Patent Publication Number: US-2007117479-A1

Title: Rescue harness

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
      Emergency recovery devices and in particular emergency recovery devices usable in materials slides such as landslides and avalanches.  
     BACKGROUND  
      Many of the current personal recovery and rescue devices are not compact and portable. For instance, the devices are often cumbersome assemblies carried on the back. The back mounted recovery device includes a large inflatable bladder and a gas canister coupled to the bladder. The size of these back mounted devices precludes using a backpack to store equipment including camping gear, survival gear, food, water and the like. In some examples, skiers, hikers, snowmobilers, rescue personnel and the like use a backpack (e.g., for storage and the like) instead of using a back mounted recovery device. Further, in some examples, the back mounted devices are heavy and limit the amount of equipment the user may comfortably carry in pockets and coats. In still other examples, it is the policy of ferrying services (e.g., helicopter ferries) that transport back country skiers and hikers to remote locations to not allow the use of a cumbersome backpack or back mounted recovery device that can decrease the mobility of the user in an avalanche situation. In yet other examples, ski patrol officers are precluded from wearing back mounted recovery devices because they carry avalanche triggering explosives on their backs.  
      In operation, the gas canisters of the back mounted device are opened by the user and inflate the bladder on the back of the user. In some examples, the bladder remains directly coupled to the back of the user after inflation. If used during a material slide (e.g., avalanche, landslide, mudslide and the like) because the bladder is lighter than the user, the bladder can turn the user upside down so his face points toward the ground, thereby making breathing and self extrication more difficult. Additionally, the inflated bladder may point the face of the user downward into the material of the slide (e.g., ice, rocks, snow and the like) while it is moving, and may result in additional injury to the user.  
      In other examples, an inflatable bladder is retained along the hip with a gas canister coupled to the bladder. In one example, when inflated, the bladder remains coupled to the hip (i.e., with a tether), and the bladder can roll the user on to his side thereby pointing the face of the user into the material of the slide. Additionally, while moving in the material slide, because the inflated bladder is coupled at the hip (i.e., at the center of gravity of the user) the body of the user can rotate and the user&#39;s head may point downstream of the slide. The inflatable bladder thereby may not protect the head from injury caused by stationary trees, rocks and the like lying in the path of the material slide.  
      What is needed is rescue harness that overcomes the shortcomings of previous devices. What is further needed is a rescue device that is compact and portable, and provides an increased chance of survival and decreases the severity of injuries in a material slide such as an avalanche or landslide. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       FIG. 1  is a front view of one example of a rescue harness.  
       FIG. 2  is a rear view of one example of the bundle coupled with one example of a harness assembly.  
       FIG. 3  is a front view of one example of the rescue harness positioned on a user.  
       FIG. 4  is a rear view of another example of the rescue harness positioned over the user.  
       FIG. 5  is a front view of one example of the inflatable bladder in an inflated condition.  
       FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of one example of the portable bundle taken along line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 1 .  
       FIG. 7  is a detailed perspective view of one example of the rescue harness including a splittable container.  
       FIG. 8  is a detailed front view showing one example of a first tether and a second tether extending between the harness assembly and the inflatable bladder.  
       FIG. 9  is a front view showing one example of the inflatable bladder in an inflated condition and positioned along the first strap.  
       FIG. 10  is a block diagram showing one example of a method for making a rescue harness. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS  
      In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.  
      One example of a rescue harness is shown in  FIG. 1  as rescue harness  100 . The rescue harness  100  includes a harness assembly having, in another example, a first strap  102  and a second strap  104  that cooperate to position the rescue harness on a user, for instance around the waist and over a shoulder. Optionally, the harness assembly includes a vest, webbing and the like sized and shaped to position the rescue harness on the user. As shown in  FIG. 1 , in yet another example, the second strap  104  crosses the first strap  102  (e.g., the second strap is perpendicular to the first strap). The first and second straps  102 ,  104  are adjustable, in yet another example, to facilitate fitting the rescue harness  100  around a variety of users having different body types, weights, sizes and the like. The rescue harness  100  further includes a bundle  106  that houses at least an inflatable bladder, a gas canister and an opening mechanism coupled thereto in a storage position. As shown in  FIG. 1 , a portion of the opening mechanism including a manual trigger, such as a rip cord  108  extends outside of the bundle  106 . Optionally, the bundle  106  is coupled to at least one of the first strap  102  and the second strap  104 .  
