A NEW OR IMPROVED FIRE ESCAPE
Year: 1874

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Philibert Frémy, of Fives-Lille, in the Depart-
ment of the Nord, in the Republic of France, Proprietor, for the
Invention of "A NEW OR IMPROVED FIRE ESCAPE."
Scaled the 23rd February 1875, and dated the 3rd September 1874.
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Philibert Frémy at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents, with his Petition, on the
3rd September 1874.
I, PHILIBERT FRÉMY, of Fives-Lille, in the Department of the Nord,
in the Republic of France, Proprieter, do hereby declare the nature of
the said Invention for "A NEW OR IMPROVED FIRE ESCAPE," to be as
follows:-
My improved fire escape may also be used instead of ordinary ladders,
which are inconvenient, and not casily carried from place to place,
especially when it is desired to reach a great height. Further; by
making them about three or four yards long and using wood instead of

page_text: iron they become very easy to handle and transport.
This will be
apparent from the following description, reference being had to the
Sheet of Drawing hereunto annexed:
This apparatus constructed of rolled iron and of a height equal to that
of the house against which it is placed, is composed of a fixed part A, A,
set in the front wall, and of a shifting part B, B, forming the second
upright. Each of these parts has on its inner face and in its entire
length a groove R, R, which serves to lodge the ends of each round or
step, and the steps themselves when the ladder is closed. For this
purpose each of them is moveable on two axles or spindles (one at each
end), and arranged as shewn on the Drawing in such a way that by an
upward movement the moveable upright B may be connected with the
fixed upright A and the ladder be formed, while the contrary movement
deploys it and renders it practicable. It is held fixed in this position by
means of compass-shaped hinges placed two and two on each side (a
distance of about three yards dividing each pair) attached on the one
side to the fixed part, and on the other by strong screws to the moveable
part; these hinges once open give to the apparatus a stiffness or tension
sufficient to keep it properly unfolded.
I need scarcely observe that the opening of these hinges is turned
towards the ground; otherwise on putting the foot upon them they
would close unseasonably.
To keep the ladder closed the last step at the top H is specially
arranged; moveable like all the others at H and H' it extends beyond
this latter point into the thickness of the wall, and sufficiently beyond
the inner face of the wall to reach the fastening latch L, which by
means of a strong notch and a slot serves to hold the said step, and
thereby the entire ladder. This fastening or detent is worked from the
inside by the aid of an iron chain extending to the ground, and easily
handled on each of the floors through which it passes. It is necessary
that this chain should be protected throughout its length by a metal
sheath.
M is an iron guide or slotted piece firmly fixed against the front of
the house at the height of the entablature or cornice, and of such length
of play that the head of the open ladder may rest easily in it when fully
spread out.

page_text: T is an iron forming a continuation of the upright B, and shaped
following the general outline of the cornice of the building; at the head
of this piece is attached a chain passing over a pulley P, and having
at its other end a weight P¹ intended to facilitate by its weight the
closing of the ladder, and also to keep it from falling too suddenly
when opened.
X is another piece of iron fixed to the gutter and serving as fulcrum
for passing the ladder to and from the gutter; this more especially
applies to the fire brigade.
This ladder, necessarily perpendicular to the plane of the front of the
house, should be placed within reach from a window, so that in case of
danger the inmates may escape immediately on to the step of the ladder
corresponding with the window sill.
An iron handle K firmly let into the wall near each window gives a
hold while passing on to the ladder. This system of fire escape may be
completed by the use of a cord passing over a pulley near the top of
the ladder for lowering infirm and sick people.
-
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent;
filed by the said Philibert Frémy in the Great Seal Patent Office
on the 26th February 1875.
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME, I, PHILIBERT
FRÉMY, of Fives-Lille, in the Department of the Nord, in the Republic
of France, Proprietor, send greeting.
WHEREAS Her most Excellent Majesty Queen Victoria, by Her
Letters Patent, bearing date the Third day of September, in the year of
our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-four, in the thirty:
eighth year of Her reign, did, for Herself, Her heirs and successors;
give and grant unto me, the said Philibert Frémy, Her special licence
that I, the said Philibert Frémy, my executors, administrators, and
assigns, or such others as I, the said Philibert Frémy, my executors,
administrators, and assigns, should at any time agree with, and
no others, from time to time and at all times thereafter during the

