Patent Publication Number: US-2006000672-A1

Title: Window frame with hidden fire escape

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
      This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 60/485,916, filed Jul. 9, 2003, and non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/641,673 filed Aug. 15, 2003, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD  
      The invention provides a hidden fire escape that is built into a window frame that is made with modern manufacturing techniques utilizing extruded, injection molded, milled or pulltrusion type products, optionally vinyl, wood, plastic or aluminum profiles, and which stores an escape ladder while maintaining the appearance of a normal window.  
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT  
      (Not applicable)  
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
      The United States has one of the highest fire death rates in the industrialized world. 383,000 residential fires occurred in homes in 2001 resulting in 3,110 fire deaths. Between 1994 and 1998, an average of 4,400 Americans died and another 25,100 were injured in fires. Approximately 80 percent of all fire deaths occur in residences. About two million fires are reported each year. Accordingly, fire-related issues are taken seriously and much work has been devoted to the same. There are ways to help a family survive should a fire occur, and there are many products designed with fire safety in mind, however, none having the same characteristics of the present invention.  
      A fire can engulf a home in as little as 60 seconds. It is essential that the occupant is prepared with a quick and safe method of escape. Although smoke detectors and heat alarms may warn an occupant, it is still necessary to have a safe method of escape from a burning building. Most tragic accidents occur in residential houses during the night. Occupants are overcome by smoke or find themselves trapped by fire. Therefore, it is extremely important for all homes to have smoke alarms and an alternative means of escape.  
      Should a fire ignite in the home, escape through the front door may be dangerous or impossible. The only other exit may be a window. There are many escape ladders on the market that can be stored under the bed or in a closet, but there may not be time in an emergency to search for the ladder, or thick smoke may make finding such a ladder impossible.  
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
      The inventive fire escape remedies this problem. It is built into the window frame itself, making quick access very convenient. In case of an emergency, all one has to do is open the window, lift the cover and throw it from the window and the escape ladder is ready for immediate use.  
      It also remedies another common problem of intruders using a permanent fire escape as an easy way to gain entry into a home or apartment. Criminals usually have little trouble in accessing exterior fire escapes from the ground level. The inventive fire escape eliminates the worry of taking extra security precautions in connection with windows that have a fire escape permanently attached to the exterior of the building. The hidden fire escape is also a much more economic and easier way to install fire escapes in lieu of permanently attached fire escapes.  
      The inventive fire escape is built into the window frame itself, reducing crucial time that could be wasted looking for an escape ladder. When not in use, the ladder is out of sight but when it is needed, it can be accessed within seconds. When the bottom sash of the window is lifted, or the casement window cranked open, handles or other types of opening devices are exposed on the sill. When the user pulls the handles up, it releases the escape ladder. The user then throws the lid from the window and the ladder unravels itself. The lid acts as the bottom of the ladder and adds weight to the remaining ladder so it will automatically follow the bottom step out the window when it is thrown. As soon as the entire ladder is released, it is safe for the user to climb down. An alternative is to have the lid hinged. The lid swings open and the ladder becomes visible. The ladder may then be taken in hand by the user and thrown out of the window.  
      In accordance with yet another alternative, the inventive hidden fire escape may be stored within a part of the operable window, such as the window sash. The hidden fire escape may be stored between two panes of glass in a window or hidden within the sash styles or rails, or sash frame members.  
      In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the inventive window assembly may incorporate an extruded, injection molded, milled, or pulltrusion member frame. A gasket may be disposed between the frame and they closure member.  
      In one possible embodiment of the invention, the frame is a flexible vinyl extruded member. An engagement structure is attached to or integral with the closure member and the engagement structure is configured to position the closure member adjacent to the frame.  
