The present invention is directed to a rescue throw device for emergency conditions. More particularly, the invention is used to assist the people in need of rescue in the waters.
The following description is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the present invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. Any publications cited in this description are incorporated by reference herein. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
Timing is the most crucial element when facilitating an emergency rescue in extreme weather conditions whether in the water or on an icy mountainside. A person may never know what type of situation they may encounter while engaged in water sports or any type of outdoor activities.
There are several types of emergency rescue devices in the market. For example, a ring buoy, rescue tube or can, and a life jacket, are among popular devices. A ring buoy, rescue tube or can, or a life jacket can be bulky to carry or may take longer to reach a person distressed in the water during heavy weather conditions. Although a ring buoy is light and easy to throw to a person who needs to be rescued, the device may not assist someone in extreme weather conditions. Similarly, the rescue tubes are not practical for a long distance rescue mission. Lastly, while life jackets are available on boats and highly recommended, are not always worn by those engaged in water activities.
For the foregoing reasons, there exists a need for a device that is light and compact enough to carry while also stable enough to throw to someone in the water or on an icy mountainside.
The present invention is directed to a rescue throw device.
In an exemplary embodiment, a rescue throw device comprises a bag, wherein the bag comprises a bag top portion, a bag bottom portion, a bag interior surface, a bag exterior surface, and a bottom aperture; a bag strap, wherein the bag strap comprises a strap first end and a strap second end, wherein the strap first end is permanently affixed to the bag exterior surface of the bag top portion and the strap second end is permanently affixed to the exterior surface of the bag top portion at least 2″ from the strap first end; and a rope.
In one embodiment, the rope comprises a rope first end, a rope middle portion, a rope second end, at least one loop, at least one knot, and a rope handhold, wherein the rope handhold is located at the rope second end; the rope first end protrudes from the interior surface of the bag to the exterior surface through the bottom aperture; and the rope first end comprises a knot.
In an alternate embodiment, the bag further comprises a first aperture; a drawstring, wherein the drawstring comprises a drawstring first end, a drawstring second end, and a cord lock; and a compartment configured to enclose the entire circumference of the bag top portion around the first aperture.
In yet another embodiment, the drawstring is removably attached within the compartment; the drawstring first end and the drawstring second end extend through the first aperture; and the cord lock is configured to tighten and loosen the drawstring.
In another embodiment, the bag further comprises a first aperture and a second aperture; a drawstring, wherein the drawstring comprises a drawstring first end, a drawstring second end, and a cord lock; and a compartment configured to enclose the entire circumference of the bag top portion around the first aperture and the second aperture wherein the drawstring is removably attached within the compartment; the drawstring first end extends through the first aperture; the drawstring second end extends through the second aperture; and the cord lock is configured to tighten and loosen the drawstring.
In an exemplary embodiment, the bag comprises a water-resistant material such as nylon, polyester, waxed cotton, oilcloth, polyester fleece, and plastic or any combination thereof.
In an alternate embodiment, the first aperture, the second aperture, and the bottom aperture further comprise a grommet.
In yet another embodiment, the rope middle portion comprises about five of the loop and about 5 of the knot, wherein the knot removably is configured to secure the loop in place on the rope middle section, wherein each the loop is 5′ from each adjacent the loop.
In an alternate embodiment, the rope middle portion comprises about 5 to about 25 of the loop and about 5 to about 25 of the knot, wherein each the knot removably is configured to secure the loop in place on the rope middle portion, wherein each the loop is about 5′ from each adjacent of the loop.
In one embodiment, the knot comprises a directional figure eight knot, a laying figure eight knot, a butterfly knot, a self-tightening knot, or any combination thereof.
In one embodiment, the rescue throw device is about 8″ to about 11½″ along and about 2″ to 5½″ wide and the rope is about 25′ to about 125′ in length with a diameter of about ¼″ to about ½″.
In yet another embodiment, the rope further comprises a gripping mechanism and the loop comprises a coating of rubber, foam, silicone, vinyl, neoprene, or any combination thereof.
In one embodiment, the rescue throw device further comprises a buoy, wherein the buoy is about 9″ long, about 5″ wide, and is fixedly attached to the bag bottom portion of the bag interior surface.
In an alternate embodiment, the rescue throw device further comprises of a weight, wherein the weight comprises a heavy-duty material capable of holding sand; the weight is about 8 to about 10 oz; and the weight is fixedly attached to the bag interior surface of the bag bottom portion.
