GB2536924A

GB2536924A - Recovery system

Info

Publication number: GB2536924A
Application number: GB1505567.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Birkin Jeffrey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-31
Filing date: 2015-03-31
Publication date: 2016-10-05
Also published as: GB201505567D0

Abstract

A device (b) for recovering an object or person (a) from water comprises an object attachment point (f), for attaching the device to the object, and an inflatable and/or buoyant target element (c). The attachment point and target element are linked by an extendible line (d) which is extendible when placed under longitudinal pressure. The extendible line may be packaged within a cylindrical package. A winch connection point (e) may also be provided on the extendible line, proximal to the target element. Such a "Man Overboard Recovery System" allows a vessel to remain under proper control in difficult weather conditions when dealing with a casualty recovery situation.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1505567.6 RTM Date:10 June 2015 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Life Sling (page 4, 11 & 13) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk /ipo Recovery System

Field of Invention

The invention relates to an object overboard recovery system device for making secure contact with an object in water, especially an individual and particularly in open water on a river or sea. The device facilitates the rapid recovery of that object.

Background

When a person falls from a vessel or otherwise finds him/herself unavoidably in the sea or other areas of open water, they are referred to as a 'casualty. ' This is due to the fact that exposure to such conditions can quickly cause numerous physical consequences that eventually may lead to the death of the person. Survival limits can sometimes be measured in minutes. The odds of survival are increased dramatically by wearing of a buoyant safety harness and means to assist in the rapid location of the casualty. Even with such aids, time is usually incredibly valuable for the survival of the person. The extreme difficulties encountered in manoeuvring the vessel, securing the casualty and bringing them back aboard are often insurmountable. Any delay waiting for assistance from the Coastguard and other rescue services results, even when recovering the person alive, in their subsequent death despite the best medical care available.

It must be understood that the handling characteristics of all vessels change as speed changes in any given condition. The worse the conditions, the more profound the characteristics change. Therefore, sailing yachts in rough seas can be stable at speed when 90° to the wind with precise helm control available. However, they become very unstable and almost impossible to steer when pointing to wind at less than 1 knot in the same seas. Also, orientated at an angle close to the wind direction usually results in the waves arriving from a similar direction. This tends to excite the pitching action which can become very violent, especially if the waves match the natural frequency of the vessel. During this phase, the rig of a yacht becomes a serious hazard if control lines begin to flog or the boom sweeps above the deck unexpectedly. Rigging lines can become tangled then tensioned inappropriately leading to loss of control. As speed approaches zero, steerage is completely lost and the force of wind on the hull and superstructure, combined with the action of the waves, dictate the location and movement of the vessel. Similar is true for power driven vessels. All vessels with zero forward motion rotate so their bows point substantially downwind and they drift in a downwind direction. It is possible to counteract this to a greater or lesser extent with a power driven vessel but sailing vessels are particularly badly affected. These effects can render the time window when the casualty is in close range very short indeed, making further attempts necessary. Small craft can be so unstable that it can be hazardous to conduct slow speed manoeuvres in rough seas. Therefore, few sailors ever practice or attempt precise manoeuvring at slow speed in rough weather.

Various National and International marine organisations suggest assorted manoeuvres for rapidly returning the vessel to the location of the casualty and recommend that such manoeuvres are practiced regularly. Typically, such practice is conducted in fair weather with the casualty simulated by a flotation device (often a fender) attached to a drag device (often a bucket) by means of a short length of rope. Such a rope is relatively easy to pick up by a sweeping action with a boat hook below the surface of the water aiming between the flotation device and the drag device.

Even with such an easily secured object as above, poor sea conditions can make attaching the boat hook difficult necessitating many attempts. The combined effect of the motions in even modest seas can result in rapidly changing vertical distance between the object to be picked up and the vessel from which the person attempting the pickup is deploying the boat hook. Due to the necessity to have the maximum time available in contact with the object to carry out this task, it is usual to first attempt the pickup from the fore part of the vessel where the pitching motion is amplified by the distance from the centre axis of buoyancy. This is particularly so in a motor driven vessel where the recovery must be towards the bow to avoid the possibility of the casualty contacting the propeller situated aft. In all cases, if this fails, the rescuer moves further aft if sufficiently close to the casualty for a second attempt.

Almost universally, the adopted 'best practice' involves the vessel manoeuvring to a position placing it upwind of the casualty. The rational being it allows the vessel to be in close proximity to the casualty for the longest period of time before natural forces can separate the parties. During this brief period, the crew must try to firmly hold the casualty. In the case of a yacht, this usually means lying on the deck and reaching down beneath the guard rails into the water. On a pitching yacht in a rolling sea, when water is coming over the deck, this may lead to the rescuer contacting the casualty and then having to hold them as their full weight (often 100-150kgs for a person in soaked clothing) is transferred as the yacht rises, whilst the wave supporting the casualty, falls. This places the rescuer in jeopardy of being pulled overboard and, in many cases, leads to the casualty being released due to excessive loading. Unfortunately, this manoeuvre also places the casualty below the curved hull of the vessel as the hull rises and falls. Apart from the consequences of an impact with the hull, it also can push the casualty underwater further straining the hold any crew may have and/or cause them to be lost to sight as the vessel moves on.

