Person-in-the-water rescue and retrieval system

A person-in-the-water rescue and retrieval system includes a net assembly having a pair of laterally spaced apart side ropes and a plurality of net portions, each net portion being constructed of a material that floats, extends laterally between the side ropes, and is spaced apart longitudinally from an adjacent net portion. The system includes a deployment capsule defining an interior space configured to selectively receive the net assembly therein. A launching device includes a framework configured to receive the deployment member. A first compressed air canister is in fluid communication with the launching device and the deployment member and configured to apply force to the deployment member when actuated that is sufficient to propel the deployment member from the launching device. The launching device may be boat mounted or configured as a handheld device such as in the form of a rifle.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of patent application U.S. Ser. No. 15/226,629 filed Aug. 2, 2016 titled Man-Overboard Rescue And Retrieval System, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,415,847 and which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to safety devices and, more particularly, to a system for rescuing and retrieving a person who has fallen overboard from a boat or is unintentionally in the water otherwise in the water and that utilizes a launching device for propelling a net assembly to spread over an area of water where the person overboard is located.

Unfortunately, a person who falls overboard from a boat or ship often succumbs to drowning or frigid conditions before he can be rescued. There are five (5) steps to successfully recovering someone who has gone overboard: (1) Getting floatation to the victim (2) Locating and keeping the victim in sight; (3) Returning to the victim in order to render aid, (4) Connecting the victim to the boat; and (5) Recovering the victim into the boat. Unfortunately, more than half of all persons who fall overboard are not recovered alive. The biggest problem with making such a rescue is locating the victim and returning the boat in time to rescue the person. Unfortunately, the time required to attempt a rescue often takes more time than a victim has, thus ending in tragedy. Similarly, it can require significant time to rescue persons who get caught in rip currents or fall through ice, which can also lead to tragedy.

Various products have been proposed in the prior art to improve the ability and results of attempting to rescue and recover a victim who has fallen overboard from a boat. Although assumably effective for their intended purposes, the existing products and proposals do not provide a net assembly or a method of delivery that is likely to improve the chances of successfully rescuing and retrieving a person who has fallen overboard. For instance, a flotation device only covers the specific area of the float—so it only saves the victim if it can be positioned directly with the victim. Similarly, a rope (with or without a flotation device) is a line in the water, covering only the length of the rope and only in one direction or dimension. Further, traditional rescue devices can only rescue a single victim at a time, making for difficult decisions by first responders regarding which victim to rescue if there are multiple victims in the water.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a person-in-the-water rescue and recovery system that provides a net assembly that can blanket a large area in which a person-in-the-water victim (or victims) is likely to be recovered. Further, it would be desirable to have a person-in-the-water rescue and recovery system that provides a launching device for propelling the net assembly into the immediate vicinity of the person-in-the-water victim. In addition, it would be desirable to have a floating net assembly that includes inflatable net spreader members that keep the net assembly from tangling or shrinking in size once in the water. Still further, it would be desirable to have a net assembly that includes net portions spaced apart so as not to cover up the victim to be rescued.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A person-in-the-water rescue and retrieval system according to the present invention includes a net assembly having a pair of laterally spaced apart side ropes and a plurality of net portions, each net portion extending laterally between the side ropes and being spaced apart longitudinally from an adjacent net portion. The system includes a deployment capsule operatively defining an interior space configured to selectively receive the net assembly therein prior to deployment. A launching device includes a framework configured to receive the deployment member. A first compressed air canister is in fluid communication with the launching device and the deployment member is configured to apply force to the deployment member when actuated that is sufficient to propel the deployment member from the launching device, one end of the net being coupled to the boat such that the net can be reeled back in to make a rescue. Each net portion includes a net spreader connected to a second compressed air canister for selective inflation thereof so as to spread apart the side ropes and net portions.

In an embodiment, the launching device for deploying the net assembly into the water behind a boat may include a handheld framework in the form of a rifle. In other words, a user may hold launching device against his shoulder and by hanging onto to a support handle—launching the net assembly over the water with the simple pull of a trigger. The launching device may include a housing coupled to the handheld framework that includes a housing configured to contain a net assembly packed therein or wrapped around a reel. A weighted, floating projectile is positioned on the forward/distal end of the handheld framework and in fluid communication with a propellant canister, an actuation of a burst of propellant, e.g. compressed air or gas, launching the projectile into the air and pulling the net assembly out of the housing and into the air.

