An Improved Fire Escape.
Year: 1892

page_text: Date of Application, 23rd Nov., 1892-Accepted, 14th Jan., 1893
COMPLETE
DIMUIFICATION.
An Improved Fire Escape.
We PHILEMAN ZAHRINGER of 16 Swiss Terrace, Hampstead, Clockmaker and
HARRY BUCKSEY of 47 Maresfield Gardens, Hampstead, Engineer both in the
County of Middlesex, 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:-
The object of this invention is an improved fire escape that can be used by the
inmates of a building in case of need and in order that our said invention may be
fully understood we will now describe the same with reference to the accompanying
sheet of drawings in which :-
Fig. 1 shews the mechanism for controlling the descent of the fire escape, Fig. 2
plan thereof Fig. 4 shews a modification and Figs. 3, 5, and 6, shew views of escape
in position.
The same letters denote the same parts in all views.
The other
a. b. c. d. e. f. g. shew toothed wheels and pinions of a train. The wheels f. and g.
have projections h. h. on each of them and through each of these projections on the
wheel g. a groove k. is cut for the links i. of a chain to work into.
intermediate links j. fit in between each projection as they pass round the under
portion of wheel g. so as not to slip through the grooves k. thus the wheel g. forms
a chain wheel.
The projections on wheel f. work through the intermediate links j. When the
wheel 9. is turned round it turns the wheel f. by gearing therewith and thus sets the
whole train in motion such train controlling the speed of the chain wheel g.
The projections h. h. are only provided as an extra security to prevent the chain
running down quickly in the event of accident.
The whole mechanism is mounted in a frame l. which may be attached to the
inside of a wall of a building just under the window by means of bolts) m. (see
Fig. 3) and when in use the two ends of the chain are thrown out and may pass
over a half round piece n. fixed on the window sill and to the ends of the chain we
fix a carrier o. of sufficient size to hold one or two persons thus the weight of such
person or persons descending will bring the other carrier up ready to receive fresh
freight so that by this means a number of persons can descend from a building
automatically in a short space of time.
Figs. 4, 5 and 6 shew modification of the mechanism before described Fig. 6
shews side elevation of apparatus as it would appear when in use Fig. 5 front
elevation of a portion of same and Fig. 4, plan to an enlarged scale of the
mechanism.
In this modification it will be seen that a drum w. and wire rope w¹ are employed
instead of a chain wheel g. and wheel f. as before described the said rope being
turned several times round the drum to prevent slipping the two ends of said rope
pass over pullies x. x. fixed on the window sill the drum w. being controlled by a
train of wheels as in the first named mechanism y. y. are brackets carrying
pullies x. x. fixed to a bar y' secured to wall by bolts z. z.
Instead of having the drum fitted as shewn in the drawing it may be placed in
any other suitable position.
Although we have shewn a particular train of wheels for controlling the descent
we do not wish to limit ourselves to this particular train as any suitable train may
be employed.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of our said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to performed we declare that what we
claim is:
1. In fire escapes a train of wheels for controlling the descent substantially as
set forth.
2. Fire escapes constructed and-operated substantially as set forth.
BROWNE & Co.,.
9, Warwick Court, W.C., Agents for Applicants.