Unhappily, a casualty wearing a fully inflated lifejacket may have some advantages in terms of survival but is very restricted in their ability to assist in their own recovery. This is because the pontoons of the jacket form an unfamiliar and formidable barrier to arm movements towards the front of the body, above the waterline or above the head.

Some methods recommend using the swim platform or ladder at the stern of the vessel.

However, in rough seas, the ladder becomes extremely dangerous and the stern has all the characteristics of an extremely large hammer.

The recovery situation of a real casualty, as opposed to the simulation used in exercises, is far worse. A marine safety harness is manufactured from webbing that lies flat conforming to the casualty's body shape. Some are provided with a lifting Becket consisting of a webbing loop which is stored flat offering almost no opportunity for entry of a boat hook and sometimes needs the active intervention the casualty to deploy. The other obvious lifting point is the D ring used to attach the harness line. This is typically circa 2" in diameter offering a very small target which may be flat against the body and will be submerged and concealed beneath the supporting pontoons of the lifejacket.

This is clearly illustrated by a report to Solent Coastguard on 20 June 2014 where the crew of a yacht failed, after several attempts, to recover a rescue dummy in sheltered water at the mouth of the River Hamble in excellent weather and sea conditions.

A conscious casualty may be able to grab a boat hook and assist in attaching a line. In addition to being conscious, the casualty would need sufficient mental faculties and manual dexterity. Cold water will rapidly reduce cognitive abilities, manual dexterity and strength as was highlighted by the UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) in the case of the vessel Vidar: "Many fishermen erroneously believe that a person falling overboard can help themselves in some way once a rope is thrown to them or a ladder is lowered. However, MAIB investigations have identified numerous accidents where fit and healthy persons who have fallen overboard have lost all ability to help themselves within a minute or two due to the debilitating effects of cold water shock and ingestion of water." (MAIB Very Serious Marine Casualty Report no. 19/2013, August 2013) An alternative method of rescue involves the use of a device called a Life Sling or Seattle Sling which can be effective with conscious casualties who retain sufficient manual dexterity to don it following contact. The equipment is most effective if the casualty is able to catch the line or, the vessel is manoeuvred around the location of the casualty until they are in contact with the line and then able to pull the sling into position. Unfortunately, in any rough sea, a casualty may be unlikely to be able to see the line as it comes into contact with them and may not be able to distinguish the difference in feel between water sloshing over their face and the fall of a line. Furthermore, the skill level of the rescuers must be relatively high to allow them to manoeuvre in an arc around the casualty yet ensure they avoid simple mistakes such as allowing the lifting line to become tangled in the propeller. However, this equipment is frequently carried as standard equipment on many vessels but, to lift the casualty requires that a block and tackle is available, something that is rarely found on most modern yachts.

Another method of bringing a casualty back aboard is by means of a Jason's Cradle or similar. This is a form of netting that is rarely successful in rough seas due to the alternating buoyancy of the netting. In addition, it may require multiple rescuers working in close coordination to properly operate unless substantial deployment machinery is already installed on the vessel.

Many other devices involve throwing lines and dropping equipment into the water for the casualty to find and deploy. They all offer some benefits however, they also provide multiple tangle and hindrance opportunities in the rescue area if not used and usually require considerable input for a conscious casualty who retains manual dexterity.

Therefore, there is a need for an effective, simple, low cost device that is intuitive in use and makes use of the standard vessel equipment and systems without adding further dangers when used e.g. lines in the water, allows the vessel to be under full control for as long as possible during the contact phase and not require positioning that places the casualty or rescuers in jeopardy. Furthermore, the operational skill level requirement must be low to allow for both the confusion caused during the extremely stressful situation of a genuine MOB and minimum skill levels that may be available. The device should be available to be manufactured with a new harness, equipment or clothing or retrofitted to existing harnesses and other related equipment.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a device, for recovering an object (such as a person) from a liquid such as water, comprising at least one object attachment point, for attaching the device to the object, and at least one inflatable and/or buoyant target element, the attachment point and target element being linked by, or having arranged between them, at least one extendible line portion which is extendible only when placed under longitudinal pressure or force. That is, the extendible line may be caused to extend, in use, by pulling both ends of the line away from one another, or by maintaining one end of the line at a fixed point and pulling the other end of the line.

