Dynamic rescue system, safety device part and method for protecting off-road vehicles participating in rescue operations

Abstract

The invention relates to a dynamic rescue system, a safety device part and a method for protecting an off-road vehicle participating in a rescue operation. The dynamic rescue system uses the rescue UTV or ATV to rescue the trapped UTV or ATV. A dynamic rescue system includes a dynamic rescue cord portion connected to a safety device portion. The safety device portion has an activation load limit that is less than the tensile strength of the dynamic rescue cord portion. The safety device portion, when activated, provides an extension length at least equal to the elongated safety device portion of the dynamic cord portion.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a kinetic recovery system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recreational and utility vehicles are used in a variety of terrains and environments. As such, it is not uncommon for such vehicles to become stuck, for example in mud, where the vehicle cannot overcome an obstacle under its own power or without assistance. Another vehicle is often used to pull the stuck vehicle. SUMMARY

[0003] Kinetic recovery ropes can be used to recover a stuck vehicle. The kinetic recovery rope can extend to a towing vehicle or recovery vehicle. Such kinetic recovery ropes utilize stored kinetic energy and the elasticity of the kinetic recovery rope to provide a generally smooth and controlled recovery in many situations. Selected kinetic recovery ropes can allow significant stretching under load, often to 20% or more of their unstretched length, with the stretched rope storing significant kinetic energy. The elasticity of the kinetic recovery rope can absorb the shock of excessive speed of the towing vehicle as it relaxes in the taut kinetic recovery rope. Such elasticity can prevent overloading the frame of the stuck vehicle and the recovery vehicle.

[0004] Typically, utility task vehicles (UTVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can have a connection point with a rated load, which when exceeded, can result in frame damage. Such rated load is generally understood to be about 3 to 4 times the weight of the vehicle. In the case of a kinetic recovery rope that is oversized relative to an optimal size and used to recover a stuck UTV or ATV, the lack of elasticity of such kinetic recovery rope can more easily result in vehicle damage during the recovery operation.

[0005] Typically, if the stuck vehicle is not released from the stuck location and the recovery rope has a tensile strength that can be a breaking point at a load level that exceeds the load limit of the recovery connection point of the stuck vehicle or the recovery vehicle, damage to the frame of either vehicle or both vehicles can occur before the rope breaks. The operators of the stuck vehicle and the recovery vehicle can sometimes not have an indication that such damage, if any, can occur or that the recovery point load limit is being approached. In the case of a kinetic recovery rope that exceeds the breaking point, the kinetic recovery rope can break into two pieces, thereby releasing the kinetic energy stored in the kinetic rope into, where at least one piece can bounce back toward at least one of the two vehicles, which can cause damage and be dangerous. This can occur more easily in the case of a kinetic recovery rope that is undersized relative to an optimal size. A non-optimal size rope can more easily overextend, i.e., be stretched out, and break.

[0006] The present disclosure describes a kinetic rescue system with a safety device that can be used with vehicles including, but not limited to, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility task vehicles (UTVs) having a frame and a tow or vehicle rescue mounting point with an associated load limit. In embodiments, the safety device of the kinetic rescue rope can provide a yield of the kinetic rescue system, i.e., a controlled elongation at a predetermined safety device activation load after an expected stretch of the kinetic rescue rope due to rescue efforts, rather than damage to the vehicle and / or release of kinetic energy from a sudden rope breakback of the slack end. The yield can dissipate the kinetic energy stored in the stretched kinetic rescue rope. In embodiments, the yield can reduce the suddenness of the release of the rescue vehicle.

[0007] In embodiments, the kinetic rescue system can include a kinetic rescue rope portion and a safety device portion or safety device. In embodiments, the kinetic rescue system can include a pair of kinetic rescue rope segments, each segment having a distal connection end for connection to a connection point on a stranded vehicle and a rescue vehicle, such as a webbing or splice ring or soft shackle, and having an opposite end connected to or extending into a safety device portion. That is, the safety device portion is connected between the pair of kinetic rescue rope segments. In embodiments, the kinetic rope segments each have a breakage load limit, and the safety device portion is selected to have a safety device activation load point that is lower than the breakage load limit of the kinetic rope segments.

[0008] In embodiments, the safety devices described herein can be configured to activate at a set force load that is lower than the breakage load on the rope, such that when the safety device is activated, it relieves the stretched rope and dissipates the stored kinetic energy without allowing the end of the rope to recoil.

[0009] In some embodiments, a kinetic rescue system for repositioning a stranded vehicle includes a first rope portion, a second rope portion, and a breakable link that delays or does not separate. The first rope portion can be configured to attach to a towing vehicle. The second rope portion can be configured to attach to a stranded vehicle. The first rope portion and the second rope portion can be formed of the same material. The breakable link can be attached between the first rope portion and the second rope portion. The breakable link can have a lower tensile strength than the first rope portion and the second rope portion. In embodiments, a visual indicator can be provided in which a safety device can be activated.

[0010] In embodiments, a rescue system capable of attachment between a towing vehicle and a stranded vehicle, a towing vehicle and stranded vehicle of a UTV, and / or a towing vehicle and stranded vehicle of an ATV includes a kinetic rescue line and a safety device positioned in-line with the kinetic rescue line. The kinetic rescue line includes a synthetic fiber and has a stretch length at a specified load limit of the kinetic line, providing a stretch range of about 15% to 25% of a resting or unloaded length. The safety device can be configured or selected to activate within the stretch range before a breaking limit of the kinetic line can be reached. In embodiments, the safety device actuates at a load equivalent to about 20% stretch, or about 25% to about 35% stretch, of the kinetic line. In embodiments, the safety device actuates at a load equivalent to about 15% to 20% stretch range of the kinetic line. In embodiments, the safety device provides a visual indication of activation to a rescue vehicle operator and / or a stranded vehicle operator.

