Patent ID: 6246863
Filing Date: 2001-06-12
Classification: A63B,G01S

Abstract:
An improved rescue device to be worn by an individual when in snow-covered regions subject to avalanche conditions, the rescue device having,a transmitter which generates a pulsed electromagnetic signal at a specified frequency,an antenna for transmitting the pulsed electromagnetic signal to provide a locating signal and for receiving signals from other transmitters,a receiver tuned to receive the locating signal from another transmitter via the antenna and generating an input signal proportional to the strength of the locating signal received,a speaker,a case for housing the transmitter, the antenna, and the receiver,a harness constructed from belts for securing the case to the individual,a first belt connector for attaching the harness to the case, anda second belt connector for attaching the harness to the case,the improvement comprising:a first belt terminator which serves as the first belt connector;a first belt terminator receptor which forms part of the case and which is configured to lockably engage said first belt terminator;a power switch associated with said first belt terminator receptor, said power switch having a power on position and a power off position;means for switching said power switch from said power on position to said power off position responsive to the engagement and disengagement of said first belt terminator with said first belt terminator receptor;means for locking and releasing said first belt terminator to and from said first belt terminator receptor;a second belt terminator which serves as the second belt connector;a second belt terminator receptor which forms part of the case and which is configured to lockably engage said second belt terminator;a mode switch associated with said second belt terminator receptor, said mode switch having a transmit mode position and a receive mode position;means for toggling said mode switch between said transmit mode position and said receive mode position responsive to the engagement and disengagement of said second belt terminator with said second belt terminator receptor; andmeans for locking and releasing said second belt terminator to and from said second belt terminator receptor.