Abstract: The present invention includes an emergency egress system of a vehicle, including: a rope compartment, wherein the rope compartment is located on or near a vertical plane along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, within reach of one or more occupant seats; a rope, wherein at least a portion of the rope is stored within the rope compartment and is securely tethered to a portion of a structure of the vehicle; and a rope compartment cover to secure the rope in the rope compartment.

Abstract: Expandable heavy equipment 1, comprising a first frame element 5, a connector 11, at least one elongated pull element 14, and further frame elements 7. The pull element 14 is connected to the first frame element 5 with a first coupler 31 and to one 9 of the further frame elements 7 with a second coupler 35. The pull element 14 is in a folded state in a transport condition and in an extended state in a working condition. The pull element 14 comprises load bearing fibers/fibres 141 extending from the first coupler 31 to the second coupler 35. The pull element 14 comprises at least one flexible part 43 and at least two stiff parts 45. The flexible part 43 has a lower bending stiffness than the two stiff parts 45 and enables the pull element 14 to be arranged in the folded state.

Abstract: An industrial fabric/belt including spiral coils shaped as a symbol for infinity or a lemniscate, i.e., infinity elements, are joined to each other with a pintle. A fabric element is configured as a continuous loop to form an industrial fabric employing a plurality of infinity coil elements.

Abstract: A self-righting rapid escape anchor including a shank and an integral hook, together forming front and rear sides, right and left sides, a lower end having a rope hole for passing a safety rope, a body slot in the shank, a saddle slot in the hook, and a tip holder at the terminal end of the hook for removably attaching a hardened steel piercing tip. The weight distribution of the tip in relation to the shank and hook induces rotation about the longitudinal axis of the anchor to place the anchor in a point down orientation when it is pulled longitudinally by a rope attached to the rope hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to an offshore drilling or production vessel comprising a platform and a mooring system attached thereto, said mooring system comprising: i.) a support frame with a winch-drum mounted thereon; ii.) a mooring line for mooring said platform to the ocean floor, said mooring line comprising a first portion and a second portion; wherein said first portion is hauled on and paid off by said winch-drum; wherein said second portion is anchored to the ocean floor; characterized in that the mooring line is a single length mooring line comprising high strength polyolefin fibers; wherein the first portion of the mooring line has a first mass (M1) of polyolefin fibers per unit length and the second portion of the mooring line has a second mass (M2) of polyolefin fibers per unit length; wherein the ratio M1/M2 is greater than 1 and wherein said first portion extends continuously into said second portion through a tapered portion of the mooring line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a towing assembly that is used in towing operations to avoid damage or injury to persons when a soft tow apparatus, such as a tow strap, tow rope, or cable, fails during vehicle recovery operations. The assembly comprises: (a) a recovery strap that can be connected to a towing vehicle and a vehicle to be towed; (b) a diffuser strap that can be connected to a towing vehicle and a vehicle to be towed and (c) two or more sleeves disposed on the diffuser strap. The diffuser strap captures and dissipates the kinetic and potential energy that is released when the recovery strap breaks.

Abstract: A tactical vehicle incorporates a line deployment tower adapted for use by personnel transferring between an elevated location on the vehicle and a remote target location. The line deployment tower includes a base mounted to the vehicle at the elevated location. An elongated line boom has a proximal end attached to the base, and an opposite distal end. A flexible line is secured to the distal end of the line boom, and is adapted for extending downward from the elevated location when deployed.

Abstract: A portable belay anchor system is disclosed that provides a coupling location for safety rope attached to a climber, such as a roof inspector. The portable belay anchor system includes a base having a mast coupled thereto. The mast has a shaft portion and a flange portion. A plurality of removable weights are positioned on the shaft, coupled to the flange portion. The flange portion supports the weights so that the weight is carried by the shaft itself. A retaining member is coupled to the mast to hold the weights on the mast. A shackle is also coupled to the mast. A rope is coupled to the shackle to act a the belay rope which the user positions through a belay brake device.

Abstract: An ascender device for belaying on a fixed rope, comprising a body with a trough, and an actuating lever having a pivot, a cam for clamping the rope, and a hole for attaching a safety means. A connecting arm with a button-hole is articulated between the pivot and body to move the actuating lever between an inactive position facilitating insertion of the rope in the trough and an active position wherein the ends of the pivot are housed in aligned recesses acting as bearings. A double lock comprises a first lock and a second lock to secure the two opposite ends of the pivot in the recesses, each lock being associated with an unlocking tab for releasing same.

Abstract: A fire escape system includes at least one guide post and an escape platform slidably carried by the at least one guide post and comprising a platform plate; a pair of handlebars pivotally carried by the platform plate; a pair of guide rollers carried by the pair of handlebars, respectively, and adapted to detachably engage the at least one guide post; and a pair of brake assemblies carried by the escape platform and adapted to engage the at least one guide post.

