Improvements in Fire-escape Apparatus.
Year: 1890

page_text: This Print is in accordance with the Original Specification as it stands after
Amendment (under Section 18 of the Patents, &c. Act, 1883), as allowed
by the decision of the Comptroller General of the 17th day of April 1896.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (AMENDED).
Improvements in Fire-escape Apparatus.
I, GEORGE BRAY of Prince Street Deptford in the County of Kent, Engineer, 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:
My invention relates to fire-escapes and is designed to improve the construction of
the same.
One feature of my said invention is the construction of a two-wheeled fire-escape
with means for plumbing the ladder or adjusting the same so as to vary its position
when standing on unlevel ground relatively to the building or other object against
which it is intended to lean the said ladder.
My said invention also comprises improved means whereby I provide for the
adjustment of the ladder longitudinally relatively to the frame or carriage without the
necessity for the operator leaving the levers of the fire-escape. I thus provide for
enabling the apparatus to be dipped or tilted to transport it under an arch or under
telegraph wires without lowering the head of ladder on the ground.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a plan, and
Figure 2 is a side elevation partly in section of the carriage and lower portion of a
two wheeled extensible fire-escape apparatus showing my improvements applied
thereto.
Figure 3 is a side elevation, and
Figure 4 is a transverse section on the linea, a Figure 3.
Figure 5 is plan, and
Figure a side elevation showing a modification of my invention.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is the frame or carriage, B B are the road or travelling wheels, C is the extensible
ladder.
The extensible ladder C is supported upon antifriction rollers a carried upon suitable
spindles secured to extensions upon a turntable or upper carriage e. The said
furntable or upper carriage c is pivoted at e¹ to the frame or carriage A. is a guide
for directing the said turntable or upper carriage during its pivoting movements,
and are clips for preventing the latter from leaving the path upon the frame or
carriage A whilst permitting it to turn or pivot freely thereon. d is a wire or other
rope or chain one extremity of which is secured at or near the lower extremity or foot
of the ladder C. e is a grooved wheel or pulley which is supported so as to rotate
freely in brackets et attached to the turntable or upper carriage e. f is another grooved
Figure a side elevation showing a modification of my invention.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is the frame or carriage, B B are the road or travelling wheels, C is the extensible
ladder.
The extensible ladder C is supported upon antifriction rollers a carried upon suitable
spindles secured to extensions upon a turntable or upper carriage e. The said
furntable or upper carriage c is pivoted at e¹ to the frame or carriage A. is a guide
for directing the said turntable or upper carriage during its pivoting movements,
and are clips for preventing the latter from leaving the path upon the frame or
carriage A whilst permitting it to turn or pivot freely thereon. d is a wire or other
rope or chain one extremity of which is secured at or near the lower extremity or foot
of the ladder C. e is a grooved wheel or pulley which is supported so as to rotate
freely in brackets et attached to the turntable or upper carriage c. f is another grooved

page_text: wheel or pulley provided at or near the foot or lower extremity of the said ladder C.
The wire or other rope, or chain passes round the grooved wheel or pulley e and over
the grooved wheel or pulley f and the other extremity thereof is secured to and
arranged to wind upon a drum or roller g the gudgeons g¹ of which are supported in
suitable bearings in the levers C provided at the lower extremity or foot of the
extensible ladder C. h is a crank handle secured to one of the gudgeons gl of the
said drum or roller g which is extended for that purpose. By rotating the drum or
roller by means of the said crank handle h so as to wind the wire or other rope or
chain thereon the ladder C can be adjusted or moved into the position shown in the
drawing. is a catèh or detent for locking or securing the ladder C in the said position.
I thus provide for adjusting or altering the position of the ladder of a two wheeled
fire-escape apparatus with relation to the frame or carriage thereof in a much simpler
and more efficient manner than in fire-escapes of this kind or class as hitherto
constructed. Moreover when using a fire-escape constructed according to my present
invention the operator can so adjust the said ladder without having to leave the lower
extremity or foot thereof for that purpose.
C
j is another catch or detent which is secured to the turntable or upper carriage
and engages in one or other of holes provided in the guide for retaining the
turntable or upper carriage clocked firmly in any desired position. jis a spring for
maintaining the said catch or detent j engaged in one or other of the said holes c¹.
By releasing the said catch the turntable or upper carriage c and the extensible
ladder C can be turned or pivoted upon the lower or main frame or carriage A so as
to plumb" the ladder or adjust the same relatively to any particular portion of a
building or other place against which it is desired to lean the upper extremity of the
said ladder. This is more especially advantageous when the wheels B are placed upon
unlevel ground. In some cases provide a line from the catch to the levers C¹, or 1
provide other suitable means for enabling the operator to disengage the said catch j
without leaving the levers C¹.
66
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the extensible ladder which I prefer to employ. C³, Care
webs or flanges either formed in one with the sides of the said ladder, or firmly
attached thereto. k, kare wire ropes, or other bands which are preferably of a
flattened or obloug form in transverse section. Each of the said bands k is secured at
one extremity to the end of the ladder C, and is provided at the other with a screw
passing through a hole in a piece m. The screw is provided with a nut by means
of which the said band can be stretched tightly over the web or flange C². nn are
clips for securing the bands & upon the said webs or flanges C. o, o are cross stays
for further strengthening the said webs or flanges C, and protecting them against
lateral strains. By constructing the extensible ladder C as above described I am
enabled to dispense with the truss irons hitherto employed, and moreover the said
ladder is simpler and stronger, and will not give or hend like the ladders now in use
when its upper extremity is not resting against a building.
sometimes dispense with the hereinbefore described drum or roller and so arrange
the wire or other rope or chain that the operator can by pulling the free extremity
thereof move or adjust the ladder C relatively to the frame or carriage A. Or I
provide other suitable means for adjusting the ladder by means of the said cord or
chain.
In some instances I provide a rack, screw or the like for moving or adjusting the
turntable or upper carriage c upon the frame or carriage A.
In Figures 5 and 6, I have shown a modification of my invention wherein I employ
frames 2 provided with rollers a and secured to the upper carriage e for the purpose
of supporting the ladder C whilst permitting longitudinal movement thereof relatively
to the said carriage. For retaining the ladder in its foremost position, I provide
bolts fitted to slide up and down in sockets attached to the ladder C. These
bolts are adapted to engage with catches on the frame p; they are coupled to
arms on a rod or shaft which is provided with a hand lever whereby the said
bolts may be withdrawn. Springs are combined with the arms for the purpose of
returning the same to their original position after the bolts have been withdrawn and

