Rescue Apparatus and Method of Using the Same

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/662,841, filed Jun. 21, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pose significant dangers to swimmers and beachgoers. Rip currents can quickly pull swimmers away from the shore into deeper water, often faster than a swimmer can swim. They can occur at any beach with breaking waves, and their locations can change daily or even hourly with shifting tides and wave patterns. Further, they can occur suddenly and in places where the water appears calm, making them particularly dangerous for unsuspecting swimmers.

Rip currents are responsible for the majority of beach-related drownings. The strong currents can overwhelm even strong swimmers, leading to fatal outcomes. Swimmers who try to fight the current and swim directly back to shore often become exhausted, increasing the risk of drowning. The strength of rip currents can also endanger lifeguards and other rescuers, making rescue efforts challenging and risky.

Rescuers face similar risks when attempting to save individuals in distress in moving bodies of water (e.g., rivers, during flooding events including urban events, etc.) or in frozen bodies of water. Moving water can exert powerful forces, making it difficult for rescuers to maintain their footing or position. Currents can quickly sweep rescuers downstream, leading to loss of control and potential drowning. Logs, branches, and other debris carried by the water can strike and injure rescuers. Likewise, in cold water rescues, sudden immersion in cold water can cause involuntary gasping and hyperventilation, reducing a rescuer's ability to function effectively and increasing the risk of drowning. Exposure to cold water also can quickly lead to hypothermia.

Therefore, there is a need for improved rescue equipment that allows rescuers to save individuals in distress without putting themselves in danger. This need is particularly acute when the rescuer is not specially trained to navigate the inherent risks associated with water rescues.

The invention disclosed herein is directed to a projectile launch device that may be used to rapidly deploy a projectile from a launch frame. The launch frame may be preloaded with a wide range of projectiles for use in lifesaving, safety, industrial, or other applications, such as launching a life-saving floatation device to a person in distress in the water. The projectile launch device is designed to be easily and intuitively operated by anyone in an emergency and is intentionally not shaped like a weapon so that it may be quickly recognized as safety equipment by an emergency responder.

In a particular embodiment exemplifying the principles of the invention, the projectile launch device can comprise a gas storage vessel, a projectile launch frame, and an actuating head in fluid communication with both the gas storage vessel and the projectile launch frame. A plunger assembly is positioned at least partially inside the actuating head, and a trigger assembly is operably connected to the plunger assembly to allow the release of air pressure from within the gas storage vessel to the projectile launch frame. The plunger assembly may be held in proper alignment by a guide port in an actuating head cap. The plunger assembly may comprise a plug that seals both an first port between the actuating head and storage vessel and an second port between the actuating head and launch frame. The plunger assembly may further comprise a bleed stem that passes through the guide port and seals a portion of an internal cavity of the actuating head between the bleed stem and the plug. The trigger assembly may comprise an actuating handle that is configured to compress the bleed stem when actuated, forcing the release of air pressure from the internal cavity out of the actuating head through the guide port. The resulting pressure differential between the internal cavity of the actuating head and the gas storage vessel allows the air pressure of the gas storage vessel to displace the plug of the plunger assembly from its position sealing the first port and second port of the actuating head, opening a line of fluid communication between the gas storage vessel and the launch frame. The resulting rush of air pressure from the gas storage vessel to the launch frame forces the launch of the projectile from the launch frame.

In another embodiment exemplifying the principles of the invention, the trigger assembly may comprise a trigger stem that is removably engaged with the plunger assembly to maintain the plug of the plunger assembly in its position sealing the first port and second port. The plunger assembly may be held in proper alignment by a stem guide. When the trigger assembly is actuated, the trigger stem is removed from engagement with the plunger assembly, allowing the air pressure of the gas storage vessel to displace the plug of the plunger assembly from its position sealing the first port and second port of the actuating head, opening a line of fluid communication between the gas storage vessel and the launch frame. The resulting rush of air pressure from the gas storage vessel to the launch frame forces the launch of the projectile from the launch frame.

