Improvements in and relating to Fire Escapes, Ladders, and Steps.
Year: 1895

page_text: Date of Application, 14th Nov., 1895
Complete Specification Left, 14th Aug., 1896-Accepted, 26th Sept., 1896
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in and relating to Fire Escapes, Ladders, and Steps.
I, HENRY SUMMERS, of Balaclava Road, in the City of Sheffield, Ladder
Maker, do hereby declare the nature of my invention to be as follows:-
These improvements relate more particularly to extensible ladders, or ladders
which may be adjusted in length to suit various positions and objects; they are
usually made in two lengths, but I do not confine my invention to that number as
by modification I can adapt it to three lengths, and certain parts may be applied
to ordinary ladders and steps.
In its application to a double, extensible ladder, I propose to construct the
ladder in two lengths, the frame of one part sliding upon or against the frame of
the other part and one or both parts being provided with antifriction rollers. The
two lengths are held together by roller clips, say for example, two being secured
to the top of the stationary leugth, and two to the bottom of the sliding length or
thereabouts.
One end of a cord, or rope, wire, or the like, is secured to a double book fixed:
upon the lower end of the frame of the sliding length of ladder, and is carried
upwards and passed over a pulley fixed near the top of the stationary length, it
is then carried down, and may be passed under the lowest stave or rung of the
stationary length, and be secured to the double hook aforesaid upon the sliding
length.
By pulling at this cord the sliding length of ladder is raised to any desired
height within its capacity, and to retain it when raised I use the following means..
About two feet or thereabouts from the top of the stationary ladder I fix a swing'
supporting catch or tumbler reaching across to each side of the ladder, it is so
constructed that each stave of the sliding part of ladder will while ascending
raise and pass it, but..in descending the nearest stave will be caught and retained
by it.
A cord or preferably a wire or rod is connected with it and extends down to
the foot of the ladder where it terminates in a short slide with a projection upon
which the foot can be placed.
When the sliding part of ladder is raised a few inches by pulling the cord, and
the foot is pressed upon the projection, the supporting catch or tumbler is drawn.
back permitting the sliding part of ladder to desceud:
In order to steady the ladder upon unequal ground; I fix to each foot of the
stationary ladder, an adjustable screw terminating with a rubber block by
preference (but a metal claw, spike, or similar device may be used if desired for
outdoor work); these screws are readily adjusted for the purpose mentioned, and
the same devices may be applied to furniture and other objects to render them
steady and firm.
The ladders as above described may be mounted upon wheels, to act as fire
escapes, or for other purposes.
Dated the 12th day of November 1895.

page_text: nut through which it passes, are protected as far as is practicable from the
weather by a casing P, and they can be readily turned and adjusted by hand.
The ladders so constructed may be mounted upon wheels to act as fire escapes or
for other purposes.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
olaim is :
1. An extensible ladder constructed as hereinbefore described and illustrated.
2. In an extensible ladder, the method of and appliances for raising, supporting,.
and lowering, the extensible part as hereinbefore described and shown.
3. The adjustable screw foot for ladders & steps constructed as hereinbefore
described and shown.
Dated the 13th day of August 1896.
ROBT. F. DRURY, C.P.A.,
Bank Buildings, George Street, Sheffield, Agent for Applicant.