Building evacuation system and associated method

Abstract

A building evacuation system includes an endless conveyor member having a plurality of platform members secured thereto and upper and lower support means for supporting the endless conveyor and permitting orbital movement thereof. An elongated tubular member through which the endless conveyor passes has at least one opening in the wall generally facing the building to permit evacuees to enter the tube and get onto a platform member or emergency personnel being delivered to said building to exit from the tubular member through the opening. The platform members preferably have a rod which is rotatably secured to the endless conveyor and a platform portion disposed at or adjacent the lower end of the rod. A generator which is adapted to generate electricity responsive to movement of the conveyor may be provided. Also, a brake member which is adapted to control the orbital speed may be provided. A method of evacuation employing equipment of the above-described type.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.