Abstract: A sailboat with a device for retrieving from the water a person who has fallen overboard. The device consists of a crane mounted on strong, cylindrically-shaped metal tubing fitted over the shroud of the mainmast of the sailboat. The metal tubing consists of an upper tube and a lower tube, the upper tube having a smaller diameter than the lower tube and fitting inside, and has bushings at the top and bottom and also at the point where the upper tube is inserted into the lower tube. The crane consists of a crane arm that can be moved angularly outward and is controlled by a line secured to the metal tubing. A block and tackle with a T-bar rescue device extends from the crane arm. The T-bar rescue device is lowered or raised by the use of the block and tackle device and a hoisting rope, which rope can be drawn manually or by the use of a winch attached to the main mast.

Abstract: A floatation device in the shape of a throwable airfoil, similar to the shape of a FRISBEE.RTM. brand toy, which can also be used as a cushion to sit upon. The device is comprised of a supporting structure which attaches to a bottom surface of a floatation structure. The supporting structure is preferably constructed of semi-rigid material which functions to maintain the proper shape of the device and is provided with a handle which is gripped by a person in order to throw the device. The floatation structure is preferably constructed of a soft, resilient material, such as polyvinyl chloride foam. The device is optionally provided with straps, arm holes, and central openings for holding onto the device when in the water and, optionally, provided with a bumper ring and a retractable handle mechanism for cushioning the impact of the device.

Abstract: A self-propelled ice rescue device component, as well as the device itself. The component includes (a) a main support frame; (b) a motor attached to the main support frame; (c) a power source connected to the motor for driving the motor; (d) a control mechanism attached to either the power source or the motor or both; (e) a flexible cord member having a first end and a second end, the first end being attached at least to the control mechanism said second end being remotely located from the main support frame so as to be freely useable by an operator; (f) a plurality of rotator members driveably connected to the motor; and, (g) a connector on the main support frame for attaching the self-propelled ice rescue device component to a floatable base platform. The device itself is one which encompasses the aforesaid component with a floatable base platform removably or permanently attached thereto. In one preferred embodiment the floatable base platform is a ladder with floatation devices thereon.

Abstract: A rescue raft that includes a buoyant, elongated floor and a pair of parallel air chambers or pontoons on each side thereof is disclosed. Together, the floor and the parallel flotation members possess sufficient buoyancy to prevent the raft and a victim thereon from sinking. The raft also includes series of graspable members, extending across the floor and distributed sequentially along its longitudinal extent, that facilitate a victim's entry onto the raft and, when oriented vertically, form a ladder that assists entry onto a rescue boat. In a first embodiment, the graspable members are a series of cut-out windows through the raft floor. In a second embodiment, similar windows are formed by transverse inflatable rungs secured to the parallel air chambers. In a third embodiment, the windows are replaced with buoyant segments or cushions that project from the floor.

Abstract: A life preserver child bed flotation assembly includes a base having an annular framework encompassing an open central region defined through the base and an annular flotation collar attached to the framework for providing flotation capability to the base, a shell-shaped seat for reclining a child being supported on the base by the annular framework thereof and substantially over the open central region therehrough, and and a life preserver vest for releasably securing the child within the seat. The seat has front, rear and side walls connected together at their respective opposite ends and a bottom wall connected with lower edges of the front, rear and side walls. The bottom wall has forward and rearward reversely inclined portions connected together to permit the reclining of the child within the seat. The front, rear and side walls have inner and outer portions spaced apart so as to define an internal cavity therebetween being filled with a foam-like material for providing flotation capability to the seat.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining and broadcasting the approximate location of a person or other object that has fallen overboard from a boat or other structure into a body of water. The apparatus includes a floatable object that is thrown into the water near the overboard person/object to broadcast the location of the object and the nearby overboard person. The floatable object includes: an activatable Satellite Positioning System (SPS) receiver/processor and antenna to receive SPS signals from two or more SPS satellites; an activatable location transmitter and transmitter interface to receive the SPS-determined location information from the SPS receiver/processor; a power supply to supply power to the SPS receiver/processor and the location transmitter; and activation means to activate the SPS receiver/processor and location transmitter.