      In another example, the harness assembly including the first strap  102  and the second strap  104  includes quick connect features  110  to facilitate rapid positioning and removal of the rescue harness  100  on the user. For instance, the rescue harness  100  quick connect features include, but are not limited to, buckles, snap-fitting buckles, hook and loop fasteners, laces (e.g., for knotting and/or tying) and the like.  
      Referring now to  FIG. 2 , in one example a rear face  200  of the bundle  106  is shown coupled with the second strap  104 . The bundle  106  includes, in another option, hoops  202  sized and shaped to pass the second strap  104  therethrough and couple the bundle  106  along the second strap  104 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the bundle  106  is optionally movably coupled along the second strap  104 , for instance the bundle  106  is slidable along the second strap  104  to aid in comfortably positioning the bundle  106  on the waist of a user. In yet another example, the first strap  102  is coupled with the second strap  104  between the hoops  202 . The hoops  202  of the bundle  106  retain the first strap  102  therebetween to ensure the first strap  102  extends away from the bundle  106  irrespective of where the bundle  106  is positioned along the second strap  104 . In still another example, the first strap  102  is movably coupled with the second strap  104  with a hoop  204  extending around the second strap  104 . Optionally, the bundle  106  and the first strap  104  are affixed to the bundle  106 , for instance with adhesives, welds, fasteners, stitching and the like.  
       FIG. 3  shows the rescue harness  100  positioned around a user  300  in one example configuration. The rescue harness  100  is shown with the first strap  102  extending over one shoulder  302  of the user  300 . In another example, the first strap  102  extends around the back of the user toward the front and couples with the second strap  104 . Positioning the first strap  102  to extend over the chest of the user ensures the inflatable bladder is positioned at a predetermined location when inflated, as further described below. Additionally, extending the first strap  102  around the back of the user toward the front ensures the first strap  102  is retained over the shoulder  302 , for instance, during skiing, hiking, snowmobiling, climbing, rescue operations, during a material slide and the like. The first strap  102  is coupled with the second strap  104  near the front of the user, optionally, and thereby loops the opposing shoulder  304  and the neck  306  therebetween to hold the first strap  102  in place (See  FIG. 4 ). In yet another example, the first strap  102  extends from the second strap  104  over the shoulder  302 , loops around the neck  306  and extends over the opposing shoulder  304  back toward the second strap  104  where it is coupled with the second strap  104 . Other examples of the rescue harness  100  are sized and shaped to fit around the user  300 , other users, objects and the like in different configurations. In still another example, the rescue harness  100  includes a vest, webbing and the like.  
      Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the first strap  102  is movably coupled between the hoops  202  of the portable bundle  106 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , in one example, as the portable bundle  106  is positioned along the second strap  104 , the first strap  102  is correspondingly moved with the bundle  106 . For instance, the portable bundle  106  is positioned toward the quick-connect feature  110  (e.g., near the middle of the abdomen of the user  300 ), optionally. In another example, the portable bundle  106  is positioned toward the side (e.g., the hip) of the user  300 . In yet another example, the portable bundle  106  is positioned on the torso of the user  300 , for instance, along the chest, abdomen and the like. The portable bundle is thereby positionable along the rescue harness according to the needs of the user including, but not limited to, comfort. In each example, the first strap  102  is positioned with the bundle  106  and extends away from the bundle  106  (e.g., along the chest of the user) toward a predetermined location. In yet another example, the first strap  102  is independently positioned with respect to the bundle  106 . The first strap  102 , for instance, is coupled along the second strap  104  and adapted to extend over the shoulder  300  away from the portable bundle  106 . The portable bundle  106  is movably coupled along the second strap  104  and positionable independently from the first strap  102 . At least a portion of the first strap  102  extends over the shoulder  300  away from the portable bundle  106  coupled along the second strap  104 .  