Abstract: A portable step device includes a stirrup having a base section for placing a foot thereon, and an upper section connected to the base section and extending over the foot when placed on the base. A first adjustable line is connected to the stirrup for extending upwardly from the base section, and has attachment means for attaching the first line to an object above the stirrup. A second adjustable line is connected to the stirrup for extending substantially parallel from the base section, and has attachment means for attaching the second line to an object positioned substantially on a same horizontal plane as the stirrup. The portable step device can be used in the installation of tree steps on a tree stand.

Abstract: A search line rescue system for use by rescue personnel to facilitate a safe search and rescue mission through an area of low to zero visibility is disclosed. The search line rescue system comprises a search rope having a first end configured to be attachable to a fixed point at an entry point, a central portion with at least one distance marker and a second end. The system further comprises a search device handle with a leading end and a trailing end wherein the search device handle is slidably coupled to the search rope. The search device handle comprises a rigid body, an automatic lock mechanism coupled to the rigid body wherein the automatic lock mechanism comprises a manual lock mechanism release, and at least one tag line attachment anchor. At least one locking directional indicator is securely coupled to the search rope at a desired location, and is configured to releasably engage with the automatic lock search mechanism of the search device handle.

Abstract: A wearable lightweight fire fighter's personal escape system and method includes a rope, having a distal and proximal end, organized in parallel segments disposed in an inner pouch. The inner pouch is entirely contained in an outer pouch that is appointed to be removably attached to a belt or harness, worn by a fire fighter. The proximal end of the rope exits through an opening in the inner pouch and outer pouch and is attached directly to a lightweight hook, or optionally enters a belay device. The hook has a sharp point for creating a purchase point on soft surfaces, a hook opening having sufficient diameter to surround radiators, steam pipe and the like, and capture rope that surrounds substantial objects. The hook has a central opening appointed for holding a firefighting tool to aid in creating a substantial object. The fire fighter escapes by creating a purchase point and repelling at a high speed or at a controlled speed by adjusting belay friction.

Abstract: A tactical vehicle incorporates a line deployment tower adapted for use by personnel transferring between an elevated location on the vehicle and a remote target location. The line deployment tower includes a base mounted to the vehicle at the elevated location. An elongated line boom has a proximal end attached to the base, and an opposite distal end. A flexible line is secured to the distal end of the line boom, and is adapted for extending downward from the elevated location when deployed.

Abstract: A crew overboard self rescue device including a tether and an ascension device. The tether has attachment loops for the ascension device disposed along its length. The ascension device includes a flexible strap with attached footholds and an attachment to the tether. The tether is attached between a hard point on a watercraft and a harness worn by the crew. The ascension device is stowed in a container such as a fanny pack worn by the crew. In a crew overboard situation, the crew retrieves the ascension device from the container, attaches the ascension device to one of the attachment loops disposed on the tether, and using the footholds, climbs the ascension device while stabilizing his upper torso by grasping the tether.

Abstract: A descent controller for lowering a workman or other person along a vertically extending rope from an elevated position to a relatively lower position includes a friction device that may be in the form of a cylinder having a plurality of turns of rope wrapped therearound or a plurality of spaced apart horizontal bars with the rope woven between the bars. The friction device interacts with said rope to retard the movement of the controller along the rope. A lever operated pawl is mounted beneath the friction device and is used by the workman to applying an adjustable force on said rope in order to control his descent down the rope. A centrifugal brake is mounted below the lever centrifugal brake. The centrifugal brake includes a wheel mounted for rotation and has the rope passing around at least a portion of said wheel. Included within the brake is a pawl brake mounted for rotation with the wheel and a fixed stop member.

Abstract: A safety device for firefighters or rescue personnel including a container or bag 10 having a pack of safety line 12 therein formed from flat fabric webbing folded into a plurality of accordion folds or laps and deployed from a lower end of the bag 10. One embodiment (FIGS. 1-3) is hand carried, while another embodiment (FIGS. 4-5) is secured to the body of the firefighter.

Abstract: An accessory for a T-post, having a longitudinal axis, comprises: a first bar having a central portion and a longitudinal axis; a second bar having a central portion and a longitudinal axis; and a connecting mechanism for fixedly but removably connecting the first and second bars together in a secure and fixed relationship to the T-post. The central portions of the first and second bars are adapted to be received around the T-post such that the longitudinal axes of the bars are substantially parallel to one another but substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the T-post.

Abstract: A flexible ladder constructed of nylon webbing straps includes a central weight-bearing strap having terminal loops at both ends, and a plurality of opposed pairs of side loops for hand and foot placement. A second embodiment of the ladder has a primary weight-bearing strap with loops projecting from one side, this second embodiment being adapted to being folded in half for hoisting heavier loads.

