CA2147416A1 - Escape device for lowering a person from a multi-storied building - Google Patents
Escape device for lowering a person from a multi-storied buildingInfo
- Publication number
- CA2147416A1 CA2147416A1 CA 2147416 CA2147416A CA2147416A1 CA 2147416 A1 CA2147416 A1 CA 2147416A1 CA 2147416 CA2147416 CA 2147416 CA 2147416 A CA2147416 A CA 2147416A CA 2147416 A1 CA2147416 A1 CA 2147416A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- reel
- base
- support assembly
- escape
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
- A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
- A62B1/06—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices
- A62B1/08—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices with brake mechanisms for the winches or pulleys
- A62B1/10—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of rope-lowering devices with brake mechanisms for the winches or pulleys mechanically operated
Abstract
An escape device is provided for lowering a person from a multi-storied building. The escape device has a reel assembly for storing a cable, and a support assembly for suspending a loose end of the cable over an escape path leading down the building.
In a first embodiment, the reel assembly has a rotatable reel for winding and unwinding the cable, a base mountable onto the building and supporting the reel, and a braking mechanism for restricting rotation of the reel at a suitable speed for a person. The reel has a connector for retaining an end of the cable. The support assembly has a base mountable onto the building close to the escape path, a moveable arm connected to the base and supporting a pulley for receiving the cable from the reel, the arm being deployable and retractable between a ready position where the arm overlays the escape path and a standby position where the arm is drawn off the escape path, and a retraction mechanism for exerting a predetermined retraction force upon the arm to urge the arm toward the standby position, so that the arm moves from the standby position to the ready position only when the person exerts a force on the loose end of the cable. In a second embodiment, the reel assembly has a pair of coaxially aligned rotatable reels solid with one another for winding and unwinding respectively a pair of cables for lowering persons alternately. A pair of support assemblies are then provided for suspending loose ends of the cables over respective escape paths leading down the building on opposite sides of the reel assembly. The unwinding of one of said cables causes the winding of the other cable.
In a first embodiment, the reel assembly has a rotatable reel for winding and unwinding the cable, a base mountable onto the building and supporting the reel, and a braking mechanism for restricting rotation of the reel at a suitable speed for a person. The reel has a connector for retaining an end of the cable. The support assembly has a base mountable onto the building close to the escape path, a moveable arm connected to the base and supporting a pulley for receiving the cable from the reel, the arm being deployable and retractable between a ready position where the arm overlays the escape path and a standby position where the arm is drawn off the escape path, and a retraction mechanism for exerting a predetermined retraction force upon the arm to urge the arm toward the standby position, so that the arm moves from the standby position to the ready position only when the person exerts a force on the loose end of the cable. In a second embodiment, the reel assembly has a pair of coaxially aligned rotatable reels solid with one another for winding and unwinding respectively a pair of cables for lowering persons alternately. A pair of support assemblies are then provided for suspending loose ends of the cables over respective escape paths leading down the building on opposite sides of the reel assembly. The unwinding of one of said cables causes the winding of the other cable.
Description
2147~16 ESCAPE DEVICE FOR LOWERING A PERSON
FROM A MULTI-STORIED BUILDING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Field of the invention The invention relates to an escape device for lowering a person from a building or the like, in case for example of fire.
Description of related art Known in the art is US patent n 4,287,963 (COXSEY), which describes a relatively compact safety apparatus for lowering one or more persons from the window of a multi-storied building. The apparatus comprises a structural framework affixed inside a room of the building and disposed adjacent the window. A
reel is journaled in the framework inside the room, for storing a cable for lowering the person at a suitable speed. The framework comprises a first telescopic vertical arm on top of which an horizontal arm pivotably extends. In use, the horizontal arm is pivoted from its stored position to a ready position where it projects outside the window for suspending the cable over an escape path leading down the building. Once pivoted, the horizontal arm remains over the escape path and therefore causes an obstruction for other persons in the rooms above.
Other escape devices are known in the art, as shown in the following US patents: 3,850,262 (SIMIZU);
21 1 7~16 3,861,496 (HOOVER); 3,946,989 (TSUDA); 4,236,600 (WOOTEN);4,473,160(NEUENSCHWANDER);4,487,292(SMITH
et al.); 4,653,609 (DEVINE); 4,703,831 (FORREST et al.); 4,714,137 (CI~OU); 4,867,276 (TAMIETTI); and 5,147,013 (OLSON et al.).
However, none of the escape devices described in the above-mentioned patents clears out from the escape path after use. Some of these escape devices are only usable once. Thus, this requires a greater number of available escape devices per building. Others of these escape devices are provided with a crank or a motor whether for rewinding the cable around the reel after the lowering of a person or to permanently drive for example an endless vertical cable passing about pulleys respectively located on top and down the building. A crankable escape device requires the user to exert a physical effort to rewind the cable, while a motorized escape device requires a suitable electric installation.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an escape device which clears out from the escape path after each use.
It is another object of the invention to provide an escape device which is relatively simple in design and easy to install, and usable for lowering successively several persons without requiring manual rewinding from the user nor the use of a motor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
According to the present invention, there is provided an escape device for lowering a person from a multi-storied building, comprising:
a reel assembly having a rotatable reel for winding and unwinding a cable, a base mountable onto a first member of the building and supporting said reel, and a braking mechanism for restricting rotation of said reel at a predetermined speed; and a support assembly for suspending a loose end of said cable over an escape path leading down the building, said support assembly comprising a base mountable onto a second member of the building close to said escape path, a moveable arm connected to said base of the support assembly and supporting a pulley means for receiving said cable from said reel, said arm being deployable and retractable between a ready position where said arm overlays said escape path and a standby position where said arm is drawn off said escape path, and a retraction means for exerting a predetermined retraction force upon said arm to urge said arm toward said standby position, so that, in operation r said arm moves from said standby position to said ready position only when said person pulls on said loose end of the cable to escape down the building, and returns back in said standby position when said person relieves said cable.
