Untitled record

Application filed February 20, 1880.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, Charles 0. J. Wood, of Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, have invented certain new and 5 useful Improvements in a Fire-Escape Ladder and Elevator, of which the following is a description of the construction and operation, which will enable others skilled in the art to which my iuvention appertains to understand io and make use of the same, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which—

Figure 1 is a side elevation, showing the parts extended; Fig. 2, an end elevation of 15 the same; Fig. 3, a detail view of one side, looking outward from the line x x, Fig. 2; Fig. 4, a side elevation, the parts being folded or closed; and Figs. 5 and 6, detail views.

The object of this invention is the improved 20 construction of a combined fire-escape ladder and elevator operated by a system of lazytongs, the exact arrangement and construction of which will hereinafter be more fully pointed out and explained in detail.

In referring to the drawings, A represents the supporting frame-work and the lower platform, which maybe combined and constructed, in connection with a suitable carriage or trucks, as a convenient means of transporting thede30 vice from place to place, adapting the same to be used as a fire-escape, and when the device is to be employed for purposes other than that of a fire-escape the supporting framework may be constructed as herein shown.

a a a are a series of diagonal bars, forming the system of lazy-tongs, being connected together and having axial bearings, as shown.

a' a' are short bars, which connect and are attached to the longer bars a, and are for the 40 purpose of imparting additional strength and support to these parts.

B represents the horizontal cross-bars forming the connections between the two sides of the lazy-tongs. B' are counterpoise weights 45 or balances attached to the lower ends of the lazy-tongs, and are for the purpose of assisting in giving an easy movement to the parts when being operated, b are smooth pulleys attached to the lazy-tongs, and travel in a hori50 zontal line on the top part of the frame A, and moving in and out as the parts are extended or folded, as the case may be.

C is an ordinary hand-ladder, which may be used as a means of ascent and descent when the device is extended, and is so connected as 55 to form a part of the lazy-tongs system, opening and closing with the same.

D represents a telescopic pipe, to be used as a water-conductor by attaching hose to both ends, the pipe being lengthened or shortened 60 by the operation of the lazy-tongs.

E represents the upper platform, and e the safety-railing surrounding the same, c represents a shaft, having the crank-handle c' and carrying the two grooved pulleys c². 65

In the upper platform, E, is placed the corresponding shaft F, carrying the grooved pulleys /, this mechanism to be employed, in connection with suitable ropes and a life-saving basket, in lowering persons to a place of safety. 70

G represents the operating-shaft, and d the handle attached thereto. Hare drums placed upon the shaft G, and around which the ropes d', connecting with the lazy-tongs, are made to coil as the device is being extended, h h' 75 are gear-wheels which engage with each other, and may be adapted to control the closing or folding of the lazy-tongs, as well as the extension of the same.

O represents a ratchet-wheel located on the 80 shaft G, and P a pawl adapted to engage with the same, by means of which the device is securely locked at any desired point.