An Improved Portable Adjustable Platform to be used as a Fire Escape, Scaffolding for Building Operations, and for other purposes of the like kind.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 16th Feb., 1893
Complete Specification Left, 16th Nov., 1893-Accepted, 23rd Dec., 1893
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Portable Adjustable Platform to be used as a Fire
Escape, Scaffolding for Building Operations, and for other
purposes of the like kind.
:
I, EDOUARD BAUDRY, of Epernay, Marne, in the Republic of France,
Engineer, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to an improved portable apparatus constructed of iron
or other suitable metal, which can be used, first, as a portable fire-escape, second,
as a strategic observatory, and, third, as an adjustable scaffold for building and
the like operations.
The apparatus consists of a base about 5 metres by 3 in plan, and about
3.90 metres in height supported upon wheels and formed of angle-irons and bars
bolted and rivetted together. At each side are provided two adjustable hinged
stays which can be turned down and fixed in the ground when the apparatus is
to be used so as to prevent any movement of the wheels and keep the apparatus
firmly fixed.
Above the lower platform or stage described are fitted a number of others
also constructed of angle irons and bars rivetted and bolted together and the
number of which vary according to the height to which it is desired the apparatus
should extend, and these separate parts are arranged to fit telescopically into
each other, and they are provided with racks and pinions or equivalent devices
by which they can be raised one above the other as desired, the pinions being
worked by means of handles turned by attendants standing on platforms at the
side of the apparatus.
The whole machine when elevated to its full height forms a truncated pyramid,
and the upper section is provided with a horizontal platform which can be moved
out horizontally in guides so that if required it can be projected to a balcony
or to a window in order to save life in the case of fire, or to more readily
extinguish the latter. This platform is also worked by means of racks.
There are therefore two principal movements, the one for raising the different
parts, and the other for moving the platform horizontally.
At a suitable height is arranged at the side a platform upon which a man can
stand who fits pins or catches by which the apparatus is kept in the position to
which it has been raised, and ladders and resting places are arranged at the side
of the machine. Spring stops are also. arranged to limit the height to which
each stage is raised.
•
By means of the improved apparatus described the lives of persons in danger in
cases of fire can be quickly and readily saved, and the apparatus can also be used
with advantage for observing the movements of the enemy in warlike operations,
or as a scaffold quickly and easily fixed for all kinds of building operations and
repairs. According to the height likely to be required a greater or less number of
separate sections of the apparatus may be used.
The upper platform may also be provided with a pulley and rope or endless
chain by which persons or articles can be lowered through suitable openings in the
platform. The pulley may be carried by hinged supports.
Dated this 16th day of February 1893.

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improved Portable Adjustable Platform to be used as a Fire
Escape, Scaffolding for Building Operations, and for other
purposes of the like kind.
I, EDOUARD BAUDRY, of Epernay, Marne, in the Republic of France,
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 and accompanying drawing, that is to say :-
My invention relates to an improved portable apparatus constructed of iron or
other suitable metal, which can be used, first, as a portable fire-escape, second, as a
strategic observatory, and third, as a quickly adjusted scaffold for building and the
like operations.
The apparatus consists, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which
Figure 1 is an end view and Figure 2 a side view, of a carriage A supported upon
six wheels, four of which support the front part of the carriage, and two the hind
part. This carriage carries the base or lower part of the apparatus, into which
the other upper parts fit successively telescopically, these upper parts C, D, and F,
being raised and lowered by means of racks and toothed wheels operated by
handles.
Each of these separate stages or parts is provided with a section of ladder & for
the persons using the apparatus. The part B which forms the base is provided
with four stays H, each formed in two pieces connected together by a hinge I.
These stays are intended to prevent shaking and oscillations and to preserve the
equilibrium of the apparatus when it is in use (as shewn in Figure 1).
Each stage is held in its position when raised, either by suitable keys or by
ratchet catches. The upper stage F is provided with a platform K sliding
horizontally in guides, and operated by toothed wheels and racks driven by a
handle, so that it can be projected outward in order to reach a window, balcony, or
the like, in order to save life or property, or to combat the fire readily and
effectually. The number of the several stages may be increased or diminished
according to the locality where the apparatus is to be used.
The platform may also be provided with attachments from which can be
suspended and operated an endless chain carrying a platform by which persons or
property can be lowered from the upper part of the apparatus.
By means of the improved apparatus described the lives of persons in danger
in cases of fire can be quickly and readily saved, and the apparatus can also be
used with advantage for the purpose of observing the movements of the enemy
in warlike operations, or as a scaffold quickly and easily fixed, for all kinds of
building operations and repairs.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said
invention and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what
I claim is :-
The apparatus constructed of metal, consisting of a carriage carrying a sufficient
number of moveable telescopic frames fitting into one another and raised and
lowered by means of suitable toothed wheels and racks, the lowest part being
provided with four stays, and the highest part having a moveable platform
working in slides and capable of being projected laterally from the side of the
apparatus, substantially as and for the purposes described and illustrated.
Dated this 16th day of November 1002
EDWARDS & Co.,
35, Southampton Buildings, London, Agents for the Applicant.