Abstract: A strap restrains full extension of an evacuation slide until a bag on the slide inflates to extend and unlace a cord to separate the strap coupling the restrained segments of the slide. The device is especially useful as a back-up restraint in escape slides of the dual chamber variety wherein the inflation of one but not the other of the chambers will not create sufficient pressure to break a primary restraint device employing shear pins separable by a predetermined pressure being attained in the inflatable slide chambers.

Abstract: The container (12) has an inflation opening (46) which is closed by a valve (56) with seals (66) compressed by spring (90) pressure during the packing process. Air is removed from the container (12) for deflation by a vacuum pump (20) and excessive vacuum necessary for deflating the container (12) in a reasonable time but which is too high for the packing process and may damage the valve (56) or seals (66) is limited by a vacuum control unit (20) adjusted to maintain the vacuum below a predetermined vacuum and then admit atmospheric air over that level. The vacuum control unit (20) may have a screw adjustment (34) engageable with a spring (36) for increasing or decreasing pressure on an inlet valve member (32).

Abstract: Rescue apparatus is described for use in the rescue of persons from high rise and other buildings which includes an inflatable funnel of fabric carried by a bracket which is secured to an interior portion of a building, the funnel preferably being located below a window from which an escape is to be made, the funnel having a chute or conduit connected to its lower end through which the person jumping into the funnel slides to and through a window located below the funnel.

Abstract: A packboard assembly (10) has a shell (12) in which the escape slide is packed and held in place by releasably fastened covers (28,29). The shell (12) is mounted on a door (44) and supported by latches (52) having latch pins (62) which when removed cause the assembly (10) to drop. The latch pins (62) are removed in response to opening of the door (44) after the escape slide system is actuated by an operator. Then after the packboard assembly (10) is dropped a predetermined distance a packing release lanyard (68) is tensioned to release the covers (28,29) and permit the shell (12) to fall away from the slide. A firing lanyard (78) then actuates the inflation of the slide.

Abstract: An inflatable slide device for emergency evacuation from structures such as aircraft, offshore drilling platforms, etc. The slide device comprises two assemblies of tubular members defining two mutually independent inflatable chambers. One chamber includes tubular members supportive of the slide panel of the device and certain side rail tubular members as well as another tubular member functioning as the central slide support. The other chamber also includes tubular members supportive of the slide panel of the device and certain other side rail tubular members as well as another tubular member also functioning as an additional central slide support.

Abstract: A fire escape is provided having an upper, supporting entry member and a mesh tube attached to this upper support member, the mesh tube being substantially longer than the building height from which escape is necessary, and a lower, exit-opening support member attached to the lower end of the mesh tube. The mesh openings have a maximum dimension of about two inches. In use, the maximum dimension of the upper entry member is larger than the window or other opening through which escape is necessary. In use, the lower support member and attached mesh tube are lowered to the ground through the window through which escape is to be made. The fire escape is held in place by the upper support member which cannot pass through the window. A person escapes the building by entering the upper entry support member and lowering himself to the ground safely by means of his hands engaging the mesh.

Abstract: An escape slide arranged to provide an inclined descent path for evacuees, the slide includes a support structure and a slideway supported thereby, the slideway includes a sheet of flexible material provided with holes through which water drains. The sheet preferably comprises a warp knitted fabric net.

Abstract: A self-contained emergency evacuation system of the type including an inflatable escape slide is disclosed wherein a packboard and three hinged together deployment links form the system stowage pack which is secured to the floor of an aircraft adjacent to an upwardly and outwardly swinging emergency door. As the door opens, a deployment lanyard that is connected between a door-mounted arming and deployment mechanism and the upper portion of the stowage pack tips the stowage pack out of the aircraft door, with the deployment lanyard being automatically released as the stowage pack begins to fall under the force of gravity. Since the first of the three hinged together deployment links is hinged to the system base plate and swings into contact with the door sill region, the two other deployment links and packboard swing arcuately out of the aircraft.

Abstract: The apparatus is constructed with upright supports and contilevers which project from the supports. The cantilevers carry a suspension device for supporting a rubble chute as well as a foldable U-shaped tray which defines a walkway for access to the chute. The cantilevers are constructed of horizontal tie bars and diagonal struts which can be detachably connected from the upright supports.