In use, the net assembly is packed into the deployment member. When a person has fallen overboard and is in need of rescue, the launching device may be positioned in the direction of the victim. The deployment capsule is then propelled into the air with a burst of compressed air. As the deployment capsule extends away from the launching device, the net assembly is spread out and comes to rest on the water surface, one end of the net being coupled to the boat such that the net can be reeled back in later to make a rescue. The net spreader members are inflated by the flow of compressed air and are configured to keep side ropes of the net assembly urged outwardly so as to prevent the net portions from being bunched or tangled, thus expanding to its maximum coverage area.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a person-in-the-water rescue and recovery system having a net assembly that can be expeditiously launched behind a boat from which a person has gone overboard.

Another object of this invention is to provide a person-in-the-water rescue and recovery system, as aforesaid, in which the net assembly includes a plurality of net portions spaced apart longitudinally so as to be separated by areas void of netting.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a person-in-the-water rescue and recovery system, as aforesaid, in which each net portion of the net assembly includes an inflatable net spreader member configured to keep the net portion from becoming tangled or bunched up.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a person-in-the-water rescue and recovery system, as aforesaid, in which the launching device utilizes high pressure compressed air to propel the deployment capsule into the air so that it reaches its maximum distance astern.

A further object of this invention is to provide a man-overboard rescue and recovery system, as aforesaid, that includes a length and width suitable to rescue multiple overboard persons simultaneously.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a person-in-the-water rescue and recovery system, as aforesaid, in which the launching device may be in the form of a boat mounted or handheld device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A system for rescuing a person in the water who has fallen overboard from a boat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 1ato14of the accompanying drawings. The person-in-the-water rescue and recovery system10includes a net assembly20, a deployment member40, and a launching device60configured to receive the deployment capsule42and to selectively propel the deployment capsule42away from the launching device60. When deployed, the net assembly20is spread out on the water's surface so that the person having fallen overboard may be pulled to safety.

The net assembly20includes several components that enable it to spread out effectively on a body of water, minimize it from becoming tangled, and to prevent it from contributing to the danger of drowning faced by the person who has fallen overboard. Specifically, the net assembly20includes a pair of side ropes22that constitute lateral borders of the net assembly20. Preferably, each side rope22includes a first end24and an opposed second end26, each side rope22having an elongate and generally linear configuration. When deployed, the side ropes22are substantially parallel to one another. Preferably, the netting rope is constructed of a material that floats, such as polypropylene. It is understood that the first ends24of the side ropes22are operatively coupled to the boat such that the net can be reeled back in later to make a rescue.

Each one of the plurality of net portions30extends laterally between the opposed side ropes22(FIG. 2a). Each net portion30includes a lattice of netting. In an embodiment shown inFIG. 2a, a net portion30includes four (4) rows of net squares and 33 columns of net squares although variations of the number of net squares would also work. Each one of the plurality of net portions30are spaced apart longitudinally from a next adjacent net portion30. In other words, the net assembly20defines a void32between each net portion30(FIG. 1b). Each void32presents a larger geometric area (i.e. square footage) than each adjacent net portion30. It is critical that the geometric pattern of net portions and voids be this way so that a person overboard is not covered or pinned down by the netting while being rescued. In other words, a person being rescued has the ability to grasp a nearby net portion30while himself floating in a void32where there is no net portion30. In addition, it is assumed that a boat deploying the net assembly20will still be moving forward so that a net portion30will intercept a person who is at first positioned in a larger void32.

The net assembly20includes a plurality of net spreader members34. One net spreader member34is associated with each net portion30. A respective net spreader member34includes opposed ends, each opposed end being coupled to respective opposed side ropes22(FIG. 2a) such that the net spreader member34extends therebetween. In an embodiment, each net spreader member34has a flexible, resilient, and tubular configuration (FIG. 2c) that is movable between an inflated configuration that pushes outwardly against respective side ropes22and a substantially deflated configuration that allows the side ropes22to drift or move toward one another. A net spreader member34is coupled to a leading edge of a net portion30(FIG. 2a).

