A ripcord is a part of a skydiving harness-container system; a handle attached to a steel cable ending in a closing pin.
The pin keeps the container closed and keeps the spring-loaded pilot chute inside.
On tandem systems the ripcord releases the 3-ring release system anchoring the bridle to the harness-container, allowing the parachute to open.
The ripcord was invented in 1914 by Tiny Broadwick.
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