Preferably, the device is useful for locating and recovering a floating object or an object partly or fully submerged in a liquid, typically water.

As discussed in more detail below, the target element may be convertible between an undeployed state and a deployed state, the target element comprising an inflatable and/or buoyant portion or portions and means for inflation of the inflatable portion or portions, where present. There is also provided means for attachment of the target element to the extendible line, which may also be useful as a lifting line, as discussed further below. The target element may be attached to the extendible line via one or more pivot points. The term "lifting line" as used herein may refer to the extendible line portion when in extended form.

In an embodiment of the device, the extendible line may be a packaged length of line, formed as a package such that each end of the line emerges from the package at a different point, wherein the extendible line remains in packaged form until a longitudinal force is applied to one or both ends of the line. A longitudinal force or pressure on the line is one which acts along the length of the line, for example, resulting from the action of pulling an end of the line longitudinally away from the remainder of the line. 'The package may be essentially cylindrical or "sausage-shaped". One end of the line preferably emerges from the cylindrical package at one end and the other end of the line emerges from the other end of the package. However, any shape of package and any location within the package for the lines to emerge may be suitable. One end of the line may be fixed within the package forming the extendible line, with the other end capable of being pulled out from the package when a longitudinal force is applied.

The extendible line may be irreversibly extendible, so that it does not un-extend if the longitudinal force applied to the line varies or ceases. Preferably, the extendible line is extendible under a longitudinal pressure of at least about 8N, for example at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or at least about 50N. A longitudinal pressure of at least about 15- 20N is contemplated, for example This ensures that the extendible line does not extend until a significant longitudinal pressure is applied to the line, in contrast, for example, to the low amounts of longitudinal pressure required to operate a simple throw line (estimated to be about 2-3N). Such throw lines do not include means for providing a pre-determined resistance to a removing force, as described below, rather being intended to pay out immediately on throwing of the line. Throw lines also do not include a target element or an object attachment point.

Therefore, extendible line may be a line or lifting line contained within a containment package, which may be buoyant, comprising means for providing a pre-determined resistance to a removing force and packed in such a way as to facilitate smooth deployment of the line without tangles. That is, the line emerges from the containment package at a point wherein a portion of the material forming the package frictionally contacts (or engages with) the material forming the line, such that there is a frictional force placed on the line tending to resist the line being pulled from the package A longitudinal pressure as mentioned above must be maintained on the line for extension of the line to continue. This frictional contact may be achieved, for example, by frictionally encircling the line at the point where it emerges from the package with tape, wound tightly enough that the line can only be pulled out under a given pre-determined force of, for example, at least about 5N A similar effect may be achieved by use, for example, of zip ties or clamps or grips such as a pinchcock clamp or a band clamp, o by simply forming an opened through which the line may emerge from the package, with dimensions sufficiently narrow that the line is frictionally encircled by the package material. One terminating end of the extendible or lifting line, at the opposite end of the line from the target element, is connected by one or more pivot points to the object, life jacket or life preserver, life ring or sling or other flotation, sea survival or recovery apparatus.

In an alternative embodiment, the extendible line may be formed from a material or in a shape such that, after a longitudinal force or pressure has been applied to the line so that it is extended, it does not contract to a shorter length such as to its original length, but is maintained in the extended conformation. For example, the line may be formed from an extendible but non-elastic material, or from an elastic material having an elastic limit which is surpassed under the loads required to cause extension of the extendible line, when the device is in use. Alternatively or additionally, the line may be formed in a corkscrew, spiral or other configuration which irreversibly expands/extends under the longitudinal force.

The extendible line portion forms a link between, or joins, the target element and the object attachment point. The object attachment point may be, for example, a D-ring, 0-ring, loop of rope or webbing, or other connection means, to which one end of the line forming the extendible line may be attached via a knot or a more permanent fixing such as a stitched fixing. The fixing and/or object attachment point may comprise shock absorbing material or elements, to reduce the impact on the casualty or the rescuer as loads are generated during engagement with and recovery of the casualty, as described elsewhere herein.

The device may further comprise a winch connection point providing means for connecting the device to a winch mechanism, the connection point being positioned between the target element and the end or end region of the extendible line proximal to the target element. Such a connection point may be referred to as a "strong point" and may be provided by one or more elements forming substantial points or attachments or lift rings to allow the connection to a portion of a winch mechanism such as a halyard or other rope, which may then utilise a boat's sail lifting apparatus or other winch equipment in order to move the object to be retrieved, such as a casualty, towards the boat. However, a "winch" or "winch mechanism" as referred to herein contemplates any system which enables one object to be pulled towards another and may include a simple manual pulling action by a rescuer. It may also involve a winch apparatus which is not necessarily capable of lifting a load upwards away from the surface of the water. The winch mechanism may be used simply to bring the casualty alongside a boat for manual lifting onboard, especially when the device according to the invention is intended for use by a user involved in inshore watersports where heavy seas are unlikely to be encountered, or for offshore commercial use where heavy seas may be encountered by vessels not having substantial mast or craning structures.

