US 4,876,833 A · Accessible areaway system

Abstract

An areaway allowing for escape or for ingress and egress in emergency situations is disclosed. A unitary body is designed for attachement to the exterior of a foundation wall. This unitary body includes steps to facilitate escape and may include openings to access the earth below the areaway and for planting. In such fashion both maintenance of the areaway and its aesthetic appeal are enhanced. Additional features allow for improved access for escape and improved drainage of the areaway. The unitary design may be molded and may include a cover, integral lights, or even simply a vertical retaining wall with molded steps to accommodate existing designs. The areaway allows aesthetic use of the space within it.

Claims26

Dependent claims

An open areaway escape system for a building having:

a basement window having a top and a bottom, and a foundation, said areaway escape system comprising:
a. a unitary body comprising:
(1) a wall member having a top edge, a bottom edge, and a foundation face edge;
(2) an uncovered upper opening adjacent to the top edge of said wall member;
(3) an upper flange between said uncovered upper opening and said wall member along said top edge;
(4) a vertical opening adjacent to the foundation face edge of said wall member;
and
(5) a floor opening adjacent to the bottom edge of said wall member.
b. a positive means for escaping;
c. a means along said vertical opening for attaching said unitary body to the exterior of the foundation of said building adjacent to said basement window without significantly altering said foundation;
and
d. a means for draining the areaway.

9 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Accessible areaway system

Life of this patent

Accessible areaway system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims26