Self-propelled rescue apparatus

Abstract

Rescue apparatus comprising a self-propelled missile mounted on a hand-held launcher and arranged to carry a flotation device in a collapsed condition from the launcher to a distressed target, the launcher and flotation device being connected by a flexible line, so that when the missile is aimed and launched toward the target, the flotation device is carried to the target and then deployed automatically to provide flotation support and establish a "life-line" from the launcher.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION1. Field of the InventionThis invention relates generally to rescue apparatus and, more particularly, to a self-propelled rescue apparatus for deploying a "life-line" and life-support item to a distressed target located a substantial distance from the launching site.2. Description of Prior ArtIt has long been a problem when attempting to rescue people, especially a person who has fallen overboard from a boat, to be able to launch a line from the rescuer to the person in distress. This problem has been especially evident when the rescue apparatus, in its simplest form, involved hand throwing a life line or other rescue device to the person in distress. Clearly, such apparatus inherently depends on the strength and skill of the rescuer and, at best, suffers from a severe distance limitation. Even more advanced apparatus which rely upon firing a projectile comprising life saving devices have had their limitations as to the distances the rescue device can be p...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention provides a safe, reliable rescue apparatus for deploying a life-line with a life-support item at one end to a distressed target at a substantial distance from a rescuer. This is accomplished by apparatus that incorporates a self-propelled missile which is releasably mounted on a launcher connected to the other end of the life-line and which, upon activation, carries the life-support item and life-line from the launcher to the location of the distressed target.

Problems solved by technology

It has long been a problem when attempting to rescue people, especially a person who has fallen overboard from a boat, to be able to launch a line from the rescuer to the person in distress.

This problem has been especially evident when the rescue apparatus, in its simplest form, involved hand throwing a life line or other rescue device to the person in distress.

Clearly, such apparatus inherently depends on the strength and skill of the rescuer and, at best, suffers from a severe distance limitation.

Even more advanced apparatus which rely upon firing a projectile comprising life saving devices have had their limitations as to the distances the rescue device can be projected and because of safety factors involved with the launching platforms used for firing the projectiles.

Although such devices have been useful, they have not proven to be entirely satisfactory under all conditions, generally having been designed for large commercial or military vessels (as evidenced by one system that uses a fuel driven propulsion rocket motor as a thrust source).

Additionally, they do not lend themselves to general public use due to the inherently dangerous environment associated with the launching devices which employ gun powder, volatile fuel, or similar charges to propel the life saving projectile.

They are also limited in terms of the distance that a projectile can be fired from a launcher.

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