GB2207538A - Emergency escape path marking - Google Patents

Abstract

A floor proximity emergency escape path marking system consists of three informational symbols 1, 2, 3 using the colours of red and green in such a way as to provide an unambiguous path of exit, from a public transport vehicle or public building, in times of deteriorating visibility. The symbols being on lenses attached to battery powered light packs. The packs being remotely activated by radio signals from transmitters wired into existing emergency lighting systems or an alternative power source. A system for aircraft is particularly described. <IMAGE>

Description

FLOOR PROXIMITY EMERGENCY ESCAPE PATH MARKING SYSTEM.

This invention relates to an emergency lighting,floor proximity escape path marking system.

With effect from the 1st December 1987 all aircraft,over 5700 Kgs MTWA with a Passenger Transport type certificate issued after 1st January 1958, are required to be equipped with an emergency lighting system, which will enable passengers to visually identify an escape path along the cabin aisle floor.

The necessity for the above mentioned system has arisen from experience gained through recent aircraft incidents, involving post-crash fires, where overhead emergency lighting systems may have become obscured by rising smoke.

The Federal Aviation Administration (USA) have conducted tests to evaluate practical methods of assisting passengers in finding exits during times of deteriorating visibility. From their report, DOT/FAA/CT-83/31, the best solution showed that floor proximity lighting combined with conspicuous markings, could provide the necessary guides to escaping passengers, in their search for an emergency exit.

This invention may also be applied to other forms of transport and public buildings.

The essential criteria for such a system can be summarised as: 1) The markings and illumination should be such as to enable the public to visually identify the escape path at ground level.

2) The illumination should be of sufficient intensity to allow the public to identify obstructions in their path.

3) Where exits are to be found in one direction only, the system should be unambiguous.

4) The escape path exit point from aisle to exit should be clearly identified.

5) The exit should be easily identified.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:- Figure 1 shows the three symbols which are used to construct the system.

Figure 2 describes an example of system utilization.

Figure 3 shows a schematic circuit diagram.

In response to the above criteria we have designed a system of remote activated light packs, operated from transmitters wired into existing emergency lighting circuits, each pack having a lens cover designed to give unambiguous information to evacuating personnel.

The covers are basically constructed from three seperate coloured symbols applied to the lenses of the emergency light fittings. The coloured lenses will be manufactured such that they will allow full utilization of light intensity, while retaining design features to cater for the colour blind. Please refer to figure 1.

SYMBOL TYPE NBR.1: This symbol signifies a point equidistant from two exits.

SYMBOL TYPE NBR.2: This symbol signifies an intermediate point on the path to an exit, and may be turned through 180 degrees depending on direction required.

SYMBOL TYPE NBR.3: This symbol would be fitted adjacent to the emergency exits,one on each side,and forms the last light on the path to the exit.

Please refer to figure 2. for a diagram of system utilization.

For this example we have assumed that the light fittings are attached to aircraft seats approximately 150 millimetres from the cabin floor.

The system utilizes the internationally recognised colours,of Red for "STOP" and Green for "GO", to form an easy to follow path to the nearest exit. If the passenger was situated equidistant from two exits, he would see symbol type Nbr. 1., showing that he had two exits to choose from. When he had chosen his route he would follow symbols type Nbr.2. towards his nearest exit.

On reaching an exit, it would be easily recognised by the presence of symbol type Nbr.3, one each side of the exit doorframe. If the passenger should pass the exit he would then see a reverse symbol type Nbr.2, telling him that he had passed the nearest exit.

Where only one exit path exists, as in requirment 3 above, then a path of symbols type Nbr.2 would meet the required criteria.

The light pack units can be mounted to passenger seat structures, or in the case of public buildings, to a wall or aisle seat.

Depending on the customers existing power supply the transmitters can be adapted to be compatible, the receivers being independent of such requirements..

The receivers will be mounted in the light packs and, through coil operated relays, will switch on the floor mounted light packs whenever power is supplied to the existing emergency lighting system. The receivers and light packs will each have their own independent power source. (See figure 3 ).

The number of lights in a system will be dependant on customer requirement, and therefore the number or strength of the transmitters will vary to match.

In the event of an emergency evacuation, and the normal emergency lighting being powered, the transmitter will send a radio signal to the light pack receiver which will in turn power a coil operated relay to $witch on the floor lighting. The floor lighting will stay illuminated until the normal emergency system in selected off, thus cutting the power to the transmitter.

On aircraft, fitted with "crash switch" operated emergency lighting the transmitters would require to be connected into the aircraft electrical power supply with a three position switch, for selection, and the receiver relay wired to alternate contacts. This would mean that in normal circumstances power would be provided to the coil operated relay and the light would be off. If now the power is interrupted the relay will "drop out" switching on the lights.

On normal shutdown of power the switch would be selected to park, providing a small hold on current to the coil and thus preventing operation of the light packs. The third switch position de-activates the transmission circuit for extended ground time. The light packs will also have an on/off switch for extended ground time.

Claims (3)

CLAIMS.

1. A floor proximity emergency escape path marking system comprising of a series of remote radio controlled light packs, activated from existing emergency lighting, or other electrical power source and utilizing red and green coloured symbols, to assist evacuating personnel in finding the nearest exit during times of deteriorating visibility.

2. A floor proximity-emergency escape path marking system as claimed in claim 1 wherein lenses of varied shapes are used to match a customers requirements.

3. A floor proximity emergency escape path marking system as described herein with reference to figures 1,2 and 3 of the accompanying drawing.