Abstract:
The invention in the simplest form is an emergency rescue device the stores conveniently and provides a rapid deployment. The invention comprises a length of rope interconnected to a weighted throwing unit having a loop portion with an automatic restraining system. The throwing unit is used to position the loop in close proximity to the distressed person, wherein the person only need to insert his/her hands within the loop. The rescue personnel pulls the rope which tightens the loop and firmly holds the wrists of the person in a hyper extended position.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/188,647 filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Technical Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to a rescue device and emergency apparatus. More specifically, the present invention comprises a weighted throwing portion secured to a length of rope, and an adjustable wrist loop secured a short distance from the throwing portion.  
           [0004]    2. Background Art  
           [0005]    Each year numerous lives are lost because aid was not quickly available, even when bystanders and emergency crews are present. Most rescue operations require a certain amount of time to prepare and execute—and time that can be fatal to a person in distress.  
           [0006]    There are also hazards to the rescue personnel or bystander, especially if attempting the rescue without proper planning. Many tragic stories tell of the Good Samaritan that attempted to rescue a victim in distress only to become a victim of the same fate.  
           [0007]    Persons in distress in water pose several problems to a rescuer. The distressed person will likely cling to whatever is within reach, including a prospective rescuer. A drowning person lacks the capacity of reasoning and can present a serious threat to an unqualified or unsuspecting rescuer. For this reason, lifeguards normally keep a safe distance between themselves and the victim. The lifeguard typically uses a buoy or other floatation device to present to the victim to grasp and can then safely haul the buoy and victim to shore. If there is no separation device, a lifeguard dives below the surface and positions the victim into a safe and controlled orientation before attempting to swim to shore. In the event that the victim does manage to grab hold of a lifeguard, the preferred escape is to dive under the water and break-away from the victim.  
           [0008]    Rescue operations in ice present even greater danger to the victim and rescue persons. Hypothermia is a major concern, and a person that falls into frigid water only has a few minutes before the effects of hypothermia develop. Hypothermia causes the body to enter into a state of shock that inhibits coordination and muscular control. It also effects the mental state and a person may become unconscious. A further problem relates to the ice itself, the area surrounding a break is usually more susceptible to breaking, thus a rescue person that exerts too much pressure upon the ice may wind up stuck in the same predicament as the victim.  
           [0009]    In order to reduce the aforementioned problems, attempts have been made to produce a suitable rescue device. The prior art devices have general short-comings and do not adequately address the problems and difficulties stated herein.  
           [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,077 discloses a spherical throwing device with integrated channels to form a loop that would restrict once the rope is pulled. This particular invention has no means of keeping the loop in an open position and there is no restriction on the rope to prevent slippage of the loop size during throwing and operation. Furthermore the loop is integrally connected to the throwing ball and it would be difficult to engage the loop.  
           [0011]    A weighted throwing bag with a securing line is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,526 that allows the weighted bag to be thrown in the vicinity of a distressed person. The bag has gripping portions that can be used to cling to until help arrives or to assist in pulling the person out of the water. The bag also employs a spike tool to enable the distressed person to climb to safety out of ice. This invention relies on the distressed person to be conscious and have good motor skills to rescue him/her self.  
           [0012]    The invention of U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,651 describes a throwable disc-shaped device connected to a rope. The disc breaks apart to produce a harness that can be grabbed by the victim or the victim can slip his arms through the harness and the harness will go around the back and under the arms. A similar device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,637 that shows a floatation device with gripping structures and straps. One problem with these inventions is that if they are held in the hands, the victim may lose consciousness and let go of the rope. It may also be difficult to grab onto the device or straps when wearing clothing and gloves. In addition, if the person fell into an icy body of water and the harness is placed around the back of the victim, the force of the pulling will bring the person&#39;s chest against the ice.  
           [0013]    A life ring is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,642 having a semi-rigid inner ring and a flexible outer ring. The distressed person is supposed to be situated within the inner ring and as the pulling rope is pulled the outer ring changes in shape so as to grip the distressed persons arms. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,145 another circular shaped buoy device is disclosed with a center strap and buckling devices to secure the distressed person. An inflatable buoy device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,158. These devices generally do not have a long range throwing capacity. These devices also require some physical dexterity on the part of the distressed person. In addition, these devices tend to occupy more space and cargo room.  
