TDS TEAR DROP 1 PIN User manual

TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
Thomas Defence Systems Ltd
Pinfold Lane
Bridlington
East Yorkshire
Great Britain
YO16 6XS
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.thomas-sports.com
[email protected]
Thomas Defence Systems Ltd, Issue 5, 01-05-2014, Reference Number TSE/004
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
INDEX
PAGE # DESCRIPTION
2 INDEX
3 INTRODUCTION AND FACTS ABOUT THOMAS DEFENCE
SYSTEMS LTD.
4 DESCRIPTION OF THE MAIN CONTAINER FUNCTION.
DESCRIPTION OF THE THROW AWAY MAIN PILOT CHUTE
DESCRIPTION OF THE PULL OUT PILOT CHUTE.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RESERVE CONTAINER
DESCRIPTION OF THE HARNESS.
5PARTS LIST.
6BEFORE JUMPING THE TEAR DROP 1 PIN.
COMPATIBILITY.
MODIFICATIONS.
7PACKING THE MAIN.
8FOLDING THE MAIN PILOT CHUTE.
9INSTALLATION AND ATTACHMENT OF RETRACTABLE P.C.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PULL OUT.
10 - 22 PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE.
23THE STEVENSON LANYARD.
24INSPECTION OF THE TEAR DROP 1 PIN.
25CARE AND STORAGE OF THE TEAR DROP 1 PIN.
26MAINTENANCE OF THE TEAR DROP 1 PIN.
27THE 3-RING RELEASE SYSTEM PERIODIC MAINTENANCE.
28PUTTING ON YOUR TEAR DROP 1 PIN.
REPLACEMENT PARTS.
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
First of all we would like to thank you for choosing a Thomas Defence Systems
Ltd Tear Drop 1 Pin, you have shown impeccable taste.
The Tear Drop 1 Pin is a harness and container system designed for free fall
sport parachuting. It is available in a wide variety of container sizes to fit
practically any main or reserve canopies on the market today. This
harness/container system is the most innovated on the market today. TDS have
developed the single pin pop top reserve container, giving both safety and ease of
packing. The TEAR DROP 1 PIN version also lends itself to the CYPRES and
VIGIL A.A.D.
PATENT NUMBERS: U.S.A #4898346. GERMANY #3805085.
EUROPEAN # P58903422. 7-08. TSO C23D FAA Ref; GH/vk/12/01/4615:94
Please read this manual thoroughly before assembling, packing or using your
Tear Drop 1 Pin. Your Tear Drop 1 Pin should be assembled and packed by a
certified Rigger (or equivalent rated person in your country). Assembly of this
harness/container must also be in accordance with the reserve parachute
manufacturer’s manual and the AAD manufacturer’s manual.
If after reading this manual you still have questions concerning the Tear Drop 1
Pin please contact us, we will be more than willing to help. If you have any
suggestions or see a need for some changes in the Tear Drop 1 Pin please let us
know by calling or writing to:
Thomas Defence Systems Ltd
Pinfold Lane
Bridlington
East Yorkshire
YO16 6XS
Tel: + 44 (0) 1262 678299 Fax: + 44 (0) 1262 602063
www.thomas-sports.com
FACTS: about Thomas Defence Systems Ltd
TDS has been manufacturing parachute equipment since 1968 and has provided
services from students to British team members. Over fourty-five years in our
sport has provided TDS with a wealth of experience in developing and
manufacturing parachute equipment with an enthusiasm and commitment in
the complete sense, a service second to none. This in turn means you can be
confident in the knowledge that with TDS you are using the very best available,
from the initial PLF through to the highest levels of competing. Each rig has
been designed, tested and built with quality materials, quality workmanship,
system functionality and longevity. Qualified personnel oversee all aspects of
the production, maintenance and repairs operations at the loft. Every care is
taken to ensure that each rig from TDS meets the highest possible standards.
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
THE MAIN CONTAINER FUNCTION:
The main canopy may be deployed by either throw away or pull-out pilot chute.
