BALCONY SAFE ESCAPE LADDER

摘要

This invention relates to an unfoldable and lockable lightweight ladder that has a reverse S curvature so that it can be hung over one balcony to permit descent to the balcony below. Horizontal struts improve the stability and safety of the ladder. The process of descent can be repeated by lifting the ladder free of the balcony above and lowering it to the balcony on which the user is standing. This invention relates to a personal fire escape ladder for apartment buildings that can be stored on the balcony of the occupant and can be used in an emergency, such as a fire, by following three simple steps. These steps are to unfold the device, lock its main portions into a rigid assembly and hang it over the balcony. Heretofore, fire exits, fire escapes and rope ladders have had limited success in providing for the speedy evacuation of a multi-level building. The fire escape ladder of this invention has an upper section that is curved outwardly to accommodate a balcony of any configuration, that has an upper horizontal extension that rests on the balcony rail. A lower ladder section is transversely hinged to the upper section. This becomes a rigid assembly when locking ferrules are slid into engagement with the contiguous ladder portions adjacent the hinge points. The upper section has bracing struts that engage the bottom of the balcony on its outer surface. The lower section has a reverse or inner curvature to bring it within the plane of the balcony wall below. It has horizontal end struts to engage this balcony wall. The ladder is now in place and ready for use. The user descends one balcony at a time, retrieving his ladder from the balcony above, hanging it over the balcony he is on and repeating the process.