[0011] In some embodiments, a metal-free rescue system capable of attachment between a towing vehicle and a stranded vehicle includes a safety device in-line with a kinetic rescue line. The safety device can be configured to activate at a predetermined force and provide an indication of activation to a towing vehicle operator and / or a stranded vehicle operator.

[0012] Features and advantages of embodiments can be an overload protection system that protects vehicles from damage, including damage to frames in particular. Features and advantages of embodiments can be a recoil that prevents an overload rescue line from breaking. Features and advantages of embodiments can be a notification to an operator of an overload condition before a vehicle frame, chassis, suspension, or other component suffers significant damage and / or can create a dangerous situation. Features and advantages of embodiments can be a reduction in overstressing and potential fatigue of vehicle frame components at a rescue attachment point.

[0013] In some embodiments, the kinetic rescue line can include a safety device, wherein upon actuation, the safety device provides a time-delayed release through an elongation, allowing a stretched portion of the kinetic rescue line to retract toward an unstretched initial length upon reaching a load limit after actuation. Features and advantages of embodiments can be that such time-delayed release through an elongation provides an indication to an operator of a stranded vehicle and / or a rescue vehicle that a load limit of the kinetic rescue line has been exceeded and the safety device has been activated. Such indication is at least partially visible, allowing the rescue vehicle to stop towing the stranded vehicle.

[0014] Features and advantages of embodiments can be a safety device section or can add a portion to an existing kinetic rescue line with a load limit, where the safety device section has a break point of the safety device component set to be less than the tensile strength of the existing kinetic rescue line. The safety device can provide protection in the event that the kinetic rescue line is not optimally sized for the stranded vehicle and / or the rescue vehicle.

[0015] In embodiments, a kinetic rescue system with safety device has one or more kinetic rescue line sections, one or more kinetic rescue safety device portions, one or more vehicle connectors such as soft shackles, packaging, and instructions for use, the one or more vehicle connectors connected to or connectable to the one or more kinetic rescue line sections and / or kinetic rescue safety device sections.

[0016] In embodiments, a safety device for a kinetic rescue line or system has an indicator device for visibly indicating actuation of the safety device. In embodiments, the indicator device can be a flag that is released upon activation. In embodiments, such a flag can have markings and / or colors that provide a clear indication of activation, such as a day-glo color. In embodiments, the flag can provide a direction and / or warning about the status / condition of the kinetic rescue line. In embodiments, the indicator device can be a smoke generator, such as a powder release, the powder can have a color.

[0017] In embodiments, a safety device for a kinetic rescue line has a first unactivated length, a fully activated connection length, and a plurality of intermediate lengths between the unactivated length and the fully activated length. In embodiments, the difference between the fully activated connection length and the unactivated length can be equal to or greater than the elongation length of the rescue line portion at the safety device activation load level. This release allows the operator of the tow vehicle time to stop the towing of the vehicle.

[0018] Dynamics rescue ropes can be sized according to the weight of the vehicle being used, and can be made of braided nylon fiber. UTVs and ATVs are often designed with rescue attachment points for use when the vehicle is stuck, and another vehicle can be used to rescue the vehicle. Such rescue points have a load limit, where if the load on the rescue point exceeds the load limit, the vehicle frame can be damaged. Although such load limits are often not published, a conventional thought can be that such load limits can be about 3 to 4 times the weight of the UTV and / or ATV and other vehicles suitable for off-road use. Braided nylon can have a diameter of about ½ inch or less. Some manufacturers of rescue ropes suggest that the rescue ropes have a load capacity that can be a breaking point that is also about 3 to 4 times the weight of the target vehicle. Braided nylon ropes typically stretch by 30% to 35% at their breaking point. It has proven effective for vehicle rescue to provide a load on the dynamics rescue rope such that the elongation can be about 20% or less. It would be well received by the industry and consumers to provide a safety device that limits such load to an elongation of the dynamics rescue rope of 20% or less, and prevents uncontrolled release of kinetic energy in the event of a break. In embodiments, a safety device can be provided that is proportional to the weight of an off-road UTV or ATV vehicle (unloaded, empty), with an activation load level selected to be in the range of about 100% to about 200% of the vehicle weight. In embodiments, a safety device can be provided that is selectable and proportional to the weight of an off-road UTV or ATV vehicle (unloaded, empty), with an activation load level selected to be in the range of 150% to 300% of the vehicle weight. In embodiments, a safety device can be provided that is proportional to the weight of an off-road UTV or ATV vehicle (unloaded, empty), with an activation load level selected to be in the range of about 200% to about 350% of the vehicle weight.

[0019] In embodiments, an insurance device can be selected or provided for a UTV or ATV having an insurance device activation load level that is at least 30% less than the tensile strength of a kinetic rescue line to which it can be attached, and wherein the kinetic rescue line can be selected to have a tensile strength that is about 3 times to about 4 times the weight of the UTV or ATV. In embodiments, an insurance device can be selected or provided for a UTV or ATV having an insurance device activation load level that is at least 45% less than the tensile strength of a kinetic rescue line to which it can be attached, and wherein the kinetic rescue line can be selected to have a tensile strength that is about 2.5 times to about 4.5 times the weight of the UTV or ATV. In embodiments, an insurance device can be selected for a kinetic rescue line portion for an off-road vehicle, wherein the insurance device activation level is related to a load level of the kinetic rescue line portion, the kinetic rescue line portion having an elongation at the breaking point of the kinetic rescue line portion that is at least 30% less than the total kinetic rescue line portion elongation. In embodiments, an insurance device can be selected for a kinetic rescue line portion for an off-road vehicle, wherein the insurance device activation level is related to a load level of the kinetic rescue line portion, the kinetic rescue line portion having an elongation at the breaking point of the kinetic rescue line portion that is at least 20% less than the total kinetic rescue line portion elongation.

