Chute Or Escape Tower For Personnel Patents (Class 182/48)
  • Publication number: 20150060198
    Abstract: A system for the evacuation of occupants of a high-rise structure in an emergency, expressly designed to be located within the high-rise structure itself. The system comprises an evacuator which operates over a 10-floor or more distance within a fire inhibiting tubular structure such as a shaft, wherein the evacuator is mounted on a centrally disposed tube mechanically descending from the upper level of the shaft to its lower level with occupants onboard, and wherein this system includes a series of such tubes, such that when occupants on the higher floors descend to the lowest level of the first shaft, they may exit to a second shaft and move to the next unit of the evacuator until they have descended to safety.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: Edward H. Horn
  • Publication number: 20140345969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a life-saving apparatus and method for escaping from a second floor or a third floor of a burning building, wherein the life-saving apparatus includes a container, a set of wheels, an inflatable pillow, an inflatable slide, a set of canisters full of compressed gas, and a set of activators operatively connected to the canisters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: David Patrick Bambrick, Mary Katherine Bambrick
  • Publication number: 20140291070
    Abstract: A building evacuation system designed for the occupants of a building to escape pursuit or peril, such as fire, violence, natural catastrophe, or other emergency utilizing a deployed emergency exit incorporated into a building's exterior wall, such as a hinged latched window having an emergency exit deployment actuator mounted near the emergency exit that will simultaneously deploy an inflatable chute at the emergency exit, activate an internal audio and/or visual indicator to a central location that the emergency exit has been deployed, and initiate an automated text or voice message to the appropriate authorities, such as police and/or fire department, that the stated location's emergency exit has been deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Blair White
  • Publication number: 20140262614
    Abstract: An emergency escape slide container includes a first portion having a first end wall and a first side wall, the first side wall and the first end wall defining a first storage space that is sized and shaped to receive an emergency escape slide. The first side wall also includes a first rolling mechanism. The emergency escape slide container also includes a second portion having a second end wall and a second side wall, the second side wall and the second end wall defining a second storage space sized and shaped to receive the emergency escape slide. The second side wall also includes a second rolling mechanism. The first portion and the second portion cooperate to define a third storage space therebetween, the third storage space being equal to a combination of the first storage space and the second storage space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED AIR LINES, INC.
    Inventors: William J. Rushin, Edison Herrera
  • Patent number: 8813911
    Abstract: A tactical vehicle incorporates a line deployment tower adapted for use by personnel transferring between an elevated location on the vehicle and a remote target location. The line deployment tower includes a base mounted to the vehicle at the elevated location. An elongated line boom has a proximal end attached to the base, and an opposite distal end. A flexible line is secured to the distal end of the line boom, and is adapted for extending downward from the elevated location when deployed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Patriot3, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Fuqua, Steven S. Kahre
  • Publication number: 20140224584
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a rapid escape exit for a high building. The rapid escape exit is applied to an evacuation process. A transit point is set in each floor by accurately calculating according to an equation of Ashwan evacuation rule: A=B+M, wherein A is a floor level from which one is going to descend, B is a floor level to which one is going to reach, and M is the number of groups for the slideway in the building and labeled as M1, M2, . . . Mn. People may quit from an escape exit and then immediately enter another escape exit. Therefore, with the rapid escape exit, i.e., the fifth mode of Ashwan exit, it is possible to reduce the area used for installing slideway on the sideface of the building, and to reduce the risk of dizziness and imbalances which are accumulated during drop from a high building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Ashwan Murdhi B Aldosari
  • Publication number: 20140224936
    Abstract: Evacuation systems including gravity-assist mechanisms are detailed. The systems may facilitate slide pack deployment from, e.g., aircraft doors by increasing an initial downward velocity of a slide pack. The increased velocity assists the pack in clearing an associated enclosure before jamming the opening door or twisting or flipping into an undesirable orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Frank J. Brown
  • Publication number: 20140202791
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a rapid escape exit for a high building. The rapid escape exit is applied to an evacuation process. A transit point is set in each floor by accurately calculating according to an equation of Ashwan evacuation rule: A=B+M, wherein A is a floor level from which one is going to descend, B is a floor level to which one is going to reach, and M is the number of groups for the slideway in the building and labeled as M1, M2, . . . Mn. People may quit from an escape exit and then immediately enter another escape exit. Therefore, with the rapid escape exit, i.e., the fifth mode of Ashwan exit, it is possible to reduce the area used for installing slideway on the sideface of the building, and to reduce the risk of dizziness and imbalances which are accumulated during drop from a high building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Ashwan Murdhi B Aldosari
