Patent Abstract:
The invention in the simplest form is an emergency rescue device the stores conveniently and provides a rapid deployment. The invention comprises a length of rope interconnected to a weighted throwing unit having a loop portion with an automatic restraining system. The throwing unit is used to position the loop in close proximity to the distressed person, wherein the person only need to insert his/her hands within the loop. The rescue personnel pulls the rope which tightens the loop and firmly holds the wrists of the person in a hyper extended position.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C Section 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/188,647 filed on Mar. 10, 2000, and under 35 U.S.C. Section 120 as a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/804,135, filed Mar. 12, 2001, now abandoned, which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a rescue device and emergency apparatus. More specifically, the present invention comprises a weighted throwing portion secured to a length of rope, and an adjustable wrist loop secured a short distance from the throwing portion. 
     2. Background Art 
     Each year numerous lives are lost because aid was not quickly available, even when bystanders and emergency crews are present. Most rescue operations require a certain amount of time to prepare and execute—and time that can be fatal to a person in distress. 
     There are also hazards to the rescue personnel or bystander, especially if attempting the rescue without proper planning. Many tragic stories tell of the Good Samaritan that attempted to rescue a victim in distress only to become a victim of the same fate. 
     Persons in distress in water pose several problems to a rescuer. The distressed person will likely cling to whatever is within reach, including a prospective rescuer. A drowning person lacks the capacity of reasoning and can present a serious threat to an unqualified or unsuspecting rescuer. For this reason, lifeguards normally keep a safe distance between themselves and the victim. The lifeguard typically uses a buoy or other floatation device to present to the victim to grasp and can then safely haul the buoy and victim to shore. If there is no separation device, a lifeguard dives below the surface and positions the victim into a safe and controlled orientation before attempting to swim to shore. In the event that the victim does manage to grab hold of a lifeguard, the preferred escape is to dive under the water and break-away from the victim. 
     Rescue operations in ice present even greater danger to the victim and rescue persons. Hypothermia is a major concern, and a person that falls into frigid water only has a few minutes before the effects of hypothermia develop. Hypothermia causes the body to enter into a state of shock that inhibits coordination and muscular control. It also effects the mental state and a person may become unconscious. A further problem relates to the ice itself, the area surrounding a break is usually more susceptible to breaking, thus a rescue person that exerts too much pressure upon the ice may wind up stuck in the same predicament as the victim. 
     In order to reduce the aforementioned problems, attempts have been made to produce a suitable rescue device. The prior art devices have general short-comings and do not adequately address the problems and difficulties stated herein. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,077 discloses a spherical throwing device with integrated channels to form a loop that would restrict once the rope is pulled. This particular invention has no means of keeping the loop in an open position and there is no restriction on the rope to prevent slippage of the loop size during throwing and operation. Furthermore the loop is integrally connected to the throwing ball and it would be difficult to engage the loop. 
     A weighted throwing bag with a securing line is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,526 that allows the weighted bag to be thrown in the vicinity of a distressed person. The bag has gripping portions that can be used to cling to until help arrives or to assist in pulling the person out of the water. The bag also employs a spike tool to enable the distressed person to climb to safety out of ice. This invention relies on the distressed person to be conscious and have good motor skills to rescue him/her self. 
     The invention of U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,651 describes a throwable disc-shaped device connected to a rope. The disc breaks apart to produce a harness that can be grabbed by the victim or the victim can slip his arms through the harness and the harness will go around the back and under the arms. A similar device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,637 that shows a floatation device with gripping structures and straps. One problem with these inventions is that if they are held in the hands, the victim may lose consciousness and let go of the rope. It may also be difficult to grab onto the device or straps when wearing clothing and gloves. In addition, if the person fell into an icy body of water and the harness is placed around the back of the victim, the force of the pulling will bring the person&#39;s chest against the ice. 
