A PATENT FIRE ESCAPE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 12447, 2 September 1902, Page 8

A PATENT FIRE ESCAPE.

A new, and what appears to be a very effective, fire escape ladder has been recently invented and patented by Messrs W. Koon and W. O. Miller. The ladder is in two hinged parts, and when it is shot out from the wall of any tjuilding to which it is affixed the upper pa,rt. which is short, forms a connecting section of the balcony. The ladder proper—that i≤, the longer portion—is shot out at the foot by a kicker, which, on the ladder being released from the upright position it occupies against the wall, prevents all possibility of its rempjning in a vertical position. Onco beyond the perpendicular, the weight of the ladder itself is eufiioient to cause it to nm outwards on the two small wheels at its foot. It is only the work of a moment to release the catcli by which it is hold close against the wall: so close that it is computed that it will not project more than three inches when folded; and the ladder springs automatically outwards, the short part, as described, connecting the gap in the balcony. Handrails, also acting automatically, rise into position as

the ladder goes out from the wall. What may bo called the balcony section of the ladder is kept in its horizontal position by knees itiiderneath, which, when the ladder is , down, lie against the face of the building and ensure perfect rigidity. When, folded up the ladder is about 6ft ; cloar above the ' footpath. It is the intention of the patentees 1 i to attach » fire alarm to their invention that will be brought into play directly the ladder is released. It is proposed to connect the ■ upper balconies with the lower ones by . separate ladders, the final escape being t made by the one just described.