  • Publication number: 20140196383
    Abstract: A building fire escape system, comprising an auxiliary descending device, the auxiliary descending device being a sliding pole (6) or a spiral chute (6?), and at least one refuge chamber, the refuge chamber being a fireproof spatial structure integrated with the building. The inside of the refuge chamber is divided into a first space (2) and a second space (3) by fire partitions (1, 4). The first space (2) communicates with the interior space of the building. The second space (3) communicates with the exterior space of the building. The fire partition (4) is provided with a fireproof door (11) connecting the first space with the second space. Any two neighboring refuge chambers are interconnected. The fire partition is provided with an observation window (12). The first space and the second space are provided with an air supply pipe (14) and an air exhaust pipe (15). Disposed at the top of the refuge chamber is a water tank (16) connected to the fire main pipe (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: JIANGXI PROVINCE FENGHE YINGZAO GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Baoru Jie, Jiangang Jie
  • Publication number: 20140196986
    Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide includes a base, one or more top tubes, a first lateral side, including a series of alternately upright and inverted generally triangular inflatable frames, each frame being coupled to neighboring frames in the series, a first common side of the base and at least one of said top tubes, and a second lateral side including a series of alternately upright and inverted generally triangular inflatable frames, each frame being coupled to neighboring frames in the series, a second common side of the base and at least one of said top tubes. The first common side of the base is opposite the second common side of the base so that the slide is generally triangular in cross-section, and the angles of the triangular frames combine to form an upwardly directed arcuate bend in the uninflated slide which straightens under the weight of the slide when inflated and deployed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Inventor: Michael Grainger
  • Publication number: 20140166396
    Abstract: Conduits and methods for use evacuating a facility include a first end positioned at the facility, a second end movable between the facility and a remote location, at least one elongate member engaged with the body of the conduit and the facility, and at least one stabilization member engaged with the elongate member(s). Angled panels within the interior, oriented in opposition to adjacent panels, can permit users to transit through the body at a controllable rate. The material of the conduit or an outer sheath can protect users from flame, smoke, gas, or other hazards. The second end can engage a breakaway platform removably engaged with an escape vessel, enabling individuals to transit directly from a facility to the vessel. The elongate member(s) can pass through orifices in the platform to enable relative vertical motion between the platform/vessel and elongate member(s).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventors: Paul Ceeney, Gary Ceeney
  • Patent number: 8708101
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a life-saving apparatus and method for escaping from a second floor or a third floor of a burning building, wherein the life-saving apparatus includes a container, a set of wheels, an inflatable pillow, an inflatable slide, a set of canisters full of compressed gas, and a set of activators operatively connected to the canisters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventors: David Patrick Bambrick, Mary Katherine Bambrick
  • Publication number: 20130333979
    Abstract: An escape chute, including: an upper straight chute, a lower straight chute, a turning chute, a first rotating axle, and a second rotating axle. The turning chute includes a front section, a middle section, and a rear section. The upper straight chute and the lower straight chute are connected via the turning chute. Each chute includes: a chute base; a guard rail including a top and a bottom; and a handrail. The chute base of the upper straight chute and the chute base of the lower straight chute are connected through the chute bases of the front, the middle, and the rear sections of the turning chute. Each hinge joint between the chute bases of the corresponding chutes is provided with a hinge roller. Each butt joint is provided with a combined pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Miaorong ZHOU
  • Publication number: 20130213737
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a life-saving apparatus and method for escaping from a second floor or a third floor of a burning building, wherein the life-saving apparatus includes a container, a set of wheels, an inflatable pillow, an inflatable slide, a set of canisters full of compressed gas, and a set of activators operatively connected to the canisters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: David Patrick Bambrick, Mary Katherine Bambrick
  • Publication number: 20130105245