[0020] In embodiments, a UTV or ATV can be provided with instructions identifying an appropriate size of a kinetic rescue line and an insurance device for it. For example, on a UTV weighing about 1500 pounds, a nylon line having a working strength of about 4500 pounds can be appropriate, and an insurance device or insurance device portion having an activation load level in the range of 2500 pounds to 4000 pounds can be appropriate, the instructions indicating as much.

[0021] In embodiments, a kinetic rescue system for rescuing a stranded off-road vehicle can be provided, the kinetic rescue system connectable to the stranded off-road vehicle and a rescue vehicle, the kinetic rescue system having: a first kinetic line portion having a working load, the working load corresponding to an elongation of about 10% to about 20% of the un-loaded kinetic line portion, the first kinetic line portion having a breaking load limit at an elongation in the range of about 25% to about 35%; an insurance device portion having an un-activated length and a fully-activated connection length, the insurance device portion having an activation load limit that is less than the breaking load limit of the first kinetic line portion.

[0022] In an embodiment, there is provided a safety device portion for attachment to a kinetic recovery line, the safety device portion can comprise a safety device portion having elongate safety device elements that can be arranged in an overlapping or bundled arrangement, wherein the arrangement is secured together by a clamp, adhesive, potting, stitching and / or an enclosure.

[0023] In an embodiment, there is provided a method of protecting an off-road vehicle engaged in a recovery operation, wherein a first off-road vehicle can be in a stuck position and a second off-road vehicle can be used to pull the first vehicle from the stuck position by a kinetic recovery line, the method comprising assessing a first vehicle frame load limit at a recovery attachment point of the vehicle, and selecting a safety device portion of the kinetic recovery line, the safety device portion having an activation load limit that is lower than the vehicle frame load limit at the recovery attachment point.

[0024] In an embodiment, a kinetic recovery system comprises a kinetic line portion formed from a braided nylon recovery line portion connected to a safety device portion, wherein the safety device portion has a pair of overlapping safety device elements that are subject to shear loads under tensile loads, and wherein the safety device portion has an activation load level associated with shear slippage of the overlapping safety device elements relative to each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The present disclosure can be understood with reference to the following detailed description of various embodiments in conjunction with the drawings.

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a kinetic recovery system attached to a tow vehicle and a stuck vehicle.

[0027] Figures 2A-2D is a schematic conceptual view of a kinetic recovery system.

[0028] Figures 3A-3C is a schematic view of prior art using a kinetic recovery line.

[0029] Figures 3D-3G is a schematic view of a UTV utilizing a kinetic recovery system according to an embodiment.

[0030] Figure 4A is a side view of a kinetic recovery system.

[0031] Figure 4B is Figure 4A a side view of the kinetic recovery system of

[0032] Figure 4C is Figure 4A a side view of the kinetic recovery system of

[0033] Figure 5 This is a side view of the dynamic rescue system.

[0034] Figure 6A This is a side view of an implementation of the dynamic rescue system.

[0035] Figure 6B yes Figure 6A A side view of the dynamic rescue system, in which a portion of the safety device enclosure has been removed, thus illustrating the overlapping safety device rope.

[0036] Figure 6C yes Figure 6A A side view of the dynamic rescue system, where the safety device is partially activated, thereby releasing the activated visual indicator.

[0037] Figure 6D yes Figure 6A A side view of the dynamic rescue system, in which the safety device rope section is separated.

[0038] Figure 7A This is a side view of an embodiment of a dynamic rescue system with a fusible portion having an expandable shell or enclosure.

[0039] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A A side view of the dynamic rescue system, in which the enclosure has been cut open to expose the overlapping safety ropes.

[0040] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A side view of the dynamic rescue system, in which the scalable enclosure extends.

[0041] Figure 7D yes Figure 7A A side view of the dynamic rescue system, in which the expandable enclosure is cut off, thus illustrating the safety device element, which has end stops to keep the safety device element connected to the expandable enclosure after activation.

[0042] Figure 8A This is a side view of an embodiment of a dynamic rescue system with a safety device section, which includes an internal safety device element and a coiled retaining rope.

[0043] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A A side view of the dynamic rescue system, in which the safety device section is activated and the coiled retaining rope extends in the event of a breakage of the internal safety device element.

[0044] Figure 8C yes Figure 8AA side view of the dynamic rescue system, in which the secondary safety device element is shown broken into two secondary safety device elements.

[0045] Figure 9A This is a side view of an embodiment of a safety device portion that utilizes a strip as a safety device element in a dynamic rescue system.

[0046] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A A side view of the safety device portion, which has a cover above the safety device element.

[0047] Figure 9C yes Figure 9A A perspective view of the safety device portion, illustrating a safety device element constructed as a strip, which is constrained by stitching.

[0048] Figure 9D yes Figure 9A A perspective view of the safety device portion, which is activated when the safety device component portion is separated.

[0049] Figure 9E yes Figure 9A A perspective view of the safety device portion, wherein the safety device components separate after activation.

[0050] Figure 9F yes Figure 9A A perspective view of the safety device portion, wherein the safety device element remains attached after the maximum extension of the safety device portion.

[0051] Figure 10 This is a stress-strain diagram illustrating the delayed separation of the safety device element in the safety device section of a dynamic rescue system.