Abstract: A lifesaving device is formed of a plurality of gas charge devices, a plurality of cylindrical bodies each of which has one end connected to one of said gas charge devices corresponding thereto and the other end which is closed, each of said cylindrical body having an outer configuration of generally flat plate in deflated condition, and a cylindrical body holding member for holding said cylindrical bodies in the deflated condition to be folded therein or wound-up thereon, wherein said cylindrical bodies are inflated and deployed simultaneously in response to operation of the respective gas charge devices to the extent that a predetermined buoyancy force is obtained.

Abstract: A rescue device for rapidly moving water, including a net and a suspension mechanism to hold the net in a substantially vertical position in the water such that a victim being carried by the rapidly moving water may grasp or become entangled in the net. Preferably, the suspension mechanism includes weights attached to a lower portion of the net, as well as a horizontal support member disposed above the water to which the net is attached, with the support member being suspended between a support mechanism on opposite sides of the water. The horizontal support member is hollow and is disposed on a first rope extending between upper ends of vertical support posts. The first rope passes through swivels disposed in the upper ends of the vertical support posts and is attached to a ground attachment mechanism disposed at angles from the vertical support posts. Furthermore, there is a drawing mechanism to pull the substantially vertical net to a selected side of the water.

Abstract: A patrol or rescue boat that is formed with a catamaran hull so as to provide a generally open deck area that extends through the rear of the transom for facilitating the transfer of injured persons onto the deck area from the body of water. In addition, a removable front deck is also provided. The rear deck has a pivotal portion so as to facilitate transfer of injured persons onto the deck and then to form an enclosure so that heated water can be flooded into the deck from the cooling jacket of the engine so as to heat an injured person.

Abstract: A safety device is disclosed which is worn by a person but does not interfere with movement of the limbs, and is provided with handles that may be grasped to assist in carrying, stabilizing or moving the person. A girdle-like device of cloth construction is worn about the waist and is formed by a flexible panel having a T-shaped configuration before application to the wearer. This configuration presents a pair of opposed arms which are brought about the waist and secured to form a band, and a single connecting element that extends front to rear under the crotch and is joined to the band.

Abstract: A water rescue sled for towing an incapacitated victim behind a personal watercraft has a buoyant body configured to support a recumbent victim thereupon. A coupling attaches the buoyant body to the personal watercraft in a manner providing at least two degrees of freedom so as to minimize stresses to both the personal watercraft and the water rescue sled during use thereof. The water rescue sled preferably further comprises a plurality of ties for facilitating securing of a victim disposed upon the buoyant body thereto. Ropes, straps, webbing, etc. may be attached to the ties and placed over the victim so as to maintain the victim safely upon the upper surface of the buoyant body. The ties are preferably configured as handles so as to facilitate carrying of the water rescue sled and victim. Thus, the water rescue sled of the present invention may optionally function as a backboard for maintaining the spine in a straight and immobile configuration during transport.

Abstract: A cape structure in combination with a life jacket is arranged for enhanced visibility of an individual wearing the life jacket, with the cape including buoyancy components and formed of opaque readily visible material. The cape is normally arranged in a furled configuration relative to the life jacket structure at the collar portion of the life jacket.

Abstract: An extendable, personal dive flag including a plurality of tubular segments, the tubular segments being adapted to be matingly engaged with one another and being interchangeably positionable between an extended, interlocking position so as to form a substantially elongate, easily carryable shaft, and a collapsed, compact position so as to form a substantially small, lightweight, and easily portable bundle. A distal segment of the flag including a warning flag fixedly secured thereto such that the personal dive flag can be extended through the water's surface to signal a diver is approaching before the diver actually arrives at the surface. The personal dive flag is structured to automatically extend from its collapsed, compact position to its extended, interlocking position without requiring extensive manipulation by the diver.

