Abstract: A floating modular stair system includes a wall mounting plate that is attachable to a vertical wall, and a base mounting plate that is anchorable to a horizontal floor. A monostringer beam is attachable to the wall mounting plate and to the base mounting plate. The monostringer beam includes an integrated hook attachment for variable angle adjustment and attachment to the wall mounting plate. Stair tread brackets are attachable to the monostringer beam for equal spacing of stair treads after installation of the monostringer beam to the wall mounting plate and to the base mounting plate. Each of the stair tread brackets are also designed for individual variable angle adjustment and leveling after attachment to the monostringer beam, and the stair tread brackets are rotatable through an adjustable anchor point about a fixed pivot anchor point to level the stair treads of the floating modular stair system.

Abstract: A slide has a metal frame supporting a polymer slide portion. The slide portion has an upper slide section and a lower slide section connected to the upper slide section. The upper slide section and the lower slide section form an interface. The interface includes an interface middle section, an interface right upper extension, and an interface left upper extension. The interface middle section is offset from the interface right upper extension and the interface left upper extension. A left lengthwise interface section extends between the interface middle section and the interface left upper extension. A right lengthwise interface section extends between the interface middle section and the interface right upper extension. The left lengthwise interface section and the right lengthwise interface section are parallel to each other, but perpendicular to the interface middle section.

Abstract: Described is a system for the emergency evacuation of persons from a structure, such as a building, ship, raised platform, stadium or the like, comprising supporting means, designed to be positioned at a window of said structure for the emergency evacuation from said structure; at least one load-bearing structure, coupled with said supporting means, comprising in turn a plurality of modules, each comprising two inflatable longitudinal tubular elements positioned parallel to each other, said modules being positioned in series with each other; a slide having a surface on which the persons evacuated from said structure can slide, said slide being interposed between said two inflatable longitudinal tubular elements of said modules; and a pneumatic inflation system for the selective inflation of said two inflatable longitudinal tubular elements of said modules.

Abstract: Aspects to facilitate dust collection are disclosed. In one aspect, a chute provides a dust seal between a bulk bag of material and a silo loading hatch. Here, the dust seal comprises a first seal between a first end of the chute and the bulk bag, and a second seal between a second end of the chute and the silo loading hatch. In another aspect, a collapsible chute is extended between a silo loading hatch and a discharge chute of a bulk bag such that the collapsible chute forms a dust seal between the silo loading hatch and the bulk bag. Contents of the bulk bag are released via the discharge chute so that the contents of the bulk bag flow into the silo loading hatch. For this embodiment, the dust seal prevents airborne dust associated with the flow from escaping into an exterior portion of the collapsible chute.

Abstract: A collapsible chute for conveying materials with a tubular main body of flexible material with an entrance opening, an exit opening, and a body portion between the entrance and exit openings. A first reinforcing band is fixed to surround the body portion adjacent to the entrance opening, and a first plurality of loops is spaced along the first reinforcing band. A second reinforcing band is fixed to surround the body portion spaced from the first reinforcing band and spaced from the exit opening, and a second plurality of loops is spaced along the second reinforcing band. A third reinforcing band can be fixed to surround the body portion between the first and second reinforcing bands, and a third plurality of loops is spaced along the third reinforcing band. A method for debris removal comprises affixing the entrance opening of the body portion of the main body to an opening of a building structure and evacuating debris through the main body of the collapsible chute.

Abstract: A slide has a slide body and a fixing assembly. The fixing assembly has a connecting rod mounted on the slide body, a flexible unit, and a fixing unit. An end of the flexible unit is connected to the connecting rod. The fixing unit is mounted on the flexible unit. The fixing unit and the flexible unit jointly fix a tread of an open riser stairway. As the flexible unit is bendable, the flexible unit and the fixing unit can be easily moved to clamp the tread, thereby facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: Generally provided herein are devices to assist swing training in various sports. In some specific embodiments, the device is a baseball/softball, tennis and/or golf swing training system.

Abstract: The slide system includes a plurality of slide segments that are detachably and longitudinally inter-coupled, each slide segment having a length, a width, and a sliding surface. The slide system also includes a plurality of transverse arches, each transverse arch spanning at least a portion of the width of one of the slide segments. Still further, the slide system includes a water distribution subsystem that has a water supply interface that is coupleable in water receiving communication with a water source and water routing lines that are coupled in water receiving communication with the water supply interface. The water routing lines are coupled to the plurality of transverse arches and comprise outlets that distribute water transversely across at least the portion of the width of the sliding surface of the slide segments.

Abstract: Evacuation systems including slide readiness indicators are detailed. The indicators may include lights colored, preferably, red and green and powered using either pre-existing or dedicated electricity sources. Associated switching equipment defaults to illumination of a red light until a slide is satisfactorily inflated and deployed, at which time the red light is extinguished and a green light is illuminated to provide affirmative indication that evacuation via the slide may commence.

Abstract: An improved ladderway system 30 for an underground raise. The system comprises an elongate tube 32 made of a suitably rigid plastics material and adapted to be received in the raise. The tube has a series of steps 34 moulded into an interior side wall thereof so as to form a ladder extending substantially the full length of the tube 32.

Abstract: A self-rescue device that features an escape ladder, having one or more spaced steps, a base to hold the escape ladder in an open or closed position, a locking mechanism to keep the escape ladder in the open position, and a release mechanism to release the escape ladder from the open position.

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 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: 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: To provide another way to exit and/or enter a building, the multiple-story building may include alternative access devices. For example, some of the windows on the upper floors 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. Alternatively, or additionally, the devices may be portable and installed when needed, such as during an emergency. 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 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.

Abstract: An all purpose utility vehicle supporting rescue efforts especially directed toward servicing disable airplanes being an entry tube having a cab section and a tail end section. Mechanisms are provided for inclining the tube so that the cab section is elevated to the level of an airliner permitting personnel to enter the lower end of the tube and walk up to the cab section and into the stricken airplane. A gangplank design for joining the cab section to the tail section provides that the floor of the cabin section is always horizontal regardless of inclination of the tail section.

Abstract: An inflatable slide to aide in the evacuation of people from multi-storied buildings and a method of using the slide. The slide has three principle elements: an inflatable bag (10); a container (60) for the inflatable bag; and a pressurized gas source (20) to fill and deploy the bag. A deployed bag sits atop the stairs between landings in a stairwell and has a top surface (70) suitable for sliding down the steps. The container (60) stores the inflatable bag when not inflated and releases the bag when the pressurized gas source (20) is activated.

Abstract: A combination boarding ladder and slide system includes a slide having an upper end pivotally coupled with a support structure, a lower end coupled with a ramp, and a slide bed supporting a removable boarding ladder. The boarding ladder is constructed of a flexible web with generally parallel spaced apart rungs and may be folded or rolled from the slide bed to permit use of the slide. The ramp is equipped with a series of generally parallel, spaced apart rungs. the angle of inclination of the boarding ladder and ramp are preselected to provide boarding access to the support structure by an animal such as a dog. A brace extends between the slide and the support structure to maintain the slide at a preselected angle of inclination. In aquatic applications, floats may be coupled with the lower end of the slide and the ramp may extend below the surface of a body of water.

Abstract: An emergency stairway escape apparatus permitting wheelchairs to egress a multi-story building via a stairway comprises a ramp platform of sufficient width to cover at least half of each stair tread and of sufficient length to span from an upper landing to a lower landing of said stairway. A latch is mounted to an outward wall for impinging the ramp platform in a stowed position and releasing the ramp platform to a deployed position. A plurality of hinges are used for affixing an edge of the ramp platform to the outward wall and permit an arcuate release of the ramp platform to a deployed position. A motion retarding reel is mounted to an upper landing wall, the reel comprising high strength cable outwardly dischargeable in a linear manner and self-retracting, the cable comprising a hook attachable to a wheelchair, the reel controlling ascent and descent along the ramp platform.