The positioning of the winch connection point between the target element and the end or end region of the extendible line which is proximal to the target element means that the extended line allows a distance to be maintained between the casualty and the rescuer until secure connection has been made with or to the winch mechanism. At that stage, the casualty may be safely winched towards the boat or land on which the rescuer is located.

The connection point is capable of bearing a weight of at least about 50kg. Typically, however, the connection point will be capable of bearing weights far greater than this, for example, the full weight of a large grown man, wearing full ocean racing clothing saturated with water after a period of immersion in the sea. This may represent at least about 1001cg, for example at least about 110kg, 120kg, 130kg, 140kg, 150kg, 160kg, 170kg, 180kg, 190kg or at least about 200kg. A connection point may be anything suitable, such as a loop formed within a line forming part of the device (such as a portion of the extendible line), or a D-ring or metal loop or other strong attachment means to which the extendible line is joined, for example via one or more knots. The skilled person is readily able to contemplate suitable alternatives.

In the device according to the invention, the target element may form the shape of a triangle or circle, or any other shape which assists in maintaining the target element in an "open" configuration on the surface of the water. The target element may comprise at least one inflatable portion, convertible from an undeployed to a deployed state.

When deployed, the target element may present or be formed by a web or net of lines in such a way as to facilitate or encourage the positive connection or capture by a boat hook or similar and prevent the same from an inadvertent release during any unexpected movement such as the pitching of the vessel, wrenching of the target or frantic interference of the casualty. Such lines may, therefore, provide or contribute to the structure of the target element. The target element structure is of sufficient strength that is can bear the load of the initial connection between a rescuer and the object or casualty to be retrieved, including the longitudinal force required to cause the extendible line to extend. The target element lines may be made more visible by being surrounded, for example, by sheaths of high-visibility material such as a plastic, or may be formed themselves by a high-visibility material and/or may comprise elements which become illuminated on contact with water.

The target element may also ideally be engageable with a further object such as a boat winch or cleat, or to a land-based mooring point or other fixed object. This enables the casualty to be connected to the further object, for example to a boat via a cleat, in the time period while the extendible line is extending, so that the rescuer does not bear the full load of the casualty manually, this load instead being applied to the cleat after the target element has been engaged with it. This provides a significant advantage over existing rescue devices and methods. The casualty is then secure, allowing time for the rescuer to connect a winch mechanism to the winch connection point and effect the process of drawing the casualty towards the boat and, ultimately, onboard.

Preferably, the inflatable target element portion or portions are formed to create a structural support for, or to form, the target element or target elements. In a preferred arrangement, the structural support portion or portions are individually or together formed to be arranged in approximately a "A" or "0" or "^" or "0" or "H" or "T" shape. Other suitable arrangements of the structural support will be obvious to the skilled person, for example an "L" shape. "H", "X", "Z" and "W" shapes all provide possible alternatives. Additionally, these shapes may comprise further sections such as to form a three dimensional shape such as a pyramid. None of these suggestions should be considered to be limiting.

More than one target element may be included in the device. Where more than one is included, these may be separately deployable. For example, the target elements may be separately inflatable, with the second (or subsequent) element deployed if the first target element fails for some reason, for example if it is dropped by a rescuer during the process of engaging with it. The inflation of a secondary or subsequent target might be initialised by the casualty, or after a time delay, or may be triggered by engagement with and subsequent release of the first target (which might be detected, for example, by way of pressure sensors included in the device).

Advantageously, the arrangement of the target element being attached to the extendible line (or formed at least partially by an end portion of it), which is preferably itself buoyant, has the effect of maintaining the completed device in an "open" or "flat" configuration when the device is deployed, for example, attached to an object floating in a liquid such as water.

The overall "open" shape of the target element is maintained such that significant folding or entanglement does not occur with the unextended extendible line or with the object. The primary components remain downwind of their attached object and "ride the waves", remaining at or near the surface of the water and not suffering any of the prior art problems of tending to tangle around the object and/or requiring operations from the casualty or multiple manoeuvres from the rescue vessel.

A further advantage is provided by the attachment of the device to the object at a pivot point, in which case the object attachment point may also be referred to a "pivot point". This means that the device is attached to the object at a point around which the device as a whole is free to move and does not extend as a tangled or knotted line attached to the object. Therefore, the device is free to move in accordance with the action of wind and/or the movement of water surrounding the object, such that the device does not become entangled with the object. The target element maintains an "open" or "flat" configuration visible from nearby craft.

