An Improvement in Automatic Apparatus for Escape from Fire.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 17th July, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 17th Apr., 1894-Accepted, 12th May, 1894
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
An Improvement in Automatic Apparatus for Escape from Fire.
I THOMAS JENKS of No. 3 Alexander Buildings Grosvenor Bath in the County
of Somerset Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as
follows:-
--
This machine or apparatus is automatic and is constructed in the method herein
described and illustrated by accompanying drawings of working parts.
Fig. 1 shows a section of the whole of the mechanical portions in position for
action. The other figures show the separate parts sectionally on a smaller scale as
follows.
A' is one side of the outer case or shell which contains and encloses the working
parts.
B is a centre pivot or spindle toothed (or cogged) from end to end.
C is a circular steel or metal plate pierced in the centre so as to fit the pivot B
and having the outer edge turned up to a right angle so as to form a balf drum on
which is wound a steel or metal ribbon D of suitable strength width & length to
which is attached by a chain the fire proof dress Fig. 2 hereinafter described.
E is a circular metal plate or pan of the form shown in drawing which on the
inside of the centre part or collar is attached to the outer end of a strong coiled
spring of the form & nature of a watch or clock spring but much more powerful.
The outer edge of this part E is turned up at a right angle (in like manner to
part C) and is attached to the outer case of the machine thereby becoming a
fixture.
Part G is another circular metal plate the centre or collar of which is attached
on the outside to the other (inner) end of the steel spring F. The outer edge of
this part G is also turned to a right angle the inside of which is toothed so as to
fit the teeth of a small cog wheel revolving on a centre peg attached to (or
forming part of) the other side of the outer case or shell A³. The cog wheel x is
fitted into another of a line or train of similar cogs xxx all revolving in same
manner on centre pegs attached to or part of outer case the last of which line of
cogwheels (which may consist of such number as required by size of machine) fits
into the teeth of the centre pivot B.
Fig. 2 is a loose dress (or receiver for the body of the person escaping) made of
asbestos cloth or other non-inflammable material and formed in the shape of a
large pair of mens drawers with feet, or a fishing dress, but the upper or body part
of the dress to be long enough to come above the head of an ordinary person and
attached by a running cord or thin metal rope or chain (acting like the string of a
bag) to a loop or ring at the end of a chain a few feet in length which is attached
to the end of the steel or metal ribbon D. Under the sole of each foot of the
dress is placed a spiral spring of the kind used in chair seats, furniture &c., and
encased in a leather or suitable covering, so as to reduce the shock of any sudden
stoppage upon reaching the ground. A thin coil of flexible wire or small chain of
same length as the metal ribbon D is attached to the thicker chain (which sustains
the dress) & is thrown out loose on commencing to escape to be used by persons
below as a guide or for other purposes upon the escape dress being automatically
wound up to rescue other persons.
The action of the machine or apparatus is as follows. When the steel ribbon D
becomes unwound by the descent caused by the weight of the person in the
fireproof dress Fig. 2 it causes the part C to revolve rapidly thereby giving action
to the pivot B which in turn gives motion to the cog wheels xxx.
These acting

page_text: upon the toothed edge of part G it gradually at a slower velocity winds up the
spring F which, when the weight of the person escaping has been removed,
automatically reverses the action of the- machine and rewinds the steel ribbon
whereupon the escape dress attached to it reascends in readiness for further rescues.
When permanently fixed for use on a building or window the outer case or
shell A and A³ may be attached to a jointed arm fastened to the inside of window
case or other convenient part of the structure and can by means of the joint be
projected outside. When desired to be carried about in travelling &c. it can be
attached by a chain having a loop end to any heavy article of furniture inside the
room.
THOS. JENKS,
Applicant.
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION.
An Improvement in Automatic Apparatus for Escape from Fire.