21~7416 Preferably, the arm is pivotably mounted onto the base of the support assembly.
According to the invention, there is also provided an escape device for lowering persons from a multi-storied building, comprising:
a double reel assembly having a pair of coaxially aligned rotatable reels solid with one another for winding and unwinding respectively a pair of cables, a base mountable onto a first member of the building and supporting said pair of reels, and a braking mechanism for restricting rotation of said pair of reels at a predetermined speed; and a pair of support assemblies for suspending respectively loose ends of said cables over respective escape paths leading down the building on opposite sides of said double reel assembly, each of said support assemblies comprising a base mountable onto a second member of the building close to the corresponding escape path, and an arm connected to said base of the corresponding support assembly and supporting a pulley means for receiving the cable from the corresponding reel and suspending the corresponding loose end over the corresponding path, whereby the unwinding of one of said cables causes the winding o~
the other cable.
Preferably, the arms are pivotably mounted onto the respective bases of the support assemblies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
In order to impart full understanding of the manner in which these and other objectives are attained in accordance with the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
10Figure 1 shows a "double reel" escape device - according to the present invention, in use;
Figure 2 shows a "double reel" escape device according to the present invention, in stored position;
15Figure 3 shows a compact escape device according to the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a side view of a braking mechanism for an escape device according to the present invention;
20Figure 5 shows a top view of the reel àssembly for a "single reel" escape device according to the present invention;
Figure 6 shows a top view of the reel assembly for a "double reel" escape device according 25to the present invention;
Figures 7 and 8 show side views of a support assembly for an escape device according to the present invention, having a moveable arm in stored and in ready positions 30respectively;
Figure 9 shows a front view of a support assembly for an escape device according to the present invention, having a moveable arm in ready position;
Figures lOa and lOb show front and side views of a cabinet for covering either a compact escape device or the reel assembly of an escape device according to the present invention.
Figure 11 shows a multi-storied building provided with several escape devices according to the present invention;
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description and in the drawings, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an escape device 2 according to the present invention, for lowering a person from a multi-storied building 4 (shown in Figure 11). Basically, the escape device 2 comprises a reel assembly 6 for storing a cable 8, and a support assembly 10 for suspending a loose end of the cable 8 over an escape path leading down the building 4. The reel assembly 6 has a rotatable reel 12 for winding and unwinding the cable 8. The reel Z5 assembly also has a base 14 mountable onto a first member of the building 4 (such as a balcony balustrade 16 or simply an outer wall of the building 4, or any other suitable emplacement) and supporting the reel 12. The reel assembly 6 further has a braking mechanism 16 (as shown in Figure 4) for restricting rotation of the reel 8 at a predetermined speed. The support assembly 10 comprises a base 18 mountable onto a second member of the building 4 (such as the balcony balustrade 16) close to the escape path. The support assembly 10 also comprises a moveable arm 20 connected to the base 18 and supporting a pulley 22 for receiving the cable 8 from the reel 12. The arm 20 is deployable and retractable between `a ready position where the arm 20 overlays the escape path (as the arm 20 of the left support assembly 10 shown in Figure 1) and a standby position where the arm 20 is drawn off the escape path (as the arm 20 of the right support assembly 11 shown in Figure 1). The length of the arm 20 should be adapted to sufficiently space the user from the lower balconies during his descent. The support assembly further comprises a retraction mechanism 26 (shown in Figure 9) for exerting a predetermined retraction force upon the arm 20 to urge the arm 20 toward the standby position. Thus, in operation, the arm 20 moves from the standby position to the ready position only when the person pulls on the loose end of the cable 8 to escape down the building, and returns back in the standby position when the person relieves the cable 8.
The escape device 2 can be further provided with an additional support assembly 11, thereby permitting to lower successively several persons using the support assemblies 10, 11 alternately and the same reel assembly 6, which in this case may be called a double reel assembly, and which comprises a pair of coaxially aligned rotatable reels 12, 13 (shown in Figure 6) solid with one another for winding and unwinding respectively the cables 8, 9.
The loose ends of the cables 8, 9 are provided with straps 52 arranged to tighten on the persons upon use.
~1~7416 Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the moveable arm comprises an elongated member 28 having an upper end provided with the pulley 22 and an opposite lower end pivotably connected to the base 18 of the support 5 assembly 10 so that the elongated member 28 is pivotably moveable between the standby and ready positions. As shown in Figure 8, the support assembly 10 comprises a stop mechanism for preventing the elongated member 28 to pivot past the ready position.
The base 18 of the support assembly 10 forms a bracket mountable onto the balcony balustrade 16 ( shown in Figure 1).
As shown in Figure 9, the retraction mechanism 26 15 comprises a torsional spring 30 mounted on a pivot joint 33 ( shown in Figures 7 and 8) between the base 18 of the support assembly 10 and the elongated member 28, to produce a torque urging the elongated member 28 toward the standby position. However, it should be 20 understood that any other suitable arrangement could be used as well as retraction mechanism, as long as it carries out the intended purpose. For example, the retraction mechanism 26 could be formed by a return spring having an end connected to the elongated arm 28 25 and an opposite end properly secured at a given distance from the elongated arm 28 in order that the spring produces the intended retraction force urging the arm 20 toward the standby position when no force is exerted at the loose end of the cable 8.
Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the moveable arm 20 comprises a coupling member 32 having an upper end pivotably connected to the lower end of the elongated member 28 for the swivelling thereof, and a lower end 35 pivotably connected to the base 18 of the support 2147~16 assembly 10, for folding the arm 20 away from the escape path in a stored position, as shown in Figures 2 and 7.
Although the arm 20 of the illustrated support assembly 10 is pivotably connected to the base 18, it should be understood that various other configurations could be suitable as well to fulfil the retractable and deployable functions and purposes according to the lo invention. For example, a telescopic arrangement of the arm 20 could also possibly suit this purpose. In that case, the base could resemble a sleeve through which the arm slides. The sleeve could be slightly inclined so as to ease the sliding of the arm over the escape path upon a force exerted on the loose end of the cable, while a retraction mechanism (as a return spring) would urge the arm inside the sleeve if no force is exerted on the cable.
The stop mechanism of the support assembly 10 can be either provided by an additional member appended to the support assembly 10 and placed to block the pivotal movement of the elongated member 28 when it reaches the ready position, or conveniently be formed using the shape and structure of the arm 20 so as to obtain the same blocking effect, as it is the case for the arm 20 shown in the Figures. Indeed, the lower end of the elongated member 28 and the upper end of the coupling member 32 have opposite complemèntary ending surfaces 34, 36 hingeably connected together so that the ending surface 34 of the elongated member 28 rests against the ending surface 36 of the coupling member 32 when the elongated member 28 reaches the ready position.
2147~16 Referring to Figure 7, the support assembly 10 comprises a locking element 38 engaging with the coupling member 32 when the arm 20 is deployed from the stored position, for locking the coupling member 32 in a steady position for use of the arm 20. It should be understood that any other suitable locking arrangement fulfilling this purpose could be used as well.
10Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there are respectively shown top views of the reel assemblies 6 for "single reel" and "double reel" escape devices 2 according to the present invention. In each case, the base 14 comprises a pair of opposite mounting plates 1540, 42 provided with securing elements 44 for clamping the balustrade 16 (shown in Figure 1) between the plates 40, 42. A rewind crank handle 46 is provided for recoiling the cables 8, 9 around the reels 12, 13.
Optionally, each reel 12, 13 comprises a connecting element 48 for retaining an end of the corresponding cable 8, 9. Otherwise, the end of each cable 8, 9 can be simply looped around the reel's hub and tied.
Preferably but not limitatively, the reel assembly 6 comprises a manual security disk brake 50 coupled to the reel or reels 12, 13.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a compact embodiment of the escape device 2 according to the present invention, wherein the reel assembly 6 and the support assembly 10 share the same common base 54.
Such an embodiment can be especially useful when the escape device must be mounted onto an outer wall of the building 4, adjacent to a room window.
Referring to Figures lOa and lOb, there is shown a removable cabinet 56 specially adapted to cover the reel assembly 6, the support assembly 10 of the compact embodiment of the escape device as shown in Figure 3. The cabinet S6 is provided with a rear flange 58 for attaching the cabinet 56 onto the common base 54 of the escape device 2. The cabinet has a handle 60 molded therein, forming a down opening 62 through which air can pass but not rain.
Referring again to Figure 3, the common base 54 is provided Wit]l an alarm system 64 activated upon removal of the cabinet 56 from the common base 54, to scare or dissuade children from playing with the escape device 2, and to warn the neighbourhood of an imminent danger. The base 54 is further provided with a box 66 for storing the loose end of the cable 8 and the optional strap 52 (shown in Figure 1). To use the escape device 2, the cover 56 ( shown in Figures lOa 20 and lOb) is first removed from the base 54. The arm 20 is then pivoted in vertical standby position and the cable 8 is positioned on the pulley 22 at the end of the arm 20. As soon as the user exerts a pulI on the cable 8, the arm 20 moves into ready position over 25 the escape path, where the user simply has to hang on the strap 52 and let himself be lowered by the escape device 2. For the next lowering of a person, the cable 8 is rewound around the reel 12 by means of the crank handle 46.
Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the braking mechanism 16 of the reel assembly 6 according to the invention, operated by centrifugal force. The braking mechanism 16 comprises three pivotable shoes 68 held back by springs 72 in a `- 2147~16 position adjacent to the inner surface of a stationary drum 70 solid with the shaft 74 of the reels 12, 13.
By centrifugal effect, the faster the reel 12 or 13 unwinds, the harder the shoes 68 press against the inner surface of the drum 70 and brake the reels 12, 13 at a suitable speed for lowering a person.
Referring to Figure 11, there are shown several persons escaping the building 4 simultaneously, by lo means of the "double reel" escape devices 2 according to the present invention. In each case, the process is the same. Initially, a first arm lo (or 11) is deployed in vertical standby position and the cable 8 (or 9) is positioned around the pulley 22 (or 23).
After the descent of a first person, the other arm 11 (or 10) is deployed and the cable 9 (or 8) is detached from the reel and positioned around the pulley 23 (or 22) to lower another person. While the cable 11 unwinds from the reel 13 to lower the person, the other cable 10 automatically rewinds around the reel 12 for a next use. Thus, several persons can be lowered successively, without requiring any manual rewinding of the cables 8, 9. Furthermore, as the arms 1~, 11 clear out from the escape paths after use, the lowering is safer for the persons on higher balconies.
Although the present invention has been explained hereinafter by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it should be pointed out that any modifications to these preferred embodiments, within the scope of the appended claims, are not deemed to change or alter the nature and scope of the present invention.
FROM A MULTI-STORIED BUILDING
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
Field of the invention The invention relates to an escape device for lowering a person from a building or the like, in case for example of fire.
