RESCUE CRAFT

Abstract: A rescue craft (1) includes a self-propelled car or elevator type of flying machine for rescuing persons from high-rise buildings, during fires, or other emergencies. The craft is powered by fan-jet engines (2) capable of lifting the unit (1) in vertical take-offs. A cable (18) attached to a ground structure is used to control the craft (1) and facilitate descent to ground level. An internal guidance system provides 360° maneuverability around the cable (18) and facilitates docking against the sides of buildings, etc. The ground structure (10) comprises a flat-bed tractor/trailer equipped to transport the craft to the scene of an emergency. The ground structure is fully self-contained with diesel power, a winch for the cable, lighting, refueling capability, and is fully ballasted and outrigged and capable of launching and receiving the rescue craft.

Description: The field of the present invention is emergency equipment, and particularly, apparatus for rescue operations. Various equipment for use in emergency rescue operations, for example, apparatus for rescuing persons from high-rise buildings in the event of fire, have been suggested. Proposals, for example US-A-3931868, include helicopters having chairs, cages, or platforms suspended therefrom by means of ropes, slings, etc. Rescue efforts using such equipment may be seriously hampered or completely unsuccessful as a result of excessive gyrations caused by rotor down-drafts, upward turbulence caused by fire and down-drafts which typically occur between high-rise buildings. Manoeuvrability and control are very difficult, if not impossible under these circumstances. US-A-4421204, upon which the prior art portion of claim 1 is based, uses a helium filled balloon to support the rescue module with the position of the module being controlled solely by the positioning of various tethering cables controlled from the ground. Accurate remote control of the module would be extremely difficult bearing in mind the limited space available adjacent a building from which rescue is to be expected, the very turbulent conditions which can be expected around high rise buildings, and the critical amount of lift available from a balloon if that balloon is not to be so bulky as to be completely unusable in most city situations. The present invention, as defined in claim 1, utilizes a module which even inclusive of its lifting means is quite compact with the jet engine thrust being controllable immediately from internally of the module to facilitate positioning of the module in a completely practical and usable manner. Thus the present invention is directed to a device for use in rescue operations involving high-rise buildings, towers, ledges, or other situations where persons are entrapped at some height above the ground. To this end, the rescue module is provided with power means in the form of jet engines to lift the craft to the desired elevation, and control means to manoeuvre the craft against a building or the like. Retaining means are provided connecting the craft with a base structure to improve stability and assist in lowering the craft to the ground. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rescue craft constructed in accordance with the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the rescue craft of Figure 1 and its associated ground structure. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rescue craft and ground structure shown in Figure 2 depicting the ground structure stabilizing means. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the rescue craft in flight above the ground structure. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the rescue craft shown in Figure 1 wherein the rescue craft is positioned adjacent a building for boarding operations. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a rescue craft and ground structure wherein the rescue craft is used for fire-fighting operations. Figure 7 is a side view of the rescue craft shown in Figure 1 being used in fire-fighting operations. Figure 8 is a perspective view of a rescue craft and ground structure being used in fire-fighting operations. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figure 1, a rescue craft comprises a module 1 to which are mounted three fan-jet engines 2 providing power means for raising the module 1 above ground level. The module 1 includes sliding doors 3 for ingress and egress of fire-fighting personnel and persons to be rescued. The craft is provided with a pair of heavy-duty tubular rubber bumpers 4 to absorb impact during docking operations and provide a seal between the craft and the building. Docking struts 5 are also provided to assist in attaching the craft to a window sill or a roof ledge as further discussed below. The rescue craft is also provided with a base assembly 6 and a roof canopy 7 covering a set of parachutes which may be rocket-deployed instantly in the event of engine failure, allowing the craft to make a safe landing. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, a winch assembly 8 and a diesel engine 9 drivably connected to the winch 8 are mounted on a trailer 10. The trailer 10 and the apparatus associated therewith comprise a ground structure for the rescue craft. Included with the ground structure are four hydraulic cylinder outriggers 11 mounted on the trailer 10. The outriggers 11 are driven by a hydraulic pump (not shown), which is driven in turn by the diesel engine, and extend and retract approximately 244 cm (eight feet) on each side to contact the ground and provide stability for the ground structure. Diesel fuel tanks 12 and ballast 13 are also provided, as are a rolling boarding ramp 14, guard railings 15 and an exit ramp ladder 16. A rotational base 17 provides a mounting surface for the craft upon the base structure. The rotational base 17 can be oriented in a transport position and a launch and retrieve position rotated 90° from the transport position. Figure 4 depicts the rescue craft in flight. A tether cable 18 is used to provide stability and facilitate descent of the craft to ground level. The tether cable runs from the winch assembly 8, which is fitted with a level wind system to allow the cable to payout and return onto the drum evenly. From the winch assembly 8, the cable 18 runs under the floor of the trailer 10 and up through a sheave and forged shoe assembly, allowing the cable to pay out and return smoothly, even at angles as high as 45 degrees. As shown in Figure 5, fuel tanks 19 are mounted under the floor section of the module 1 and hold a minimum of fuel in order to reduce weight. Additional fuel tanks are mounted on the trailer 10 to enable refueling of the rescue craft while unloading people on the launch pad. A set of hydraulic docking cylinders 20, docking mechanisms 21 and docking locking arms 22 mounted underneath the module 1 attach to a window sill or a roof ledge and hold the craft securely to a building while loading people on board. In operation, the smooth controllable power of the fan-jet engines will allow the craft to ascend or descend smoothly and slowly or quickly as desired. The smooth and controllable power of the winch and tether cable allows the craft to maintain ground-controlled elevations at all times and provides smooth ascent and descent. The craft is equipped with controls 23 operated by the pilot 24. Additional controls may be provided for a flight engineer to enable simultaneous and individual control of the engines, winch and guidance control systems of the craft. Internal guidance louvers 25 direct the exhaust flow of the fan-jet engines to provide the guidance system to maneuver the craft in any direction 360° above and around the tether, and to perform the docking procedures against buildings. During docking operations, flight attendants would assist persons in boarding and unloading and provide ear protection from the noise of the jet engines, as well as medical attention. Turning to Figures 6, 7 and 8, a rescue craft is provided with fire-fighting equipment. A fire hydrant 26 provides water to a fire-hose 27 attached to the rescue craft. Swivel mounted hose nozzles 28 are used to direct water to a burning building. Also provided are a swivel 29, along with a hose connection 30, a safety cage 31, a hose control 32 and a hose connection fitting 33. Thus, a rescue craft is disclosed which is adapted to rescue persons from buildings, ledges or the like. While embodiments and applications of this invention have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The invention, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims.