           [0014]    There are many other devices that describe various discs and rings having certain features and attributes, but all generally require the distressed person to hold onto an object or otherwise secure him/her self to the object. What is needed is a device that is compact and easily stored in convenient locations. Such a device should be capable of rapid deployment and operable by anyone. This device should be inexpensive to purchase, yet sturdy and dependable. The device should allow the rescuer to deploy the rescue device a long distance from the rescuer so that the rescuer remains safe. This device should allow the victim a fast yet secure way to be secured to the device. Furthermore, this device should hold the person in an optimal position with the head above water, even if the victim loses consciousness.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0015]    The present invention has been made in consideration of the aforementioned background, and is for a compact life-saving rescue device. The invention fits securely within a storage bag that contains the floatation throwing device and the rope having a hand loop restraint. This provides a convenient and inexpensive rescue device that is versatile, lightweight, and compact and can be used in ponds, rivers, streams, lakes, brooks and similar bodies of water—especially if the water is frozen or partially frozen.  
           [0016]    An object of the invention is to provide a life safety apparatus that can be used as a first response tool. The compact device can be stowed in a car trunk or carried along when venturing out in the outdoors. It can be used to stabilize a person in distress until help arrives and may be used to assist in pulling the person to safety. The invention is packed conveniently in a bag and quickly and easily can be extracted and delivered to the distressed person, even by a person with no training in life-saving or rescue operations.  
           [0017]    The wrist securing feature retains a firm grip on the person even if the person loses consciousness or is otherwise unable to hold onto an object.  
           [0018]    A further object of the invention is to provide a life-saving apparatus that is capable of being delivered a long distance from the rescuer so that the rescuer remains safe and secure. The weighted portion of the present invention allows the rope to be accurately thrown an average of 70-80 feet.  
           [0019]    And another object is an emergency rescue device that employs a loop positioned a short distance from the weighted portion. The loop is designed with independent adjustment means that secure around the wrist when the rope is pulled.  
           [0020]    Yet another object is that the present invention is comprised of relatively inexpensive components so that the unit is affordable to rescue, fire, police and emergency personnel that are on tight fiscal budgets. The device is also affordable to the general public and can put such devices in the hands of those that are first to arrive at the scene of the rescue. This is especially important when time is a critical element of survival.  
           [0021]    And a further object of the invention is to provide a floatation device in close proximity to a distressed person to be used to help the person locate the rope and wrist loop. The buoy is fluorescent in color. The device can also employ battery operated lighting means and electronics such as global positioning systems and emergency alerting devices.  
           [0022]    An object of the invention is a throwable rescue device, comprising a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end. There is a weighted unit connected at an end of said throwing end and a loop forming assembly engaging said rope forming an adjustable loop in the rope with a slidable end and an adjustable end. The loop forming assembly has a means for providing resistance on the rope to maintain a size of the adjustable loop, and a means for providing no resistance when the base end is pulled, wherein the slidable end has a stopping means and the adjustable end is connected to the weighted unit.  
           [0023]    An additional object is a throwable rescue device, further comprising a storage bag for storing the rescue device.  
           [0024]    Additionally, an object is a throwable rescue device, wherein the rope is stranded polypropylene. Also, wherein the weighted unit is a buoyant ball. An object includes a throwable rescue device, wherein the stopping means is a knot in the rope. Also, wherein the stopping means is a clamp on the rope.  
           [0025]    A further object is a throwable rescue device, wherein said means for providing resistance is a plyable washer on an inner side of the adjustable end of the loop forming assembly wherein an outer edge of the washer contacts the rope on an inner side of the slidable end.  
           [0026]    An object of the invention is a throwable rescue device, comprising a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end, with a weighted unit connected at an end of the throwing end. There is a loop forming assembly engaging the rope and forming an adjustable loop in the rope, the adjustable loop having a slidable end and an adjustable end. The loop forming assembly has a first orifice engaging the rope on the slidable end and a second orifice engaging the rope on the adjustable end, wherein the slidable end has a stopping means restricting movement towards the base end and the adjustable end is connected to the weighted unit, and wherein the loop forming assembly has a washer engaging the rope on the adjustable end for adjusting a size of the loop and a means for resisting movement of the rope until the base end is pulled.  
           [0027]    And, a throwable rescue device, wherein the first orifice and the second orifice have beveled surfaces engaging the rope.  
           [0028]    Another object is a throwable rescue device, wherein the means for resisting movement is an outer edge of the washer contacting the rope at the slidable end, wherein the washer is displaced when the base end is pulled.  
           [0029]    An object of the invention is a throwable rescue device, comprising a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end with a weighted unit connected at an end of the throwing end of the rope. There is a first retention sleeve and a second retention slidably engaging the rope, wherein the first retention sleeve is secured in place by splicing the first retention sleeve into the rope to form a first loop and a second retention sleeve is secured in place by splicing the second retention sleeve into the rope to form a second loop. There is also a means for resisting movement of the rope. The means for resisting movement is the neoprene washers.  
