GB2101054A - Emergency escape tower - Google Patents

Abstract

An emergency escape structure is supported on the ground adjacent to a multi-storey building (38) or inside a building and extending between storeys. It consists of a spiral chute 26 within a cylindrical shell 10, access 32, 36 from the building at the top of the chute and an exit at or near the base. The exit is closed by a door 30 which may be self-opening on impact and/or may fold down as an exit chute. The chute may be a tube. The chute may be supported by arms 24 from a central column 18 or may be attached to a central tube or may be self-supporting. Multiple chutes can be provided within one shell. The structure allows rapid escape even of handicapped persons, in the event of fire. If it is made in sections it is easily fabricated and erected. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Emergency escape tower This invention relates to a structure to allow rapid emergency escape from buildings in the event of fire or other emergency.

The invention provides a structure which is readily fabricated and erected to provide an escape from pre-existing buildings in the case of fire, chemical or radioactive contamination or other emergency.

According to the present invention we provide a structure which comprises a generally cylindrical outer shell, which may have at the top a roof, a spiral chute from top to bottom within the shell, an exit door at or near the bottom of the shell which door is preferably held closed by means rapidly openable in case of emergency, and at least one aperture above the bottom of the chute and communicating with the chute, each of which apertures can be connected to upper floors of a building so as to provide emergency egress therefrom.

Preferably, the escape structure has a central column to support the chute and which may assist anchoring the structure to the ground.

The structure may be constructed in conveniently portably portions for ease of transport and erection. Suitable materials are anodised aluminium, galvanised steel, fiberglass, reinforced fibreglass and asbestos or similar fireproof materials.

The invention will now be further described by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:- Figure 1 is a vertical elevational view of a structure according to the invention together with part of an adjacent building, taken in the direction A shown in Fig. 3; Figure 2 is another vertical elevation of the structure, taken from the direction B of Fig. 3, with the exit door in its open position; and Figure 3 is a cross-section of the structure taken on the line Ill-Ill of Fig. 1 Referring to the drawings, the outer shell 10 is generally cylindrical, and of a height to give access to the required height of the adjacent building. The shell may be formed of metal sections, possibly with asbestos cladding, fitted together by means of flanges and bolts or expanded ends.Two windows 1 2 are shown extending to most of the height of the structure, although other arrangements of windows, or indeed absence of windows are also possible. The structure is stronger if there are no windows. Windows, if provided, should be of wired cast glass set in a fireresistant frame. The structure is topped by a conical roof 14; ventilation may be provided by apertures at the base of the roof at 16.

A central column 1 8 extends from top to bottom of the structure and continues in a portion 20 to be embedded in the gound so as to anchor base 22 of the structure to the ground. The shell is preferably also flangefixed by bolts onto a firm base. From this column extend lateral arms indicated at 24 in Fig. 3 which support a spiral chute 26 which extends from top to bottom of the structure and terminates in an outwardly extending portion 28 at ground level or (as shown in Figs.

1 and 2) slightly above the ground. The chute 26 does not necessarily need lateral arm supports as it may be sufficiently strong to support itself while forming an integral part of the whole structure. The exit portion 28 is closed by a door 30 which is seen opened in Fig. 2; the exit door is fitted internally with appropriate emergency release mechanism; it is preferably self-releasing from internal impact, as persons using the chute will be moving at a speed probably impractical for operation of a conventional panic bar. The door 30 may be counterbalanced for ease of operation. The final portion of the chute may alternatively be uncovered, to assist dismounting or the door could be hinged at its foot and, on impact, fold down to form an exit chute.In place of a central column or post 1 8 and arms 24 there may be a central hollow tube to which the chute is attached.

Friction pads to decrease velocity at certain points may be incorporated on the chute at suitable points, to reduce possible collision speeds. The chute is preferably cambered.

Apertures 32 are provided at appropriate positions in the upper part of the tower, each being fitted with a door 34, and appropriate passageways 36- are provided to connect the openings 32 to an adjacent building 38 from which emergency access is desired, via further doors 40 which should be of the self-closing fire check type. In place of the passageways 36 lateral chutes may be provided, each joining tangentially to the main spiral chute 26; this could reduce jamming of the chute 36 in a panic and facilitate access for the infirm.

In use, in the event of a fire or other emergency, persons in the building 38 would open the fire door 40 at their floor level and then open the door 34 and step into or dive into the chute thus emerging at ground level within a few seconds.

The escape structure of the invention has the advantages over existing types of fire escapes that it does not require much ground space, is easily fabricated and erected, and that it offers very quick evacuation in an emergency, even of handicapped persons who cannot negotiate stairs.

A modified form of the invention comprises more than one spiral chute, each with access to separate floors of a building, e.g. the upper floors of a three storey building could be served by an escape with two spirals independently spaced in the structure and with exits at 180 to each other. Similarly a five storey building can be supplied with two chute serv ing respectively the 2nd and 3rd, and 4th and 5th floors together.

Each chute could be a spiral tube either fixed within the main structure, or just to the exterior of a central column support with no outer shell.

The surfaces of each chute of tube(s) may be coated to provide appropriate frictional properties.

The structure could also be installed internally in a building between various levels with the exit door into the lower floor level, or to the exterior, or to an adjacent chute, if conditions so required. In the event of it being positioned where it could pass through a hot or smoke-filled area, suitable ventilation or cooling could be incorporated as an additional feature for safety, e.g. a forced air draught from a clear cool exterior or an internal water spray system automatically initiated by sensing devices.

In such a case the chute may have to be supported away from the shell to allow unimpeded airflow or water spray without interfering with access and egress.

A suitable size of the chute is an outer diameter of 2.5 to 3 metres and an inner diameter of 1.5 to 1.8 metres.

Claims (6)

1. An emergency escape structure adapted to be supported on the ground adjacent or within a building, which comprises a generally cylindrical outer shell, a spiral chute within the shell terminating in an exit near or at the base of the chute, and at least one aperture for access to the upper part of the chute from said building.

2. A structure as claimed in Claim 1, which includes doors at each said aperture.

3. A structure as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, which includes a central column or tube which is vertical when the structure is installed and which supports the chute.

4. A structure as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the chute is in the form of a tube.

5. A structure as claimed in any preceding claim, which includes a passageway for connection of the building to each said aperture.

6. An emergency escape structure, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to or as shown in the accompanying drawing.