Claims: A rescue craft comprising a module (1) adapted to receive persons, lift means (2) for supporting the module at a predetermined elevation, a base structure (10) adapted to remain at or near ground level and to support said module (1) when said module is not in flight, a cable (18) extending from said module (1) to the base structure (10) to retain said module (1) at said predetermined elevation and to assist in lowering said module (1), and control means (25) for positioning the module (1), characterized in that the lift means comprises jet engines (2) mounted to sides of said module (1) to propel said module (1) to said predetermined elevation and in that the control means include internal guidance louvres (25) associated with said jet engines (2) for manoeuvring said module (1), said louvres being controllable from internally of said module. A rescue craft as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a winch (8) disposed on said base structure (10), drive means (9) mounted on said base structure (10) for powering said winch (8), said winch (8) paying out or drawing in the cable (18). A rescue craft as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said cable (18) mounted to the underside of said module (1). A rescue craft as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, further including nozzle means (28) in said module (1) for directing a stream of liquid toward a desired location. A rescue craft as claimed in claim 4, wherein a hose (27) is provided for supplying liquid from the ground to the nozzle means. A rescue craft as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said module (1) includes doors (3) disposed in one side thereof and bumpers (4) disposed adjacent said doors (3). A rescue craft as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said module (1) includes docking struts (5) disposed on one side of said module (1), locking arms (22) laterally disposed from said docking struts (5) and a docking mechanism and docking cylinders (20) drivably connected to said locking arms (22). A rescue craft as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said module (1) includes an emergency parachute. A rescue craft as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said module (1) includes a fuel tank (19). A rescue craft as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said base structure comprises a trailer (10) and includes outriggers (11) extending laterally from said trailer (10) and mounted to said trailer (10), ballast (13), fuel tanks (12), a boarding ramp (14), a guard railing (15), an exit ramp ladder (16), and a rotatable base (17) adapted to support said module (1).

Inventors: BRANT, HARRY
Applicants: BRANT, HARRY
Application year: 1988
Main classification: A62B1
IPC codes: B64D1, A62B1, F02B3, B64C39, A62B5, B64C29, A62B99