    Abstract: Described are girt panel assemblies including a panel, at least two hinges coupled to the panel, and at least one fabric girt coupled to the panel. The fabric girt may also be configured to couple to an evacuation slide. The evacuation slide may, but not necessarily, include a sill tube, where an upper fabric girt is coupled to an upper surface of the sill tube and a lower fabric girt is coupled to a lower surface of the sill tube. In these examples, the sill tube applies pressure to the upper fabric girt and the lower fabric girt when inflated. As a result, the sill tube is positioned between a lower surface of the panel and the passenger vehicle when inflated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: AIR CRUISERS COMPANY
    Inventor: Air Cruisers Company
  • Publication number: 20130048426
    Abstract: A rescue device for assisting in removing an individual from a particulate collapsed space comprising rectangular sheets having four sides with one longitudinal side having a male connector and the other longitudinal side having female connector. The sheets fit together by the female connector on one sheet sliding over the male connector on another sheet. The sheets can be individually inserted into the particulate, connecting one sheet at a time, this making it easier to create a rescue cavity. The sheets connect and are adapted to curl around so as to selectively create a rescue cavity of a desired size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Dale Ekdahl
  • Patent number: 8376082
    Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide, substantially triangular in cross-section, includes a base and lateral sides. The sides are formed from interlocking components, so that the slide is straight, when deployed. The inflatable evacuation slide may be used, for example, as a marine evacuation slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Grainger
  • Patent number: 8316991
    Abstract: There is disclosed a device of an evacuation system, in particular a foldable evacuation means which is arranged to be lowered from a parked folded up position on the vessel to be evacuated to stretched out position on a rescue device, the bottom section of which including a weight device to keep the evacuation means sufficient extended in use position, an including a set of one or more cables/wires connected to a winch arrangement for lowering and lifting the evacuation means. The evacuation device is characterized in that the weight device is arranged to be positioned on the rescue device, and the system includes means to compensate for varying distances between the vessel to be evacuated and the rescue vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Viking Life Saving Equipment
    Inventors: Bjørn T. Akselsen, Steinar Arefjord, Lars Bjoland, Magne K. Oen
  • Patent number: 8312967
    Abstract: An escape system (1) for evacuation is disclosed including a chute (2) comprising a succession of linked and spaced apart shaping sections (7), the succession including a number of shaping sections being connected by elastic cords (9) and linking successive shaping sections in a direction corresponding to a longitudinal axis (18) of the succession of shaping sections, and at least one tunnel-like device (6) being adapted to enable a person (16) who is being evacuated to move from a first position (3) to a second position (4) through the tunnel-like device, and wherein the chute (2) is arranged to have a self adjusting length (20, 22) and hereby operable at least two relative different chute lengths (20, 22) when the chute (2) has been launched and the chute is hanging substantially vertically from the higher position to the lower position, and the escape system comprises length limiting means (32, 36, 38) for changing between operation modes (24, 26) between the at least two relative different chute lengths (
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Viking Life-Saving Equipment A/S
    Inventor: Jens Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20120241252
    Abstract: The invention relates to an evacuation system, in particular for high-rise buildings, comprising at least one vertically arranged sliding profiled element (1) having a guide channel (8), wherein said sliding profiled element is arranged on the outside wall of a building and is provided for accommodating sliding elements (4) arranged at a distance from each other for transporting persons, at least one decelerating device (5) being provided along the vertical sliding profiled element, wherein said at least one decelerating device reduces at least in some sections the speed of the sliding elements moving downward on the vertical sliding profiled element (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Inventor: David Urban
  • Patent number: 8215586
    Abstract: Evacuation slide systems having extendable portions are detailed. The extendable portions of slides may be inflated separately from the main portions and actuated manually if desired. Consequently, attitude changes of, for example, an aircraft subsequent to inflation of the main portion of a slide would not necessarily defeat its use, as inflation of the extendable portion could still occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Air Cruisers Company
    Inventors: John O'Donnell, Frank Brown, Andreas Luethi
  • Publication number: 20120160605
    Abstract: An escape and rescue device for a multistory building to: a) evacuate a person or persons attached to an expandable disc support with an attachment lowered from an upper level of a building through a vertical tube, by using lesser pressure at the top and a higher pressure at the bottom, using a door at the top or at the bottom to maintain pressure or by artificial air pressure, thereby permitting the fast evacuation of many people in a short time, b) use by firemen in training, c) use at amusement parks, that would teach users of rides about reliability and safety, and d) transport firemen in a fast way from the ground to the upper floors without interfering with evacuation at congested stairways of the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Manuel Iván GUILLERMETY