Abstract: A rappel rope storage and deployment system includes a bag for storing a pel rope, the bag having a first opening for exposing a first end of the rope, a second opening for exposing a middle portion of the rope, and a third opening for exposing a second end of the rope. The system further includes a rappel rope disposed in the bag, the first end of the rope extending through the first opening and outwardly from the bag, the first end being enlarged to prevent passage of the first end through the first opening, the middle portion of the rope extending through the second opening for withdrawal of a double strand of the rope from the second opening, and the second end of the rope extending through the third opening for withdrawal of a single strand of the rope from the third opening. The system further includes straps and fasteners for releasably connecting the bag to a person.

Abstract: A folding ladder includes a vertical supporting strap formed from fabric material. The supporting strap has top and bottom ends. The top end of the strap has means, e.g., a fastener, rope or opening, for securing it to a fixed object for holding the ladder upright. At least one loop formed from strap material is provided below the top of the strap and is held in place by the supporting strap. The strap loop depends from the supporting strap and has two upper portions that are connected to each other at the top of the loop. The connected upper portions of the loop lie in lapped face-to-face relationship. Each such loop includes a downwardly depending, generally U-shaped intermediate bend between the connected portions. The U-shaped bend defines a step or hand grip with an opening above it to facilitate the entry of a hand or foot. In a preferred form of the invention, the strap material of each loop is provided with one or more half-twists.

Abstract: An access rope for an offshore production platform comprises an upper end attached to a chain fixed to the platform, a central stabilizing section providing a series of weights and a lower section providing hand holding implements. The weights are of different size and act so the rope swings less in response to the wind than conventional ropes. The hand holding implements include a loop in the rope which can be grasped by a user and a series of enlarged knots. The hand holding section of the main rope is helically wrapped with a smaller rope in which the adjacent wraps are spaced well apart.

Abstract: A fireproof water-coolable escape cable and method permits the quick evacuation of persons and objects from the upper floors of a building or other structure in the event a fire or other emergency blocks or otherwise makes unavailable the normal routes of egress from the structure. The cable has an elongated hollow tubular core with a plurality of perforations therethrough and has a plurality of cables wrapped around the core. The perforations permit water or other fluids to be conducted to the surface of the cable for dissipating the heat applied thereto.

Abstract: An improved side step for motor vehicles designed to mount to tubular side bars. The step includes a mounting insert for placement within the tubular side bars and having structure for attaching the step thereto. The mounting insert fits within an elongated aperture in the tubular side bar, the aperture having a width smaller than the width of the insert. The insert includes a plurality of apertures within which locking members extending downward from the step are secured. The step also includes a pair of end tabs for securing the longitudinal ends of the step under the edge of the aperture in the tubular side bar. The step is provided with a preferred grid of ribs and channels to reduce the amount of material required while providing adequate strength for the step. In one embodiment, the step curves partly around a bend in the tubular side bar.

Abstract: An anchor system and method of use for securement to a fixed anchor point at an elevated position on a structure. The system comprises a rope arranged to be extended between the elevated position and a lower position, and slidable connection device. The connection device is arranged to be releasably secured to the fixed anchor point and comprises a flexible tubular member woven of strands of fibers. The tubular member has a pair of ends, each of which includes an extension projecting therefrom. Each extension is bent back over itself and inserted into the tubular member to form a loop. A connector is mounted on one of the loops and is arranged to be releasably secured to the fixed anchor. The rope extends through the tubular member, with the tubular member having a sufficiently large internal diameter that the rope may slide therethrough.

Abstract: An emergency escape device for hazardous elevated structures such as offshore oil and gas drilling rigs and production platforms and the like. This device comprises a platform with an overhead support and a centrally located opening. A line is attached to the overhead support an hangs vertically through the opening. Persons may escape peril on an elevated structure by sliding down the line to safety. When not in use the line is compactly stored within the opening.

Abstract: A window escape comprises a sturdy housing secured to a building wall above a window or the like. The housing has an open bottom and a rotatable sleeve supported between two side walls. A cover is removably retained over the front of the housing. A long rope is tied at one end to the sleeve and at the other end to the cover. Normally the rope is wound around the sleeve and is hidden from view by the cover. In an emergency, a person removes the cover from the housing and throws the cover out the open window. The falling cover unwinds the rope from the sleeve. After the rope is unwound, the person can easily grasp it and descend to safety.

Abstract: An emergency escape device in the form of a flexible strap- or rope-like support attached to an enclosure installed on an inside building wall beneath a window is disclosed. When the device is not in use, the flexible support is housed within the enclosure, which is designed to blend aesthetically with the decor of the window and the inside building wall. When in use, the flexible support is designed to extend from the interior of the enclosure, over the windowsill, and down the outside building wall. The proximal end of the flexible support is composed of fireproof steel cable or chain of sufficient length to extend from its point of attachment within the enclosure to the outside building wall. The flexible support may be provided with gripping areas and/or an adjustable harness to facilitate descent to a lower level window or to ground level.

