Patent Publication Number: US-8528797-B2

Title: Rescue device for rescuing a child

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a rescue device. 
     More specifically, the present invention relates to a rescue device for rescuing a child from a life threatening situation. 
     2. Background Information 
     5,712 children under the age of 5 died as a result of residential fires between 1989 and 1998 in the United States alone. 
     When an emergency breaks out, a child or toddler must be carried by the parent, first responder or other rescuer to a place of safety. Often, such rescue operation must be carried out in a smoke filled house or with flames rapidly engulfing the house. On many rescue missions, it is difficult to locate the child because of thick smoke. Also, once the child has been located, because the child must be held in the arms of the rescuer, the arms of the rescuer are not free to open doors or windows to rapidly evacuate the child from the potentially lethal situation. 
     The present invention seeks to overcome the aforementioned problems by the provision of a fire resistant and heat mitigating device for the transport of the child so that when the child is located, the child may be safely secured within the rescue device. The rescue device according to the present invention, with the child inside can then be rapidly transported to a point of safety. 
     Additionally, the rescue device includes audible and visual alarms to alert rescue personnel regarding the precise location of the child being rescued 
     Furthermore, the rescue device includes various handles and straps for carrying and maneuvering the device to facilitate the rapid evacuation of the child from the life threatening environment. 
     Also, the present invention includes a rope which enables the rescuer to lower the rescue device with the child therein from an upstairs window to a point of safety suspended outside and below the window or on the ground. 
     Moreover, runners, casters or other low friction surfaces on the bottom of the rescue device enable the rescue device to roll or slide down a sloping roof while the rescuer controls the lowering of the rescue device with the child inside by means of the rope, or allows the rescuer to slide the rescue device along a floor or other surface while escaping from the life threatening environment. 
     Therefore, the primary feature of the present invention is the provision of a rescue device that overcomes the problems associated with the prior art rescue means and makes a significant contribution to the life saving and rescuing art. 
     A further feature of the present invention is the provision of a rescue device which is easily stored under or in the proximity of the baby&#39;s crib, or in a nearby closet. 
     A further feature of the present invention is the provision for a low cost rescue device capable of rescuing a child from an emergency situation which could be any number of natural or man-made situations. 
     Also, the present invention provides a device having a fire resistant exterior covering for protecting the entire contents of the device from flame and ignition and provides a primary thermal mitigation layer. The thermal protective layer is capable of slowing and mitigating the transfer of high heat levels from the exterior of the device to the inside compartment of the device. 
     The device also provides an impact layer or shell of a hard material around the majority of the device in order to spread an impact over a larger area and to stop penetration of low to medium force impact flying debris. 
     Additionally, the device includes an exterior set of runners or castors or a rounded surface, all of which provide a low friction resistance so that the device can be more easily pushed on surfaces such as floors or down slanted roof shingles when carrying the device is not an option. 
     The padded inner transport cavity of the device provides a means for securely holding a child inside the unit and is capable of restraining movement caused by the child or the motion of the device while in transport. 
     The padded inner transport cavity of the device provides a means for securely holding a child inside the unit to support the fragile body of a newborn or infant. 
     Also, the webbing of the device provides a system capable being in contact with the child being transported so as to restrain the movement caused by the child or mitigate motion of the child in the device due to the motion of the device while in transport. 
     Also, the webbing of the device provides a secondary protective impact and thermal barrier created by the air gap around the child being transported. 
     A simple load/close operational mode of the device provides an intuitive sealing and locking procedure capable of being performed by feel without the need for looking at the device. 
     A self-actuating internal system which utilizes the physical format of the closing of the unit is provided in order to place the restraining web system around the child being transported. 
     An integral emergency resistant rope is secured to a central harness which is an integral structure of the device in order to provide an arrangement stored within the device. The rope is retrievable from its storage compartment and remains connected to the device for providing a means for lowering the device. More specifically, the rope is extendable via two methods [1] by hand and [2] by a simple rope friction control flow device such as a belay which is provided in order to allow the stored rope to lower the device at a controlled rate and to provide a means for locking the rope at a specific length if needed. By squeezing the belay, the arrangement provides a means for permitting the flow of rope. When the belay is released, the flow of the rope is stopped similar to a dead man switch type function thus preventing the lowering of the device to the ground too quickly. 