      The inventive window assembly may also comprise a sidewall structure preventing water from entering said hole. They sidewall structure prevents water from entering the hole. In one embodiment, sidewall structure comprises a pair of extruded walls extending the length of the frame, one on the inside or room side of the window frame, and one on the outside or the side facing the environment. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      One or more embodiments of the invention and ways of making and using the invention, as well as the best mode contemplated of carrying out the invention, are described in detail below, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:  
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a closed double-hung window illustrating the improved fire escape stored when not in use;  
       FIG. 2  is a side view of a window illustrating the design of the present invention where the window is in the opened position and the escape ladder is positioned for use;  
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the escape ladder;  
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view of a portion of the window illustrating how the ladder will be stored when not in use;  
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the invention using the hinged method;  
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the invention having a removable lid;  
       FIG. 7  is a front view of a casement window illustrating the ladder being released from the top of the frame;  
       FIG. 8  is a front view of an awning window illustrating the ladder being released from the top of the frame;  
       FIG. 999  is a perspective cutaway view from the inside of the window of the sill of a double-hung window illustrating the modification of the same to provide an alternative improved window incorporating, a fire escape ladder;  
       FIG. 10  is a top view of the window sill of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , illustrating the access hole provided in accordance with the present invention where the window is in the opened position but with the escape ladder not illustrated for purposes of clarity of illustration;  
       FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 9 , illustrating a compression gasket in place, but not illustrating the lid, for purposes of clarity of illustration;  
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 11  illustrating the extruded, injection molded, milled, pulltrusion or other similar composite material lid in place with the compression gasket secured to the lid and a pressing relationship to the sill;  
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the inventive lid from the bottom, with the compression gasket removed;  
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view from the side of the removable lid;  
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view from the inside of the window of the inventive window illustrating the compartment for the ladder;  
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of a reinforcing bar for the top of the frame;  
       FIG. 17  is a cross-sectional view along lines to  17 - 17  of  FIG. 9  of an alternative embodiment of the present invention utilizing a leak preventing insert;  
       FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 17  along lines  18 - 18  of  FIG. 9 ;  
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a leak-preventing insert used in the embodiment of  FIG. 19 ;  
       FIG. 20  is a view similar to that of  FIG. 18  illustrating the structure of an injection molded, window sill incorporating the invention;  
       FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the inventive window also similar to  FIG. 18  and showing a structure with a leak preventing lip and which is suitable for extrusion, pulltrusion, injection molding and milled type manufacturing;  
       FIG. 22  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative method of reinforcing the inventive window assembly and a particularly advantageous method of insulating the ladder-containing compartment; and  
       FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view of another alternative embodiment of the inventive window having an internally reinforced sill;  
       FIG. 24  is a diagrammatic view of yet another alternative embodiment of the inventive window having the ladder in the upper portion of the window;  
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of yet another alternative embodiment of the inventive window having bar for keeping the ladder separated from the side of the building during use;  
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the ladder rung illustrated in  FIG. 25 ; and  
       FIG. 27  is a diagrammatic view of still yet another alternative embodiment of the inventive window having the ladder in the side portion of the window. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
      Referring to  FIGS. 1-6 , a double-hung window  10 , enclosed in frame  12 , comprises an upper sash  14  and a lower sash  16  shown in the closed position. The window  10  further comprises a sill  18  that has a hole  19  is cut into it in order to allow lid or bottom step  20  to be removed. The cuts are sealed with compression gaskets  22  in order to be weatherproof. The lid also has one or more handles  24  (only one is visible in  FIG. 1 ), so that lid  20  can be removed easily.  
      Window  10  further comprises an extension box  26  to the window frame  12  which provides a storage area for escape ladder  28 . Escape ladder  28  can be comprised of a combination of flexible rope like links  30  and steps or rungs  32  all of which should be made of fire resistant or fireproof material. Additionally, the escape ladder  28  can be made of metal or any other suitable material strong enough to withstand significant body weight. The specific materials for the escape ladder may vary widely, and many materials are known common to the trade.  