Each net spreader member34is in fluid communication with a compressed air canister36, such as with a hose38, such that a respective net spreader member34is inflated when the compressed air canister36is actuated to deliver high pressure compressed air to the net spread member34. The hose38may be coupled to or situated adjacent to the opposed side ropes22(FIG. 2b), the compressed air canister36being situated remote from the net spreader member34that it inflates. The compressed air canister configured to selectively inflate the plurality of net spreader member34may also be referred to as a second compressed air canister36.

In an embodiment, the second compressed air canister36is a single CO2canister in that such a canister provides a much larger volume of gas than a similar canister of air. This is contrasted with the preference to use a canister of air for launching the deployment member40in that compressed air provides superior pressure. Inflation of the plurality of net spreader members34may be initiated manually such as by an attendant responsible for actuating deployment or may be initiated automatically. In various embodiments, automatic deployment may be accomplished by a predetermined delay of activation of the second compressed air canister36so as to give the net assembly20time to be spread out on a water surface or may be as the result of moisture sensors that detect when the net spreader members34have made contact with the water.

In one embodiment, the deployment member40may be a deployment capsule42. More particularly, the deployment capsule42includes a housing44having a continuous side wall46, giving the housing44a generally cylindrical configuration and defining an interior space. The housing44may include a nose cone48at an upper end of the side wall46having a rounded or hemispherical configuration. A plurality of aerodynamic spaced apart fins50may be coupled to the side wall46and extend outwardly, the configuration of the side wall46, nose cone48, and fins50enhance flight of the deployment capsule42when propelled from the launching device60.

The deployment member40is configured to receive the net assembly20therein, such as in a prepackaged state. Specifically, the net assembly20may be compressed into a relatively small volume of space when the plurality of net spreader members34is deflated. The net assembly20is packed into the interior space of the deployment capsule42, such as at the point of manufacturing (FIG. 6b). The housing44defines an open lower end that is selectively covered by an end cap52in a manner that releases the net assembly20when the deployment capsule42is discharged and propelled away from the launching device60. The end cap52defines an aperture54through which a mounting segment28of the first ends24of respective side ropes22extend as well as through which the hose38to the second compressed air canister36extends. The mounting segment28may be coupled to a net attachment ring29, which in turn, may be coupled to a fixed object, such as a boat, to the launching device60, or a mounting member. Therefore, when the deployment capsule42is propelled away from the launching device60, the side ropes22, being coupled to the attachment ring29are pulled out of the capsule42and the entire net assembly20is incrementally spread out over a water surface.

In an embodiment, the deployment member40may be a weight or projectile operatively coupled to respective first ends of the side ropes22(not shown). The projectile may be a javelin, a rocket, a drone, or the like. The projectile would be operatively coupled to the first ends24of respective side ropes22, such as via the mounting segment28, and spread the net assembly20out across a water surface when the projectile is propelled or launched from the launching device60.

The launching device60includes a framework62configured to receive and support the deployment capsule42. The deployment capsule42is in fluid communication with a first compressed air canister64situated adjacent the framework62of the launching device60(FIGS. 3aand 3b). The first compressed air canister64is configured to deliver a burst of compressed air against the deployment capsule42so as to propel the deployment capsule42away from the framework62of the launching device60.

More particularly, the launching device60includes a pair of launch rails66coupled to the framework62and extending outwardly therefrom (FIGS. 2dand 3a). The launch rails66are generally hollow or include channels extending therethrough. Distal ends68of the launch rails66have an open configuration (FIG. 4c). The framework62defines channels67through which compressed air from the first compressed air canister64flow into respective launch rails66(FIGS. 4band 4d). The deployment capsule42includes a pair of launch tubes56coupled to opposed sides of the side wall46of the housing44. Each launch tube56defines an open lower end57(FIG. 5a) and a closed upper end58(FIG. 4c) and defines a hollow interior area. Accordingly, the lower ends57of respective launch tubes are configured to receive respective distal ends68of respective launch rails66such that respective launch rails66are received into the interior area of respective launch tubes56.