     The rope with or without the use of the belay, provides a means of lowering the device from a window or other upper story location so that the device can be safely transported to the ground. The rope has an integral locking ring or caribiner at the non-attached end of the rope for securing the rope to a fixed structure to allow the use of the rope as an escape device for the rescuer. The ring also provides means for securing a secondary rope extension to the primary rope to lengthen the distance the device can be lowered. 
     A carry sling and handles provide a rescuer with the means to carry the device hands free by placing the sling over a shoulder or around the neck, or with one hand or on the side, or back or the front of the body of the rescuer. 
     Such handles are secured to the device and the integral internal support harness. Grip handles are provided on the top, front, back and all sides of the device thus providing ample means for holding the device. 
     An air and ventilation system including a filter system is an option that allows air to be forced through the device to create a positive internal pressure within the device to help keep smoke out of device. One method of ventilation uses a hand pumped air system to force exterior air into the filter and into an interior cavity of the device to supply internal positive pressure and adjunct supply of breathable air to the child. Alternatively, another system can use the rescuers breathing through a tube to force clean filtered air across the baby, then to the rescuer as a system where the rescuer and the baby share fresh air brought into and through the safe enclosure via the breathing of filtered outside air by the rescuer. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the forced air system uses a powered electric mini-fan, which is activated together with the lighting system. All possible ventilation systems mentioned force outside air through the filter to provide both positive pressure and air for breathing. 
     A lighting system is provided such as an external strobe on the bottom of the device to make the device very visible when in a smoke filled environment. The strobe light is provided to attract attention to the device being lowered to the ground from an upper story window. Also, LEDs on the exterior of the device include both flashing and constant lighting for providing light in a smoke filled environment and for making the device visible to rescuers. An internal light is provided in order to illuminate the interior of the device and to calm the child while inside the device. All of the lights are battery operated with a battery system in a stand-by mode using an interference fit insulator. When the insulator is pulled out by the activation of one or more of the device features or by the removal of the device from its storage case  202 , the battery becomes electrically connected to the circuit and activates all of the lights and if provided, the powered air fan system. 
     A sound system provides an audible alarm when the device is activated. The sound system provides a distinct sound which is different from Fire Department “PASS” alarms which activate when a fire fighter is not moving for more than 20 seconds. The alarm according to the present invention sounds continuously until the device is opened and the child is removed. 
     Other features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention contained herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a rescue device for rescuing a child from a life threatening situation. The device includes a container for the reception therein of the child. A cover cooperates with the container such that when the child has been placed within the container, the container and the cover define a safe enclosure for the evacuation of the child from the life threatening situation. 
     In a more specific embodiment of the present invention, the container is of a shape that is consistant with holding the size and shape of a small child within its interior. 
     Preferably, the container is fabricated from a material which is fire resistant, padded and impact resistant. 
     The container includes a base of generally rectangular configuration. The base has an inner and an outer surface. Also, the base has a first and a second end and a first and a second side. The ends and the sides of the base define a peripheral edge. 
     A wall has an inner face and an outer face and a first and a second side. The first side of the wall has a first length which is equal to a second length of the peripheral edge of the base. The first side of the wall and the peripheral edge of the base are joined together such that the wall extends away from the base with the second side of the wall being spaced from the base. 
     Moreover, the exterior of the container includes a plurality of push/pull grips which extend outwardly around the wall. The grips are disposed between the sides of the wall such that during the evacuation of the child, the grips permit pushing and pulling of the container when the child is within the safe enclosure. 
     Furthermore, the container includes a single large runner or a plurality of smaller runners that are secured to the base. The arrangement is such that during the evacuation of the child, the runners permit the container to slide along a surface contacted by the runners to facilitate rapid evacuation of the child from the life threatening situation. 
     Additionally, the container includes an integral emergency fire resistant shoulder carry strap and a pull handle. The carry strap and the pull handle both extend from the outer face of the wall. 
     Also, the container defines a compartment and an alarm system is housed within the compartment. The alarm system includes a battery. 
     An audio alarm emmitter is operably connected to the battery such that during the evacuation of the child, the audio alarm emmitter provides an audible indication of the location of the rescue device and the child inside the device. 