Description of related art Known in the art is US patent n 4,287,963 (COXSEY), which describes a relatively compact safety apparatus for lowering one or more persons from the window of a multi-storied building. The apparatus comprises a structural framework affixed inside a room of the building and disposed adjacent the window. A
reel is journaled in the framework inside the room, for storing a cable for lowering the person at a suitable speed. The framework comprises a first telescopic vertical arm on top of which an horizontal arm pivotably extends. In use, the horizontal arm is pivoted from its stored position to a ready position where it projects outside the window for suspending the cable over an escape path leading down the building. Once pivoted, the horizontal arm remains over the escape path and therefore causes an obstruction for other persons in the rooms above.
Other escape devices are known in the art, as shown in the following US patents: 3,850,262 (SIMIZU);
21 1 7~16 3,861,496 (HOOVER); 3,946,989 (TSUDA); 4,236,600 (WOOTEN);4,473,160(NEUENSCHWANDER);4,487,292(SMITH
et al.); 4,653,609 (DEVINE); 4,703,831 (FORREST et al.); 4,714,137 (CI~OU); 4,867,276 (TAMIETTI); and 5,147,013 (OLSON et al.).
However, none of the escape devices described in the above-mentioned patents clears out from the escape path after use. Some of these escape devices are only usable once. Thus, this requires a greater number of available escape devices per building. Others of these escape devices are provided with a crank or a motor whether for rewinding the cable around the reel after the lowering of a person or to permanently drive for example an endless vertical cable passing about pulleys respectively located on top and down the building. A crankable escape device requires the user to exert a physical effort to rewind the cable, while a motorized escape device requires a suitable electric installation.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an escape device which clears out from the escape path after each use.
It is another object of the invention to provide an escape device which is relatively simple in design and easy to install, and usable for lowering successively several persons without requiring manual rewinding from the user nor the use of a motor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
According to the present invention, there is provided an escape device for lowering a person from a multi-storied building, comprising:
a reel assembly having a rotatable reel for winding and unwinding a cable, a base mountable onto a first member of the building and supporting said reel, and a braking mechanism for restricting rotation of said reel at a predetermined speed; and a support assembly for suspending a loose end of said cable over an escape path leading down the building, said support assembly comprising a base mountable onto a second member of the building close to said escape path, a moveable arm connected to said base of the support assembly and supporting a pulley means for receiving said cable from said reel, said arm being deployable and retractable between a ready position where said arm overlays said escape path and a standby position where said arm is drawn off said escape path, and a retraction means for exerting a predetermined retraction force upon said arm to urge said arm toward said standby position, so that, in operation r said arm moves from said standby position to said ready position only when said person pulls on said loose end of the cable to escape down the building, and returns back in said standby position when said person relieves said cable.
21~7416 Preferably, the arm is pivotably mounted onto the base of the support assembly.
According to the invention, there is also provided an escape device for lowering persons from a multi-storied building, comprising:
a double reel assembly having a pair of coaxially aligned rotatable reels solid with one another for winding and unwinding respectively a pair of cables, a base mountable onto a first member of the building and supporting said pair of reels, and a braking mechanism for restricting rotation of said pair of reels at a predetermined speed; and a pair of support assemblies for suspending respectively loose ends of said cables over respective escape paths leading down the building on opposite sides of said double reel assembly, each of said support assemblies comprising a base mountable onto a second member of the building close to the corresponding escape path, and an arm connected to said base of the corresponding support assembly and supporting a pulley means for receiving the cable from the corresponding reel and suspending the corresponding loose end over the corresponding path, whereby the unwinding of one of said cables causes the winding o~
the other cable.
Preferably, the arms are pivotably mounted onto the respective bases of the support assemblies.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
In order to impart full understanding of the manner in which these and other objectives are attained in accordance with the present invention, preferred embodiments thereof are described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:
10Figure 1 shows a "double reel" escape device - according to the present invention, in use;
Figure 2 shows a "double reel" escape device according to the present invention, in stored position;
15Figure 3 shows a compact escape device according to the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a side view of a braking mechanism for an escape device according to the present invention;
20Figure 5 shows a top view of the reel àssembly for a "single reel" escape device according to the present invention;
Figure 6 shows a top view of the reel assembly for a "double reel" escape device according 25to the present invention;
Figures 7 and 8 show side views of a support assembly for an escape device according to the present invention, having a moveable arm in stored and in ready positions 30respectively;
Figure 9 shows a front view of a support assembly for an escape device according to the present invention, having a moveable arm in ready position;
Figures lOa and lOb show front and side views of a cabinet for covering either a compact escape device or the reel assembly of an escape device according to the present invention.
Figure 11 shows a multi-storied building provided with several escape devices according to the present invention;
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the following description and in the drawings, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.
Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an escape device 2 according to the present invention, for lowering a person from a multi-storied building 4 (shown in Figure 11). Basically, the escape device 2 comprises a reel assembly 6 for storing a cable 8, and a support assembly 10 for suspending a loose end of the cable 8 over an escape path leading down the building 4. The reel assembly 6 has a rotatable reel 12 for winding and unwinding the cable 8. The reel Z5 assembly also has a base 14 mountable onto a first member of the building 4 (such as a balcony balustrade 16 or simply an outer wall of the building 4, or any other suitable emplacement) and supporting the reel 12. The reel assembly 6 further has a braking mechanism 16 (as shown in Figure 4) for restricting rotation of the reel 8 at a predetermined speed. The support assembly 10 comprises a base 18 mountable onto a second member of the building 4 (such as the balcony balustrade 16) close to the escape path. The support assembly 10 also comprises a moveable arm 20 connected to the base 18 and supporting a pulley 22 for receiving the cable 8 from the reel 12. The arm 20 is deployable and retractable between `a ready position where the arm 20 overlays the escape path (as the arm 20 of the left support assembly 10 shown in Figure 1) and a standby position where the arm 20 is drawn off the escape path (as the arm 20 of the right support assembly 11 shown in Figure 1). The length of the arm 20 should be adapted to sufficiently space the user from the lower balconies during his descent. The support assembly further comprises a retraction mechanism 26 (shown in Figure 9) for exerting a predetermined retraction force upon the arm 20 to urge the arm 20 toward the standby position. Thus, in operation, the arm 20 moves from the standby position to the ready position only when the person pulls on the loose end of the cable 8 to escape down the building, and returns back in the standby position when the person relieves the cable 8.
