Patent Grant
11486200
This is a national stage filing in accordance with 35 U.S.C. § 371 of PCT/EP2018/083189, filed Nov. 30, 2018, which claims the benefit of the priority of Denmark Patent Application No. PA 2017 70899, filed Dec. 1, 2017, the contents of each are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to an escape system comprising an escape ladder for providing an escape route out of a building. The escape ladder comprises a plurality of telescopically displaceable essentially rigid ladder segments.
Various escape ladders are known for providing an escape route of a building. In general, an escape ladder may be of a first type or a second type. The first type of ladder is permanently mounted to a building and ready for use with little or no need for extension of the ladder case of an emergency. Often such ladders comprise rigid ladder segments and platforms permanently mounted to the façade of a multi-story building, possibly with the ladder segment closest to ground being an extendible ladder segment aiming to prevent access to the escape ladder from ground. While such ladders often provide relatively high structural stability for a safe descent, the need for relative large structures permanently mounted on the façade of the building may have detrimental effects on the visual expression of the building, which for buildings worth preserving may prevent installation, as well as the possible ineffectiveness of such ladders towards preventing access from ground with negative consequences for theft prevention.
The second type of ladder is an extendible ladder, which is stored in a collapsed or compressed configuration with one end of the ladder being secured to the building. This second type of ladder is then extended when the need for an escape route arises. While such ladders generally have less impact on the visual expression of the building they are mounted on, and commonly provide improved prevention of unwanted ground access as compared to the first type, they may lack in structural stability. Even in the case of a second type of escape ladder being formed by a plurality of mutually displaceable rigid elements, the ladder may lack structural stability.
In a first aspect, the invention provides an escape system for providing an escape route out of a building, the system comprising a ladder securable at a proximal end thereof to a building, and at least one anchor element at a fixed position relative to the building at a position distant from the proximal end of the ladder, the ladder being extendible between a collapsed storage configuration and an extended use configuration, wherein the ladder comprises:
wherein the ladder is detached from the anchor element in the collapsed storage configuration, and at least one fixation element of the ladder is configured to attach to the anchor element when the ladder is in the extended use configuration.
In a second aspect, the invention provides an escape ladder for being mounted on a building, the ladder being securable at a proximal end thereof to a building and being extendible between a collapsed storage configuration and an extended use configuration, wherein the ladder comprises:
wherein at least one fixation element of the ladder is configured to attach to an anchor element when the ladder is in the extended use configuration.
In a third aspect, the invention provides a method of providing an escape route out of a building, the method comprising the steps of:
In a fourth aspect, the invention provides a method of extending an escape ladder of an escape system, the escape ladder being secured at a proximal end thereof to a building, the ladder comprising:
wherein the escape system further comprises at least one anchor element at a fixed position relative to the building at a position distant from the proximal end of the ladder,
and wherein the method comprises the steps of:
By the provision of the plurality of essentially rigid displaceable ladder segments and the at least one fixation element of the ladder being configured to attach to an anchor element, the ladder is able to attain improved structural stability in the extended use configuration. The improved structural stability of the ladder works to increase the safety for a person climbing the ladder, as movement of the ladder is reduced. Structural stability may further improve the perceived safety of a person about to climb onto the ladder, and the experienced safety of a person climbing onto the ladder. Accordingly, a person may be more likely to climb onto the ladder and access the escape route than for less mechanically stable ladders. Notably, the improved mechanical stability is attained without requiring the ladder to be permanently mounted in the extended use configuration. The ladder is then allowed to have relatively small structural and visual impact on the building it is installed on. Further, by allowing the ladder to be stored in a configuration wherein it is not reachable from ground, the ladder may provide improved protection against unwarranted access to the ladder as compared to ladders with segments permanently installed near ground.
In embodiments, each of the ladder segments is telescopically displaceable in relation to the remaining plurality of ladder segments. In this case, extending the ladder from the collapsed storage configuration to the extended use configuration comprises telescopically extending the telescopically displaceable latter segments.
In embodiments, the escape system is configured to extend the ladder at shorter distance from the building than the length of the first spacer element. In this case, attachment of the fixation element to the anchor element will push the ladder away from the building. This may increase the reliability of each fixation element attaching to an anchor element.
