Abstract: A cargo barrier net (10) is preferably made of a high-strength, lightweight, low-elongation material such as a material sold under the trademark KEVLAR®, and includes straps (11, 13) intersecting at intersections (15) at varying angles. A stitching pattern (20) is applied at each intersection (15) which is configured so that it will not fail irrespective of the direction of the force applied to the intersection (15). A hook (16) is releasably attached to some of the ends of the straps (11, 13) to attach portions of the periphery of the net (10) to the aircraft. A bracket (17) is releasably attached to some of the ends of the straps (11, 13) to attach other portions of the periphery of the net (10) to the aircraft. At least some of the straps (11) are interrupted and a link (18) is provided to selectively join the interrupted ends of the straps (11). The net (10) may thus be quickly removed to load and unload the cargo by releasing the hooks (16) and operating the links (18) to interrupt the net (10).

Abstract: A cargo barrier net (10) for retaining cargo within an aircraft fuselage in the event of a hard landing, crash landing, or in-flight turbulence is provided having a net structure made from Kevlar.RTM. or other materials having a high strength-to-weight ratio and end loops (20) made from straps of nylon or other materials having the ability to elongate and distend under an applied load. The end loops (20) attach the net structure to the tie-down frame within the aircraft's cargo compartment and, in the event of a hard landing or in-flight turbulence, the end loops (20) function to absorb forces placed upon the cargo barrier net (10) by elongating and distending under the shifting load. The cargo barrier net (10) also provides the advantage of being light weight due to the ability to use light weight, high strength materials such as Kevlar.RTM.

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: Inflatable collars (32,34) are positioned on each side of a downed aircraft (10) and the collars (32,34) are connected by belly bands (80,100) to support the ends (18,20) of the aircraft (10). The bands (80,100) are positioned by positioning straps (90,90') which are attached to the aircraft (10) prior to inflation. The collars (32,34) are also attached to the aircraft (10) at intermediate locations (24,26). The collars (32,34) are divided into separate chambers (44,48,52,54,56,44',48',52',54',56') so that after inflation the different chambers of the collars (32,34) support the different parts (18,20,22) of the aircraft (10).