Evacuation slides equipped with markings and lighting for leaving the aircraft
By setting up visual markers and light guidance on the slides, the problem of low efficiency in evacuation slide use was solved, enabling a fast and safe evacuation process.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- THE BOEING CO
- Filing Date
- 2021-04-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing evacuation slides are inefficient, causing people to hesitate when choosing an entry method, resulting in wasted time and increased risk of injury, especially in multi-lane cases where they are prone to congestion.
Visual markers and lighting guidance should be installed on the slides, including jump targets, slide markers, and ramp lights, to clearly indicate the way to enter and the path, thereby improving visibility and safety.
Visual cues and light guidance improved evacuation efficiency, reduced hesitation and the risk of injury, and ensured that more people could leave the aircraft quickly and safely.
Smart Images
Figure CN113636088B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of evacuation slides for aircraft, and more specifically to evacuation slides having a visual aspect to increase the efficiency of people using the slides to leave the aircraft. Background Technology
[0002] Evacuation slides provide a quick exit from the aircraft during an incident. Evacuation slides are located at the aircraft's doors or wings. The evacuation slides slope downwards and provide access by stepping outwards or jumping onto the ramp and sliding down its length to the ground.
[0003] Evacuation slides are somewhat intuitive to use, but their efficiency in getting people to the ground is highly dependent on how people enter the slide and how quickly they are persuaded to do so. People may hesitate in assessing the unknowns surrounding the use of the evacuation slide and their choices of how to enter it (e.g., whether to walk, sit and rush, or jump). This hesitation significantly affects the time it takes for people to reach the ground and the efficiency with which the slide can quickly evacuate large numbers of people from the aircraft.
[0004] Hesitation and the choice of how to enter the slide can also influence a person's likelihood of injury during the process. Hesitation can cause a person to be pushed by another person, leading to injury. For example, a hesitant person may be intentionally or unintentionally pushed off the slide by someone behind them who is in a hurry to leave. It can also cause injury to people who enter the slide in a suboptimal position (e.g., headfirst). When there is more than one slide, the hesitation and impact of missing the ideal entry point are much more significant. People can block the entrances to multiple slides, thus slowing down efficiency and causing those remaining on the slide to wait longer to leave. Summary of the Invention
[0005] One aspect relates to a slide providing an exit path from an aircraft's exit. The slide includes a porthole configured to attach to the aircraft. A ramp comprising first and second slide tracks extends between an upper end and an opposite lower end of the porthole. First and second jump targets are respectively positioned on the first and second slide tracks, and each of the first and second jump targets is spaced apart from the porthole. A first pair of track markers is positioned on the ramp and extends along the lateral side of the first slide track. A second pair of track markers is positioned on the inflatable ramp and extends along the lateral side of the second slide track. Each of the first and second pairs of track markers respectively outlines the lateral side of the first and second slide tracks and provides visual identification of the first and second slide tracks. A first jump target is positioned between the first pair of track markers, and a second jump target is positioned between the second pair of track markers. The first and second jump targets are constructed of a first material having higher visibility than the first and second slide tracks and the first and second pairs of track markers.
[0006] In another aspect, the first and second pairs of slide markers share a common center dividing marker that extends along the centerline of the inflatable ramp.
[0007] In the other case, the first pair of slide markers are raised above the first jump target, and the second pair of slide markers are raised above the second jump target.
[0008] In another aspect, the first and second pairs of slide markers include a central dividing marker and an outer slide marker, the outer slide markers extending along the outer edges of the respective first and second slides, wherein the central dividing marker is positioned at a different distance from the porch than the outer slide marker is positioned at a different distance from the porch.
[0009] In another embodiment, a slide end indicator is positioned at the lower end on the inflatable ramp, wherein the first and second jump targets and the slide end indicator are made of the same material to have the same visual appearance.
[0010] In another embodiment, fuselage lights are configured to be attached to the fuselage of the aircraft, wherein the fuselage lights are positioned to illuminate the upper section of the slide, the upper section of the slide including the portico and the ramp between the upper end and the first and second jump targets.
[0011] In another embodiment, ramp lights are spaced apart along the ramp to illuminate the first and second slide tracks, wherein the first ramp light is aligned with the first jump target and the second ramp light is aligned with the second jump target.
[0012] On the other hand, the first and second pairs of slide markers are visually darker than the slope.
