US20060011415A1

US20060011415A1 - Devices, systems and methods for emergency descent from a height

Info

Publication number: US20060011415A1
Application number: US11/115,629
Authority: US
Inventors: Andrew Fischer; Jason Koliscak; Richard Reynolds; Timothy Ecker
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: MSA Technology LLC; Mine Safety Appliances Co LLC
Priority date: 2004-04-28
Filing date: 2005-04-27
Publication date: 2006-01-19
Also published as: AU2005238078B2; DE602005025331D1; CN1976740A; CN1976740B; WO2005105217A1; ATE491500T1; EP1740272B1; AU2005238078A1; ZA200608723B; BRPI0510333A; EP1740272A1

Abstract

An integral rescue device preferably worn by a firefighter that includes a shock absorbing descender attached to the rescue device, a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line. The assembly preferably includes a plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the support line are retained near the terminus of each of the intermediate loops. In a preferred embodiment, the shock absorbing descender is attached to a waist belt of a self-contained breathing apparatus carrier with a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/565,885 filed Apr. 28, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FILED OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices, systems and methods for emergency decent from a height, and, particularly, to devices, systems and methods for use by firefighters in a descent escape from a height.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The outer, protective garments worn by firefighters (commonly referred to as turnout gear) typically include a large coat and pants that have an outer layer and a removable inner liner. The outer layer is fabricated from materials that are resistant to heat, flame, abrasion and water. Firefighters also wear other protective gear, including a helmet, thick gloves, and an air tank that is typically part of a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
In executing their duty, firefighters often enter burning buildings, including multilevel or high-rise buildings. It is desirable that a firefighter be equipped with equipment to enable escape from a height (for example, from a rooftop or window). Without such escape equipment, a firefighter trapped at a height above the ground, must find a suitable escape point and await a ladder from a fellow firefighter to escape injury.
Harnesses have been incorporated into the outer garments worn by a firefighter, but such harnesses have been generally inadequate to provide an escape or rescue from a height. Recently, U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,725 disclosed a harness assembly 16 for use by a firefighter having an integral support line 20 that can be used to escape from a height. That harness assembly includes a harness body having first and second ends and a hollow interior which receives the support line. The support line has first and second ends that extend from the harness body. A large portion of the support line, which is preferably shaped as a flat ribbon, is disposed within each of multiple elongated chambers or sleeves provided on the harness body using a rod-shaped tool. Several loops of the support line may be received in each of the chambers. Separating the support line into a series of individual pockets or chambers purportedly reduces the probability of tangling, twisting, or knotting of the support line, and the support line can be readily withdrawn from the harness body. The first end of the support line may be pulled away from the harness to extend the support line therefrom. The second end of the support line is releasably secured to the harness.
Although attempts have been made to provide devices and systems for escape from a height for use by firefighters and others, it remains desirable to provide improved devices, systems and methods to facilitate escape from a height.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention provides a personal emergency escape or descent system including an article to be worn by a user comprising: a shock absorbing descender attached to the article, a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line. The assembly for holding the support line can take any number of forms including those shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,487,725, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
In one embodiment, the assembly includes a plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the support line are retained near the terminus of each of the intermediate loops. The assembly can, for example, include a first group of holders and a second group of holders, wherein each group of holders includes at least two holders. A first intermediate loop of the support line can be passed through a first holder of the first group of holders. The support line is then looped in an extended, generally u-shaped loop. A second intermediate loop is formed in the support line and is passed through a first holder of the second group of holders. The support line is then looped back in an extended, generally u-shaped loop. A third intermediate loop of the support line is formed and is passed through a second holder of the first group of holders. The support line is then looped in an extended u-shaped loop, and a fourth intermediate loop formed in the support line is passed through a second holder of the second group of holders. This packing or holding pattern can be repeated until the desired length of the support line is held in the assembly.