[0052] Figure 11 This is a stress-strain diagram illustrating the non-delayed separation of the safety device element in the safety device section of a dynamic rescue system, but in which the safety device element is connected by a retaining element.

[0053] Figure 12 It is a dynamic rescue system kit with instructions and alternative safety devices.

[0054] Figure 13 It is an existing technology loop component of braided nylon rescue rope. Detailed Implementation

[0055] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is intended. Alterations and / or modifications in the illustrated and / or described embodiments, along with other applications of the principles of the present disclosure, are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the disclosure relates. Furthermore, any application of the principles of the present disclosure as illustrated and / or described are intended to apply to other than the embodiments shown unless otherwise indicated during the course of the specification.

[0056] Referring to Figure 1 , a kinetic recovery system 100 is illustrated attached between a towing vehicle or recovery vehicle 102 and a stranded vehicle 104. The vehicles 102, 104 can be off-road vehicles, such as ATVs, UTVs, having side-by-side or tandem seating. Such off-road vehicles 102, 104 can have a wide range of net weights (unladen, empty). Tandem seating ATVs typically weigh between 400 and 1000 pounds. UTVs and other single side-by-side vehicles typically weigh between 1000 and 2500 pounds. Side-by-side four-seater vehicles can weigh anywhere from 1600 to 3500 pounds. Such off-road vehicles have a frame 106 having recovery attachment points 108 for tow lines or the like in a rear 110 portion and a front 112 portion of the frame 106. While similar vehicles are illustrated, of course the towing off-road vehicle 102 and the stranded off-road vehicle 104 can be different. For example, the towing off-road vehicle 102 can be a UTV and the stranded off-road vehicle 104 can be an ATV.

[0057] As shown, a first portion 114 of the kinetic recovery system 100 can be attached to an attachment point 108 at the rear 110 of the towing vehicle 102 and a second portion 116 of the kinetic recovery system can be attached to an attachment point 108 at the front 112 of the stranded vehicle 102. The stranded vehicle 104 is shown as being in a mud pit, however, there are many obstacles such as sand, loose gravel, snow, etc. that can cause a vehicle to lose traction where the vehicle can not be able to move without assistance. Vehicles can also become stuck in, for example, rocks, logs, etc. again requiring assistance. The kinetic recovery system 100 also includes a safety device portion 118, such as a breakable link disposed between the first and second kinetic line portions 114, 116.

[0058] Referring to Figures 2A-2D , a conceptual diagram of embodiments of the kinetic recovery system 100, 101, 103, 105 is illustrated. Figure 2AA kinetic rescue line portion is depicted as a pair of kinetic line segments 130, 131 with a kinetic safety device portion 133 positioned between the kinetic line segments. Each kinetic line segment 130, 131 has a vehicle attachment connector 134, 135 that can be, for example, woven and spliced into an end loop 132 of a woven synthetic line, such as a nylon line, as illustrated in Figure 13

[0059] Figure 2B In

[0060] In Figure 2C

[0061] Referring to Figure 2D , embodiments include a safety device portion sized to fit a UTV, ATV, side-by-side vehicle, or other off-road vehicle that can be attached to the middle of a single kinetic rescue line or a pair of kinetic rescue lines.

[0062] Referring to the prior art Figures 3A-3C , a conventional kinetic rescue line 149 is illustrated in comparison to the kinetic rescue system 150 illustrated in Figures 3D-3G , where the conventional kinetic rescue line 149 is engaged with a stranded UTV 155 and a towing UTV or rescue UTV 156 is depicted. The conventional kinetic rescue line 149 can be secured to a designated rescue connection point 162 on a frame 163 of the stranded UTV 155 and to a towing connector 164 on a frame 165 of the rescue UTV 156. Figure 3A A kinetic rescue line 149 is illustrated in a slack position with an original unloaded length LI. In Figure 3B ​​​In the middle, the tow UTV has now moved a distance forward, stretching the kinetic rescue line 149 to a length L2 that is equivalent to about 20% more than the original length of the kinetic rescue line. Note that kinetic rescue lines, and particularly those of woven nylon, expand to about 20% (or less) of the static length LI at the maximum rated working load limit. For example, a 30 foot line can expand about 6 feet to a total stretched length of about 36 feet at the maximum rated working load. Referring to Figure 3C After continued loading with elongation approaching 30%, the loading of the kinetic rescue line 149, the stranded vehicle frame, the rescue vehicle frame 165 can exceed the load limit, and the damage indicated by the multi-point star circle 166 can occur in one or both of the off-road vehicles 155, 156 and / or the kinetic rescue line 149, the kinetic rescue line breaks. Referring to Figure 10 The graph of FIGURE 1, for example, the load of an exemplary kinetic rescue line formed of woven nylon is illustrated by the curve CI and plotted against its elongation. The breaking point or tensile strength of the kinetic rescue line can be at about 30% elongation of its un-loaded length, as illustrated by the 100% point on the y-axis. Such a line typically has a maximum rated load of about 50% of its tensile strength, which is equivalent to about 10% to 20% elongation over the original length.

