Improvements in or relating to Fire Escapes.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 10th Oct., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 4th July, 1894-Accepted, 4th Aug., 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in or relating to Fire Escapes.
I WILLIAM VALENTINE LEONARD of Ashton House Kingston Crescent,
Portsmouth, in the County of Hampshire, Gentleman do hereby declare the nature
of this invention to be as follows:-
This invention consists of a table, the framework of which is made of iron or
other suitable material, having two jointed arms.
One end of each of these arms
is attached to the framework of the table by means of a pin or bolt, & the other
end of the arms is attached by means of a pin or bolt to a clamp which is affixed
to the framework of the window. A rope is coiled under the top of the table.
To put the table into use it is raised from the floor & pushed out of the window
where it will be suspended in an inverted position by means of the jointed arms, &
will thus form a means of escape.
Dated this 9th day of October 1893.
COMPLEIE DI MULTIATION.
Improvements in or relating to Fire Escapes.
I, WILLIAM VALENTINE LEONARD of Ashton House, Kingston Crescent,
Portsmouth Gentleman, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in
what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
ascertained in and by the following statement :-
This invention relates to an improved fire escape to be fitted to the windows of
dwelling and other houses, affording a means whereby in case of danger, a person
can easily and safely lower himself to the ground, the escape also serving as a
useful article of furniture.
In carrying out my invention, I employ a strong table of wood, iron, or other
suitable material. This table is preferably of the ordinary wooden kind with a
triangular steel or other metal frame at each end to render it stronger and more
rigid. A chain of considerable strength is connected to the lower ends of two of
the legs, and each chain is fastened to a staple or ring screwed or otherwise fixed
in the floor. In using, the table is thrown out of the window, the top being
underneath, and suspended by the chains from the bottom of its two side legs.
The edge of the top resting against the wall, the table is held firmly in its reversed
position, with the top horizontal. A cover is fitted to the table underneath the
top, forming a box in which the rope to be used is coiled, one end being secured
properly to the table and the other allowed to hang down.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying drawings, in which
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a table fitted to the window and in its ordinary
position,
Fig. 2 shows the table in side elevation ready for use,
Fig. 3 is an underside view, and
Figs. 4 & 5 are elevations at right angles to each other of a lowering device
attached to the rope, by which a person can descend with ease.
A is the table of any suitable construction which is sufficiently strong for the
purpose, having the triangular frame B at each end, bolted to the end legs of the
[Porce 8d 1

page_text: table, and connecting them together in a rigid manner, and enabling the table to
withstand a great strain. To the lower end of each of these triangles is fitted the
stout chain C also attached to a ring or staple c fixed in the floor or wall. Instead
of the chain, jointed arms may be used, serving as the equivalents of the links, but
the chain is preferable, as it permits the table to be more easily manipulated.
When the table is lifted out of the window it falls into the position shown in Fig. 2,
suspended by the chains C in an inverted position, and allowing any person or
persons to stand on it. In such a position, it will serve as a refuge even if the
person does not lower himself, and the window can be closed and the smoke kept in
the room.
It is also serviceable for window cleaning, as it will allow a person to
stand outside with safety.
A cover D is fixed to the table a short distance below the top, forming a box or
recess. This box is divided by a partition or cross bar d to which the lowering
rope E is connected, passing through 2 holes in the bar and forming a loop. This
rope when not in use is coiled in one of the divisions, a hole d' being formed to
allow the rope to be removed or replaced. This hole is covered when the rope is
coiled up by a small trap door which secures the rope in the box. The door is
fixed by buttons or other convenient means. In using, the line is withdrawn
through the hole, and thrown over the side of the table.
On the rope E is fitted the lowering device shown in Figs. 4 and 5, consisting of
the wooden block e having holes in it through which the line is passed. The
number of holes used is preferably three, the line being passed in and out of each.
A loop e is fitted to the lower end of the block through which the leg of the
person using the escape is passed. In lowering himself he grasps the block and
owing to the friction of the line passing through the perforations, the speed of
descent can be regulated as desired.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is.-
(1) A device to be used in houses applicable as a fire escape, consisting of a
table attached at the bottom to the inside of the window in such a manner that it
can be thrown out of the window and suspended securely in an inverted position,
substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(2) An improved fire escape, to be fitted to the windows of dwelling and other
houses, consisting of a strong table, attached by jointed arms or chains, to the
inside of the window, in such a manner that it can be suspended outside in an
inverted position, and a lowering rope fastened to the table coiled when not in use
under the top, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(3) The improved fire escape constructed and operating substantially as described
and shown and for the purposes specified.
Dated this 4th day of June 1894.
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.