In a further embodiment, the material of construction for the weight comprises rubber, latex, polychloroprene, materialized plastic, nylon fabric, or any combination thereof.
In yet another embodiment, the rescue throw device further comprises a back compartment, wherein the back compartment comprises a pouch, a front flap; and hook and loop tape, wherein the pouch is capable of holding a personal floatation device and the front flap is removably attached to the pouch using the hook and loop tape.
In one embodiment, the bag further comprises an attachment mechanism;
and at least one strap, wherein the strap comprises a strap first surface, a strap second surface, a strap upper end, a strap lower end, wherein the strap second surface of strap upper end is permanently attached to the bag top portion by thread; and the strap second surface of the strap lower end is permanently attached to the bag bottom portion by thread.
In an alternate embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises a clip and clip base, wherein the clip base is permanently attached to the exterior surface of the bag via thread or adhesive; and the clip is configured to be removably affixed to a belt, bag, or pants.
In another embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises a hook, wherein the hook is permanently attached to the bag; and is configured to be removably attached to the bag and a second of the bag in tandem.
In one embodiment, the bag interior surface further comprises a pocket and a rope retrieval device, wherein the rope retrieval device is removably placed in the pocket.
In yet another embodiment, the rope further comprises a recoil mechanism and recoil knot, wherein recoil mechanism comprises a recoil first end, a recoil second end, and a recoil aperture; the rope extends through the middle of the recoil mechanism through the recoil aperture from the recoil first end and the recoil second end; and the recoil knot is configured to act as a stopper for the recoil mechanism enabling the recoil mechanism to be removably attached to the rope between the recoil knot and the rope handhold.
In an alternate embodiment, the rescue throw device comprises a bag, wherein the bag comprises a bag top portion, a bag bottom portion, a bag first side, a bag second side, a bag third side, a bag fourth side, a bag interior surface, a bag exterior surface, and a bottom aperture; at least two bands, a first band and a second band, wherein the band comprises of a band first surface, a band second surface, a band upper portion, and a band lower portion.
In one embodiment, the band second surface on the first band is permanently attached to the bag exterior surface, with initial point of attachment located on upper half down on the bag first side and extending along perimeter of the bag bottom portion, and continuing upward to upper half of the bag second side, and the band second surface on the second band is permanently attached to the bag exterior surface by extending along perimeter of upper most surface of the bag top portion; a bag strap, wherein the bag strap comprises a strap first end and a strap second end.
In yet another embodiment, the strap first end is permanently affixed to the bag exterior surface of the bag top portion and the handhold second end is permanently affixed to the exterior surface of the bag top portion at least 2″ from the strap first end; and a rope, wherein the rope comprises a rope first end, a rope middle portion, a rope second end, at least one loop, at least one knot, and a rope handhold, the rope handhold is located at the rope second end, the rope first end protrudes from the interior surface of the bag to the exterior surface through the bottom aperture; and the rope first end comprises a knot.
In yet another embodiment, the second band further comprises a buckle, wherein the buckle comprises a buckle first end, wherein the buckle first end is permanently attached to the band upper portion of the second band, a buckle second end, wherein the buckle second end is permanently attached to the band lower portion of the second band, and the buckle first end is removably attached to the buckle second end configured to open and close the bag top portion.
In one embodiment, the buckle is a side release buckle.
In one embodiment, the bag bottom portion further comprises of at least one opening used for draining water from the bag, wherein the opening comprises reinforced stitching.
In yet another embodiment, the bag comprises a water-resistant material such as nylon, polyester, waxed cotton, oilcloth, polyester fleece, and plastic or any combination thereof.
In one embodiment, the bottom aperture further comprises a grommet.
In yet another embodiment, the rope middle portion comprises about five of the loop and about 5 of the knot, wherein the knot removably secures the loop in place on the rope middle section, wherein each the loop is 5′ from each adjacent loop.
In one embodiment, the rope middle portion comprises about 5 to about 25 of the loop and about 5 to about 25 of the knot, wherein each the knot removably is configured to secure the loop in place on the rope middle portion, wherein each the loop is about 5′ from each adjacent of the loop.
In yet another embodiment, the knot comprises a directional figure eight knot, a laying figure eight knot, butterfly knot, a self-tightening knot, or any combination thereof.
In one embodiment, the rescue throw device is about 8″ and about 111/2″ along and about 2″ to about 5½″ wide; and the rope is about 25′ to about 125′ long with a dimeter of about ¼″ and about ½″.
