Abstract: A snowshoe (10) which provides improved sideslip protection, forward tracking guidance and overall stability is provided. The snowshoe (10) includes a convex flotation plate (12), side bars (14 and 16), a crampon (18) and a binding (20). The side bars (14 and 16) provide sideslip protection and rigidity which makes it possible to construct the flotation plate (12) from lightweight semi-rigid or somewhat flexible material. Channels (34, 36 and 38) are formed in a rear portion (40) of snowshoe (10) which, together with the convex flotation plate (12) and side bars (14 and 16), enhance forward tracking guidance as well as provide additional rigidity to the somewhat flexible flotation plate (12). The binding (20) includes straps (90, 92 and 94) and a one piece fabric foot wrap (96).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lowering a plurality of evacuees in a single descent using a movable rope system is provided. An anchor is equipped with expansion means for wedging the anchor between a floor and ceiling. An arm extends outward from the anchor and is supported by a leg extending to the floor. The leg is braced to the expandable floor-to-ceiling member to resist tilting of the anchor. A friction drum is provided to control the descent of evacuees and also to provide for braking of the rope in order to attach harnesses for use by evacuees. A first evacuee is attached to an end of the rope and lowered a distance whereupon the rope is braked. A second evacuee is then attached and lowered and the rope is again braked. In this manner, a plurality of evacuees are attached to the first end of the rope which is then lowered to the destination point.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved apparatus for one person to use in effecting an escape from a tall building or the like under emergency conditions, such apparatus including a novel load-lowering device in the form of a small cylindrical drum having generally teardrop-shaped apertured endplates on both ends thereof and an eye projecting therebeneath for attachment of a load-carrying sling. The elongate portions of the teardrop-shaped endplates are vertically aligned and project beyond the surface of the drum, such projections containing the apertures. A rope is threaded onto the load-lowering device by first being passed up and in through the aperture in the lower endplate, then wrapped three or four turns around the drum before finally being passed up and out through the aperture in the upper one or vice versa.

Abstract: This invention relates to a multiperson emergency evacuation system characterized by a first rope used for the initial descent down the outside of the building, a combination anchoring and descent control fixture mountable adjacent the escape opening used to both anchor the upper end of a ground or rooftop-anchored fixed rope and for belaying with a second rope the personnel riding the fixed rope down by means of a friction drum mounted thereon, a body harness and a special connection for detachably fastening each individual escapee at spaced points intermediate the ends of the movable belay rope. The invention also encompasses the novel method of evacuating more than one person from the upper floors of a multistory building which comprises first erecting a fixture adjacent the escape opening having a drum-type friction belay feature, and then, assuming no one is on the ground to catch and anchor the fixed rope, sending one or more persons down to receive and anchor it while belaying them from above.

Abstract: This invention relates to a stationary drum friction-type descent control device for use with a rope and a load-supporting harness characterized by a dogleg arm hanging from one end of a cylindrical friction drum in acute angular relation to its axis cooperating therewith to leave the other end open so that turns of an unloaded medial section of a rope can be added or subtracted therefrom while under load without having to unthread and subsequently rethread the free end of the rope hanging therebeneath or even access the latter. The free end of the drum carries an upstanding post to keep the rope wound around the drum from coming off when slack and to permit the system to be tied off during the descent. A gate in an eye associated with the dogleg arm is either an integral part thereof or an attachment receives the unloaded portion of the rope and cooperates with the post to prevent the rope from uncoiling off the open drum end.

Abstract: A shock absorber has been provided for absorbing the kinetic energy of a falling body wherein a series of variable length shock absorbing straps made of undrawn nylon are attached to a longer back-up strap made of non-stretchable material and are folded back and forth upon themselves and contained within an abrasive resistant package. The energy absorbing straps can be treated with ethylene glycol to prevent freezing and can be covered with petroleum jelly to prevent both the escape and entry of moisture and to prevent the evaporation of the ethylene glycol. In addition, a plastic liner can be placed around the assembly and the covering for the assembly can be provided with a waterproof coating to further minimize the evaporation of moisture and ethylene glycol within the strap assembly and to prevent entry of additional moisture.