Abstract: Fire escape apparatus for egress from a multi-storied building structure from an upper level thereof is provided. The apparatus includes an elongate mesh tube, the tube being substantially longer than the structure height from which escape is required, and sufficiently long to enable extension of the tube downwardly to the ground. The building structure has permanently attached thereto a guide wire or cable extending at a desired angle from the upper level to the ground. The elongate mesh tube has affixed thereto, at spaced-apart intervals along its length, a plurality of supporting blocks-and-pulleys engaging the guide wire or cable. When escape is required, the mesh tube is deployed from the upper level to the ground, riding upon the pulleys, thereby permitting escape to ground level through the tube by persons entering the tube from the upper level.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation slide is disclosed defined by an elongated base portion configured for deployment in a staircase having a flight of stairs including a plurality of horizontal treads, the base portion having an inner lateral edge configured for attachment to a side wall of the staircase and an outer lateral edge extending into the staircase, the evacuation slide adapted for movement from a stowed position in which the base portion is parallel to the side wall of the staircase to a deployed position in which the base portion is perpendicular to the side wall of the staircase and disposed in a plane extending tangent to the treads of the stairs.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation slide is disclosed defined by an elongated base portion configured for deployment in a staircase having a flight of stairs including a plurality of horizontal treads, the base portion having an inner lateral edge configured for attachment to a side wall of the staircase and an outer lateral edge extending into the staircase, the evacuation slide adapted for movement from a stowed position in which the base portion is parallel to the side wall of the staircase to a deployed position in which the base portion is perpendicular to the side wall of the staircase and disposed in a plane extending tangent to the treads of the stairs.

Abstract: An externally concealable modular high-rise emergency evacuation apparatus that enables people, including the injured, the elder or drabled persons to escape entrapment from or to bypass the levels of a high-rise building that is impassable due to flame, smoke or heavy damage, with very little effort or assistance, comprising a slanted cylindrical booth with a trap door bottom, elongated poles with trusses, expandable reinforced descent tubes with fire-proof skin, stabilizer webbings, an inflatable slide, and active components comprised of sensors, switches, latches and relays that coordinates, prequalifies and controls access then egress through the apparatus, with emphasis on checking the integrity of a complete escape path and approximating free space for each evacuee within said descent tubes, thereby enhancing supported evacuee volume and safety.

Abstract: A ladder chute comprises a plurality of chute segments. Each of the plurality of chute segments including a panel having a top surface and a bottom surface and means for attachment to a rung of a ladder. The attachment means extending from the panel and below the bottom surface of the panel to facilitate attachment to a ladder. The invention further includes a method of erection and operation.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide for an aircraft comprising upper and lower sliding regions interconnected by an intermediate sliding region and including a flexible sliding support surface. An inflatable support structure extends outwardly from the upper sliding region and formed by at least first and second support sections spaced from each other and extending in planes transverse to a plane of the sliding support surface. Each support section comprises an engaging member interposed between a connecting member and a supporting member. The connecting and supporting members are connected to the upper sliding region, so that the engaging members are substantially parallel to each other and spaced from the upper sliding region.

Abstract: An emergency evacuation slide has an internal energy dissipation characteristic so that the slide is especially suitable for evacuation of persons from a relatively great height. By dissipating the energy internally in the slide rather than by frictional heating of the clothing and skin of the evacuating persons, the danger of skin burns and other injuries to the persons is reduced or avoided. The slide surface of the slide is made up of a plurality of slide modules that each include an elastically elongatable segment, an interconnecting segment, and an anti-slip segment, which are respectively connected together one after another. The anti-slip segment has an upper anti-slip surface with a high coefficient of friction so that the anti-slip segment remains in static frictional contact and moves along with the evacuating person. The bottom surface of the anti-slip segment has a predefined coefficient of friction.

Abstract: An inflatable evacuation slide for an aircraft consists of first and second longitudinal support beams, upper and lower transverse support members and a flexible sliding support surface. The first and second longitudinal support members are spaced from each other and formed having proximal and distal ends thereof. The lower support member is transverse to the first and second longitudinal support beams and spaced from the distal ends thereof, so that each longitudinal support beam is formed having an extension portion extending between the lower support member and the distal ends thereof. The flexible sliding support surface is connected to and limited by at least the upper and lower support members.

Abstract: An escape chute for a stairwell against a wall within a high-rise building comprising a slide assembly. A structure is for pivotally mounting the slide assembly in an angular condition to the wall above the stairwell. The slide assembly can go from a stored position against the wall to an extended position over the stairwell. This allows people a safe and rapid exit from the high-rise building during an emergency situation when an elevator in the high-rise building is not to be used.