[0013] One aspect relates to a slide providing an exit path from an aircraft's exit. The slide includes a porch configured to be attached to the aircraft. A ramp includes: an upper end and an opposing lower end, the upper end being attached to the porch and the lower end configured to contact the ground, wherein the ramp includes first and second sidewalls and a central partition positioned between the first and second sidewalls; a first slide track positioned between the first sidewall and the central partition, wherein the first slide track extends from the upper end to the lower end; and a second slide track positioned between the second sidewall and the central partition, wherein the second slide track extends from the upper end to the lower end. A first jump target is positioned on the first slide track and spaced apart from the first sidewall and the central partition. A second jump target is positioned on the second slide track and spaced apart from the second sidewall and the central partition. Each of the first and second jump targets is spaced apart from the porch by a jump distance. The first and second jump targets have greater visibility than the slope.
[0014] In another embodiment, fuselage lights are configured to be attached to the fuselage of the aircraft, wherein the fuselage lights are positioned to illuminate the first and second jump targets.
[0015] In another aspect, ramp lights are spaced apart along the length of each of the first and second sidewalls and are positioned to illuminate the first and second slide tracks, wherein the first ramp light is aligned with the first jump target and the second ramp light is aligned with the second jump target.
[0016] In another embodiment, a slide end indicator is positioned at the lower end of an inflatable ramp, wherein the slide end indicator is continuous across both the first and second slide tracks, and wherein at least two of the ramp lights are aligned with the slide end indicator.
[0017] In another aspect, the first and second jumping targets and the slide end indicator are coatings attached to the ramp.
[0018] In another respect, the coating has higher visibility than the first and second slide tracks.
[0019] In another embodiment, the first and second jumping targets are both vertically spaced apart by equal height below the porch and spaced apart by equal distance from the porch along the ramp.
[0020] One aspect relates to a method of positioning a slide on an aircraft to provide an exit path from the aircraft's exit. The method comprises: deploying the slide, the slide having a porch and a ramp, the porch being attached to the aircraft at the exit, the ramp extending from the porch, wherein the distal end of the ramp contacts the ground; horizontally aligning a first jump target positioned on a first slide track outwards from the porch and vertically below the porch; horizontally and vertically aligning a second jump target positioned on a second slide track away from the porch and laterally aligning it away from the first jump target; visually obscuring an elevated partition extending along the ramp and between the first and second jump targets; and illuminating the first and second jump targets by a greater amount than the remainder of the ramp.
[0021] In another aspect, the method includes aligning one or more jump lines outward from the exit of the aircraft with the junction of the porch and the ramp.
[0022] In another aspect, the method includes visually highlighting a slide end indicator at the distal end of the ramp by a greater amount than the section of the ramp between the first and second jump targets and the slide end indicator.
[0023] In another aspect, the method includes aligning ramp lights and illuminating the first and second jump targets.
[0024] In another aspect, the method includes aligning arrows positioned on the porch to point to the first and second slide tracks.
[0025] The features, functions, and advantages already discussed can be implemented individually in various aspects or combined in other aspects, as can be further detailed in the following description and figures. Attached Figure Description
[0026] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the aircraft.
[0027] Figure 2 It is a top view of the aircraft, in which the slide extends outward from the fuselage.
[0028] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the slide extending outward from the exit of the aircraft fuselage.
[0029] Figure 4 This is a perspective view from the top of the slide.
[0030] Figure 5 It is a schematic side view of the slide, including the porch and ramp.
[0031] Figure 6 This is a front view of a slide with a flat, extended orientation, illustrating the porch and ramp.
[0032] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for positioning a slide on an aircraft to provide an exit path from the aircraft's exit.
[0033] Figure 8 This is a front view of a slide with a flat, extended orientation, illustrating the porch and ramp. Detailed Implementation
[0034] Figure 1 An example of an aircraft 100 is illustrated. Aircraft 100 includes a nose section 101, wings 102, fuselage 103, and tail section 104. The interior of fuselage 103 includes a cabin area configured to accommodate a variety of people, including passengers and flight crew. The cockpit area at the nose section 101 accommodates one or more flight control personnel (e.g., pilot, co-pilot) to control the aircraft. One or more exits 105 along fuselage 103 provide exit from the interior of aircraft 100 during an incident. The number of exits 105 can vary depending on the size of aircraft 100 and / or the number of people inside aircraft 100.
[0035] During the incident and after the aircraft 100 has landed on the ground 110, one or more slides 10 are deployed at exits 105 in the fuselage 103. Due to the size of the aircraft 100 and the height of the fuselage 103 above the ground 110, one or more slides 10 provide a means for people to safely move from the fuselage 103 to the ground 110. Figure 2 The illustration depicts an aircraft 100 with eight slides 10 providing assistance to a person reaching the ground 110. In one example, each of the slides 10 comprises the same shape and size. In another example, two or more of the slides 10 have different sizes and / or shapes. For example, as shown... Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the slide 10 at wing 102 is tilted relative to fuselage 103 at an angle different from the angle of the slide 10 towards nose 101 and tail 104 relative to fuselage 103.