However, the device may be attached to the object at more than one pivot point, provided that any attachment maintains this freedom to move in accordance with wind/water action, when the device is in the water.

The arrangement of the means for attachment of the device to the object, with spatial separation between the object and the target element by the linking of the target element and the object attachment point by the extendible line, provides the advantage that a user partly or fully submerged in water may be initially "grabbed" or contacted by a rescuer via the target element which is not on or near the user, although it is firmly attached to them. The rescuer and/or casualty may be protected from undue sudden physical shock, resulting from the forces caused by the engagement between the rescuer and the target element, by the inclusion of shock absorbing material in the object attachment point and/or in the material forming a buoyancy aid to which the device is attached, as described further below. For example, this might be achieved by a portion of the extendible line being formed or partially formed by shock cord (or "bungee" cord), or by the extendible line being linked to the object attachment point via a length of shock cord. Alternatively, the whole or part of the extendible line may be formed by a combination of shock cord and non-elastic line, for example a length of shock cord with non-elastic line coiled around it. Other suitable means for reducing the physical shock experienced by a rescuer and/or casualty during operation of the device will be readily envisaged by the skilled person.

The structural support of the target element of the device may also provide a large area of highly visible material on the surface of the water when in the deployed state, to assist to visually identify the position of a casualty. For example, the target element may comprise a film of material extending across the target element (e.g., across the face of the target element shape such as "A" or "0" or "o", etc.) to form a large area of visible material. When deployed, the target area structural support is held in a pre-determined shape and kept buoyant, as described above. Since the basic structure is maintained in this way, the deployed device "rides the waves", i.e., remains on or near the surface of the water in a pre-determined "open" configuration.

The film material included in the target element may have a thickness of at least approximately 50pm. One factor in determining an appropriate thickness is colour density which may be further reduced in water, such that less than 50pm can become transparent in the case of some materials. Any material or combination of materials is suitable provided it has sufficient strength, visibility and is detectable by visual means or other means such as radar or sonic systems.

Preferably, the object is a person or a lifejacket, life sling, life raft or other buoyancy or rescue aid, a bag, or the clothing worn by a person, but it may also be an object to be worn by or used by a person, such as (but not limited to) a container such as a box, a tool and/or tool belt.

The device (or a portion thereof, such as the target element) may be convertible between an undeployed state (in which it is packaged to form a compact unit locatable, for example, within the structural folds of an undeployed lifejacket or on the surface of clothing being contained within the design of such, or attached to a life sling, buoyancy aid or other object as previously mentioned) and a deployed state in which the target element is buoyant or inflated, with the extendible line (or lifting line) floating in unextended form between the object and the target element. Alternatively, the extendible line may remain within a further structure such as a lifejacket, with only the target element being deployed and floating on the water.

As part of clothing, the device may take the form of a patch or badge worn on the surface of the clothing with the extendible line contained within a section of clothing that attaches to or forms a structural component sufficient to support the person. This has the advantage that, in the undeployed state, the device is small and can be worn routinely without impairing freedom of movement of the user.

In addition, the device can be affixed to the surface of buoyancy aids and other emergency equipment without adversely affecting the rapid deployment and operation of such equipment as can be the case with, for example, the Life Sling or Seattle Sling. The device may also be located within the structure of such equipment, provided it is located so that it can be converted from an undeployed to a deployed state, as described above.

Where the target element structural support is not formed using buoyant materials, as mentioned above it may be formed by at least one inflatable portion, preferably at least one portion being inflatable independently from another portion, so that deflation of one portion does not result in deflation of the whole inflatable portion. Each portion of the inflatable portion may be formed by a single inflatable chamber, or may comprise a series of inflatable chambers, either linked to one another or formed discretely from one another. Each inflatable chamber may be individually inflatable, or inflatable by connection to one or more other

inflatable chambers.

The inflatable structural support portion may be inflatable by gas or another substance such as water reactive foam. Inflation may be triggered automatically (for example on contact with water), or manually, or by a combination of automatically and manually activated systems.

The means for inflation included in the structural support may comprise, for example, a pressurized gas container which, when triggered, releases gas into at least one inflatable portion. In one embodiment, triggering of such a container may be actuated by trigger means formed from a soluble material such that, when the trigger means is contacted by water or other liquid into which the object has fallen, the trigger means dissolves, thereby activating the release of gas from the gas container. The gas container may be connected to the inflatable portion of the device by any conventional means and may further be mounted on or within the device by means which will readily be determined by the skilled person.

The device may further comprise manual inflation means such as a tube which may comprise a one-way valve.

