom, the second sidewall sized to securely fit to the body, anda through-hole disposed in the top; anda length of chord disposed in the body and having one end extend through the through-hole;wherein the chord was backstacked into the body in sections that were allowed to fall naturally and entirely into the body, each section extended outward from the body for a length that is no greater than twice the length L of the body's first side wall prior to being backstacked into the body.

2. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 1 wherein the chord is parachord.

3. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 1 wherein each section extended outward from the body for a length that is no greater than 1.5 times the length L of the body's first side wall prior to being backstacked into the body.

4. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 1 wherein each section extended outward from the body for a length that is no greater than 1.0 times the length L of the body's first side wall prior to being backstacked into the body.

5. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 1 wherein a cutting device is mounted to the dispenser.

6. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 1 wherein an attachment device is mounted to the dispenser.

7. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser is manufactured of a material that bends upon impact and flexes back to its original shape after such impact.

8. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 7 wherein the material is one of leather or rubber.

9. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 1 wherein the dispenser is manufactured of a material that is water resistant.

10. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 9 wherein the material is a polycarbonate.

11. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 1 wherein the lid is threaded to the body.

12. The backstacked chord dispenser of claim 1 wherein the through-hole comprises a plurality of intersecting slits wherein the slits allow the chord to extend through and be dispensed with little resistance, and the slits also hold the chord in place and prevent the chord from retracting back into the body.

13. A method of backstacking a chord dispenser, the dispenser including a body having a closed bottom and a first sidewall integrally connected to the bottom and extending upward therefrom for a predetermined length L; the dispenser also including a lid having a closed top and a second sidewall integrally connected to the top and extending downward therefrom, the second sidewall sized to securely fit to the body, and a through-hole disposed in the top of the lid; the method comprising: inserting one end of a chord into the body;repeatedly reaching back for a section of chord that extends outward from the body for a length of no greater than twice the length L of the body's first side wall;allowing each section to fall naturally and entirely into the body until the entire length of chord is disposed in the body;extending another end of the chord through the through-hole in the lid of the dispenser; andsecurely fastening the lid to the body.

14. The method of backstacking a chord dispenser of claim 13 comprising: repeatedly reaching back for a section of chord that extends outward from the body for a length of no greater than 1.5 times the length L of the body' first side wall.

15. The method of backstacking a chord dispenser of claim 13 comprising: repeatedly reaching back for a section of chord that extends outward from the body for a length of no greater than 1.0 times the length L of the body's first side wall.

16. The method of backstacking a chord dispenser of claim 13 comprising: mounting a cutting device onto the dispenser.

17. The method of backstacking a chord dispenser of claim 13 comprising: mounting an attachment device onto the dispenser.

18. The method of backstacking a chord dispenser of claim 13 comprising: manufacturing the dispenser of a material that bends upon impact and flexes back to its original shape after such impact.

19. The method of backstacking a chord dispenser of claim 18 comprising: manufacturing the dispenser of a material that is one of a leather and a rubber.

20. The method of backstacking a chord dispenser of claim 13 comprising: manufacturing the dispenser of a material that is water resistant.

21. The method of backstacking a chord dispenser of claim 20 comprising: manufacturing the dispenser of a material that is a polycabonate.

22. The method of backstacking a chord dispenser of claim 13 comprising: threading the lid to the body to securely fasten the lid and body together.

23. The method of backstacking a chord dispenser of claim 13 comprising: forming the through-hole via plurality of intersecting slits wherein the slits allow the chord to extend through and be dispensed with little resistance, and the slits also hold the chord in place and prevent the chord from retracting back into the body.

24. A chord dispenser comprising: a body having an inner chamber containing a length of chord, the chord having first and second chord ends;a first through-hole through which the first chord end is extended and through which the chord is dispensed for use in any general purpose application;a chemlight retaining mechanism rigidly affixed to the body of the dispenser, the retaining mechanism sized to removably secure and protect a chemlight from inadvertent activation during handling of the chord dispenser; anda second through-hole through which the second chord end is extended and securely attached to the chemlight;wherein the chemlight can be removed from the retaining mechanism and used with the attached chord to provide a Buzz-Saw signal.

