WO2017145138A1 - Evacuation slide apparatus - Google Patents

Evacuation slide apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017145138A1
WO2017145138A1 PCT/IB2017/051149 IB2017051149W WO2017145138A1 WO 2017145138 A1 WO2017145138 A1 WO 2017145138A1 IB 2017051149 W IB2017051149 W IB 2017051149W WO 2017145138 A1 WO2017145138 A1 WO 2017145138A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
slide
inflatable
evacuation
brackets
evacuation slide
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2017/051149
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Joseph Gerard MEEHAN
Original Assignee
Meehan Joseph Gerard
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Meehan Joseph Gerard filed Critical Meehan Joseph Gerard
Publication of WO2017145138A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017145138A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
    • A62B1/20—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like by making use of sliding-ropes, sliding-poles or chutes, e.g. hoses, pipes, sliding-grooves, sliding-sheets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B1/00—Devices for lowering persons from buildings or the like
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
    • B64D25/00—Emergency apparatus or devices, not otherwise provided for
    • B64D25/08—Ejecting or escaping means
    • B64D25/14—Inflatable escape chutes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an evacuation slide apparatus for the rapid and safe evacuation of the occupants, including the very young, the elderly and infirm from a building.
  • a portable evacuation slide apparatus for evacuating the occupants of a building comprising;
  • the apparatus is movable from a compact stowed position to an extended working position in which it defines a slide extending from an upper storey for the occupants to escape from the building.
  • the attachment means comprise a pair of parallel adjustable brackets.
  • the adjustable brackets comprise tubular telescopic arms which are adjustable in length to fit different widths of window ledge.
  • the adjustable brackets comprise at least two rigid cross bars extending between the parallel brackets.
  • the rigid cross bars extending between the parallel brackets are detachable at one end from the parallel brackets.
  • the parallel brackets are manufactured from an aluminium material.
  • the inflating means is detachably attached to the attachment means and inflatable slide section.
  • the inflating means comprises a gas canister with a rapid release valve.
  • the gas canister is sealably attached to the upper end of the inflatable slide section.
  • the slide section is detachably attached to the attachment means.
  • the upper section of the inflatable slide section comprise sleeves to receive the cross bars between the parallel brackets.
  • the inflatable slide comprises a central floor section, parallel elongate inflatable side beams and a plurality of inflatable cross bars extending perpendicular to the parallel side beams.
  • the inflatable slide section is manufactured from a fire resistant material.
  • the inflatable slide is manufactured from a urethane coated nylon material coated comprising a fire retardant paint.
  • the apparatus comprises attachment hooks at a distal end of the adjustable brackets.
  • a method of evacuating the occupants of a building using the apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising the steps; unfolding the adjustable foldable attachment means; securing the attachment means across a window ledge with the inflatable slide section extending out of the window; and
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view from one side of the evacuation slide apparatus of the invention in its folded storage position;
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view from another side of the evacuation slide apparatus of the invention in its folded storage position;
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the attachment means of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in its folded non-working position
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the attachment means of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in its extended working position
  • Fig. 5 is a side perspective view of the evacuation slide apparatus of the invention in its extended working position extending from a window of a building to ground level outside;
  • Fig. 6 is side view of the apparatus in its working position of Fig. 5;
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the slide section of the evacuation slide apparatus of the invention partially inflated extending from a window of a building;
  • Fig. 8 is an enlarged side perspective view of the attachment means of the apparatus of the invention in a working position across a window ledge;
  • Fig. 9 is a perspective view from above of the slide section of the evacuation slide apparatus according to the invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view from underneath of the slide section of the evacuation slide apparatus according to the invention.
  • Inflatable evacuation slides for use inside multi storey high rise buildings are known.
  • Inflatable evacuation slides for use on the exterior of residential homes are also known.
  • the currently known inflatable slides are quite complex and cumbersome and are typically permanently attached to an interior or exterior wall of a building. This can be quite unsightly and not very attractive to the householder.