Abstract: A landing net assembly (10) provides a controlled deceleration landing device for pole vaulters, high jumpers and the like in such a way that the impact of a free-falling body and the rate of displacement of the landing net is dampened in a controlled manner. Each of a plurality of damping devices includes a supporting post (12, 14) which contains a fluid (72) and float (76) submerged in the fluid (72), the float (76) being connected by tendons or cords (82) to the landing net (18) so that when the (18) net is displaced the float (76) is displaced within the fluid (72). In this manner, the viscous drag force of each float as it moves through the fluid and the buoyant force of the float in the fluid dissipate the initial impact of the free-falling body and damp the rate of displacement of the net.

Abstract: An improved, self-storing, telescoping fire pole which can be thrust manually, mechanically, or electrically out and away from a building at an angle, to an actuated position to provide a slide pole from a building to the ground; and when actuated into its functioning position, also can provide a safe and effective slide-support chute for carrying children, the physically handicapped, or elderly people to ground level.

Abstract: An emergency escape apparatus for speedily evacuating workers or others from a high level platform or the like comprising a longitudinally folded tubular escape chute slidably connected to an angularly disposed cable, the chute being held in folded condition by a cover that may be speedily opened to release the chute for unfolding deployment down and along the cable, and the chute being of multisleeve construction with the outer layer of fire resistant material. The apparatus may be used for other purposes than emergency escape, for example as a slide chute in an amusement park.

Abstract: An escape slide for evacuating personnel from an aircraft wing or other elevated surface where persons to be evacuated must walk a short distance before sliding down the slide. The escape slide has an entrance portion with a walkway and a walkway ramp of an inflatable bulkhead construction providing a firm walkway surface. The slide portion joins the entrance portion and is inclined toward the ground. When used on an aircraft wing with flaps, the bottom of the slide portion is engageable with and supported by the flaps at different operating positions. A support pillow attached to the bottom of the slide portion is engageable with the flap in the fully extended landing position. Inflatable indicator tubes are also attached to and in communication with the inflatable members of the slide to indicate when the slide is inflated and ready for passengers.

Abstract: An escape slide for evacuating personnel from an aircraft or other elevated place where there is the possibility of damage to the slide from fire or abrasion during the deployment and evacuation process. A protective shield of flexible material having a metalized coating for reflecting heat is positioned over the underside of the inflated slide to protect the slide. The protective shield may be connected to the sides of the slide and be spaced from the bottom of the slide to provide an insulating air space. The protective shield may also be movable to a position over the slide when used as a life raft and serve as a canopy to protect passengers on the slide raft from the weather and sea.

Abstract: An inflatable device, such as an emergency evacuation slide device, is principally composed of rubberized fabric sheet material wherein at least portions of said sheet material is a two ply laminate. The outer or upper ply of this laminate comprises rubberized high strength aramid fabric while the inner or lower ply comprises rubberized nylon fabric. The plies are biased relative to each other such that the warp cords of the outer ply lie at an acute angle relative to the warp cords of the inner ply.

Abstract: A valve assembly including a trigger mechanism for use in controlling the supply of a compressed gas to a gas activated device, including a valve body including an inlet port for connection to the supply of compressed gas and at least one outlet port for connection to the gas activated device and with an internal recess coupled to the inlet and outlet ports, a valve member located within the recess in the valve body and intermediate the inlet and outlet ports and with the valve member having a closed position providing for no path between the inlet and outlet ports and having an open position providing for a path between the inlet and outlet ports, a spring member coupled between the valve member and the valve body for providing a force for normally moving the valve member from the closed position to the open position, a trigger mechanism mounted on the valve body and including an armed position with the trigger mechanism locked and a fired position, and with the trigger mechanism coupled to the valve member

Abstract: An emergency escape system designed for use with multistory buildings. The system comprises generally a vertical zigzag track formed by a plurality of special contour structures, each structure having three plies of plate mounted in parallel relationship adjacent to outside wall of the building and having a plurality of parallel branch tracks extending laterally and slightly upwardly from the vertical track to an exit tunnel at each floor of the building. A number of loader cars for carrying escapees or properties from each exit tunnel along the track to escape, each car having four universal wheels underneath the bottom of the car and two parallel axles perpendicularly fixed at the upper and the lower end back side of the car, a set of several ball bearing rollers connected each other by specially curved springs is rotatorily mounted on each axle for supporting and traveling along the tracks.

Abstract: Discloses an enclosed chute fire escape, elongated and of rectangular configuration, having a bottom, side walls and a top. The side walls carry support brackets which have depending legs which carry and dispose handle rails parallel to the bottom. Access portals formed through the side walls provide access to platforms carried by the side walls coplanar with the horizontal building plane of the building. Vertical grip rails are disposed and carried between and by the top of the chute and the handle rails.