       FIG. 5  shows one example of an inflatable bladder  500  in an inflated condition. The inflatable bladder  500 , is constructed with or includes, for example, a polymer suitable for use in water or snow and is substantially gas impermeable. In another example, the inflatable bladder includes polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride or the like. In yet another example, a suitable polymer is combined with fibrous polymers such as nylon or aramid fiber. As described above, the inflatable bladder  500 , in one example, is stored in the portable bundle  106  ( FIG. 1 ) and is inflated by pulling on a trigger, such as the rip cord  108 . The rip cord  108  is coupled with at least one gas canister  502  that contains a compressed gas (e.g., carbon dioxide, air and the like). As shown in  FIG. 5 , the rip cord  108  is coupled with two gas canisters  502  with a bridge  504  extending therebetween. Pulling the rip cord  108  pulls the bridge  504 , thereby pulling the opening mechanisms  506  coupled with the gas canisters  502 . The opening mechanisms  506  include features such as needles, valves and the like adapted to open the gas canisters  502  when the rip cord  108  is pulled. The gas canisters  502  are coupled to respective opening mechanisms  506 , for example, by screwing the canisters  502  into corresponding threaded receptacles of the opening mechanisms  506 . In another example, the canisters  502  are coupled to the opening mechanisms  506  by welds, interference fits, and the like. The opening mechanisms  506  are coupled to the inflatable bladder  500  to facilitate the flow of gas from the gas canister  502  to the inflatable bladder  500 .  
      As shown in  FIG. 5 , in one example, the gas canisters  502  are retained within a sleeve  508  and the sleeve  508  is coupled to the inflatable bladder  500 . The sleeve  508  secures the gas canisters  502  against the inflatable bladder  500 . The sleeve, in another example, is made with or includes the same material included in the inflatable bladder  500  (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride and the like).  
       FIG. 6  shows one example of the portable bundle  106  in a cross-sectional view taken along the line  6 - 6  shown in  FIG. 1 . In one example, the portable bundle  106  includes a container  600 , such as a pouch, casing and the like. Optionally, the container  600  is adapted to split along a seam  602 , as further described below. In another example, the container  600  is a binding (e.g., strap, tie, clamp, cords and the like) extending around at least a portion of the inflatable bladder  500 . In yet another example, the inflatable bladder  500  is sized and shaped to have a shape substantially corresponding to the dimensions of the container  600  when the inflatable bladder  500  is in a storage position. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the inflatable bladder  500  extends around at least a portion of the gas canisters  502  and the opening mechanisms  506  when the inflatable bladder  500  is folded into a storage position in the portable bundle  106 . At least the gas canisters  502  and the opening mechanisms  506  are enveloped within the pliable inflatable bladder  500  and substantially protected from damage caused by, for instance, dropping of the portable bundle  106 , impacts and the like. The inflatable bladder  500  serves to protect the gas canisters  502  and the opening mechanisms  506  during transport of the rescue harness  100  (e.g., while hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, climbing, performing rescue operations and the like). Additionally, folding the inflatable bladder  500  over the gas canisters  502  and the opening mechanisms  506  substantially protects the portable bundle  106  from damage when stored, for example, within a vehicle trunk or bed of a truck.  
       FIG. 7  shows a detailed view of one example of the container  600  of the portable bundle  106  in an open configuration. The container  600  includes a pouch that is pliable, in one example. Optionally, the container  600  is constructed with, but not limited to, pliable materials, such as nylon, polyester and the like. The container  600  is sized and shaped to split along the seam  602  as the inflatable bladder  500  ( FIG. 5 ) inflates within the container  600 . As the inflatable bladder  500  expands, it splits the container  600  and continues to inflate to its full volume. In another example, fasteners  700 , such as hook and loop material, ties, rivets or the like are coupled along the seam  602  between the sides  702 ,  704  of the container  600 . The fasteners  700  couple the side  702  to the side  704 . The fasteners  700  are sized and shaped to open and allow the container  600  to split under the tension force applied across the container  600  by inflation of the inflatable bladder  500 .  
      Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a portion of one example of the rescue harness  100  is shown including the inflatable bladder  500 , a portion of the container  600 , the first strap  102  and the second strap  104 . In one example, a first tether  800  extends away from the inflatable bladder  500  and is coupled along the first strap  102 . In another example, a second tether  802  extends away from the inflatable bladder  500  and is coupled adjacent to the container  600 . Optionally, the second tether  802  is coupled along the second strap  104 . The second tether  802  extends through a portion of the inflatable bladder  500 , for instance through a hole  804  in the ring shaped bladder  500  and forms a loop to couple with the inflatable bladder  500 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first tether  800  is coupled along the second tether  802 , in yet another example. The first tether  800  is coupled with the inflatable bladder  500 , in still another example.  
      As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first tether  800  is movably coupled along the first strap  102 , in one example. The first tether  800  includes a feature, such as ring  806 , slidably coupled along the first strap  102 . In another example, the first tether  800  includes at least one of, for instance, a loop, runner and the like, sized and shaped to move along the first strap  102 . The movable coupling of the first tether  800  along the first strap  102  movably couples the inflatable bladder  500  along the first strap  102  and guides the movement of the bladder  500  along the first strap  102 . The first strap  102  and the first tether  800  cooperate to provide a predetermined path for movement of the inflatable bladder  500 . In yet another example, the predetermined path of movement for the inflatable bladder  500  is along the first strap  102  toward a predetermined position. In still another example, a component of the movement of the inflatable bladder  500  along the predetermined path is controlled by the first strap  102 , although the movement of the bladder  500  is not necessarily collinear with the first strap  102 . Optionally, the predetermined position of the inflatable bladder  500  and the predetermined path of movement of the bladder are controlled at least in part by the first strap  102 .  
      Optionally, the rescue harness  100  includes a guide portion, such as a rail, track and the like, sized and shaped to extend away from the portable bundle  106 . The guide portion is included on the first strap  102 , in one example. In another example, the guide portion is included on a vest, webbing and the like. The inflatable bladder  500  is movably coupled along the guide portion. The guide portion provides the predetermined path for movement of the inflatable bladder  500  and facilitates movement of the inflatable bladder  500  toward a predetermined position.  
      As described above, in one example, the inflatable bladder  500  is coupled to the rescue harness with a first tether  800  and a second tether  802 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , in another example, the first tether  800  has a shorter length than the second tether  802 . The first tether  800  guides the movement of the inflatable bladder  500  along the first strap  102 . Additionally, the first tether  800  constrains movement of the inflatable bladder  500  toward either side of the first strap  102 . In another example, the first tether  800  ensures the inflatable bladder  500  remains near the first strap  102  while the inflatable bladder  500  is movable along the first strap  102 . The second tether  802  having the longer length relative to the first tether  800  constrains longitudinal movement of the inflatable bladder  400  along the first strap  102 . In yet another example, the second tether  802  ensures the inflatable bladder  500  is substantially prevented from moving past a predetermined location along the first strap  102 .  
       FIG. 9  shows one example of the rescue harness  100  on the user  300 . The first strap  102  is sized to extend over the shoulder  302  and around the back of the user toward the second strap  104  ( FIGS. 3 and 9 ). As shown in  FIG. 9 , the inflatable bladder  500  is in an inflated configuration. In one example, the inflatable bladder  500  is movably coupled along the first strap  102  with the first tether  800 . Because the first tether  800  is movably coupled with the first strap  102  the inflatable bladder  500  is movable along the first strap  102  as shown by the arrows adjacent to the first strap  102 . The inflatable bladder  500 , in another example, is coupled with the second strap  104  with the second tether  802 . Optionally, the second tether  802  couples the inflatable bladder  500  with the container  600 . The container  600  holds the inflatable bladder  500  (in the uninflated condition), gas canisters  502  ( FIG. 5 ) and the opening mechanisms  506 . The container  600 , in  FIG. 9 , is shown partially split apart by the inflation of the bladder  500 .  