page_text: the lever released. A cord or chain may, if desired, be attached to an arm or lever
fixed on the rod or shaft to permit the operation of the same from the end of the
lever C.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I wish it understood
that I claim
First A two-wheeled fire-escape provided with the hereinbefore described means
for plumbing the ladder or adjusting the same relatively to the frame or carriage
thereof to vary its position when raised.
Second The improved means substantially as hereinbefore described whereby I
provide for enabling the operator to adjust the ladder longitudinally relatively to the
frame or carriage without the necessity for his leaving the levers of the fire-escape,
for the purpose above specified.
Third The improved device comprising the bolts sliding in sockets on the ladder,
substantially as described for retaining the said ladder in its foremost position upon
the upper carriage.
Dalth: 4+1 of Lounow1200
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.

page_text: This Print is in accordance with the Original Specification as it stands after
further Amendment (under Section 18 of the Patents, &c. Act, 1883) as
allowed by the decision of the Comptroller General of the 23rd day of
Danmhan 1907
Date of Application, 4th Jan., 1890-Accepted, 22nd Feb., 1890
Improvements in Fire-escape Apparatus.
I, GEORGE BRAY of Prince Street Deptford in the County of Kent, Engineer, 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
My invention relates to fire-escapes.
My said invention consists of improved means whereby I provide for the
adjustment of the ladder longitudinally relatively to the frame or carriage without
the necessity for the operator leaving the levers of the fire-escape. I thus provide
for enabling the apparatus to be dipped or tilted to transport. it under an arch or
under telegraph wires.
In the accompanying drawings I have shown how my said invention may be
conveniently and advantageously carried into practice.
Figure 1 is a plan, and
Figure 2 is a side elevation partly in section of the carriage and lower portion of a
two wheeled extensible fire-escape apparatus showing my improvements applied
thereto.
Figure 3 is a side elevation, and
Figure 4 is a transverse section on the line a, a Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a plan, and
Figure 6 a side elevation showing a modification of my invention.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is the frame or carriage, B B are the road or travelling wheels, C is the
extensible ladder.
is
The extensible ladder C is supported upon antifriction rollers a carried upon
suitable spindles secured to extensions upon a turntable or upper carriage c. The
said turntable or upper carriage c is pivoted at c¹ to the frame or carriage A. is
a guide for directing the said turntable or upper carriage during its pivoting
movements, and care clips for preventing the latter from leaving the path upon
the frame or carriage A whilst permitting it to turn or pivot freely thereon.
a wire or other rope or chain one extremity of which is secured at or near the
lower extremity or foot of the ladder C. e is a grooved wheel or pulley which is
supported so as to rotate freely in brackets e¹ attached to the turntable or upper
carriage c. f is another grooved wheel or pulley provided at or near the foot or
lower extremity of the said ladder C. The wire or other rope or chain passes round
Price R71
Figure 6 a side elevation showing a modification of my invention.
Like letters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.
A is the frame or carriage, B B are the road or travelling wheels, C is the
extensible ladder.
² is
The extensible ladder C is supported upon antifriction rollers a carried upon
suitable spindles secured to extensions upon a turntable or upper carriage c.
The
said turntable or upper carriage c is pivoted at c¹ to the frame or carriage A.
a guide for directing the said turntable or upper carriage during its pivoting
movements, and are clips for preventing the latter from leaving the path upon
the frame or carriage A whilst permitting it to turn or pivot freely thereon. dis
a wire or other rope or chain one extremity of which is secured at or near the
lower extremity or foot of the ladder C. e is a grooved wheel or pulley which is
supported so as to rotate freely in brackets e¹ attached to the turntable or upper
carriage c. f is another grooved wheel or pulley provided at or near the foot or
lower extremity of the said ladder C. The wire or other rope or chain passes round
Price Q7 1