     A life ring is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,642 having a semi-rigid inner ring and a flexible outer ring. The distressed person is supposed to be situated within the inner ring and as the pulling rope is pulled the outer ring changes in shape so as to grip the distressed persons arms. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,145 another circular shaped buoy device is disclosed with a center strap and buckling devices to secure the distressed person. An inflatable buoy device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,158. These devices generally do not have a long range throwing capacity. These devices also require some physical dexterity on the part of the distressed person. In addition, these devices tend to occupy more space and cargo room. 
     There are many other devices that describe various discs and rings having certain features and attributes, but all generally require the distressed person to hold onto an object or otherwise secure him/her self to the object. What is needed is a device that is compact and easily stored in convenient locations. Such a device should be capable of rapid deployment and operable by anyone. This device should be inexpensive to purchase, yet sturdy and dependable. The device should allow the rescuer to deploy the rescue device a long distance from the rescuer so that the rescuer remains safe. This device should allow the victim a fast yet secure way to be secured to the device. Furthermore, this device should hold the person in an optimal position with the head above water, even if the victim loses consciousness. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has been made in consideration of the aforementioned background, and is for a compact life-saving rescue device. The invention, that contains the floatation throwing device and the rope having a hand loop restraint, is stored securely on a rigid carrying board. This provides a convenient and inexpensive rescue device that is versatile, lightweight, and compact and can be used in ponds, rivers, streams, lakes, brooks and similar bodies of water—especially if the water is frozen or partially frozen. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a life safety apparatus that can be used as a first response tool. The compact device can be stowed in a car trunk or carried along when venturing out in the outdoors. It can be used to stabilize a person in distress until help arrives and may be used to assist in pulling the person to safety. The invention is held conveniently on the retaining board and quickly and easily can be extracted and delivered to the distressed person, even by a person with no training in life-saving or rescue operations. 
     The wrist/arm securing feature retains a firm grip on the person even if the person loses consciousness or is otherwise unable to hold onto an object. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a life-saving apparatus,that is capable of being delivered a long distance from the rescuer so that the rescuer remains safe and secure. The weighted portion of the present invention allows the rope to be accurately thrown an average of 75-85 feet. In one embodiment the weighted unit is a buoyant ball. 
     And another object is an emergency rescue device that employs a loop positioned a short distance from the weighted portion. The loop is designed such that it secures around the wrist/arm when the rope is pulled. 
     Yet another object is that the present invention is comprised of relatively inexpensive components so that the unit is affordable to rescue, fire, police and emergency personnel that are on tight fiscal budgets. The device is also affordable to the general public and can put such devices in the hands of those that are first to arrive at the scene of the rescue. This is especially important when time is a critical element of survival. 
     And a further object of the invention is to provide a floatation device in close proximity to a distressed person to be used to help the person locate the rope and wrist loop. The buoy is fluorescent in color. The device can also employ battery operated lighting means and electronics such as global positioning systems and emergency alerting devices. 
     An object of the invention is a throwable rescue device, comprising a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end. In one embodiment, the rope is stranded polypropylene. There is a weighted unit connected at an end of the throwing end and a loop forming assembly engaging the rope forming an adjustable loop in the rope with a slidable end and a fixed end. The loop forming assembly is designed such that the rope retains its loop during deployment. The loop secures when the rope is pulled by the rescuer, while the distressed person has their wrist/arm through the loop. The design of the loop forming assembly always remains open until the proper angle and resistance is attained. 
