AU2009100326A4 - 1998 Sling - Google Patents

Description

1 Description 1998 SLING ??? SPECIFICATION DESCRIPTION This invention relates to improvements in devices for recovering a man (person) over board (MOB) from boats. There are numerous methods of recovering a person who has fallen into the water back onto a boat. Similarly, there are many pieces of equipment that will aid recovering a MOB. Two popular items, particularly in yachts, include a ladder and a recovery sling. Ladders may be fixed or temporary. A MOB swims back to the boat or the boat is maneuvered alongside the MOB. The MOB then grabs hold of the ladder and climbs back on the boat. If a person falls into the water then a recovery sling, with line attached, is thrown into the water. The boat manoueuvres so the sling passes close to the MOB who then grabs hold and puts the sling on. The attached line is then hauled in and the MOB bought close alongside the boat. Another line is then passed down to the MOB who clips it onto the sling and is pulled into the boat. The potentially dangerous issue with recovery slings is that a MOB having being pulled in close to the boat will probably have no hold to fend from the boats movement against the sea. This exposes them to potential further injury. This danger is compounded when there is also a need for the MOB to position and attach another line to be hoisted on board. A ladder (fixed or temporary) allows a person in the water to hold on and steady themselves before either climbing back on board themselves or more safely attaching a line from which to be pulled back on board. A ladder also allows a person on board to more safely descend and assist the person in the water rather than having to be 2 exposed to potential further danger by also jumping in the water to assist a person who is not secured alongside a vessel. The problem with having a separate temporary ladder and recovery sling is that it is unlikely that the temporary ladder would be rigged and ready for immediate deployment. If it was then it would be located away from the recovery sling meaning the person in the water needs to move or be moved thus exposing to potential further dangers. In sailing boats, particularly racing yachts, it is unlikely that there would be a ladder at all ??? a ladder is not mandated. Recovery slings were designed with limited crew in mind. But this does not cater for the MOB positioning near a ladder or being able to fend and position to then be pulled back on board. 1998 Sling combines a temporary ladder with a recovery sling. Activating a sling and a ladder therefore becomes easy because the items are co-located. This also means the MOB on being pulled back to the boat has a hand (and foot) hold against which to balance. This reduces the movement of the MOB in relation to the boat and therefore reduces potential for further injury. The ladder also offers a potential for someone on board to assist the MOB noting that the MOB is positioned where the recovery sling line has pulled in and because the items are co-located, the MOB is at the ladder. 1998 Sling is named in memory of the 1998 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race where tragically six sailors lost their lives.

Claims (5)

1. 1998 Sling comprises both a contemporary man over board (MOB) recovery sling system and a temporary foot/hand hold ladder in one package ??? the recovery sling occupying the top majority portion of the package while the temporary foot/hand hold ladder occupies the bottom portion of the package.

2. The recovery sling portion of claim 1 comprises a sling to fit around the person in the water, a recovery line that is attached to the sling at one end and then either onto a reel or directly to the boat at the other end. Either the reel of attached line or the attached line itself is also secured to the vessel.

3. The ladder portion of claim 1 is connected to and sits underneath the recovery sling portion of claim 2. The temporary rope foot/hand hold ladder is rolled up when stored in the lower portion of the package. One end of the rope or line portion of the ladder is also secured to the vessel. This is the top of the ladder while the rest of the rope, or line, forms the side and rungs of the ladder. The ladder may have plastic or other materials to assist with rigidity and weighting of the ladder.

4. 1998 Sling of claims 1 ??? 3 is in relevant safety colours with instructions for use depicted on the outside of the packaging. 1998 Sling has contemporary safety and rescue characteristics required by various maritime authorities.

5. 1998 Sling of claims 1- 4 is secured by Velcro tabs to the pushpit (railing around the stern) or other appropriate fitting(s) of a yacht or other vessel. The top recovery sling portion of claim 2 has a flap type lid that is secured on the opening side by Velcro. The bottom ladder portion of claim 3 also has a flap type lid that is secured on the opening side by Velcro in a similar manner. 4