In embodiments, at least some of the plurality of displaceable rigid ladder segments are displaceable in parallel planes in relation to other ladder segments. In this case, extending the ladder from the collapsed storage configuration to the extended use configuration comprises displacing the latter segments in parallel planes. Adjacent ladder segments may be joined by joints allowing the adjacent ladder segments to slide relative to each other. In one embodiment, adjacent ladder segments overlap at least almost completely in the collapsed storage configuration, and overlap significantly less in the extended use configuration.
In embodiments, at least some of the plurality of displaceable rigid ladder segments are displaceable in a foldable manner in relation to each other. Adjacent ladder segments may be joined by joints with limited rotational freedom allowing adjacent ladder segments to rotate about 180 degrees relative to each other, preferentially in a plane perpendicular to both the longitudinal and transverse extend of the ladder segments.
Further, the attachment between the fixation element and the anchor element may carry part of the load of the ladder and accompanying person(s). This reduces the load on the securement of the proximal end of the ladder to the building and accordingly fewer constraints are put on the proximal securement of the ladder.
Further, thanks to the at least one anchor element being arranged at a position distant from the proximal end of the ladder, the ladder may gain improved mechanical stability in the extended use configuration even when spanning relatively large distances as could be the case for multi-story buildings.
The first spacer element of the at least one fixation element further provides a space between the ladder in the extended use configuration and the building out of which the escape route is provided. In embodiments, this space between the ladder and building is chosen with an aim to enable a person to reach from the building and grab the ladder, while also allowing enough space for a person to fit in the space between the building and ladder so as to climb the ladder with the support of the building behind. In one embodiment, the first spacer element is between 50 cm and 70 cm long, in one embodiment between 55 cm and 65 cm.
In embodiments, the proximal end of the ladder is secured to the building at a proximal end in both the collapsed storage configuration and the extended use configuration. Accordingly, the ladder is already secured to the building before extension to the extended use configuration and there is no need for additional securement of the proximal end of the ladder upon extension of the ladder.
In embodiments, the ladder in the collapsed storage configuration is stored in a housing protecting the ladder from the elements of the outside. The housing may be configured to automatically open in case of a need for extension of the ladder.
In embodiments, the rigid ladder segments, preferably at least a majority of the elements of the escape system, are made from metal, preferentially steel for increased resilience towards elevated temperatures experienced during a fire.
In embodiments, the fixation element comprises a fixation extension mechanism, the fixation extension mechanism being configured to automatically extend the at least one fixation element towards the anchor element when the ladder is extended from the collapsed storage configuration to the extended use configuration.
This level of automation allows for more rapid and possibly also more secure attachment of the at least one fixation element to the at least one anchor element.
In embodiments, the fixation extension mechanism is configured to automatically extend the at least one fixation element at a first predetermined degree of displacement of adjacent ladder segments. This allows for timing extension of the at least one fixation element with extension of the ladder segments for improved reliability of establishing connection between the fixation element and anchor element.
In embodiments, the fixation extension mechanism comprises a resilient member allowing the fixation element to be resiliently extended towards the anchor element. In this case, if an obstacle initially prevents the fixation element to fully extend towards the anchor element and the obstacle subsequently is removed, the fixation element may then automatically fully extend towards the anchor element due to the resilience of the fixation element mechanism. In one embodiment, the resilience is provided by a spring member comprised in the fixation extension mechanism, the spring member preferentially being made from steel.
The fixation element may be configured to automatically attach to the anchor element without the need for human interaction upon extension of the ladder from the collapsed storage configuration to the extended use configuration. The fixation element may also be configured to be manually attached to the anchor element with the need for human interaction. In embodiments, the fixation element is configured to automatically attach to the anchor element upon extension of the ladder, while also allowing manual attachment of the fixation element to the anchor point if need be. This allows the fixation element to attach to the anchor element with a minimum of human interaction, while allowing the fixation element to be manually attached if for some reason it did not attach automatically. Accordingly, the speed and convenience of extending the ladder to the extended use configuration is increased while preserving the adaptability offered by manual attachment.
In embodiments, the system further comprises a first extension control mechanism configured to decelerate the ladder during at least part of the extension of the ladder from the collapsed storage configuration to the extended use configuration. The first extension control mechanism accordingly allows for slowing down the process of extending the ladder. The relatively slow extension of the ladder may improve safety as it allows more time to move out of the path of the extending ladder. The relatively slow extension may also decrease the amount of wear incurred by the ladder during extension. The deceleration may be effectuated, e.g., by mechanical damping in some or all joints connecting displaceable ladder segments, or one or more wires secured to the building as well as one or more ladder segments, the one or more wires being configured to extend in a damped manner.
