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The container component assembly of the parachute system is that part which encloses the canopy(s) and lines, the deployment device if used, and the pilot chute. It is held closed by the use of cones or loops, which are secured by ripcord pins or locking pins such as are used on hand deploy systems. Containers may consist of single units as are used on pilot emergency systems, or multiple units such as are used on skydiving piggyback systems. The term “pack” is used interchangeably with container. The harness and container assembly may be called the pack and harness. The term “packtray” is used to refer to the bottom panel or section of the container where the lines may be stowed during packing. Early containers were simply a bag-shaped unit that the canopy was stuffed into and then tied closed. The parachute was static line deployed and the parachutist simply fell away from the balloon or aircraft allowing the canopy to deploy. With the advent of manually deployed free fall systems, the need for a more secure and tailored design became evident. Originally, the parachute systems were identified by the position at which they were located in relation to the body

Figure 2-7.Tandem container system.

of the user. These were the back parachute, seat parachute, chest parachute, and lap parachute. The containers were usually rectangular in shape with four closing flaps. These configurations were primarily dictated by the need to fit the assembly into the cockpit of the aircraft. With the growth of skydiving, the container configurations and the associated terminology changed. The original location of the main parachute on the back and the reserve on the chest became known as the “conventional” configuration. [Figure 2-5] The original tandem configuration with both the main and reserve on the back became of a two-person parachute system became the new “tandem.” [Figure 2-7]