In another embodiment exemplifying the principles of the invention, the plunger assembly may comprise a sealing disc that seals the first port between the actuating head and the gas storage vessel and a spring that biases the sealing disc against the first port. The plunger assembly may be held in proper alignment by a stem guide. The trigger assembly may comprise a trigger stem that is removably engaged with the plunger assembly. When the trigger assembly is actuated, the trigger stem is removed from engagement with the plunger assembly, allowing the spring to push the sealing disc past the first port into the gas storage vessel, thereby opening a path of fluid communication between the gas storage vessel and the launch frame.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every possible implementation. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting; but rather, to provide an understandable description of the invention. While the specification concludes with claims defining the features of the invention that are regarded as novel, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from a consideration of the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals are carried forward.

As used herein, the terms “a” or “an” are defined as one or more than one. The term “plurality,” as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term “another,” as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include, other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. The terms “including,” “having,” or “featuring,” as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e., open language). The term “coupled,” as used herein, is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically. As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited values (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances these terms may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, right and left, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

Referring now to, exemplary embodiments of a projectile launch devicehaving features of the present invention are shown. The projectile launch devicemay be used to rapidly deploy a projectile, such as a life-saving floatation device, to a person in distress in the water. In other embodiments, the launch frame may be preloaded with a wide range of projectiles for use in other applications (e.g., safety, industrial, or other lifesaving applications). For example, the launch frame may be loaded with a mooring line, a grappling hook, or a predator deterrent. The projectile launch deviceis configured to allow the preloaded launch frame to be easily removed and replaced with another preloaded launch frame containing different equipment. Additionally, the projectile launch devicepreferably is not shaped like a weapon so that it may be quickly recognized as safety equipment by an emergency responder.

A first exemplary embodiment of a projectile launch devicehaving features of the present invention is shown in. Turning to, the projectile launch devicemay comprise a gas storage vessel, an actuating head, a launch frame, and a trigger assembly. The actuating headfunctions to fluidly connect the gas storage vesseland the launch frame. The actuating headcomprises a plunger assemblythat is at least partially situated inside the actuating head. The plunger assemblyfunctions to selectively seal the path of fluid communication between the gas storage vessel, the actuating head, and the launch frame. The launch frameremovably connects to the actuating head, preferably via a quick-release connection. The trigger assemblyengages with and controls the actuation of the plunger assembly. When the trigger assemblyis actuated, it triggers the displacement of the plunger assemblyand opens the line of fluid communication between the gas storage tank, the actuating head, and the launch frame. This releases the compressed gas inside the gas storage tank, which flows out through the actuating headand into the launch frame, forcing the launch of a projectilefrom the launch frame. In certain embodiments, the projectile launch devicemay further comprise a head capconfigured to secure the plunger assemblypartially within the actuating head. The head capmay comprise a top faceand a side wallwith internal threads configured to mate with the external threadsof the actuating head. In other embodiments without a head cap, the features of the head cap can be integrated into the base of the trigger assembly.

Still referring to the exemplary embodiment depicted in, the storage vesselis a hollow cylinder having open ends,. The first endof hollow cylinderis sealed by a base plate, which may be attached by any suitable means that provides an airtight seal. The second endof the vesselis sealed by the actuating head. The base plateoptionally may comprise a gaseous fill portand a pressure safety port. Viewing, a gaseous fill valvewith a removable cap is connected to gaseous fill portto allow storage vesselto be filled with ambient air or any other compressible gas and to contain the gas when the cap is attached. A pressure safety valveis connected to pressure safety portand automatically releases gas from storage vesselif the pressure exceeds the storage capacity of storage vesselor exceeds a predetermined maximum pressure setting of the vessel. In alternative embodiments, the base platemay be integrally formed with the storage vessel, thereby providing a storage vessel having at least one closed end. In further alternative embodiments, the storage vesselcan be formed in a variety of shapes (e.g., spherical, rectangular, custom-shaped).