     Furthermore, a visual alarm arrangement is operably connected to the battery. A plurality of lights is disposed over the outer surface of the base and the outer face of the wall. The lights are operably connected to the visual alarm arrangement such that during the evacuation of the child, the lights provide a visual indication of the location of the rescue device. 
     A fan is energized by the battery for generating a flow of air into the safe enclosure. 
     Also, a filter is disposed within the flow of air for filtering the flow of air flowing into the safe enclosure. 
     Moreover, a lamp is operably connected to the battery so that, when the child is placed within the safe enclosure, such safe enclosure is illuminated by the lamp in order to comfort the child during the evacuation of the child from the life threatening situation. The lamp also illuminates the safe enclosure in order to assist placement of the child on the web suspension. 
     Additionally, the container defines a further compartment. Within the compartment, a rope has a first and a second end, the first end of the rope being secured to the container. 
     A belay system is secured to the rope between the first and second ends thereof. The arrangement is such that in a first disposition of the rope, the rope and the belay system are stored within the further compartment. However, in a second disposition of the rope, during the evacuation of the child, the rope and the belay system are removed from the further compartment. The belay system cooperates with the rope for permitting a controlled lowering of the rescue device with the child disposed within the safe enclosure so that the child is lowered from the life threatening situation to a safe location. 
     Furthermore, the cover is of clam shell type configuration. 
     More specifically, the cover includes a first portion which defines a periphery. The periphery has a first and a second end. 
     A second portion defines a further periphery. The further periphery has a first and a second extremity. The arrangement is such that the first and second portions pivot relative to each other about an axis which extends through the ends and the extremities of the periphery and further periphery respectively. Therefore, in a first disposition of the portions, placement of the child within the safe enclosure is permitted. However, in a second disposition of the portions, the portions are pivotted relative to and towards each other for enclosing the child within the safe enclosure so that evacuation of the child from the life threatening situation is permitted. 
     Additionally, the first portion includes a carry handle which extends from the periphery. 
     Also, the second portion includes a further carry handle which extends from the further periphery such that when the portions are in the second disposition thereof, the carry handles cooperate with each other so that carrying the rescue device is permitted. 
     A web suspension is secured to the periphery and the further periphery of the portions. The arrangement is such that when the portions are in the first disposition thereof, placement of the child on the web suspension is permitted. However, when the portions are pivotted to the second disposition of the portions, the child is safely and securely restrained within the safe enclosure by the web suspension system during evacuation of the child from the life threatening situation. 
     The rescue device is stored adjacent to or under the babies crib so that the rescue device is readily available to be retrieved from its storage case  202  for immediate use during the life threatening situation 
     Many modifications and variations of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art by a consideration of the detailed description contained hereinafter taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings which show a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, such modifications and variations fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     Included in such modifications is an arrangement in which the cover is of one piece construction and is pivotally connected to the container so that when the cover is pivotted to a closed disposition relative to the container, the cover and container define the safe enclosure. 
     Additionally, although the drawings of the preferred embodiment show a generally rectangular shaped device, the device can be of any shape that would define a safe enclose therein. 
     Also, although the container in the preferred embodiment is shown as including a base and upstanding walls, the container could be of a one piece construction and forms a safe enclosure by the rolling or folding of the one-piece construction 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a rescuer placing a child onto the web suspension of the rescue device according to the present invention for rescuing a child from a life threatening situation; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view partially in section of the rescue device with the child securely held within the web suspension system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a similar view to that shown in  FIG. 2  but shows further features of the exterior of the rescue device; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of the electrical components compartment shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a similar view to that shown in  FIG. 3  but on a reduced scale and which shows the belay rope system in a deployed position; 
         FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the rescue device according to the present invention being lowered from a window utilizing the belay rope system; 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the rescue device being lowered by a rescuer utilizing hands on the rope without the belay system and being from a window which is not located immediately above a point of safety; 
         FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of the belay system for the controlled flow therethrough of the fire resistant rope; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the rescue device shown in  FIGS. 1-5  in an open format as it will be when removed from its storage case  202 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the rescue device being removed from its stored location; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  being carried in a hands free format; and 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the device shown in  FIG. 1  being slid on the floor by a rescuer. 
     
    
    
     Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the various views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a rescue device generally designated  10  for rescuing a child C from a life threatening situation. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  includes a container generally designated  12  for the reception therein of the child C. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view partially in section of the rescue device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , a cover generally designated  14  cooperates with the container  12 . The arrangement is such that when the child C has been placed within the container  12 , the container  12  and the cover  14  cooperate together to define a safe enclosure  16  for the evacuation of the child C from the life threatening situation. 
     The term “child” throughout the specification is to be understood as including infants from birth to 3 years of age. The term “child” also includes domestic pets that may need to be rescued. 
     Also, the term “life threatening situation” as used throughout the present application is to be understood as including a residential or other type of emergency situation such as a fire, flood situation, an earthquake related disaster, a or any other type of disaster situation, both natural or man made. 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the container  12  is of generally rectangular configuration. 
     Preferably, the container  12  is fabricated from a material which is fire resistant, padded and impact resistant. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the container  12  includes a base  18  of generally rectangular configuration. The base  18  has an inner surface  20  and an outer surface  22 . Also, the base  18  has a first end  24  and a second end  26  and a first side  28  and a second side  30 . The ends  24 ,  26  and the sides  28 ,  30  of the base  18  define a peripheral edge  32 . 
     The container  12  also includes a wall  34 . The wall  34  has an inner face  36  and an outer face  38  and a first side  40  and a second side  42 . The first side  40  of the wall  34  has a first peripheral length L 1  which is equal to a second length L 2  of the peripheral edge  32 . The first side  40  of the wall  34  and the peripheral edge  32  are joined together such that the wall  34  extends away from the base  18  with the second side  42  of the wall  34  being spaced from the base  18 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the base  18  and the wall  34  could alternatively be molded as a single one piece unit. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the container  12  defines a compartment  56 . An alarm system generally designated  58  is housed within the compartment  56 . 
       FIG. 3  is a similar view to that shown in  FIG. 2  but shows further features of the container  12 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the container  12  includes a plurality of push/pull grips  44  and,  45  which extend around the wall  34 . The grips  44 - 45  are disposed between the sides  40 ,  42  of the wall  34  such that during the evacuation of the child C, the grips  44 - 45  permit pushing and pulling of the container  12  when the child C is within the safe enclosure  16 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the container  12  includes a plurality of runners  48 ,  49  and  50  that are secured to the base  18 . The arrangement is such that during the evacuation of the child C, the runners  48 - 50  permit the container  12  to slide along a surface S contacted by the runners  48 - 50  to facilitate rapid evacuation of the child C from the life threatening situation. 
     Additionally, the container  12  includes an integral fire resistant shoulder carry strap  52   
       FIG. 3  shows the carry strap  52  extending from the outer face  38  of the wall  34 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the container  12  defines a compartment  56 . An alarm system generally designated  58  is housed within the compartment  56 . 
       FIG. 4  is a schematic view of the compartment  56  shown in  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the compartment  56  houses the alarm system  58 . The alarm system  58  includes an electrical battery  60 . 
     The battery  60 , because it must wait for an extended period of time before being used, must have a “system disconnect” where the actual terminals are not in contact with the circuitry of the device. This will prevent possible drainage of the power of the battery and will prevent a dead battery when it is needed. This disconnect is a simple interference fit non-conductor  61  placed within the electronics at the battery connection point. This non-conductor  61  will be attached to the cover  14  in a manner which will cause the nonconductor  61  to be pulled out of the way from the electrical connector and battery contact causing the electronics to activate the light and sound functions. This simple and straightforward “switch” to activate the alert systems when the device is put into use, also, provides an insulation effect to keep power at its highest use state when in the standby mode. 
     The invention can be trial tested by a purchaser and then re-stored with the energy interrupting non-conductor  61  back in place with the lights and sound off, and the battery at its lowest possible level of discharge. 
     An audio alarm circuit  62  is operably connected to the battery  60  such that, during the evacuation of the child C, the audio alarm circuit  62  provides an audible indication of the location of the rescue device  10  via a speaker  200  on the exterior surface  34 . 
     Furthermore, a visual alarm circuitry  64  is operably connected to the battery  60 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , a plurality of lights  66 ,  67  and  68  is disposed over the outer surface  22  of the base  18  and the outer face  38  of the wall  34 . The lights  66  to  68  are operably connected to the visual alarm arrangement  64  such that, during the evacuation of the child C, the lights  66  to  68  provide a visual indication of the location of the rescue device  10   
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , a fan  70  is energized by the battery  60  for generating a flow of air, as indicated by the arrow  72 , into the safe enclosure  16 . 