The escape device 2 can be further provided with an additional support assembly 11, thereby permitting to lower successively several persons using the support assemblies 10, 11 alternately and the same reel assembly 6, which in this case may be called a double reel assembly, and which comprises a pair of coaxially aligned rotatable reels 12, 13 (shown in Figure 6) solid with one another for winding and unwinding respectively the cables 8, 9.
The loose ends of the cables 8, 9 are provided with straps 52 arranged to tighten on the persons upon use.
~1~7416 Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the moveable arm comprises an elongated member 28 having an upper end provided with the pulley 22 and an opposite lower end pivotably connected to the base 18 of the support 5 assembly 10 so that the elongated member 28 is pivotably moveable between the standby and ready positions. As shown in Figure 8, the support assembly 10 comprises a stop mechanism for preventing the elongated member 28 to pivot past the ready position.
The base 18 of the support assembly 10 forms a bracket mountable onto the balcony balustrade 16 ( shown in Figure 1).
As shown in Figure 9, the retraction mechanism 26 15 comprises a torsional spring 30 mounted on a pivot joint 33 ( shown in Figures 7 and 8) between the base 18 of the support assembly 10 and the elongated member 28, to produce a torque urging the elongated member 28 toward the standby position. However, it should be 20 understood that any other suitable arrangement could be used as well as retraction mechanism, as long as it carries out the intended purpose. For example, the retraction mechanism 26 could be formed by a return spring having an end connected to the elongated arm 28 25 and an opposite end properly secured at a given distance from the elongated arm 28 in order that the spring produces the intended retraction force urging the arm 20 toward the standby position when no force is exerted at the loose end of the cable 8.
Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 9, the moveable arm 20 comprises a coupling member 32 having an upper end pivotably connected to the lower end of the elongated member 28 for the swivelling thereof, and a lower end 35 pivotably connected to the base 18 of the support 2147~16 assembly 10, for folding the arm 20 away from the escape path in a stored position, as shown in Figures 2 and 7.
Although the arm 20 of the illustrated support assembly 10 is pivotably connected to the base 18, it should be understood that various other configurations could be suitable as well to fulfil the retractable and deployable functions and purposes according to the lo invention. For example, a telescopic arrangement of the arm 20 could also possibly suit this purpose. In that case, the base could resemble a sleeve through which the arm slides. The sleeve could be slightly inclined so as to ease the sliding of the arm over the escape path upon a force exerted on the loose end of the cable, while a retraction mechanism (as a return spring) would urge the arm inside the sleeve if no force is exerted on the cable.
The stop mechanism of the support assembly 10 can be either provided by an additional member appended to the support assembly 10 and placed to block the pivotal movement of the elongated member 28 when it reaches the ready position, or conveniently be formed using the shape and structure of the arm 20 so as to obtain the same blocking effect, as it is the case for the arm 20 shown in the Figures. Indeed, the lower end of the elongated member 28 and the upper end of the coupling member 32 have opposite complemèntary ending surfaces 34, 36 hingeably connected together so that the ending surface 34 of the elongated member 28 rests against the ending surface 36 of the coupling member 32 when the elongated member 28 reaches the ready position.
2147~16 Referring to Figure 7, the support assembly 10 comprises a locking element 38 engaging with the coupling member 32 when the arm 20 is deployed from the stored position, for locking the coupling member 32 in a steady position for use of the arm 20. It should be understood that any other suitable locking arrangement fulfilling this purpose could be used as well.
10Referring to Figures 5 and 6, there are respectively shown top views of the reel assemblies 6 for "single reel" and "double reel" escape devices 2 according to the present invention. In each case, the base 14 comprises a pair of opposite mounting plates 1540, 42 provided with securing elements 44 for clamping the balustrade 16 (shown in Figure 1) between the plates 40, 42. A rewind crank handle 46 is provided for recoiling the cables 8, 9 around the reels 12, 13.
Optionally, each reel 12, 13 comprises a connecting element 48 for retaining an end of the corresponding cable 8, 9. Otherwise, the end of each cable 8, 9 can be simply looped around the reel's hub and tied.
Preferably but not limitatively, the reel assembly 6 comprises a manual security disk brake 50 coupled to the reel or reels 12, 13.
Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a compact embodiment of the escape device 2 according to the present invention, wherein the reel assembly 6 and the support assembly 10 share the same common base 54.
Such an embodiment can be especially useful when the escape device must be mounted onto an outer wall of the building 4, adjacent to a room window.
Referring to Figures lOa and lOb, there is shown a removable cabinet 56 specially adapted to cover the reel assembly 6, the support assembly 10 of the compact embodiment of the escape device as shown in Figure 3. The cabinet S6 is provided with a rear flange 58 for attaching the cabinet 56 onto the common base 54 of the escape device 2. The cabinet has a handle 60 molded therein, forming a down opening 62 through which air can pass but not rain.
