Fire escape apparatus for use in multi-story buildings and method of escape

摘要

An apparatus and method for lowering a plurality of evacuees in a single descent using a movable rope system is provided. An anchor is equipped with expansion means for wedging the anchor between a floor and ceiling. An arm extends outward from the anchor and is supported by a leg extending to the floor. The leg is braced to the expandable floor-to-ceiling member to resist tilting of the anchor. A friction drum is provided to control the descent of evacuees and also to provide for braking of the rope in order to attach harnesses for use by evacuees. A first evacuee is attached to an end of the rope and lowered a distance whereupon the rope is braked. A second evacuee is then attached and lowered and the rope is again braked. In this manner, a plurality of evacuees are attached to the first end of the rope which is then lowered to the destination point. The next group of evacuees is attached in similar fashion to the second end of the rope and the weight of the second group of evacuees is used as a counterweight in hauling up the first portion of the rope and harnesses.