Abstract: Evacuee deceleration means are provided at the lower end of an inflatable evacuation slide.

Abstract: A fire escaping tunnel for use on high use buildings, including an extendable accordian pleated tubing made of nylon or canvas fabric padded on its inner side, a ring at its upper end attachable to an escape opening of a building, a lower end of the tubing having a soft landing pad, and an exit doorway so a person sliding or lowered down the tunnel can step out upon a ground or street level.

Abstract: An emergency escaping device of this invention consists of a continuous W shape metallic tracks vertically mounted alongside the outer wall of a building or between buildings. Said tracks having their interval branches of inlet tracks adjoining to the exit of each floor of the building or buildings and, a number of loader cars for carrying persons or properties from all floors to glide down along the same tracks. Said tracks equipped with automatic sequence controls thereon to keep said loader cars one by one safely gliding onto the ground in case of emergency. The tracks can be made in rolls of flexible material and the cars can be made of jacket style for individual personnel to escape from windows if there is no metallic tracks installation.

Abstract: An escape system for delivering personnel on a drilling rig to a safe location in the event of a blow out or other dangerous situation. More specifically, a personnel capsule is releasably maintained in an unbalanced disposition by an A-frame structure adjacent the racking board level of the derrick of an oil drilling rig. In the event of a blow out the personnel can enter the capsule and activate the release mechanism which will allow the A-frame to pivot outwardly away from the derrick. A control system is integrated with the A-frame and capsule to control their movement and to lower the capsule to a predetermined safe location.

Abstract: An escape chute made up of a framework which can be horizontally projected outward from a building; a double tubular body having an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder made of cloth, and a spiral slide cloth forming a slide surface which is fixed between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder; an upper entrance at the top and an exit at the bottom; one or more intermediate access apertures and intermediate entrance passages made of cloth to permit entrance into the space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder wherein the height of the lower edge of the intermediate access aperture is higher than the spiral slide surface at the position so as to prevent a part of a person from becoming hung up upon the aperture.The intermediate entrance passages are held by ropes connected to the framework.One or more intermediate exits are formed on the side surface of the bottom outer cylinder at higher than the exit.

Abstract: An apparatus for evacuating passengers from a passenger-carrying cabin having a floor suspended above the ground comprises upper and lower plates engageable over the upper and lower sides of a vertical hole through the floor. These plates are both secured tightly in place on the respective sides of the floor in a normal position and are released in an emergency position, with the lower plate dropping away from the car. A tubular life-saving chute is secured to the floor between the sides in the hole and is folded up between the plates in the normal position, but extends from the floor toward the ground in the emergency position to allow persons to be saved to slide down through this chute. A linkage normally rigidly interconnects the two plates together, but is operated in case of fire or the like to disconnect them.

Abstract: A fire escape comprises an escape device, a hardware which is expandable or foldable and hangs the escape device therefrom, a storage container for storing or accommodating the escape device and the hardware, and a brace frame which has the hardware provided in the storage container so as to be movable vertically from the inside of the storage container. With raising of the brace frame, a part of the escape device is thrown out and down from the storage container. The falling force of the escape device partly thrown out is used to pull out the remaining escape device and to deploy the hardware.

Abstract: A life rescue evacuation unit is provided to effect recovery of persons or property imperiled by fires, earthquakes and other emergencies. One embodiment comprises a portable apparatus to be employed at a location remote from the danger. A rescue chute is projected over to the trapped people whereby they may slide to safety. Another embodiment provides for the rescue chute to be associated with the imperiled structure. The chute is projected to a safe, remote area to allow people to slide down the chute and out of danger.

Abstract: An apparatus for decelerating descending bodies includes a tubular arrangement vertically disposed or steeply inclined secured at its upper-end to an elevated location. The bodies to be transported are guided down through the tube which retards their movement. Within the wall of the tubular arrangement there is at least one extensible chamber filled with pressurized fluid and having associated with it pressure regulating means, which chamber serves to apply a retarding force to a descending body. The walls of the tubular arrangement are flexible and include a sleeve whereof the wall is non-extensible in the longitudinal and/or axial direction.

Abstract: A device for emergency escape from an elevated position in a structure is disclosed which includes an elongated frame fixable at the bottom, either to the structure or adjacent to the structure. The elongated frame is removably fixable to the structure at the top near the elevated position. An elongated collapsible-extensible slide is affixed to the top of the elongated frame and is itself fixable to the structure by removable means so that release of the frame at the top extends the slide from near the elevated position on the structure into a useable form for escape. Escape is accomplished by an individual sliding down the extended slide.

