Melvin L Smith DeceasedLos Angeles, CA

3944021, Mar 16, 1976

Feb 18, 1975

5/550811

Melvin F. Smith - Los Angeles CA
Jay Sher - Los Angeles CA

B66B 900
A62B 102

182 3

The invention is directed to a novel fire escape system designed for use with multi-story buildings. The system comprises a generally cylindrical (or other suitable geometric shape) vertical column, preferably attached vertically adjacent to the outside of the building, which is longitudinally slotted on one side to form a main descent channel and which has mounted within it a series of helical lead screws which are fitted together to form one continuous worm shaft. A carrier seat (or harness) unit, which comprises, in part, a seat unit in the form of a net, a hook-up unit in the form of a ball or other suitable geometric shape, is adapted to readily engage within, and descend, at a controlled rate in, the above-mentioned apparatus. People responding to a fire alarm will step through the leg opening in the seat unit and then place the hook-up unit of the carrier seat (or harness) unit, into the slotted channel of a feeder tube (exit lead unit) which extends from an area inside the window to the main descent channel adjacent the window. The carrier seat unit, while carrying the person by means of the net, is then designed to slide, by gravity, through the feed tube and to the main column.