     Also, a filter  73  is disposed within the flow of air  72  for filtering the flow of air  72  flowing into the safe enclosure  16 . The fan  70  and filter  73  are an optional feature of the present invention. In many rescue operations, the rescue is so quick that the air within the device will be sufficient to accomplish the rescue operation. 
     Moreover, a lamp  74  is operably connected to the battery  60  so that, when the child C is placed within the safe enclosure  16 , such safe enclosure  16  is illuminated by the lamp  74  in order to comfort the child C during the evacuation of the child C from the life threatening situation. The provision of the lamp  74  makes a significant contribution to the well being of the child so that the child experiences the least psychological trauma during the rescue scenario. 
     The lamp  74  although shown in the electronics box in  FIG. 4 , is in fact located inside the safe enclosure  16  as shown in  FIG. 2  so as to illuminate the child C. The box for the electronics is located at the bottom of the device and may be an actual box or a harder foam layer within which the electrical components will be housed and will be under a protective soft insulation layer which is disposed under the web suspension system. A simple micro switch held in an “off” position when the device is within its storage case  202  will activate the lamp circuit to illuminate the child when the device is removed from the storage case  202 . As soon as the device  10  is removed from the storage case, the lamp  74  is activated and illuminates the child reception area to help place the child in the proper place if the rescuer is in the dark. The interior illumination lamp  74  is activated from the moment the device is removed from the storage case  202  and will stay on until a pre-set time after the cover is opened allowing an easy visual identification and removal of the child when the device cover  14  is opened. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the container  12  defines a further compartment  76 . 
       FIG. 5  is a similar view of the device  10  that is shown in  FIG. 3  but on a reduced scale and showing the deployment of the rope  78  lowering system. As shown in  FIG. 5 , a rope  78  which is initially stored in the further compartment  76  is removed from the further compartment  76  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The rope  78  is permanently secured to the integral fire resistant shoulder carry strap  52 . When stored, the rope  78  is releasably fastened to the strap  52  by cooperating VELCRO tabs  77  and  79  and the rest of the rope  78  is disposed within the further compartment  76 . The rope  78  has a first end  80  and a second end  82 . The first end  80  of the rope  78  is secured to the container  12  by means of the strap  52 . 
     A belay system generally designated  84  is secured to the rope  78  between the first end  80  and the second end  82  thereof. The arrangement is such that in a first disposition of the rope  78 , the rope  78  and the belay system  84  are stored within the further compartment  76  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
       FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of the rescue device  10  being lowered from a window. As shown in  FIG. 5A , in a second disposition of the rope  78 , during the evacuation of the child C, the rope  78  and the belay system  84  are removed from the further compartment  76 . The belay system  84  cooperates with the rope  78  for permitting a controlled lowering of the rescue device  10  with the child C disposed within the safe enclosure  16  so that the child C is lowered from the life threatening situation to a safe location. 
       FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the rescue device  10  being lowered from a window which is not located immediately above a point of safety. In this case, as shown the rescuer is not utilizing the belay system  84  and instead uses his hands to lower the rope  78  and allows the rescue device  10  to slide over the surface S of the roof by means of the runners  48 - 49  until the rescue device  10  is able to be lowered vertically to the point of safety below. 
       FIG. 5C  is a perspective view of the belay system  84  for the controlled flow therethrough of the fire resistant rope  78 . As shown in  FIG. 5C , the belay system  84  includes a casing  85 . A hand grip  87  is integral to the casing  85  so that the hand grip  87  places the rescuer&#39;s hand in a position to securely hold belay casing  85  in a manner which allows the operation of the rope control  204  which allows the release of rope  78  or controllably locks the rope  78 , or adjusts the speed of rope  78  as the rope controllably slides through the casing  85 . Additionally, belay casing  85  is pivotally secured at point  89  to a box  91  which stores a sufficient length of the rope  78  to enable the controlled lowering of the device  10  to safety. As shown in  FIG. 5C , the box  91  includes a jagged edge  93  so that the belay  84  can be secured to the window sill. Also, the second end  82  of the rope  78  includes a fastener  206  for fastening the rope  78  to a fixture such as the radiator thereby permitting the rescuer to escape by climbing down the rope  78 . 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the rescue device  10  shown in  FIGS. 1-5 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 6 , the cover  14  is of clam shell type configuration and is in a lowered and open position. More specifically, the cover  14  includes a first portion  86  which defines a periphery  88 . The periphery  88  has a first end  90  and a second end  92 . 