  • Patent number: 8122999
    Abstract: An escape and rescue device used in a multistory building during a terrorist threat or a fire to: a) evacuate a person or persons attached to an expandable disc support with an attachment that is lowered from an upper level of a building through a vertical tube, by using a lesser pressure at the top of the tube and a higher pressure at the bottom of the tube, using a door at the top or a door at the bottom to maintain pressure or by artificial air pressure, thereby permitting the fast evacuation of many people in a short time, b) it can be used by firemen in training in its use and benefits, c) also at amusement parks, where there would be a ride that would teach the users about its reliability and safety, and d) to transport firemen in a fast way from the ground to the upper floors without interfering with the evacuation in process at the congested stairways of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Manuel Iván Guillermety
  • Patent number: 8066108
    Abstract: Systems for inhibiting installation of emergency escape slides behind bustles (or other covers) when removable safety pins (or similar objects) remain intact are addressed. Versions of the systems mechanically interfere with installation of the bustles as long as the safety pins remain in place. Only when all safety pins are removed can the mechanical impediment be detached (or moved sufficiently) to permit installation of the bustles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Air Cruisers Company
    Inventor: Robert William Hentges
  • Publication number: 20110278092
    Abstract: Described are girt panel assemblies including a panel, at least two hinges coupled to the panel, and at least one fabric girt coupled to the panel. The fabric girt may also be configured to couple to an evacuation slide. The evacuation slide may, but not necessarily, include a sill tube, where an upper fabric girt is coupled to an upper surface of the sill tube and a lower fabric girt is coupled to a lower surface of the sill tube. In these examples, the sill tube applies pressure to the upper fabric girt and the lower fabric girt when inflated. As a result, the sill tube is positioned between a lower surface of the panel and the passenger vehicle when inflated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Inventor: FRANK JOHN BROWN
  • Publication number: 20110259668
    Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide, substantially triangular in cross-section, includes a base and lateral sides. The sides are formed from interlocking components, so that the slide is straight, when deployed. The inflatable evacuation slide may be used, for example, as a marine evacuation slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Grainger
  • Publication number: 20110226550
    Abstract: This invention's purpose is to quickly and safely evacuate people from the highest stories of a high-rise building. It is a slide, much like those on airplanes, but with more features and uses. Another part of this creation is a movable slide that is attached to a funnel, which can be carried around on fire trucks and attached to the fire truck's crane when needed for use. There is also a machine that can be used to re-wrap the slide once it has been used. The slides are packed inside an exact windowsill and will roll out of its storage space when called for. There is one every few stories and the slides are at intervals so that no collision will occur. Another feature of the slide is clear plastic covering over the top to keep people in and make it possible to direct traffic. The most important attribute of this invention is the plastic sheets that keep the walls and the slide stiff. It is through these that the air is pumped into the slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Hien Minh Tran
  • Patent number: 7996942
    Abstract: A crew transfer system for transferring personnel from a vessel to a stationary platform, such as an oil rig, is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system includes a ramp that is coupled to the vessel and an interface that is attached to the stationary platform. The ramp is coupled to the vessel in such a way as to permit one translational and three rotational degrees of freedom at the vessel-end of the ramp. The ramp is coupled to the interface in such a way as to permit no translational and at least one rotational degree-of-freedom at the rig-end of the ramp with respect to the interface. The interface is rotatably coupled to the stationary platform in such a way as to permit a rotation of the interface about the yaw axis. Permitted rotation of the interface enables a range of acceptable angles of orientation between the vessel and the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Corey A. Fleischer, Matthew Kapelanczyk, Greg W. Klein
  • Publication number: 20110011673
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflatable unit for evacuation purposes, said inflatable unit comprising at least a first inflatable chamber (1) and a second inflatable chamber (2), said chambers abutting each other, an opening, which is arranged between the two inflatable chambers (1, 2), a pressure source with an inflating gas, which pressure source is connected to the first inflatable chamber (1), a one-way valve (3), which is arranged in connection with the opening between the inflatable chambers, so that the inflating gas only can pass from the first chamber (1) to the second chamber (2). The one-way valve (3) comprises at least a first sheet (4), which is made of a flexible material, said first sheet (4) being adapted to be a sleeve (5) or be part of a sleeve (5). Furthermore, the sleeve (5) has a first end (7) and a second end (8), and at least openings (9, 10) at both ends (7, 8), said sleeve (5) being substantially closed between the ends (7, 8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT A/S