Referring again to Figure 3, the common base 54 is provided Wit]l an alarm system 64 activated upon removal of the cabinet 56 from the common base 54, to scare or dissuade children from playing with the escape device 2, and to warn the neighbourhood of an imminent danger. The base 54 is further provided with a box 66 for storing the loose end of the cable 8 and the optional strap 52 (shown in Figure 1). To use the escape device 2, the cover 56 ( shown in Figures lOa 20 and lOb) is first removed from the base 54. The arm 20 is then pivoted in vertical standby position and the cable 8 is positioned on the pulley 22 at the end of the arm 20. As soon as the user exerts a pulI on the cable 8, the arm 20 moves into ready position over 25 the escape path, where the user simply has to hang on the strap 52 and let himself be lowered by the escape device 2. For the next lowering of a person, the cable 8 is rewound around the reel 12 by means of the crank handle 46.
Referring to Figure 4, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the braking mechanism 16 of the reel assembly 6 according to the invention, operated by centrifugal force. The braking mechanism 16 comprises three pivotable shoes 68 held back by springs 72 in a `- 2147~16 position adjacent to the inner surface of a stationary drum 70 solid with the shaft 74 of the reels 12, 13.
By centrifugal effect, the faster the reel 12 or 13 unwinds, the harder the shoes 68 press against the inner surface of the drum 70 and brake the reels 12, 13 at a suitable speed for lowering a person.
Referring to Figure 11, there are shown several persons escaping the building 4 simultaneously, by lo means of the "double reel" escape devices 2 according to the present invention. In each case, the process is the same. Initially, a first arm lo (or 11) is deployed in vertical standby position and the cable 8 (or 9) is positioned around the pulley 22 (or 23).
After the descent of a first person, the other arm 11 (or 10) is deployed and the cable 9 (or 8) is detached from the reel and positioned around the pulley 23 (or 22) to lower another person. While the cable 11 unwinds from the reel 13 to lower the person, the other cable 10 automatically rewinds around the reel 12 for a next use. Thus, several persons can be lowered successively, without requiring any manual rewinding of the cables 8, 9. Furthermore, as the arms 1~, 11 clear out from the escape paths after use, the lowering is safer for the persons on higher balconies.
Although the present invention has been explained hereinafter by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it should be pointed out that any modifications to these preferred embodiments, within the scope of the appended claims, are not deemed to change or alter the nature and scope of the present invention.
Claims (28)
1. An escape device for lowering a person from a multi-storied building, comprising:
a reel assembly having a rotatable reel for winding and unwinding a cable, a base mountable onto a first member of the building and supporting said reel, and a braking mechanism for restricting rotation of said reel at a predetermined speed; and a support assembly for suspending a loose end of said cable over an escape path leading down the building, said support assembly comprising a base mountable onto a second member of the building close to said escape path, a moveable arm connected to said base of the support assembly and supporting a pulley means for receiving said cable from said reel, said arm being deployable and retractable between a ready position where said arm overlays said escape path and a standby position where said arm is drawn off said escape path, and a retraction means for exerting a predetermined retraction force upon said arm to urge said arm toward said standby position, so that, in operation, said arm moves from said standby position to said ready position only when said person pulls on said loose end of the cable to escape down the building, and returns back in said standby position when said person relieves said cable.
a reel assembly having a rotatable reel for winding and unwinding a cable, a base mountable onto a first member of the building and supporting said reel, and a braking mechanism for restricting rotation of said reel at a predetermined speed; and a support assembly for suspending a loose end of said cable over an escape path leading down the building, said support assembly comprising a base mountable onto a second member of the building close to said escape path, a moveable arm connected to said base of the support assembly and supporting a pulley means for receiving said cable from said reel, said arm being deployable and retractable between a ready position where said arm overlays said escape path and a standby position where said arm is drawn off said escape path, and a retraction means for exerting a predetermined retraction force upon said arm to urge said arm toward said standby position, so that, in operation, said arm moves from said standby position to said ready position only when said person pulls on said loose end of the cable to escape down the building, and returns back in said standby position when said person relieves said cable.
2. An escape device according to claim 1, wherein:
said moveable arm comprises an elongated member having an upper end provided with said pulley means and an opposite lower end pivotably connected to said base of the support assembly so that said elongated member is pivotably moveable between said standby and ready positions, and said support assembly comprises a stop means for preventing said elongated member to pivot past said ready position.
said moveable arm comprises an elongated member having an upper end provided with said pulley means and an opposite lower end pivotably connected to said base of the support assembly so that said elongated member is pivotably moveable between said standby and ready positions, and said support assembly comprises a stop means for preventing said elongated member to pivot past said ready position.
3. An escape device according to claim 2, wherein said retraction means comprises a torsional spring mounted on a pivot joint between said base of the support assembly and said elongated member, to produce a torque urging said elongated member toward said standby position.
4. An escape device according to claim 2, wherein said moveable arm comprises a coupling member having an upper end pivotably connected to said lower end of the elongated member for said swivelling thereof, and a lower end pivotably connected to said base of the support assembly for folding said arm away from said escape path in a stored position.
5. An escape device according to claim 4, wherein said lower end of the elongated member and said upper end of said coupling member have opposite complementary ending surfaces hingeably connected together so that the ending surface of said elongated member rests against the ending surface of said coupling member when said elongated member reaches said ready position, said stop means being formed by said ending surfaces.
6. An escape device according to claim 4, wherein said support assembly comprises a locking means engaging with said coupling member when said arm is deployed from said stored position, for locking said coupling member in a steady position for use of said arm.
7. An escape device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second members of the building are a balcony balustrade, said base of the reel assembly comprises a pair of opposite mounting plates provided with securing means for clamping said balustrade between said plates, and said base of the support assembly forms a bracket mountable onto said balcony balustrade.