  • the present invention provides a portable rapidly inflating evacuation slide apparatus which may be neatly stored out of sight when not required.
  • the apparatus may be easily and quickly activated when required to provide an inflatable evacuation slide which extends from an upstairs window of a building to the ground outside.
  • the residents of the building can make a rapid and safe escape from the building in the event of a fire, threat or the like when other escape routes are blocked.
  • the evacuation slide apparatus of the present invention has no restrictions on the size or age of the user.
  • the evacuation slide apparatus of the present invention is relatively lightweight and portable and may be carried by emergency service personnel into a building in the event of emergency.
  • the apparatus may be quickly and efficiently activated to evacuate the occupants in particular the elderly, very young and/or infirm from an upper floor window rather than having to negotiate their way down stairs and through a burning building for example.
  • the apparatus is portable and comes folded and contained within a storage bag. In its folded storage position within the storage bag it does not take up a lot of space and may be stored neatly under a bed or in a wardrobe. There is no requirement for the apparatus to be permanently fixed to an interior or exterior wall of the building.
  • the evacuation slide apparatus is transportable and may be taken by the occupants when moving to a new house for example. The householder can be happy in the knowledge that they know how to use the apparatus and that the apparatus is in good working order. The apparatus may also be easily taken by the householder when going on holidays for example.
  • the apparatus is not much larger in size than a foldable travel cot or sports/gym bag or the like.
  • the attachment means on the apparatus may be adjusted and sized to fit any window opening in the holiday house providing peace of mind to the residents in the case of the requirement for an emergency evacuation during their holiday.
  • the evacuation slide apparatus 1 of the invention comprises adjustable attachment means 2, an inflating means, an inflatable slide section 4 and a cover bag 6.
  • Figs. 1 & 2 show the apparatus 1 of the present invention in its stowable portable form.
  • the attachment means 2 comprises a pair of adjustable parallel brackets 3 which are essentially built onto the outside of the cover bag 6 and are detachably attached to inflatable slide section 4.
  • the inflating means comprises a gas canister 5 which is detachably attached to the attachment means 2.
  • the gas canister may be detachably attached to the attachment means by any suitable means or the gas canister 5 may be contained within the cover bag 6.
  • the parallel attachment brackets 3 have at least two cross bar sections 12 which extend between the parallel brackets 3.
  • the cross bars 12 provide strength and support to the attachment means.
  • the cross bars 12 also provide means to detachably attach the slide section 4 to the parallel brackets 3.
  • Two fire resistant sleeves at an upper end of the slide section 4 may be attached to the cross bars 12.
  • the cross bars 12 are detachable at one end from the parallel brackets 3. Any suitable means may be used to allow the cross bars 12 to be detached and allow the fire resistant sleeves on the slide section 4 to be slid off and on the cross bars 12. In this way if the slide section 4 becomes damaged it can be easily removed from the attachment means and replaced.
  • one of the parallel brackets 3 has flanges 14 which receive the ends of the cross bars 12.
  • the ends of the cross bars 12 may be secured in position using a clip pin or any other suitable means.
  • the parallel brackets 3 comprise rotatable hinges 18 which allows the brackets 3 to move from a compact storage position (Fig. 3) to an extended working position (Fig. 4). In their storage position the brackets are twisted and folded back on themselves so that they rest neatly and flush against the side of the cover bag 6.
  • the cover bag 6 has seams 7 which are fastened using a hook and loop type material or any other suitable means.
  • the cover bag 6 has handles 7a for easy transport and manoeuvring of the apparatus into its working position over a window ledge.
  • the cover bag 6 is preferably manufactured from a fire resistant material.
  • the attachment means 2 on the apparatus may be adjusted and sized to fit any window opening.
  • the adjustable parallel brackets 3 of the apparatus 1 should be unfolded as shown in Fig. 4 and the brackets 3 placed across the window ledge where the apparatus 1 is intended for use in the event of an emergency.
  • the apparatus 1 of the invention is light enough in weight for an individual to do this without any help.
  • the folded slide section 4 remains folded within the cover bag 6 while the length of the brackets 3 are being adjusted.
  • the brackets 3 are adjusted in length and sized to correctly fit the width/depth of the window ledge.
  • the length of the attachment brackets 3 are adjustable to fit the width of any window ledge.
  • the brackets 3 are tubular comprising an outer tubular member 10 configured to slidably receive an inner tubular member 10a in a telescoping manner.
  • the inner tubular member 10a carries a spring biased snap button.
  • a plurality of apertures 9 along the length of the outer tubular member 10 allows the spring biased snap button on the inner member to pass through the apertures 9 and lock the tubular members against relative movement.
