US20010046821A1

US20010046821A1 - Rescue device

Info

Publication number: US20010046821A1
Application number: US09/804,135
Authority: US
Inventors: Richard Stimpson; Steve Kraytenberg; Ralph Marrone; Laura Wrynn
Original assignee: AQL A MASSACHUSETTS LLC LLC
Current assignee: AQL A MASSACHUSETTS LLC LLC
Priority date: 2000-03-10
Filing date: 2001-03-12
Publication date: 2001-11-29

Abstract

The invention in the simplest form is an emergency rescue device the stores conveniently and provides a rapid deployment. The invention comprises a length of rope interconnected to a weighted throwing unit having a loop portion with an automatic restraining system. The throwing unit is used to position the loop in close proximity to the distressed person, wherein the person only need to insert his/her hands within the loop. The rescue personnel pulls the rope which tightens the loop and firmly holds the wrists of the person in a hyper extended position.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119 from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/188,647 filed on Mar. 10, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a rescue device and emergency apparatus. More specifically, the present invention comprises a weighted throwing portion secured to a length of rope, and an adjustable wrist loop secured a short distance from the throwing portion.

2. Background Art

Each year numerous lives are lost because aid was not quickly available, even when bystanders and emergency crews are present. Most rescue operations require a certain amount of time to prepare and execute—and time that can be fatal to a person in distress.

There are also hazards to the rescue personnel or bystander, especially if attempting the rescue without proper planning. Many tragic stories tell of the Good Samaritan that attempted to rescue a victim in distress only to become a victim of the same fate.

Persons in distress in water pose several problems to a rescuer. The distressed person will likely cling to whatever is within reach, including a prospective rescuer. A drowning person lacks the capacity of reasoning and can present a serious threat to an unqualified or unsuspecting rescuer. For this reason, lifeguards normally keep a safe distance between themselves and the victim. The lifeguard typically uses a buoy or other floatation device to present to the victim to grasp and can then safely haul the buoy and victim to shore. If there is no separation device, a lifeguard dives below the surface and positions the victim into a safe and controlled orientation before attempting to swim to shore. In the event that the victim does manage to grab hold of a lifeguard, the preferred escape is to dive under the water and break-away from the victim.

Rescue operations in ice present even greater danger to the victim and rescue persons. Hypothermia is a major concern, and a person that falls into frigid water only has a few minutes before the effects of hypothermia develop. Hypothermia causes the body to enter into a state of shock that inhibits coordination and muscular control. It also effects the mental state and a person may become unconscious. A further problem relates to the ice itself, the area surrounding a break is usually more susceptible to breaking, thus a rescue person that exerts too much pressure upon the ice may wind up stuck in the same predicament as the victim.

In order to reduce the aforementioned problems, attempts have been made to produce a suitable rescue device. The prior art devices have general short-comings and do not adequately address the problems and difficulties stated herein.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,077 discloses a spherical throwing device with integrated channels to form a loop that would restrict once the rope is pulled. This particular invention has no means of keeping the loop in an open position and there is no restriction on the rope to prevent slippage of the loop size during throwing and operation. Furthermore the loop is integrally connected to the throwing ball and it would be difficult to engage the loop.

A weighted throwing bag with a securing line is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,526 that allows the weighted bag to be thrown in the vicinity of a distressed person. The bag has gripping portions that can be used to cling to until help arrives or to assist in pulling the person out of the water. The bag also employs a spike tool to enable the distressed person to climb to safety out of ice. This invention relies on the distressed person to be conscious and have good motor skills to rescue him/her self.

The invention of U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,651 describes a throwable disc-shaped device connected to a rope. The disc breaks apart to produce a harness that can be grabbed by the victim or the victim can slip his arms through the harness and the harness will go around the back and under the arms. A similar device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,637 that shows a floatation device with gripping structures and straps. One problem with these inventions is that if they are held in the hands, the victim may lose consciousness and let go of the rope. It may also be difficult to grab onto the device or straps when wearing clothing and gloves. In addition, if the person fell into an icy body of water and the harness is placed around the back of the victim, the force of the pulling will bring the person's chest against the ice.

