GB2489214A

GB2489214A - Water rescue device with tension sensitive connection means

Info

Publication number: GB2489214A
Application number: GB1104356.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Watt West
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-03-15
Filing date: 2011-03-15
Publication date: 2012-09-26
Anticipated expiration: 2031-03-15
Also published as: GB2489214B; WO2012123735A1; GB201104356D0

Abstract

A water rescue device for rescuing an overboard person comprises a frame member 100 and a harness 112 mounted to the frame member by a mounting means 106 arranged such that, when tension is applied to a connected haul line 104, the harness is detached from the frame member. Corresponding methods of rescuing an overboard person are also provided, making use of the water rescue device in a number of configurations. The invention enables an overboard person to be lifted out of the water, and supported, in a horizontal (or non-vertical) position.

Description

Tension-activated water rescue device

Background of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to man-overboard life saving equipment and in particular to slings for recovering a person overboard.

[2] Life buoys and life rings are known in the art. In particular, it is known in the art for such a life buoy or life ring to comprise a floating component and a harness component.

For example, US 4976642 to Wilkie discloses a life ring which is adapted to fit generally about the waist of a person and to secure their arms so as to prevent them from accidentally slipping out of the ring as they are pulled from the water.

The life ring comprises a generally rigid inner ring with a flexible outer ring located externally around the same. The outer ring is adaptably secured to the inner ring and the two rings are disposed a spaced distance apart. The inner ring has an approximately circular outer circumference and an approximately circular central aperture extending therethrough. The outer ring includes a mechanism for varying the circumference of the same.

The outer ring is also adapted to attach to a towing or hoisting rope. The person enters the aperture within the inner ring and positions their arms in the space between the inner and outer rings. As tension is applied to the towing rope, the circumference of the outer ring is varied, and the outer and inner rings engage about the arms of the person thereby securing the person within the life ring.

[3] Furthermore, US 4701145 to Foresman discloses a life saving device which comprises a rigid frame member which substantially prevents a wearer thereof from being forced face-down into the water. The device is a body with a generally oval shape with upper and lower surfaces in substantially parallel planes and having an aperture therethrough with significant flotation areas at the front and back, with the front flotation area being the larger of the two. Hardware, straps and the like are affixed thereto to assist in retaining a wearer within the life saving device.

[4] It is medically recommended to haul a person overboard from the water in horizontal rather than a vertical position since, upon hauling a person from the water, hydrostatic support is removed, which can cause circulatory problems with the possible consequence of cardiac arrest.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[5] It can be seen from the forgoing that there is a prevalent need for a water rescue device which can both grip an overboard person and provide a flotation aid to such a person.

[6] It can further be seen that it would be advantageous to have such a device with gripping means suitable for applying to an unconscious person, that is, without the assistance of the overboard person.

[7] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a water rescue device which provides a flotation aid to an overboard person and can be manipulated to grip the overboard person if required.

[8] It is a further object of the invention to provide a water rescue device which can be stored in existing life ring storage devices.

[9] It is a further object to provide a water rescue device which can rescue both conscious and unconscious persons.

[10] To this end, a water rescue device is disclosed comprising: a substantially rigid frame member comprising a hollow; the hollow being sufficiently large to encircle a person; a flexible harness mounted to said rigid frame member substantially around said hollow; haul line connecting means, said means being mounted to at least a first point on said rigid frame member, for attaching a haul line thereto; and tension-sensitive mounting means for maintaining said harness in position with respect to said rigid frame member at rest and removing said harness from said rigid frame member under tension from said haul line.

[11] The haul line connecting means and the harness are arranged such that when mounted to a haul line and the device is hauled upwards, tension is placed on the harness causing the tension sensitive mounting means to break and release the harness.

[12] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides both a flotation aid and a gripping means for rescuing an overboard person from water. A further advantage is that when deployed, the harness is held in a wide shape able to be thrown around an unconscious person. A yet further advantage is that, as tension is applied from above, the harness automatically detaches from the rigid frame member to grip the overboard person.

Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawing [13] The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings, in which: [14] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the rescue device; [15] Figure 2 shows an overhead view of the rescue device; [16] Figure 3 shows the rescue rod for use with the device; and [17] Figure 4 shows an exemplary deployment of the device.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[18] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, disclosed in Figures 1-3 wherein like numerals refer to like components, a water rescue device is disclosed comprising: a substantially rigid frame member 100 comprising a hollow 102; the hollow being sufficiently large to encircle a person; a flexible harness 112 mounted to said rigid frame member substantially around said hollow; haul line connecting means 106, said means being mounted to at least a first point on said rigid frame member, for attaching a haul line thereto; and tension-sensitive mounting means for maintaining said harness in position with respect to said rigid frame member at rest and removing said harness from said rigid frame member under tension from said haul line.

[19] The rigid frame member is preferably shaped as shown in the figures, being a thin tube arranged in the shape of a rectangle. The tube preferably has a radius such that it can be gripped by the average hand comfortably, an advantage of this being that a firm grip enables the device to be thrown out with greater accuracy to a person overboard. The rectangle is preferably sized to fit in a standard life ring storage bracket.

An advantage of this is that existing brackets can be used.

Furthermore the rigid frame member is preferably so sized to easily accommodate an adult therein. The rigid frame member may be any shape and preferably has at least one surface substantially flat such that it can lie on the water surface.