           [0030]    Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by me on carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]    The invention is susceptible of many variations, all within the scope of the specification, figures, and claims. The preferred embodiment described here and illustrated in the figures should not be construed as in any way limiting. The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 1 illustrates the components of the invention including the bag, wieighted unit, rope and loop forming assembly and details rough dimensions and orientations  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 2 shows the weighted end portion in more detail  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 3 is a close-up of the loop forming assembly, showing the interaction between the rope, the loop forming member and the washer  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 4 provides further details of the loop forming assembly and highlights the beveled or countersunk holes  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 5 demonstrates one method of throwing wherein an underhand  10   b  is used  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 6 is a dual loop embodiment showing the sleeve assembly spliced into the rope  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 7 depicts one of the loops of the dual loop assembly  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 8 depicts the other loop of the dual loop assmebly  
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0040]    The present invention refers to a rescue device that comprises a weighted object attached to a rope and having a means of securing to a person to facilitate rescue operations. A single preferred embodiment is illustrated with dimensions and particulars to demonstrate an enabled and functional description however the invention is in no way limited to this single embodiment.  
         [0041]    Referring to FIG. 1, the entire layout of the invention is illustrated. The invention is depicted in kit form that is easily stored in a bag  30 . The bag  30  should be durable and lightweight, and one such material for the bag  30  is nylon. The nylon bag  30  is approximately 18 inches long and 8 inches in diameter with an opening having an easy access means. In this illustrated embodiment there is a drawstring on one end to provide fast access while still maintaining the contents safely within the bag  30 .  
         [0042]    The rope  10  in this embodiment is approximately 100 feet in length by {fraction (1/4)}″ in diameter. This dimension tends to provide adequate distance for a rescue, sufficient strength for hauling, and light enough to optimize throwing distance. In the preferred embodiment the rope  10  is a nylon polypropylene that also has the advantage of being a floatation material. Allowing the rope  10  to float on the surface of water makes it easier to be located by a distressed person.  
         [0043]    The rope has a retention assembly  50  that forms an adjustable loop  40 . In the illustrated example, the adjustable loop  40  is approximately 12″ in diameter and held together by the retention assembly  50 . The characteristics and dimensions of the rope  10  affect the size of the adjustable to some extent, but the function of the loop  40  is to remain an easy target for a victim to insert their hands.  
         [0044]    The rope  10  is terminated in a throwing unit  20  and affixed within the throwing unit  20 . In a preferred embodiment, a fluorescent ball approximately 4 inches in diameter and weighing about 13.1 ounces is used. The ball  20  is made to be buoyant so that it floats. Many throwing units are also within the scope of the invention, including torpedo buoys, discs and rings.  
         [0045]    However, the intent of the throwing unit is to provide for optimal throwing distance and accuracy. The size and weight of the throwing unit  20  are important characteristics in placing the loop  40  in close proximity to the victim, even in less than desirable weather conditions. The throwing unit  20  should also be of a material that has some impact absorbing qualities in the event that the object strikes the victim. Various electronics such as global positioning system (GPS) location tracking electronics can be incorporated into the throwing unit  20  if required.  
         [0046]    In one embodiment the rope is slipped through a center of the ball  20 , including any internal weights, and a knot or other fastener is used to fasten the ball  20  to the rope  10 . The rope  10  is intended to be slidable within the ball  20  but rather to remain a fixed element.  
         [0047]    The prior art discusses many different types of rescue throwing devices, including elliptical or disc-shaped devices. The present invention is equally applicable to usage of the disc shaped units, as these discs generally have less air resistance and tend to provide a longer distance. However, throwing a discus requires more practice for accuracy whereas the present invention requires minimal training for distance and accuracy.  
                                                                       TABLE 1                                           Weight                Throw   15.1 oz   13.4 oz   12.8 oz                            1   79.4   71.4   76.2           2   81.6   73.8   79.3           3   84.3   72.1   80.1           4   86.5   75.4   79.2           5   83.0   72.2   80.0           6   88.7   73.5   71.0           7   87.9   76.6   84.1           8   99.5   72.9   81.2           9   92.5   70.0   79.4           10   88.7   76.1   82.0           Avg.   87.2   73.9   79.25           Distance                      
 
         [0048]    As shown in Table 1, various weights were thrown ten times and the distance measured for each throw to establish an average distance. As depicted, all the weights tested produced distances in excess of 70 feet.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 2 illustrates the orientation of the fluorescent ball  20  with respect to the retention assembly  50 . It also illustrates the wrist loop  40  that is used to grip the person in distress. The loop  40  is adjustable in size and tightens when the bag end of the rope is pulled. A knot  80  is tied in the rope  10  to ensure proper dimensions are met for loop diameter and throwing ease. The length of the loop portion of the rope is approximately 38 inches. There is an additional length of rope, about 6 inches extending from the retention assembly  50  to the ball  20 . Thus, the knot  80  is fastened about 44 inches from the ball  20 , and the loop  40  is adjustable within the parameters of the 44 inches.  