      The first tether  800  has a shorter length compared to the second tether  802 . In one example, the first tether  800  ensures the inflatable bladder  500  is movably coupled along the first strap  102  and thereby able to move along the first strap  102 . In another example, the second tether  802  ensures the inflatable bladder  500  is restrained from moving along the first strap  102  further than the length of the second tether  802 . The second tether  802 , in yet another example, is sized to allow the inflatable bladder  500  to move to a predetermined location along the first strap  102 , for instance, near the head  900  of a user  300 . In still another example, the second tether  802  is sized to allow the hole  804  of the bladder  500  to move to a predetermined location, such as adjacent to the mouth of the user  300 . The second tether  802  thereby limits the longitudinal movement of the inflatable bladder  500  along the first strap  102  to a predetermined location, and the first tether  800  ensures the bladder  500  moves along the first strap  102  toward the predetermined location (e.g., near the head  900 ). The first strap  102  provides a predetermined path for the inflatable bladder  500  to move along with the first tether  800  (i.e., the first strap  102  guides the inflatable bladder  500 ). The second tether  802  provides a predetermined location along the first strap  102  that the inflatable bladder is retained (e.g., near the head  900  of the user  300  and remote from the container  600  positioned at the waist, abdomen, chest and the like). Optionally, the first tether  800  and second tether  802  are adjustable (e.g., with adjustable buckles, interchangeable tethers and the like) to ensure that upon inflation the inflatable bladder  500  is positioned near a predetermined location, such as the head  900  of the user  300 .  
      In another example, the rescue harness  100  includes a guide portion, including but not limited to, the first strap  102 , a rail, track and the like, sized and shaped to extend toward a predetermined location. The rescue harness  100  includes a vest, webbing and the like sized and shaped for the user  300 , and the rescue harness  100  includes the guide portion extending thereon. The inflatable bladder  500  is movably coupled along the guide portion. For example, the inflatable bladder  500  includes a follower such as a slider, roller, and the like that is movably coupled on the guide portion and adapted to move along the guide portion.  
      In yet another example, the first tether  802  of the rescue harness  100  is coupled between the inflatable bladder  500  and a predetermined portion of the rescue harness  100 . The first tether  802  extends between the predetermined portion of the rescue harness  100  and the container  600 , where the inflatable bladder  500  is stored prior to inflation. For example, the first tether  802  is fixedly coupled with a portion of the rescue harness  100  positioned away from the portable bundle  106  ( FIG. 1 ). As the inflatable bladder  500  inflates to its full volume the first tether  802  is sized to retain the inflatable bladder  500  near the predetermined portion of the rescue harness  100 . The inflatable bladder  500  is thereby positioned at a desired location, for instance, near the face  900  of the user  300 . Optionally, the hole  804  is positioned near the mouth of the user  300 .  
      In operation, the user  300  dons the rescue harness  100  as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . The portable bundle  106  including the inflatable bladder  500 , the gas canister  502  and the opening mechanism  506  is positioned as desired along the second strap  104 . In one example, the user  300  operates the rescue harness  100  by actuating the trigger, for instance, the rip cord  108  ( FIG. 1 ). In another example, the user  300  operates the rescue harness  100  prior to a material slide, such as an avalanche, mudslide, rock slide and the like. In still another example, the user  300  operates the rescue harness  100  after entering a material slide. Referring now to  FIG. 5 , pulling the rip cord  108  actuates the opening mechanism  506  thereby opening the gas canister  502 . As described above, the rescue harness  100 , optionally includes multiple opening mechanisms  506  and gas canisters  502 . The gas canister  502  empties a gas into the inflatable bladder  500 . The inflatable bladder  500  expands and, in yet another example, splits the container  600  as shown in  FIG. 7 . Optionally, the inflatable bladder  500  splits apart the container  600  including cords, clamps, ties and the like extending around the bladder  500 .  
      As the inflatable bladder  500  expands, its volume increases and it becomes buoyant within the material slide (i.e., the bladder  500  is lighter than snow, rock, mud and the like found in material slides). In one example, the buoyancy of the bladder  500  pushes the bladder  500  toward the upper surfaces of the material slide and thereby pulls the user  300  toward the upper surface as well. Because the bladder  500  moves the user  300  closer to the surface of the material slide, the user  300  has an increased chance of access to air and of extricating himself. Additionally, in another example, the inflatable bladder  500  has enhanced visibility, such as a bright color, to alert rescue personnel of the location of the user  300 . The buoyant bladder  500  thereby provides at least visual notification of the approximate location of the user  300  in the material slide.  