Abstract: This invention concerns an inclined slide structure for placement onto an inclined surface or a set of stairs for amusement purposes. The inclined slide structure is comprised of a series of generally U-shaped intermediate inclined slide sections to be assembled in end-to-end relation, an uppermost U-shaped inclined slide section, a lowermost U-shaped inclined slide section, connectors for joining opposed ends of the U-shaped inclined slide sections in quick-connect and quick-disconnect end-to-end assembly together, a first U-shaped expandable connector section joining the uppermost U-shaped inclined slide section to an uppermost of the U-shaped intermediate inclined slide sections, and a second U-shaped expandable connector section joining the lowermost U-shaped inclined slide section to a lowermost of the U-shaped intermediate inclined slide sections.

Abstract: A stair track device adjustable to correspond with a variety of physically different stairways is shown. The stair track device includes right side rails which slidably engage one another in telescopic fashion to form a rail assembly. Locking pins fix the telescopic position of the rails with respect to one another. A corresponding mirror image left rail assembly is secured in position with respect to the right rail assembly by way of rods removably attached to each rail assembly. Lower and upper support members provide anti-skid support as well as establishing a proper angular relationship between the rail assemblies and the stairway. The rails can be detached from one another collapsed and compactly stored for easy transport to any location.

Abstract: An amusement slide to be supported in place on a staircase is formed of a plurality of segments which interconnect with modularized connecting means. The slide can be readily and securely assembled into position for use and disassembled for convenient storage. The slide may be varied with a tunnel attachment and a hump segment.

Abstract: Each of the slide sections making up the bedway are roto molded and have a common shape such that they may be interchanged and reversed end for end. Each connection includes a tongue and groove in the bototm wall and a sidewall extension on one sidewall received in a recessed notch on the other sidewall thereby limiting both vertical and lateral horizontal movement between the slide sections.

Abstract: A spiral slide includes interconnected bedway sections each of which are hollow and include as an integral part of the section body a sleeve telescopically engaging a ground support post. Fasteners interconnect the end-to-end bedway sections and are disposed on the interior of these sections and are accessible through capped openings. Fasteners may be formed as an integral part of the end wall. A fastener recess may be formed on the bottom side of the bedway section by the bottom wall converging upwardly towards the top wall to form a connecting flange with the fastener recess being between the flange and the bottom wall.

Abstract: A sliding chute to be set at one side of stairs from upstairs to downstairs.This sliding chute is maintained in an erected state and can be used as a handrail at ordinary times. However, in an emergency such as during the chute fire, can be made to fall down on the stairs so that it may be used as a helping for refuging upstairs persons.

Abstract: A safety escape chute for assisting in rescue of persons from burning buildings and the like has a generally U-shaped chute mounted on a vehicle and having a length to reach from the ground to the highest level required. The system includes extensible supports which may be hydraulically operated to extend the upper end of the chute adjacent a window from which persons are to be evacuated. The chute includes a water inlet at the upper end and a drain manifold partway down the chute. Water is pumped out the water inlet so as to form a thin flow of water down the center of the chute which is collected at the drain and returned to the source. This water flow will accelerate persons entering the chute. The vertical side portions of the chute adjacent the water flow are lined with an anti-friction material such that the person may utilize this material to control his rate of descent.

Abstract: A collapsible playground device comprises a plurality of ladder sections pivotably mounted to each other at their ends, and attaching members for releasably securing the ladder sections at any desired angular position with respect to each other when in use, and to be folded on top of each other into compact form for storage or handling when not in use. The device further includes a supporting base plate at the free ends of the end ladder sections for supporting the device on a horizontal surface, and a slide section attachable at one end to one of the rungs of one of the ladder sections for supporting the slide section at an incline during use.

Abstract: An arrangement for transporting wall material, for example, shaped bricks for the lining of ladles, converters, blast furnaces or the like, where the transport is intended to take place between a supply place, usually located outside the converter or corresponding apparatus, and a consumption place, for example a bricklaying station adjacent an inner wall in the converter or corresponding apparatus, which arrangement comprises a vertically adjustable carrying device and a conveying device for substantially vertical transport of material transferred to the conveying device, and transfer mechanism is provided for advancing material transported down by the conveyor onward to the consumption space, and a work platform is provided to be carried by the carrying device. The arrangement as disclosed shows the conveying device as a substantially helical slither plate, e.g., a chute or corresponding slide device, along which material supplied at an upper portion of the helical plate is intended to slide.

