Devices, systems and methods for emergency descent from a height

Abstract

An integral rescue device preferably worn by a firefighter that includes a shock absorbing descender attached to the rescue device, a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line. The assembly preferably includes a plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the support line are retained near the terminus of each of the intermediate loops. In a preferred embodiment, the shock absorbing descender is attached to a waist belt of a self-contained breathing apparatus carrier with a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 565,885 filed Apr. 28, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.FILED OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for emergency decent from a height, and, particularly, to devices, systems and methods for use by firefighters in a descent escape from a height. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] The outer, protective garments worn by firefighters (commonly referred to as turnout gear) typically include a large coat and pants that have an outer layer and a removable inner liner. The outer layer is fabricated from materials that are resistant to heat, flame, abrasion and water. Firefighters also wear other protective gear, including a helmet, thick gloves, and an air tank that is typically part of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). [0004] In executing their duty, firefighters often enter burning ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a rescue garment to be worn by a user, including: a shock absorbing descender attached to the rescue garment, a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line. The second end of the support line is not attached to the assembly, and the support line has formed in the vicinity of the second end a termination knot that prevents passage of the second end of the support line through the descender device. As described above, the termination knot can be released one time so that the support line can pass through the descender and thereby be operatively disengaged from descender device.

Problems solved by technology

Harnesses have been incorporated into the outer garments worn by a firefighter, but such harnesses have been generally inadequate to provide an escape or rescue from a height.

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