[0063] Referring to Figure 3D The kinetic rescue system 150 has a safety device portion 151 having an initial un-activated length L4 and connected at an end 169 of a kinetic line portion 170 having an original un-loaded length LI. The other end 171 of the kinetic line portion 170 is mounted to the rescue connection point 162 of the stranded off-road vehicle 155. The other end 173 of the safety device portion 151 can be mounted to the tow connection 164 on the rescue vehicle 156. In Figure 3E In the middle, the tow UTV has now moved a distance forward, stretching the kinetic rescue line 149 to a length L2 that is equivalent to about 20% more than the original length of the kinetic rescue line. Note that kinetic rescue lines, and particularly those of woven nylon, expand to about 20% (or less) of the static length LI at the maximum rated working load limit. For example, a 30 foot line can expand about 6 feet to a total stretched length of about 36 feet at the maximum rated working load. Referring to Figure 3F In the middle, the tow UTV has now moved a distance forward, stretching the kinetic rescue line 149 to a length L2 that is equivalent to about 20% more than the original length of the kinetic rescue line. Note that kinetic rescue lines, and particularly those of woven nylon, expand to about 20% (or less) of the static length LI at the maximum rated working load limit. For example, a 30 foot line can expand about 6 feet to a total stretched length of about 36 feet at the maximum rated working load. Referring to Figure 3FAfter the safety device portion 151 is activated, and at the maximum elongation of the safety device portion, the two safety device elements 180, 181 can fully separate, such that the kinetic rescue system 150 is now in two separate pieces. In embodiments, the two pieces can be connected or joined by a supplemental retention line 185 shown in dashed lines of relatively low tensile strength to hold the kinetic rescue system 150 with now activated safety device portion 151 as a single piece. The tensile strength of the supplemental retention line 185 can be selected to easily break at minimal load as the rescue vehicle 156 moves further away from the stranded off-road vehicle 155. For example, the tensile strength can be in the range of about 1 pound to 20 pounds. For example, the tensile strength can be less than about 30 pounds. Referring to the graph of Figure 10 FIG. 3, the load of an embodiment of a kinetic rescue system is illustrated by curve C2. At about 50% of the tensile strength of the kinetic rope portion, the safety device portion can be activated at point PI, providing for an extended elongation of the kinetic safety device portion as discussed below, as indicated by the horizontal line labeled C3, as the activation load point of the safety device portion can be reached. Curve C3 indicates an embodiment in which elongation continues at the load level at which the safety device portion is activated. The point at which the two safety device elements of the safety device portion separate after the elongation has maximized can be indicated by point P4. When the two end points are tethered, elongation as indicated by curve C5 can continue, and the load of the kinetic rescue system essentially becomes zero, see P5. Additional movement of the rescue vehicle relative to the stranded vehicle can load the tether, causing some further elongation as shown by curve C6, and then possibly causing the tether to break at a low load level, see P7. The C4 curve indicates an embodiment of a safety device portion in which the elongation of the safety device portion continues after the safety device is activated with a decreasing tensile load. The C3 curve and the C4 curve illustrate the elongation E1 of the kinetic rescue system after the safety device is activated.

[0064] Referring to Figure 11 An example P10 in which the safety device portion is released substantially instantaneously from the original safety device portion length to the full length, the load becomes zero at point P12, can be indicated by curve C10. With the end connections of the safety device portion elements, the kinetic rope portion continues to elongate, see curve C12, until separation at point P14, which can be achieved by the tether or other material or mechanism providing a relatively low tensile strength connection between the safety device portion element ends. For example, the difference between the fully activated connected length of the safety device portion and the unactivated length of the safety device portion is equal to or greater than the elongation of the first kinetic rope portion at the activation load limit.

[0065] Referring to Figures 4A-9FFIGS. 1-3 depict various configurations of embodiments of a kinetic rescue system and / or safety device portion.

[0066] With particular reference to Figures 4A-4C The safety device portion 300 has a pair of safety device elements 306, 308 each having a connector 312, 314 configured as a loop at a distal end. The safety device elements are arranged in an overlapping manner and secured together by a safety device element restraining structure configured as clamps 320, 322, 324. In an example, the safety device is activated and the two pieces of the elongate safety device cord are inhibited from separating. In embodiments, the clamps can be configured as circular members, such as circular rings, and formed of a rigid or elastomeric polymer, or can be formed of various metals or other materials. The clamps compress and secure the overlapping safety device elements together in a fixed piece 326. When sufficient tensile force can be applied to the ends of the safety device portion, the fixed piece can experience a shear force that causes a shear slip between the safety device elements 306, 308 at the activation load level. As the inward ends 330, 332 of the safety device elements slide toward each other, the inward ends 330, 332 will transition and disengage the clamps 320 and 324, causing a lower tensile load to continue the separation. The slip of the overlapping safety device elements 306, 308 within the clamps provides a time delay activation, delaying the separation of the safety device elements, and the overlapping safety device elements 306, 308 provide a controlled elongation of the safety device portion or safety device elements. For example, the safety device elements 306, 308 can slide through the clamps. In embodiments, a flag or other item can be associated with the activation of the safety device portion. With reference to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The flag 360 can be folded and otherwise contained within the clamps and attached to the safety device elements such that pulling the safety device elements out of the clamps will unfold the flag, making it visible to the stranded vehicle and to the operator of the rescue vehicle. The flag can have indicia thereon providing directions, warnings, or other information. The flag can be colored appropriately, such as fluorescently colored, to make it highly visible.

[0067] With reference to Figure 5 In embodiments, the safety device elements 344, 345 can have a plurality of overlaps 346 secured together in a clamped securement by a plurality of clamps 356, 358. When the safety device element ends 362, 363 are under tensile load to the safety device activation load level, the safety device begins to elongate and the loops 366, 367 approach the respective clamps 356, 358. Upon reaching and passing through the clamps, the loops are less constrained and the tensile load on the kinetic rescue system is reduced while the elongation of the safety device portion continues.