Abstract: A rescue system and method includes a net which is mounted on a bridge or overpass so that it generally hangs therefrom. Attachment ropes are secured to the upper edge portion of the net and to a suitable vehicle on the bridge or overpass. The net has lateral border straps which are preferably channeled so that a cable can movably pass therethrough. The lower edge portion of the net has a pair of hooks secured thereto to which a ballast weight is attached. The hooks have a quick release mechanism allowing the ballast to be released from the net when an imperiled person is in a rescue position adjacent the net. A pair of lifting ropes are connected to lower corners of the net which allow the bottom of the net to be pulled up and thereby enclose the individual therein and also allow the individual to be lifted out of the body of water.

Abstract: A rescue ramp (10) for use by a watercraft (11) includes a laterally extending first inflatable tube member (14) attachable to the watercraft (11). Second spaced inflatable tube members (15) are connected at one end to and extend longitudinally from the ends of the first tube member (14). A third inflatable tube member (16) is connected between the second tube members (15) near the other end thereof and is adapted to be positioned in the water. A ramp (17) is connected to the first and second tube members (14, 15) so that when the rescue ramp (10) is inflated and attached to the watercraft (11), a person may traverse from the water to the watercraft (11) or from the watercraft (11) to the water. The first tube member (14) is attached to the watercraft (11) by means of a girt bar (23) releasably mounted on the watercraft (11). The girt bar (23) is connected to a first flap (26) which is detachably connected to a second flap (20) attached to the first tube member (14).

Abstract: An inflatable cushion including a watertight container adapted thereto, the container being provided with an eye for threading a carrying strap therethrough. The container includes an upper and a lower hollow part, each of which is open at the front face, and an intermediate piece whereby the container is provided with separated upper and lower cavities. The upper and lower parts are attachable directly to one another without said intermediate piece to form a cavity of about double size. The cushion is adjusted in its dimensions to the container so that it will fit into one of the separated cavities only when in a non-inflated condition. The watertightness of each one of the cavities is maintained when the other part (forming the respective other cavity) is separated from the intermediate piece.

Abstract: A survival container kit adapted for deployment in water to hold items for human survival and provide buoyant support, has strap means extending from end portions for engagement about a person, and a tubular container having an access opening intermediate its ends for access to items therein such as food, water, radio, flashlight, flares, etc.

Abstract: An emergency position indicating radio beacon ("EPIRB") includes a watertight housing with an ON-OFF switch on the outside of the housing which does not require holes through the housing wall. A floatation collar on the housing maintains the EPIRB in an upright position in the water and provides a storage cavity for a lanyard. Conductive grids on the interior of the housing either shield the EPIRB electronics from antenna radiation and form the lower half of the antenna, or couple the antenna to the water which acts as a ground plane, depending on whether the EPIRB is floating in the water or is surrounded by air.

Abstract: A personnel transfer apparatus is provided herein. It includes a rigid but open personnel transfer chamber provided with a buoyant support for persons in water and is suitable for personnel transfer or for personnel evacuation and rescue. The apparatus includes a deck, a buoyant, shock-absorbing base supporting the deck, and a plurality of padded peripheral posts upstanding from the deck. These posts are used for lifting purposes. One of the posts is a central floatation, padded post. Such post is not to be used for lifting purposes. The posts provide a cage for surrounding personnel on the deck. The deck and the shock-absorbing base have sufficient buoyancy to support the whole chamber and deck in the water with the deck disposed slightly below the water level.

Abstract: A marine life net used for rescuing the victim of a marine accident. The marine rescue life net includes a network structure composed of vertical ropes and transverse ropes knitted across each other, a plurality of marginal buoys attached to opposite marginal ends of the network structure, upper and lower elongate members, a suspending structure serving to suspend the network structure, and a plurality of central vertical buoys, each attached to a vertical central line of the network structure.

Abstract: Pulsed ultrasonic apparatus for monitoring a swimming pool includes a transmitter housing securable to a child and provides a swept frequency pulsed output from a transducer within the housing when an electrical circuit is completed by having a pair of tabs on the outside of the housing immersed in water. The output from the transducer is detected by a receiving hydrophone and the hydrophone is connected to receiver circuitry which provides an appropriate alarm signal.