     An object includes a throwable rescue device, wherein the loop forming assembly is comprised of a pivoting retention block, a stop sleeve, spring ring, rubber retention washer and self tapping screws. The pivoting retention block is an L shaped machined high definition polyethylene part used to ensure proper length of the loop and provides proper placement of all parts of the loop forming assembly. There are beveled surfaces in the slidable side of the block to provide ease of engagement of the stop sleeve and proper angle to the rope when the rope is pulled. The bevel to the loop side of the loop forming assembly allows the friction to the rubber washer to be reduced when the rope is pulled. The stop sleeve is stainless steel cylindrical hollow tube used to set the loop length and help provide retention support to keep loop assembly open. The spring ring is a stainless steel double loop ring to secure the stop sleeve to the rope in a fixed position on the slidable end of the loop forming assembly and prevents the stop sleeve from sliding through the pivot retention block. 
     The rubber retention washer is made of neoprene rubber in order to set the loop length and help provide retention with the stop sleeve to keep loop assembly open. The inner diameter of the washer contacts the rope on the slidable end of the loop forming assembly wherein an outer edge of the washer contacts the rope on an inner side of the fixed end. This configuration ensures the ring sleeve stays in proper position and the loop stays open. 
     Another object is a throwable rescue device, wherein the means for resisting movement is an outer edge of the washer contacting the rope at the fixed end, wherein the washer is displaced when the base end is pulled. In one embodiment, the screws are stainless steel self tapping screws used to ensure the pivoting retention block to the rope in a fixed position. 
     An additional object is a throwable rescue device, further comprising a storage retainer for storing the rescue device. In one embodiment the storage caddy has a hollow circular section and the rope wraps around the circular section and the ball fits within the hollow section. There can be a base portion affixed to one end of the circular section and a mating lid assembly that covers the circular section and secures to the base portion. 
     An object of the invention is a throwable rescue device, comprising a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end. There is a weighted unit connected at an end of the throwing end and a loop forming assembly engaging the rope and forming an adjustable loop in the rope. The loop forming assembly has a means for providing resistance on the rope to maintain a size of the adjustable loop, and a means for providing no resistance when the base end is pulled. 
     A further object includes the throwable rescue device, wherein the loop forming assembly comprises an ‘L’ shaped member having a long section and a short section with a first passage through the long section and a second passage through the section, wherein a fixed end of the adjustable loop goes through the first passage and a slidable end of the adjustable loop goes through the second passage. And, wherein the means for providing resistance comprises a stop sleeve engaging the second passage and at least one washer installed on the slidable end. Furthermore, wherein the means for providing resistance is at least one plyable washer installed on the adjustable end wherein an outer edge of the washer contacts the fixed end of the rope. An additional object further comprises a stop to limit a size of the loop, wherein the stop is a spring ring affixed to a stop sleeve that is fixedly attached to the base end proximal the loop forming assembly. 
     An additional object is the throwable rescue device, further comprising a storage caddy for storing the rescue device, and also wherein the rope is stranded polypropylene, and further wherein the weighted unit is a buoyant ball 
     An object of the invention is a throwable rescue device, comprising a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end. A weighted unit is connected at an end of the throwing end and there is a loop forming assembly engaging the rope and forming an adjustable loop in the rope. The adjustable loop has a fixed end and a slidable end, and the loop forming assembly has a first passage engaging the rope on the fixed end and a second passage slidably engaging the rope on the slidable end, wherein the loop forming assembly has at least one washer installed on the slidable end. 