  • the length of the brackets 3 may be adjusted to fit the width of any window ledge.
  • the parallel brackets 3 are curved and essentially have a 'C'-shaped hook at one end which is placed against an inner wall underneath a window ledge 25 with the brackets 3 reaching across the window sill/ledge and wall 11 of the window opening.
  • the distal ends of the brackets 3 have stoppers 22 to prevent any damage to the walls when the brackets 3 are resting against the interior and exterior walls of the window as shown in Fig 8.
  • the lip on a window ledge also prevents the attachment brackets from slipping.
  • the attachment brackets 3 are held in place by the downward pressure from the weight of the slide section 4 when inflated and the weight of the person using the evacuation slide apparatus 1.
  • the evacuation slide apparatus of the present invention is suitable for use on any size of window opening.
  • brackets 3 may be folded back into their storage position along the side of the cover bag/storage bag 6 and the apparatus 1 safely stored until required.
  • the apparatus 1 of the invention is ready for use and may be quickly fitted across the window ledge without any need for adjustment.
  • the apparatus 1 of the present invention may be quickly and safely deployed even under stressful conditions.
  • the folded slide section 4 is kept folded within the cover bag 6 (Fig. 3) until required for use.
  • the inflatable slide section 4 comprises a central flat floor section 15 providing a flexible sliding surface for the user to slide down on.
  • the slide 4 has two parallel elongated inflatable side beams 16 which extend the length of the slide.
  • a plurality of inflatable reinforcing cross beams 17 extend beneath the flat floor section 15 perpendicular to and between the parallel side beams 16 to provide support and strength to the slide section 4. In use the side beams 16 and reinforcing cross beams 17 are rapidly inflated.
  • the slide has pressure release valves to ensure that inflation stops once the correct pressure is reached.
  • the slide section is made from a fire resistant material.
  • the slide may be manufactured from a nylon material coated with a fire resistant paint such as aluminium.
  • the gas canister 5 is detachably attached to the attachment means 2 by any suitable means such as using hook and loop material 4a as shown in Fig 8.
  • the gas canister 5 has an outlet with a normally closed release valve. The outlet is directly connected to a sealed opening at the upper end of the inflatable slide section 4.
  • the gas canister 5 has an actuating ring pull (not shown) to activate the canister 5 and rapidly inflate the slide 4.
  • the actuating ring pull is connected to a lead which is easily accessible to the homeowner once the apparatus 1 is in position across a window ledge.
  • the gas canister has a safety catch to prevent accidental activation.
  • the gas canister may detachably attached to the attachment means 2 but contained within the cover bag 6.
  • the cover bag 6 may have a sealable opening so that the canister may be easily accessible for maintenance and replacement.
  • the gas canister is a single use device and needs to be replaced after each use or after every couple of years of non-use.
  • the gas canister may have an indicator alarm to alert the user when the pressure in the canister drops below a certain level and needs to be replaced.
  • the slide 4 remains in its folded position within the cover bag 6 until it is required for use.
  • the apparatus 1 When required for use the apparatus 1 is carried over to the window and the brackets 3, already adjusted to the correct size for the window ledge, are unfolded and placed across the window ledge.
  • the folded slide section 4 within the cover bag 6 extends on the outer side of the window.
  • an actuating ring on the gas canister 5 is actuated by pulling on a lead to inflate the slide section 4.
  • the inflating slide 4 bursts through the hook and loop material seams 7 on the cover bag 6 and extends down to ground level outside the building.
  • the slide 4 preferably inflates in two stages. The upper section inflates first as shown in Fig. 7.
  • the evacuation slide apparatus of the invention is ready for evacuation of people through the window and down the slide.
  • the size/length of the slide section may vary depending on the height of the building in which in the evacuation slide device is to be used.
  • the apparatus may comprise spikes or hooks for attachment to the distal ends of the parallel brackets 2.
  • the spikes/hooks may be easily secured to the stoppers at the distal end of the brackets on the inner wall of the building. The spikes will pierce the interior wall to keep the brackets from slipping.
  • the attachment means 2 is manufactured from a lightweight yet strong and durable material such as an aluminium material.
  • the slide evacuation apparatus of the present invention may also comprise an emergency hammer 25.
  • the hammer provides means to break a window if necessary.
  • the portable evacuation slide apparatus of the present invention is primarily intended as an evacuation means from a building, in the event of flooding the inflatable slide may also provide an emergency floatation device for the user after they have escaped from a building.
  • the slide section 4 of the apparatus is sufficiently strong to provide a floatation means.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Lowering Means (AREA)