In some embodiments, such as that shown in, the diameter of base plateis smaller than the diameter of storage vesselsuch that base plateis seated inside storage vesselwhen the projectile launch deviceis assembled. In this embodiment, to protect gaseous fill valveand pressure safety valvefrom inadvertent tampering, a plastic covermay be provided that removably connects to projectionson the first endof storage vessel. In other embodiments, such as that shown in, side wallsextend out from base platefar enough to protect gaseous fill valveand pressure safety valvefrom inadvertent tampering. In this embodiment, the diameter of base plateis large enough in relation to the diameter of storage vesselsuch that base plateis seated on and sealed around first endof storage vessel, and no projections are provided on the first end.

Referring now to, the actuating headcomprises a side wall, a first end or face, a second end or face, a primary cavity, a plurality of primary ports-, a pressure-balancing cavity, a plurality of pressure-balancing ports-, and a plunger assembly.

The first faceof the actuating headis connected to the second endof storage vesselby any suitable means known in the art (e.g., threaded connections, flanged connections, etc.) suitable for providing an airtight seal between storage vesseland actuating head. The second faceof the actuating headis connected the head cap(via threadsformed on primary outlet port), or the actuating headcan be connected directly to the trigger assemblyby threads formed in the base of the trigger assemblyor by any conventional means known in the art.

The primary cavityof the actuating headis configured to house the plunger assembly(discussed below). The primary cavitycomprises a plurality of primary ports-. In the depicted embodiment, the primary inlet portis formed in the first faceof the actuating head, the primary outlet portis formed in the second faceof the actuating head, and the primary side portis formed in the side wallof the actuating head. The primary inlet portfluidly connects the primary cavityof the actuating headto the outlet of the storage vessel. The primary outlet portfluidly connects the primary cavityof the actuating headto the atmosphere. The primary side portfluidly connects the primary cavityof the actuating headto the inlet of the launch frameas shown in.

The plunger assemblyof the actuating headcontrols the release of pressure from the storage vesselthrough the primary side portand into the launch frame(see). The plunger assemblymay comprise a plug, a spring, a bleed stem, and one or more gaskets-. The plugincludes a grooveon each end in which elastomeric sealing gaskets,may be seated. When the projectile launch deviceis pressurized, the plugand the gasketrest at the entrance of the internal cavityto completely seal the storage vesselfrom the internal cavity(see). Springsits within the internal cavityand comprises a first endand a second end. The first end of the springfunctions to exert a force against the bleed stemto seal the primary cavityat its primary outlet port, while the second endof the springfunctions to exert a force against the plugto seal the vessel. Bleed stemcomprises a longitudinal body that extends perpendicularly from a flange or flat disc, with the flat disc(or flange) being adapted to engage the springon its first end. The flat dischas a groovein which elastomeric sealing gasketmay be seated. When the projectile launch deviceis pressurized, the flat discand the gasketrest at the mouth of the primary outlet portin the top faceto completely seal the internal cavityfrom the ambient air. The flat discof the bleed stemrests against top faceof head cap, and the bleed stemitself passes through a guide portin the top faceof the head cap. Thus, the head capmaintains the proper alignment and positioning of the plunger assemblywithin the internal cavityof the actuating head. A final gasketis situated in between the flat discand the top faceof the cap.

The pressure-balancing cavityof the actuating headis in fluid communication with the gas storage vesseland configured to direct gas to the space above the movable plugwithin the primary cavity, thereby enabling pressure equalization across opposing surfaces of the plugwhen the projectile launch deviceis in the unactuated—or armed—state. In this manner, the pressure-balancing cavityaides the springin maintaining the plugand gasketin position at the primary inlet portto seal the storage vesseland prevent the release of gas into the internal cavity(see) in the unactuated state. As best shown in, the pressure-balancing cavitycomprises a plurality of pressure-balancing ports-. A pressure-balancing inlet portis formed in the first face; a pressure-balancing outlet portis positioned adjacent to the primary cavityfor fluidly connecting the pressure-balancing cavityto the primary cavityat a position proximate to the second face(relative to the first face) of the actuating head; and a pressure-balancing side portis formed in the side wallof the actuating head. In certain embodiments, a pressure gaugemay be removably connected to the pressure-balancing side port, sealing the internal components of the projectile launch devicefrom the ambient air and allowing pressure gaugeto read the pressure in both the internal cavityand the storage vessel. The pressure gaugepreferably is designed with a clear, simple display that may be quickly and easily read by the operator in an emergency to determine whether projectile launch deviceis ready for use. As noted above, pressure-balancing cavityallows pressurized gas from the storage vesselto flow into the internal cavity above plug, equalizing the pressure of the internal cavityand the storage vessel.