Preferably it has two such flat surfaces such that it can lie on the water surface with either flat surface thereon. The rigid frame member is substantially rigid, that is, it does not substantially deform under the weight of a person. This is necessary so that it can support a person for lifting them from the water. The rigid frame member preferably comprises a floating material, an advantage of this being that it rests on the surface of the water. Most preferably, the rigid frame member comprises an inner core hollow tube, surrounded by a covering of closed cell foam. An advantage of this is that, aside from being buoyant, it is a soft impact material which can be thrown directly over an overboard person's head to encircle them without a risk of injury. This is advantageous since encircling a person overboard is known in the art as the fastest way to rescue such a person. Furthermore the rigid frame member may comprise any material or combination of materials sufficiently buoyant to support at least its own weight in water, or may comprise a material which does not support its own weight in water. The rigid frame member preferably comprises at least one reflective patch 126 on its surface to assist in seeing the device in unfavourable lighting conditions.

[20] The rigid frame member is rigid only in use, but may be collapsible for more compact storage, by any means known in the art. The rigid frame member may comprise separate parts which may be hinged, sprung or joined in any way together and may be stored in a folded or dismantled state.

[21] The hollow is preferably as large as can be accommodated within the rigid frame member, to provide the easiest means with which to encircle and thereby rescue a person overboard. However, the hollow may be any size or shape which can encircle a person therein, that is, surround a person on all sides. An advantage of this is that the person overboard can be hauled up inside the rigid frame member if necessary from any side thereof. Furthermore, as mentioned above, encircling is known as the fastest way of rescuing a person overboard.

[22] The harness preferably comprises straps which may be flexible polyester webbing or other materials as known in the art.

[23] The harness may alternatively be a loop for looping around a body, or may further comprise arm or leg holes, loops, apertures or the like for more securely attaching to a body.

Furthermore the harness may comprise fabric and may be shaped similarly to clothing, for example a life jacket, waistcoat, or the like, for supporting a person therein. Yet further, the harness may comprise a bag or net for holding a person, animal or the like therein. The harness may comprise padding 120 for improving the comfort of the person overboard during rescue, which may be any padding known in the art.

[24] In one embodiment, the harness further comprises a hammock. The hammock comprises a net or similar non-bulky material having one end connected to the harness, preferably at the location of the padding 120 shown, and the other end connected to the rigid frame member, preferably along that side of the rigid frame member which is proximate to the harness padding when the harness is mounted to the rigid frame member.

With this arrangement, the hammock can be compacted when the harness is mounted to the rigid frame member, and as the harness detaches, the hammock, which is connected both to the harness and the rigid frame member, extends to support the body of the overboard person in the space between the harness and rigid frame member. The hammock may be compacted by being folded, rolled, or otherwise stored in a compacted state, and most preferably the harness comprises a pouch inside which most of the hammock can be held (folded, crushed, or otherwise compacted) when not in use.

The pouch preferably comprises an opening, which may be elasticated to hold the hammock in place when not in use, such that the end of the hammock attached to the rigid frame member can remain so attached when the hammock is in the pouch.

[25] Preferably, the harness comprises tightening means (which may be any harness tightening means known in the art) via which the harness can be tightened sufficiently around a person to enable them to be hauled from the water. Most preferably, the tightening means comprises a harness adjuster block 124. The adjuster block is preferably shaped as shown, having a flat upper surface for abutting the butt on the water rescue rod (described below) to enable tightening by the rod. The preferred adjuster block further comprises a slit through which two sides of the harness strap are threaded, such that pushing down on the adjuster block tightens the harness. The slit is preferably sized to snugly admit two straps and may be lined with a frictional lining such as rubber or the like to prevent slipping of the harness. Furthermore there may be two slits, one for each side of the harness, or the adjuster block may be arranged in any way such that pushing down on its flat surface tightens the harness.

Alternatively there may be a harness tightening means and an adjuster block component, and the adjuster block may push on the tightening means which in turn may tighten the harness, by any means known in the art. An advantage of the harness adjuster block is that the harness can be tightened with the rod at a distance from the person overboard, by a person on land or on a vessel. This is useful where the person overboard is incapacitated. A further advantage of the adjuster block is that the harness can be tightened by pushing down on the block with an open hand, requiring no gripping, since gripping may be impossible for a person overboard suffering from the effects of immersion in cold water.

[26] The harness tightening means may alternatively simply be a loop in the harness through which a strap or other part of the harness tightens, or it may be a buckle of any type known in the art, a pull string, or any tightening means known in the art.

Since the harness is held in an open or wide position by the tension sensitive mounting means on the rigid frame member, the tightening means is necessary to enclose the harness around the person overboard after the harness has become detached from the rigid frame member. Alternatively there may be no harness tightening means and the overboard person may be rescued with a loose harness.

[27] Preferably, the harness is mounted to the rigid frame member indirectly via the connecting straps (described below) which connect the rigid frame member to the haul line. That is, the harness is mounted to a location on these connecting straps.

This is illustrated in the figures. Alternatively the harness may be mounted anywhere on the rigid frame member, directly or indirectly.

[28] Most preferably, the arrangement is as follows. (In the following, it is to be understood that a haul line is any line used from a vessel or dry land with which to haul a person overboard to safety.) The shortest length of the harness from the location at which it is mounted to the connecting straps to any

B

tension sensitive mounting means is preferably less than the length of the connecting strap from its connection to the rigid frame to the same location. An advantage of this is that when the haul line is hauled, the connecting straps are slack and the harness is automatically placed under tension.