page_text: the grooved wheel or pulley e and over the grooved wheel or pulley f and the
other extremity thereof is secured to and arranged to wind upon a drum or roller g
the gudgeons g¹ of which are supported in suitable bearings in the levers C¹ pro-
vided at the lower extremity or foot of the extensible ladder C. h is a crank
handle secured to one of the gudgeons gl of the said drum or roller 9 which is
extended for that purpose. By rotating the drum or roller y by means of the
said crank handle so as to wind the wire or other rope or chain thereon the
ladder C can be adjusted or moved into the position shown in the drawing.
i is a
catch or detent for locking or securing the ladder C in the said position. I thus
provide for adjusting or altering the position of the ladder of a two wheeled fire-
escape apparatus with relation to the frame or carriage thereof in a much simpler
and more efficient manner than in fire-escapes of this kind or class as hitherto
constructed. Moreover when using a fire-escape constructed according to my present
invention the operator can so adjust the said ladder without having to leave the
lower extremity or foot thereof for that purpose.
The following description relates to apparatus which may advantageously be
used in connection with my said invention.
jis another catch or detent which is secured to the turntable or upper carriage c
and engages in one or other of holes provided in the guide for retaining the
turntable or upper carriage clocked firmly in any desired position. j is a spring for
maintaining the said catch or detent j engaged in one or other of the said holes 'c'.
By releasing the said catch the turntable or upper carriage and the extensible
ladder C can be turned or pivoted upon the lower or main frame or carriage A so as
to " plumb "the ladder or adjust the same relatively to any particular portion of a
building or other place against which it is desired to lean the upper extremity of the
said ladder. This is more especially advantageous when the wheels B are placed
upon unlevel ground. In some cases I provide a line from the catch to the
levers C¹, or I provide other suitable means for enabling the operator to disengage
the said catch without leaving the levers C¹.
Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the extensible ladderwhich I prefer to employ, C3,Care
webs or flanges either formed in one with the sides of. the said ladder, or firmly
attached thereto. k. kare wire ropes, or other bands which are preferably of a
flattened or oblong form in transverse section. Each of the said bands k is secured
at one extremity to the end of the ladder C, and is provided at the other with a
screw passing through a hole in a piece m. The screw is provided with a nut /
by means of which the said band can be stretched tightly over the web or flange C².
nn are clips for securing the bands upon the said webs or flanges C³. o, o are
cross stays for further strengthening the said webs or flanges C2, and protecting
them against lateral strains. By constructing the extensible ladder C as above
described I am enabled to dispense with the truss irons hitherto employed, and
moreover the said ladder is simpler and stronger, and will not give or bend like
the ladder now in use when its upper extremity is not resting against a building.
In some instances I provide a rack, screw or the like for moving or adjusting the
turntable or upper carriage c upon the frame or carriage A.
In Figures 5 and 6, I have shown a modification which may also be advan-
tageously used in connection with my invention wherein I employ frames 2 pro-
vided with rollers a and secured to the upper carriage for the purpose of
supporting the ladder C whilst permitting longitudinal movement thereof relatively
to the said carriage. For retaining the ladder in its foremost position, I provide
bolts g fitted to slide up and down in sockets attached to the ladder C. These
bolts are adapted to engage with catches s on the frame 2: they are coupled to
arms on a rod or shaft t which is provided with a hand lever whereby the said
bolts may be withdrawn. Springs are combined with the arms for the purpose
of returning the same to their original position after the bolts have been with-
drawn and the lever t2 released. A cord or chain may, if desired, be attached to
an arm or lever fixed on the rod or shaft to permit the operation of the same from
the end of the lever C¹.

page_text: Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed I wish it understood
that I claim:-
The improved means substantially as hereinbefore described whereby I provide
for enabling the operator to adjust the ladder longitudinally relatively to the
frame or carriage without the necessity for his leaving the levers of the fire-escape,
for the purpose above specified.
-000
HASELTINE, LAKE & Co.,
45, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.