Abstract

A portable evacuation slide apparatus for evacuating the occupants of a building comprises adjustable foldable attachment means; inflating means; an inflatable slide section; and an outer cover bag, wherein the apparatus is movable from a compact stowed position to an extended working position in which it defines a slide extending from an upper storey for the occupants to escape from the building.

Description

"Evacuation Slide Apparatus"
Introduction
The invention relates to an evacuation slide apparatus for the rapid and safe evacuation of the occupants, including the very young, the elderly and infirm from a building.
In the event of a fire, for example in a residential building which has more than one storey, it can be difficult to evacuate the residents quickly and safely. In particular it can be very difficult to evacuate the elderly, the very young or people with a disability. There have been many incidents where children are thrown from upper storey windows of buildings in order to save them from fires which are preventing escape through other routes out of the building.
There is a real need for an improved evacuation apparatus which is easy to use under stressful conditions and which will aid all the residents to escape quickly and safely from an upper storey in a building in the event of a fire, threat or the like. Statements of Invention
According to the invention there is provided a portable evacuation slide apparatus for evacuating the occupants of a building comprising;
adjustable foldable attachment means;
inflating means;
inflatable slide section; and
outer cover bag, wherein the apparatus is movable from a compact stowed position to an extended working position in which it defines a slide extending from an upper storey for the occupants to escape from the building.
In one embodiment of the invention the attachment means comprise a pair of parallel adjustable brackets. Preferably the adjustable brackets comprise tubular telescopic arms which are adjustable in length to fit different widths of window ledge. In one embodiment of the invention the adjustable brackets comprise at least two rigid cross bars extending between the parallel brackets. Preferably the rigid cross bars extending between the parallel brackets are detachable at one end from the parallel brackets.
In one embodiment of the invention the parallel brackets are manufactured from an aluminium material. In one embodiment of the invention the inflating means is detachably attached to the attachment means and inflatable slide section.
In one embodiment of the invention the inflating means comprises a gas canister with a rapid release valve. Preferably the gas canister is sealably attached to the upper end of the inflatable slide section.
In one embodiment of the invention the slide section is detachably attached to the attachment means. Preferably the upper section of the inflatable slide section comprise sleeves to receive the cross bars between the parallel brackets.
In one embodiment of the invention the inflatable slide comprises a central floor section, parallel elongate inflatable side beams and a plurality of inflatable cross bars extending perpendicular to the parallel side beams. In one embodiment of the invention the inflatable slide section is manufactured from a fire resistant material. Preferably the inflatable slide is manufactured from a urethane coated nylon material coated comprising a fire retardant paint.
In one embodiment of the invention the apparatus comprises attachment hooks at a distal end of the adjustable brackets.
According to the invention there is also provided a method of evacuating the occupants of a building using the apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising the steps; unfolding the adjustable foldable attachment means; securing the attachment means across a window ledge with the inflatable slide section extending out of the window; and
activating the inflating means to inflate the slide section.
Brief Description of the Invention
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: -
Fig. 1 is a perspective view from one side of the evacuation slide apparatus of the invention in its folded storage position;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view from another side of the evacuation slide apparatus of the invention in its folded storage position;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the attachment means of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in its folded non-working position; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the attachment means of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in its extended working position;
Fig. 5 is a side perspective view of the evacuation slide apparatus of the invention in its extended working position extending from a window of a building to ground level outside;
Fig. 6 is side view of the apparatus in its working position of Fig. 5;
Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the slide section of the evacuation slide apparatus of the invention partially inflated extending from a window of a building;
Fig. 8 is an enlarged side perspective view of the attachment means of the apparatus of the invention in a working position across a window ledge; Fig. 9 is a perspective view from above of the slide section of the evacuation slide apparatus according to the invention; and
Fig. 10 is a perspective view from underneath of the slide section of the evacuation slide apparatus according to the invention
Detailed description Inflatable evacuation slides for use inside multi storey high rise buildings are known. Inflatable evacuation slides for use on the exterior of residential homes are also known. However the currently known inflatable slides are quite complex and cumbersome and are typically permanently attached to an interior or exterior wall of a building. This can be quite unsightly and not very attractive to the householder.