[29] In the case where there is more than one pair of tension sensitive mounting means, most preferably, the relative lengths are arranged such that the connecting straps remain slack until all tension sensitive mounting means have detached from the rigid frame member. Alternatively, this may not be the case.

[30] Another way to view the length reguirement is that length 1 must be greater than length 2 where length 1 is the length of the rigid frame member plus the length of the haul line connecting means and length 2 is the length of the harness, from its point of connection to the haul line to its mid-point behind the person overboard, after tension has been placed on the device by the haul line and the harness has detached from the rigid frame member and is tightened around an average sized adult overboard person. All lengths are measured along a line extending from the haul line when being hauled. The difference in lengths is preferably such that a clear space exists between the back of the overboard person and the closest part of the rigid frame member sufficient to allow movement of that part of the rigid frame member with respect to the overboard person, and most preferably of the order of 250mm. An advantage of this is that the difference in lengths ensures the tension sensitive mounting means will be placed under tension and release the harness when the haul line is hauled. A further advantage is that the rigid frame member is free to be manipulated by the rescue rod or person overboard to provide a second support for a more level lift.

[31] The tension sensitive mounting means are means for temporarily attaching the harness to individual points on the rigid frame member such that at rest the harness remains attached to the points, and under a predetermined amount of tension, the harness becomes detached from the points. The predetermined amount of tension is preferably designed to be that which would be caused by the weight of a person overboard pulling down on the harness as it is hauled upwards. This weight may be that of a small child, an animal, an adult, or the weight of the smallest expected person or object to be rescued. The mounting means may detach with the harness and remain affixed thereto, or alternatively the harness may become detached from the mounting means leaving the mounting means attached to the rigid frame member. Furthermore, the mounting means may comprise parts which separate upon detachment of the harness from the mounting means, leaving at least some parts on the harness and at least some parts on the rigid frame member. Preferably the tension sensitive mounting means are poppers engineered to have the required breakout tolerance, i.e. to separate at the required tension.

Other examples of suitable mounting means, without limitation, are Velcro, snap fasteners, screw-shaped devices with heads that flex under tension, and the like.

[32] The tension sensitive mounting means are preferably mounted to the inner surface of the rigid frame member such that the harness mounted thereon, when tightened, will come directly into contact with a person inside said hollow. Alternatively they may be positioned anywhere on the rigid frame member. Further details of the preferred number and location of the mounting means will be given below.

[33] The tension sensitive mounting means may be mounted to the rigid frame member directly, or alternatively may be mounted thereto via flexible or extensible mounts, for example a short flexible toggle or elastic member, whereby the tension sensitive mounting means can accommodate the predetermined level of tension for a short period of time, such as one second, without the harness becoming detached from the rigid frame member.

Furthermore the tension sensitive mounting means may be mounted to the rigid frame member on an insert such as a stick or the like which is inserted a short distance into the rigid frame member and can protrude by a short distance under pressure without becoming detached therefrom, returning inside the rigid frame member if the tension is removed, or becoming detached therefrom if the tension continues for more than a short period of time. Receptors may be disposed inside the rigid frame member for receiving the inserts. An advantage of flexible mounts is that under swell conditions, if tension due to water swell is applied momentarily to the device, this can be accommodated without the harness becoming detached. Some or all of the tension sensitive mounting means may be mounted via such flexible mounts.

Furthermore, if any tension sensitive mounting means comprise loops as described below, these may be mounted via flexible mounts. The combination of loops and flexible mounts is particularly adapted to accommodate swell since both the tension sensitive mounting means and the harness can move with respect to the frame member without the harness becoming detached.

Alternatively there may be no flexible mounts.

[34] The haul line connecting means is a means of attaching a haul line to the device (preferably removably), such that the device can be thrown out to a person overboard distant from land or a vessel, and hauled to safety via the haul line. Furthermore, the haul line connecting means connects the haul line to the device in such a way that pulling on the haul line when a person overboard is encircled by the rigid frame member applies tension to the tension sensitive mounting means and releases the harness from the rigid frame member. An advantage of this is that there is no need to pull or otherwise operate any other component to release the harness. One operation -pulling on the haul line -both releases the harness and hauls the person overboard to safety.

[35] The haul line connecting means preferably comprises a carabiner mounted to connecting straps. The carabiner may be any as known in the art, and is permanently or removably mounted to the rigid frame member (preferably via the straps) and attachable to/detachable from the haul line 104. The connecting straps 106 are permanently affixed to the rigid frame member. Alternatively there may be only a carabiner without straps, or other means may be used to connect the haul line to the rigid frame member. It should be noted that the term haul line' is used to refer to any rope, line, or other means for connecting a person onboard a vessel or on land to the rescue device for hauling the onboard person to safety.

[36] In the preferred arrangement, where the haul line connecting means comprise connecting straps affixed to the rigid frame member, and a carabiner attached to the straps, these connecting straps are preferably longer than the distance between the harness connecting means and the tension sensitive mounting means closest to that harness connecting means. An advantage of this is that, when a haul line is hauled, the harness is under tension, activating the tension sensitive mounting means.

Alternatively the device may be otherwise arranged (for example with the use of loops as described below) such that the harness is under tension when hauled with a person therein, causing the tension sensitive mounting means to break and release the harness.

[37] An advantage of the haul line connecting means is that the device can be used remotely from land or a vessel, by throwing the device to the person overboard and hauling them to safety via the connection to the haul line. This is faster and safer than manoeuvring a vessel close to the person overboard, and enables overboard persons to be rescued from a greater distance and from a high-sided vessel where rescue via a pole is not possible.

[38] Preferably, the rescue device further comprises a water rescue rod 122 for manipulating said rigid frame member. The rod is preferably extendable, telescopically or otherwise, most preferably up to 8m although it may be longer or shorter. The rod preferably comprises two ends, a head end and a rear end. A head is preferably disposed at the head end. The head preferably comprises a butt 130 and a guidance slot 134. The butt is preferably shaped as shown, such that it when it meets the harness adjuster block the butt provides a surface from which to push against the harness adjuster block and thereby tighten the harness. The butt is preferably shaped as shown to fit around and push on the harness adjuster block shown. However, the butt and harness adjuster block may be any shapes which co-operate with each other for the former to push down on the latter. The guidance slot is preferably shaped as shown to accommodate the section of the strap proximate to the harness adjuster block. By slotting this section of strap into the guidance slot, the strap can be used to guide the head of the rod towards the harness adjuster block and position the butt on the harness adjuster block to tighten the harness.

[391 Preferably the head of the rod is pivotably mounted to the rod such that the head can be angled to provide the most suitable angle of approach of the butt and guidance slot to the harness adjuster block and strap. The head may be pivotable by discrete amounts, for example, 00, 45°, 90°, or 135°, or any angles, or may be continuously pivotable.

[40] Alternatively the rod may comprise gripping means at its base, which may be opposing jaw members 130 able to be opened and closed from the top of the rod, by any mechanism known in the art. Alternatively or additionally the rod may comprise a hook member or a loop member or other gripping or engaging means with which waterborne objects can be manipulated. The jaw members or hook or the like may be mounted pivotably by any means known in the art, to enable the rod to grip objects from any angle. Most preferably the pivot mechanism can also be operated from the top of the rod. The rod preferably further comprises a ring 132 preferably mounted to a buoyant member such as an end cap as known in the art, which facilitates retrieving the rod from the water if lost overboard.

[41] Alternatively, the rod may be otherwise designed so that it can tighten the tightening means. The rod may pull or push on a part of the tightening means to tighten the harness or may engage with the tightening means in any way to operate it.

[42] Preferably, the rescue device further comprises at least one relay line 108. The relay line is a rope, string or the like, which provides a secondary connection between the haul line and the rescue device. Thus the relay line comprises a first end connected to the haul line or the haul line connecting means; and a second end connected to a second point on said rigid frame member, which second point is apart from the first point (that is, the point where the haul line connecting means is attached) [43] Thus the rigid frame member is attached at at least two separate points to the haul line, and therefore can be held substantially horizontally by the haul line. Preferably the distance between the first and second points is such that the rigid frame member is stable when held horizontally.

[44] An advantage of this is that the rescue device can be lowered horizontally to encircle the person overboard.

[45] Preferably the second end of the relay line is removably connectable to said rigid frame member by means of a hook, fastener, knot, tension sensitive mounting means, or any means. An advantage of this is that the relay lines can be disconnected manually before the device is deployed, to enable the rescue device to be lowered vertically. This may be useful and faster when rescuing a person overboard who is unconscious and lying flat in the water. The horizontal position is more useful for lowering over the head of an upright overboard person for a fast, encircling rescue method.

[46] Furthermore, the device preferably further comprises a pouch 128 wherein the relay line or lines can be enclosed in the pouch when not in use. An advantage of this is that it prevents the relay lines from becoming entangled with the harness, haul line, etc during storage which could save vital time when rescuing a person overboard. The pouch may be mounted to the harness, haul line or haul line connecting means, or anywhere on the device, and is preferably mounted to the haul line as shown for convenience.

[47] It is envisaged that the device will be stored with the relay lines enclosed in the pouch. An advantage of this is that the device is instantly ready for vertical deployment or horizontal throwing out, these being envisaged to be the more common uses. When horizontal deployment is required, the relay lines can be removed from the pouch and attached to the second connection points before deployment.

[48] The rigid frame member can be considered to have a front side and a rear side. The front side is that which will be uppermost when hauled upwards and the rear side is that which will be lowermost. In a preferred arrangement, the haul line connecting means is mounted to two first points close to said front side, and there are two relay lines which are connected to two second points close to the rear side by first tension sensitive mounting means. When tension is applied to the tension sensitive mounting means by hauling the haul line against the weight of a person on the rear of the rigid frame member, the tension sensitive mounting means enable the relay lines to detach from the rigid frame member under tension. In this way the rescue device can be held substantially horizontally before, and substantially vertically after, tension has been applied to said tension sensitive mounting means.

[49] An advantage of this is that after horizontal lowering of the rescue device as described above, the rescue device can then be pulled upwards vertically with the person overboard supported thereon. The person overboard may be seated on, slung over, or in any way supported by the rigid frame member when vertical, or may be supported in the harness with the rigid frame member as additional support, either to hold on to, or to provide support beneath the person overboard. This is particularly advantageous if the person overboard is weak and cannot support themselves.

[50] The use of both the harness and the frame member for support further enables the person overboard to be hauled from the water in a more horizontal position. This is medically advantageous for the reasons described below with respect to the methods disclosed herein. Furthermore, the ability to throw both the harness and the frame member, simultaneously as one object, over the head of the person overboard to encircle them, is advantageous since encircling from overhead is known as the fastest rescue method. Throwing the rescue device of the present invention to encircle a person overboard therefore provides the dual advantages of encircling for fastest rescue and a more horizontal lift position for medically safest rescue.