     And yet another object is the throwable rescue device, further comprising a stop affixed to the based end proximal the loop forming assembly and limiting a size of the loop when the stop contacts the loop forming assembly. The loop forming assembly may comprise an ‘L’ shaped member having a long section and a short section with the first passage through the long section and the second passage through the short section. In addition, the second passage can have a beveled surfaces engaging the rope. In contrast, the first orifice can employ self tapping screws affixing the rope to the loop forming assembly. 
     And a final object is a throwable rescue device, wherein at least one washer provides a means for resisting movement of the rope, wherein an outer edge of the washer contacts the rope at the slidable end, wherein the washer is displaced when the base end is pulled. 
     Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by me on carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The invention is susceptible of many variations, all within the scope of the specification, figures, and claims. The preferred embodiment described here and illustrated in the figures should not be construed as in any way limiting. The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: 
     FIG.  1 . illustrates the components of the invention including the rigid carrying board, weighted unit, rope and loop forming assembly and details rough dimensions and orientations from a top view 
     FIG. 2 shows the weighted end portion in more detail 
     FIG. 3 is a close-up of the loop forming assembly, showing the interaction between the rope, the pivoting retention block, the stop sleeve, spring ring, screws and the washer 
     FIG. 4 provides further details of the pivoting retention block forming assembly and highlights the beveled or countersunk holes 
     FlG.  5  shows the fully assembled unit stored on rigid carrying board 
     FIG. 6 demonstrates one method of throwing wherein an underhand lob is used 
     FIG. 7 shows the angular position of the rope to the loop forming assembly when unit is in flight 
     FIG. 8 illustrates the angular position of the rope to the loop forming assembly when unit is in wrist/arm is in the loop and unit is being pulled. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The present invention refers to a rescue device that comprises a weighted object attached to a rope and having a means of securing to a person to facilitate rescue operations. A single preferred embodiment is illustrated with dimensions and particulars to demonstrate an enabled and functional description however the invention is in no way limited to this single embodiment. 
     Referring to FIG.  1  and FIG. 5, one embodiment of a layout of the invention is illustrated. In this embodiment, the invention is depicted in kit form that is easily mounted and stored on rigid carrying board  10010 . The rigid carrying board  10010  should be durable and lightweight, and one such material for the rigid carrying board  10010  is plexi-glass. The rigid carrying board  10010  is approximately 18½ inches long and 8½ inches wide with holes positioned about the perimeter of the board  10010  to secure the rope  10002  to the rigid carrying board  10010  and to mount plexi-glass rope retainers  10013 . The plexi-glass rope retainers  10013  are mounted at each corner approximately 1¼ inches from an end and a side of the rigid carrying board  10010  through cylindrical spacers  10012  using pan screw  10011  and nylon locking nut  10014 . The cylindrical spacers  10012  should be of a rigid durable material as nylon with dimensions approximately 1½ inches long by ⅜ inch in diameter. 
     The plexi-glass rope retainers  10013  are able to rotate such that plexi-glass rope retainers  10013  can be positioned outward from the center of the rigid carrying board  10010  and will securely hold the coiled rope  10002  and weighted end of the device or two or more of the plexi-glass rope retainers  10013  can be positioned in towards the center of the rigid carrying board  10010  where one could remove the rope  10002  and weighted end of the device for deployment. 
     FIG. 5 depicts the plexi-glass rope retainers  10013  positioned outward such the fully assembled unit is securely stored. The retainers  10013  are rotatable about the spacer  10012  so that they can be swung to be positioned pointing inward to allow the rope  10002  to slip off efficiently from the retainer  10013  for deployment mode. The rope  10002  is looped through one or more holes  10025  in the rigid carrying board  10010  such that the rope  10002  is secured to the rigid carrying board  10010  by a knot on the end of the rope  10002 . In one embodiment a loop  10026  is formed on the side opposing the retainers  10013  and makes a handle to be able to easily carry the device or position for deployment. A Velcro® loop  10009  or other hook and loop type fastener is further used to secure the weighted end of the device when stored. The combination of the rigid carrying board  10010 , plexi-glass rope retainers  10013 , cylindrical spacers  10012 , pan head screws  10011  and nylon locking nuts  10014  allows a means for safe storage, transportation and fast deployment of the device. 
