New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-08-20
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BUTTONS CHAMPION Hook And LADDER TRUCK
AND FIRE Esc.pE-Eyery one 10 the hsbit Of attend
Ing res must have observed that the ladder trucks are
frequently to the emergencies of the csse and
that much precious time is loet 10 placing tho ladders
and elevstibg the hoee the flames meanwhile becom-
ing more and ore difficult Of control II is believed
that this want may be supplied by Burton's newly
invented truck and fire escape patented the 9TH Of Au-
gust; and as deep interest must be felt in anything
that promises to be real Improvement on the old
method Of exnguisbipg fires and saving property, we
append descrip ion of the machine model of which
may be seen at No 25l Broadway Il bears no re-
sembance to any invention designed for similar pur-
pose 1t consists of three combined folding ladders,
and three or more short detached ladders to be used
for platforms on the main ladders, for other pur-
poses. The two main ladders, which are about fifty
feet in length cross each other near the CENTER aud are
gther and also to the two trucks in such
manner that by pushing the trucks together the ladders
are elevated taking the form of the letter x and by
polling the trucks apart the ladders lowered. BY
the aid of circular platforms which project beyond the
sides Of the Wheels forming the guides for the rings to
which the pyos are secured which form the bearings
for the lower ends of the ladders good, substantial
basis Is made for the ladders at the same time allowing
the trucks TO turn independently of them. The ladders
are elevated by blocking one of the trucks and draw
ing the other up it by hand The top LADDER which
is to be made of ron that it can be thrust through
the fame, if necessary, is folded over BY means OF
rope, by men standing on the ground The main lad
der is intended to reach to the fhstory window OF
tenement house, OF about ftyfye feet, and the top
ladder to the sevenhsory roof or seventy-ve feet.
But, of course their hight be graduated by sepa-
rating the trucks so as to reach any window OF build
ing If necessary to change its position can be doneas
readily as four could move an ordinary twenty
feet ladder and this without taking it down. 1t Is
claimed that it will stand clear of building and sup
port twenty-five or thirty men on the platforms and
ladders and also that the top ladder will sustain nearly
tun without resting against the building or moving
the trucks below length Of hose Is stretched per-
manently on the ladders and stream of water can be
got on tie roof or any story of building in three
minutes from the time Of getting the machine on the
ground 1t will thus be that this machine can be
used with great advantage ct all fires for the purpose
of elevatiDg hose sheet-iron bucket of sufficient
capacity to bold four grown persons is attached to the
topmost ladder and by means of rope and pulley can
be bosted to the roof any of the windows TO rescue
sick or disabled persons. One peculiar advantage OF
this invention is that after persons have besn rescued
and placed upon the platforms it can be hauled out
into the street, where they may descend at leisure.
The truck can be used in any street. and occupies but
little room when elevated. II runs very easily, will
turn the shortest corner and requires about the same
number of men to man it as the common truck now in
use IT contains all the appurtenances of other trucks
and when the ladders are folded down, will go into
any truck house. We understand il has been given in
charge of ChiefEngneer Decker, for him to build one
on trial if the Fire Commissioners decide when the
matter comes before them at their first meeting in
September.