Abstract: A shipboard container for storing survival equipment at an above-deck location on seagoing vessel is provided, the container being of an elongated tube shape having an end cap at either end thereof, at least one of which is detachable or removable to allow access to the interior storage area of the container, the tube also having one or more flat panels to assist in stable storage against flat surfaces. The container is provided with a polypropylene rope tether secured to the detachable end cap, the tether being used to secure the container to the deck by wrapping the tether around the container and a handrail or other deck hardware, whereby the container may be readily and rapidly unleashed and taken overboard during an emergency situation. Reflective material and identifying indicia are also provided on an exterior surface of the container.

Abstract: A self elevating signalling device for water skiers makes them more visible if and when they fall off their skies into the water. The device comprises an enlarged visual luminescent marker comprising an outer guide tube and a buoyant tube freely mounted inside the guide tube secured to a flotation jacket and positioned in a vertical position when the fallen skier is in the water. The guide tube has an opening formed therein below the surface of the water permitting the guide tube to fill with water causing the buoyant tube to rise inside the guide tube. The length of the buoyant tube is such that the water inside the guide tube lifts the buoyant tube above the head of the person wearing the flotation jacket enabling rescuers to locate him.

Abstract: This assenbly (11) is an independent stabilizing/ballast weight frame (24) for under water scuba equipment. Frame (24) straps onto the external surface of any conventional scuba diving tank (22). Stabilizing legs (30L and 30R) provide a three point triangular support system to hold) the scuba tank (22) upright in a stable position with a lowered center of gravity. This aids the diver while he is getting into the equipment. Two separate and independent ballast weight modules (26L and 26R) attach to the frame (24). The weight ballast modules (26L and 26R) can be released by two separate and independent mechanisms. The weight frame (24) positions the ballast modules (26L and 26R) on either side and out in front of the divers waist to counterbalance the weight of the scuba diving tank (22), provide a low center of gravity and provide keel ballast in the horizontal swimming position. A waist belt (34) and frame (24) secures around the divers waist.

Abstract: The invention provides an inflatable rescue ramp having a pair of spaced inflatable tubes which join at one end to define a bow. A flexible web is mounted between and connects to the tubes at outside seams. That is, the web passes under each tube and is attached thereto on outside longitudinal seams, such that downward pressure on the web or ramp floor will cause adjacent portions of the tubes to axially rotate outwardly from each other to provide and enhance passageway on the web between the tubes. The rescue ramp is carried to the scene in a folded and compact state, with the above tubes being connected to a compressed air source. The rescue ramp is positioned on or near a firm surface and pointed toward a victim on an unfirm surface e.g. in an icy pond and the tubes inflated causing the ramp to pop or snake out of its packed condition and extend toward the victim with anchor lines from the tubes trailing.

Abstract: A flotation device for use by swimmers and which is to be positioned over a user's upper arm in encircling relation therewith, includes at least one extension that extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the flotation device, and which can be grasped by a supervisor in the event of an emergency.

Abstract: The sailboat control device disclosed herein comprises one actuated by the pulling of a pin positioned therein, whose removal therefrom permits a spring controlled switch to be closed so that the position of the boat rudder is determined by the maneuvering of a wind vane on the boat. A line connected at one end to said pin and at the other end to the sailor on board causes the pin to be pulled or removed from the said device if and when the sailor should fall overboard. Movement of the wind vane and accompanying rotation of the vertical shaft to which it is attached effects movement of the rudder to make the boat travel in a direction not too far from where the sailor has fallen overboard.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus, for performing the method, for assisting in the rescue of persons from water which comprises the attachment of a highly visible and easily contacted means in cooperation with a life jacket or the like, which means can be safely snared by a hook or the like without danger to the person wearing the life jacket for purposes of retrieval to a boat or the like, together with cooperative handle means for pulling such person into a boat or the like and out of the water.

