GB191315346A - Improvements in Fire-escapes applicable also to Lifting and Lowering Apparatus. - Google Patents

Abstract

15,346. Hollis, J. July 3. No Ratent granted (Sealing fee not paid). Window appliances.-Comprises a construction of fire-escape lifting and lowering apparatus of the kind in which the load is secured to an endless chain regulated by a centrifugal or equivalent brake. In the present apparatus, (1) the hanging chain is housed outside the building in approximately its working position, (2) the release of the chain from the housing sounds an alarm. (3) a single brake may be used to control several chains at different points on the building, and (4) provision is made for enabling persons to reach the chains from the roof. Figs. 1 and 2 show one construction in which the chain wheel and brake are normally housed in a recess in the building and can be run out into the working position. The chain wheel a is geared to the brake at the inner end of the shaft d<1>, and the chain is housed in a casing l, resembling a water-spout. An upward push on a long 'rod l<2>, accessible from a window of each storey, releases catches l<1> and allows the hinged side of the casing to open, thus permitting the chain to swing into the vertical working position. A downward pull on a cord m pulls the chain wheel and brake out of the housing by sliding it along the runner h. The lower end of this cord may be passed through the wall and into the casing l in proximity to a glass panel so that it is accessible from outside the building. The pull on the cord m or the opening of the casing l may operate an electrical, clock-work, or other alarm. Fig. 3 shows a modified arrangement in which two chain wheels on opposite sides of the building are geared to a common brake inside the building. Either of the shafts b may be extended to receive additional chain wheels in line with different windows. To enable persons on the roof to reach the apparatus, the chain wheel may be fixed at the end of a jib adapted to swing over the roof. In some cases, to economise space the chain pulley and the brake may be mounted on the same spindle or on parallel spindles. Fig. 5 shows a preferred form of centrifugal brake for use with the latter arrangement of apparatus. The internally-toothed flange of the chain wheel. a is geared to the toothed boss r of a rotary frame divided into segmental spaces by projecting ribs r<2>. Each space contains a segmental brake block adapted to engage peripherally with the casing o. An endless coiled spring r<4> engages recesses in all the brake blocks to keep them normally out of action. The rotary frame runs on a perforated hollow shaft filled with lubricant.