      Window  10  is designed for an emergency escape apparatus which is hidden unless in use. The escape ladder is stored in box  26  which is concealed within the wall cavity and is not visible when looking at the window. The storage box is only visible when sash  16  is open and handles  24  are lifted. Ladder  28  is secured to the bottom of the frame of the window using, for example, by a 5/16 inch or other appropriate sized eyelet  34 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the window frame is supported by a wood or steel house framing member  36  underneath and on the sides window  10  and plywood  38  on the outside of the containment box which helps provide the frame e with added strength to support body weight. Siding  40  is placed on the exterior of the plywood for aesthetic purposes.  
      When the user wishes to release the safety ladder  28 , he or she would lift bottom sash  16 , pull handles  24  and throw lid  20  from the window. Lid  20  then falls until the entire escape ladder  28  unravels. Once escape ladder  28  is completely unraveled and optionally the stand-offs are fully opened (deployed), the user may climb down steps  32  to safety.  
       FIG. 2  shows a double-hung window  10  in the open position with the escape ladder ready for use. A portion of the sill  8  (or the entire sill) is cut to form lid  20 , which can be removed and thrown from the window. Lid  20  now acts as the bottom step of the escape ladder  28 . When lid  20  is thrown from the window, it acts as a guide for the remaining portion of the ladder to follow.  
       FIG. 2  further shows an alternative type of window that can accommodate the inventive technology. Casement window  142  can be opened in its usual manner and ladder  28  is released using the same method. The length of escape ladder  28  is determined by the height of the window above the ground or other escape path.  
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the escape ladder. The escape ladder can be made of a variety of materials, so long as it is lightweight, durable, can withstand significant body weight and is substantially fire proof.  
      Ladder  28  may be made to accommodate heights as high as the second floor, or higher height specification. The height specification of the ladder  28  is visibly marked on the window unit to ensure a proper installation. Alternatively, the height of the ladder may also be made adjustable by the consumer or the builder to meet any window height specification.  
       FIG. 4  shows a portion of the invention showing in detail how the escape ladder  28  will be stored. This view shows a closed window  10 , that can be of any design. Sill  18  is shaped in order for lid  20  to be lifted out by handles  24 .  
      An alternative is to have lid  20  supported by hinges  242  and  244  as illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In  FIG. 5 , window  10  is in the open position. When the user opens the window  10 , the hinged lid  220  can also be opened. The user can then reach into the storage compartment  226  and lift out the escape ladder.  
       FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of the invention where the lid  20  is removable by handles  24 .  FIG. 6  shows a double-hung window in the open position without the ladder in use. Storage compartment  26  is not visible until lid  20  is removed. When lid  20  is removed, the escape ladder is exposed. In accordance with the invention, escape ladder  28  can either be attached to lid  20 , in which case lid  20  acts as the bottom of the ladder, or the ladder can be placed in such a manner that the user can grasp it and throw it out the window.  
      In most embodiments of the inventive escape ladder may be stored not only the bottom of the window, but also in the top or sides of the window frame. This is illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , this is a particular advantage because with the escape ladder stored in the top or the sides of the window there is additional protection from water penetration versus being placed on the sill of the window, as is described in detail below.  FIG. 7  illustrates a casement window  310 . Casement window  310  is comprised of a frame  312 , a sill  318  and glass  314 .  FIG. 7  shows casement window  310  in the open position. Window  312  is cranked open in its normal manner and safety ladder  328  is released from compartment  350  at the top of the frame ( FIG. 7 ) or the side of the window, as detailed below. Compartment  350  holds the escape ladder  328 , which is comprised of links  330  and steps  332 . This embodiment is an alternative method of storage for the inventive fire escape.  