Abstract: A rescue lift is provided wherein a frame supporting a rescue net is pivotally attached to a work boat by means of a rotating drive shaft positioned on the boat. A float is provided on the end of the frame opposite the drive shaft to enable the bottom of the net to be submerged in the sea at all times. The frame is free to rotate about its pivotal attachment as the ship rolls and pitches, thereby providing a safe means to rescue an incapacitated person in rough sea conditions. The drive shaft rotates the rescue lift between a pick-up position in the sea and a discharge position extending upwardly above the work boat. The rescue lift can be positioned in a stowed position in order to fully utilize the deck space of the ship.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved emergency illuminated lifeline including a buoyant housing in which may be stored a length of line which may be payed out during an emergency. In the preferred embodiment, the housing also includes a battery powered light which may be activated by pulling on the end of the lifeline affixed in the housing. Two embodiments of actuation of the light through pulling of the line are disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable flotation assembly includes a compressed gas cylinder stored inside a split housing the parts of which are held together by a releasable pivot on one end and an interlocked pivoted arm at the other end which engages a flexible tab aligned against the gas cylinder. The arm overlies the housing to engage the releasable pivot and when unclasped from this engagement will rotate to pierce the cylinder by deflecting the tab. Thereafter the expansion of a flotation bladder separates the housing while the arm remains interlocked to the tab to control the rate of gas release into the bladder by the angular inertia of the arm around its pivot.

Abstract: Swing rope constructed of successive layers of polyurethane, fiberglass resin, polypropylene rope, a second fiberglass resin and an abrasive grit. The swing rope may be used to transport crew members of an offshore rig to or from a waiting boat. A second embodiment relates to a non-slip surface applied to a rescue sling.

Abstract: A rescue device for small boats includes a rescue basket of open lattice work having a bottom wall with a high side wall inboard and a raised edge outboard. Rollers mounted to the side wall engage guide rails extending downward along the hull of the boat. A winch and cable system raise the basket from a submerged position in which the victim can be easily maneuvered into the basket utilizing the buoyancy of the water, and a raised position in which upward travel of the rollers is limited by detents in the guide rails. Continued operation of the winch causes the basket to pivot around the rollers bringing side wall into a horizontal position generally level with the top edge of the boat. The victim is rolled onto the side wall where aid may be administered during transport to the land or the victim can be easily brought completely into the boat. In this pivoted position, the bottom wall of the basket is substantially vertical so that the victim can not roll overboard.

Abstract: A life jacket is provided with a pocket in which a length of line is retained. A suction cup device is attached to a free end of the line so that the user may attach the suction cup to a capsized boat or the like. A modified embodiment includes a plurality of the suction cups attached to a length of line which permits a user to form a set of hand holds or steps so that he can easily climb upon a capsized boat.

Abstract: An automatic rescue apparatus for deploying a flotation device. The unit can be mounted vertically on the rail of a vessel or horizontally on the deck. The rescue apparatus has a life ring, a launcher housing containing a radio receiver and a trigger device and incorporating a life ring launching arm, a housing containing a collapsed inflatable marker buoy and a CO.sub.2 inflation assembly, and a portable battery-powered transmitter worn by an individual on a vessel. Ejection and resulting inflation of the marker buoy as well as simultaneous deployment of the life ring are actuated by a radio signal received from the transmitter worn by the overboard person.

Abstract: A device for rescuing personnel from water comprising a crane positioned on a boat or other rescue structure and including a horizontally and vertically movable crane boom. An elongated member is vertically movable with respect to the crane boom, and a float is positioned beneath the elongated member for floating on the water. A net extends below the float, and means are provided for supporting the net from the elongated member.

Abstract: A child safety harness is provided having a waistband, a backpiece, a pair of shoulder straps and a tether. The shoulder straps are secured at one end to the waistband and at the opposite end to the backpiece. When fitting the safety harness on a child the waistband is extended around the waist so that its free ends are behind the child. The shoulder straps are pulled over the shoulders and downwardly across the back so that the back piece is in alignment with the waistband. The free ends of the waistband can then be releasably secured to the backpiece effectively securing the child safety harness on the child.

