System and Methods for Multi-Purpose Water-Activated Inflatable Collar Deployment

This application claims priority from United States provisional application Ser. No. 63/731,423, filed May 2, 2024, which is incorporated by reference.

The present disclosure generally relates to water rescue and flotation systems, and more particularly, to portable flotation devices and related methods used during emergency rescue operations.

Existing rescue and flotation devices can be cumbersome to deploy or require manual activation under high-stress conditions, resulting in delayed assistance to individuals in distress. Additionally, many traditional systems lack adequate integration of rescue lines or towing elements, which complicates victim retrieval. Bulky storage requirements and limited adaptability during variable or harsh water conditions further hamper current water rescue technologies, often making them impractical or less effective in rapidly evolving emergencies.

In general, in a first aspect, the technologies described herein relate to a multi-purpose water rescue system that includes an inflatable rescue collar capable of housing a high-strength Webbing within a longitudinal channel, such that any tensile load is carried by the Webbing and not by the inflatable portion of the collar. A buckle-as-slide (BAS) assembly permits the collar to be detached from a wearer, repositioned, and recoupled around the torso without removing the Webbing. The system further includes a Water-Activated Inflator and a manual inflation mechanism to automatically or manually provide buoyancy upon contact with water, alongside a deployment bag with multiple compartments that maintain a rescue rope tethered to the Webbing even when the compartments separate.

In general, in a second aspect, the technologies described herein relate to a method of deploying a multi-purpose water rescue system. The method involves storing the inflatable collar, the Webbing, and the rescue rope in a segmented deployment bag, automatically inflating the collar upon water exposure, freeing the collar for quick access, and then cinching it around a victim or user. The rope remains continuously connected to the collar so that rescuers can pull the wearer to safety, and an oral inflation tube allows pressure adjustments as needed.

In general, in a third aspect, the technologies described herein relate to an inflatable water rescue collar apparatus that includes a tubular body with a channel for the high-strength Webbing, a buckle-as-slide (BAS) assembly for securing the collar around a person in a cinched arrangement, and a Water-Activated Inflator integrated with an optional Oral Tube for incremental or backup inflation. This apparatus helps isolate tensile loads from the inflatable section while ensuring rapid deployment in water emergencies.

In one scenario, a wildlife conservation officer may use the device to rescue a person who has fallen through ice on a lake. The officer can separate the two compartments, throw the collar bag to the victim, and use a rope to pull the victim to safety after the collar automatically inflates upon water contact.

In another scenario, the device may be used in conjunction with a drone for river rescues. The collar can be attached to a drone via an O-ring on a throw handle and delivered to a victim stranded on rocks in the middle of a river. After inflation, the victim can don the collar and be guided to safety using a tethered rope.

The device also allows for waterborne rescuer operations. A rescuer can swim to a victim while wearing the inflated collar over their shoulder. Using a buckle-as-slide (BAS) assembly, the rescuer can quickly secure the collar around the victim's chest, allowing for efficient retrieval by an onshore team member.

Embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features. These features may be used singly, or in combination with each other. In certain embodiments, the longitudinal channel incorporates a series of interior belt-loop structures that prevent the high-strength Webbing from rotating under heavy lifting forces. A Water-Activated Inflator may automatically inflate the collar upon submersion, or within seconds of exposure to water. The buckle-as-slide (BAS) assembly may be corrosion-resistant and able to withstand significant tensile loads (e.g., at least 2,000 pounds) while allowing incremental tightening around the torso. The rescue collar exterior may include Reflective Tape for improved visibility and may be formed of polymer-coated fabric with an Over-Pressure Valve to vent excess internal pressure above a threshold, sometimes aided by an Elastic Strip that helps retain a compact, coiled state before use. The deployment bag can include a drone attachment ring, a throw handle, and a specialized exit aperture that prevents tangling of the rescue rope during deployment; in some embodiments, the second bag compartment can be detached while preserving rope communication to extend rescue reach.

In one scenario, a wildlife conservation officer may use the device to rescue a person who has fallen through ice on a lake. The officer can separate the two compartments, throw the collar bag to the victim, and use a rope to pull the victim to safety after the collar automatically inflates upon water contact.