       FIG. 8  illustrates an awning window  410  with glass  414  in the open position. The fire escape ladder  428  is designed to be released from compartment  450  at the top of the window frame  412 . Escape ladder  428  is comprised of steps  432  and links  430 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a smoke hood  444  stored along side the fire escape ladder. This smoke hood hangs in compartment  450  and may be pulled out by the occupant. The smoke hood provides for ease of breathing while escaping from the burning building. In such a case where the escape ladder is stored in the top or sides of the frame, one method to expose the escape ladder would be to have a safety release button located near the bottom of the window. This would allow for any user to access the inventive escape ladder regardless of their height.  
      In addition to storing the hidden fire escape ladder, the storage box can be used for housing other items. For example, the storage can be used for additional safety devices such as emergency escape smoke hoods that can be used as a breathing apparatus. The storage could also be used as a hidden wall safe to store valuables and can be opened by a security code in the windows that do not contain a hidden fire escape.  
      Examples of alternatives to an escape ladder can be a knotted rope, a chute, a foldable ladder or any other escape device known in the field. It will also be understood that the escape device described herein can be designed to be suitable for adults, children, infants, or even pets.  
      Optionally, an ejector mechanism for ejecting the foldable ladder from the window may be employed.  
      Referring back to  FIG. 1 , in reference hole  19  may be cut into the sill or the top or sides of the window frame. In accordance with the invention, the sill they be cut open to facilitate opening or removal of the lid or bottom step in a number of ways. For example, the sill can be cut under the window sash and drainage channels can be placed on the underside of the remainder of the sill to drain off any water leakage to exterior weep holes placed in the front of the windows. Alternatively, the sill can be cut in any desired location dependent upon manufacture&#39;s existing design in order to minimize the potential of water leakage. Any number of channel type devices could be use to drain any water. The entire sill can be removed, or hinged from either the interior or exterior of the window to allow access to the fire escape ladder.  
      U-channels, L-channels or perforated tubes, by way of example, may be used to provide drainage channels that can be used to carry excess water to the exterior weep holes.  
      Similarly, compression gaskets, camper tape, bulb weather stripping, auto window weather stripping, foam rubber or sponge weather stripping, different types of weather stripping, or the like may be used to weatherproof the openings that allow access to the fire escape ladder portion of the inventive window. The extension box that provides a storage volume for the escape ladder may take a number of forms. For example the extension box can be constructed by extending the existing sides of the window frame and adding an additional bottom. Alternatively, mulling or joining a separate storage box to the existing window frame may be used in order to implement the present invention. Still yet another alternative is the invention by attaching a separate storage box to a window frame so as to allow an escape ladder access through the window frame. For example, one may use a fixed window without glass to be used as a storage box and mull it to an operating egress window.  
      Numerous types of handles many be used to allow the removal of the lid or sill or top or sides of the window from the inventive window so as to allow access to escape ladder: A recessed thumb latch may be used to release the sill and allow the lid to be either removed or hinged. Alternatively, and an applied pull tab can provide the desired functionality or an extruded pull tab may be incorporated in the system during manufacture. Yet another alternative is the use of a raised thumb latch that recesses into the bottom of the window sash. As noted above, one may also employ hooks or eye hooks. In accordance with the invention, it is also contemplated that decorative members may be used, such as decorative handles. It is also possible to employ a continuous handle that is attached to the lid that can also act as a weather sealant.  
      Also a cover can be used to seal the lid. The cover can be an additional sill or false sill or similar type devices that can be held on by snap legs or compression snaps that cover the entire sill and can be removed to allow access the lid in order to access the fire escape ladder.  
      Likewise various types of hinges may be employed to open the lid in order to allow access to the fire escape. These include plain bearing hinges, ball bearing hinges, spring hinges, pivot hinges, wrap around hinges, semi concealed or concealed hinges, tubular hinges, piano hinges, continuous hinges, or special purpose hinges.  
      In similar fashion, various types of anchors or supporting devices can be used to support the weight of the safety ladder, such as lag screws that are screwed through the bottom of the ladder into the window sill framing. The bottom of the storage box can be reinforced with steel bars or plates and the ladder can be screwed securely to one or more reinforcing bars. The sides of the storage box can be reinforced with steel or metal reinforced supports and the ladder can be anchored to the side supports.  
