A New or Improved Fire Escape.
Year: 1894

page_text: Date of Application, 21st Nov., 1894-Accepted, 22nd Dec., 1894
A New or Improved Fire Escape.
I, HENRY ALBERT TAYLOR of Bredon, Tewkesbury, Coal Merchant, 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:-
This invention relates to an improved fire escape to be fitted to the windows of
dwelling and other houses, and is intended to provide a simple and inexpensive
arrangement by which escape can easily be made from the house, in case of fire.
The apparatus I propose to employ consists of a suitable box or cabinet fitted
inside the window, and serving to hold and carry the ladder.
This ladder is formed by two double ropes or four single ropes, on which is
fitted at intervals a series of wooden steps or short planks. To secure these
steps the rope is formed with a series of knots, so that each step will rest upon
four knots, one at each corner. The ladder can thus be collapsed one step upon
the other, and can be placed in a small compass, so as to be contained in the box
or cabinet.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, reference is had to
the accompanying sheet of drawings in which
Fig. 1 is a vertical section through the window and box showing the latter in
extended position,
Fig. 2 is a view of the inside of the window showing the box with the ladder
collapsed inside it,
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the upper end of the ladder.
A is the box or cabinet fitted as above mentioned inside the window and attached
to the wall or floor in any convenient manner.
It is provided with doors a at front by which access can be had to the interior,
to remove or replace the ladder. To the top of the cabinet are fitted the two eyes
or loops B from which the ladder is extended. The ladder is formed, as shown
clearly in Fig. 3, by two double ropes C. or four single may be employed in the
same manner. On these ropes is fitted a series of steps D formed of short wooden
planks which are threaded on to the ropes, holes being provided at each corner of
the steps permitting the ropes to pass up.
To support the steps knots c are formed on each rope at regular intervals and at
the same levels, so that the steps D are firmly supported when the ladder is
extended.
The ladder is collapsed in the manner shown in Fig. 2 one step lying on top of
the other, and each length of rope lying between the steps. To the upper end
of these ropes are fitted short lengths of rope c' carrying the hooks E. These
hooks serve to suspend the ladder, and when it is to be used are hooked on to the
eyes B on top of the cabinet. This escape can be immediately put in operative
position whenever any alarm of fire is given, having simply to be hooked in place
and thrown out of the window.
The ladder may also be permanently attached at its upper end to prevent the
hooking and unhooking. It can also be as rapidly collapsed when not required.
The hooks may be fitted to the back of the cabinet instead of to the top, and
the top may open to admit the collapsed ladder, or other means of attachment may
be employed. On the ends of the ladder spring hooks may be fitted instead of the
ordinary hooks shown.

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 declare that what I
claim is :-
(1.) An improved fire escape to be fitted to windows of dwelling and other
houses, consisting of a box or cabinet and a ladder formed from a set of ropes,
and a series of steps carried by the said ropes at regular intervals, a rope being
connected at each corner, substantially as and for the purposes specified.
(2.) In an improved fire escape of the kind described a collapsable ladder formed
from a double rope at each side, and a series of steps at regular intervals threaded
on the rope at each corner, and supported by knots, substantially as and for the
purposes specified.
(3.) The improved fire escape to be fitted to the walls of dwelling and other
houses, consisting of a box or cabinet and collapsable ladder constructed sub-
stantially in the manner described and shown in the accompanying drawings, and
for the purposes specified.
1
A
GEO. H. RAYNER,
37, Chancery Lane, London, W.C., Agent for the Applicant.