All or a part of the device, particularly that forming the structural support portion of the target element, may be formed from a high visibility material. High visibility material may be material which is visible to the naked eye, such as brightly coloured and/or fluorescent and/or reflective material. Alternatively or additionally, the material may be visible by other detection means, for example it may be a radar reflective material or a material detectable using sonic methods. The material may also comprise elements which can be illuminated, such illumination being activated, for example, when the device is immersed in a liquid. In any embodiment, the material may be a plastics or fabric material such as linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) or NIylaim, by way of non-limiting example. The material may be biodegradable.

The extendible line (or lifting line) will ideally be able to float unaided, should have a small cross section and a high load bearing capacity for its size. By way of non-limiting examples, materials like polypropylene are ideal in many ways for such an application but this requires almost 50% greater diameter than materials such as Dyneema' fibre or Vectrant' fibre. For example, one (non-limiting) grade of Dyneema-fibre has lines with a diameter of 4mm and breaking strain of 490kg. The skilled person will readily be able to contemplate alternative materials suitable for use as part of the present invention. The material may be biodegradable.

By way of non-limiting example, the extendible line may extend to a length of at least 2m for example, to a length of 2-30m, or 5-15m, ideally to about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or about 10m. The maximum extension of the extendible line may be set in accordance with the conditions in which a particular device is intended to be used. For example, a device for use in the open ocean may have a maximum extension for the extendible line which is greater than the maximum extension for a device for use on inshore waters. In non-extended form, the extendible line may be packaged in a containment package having a length of, for example, about 20-50cm, such as about 25, 30, 35 or about 40cm. The circumference of the containment package may be, for example, about 5-20cm, such as about 5-15cm or about 5-10cm. Dimensions are not critical and will substantially depend on the packed volume of the non-extended extendible line.

The extendible line (or lifting line) may also be formed by doubling back on itself, that is, returned from the object attachment point back along the lifting line to a second winch connection point, so that when an additional winch line from the vessel is attached, it allows 20 the doubling of mechanical force for a given effort of the rescuer.

The device may carry any other safety and/or attention-seeking aids as may be required, for example, such as whistles or lights, including but not limited to lights being built inside the structural support for the target element and/or container for the lifting line element.

A second aspect of the invention provides a buoyancy aid comprising a device according to the first aspect of the invention. The buoyancy aid may be a lifejacket, life sling, life raft or other buoyancy or rescue aid, by way of non-limiting example. The device according to the invention may be formed within the buoyancy aid by separate components located within or on the buoyancy aid, together forming the device. For example, the extendible line may be linked to the target element indirectly, via the material forming the buoyancy aid.

Alternatively, the device may be provided as a wholly formed device forming a component of the buoyancy aid and/or being located within or on it.

A third aspect of the invention provides a method of making a buoyancy aid according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising attaching a device according to the first aspect of the invention, or components thereof, to the buoyancy aid. Such a step may be completed during the original manufacturing of the buoyancy aid, or may represent a retro-fitting activity utilising an existing buoyancy aid.

Where the buoyancy aid is a lifejacket, the method may further comprise providing a crotch strap to the lifejacket capable, when in use and fitted around a wearer, of bearing a weight of at least 100kg. Preferably, the strap can bear a weight of at least about 110, 120, HO, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 or about 200 kg. Crotch straps on conventional lifejackets and/or the means for connecting the strap to other parts of the lifejacket and/or the means for securing the strap in place around a user wearing the lifejacket, are often of insufficient strength to be capable of withstanding the load when a user is lifted from the water using the lifejacket as a gripping point. If the crotch strap or other fixing breaks or otherwise fails, this might result in the user falling back into the water. Therefore, retrofitting an existing lifejacket with a device according to the invention may also require a step of upgrading the material forming the crotch strap and/or the associated fittings, linkages or closing mechanisms.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of retrieving an object such as a casualty from the water, the object being attached to a device according to the first aspect of the invention or a buoyancy aid according to the second aspect of the invention, comprising: a) an action of a rescuer engaging with (i.e., making engagement with or becoming engaged with) the deployed target element, for example by hand or via a pole, boat hook and/or hook and line; b) enabling/causing sufficient pressure to develop between the target element engaged with the rescuer (for example, with the pole or boat hook) and the object attachment point, such that the extendible line extends.

For example, (b) might be achieved by the rescuer who has engaged with the target element (for example using a boat hook) pulling the target element towards them. Alternatively or additionally, the target element may be held stationary and/or engaged at a fixed location and the motion of the boat and/or the object in the water may be sufficient to apply the necessary longitudinal pressure to the extendible line such that it extends.

The method may further comprise subsequently immobilising the target element at a fixed point close to the rescuer, typically on a boat on which the rescuer is located, or engaging the target element with such a fixed point. For example, the fixed point may be a winch block or rope cleat, by way of non-limiting example.

When the device comprises a winch connection point, the method may further comprise: c) linking or engaging the connection point to a winch mechanism positioned on a boat or on land; d) moving the connection point linked in step (c) so as to cause the first object to move towards the boat or land.

