GB2349906A - Escape net - Google Patents

Abstract

A portable fire escape net comprises a hook device 1 adapted to hook on to a window sill, and a deployable net having stretcher bars 16, border ropes 14 and relatively finer mesh 15. It may have a bridle 12 to provide a secure handhold: it may be contained in a holdall, part of which is deployable over the sill to protect against broken glass remaining in a window frame.

Description

2349906 THE ESCAPE NET

TECHNMCAL FIELD

The invention relates to an Escape Net as a means of escape from an upstairs, 1-4, or 2 nd f loor domestic window.

BACKGROUND

My wife and I were very concerned about the possibility of being trapped upstairs at home by f ire and smoke, so we decided to have all of the house bedroom windows replaced with the double glazed tilt and turn type for easy means of escape - now that we're getting on in years.

I contacted numerous companies around the UK to see if I could purchase some escape apparatus. All that I could discover was a steel-link type Jacob's ladder, made in the USA. However, it is known to me, from maritime experience, that ladders of this type are notoriously awkward in operation, tending to twist in use. I therefore refrained from making a purchase.

With this experience in mind, I designed and had manufactured, this, my own piece of escape equipment. It has been tested extensively, and an average evacuation time from a f irst f loor window to ground level is wel I under 60 seconds.

The prototype is now stowed, ready for use in an emergency, below our bedroom window sill in the room.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL FEATURES The invention is an ESCAPE NET for those who are trapped upstairs by smoke or fire and do not have a staircase available to them. An exit from an upstairs room, equipped with an ESCAPE NET can be made very rapidly in the minimum of time.

The ESCAPE NET is enclosed in a high visibility orange pvc valise, and is immediately available for use in an emergency.

2, 15RAWINGS Fig. 1 Shows the window sill clip Fig. 2 Shows a prof ile of the clip in position and the ESCAPE NET deployed Fig. 3 Shows the way in which the ESCAPE NET is connected to the f lared plate Fig. 4 Shows the ESCAPE NET and the aluminium stretcher bars Detail W shows how the nylon webbing bridle is connected to the border rope. Detail S' shows how the head of the ESCAPE NET is secured to the flared riser section Detail 'C shows how the border rope is secured to the ESCAPE NET mesh with alternate half hitches and clove hitches Fig. 5 Shows the layout of the pvc valise and the f lexi-ormouring which is sewn to it, and the valise in stowed position with deployment instructions Fig. 6 Shows the ESCAPE NET fully deployed, with the clip in position, locking the valise apron in position. The f lexi-armouring is in place over the window frame ledge, and the bridle for escaping persons to gain a hand-hold when exiting the room. Fig.7A Shows a window with f ixed glazing whose glass has been deliberately broken with a view to an escape without an ESCAPE NET in place. This wil be a very hazardous exercise. Fig. 713 Shows a similar window showing how the flexi-ormouring crushes glass shards, as the deployed ESCAPE NET unfurls to ground level.

3 Ref. DESCRIPTION REMARKS

No.

1. Flared Riser Section: 43019. x 37wide, showing 5no. 8mrn Heed of Net holes sealed into nylon sleeve, fixed as in 8.

below 2. Flat Plate Section. 43019. x 25wide 3. Section abutting longitudinal internal face of window sill 43019. x 37wide 4. Section abutting longitudinal internal underside of window sill: 43019 x 25wide 5. Chamfered corner - for and safe handling 6. 5no. 8rnm dia. holes 7. Chamf ered corner - for easy and safe handling 8. 5no. M6 galvanised hex.head steel bolt and nut, brass washered each side 9. Typical cross-section, internal sill board 10. Typical cross-section, window frame 11. Apron of valise Also shows f lexi armouring. See also21.

12. 25mm white nylon webbing Bridle. Provides safe handhold after deployment of ESCAPE NET 13. _Approx. arc described by 12. when in use 14. 8mm din. continuous nylon Border Rope. 1425 Kg breaking strain 4-, 15. 5mm die. braided nylon cord Net. 10Omm mesh. 500K9 breaking strain. Manf. to 85 3193 Mesh secured to Border Rope both sides with alternate clove and half hitches in 4mm nylon cord, 1500K9 breaking strain 16. 25mm o.d. 10swq tubular aluminium Stretcher Bar @ Maintains nominal 1200clc, positioned by thro'drilling at rigidity of extremeties. Net of ter deployment 17. Valise in'hi-vis'pvc. Stowed dims. approx. 61Omm x 180 Weight die. Deployment end re-stowing instructions included. approx.3.5K9 18. Valise f astenings in 25mm Velcro (shown hatched) For opening and closing Valise 19................. ditto ditto........... ditto 20................. ditto ditto........... ditto 21. Flexi-armouring 465mm x 200 sewn to valise 22. Ref lective strip 41Omm x 50mm to Marine Safety Agency For standard. Sewn to valise deployment in poor light conditions 23. 18Omm die. pvc valise cheeks 24. Webbing carry-handle Fig. Shows typical window f rame with fixed glazing 7 deliberately broken to provide a means of escape. If time W permits remaining glass shards should be cleared so far as possible Fig. Shows typical window frame with either opening light or 7 f ixed with shards removed. When ESCAPE NET is Y deployed, remaining shards are safely crushed by f lexi ormouring.

1

Claims (9)

1. The fabric of the NET is 5mm die. braided nylon cord, of 500K9 breaking strain/strand. The mesh of the net is 10Omm square and is soft to the touch which is appropriate when users may not be able to locate any footwear in an emergency situation.

2. The fabric of the BORbER POPE is 8mm die. 3 strand continuous nylon cord, of 1350 K9 breaking strain.

3. The fabric of the BRIDLE is 25mm white nylon webbing.

4. The ESCAPE NET is portable and in its recommended position, always ready for deployment.

5. The ESCAPE NET can be taken away to a new home in the event of a house move, although it must be checked for adequacy of length for each new location.

6. The ESCAPE NET can be used from any opening window or, if glass is broken firstly, from any fixed glass window. Single or double glazing.

7. The ESCAPE NET weighs approx 3.5K9 (7.71bs) for a 3.6m (12ft) length. Other lengths are pro rate for weight.

8. The ESCAPE NET is designed to be stowed inside the room under a window sill.

9. An escape device substantially as herein described with reference to the Irpcompanying drawings.

#PP MW;II J0 RON

9. The ESCAPE NET is available in lengths of 3.6m (12ft) 4.5m (15ft) 6.Om (20ft) 7.5m (25ft) Specific design lengths are available on special order.

(9 Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. An escape device comprising a hook-like member adapted to hook onto a window sill, and a deployable net, which in use depends from the hook- like member, and enables a person to climb down the net.

2. An escape device as in Claim 1, wherein the fabric of the net is 5mm dia. braided nylon cord of 500kg breaking strain/strand, the mesh is 10Omm sq. and soft to the touch for climbing without footwear.

3. An escape device as in Claim 1 or 2, having at the edges of the net a border rope, eq. of 8mm dia. 3 strand continuous nylon cord of 1350kg breaking strain.

4. An escape device as in any preceding Claim, comprising a bridle acting as a handhold, eg. of 25mm nylon webbing.

5. An escape device as in any preceding Claim, which is portable.

6. An escape device as in any preceding Claim which is contained in a holdall or valise for storage, eg. under a window sill.

7. An escape device as in Claim 6, for use with any open window, or broken glazing in a fixed window, in which part of the holdall or valise is deployable to protect the net and user from broken glass.

8. An escape device as in any preceding Claim, which may be used with broken glazing whether the glazing is of the single or multiple glazed type.