In embodiments, the first extension control mechanism comprises a wire wound up on a wire drum when the ladder is in the collapsed storage configuration. The wire is connected at a proximal end, possibly via the wire drum, to the building. At a distal end, the wire is connected to a displaceable ladder segment of the ladder. In one embodiment, the distal end of the wire is connected to the most distal one of the displaceable ladder segments for a completely controlled extension of the ladder. The wire may be a metal wire, preferentially a steel wire for increased resilience towards elevated temperatures experienced during a fire. The wire drum may be passively or actively damped. The wire drum may be mechanically linked to an air break, like those found, e.g., on rowing machines, for damping. Alternatively or additionally, the wire drum may be connected to an electric motor for damping.
In embodiments, the first extension control mechanism is configured to sequentially extend the ladder segments one after another for increased control of extension of the displaceable ladder segments. In case the fixation extension mechanism is configured to automatically extend the at least one fixation element at a predetermined degree of displacement of adjacent ladder segments, this allows for timing of sequential extension of each fixation element as it is in the vicinity of an anchor element.
In embodiments, the fixation element and the anchor element are configured to be mutually detachable. In this case the ladder is detachable from the anchor element and is allowed to be removed from the anchor element for reuse. In one embodiment, the ladder is collapsible between the extended use configuration and the collapsed storage configuration. In one embodiment, the ladder is configured to sequentially collapse one ladder segment after another. In this case, the ladder is allowed to be detached from the anchor element and collapsed to the collapsed storage configuration after use.
In embodiments, the escape system further comprises a collapsing mechanism configured to automatically collapse the ladder from the extended use configuration to the collapsed storage configuration allowing convenient collapsing of the ladder for possible reuse.
In embodiments, the first extension control mechanism is also configured to retract the ladder from the extended use configuration towards the collapsed storage configuration. This allow for a simple and accordingly more robust construction of the escape system. In one embodiment, the fixation extension mechanism is also configured to automatically retract each fixation element as the first extension mechanism retracts the ladder allowing convenient retraction of the ladder for possible reuse. In one embodiment, the fixation extension mechanism is configured to automatically retract the at least one fixation element at a second predetermined degree of displacement of adjacent ladder segments for reliable detaching of fixation elements.
In embodiments, the proximal end of the ladder is secured to at least a part of the roof construction of the building, and the anchor element is secured to the façade of the building. In this case, the ladder is allowed to be secured to the building and being stored in the collapsed storage configuration at the roof of the building with minimised impact on the visual appearance of the building. Thanks to the anchor element being secured to the façade of the building, the ladder is allowed to be stabilised relative to the façade of the building even though the proximal end of the ladder may be only secured to the roof of the building.
In embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of anchor elements, wherein the ladder comprises a plurality of fixation elements. The addition of further anchor elements and fixation elements further increases the structural stability of the ladder and its immobility relative to the building in the extended use configuration.
In embodiments, the system comprises at least one anchor element secured to the façade of the building per floor of the building, wherein the ladder comprises at least one fixation element for each floor of the building. In this case, the structural stability of the ladder is allowed to remain intact with the addition of more floors to be spanned across in the extended use configuration. In one embodiment, each anchor element is arranged in the vicinity of a window. This both allows for optimum structural stability of the ladder in the vicinity of the window where people are expected to climb onto the ladder, while also allowing a person at the window to reach the fixation element and possibly manually attach it to the anchor element.
In embodiments, the proximal end of the ladder is secured to at least one rafter of the roof construction for improved integrity of the securement of the ladder to the roof. Securement to at least one rafter further allows the ladder to be secured and possibly stored below the visual roofing. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the ladder is secured between at least two rafters of the roof construction and is covered by the roofing. This allows for an even more hidden collapsed storage configuration of the ladder. In one embodiment, an opening, possibly latched, in the eave or fascia of the building is arranged to allow the ladder to be extended through the opening. This allows for efficient operation of extension of the ladder with a minimum of impact on the appearance and visual expression of the building.
