IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE ESCAPES, SUCH IMPROVE- MENTS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES
Year: 1876

page_text: COMPLETE SPECIFICATION filed by Simeon Jewell at the Office of the
Commissioners of Patents with his Petition on the 16th October 1876.
SIMEON JEWELL, of Jersey. "IMPROVEMENTS IN FIRE ESCAPES, SUCH IMPROVE-
MENTS BEING ALSO APPLICABLE TO OTHER PURPOSES."
This Invention has for its object improvements in fire escapes, such improve-
ments being also applicable to other purposes, and I will now with the aid of the
accompanying Drawing which shews an elevation of my improved apparatus, and
on which similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts, proceed more
particularly to describe and ascertain the nature thereof, and in what manner I
carry the same into operation.
I take any suitable number of hollow iron bars or rods marked a on the accom-
panying Drawing according to the height to which it may be desired to raise the
frame of the apparatus, such bars or rods a I make of any convenient length and
diameter in order to possess a sufficient degree of strength. The two topmost
lengths are joined together by means of a stout cross bar b which I prefer to fix to
such topmost lengths by a nut and pin arrangement so as to permit of its folding
up when not in use, and also to allow of its expanding wider at the bottom than at
the top when the frame is elevated against a house or building so as to impart
additional firmness and security to it, as shewn in the Drawing, or in any other
suitable manner; but if preferred such cross bar b may be made to screw on and off
as required. The various lengths of iron bars or rods a fit securely into each other
in sockets c in a similar manner as those of a fishing rod are jointed together, only
that such sockets are considerably deeper so as to impart the requisite security to
the joints of the framework. The two bottom lengths of such framework are
formed at their lower ends into long sharp projections or spikes d so as to permit of
their fixing themselves firmly on the ground, roadway, or other base upon which the
frame of the apparatus when in use is erected.
When a fire breaks out in the upper floors of a building it is only necessary to
joint as many lengths of such iron bars or rods a together as will form a framework
of sufficient height to bring the before-mentioned cross bar 6 either just above or
opposite the windows or doors of the rooms where the fire is raging. Such cross
bar b is provided with one, two, or more fixed or hanging pulleyse (preferably the
latter), round which pulleys suitable ropes or chains fare passed and connected, to
the lower ends of which ropes or chains is a large sack or bag g made either of

page_text: strong canvas or any other suitable material, and having a strong metal frame h
around its top, and to which metal framework the ropes or chains are made fast by
lugs i, as shewn in the Drawing, or in any other convenient manner.
I also place
in the bottom of such sack or bag a ballasting indicated at j, of lead, iron, stone, or
other suitable material so as to prevent its swaying to and fro too violently during
its ascent and descent; but such ballasting may be dispensed with if preferred.
Upon such bag or sack being raised by means of the ropes or chains f, which passing
over the pullies e, as already described, are of a sufficient length to drop down and be
worked either by the bystanders, fireman, or others below the occupants of the
rooms opposite which the apparatus is placed can at once get into such sack or
bag g and be lowered in safety to the ground, and this operation can be rapidly and
easily repeated as often as may be necessary in order to rescue all the inmates of
the premises on fire.
In order to impart additional strength to the framework of my improved
apparatus when it has to be raised to any considerable height, I place at suitable
distances down each side, while putting such framework together, longitudinal
strengthening rods or bracers, indicated in the Drawing by dotted lines at k, which
fit into suitable ears, lugs, or sockets which are for that purpose either affixed to
or formed on the back of every such rod or bar a about midway thereof, so that
sucli longitudinal strengthening rods or bracers when inserted in such ears, lugs,
or sockets ¹ extend above and below every socket joint of the framework, and so
considerably strengthen it. In order also to further strengthen such framework, I
provide one or more cross bars or stretchers & similar to those employed to keep the
frame of an iron or brass bedstead in position. Such cross bars or stretchers I have
their ends bent down at right angles, as shewn at l, and such ends drop into stout
sockets, staples, or eyelets m which are either formed on or affixed to the inner
sides of the rods or bars a of the framework. By this means every requisite degree
of rigidity and security is given to the framework of the apparatus when elevated
for use.
In order also to ensure the ropes or chains working up and down freely and
securely, I form on or affix to the inner sides of each of the bottom lengths of bars
or rods a a cleat n round which the ropes or chains fare placed, and are thus
rendered capable of being worked up or down with ease and certainty. I prefer to
form the topmost lengths of the rods or bars a just above the cross bar b, before
mentioned, with knobs n¹ at their upper extremities, as shewn in the Drawing, so
so that when the framework is raised against a wall or other building they may he
readily pushed upwards and pass over any obstruction which they may encounter,
but if preferred instead of such knobs n¹ runners may be placed on the tops of such
upper extremities, or any other suitable device may be formed thereon or attached
thereto to enable the framework to ascend the wall or building readily against
which it is erected.
To the centre of the bottom of the sack or bag g I attach a rope g¹ by means of a
stout hook and shackle g², or in any other suitable and convenient manner. Such
rope g¹ is for the purpose of being hauled on by the persons below so as to impart
additional steadiness to the sack or bag g in its ascent and descent.
I do not confine myself to the use of iron alone as any other suitable metal
possessing the requisite qualities of strength and rigidity may be employed to form
the framework of my apparatus.
From the very great facility and ease with which this apparatus can be put
together, from its economy of cost in manufacture, and from its convenient and
portable form its utility as a fire escape is universal, as each watchman or constable
could be provided with one which he could deposit in some convenient place upon
his beat, and in case of an alarm of fire could readily obtain it and render easy and
valuable assistance to the inmates; or it might be easily hung behind the street
door of every residence and thus be always ready for immediate use; it is also
capable of being adapted to various other purposes of utility, such as painting,
decorating, or cleansing the exteriors or interiors of buildings, more particularly

page_text: those which are lofty and difficult of access; it may also be employed either as a
temporary or permanent crane for raising and lowering bales of goods and other
heavy weights. When used for this latter purpose lugs may be attached to the
uprights a, whereon a barre! may be placed forming a winch to give facility for the
hoisting or lowering of goods.
Having thus particularly described and ascertained the nature and operation of
my said Invention, and the manner of carrying the same into effect, I would have
it understood that what I claim and desire to secure by the herein. before in part
recited Letters Patent are, the various improvements in fire escapes respectively
herein-before set forth and described, but I do not confine myself to the precise
details herein set forth, as the same may be varied without departing from the
principle of my Invention.
In witness whereof, I, the said Simeon Jewell, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, this Twelfth day of October, in the year of our Lord One thousand
eight hundred and seventy-six.
SIMEON JEWELL. (L.S.)