Turning to, the trigger assemblymay comprise a base, a rigid handle, and an actuating handle. The baseis configured to have a bottom opening that is wider in diameter than the actuating headand the head capsuch that the trigger assemblycan slide over the actuating head and head capin a sleeved—or telescoping—arrangement and then be secured to the actuating headand the head cap. The basehas a recessin which a level may be installed to signify to the user that they are shooting at the most efficient angle. The basealso has a rigid handleand an aperturein the rigid handle. The trigger assemblyfurther includes an actuating handlepivotally connected to the rigid handleon the base. The actuating handlealso has a head portionand an aperturein the head portion. When the trigger assemblyis assembled and seated on the actuating headand actuating head cap, the head portionof the actuating handlerests against the tip of the bleed stemprotruding from the guide portof cap. When the actuating handleis compressed towards the rigid handle, the head portionrotates into and compresses the bleed steminto the spring, actuating the launch of the projectile, as further described below. The apertureof the actuating handlealigns with the apertureof the rigid handlewhen the actuating handleis in the cocked/armed position. A safety pinmay pass through both apertures,(as shown in) and utilize any suitable locking mechanism so that the pindoes not fall out of the apertures,. When the pinis in place, it prevents the headof the actuating handlefrom rotating into the actuating position to prevent accidental discharge of the projectile.

Turning to, the launch framehas two chambers: a projectile launch chamberand a cable storage chamber. The projectile launch chamberhas a launch frame inlet portthat is fluidly connected to the primary cavityof the actuating headvia the primary side port. In the embodiment depicted in, the communication portis connected to the primary side portvia conversion fitting, but in other embodiments, the communication portmay directly engage with the primary side portwithout the need for the conversion fitting. Furthermore, as shown in the embodiments pictured in, alternative configurations of the projectile launch devicemay utilize a communication tubebetween the primary side portand the launch frame inlet port, allowing the launch chamberto be oriented in any preferred direction that may be effective for launching the projectile. The projectileis shaped such that it sits flush against the interior surface of the projectile launch chamber. The cable storage chamberhas a plugthat secures the end of a retrieval cableto the wall of the cable storage chamber. Retrieval cablemay be used in certain applications to retrieve and reuse the projectile, or for example, in water rescues, the emergency responder may use retrieval cableto pull the rescued person to safety. As can be seen in, when the projectileis loaded in the projectile launch chamber, the cableextends from the projectileout of the launch openingof projectile launch chamberinto the cable storage chamber, where the cableis spooled and secured by plug.

In operation, the projectile launch devicedepicted inis prepared for use by filling the gas storage vesselwith a compressible gas through the gaseous fill port, which in turn causes the internal cavityof actuating headto fill with pressurized gas due to the internal cavitybeing fluidly connected to the storage vesselvia the pressure-balancing cavity. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the projectile launch devicemay be pre-pressurized for the user. When the user is ready to launch the projectile launch device, the user will hold the rigid handleto aim the projectile launch device, using the level located in the recessof the trigger assemblyas a guide. When the deviceis aimed and the safety pinis removed, the user may apply pressure to the actuating handle, which rotates the head portionof the actuating handleinto the bleed stem. The bleed stemwill be forced into the primary cavityof the actuating headand cause the discof the bleed stemto disengage from the head capand rapidly release compressed gas from the internal cavityof actuating headthrough the primary outlet port, and out of the guide portin the top faceof actuating head cap. This rapid release of gas creates a pressure differential between the storage vesseland the internal cavityof the actuating head. This causes the pressure in storage vesselto overcome the force of springand push pluginto internal cavityfar enough that it allows fluid communication between the outlet of the storage vesseland primary side port. Compressed gas rushes out of storage vesselthrough primary inlet port, and then travels through internal cavityand exits through primary side portinto launch frame. The force of the compressed gas launches projectileout of launch openingof launch frame. To reload the projectile launch deviceand reseal the storage vesselafter the projectilehas been launched, the user can use an air compressor or compressed gas cartridge to refill the storage vesseland internal cavitythrough the gaseous fill valvein base plateand can replace the launch frame with a new preloaded launch frame.