The assembly can further include a first retainer and a second retainer. The first retainer includes a first length of material attached to the assembly that is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate loops passing through the holders of the first group of holders. The second retainer includes a second length of material attached to the assembly that is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate loops passing through the holders of the second group of holders. The support line can be in operative connection with each of the first retainer and the second retainer so that application of force to the first end of the support line causes the first retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops passing through the first group of holders and the second retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops passing through the second group of holders. Further application of force to the first end of the support line, after the first retainer and the second retainer are withdrawn from the intermediate loops, causes the intermediate loops to be withdrawn from the holders of the first group of holders and the second group of holders.
The second end of the support line is not attached tro the assembly for holding the support line. Preferably, the support line can have formed in the vicinity of the second end a termination knot that prevents passage of the second end of the support line through the shock absorbing descender. The termination knot can, for example, be one-time releasable so that the support line can pass through the shock absorbing descender and the support line can be operatively disengaged from the shock absorbing descender. Such one-time release can, for example, be accomplished under load. In one embodiment, a cover is formed over at least a portion of the knotted section of the termination knot of the support line so that the cover must be removed before the termination knot is released. The cover can include a shrink wrap. Once the termination knot is released, the support line may not be reattached to the shock absorbing descender.
The shock absorbing descender comprises a shock absorbing element and a descender device. In one embodiment, the descender device is a plate that is attached to an article worn by a user by a shock-absorbing element that includes an extending section of material which absorbs energy, for example, upon initial descent. Preferably, the extending section of material is threaded through a pair of rings and then doubled over on itself and stitched together with rip stitching. The rip stitching can be adapted to rip under a certain force to absorb energy while the rings are adapted to deform under a certain force to absorb energy. Various descender devices can be used including a plate with holes, tubes and friction disks.
The support line is made from a flame and heat-resistant material. In one embodiment, the support line is fabricated from KEVLAR material. The support line can, for example, be formed in the flattened shape of a ribbon.
In another embodiment, at least one indicator is placed in operative connection with the support line, wherein deployment of the support line requires a readily viewable alteration of the indicator. The indicator can, for example, be a tag that is wrapped around a portion of the support line.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a rescue garment to be worn by a user, including: a shock absorbing descender attached to the rescue garment, a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line. The second end of the support line is not attached to the assembly, and the support line has formed in the vicinity of the second end a termination knot that prevents passage of the second end of the support line through the descender device. As described above, the termination knot can be released one time so that the support line can pass through the descender and thereby be operatively disengaged from descender device.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a self-contained breathing apparatus carrier, including: a waist belt, a shock absorbing descender in operative connection with the waist belt, a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line. The shock absorbing descender includes a shock absorbing element and a descender device. In one embodiment, as described above, the assembly includes a plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the support line are retained near the terminus of each of the looped ends.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A through 1F illustrate an embodiment of an emergency decent system of the present invention designed to be incorporated into or attached to an SCBA carrier.