In an embodiment, the rope further comprises a gripping mechanism, wherein the loop comprises a coating of rubber, foam, silicone, vinyl, neoprene, or any combination thereof configured to provide a user with a better hand grip when holding the loop on the rope.
In one embodiment, the rescue throw device further comprises a buoy; wherein the buoy is about 9″ long, about 5″ wide, and fixedly attached to the bag bottom portion of the bag interior surface.
In another embodiment, the rescue throw device further comprises a weight, wherein the weight is about 8 oz to about 10 oz and is fixedly attached to the bag interior surface of the bag bottom portion by thread, adhesive, zipper and stitching.
In an alternate embodiment, the rescue throw device further comprises a back compartment, wherein the back compartment comprises a pouch, a front flap, and hook and loop tape; wherein the pouch is configured to hold a personal floatation device and the front flap is removably attached to the pouch using the hook and loop tape.
In one embodiment, the bag further comprises an attachment mechanism; and (at least one strap, wherein the strap comprises a strap first surface, a strap second surface, a strap upper end, a strap lower end, wherein the strap second surface of strap upper end is permanently attached to the bag top portion by thread; and the strap second surface of the strap lower end is permanently attached to the bag bottom portion by thread, stitching, staple, zipper and adhesive.
In an alternate embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises a clip and clip base, wherein the clip base is permanently attached to the exterior surface of the bag via thread or adhesive; and the clip is configured to be removably affixed to a belt, bag, or pants.
In one embodiment, the attachment mechanism comprises a hook, a hook body, and a hook fastener, wherein hook is permanently hook attached to the bag and is configured to be removably attached to the bag and a second of the bag in tandem.
In an alternate embodiment, the bag interior surface further comprises a pocket.
In one embodiment, the bag interior surface further comprises of a rope retrieval device, wherein the rope retrieval device is removably placed in the pocket.
In an embodiment, the rope further comprises a recoil mechanism and recoil knot, wherein the recoil mechanism comprises a recoil first end, a recoil second end, and a recoil aperture; the rope extends through the middle of the recoil mechanism through the recoil aperture from the recoil first end and the recoil second end; and (the recoil knot is configured to act as a stopper for the recoil mechanism enabling the recoil mechanism to be removably attached to the rope between the recoil knot and the rope handhold.
Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like components.
The following description is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the present invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. Any publications cited in the description are incorporated by reference herein. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
The present invention is directed to a rescue throw device capable of assisting a user in the retrieval of a person or animal distressed in the water or on icy mountainsides. The device can also be used in other types of emergency situations, for example, rock rescue, car rescue, or any other situation where rescuee needs to be pulled to be extracted. In some circumstances, the device can be used as a human chain or tow rope wherein the tow rope can be secured to a vehicle, ambulance, or firetruck. The rescue throw device can be used as a life preserver while swimming in dangerous currents.
The rescue throw device comprises three main components: a bag, a rope, and a drawstring. Various features can be added to the rescue throw device which are based on the needs of the user to include an automatic or manual personal flotation device, weights, at least one buoy, drainage holes, recoil mechanism, rope retrieval mechanism, a gripping mechanism, and an attachment mechanism. For example, the automatic or manual personal floatation device are configured to enable a rescuee with better visibility of the rope thus expediting the rescue mission. In addition, incorporating the automatic or manual personal floatation device keeps the rescuee buoyant during the rescue mission.
In addition, any weights added to the bag enables a user to throw the device at a greater distance with a better angle enabling increased accuracy during an emergency rescue. The mass of the weight varies depending on the preference of the user. Drainage holes are configured to provide an exit for confined water within the bag of the throw device as well as better mobility while the bag is submerged in water. A gripping mechanism can be added to the rope enabling the rescuee to sustain their hold on the rope in a more efficient manner. Lastly, buoys added to the bag provide the bag with the ability to float enabling a user to see the bag more clearly in the water.
In addition, the throw device comprises a plurality of loops along the length of the rope. These loops are configured to provide the rescuee a place to firmly grip the device for more effective rescue. In the alternative, a loop can be placed on the user's wrist and tightened, making the rescue effortless.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “into” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
As used herein, the term “rescuee” referes to a person being rescued.
As used herein, the term “about” in conjunction with a numeral refers to a range of that numeral starting from 10% below the absolute value of the numeral to 10% above the absolute value of the numeral, inclusive.