A life ring is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,642 having a semi-rigid inner ring and a flexible outer ring. The distressed person is supposed to be situated within the inner ring and as the pulling rope is pulled the outer ring changes in shape so as to grip the distressed persons arms. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,145 another circular shaped buoy device is disclosed with a center strap and buckling devices to secure the distressed person. An inflatable buoy device is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,980,158. These devices generally do not have a long range throwing capacity. These devices also require some physical dexterity on the part of the distressed person. In addition, these devices tend to occupy more space and cargo room.

There are many other devices that describe various discs and rings having certain features and attributes, but all generally require the distressed person to hold onto an object or otherwise secure him/her self to the object. What is needed is a device that is compact and easily stored in convenient locations. Such a device should be capable of rapid deployment and operable by anyone. This device should be inexpensive to purchase, yet sturdy and dependable. The device should allow the rescuer to deploy the rescue device a long distance from the rescuer so that the rescuer remains safe. This device should allow the victim a fast yet secure way to be secured to the device. Furthermore, this device should hold the person in an optimal position with the head above water, even if the victim loses consciousness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in consideration of the aforementioned background, and is for a compact life-saving rescue device. The invention fits securely within a storage bag that contains the floatation throwing device and the rope having a hand loop restraint. This provides a convenient and inexpensive rescue device that is versatile, lightweight, and compact and can be used in ponds, rivers, streams, lakes, brooks and similar bodies of water—especially if the water is frozen or partially frozen.

An object of the invention is to provide a life safety apparatus that can be used as a first response tool. The compact device can be stowed in a car trunk or carried along when venturing out in the outdoors. It can be used to stabilize a person in distress until help arrives and may be used to assist in pulling the person to safety. The invention is packed conveniently in a bag and quickly and easily can be extracted and delivered to the distressed person, even by a person with no training in life-saving or rescue operations.

The wrist securing feature retains a firm grip on the person even if the person loses consciousness or is otherwise unable to hold onto an object.

A further object of the invention is to provide a life-saving apparatus that is capable of being delivered a long distance from the rescuer so that the rescuer remains safe and secure. The weighted portion of the present invention allows the rope to be accurately thrown an average of 70-80 feet.

And another object is an emergency rescue device that employs a loop positioned a short distance from the weighted portion. The loop is designed with independent adjustment means that secure around the wrist when the rope is pulled.

Yet another object is that the present invention is comprised of relatively inexpensive components so that the unit is affordable to rescue, fire, police and emergency personnel that are on tight fiscal budgets. The device is also affordable to the general public and can put such devices in the hands of those that are first to arrive at the scene of the rescue. This is especially important when time is a critical element of survival.

And a further object of the invention is to provide a floatation device in close proximity to a distressed person to be used to help the person locate the rope and wrist loop. The buoy is fluorescent in color. The device can also employ battery operated lighting means and electronics such as global positioning systems and emergency alerting devices.

An object of the invention is a throwable rescue device, comprising a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end. There is a weighted unit connected at an end of said throwing end and a loop forming assembly engaging said rope forming an adjustable loop in the rope with a slidable end and an adjustable end. The loop forming assembly has a means for providing resistance on the rope to maintain a size of the adjustable loop, and a means for providing no resistance when the base end is pulled, wherein the slidable end has a stopping means and the adjustable end is connected to the weighted unit.

An additional object is a throwable rescue device, further comprising a storage bag for storing the rescue device.

Additionally, an object is a throwable rescue device, wherein the rope is stranded polypropylene. Also, wherein the weighted unit is a buoyant ball. An object includes a throwable rescue device, wherein the stopping means is a knot in the rope. Also, wherein the stopping means is a clamp on the rope.

A further object is a throwable rescue device, wherein said means for providing resistance is a plyable washer on an inner side of the adjustable end of the loop forming assembly wherein an outer edge of the washer contacts the rope on an inner side of the slidable end.

An object of the invention is a throwable rescue device, comprising a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end, with a weighted unit connected at an end of the throwing end. There is a loop forming assembly engaging the rope and forming an adjustable loop in the rope, the adjustable loop having a slidable end and an adjustable end. The loop forming assembly has a first orifice engaging the rope on the slidable end and a second orifice engaging the rope on the adjustable end, wherein the slidable end has a stopping means restricting movement towards the base end and the adjustable end is connected to the weighted unit, and wherein the loop forming assembly has a washer engaging the rope on the adjustable end for adjusting a size of the loop and a means for resisting movement of the rope until the base end is pulled.