Abstract: The invention discloses a lifesaving and mooring device (8) having a resilient, floatable member (10), defining a pair of channels (12) therethrough, adapted for slidable receipt of an elongated member, such as a rope (14) through the channels. The rope slidably passes through the channels in a U-like configuration so as to form an adjustable slip-loop (18). At least one end of the rope has a diameter greater than that of the channels so as to prevent removal of the rope therefrom.

Abstract: A rescue net structure for rescuing persons from the sea or other bodies of water is disclosed. The structure has a net with mesh openings which are larger than thigh size but smaller than chest size. The net is attached to side ropes which are provided with floats and the side ropes at a forward end of the structure are extended to form pulling ropes. A sinker rope extends between the side ropes at the rear end of the structure. The sinker rope has the effect of submerging the rear end of the structure in the water, and pulling together rear end portions of the side ropes while their front ends remain open. Thus a partial enclosure is formed into which a person to be rescued can enter and be enmeshed in the net in an upright position.

Abstract: A life-saving basket and equipment handling device having a plurality of parallel horizontal frame elements connected to at least two U-shaped hoops arranged in planes perpendicular to the planes of the frame elements to form mesh sides of the basket, the bottom of the basket being provided with longitudinal elements forming supports. Each hoop is connected to each frame at each point of intersection by a separate connecting element. The free ends of each hoop and those of two handle elements of inverted U-form are joined by a top edge frame which includes two longitudinal members on which are engaged, spaced by distance pieces, the free ends of the hoops and the handle elements, and two transverse members connected to the ends of the longitudinal members.

Abstract: A safety capsule structure comprising semi-cylindrical half-sections provided with yieldable and buoyant lining secured on the inner periphery thereof, the half-sections being adapted for installation in a boat hull, or the like, for stabilization of the boat structure against capsizing and to provide a flotation force for the boat, the half-sections being further adapted to be secured together along a common longitudinal side edge to provide alternate open and closed positions with respect to a pair of the half-sections, the closed position of the half-sections providing a protective capsule for an occupant for protection of the occupant during hazardous ambient conditions, such as a tornado, or the like.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling navigation of a ship, particularly a small-sized ship in which the sole crew is on board, has a radio transmitter attached to the body of the crew, a radio receiver installed on board the ship so as to receive a signal transmitted by the radio transmitter, and a control command unit connected with the output side of the radio receiver so as to control the prime mover of the ship to thereby stop the ship when the crew fell overboard. The radio transmitter is adapted to transmit a radio signal while the crew is on board the ship and stop or attenuate the signal when the crew fell overboard, while the radio receiver is adapted to transmit an output signal to the control command unit when the generation of the signal by the transmitter is stopped or when the signal is attenuated.

Abstract: A rescue device for use with a helicopter comprises a floatation ring large enough to surround several standing persons and a rigid, non-buoyant open decking capable of supporting those persons. A collapsable netting surrounds the deck and connects the floatation ring thereto. The floatation ring has sufficient buoyancy to support the whole device when in the water with the deck suspended below the water level and with several persons standing on the deck and who are partially submerged. Supporting cables for use with a helicopter hoist are fixed both to the ring and to the deck so that when the device is lifted the ring is held a predetermined distance above the deck.

Abstract: An arrangement for picking up objects (17), or collecting oil whereby it is connected to a boom, from the sea comprises a basket or container (10) which is connected to a ship (12) and which is adapted to be conveyed between a work position partially submerged in the sea and a rest position on board the ship. The basket (10) is rigidly connected to a boom (11, 18) which is rotatable about its axis so that the basket in the work position is movable in a vertical plane substantially parallel to the vessel side (12) of the ship, and which is pivotable between the work position, where it projects outwards substantially horizontally from the side of the vessel (12), and the rest position. On collecting oil there is arranged between end walls (22a, 22b) of the container, a wall (24) regulatable upwards and downwards which is arranged with its upper edge in the oil/water boundary layer for separation of the oil.