     It should be apparent that the storage and packaging of the invention may occur in many forms that have been contemplated and within the scope of the invention. For example, the stowage can be accomplished upon a circular assembly having a hollow center for housing the weighted ball. Such an assembly can have raised edges or a sloping profile similar to a wheel rim that would maintain the rope  10002  centered about the assembly. In the rigid board scheme, a second board can be used in place of the retainers and one side of the boards can be displaced to free the rope for deployment. The apparatus can be stowed in a bag for easy transport and there are numerous other rope stowing methods already described in the prior art. 
     The rope  10002  in this embodiment is approximately 100 feet in length by ¼″ in diameter. This dimension tends to provide adequate distance for a rescue, sufficient strength for hauling, and light enough to optimize throwing distance. In the preferred embodiment the rope  10002  is a nylon polypropylene that also has the advantage of being a floatation material. Allowing the rope  10002  to float on the surface of water makes it easier to be located by a distressed person such as someone that is fully dressed and in cold water. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates the orientation of the fluorescent ball  10001  with respect to the loop forming assembly  10003 . It also illustrates the wrist adjustable loop that is used to grip the person in distress. The loop is adjustable in size and tightens when the weighted end of the rope is pulled. 
     FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the loop forming assembly that details the individual elements and shows the interaction of the rope  10002 , the pivoting retention block  10003 , the stop sleeve  10005 , spring ring  10006 , washer  10004 , and screws  10007 . The pivoting retention block  10003  is a manufactured piece that ensures the rope reacts properly during flight and when the carrying board end of the rope is pulled. In this embodiment it is made of High Density Polyethelene (HDPE). 
     The rope has a loop forming assembly  10035  as depicted in FIG.  2  and FIG. 3 comprised of a pivoting retention block  10003 , a stop sleeve  10005 , spring ring  10006 , rubber retention washer  10004  and self tapping screws  10007 . The loop forming assembly  10035  forms an adjustable loop  10030  in the rope  10002 . In the illustrated example, the adjustable loop  10030  is approximately 7″ in diameter and held together by the loop forming assembly  10035 . The characteristics and dimensions of the rope  10002  affect the size of the adjustable loop  10030  to some extent, but the function of the adjustable loop  10030  is to remain an easy target for a victim to insert their hands or arm. 
     The rope  10002  is terminated in a throwing unit  10001  and affixed within the throwing unit  10001  by many means such as a knot, fastener and similar known techniques. In a preferred embodiment, a fluorescent rubber ball  10001  approximately 4 inches in diameter and weighing about 12 ounces is used. In one embodiment, the rope  10002  is slipped through a center of the ball  10001  and a knot or other fastener is used to fasten the ball  10001  to the rope  10002 . The rope  10002  is not intended to be slidable within the ball  10001  but rather to remain a fixed element. The ball  10001  is made to be buoyant so that it floats. 
     Many throwing units are also within the scope of the invention, including torpedo buoys, discs and rings. However, the intent of the throwing unit is to provide for optimal throwing distance and accuracy. The size and weight of the throwing unit  10001  are important characteristics in placing the adjustable loop  10030  in close proximity to the victim, even in less than desirable weather conditions. The throwing unit  10001  should also be of a material that has some impact absorbing qualities in the event that the object  10001  strikes the victim. Various electronics such as global positioning system (GPS) location tracking electronics can be incorporated into the throwing unit  10001 , if required. 
     The prior art discusses many different types of rescue throwing devices, including elliptical or disc-shaped devices. The present invention is equally applicable to usage of the disc shaped units, as these discs generally have less air resistance and ten d to provide a longer distance. However, throwing a discus requires more practice for accuracy whereas the present invention requires minimal training for distance and accuracy. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE A 
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Weight 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Throw 
                 15.1 oz 
                 13.4 oz 
                 12.8 oz 
                 12.0 oz 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1 
                 79.4 
                 71.4 
                 76.2 
                 79.6 
               