      Turning to  FIG. 9 , an alternative embodiment of the invention suitable for application to an extruded, injection moulded, pulltruded, or milled vinyl or aluminum window is illustrated. Generally such modern windows comprise a number of members having various profiles and forming the sill, top and sides of the window frame, within which a sash containing a glass window, for example, slides. More particularly, a sill  510  having a conventional profile is provided with a hole  512  which may be cut into the inner top surface  514  on the inside  516  of sill  510 . In accordance with the invention it is contemplated that hole  512  is covered with the lid, as is more fully described below, and that the lid is removed to allow removal of the fire escape ladder in much the same manner as the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-8 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 10 , hole  512  may extend substantially the entire length of a sill  510 . In order to bear the weight of the individual using the ladder, the outside  518  of the sill is provided with a reinforcing steel bar  520  which may be secured at its ends by screws to the sides of the window frame, as appears more fully below.  
      A suitable seal may be provided by a sealing member, such as a compression gasket  522  as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . Normally, gasket  522  would be secured to a lid  524 , as illustrated in  FIG. 12 . However, in  FIG. 11  the gasket is illustrated without the lid for purposes of clarity of illustration. Gasket  522  is secured to lid  524  using any suitable adhesive, such as a silicone adhesive, contact adhesive, double stick tape or the like.  
      Generally, the window sill structure illustrated in  FIG. 9  is manufactured in a conventional fashion (a molded or formed application as described above) and comprises a vinyl or aluminum profile. The profile is then miter cut, butt jointed, ship lapped or other type mitering at the ends to create 45 degree or 90 degrees cuts which mate with similar cuts at the base of the vertical portions of the frame. The profile is also cut, for example with a band saw router or similar type tools, to create a lower hole  526 , and upper hole  512 . Holes  512  and  526  may be cut simultaneously. In similar fashion, other portions of the aluminum or vinyl profile are removed by cutting along the best generally defined between hole  522  and ages  528 ,  530 ,  532 ,  534 ,  536 ,  538 ,  540 ,  542 ,  544 ,  546 ,  548  and  550 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . The sill structure is completed by the drilling of a weep hole  552  to provide drainage for water which may into the system when, for example, a window is left open and it rains. Such cutting may be done using any suitable tool, such as a heated blade, band saw, or the like. While, in principle, it is possible to form the sill illustrated in Figure nine by injection molding, the above this guide process carries the advantage of allowing the use of conventional and existing equipment with minimal investment in additional equipment and manpower to achieve the advantages of the inventive system in a modern extruded profile window frame.  
      As shown most clearly in  FIG. 12 , lid  524  is disposed over hole  512  in the sealing position. Moreover, it urges gasket  522  against top surface  514 , compressing gasket  522 . At the same time, vertical portions  554  and  556  of lid  524  are in mating relationship with edges  528  and  544 , and edges  532  and  540 , respectively. Similarly, horizontal portions  558  and  560  of lid  524  are in mating relationship with edges  530  and  542 , and edges  534  and  538 , respectively. Thus, laid by 24 replaces the functionality of all portions of the window sill removed, as discussed above, from the formed vinyl or aluminum profile.  
      Lid  524  may be maintained in the position illustrated in  FIG. 12 , by any suitable mechanical mechanism, as may be seen with reference to  FIGS. 13 and 14 . In accordance with the illustrated embodiment of the invention, lid  524  generally comprises a thin planar member  562  to which a compression gasket  522  is secured, compression gasket may also be applied to  514  as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . Lid  524  for the comprises a number of retainer legs  564  which include engagement surfaces  566  at the top of their respective feet  568 . Retainer surfaces  566  engage the bottom  570  ( FIG. 1 ) below top surface  514 .  