THE THROW AWAY MAIN PILOT CHUTE:
The throw away is an external pilot chute located in a spandex pocket on the
rear of the leg strap or on the bottom of the container. The pilot chute is
attached to a bridle line. Sewn to the bridle line is a curved pin. This pin keeps
the main container closed until the pilot chute inflates thus removing the pin,
opening the main container and extracting the main parachute.
THE PULL-OUT MAIN PILOT CHUTE:
The pull-out base mounted pilot chute is a soft handle located on the bottom
right hand corner of the main container, (the pilot chute is stowed inside the
main container) this connects to a straight pin at the base of the pilot chute,
hence, 'base-mounted'. As the handle is pushed straight down the straight pin
releases the loop allowing the main container to open. The pull action extracts
the pilot chute from inside the main container. The pilot chute must be thrown
manually into the clean air-flow. The wearer must throw to their side and
release the pilot chute. The pilot chute then pulls out of the main container. For
the apex pull-out pilot chute the system of deployment activation is as is for the
base mounted pilot chute, however the pad is located on top of the pilot chute.
THE RESERVE CONTAINER:
The reserve parachute container is held closed by a single pin. The reserve
ripcord is protected by a cover on the inside back of the jumper. The reserve
ripcord handle is manufactured of metal and fits into a pocket on the left hand
main lift web. The reserve pilot chute is a domed shaped externally mounted
pilot chute that is held closed by the use of a single loop through the center of the
reserve pilot chute. The external mounting ensures that the reserve pilot chute
escapes to the clean air-flow in deployment as fast as possible, as there is no need
for the flaps to be knocked out of its way. You may have a Stevenson Lanyard
attached to the reserve ripcord handle end, so that when you cutaway the main
parachute the lanyard acts like a static line and pulls the reserve ripcord.
THE HARNESS:
The harness is constructed from either type 7 or type 8 Mil-Spec webbing and
incorporates the 3-ring circus. It also features the unique TDS shaped harness
design.
PARTS LIST
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
THE TEAR DROP 1 PIN IS SHIPPED TO THE CUSTOMER WITH THE
FOLLOWING COMPONENTS:-
*HARNESS/CONTAINER.
MAIN RISERS WITH CONTROL TOGGLES.
MAIN DEPLOYMENT BAG.
CUTAWAY HANDLE.
MAIN PILOT CHUTE AND BRIDLE.
^RESERVE PILOT CHUTE WITH CLOSING LOOP.
#RESERVE RAM-AIR FREE BAG FOR SQUARE RESERVES.
RESERVE RIPCORD.
RESERVE CONTROL TOGGLES.
MAIN LOOP.
TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNER'S MANUAL.
*All TEAR DROP 1 PIN harness/containers are manufactured to accept the Cypres or
Vigil A.A.D.
^Only the TEAR DROP 1 PIN reserve pilot chute may be used with the TEAR DROP 1
PIN harness/container system. Do not substitute with any other pilot chute.
#Only the TEAR DROP 1 PIN reserve free bag may be used when packing a ram-air
reserve into the TEAR DROP 1 PIN harness/container system. Do not substitute with
any other free bag.
Components parts and spares are also available individually from:
Your TEAR DROP 1 PIN dealer
OR
Thomas Defence Systems Ltd
Pinfold Lane
Bridlington
East Yorkshire
Y016 6XS
England
Tel: + 44 (0) 1262 678299
Fax: + 44 (0) 1262 602063
www.thomas-sports.com
BEFORE JUMPING THE TEAR DROP 1 PIN
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
The TDS Tear Drop 1 Pin may be jumped only by persons who have received thorough
instruction on its use from a qualified instructor. It is the responsibility of the owner
(not necessarily the user) to ensure it is properly assembled, maintained, packed, worn
and used, also that the user has the training and skill to use it properly. Read and
understand this manual and be qualified by proper instruction for parachute activities.
The manual is NOT a course of instruction on how to make a parachute jump. Nor
does it contain the various regulations that govern sport parachuting and related
activities. This information is best obtained from government bodies. The person whom
inspects and packs both the main and reserve parachutes must be qualified to do so.
Finally, nothing in this manual is meant to discourage the reader from using the TDS
Tear Drop 1 Pin in a reasonable and prudent way. The information and specifications
in this manual where in effect at the time of printing, Thomas Defence Systems Ltd,
reserve the right to change specifications or design at any time without prior notice and
without incurring any obligation.
