Pages: 1 2

Parachutes have gone through a lot of developments and use. Its purposes are not just escape devices. After the World War I and II more developments to its design lead it to be used for other purposes such as sports and recreation.

Parachutes are safer than they were decades ago, which garnered the interest of thrill seekers and extreme sport enthusiasts. Although the parachute is the main focus, other accessories such as the pants are also equally important. Parachute pants have also been associated with the 80′s.

The pants are used to go along with the parachute. Other designs include jumpsuits and wing suits. The design depends on its purposes. Companies make different prototypes that can be used in different kind of sports. They are also associated with the clothing trend during the 80′s and MC hammer.

Pants for jumping and breakdancing

Parachute pants are made of ripstop nylon. This type of fabric is water repellent and lightweight. They have interweaving ripstop threads that are reinforced in a crosshatch pattern. This enables the pants to resist ripping or tearing. This type of fabric was also used to replace silk that were originally used in making parachutes in World War II.

These pants can be custom made and are made to fit the wearer. Companies have their own sizing system and use the customer’s measurements to make one. Typically, they have standard features such as elasticized waistband, crocodile closing system, zip front fly and Velcro knee reinforcements. They can be matched with a top.

They also became popular in American culture in the 80′s because of breakdancing. Breakdancers used nylon to make their own trousers and jumpsuits. This enables them to do fast and intricate routines that they call "downrock" without tearing their pants. It also decreases the friction to be able to do speedy moves. The use of nylon and its large baggy cut resembled parachute pants. It was then later on labeled as parachute pants.

They gained more popularity when they were used by hip hop artists. This time they were light weight, loose fitted, and styled with excessive zippers, folds and pockets. The baggy cut and folds creates a visual effect which enhances the rhythm of the dancer’s moves. The pockets are not really usable and are merely used to add another zipper or another superficial feature to the pants. They are designed with bright colors, neon patterns, and Middle Eastern prints which are different from its predecessors made by breakdancers.

These pants went out of style in the

Pages: 1 2

It may not be much but making a parachute could be a very fun activity, both for the exercise of knowledge on aerodynamics , or maybe some things more about physics and just for the sheer fun of it. Also, it is a good alternative to common toys seen in the market today.

Introduction

A parachute is a device which uses the effect of drag to slow down its descent from high latitudes. It was invented by a man named Louis-Sébastien Lenormand during 1783 and is not used both for military and recreational activities. Its general design includes a canopy that is made of a lightweight fabric that supports the suspension lines and is supported by tapes. Similar materials are used in almost all forms of parachutes.

Here are three modifications on making a parachute.

Parachute Model No. 1

Materials needed:

A piece of lightweight cloth, preferably 30 cm sq (handkerchief, bandana or scarf could be used)

A weight (could be a small toy, a metal washer or any piece of small item that could give sufficient weight to the parachute)

4 pieces of 40 cm long strings

Instructions:

Using the overhand knot, tie each corner of the lightweight cloth. Afterwards, tie each string to the inner edge of the knot allowing the bulk of the knot to stop the string to slip off. Collect all strings in one hand and pull the center of the cloth using the fingers. Again using an overhand knot, tie all the ends of the strings together allowing, as much as possible don’t leave a space at the end of the strings.

Finally, attach the weight to the parachute. If you are using a washer, use a lark’s head knot. To test the mini parachute, try dropping it from shoulders’ height. Make the necessary adjustments to achieve better gliding motion.

Parachute Model No. 2

Materials needed:

A polythene bag (I possible make use of a stretchy polythene bag)

Four one-foot long stings

A paper clip

Modeling clay

Instructions:

Cut a 12 by 12 inch sq from the polythene bag. Make a hole on each side of the square. Tie the strings to all sides of the hole, making the length of all strings as uniformed as possible then tie the free ends of the strings using an overhand knot. Attach a paper clip to the tied ends. Meanwhile, make a small model of a person using clay. Estimate the size as to the weight capacity of the parachute. Attach the person to the paper clip. Afterwards, cut a small hole at the center of the parachute about 1 by 1 cm in diameter.