         [0050]    The position of the knot may be re-set, preferably in advance, for certain circumstances that require a larger or smaller loop. And, while a knot  80  is depicted as the means of fixing the loop dimensions, it is well within the scope of the invention to utilize a fastening unit. A fastener can be clipped onto the rope instead of the knot and interface with the retention assembly  50 . Such rope clamps are well known in the prior art and provide a means of more rapidly altering the length of rope and loop size. One preferred clamping unit is crimped in place upon the rope  10 .  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the retention assembly  50  depicting the individual elements. The retention assembly  50  is comprised of two components, loop sleeve or loop forming assembly  60  and retention washer  70 . Retention washer  70  is a closed cell neoprene washer approximately 1½″ in diameter and {fraction (1/8)}″ thick. The washer is designed to prevent slippage of the loop  40  prior to the bag end of the rope  10  being pulled. The dimension of the inner diameter of the hole in retention washer  70  is {fraction (1/16)}″ smaller than the polypropylene rope  10  to provide resistance to movement of the rope  10 . The leader length from the ball to the retention assembly is about 6 or 7 inches in a preferred embodiment and is adjustable by providing considerable force to counteract the resistance caused by the hole in the washer  70  upon the rope  10 .  
         [0052]    The retention assembly  50  keeps the loop in a substantially open position during operation prior to the rope  10  being pulled. As depicted, the outer edge of the washer  70  is in physical contact with the bag end of the rope  10  while the weighted end of the rope  10  goes through the center of the washer  70 .  
         [0053]    The retention washer provides the resistance to keep the loop from deforming or shrinking during transit. A single washer  70  can be used of appropriate thickness or multiple washers  70 . The wider the surface area of the washer  70  contacting the rope  10 , the greater the resistance upon the rope  10  from deforming. While a separate washer  70  is depicted, incorporating the functionality of the washer  70  as an integrated element of the loop sleeve  60  is an obvious variation of the present invention.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the loop sleeve  60 . Loop sleeve  60  is a manufactured piece part that ensures the rope reacts properly during flight and when bag end of the rope is pulled. In this embodiment it is made of Teflon. The outer dimensions of loop sleeve  60  are ½″ long by {fraction (1/2)}″ thick. Rounded comers are provided in the preferred embodiment. There are (2) {fraction (3/8)}″ diameter holes  100 ,  110  drilled through the loop sleeve  60  with counter sunk chamfers {fraction (5/8)}″ in diameter by 90 degrees on both sides of the loop sleeve  60 . A first hole  100  interfaces with the knot  80  while the second hole  10  interfaces with the washer. The holes are positioned to separate the rope and form the open loop  40 . The loop sleeve  60  works in conjunction with the retention washer  70  to provide friction or resistance to the rope  10  when it is being deployed and to prevent slippage of the set diameter of the loop  40 .  
         [0055]    The beveled orifice of the first hole  100  and the second hole  110  produces a favorable result that enables the present invention to provide a full loop during deployment and allows the rescue personnel to collapse the loop upon the victim&#39;s hand(s) with no resistance. The weight of the ball  20  upon the rope  10  pulls the washer  70  into the loop sleeve  60  and the washer  70  is flexed inwards to the beveled second hole  110 . This maintains the outer edge of the washer  70  in close contact with the rope  10  at the first hole  100  and provides resistance to movement of the rope  10 . When the unit is deployed and the rescuer pulls the rope  10 , the beveled orifice of the first hole  100  causes the loop sleeve  60  to cantilever and the upper edge of the washer  70  is slightly displaced from the close contact with the rope  10  near the first hole  100 . This allows the loop  40  to close without resistance and is essentially self-closing.  