    Inventor: Gert Smedmann Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 7789761
    Abstract: A stairway slide assembly including an anchoring approach pad at the top of the stairway, an intermediate inflatable slide section for overlying the stairway steps and an deceleration section at the bottom of the stairway. A slide section includes a plurality of inflatable, longitudinally extending air passages which are formed by sealing laterally spaced apart elongate confronting portions of a pair of air impervious sheets. An inflatable support base is coupled to and underlies the slide and includes transversely extending inflatable air passages received on the steps and supporting the underside of the slide in spaced relation with the underlying steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventor: Piper Lumsden
  • Publication number: 20100213006
    Abstract: The invention relates to an improved escape system including a chute adapted to compensate for varying vertical distance. Elastic cords extend in a course of direction which progresses differently from vertically when the escape system has been launched and the chute is hanging vertically from the higher position to the lower position, such that tension is applied to the elastic cords. By the present invention it is realised that a longer elongation of the chute may be obtained without increasing the minimum length when the elastic cords extend in such a course of direction, because the cords hereby become longer than in a course of direction progressing straight and vertically. Since any elastic cord has a maximum strain which it may safely endure, a longer extent of such a cord subjected to maximum strain will result in a longer elongation, and hence longer maximum length while maintaining or even reducing the minimum length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: VIKING LIFE-SAVING EQUIPMENT A/S
    Inventors: Thyge Baungaard, Jens Nielsen
  • Publication number: 20100193289
    Abstract: An escape and rescue device used in a multistory building during a terrorist threat or a fire to: a) evacuate a person or persons attached to an expandable disc support with an attachment that is lowered from an upper level of a building through a vertical tube, by using a lesser pressure at the top of the tube and a higher pressure at the bottom of the tube, using a door at the top or a door at the bottom to maintain pressure or by artificial air pressure, thereby permitting the fast evacuation of many people in a short time, b) it can be used by firemen in training in its use and benefits, c) also at amusement parks, where there would be a ride that would teach the users about its reliability and safety, and d) to transport firemen in a fast way from the ground to the upper floors without interfering with the evacuation in process at the congested stairways of the building.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Manuel Iván GUILLERMETY
  • Patent number: 7681515
    Abstract: A life raft canister is launched from a below deck doorway. A launcher is activated and pneumatically opens a below deck door, exposing the doorway. The same inflation tank inflates an elongated bladder that forces the life boat canister out of the doorway. The canister drops to the sea where the life boat is deployed from the canister. The life raft auto-inflates. As a result, a life raft is deployed from below-deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Thomas A. Apple
  • Publication number: 20100051383
    Abstract: An escape system (1) for evacuation is disclosed including a chute (2) comprising a succession of linked and spaced apart shaping sections (7), the succession including a number of shaping sections being connected by elastic cords (9) and linking successive shaping sections in a direction corresponding to a longitudinal axis (18) of the succession of shaping sections, and at least one tunnel-like device (6) being adapted to enable a person (16) who is being evacuated to move from a first position (3) to a second position (4) through the tunnel-like device, and wherein the chute (2) is arranged to have a self adjusting length (20, 22) and hereby operable at least two relative different chute lengths (20, 22) when the chute (2) has been launched and the chute is hanging substantially vertically from the higher position to the lower position, and the escape system comprises length limiting means (32, 36, 38) for changing between operation modes (24, 26) between the at least two relative different chute lengths (
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Jens Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7556124
    Abstract: A device for evacuating people from a building (2). The device includes a part that can be placed into a functional position from a non-functional position. In the functional position, the device forms a rescue channel (29) leading from an upper floor of a building to ground level (20). The part forming the rescue channel (29) is embodied as a tube (7) which is folded together in the non-functional position. The tube extends in an essentially vertical manner with respect to the building wall (22), and braking devices are provided for the safe conveyance of people through the rescue channel (29) to ground level (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Inventor: Werner Häfliger
  • Patent number: 7494419
    Abstract: A stair slide having a longitudinally extending inflatable body with an upper surface and a lower surface. The body is configured so that when inflated, the lower surface conforms to steps of a stairway and the upper surface is substantially flat. A mounting device is attached to an upper end of the body for securing the body at the stairway. A lower end of the body opposite the upper end is formed as a flat landing area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventors: Dov Katz, Bezalel Katz