Abstract: A doorway type opening is formed through the outside wall of a building. A door device is hingedly affixed to the building at the lower edge of the opening and has a plurality of telescoping sections juxtaposed when the door device is closed and forming an extended planar incline when the door device is opened. Thus, the door device when open supports people leaving the building via the opening and functions as a slide to conduct them to the ground. A door control device affixed to the door device and the building lowers one end of the door device to the ground supporting the door device in its extended open condition from the lower edge of the opening to the ground and supports the door device in its closed condition as a door openable only from inside the building.

Abstract: For use as an escape device from burning buildings or for sporting use, a parachute canopy is supported in an open use position by an inflatable frame consisting of a network of inflatable lightweight flexible tubes. The inflatable framework has a portion which surrounds the waist of a user and also embodies an inflatable prelaunching positioning member. Bottled air or gas may be utilized to inflate the device through an inflation valve provided thereon. A restraining belt permits preinflation of the framework such that upon release the canopy expands almost instantaneously by the straightening of folded flexible tubes.

Abstract: A safety device for enabling people to escape from burning buildings or the like comprises a normally folded flexible tube with a landing pad at its lower end that unfolds to vertical chute condition, the interior of the tube being slippery to provide against snagging and the like and the unfolded tube being formed with elastic restrictions at successive vertical levels that snub the descent to a safe speed.

Abstract: An escape chute comprising a frame adapted to be secured to a window opening or the like and a releasable pack chute containing spaced resilient transverse restriction bands for cushioning the descent of a body through the released chute.

Abstract: A movable shelter floor type emergency escape for a multi-story building installed on the wall of each of the stories, including a movable shelter floor at one end pivotally mounted on the wall at an opening therein so as to be received in the framework defining the opening to close the opening when it is not used, and so as to open the opening when it is to be used, escape means normally received in an escape exit and downwardly extensible toward the movable shelter floor on a lower story, and means to support the movable shelter floor in a horizontal manner relative to the wall of the building.

Abstract: An escape device for a multi-storey building having emergency exits in the outer side wall of each of the storeys of said building comprising a plurality of support brackets secured to said outer side walls and a downwardly inclined meandering main body including a plurality of straight sections integrally connected together by means of outwardly arcuated corner sections and supported by said support brackets to provide a meandering chute, alternate straight sections of said main body being provided adjacent to one end thereof and adjacent to said emergency exits with evacuation openings.

Abstract: A system for emergency evacuation of individuals from a multi-story building. A hollow, vertically disposed tube of sufficient cross section to accommodate a person in a sitting position is affixed to the outside of the building, parallel to a side wall, and inclined tubes provide access from a doorway through the building wall at each floor to the interior of the vertical tube. Pivotally mounted platforms are disposed within the tube at vertical intervals of a few feet and attached to weighted lever arms which normally maintain the platforms in a blocking position across the interior of the tube. The weight of an individual will overcome the bias of the counterweight and rotate the platform to an unblocking position, allowing the individual to drop to the next platform. A controlled rate of descent is provided by the time required for the individual's weight to overcome the inertia and biasing force of the counterweights attached to the lever arms at each successively lower level.

Abstract: A double helical earthquake and fire escape structure for multiple story buildings formed mainly of a plurality of prefabricated section of precast concrete. Two identically formed upper sectional units and two identically formed lower units are arranged in facing relationship to each other for each floor of the building. Complementary portions of the assembled units combine to form a pair of oppositely disposed entrances on each floor leading to two separate helical slides arranged about a separately formed central circular smokestack. The units are provided with steel members adjacent their edges which are connected together and secured to a surrounding supporting steel framework. Two additional smokestacks formed within the corners of the assembled units may also be used as shoe drops.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation device adapted for mounting on the edge of the deck of a ship or platform has a panel formed of two hinged sections which upon release rotate over the edge of the deck forming a protective apron. Devices are operatively associated with release of the panel to activate a system for inflating an emergency evacuation device such as a slide or slide/raft stowed in the container. The slide or slide/raft may be situated on an adjustable slope sheet which assists the slide or slide/raft in being properly and effectively deployed.