FIGS. 2A through 2H illustrate the packing of a support line into the support line pad assembly of the system of FIGS. 1A through 1F.
FIGS. 3A through 3F illustrate the attachment of the system of FIGS. 1A through 1F to an SCBA carrier.
FIG. 4 illustrates the emergency descent system of the present invention as worn with an SCBA carrier.
FIGS. 5A through 5G illustrate another embodiment of an emergency decent system of the present invention designed to be incorporated into or attached to an SCBA carrier.
FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a preferred embodiment of a shock absorbing descender used in the systems and devices of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In general, the present invention provides a personal emergency escape or descent system which, can for example, be integrated into a firefighter's existing gear. In one embodiment, the emergency descent system of the present invention is integrated into an SCBA carrier such as the AIRFRAME™ SCBA carrier or the VULCAN™ SCBA carrier, both available from Mine Safety Appliances Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The emergency descent systems of the present invention provide the user with a means of escape from an elevated position. Typically, the systems of the present invention are used as emergency devices when all other escape options have been exhausted. Although representative embodiments of the descent systems of the present invention are discussed for incorporation into an SCBA carrier as a lumbar pad, one skilled in the art appreciates that the systems of the present invention are readily incorporated into other equipment or garments.
FIGS. 1A through 1F illustrate the components of one embodiment of a descent system 10 (see, for example, FIG. 2H for assembled system 10) of the present invention that can be incorporated into an SCBA carrier as a lumbar pad. Descent system 10 includes a waist belt 100 (see FIG. 1A), a support line storage/ lumbar pad assembly 200 (see FIG. 1B) and a cover 300 (see FIG. 1C). Waist belt 100 includes a descender device or belay 110 in operative connection therewith, through which a support or descent line 120 passes. Descender device 110 is attached to waist belt 100 via a shock absorbing element 112, which can, for example, include a pair of rings and loops of material that are closed by stitching. Support line 120 is preferably of sufficient length to allow descent from a substantial height (for example, 50 to 75 feet in length). In general, a flattened ribbon shape or webbing shape for support line 120 is preferable to provide strength while minimizing packing size and overall weight. Support line 120 must also have a relatively high temperature resistance. A suitable fabric for support line 120 is, for example, KEVLAR® available from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, Delaware. KEVLAR is a polymer material that comprises long molecular chains produced from polyparaphenylene terephthalamide. The chains are highly oriented with strong interchain bonding which result in a unique combination of properties. A suitable ribbon-shaped or web-shaped KEVLAR fabric is readily commercially available.
Support line 120 includes a first end 122 which is attached to a carabiner 130 via a knot 124. After passing through descender device 110, support line 120 preferably terminates in a second, free or unattached end 126. In that regard, second end 126 is not attached to waist belt 100 or other component of system 10. A termination knot 128 (for example, a slip knot) is formed near second end 126 which prevents second end 126 from passing through descender device 110.
Waist belt 100 further includes a mechanism to secure waist belt 100 around the user. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1A through 1F, the securing mechanism includes a locking hook 140 that cooperates with a D-ring 150 that is preferably adjustably attached to waist belt 100.
Waist belt 100 passes through a passage 205 formed in support line pad assembly 200. Support line pad assembly 200 is designed to hold support line 120 as described below in connection with FIGS. 2A through 2H. Once support line 120 is packed within support line pad assembly 200 as described below, support line pad assembly 200, support line 120 held thereby and waist belt 100 are removably placed inside a generally tubular cover 300. Waist belt 100 and support line pad assembly 200 are slid within cover 300 from the right side (in the orientation of FIG. 1C). The end of waist belt 100, including D-ring 150, is passed through an opening on the left side of cover 300. This opening is large enough to enable passing of that end of waist belt 100 therethrough, but is not large enough to allow support line pad assembly 200 to pass therethrough. Support line pad assembly 200 is secured within cover 300 by, for example, a releasable closing mechanism such snaps 310.