In another scenario, the device may be used in conjunction with a drone for river rescues. The collar can be attached to a drone via an O-ring on a throw handle and delivered to a victim stranded on rocks in the middle of a river. After inflation, the victim can don the collar and be guided to safety using a tethered rope.

The device also allows for waterborne rescuer operations. A rescuer can swim to a victim while wearing the inflated collar over their shoulder. Using a buckle-as-slide (BAS) assembly, the rescuer can quickly secure the collar around the victim's chest, allowing for efficient retrieval by an onshore team member.

The collar may feature foldable sections that snap or tab together to reduce overall volume. A protective jacket of ripstop nylon or a polyurethane-coated material can further guard against abrasion and allow quick repairs. Additionally, certain embodiments may employ a stainless steel O-ring near the buckle for secondary tether points, or tacky Webbing segments on the exterior of the inflatable collar to enhance stability in turbulent conditions. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

Systems and techniques described herein may be used to overcome the limitations of traditional methods for deploying flotation equipment in aquatic environments. Existing approaches often rely on bulky devices that must be manually inflated, resulting in potential delays when individuals face urgent rescue needs. Conventional solutions sometimes impose significant stress on inflatable sections, which may prematurely rupture or lose structural stability under high tensile forces. Devices lacking integrated compartments for rescue lines can also hamper efficient retrieval or towing procedures.

To address these issues, the present disclosure provides a system that may integrate an inflatable collar with an independently supported Webbing channel, a buckle mechanism for rapid donning or re-buckling, and a packaging assembly that may include a specialized bag for storing both the deflated collar and a rescue rope. The subject matter described herein may incorporate water-activated inflation, manual triggering options, and compartmentalized storage to enhance responsiveness to submersion while minimizing strain on inflatable structures.

An example technique may include an arrangement where a tubular inflatable body may define a passage suitable for routing a high-strength Webbing without imparting tension to the inflatable cavity. The Webbing may be coupled to a buckle-as-slide assembly that may enable uncoupling from a torso and reattachment in a cinched state. A Water-Activated Inflator and a manual inflation control may be included to provide buoyancy upon contact with water, and the system may further incorporate a deployment bag separated into multiple compartments, each dimensioned to house the collar or a rescue rope while preserving rope connectivity during partial detachment.

Consider a scenario in which wildlife conservation volunteers arrive at a flooded wetland to relocate endangered birds. A volunteer may slip the deflated collar from the bag, and the Water-Activated Inflator may trigger when submerged, ensuring rapid inflation if the volunteer unexpectedly falls into deep water. The individual may then buckle the inflated collar around the torso and use the rescue rope to navigate to safety or to secure equipment. The system may support efficient transit through mud, shallow waters, or areas with sudden drop-offs, potentially reducing strain on the inflatable body by shifting tensile loads to the internal Webbing, while the second bag compartment remains tethered for extended reach or retrieval efforts.

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of and enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other examples, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number respectively. In other examples, the words “herein,” “above,” “below” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list and any combination of the items in the list. When the word “each” is used to refer to an element that was previously introduced as being at least one in number, the word “each” does not necessarily imply a plurality of the elements, but may also mean a singular element.

depicts a deployment bag, as shown in some embodiments. The illustrated container is shown in an upright, closed orientation and may be dimensioned to stow an inflatable rescue collarin a folded, deflated state while simultaneously maintaining tethered communication with a rescue ropestored either internally or in an adjacent compartment.

In certain aspects, the deployment bagmay include an arched, elongated handledisposed proximate an upper rim. Handlemay span laterally across a top opening, forming a rigid or semi-rigid grip region that permits a single gloved hand to lift, swing, or manually throw the container toward a person in distress. In one implementation, handlemay be molded from a glass-fiber-reinforced nylon that balances durability, salt-water corrosion resistance, and low mass. Multiple transverse ribs molded into an upper surface of handlemay enhance tactile traction, while an interior concave underside may distribute load evenly across a rescuer's fingers. The handlelength, on the order of 5″-6″, aligns with the additional disclosure that opposing plastic buckle pieces located at distal ends of an inflatable tube may join to create a throw handle when the system is deployed without the bag, thereby allowing similar hand spacing for both bag-centric and collar-centric throws. In other aspects, handlemay serve as a drone-attachment bar, enabling a small unmanned aerial vehicle to engage and transport the package toward an overboard victim before automated release.

