GB2267069A

GB2267069A - Escape tunnel for use in hazardous environments.

Info

Publication number: GB2267069A
Application number: GB9210688A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Andrew Ive
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-05-19
Filing date: 1992-05-19
Publication date: 1993-11-24
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-19
Also published as: GB2267069B; GB9210688D0

Abstract

The tunnel 10 comprises a tube of flexible fire-resistant material supported by spaced hoops 15 which may be mounted on wheels or skids. The tunnel is stored in collapsed form, eg behind a secondary fire door 12. The escaping person can control the direction of escape by placing his feet in shuffle pads 18 in the floor 17 of the tunnel, grasping the handles 13 and looking through windows 14 in the exit doors 19. Erection of the tunnel may be automatic using compressed air or water or a wireline. The tunnel can be used to escape from hazards such as fire, smoke, heat, fumes or gas, eg in buildings, crashed aircraft, mines, ships or lifeboats. <IMAGE>

Description

ESCAPE TUNNEL Field of the Invention The invention relates to escape tunnels and in particular, though not exclusively, to escape tunnels used in escaping through a hazard to safety.

Background The escape tunnel introduces a new concept of escape and whilst not limited to such, is designed for offshore purposes in allowing escapees to reach life rafts or safe havens during a fire or gas hazard. This is a requirement of the Cullen Report into the Piper Bravo disaster.

Other uses of the tunnel are for incidents at airfields to allow fire fighters to approach and escapees to be channelled away from the hazard. Similarly, fire fighters at domestic or industrial fires may use it to approach a fire.

Summary of the Invention According to the invention there is therefore provided a retractable safety tunnel having an opening at a first end to allow access to the tunnel and a sealable opening at a second extended end wherein, in use, the safety tunnel can be extended so as to penetrate a hazardous environment and thus enable individuals within the tunnel to safely enter such an environment and, via the sealable opening, gain access to the environment; further when the tunnel is not in use it can be stored in a retracted condition.

In one aspect the invention provides an escape tunnel comprising a tube of solid or flexible material supported by hoops or other shaped props spaced along its length. There may also be central braces connecting the props to give longitudinal support; a solid self supporting series of arches may also be used instead of a flexible material. The tube is large enough internally to allow escapees to pass through it and exit to safety. The tunnel is designed to give flexibility in the horizontal plane to allow for bending and corners.

In its stored position, the whole assembly concertinas into a container to give compact storage.

Preferably there are two foot holes in the floor at the front of the tunnel, to allow the tunnel to be taken forward. (A floor may only be required if the tunnel is to be used over grating.) Clear panels are included in the front and rear door portions to allow visibility to the positioner.

The tunnel is made from fire retardant, or resistant material that may be reflective.

The assembly may have a water sprinkler on the outside to reduce flame and temperature hazards.

The assembly may include a battery powered lighting system integral with the design.

The assembly may incorporate a fresh air system from compressed air bottles to purge and pressurize the tunnel.

The supporting hoops may be on wheels or skids to aid erection.

Side doors may be included in the design to allow exit at various points.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows an escape tunnel according to the invention, the tunnel being shown in the extended 'in use' position with a cut away showing the 'shuffle pads'.

Figure 2a shows the fire tunnel from above indicating the position of the secondary fire door.

Figure 2b shows the tunnel in its stored position.

Figure 3a shows the shuffle pads located by the front door.

Figure 3b shows the use of the shuffle pads.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring to Figure 1, there is shown an escape tunnel 10 which extends through a secondary fire door 12. This fire door is opened by releasing latch 20, and by grasping handles 13, one of which is shown, and using windows 14, one of which is shown, the tunnel position can control the direction of escape.

The advantage of the escapees being able to view the direction of escape tunnel is that safe evacuation can be made.

The escape tunnel is made from a fire resistant or retardant material, and may be of the reflective kind. The tunnel is supported on props 15 made from metal or other fibre material which are spaced appropriately along the length of the tunnel. The supports may be external or internal to the escape tunnel 10. They may be mounted on wheels or skids to assist the movement of the tunnel 10. The props maintain the profile of the tunnel and may be connected by a self locking cross member 16 to provide longitudinal rigidity. The water spray liquid may be conducted along cross members, or a separate tube fixed to the top of the tunnel.

Referring to Figures 1, 3a and 3b; if required, floor 17 of the tunnel 10 is made from a similar material and incorporates shuffles pads 18 at the front end. If the tunnel is of a long length, shuffles pads may be required at the centre of the length for a second person to assist the erection. The tunnel positioning person places a foot In each of the holes 18, and grasps handles 13, and viewing through the windows 14, the tunnel can be safely positioned to allow a safe exit to be made via doors 19. Additional side doors along the length may be incorporated. There will also be a door at the opposite end of the tunnel with windows to enable escapees to view the tunnel's length.

The overlapping flaps on the door are held together preferably by magnetic strips.

Automatic erection of the tunnel 10 may be a possible embodiment using compressed air/water or wireline supporting depending on the destination and route of the tunnel 10.

Referring to Figures 2a and 2b; the tunnel 10 is shown in its stored position either within a primary fire door 12 or in a specifically manufactured exit apparatus installed for the purpose. Compact storage can be better achieved if the props are of a decreasing size. Lights and fresh air can be automatically or manually brought into operation in the tunnel 10.

The tunnel can be directed around corners by the positioner.

Longitudinal support can be gained by the self locking cross members being in the top centre to allow directional flexibility, or by the first two props only being locked together to give support to the rest of the tunnel.

There is a variety of applications to which this tunnel can be put to escape the hazards of fire, smoke heat, fumes and gas, and some of them include evacuation from safe havens to lifeboats offshore, or on board shlps, buildings for entry and exit, crashed aircraft or other such scenarios, mines, to give fresh air passages, and by the fire service to access generally.

Claims

1. A safety apparatus for use in a hazardous environment comprising: at least one member adapted for extension and retraction, said member also including; an entry port to enable an invididual to gain access to said member; at least one viewing means so that an individual inside the member can view said environment; and support means such that when said member is extended there is provided a protective chamber through which individuals can pass without exposure to said environemt.

2. A safety apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein there is provided a plurality of said members.

3. A safety apparatus according to Claim 2 wherein said members are interconnected.

4. A safety apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein there is provided a sealable entry port at a site remote from said entry port.

5. A safety apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein said viewing means comprises the provision of transparent material in at least a part of said member.

6. A safety appartus according to Claim 1 wherein said support means comprises a plurality of spaced upright members.

7. A safety apparatus according to Claim 6 wherein said upright members comprise hoops.

8. A safety apparatus according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 wherein said upright members are braced theretogether so as to provide support in the direction of extension of the appartus.

9. A safety apparatus according to Claims 6, 7 or 8 wherein said support members are provided with ground engaging rollers to facilitate extension of the appartus.

10. A safety apparatus according to Claim 1 wherein at least one pair of feet chambers are provided at the penetrating end of the apparatus so that an individual can manually propell the extension of the apparatus.

11. A safety apparatus according to Claim 10 wherein internal grip means are provided so that individuals propelling the apparatus can hold on to, and if necessary, raise the apparatus as it is propelled forwards.

12. A safety apparatus according to Claims 1 to 9 wherein hydraulic means are provided for enabling extension of the appartus.

13. A safety apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims wherein the retractable member comprises fire retardant material.

14. A safety apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims wherein the retractable member comprises reflective material.

15. A safety apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims wherein a water sprinkler apparatus is provided on the external side of said member.

16. A safety apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims wherein lighting means is provided on the internal side of said member.

17. A safety apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims wherein a ventilation means is provided on the internal side of said member.