  • Patent number: 7490795
    Abstract: An emergency evacuation slide system includes a control valve having a normally-open vent that closes after a predetermined period of time calculated to vent excess inflation gas produced by the gas generator. In operation, in the event of an aircraft emergency exit door being opened in the “armed” condition, the primary valve member of the control valve is opened allowing inflation gas to flow into the valve chamber. A portion of the gas entering the chamber is vented through the normally-open vent. After a predetermined period of time calculated to be sufficient to vent the excess inflation gas, the normally-open valve is closed to divert 100% of the remaining inflation gas into the evacuation slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Clegg, David M. Whittingham, Peter P. Seabase
  • Publication number: 20090008186
    Abstract: A personnel evacuation and rescue system provides a reliable, easy to operate, and easy to access evacuation system for personnel working on elevated surfaces in hazardous environments. The evacuation and rescue system includes a ground-mounted base unit, a tubular escape chute, an upper docking portal mounted on the work platform that is mounted onto the side of a drilling or well service mast work platform, and cables for support, deployment, and retrieval of the escape chute. A quick disconnect means for anchoring a fall restraint harness used by the personnel working on the mast platform is attached to the docking platform.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Jack Curtis Taylor, Denny Grant Frank Deren
  • Patent number: 7467764
    Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide system includes a slide pack that is ejected from its enclosure by means of an ejection bag, which inflates rapidly to force the evacuation slide out of the enclosure. The high accelerations imposed on the uninflated evacuation slide by the ejection bag make the slide prone to tearing on the edge of the fuselage as the slide pack is forced through the opening. Accordingly, the enclosure is provided with a chafing skirt, which comprises a flexible collar that deploys outward from the enclosure and lays flat against the aircraft fuselage to provide a smooth transition region between the enclosure and the aircraft skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: Roland D. Hintzman
  • Publication number: 20080245612
    Abstract: This invention relates to a modular, external emergency structure particularly suitable for use as a fire escape. This structure comprises several modules stacked one on top of the other; the modules have a closed top surface featuring means suitable to open under the weight of a person and close immediately afterwards. In this way, said person falls into each module in succession in a controlled way, slowing down the fall. The structure comprises a bottom module found at ground level and several other modules, preferably different from the bottom module, to be stacked on top of the bottom module. Ideally, the height of each module should not be less than the height of the floor of the building to which it is connected; while, the height of the structure should not be less than the height of the last floor of the building to which said structure is connected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Salvatore Catania
  • Publication number: 20080223656
    Abstract: This invention provides a reliable means for rapid escape from a burning building when usual exits are dangerous, deploying a safe exit quickly and without requiring the child or adult user to possess unusual presence of mind, strength, manual dexterity or mechanical ability to deploy the apparatus, trained coordination or physic agility to descend. The Self-deploying Automatic inflatable Fire Escape (SAFE) is a building component containing a compressed and folded slide that is installed into an edifice during construction as an integral part of a window casement or wall, or is retrofitted under a pre-existing window, and is automatically deployed by equipment which detects a dangerous condition, sounds and alarm, notifies emergency organizations by a dial-up, opens an aperture in the wall and extends the slide by opening a valve and releasing compressed gas into an inflatable volume which is distended to become a walled chute to the ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventor: Erwin Roy John
  • Publication number: 20080142297
    Abstract: A survival tower for use in the event of an emergency inside a building provides improved control of traffic inside an emergency chute as well as improved management for smoke and flames. While sliding down the chute, users are temporarily slowed down or decelerated whenever they approach a lower chute entrance being used by another user, to leave enough time for the entering user to safely engage the chute. At the lower end of the chute, the users are gradually slowed down for a smooth finish of their downward traversal of the slide. The tower can be built inside or outside building walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Gilles Desrosiers
  • Publication number: 20080116007