And, a throwable rescue device, wherein the first orifice and the second orifice have beveled surfaces engaging the rope.

Another object is a throwable rescue device, wherein the means for resisting movement is an outer edge of the washer contacting the rope at the slidable end, wherein the washer is displaced when the base end is pulled.

An object of the invention is a throwable rescue device, comprising a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end with a weighted unit connected at an end of the throwing end of the rope. There is a first retention sleeve and a second retention slidably engaging the rope, wherein the first retention sleeve is secured in place by splicing the first retention sleeve into the rope to form a first loop and a second retention sleeve is secured in place by splicing the second retention sleeve into the rope to form a second loop. There is also a means for resisting movement of the rope. The means for resisting movement is the neoprene washers.

Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and described, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by me on carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is susceptible of many variations, all within the scope of the specification, figures, and claims. The preferred embodiment described here and illustrated in the figures should not be construed as in any way limiting. The present invention will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which: [0031]
FIG. 1 illustrates the components of the invention including the bag, wieighted unit, rope and loop forming assembly and details rough dimensions and orientations [0032]
FIG. 2 shows the weighted end portion in more detail [0033]
FIG. 3 is a close-up of the loop forming assembly, showing the interaction between the rope, the loop forming member and the washer [0034]
FIG. 4 provides further details of the loop forming assembly and highlights the beveled or countersunk holes [0035]
FIG. 5 demonstrates one method of throwing wherein an underhand [0036] 10 b is used
FIG. 6 is a dual loop embodiment showing the sleeve assembly spliced into the rope [0037]
FIG. 7 depicts one of the loops of the dual loop assembly [0038]
FIG. 8 depicts the other loop of the dual loop assmebly [0039]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention refers to a rescue device that comprises a weighted object attached to a rope and having a means of securing to a person to facilitate rescue operations. A single preferred embodiment is illustrated with dimensions and particulars to demonstrate an enabled and functional description however the invention is in no way limited to this single embodiment. [0040]
Referring to FIG. 1, the entire layout of the invention is illustrated. The invention is depicted in kit form that is easily stored in a [0041] bag 30. The bag 30 should be durable and lightweight, and one such material for the bag 30 is nylon. The nylon bag 30 is approximately 18 inches long and 8 inches in diameter with an opening having an easy access means. In this illustrated embodiment there is a drawstring on one end to provide fast access while still maintaining the contents safely within the bag 30.
The [0042] rope 10 in this embodiment is approximately 100 feet in length by {fraction (1/4)}″ in diameter. This dimension tends to provide adequate distance for a rescue, sufficient strength for hauling, and light enough to optimize throwing distance. In the preferred embodiment the rope 10 is a nylon polypropylene that also has the advantage of being a floatation material. Allowing the rope 10 to float on the surface of water makes it easier to be located by a distressed person.
The rope has a [0043] retention assembly 50 that forms an adjustable loop 40. In the illustrated example, the adjustable loop 40 is approximately 12″ in diameter and held together by the retention assembly 50. The characteristics and dimensions of the rope 10 affect the size of the adjustable to some extent, but the function of the loop 40 is to remain an easy target for a victim to insert their hands.
The [0044] rope 10 is terminated in a throwing unit 20 and affixed within the throwing unit 20. In a preferred embodiment, a fluorescent ball approximately 4 inches in diameter and weighing about 13.1 ounces is used. The ball 20 is made to be buoyant so that it floats. Many throwing units are also within the scope of the invention, including torpedo buoys, discs and rings.
However, the intent of the throwing unit is to provide for optimal throwing distance and accuracy. The size and weight of the throwing [0045] unit 20 are important characteristics in placing the loop 40 in close proximity to the victim, even in less than desirable weather conditions. The throwing unit 20 should also be of a material that has some impact absorbing qualities in the event that the object strikes the victim. Various electronics such as global positioning system (GPS) location tracking electronics can be incorporated into the throwing unit 20 if required.
In one embodiment the rope is slipped through a center of the [0046] ball 20, including any internal weights, and a knot or other fastener is used to fasten the ball 20 to the rope 10. The rope 10 is intended to be slidable within the ball 20 but rather to remain a fixed element.