8. An escape device according to claim 1, wherein said reel is provided with a crank for recoiling said cable around said reel, and a connecting means for retaining an end of said cable.
9. An escape device according to claim 1, wherein said reel assembly comprises a manual security brake coupled to said reel.
10. An escape device according to claim 1, wherein said loose end of the cable is provided with a strap arranged to tighten on said person upon use.
11. An escape device according to claim 1, wherein said reel assembly and said support assembly share the same common base.
12. An escape device according to claim 11, wherein said common base is provided with a removable cabinet covering said reel assembly and said support assembly.
13. An escape device according to claim 12, wherein said common base is provided with an alarm system activated upon removal of said cabinet from said common base.
14. An escape device according to claim 3, wherein:
said moveable arm comprises a coupling member having an upper end pivotably connected to said lower end of the elongated member for said swivelling thereof, and a lower end pivotably connected to said base of the support assembly for folding said arm away from said escape path in a stored position;
said lower end of the elongated member and said upper end of said coupling member have opposite complementary ending surfaces hingeably connected together so that the ending surface of said elongated member rests against the ending surface of said coupling member when said elongated member reaches said ready position, said stop means being formed by said ending surfaces;
said support assembly comprises a locking means engaging with said coupling member when said arm is deployed from said stored position, for locking said coupling member in a position for use of said arm;
said second member of the building is a balcony balustrade, said base of the reel assembly comprising a pair of opposite mounting plates provided with securing means for clamping said balustrade between said plates, said base of the support assembly forming a bracket mountable onto said balcony balustrade;
said reel is provided with a crank for recoiling said cable around said reel, and a connecting means for retaining an end of said cable.;
said reel assembly comprises a manual security brake coupled to said reel;
said loose end of the cable is provided with a strap arranged to tighten on said user;
said reel assembly and said support assembly share the same common base;
said common base is provided with a removable cabinet covering said reel assembly and said support assembly; and said common base is provided with an alarm system activated upon removal of said cabinet from said common base;
said moveable arm comprises a coupling member having an upper end pivotably connected to said lower end of the elongated member for said swivelling thereof, and a lower end pivotably connected to said base of the support assembly for folding said arm away from said escape path in a stored position;
said lower end of the elongated member and said upper end of said coupling member have opposite complementary ending surfaces hingeably connected together so that the ending surface of said elongated member rests against the ending surface of said coupling member when said elongated member reaches said ready position, said stop means being formed by said ending surfaces;
said support assembly comprises a locking means engaging with said coupling member when said arm is deployed from said stored position, for locking said coupling member in a position for use of said arm;
said second member of the building is a balcony balustrade, said base of the reel assembly comprising a pair of opposite mounting plates provided with securing means for clamping said balustrade between said plates, said base of the support assembly forming a bracket mountable onto said balcony balustrade;
said reel is provided with a crank for recoiling said cable around said reel, and a connecting means for retaining an end of said cable.;
said reel assembly comprises a manual security brake coupled to said reel;
said loose end of the cable is provided with a strap arranged to tighten on said user;
said reel assembly and said support assembly share the same common base;
said common base is provided with a removable cabinet covering said reel assembly and said support assembly; and said common base is provided with an alarm system activated upon removal of said cabinet from said common base;
15. An escape device for lowering persons from a multi-storied building, comprising:
a double reel assembly having a pair of coaxially aligned rotatable reels solid with one another for winding and unwinding respectively a pair of cables, a base mountable onto a first member of the building and supporting said pair of reels, and a braking mechanism for restricting rotation of said pair of reels at a predetermined speed; and a pair of support assemblies for suspending respectively loose ends of said cables over respective escape paths leading down the building on opposite sides of said double reel assembly, each of said support assemblies comprising a base mountable onto a second member of the building close to the corresponding escape path, and an arm connected to said base of the corresponding support assembly and supporting a pulley means for receiving the cable from the corresponding reel and suspending the corresponding loose end over the corresponding path, whereby the unwinding of one of said cables causes the winding of the other cable.
a double reel assembly having a pair of coaxially aligned rotatable reels solid with one another for winding and unwinding respectively a pair of cables, a base mountable onto a first member of the building and supporting said pair of reels, and a braking mechanism for restricting rotation of said pair of reels at a predetermined speed; and a pair of support assemblies for suspending respectively loose ends of said cables over respective escape paths leading down the building on opposite sides of said double reel assembly, each of said support assemblies comprising a base mountable onto a second member of the building close to the corresponding escape path, and an arm connected to said base of the corresponding support assembly and supporting a pulley means for receiving the cable from the corresponding reel and suspending the corresponding loose end over the corresponding path, whereby the unwinding of one of said cables causes the winding of the other cable.
16. An escape device according to claim 15, wherein:
each arm is deployable and retractable between a ready position where said arm overlays the corresponding escape path and a standby position where said arm is drawn off said escape path; and each support assembly comprises a retraction means for exerting a predetermined retraction force upon the corresponding arm to urge said arm toward said standby position.
each arm is deployable and retractable between a ready position where said arm overlays the corresponding escape path and a standby position where said arm is drawn off said escape path; and each support assembly comprises a retraction means for exerting a predetermined retraction force upon the corresponding arm to urge said arm toward said standby position.