In many aspects, an upper drawstring-gathered region visible inmay define a first compartmentthat is sized to house the inflatable rescue collarin a deflated, accordion-folded configuration. First compartmentis shown closed by a circular fabric brim that may cinch via a cord lock positioned beneath handle. The surrounding fabric may be a lightweight ripstop nylon coated with polyurethane, thereby providing both abrasion resistance and a water-shedding surface while maintaining sufficient flexibility to deform during high-angle impact. In some embodiments, an interior liner of first compartmentmay include a low-friction webbing guide that channels a high-strength webbingstrip through a longitudinal channelof the stowed inflatable rescue collar, ensuring the webbingremains untwisted and ready for immediate cinching once the collaris removed from the container. The internal cavity of first compartmentmay be deliberately oversized to accommodate an inflatable collarwhose tubular bodyhas been folded inward in an accordion pattern, an approach that minimizes wrinkling of the polymer-coated bladder surfaces and allows the collar'ssnap tabs or elastic stripto retain a compact coil.

In several aspects, a perforated compression bandcircumscribes the outer periphery of the container at multiple vertically spaced locations. Each perforated compression bandmay be fashioned from a polyolefin composite strap incorporating a honeycomb array of apertures that lighten the assembly, promote rapid drainage, and provide numerous anchor points for accessory hooks or carabiners. The bandmay terminate at a high-efficiency side-release bucklethat is shown incentrally along the forward face of the container. The perforations further allow a rescuer to visually inspect the tension state of the strap; if the bandis slack, the hexagonal pattern may sag inward, signaling the need for re-tightening. In other embodiments, perforated compression bandmay integrate reflective yarns or retro-reflective dots to enhance night-time visibility, thereby supplementing reflective tapeplaced directly on the inflatable collar.

In various aspects, bucklemay be fabricated from a marine-grade acetal or stainless-steel-reinforced polymer and may include an integrated slide path that permits incremental tightening of perforated compression bandwithout complete disengagement. A quick-release tab molded into bucklemay allow single-handed activation so that a rescuer can loosen the band, open first compartment, and access the inflatable rescue collarwithin seconds. Bucklemay also serve as a mechanical coupler between an upper compartment containing the collarand a lower compartment containing a rescue rope, although only the upper portion is visible in. By positioning bucklemidway along the height of the bag, tensile forces applied when throwing or hoisting the container may distribute across both compartments, helping to prevent zipper or seam failure.

In other aspects, perforated compression bandand bucklemay co-operate to compress the flexible sidewalls of first compartmentaround the folded collar, thereby reducing bulk and assisting with the width specification that permits safe drone carriage or belt mounting. When the inflatable collaris packed, the tube's edges may be folded inward, snapped, or lightly Velcro®-secured, following an accordion-style fold pattern that spaces stress along alternating hinge lines and avoids sharp creases that may compromise the polyurethane coating. Because the preferred nylon-or-polyurethane laminate exhibits limited long-term memory, the band'sradial compression ensures the collarremains compact even after thermal cycling or vibration during transport.

In certain aspects, the lower-most region of the container, partially visible beneath perforated compression band, may house a semi-rigid cradle or skid plate that permits the container to land upright when tossed. While not expressly labeled in, the cradle may be injection-molded from the same material as handleand may include drainage slots so that residual water can escape if the unit splashes down. This base element may additionally provide a flat attachment interface for mounting a detachable floator foam puck, further enhancing buoyancy if the container remains in water after release.

In several aspects, the drawstringthat gathers first compartmentmay feature a braced cord-lock molded from UV-stabilized nylon and sized to accept cold, wet gloves. The drawstringlength may be sufficient to allow the bagto be opened wide, exposing the collar-interior, and may also double as a short sling for attaching small signal strobes or chem-lights. Once the drawstringis loosened, a rescuer may grasp the inflatable collar'sinternal BAS assembly, remove the collarin a single pull, and simultaneously expose a rope aperture (not visible in this figure) so that the rescue ropecan pay out freely during deployment.