      As the user  300  is pulled and pushed along by the material slide, the inertia of the inflatable bladder  500  moves the bladder  500  along a guide portion of the rescue harness, for instance, the first strap  102 , a rail, a track and the like. Referring to  FIG. 8 , the first tether  800  ensures the moving inflatable bladder  500  remains near the first strap  102 . The second tether  802  coupled, for instance, with the second strap  104 , retains the inflatable bladder  500  at a predetermined location along the first strap  102 . In another example, the inflatable bladder  500  is retained near the head  900  ( FIG. 9 ) of the user  300 . In still another example, the second tether  802  retains the hole  804  extending through the inflatable bladder  500  near the mouth of the user  300  to facilitate the passage of air to the user  300  through the material slide. As shown in  FIG. 9 , optionally, the inflatable bladder  500  includes handles  902 . In one option, the user  300  grabs the handles  902  to hold the inflated bladder  500  close to the head  900  to provide some protection from injury during the material slide. Additionally, the user  300  holds the inflatable bladder  500  close to the mouth to assist in providing a passage for air between the upper surface of the material slide and the user  300 . Further, as shown in  FIG. 9 , because the first and second tethers  800 ,  802  are sized to position the inflatable bladder  500  near the head  900  of the user  300  the visible bladder  500  (e.g., brightly colored bladder  500 ) establishes the location of the head  900  of the user  300  in the material slide, in yet another example.  
      In another example, as the material slide moves the user  300  the buoyant inflated bladder  500  provides at least some drag to the user through the first and second tethers  800 ,  802 . Referring again to  FIG. 9 , in one example, the inflatable bladder  500  is coupled to the rescue harness  100  near the chest of the user  300  by the first tether  800 . Optionally, the inflatable bladder  500  is coupled to the second strap  104  with the second tether  802 , and the first and second tethers  800 ,  802  cooperate to ensure the bladder  500  is retained at a predetermined location (e.g., away from the center of gravity of the user  300  adjacent to the waist). The relatively short length of the first tether  802  extending between inflatable bladder  500  and the chest of the user  300  allows the drag from the inflatable bladder  500  to rotate the user  300  within the material slide so the head  900  is pointing in the upstream direction of the material slide (e.g., uphill). In another example, the drag from the inflatable bladder  500  is transmitted along the first tether  800  to the first strap  102  thereby turning the head  900  of the user around the center of gravity near the waist of the user  300 . The head  900  thereby points upstream and is turned away from downstream obstacles such as trees, rocks, ravines, cliffs and the like. Additionally, because the inflatable bladder  500  is coupled with the rescue harness  100  on the front of the user  300 , for instance by the first tether  800  coupled with the first strap  102  near the chest, the body of the user  300  is turned to face upward by the buoyancy of the inflated bladder  500  in the material slide. The user  300  is thereby positioned near the surface of the material slide and facing upward to assist in extraction from the slide (by the user or others) and breathing through the hole  804  of the inflatable bladder  500 . Additionally, the inflatable bladder  500  assists in keeping ice and snow away from the head  900  of the user  300 . Melting of the snow and ice from the user&#39;s breath, and subsequent refreezing into a shell around the head  900  (i.e., “ice mask”) is thereby prevented and facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide through the ice and snow.  
      As described above, in still another example, the rescue harness  100  includes the first tether  802  coupled along a predetermined portion of the harness (e.g., along the first strap  102 ). The first tether  802  is fixedly coupled with the rescue harness  100  and sized to position the inflatable bladder  500  near a predetermined location, such as the head  900  of the user  300 . The rescue harness  100  with the first tether  802  fixedly coupled between the harness  100  and the inflatable bladder operates in a similar manner as the rescue harness  100  shown in  FIG. 9 , with the first tether  802  movably coupled along the first strap  102 .  