      In similar fashion, snap legs  572  snap over edge  573 . Finally, snap retaining surfaces  574  steps over edge  548 . Such snapping engagement is achieved by first engaging feet  568  under surface  570  with retaining surfaces  574  and snap legs  572  positioned above edge  548  and edge  573 , and then rotating lid  524  (as illustrated in phantom lines in  FIG. 14 ) counterclockwise in the direction indicated by arrow  576 , until the lid  524  assumes the position illustrated in  FIG. 12 .  
      Snap legs  572  tend to urge lid  524  into compressing engagement with gasket  522 , thus providing a good seal and preventing water from penetrating.  
      In connection with the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is noted that in the illustrated embodiment, sill  510  is made up flexible vinyl and thus flexes to accommodate the insertion of lid  524 . Alternatively, the lid may be made flexible to accommodate its being snap into position on top for example, a rigid aluminum or rigid vinyl sill.  
      In accordance with the invention, it is contemplated that the lid may be used to pull out the ropes  578  of a ladder  580 . Accordingly, in accordance in the invention, lid  524  is provided with a pair of screw bosses or posts  582  which are secured to the two ropes  578  which together with rungs  583  make up the ladder.  
      In accordance in the invention, the inventive window unit  584  comprises a frame  586  within which the sash slides. A compartment made of a rigid rectangular frame  588  is made of miter cut extruded aluminum profile having a U-shaped cross-section. Frame  588  is provided with a pair of holes  590 , which receive bolts to secure the ropes  578 . The compartment is completed by a pair of inner and outer plates  591  and  593  (partially cut away). Of course, any suitable material or structure may be used to accomplish the anchoring of the ropes and receptacle function needed for the fire escape ladder  580 . The compartment defined within frame  588  and between plates  591  and  593  is accessible through a hole cut in top surface  595  of frame  588  below hole  512 .  
      As alluded to above, the sill is reinforced by a steel reinforcing bar  520  ( FIG. 16 ) which has a pair of arms  592 . Arms  592  are provided with holes  594 . Holes  594  receive screws  596  which secure arms  592  to the sides of the window frame unit within which the sash slides. Finally, a perforated steel plate  598  is welded to the bottom of frame  588 . Plate  598  includes holes  600 . Screws  599  may be used by passing the same through holes  600  and securing them to the wooden framing of a house or other structure for example, by securing them to, for example wooden, stud  602  of the framing members of a private home of conventional wood frame construction.  
      In accordance with the invention, liquids falling on the sill are prevented from passing below the sill by lid  524 , which acts as an effective seal on account of the pressure exerted against gasket  522 . Thus, water is caused to pass over surface  514  and flow toward weep hole  552 . In the event of a fire, lid  524  may be removed by gripping surface  560  and pulling clockwise opposite the direction indicated by arrow  576 . Lid  524  may then be thrown outside the building, carrying the fire escape ladder with it to provide a means for escape from the building.  
      An alternative embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 9  in phantom lines. More particularly, in accordance with this embodiment, all parts of surface  614  of the sill are slanted to promote the flow of water toward the weep hole. Such embodiment of sill  610  is illustrated in  FIG. 17 . In addition, an insert  704  acts as a wall promoting the flow of liquid away from hole  612 , as illustrated most clearly and  FIG. 18 . In accordance with the invention it is contemplated that wall  612 , which is separately illustrated in  FIG. 19 , would be glued with a continuous bead of glue within the cut out or made integral with the sill through previously mentioned methods, and would serve to prevent water flow below the frame in the event that gasket  622  is not seated properly or has deteriorated over time.  
       FIG. 20  illustrates yet another embodiment of the invention. Here wall  804  is molded integrally with the rest of sill  710 . In this case, it is contemplated that sill  710  would be made by injection molding.  
      Still yet another possibility is illustrated in  FIG. 21 . Here, the wall is extruded but is not continuous, extending only along the length of the sill  810  in the form of an inside wall  904  and an outside wall  906 . This embodiment is manufactured in the same fashion as the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , a hole  912  being cut in the extruded profile, and the whole being sealed by the gasket  922  of lid  924 .  