               
                 2 
                 81.6 
                 73.8 
                 79.3 
                 85.2 
               
               
                 3 
                 84.3 
                 72.1 
                 80.1 
                 82.4 
               
               
                 4 
                 86.5 
                 75.4 
                 79.2 
                 80.7 
               
               
                 5 
                 83 
                 72.2 
                 80 
                 78.8 
               
               
                 6 
                 88.7 
                 73.5 
                 71 
                 83.5 
               
               
                 7 
                 87.9 
                 76.6 
                 84.1 
                 86.5 
               
               
                 8 
                 99.5 
                 72.9 
                 81.2 
                 85.4 
               
               
                 9 
                 92.5 
                 70 
                 79.4 
                 81.3 
               
               
                 10 
                 88.7 
                 76.1 
                 82 
                 84 
               
             
          
           
               
                 AVG 
                 87.2 
                 73.9 
                 79.25 
                 82.74 
               
               
                 Distance 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     As shown in Table A, various weights were thrown ten times and the distance measured for each throw to establish an average distance. As depicted, all the weights tested produced distances in excess of 70 feet. 
     As depicted om FIG. 4, the pivoting retention block  10003  is shaped like an ‘L’ with approximate dimensions of 2 inches long, 1½ inches wide and ¾ inch thick. There is a first hole  10020  approximately ⅜ inches in diameter drilled through the pivoting retention block  10003  with counter sunk chamfers ⅝ inches in diameter by 90 degrees on each side  10021 . There is a second hole  10022  that is approximately ⅜ inches in diameter that is drilled through the pivoting retention block  10003  end to end of the long dimension of the L of the block. The holes  10020 ,  10022  are positioned to separate the rope  10002  and to form the adjustable loop  10030 . 
     The rope  10002  from the weighted end goes through the hole  10022  that is drilled end to end of the long dimension of the pivoting retention block  10003  and is attached to the pivoting retention block  10003  with two stainless steel self tapping screws  10007  at approximately 11 inches from the ball  10001 . The two screws  10007  in the pivoting retention block  10003  intersect the rope  10002  at approximately 90 degrees and the screws  10007  go through the rope  10002 . The screw holes  10023  are drilled approximately ¾ inch apart through the flat side on the longer side of the L of the pivoting retention block  10003  into the hole  10022  that is that is drilled end to end of the long dimension of the pivoting retention block  10003 . 
     The adjustable loop  10030  is formed from the junction of the rope  10002  as it is attached to the pivoting retention block  10003  via the two screws  10007  and as it goes through the hole  10020  with counter sunk chamfers  10021  in the pivoting retention block  10003  and to the spring ring  10006  in the stop sleeve  10005 . The spring ring  10006  in this embodiment is approximately {fraction (9/10)} inches in outer diameter and ¾ inches inside diameter and made from stainless steel. The stop sleeve  10005  in this embodiment is a cylindrical hollow tube approximately {fraction (6/10)} inches by ⅜ inch. The stop sleeve  10005  is secured to the rope  10002  via a spring ring  10006  that goes through the stop sleeve  10005  and through the rope  10002 . The purpose of the stop sleeve  10005  is to set the loop length and help provide support to keep the loop assembly open. 
     The spring ring  10006  attaches the stop sleeve  10005  to the rope  10002  in a fixed position and prevents the stop sleeve  10005  from sliding through the pivoting retention block  10003  to the ball end of the rope. The attachment of the stop sleeve  10005  on the rope  10002  at approximately 40 inches from the ball  10001  and the attachment of the rope  10002  to the pivoting retention block  10003  at approximately 11 inches from the ball  10001  sets the proper dimensions for loop diameter  10030  and ensures throwing ease. Thus, the length of the loop portion of the rope is approximately 22 inches. 
     The retention washer  10004  is a closed cell neoprene washer approximately 1½″ in diameter and {fraction (1/16)}″ thick. The retention washer  10004  is designed to prevent slippage of the adjustable loop prior to the carrying board  10010  end of the rope  10002  being pulled. The retention washer  10004  also ensures that the stop sleeve  10005  stays located inside the chamfered hole in the pivoting retention block  10003  while the rope is being thrown. 
     The retention washer  10004  contacts the pivoting retention block  10003  where the rope  10002  goes through the chamfered hole  10020  in the pivoting retention block  10003 . As depicted, the outer edge of the washer  10004  is in physical contact with the weighted end of the rope  10002  while the other end of the rope  10002  has the stop sleeve  10005  and goes through the center of the washer  10004 . The dimension of the inner diameter of the hole in retention washer  10004  is {fraction (1/16)}″ smaller than the polypropylene rope  10002  to provide resistance to movement of the rope  10002 . 
