Facilitating the Escape of Persons from Buildings on Fire.
Year: 1887

page_text: Date of Application, 28th May, 1887
Complete Left, 24th Feb., 1888
Complete Accepted, 27th Apr., 1888
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION,
Facilitating the Escape of Persons from Buildings on Fire.
HENRY JUSTINIAN NEWCOME, of Shenley Herts Clergyman, do hereby declare
the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
A Strong Frame several feet wide extending from the ground to the top of the
highest Building supporting rollers at the top and bottom On these rollers which
are cogged travels an endless chain to which are fixed at intervals of several feet
strong planks and rods of iron. The rollers terminate outside the frame in large
wheels to which strong brakes can be applied. On every story of the building a door
in the outer wall is fixed which draws back along the wall. Those wishing to descend
can bring the plank opposite their feet and several step upon it at once when it
descends by its own weight but can be regulated by the brake in the hands of one of
the persons escaping. As another platform comes round a second set can descend.
By reversing the motion by sufficient manual power a fireman can ascend with his
hose and other appliances which he could not do from within.

page_text: VHD
HENRY JUSTINIAN NEWCOME of Shenley, Herts, Clergyman 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 consists of a strong frame of iron or wood (A) placed on the ground
close to any external wall of the building, but not in the street, and reaching to the
roof or the highest storey. This frame-the two sides being some feet apart is
fitted with a spindle (B) projecting through the upright sides, a short distance from
the top on which-within the uprights, are fixed two or more cogged wheels (CC)
on each of which an endless Chain is placed (D D) which reaches to the ground-
passing under a similar set of Wheels, or a Roller, which revolves with them. On the
upper Spindle externally on both sides; are fixed cogged Wheels (E) which work in
a larger one to which a plain Wheel (F) is attached-over which an iron Hoop (G)
is placed, to act as a Brake. This Brake can be regulated by any person below with
the ordinary lever, but should an alarm occur before such person is at hand, I propose
to attach a heavy Weight (H) by a Cord (1) which can be raised by any person
wishing to descend-and sets the, Brake free. This cord is attached to the lever L
and can be raised by pulling down and holding the cords M so raising the weight H.
At certain distances apart on the endless Chains, are fixed a number of strong
Planks (K K) which revolve so long as any weight is placed upon them.
To obtain access to this revolving Apparatus, an opening is made in the wall,
closed either by Doors which slide back along the wall, or with a Shutter which can
he pushed up like an ordinary window. Upon an alarm, upon opening the Doors,
several persons can pull down, and step upon the Platform, holding to the Cross-bar,
while one raises the weight, and allows the Platform to descend, while others follow
in order. Upon each floor, a similar opening will allow a similar proceeding to be
carried out. While a. number. are descending, it would be possible for a Fireman to
ascend on the opposite side, and obtain access over the top of the Frame to the Roof
or Opening; or when not required as an Escape, any number might be singly raised
with their Hose and Implements by a sufficient force being applied to cause a reverse
motion.
In the accompanying Drawings which are figured as No. 1, 2, 3, the various parts
are shown by the letters A, B, C, &c. No. 1 is a front view of the Frame, Chains,
& Platforms. No. 2 is a sectional view of the Interior of the Frame, & No. 3-the
exterior view of both sides.
I do not tie myself down to the exact form of the Brake here shown, but will adopt
any modification or addition which is considered most conducive to safety.

page_text: Having now particularly described & ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, & in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1st. A series of endless revolving Platforms for the safe and rapid descent of those
in danger of Fire.
2nd. The means of raising Persons to the top of the highest Buildings, when
inaccessible by ordinary ladders or fire-escapes.
3rd. The power of any Person being able to regulate his own descent when
external aid is absent.
HENRY JUSTINIAN NEWCOME.