Referring now to, a second exemplary embodiment of a projectile launch devicehaving features of the present invention is shown. The adjustable projectile launch devicemay comprise a storage vessel, a base plate, an actuating head, and a launch frame. The base plateis connected to the first endof the vessel, while the actuating headis connected to the second endof the storage vesselto provide an airtight storage cannister capable of storing compressed gas. The launch frameis connected to the pressure containing actuating head, preferably via a quick-release connection. The actuating headis in fluid communication with both the gas storage tankand the launch frame. The actuating headcomprises a plunger assemblythat is at least partially situated inside the actuating headand selectively seals the path of fluid communication between the gas storage tankand the actuating head. The trigger assemblyengages with and controls the actuation of the plunger assembly. The plunger assemblyis held in proper alignment by a stem guide. The gas storage vesselof launch deviceis filled with a pressurized gas and sealed by base plate, actuating head, and plunger assembly. When the trigger assemblyis actuated, it triggers the displacement of the plunger assemblyand opens the line of fluid communication between the gas storage tankand the actuating head. This releases the compressed gas inside the gas storage tank, which flows out of the actuating headand through the launch frame, forcing the launch of a projectilefrom the launch frame.

In the embodiment depicted in, the storage vesselis a hollow cylinder having open ends. The base platemay include a retaining groove(best seen in) that engages with a projectionon the first endof storage vesselto provide an airtight seal between them. The base platefurther includes a gaseous fill portand a pressure safety port. Viewing, a gaseous fill valvewith a removable cap is connected to gaseous fill portto allow storage vesselto be filled with air or another compressible gas and to contain the gas when the cap is attached. A pressure safety valveis connected to pressure safety portand automatically releases gas from storage vesselif the pressure becomes too great. Side wallsextend out from base platefar enough to protect gaseous fill valveand pressure safety valvefrom inadvertent tampering. In alternative embodiments, the base platemay be integrally formed with the storage vessel, thereby providing a storage vessel having at least one closed end.

Referring to, the actuating headhas an enclosing facethat is connected to the second endof storage vessel, side wall, and a top face. The enclosing facehas a retaining groovethat engages with a projectionon the second endof storage vesselto provide an airtight seal between the storage vesseland the actuating head. The actuating headincludes a bi-directional port, which provides a pathway for fluid communication between the first openingin the sidewalland the second openingin the enclosing face. A pressure gaugeis connected to the first openingof the bi-directional port, allowing the pressure gaugeto access and measure the internal air pressure of the storage vessel. The pressure gaugepreferably is designed with a clear, simple display that may be quickly and easily read by the operator in an emergency to determine whether projectile launch deviceis ready for use.

The actuating headmay further comprise a guide cavityand an air chamber. The guide cavityis open through the top face, while the air chamberis open through a first portin the enclosing face. The guide cavityand the air chamberare open to each other, but the air chamberis narrower than the guide cavity, creating a lipwhere the guide cavityends and the air chamberbegins. The air chamberhas an second portthrough the side wall. Turning to, the second portmay be in fluid communication with the launch framevia the communication tube. The communication tubeconnects to the second porton one end and to the communication portof the launch frameon the other end. In the embodiment depicted in, the communication tubeis connected to the second portand the communication portvia conversion fittings, but in other embodiments, the communication tubemay directly engage with the second port, launch frame, or both without the need for the conversion fittings.