The prior art discusses many different types of rescue throwing devices, including elliptical or disc-shaped devices. The present invention is equally applicable to usage of the disc shaped units, as these discs generally have less air resistance and tend to provide a longer distance. However, throwing a discus requires more practice for accuracy whereas the present invention requires minimal training for distance and accuracy.

	TABLE 1


		Weight

	Throw	15.1 oz	13.4 oz	12.8 oz

1	79.4	71.4	76.2
2	81.6	73.8	79.3
3	84.3	72.1	80.1
4	86.5	75.4	79.2
5	83.0	72.2	80.0
6	88.7	73.5	71.0
7	87.9	76.6	84.1
8	99.5	72.9	81.2
9	92.5	70.0	79.4
10	88.7	76.1	82.0
Avg.	87.2	73.9	79.25
Distance

As shown in Table 1, various weights were thrown ten times and the distance measured for each throw to establish an average distance. As depicted, all the weights tested produced distances in excess of 70 feet. [0048]
FIG. 2 illustrates the orientation of the [0049] fluorescent ball 20 with respect to the retention assembly 50. It also illustrates the wrist loop 40 that is used to grip the person in distress. The loop 40 is adjustable in size and tightens when the bag end of the rope is pulled. A knot 80 is tied in the rope 10 to ensure proper dimensions are met for loop diameter and throwing ease. The length of the loop portion of the rope is approximately 38 inches. There is an additional length of rope, about 6 inches extending from the retention assembly 50 to the ball 20. Thus, the knot 80 is fastened about 44 inches from the ball 20, and the loop 40 is adjustable within the parameters of the 44 inches.
The position of the knot may be re-set, preferably in advance, for certain circumstances that require a larger or smaller loop. And, while a [0050] knot 80 is depicted as the means of fixing the loop dimensions, it is well within the scope of the invention to utilize a fastening unit. A fastener can be clipped onto the rope instead of the knot and interface with the retention assembly 50. Such rope clamps are well known in the prior art and provide a means of more rapidly altering the length of rope and loop size. One preferred clamping unit is crimped in place upon the rope 10.
FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the [0051] retention assembly 50 depicting the individual elements. The retention assembly 50 is comprised of two components, loop sleeve or loop forming assembly 60 and retention washer 70. Retention washer 70 is a closed cell neoprene washer approximately 1½″ in diameter and {fraction (1/8)}″ thick. The washer is designed to prevent slippage of the loop 40 prior to the bag end of the rope 10 being pulled. The dimension of the inner diameter of the hole in retention washer 70 is {fraction (1/16)}″ smaller than the polypropylene rope 10 to provide resistance to movement of the rope 10. The leader length from the ball to the retention assembly is about 6 or 7 inches in a preferred embodiment and is adjustable by providing considerable force to counteract the resistance caused by the hole in the washer 70 upon the rope 10.
The [0052] retention assembly 50 keeps the loop in a substantially open position during operation prior to the rope 10 being pulled. As depicted, the outer edge of the washer 70 is in physical contact with the bag end of the rope 10 while the weighted end of the rope 10 goes through the center of the washer 70.
The retention washer provides the resistance to keep the loop from deforming or shrinking during transit. A [0053] single washer 70 can be used of appropriate thickness or multiple washers 70. The wider the surface area of the washer 70 contacting the rope 10, the greater the resistance upon the rope 10 from deforming. While a separate washer 70 is depicted, incorporating the functionality of the washer 70 as an integrated element of the loop sleeve 60 is an obvious variation of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the [0054] loop sleeve 60. Loop sleeve 60 is a manufactured piece part that ensures the rope reacts properly during flight and when bag end of the rope is pulled. In this embodiment it is made of Teflon. The outer dimensions of loop sleeve 60 are ½″ long by {fraction (1/2)}″ thick. Rounded comers are provided in the preferred embodiment. There are (2) {fraction (3/8)}″ diameter holes 100, 110 drilled through the loop sleeve 60 with counter sunk chamfers {fraction (5/8)}″ in diameter by 90 degrees on both sides of the loop sleeve 60. A first hole 100 interfaces with the knot 80 while the second hole 10 interfaces with the washer. The holes are positioned to separate the rope and form the open loop 40. The loop sleeve 60 works in conjunction with the retention washer 70 to provide friction or resistance to the rope 10 when it is being deployed and to prevent slippage of the set diameter of the loop 40.
The beveled orifice of the [0055] first hole 100 and the second hole 110 produces a favorable result that enables the present invention to provide a full loop during deployment and allows the rescue personnel to collapse the loop upon the victim's hand(s) with no resistance. The weight of the ball 20 upon the rope 10 pulls the washer 70 into the loop sleeve 60 and the washer 70 is flexed inwards to the beveled second hole 110. This maintains the outer edge of the washer 70 in close contact with the rope 10 at the first hole 100 and provides resistance to movement of the rope 10. When the unit is deployed and the rescuer pulls the rope 10, the beveled orifice of the first hole 100 causes the loop sleeve 60 to cantilever and the upper edge of the washer 70 is slightly displaced from the close contact with the rope 10 near the first hole 100. This allows the loop 40 to close without resistance and is essentially self-closing.