The present invention provides a portable rapidly inflating evacuation slide apparatus which may be neatly stored out of sight when not required. The apparatus may be easily and quickly activated when required to provide an inflatable evacuation slide which extends from an upstairs window of a building to the ground outside. The residents of the building can make a rapid and safe escape from the building in the event of a fire, threat or the like when other escape routes are blocked. The evacuation slide apparatus of the present invention has no restrictions on the size or age of the user. The evacuation slide apparatus of the present invention is relatively lightweight and portable and may be carried by emergency service personnel into a building in the event of emergency. The apparatus may be quickly and efficiently activated to evacuate the occupants in particular the elderly, very young and/or infirm from an upper floor window rather than having to negotiate their way down stairs and through a burning building for example.
The apparatus is portable and comes folded and contained within a storage bag. In its folded storage position within the storage bag it does not take up a lot of space and may be stored neatly under a bed or in a wardrobe. There is no requirement for the apparatus to be permanently fixed to an interior or exterior wall of the building. The evacuation slide apparatus is transportable and may be taken by the occupants when moving to a new house for example. The householder can be happy in the knowledge that they know how to use the apparatus and that the apparatus is in good working order. The apparatus may also be easily taken by the householder when going on holidays for example. The apparatus is not much larger in size than a foldable travel cot or sports/gym bag or the like. The attachment means on the apparatus may be adjusted and sized to fit any window opening in the holiday house providing peace of mind to the residents in the case of the requirement for an emergency evacuation during their holiday.
The evacuation slide apparatus 1 of the invention comprises adjustable attachment means 2, an inflating means, an inflatable slide section 4 and a cover bag 6. Figs. 1 & 2 show the apparatus 1 of the present invention in its stowable portable form. The attachment means 2 comprises a pair of adjustable parallel brackets 3 which are essentially built onto the outside of the cover bag 6 and are detachably attached to inflatable slide section 4. The inflating means comprises a gas canister 5 which is detachably attached to the attachment means 2. The gas canister may be detachably attached to the attachment means by any suitable means or the gas canister 5 may be contained within the cover bag 6.
The parallel attachment brackets 3 have at least two cross bar sections 12 which extend between the parallel brackets 3. The cross bars 12 provide strength and support to the attachment means. The cross bars 12 also provide means to detachably attach the slide section 4 to the parallel brackets 3. Two fire resistant sleeves at an upper end of the slide section 4 may be attached to the cross bars 12. The cross bars 12 are detachable at one end from the parallel brackets 3. Any suitable means may be used to allow the cross bars 12 to be detached and allow the fire resistant sleeves on the slide section 4 to be slid off and on the cross bars 12. In this way if the slide section 4 becomes damaged it can be easily removed from the attachment means and replaced. As shown in Fig. 4 in particular one of the parallel brackets 3 has flanges 14 which receive the ends of the cross bars 12. The ends of the cross bars 12 may be secured in position using a clip pin or any other suitable means. The parallel brackets 3 comprise rotatable hinges 18 which allows the brackets 3 to move from a compact storage position (Fig. 3) to an extended working position (Fig. 4). In their storage position the brackets are twisted and folded back on themselves so that they rest neatly and flush against the side of the cover bag 6.
The cover bag 6 has seams 7 which are fastened using a hook and loop type material or any other suitable means. The cover bag 6 has handles 7a for easy transport and manoeuvring of the apparatus into its working position over a window ledge. The cover bag 6 is preferably manufactured from a fire resistant material.
The attachment means 2 on the apparatus may be adjusted and sized to fit any window opening. When first purchased and prior to its storage the adjustable parallel brackets 3 of the apparatus 1 should be unfolded as shown in Fig. 4 and the brackets 3 placed across the window ledge where the apparatus 1 is intended for use in the event of an emergency. The apparatus 1 of the invention is light enough in weight for an individual to do this without any help. The folded slide section 4 remains folded within the cover bag 6 while the length of the brackets 3 are being adjusted. The brackets 3 are adjusted in length and sized to correctly fit the width/depth of the window ledge. The length of the attachment brackets 3 are adjustable to fit the width of any window ledge. The brackets 3 are tubular comprising an outer tubular member 10 configured to slidably receive an inner tubular member 10a in a telescoping manner. The inner tubular member 10a carries a spring biased snap button. A plurality of apertures 9 along the length of the outer tubular member 10 allows the spring biased snap button on the inner member to pass through the apertures 9 and lock the tubular members against relative movement. Using the push-button mechanism and the telescopic feature, the length of the brackets 3 may be adjusted to fit the width of any window ledge.