In many aspects, the deployment container ofmay form a hybrid between traditional rope bag technology and inflatable collar technology. Becausefocuses on the exterior of first compartmentand does not depict the internal rescue ropeor second compartment, the ropemay be understood to reside either beneath or beside the collarin a hidden chamber that remains tethered to the collar'shigh-strength webbing. Even when only the collaris thrown—such as when rescuers wish to maximize distance for hypothermic, less-vigorous victims—the ropemay remain engaged with the internal high-strength webbingvia a through-channel, thereby allowing the line to be used for towing once the victim secures the collar.

In still other aspects, the combination of handle, perforated compression band, and bucklemay facilitate controlled separation of the package. For example, during an extended distance throw, a rescuer may grip handle, depress a release tab on buckle, and swing only first compartment-which contains the inflatable collar—toward the target. Because the ropestorage region (hidden in this view) is heavier, the free-flying collarcomponent may achieve nearly double the throw distance compared to the full assembly. Once the collarenters water, a water-activated inflatorintegrated into the collarmay fire automatically within seconds, providing immediate buoyancy without requiring victim dexterity.

In other aspects, the container materials may be selected with manufacturing scalability and field repair in mind. The cylindrical sidewall fabric of first compartmentmay be laser-cut from continuous nylon sheeting coated on at least one side with polyurethane, enabling RF-welded seam formation that is both waterproof and abrasion resistant. Stitch lines attaching perforated compression bandmay be bar-tacked at critical points to withstand dynamic loads when the rope experiences sudden shock during victim retrieval. Furthermore, handlemay be attached via a ladder-lock stitched to reinforced tabs on the bag rim, allowing replacement or upgrade by field personnel without specialized tools. In several implementations, the perforated architecture of compression bandmay also enable a modular quick-attach buckle array, such that different loop-through accessories—e.g., a throw-weight pouch or a strobe light holster—may be woven into the honeycomb.

illustrates an exploded, perspective arrangement of an inflatable rescue collarthat may cooperate with a two-compartment deployment bagto form a multi-purpose water rescue system. The view emphasizes how a deflated collar, a tethered rope, and a dual-compartment container may remain continuously interconnected, thereby enabling rapid inflation, cinching, and towing without complex reassembly in the field.

In some aspects, the inflatable rescue collarmay define a generally U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped tubular bodyfabricated from a woven nylon substrate that is internally or externally coated with polyurethane. The laminate may exhibit a hydrostatic-head resistance exceeding approximately 15 psi while maintaining flexural compliance suitable for accordion-style folding prior to stowage in a first compartmentof the deployment bag. Because the coating may be thermoplastic, radio-frequency welding or heat-sealing may be used to close axial seams, thereby creating an inflatable cavityextending continuously between an inner walland an outer wallof tubular body. In other implementations, the base textile may comprise a rip-stop polyester or aramid blend to improve cut resistance when the collarcontacts sharp marine objects.

In several aspects, a longitudinal region along tubular bodymay incorporate a reflective tapethat is sewn, heat-bonded, or adhesively laminated to the exterior surface. Reflective tapemay include micro-prismatic elements or glass-bead retro-reflectors to enhance photometric intensity when illuminated by search-and-rescue spotlights. Placement along a high-visibility facet of tubular bodymay help rescuers track the collarin breaking surf or at night.

In various aspects, the collar'sinflatable cavitymay communicate with a water-activated inflatormounted adjacent a removable COcartridge. Water-activated inflatormay employ a dissolvable bobbin element that releases a spring-biased piercing pin upon immersion, thereby puncturing COcartridgeand directing pressurized gas into tubular body. The inflatorassembly may be qualified to discharge within approximately three seconds of submersion, though other actuation delays may be specified to mitigate accidental inflation due to spray or rainfall. Housing geometry visible insuggests a low-profile cylindrical inflatorthat nests along the lower arm of the collar, enabling a folded width compatible with the 5″-6″ side dimension of the collar deployment bag.

In many aspects, an over-pressure valveappears at an opposing end of tubular body. Over-pressure valvemay be spring-biased to open at roughly 3 psi, thereby venting excess gas that may result from thermal expansion or secondary manual topping. By positioning over-pressure valvenear a belt-loop region of the collar, internal pressure distribution may remain balanced even when high-strength webbing(not explicitly shown in this view) is cinched tightly around a victim's torso.

