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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 (

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).