Methods and systems for mass distribution of supply packs

Abstract

An aerial distribution system and method for deploying items is disclosed. The system includes a box, a lid detachably coupled to the box, a plurality of items within the box, a flexible liner coupled to the box and containing the plurality of items, and at least one strap coupling the lid to the flexible liner. During deployment of the aerial distribution system, air drag removes the lid from the box and inverts the flexible liner to eject the plurality of items from the box.

1 . An aerial distribution system for deploying items, comprising:
 a box;   a lid detachably coupled to the box;   a plurality of items within the box; and   at least one tether coupling the lid to the box;   wherein during aerial deployment of the aerial distribution system, the lid lifts off from the box, remains coupled to the box via the at least on tether, and acts as a canopy to slow the descent of the box.   
     
     
         2 . The aerial distribution system of  claim 1 , further comprising a false bottom of the box, wherein as the lid lifts off from the box, the false bottom is forced through the box and ejects the plurality of items from the box. 
     
     
         3 . The aerial distribution system of  claim 2 , wherein the false bottom is coupled to the at least one tether by at least one strap. 
     
     
         4 . The aerial distribution system of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of items are aerodynamic supply packs. 
     
     
         5 . The aerial distribution system of  claim 2 , wherein the items are forced out of the bottom of the box. 
     
     
         6 . The aerial distribution system of  claim 2 , wherein the box, lid, and false bottom descend as a single unit. 
     
     
         7 . The aerial distribution system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one strap is coupled to the false bottom and the box. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . (canceled) 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . An aerial distribution container, comprising:
 a box;   a lid detachably coupled to the box; and   at least one tether coupling the lid to the box;   wherein during aerial deployment of the aerial distribution container, the lid lifts off from the box, remains coupled to the box via the at least on tether, and acts as a canopy to slow the descent of the box.   
     
     
         16 . The aerial distribution container of  claim 15 , further comprising a false bottom of the box coupled to the flexible liner, wherein as the lid lifts off from the box, the false bottom is forced through the box. 
     
     
         17 . The aerial distribution container of  claim 16 , wherein the false bottom is coupled to the at least one tether by at least one strap. 
     
     
         18 . The aerial distribution container of  claim 16 , wherein the items are forced out of the bottom of the box. 
     
     
         19 . The aerial distribution container of  claim 16 , wherein the box, lid, and false bottom descend as a single unit. 
     
     
         20 . The aerial distribution container of  claim 16 , wherein the at least one strap is coupled to the false bottom and the box.