The first compressed air canister64is configured to deliver or push a burst of high pressure air through a hose or conduit69and into respective launch rails66when actuated. It is understood that the burst of high pressure air is sufficient to propel respective launch tubes56outwardly and away from the launch rails66. Operatively, this action forcefully propels the entire deployment capsule42into the air and away from the launching device60.

In another embodiment (not shown), the launching device60may include means other than compressed air to propel the deployment capsule42into the air, such as a chemical reaction that initiates a controlled explosion, in the manner of air bags or of firing of a bullet. In other words, chemical energy is turned into mechanical energy to initiate a controlled explosion sufficient to propel the launching device60. Other means for propelling the deployment capsule42are also contemplated and considered equivalent to the air canister method described above.

The launching device60may be actuated manually to deploy the deployment capsule42, such as with a launch switch situated on the launching device60(not shown) or on the first compressed air canister64. Actuation may also be accomplished by remote control, either by a boat operator, an attendant, or even by the person having fallen overboard. In an embodiment, the rescue and retrieval system10may include a monitoring device70that may be worn or carried by every passenger on a boat and which can be used to either manually or automatically actuate the launching device.

More particularly, the monitoring device70may include a case71defining an interior area that is sealed and watertight and includes various electronic components (FIG. 6c). The monitoring device70may include a processor72, a battery74, a manual input76, and a transmitter78(FIG. 7). It is understood that electrical circuitry may be utilized instead of a processor72. If a processor72is utilized, it may execute programming instructions stored in a memory module (not shown) as is known in the art. In any case, the processor72is configured to actuate the transmitter78to send an emergency signal if the manual input76is manipulated. This corresponds to a person who has fallen overboard pressing the input button. In an embodiment, the monitoring device70may also include a moisture sensor80configured to detect if the monitoring device70has been submerged in water—which would be indicative of a person having fallen overboard. The processor72is configured to actuate the transmitter78to send an emergency signal if the moisture sensor80detects the aforesaid condition.

In an embodiment, the monitoring device70may also include a global positioning satellite module82configured to determine precise geographic coordinates of the monitoring device70. The processor72may be configured to activate the transmitter78to send the most recent geographic coordinates with the emergency signal, whether the signal was sent manually or by activation of the moisture sensor80.

The monitoring device70may include an emergency base device84having a processor86, a receiver88, and powered by a battery87. The receiver88is configured to receive an emergency signal indicative that a person has fallen overboard and needs to be rescued. The processor86may be in electrical communication with the launching device60and configured to actuate deployment immediately upon receiving the emergency signal. In an embodiment where GPS coordinates are included with the emergency signal, the emergency base device84may include a display89that publishes the coordinates so that an attendant can adjust the position of the launching device60before actuating deployment of the deployment capsule42as described above. In another embodiment, structures may be included whereby the position of the launching device60is automatically adjusted based on the geographic coordinates and then the launching device60is actuated for deployment.

The person-in-the-water rescue and retrieval system10may include a winch assembly90for retrieving the net assembly20after it has been deployed onto the water (FIG. 6d). The winch assembly90may include a spool that is rotatably coupled to a base and configured to receive the net assembly20as the spool is rotated. Preferably, the winch assembly is electrically powered in that the net assembly20may be heavy when wet. It is understood that the plurality of net spreader members34should be in the deflated configuration when reeling in the net assembly20.

In use, the person-in-the-water rescue and retrieval system10may be used in conjunction with a boat12, on a beach, or any other location where rescuing one or more persons in peril of drowning is a risk. The launching device60may be mounted to the deck of a boat12and the net assembly20may be prepackaged inside the deployment capsule42. The launch tubes56of the deployment capsule42may be received onto the launch rails66of the launching device60such that the net assembly20is ready to be deployed when actuated. If a person on the boat falls overboard, the first compressed air canister64may be manually actuated and, in doing so, a burst of high pressure air is delivered into the launch rails66so as to propel the deployment capsule42into the air as described above. As the deployment capsule42travels away from the launching device60, the end cap52is dislodged and the net assembly20is pulled out of the interior area of the deployment capsule42. When the net assembly20hits the water, the net spreader members34are inflated by operation of the second compressed air canister36so as to spread apart the side ropes22and keep the net portions30from bunching or tangling. Once deployed and inflated, the opportunity to rescue a person-overboard is enhanced.

