Improvements in Fire Escape Elevators and Fire Alarms.
Year: 1891

page_text: Date of Application, 3rd Feb., 1891
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Nov., 1891-Accepted, 9th Jan.. 1892
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Fire Escape Elevators and Fire Alarms.
HENRY STEPHEN PURKIS 8 Malvern Terrace Devonshire Road Stratford
Essex Commercial Traveller do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be
as follows:-
A fire escape elevators and fire alarms. The object is to form a ready means of
communication from the upper stories of buildings with the street below so that in
case of fire the alarm may be sounded and the elevator dropped down from the
window and by its means a light portable, self adjusting fire escape raised thus
providing an immediate way of escape and thereby effecting a great saving of life.
The elevators will be contained in a metal or wooden box cage or frame and
will consist of a revolving spindle or reel around which will be wound a chain or
cord having attached to the end a swivel or grappling hook for connecting the
escape. A small handle or wheel will be used for winding up the chain or cord
when not in use.
Attached to the above will be a shrill whistle or rattle to call
the necessary assistance. The elevator to be fixed near the window ready for
immediate use.
Dated this 3rd day of February 1891.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Fire Escape Elevators and Fire Alarms.
HENRY STEPHEN PURKIS 8 Malvern Terrace Devonshire Road Stratford, E.
Commercial Traveller 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 refers to an improved fire escape elevator and fire alarm for which
a Provisional Specification was filed Feby. 3rd 1891.
The object of this invention is to form a ready means of connection from the
upper stories of buildings with the streets, so that in the case of fire the alarm
may be sounded from the window, and by its means a light portable, self adjusting
fire escape raised. The same being kept in readiness on the ground floor, or in
charge of the watchman, or placed at intervals in the public thoroughfares, thus
providing an immediate way of escape, thereby effecting a great saving of life
and expense, by preventing the necessity of keeping an escape on each floor.
The improved fire escape elevator and alarm will be contained in a metal or
wooden box, cage or frame as shown in the accompanying drawing.
Figure 1 gives a sectional view of the contents of case.
A represents the box or frame which will contain the elevator, either laid in
loosely or wound.
B the spindle or reel around which will be wound a length of chain, metal cord,
asbestos or fire proof painted cord, having attached to the end a swivel or grappling
hook for connecting the escape.
D
C shows the section of case containing a shrill whistle or rattle, attached to a
length of chain or indestructable cord for the purpose of sounding the alarm.
represents the staples or screw hooks with cord to which the escape is secured
when elevated, and which at the same time fix the case containing the above, to
the wall or floor near the window.

page_text: E is the handle for rewinding the cord after use; when a spring enclosed in the
reel or drum is not used.
is a short rope or chain with hooks for securing the escape.
Figure 2 represents the box or frame in which the apparatus is enclosed.
The apparatus is worked in the following way, having been previously secured
near the window, on the first indication of fire the whistle is removed from case and
sounded as an alarm so that the portable escape; which it is proposed shall be
either a canvas shute, or metal or fire proof rope, or chain running through a
block, with a wire cage and seats, or basket attached for lowering persons
be brought under the window.
may
The cord or chain is run off the reel or drum and lowered out of the window (a
child or adult being lowered at the same time if necessary by having a noose made
with cord, round the body under the arms) the portable escape having been
attached to the cord is drawn up by the persons in the building aid hooked on to
the staples or hooks as shown in Figure 1, d, with or without the aid of short ropes
or chains, F, their use being determined by the position of elevator or window.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my inven
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed 1 declare that what I
claim is
The providing of a ready means of raising a portable fire escape as indicated
above to the windows and upper stories of buildings, and securing the same, also a
fire alarm.
My object being accomplished by means of a chain, metal, asbestos, or fire
proof cord. contained in a case; (size varying according to height of building,
together with a whistle or rattle for alarm, the same being fixed with screws,
hooks, or staples to which the portable escape can be secured, having attached, a
length of rope or chain with hooks; as shown in Figure 1 D & F for securing the
escape in position where required.
I also claim to use the staples, rope, hook or chain, disconnected from the case
if needed to secure the escape, and to rewind the cord by means of a spring or
.handle.
The same to be used in narrow thoroughfares where there is not space for the
ordinary fire escape, as well as factories and public or private buildings.
Dated this 2nd day of November 1891.
HENRY STEPHEN PURKIS.