25. The chord dispenser of claim 24 wherein the chord is parachord.

26. The chord dispenser of claim 24 wherein the chord is backstacked into the inner chamber of the body.

27. The chord dispenser of claim 24 comprising: a closed top wherein the first through-hole is disposed; anda closed bottom wherein the second through-hole is disposed.

28. The chord dispenser of claim 24 comprising: the body having a closed bottom and a body sidewall integrally connected to the bottom and extending upward from the bottom; andthe retaining mechanism including a first portion of a channel integrally formed into the body sidewall and extending longitudinally upward along the body sidewall, the first portion of channel sized to receive and removably secure the chemlight.

29. The chord dispenser of claim 28 comprising: a lid having a closed top and a lid sidewall, the lid sidewall integrally connected to the top and extending downward from the top, the lid sidewall sized to securely fit to the body; andthe retaining mechanism including a second portion of the channel integrally formed into the lid sidewall and extending longitudinally downward along the lid sidewall, the first portion of channel in the body and the second portion of channel in the lid being in longitudinal alignment along the dispenser in order to receive and secure the chemlight.

30. The chord dispenser of claim 28 wherein the channel is equal to or greater than the length of the chemlight.

31. The chord dispenser of claim 28 wherein the channel is crescent shaped.

32. The chord dispenser of claim 29 wherein the first through-hole is disposed in the top of the lid and the second through-hole is disposed in the bottom of the body.

33. The chord dispenser of claim 24 comprising a stop device fastened to the chord, the stop device being sized to prevent any further dispensing of chord through the first through-hole once the stop device is engaged with the first through-hole, the stop device being positioned on the chord to allow a sufficient length of chord to be dispensed through the second through-hole to provide a Buzz-Saw signal even when the stop device is engaged with the first through-hole.

34. The chord dispenser of claim 33 wherein the stop device includes one of a knot tied into the chord and a solid object affixed to the chord.

35. The chord dispenser of claim 24 wherein the length of chord comprises; a first length of chord having the first end, the first length of chord extending through the first through-hole, the first length of chord having sufficient length to be used for general purpose applications; anda second length of chord having the second end, the second length of chord extending through the second through-hole, the second length of chord being securely attached to the chemlight and having sufficient length to provide a Buzz-Saw signal.

36. A chord dispenser comprising: a body having an inner chamber containing a length of chord, the chord having a chord end;a chemlight retaining mechanism rigidly affixed to the body of the dispenser, the retaining mechanism sized to removably secure and protect a chemlight from inadvertent activation during handling of the chord dispenser; anda through-hole through which the chord end is extended and securely attached to the chemlight;wherein the chemlight can be removed from the retaining mechanism and used with the attached chord to provide a Buzz-Saw signal.

37. A chord dispenser of claim 36 comprising: the chord having first and second ends, wherein the chord end is the second end;the chord having first and second through-holes, wherein the through-hole is the second through-hole;the first end of the chord extending through the first through-hole, wherein the chord dispensed through the first through-hole is used in any general purpose application.

38. The chord dispenser of claim 36 wherein the chord is parachord.

39. The chord dispenser of claim 36 wherein the chord is backstacked into the inner chamber of the body.

40. The chord dispenser of claim 36 comprising: the body having a closed bottom and a body sidewall integrally connected to the bottom and extending upward from the bottom; andthe retaining mechanism including a first portion of a channel integrally formed into the body sidewall and extending longitudinally upward along the body sidewall, the first portion of channel sized to receive and removably secure the chemlight.

41. The chord dispenser of claim 40 comprising: a lid having a closed top and a lid sidewall, the lid sidewall integrally connected to the top and extending downward from the top, the lid sidewall sized to securely fit to the body; andthe retaining mechanism including a second portion of the channel integrally formed into the lid sidewall and extending longitudinally downward along the lid sidewall, the first portion of channel in the body and the second portion of channel in the lid being in longitudinal alignment along the dispenser in order to receive and secure the chemlight.

42. The chord dispenser of claim 40 wherein the channel is equal to or greater than the length of the chemlight.

43. The chord dispenser of claim 40 wherein the channel is crescent shaped.