In embodiments, the proximal end of the ladder comprises a second spacer element extending between the part of the ladder secured to at least a part of the roof construction of the building and the remaining essentially rigid ladder segments of the ladder. This allows for providing a space between the ladder and the façade of the building near the roof of the building. It may further allow a constant distance between the ladder and the façade of the building from the roof and down. This may further improve the structural stability of the ladder and the ability of a person to climb the ladder in the space between the ladder and the façade of the building.
The escape system may further comprise a displaceable securing element securing the proximal end of the ladder to at least part of the roof construction of the building, the displaceable securing element being displaceable between a storage configuration retracted from the edge of the roof and an extended use configuration towards the edge of the roof. This allows the ladder to be stored in the collapsed storage configuration retracted from the edge of the roof in a less visible manner, while also allowing the ladder to be extended at a more optimum site towards the edge of the roof. In one embodiment, the displaceable securing element comprises the second spacer element for increased stability of the ladder and convenience for ladder users. In one embodiment, the connection between the proximal end of the ladder and the displaceable securing element is configured to extend the ladder above the edge of the roof in the extended use configuration for ease of access to the ladder from the roof of the building.
In embodiments, a second extension control mechanism allows extension of the ladder in a first stage by application of a first force, and extension in a second stage by application of a second force, wherein the second force is greater than the first force. The differentiated resistance of the ladder towards extension allows for a rapid extension during the first stage for rapid extension of the ladder, while the greater second force required for the second stage allows for more controlled extension of the ladder during the second stage.
In embodiments, extension during the second stage corresponds to a length extension of at least two metre. In this case a person below the ladder with a height below two meter may have an increased chance of avoiding the extending ladder from above during the more controlled second stage extension. In one embodiment, extension during the second stage corresponds to a length of three meters. In this case, the ladder is allowed to be slowed down prior to reaching the space above ground commonly occupied by people.
In embodiments, a distal end of the ladder opposite the proximal end of the ladder in the extended use configuration comprises support means, the support means being configured to engage a surface beneath the ladder when the ladder is in the extended use configuration.
The support means allow further improvement of the structural stability of the ladder. The support means may further be attachable to ground providing a further improvement of the structural stability of the ladder. In one embodiment, the support means are configured to detachably attach to support attachment means secured to the surface beneath the ladder. In this case, the structural stability of the ladder in the extended use configuration may be increased, while also allowing the ladder to be collapsed from the extended use configuration to the collapsed storage configuration.
In a further aspect, the invention provides an escape system for providing an escape route out of a building, the system comprising a ladder securable at a proximal end thereof to a building, and at least one anchor element at a fixed position relative to the building at a position distant from the proximal end of the ladder, the ladder being extendible between a collapsed storage configuration and an extended use configuration, wherein the ladder comprises:
wherein the ladder is detached from the anchor element in the collapsed storage configuration, and at least one fixation element of the ladder is configured to attach to the anchor element when the ladder is in the extended use configuration.
In yet a further aspect, the invention provides an escape ladder for being mounted on a building, the ladder being securable at a proximal end thereof to a building and being extendible between a collapsed storage configuration and an extended use configuration, wherein the ladder comprises:
wherein at least one fixation element of the ladder is configured to attach to an anchor element when the ladder is in the extended use configuration.
Embodiments of the invention will now be further described with reference to the drawings, wherein:
A fixation element 114 of the ladder 102 attached to a ladder segment 110 is detachably attached to an anchor element 116 on the façade 108 of the building providing structural stability for the ladder 102. A first spacer element 118 of the fixation element 114 extends between the façade 108 and the ladder 102 providing a space between the two for a person to climb the ladder 102. In the embodiment of
Also visible in
In
In
In one embodiment, a second extension control mechanism allows extension of the ladder 102 in a first stage by application of a first force, and extension in a second stage by application of a second force, wherein the second force is greater than the first force. This is facilitated by a relatively high coefficient of friction between the tubes 112 of the nine adjacent ladder segments 110 closest to ground. This relatively high coefficient of friction causes the last eight ladder segments 110 closest to ground to extend relative slowly for a controlled decent during the last 3 meters.
In
In the embodiment of
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PA 2017 70899 | Dec 2017 | DK | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2018/083189 | 11/30/2018 | WO |
| Publishing Document | Publishing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| WO2019/106168 | 6/6/2019 | WO | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
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| 20200386051 A1 | Dec 2020 | US |