Abstract: An inflatable, generally horizontal, elevated platform fastened to a supporting structure is connected to an inflatable escape slide extending downwardly at an inclination from the platform to a lower surface. An elongated tension strap is connected at one end to the platform adjacent the supporting structure and at the other end to the slide at a position around midway down the slide to reinforce the platform and maintain the horizontal position of the platform under the weight of persons using the platform and slide.The slide may have a laterally extending inflatable member on the underside with longitudinally extending slide reinforcing tension members cooperative with the laterally extending inflatable member to provide a truss-like structure. The tension strap for reinforcing the platform may be connected to the slide at a position at the laterally extending inflatable member at one end and be connected to the platform at a position adjacent the supporting structure at the other end.

Abstract: Support apparatus for stabilizing an inflatable aircraft escape slide both during deployment and use is disclosed. The support apparatus includes a series of panels or links that are hinged together to form a mechanical girt (support). The upper end of the mechanical girt is attached to a girt bar that is mounted near the lower region of the aircraft egress door to secure the upper end of the escape slide. The mechanical girt is deployed through the aircraft door with the escape slide. As the mechanical girt swings against the exterior surface of the aircraft, latching mechanisms automatically engage mating catches located on the aircraft exterior near the sill of the aircraft door and at a location near the lower edge of the mechanical girt to securely fasten the mechanical girt to the exterior surface of the aircraft. A lower girt bar, that extends across a lower region of the mechanical girt is connected to the inflatable escape slide by a lower girt.

Abstract: A building Emergency Exit Means mounted to a wall of a building, a modular enclosure of interlocking design comprising one story units having a built-in emergency door, a ladder, a platform with a climb-through opening, an alarm system, lighting, ventilation and communications for all sizes of buildings.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rescue apparatus for enabling persons to escape safely from burning buildings, for instance, comprises a flexible tubular device which is elastic only in the transverse and circumferential direction to slow the rate of descent of a body falling through the tubular device, various means being provided for fixing the open upper end of the tubular device to the elevated point when the body or person is to be rescued through the lower open end of the device at a point therebelow.

Abstract: A novel slip down way embarking device used in an emergency of a ship or other constructions to transfer the passengers to a life raft or other life saving apparatus in safe and rapid manner, said device comprising a tubular slip down chute made of vertical elongated cloth, a zigzag passage formed within said chute, a slip way attached to the lowermost end of said zigzag passage, a floating platform positioned under said chute and slip way to receiver the slipped down persons thereon, and a container to store the above embarking members and throw them down in an emergency without trouble and difficulty.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rescue apparatus for enabling persons to escape safely from burning buildings, for instance, comprises a flexible tubular device which is elastic only in the transverse and circumferential direction to slow that rate of descent of a body falling through the tubular device, various means being provided for fixing the open upper end of the tubular device to the elevated point whence the body or persons is to be rescued through the lower open end of the device at a point therebelow.

Abstract: A system for the emergency debarkation of personnel from an aircraft includes a first container member mounted to the door of the aircraft and a second container member hingeably mounted on the first container member to form a container for an inflatable raft or slide. A first latch assembly attached to the first container member and a second latch assembly attached to the second container member cooperate to secure the container when the container is closed. The second latch assembly includes first and second latch arms pivotal on the second container member between a first position in engaging relationship with the first latch assembly and a second position in disengaging relationship with the first latch assembly. Locking members cooperate with the latch arms for positively locking the second latch assembly in the first position to inhibit opening of the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a rescue apparatus for enabling persons to escape safely from burning buildings, for instance, comprises a flexible tubular device which is elastic only in the transverse and circumferential direction to slow the rate of descent of a body falling through the tubular device, various means being provided for fixing the open upper end of the tubular device to the elevated point when the body or person is to be rescued through the lower open end of the device at a point therebelow.

Abstract: Disclosed is a generally five-sided inflatable evacuation slide in which one corner of the slide is supported on the aircraft wing surfaces and the sliding surface is both banked and canted away from the elevated egress of the aircraft.

Abstract: A new type of building fire escape consisting of an upright tube containing a spiral slide extending throughout its length, access doors along the sides of the tube so to allow persons on each floor of a building to enter, and an exit door at a lower end of the tube; the device providing an escape that encloses the people from flames, smoke and choking gases while escaping burning building.

Abstract: A tie-back device restrains full extension of an evacuation slide until a predetermined inflation is attained. Inflation of the slide causes tension to be applied to the device. The device comprises two attachment rings and two components which are coupled by a shear pin. A transparent cover is permanently attached to one component. This cover makes the device tamperproof and nonreusable. The cover, in conjunction with the attachment rings and the two components, allows tensile forces to be applied to the shear pin from only one direction.