The parallel brackets 3 are curved and essentially have a 'C'-shaped hook at one end which is placed against an inner wall underneath a window ledge 25 with the brackets 3 reaching across the window sill/ledge and wall 11 of the window opening. The distal ends of the brackets 3 have stoppers 22 to prevent any damage to the walls when the brackets 3 are resting against the interior and exterior walls of the window as shown in Fig 8. The lip on a window ledge also prevents the attachment brackets from slipping. The attachment brackets 3 are held in place by the downward pressure from the weight of the slide section 4 when inflated and the weight of the person using the evacuation slide apparatus 1. The evacuation slide apparatus of the present invention is suitable for use on any size of window opening.
Once set to the correct window ledge size the brackets 3 may be folded back into their storage position along the side of the cover bag/storage bag 6 and the apparatus 1 safely stored until required. In the event of an emergency evacuation the apparatus 1 of the invention is ready for use and may be quickly fitted across the window ledge without any need for adjustment. The apparatus 1 of the present invention may be quickly and safely deployed even under stressful conditions.
The folded slide section 4 is kept folded within the cover bag 6 (Fig. 3) until required for use. The inflatable slide section 4 comprises a central flat floor section 15 providing a flexible sliding surface for the user to slide down on. The slide 4 has two parallel elongated inflatable side beams 16 which extend the length of the slide. A plurality of inflatable reinforcing cross beams 17 extend beneath the flat floor section 15 perpendicular to and between the parallel side beams 16 to provide support and strength to the slide section 4. In use the side beams 16 and reinforcing cross beams 17 are rapidly inflated. The slide has pressure release valves to ensure that inflation stops once the correct pressure is reached. The slide section is made from a fire resistant material. The slide may be manufactured from a nylon material coated with a fire resistant paint such as aluminium.
The gas canister 5 is detachably attached to the attachment means 2 by any suitable means such as using hook and loop material 4a as shown in Fig 8. The gas canister 5 has an outlet with a normally closed release valve. The outlet is directly connected to a sealed opening at the upper end of the inflatable slide section 4. The gas canister 5 has an actuating ring pull (not shown) to activate the canister 5 and rapidly inflate the slide 4. The actuating ring pull is connected to a lead which is easily accessible to the homeowner once the apparatus 1 is in position across a window ledge. The gas canister has a safety catch to prevent accidental activation. Alternatively the gas canister may detachably attached to the attachment means 2 but contained within the cover bag 6. The cover bag 6 may have a sealable opening so that the canister may be easily accessible for maintenance and replacement. The gas canister is a single use device and needs to be replaced after each use or after every couple of years of non-use. The gas canister may have an indicator alarm to alert the user when the pressure in the canister drops below a certain level and needs to be replaced.
The slide 4 remains in its folded position within the cover bag 6 until it is required for use.
When required for use the apparatus 1 is carried over to the window and the brackets 3, already adjusted to the correct size for the window ledge, are unfolded and placed across the window ledge. The folded slide section 4 within the cover bag 6 extends on the outer side of the window. When the brackets 3 are secured in position an actuating ring on the gas canister 5 is actuated by pulling on a lead to inflate the slide section 4. The inflating slide 4 bursts through the hook and loop material seams 7 on the cover bag 6 and extends down to ground level outside the building. The slide 4 preferably inflates in two stages. The upper section inflates first as shown in Fig. 7. As soon as the upper section is fully inflated a light string or tie 20 holding the lower section of the slide in a folded position breaks allowing the lower section to fully inflate. In this way the slide is inflated fully and correctly and does not get damaged. Within seconds the evacuation slide apparatus of the invention is ready for evacuation of people through the window and down the slide. The size/length of the slide section may vary depending on the height of the building in which in the evacuation slide device is to be used.
Where the window for evacuation has no ledge/sill or the like for the attachment brackets to rest against in the event of slippage of the attachment brackets 2, the apparatus may comprise spikes or hooks for attachment to the distal ends of the parallel brackets 2. The spikes/hooks may be easily secured to the stoppers at the distal end of the brackets on the inner wall of the building. The spikes will pierce the interior wall to keep the brackets from slipping. The attachment means 2 is manufactured from a lightweight yet strong and durable material such as an aluminium material.
The slide evacuation apparatus of the present invention may also comprise an emergency hammer 25. The hammer provides means to break a window if necessary.
While the portable evacuation slide apparatus of the present invention is primarily intended as an evacuation means from a building, in the event of flooding the inflatable slide may also provide an emergency floatation device for the user after they have escaped from a building. The slide section 4 of the apparatus is sufficiently strong to provide a floatation means.
The invention is not limited to the embodiment hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which may be varied in construction and detail.