As used herein, the terms “rescue throw device,” “throw device,” and “device” are used interchangeably throughout the disclosure. As used herein, a “rescuee” refers to a swimmer, a subject in an emergency situation and any other location that calls for a rescue.
Exemplary configurations of the present invention are depicted in
In an alternate embodiment, bag 5 further comprises second top aperture 15, wherein drawstring first end 32 extends from first top aperture 14 and drawstring second end 33 extends from second top aperture 15 (see
In an exemplary embodiment, bag top portion 10 comprises compartment 47 located along the entire circumference of bag 5 which encloses first top aperture 14. In this embodiment, compartment 47 is configured to hold drawstring 18, wherein drawstring first end 32 and drawstring second end 33 extend out of first aperture 14 (see
In an embodiment, bag strap 19 comprises strap first end 28 and strap second end 29. Strap first end 28 and strap second end 29 are permanently attached to bag exterior surface 13. Bag strap 19 is permanently integrated into bag 5 by stitching strap first end 28 onto top right of bag top portion 10 and strap second end 29 on top left of bag top portion 10 to bag exterior surface 13. In one embodiment, strap first end 28 and strap second end 29 are about 2″ to about 6″ apart from each other.
In one embodiment, material of construction for bag strap 19 comprises polypropylene, polyester, or nylon, or any combination thereof.
In an embodiment, rope first end 21 protrudes from bag interior surface 12 to bag exterior surface 13 through bottom aperture 16. In one embodiment, bottom aperture 16 comprises a grommet reinforcing bottom aperture 16 (see
In one embodiment, throw device 100 is about 8″ to about 11½″ long and about 2″ to about 5½″ wide. In an embodiment, throw device 100 is about 9½″ long and about 5½″ wide. In an alternate embodiment, throw device 100 is about 8″ long and about 4½″ wide. In yet another embodiment, throw device 100 is about 11½″ long and about 2″ wide and about 2″ deep.
In an exemplary embodiment, rope 20 is about 25′ to about 150′ long with a diameter of about ¼″ to about W. In an exemplary embodiment, rope 20 is about 75′ long with a diameter of about 5/16″. In an alternate embodiment, rope 20 is about 150′ long with a diameter of about ⅜″.
Other dimensions of device 100 are envisioned based on the length and diameter of rope 20 utilized in the rescue. Bag 5 comprises double stitching and/or cross-stitching to maintain durability and strength.
The diameter, length, and types of rope 20 are selected based on a user's preference and the different types of rope may include static kernmantle rope, static rope, dynamic rope, tactical rope, and water rescue rope.
In an alternate embodiment, rope 20 further comprises gripping mechanism 27, wherein plurality of loops 24 are coated with a material to provide a user with a better hand grip when holding loop 24 (see
In an embodiment, first band 36A is permanently attached to bag 5. For example, band second surface 38A is permanently attached to bag exterior surface 13, with initial point of attachment located on upper half down on bag first side 34 and extending along perimeter of bag bottom portion 11, and continuing upward to upper half of bag second side 35. First band 36A further comprises a loop on band upper portion 39A and a loop on band lower portion 40A configured to allow a user to toss, carry, or tie down throw device 100.
In this embodiment, second band 36B is permanently attached to bag top portion 10. For example, band second surface 38B is permanently attached to bag exterior surface 13 by extending along entire perimeter of upper most surface of bag top portion 10. Second band 36B further comprises a side release buckle 95 configured to open and close bag top portion 10 of bag 5, wherein buckle first end 96 is permanently attached to second band 36B on bag first side 34 and buckle second end 97 is permanently attached to second band 36B on bag second side 35.
In one embodiment, bag 5 is in the open position; wherein buckle first end 95 and buckle second end 97 are not attached. In another embodiment, bag 5 is in the closed position; wherein buckle first end 96 is removably attached to buckle second end 97. In an embodiment, buckle 95 is a side release buckle.
In one embodiment, opening 17 is ⅜″ in diameter and further comprises a grommet. In an alternate embodiment, opening 17 is ¼″ in diameter and comprises reinforced stitching on the inside circumference of opening 17. One of ordinary skill in the art can envision other variations for bag bottom portion 11 that are within the scope of the present invention.