     A single washer  10004  can be used of appropriate thickness and elasticity, or multiple washers  10004  can be utilized according to the desired qualities. The wider the surface area of the washer  10004  edge contacting the rope  10002 , the greater the resistance upon the rope  10002  while closing the adjustable loop  10030 . While a separate washer  10004  is depicted, incorporating the functionality of the washer  10004  as an integrated element of the pivoting retention block  10003  is an obvious variation of the present invention. 
     FIG. 6 demonstrates a preferred hand location for throwing the rescue device. The loop  10030  acts as a handle so the rescue device can be thrown using an underhand bowling or softball pitching motion. The combination of the position of hand location in the loop  10030  together with the pendulum motion of the thrower&#39;s arm allows distances of up to 75′ to be achieved with relative ease as shown in Table A. 
     FIG. 7 demonstrates the position and angle of the loop forming assembly with respect to the rope  10002  when the unit is in flight or when the carrying board  10010  end of the rope  10002  is pulled by the rescuer. It is the combination of the angular position of the pivoting retention block  10003 , the contact of the stop sleeve  10005  with the pivoting retention block  10003 , and the friction of the rubber retention washer  10004  to the rope  10002  that prevents the adjustable loop  10030  from closing. The washer  1004  adopts a concave form as it holds the rope in place. The stop sleeve is within the retention block and due to the angle of the rope to the user, has enough resistance to maintain the loop  10030  in place. 
     The tension provided by the propulsion of the ball  10001  during deployment, or the tension provided by the weight of the ball  10001  when the carrying board  10010  end of the rope  10002  is pulled by the rescuer, keeps the pivoting retention block  10003  angled such that the stop sleeve  10005  provides resistance to movement of the rope  10002 . The rubber washer  10004  ensures the stop sleeve  10005  stays positioned within the chamfered hole  10020  in the pivoting retention block  10003  and also provides resistance to movement of the rope  10002 . 
     FIG. 8 depicts the collapse of the loop  10030  upon the victim&#39;s or arm when the victim inserts their arm into the loop  10030 . When the victim inserts their wrist or arm into the adjustable loop  10030 , it provides movement to the loop portion of rope  10002 . This movement causes rotation or pivoting of the pivoting retention block  10003  such that the stop sleeve  10005  then is able to slide out the pivoting retention block  10003 . Once the stop sleeve  10005  has slid out of the pivoting retention block  10003  there is less friction to keep the loop open. The chamfered hole  10020  in the pivoting retention block  10003  reduces the friction of the rope  10002  on the pivoting retention block  10003 . The retention washer  10004  is flexed inward to the bevel in the chamfered hole  10020  and this also reduces the friction of the retention washer  10004  on the rope  10002 . This combination of events allows the adjustable loop to close without resistance and is essentially self-closing. 
     It should be noted that intention and motivation of the present invention is to be a low cost and simplistic unit and further enhancements are possible. In operation, the device is typically carried in a trunk of a car such as a rescue vehicle or police cruiser and is carried as close as possible to the site of the emergency and near the distressed person. The unit is typically stored in a ready-to-use state where the rope  10002  is coiled on the rigid carrying board  10010 . 
     The user can rotate two or more of the rope retainers  10013 , grasp the coiled rope  10002  and weighted end  20002 , then drop the rigid carrying board  10010  to the ground. The user can then drop the coil of rope  10002  to the ground approximately 5-6 feet away from the rigid carrying board  10010 . Then user can hold the rescue device as shown in FIG. 6 by holding the loop portion  10030  with the ball  10001  at an opposing end of the user&#39;s hand. The rescuer can then lob the ball  10001  to the person in distress and preferably within very close proximity. The loop forming assembly  10035  holds the loop open during flight to the person in distress. 
     Depending upon the weather conditions and experience of the rescuer, it may take more than a single attempt to place the rescue device in the proper location for the distressed person. Verbal commands can be issued to the distressed person if possible, but in most cases the person in distress will try to instinctively grab whatever is in reach. Once the person in distress inserts one or both wrists into the loop or otherwise grabs the loop rope, the rescuer pulls the rope. As the rope is pulled the loop forming assembly  10035  rotates and the loop  10030  collapses without resistance. 
     No warranty is expressed or implied as to the actual degree of safety, security or support of any particular specimen of the invention in whole or in part, due to differences in actual production designs, materials and use of the products of the invention. 
     The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above writings. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. 
     The invention is susceptible of many variations, all within the scope of the specification, figures, and claims. The preferred embodiment described here and illustrated in the FIGS. should not be construed as in any way limiting.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0