Rescue device

Abstract

A rescue device comprising a throwable aerodynamic object and a rope retained thereto. The object is configured to enable a rescuer to direct it with accuracy to a person to be rescued. The rope has one end that is retained to the object and a second end that is retainable by a rescuer. The object includes a cavity within which the rope is retained until the object is thrown. When the object is thrown, most of the rope exits the cavity. The rescuer can pull on the rope at the second end after the person to be rescued grabs the rope or object.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A rescue device comprising:
 a. an aerodynamic object including a cavity, a first end and a second end, wherein the first end includes a port and the second end includes a port; and   b. a rope including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end extends through the port of the first end of the object and is retained to the first end of the object, wherein the second end of the rope includes means for holding the rope and wherein a substantial portion of the rope is retainable in the cavity of the aerodynamic object,   wherein the port of the second end of the object is configured to permit the rope to pass out of the cavity of the object when the object is thrown.   
     
     
         2 . The rescue device of  claim 1 , wherein the means for holding the rope at the second end is a loop. 
     
     
         3 . The rescue device of  claim 1 , wherein the first end of the rope includes a knot for retaining the first end of the rope to the first end of the object. 
     
     
         4 . The rescue device of  claim 1 , wherein the object has a shape of a football. 
     
     
         5 . The rescue device of  claim 4 , wherein the object is fabricated to include a foam material.