      Referring to  FIG. 22 , an alternative embodiment of the inventive window  1000  is illustrated in cross-section. Window  1000  includes a sill member  1010  which is reinforced by an aluminum bar profile  1020 , which is cut to size and slipped into a slot defined in sill member profile  1010 . Aluminum bar profile is secured to the buildings wall framing via steel nailing fins, thus adding the maximum support for window  1000  when the fire escape ladder is being deployed. The fire escape ladder is not shown here for purposes of clarity of illustration. In addition, window  1000  includes an insulated member supporting extrusions  1021 . Extrusion  1023  is removed so the escape ladder can be pulled up through the opening in the window. The escape ladder is stored in the compartment between insulated panel  1025  and wind barrier  1017 . Panel  1025  is an insulated panel providing insulating qualities to the building. Thus, even if the inventive window bears up against the wall board of the room at its inside surface  1016  and against moisture permeable wind barrier  1017  and siding  1019  on its outside surface  1018 , even in the absence of the normal insulative material found in other parts of the wall of the building, heat loss will be largely attenuated.  
      Still yet another approach is illustrated in  FIG. 23 . Here window assembly  1100  comprises a sill  1110  which is reinforced internally by a metal reinforcement bar  1120 .  
      In accordance with the invention, a window assembly  1200  may contain a fire escape ladder  1210  in an upper nonmoving compartment  1212 . In this embodiment, compartment  1212  does not move, but window  1214  moves up and down in a conventional manner. When it is desired to use the fire escape ladder  1210  in the inventive window, window  1214  is slid upwardly and knob  1216  of lid  1218  is pulled, releasing ladder  1210 . Ladder  1210  is supported by reinforcement bar  1220  and is prevented from damaging the window by reinforcement bar  1222 .  
      In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, compartment  1212  may be decorated on the inside with a picture, or other decorative member. For example, it may be formed of a stained-glass member  1224 . In connection with this, rungs  1226  of the ladder may be made transparent to increase the amount of light output by the system. Likewise, rope  1228  may be made white in color.  
      Still yet another alternative embodiment of the invention is illustrated by rung  1326  which includes a support member  1328  with a pair of supports  1330  which hingedly support a standoff  1332 . The hinging mechanism is completed by a pin  1334  on which a spring  1340  is mounted. In accordance with the invention, it is anticipated that a pair of standoffs would be mounted at opposite ends of rungs every five to nine feet along the length of the ladder, or at smaller spaces.  
      During use, when the ladder incorporating rungs  1326  is pulled from the inventive window, standoffs  1332  spring forward, as illustrated in  FIG. 26 . A latching mechanism  1342  may be employed to keep rungs  1326  adjacent standoffs  1332  when not in use.  
      Another alternative is that the ladder can be released by hinging the outer skin or panel, and springing it open in response to actuation of an interior button, turn handle, cam type operator or other mechanism that allows the outer skin to be released.  
      When the stand-off is fully deployed it keeps the escape ladder step a safe distance away from the house and creates room for foot and hand holds making descending the escape ladder easier and safer.  
      Referring to  FIGS. 25-6 , the stand-off may be kept in the closed position and held in place by indentations in the ends so as to hold the stand-off in place while concealed within the storage compartment, the stand-off may also be held in place with Velcro or other similar type devices. The spring deploys the stand off to a 90 degree position so it can keep the rungs of the ladder away from the house to ease in escape while descending the escape ladder.  
      As illustrated in  FIG. 27 , the inventive window  1400  may include a ladder  1410  stored in a compartment  1412  on the side of, for example, a casement window assembly including a side hinging window  1414 .  
      While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been described above, it is, of course, understood that many and various modifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art, or may become apparent as the art develops. Such modifications are contemplated as being within the spirit and scope of the invention or inventions disclosed in this specification.