High vertical rescue method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for rescuing an object is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a boom having a first end and a second end and an attachment mechanism for attaching the boom first end to an aircraft. The attachment mechanism includes a pivot mechanism for moving the boom between a set, a non-vertical orientation and a released, more vertical orientation generally below the aircraft). The apparatus further includes a capture device that attaches to the boom second end for receiving the object when the boom is in the set orientation.
1 . An apparatus for rescuing an object from a raised structure comprising:
a boom having a first end and a second end;
an attachment mechanism for attaching the boom first end to an aircraft, the attachment mechanism including a pivot mechanism for moving the boom between a non-vertical orientation and a more vertical orientation; and
a capture device for receiving the object when the boom is in the non-vertical orientation, the capture device being attached to the boom second end.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the attachment mechanism includes an extension between the aircraft and the pivot mechanism.
3 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the capture device comprises a net.
4 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pivot mechanism releases the boom from the non-vertical orientation to the more vertical orientation upon receipt of the object in the capture device.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the capture device includes a leveling mechanism to maintain the capture device in a substantially vertical orientation as the boom moves from the non-vertical orientation to the more vertical orientation.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 including an elastic mechanism connecting the boom to the capture device.
7 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the non-vertical orientation is a substantially horizontal orientation.
8 . A method for rescuing an object from a raised structure comprising:
providing an aircraft;
providing a boom having a first end attached to the aircraft and a second end attached to a capture device;
positioning the boom from the aircraft in a non-vertical orientation;
locating the capture device adjacent the object;
receiving the object in the capture device; and
positioning the boom in a more vertical orientation.
9 . The method of claim 8 wherein the capture device includes a net.
10 . The method of claim 8 including providing an elastic mechanism to couple the boom to the capture device.
11 . The method of claim 8 wherein the positioning of the boom from the non-vertical orientation to the more vertical orientation occurs upon receipt of the object by the capture device.
12 . The method of claim 8 wherein the non-vertical orientation is a substantially horizontal position.