Viewing, the actuating headhouses the plunger assembly, which controls the release of pressure from the storage vesselthrough the second port. The proper alignment of plunger assemblyis maintained by the stem guide. The stem guidemay comprise a bottom face, a top face, and a side wall. The top faceof the stem guideincludes a geometric fastening pattern(shown in) that will be used in conjunction with custom tooling for the assembly and disassembly of the projectile launch device. The stem guidemay further comprise a stem-loader cavityopen through the top faceand a stem passagewayopen through the bottom face. The stem-loader cavityand the stem passagewayare open to each other, but the stem passagewayis narrower than the stem-loader cavity, creating a lipwhere the stem-loader cavityends and the stem passagewaybegins. The stem guidesits inside the guide cavity() and is held in place by the lip. The stem guidemay further comprise external threads on the side wallsthat threadingly engage with the internal threads inside the guide cavityof the actuating head, further maintaining the stem guidein place inside the actuating head.

Viewing, the plunger assemblyprimarily comprises a main stem, which attaches to a sealing discat one end. The sealing discincludes a groovearound its edges that holds an elastomeric sealing gasket. When the projectile launch deviceis pressurized, the sealing discand the gasketrest at the entrance of the air chamberto completely seal the storage vesselfrom the air chamber(see). A springsits within the air chamberexerting a force against the sealing discto maintain the sealing discin position against the air pressure inside storage vessel. Protruding from the sealing discis a geometric fastening patternthat will be used in conjunction with custom tooling for the assembly and disassembly of the projectile launch device.

On the opposite end from the sealing disc, the main stemhas a threaded borehole, which threadingly engages with a stem loader. The stem loaderhas a wide enough base to rest against the lip() within the stem-loader cavity, preventing the plunger assemblyfrom falling into storage vesselwhen the launch deviceis not pressurized. In the embodiment pictured, the stem loaderis a thumb screw, but in other embodiments the stem loadercould be a typical screw, or in further embodiments the main stemcould have a different connector type than a threaded bore, allowing the stem loaderto be any fastener suitable to maintain the plunger assemblyin place against the lip. The main stemalso has a plurality of groovesfor elastomeric sealing gasketsthat create sealing areas and concentricity placement between the main stemand the stem passageway. Additionally, the main stemhas a groovethat engages with the trigger assembly.

Turning to, the trigger assemblymay comprise a triggerpivotally connected to a trigger stem, a spring, and a spring fittingwith a central opening. The actuating headhas a first trigger stem port() which aligns with a second trigger stem port() in the stem guidewhen the stem guideis installed in the actuating head. Viewing, the trigger stemextends from the trigger, through the central openingin spring fitting, through the first and second trigger stem ports,, and finally fits into the groovewithin the stem passagewayof the stem guide. Because the groovewraps around the entire circumference of the main stem, the trigger stemmay fit into the grooveregardless of the circumferential orientation of the plunger assembly. The trigger stemmay be energy loaded with a springthat is statically held in place within the first trigger stem portbetween the spring fittingand a rimon the trigger stem. The trigger assemblymay be installed on a flat face() of the actuating head.

Viewing, to operate the device, the user will hold the trigger assemblyand pull the trigger, which in turn pulls the trigger stemout of the grooveagainst the force of the spring. Once the trigger stemis removed from the plunger assembly, the force of the springis able to push the sealing discinto the storage vessel, opening the fluid connection between the storage vesseland the second port. Compressed gas rushes out of the storage vesselinto air chamberthrough first port, out of air chamberthrough second port, through the communication tube, and into the launch frame. The force of the gas launches the projectileout of the launch opening() of the launch frame. Viewing, the projectileis tethered to a retrieval cable, which connects to the launch frameand allows the projectileto be retrieved and reused. Another exemplary application of such a retrieval cablewould be in water rescues, where the projectileis a floatation device, the emergency responder may use retrieval cableto pull the rescued person to safety. The launch framemay also include an ergonomic handlethat may be held by the user during the discharge of the projectile launch deviceto maintain the device's orientation so that the projectile is deployed in the intended direction. To reload the projectile launch deviceand reseal the vesselafter the projectilehas been launched, the user can engage the stem loaderto pull the plunger assemblyuntil the trigger stemis again inserted into the groove, held in place by the pressure of the spring. Then, with the plunger assemblysecurely locked into place, the user may refill the storage vessel.