[0068] With specific reference now to Figures 6A-6D , the broken line 399 illustrates that the extended flexible member 402, 404 can be extended as part of the kinetic rescue system 400, where the extended flexible member 402, 404 constitutes a kinetic rope portion, or the extended flexible member can be shortened to be only part of the safety device portion 410 for use in conjunction with one or more other kinetic rope portions as part of a kinetic rescue system 411. Thus, the loops 406, 407 can be part of a safety device portion or part of a kinetic rope portion. Figure 6A illustrates a safety device portion 410 including a safety device element restraint structure configured as an enclosure 414 enclosing a pair of safety device elements 418, 420 arranged in a repeating overlapping bundle 426, as illustrated by Figure 6B best illustrated with the enclosure removed. The enclosure can also serve as a clamp to hold the bundle together in a fixture 430. In embodiments, the enclosure can be formed of a heat shrinkable tube that provides encapsulation and clamping of the bundle 426 of safety device elements 418, 420. In embodiments, the bundle can be held together within the enclosure by a matrix 432 formed of a polymer or epoxy or other potentially frangible curable material. In embodiments, the matrix 432 can be encapsulated or contained by the enclosure, or the exposed outer surface 433 can be of the exposed matrix material. In embodiments, the overlapping safety device elements 418, 420 can be secured by a potting material or other material. The enclosure 414 can be formed of a frangible polymer that can be broken into pieces 431 by a tensile force on the safety device elements 418, 420 that causes a delamination of the overlapping layers 434 of the bundle 426, deforming the shape of the bundle and causing the enclosure to fail, as best shown in Figure 6C In embodiments, the enclosure can include a powder material 440, such that when the enclosure can be broken, such as shown in Figure 6C , a powder smoke releaser 460 can be provided as a visual indicator of safety device portion activation. In embodiments, the disintegration of the matrix material upon safety device activation can release a cloud of particulates, providing a visual indication of safety device activation. Figure 6D illustrates the safety device elements 418, 420 separated. In embodiments, the safety device elements can be connected by a retention member 470 such as a low tensile strength tether. Similar to the embodiments of Figure 4A and Figure 4B , a flag 361 can be attached to the safety device elements and contained within the enclosure to be released upon safety device portion activation.

[0069] Referring to Figures 7A-7D Another safety device portion 500 and / or kinetic rescue system 502 can be illustrated in which the loops 508, 510 are alternatively part of the safety device portion 500 or displaced from the safety device portion on the end of the kinetic rope portion. The safety device elements 514, 516 overlap in a bundle 520 which can be contained in an expandable enclosure 530 formed of a sheet material such as a fabric, e.g., canvas, or a polymeric sheet material. The safety device elements extend out of end openings 536, 538 in the expandable enclosure 530. The expandable enclosure 530 can be configured as a bellows. In embodiments, the bundle is secured together by an adhesive such that upon sufficient tensile force on the safety device elements extending from the enclosure - the tensile force equal to the activation level of the safety device portion - the layers 540 of the bundle 520 peel apart providing a delay activation period which provides elongation of the safety device portion 500 and the expandable enclosure 530. In embodiments, the overlapping bundle can be secured with a clip such as illustrated with reference to Figures 4A-5 In embodiments, the ends 542, 546 of the safety device elements can have stoppers 548, 549 which are oversized to enclose the end openings 536, 538 such that the enclosure can remain with the safety device elements 514, 516 upon activation and activated elongation. After the maximum elongation of the safety device portion can be reached, as the rescue vehicle continues to move away from the stranded vehicle, one of the safety device elements 514, 516 can separate from the expandable enclosure 530 such as by tearing or otherwise breaking the enclosure 530.

[0070] Referring to Figures 8A-8C, depicting an embodiment of the safety device portion 600 or the kinetic rescue system 602 in which the safety device portion 600 has a single primary safety device element 610 that breaks into two primary safety device elements 612, 614 at the activation load level of the safety device portion. Supplementary coiled activation extension or secondary safety device element 640 connected to both safety device input leads 618, 620. The coil 644 and the primary safety device element 610 can be fixed within the enclosure 650 as indicated or can be fixed together with adhesive or polymer matrix or epoxy or with potting material. Unwinding of the secondary safety device element coil can be achieved at a significantly lower load level than the breakage of the primary safety device element. A feature and advantage can be that the secondary coiled safety device element provides a hold on the primary safety device element. The supplementary coiled activation extension extends the activation time of the safety device. The secondary safety device element can break the primary safety device element into two secondary safety device elements 672, 673 at a significantly lower load level or can have a tether 678 or connection that releases or breaks at a low stretch level. After full extension, the secondary safety device can in embodiments be directly coiled on the primary safety device element. In embodiments, the secondary safety device can be laid on the primary safety device element in an overlapping manner, similar to the embodiment of Figures 6A-7D . In embodiments, the secondary fuse overlap layer can be clamped to the primary safety device element or contained in for example a heat shrinkable tube. In embodiments, the length of the secondary safety device element will be at least long enough to compensate for the elongation of the kinetic cord portion connected to the safety device portion at the activation load level of the primary safety device element of the safety device portion. With specific reference to Figure 8B , in embodiments, the coil winding can be directly wrapped around the one or more primary safety device elements 610 or can be wound with a gap provided between the coil and the one or more primary safety device elements. In the gap, for example, a visual indicator device 686 of safety device activation can be provided. In embodiments, the visual indicator device can for example be a flag or a powder package to be released.

