Abstract: A telescoping, extensible fire escape chute is mounted on a vehicle carrying a telescoping boom having a passenger basket mounted at an upper end. The fire escape chute is formed of a plurality of telescoping sections which automatically extend and retract upon extension or retraction of the telescoping boom. In one embodiment, support cables under variable tension are attached to the sides of the chute to prevent sideways tipping of the chute during use. In another embodiment, pins and wedges are used with selected chute and boom sections to securely mount the chute to the boom as the boom is extended. In yet another embodiment, a scissor-action locking bolt with extensible and retractable links is used to releasably connect selected chute sections to the boom.

Abstract: A telescoping, extensible fire escape chute is mounted on a vehicle carrying a telescoping boom having a passenger basket mounted at an upper end. The fire escape chute is formed of a plurality of telescoping sections which automatically extend and retract upon extension or retraction of the telescoping boom. Support cables under variable tension are attached to the sides of the chute to prevent sideways tipping of the chute during use. A deflatable cushion is mountable on the vehicle below the lower end of the chute and includes a plurality of vertically stacked inflatable members which, during deflation when a person or object strikes the cushion, gradually slow movement of the person or object in a controlled manner.