Referring now to, a third exemplary embodiment of the projectile launch deviceis shown. This embodiment of projectile launch deviceincludes a storage vessel, a base plate, an actuating head, a stem guide, a launch frame, a trigger assembly, and a plunger assembly. In the third exemplary embodiment, the storage vessel, base plate, launch frame, and trigger assemblymaintain their design from the second exemplary embodiment shown in, while the actuating head, stem guide, and plunger assemblyare modified, as described below.

Turning to, the actuating headmay comprise an enclosing facethat is connected to the second endof the storage vessel, a side wall, and a top face. The enclosing facehas a retaining groovethat engages with a projectionon the second endof the storage vesselto provide an airtight seal between them. The actuating headmay have a bi-directional port, which provides a pathway for fluid communication between a first openingin the sidewalland a second openingin the enclosing faceto allow a quick-reference pressure gaugeto access and measure the internal air pressure of the storage vessel. The actuating headmay further comprise an inner chamberopen through both the top faceand a first portthe bottom face. The inner chambermay further comprise an second portthrough the side wallin fluid communication with the launch framevia the communication tube(see).

Viewing, the actuating headhouses the plunger assembly, which controls the release of pressure from the storage vesselthrough the second port. The proper alignment of the plunger assemblywithin the actuating headis maintained by the stem guide. Turning to, the stem guidemay comprise a top faceand a side wall. The top faceof the stem guideincludes a geometric fastening pattern (as shown inwith regard to the second embodiment) that will be used in conjunction with custom tooling for the assembly and disassembly of the projectile launch device. The stem guidemay further comprise a stem passagewayopen through the top face. The stem guidesits inside the guide cavityand is held in place by an upper lip. The stem guidemay further comprise external threads on the side wallsthat threadingly engage with internal threads inside the actuating head, further maintaining the stem guidein place inside the actuating head.

Viewing, the plunger assemblycomprises a main stem, a plugthat is removably affixed to the main stem, and a stem loader. The main stemhas a wide bodywith a groove, a first threaded end, and a second threaded end. The trigger stem() rests against the groovewhen the projectile launch deviceis loaded. The first threaded endmates with a threaded cavityin the plugto removably affix the plugto the main stemand against the wide body. In other embodiments, the plugmay alternatively be removably affixed to the main stemby any number of suitable fixation methods. The plugmay have a groovethat holds an elastomeric sealing gasket. The bottom of plugmay be conically shaped and sit against another elastomeric sealing gasketresting against a lower lip() of actuating headto completely seal the storage vesselfrom the inner chamber. If needed during repairs throughout the life of the device, a spacer can be added between the wide bodyand the plugto push the plugfurther against the elastomeric sealing gasketand the entrance of the storage tankto improve the airtight seal. The second threaded endof the main stemmates with a threaded boreholein the stem loader. The stem loaderhas a wide base that rests against the top face() of the stem guide. Because of the gasket, the lower lip, and the stem loader, the main stemand the plugcannot accidentally fall into the storage vessel.

Viewing, to operate the device, the user will pull the trigger, which in turn pulls the trigger stemout of the grooveagainst the force of the spring. Once the trigger stemis removed from the plunger assembly, the pressure inside the storage vesselpushes outwards on the plug, opening the fluid connection between the storage vesseland the second port. Compressed gas rushes out of the storage vesselinto inner chamberthrough first port, out of inner chamberthrough second port, through the communication tube, into the launch frame, launching the projectileout of the launch openingof the launch frame. Once the projectile has been launched, the user can manually push down on the stem loaderuntil the trigger stemre-inserts into the groove, held in place by the pressure of the spring. The wide, generally flat shape of the stem loadermakes it less likely to cause injury when it pops out during launch and is ergonomically designed to allow the user to easily push the plunger assemblyback down into place. Then, with the plunger assemblysecurely locked into place, the user may refill the storage vessel.

In some embodiments, the projectile launch device of the present invention can further include an anchoring deviceto steady the deviceduring deployment. An example of such an anchoring device is shown in. The anchoring devicemay pivotally attach to the side wallso that it may be stowed against the storage vesselwhen not in use. In further alternative embodiments, the projectile launch device can include a carrying devicesuch as a strap, as shown in. In further alternative embodiments, the projectile launch devicecan include a mechanically attached hand pump, as shown in.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.