COMPATIBILITY
It is the responsibility of the owner (not necessarily the user) or qualified packer to
ensure that the main and reserve parachutes that are been packed are the correct size
for the Tear Drop 1 Pin they are connected to. There are many types of main and
reserve parachutes on the market today and the Tear Drop 1 Pin can be manufactured
to accept most of them. This manual does not contain instructions on inspection and
assembling each one, for these steps it is the responsibility of a qualified packer to use
the appropriate method for any main/reserve that he/she packs and to pack according
to the harness/container manufacturer's instructions. Deviating from these instructions
results in a void pack job and no responsibility will be held by THOMAS DEFENCE
SYSTEMS LTD.
MODIFICATIONS
It is common for jumpers to alter their rigs by modification. A high percentage of these
alterations/modifications cause malfunctions or make it difficult to use the rig correctly.
Alterations/modifications if improperly done may affect balance, structure strength,
harness configuration, performance, flight characteristics and airworthiness.
The manufacturer (TDS) must be notified before you make any changes to your Tear
Drop 1 Pin, even "insignificant" alterations may have very negative or unforeseen
effects. The Tear Drop 1 Pin was designed and built the way it is as a result of years of
testing and development. There are reasons for having things the way they are, reasons
that might not be apparent at first. Alterations/modifications carried out without the
manufacturers consent will void the manufacturers’ responsibility.
THE MAIN
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
PACKING THE MAIN
First refer to the manufacturers’ instructions for laying out the main parachute, setting
the brakes and otherwise preparing the main parachute to put into the deployment bag.
If you require further instruction seek the advice of the main canopy manufacturer, or
a suitable instructor.
1. Fold the parachute slightly wider than the deployment bag.
2. Place the parachute on top of the deployment bag, then push the parachute out
into the corners of the deployment bag. Then close the bag, making sure that you
have filled out the corners of the bag.
3. Thread the bungies through the grommets of the bag and stow all the lines on the
deployment bag.
4. Pull the pilot chute bridle out of the top of the deployment bag until the load
bearing ring on top of the parachute seats against the grommet on the top of the
main deployment bag.
5. Set the deployment bag in the tray of the main container with the lines facing
the bottom the container and the pilot chute bridle coming out of the top of the
container. (SEE FIGURE #1)
FIGURE #1
WARNING
YOUR LINES MUST BE STOWED AT
THE BOTTOM OF YOUR CONTAINER
6. When using a throw away pilot chute the bridle line comes out of the bottom left
hand side of the main container.
Close the bottom flap #1, then the top flap #2, left side flap #3, then the right side
flap #4. Insert the curved pin through the closing loop from right to left. Next,
dress the container making sure that the risers are correctly positioned. Remove
the pull up cord. Note that the container will not open if the pull-up cord is left in.
FOLDING THE MAIN PILOT CHUTE
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
A. Lay the pilot chute out net side up so the edge of the circle is at the mouth of the
spandex pocket. S-Fold the bridle line on the half of the pilot chute over the
pocket.
B. Fold the pilot chute in half over the bridle line. (see FIGURE #2) then bring
the corners up to form a wide triangle. (see FIGURE #3).
C. Fold the triangle in half, forming a skinny triangle. (see FIGURE #4).
D. Fold the triangle into thirds, forming a skinny triangle, then fold it once more.
(see again FIGURE #4).
E. Fold the pilot chute in half so that the handle is even with the skirt.
(see FIGURE #5)
F. Then stow the pilot chute into the spandex pocket with the toggle showing at the
top.
FIGURE #2 FIGURE #3
FIGURE #4 FIGURE #5
INSTALLATION & ATTACHMENT OF RETRACTABLE PILOT CHUTE
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
1. Remove old pilot chute and bridle line, if fitting to old system.
2. Check bag for proper size grommet, number 4.
3. Thread the retention line and kill line from the outside of the bag to the inside
of the bag.