[51] It should be noted that in the case where a person overboard lacks strength to drape any part of themselves over the rigid frame member, the rescue rod can be used to manoeuvre part of the rigid frame member under the person overboard after encircling them.

[52] In a preferred arrangement, the harness is attached to two second tensicn sensitive mounting means disposed substantially opposite each other on a left and a right side of the rigid frame member; whereby the harness detaches from the second mounting means when tension is applied to the second mounting means.

[531 Thus, after the rescue device has been lowered over the person overboard and pulled vertically as described above, as the tension continues to be applied to the two second tension sensitive mounting means by the haul line, these second mounting means cause the harness to detach from the rigid frame member and the harness can then be positioned around the person overboard.

The harness may be positioned by the person overboard, the rod, or may automatically fall into position under gravity when pulled. Furthermore simply detaching the harness at least partially, or fully, from the rigid frame member, in particular if the harness comprises flexible straps, may cause the harness to move automatically into place around the person overboard, as the rescue device is pulled upwards. Furthermore the harness may at this stage be tightened, by the person overboard, a rod, gravity, elasticity of the harness or any other means, around the person overboard for additional security. An advantage of having two second tension sensitive mounting means is that it enables the harness to be held in a wide position to enable encircling of a person overboard, and then to be released from this position to enable the harness to tighten from both sides of the person.

[54] In one embodiment, the device comprises at least two tension sensitive mounting means, at least one of which comprises a loop whereby the harness slides readily through the loop when slack, and breaks the mounting means when taut. This tension sensitive mounting means preferably is the same as those described above with the exception that instead of being directly connected to the harness, it comprises a loop to feed the harness through, such that the harness is free to slide through the loop when slack. The loop is large enough and smooth enough that it requires less energy to slide through the loop than to break the mounting means. An advantage of this is that when tension is applied, the mounting device with the loop does not immediately break or cause the harness to separate from the rigid frame member. Rather the harness slides through the loop and the tension is redirected elsewhere. This is advantageous since it enables control of the order in which tension sensitive mounting means are broken, and thus of the movement of the harness around the person overboard.

[55] In the most preferred embodiment, disclosed in Figures 1-3 wherein like numerals refer to like components, the haul line connecting means 106 is mounted to two first points close to said front side of the rigid frame member on its outer surface, and there are two relay lines 108 which are connected to two second points close to the rear side of the rigid frame member on its upper surface by a pair of first tension sensitive mounting means 110. The device further comprises two second tension sensitive mounting means 114 connecting the harness to two opposing points on the left and right sides respectively of the rigid frame member inner surface, towards its rear. The device further comprises two third tension sensitive mounting means 116, connecting the harness to two opposing points on the left and right sides respectively of the rigid frame member hollow towards its front.

[561 Thus when tension is applied to the rescue device held horizontally from above, with an overboard person inside the hollow and holding or draped over the rear of the rigid frame member, the process is as follows. First the first tension sensitive mounting means break, disconnecting the relay lines and enabling the rescue device to be pulled into a substantially vertical position. The harness is pulled upwards by its connection to the haul line, breaking the third mounting means putting tension on the second tension sensitive mounting means.

Next, these second mounting means break releasing the harness fully from the rigid frame member and enabling it to be positioned and/or tightened around the person overboard.

[57] In a possible variation, the third tension sensitive mounting means each comprise a ioop 118 connecting the harness slidably to the two opposing points on the left and right sides respectively of the rigid frame member hollow towards its front.

In this case, when the first mounting means break and the harness is pulled upwards by its connection to the haul line, the two sides of the harness slide through the loops in the third mounting means until the harness is taut, putting tension on the second mounting means. Secondly, these second mounting means break. The harness slides further through the loop until taut between the body of the person overboard and the third tension sensitive mounting means, at which point with no further sliding possible, the third mounting means break, releasing the harness fully from the rigid frame member and enabling it to be positioned and/or tightened around the person overboard.

[58] It should be noted that the order in which the tension sensitive mounting means separate may be other than the order described herein, and the order described herein is only by way

of example.

[59] The person overboard may be lifted with the harness tightened around them and the rigid frame member hanging away from them, or supporting them, or alternatively the person may be supported from underneath by the rigid frame member and the harness, or only by the harness.

[60] The device may further comprise at least one flare, which may be any flare known in the art, such as a pyrotechnic or laser flare. The flare or flares are preferably mounted to a buoy connected to the device via a rope, as known in the art, an advantage being that the overboard person is at a safe distance from the flare and that the buoy can provide further flotation.

Alternatively the flare or flares may be mounted anywhere on the device or connected to the device by any means known in the art.

Methods of rescue may involve deploying the device with a flare such that the device can be located easily from a vessel or by an overboard person.

[61] The device may further comprise a light source, such as automatically illuminating light sources known in the art, which may be mounted on or connected to the rigid frame member or other part of the device, such as the sling, by any means.

[62] The device may further comprise a motor which may be mounted on or connected to the rigid frame member or other part of the device by any means. Furthermore, the device may comprise a rudder or other steering means as known in the art. The motor may be used to propel the device towards the overboard person.

Control means may be provided for controlling the speed and direction of the motor and steering means respectively, which are preferably remote control means as known in the art.

[63] A method of rescue (of an overboard person, animal or other object to be rescued, referred to herein as an overboard person) using the apparatus described herein in a vertical deployment position is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: [64] (1) Ensuring that the haul line connecting means is connected to a haul line; [65] (2)Lowering the rigid frame member substantially vertically to the overboard person. This is achieved by disconnecting the relay lines described above.