For example, the connection point might be attached to the free end of a lanyard such that the sail lifting apparatus of a boat might be used to winch the object towards the boat and then, optionally but preferably, to lift the object upwardly out of the water, ultimately positioning the object such that it can be brought onboard the boat. Such a method will be described in more detail below.

For avoidance of doubt, where reference is made herein to "boat" or "vessel-, any floating vessel is contemplated, for example (but not limited to), a surfboard, windsurfer, jetski, rowing boat, skiff, launch vessel, dinghy, yacht, ship or oil platform.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", mean "including but not limited to" and do not exclude other components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Preferred features of each aspect of the invention may be as described in connection with any of the other aspects. Generally speaking the invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims and drawings). Thus, features, integers or characteristics, described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein, unless incompatible therewith. Moreover, unless stated otherwise, any feature disclosed herein may be replaced by an alternative feature sewing the same or a similar purpose.

Advantages of the various features of the device as outlined above will now be described in more detail with particular reference to a method of operating the device. This description is provided by way of example only and referring to Figures 1-8 in which: Figure 1 shows a casualty in the water attached to a device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a rescuer reaching from a boat to engage a boat hook with a target element of the device; Figure 3 shows the extendible line in extended form and the winch mechanism connection point engaged with a halyard on the boat; Figure 4 shows the sail lifting apparatus of the boat being used to lift the halyard such that the connection point is lifted up the mast, thereby drawing the casualty towards the boat, upwards out of the water and, ultimately, to a position where they can be pulled onboard; Figure 5 shows the device in an undeployed state with the extendible line packaged in unextended form; Figure 6 shows a conventional lifejacket ready for a person to wear; Figure 7 shows the interior structure of a conventional lifejacket; and Figure 8 shows a device according to the invention retrofitted into the interior of a conventional lifejacket.

Example Operation of the Invention The Man Overboard Recovery System described herein is a system which brings together core components and adapts those technologies to fit into a relatively small package or patch.

Due to the ergonomic design, it can be manufactured or retro fitted into lifejackets and other devices without adversely increasing their size or interfering with their operation or effectiveness. Also, it can be manufactured into clothing that users will be more inclined to habitually wear regardless of how benign the conditions may be. This device may remove a considerable number of difficulties and dangers that are manifest for both the casualty and rescuers in such perilous circumstances, reduce the time taken to recover the casualty and, consequently, enhance their chances of survival.

The device is not intended as a primary buoyancy aid or life preserver although there are buoyant compartments as part of the structure that may offer additional buoyancy and relief to a casualty. However, the device may be incorporated into a buoyancy aid or life preserver.

Unlike prior art systems, the device utilises the standard equipment available on the vast majority of vessels of all sizes. It embraces natural attributes of wind, water and vessel handling and manoeuvring characteristics to increase the chances of successful capture of the deployed device, thereby maximising the chances of a rescuer safely and quickly recovering a casualty without further risk to themselves.

Figure 1 shows a casualty (a) in the water with a deployed device (b) according to the invention. The device comprises a target element (c) which formed by inflatable portions so that it is kept at or near the surface of the water, riding the surface of the waves. It is attached to a buoyant packed lifting line element (d). A lifting ring (e) is located between the target element and the packed lifting line. In the illustrated embodiment, the target forms a triangle. The device further comprises a tether (f) which attaches to the casualty at a pivot point (g) with the result that the whole device extends away from the casualty by the action of wind and waves (in the direction of arrow). The casualty can position themselves so they are facing away from the waves (to minimise the inhalation of spray) without fear of becoming entangled with the device, since the device will tend to extend away from the casualty, downwind or downstream regardless of the direction in which the casualty faces. This is the result of the use of attachment of the device to the casualty at a pivot point and, in this embodiment, the length of lifting line acting as a tether which also spatially separates the deployed device from the casualty and the separate elements.

This device is deployed when or as the object (in this case a casualty) enters the water. As the target area deploys it provides a large, highly visible area that may be laced with a sufficient quantity of line to capture a boat hook or similar when brought into contact inside the target area.

Figure 2 shows a rescue vessel approaches to position downwind of the target at less than 2 knots thus maintaining accurate control of the vessel, providing a more stable platform for the rescuer and reducing the threat to the safety of the casualty. The rescuer then deploys a boat hook (h) or similar to snag the target (c). The hook will also be able to cope with a large relative motion between the vessel and the target without losing contact or risking pulling the rescuer overboard and be effective without any intervention by the casualty and could, therefore, deal with an unconscious casualty or one who had lost dexterity.

Figure 3 shows once snagged and pulled, the lifting line pays out from the lifting line container(s) under a pre-determined and significant, but relatively light, load that both indicates to the rescuer they have firmly captured the target and ensures the line is kept clear of the water thus preventing contact with the propeller or debris.