Abstract: A method of rescuing a person who has fallen overboard from a boat, including the following steps. As a first step, promptly after the person has fallen overboard, stopping the boat and deploying into the water a flotation sling on a floating tether line secured to the boat. As a second step, maneuvering the boat in order to progressively circle the person in the water so that the tether line and then the flotation sling are in reach of or contact the person, whereupon the person can place the flotation sling under his arms, and does so. As a third step, essentially stopping the boat. As a fourth step, hauling in the tether line so that the person in the flotation sling is drawn alongside the boat. And, as a fifth step, hoisting the flotation sling and person supported therein out of the water and onboard the boat to complete the rescue.

Abstract: A man-overboard retrieval device comprises a rigid, tubular boom attachable at an inboard end to an anchorage on a boat and having at its other, outboard end a strap which forms a semi-rigid, self-supporting bight which can be placed around a man in the water. A draw-cord attached to a free end of the strap extends through the boom and emerges at the inboard end where it can be pulled to tighten the bight around the man before being fastened in a cleat. A hoist on the boat can be attached to a hoisting eye on the boom either at the inboard end or near the strap, as convenient, for hoisting the device and the rescued man onboard.

Abstract: A rescue device for assisting in removing a person from the water including an elongate rigid member 10 having a curved portion 14 adjacent one end 12 thereof. A flexible strap 20 is connected at the end 12 and to a slider 26 which is slidable along the portion 14. In the position illustrated the loop formed by the strap 20 and the portion 14 are passed over the person in the water and the device is then pulled towards the end 14, so that the slider moves along the portion 14, thereby reducing the circumference of the loop to the length of the strap. Continued movement will then retain the person and pull the person towards the operator.

Abstract: An apparatus for extricating an individual from a hazardous location or situation which includes a mechanism for selectively grappling various portions of the individual's body and a generally elongated frame having a substantially longitudinal extent which can be varied in length and which supports the body grappling mechanism. The elongated frame allows an individual to use the grappling mechanism to grapple a portion of the body of the individual who is in a jeopardized situation from a position of safety without jeopardizing both individuals. The body grappling mechanism includes a torso engaging mechanism and a limb engaging mechanism, both of which extend outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the frame of the apparatus. The torso engaging mechanism is contoured to define at least one torso receiving concavity having a lateral extent, with respect to the frame, which is selectively sized and configured to retainingly receive the torso of an average individual.

Abstract: A pyramid constructed of upstanding inflatable beam members extending from an inflatable base upwardly to an apex. The inflatable base carries an integral sea anchor depending therefrom, comprising an inflatable cross tube carrying a centrally depending inflatable anchor tube with an achor weight positioned in the lowermost end portion thereof. The sea anchor includes a plurality of flood ports positioned in lower flat panels of flexible sheet material extending between the base and the end of the anchor tube to form a pyramidal surface enclosing the vertical anchor tube and weight. Upper flat panels of flexible sheet material extend between the upstanding inflatable beam to form a pyramidal surface. The upper panels include an upper radar reflective panel portion, a lower colored panel portion, and a translucent panel portion positioned between the upper and lower panel portions. A solar still mechanism is positioned within the enclosure formed by the pyramidal surface.

Abstract: A pyramid constructed of upstanding inflatable beam members extending from an inflatable base upwardly to an apex. The inflatable base carries an integral sea anchor depending therefrom, comprising an inflatable cross tube carrying a depending inflatable anchor tube with an anchor weight positioned in the lowermost portion thereof. The sea anchor has a plurality of flood ports positioned in panels enclosing the vertical anchor tube and weight. Flat panels of flexible sheet material extend between the upstanding inflatable beams to form a pyramidal surface. The panels include an upper radar reflective panel portion, a lower colored panel portion, and a translucent panel portion positioned between the upper and lower panel portions. A solar still mechanism is positioned within the enclosure formed by the pyramidal surface. Pockets are provided for survival gear on the exterior of the pyramidal surface.