[66] (3) Positioning the overboard person in the hollow.

This may be done using the rescue rod to plunge the rigid frame member under the overboard person, or by a rescue person in the water, or if the overboard person is conscious, they may place themselves in the hollow. Furthermore any means may be used to position the person overboard in the hollow.

[67] (4) Hauling the haul line such that the harness is placed under tension and separates from the rigid frame member.

The separation may be partial or full but is preferably full separation such that the harness can be tightened.

[681 (5) Positioning the harness in a first location around the person overboard. The first location is preferably under the arms of a person overboard such that their arms prevent them from slipping out of the harness. However the first location may be anywhere on the person which enables the harness to support them.

The harness may be positioned and/or tightened by the overboard person or by a rescuer using the rescue rod.

[69] (6) Positioning the rigid frame member in a second location around the person overboard wherein said second location is apart from said first location whereby the person is non-vertically supported. The second location is preferably under the knees or thighs of the person since this provides a convenient and comfortable way of lifting the person non-vertically. However the second location may be anywhere separate from the first location where the frame member can be used to support the person in a non-vertical manner. The rigid frame member may be positioned by a rescuer using the rescue rod or alternatively by the overboard person who may push down on the frame member to plunge it beneath themselves, or by any other means.

[70] (7) Hauling the haul line further until the person is brought to a vessel or to land, that is, to rescue the person.

[71] This is the preferred method of rescue for an unconscious person lying horizontally on the water surface although any method may be used with the apparatus described herein.

[72] A method of rescuing an overboard person using the apparatus described herein in a horizontal deployment position is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: [73] (1) Ensuring that the haul line connecting means is connected to a haul line.

[74] (2) Connecting the second end of at least one relay line to the second point on the rigid frame member as described above for horizontal deployment, whereby the frame member is substantially horizontal; [75] (3) Lowering the rigid frame member substantially horizontally towards and around the overboard person. This is advantageous and the fastest known rescue method when the person is upright and conscious in the water, although it may be used in other situations.

[76] (4) Hauling the haul line such that the harness is placed under tension and at least partially separates from the rigid frame member. The separation may be partial or full but is preferably full separation such that the harness can be tightened.

[77] (5) Positioning the harness in a first location around the person overboard (with the rescue rod disclosed herein, the overboard person's hands, or any other appropriate apparatus) The first location is preferably under the arms of a person overboard such that their arms prevent them from slipping out of the harness. However the first location may be anywhere on the person which enables the harness to support them. The harness may be positioned and/or tightened by the overboard person or by a rescuer using the rescue rod or any other suitable apparatus; [78] (6) Pushing the rigid frame member under the overboard person to position the rigid frame member in a second location around the person overboard wherein said second location is apart from said first location whereby the person is non-vertically supported (with the rescue rod disclosed herein, the overboard person's hands, or any other appropriate apparatus); [79] (7) Hauling the haul line further until the person is brought to a vessel or to land, that is, to rescue the person.

[80] This is a preferred method of rescue for an upright and conscious person overboard although any method may be used with the apparatus described herein.

[81] A method of rescue of an overboard person remote from a rescuer, with the above-disclosed device, is disclosed comprising the steps of: [82] (1) Ensuring that the haul line connecting means of the device is connected to a haul line; [83] (2)Throwing the device to the overboard person wherein said rigid frame member is substantially horizontal. The device may be thrown with relay lines attached or detached, but is preferably thrown substantially horizontally and with relay lines detached since this is the most aerodynamically efficient way of throwing such a device. Furthermore, it enables the person overboard to be encircled by the device as indicated in the next step.

[84] (3) Encircling said overboard person in the hollow.

Preferably, the device is thrown directly over the person to encircle them, this being the fastest rescue method.

Alternatively if this is not possible the person overboard, if able, may manoeuvre themselves into the hollow, or a rescuer in the water may do so. It is assumed that since the overboard person is remote from the rescuer, the rescue rod cannot be used, however other apparatus such as a remotely controlled craft may be used if available. If the overboard person is not successfully encircled on a first attempt, the device may be repeatedly hauled in and re-thrown until the person overboard is encircled.

[851 (4) Hauling said haul line such that the harness is placed under tension and at least partially separates from the rigid frame member; [861 (5) Positioning the harness in a first location around the person overboard. This may be achieved by the person overboard if able, or by hauling on the haul line to release and pull on the harness. The first location is preferably under the arms of a person overboard such that their arms prevent them from slipping out of the harness. However the first location may be anywhere on the person which enables the harness to support them.

The harness may be positioned and/or tightened by the overboard person or by a rescuer in the water.

[87] (6) Positioning the rigid frame member in a second location around the person overboard wherein said second location is apart from said first location whereby the person is non-vertically supported. This may be achieved by the person overboard as described in the previous rescue methods, or by hauling on the haul line -when the device is pulled close to land or a vessel and begins to be pulled upwards, gravity will cause the rigid frame member to fall into position under the person overboard.

[881 (7) Hauling the haul line to rescue said person.

[891 This method is envisaged to be used when the overboard person is remote from a rescuer, that is, cannot be reached from a vessel or land with the rescue rod. An advantage of this is that the overboard person can be rescued at a distance via the fastest method of rescue -that of encircling a person from above -in spite of the person's distance from the rescuer.

[90] Figure 4 illustrates figuratively how the above steps can be realized. There are 6 Frames. From left to right across the top of Figure 4 they are known as Frames 1, 2, and 3 and from left to right across the bottom of Figure 4 they are known as Frames 4, 5, and 6.