To pack support line 120 in support line pad assembly 200, support line pad assembly 200 is preferably first placed upon a generally flat surface. Support line 120 is first passed through descender device 110 until descender device 110 is within approximately six inches of carabiner 130. In several embodiments of the present invention, support line pad assembly 200 is designed to accommodate either a 50-foot line or a 75-foot line (see, for example, FIGS. 7A and 7B, as described below). For a 50-foot line, a fourth holding position or holder 210 (counting from the center in the top row or group of holders—see, for example, FIG. 2B) is first located. Each holder 210 is formed generally as a loop or arc created by spaced stitching along a length of webbing material connecting the webbing material to support line pad assembly 200. Support line 120 is laid on support line pad assembly 200 and an intermediate loop is formed at fourth holder 210 in a first group of holders. The looped support line 120 is passed through first position straps 220 (see FIG. 2A) and then through a second, generally central, position strap 222 (see FIG. 2B). The intermediate loop of support line 120 is passed through fourth holder 210 so that end of the intermediate loop protrudes approximately one-half inch through holder 210 (see, for example, FIG. 2B). For a 75-five foot support line, the intermediate loop of support line 120 is passed through the first holding position or holder 210 (see, for example, FIG. 7B). Support line 120 is then threaded through positioning strap 224 and positioning strap 226 on the opposite side of support line pad assembly 200 as illustrated in FIG. 2C, forming a u-shaped loop in support line 120. An intermediate loop is then formed in support line 120 at the end of the u-shaped loop, and the intermediate loop is passed through holder 210 of a second group of holders, positioned, for example, adjacent the first group of holder (see FIG. 2C). Once again, the intermediate loop protrudes at least half an inch through holder 210. Support line 120 is then threaded through positioning straps 220 and 222 and an intermediate loop formed in support line 120 is passed through the next holder 210 of the first group of holders (that is, the fifth holder 210 for a 50-foot line). Support line 120 is then threaded back through the positioning straps 224 and 226 and an intermediate loop passed through the fifth holder 210 of the second group of holders (for a 50-line). One continues threading support line 120 as described above until all holding positions or holders 210 are occupied with intermediate loops (see FIG. 2D). After a final loop 120 a (see FIG. 2E) is made in support line 120, holding straps or webs 230 are passed through it. Holding webs 230 are then passed through each of the half-inch loops formed as described above (see FIGS. 2F and 2G). Holding webs 230 are then passed through the holding web holding positions or holders 240. Holding webs 230 assist in preventing support line 120 from coming out of holders 210 during normal (that is, use other than use in emergency descent) use of system 10. When force is applied to carabiner 130 to deploy support line 120, holding webs 230 are pulled from within the intermediate loops. The intermediate loops are then pulled from holders 210 generally sequentially to extend support line 120 without tangling of support line 120.
A tamper-evident tag 250 (see, for example, FIGS. 1E, 1F and 4) can be placed around support line 120. Descender device 110 is then secured, for example with a hook and loop fastener or snaps. At this point, support line pad assembly 200, support line 120 held thereby and waist belt 100 are inserted into cover 300. Carabiner 130 can, for example, be positioned within cover 300, and cover 300 closed via, for example, snaps 310. Support line 120 of the present invention can be packed as described above quickly and without the use of tools.
FIGS. 3A through 3H illustrate the attachment of system 10 to an SCBA carrier/harness 500 (see FIG. 5E). To retrofit/attach system 10 to act as a swiveling lumbar pad (see FIGS. 3A through 3F) in an existing SCBA carrier such as the AIRFRAME carrier available from Mine Safety Appliances Company of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, one first disassembles the pull straps of the existing lumbar support pad from the left and right shoulder straps of the carrier by weaving the pull straps through the friction buckles of the carrier. The pull straps are then disassembled from the carrier by removing the tribar slides thereof from the backplate assembly. There is no need to reuse the removed waist belt and pull straps as a waist belt and pull straps are provided with system 10. System 10 is then oriented so that loops 320 and tribar slides 330 on the outer portion of cover 300 are facing swiveling lumbar pad 510. One end of swiveling lumbar pad 510 is passed through loop 320 of the outer portion of cover 300. (see FIG. 3A) Loop 320 of outer cover 300 is moved toward the center of swiveling lumbar pad 510 until second loop 320 can be secured (see FIG. 3B) Tribar slides 330 are then passed through respective slots 520 in swiveling lumbar pad 510 by turning them at an angle as known in the art. (see FIG. 3C) Tribar slides 330 should be confirmed to be fully seated against swiveling lumbar pad 510. (see FIG. 3D) Integrated pull straps 340 are then installed onto the shoulder straps of the carrier by weaving them through friction buckles 530. System 10 can be attached to a standard or non-swiveling lumbar pad in a similar manner. After attachment of system 10 to SCBA carrier 500, the SCBA carrier can be donned and doffed generally in accordance with the relevant user's manual as shown in FIG. 4.