         [0056]    An alternative embodiment of the loop sleeve has angled holes  100 ,  100 . The holes  100 ,  110  are angled outwards on the side facing the loop to aid in creating an open loop  40 . In this embodiment there may be an integrated retention washer within the sleeve  60 . It is also within the scope of the invention to expand the retention assembly  50  to incorporate rotatable wheels, ball bearings and/or guide members to facilitate the passage of the rope through the retention assembly as the rope is pulled and the loop retracts. However, the invention and motivation of the present invention is to be a low cost and simple unit and further enhancements add to the overall cost.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 5 demonstrates a preferred hand location for throwing the rescue device. The loop  40  acts as a handle so the rescue device can be thrown using an underhand bowling or softball pitching motion. The combination of the position of hand location in the loop  40  together with the pendulum motion of the thrower&#39;s arm allows distances of up to  75 ′ to be achieved with relative ease as shown in Table 1.  
         [0058]    In operation, the bag  30  is typically carried in a trunk of a car such as a rescue vehicle or police cruiser. The entire bag  30  is carried as close as possible to the site of the emergency and near the distressed person. An easy opening top portion of the bag  30  is opened and the throwing unit  20  is pulled out. The unit is typically stored in a ready-to-use state such that the loop  40  is already set at approximately 12 inch diameter.  
         [0059]    The user can leave the bag  30  on the ground and pull out several feet of rope  10  and hold the rescue device as shown in FIG. 5 by holding the loop portion with the weighted unit  20  at an opposing end of the user&#39;s hand. The rescuer can then  10   b  the weighted unit  20  to the person in distress and preferably within very close proximity. The combination of the loop sleeve  60  and the washer  70  keep the loop  40  in an open fashion and at the pre-set length.  
         [0060]    Depending upon the weather conditions and experience of the rescuer, it may take more than a single attempt to place the rescue device in the proper location for the distressed person. Verbal commands can be issued to the distressed person if possible, but in most cases the person in distress will try to instinctively grab whatever is in reach. Once the person in distress inserts one or both wrists into the loop or otherwise grabs the loop rope, the rescuer pulls the rope. As the rope is pulled the loop sleeve tilts and the loop collapses without resistance.  
         [0061]    An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6 in which there are a pair or loops  200 ,  210 . The pair of wrist loops  200 ,  210  are located approximately one or more feet from the throwing unit (not shown). The loops  200 ,  210  are adjustable in size and tighten when the bag end of the rope  10  is pulled. The adjustment means  220 ,  230  permits the adjustment of the wrist loops  200 ,  210 .  
         [0062]    There are sections of heat shrink  300  around sections of the rope  10  to permit easier sliding of the rope retention sleeve  220 . Each wrist loop  200 ,  210  employs a washer  250 ,  260  to keep the loops open while the rescue device is in transit to the victim. They also help in securing the loops  200 ,  210  tightly around the wrists.  
         [0063]    The washers  250 ,  260  add some resistance to the loop  200 ,  210  as described herein. Once the diameter of the loop  200 ,  210  is set, the neoprene washer  250 ,  260  prevents any slippage, especially in wet environments. The hole cut in the center of the washer  250 ,  260  which is slipped onto the rope  10  is slightly smaller than the rope  10  to provide the resistance to movement.  
         [0064]    The rope retention sleeves  220 ,  230  are interconnected and attached to the rope  10  by a rope securing means  400 . In the depicted embodiment, the rope securing means  400  is by threading the rope retention sleeves  220 ,  230  through the stranded rope  10 . The rope securing means  300  holds the rope retention sleeves  220 ,  230  and allows the sleeve  220  to slide along the rope  10  when pulled. Other rope securing means  300  are within the scope of the invention.  
         [0065]    [0065]FIGS. 7 and 8 provide a further exploded view of the wrist securing components. The rope  10  from the bag end has a heat shrink sleeve  300  in close proximity to the loop  200 . There is a washer  250  and then the rope retention sleeve  220 , and then another washer  250 . The first loop  200  is formed and another heat shrink sleeve  100  is employed. The rope retention sleeve  220  is threaded through the rope  10  to secure the rope retention sleeve  220  and allow the rope  10  to slide within the sleeve  220 .  
         [0066]    In FIG. 8, the rope  10  from the first loop  200  encounters a rope retention sleeve  230  and then a washer  260 . The loop  210  is formed and the rope retention sleeve  230  is threaded into the rope  10 .  
         [0067]    With this embodiment, the person in distress places each hand in a loop and as the rope is puled the loops close and securely hold both wrists as the person is hauled to safety.  
         [0068]    No warranty is expressed or implied as to the actual degree of safety, security or support of any particular specimen of the invention in whole or in part, due to differences in actual production designs, materials and use of the products of the invention.  
         [0069]    The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above writings. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.  
         [0070]    The invention is susceptible of many variations, all within the scope of the specification, figures, and claims. The preferred embodiment described here and illustrated in the figures should not be construed as in any way limiting.