Abstract: Escape devices for multi-story buildings characterized by a deployable chute or slide which provides for rapid and easy transfer of building occupants from elevated stories to a lower attitude. An escape device comprises a chute deployable so as to provide an inclined slide surface having an entry end and an exit end, and means for selectively supporting the chute with its entry end positioned at any one of the emergency exits and its lower end at a lower attitude whereby the chute may be positioned as needed to evacuate persons from above ground level stories of the building. Such an escape device may be conveniently stored and only deployed when and where needed.

Abstract: A portable fire escape is provided comprising an entry support member and a mesh fire escape tube attached at one of its ends to the upper support member and at the other end to a lower exist-opening ring support member. The entry support member is affixed in the shape of a suitcase into which the mesh tube and lower exit opening support member can be placed for easy, portable transportation for use when travelling and staying in, for example, a hotel. Other components of the suitcase structure include easy opening side flaps and telescoping struts which permit rapid deployment of the fire escape chute and alignment in virtually any window configuration. The traveller who has this portable fire escape with him on his travels is assured of means of escape from his room in the event of a fire.

Abstract: The invention is an improved device for transporting loads between various elevations. Such loads may be handicapped persons in wheelchairs, wheeled truck loads of freight or materials, wheeled people carriers, or other similar loads that require transport from one elevation to another, either ascending or descending. The improved device serves a double mission as a regular stairway facility for ambulatory persons, and as a ramp-type facility for wheeled vehicles carrying a person, or persons, or a load of freight or materials, and other such loads as may require movement from one elevation to another elevation.

Abstract: The emergency escape apparatus includes a slide device installed at a staircase, and includes a slide member extending at an incline over the stairs when disposed in its use position. In order to use the apparatus, the slide member swings about a hinge device connected at one side edge of the slide member between an upward storage position adjacent to the railing or the like and the incline use position over the stairs. Mounting devices fix the slide member to the staircase, and a latching device maintains the slide member in its upright storage position in a releasable manner.

Abstract: Mobile rescue apparatus is provided for rescuing individuals from modern high-rise buildings and the like. An elongated reeved telescoping chute is mounted on a mobile platform and is movable to any angle and extent to reach a desired portion of a building or the like from which rescue is to be effected. The chute contains apparatus mounted within for slowing and stopping (near the bottom of the chute) an individual sliding down the chute. The apparatus includes a pair of cable sections that flare out from the top of the chute to the bottom of the chute; an individual to be rescued is placed within a bag device which is clipped onto the cable sections, and then slid down the chute, the divergence of the cable sections slowing and stopping the individual near the bottom. Apparatus is provided for moving the cable sections with respect to each other to control the rate of descent, etc.

Abstract: A safety device for supporting legs or feet of a ladder or similar structure which is a one-piece combination of an inclined plane and a series of steps providing a multiplicity of levels on which said structure may be supported.

Abstract: Fire escape apparatus having a flight of stairs formed of a smooth material having treads and risers and which is mounted beneath a balcony for swinging movement between a horizontal position and a downwardly inclined position, the treads and risers being so shaped that when the flight of stairs is in the inclined position, the treads slope inwardly and downwardly and the risers curve outwardly and downwardly to the treads so as to facilitate descent in a sitting position and to enable the stairs to be climbed in a normal manner.

Abstract: Fire escape for use in multi-storied building having floors spaced generally equally from adjacent floors at floor spacing. Fire escape has fire resistant, vertical, hollow outer column and similar inner column positioned generally centrally within outer column. Outer and inner columns have generally oval-sectioned inner and outer wall respectively spaced apart to provide columnar space therebetween. Chute within columnar space follows generally helical path of essentially constant pitch of twice floor spacing so that one complete circuit of chute passes two floors. In one embodiment for wide floor spacing, inner column is hollow and has column floors disposed therein level with floors outside outer column and spiral stairway spaced above chute to follow chute with sufficient head room for persons on the chute or stairway. Person escaping enters outer column through door opening, and can descend stairs directly; or through openings in inner column can descend by chute.