4. Thread the two loops at the bottom of the bridle line into the grommet.
5. Insert rapid link into loops forming a circle with the kill line in the center.
6. Attach retention line using the rapid link to attachment point on canopy.
ATTACHMENT:
REMEMBER: YOU MUST COCK THE SYSTEM BEFORE YOU
CLOSE YOUR CONTAINER. TO COCK THE PILOT CHUTE
PULL THE APEX (HANDLE) OF THE PILOT CHUTE UNTIL
THE CENTRE LINE OF THE PILOT CHUTE IS TAUT *DO THIS
BEFORE PACKING THE CANOPY INTO THE BAG*
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PULL-OUT
A. S-fold the pilot chute bridle across the top of the container and lay the folded
pilot chute on the center of the deployment bag with the base coming out of the
right hand bottom corner.
B. Place the pull-out pad onto the velcro on the bottom of the container.
C. Close the container with the closing loop, following the #'s on the main container
flaps.
D. Ensure that where the pad and pin is attached to the pilot chute, it is free from
snagging on the right side.
E. Remove the pull-up cord and tuck the excess bridle and base of the pilot chute
up under the bottom right hand flap.
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
Because of the size range of square reserve canopies available today, this manual does
not contain instructions on inspection, assembling and flaking. Please follow the
packing instructions of your reserve manufacturers’ manual.
TYPICAL PRO PACKING EXAMPLE
TOOLS REQUIRED
1 X T Bar
1 X Pull up cord
1 X Packing paddle
1. Thoroughly inspect the pilot chute bridle,
deployment bag, canopy, lines, links, loop,
risers, container and harness.
2. Follow canopy manufactures instructions
for
A. Attaching the canopy to risers.
B. Attaching toggles to steering lines.
C. Flaking canopy.
D. Folding the nose of the canopy.
E. Setting deployment brakes.
F. Splitting the tail.
G. Stowing the slider.
H. Dressing the canopy.
3. Prepare the free bag so that it is ready to
be packed. To do this, insert one end of the
pull up cord through the grommet in the top
and bottom of the bag, and tie it to the other
end so that it won't slip out during
the packing procedure. NOTE; Some
riggers prefer to use a T bar instead of a
pull up cord. Insert the T bar through the
bag from the bottom. The T bar or pull up
cord will be used later to pull the loop
through the bagged canopy.
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
FIGURE #1
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
4. FIGURE #1
Dress the canopy to the width of the reserve bag.
5. FIGURES #2, #3, #4
Kneel on the trailing edge and keeping the center seam
in the middle of the bundle, push the middle of the top of
the canopy down to your knees until the bundle resembles
two ears, as shown in FIG #2.
Spread the center of the trailing edge out to the
approximate width of the reserve bag and kneel on it
again. Using a pushing and rolling motion, shape the
ears so that the bundle resembles the 'V' shape in FIG
#3. Then place the reserve bag as shown in FIG #4. The
grommet of the reserve bag and the T bar should be right
at the crutch of the 'V' formed by the bag.
FIGURE#2
6. FIGURE #5
Kneel on the canopy so that your knee holds the locking
flap of the reserve bag in place, and then stuff each arm of
the 'V' into its respective side of the reserve bag. The 'T'
bar will be effectively surrounded by canopy and should
be well filled as shown in FIG #5.
7. FIGURE #6
'S' Fold the rest of the canopy into the reserve bag as
shown in FIG #6.
8. FIGURE #7 FIGURE #3
Lock the reserve bag closed with the suspension lines
and safety stow (only safety stow elastics must be used).
9. FIGURE #8
Stow the reminder of the suspension lines into the pouch
on the underside of the bag. 'S' Fold half of the lines into
the left side of the pouch and then the other half into the
right side of the pouch. Be sure none of the lines are
trapped between the Velcro at the mouth of the pouch.
10.
You are now ready to put the reserve bag into the
container.
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
FIGURE #4 FIGURE #5
FIGURE #6 FIGURE #7
FIGURE #8
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
Preparation of the reserve pilot chute and closing the reserve container
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
A. The reserve pilot chute is supplied with an aluminum cap on the top with 2
grommets contained in it. The off-set grommet is where the 1 pin loop is started.