17. An escape device according to claim 16, wherein:
each arm comprises an elongated member having an upper end provided with the pulley means of the corresponding support assembly and an opposite lower end pivotably connected to the base of the corresponding support assembly so that said elongated member is pivotably moveable between said standby and ready positions, and each support assembly comprises a stop means for preventing the corresponding elongated member to pivot past said ready position.
each arm comprises an elongated member having an upper end provided with the pulley means of the corresponding support assembly and an opposite lower end pivotably connected to the base of the corresponding support assembly so that said elongated member is pivotably moveable between said standby and ready positions, and each support assembly comprises a stop means for preventing the corresponding elongated member to pivot past said ready position.
18. An escape device according to claim 17, wherein each retraction means comprises a torsional spring mounted on a pivot joint between the base and the elongated member of the corresponding support assembly, to produce a torque urging said elongated member toward said standby position.
19. An escape device according to claim 16, wherein each moveable arm comprises a coupling member having an upper end pivotably connected to the lower end of the corresponding elongated member for said swivelling thereof, and a lower end pivotably connected to the base of the corresponding support assembly for folding said arm away from the corresponding escape path in a stored position.
20. An escape device according to claim 18, wherein the lower end of the elongated member and the upper end of the coupling member of each support assembly have opposite complementary ending surfaces hingeably connected together so that the ending surface of said elongated member rests against the ending surface of said coupling member when said elongated member reaches said ready position, said stop means being formed by said ending surfaces.
21. An escape device according to claim 20, wherein each support assembly comprises a locking means engaging with the corresponding coupling member when the corresponding arm is deployed from said stored position, for locking said coupling member in a steady position for use of said arm.
22. An escape device according to claim 15, wherein the first member and each second member of the building are a balcony balustrade, the base of said reel assembly comprises a pair of opposite mounting plates provided with securing means for clamping said balustrade between said plates, and the base of each support assembly forms a bracket mountable onto said portion of the balcony balustrade.
23. An escape device according to claim 15, wherein said pair of reels is provided with a crank for recoiling said cables around said reels, and connecting means for retaining ends of said cables.
24. An escape device according to claim 15, wherein said double reel assembly comprises a manual security brake coupled to said pair of reels.
25. An escape device according to claim 15, wherein each loose end of the cables is provided with a strap arranged to tighten on said persons upon use.
26. An escape device according to claim 15, wherein the base of said double reel assembly is provided with a removable cabinet covering said reels.
27. An escape device according to claim 26, wherein the base of said double reel assembly is provided with an alarm system activated upon removal of said cabinet from the base of said double reel assembly.
28. An escape device according to claim 18, wherein:
each moveable arm comprises a coupling member having an upper end pivotably connected to the lower end of the corresponding elongated member for said swivelling thereof, and a lower end pivotably connected to the base of the corresponding support assembly for folding said arm away from the corresponding escape path in a stored position;
the lower end of the elongated member and the upper end of the coupling member of each support assembly have opposite complementary ending surfaces hingeably connected together so that the ending surface of said elongated member rests against the ending surface of said coupling member when said elongated member reaches said ready position, said stop means being formed by said ending surfaces;
each support assembly comprises a locking means engaging with the corresponding coupling member when the corresponding arm is deployed from said stored position, for locking said coupling member in a position for use of said arm;
each second member of the building is a portion of a same balcony balustrade, the base of said reel assembly comprising a pair of opposite mounting plates provided with securing means for clamping said balustrade between said plates, and the base of each support assembly forming a bracket mountable onto said portion of the balcony balustrade;
said pair of reels is provided with a crank for recoiling said cables around said reels, and connecting means for retaining ends of said cables;
said double reel assembly comprises a manual security brake coupled to said pair of reels;
each loose end of the cables is provided with a strap arranged to tighten on said persons upon use;
the base of said double reel assembly is provided with a removable cabinet covering said reels; and the base of said double reel assembly is provided with an alarm system activated upon removal of said cabinet from the base of said double reel assembly.
each moveable arm comprises a coupling member having an upper end pivotably connected to the lower end of the corresponding elongated member for said swivelling thereof, and a lower end pivotably connected to the base of the corresponding support assembly for folding said arm away from the corresponding escape path in a stored position;
the lower end of the elongated member and the upper end of the coupling member of each support assembly have opposite complementary ending surfaces hingeably connected together so that the ending surface of said elongated member rests against the ending surface of said coupling member when said elongated member reaches said ready position, said stop means being formed by said ending surfaces;
each support assembly comprises a locking means engaging with the corresponding coupling member when the corresponding arm is deployed from said stored position, for locking said coupling member in a position for use of said arm;
each second member of the building is a portion of a same balcony balustrade, the base of said reel assembly comprising a pair of opposite mounting plates provided with securing means for clamping said balustrade between said plates, and the base of each support assembly forming a bracket mountable onto said portion of the balcony balustrade;
said pair of reels is provided with a crank for recoiling said cables around said reels, and connecting means for retaining ends of said cables;
said double reel assembly comprises a manual security brake coupled to said pair of reels;
each loose end of the cables is provided with a strap arranged to tighten on said persons upon use;
the base of said double reel assembly is provided with a removable cabinet covering said reels; and the base of said double reel assembly is provided with an alarm system activated upon removal of said cabinet from the base of said double reel assembly.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2147416 CA2147416A1 (en) | 1995-04-20 | 1995-04-20 | Escape device for lowering a person from a multi-storied building |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2147416 CA2147416A1 (en) | 1995-04-20 | 1995-04-20 | Escape device for lowering a person from a multi-storied building |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2147416A1 true CA2147416A1 (en) | 1996-10-21 |
Family
ID=4155690
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2147416 Abandoned CA2147416A1 (en) | 1995-04-20 | 1995-04-20 | Escape device for lowering a person from a multi-storied building |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2147416A1 (en) |
-
1995
- 1995-04-20 CA CA 2147416 patent/CA2147416A1/en not_active Abandoned
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