An alternative embodiment of the loop sleeve has angled [0056] holes 100, 100. The holes 100, 110 are angled outwards on the side facing the loop to aid in creating an open loop 40. In this embodiment there may be an integrated retention washer within the sleeve 60. It is also within the scope of the invention to expand the retention assembly 50 to incorporate rotatable wheels, ball bearings and/or guide members to facilitate the passage of the rope through the retention assembly as the rope is pulled and the loop retracts. However, the invention and motivation of the present invention is to be a low cost and simple unit and further enhancements add to the overall cost.
FIG. 5 demonstrates a preferred hand location for throwing the rescue device. The [0057] loop 40 acts as a handle so the rescue device can be thrown using an underhand bowling or softball pitching motion. The combination of the position of hand location in the loop 40 together with the pendulum motion of the thrower's arm allows distances of up to 75′ to be achieved with relative ease as shown in Table 1.
In operation, the [0058] bag 30 is typically carried in a trunk of a car such as a rescue vehicle or police cruiser. The entire bag 30 is carried as close as possible to the site of the emergency and near the distressed person. An easy opening top portion of the bag 30 is opened and the throwing unit 20 is pulled out. The unit is typically stored in a ready-to-use state such that the loop 40 is already set at approximately 12 inch diameter.
The user can leave the [0059] bag 30 on the ground and pull out several feet of rope 10 and hold the rescue device as shown in FIG. 5 by holding the loop portion with the weighted unit 20 at an opposing end of the user's hand. The rescuer can then 10 b the weighted unit 20 to the person in distress and preferably within very close proximity. The combination of the loop sleeve 60 and the washer 70 keep the loop 40 in an open fashion and at the pre-set length.
Depending upon the weather conditions and experience of the rescuer, it may take more than a single attempt to place the rescue device in the proper location for the distressed person. Verbal commands can be issued to the distressed person if possible, but in most cases the person in distress will try to instinctively grab whatever is in reach. Once the person in distress inserts one or both wrists into the loop or otherwise grabs the loop rope, the rescuer pulls the rope. As the rope is pulled the loop sleeve tilts and the loop collapses without resistance. [0060]
An alternative embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 6 in which there are a pair or [0061] loops 200, 210. The pair of wrist loops 200, 210 are located approximately one or more feet from the throwing unit (not shown). The loops 200, 210 are adjustable in size and tighten when the bag end of the rope 10 is pulled. The adjustment means 220, 230 permits the adjustment of the wrist loops 200, 210.
There are sections of heat shrink [0062] 300 around sections of the rope 10 to permit easier sliding of the rope retention sleeve 220. Each wrist loop 200, 210 employs a washer 250, 260 to keep the loops open while the rescue device is in transit to the victim. They also help in securing the loops 200, 210 tightly around the wrists.
The [0063] washers 250, 260 add some resistance to the loop 200, 210 as described herein. Once the diameter of the loop 200, 210 is set, the neoprene washer 250, 260 prevents any slippage, especially in wet environments. The hole cut in the center of the washer 250, 260 which is slipped onto the rope 10 is slightly smaller than the rope 10 to provide the resistance to movement.
The [0064] rope retention sleeves 220, 230 are interconnected and attached to the rope 10 by a rope securing means 400. In the depicted embodiment, the rope securing means 400 is by threading the rope retention sleeves 220, 230 through the stranded rope 10. The rope securing means 300 holds the rope retention sleeves 220, 230 and allows the sleeve 220 to slide along the rope 10 when pulled. Other rope securing means 300 are within the scope of the invention.
FIGS. 7 and 8 provide a further exploded view of the wrist securing components. The [0065] rope 10 from the bag end has a heat shrink sleeve 300 in close proximity to the loop 200. There is a washer 250 and then the rope retention sleeve 220, and then another washer 250. The first loop 200 is formed and another heat shrink sleeve 100 is employed. The rope retention sleeve 220 is threaded through the rope 10 to secure the rope retention sleeve 220 and allow the rope 10 to slide within the sleeve 220.
In FIG. 8, the [0066] rope 10 from the first loop 200 encounters a rope retention sleeve 230 and then a washer 260. The loop 210 is formed and the rope retention sleeve 230 is threaded into the rope 10.
With this embodiment, the person in distress places each hand in a loop and as the rope is puled the loops close and securely hold both wrists as the person is hauled to safety. [0067]
No warranty is expressed or implied as to the actual degree of safety, security or support of any particular specimen of the invention in whole or in part, due to differences in actual production designs, materials and use of the products of the invention. [0068]
The foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above writings. It is intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto. [0069]
The invention is susceptible of many variations, all within the scope of the specification, figures, and claims. The preferred embodiment described here and illustrated in the figures should not be construed as in any way limiting. [0070]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A throwable rescue device, comprising:

a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end;

a weighted unit connected at an end of said throwing end;

a loop forming assembly engaging said rope and forming an adjustable loop in said rope with a slidable end and an adjustable end, said loop forming assembly having a means for providing resistance on said rope to maintain a size of said adjustable loop, and a means for providing no resistance when said base end is pulled, wherein said slidable end has a stopping means and said adjustable end is connected to said weighted unit.

2. A throwable rescue device according to

claim 1

, further comprising a storage bag for storing said rescue device.

3. A throwable rescue device according to

claim 1

, wherein said rope is stranded polypropylene.

4. A throwable rescue device according to

claim 1

, wherein said weighted unit is a buoyant ball.

5. A throwable rescue device according to

claim 1

, wherein said stopping means is a knot in said rope.

6. A throwable rescue device according to

claim 1

, wherein said stopping means is a clamp on said rope.

7. A throwable rescue device according to

claim 1

, wherein said means for providing resistance is a plyable washer on an inner side of said adjustable end of said loop forming assembly wherein an outer edge of said washer contacts said rope on an inner side of said slidable end.

8. A throwable rescue device, comprising:

a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end;

a weighted unit connected at an end of said throwing end;

a loop forming assembly engaging said rope and forming an adjustable loop in said rope, said adjustable loop having a slidable end and an adjustable end, said loop forming assembly having a first orifice engaging said rope on said slidable end and a second orifice engaging said rope on said adjustable end, wherein said slidable end has a stopping means restricting movement towards said base end and said adjustable end is connected to said weighted unit, and wherein said loop forming assembly has a washer engaging said rope on said adjustable end for adjusting a size of said loop and a means for resisting movement of said rope until said base end is pulled.

9. A throwable rescue device according to

claim 8

, wherein said first orifice and said second orifice have beveled surfaces engaging said rope.

10. A throwable rescue device according to

claim 8

, wherein said means for resisting movement is an outer edge of said washer contacting said rope at said slidable end, wherein said washer is displaced when said base end is pulled.

12. A throwable rescue device, comprising:

a length of rope having a base end and a throwing end;

a weighted unit connected at an end of said throwing end of said rope;

a first retention sleeve and a second retention slidably engaging said rope, wherein

said first retention sleeve is secured in place by splicing said first retention sleeve into said rope to form a first loop and a second retention sleeve is secured in place by splicing said second retention sleeve into said rope to form a second loop; and

a means for resisting movement of said rope.

13. A throwable rescue device according to

claim 12

, wherein said means for means resisting movement is a washer engaging said rope.