B. Insert the 1 pin loop from the inside of the reserve pilot chute up to the off-set
grommet and pass it through, ensuring that the washer prevents the 1 pin loop
from passing through the grommet, SEE FIGURE #1. Make sure the adjustment
of the 1 pin quick loop is on the outside of the pop top, SEE FIGURE #2.
C. When you have the 1 pin loop through the top of the pilot chute cap you then
insert the 1 pin loop end back down the center grommet of the pilot chute cap
leaving the finger trapped end on the outside of the pilot chute. This will then be
used for tightening the loop when the reserve is packed.
FIGURE #1 FIGURE #2
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
Preparation of the reserve pilot chute and closing the reserve container
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
D. FIGURES #3, #4, #5 AND #6 show how to close the side flaps and the routing of the
square reserve bag bridle. As shown in FIGURE #4, 3-4 inches of reserve bridle line
must be tucked back under the square reserve bag. FIGURE #5 shows closing the
left hand side of the reserve container. FIGURE #6 shows the right hand side flap
been closed.
FIGURE #3 FIGURE #4
FIGURE #5 FIGURE #6
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
Preparation of the reserve pilot chute and closing the reserve container
E. The next stage is stowing the reserve bridle line under the bottom closing flap.
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
F. FIGURE #7 shows the reserve bridle line been folded in half.
G. FIGURE #8 then shows the reserve bridle line been folded in a quarter to give
you a dove tail effect.
H. FIGURE #9 shows the pointed end of the dove tail been stowed into the stage
deployment loop. Approximately 2cm should be stowed into the elastic (NO
MORE THAN 3cm).
I. FIGURE #10 shows the reserve bridle line then folded in half length ways and
moved to the bottom of the reserve container.
FIGURE #7 FIGURE #8
FIGURE #9 FIGURE #10
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
Preparation of the reserve pilot chute and closing the reserve container
J. FIGURE #11 shows the top flap now closed over the 'T' bar.
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
K. FIGURE #12 shows the reserve bridle line now stowed completely under the
bottom flap of the reserve container.
L. FIGURE #13 shows the bottom flap of the reserve container now held in
position over the 'T' bar.
FIGURE #11 FIGURE #12
FIGURE #13
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
Preparation of the reserve pilot chute and closing the reserve container
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
M. FIGURE #14 shows the 1 pin loop coming out of the top of the reserve pilot
chute with the pull-up cord in place.
N. FIGURE #15 shows the pull-up cord coming back through the center of the
reserve pilot chute and through the 'T' bar.
O. FIGURE #16 shows the reserve pilot chute now seated on top of the reserve
container.
P. FIGURE #17 shows the TEAR DROP 1 PIN in the upright position with one
hand on the top of the domed reserve pilot chute cap, the other on the 'T' bar.
Slowly pull the 'T' bar through the reserve container bringing the pull-up cord
and loop with it.
FIGURE #14 FIGURE #15
FIGURE #16 FIGURE #17
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
Preparation of the reserve pilot chute and closing the reserve container
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
Q. FIGURE #18 shows the locking off of the reserve pin with the loop. When the
reserve ripcord pin is in position and locked off by the loop, REMOVE THE
PULL-UP CORD.
R. FIGURES #19, #20 AND #21 show the stowing of the excess reserve pilot chute
fabric underneath the domed 1 pin pop top cap.
FIGURE #18 FIGURE #19
FIGURE #20 FIGURE #21
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
Preparation of the reserve pilot chute and closing the reserve container
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
S. FIGURES #22, #23 AND #24 show the stowing of the excess reserve pilot chute
fabric underneath the domed 1 pin pop top cap.
FIGURE #22 FIGURE #23
FIGURE #24
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
Preparation of the reserve pilot chute and closing the reserve container
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TEAR DROP 1 PIN OWNERS MANUAL
T. FIGURE #25 shows the preparation for pulling the loop.
U. FIGURE #26 shows pulling up the loop through the center of the reserve pilot
chute.
V. FIGURE #27 and #28 show the stowing of the excess line on the loop.
FIGURE #25 FIGURE #26
FIGURE #27 FIGURE #28
PACKING A SQUARE RESERVE
Preparation of the reserve pilot chute and closing the reserve container
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