       FIG. 10  shows one example of a method  1000  for making a rescue harness. One example of a rescue harness made with the method  1000  is shown in  FIGS. 1-9 , and is referenced below. At  1002 , an opening mechanism  506  coupled with a gas canister  502  is coupled with an inflatable bladder  500 . At  1004 , at least the inflatable bladder  500  is movably coupled along a harness assembly (e.g., the first strap  102 ), wherein the inflatable bladder  500  is sized and shaped to move along a predetermined path in an inflated condition. In one example, at least the inflatable bladder  500  is slidably coupled along the predetermined path, for instance with a ring  806 . In another example, movably coupling at least the inflatable bladder  500  includes coupling a first tether  800  between the inflatable bladder  500  and the predetermined path, and the first tether  800  is movable along the predetermined path. Optionally, the method  1000  further includes coupling a second tether  802  between the inflatable bladder  500  and the harness assembly (e.g., the second strap  104 , container  600  and the like).  
      Several options for the method  1000  follow. In one example, the method  1000  includes substantially enveloping at least the opening mechanism  506  and the gas canister  502  with the inflatable bladder  500  in a storage potion. In another example, at least portions of the opening mechanism  502 , the gas canister  506  and the inflatable bladder  500  are housed in a storage position in a container  600  (e.g., a pouch, ties, cords, clamps and the like). The method  1000  further includes, in yet another example, inflating the inflatable bladder  500  and splitting the container  600 . In another option, the method  1000  includes inflating the inflatable bladder  500 , moving the inflatable bladder  500  along the predetermined path (e.g., because of drag during a material slide) and positioning the inflatable bladder  500  near a predetermined location (e.g., near the head  900  of the user  300 ) along the predetermined path.  
      The above described examples of rescue harnesses are compact devices that fit comfortably on a user and allow full use of backpacks and other storage devices on the back of the user. The harness assembly including, for example, straps, a vest, webbing and the like is sized and shaped to position a portable bundle away from the back of the user. In one example, the portable bundle including the inflatable bladder, gas canister and opening mechanism is positioned near the waist, abdomen, chest and the like of the user. The portable bundle is thereby positioned in a location that does not interfere with the activity of the user (e.g., skiing, climbing, hiking, snowmobiling, rescue operations and the like). Additionally, the user may still wear a backpack or other back mounted device. Further, the rescue harness is sized and shaped to remain on the user during a variety of activities, such as, skiing, hiking, rescue operations and the like, thereby ensuring the harness is properly positioned for use during a material slide (e.g., avalanche, rock slide, mud slide and the like).  
      In another example, the rescue harness is sized and shaped to position the inflatable bladder at a predetermined location in an inflated condition, for instance, near the head of the user. The inflatable bladder thereby provides protection to the head. Positioning the inflatable bladder near the head of the user marks the location of the user and more specifically marks the location of the head of the user. Because the inflatable bladder is buoyant with respect to the slide material, the inflatable bladder should move to the upper surface of the material slide and be visible to rescuers. Optionally, the inflatable bladder has a ring geometry and the rescue harness is sized and shaped to position the hole of the inflatable bladder near the mouth of the user to facilitate breathing during a material slide. Further, during the material slide, the user may grasp the inflated bladder and pull it close to his head to provide some protection from the moving objects in the slide (e.g., rocks, snow, mud and the like). In one example, the inflatable bladder includes handles for the user to grasp.  
      In yet another example, when inflated, the inflatable bladder is positioned away from the center of gravity of the user, for instance, near the head and chest of the user. The inflated bladder provides some drag to the user through the first tether, for instance. The drag from the bladder rotates the user within the material slide so the head of the user is pointed upstream with respect to the direction of material movement in the slide (e.g., uphill). Because the inflated bladder is coupled to the rescue harness near the head and chest of the user, the drag rotates the user around the center of gravity near the waist of the user. The head is thereby turned away and protected from oncoming downstream obstacles such as trees, rocks, ravines, cliffs and the like. Additionally, because the inflated bladder is coupled on the front of the user, for instance through the first tether coupled with the rescue harness, the body of the user is turned to face upward by the buoyancy of the bladder in the material slide. The user is thereby positioned near the surface of the material slide and faces upward. This position and orientation assists in extracting the user from the slide (e.g., by himself or by others) and facilitates breathing through the hole in the inflatable bladder.  
      It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. It should be noted that embodiments discussed in different portions of the description or referred to in different drawings can be combined to form additional embodiments of the present application. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.