In one embodiment, bag 5 comprises first strap 61A and second strap 61B. First strap 61A and second strap 61B are parallel to each other and located on the lateral outer sides of bag fourth side 46. Strap 61A comprises strap first surface 64A, strap second surface 65A, strap upper end 62A, and strap lower end 63A. 61B comprises strap first surface 64B, strap second surface 65B, strap upper end 62B, and strap lower end 63B.
In this embodiment, strap second surface 65A of strap upper end 62A is permanently attached to bag top portion 10. Strap second surface 65A of strap lower end 63A is permanently attached to bag bottom portion 11. The attachment comprises thread, staple, stitching, zipper, tape, and cloth stitching.
In this embodiment, strap second surface 65B of strap upper end 62B is permanently attached to bag top portion 10. Strap second surface 65B of strap lower end 63B is permanently attached to bag bottom portion 11. The attachment comprises thread, staple, stitching, zipper, tape, and cloth stitching.
In an alternate embodiment, strap 61A further comprises buckle 95, buckle first end 96, and buckle second end 97; wherein buckle second end 97 is permanently attached to strap upper end 62A and buckle first end 96 is permanently attached to strap lower end 63A configured to allow strap upper end 62A to be removably attached to strap lower end 63A.
In an alternate embodiment, strap 61B further comprises buckle 95, buckle first end 96, and buckle second end 97; wherein buckle second end 97 is permanently attached to strap upper end 62B and buckle first end 96 is permanently attached to strap lower end 63B configured to allow strap upper end 62B to be removably attached to strap lower end 63B.
In an embodiment, attachment mechanism 90 comprises clip 91 and clip base 92; wherein clip base 92 is permanently attached to bag fourth side 46 by thread, adhesive and staple. In this embodiment, clip 91 is configured to be removably attached to a user's belt, pants, backpack, etc.
In an alternate embodiment, attachment mechanism 90 comprises a hook 75; wherein hook 75 is permanently attached to bag bottom portion 11 of bag 5 by thread or adhesive. In this embodiment, hook 75 is removably attached to a user's belt, pants, backpack, etc. (see
In an embodiment, material of construction for recoil mechanism 70 comprises a buoyant foam or an inflatable material, such as polyvinyl chloride coated vinyl, polyvinyl chloride coated nylon, or any combination thereof.
In one embodiment, material of construction for bag 5 comprises resilient durable, water-resistant material such as nylon, polyester, waxed cotton, oilcloth, polyester fleece, and plastic or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, material of construction for rope 20 comprises nylon, polypropylene, or any combination thereof. One of ordinary skill in the art can envision other types of material of construction for bag 5 and rope 20 that are within the scope of the present invention.
In an exemplary embodiment, the method of using rescue throw device 100 comprises the following steps. Step one comprises a user holding bag 5 by bag strap 19. In this position rope 20 is stored within bag 5 and drawstring 18 is closed by cord lock 31. Step two comprises the user witnessing a rescuee in distress in a body of water. Step three comprises a user opening bag 5 by pressing on cord lock 31 to release drawstring 18 enabling bag top portion 10 to expand. Step four comprises removing rope handhold 26 from bag 5. Step five comprises a user firmly gripping rope handhold 26 with one hand while throwing bag 5 to the resucee using their other hand. Step six comprises the rescuee grabbing rope first end 21 of rope 20. In an alternate embodiment, step six comprises rescuee grabbing one of the plurality of loops 24 on rope middle portion 23. Step seven comprises the user pulling on rope second end 26 and rope 20 to haul the rescuee from body of water (see
In an alternate embodiment, the method of use comprises the following steps. Step one comprises a user holding bag 5 by bag strap 19. In this position rope 20 is stored within bag 100 and bag top portion 10 is in the closed position with buckle first end 96 and buckle second end 97 locked together. Step two comprises the user witnessing a recsuee in distress in a body of water. Step three comprises the user opening bag 5 by releasing buckle first end 96 from buckle second end 97 enabling bag top portion 10 to expand. Step four comprises removing rope handhold 26 from bag 5. Step five comprises the user firmly gripping rope handhold 26 with one hand while throwing bag 5 to second user using their other hand. Step six comprises the rescuee grabbing rope first end 21. In an alternate embodiment, step six comprises the rescuee grabbing one of the plurality of loops 24 on rope middle portion 23. Step seven comprises the user pulling on rope second end 26 and rope 20 to haul the rescuee from body of water (see
Thus, specific embodiments and method of use of a rescue throw device 100 have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/340,840 filed on May 11, 2022, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63340840 | May 2022 | US |