[0071] With reference to Figures 9A-9F, showing the buckle portion 700 of the kinetic rescue system. The buckle portion can include a primary base strap portion 712 connected to a first loop 714 and opposed to a secondary strap portion 720 having a second loop 722. A buckle portion 730 is positioned intermediate the primary base strap portion and the secondary strap portion. The buckle portion 730 includes two buckle strap elements 726, 728 connected to the primary base strap and two mating engaged buckle strap elements 726, 728 connected to the secondary strap portion. The buckle strap element 726 can be stitched to the buckle portion 730 and the buckle strap element 728 can be stitched to the buckle portion 732. The mating strap elements are stitched together, defining a pair of separable buckle wings 734, 735 as Figure 9C illustrated in the configuration of Figure 9B . The pair of separable buckle wings 734, 735 can be secured together with the primary base strap portion by a sleeve, housing or enclosure 744 as illustrated in Figure 9D . In embodiments, the two buckle strap elements 726, 728 can be held together by a stitch 754. The sleeve, housing or enclosure 744 can be, for example, a fabric, a polymer coating, a stretchable material, an elastomeric material or other sheet material. Figure 10 depicts the activated buckle portion 700 with the stitched together buckle elements partially separated at separation portions 760, 762. The stitching provides a time delay release consistent with the curve C3 of Figure 9E depicts the buckle strap elements 726, 728, including the buckle portions 730, 732, after full release and separation following activation. Figure 9F depicts an embodiment in which the two buckle strap elements are connected after full release and separation has not occurred. A weakened portion intermediate the two buckle strap portions can provide another release point 780 at a substantially reduced tensile strength. In embodiments, a visual indicator device of the activation of the buckle can be provided outside the separation of the mating strap elements. For example, a colored such as a fluorescent color can be provided on the interior surface of the separation portions 762, 764 of the strap elements.

[0072] Referring to Figure 12The dynamic rescue system kit 800 can be packaged as a retail component 802, which includes a dynamic rescue rope 810, a pair of dynamic safety device portions 812, 814, multiple soft hooks 816, instructions for use 820, a storage bag 824, and a package 830. In some embodiments, the dynamic rescue system kit 800 may include instructions for use. The instructions are provided on a tangible, non-transitory medium and may be physically included in the kit 800, such as on a printed document, optical disc, or flash drive. Non-limiting examples of tangible, non-transitory media include paper documents and computer-readable media, including optical discs and magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard drives, flash drives, cartridge drives, floppy drives). The computer-readable medium may be local or accessible via the Internet. The instructions may be completed on a single medium or separated between two or more media. For example, some instructions may be written on a paper document instructing the user to access one or more steps of the method via the Internet, with the Internet-accessible steps stored on the computer-readable medium or media. The instructions may use text, photographs, videos, or a combination thereof to instruct and guide users on the techniques and methods for protecting the off-road vehicles depicted or described herein. The instructions may be in the form of written text, graphics, photographs, video demonstrations, or a combination thereof to instruct and guide users.

[0073] Extending this to include alternative safety devices that allow the rope to partially release stored energy without recoil or complete separation is not beyond the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the dynamic traction rope may have a safety device section configured to release and elongate at a predetermined threshold, thereby allowing the rope to release stored energy before breakage.

[0074] Each of the accompanying drawings and methods disclosed herein can be used alone or in combination with other features and methods to provide an improved apparatus and a method for manufacturing and using the improved apparatus. Therefore, the combination of features and methods disclosed herein may not be necessary to practice this disclosure in its broadest sense, but is disclosed only to specifically describe representative and preferred embodiments.

[0075] Various modifications to the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various features described for different embodiments can be appropriately combined, not combined, and recombine with other features, either individually or in different combinations. Similarly, the various features described above should be considered as exemplary embodiments and not as limitations on the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

[0076] While the disclosure has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as are permitted under the law. Furthermore, it should be understood that while the use of the word preferable, preferably, or preferred in the description above indicates that one feature is, for example, more desirable than another feature, this description is not intended to be limiting. Any implementation having any of the features, whether or not the feature is described in the above description, is within the scope of the disclosure. In reading claims, it is intended that when used in the claims, the word comprising or any variation thereof be open-ended terminology that, without limitation, means any of the features can be present, but not necessarily, and the use of such open ended terminology is not intended to exclude any such features from the claims. Additionally, the use of terms such as first, second, and the like does not imply any importance or any temporal sequence among the elements. Moreover, individual features of the disclosed embodiments can be any one of the individual features disclosed.

Claims

1. A kinetic rescue system for rescuing a stranded off-road vehicle, the kinetic rescue system connectable to the stranded off-road vehicle and a rescue vehicle, the kinetic rescue system comprising: a first kinetic rope portion having a working load corresponding to an elongation of about 10% to about 20% of an unloaded kinetic rope portion, the first kinetic rope portion having a breaking load limit at an elongation in the range of about 25% to about 35%; a safety device portion having an unactivated length and a fully activated connection length, the safety device portion having an activation load limit that is less than the breaking load limit of the first kinetic rope portion.

2. The kinetic rescue system of claim 1, wherein, The difference between the fully activated connection length of the safety device portion and the unactivated length of the safety device portion is equal to or greater than the elongation of the first kinetic rope portion at the activation load limit.

3. The kinetic rescue system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The safety device portion has an elongate safety device rope or strap formed in an arrangement that is arranged in an overlapping or bundled arrangement, wherein the arrangement is secured together.

4. The kinetic rescue system of claim 3, wherein, The arrangement is secured together using one or more of the following: one or more clamps, adhesive, potting material, sleeves, tubes, heat shrink tubes, stitching, and a coiled or wound rope.

5. The kinetic rescue system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The elongate safety device rope or strap comprises two pieces.

6. The kinetic rescue system of claim 5, wherein, The two pieces of the elongate safety device rope are inhibited from separating when the safety device is activated.

7. The kinetic rescue system of claim 6, wherein, The two pieces of the elongate safety device rope or strap are tethered together at their respective ends.

8. The kinetic rescue system of claim 5, wherein, The elongate safety device rope or strap comprises a safety device rope and the safety device rope is formed from a similar material to the first kinetic rope portion.