FIGS. 5A through 5G illustrate another embodiment of a system 10′ of the present invention which is similar, in many respects, to system 10. Components of system 10′ are numbered similarly to corresponding components of system 10 with the addition of the designation “′”. Although KEVLAR webs or ribbons exhibit excellent tensile strength and ultimate tensile load, KEVLAR can act as a brittle material and break under a large, quickly applied force or shock force. System 10′ of the present invention thus includes a shock absorbing descender that limits the shock force applied to support line 120 (for example, the force experienced at the beginning of a descent). In the embodiment of FIGS. 5A through 5G, the shock absorbing descender includes descender device 110′ which preferably is a plate with a plurality of holes therein through which the support line 120′ is threaded, and shock absorbing element 112′ which preferably includes a pair of rings 116 and a section of “rip” stitching 114′ that rips or tears upon application of a shock force. Rip stitching section 114′ and rings 116 act to absorb some of the shock force and prevents damage to the KEVLAR material of support line 120′.
As illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 6A and 6B, shock absorbing element 112′ preferably includes a section of webbing which is doubled back over itself through rings 116. Rip stitching section 114′ sews the two layers of extending member 112′ together in this section. Rip stitching 114′ begins to rip or tear so that the two layers of extending member 112′ begin to separate and the apparent length of extending member 112′ increases when a quick load or shock force is applied to descender device 110′ as, for example, in the case of a fall. Once the rip stitching 114′ is completely torn, rings 116 act to further absorb energy by deforming because one ring is forced into the other. It is desirable that rip stitching 114′ stay intact during normal use of system 10′, but begin to rip or tear under a shock force associated with a fall to absorb some of the shock force, thereby protecting the KEVLAR support line 120 from breakage. Rip stitching 114′ can, for example, begin to rip or tear under a shock force in the range of 500 to 1000 pounds. Of course, other shock absorbing elements such as partially oriented yarn or tear tape can be used as the shock absorbing element in the shock absorbing descender of the present invention.
As illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 5A and 5B, a cover such as a shrink wrap covering 128 a′ can be formed over at least a potion of termination knot 128′ of support line 120′. FIG. 5A illustrates support line pad assembly 200′ holding a 50-foot support line 120′, while FIG. 5B illustrates support line pad assembly 200′ holding a 75-foot support line 120″. Second or terminal end 126′ of support line 120′ can also be folded over on itself and shrink wrap 126 a′ formed as a cover thereover. A “double action” or dual action is thereby required to allow passage of second end 126′ of support line 120′ through descender device 110′ to operatively disengage support line 120′ from descender device 110′. The user first grasps second end 126′ and applies force to open shrink wrap covering 128 a′. The user can then remove termination knot 128′. The requirement of a double action assists in ensuring that termination knot 128′ is not inadvertently untied or removed.
As discussed above in connection with system 10, a tamper-evident tag 250′ can be place around support line 120′ of system 10′. A tamper-evident tag 252 can also be place upon termination knot 128′. Tamper-evident tags 250′ and 252′ provide confirmation upon very quick inspection as to whether support line 120′ has ever been deployed. In that regard, tamper-evident tags 250′ and 252′ (which can, for example, be formed from a length of self-adhesive material that is wrapped around portions of support line 120′) must be torn or ripped to deploy support line 120′. If support line 120′ has been previous deployed, it is preferably replaced. In that regard, waist belt 100, including shock absorbing element 112′ and descender device 110′, as well as support line 120′ can be replaced after a single deployment thereof.
The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set forth preferred embodiments of the invention at the present time. Various modifications, additions and alternative designs will, of course, become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachings without departing from the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes and variations that fall within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. An article to be worn by a user, comprising: a shock absorbing descender attached to the article, a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line.