In an embodiment, the deployment member40may be a weight or projectile operatively coupled to the net assembly20. In the detailed discussion below, the deployment member according to this embodiment will be identified with reference numeral40′ and will be described with reference toFIGS. 8ato14. Another embodiment of a launching device60′ and deployment member40′ is similar to the embodiment first described above except as specifically described below.

A launching device60′ according to an alternative embodiment includes a handheld framework100and a housing102coupled to the handheld framework100, the housing102being configured to contain the net assembly20described above. The housing102may be coupled to the handheld framework100adjacent a distal end thereof. Similar to that described earlier, the housing102may include a single side wall arranged in a generally cylindrical configuration that defines an interior area sufficiently large enough to receive the net assembly20. The housing102also defines an open front end104selectively covered by a pivotally attached cover105.

In an embodiment, a reel106may be rotatably mounted in the open area of the housing102and configured to receive the netting wrapped thereabout. The reel106is configured to rotatably deploy the net assembly as it is pulled from the open front end104of the housing102when the deployment member40′ is actuated as will be described in more detail below.

As shown inFIG. 8a, the handheld framework100may be in the form of a rifle or other long barreled firearm. Preferably, the handheld framework100includes a stock120at a proximal end124, the stock120having a shape configuration suitable for being held against a shoulder of a user such that the handheld framework100may be operated in the manner of a gun. Further, the handheld framework100may include a hand support122or handle adjacent the housing102and having an ergonomic configuration that enables a user to grasp it and hold the entire launching device60′ in the manner of shooting a gun. Other embodiments of launching devices are contemplated in which the framework may be in the form of a crossbow, catapult, slingshot, rocket propelled launcher, or the like (not shown).

The deployment member40′ in the form of a weighted projectile may be initially received and positioned on the distal end126of the handheld framework100. The deployment member40′ is releasably coupled to the distal end126such that it is propelled away from the handheld framework100.

The deployment member40′ is actuated by fluid released from a propellant canister64′ that may be coupled to the stock120of the handheld framework100(FIG. 8a). As described previously, the propellant canister64′ may include compressed air, CO2gas, or even a chemical combination that creates an explosive reaction when combined. The projectile may a javelin, a rocket, a drone, or the like. The projectile would be operatively coupled to the net assembly20with a cord21(FIG. 10b).

The handheld framework100defines or includes a fluid conduit108connecting the propellant canister64′ with the deployment member40′. Specifically, the fluid conduit108has an outlet end110adjacent the distal end of the handheld framework100and is configured to receive the deployment member40′ thereon until actuated (FIGS. 9ato 10c). An actuation valve112is positioned in the fluid conduit108proximate the propellant canister64′. The actuation valve112is operable and movable between a closed configuration (FIGS. 10band 10c) that prevents delivery of propellant from the propellant canister64′ to flow downstream in the fluid conduit108and an open configuration (FIGS. 9band 9c) that allows delivery of propellant from the propellant canister64′ to flow downstream in the fluid conduit108. A trigger114operatively coupled to the handheld framework100and operatively coupled to the actuation valve112so as to move it as described above.

It is understood that the earlier disclosure of a monitoring device70applies in the same manner to the handheld framework embodiment. Specifically, the monitoring device70may include a moisture sensor80, a GPS component82, and alert functions to enhance the efficacy of the person-in-the-water rescue and retrieval system10(FIG. 7).

In use, the launching device60′ having a handheld framework100(such as in the form of a rifle) will enable smaller watercraft to be outfitted with the present invention. The handheld framework100can be quickly picked up and aimed rearwardly of a boat from which a boater has fallen overboard and the net assembly20may be deployed with the quick pull of a trigger. Further, the launching device60′ may be easily positioned and operated from a dock, the shore, a bridge, or other location where a person could potentially be in danger of drowning after being swept away or otherwise dropped into a body of water.

When the trigger114is actuated, fluid from the canister64′ is delivered so as to launch the deployment member40′, the deployment member40′ being coupled to the net assembly20in the housing102so as to pull the net assembly20therefrom and deploy it over a body of water. A person over board may be rescued thereby as first described above.