The lifting line can be any length. However, a vessel travelling at approximately 1 knot is covering 0.5144 metres per second. Therefore, if there is contained 4-6 metres of line and the target is picked close to and on a parallel course to a deck at 1.5 metres height, the rescuer will have between 3 and 11 seconds before the full load of the casualty is placed on the target. Figure 3 shows that, during this time, the rescuer will immediately place the target element over a winch (w), cleat or other strong point ready to take the full load of the casualty. Also, the boat hook can still be left attached to the target, if too entangled for instant release.

Figure 4 shows the rescuer bringing the vessel to a halt then fixing a halyard (x) or other lifting apparatus to the highly visible lift ring (e) strong point positioned between the target (c) and the lifting line, the target now sitting misshapen whilst the winch (w) takes the strain of the casualty load via the lifting line. Once the load is taken on the halyard (x) the target (c) is easily lifted or un-snagged from the winch (w) or cleat and released to hang free. The rescuer then pulls in all the slack or moderately loaded line until the full weight of the casualty is borne by the halyard (x) when the casualty comes alongside the vessel. The rescuer then utilises a standard winch and begins the process of lifting the casualty until the casualty can be pulled aboard onto the deck and safety.

Figure 5 shows an undeployed device with the target packaged into a compact unit or pod (1) ready to release the inflatable target element. The same compact pod design is possible with other non inflatable buoyant materials as would be clear to the skilled person. The attached packaged lifting line (d) and lifting ring (e) are shown attached to the pod (j) with the lifting line acting as a tether (f) to the attachment point as shown at Figure 6 (g) and Figure 8 (f).

Figure 6 shows a typical inflation type lifejacket packed as would be ready for a person to wear. In this example the gas cylinder and deployment controls are to the viewers left.

Figure 7 shows the same jacket (webbing removed to aid clarity) with the section to the right of the viewer opened out to demonstrate the available space.

Figure 8 shows the installation of the device prior to the section of the jacket being closed, and the path of the strong line to connect to the "D" ring, lifting Becket or other strong point within the webbing.

Claims

Claims 1. Device for recovering an object from water comprising an object attachment point, for attaching the device to the object, and an inflatable and/or buoyant target element, the attachment point and target element being linked by an extendible line which is extendible when placed under longitudinal pressure.
2. Device according to claim 1 wherein the extendible line is a packaged length of line, formed as a package such that each end of the line emerges from the package at a different point, wherein the extendible line remains in packaged form until a longitudinal force is applied to one or both ends of the line.
3. Device according to claim 2 wherein the package is essentially cylindrical.
4. Device according to claim 3 wherein one end of the line emerges from the cylindrical package at one end and the other end of the line emerges from the other end of the package.
5. Device according to any of claims 2-4 wherein one end of the line is fixed within the package forming the extendible line.
6. Device according to any preceding claim wherein the extendible line is irreversibly extendible.
7. Device according to any preceding claim wherein the extendible line is extendible under a longitudinal pressure of at least about 5N.
8. Device according to any preceding claim wherein the target element forms the shape of a triangle or circle.
9. Device according to any preceding claim wherein the target element comprises at least one inflatable portion, convertible from an undeployed to a deployed state.
Device according to any preceding claim further comprising a winch connection point providing means for connecting the device to a winch mechanism, the connection point being positioned between the target element and the end or end region of the extendible line proximal to the target element.
11. Device according to claim 10 wherein the connection point is joined to the remainder of the device by a link capable of bearing a weight of at least 50kg.
12. Device according to any preceding claim comprising shock absorbing material in the extendible line and/or at or in the object attachment point and/or in the material forming a buoyancy aid to which the device is attached.
13. Buoyancy aid comprising a device according to any preceding claim.
14. Method of making a buoyancy aid according to claim 13, comprising attaching a device according to any of claims 1-12 to the buoyancy aid.
15. Method according to claim 14 wherein the buoyancy aid is a lifejacket, further comprising providing a crotch strap to the lifejacket capable, when in use and fitted around a wearer, of bearing a weight of at least 100kg.
16. Method of retrieving an object in the water, the object being attached to a device according to any of claims 1-12 or a buoyancy aid according to claim 13, comprising: a. a rescuer engaging with the target element; b. the rescuer enabling pressure to develop between the target element engaged with the rescuer and the object attachment point, such that the extendible line extends.
17. Method according to claim 16 further comprising subsequently immobilising the target element at a fixed point.
18. Method according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the object is attached to a device according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: c. linking the connection point to a winch mechanism positioned on a boat or on land; d. moving the connection point linked in step (c) so as to cause the first object to move towards the boat or land.
19. Device, buoyancy aid and method substantially as herein described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.