Abstract:
A propulsion unit is adapted to propel a selected tip element into a structure along with a cable attached to the tip element. The cable is secured with respect to the structure and apparatus is provided that cooperates with the cable to allow at least one person at a time to move along the cable to safety. In a preferred embodiment, the propulsion unit is similar to an artillery piece.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    This invention relates to a rescue system and more particularly to a system for propelling a cable into a structure to afford a route of escape.  
           [0002]    As the tragic events in New York on Sep. 11, 2001 have shown, people sometimes are trapped in structures at locations high above ground or trapped in situations and locations inaccessible to rescuers. Skyscrapers, for example, typically include stairways in their core for egress during an emergency. If, however, this route of egress is cut off by a catastrophic event and helicopter rescue from the roof is unavailable, building inhabitants above the catastrophic event have no way of leaving the building safely. There is, therefore, a need for a system that will allow a person or groups of persons to exit a building or other structure safely.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    The rescue system, according to the invention, includes a propulsion unit adapted to propel a selected tip element into a structure along with a cable attached to the tip element. In the context of this invention, the term “structure” shall be construed to include, but is not limited to, buildings, vehicles, bridges, vessels, and natural formations such as cliffs. The cable is securable with respect to the structure. The system also includes apparatus cooperating with the cable to allow at least one person at a time to move along the cable to safety. In a preferred embodiment, the propulsion unit includes a barrel from which the tip element is propelled, for example, by the release of chemical energy such as from gunpowder. A catapult could also be used. The propulsion unit may be mounted for recoil or it may be a recoilless unit.  
           [0004]    In this embodiment, the cable is stored in and runs out from a dispenser which may be adjacent to the propulsion unit or located away from the propulsion unit. It is also contemplated that the cable may run out through the barrel itself. The propulsion unit can be operated at selected output power levels depending on range and other circumstances.  
           [0005]    The propulsion unit may be located at ground level and transportable on a vehicle or even hand-held. The propulsion unit could also be located in the air or in an adjacent structure. The system further includes apparatus to absorb safely the impact of a descending person or persons. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING  
       [0006]    The single figure of the drawing is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0007]    With reference to the single figure of the drawing, a propulsion unit  10  includes a barrel  12  supported for movement on a recoil mechanism  14 . A breach  16  allows an explosive charge to be loaded into the barrel  12 . The recoil mechanism  14  is supported by an arm or arms  18  whose length is adjusted by a cranking mechanism  20  so that the elevation of the barrel  12  may be adjusted.  
         [0008]    In this embodiment, a dispenser  22  includes therewithin a suitable length of cable  23  attached to a tip element  24 . The propulsion unit  10  is analogous to a harpoon gun, breeches buoy, catapult, or small artillery piece.  
         [0009]    It will be appreciated that the propulsion unit may come in different weights which would require a heavier mount to support the barrel  12  and recoil mechanism  14 , in which case the arm (or arms)  18  would be replaced by more sophisticated elevating and traversing mechanisms, akin to those employing gears which are found on field artillery pieces.  
         [0010]    The operation of the rescue system of the invention will now be described in the context of a rescue from a tall building  26 . The propulsion unit  10  is loaded with a charge selected based on the range to the desired location in the building and based on the penetrating power required. For example, if the tip  24  were to be fired through an open window or porthole, a smaller charge can be used. On the other hand, if the tip  24  is required to penetrate a relatively unyielding substance such as thick glass, concrete or masonry, a larger charge is required. The mass and geometry of the tip  24  will also vary depending on the structure that must be penetrated. For example, the tip may need to be made of tool steel to penetrate thick glass, concrete or masonry and have a substantial mass. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, firing tables can be developed based on the range and penetrating power required so that the appropriate charge is selected.  
         [0011]    The tip  24  is attached to the cable  23  residing in the dispenser  22 . The cable is arrayed within the dispenser  22  so that it may be paid out rapidly. The cable  23  may be any suitable high tensile strength material including steel cable or braided polyethylene rope depending on the application. The cable must have sufficient tensile strength to support at least one, and preferably many, persons at the same time.  
         [0012]    In an emergency situation, the propulsion unit  10  is loaded with the appropriate charge as discussed above and the tip  24  (shown in phantom) is inserted into the barrel  12  while connected to the cable  23 . The elevation of the propulsion unit  10  is set by adjusting the length of the leg  18  by turning the crank  20 .  
         [0013]    The persons to be rescued from the building  26  are warned by means of a bullhorn or loud hailer that a projectile will be entering their area so that they can take cover. Thereafter, the propulsion unit  10  is fired propelling the tip  24  and the cable  23  into a desired location within the building  26 . Once inside the building  26 , the persons to be rescued firmly secure the cable  23  to the building itself or to something inside the building sufficiently strong (supporting beams, piping, or even heavy pieces of furniture or equipment) to bear the weight of those being rescued. Once the invention becomes commercially available, building occupants may designate anchor points in the building for the cable in advance of an emergency. It is contemplated that the tip structure would include one or more safety devices for gripping the cable for use by those awaiting rescue. Various such devices (“descenders”) are already on the market and are often used in mountaineering for descending along a rope in a controllable way.  
         [0014]    After the cable  23  is secured to the building, a person to be rescued attaches a descender  28  to the cable  23  and to himself using any one of a number of commercially available harnesses  30  and leaves the building proceeding down the cable  23 . A trampoline-like device (not shown) may be provided near the ground to break the fall of the descending individual. In appropriate circumstances, the descending individual could be belayed by someone in the building.  
         [0015]    It will be appreciated that in some circumstances it might be necessary to fire a projectile without a cable to breach the structure after which the cable is delivered by a subsequent firing. It will be further appreciated that multiple cables may be required in order to remove everyone. It is preferred that the cable  23  come in standard lengths within the dispenser  22  along with the ability of the rescuers to add or subtract sections depending on the particular task. It will also be appreciated that the propulsion unit  10  could be mounted on a fire engine or rescue vehicle for transport to the scene of a disaster. The system could also be deployed from an adjacent structure, from a vessel or from the air such as from a helicopter. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the system could be easily broken down into its component parts so that it could be moved readily to otherwise inaccessible firing positions.  
         [0016]    It is preferred that the rescue system of the invention be operated by highly trained individuals who would engage in regular drills much like canoneers in an artillery unit. It is also contemplated that highly trained rescuers might enter the structure (as by rappelling from a roof or helicopter) after the cable  23  has been delivered to help secure the cable  23  within the structure and to assist those being rescued in leaving the structure  26 .  
         [0017]    Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the propulsion unit  10  could be of recoilless design so as to be fired from a light mount or even from the shoulder. It should also be appreciated that after the cable  23  is delivered, the end proximate the propulsion unit  10  may be secured to a location other than that from which the projectile was fired to aid in a safe descent.  
         [0018]    It will be appreciated that the invention can be used for a) exiting a structure by using the invention from inside the structure, and b) gaining access to a structure by employing a system of pulleys and an engine. Use of the invention as described in this paragraph might arise in military or quasi-military operations.  
         [0019]    It is recognized that modifications and variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is intended that all such modifications and variations be included within the scope of the appended claims.