[91] Frame 1 shows a throw out method described in [80]-[88] [92] Frame 2 shows a lowering method described in [71]-[79] and shows how to remove from their pouch, for attachment, those relay lines which hold the rigid frame member on a horizontal plane. It further shows how the jaws of the water rescue rod can be used to push out against the rescue rope to guide the device out over the person in the water as it is being lowered down.

[93] Frame 3 shows a lowering method described in [62]- [70]and shows how the jaws of the water rescue rod can be used to encircle the rear side of the rigid frame member and plunge the device under the horizontally floating unconscious person.

[94] Frame 4 shows (first) to separate the sling from the rigid frame member with a sharp pull and (second) to plunge the rigid frame member to act as a secondary lifting support. (The water rescue rod may also be used to plunge the rear side of the rigid frame member) [95] Frame 5 shows how to operate the harness tightening means using the water rescue rod, as described in [38]-[39], and also demonstrates a single lift using only the sling for support.

The person is shown clutching harness tightening means in the self-operating manner of pulling it inwards towards his body.

(This would have been done prior to the vertical hoist) [96] Frame 6 demonstrates a double lift where the rigid frame member has been used to form a secondary support point.

[97] An advantage of all of these methods of rescue is that the person overboard can be hauled from the water supported at two points, thus in a more horizontal position than is possible when supporting the person at a single point. This is medically recommended since, upon hauling a person from the water, hydrostatic support is removed, which can cause circulatory problems which can lead to cardiac arrest.

[98] However, the device may also be used to rescue a person vertically, using only the harness or only the rigid frame member, or both, which may be preferable when a person is in favourable and safe conditions in the water.

[99] It should be noted that the above disclosure is a description of the ideally preferred rescue method and ideally preferred arrangement of mounting means and harness position, and the rescue device may be arranged and used in many other ways, any of which are possible under the scope of the invention described herein. For example, where the rigid frame member or harness or haul line are described as being separate it is foreseen that they may be formed as a unitary construction. That is, where at least two from a list comprising rigid frame member and harness and haul line are stitched or spliced or in any other way joined together in a manner which removes the requirement for haul line connecting means.