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 fire escape device for use in escaping from a structure through the screen of a screened-in area comprising in combination an elongate fire escape rope, a screen cutting knife, and a connector securing the knife to the rope adjacent one end of the rope.

Abstract: An emergency escape rope apparatus includes an elongated rope with knots or other protruberances spaced along it and which is arrayed within a container. The container has a plurality of elongated protuberance receiving tubes positioned in it, each tube having a slot extending along its wall and opening at an open end of the tube. In an order from one tube to the next, each tube sequentially receives a selected number of knots with loops of the rope between the knots extending through the slots. Between one tube and the next, an anchor segment of the rope between two sequential knots is stretched taut between the top of the one tube and the bottom of the slot of the next tube to retain the knots within the one tube until the rope secured by the next tube has payed out. The container has a clip in its cap for removably retaining a cap end of the rope for quick access.

Abstract: A sailboat mast ladder, for use with a sailboat having a mast with a sail track extending along its length, includes a flexible, flat support strap having a number of foot loops, also made of flat strap material, at staggered positions on opposite sides of the support strap. The support strap and foot loops are formed from first and second flat straps each having alternating straight sections and foot loop sections, the foot loop sections of one strap being opposite the straight sections of the other strap. The bottom or instep portions of the foot loops are reinforced with flat strap material secured to the first and second flat straps. An end of a halyard is secured to the upper end of the support strap to raise the mast ladder up the mast. A number of guides are secured along the inner edge of the support strap for sliding engagement with track slides of the main sail track to keep the ladder against the mast.

Abstract: A high strength braided thermosetting resin cord acts as a core for an escape line. A series of knobs of a foamed resin are threaded onto the core at spaced intervals with a second series of smaller knobs of a foamed resin located between each adjacent larger knobs. Each of the knobs are bonded with a thermosetting resin to the core. A high strength thermosetting resin is braided over the knobs and core, and one end of the cord is secured to a support member of an airplane to provide an escape line.

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: The direction altering device is used in conjunction with an emergency or exit rope or friction type lowering device. The purpose of the device is to hold the exit rope in a fixed position at the point on a bucket of a bucket truck, cherrypicker, or overhead crane, or on a window sill from which the emergency exit is being taken by the user.The device is clamped onto a surface such as the lip or edge of a bucket, liner, or combination of both, crane surface, or window sill, by placing the device on the said mounting surface so that the mounting surface is inserted into a channel formed on the device; screws mounted in one of the sides of the channel are then tightened to hold the device securely on the surface of the structure from which the descent is to be made.

Abstract: A rope ladder having loops connected to a main piece of rope. The rope and loops are both made of three strand twisted rope with the loops connected to the main piece by interweaving the ends of the loops with the main piece of rope. The loops are connected to opposite sides of the main piece of rope to form steps which alternate on either side of the rope.

Abstract: A flexible cable safety system for a fixed ladder is mounted adjacent to and independent of the ladder. This arrangement is useful for ladders which are not designed to withstand the loads imposed when a safety system arrests the fall of a workman.

Abstract: A fire escape, exercise or amusement device designed to depend vertically from a wall when in use and to have sufficient flexibility to simplify storage is disclosed. The device consists of a rope-like support member with a series of beads about 4 to 5 inches in diameter spaced axially along substantially the entire length of the rope-like support. A grasping hook is attached to at least one end of the device for attachment to a support that is an integral part of a building or other structure. Horizontal rods are attached to the top and bottom of the device above and below the beads.

Abstract: A portable exercising apparatus for a supine user has an open ended inwardly tapered member with a block member inside, the position of which is adjustable. The block member has a channel which provides a passage for a pair of ropes frictionably engageable between the tapered and block members which frictional engagement is variable because the position of the block member is adjustable. The ends of the ropes emerging from one end of the channel, out of the tapered member, each have a hand grip, while the other ends of the pairs of ropes are joined to form a pair of loops slidably engaged in a tube which provides for adjustment of the length of the loops. A pair of bands are slidably secured to both loops by a sleeve, these bands providing containment for the feet of the user. Preferably the tapered member is made of a material having a high heat conductivity and the block member of a material having low heat conductivity this minimises the temperature rise due to friction.

Abstract: A rescue device particularly adapted for use with small boats. The device includes a plurality of bodies each formed with an aperture large enough to facilitate either manual grasping of the body or for receiving a foot of an individual to be rescued, the several bodies being interconnected in a given sequence by connecting units which form with the bodies a chain-like structure by means of which an individual can with his hands and feet climb upwardly along the structure back to a vessel.