In other aspects,depicts the buckle-as-slide (BAS) assemblyspanning the inner open region of the collar. BAS assemblymay include a male tongueand a female latchconfigured to withstand tensile loads of at least 2 000 lb. while permitting incremental tightening of high-strength webbingrouted through corresponding slots. Because BAS assemblyis anchored exclusively to the webbing—rather than to the inflatable wall—the tubular bodymay remain free of direct tensile stress during hoisting or dragging operations. This load-path separation may reduce risk of seam rupture under dynamic towing forces, thereby improving reliability when lifting hypothermic, less-vigorous victims from water to a boat deck.

In certain aspects, an oral tubeprotrudes from one crown portion of tubular body. Oral tubemay include a one-way push-in valve allowing a rescuer to orally inflate or top-off pressure inside the collarafter initial automatic deployment. A knurled locking ring may rotate to vent or fully deflate the collarfor repackaging. Alternatively, oral tubemay connect to a latex bite-valve component suitable for cold-weather operation with diminished fine-motor dexterity.

In some aspects, an elastic stripis shown coupled to an outer surface near the inflatorend. Elastic stripmay comprise a segment of woven elastomeric webbing stitched at opposing edges to create a tension band that contracts around a folded or rolled section of tubular bodybefore packing. By maintaining a compact coil, elastic stripmay ensure repeatable fit within first compartmentregardless of minor variations in user repacking technique. Alternative retention devices may include snap tabs, hook-and-loop patches, or a zip-sleeve that slides over the inflated tube when in storage. The elastic stripmay further serve as an attachment point for glowsticks or water-activated strobe lights (not shown), enhancing visibility during low-light rescue operations.

In several embodiments, a D-ring link connectionbridges ropeto BAS assemblyor to a proximate loop in the high-strength webbing. D-ring link connectionmay be stainless steel or anodized aluminum, presenting a closed-loop geometry that distributes torsional loads and minimizes stress concentration at the stitched attachment eye. Rope, which may be a kernmantle or double-braid nylon between 8 mm and 11 mm in diameter, exits from D-ring link connectiontoward a second compartment. Second compartmentis shown detached from first compartmentin, underscoring how the rope may remain continuously connected even after the collar is removed for an extended-distance throw. The rope may be stored loosely flaked or coiled inside second compartmentso that it can stream freely without snarling when a rescuer applies a throwing motion.

In other aspects, first compartmentappears as a relatively rigid sleeve or pouch that previously housed the collarbefore removal. First compartmentmay incorporate an internal liner to protect inflatorcomponents and reflective film from abrasion, and may integrate snaps, Velcro® fasteners, or a zipper track along one longitudinal fold such that the compartment can re-close once the collaris repacked. In certain implementations, first compartmentmay further include a drone-engagement flap or throw-handle strap (not depicted in) positioned near its mouth, thereby allowing rescue personnel to sling or carabiner the pouch to a belt when patrolling a deck edge.

In several implementations, second compartmentmay be fabricated from a mesh-reinforced vinyl-coated polyester to accelerate water drainage. The interior volume may be sized to accept a 50- to 75-foot length of ropewhile still providing space for a small foam floator ballast weight. A flared or funnel-shaped mouth (partially visible) may help ensure that ropeexits in an untwisted orientation as kinetic energy from the throw pulls the ropefrom the bag. When the two compartments are releasably coupled—via snaps, hook-and-loop pads, or a perimeter zipper—second compartmentmay nest below first compartmentin a coaxial alignment consistent with the cylindrical form shown earlier in.

In many aspects, the interface between first compartmentand second compartmentmay be positioned to allow a rescuer to “aim” the ropebag opening in the desired throw direction before detachment. Upon releasing snaps or a zipper pull, second compartmentmay remain in the rescuer's hand while first compartmentand the collarare thrown, or vice versa, depending on environmental constraints. This staged release may provide the benefit of nearly doubling throw length when only the lighter collaris launched, as indicated in the supplemental disclosure.