I THOMAS JENKS of No. 3 Alexander Buildings Grosvenor Bath in the
County of Somerset Gentleman do hereby declare the nature of this invertion and
in what manner the same is to be performed, to be particularly described and
. ascertained in and by the following statement:-
This machine or apparatus is automatic and is constructed in the method herein
described and illustrated by accompanying drawing of working parts.
Fig. 1 shows a section of the whole of the mechanical portions in position for
action. The other figures show the separate parts sectionally on a smaller scale as
follows.
A is one side of the outer case or shell which contains & encloses the working
parts. B is a centre pivot or spindle toothed or cogged. from end to end. C is a
circular steel or metal plate pierced in the centre so as to fit the pivot B and
having the outer edge turned up to a right angle so as to form a half drum' with
two flanges on its outside, on which (between the flanges) is wound a steel or metal
ribbon D of suitable strength width & length. E is a circular metal plate or pan
of the form shown in drawing which on the inside of the centre part or pan is
attached to the outer end of a strong coiled spring F of the form and nature of a
watch or clock spring but much more powerful. The outer edge of this part E is
shaped so as to fit into the outer case (part A') of the machine thereby becoming
a-fixture.
:
Part G is another circular metal plate the centre or collar of, which is attached
on the outside to the other (inner) end of the steel spring F. The outer edge of
this part G is turned to a right angle the inside of which is toothed so as to fit the
teeth of a small cog wheel revolving on a centre peg attached to for forming
part of) the other side of the outer case or shell A². The cog wheel x is fitted into
another of a line or train of similar cogs aaa all revolving in same manner
on centre pegs attached to or part of outer case the last of which line of cog
wheels (which may consist of such number as required by size of machine) fits
into the teeth of the centre pivot B.
In conjunction with & additional to the spring F I place a similar spring of
shorter length fixed to the box formed by pan of part E, by the same screws or
rivets which fix the spring F and loosely intercoiled with that spring for the first
.few turns of its course.
:
In place of the fireproof dress described in Provisional Specification I use a
small light oblong telescopic box fitted as a rest for the feet & containing Hat
springs (instead of spiral springs previously-proposed to be placed under the feet of
the dress) which box marked Fig. 2 may be attached by a cord or thin chain to
the metal ribbon D the purpose being to produce the action of a buffer upon

page_text: reaching the ground. Concussion at this point is also avoided by the action of the
loose spring before mentioned and by placing a lining of india rubber or similar
materials to those used for carriage or cycle brakes inside the lower aperture of the
machine (through which the steel or metal ribbon D passes out) at the back of
which material is placed a small ordinary spring which when the weight of the
person is removed lifts the said ribbon out of contact with the brake & this action is.
intended to be made more effectual by causing the side of the metal ribbon which
comes in contact to be suitably "roughed."
When the steel ribbon D.
The action of the machine or apparatus is as follows.
becomes unwound by the descent caused by the weight of the person escaping it
causes the part C to revolve rapidly, thereby giving action to the pivot B which in
turn gives motion to the cog wheels xxx. These acting upon the toothed edge of
part G it gradually at a slower speed winds up the spring F which when the weight
of the person escaping has been removed automatically reverses the action of the
machine & rewinds the steel ribbon whereupon any attachment to same reascends
in readiness for further rescues.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion & in what manner the same is to be performed I declare that what I
claim is
1. The use of the shorter semi-attached spring intercoiled with the main spring
as a means of reducing speed towards end of descent and the use of toothed pivot
ends inside bearings also the use of a roughed surface on the steel ribbon in contact
with the india rubber or other brake material for the same purpose of controlling
speed.
2. The use of flat springs in a receptacle under the feet of the person
escaping.
3. The use of the mainspring & the use of a steel or metal band or ribbon &
also the form or shape and general arrangement of the various parts described
(& shown in drawing) for the purpose of a machine or apparatus for escape.
from fire.
Dated this 16th day of April 1894..
THOMAS JENKS,
Applicant.