    Abstract: To provide another way to exit and/or enter an elevated structure may include alternative access devices. For example, some of the windows on the upper floors of a building may be equipped with devices to allow occupants of those floors to exit and/or enter the building via the window. The devices may be integrated with the building. The alternative access devices also may be used for other applications. For example, the devices may provide access to a structure that is a considerable distance from the ground, such as a tree house or other play structure. The invented access device includes a chute mounted at the top to a pivotal frame mounted, for example near a window or other elevated opening, the chute having a connected or independently deployable step ladder therein and optionally spaced apart support members such as circular, rectangular or oval hoops therearound. The rungs of the step ladder provide a standoff for the webbed material of the chute.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Brian Johnson
  • Publication number: 20070284188
    Abstract: An evacuation system designed to be mounted proximate a window of a multi-story building. The evacuation slide includes a storage chamber that has substantially disposed therein an inflator and the evacuation slide in its undeployed condition. The evacuation slide further consists of two main support tubes generally parallel and extending downward with each other when the slide is in its deployed condition. Interposed the main support tubes is a flexible sliding surface. Substantially disposed on the sliding surface is a plurality of speed control ridges that extend upward to control the descent rate of an individual traversing down the evacuation slide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kathryn Chippindale
  • Patent number: 7188705
    Abstract: An evacuation system for high-rise buildings includes an evacuation tube that extends vertically from an entrance on an upper floor to ground level, and a carrier that descends freely through the tube to swiftly carry a person from the upper floor to the ground. A storage tube holds multiple carriers near the entrance to the evacuation tube. The evacuation tube is configured to control the rate of descent of the carrier via established radial clearances and resulting progressively increasing pneumatic pressured-air damping under the carrier, to achieve an initial rapid descent, then a slower descent as the carrier approaches ground lever. Exiting the evacuation tube in the carrier is controlled through large sequenced valves that establish an airlock between the inside of the tube and the outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Kurt F. Fuhrmann
  • Patent number: 7111436
    Abstract: The lifesaving system for buildings of the present invention includes a tubular device having opened crowns or circular radial curved crowns attached to an inside wall of the tubular device, the crowns having flexible vanes or fins through which inverted bell-shaped elements pass, the elements larger in size than the inner size of the crowns, and are braked or slowed as they move downwards, a foam rubber element added at an end of the tubular device, and an annular element having an outside perimeter forming a tapered cone and curved, and which adapts to a top of a user's chest and is positionable under user's armpits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Manuel Munoz Saiz
  • Patent number: 7090168
    Abstract: A girt assembly for releasably connecting an evacuation slide to an aircraft includes superimposed flexible panels that are continuous at a pair of spaced connection points for connection with the aircraft. One or more catenary loops are formed in each panel for distributing forces on the flexible panels along a length of the loops. The connection points may be releasably connected to a girt bar with spaced bracket assemblies or directly connected to floor brackets associated with the aircraft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Air Cruisers Company
    Inventor: Frank J. Brown
  • Patent number: 7048092
    Abstract: The present Patent of invention “HELICAL RAMP LIFE-PRESERVER” refers to a model of helical ramp, aimed for collective use, for immediate rescue of lives subjected to a probable fire, to be used in buildings of any height, or in places that cannot be reached by the devices currently in use, such as “Magirus” stairs, or even in those where these devices can reach, but a probable delay to help would put in risk people's life in an eventual emergency state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventor: Jason De Carvalho Gomes Junior
  • Patent number: 7025173
    Abstract: A system for the evacuation of individuals trapped in multiple story buildings by gliding down a rescue sleeve. The sleeve (12) is composed of sections (20), each section being made of a sheet material strengthened by a circumferential rigid support member (22), the sections are connected to each other to form a continuous envelope. At least a pair of cables (26; 27) are provided, thread along the sleeve, one (26) at the bottom and one (27) at the top generatrix thereof. A pair of winch systems (52; 54) are provided for winding the cables (26; 27) into a dedicated location (50) at the building story from which rescue is requested, so that the sleeve (12) becomes folded into a compact package. Coil springs (60; 62) are used for selectively ejecting and unfolding the sleeve down to ground level where it becomes tied to stationary objects (16; 17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Eliyahu Nir
  • Patent number: 6994182
    Abstract: A safety device for escaping from building, which includes a flexible tube-shaped object (8), interval installing elastic apparatus (6) longitudinal along the flexible tube-shaped object (8), a supporting frame (9) installed on the top of said flexible tube-shaped object (8), escaping entry (11) installed on the supporting frame (9). Using the safety device according to the present invention, people can safely descend onto the ground from the high building through said flexible tube-shaped object (8), when the accident occurs in the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Inventor: Wusheng Wang