In certain alternative embodiments, ropemay integrate retro-reflective tracer yarns, high-visibility dye, or a phosphorescent sheath to assist night-time location. Ropefurther may terminate at a soft-eye splice looped around D-ring link connectionso that no rigid metal shackle is required; eliminating metal at this junction may mitigate injury risk if the collarswings into a victim during high-sea states.

In several aspects, BAS assembly, oral tube, water-activated inflator, and over-pressure valvecollectively constitute an inflation assemblycapable of both automatic and manual activation, pressure regulation, and pressure adjustment. Under some conditions, such as frigid water rescue, a user may decide to pre-inflate the collarvia oral tubeprior to launch so that inflation time is virtually instantaneous upon contact. Alternatively, auto-inflation may be preferred when time is critical, allowing the water-activated inflatorto perform the main fill while the oral tubemerely fine-tunes buoyancy after collarplacement on a victim.

depicts an upright view of the deployment bag divided into two compartments, as shown in some embodiments. The upper portion contains the Second Compartment housing the Rescue Rope, while the lower portion contains the First Compartmenthousing the Inflatable Rescue Collar. This arrangement allows for quick access to both the rope and the collar during rescue operations. The drawing shows the bagin a closed, ready-for-throw configuration sized to fall within an approximate five-to-six-inch square footprint, thereby satisfying the dimensional constraint useful for belt carry, drone carriage, or bulk storage in a deck-mounted locker. The depicted exterior fabric may be a woven nylon treated with a polyurethane or polyether urethane coating to achieve both water resistance and seam-weld compatibility, while still remaining pliable enough to compress around the stowed inflatable collarand rope.

In certain aspects, first compartmentmay define an internal volume dimensioned to house an accordion-folded inflatable rescue collarin its deflated, compact state. The interior cavity may employ a slippery rip-stop lining to reduce chafe on reflective tapeand to facilitate smooth withdrawal when a rescuer tugs on the collar'sBAS assembly. A circumferential cuff at the top of first compartmentsupports a series of mesh flapsthat are overlaid by corresponding Velcro strips. Each mesh flapmay be formed from a polyester knit having an open cell pattern that promotes both drainage and evaporative drying once the device is repacked after a training exercise. The mating Velcro stripsmay allow each mesh panel to fold downward and releasably seal the collarwithin the compartment, thereby eliminating loose draw-cords that may snag during an aerial drop.

In several implementations, manual inflation handleprotrudes laterally through a deliberately reinforced slit along the side wall of first compartment. Manual inflation handlemay couple directly to a lanyard that, when pulled, activates the manual side of a dual-function inflation assemblymounted on the inflatable rescue collar. Positioning manual inflation handleon the bagexterior may permit a rescuer to pre-inflate the collarwithout opening the compartment-an advantage when working on a pitching deck where loose components risk falling overboard. In alternative embodiments, manual inflation handlemay present a molded aperture sized to accept a drone grappling hook, thereby consolidating the manual-inflation pull feature and aerial lift point into one reinforced insert.

In many aspects, two symmetrically spaced bucklesencircle both sidewalls at the junction between first compartmentand second compartment. Each bucklemay clamp onto a high-tenacity webbing strap and include a ladder-lock slide path that permits incremental tensioning. By cinching bucklestightly, a user may create a semi-rigid waist that clamps first compartmentclosed while simultaneously compressing second compartmentupward, thereby ensuring that the ropestored below does not shift during transport. Because bucklesare quick-release, the user may disengage them in less than one second, enabling rapid detachment of the compartments in scenarios where a longer throw distance is required by launching only the collar.

In other aspects, second compartmentmay be configured to house a coiled rescue ropethat remains tethered to the high-strength webbingof the inflatable collarvia an internal pass-through aperture (not visible in this figure). The lower portion of second compartmentmay terminate in a skirt that is gathered by drawstring. Drawstringmay feature a high-contrast color and an oversized cord-lock so that it can be released with a gloved hand. When drawstringis loosened, the skirt may flare, presenting a wide-mouth funnel that orients itself toward the throw direction, thereby minimizing friction as ropepays out during deployment. Conversely, tightening drawstringmay convert the lower skirt into a snug closure, preventing loss of ropeduring stowage.