     A second portion  94  of the cover  14  defines a further periphery  96 . The further periphery  96  has a first extremity  98  and a second extremity  100 . The arrangement is such that the first portion  86  and the second portion  94  pivot relative to each other about an axis  102  which extends through the ends  90 ,  92  and the extremities  98 ,  100  of the periphery  88  and further periphery  96  respectively. Therefore, in a first disposition of the portions  86 ,  94 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , placement of the child C within the safe enclosure  16  is permitted as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     However, in a second disposition of the portions  86 ,  94 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , the portions  86 ,  94  are pivotted relative to and towards each other about axis  102  as indicated by the arrow  104  as shown in  FIG. 6  for enclosing the child C within the safe enclosure  16  so that evacuation of the child C from the life threatening situation is permitted. 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the first portion  86  includes a carry handle  106  which extends from the periphery  88 . 
     Also, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the second portion  94  includes a further carry handle  108  which extends from the further periphery  96  such that when the portions  86  and  94  are in the second disposition thereof, the carry handles  106  and  108  cooperate with each other as shown in  FIG. 3 , so that carrying the rescue device  10  is permitted. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 , a web suspension  110  is secured to the periphery  88  and the further periphery  96  of the portions  86  and  94 . The arrangement is such that when the portions  86  and  94  are in the first disposition thereof as shown in  FIG. 6 , placement of the child C on the web suspension  110  is permitted. However, when the portions  86  and  94  are pivotted as indicated by the arrows  104  to the second disposition of the portions  86  and  94 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the child C is safely and securely restrained by the web suspension  110  within the safe enclosure  16  for evacuation of the child C from the life threatening situation. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the rescue device  10  when being removed from its storage unit. As shown in  FIG. 7 , the rescue device  10  is stored under or adjacent to the child&#39;s crib  112  so that the rescue device  10  is readily available for immediate use during the life threatening situation. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the rescuer is running with both hands free and the device  10  carried over the shoulder of the rescuer by means of strap  52 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the device  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , the rescuer is pushing the device  10  with the child therein to safety. 
     In operation of the rescue device  10 , the parent or rescuer takes the rescue device  10  from under the crib  112  and upon removal of the device  10  from its storage unit, the internal lamp  74  for illuminating the safe enclosure  16  activates allowing the accurate visual placements of the child C on the web suspension  110  within the illuminated safe enclosure  16 . The handles  106  and  108  are then moved together as indicated by the arrows  104  so that the child C is safely secured within the safe enclosure  16 . As the portions  86  and  94  meet, various electrical circuits  64  controlling the exterior flashing strobes  66 , the continuous beam light  208  and the audio alarm circuit  62  are automatically activated and energized by the battery  60 . Therefore, at the moment the child C is prepared for a rescue, the battery  60  energizes the lamp  74  for illuminating the safe enclosure  16 . The battery also energizes the exterior beam flashlights  208 . The battery  60  further energizes the audible alarm circuit  64 . Additionally, the fan  70  (if included in the construction) is energized so that a filtered flow of air  72  flows into the safe enclosure  16 . 
     The rescuer then carries the rescue device to safety by either lifting the rescue device  10  by the handles,  106  and  108 , or by the grips  44  and  45 , or by the strap  52 . Alternatively, the rescuer may place the shoulder strap  52  over the rescuer&#39;s shoulder thus leaving both hands free for completing the rescue operation. 
     If the emergency situation is upstairs and the stairway is blocked by flames, the rope  78  and belay system  84  are used by the rescuer to controllably lower the rescue device  10  with the child C therein to safety. If the window, as shown in  FIG. 5B , does not permit direct lowering of the rescue device  10  to a point of safety, the runners  48  to  50  permit the rescue device  10  to slide controllably over the surface S of a sloping roof. Thereafter, the rescue device  10  can then be lowered to a point of safety on the ground below. 
     The present invention provides a unique arrangement for safely transporting a child from a hostile environment such as a fire to a point of safety and provides a safer means for rescuing a child from such an emergency.