page_text: Drawing in such a way, that by an upward movement the moveable
upright B may be connected with the fixed upright A, and the ladder be
formed, while the contrary movement deploys it and renders it
practicable. It is held fixed in this position by means of compass-shaped
hinges placed two and two on each side, a distance of about three yards
dividing each pair, attached on the one side to the fixed part, and on the
other by strong screws to the moveable. part; these hinges once opened
give to the apparatus a stiffness or tension sufficient to keep it properly
ing in such a way, that by
upright B may be connected with the fixed upright A, and the ladder be
formed, while the contrary movement deploys it and renders it
practicable. It is held fixed in this position by means of compass-shaped
hinges placed two and two on each side, a distance of about three yards
dividing each pair, attached on the one side to the fixed part, and on the
other by strong screws to the moveable. part; these hinges once opened
give to the apparatus a stiffness or tension sufficient to keep it properly
unfolded.
. I need scarcely observe that the opening of these hinges is turned
towards the ground; otherwise on putting the foot upon them they
would close unseasonably.
To keep the ladder closed the last step at the top H is specially
arranged; moveable like all the others at H and H' it extends beyond
this latter point into the thickness of the wall, and sufficiently beyond
the inner face of the wall to reach the fastening latch L, which by
means of a deep notch E (see Figure 1, Sheet II.), and a slot C (Fig. 1,
Sheet 1) serves to hold the said step, and thereby the entire ladder.
This fastening or detent is worked from the inside by the aid of an iron
chain extending to the ground and easily handled on each of the floors
through which it passes. It is necessary that this chain should be
protected throughout its length by a metal sheath.
M (see Figs. 1, Sheets I. and II.) is an iron guide or slotted piece
firmly fixed against the front of the house at the height of the intablature
or cornice, and of such length of play that the head of the open ladder
may rest easily in it when fully spread out.
T is an iron arm forming a continuation of the upright B, and shaped
following the general outline of the cornice of the building; at the
head of this piece is attached a chain passing over the pulley P, and
having at its other end a weight P¹ (see enlarged view Figs. 1 and 2,
Sheet II.) intended to facilitate by its weight the closing of the ladder,
and also to keep it from falling too suddenly when opened.
✗' is another piece of iron fixed to the gutter and serving as fulcrum
for passing the ladder to and from the gutter; this more especially
applies to the working by the fire brigade.

page_text: This ladder necessarily perpendicular to the plane of the front of the
house should be placed within reach from a window, so that in case of
danger the inmates may escape immediately on to the step of the ladder
corresponding with the window sill.
An iron handle K (Fig. 4, Sheet I.) firmly let into the wall near cach
window gives a hold while passing on to the ladder.
This apparatus thus fitted presents a double advantage,―
Firstly. It is a fixture which permits its being used on the slightest
indication of danger, constructed of iron, and proof against fire, at any
rate during the time required for saving life, it is stronger and relatively
lighter than wooden ladders and above all more manageable, the more
so because the manoeuvering facilitated by the top counterweight needs
strength of arm only for closing, that is to say, when all danger has
disappeared. A single ladder may in certain styles of building serve for
two contiguous habitations. For this purpose it would only be necessary
to form in the party wall an opening common to the two houses,
closing in such a way that at ordinary times the privacy of each would
be absolutely secured.
Finally. Instead of a ladder in a single piece a special ladder may be
applied at each story with its particular latch, catch, or detent without
however doing away with the general catch common to the combination
of the ladders thus arranged in the entiro height. This system of fire
escape may be completed by the use of a cord passing over a pulley
fixed above in proximity to the head of the ladder, and which serves
more particularly for saving infirm and sick people (see Figure 4).
The entirely novel arrangement above set forth is not only applicable
to fixed apparatuses, it may also be employed for the construction of
portable ladders of wood or of iron of small dimensions (say about 4 or 5
yards) which once folded are as easily packed and moved about as a
simple piece of wood, which when closed they very much resemble.
It will be understood that the apparatuses intended as fire escapes are
made of iron, and the other ladders of iron or of wood at pleasure.
In every case and in whatever manner used the superiority of this
apparatus, which is not cumbersome, and may be everywhere applied, is
apparant,

page_text: I therefore claim as secured to me by the herein-before in part recited
Letters Patent, the use of this new ladder whether in its application as a
fire escape or to replace ordinary ladders.
:
In witness whereof, I, the said Philibert Frémy, have hereunto
set my hand and seal, this Eighteenth day of February, in the
year of our Lord One thousand eight hundred and seventy-
five.
PAUL PERROT.
JEAN BAPTISTE GIRARD.
PHILIBERT FRÈMY. (L.S.)