9. The kinetic rescue system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The safety device portion transitions directly to a fully activated length when the safety device portion is activated.

10. The kinetic rescue system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The safety device portion transitions to an intermediate length that is less than a fully activated length when the safety device portion is activated.

11. The kinetic rescue system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The safety device portion transitions to an intermediate length that is less than a fully activated length when the safety device portion is activated.

12. The kinetic rescue system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, There is a time-delayed activation that allows the safety device portion to be elongated under control after the safety device portion is activated.

13. The kinetic rescue system of claim 12, wherein, The time-delayed activation is provided by at least one of the following: Shearing sliding of a pair of safety device elements; Unwinding of a safety device element from a coil; Peeling of a safety device element from a layered bundle of safety device elements; Separating a pair of mating safety device elements by breaking a stitch; Pulling a safety device element from the bundle of safety device elements; and Sliding a safety device element through a clamp.

14. The kinetic rescue system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, An end of the kinetic rescue system is configured as a loop.

15. The kinetic rescue system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The safety device portion includes a visual indicator when the safety device portion is activated.

16. The kinetic rescue system of claim 15, wherein, The visual indicator is a flag that is deployed when the safety device portion is activated.

17. The kinetic rescue system of claim 15, wherein, The visual indicator is a powder that is released when the safety device portion is activated.

18. The kinetic rescue system according to claims 1 to 17, wherein, The fuse portion further includes an extendable enclosure having a fuse element opening sized to retain an end of a fuse element within the extendable enclosure.

19. The kinetic rescue system of any of claims 1-18, further comprising a second kinetic rope portion similar in configuration to the first kinetic rope portion.

20. The kinetic rescue system according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein, The first kinetic rope portion is formed of braided nylon and has a diameter of 1 / 2 inch or less.

21. A fuse portion for attachment to a kinetic rescue rope, the fuse portion comprising: elongate fuse elements arranged in an overlapping or bundled arrangement, wherein the elongate fuse elements are secured together by a clamp, adhesive, potting, or enclosure.

22. The fender portion of claim 21, wherein, The fuse portion has two elongate fuse elements arranged in an overlapping arrangement.

23. The fender portion of claim 22, wherein, The elongate fuse elements are separate pieces joined by a clamp, adhesive, potting, or enclosure.

24. The fender portion of claim 22, wherein, The elongate fuse elements are separate pieces with their ends tethered together.

25. The fender portion of any one of claims 22-24, wherein, The elongate fuse elements are inhibited from separating when the fuse portion is activated.

26. The fender portion of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein, The fuse portion has an unactivated length and an activated connected length, and the activated connected length is at least twice the unactivated length.

27. The fender portion of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein, The fuse portion transitions to an intermediate length that is less than a fully activated length when the fuse portion is activated.

28. The fender portion of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein, The fuse portion has a time-delayed activation that allows for controlled elongation of the fuse portion after activation of the fuse portion.

29. The fender portion of Claim 28, wherein, The time-delayed activation is provided by at least one of: shear-sliding a pair of fuse elements; uncoiling a fuse element; peeling a fuse element from a layered bundle of fuse elements; separating a pair of mated fuse elements by un-stitching; pulling a fuse element from the bundle of fuse elements; and sliding a fuse element through a clamp.

30. The fender portion of any one of claims 21 to 29, wherein, The fuse portion includes a visual indicator when the fuse portion is activated.

31. The fender portion of Claim 30, wherein, The visual indicator is a flag that deploys when the fuse portion is activated.

32. The fender portion of Claim 30, wherein, The visual indicator is a powder that is released when the fuse portion is activated.

33. The fender portion of any one of claims 21 to 32, wherein, The fuse portion further includes an extendable enclosure.

34. The fender portion of Claim 33, wherein, The extendable enclosure has a fuse element opening sized to retain an end of a fuse element within the extendable enclosure after activation.

35. A method of protecting an off-road vehicle involved in a rescue operation, wherein, A first off-road vehicle is in a stuck position, and a second off-road vehicle is used to pull the first off-road vehicle from the stuck position with a kinetic rescue rope, the method comprising: evaluating a first off-road vehicle frame load limit at a rescue attachment point of the first off-road vehicle and the second off-road vehicle; and selecting a fuse portion of the kinetic rescue rope, the fuse portion having an activation load limit that is lower than the vehicle frame load limit at the rescue attachment point.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising selecting the safety device portion to be at least 30% less than at least one of the first off-road vehicle frame load limit or the second off-road vehicle frame load limit at the rescue attachment point.

37. The method of claim 35, further comprising evaluating the first off-road vehicle frame load limit at the rescue attachment point to be less than 3 times the weight of the first off-road vehicle when the first off-road is in an unloaded configuration.

38. The method of claim 35, further comprising selecting a size of the kinetic rope portion to have a tensile strength that is at least three times the weight of at least one of the first off-road vehicle or the second off-road vehicle.

39. A kinetic rescue system comprising a kinetic rope portion formed from a braided nylon rescue rope portion connected to a portion of a safety device, wherein, the safety device portion has a pair of overlapping safety device elements that experience a shear load under a tensile load, and wherein the safety device portion has an activation load level associated with shear slippage of the overlapping safety device elements relative to each other.

40. The kinetic rescue system of claim 39, wherein, the overlapping safety device elements are clamped together.

41. The kinetic rescue system according to claim 39 or 40, wherein, the overlapping safety device elements are clamped by a plurality of toroids.

42. The kinetic rescue system according to any one of claims 39 to 41, wherein, the kinetic rescue system is free of metal.

43. The kinetic rescue system of any one of claims 39 to 42, the kinetic rescue system being configured as a retail kit, and further comprising a storage bag and instructions for use.

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