Rescue basket

US11858636B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of Homeland Security · US

Inventors

• Spencer Smith · Washington, US
• Riely Brande · Washington, US
• Nolan Richerson · Washington, US
• Benjamin Crutchfield · Washington, US
• Christian Breviario · Washington, US
• Ronald Adrezin · East Lyme, US
• Michael Plumley · Birmingham, US
• Marion Lewandowski · Detroit, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 28, 2019
• Grant date: Jan 2, 2024
• Expiry date: Aug 15, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64C27/04
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A rescue basket having the capacity to safely hold two full-sized individuals increases the efficiency and effectiveness of helicopter water rescue and recovery operations. The rescue basket includes an open end, which affords an additional option for loading passengers, along with a door mechanism that can at least partially close off the open end for passenger safety. The rescue basket includes a flotation system that maintains the basket at a desired flotation level when completely immersed in water, along with sufficient reserve buoyancy to safely maintain the passengers above water when loaded. Methods of performing a water rescue utilizing the present rescue basket on board of a helicopter are also provided.