Claims

Claims 1. A water rescue device comprising: a substantially rigid frame member comprising a hollow; the hollow being sufficiently large to encircle a person; a flexible harness mounted to said rigid frame member substantially around said hollow; haul line connecting means, for attaching a haul line thereto, said means being connected to at least a first point on said rigid frame member and at least a first point on said harness; and at least one tension-sensitive mounting means for affixing said harness to said rigid frame member at rest and detaching said harness from said rigid frame member under tension from said haul line.
2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a water rescue rod for manipulating said rigid frame member.
3. The device of claim 2 wherein said rod comprises at least one selected from the list comprising: opposing jaw members, a swivel head, a hook member, a loop member.
4. The device of claim 1 further comprising harness tightening means.
5. The device of claim 2 further comprising harness tightening means wherein said rod can operate said tightening means.
6. The device of claim 1 further comprising: at least one relay line, comprising: a first end for connecting to one selected from the list comprising: said haul line, said haul line connecting means; and a second end for connecting to a second point on said rigid frame member, wherein said second point is apart from said first point; whereby said rigid frame member can be held substantially horizontal.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein: said rigid frame member comprises a front side and a rear side; said haul line connecting means is mounted to two first points close to said front side, said at least one relay line comprises two relay lines connected to two second points close to said rear side by first tension sensitive mounting means; whereby the device can be held substantially horizontally before, and substantially vertically after, tension has been applied to said tension sensitive mounting means.
8. The device of claim 6 wherein said second end for connecting to a second point on said rigid frame member is removably connectable to said rigid frame member.
9. The device of claim 8 further comprising a pouch wherein said at least one relay line can be enclosed in said pouch.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein: said haul line connecting means comprises at least one strap connecting said rigid frame member to a haul line; said harness is mounted to said haul line by attachment at a location on said strap; and a shortest length from said location to said tension sensitive mounting means is less than a length of said strap from said rigid frame member to said location; whereby when said haul line is hauled, said harness is under tension.
11. The device of claim 1 wherein: said harness is attached to two second tension sensitive mounting means disposed substantially opposite each other on a left and a right side of said rigid frame member; whereby the harness detaches from the second mounting means when tension is applied to the second mounting means.
12. The device of claim 1 comprising at least two tension sensitive mounting means wherein: at least one tension sensitive mounting means comprises a loop; whereby said harness slides readily through said loop when slack, and breaks the mounting means when taut.
13. A method of rescue comprising the steps of: (1) ensuring that the haul line connecting means of the device of claim 1 is connected to a haul line; (2) lowering the device of claim 1 to the overboard person wherein said rigid frame member is substantially vertical; (3) positioning said overboard person in the hollow; (4) hauling said haul line such that the harness is placed under tension and at least partially separates from the rigid frame member; (5) positioning the harness in a first location around the person overboard; (6) positioning the rigid frame member in a second location around the person overboard wherein said second location is apart from said first location whereby the person is non-vertically supported; and (7) hauling the haul line to rescue said person.
14. A method of rescue using the device of claim 6 comprising the steps of: (1) ensuring that the haul line connecting means is connected to a haul line; (2) connecting the second end of said at least one relay line to said second point on said rigid frame member whereby said frame member is substantially horizontal; (3) lowering the device to an overboard person; (4) hauling said haul line such that the harness is placed under tension and at least partially separates from the rigid frame member; (5) positioning the harness in a first location around the person overboard; (6) positioning the rigid frame member in a second location around the person overboard wherein said second location is apart from said first location whereby the person is non-vertically supported; and (7) hauling the haul line to rescue said person.
15. A method of rescue of an overboard person remote from a rescuer comprising the steps of: (1) ensuring that the haul line connecting means of the device of claim 1 is connected to a haul line; (2) throwing the device of claim 1 to the overboard person wherein said rigid frame member is substantially horizontal; (3) encircling said overboard person in the hollow; (4) hauling said haul line such that the harness is placed under tension and at least partially separates from the rigid frame member; (5) positioning the harness in a first location around the person overboard; (6) positioning the rigid frame member in a second location around the person overboard wherein said second location is apart from said first location whereby the person is non-vertically supported; and (7) hauling the haul line to rescue said person.
16. The water rescue device of claim 1 wherein said rigid frame member is collapsible.
17. The water rescue device of claim 1 further comprising a flare.
18. The water rescue device of claim 1 further comprising an automatically illuminating light.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows: Claims 1. A water rescue device comprising: a substantially rigid frame member comprising a hollow; a flexible harness mounted to said rigid frame member substantially around said hollow; haul line connecting means, for attaching a haul line thereto, said haul line connecting means being connected to at least a first point on said rigid frame member and at least a first point on said harness; and at least one tension-sensitive mounting means for affixing said harness to said rigid frame member at rest and detaching said harness from said rigid frame member when under tension from an attached haul line.2. The device of claim 1 further comprising a water rescue rod for r manipulating said rigid frame member.0 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said rod comprises at least one selected from the list comprising: opposing jaw members, a swivel head, a hook member, a loop member.4. The device of claim 1 further comprising harness tightening means.5. The device of claim 2 further comprising harness tightening means wherein said rod can operate said tightening means.6. The device of claim 1 further comprising: at least one relay line, comprising: a first end for connecting to one selected from the list comprising: said haul line, said haul line connecting means; and a second end for connecting to a second point on said rigid frame member, wherein said second point is apart from said first point; whereby said rigid frame member can be held substantially horizontal.7. The device of claim 6 wherein: said rigid frame member comprises a front side and a rear side; said haul line connecting means is mounted to two first points close to said front side, said at least one relay line comprises two relay lines connected to two second points close to said rear side by first tension sensitive mounting means; whereby the device can be held substantially horizontally before, and substantially vertically after, tension has been applied to said tension sensitive mounting means.8. The device of claim 6 wherein said second end for connecting to a second point on said rigid frame member is removably connectable C"J to said rigid frame member.9. The device of claim 8 further comprising a pouch wherein said at least one relay line can be enclosed in said pouch.10. The device of claim 1 wherein: said haul line connecting means comprises at least one strap connecting said rigid frame member to a haul line; said harness is mounted to said haul line by attachment at a location on said strap; and a shortest length from said location to said tension sensitive mounting means is less than a length of said strap from said rigid frame member to said location; whereby when said haul line is hauled, said harness is under tension.11. The device of claim 1 wherein: said harness is attached to two further tension sensitive mounting means disposed substantially opposite each other on a left and a right side of said rigid frame member; whereby the harness detaches from the further tension sensitive mounting means when tension is applied to the further tension sensitive mounting means.12. The device of claim 1 comprising at least two tension sensitive mounting means wherein: at least one tension sensitive mounting means comprises a loop; whereby said harness slides readily through said loop when slack, and breaks the mounting means when taut.13. A method of rescuing an overboard person comprising the steps of: r (1) ensuring that the haul line connecting means of the device of claim 1 is connected to a haul line; (2) lowering the device of claim 1 to the overboard person wherein said rigid frame member is substantially vertical; (3) positioning said overboard person in the hollow; (4) hauling said haul line such that the harness is placed under tension and at least partially separates from the rigid frame member; (5) positioning the harness in a first location around the person overboard; (6) positioning the rigid frame member in a second location around the person overboard wherein said second location is apart from said first location whereby the person is non-vertically supported; and (7) hauling the haul line to rescue said person.14. A method of rescue using the device of claim 6 comprising the steps of: (1) ensuring that the haul line connecting means is connected to a haul line; (2) connecting the second end of said at least one relay line to said second point on said rigid frame member whereby said frame member is substantially horizontal; (3) lowering the device to an overboard person; (4) hauling said haul line such that the harness is placed under tension and at least partially separates from the rigid frame member; (5) positioning the harness in a first location around the person overboard; (6) positioning the rigid frame member in a second location around the person overboard wherein said second location is apart from said first location whereby the person is non-vertically supported; and (7) hauling the haul line to rescue said person.15. A method of rescue of an overboard person remote from a rescuer comprising the steps of: (1) ensuring that the haul line connecting means of the device of claim 1 is connected to a haul line; (2) throwing the device of claim 1 to the overboard person wherein said rigid frame member is substantially horizontal; (3) encircling said overboard person in the hollow; (4) hauling said haul line such that the harness is placed under tension and at least partially separates from the rigid frame member; (5) positioning the harness in a first location around the person overboard; (6) positioning the rigid frame member in a second location around the person overboard wherein said second location is apart from said first location whereby the person is non-vertically supported; and (7) hauling the haul line to rescue said person.16. The water rescue device of claim 1 wherein said rigid frame member is collapsible.17. The water rescue device of claim 1 further comprising a flare.18. The water rescue device of claim 1 further comprising an automatically illuminating light.