2. The article of claim 1 wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the support line are retained near the terminus of each of the intermediate loops.

3. The article of claim 2 wherein the assembly includes a first group of holders and a second group of holders, each group of holders including at least two holders, a first intermediate loop of the support line being passed through a first holder of the first group of holders and the support line then being looped in an extended, generally u-shaped loop, a second intermediate loop of the support line being passed through a first holder of the second group of holders, the support line then being looped back in an extended, generally u-shaped loop and a third intermediate loop of the support line being passed through a second holder of the first group of holders, the support line then being looped in an extended u-shaped loop and a fourth intermediate loop of the support line being passed through a second holder of the second group of holders.

4. The article of claim 3 wherein the assembly further comprises a first retainer and a second retainer, the first retainer comprising a first length of material attached to the assembly that is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate loops passing through the holders of the first group of holders, the second retainer comprising a second length of material attached to the assembly that is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate loops passing through the holders of the second group of holders.

5. The article of claim 4 wherein the support line is in operative connection with each of the first retainer and the second retainer so that application of force to the first end of the support line causes the first retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops passing through the first group of holders and the second retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops passing through the second group of holders.

6. The article of claim 5 wherein further application of force to the first end of the support line, after the first retainer and the second retainer are withdrawn from the intermediate loops, causes the intermediate loops to be withdrawn from the holders of the first group of holders and the second group of holders.

7. The article of claim 1 wherein the shock absorbing descender comprises a descender device and a shock absorbing element, the descender device comprising a plate with a plurality of holes therein, the shock absorbing element comprising an extending section of material being threaded through a pair of rings and being doubled over itself and stitched together with rip stitching, the rip stitching being adapted to rip under a certain force to absorb energy and the rings being adapted to deform and thereby absorb energy.

8. The article of claim 7 wherein the a second end of the support line is unattached and the support line has formed in the vicinity of the second end a termination knot that prevents passage of the second end of the support line through the descender device.

9. The article of claim 8 wherein the termination knot can be released so that the support line can pass through the descender and thereby be operatively disengaged from descender device.

10. The article of claim 9 wherein a cover is formed over at least a portion of the knotted section of the termination knot of the support line so that the cover must be removed before the termination knot is released.

11. A self-contained breathing apparatus carrier, comprising: a waist belt, a shock absorbing descender in operative connection with the waist belt, a support line passing through the shock absorbing descender, an anchor connection attached to a first end of the support line in the vicinity of the shock absorbing descender, and an assembly for holding the support line.

12. The self-contained breathing apparatus of claim 11 wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of holders in which intermediate loops of the support line are retained near the terminus of each of the looped ends.

13. The carrier of claim 12 wherein the assembly includes a first group of holders and a second group of holders, each group of holders including at least two holders, a first intermediate loop of the support line being passed through a first holder of the first group of holders and the support line then being looped in an extended, generally u-shaped loop, a second intermediate loop of the support line being passed through a first holder of the second group of holders, the support line then being looped back in an extended, generally u-shaped loop and a third intermediate loop of the support line being passed through a second holder of the first group of holders, the support line then being looped in an extended u-shaped loop and a fourth intermediate loop of the support line being passed through a second holder of the second group of holders.

14. The carrier of claim 13 wherein the assembly further comprises a first retainer and a second retainer, the first retainer comprising a first length of material attached to the assembly that is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate loops passing through the holders of the first group of holders, the second retainer comprising a second length of material attached to the assembly that is adapted to be threaded through the intermediate loops passing through the holders of the second group of holders.

15. The carrier of claim 14 wherein the support line is in operative connection with each of the first retainer and the second retainer so that application of force to the first end of the support line causes the first retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops passing through the first group of holders and the second retainer to be withdrawn from the intermediate loops passing through the second group of holders.

16. The carrier of claim 15 wherein further application of force to the first end of the support line, after the first retainer and the second retainer are withdrawn from the intermediate loops, causes the intermediate loops to be withdrawn from the holders of the first group of holders and the second group of holders.

17. The carrier of claim 16 wherein the shock absorbing descender is attached to the waist belt and comprises a descender device and a shock absorbing element, the descender device comprising a plate with a plurality of holes therein and the shock absorbing element comprising an extending section of material threaded through a plurality of rings and being doubled over itself and stitched together with rip stitching, the rip stitching being adapted to rip under a certain force to absorb energy and the rings being adapted to deform and thereby absorb energy.

18. The carrier of claim 17 wherein the a second end of the support line is unattached and the support line has formed in the vicinity of the second end a termination knot that prevents passage of the second end of the support line through the descender device.

19. The carrier of claim 18 wherein the termination knot can be released so that the support line can pass through the descender device and the support line can be operatively disengaged from descender device.

20. The carrier of claim 19 wherein a cover is formed over at least a portion of the knotted section of the termination knot of the support line so that the cover must be removed before the termination knot is released.