Claims

Claims
A portable evacuation slide apparatus for evacuating the occupants of a building comprising;
adjustable foldable attachment means;
inflating means;
inflatable slide section; and
outer cover bag, wherein the apparatus is movable from a compact stowed position to an extended working position in which it defines a slide extending from an upper storey for the occupants to escape from the building.
An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the attachment means comprise a pair of parallel adjustable brackets.
An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the adjustable brackets comprise tubular telescopic arms which are adjustable in length to fit different widths of window ledge.
An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the adjustable brackets comprise at least two rigid cross bars extending between the parallel brackets.
An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in 4 wherein the rigid cross bars extending between the parallel brackets are detachable at one end from the parallel brackets.
An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in any of claims 2 to 5 wherein the parallel brackets are manufactured from an aluminium material.
An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the inflating means is detachably attached to the attachment means and inflatable slide section.
8. An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the inflating means comprises a gas canister with a rapid release valve.
9. An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein the gas canister is sealably attached to the upper end of the inflatable slide section.
10. An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the slide section is detachably attached to the attachment means.
11. An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in any of claim 4 to 10 wherein the upper section of the inflatable slide section comprises sleeves to receive the cross bars between the parallel brackets.
12. An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the inflatable slide comprises a central floor section, parallel elongate inflatable side beams and a plurality of inflatable cross bars extending perpendicular to the parallel side beams.
13. An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein said inflatable slide is manufactured from a fire resistant material.
An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in claim 13 wherein the inflatable slide is manufactured from a urethane coated nylon material coated comprising a fire retardant paint.
An evacuation slide apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the apparatus comprises attachment hooks at a distal end of the adjustable brackets.
A method of evacuating the occupants of a building using the apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising the steps; unfolding the adjustable foldable attachment means;
securing the attachment means across a window ledge with the inflatable slide section extending out of the window; and
activating the inflating means to inflate the slide section.
17. An evacuation slide apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.
PCT/IB2017/051149 2016-02-25 2017-02-27 Evacuation slide apparatus WO2017145138A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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GB1603282.3A GB2547677B (en) 2016-02-25 2016-02-25 Evacuation slide apparatus
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WO2019084263A1 (en) * 2017-10-25 2019-05-02 Collier Winsome Safety system including evacuation slide and floatation raft, and methods of use

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US5203427A (en) * 1992-05-15 1993-04-20 Williams Sr Anthony E Fire escape ladder with integral air cushion
US5499692A (en) * 1992-02-06 1996-03-19 Brook; Simon Escape ladder
US6082491A (en) * 1998-12-23 2000-07-04 Collier; Winsome Inflatable slide for attachment to a house window

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GB2322108A (en) * 1996-11-25 1998-08-19 Ian Trevor Hopper Reusable inflatable escape slide
GB2345680A (en) * 1999-01-12 2000-07-19 Paul Lambert Home safety escape shoot
KR101462964B1 (en) * 2014-06-20 2014-11-20 (주)사인포스트커뮤니케이션 Apparatus for an emergency escape in a building

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US3910532A (en) * 1974-04-25 1975-10-07 Garrett Corp Inflatable deployment system and method
GB2032366A (en) * 1978-09-19 1980-05-08 Rfd Inflatables Ltd Escape installations
US5499692A (en) * 1992-02-06 1996-03-19 Brook; Simon Escape ladder
US5203427A (en) * 1992-05-15 1993-04-20 Williams Sr Anthony E Fire escape ladder with integral air cushion
US6082491A (en) * 1998-12-23 2000-07-04 Collier; Winsome Inflatable slide for attachment to a house window

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2019084263A1 (en) * 2017-10-25 2019-05-02 Collier Winsome Safety system including evacuation slide and floatation raft, and methods of use

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GB2547677B (en) 2018-06-06
GB201603282D0 (en) 2016-04-13
GB2547677A (en) 2017-08-30

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