[0036] The slide 10 is configured to visually guide a person standing at exit 105 on how to enter the slide 10 and reach the ground 110. The slide 10 includes quick visual cues indicating how to enter the slide 10. This quick entry increases the efficiency of the slide 10 in terms of the number of people that can be evacuated from the aircraft 100 via the slide 10 within a given time period.
[0037] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As illustrated, slide 10 includes a body 11 having a first end 12 and an opposing second end 13, the first end 12 being attached to aircraft 100, and the second end 13 contacting the ground 110. The length of slide 10 is measured between the first end 12 and the second end 13. Slide 10 includes lateral sides 14, 15 extending between the first end 12 and the second end 13. The width of slide 10 is measured between the lateral sides 14, 15. Slide 10 is positioned in a retracted orientation when aircraft 100 is operating under normal conditions. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The deployment locations are shown in the diagram.
[0038] The slide 10 includes a porch 30 at a first end 12 of the main body 11 and a ramp 40 extending from the porch 30 to a second end 13. The porch 30 forms a platform for a person standing at the exit 105. The porch 30 can include different shapes and sizes. In one example, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, porch 30 is essentially rectangular, with a width approximately equal to the ramp 40. In... Figure 6 In another example illustrated, the porch 30 comprises a polygonal shape. The first end 12 is relatively narrow to match the relatively narrow exit 105 at the fuselage 103. The porch 30 then widens to the width of the ramp 40. In one example, the shape and / or size of the porch 30 adapts to the angle at which the slide 10 extends outward from the fuselage 103 when deployed. Figure 2 As an example, the porch 30 of the slide 10 adjacent to the wing 102 is tilted outward away from the wing 102, and thus can include a different shape than the slide 10 positioned toward the nose 101 and tail 104.
[0039] like Figure 5 As illustrated, ramp 40 is positioned at an angle α relative to the ground 110 to transport a person to the ground 110. Edge 32 is formed at the junction of porch 30 and ramp 40. Ramp 40 is inflated in its deployment position. Inflating provides support for the weight of a person moving along its length.
[0040] The ramp 40 includes sidewalls 20 and 21 extending along a first lateral side 14 and a second lateral side 15, respectively. In one example, sidewalls 20 and 21 extend along a porch 30. In another example, as... Figure 4 As illustrated, sidewalls 20 and 21 begin at the upper end of the ramp 40 defined by edge 32. In one example, sidewalls 20 and 21 extend the entire length of ramp 40 to the second end 13. In another example, sidewalls 20 and 21 terminate inward from the second end 13.
[0041] The ramp 40 also includes a central divider 22 extending between the sidewalls 20, 21. In one example, the upper end of the central divider 22 is positioned at edge 32. In another example, as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the central divider 22 is separated downwards from the edge 32. Figure 4 As further illustrated, the central divider 22 does not extend into the porch 30.
[0042] A first slide 41 is formed between the side wall 20 and the central divider 22. A second slide 42 is formed between the side wall 21 and the central divider 22. The slides 41 and 42 form an exit route for a person to move along the ramp 40 and reach the second end 13 and the ground 110. The slides 41 and 42 are smooth to facilitate sliding. The side walls 20 and 21 and the central divider 22 extend upward above the slides 41 and 42 to prevent a person from leaving the slides 41 and 42 laterally before reaching the second end 13.
[0043] The bottom section of the slides 41 and 42, directly upstream of the second end 13, can be configured to slow down a person moving down the ramp 40. This slowing provides the person with a speed to transition to the ground 110 and move away from the aircraft 100.
[0044] Visual cues are attached to the subject 11 at different locations to visually inform a person how to enter and exit the slide 10. A first type of visual cue includes first and second jumping targets 60, 61 located along the first and second slide tracks 41, 42, respectively. The first and second jumping targets 41, 42 visually identify the individual first and second slide tracks 41, 42 and provide a target for a person crossing from the porch 30 onto or otherwise jumping onto the ramp 40.
[0045] The first jump target 60 is positioned on the first slide 41. The first jump target 60 does not extend onto the side wall 20 or the central divider 22. This positioning provides a person with a visual cue to access the first slide 41 rather than the side wall 20 or the central divider 22. Entering the ramp 40 at the side wall 20 or the central divider 22 could cause injury or reduce the efficiency of the slide 10 by causing a person to move more slowly along the ramp 40 and / or occupy both the first and second slides 41, 42.
[0046] In a similar manner, the second jump target 61 provides a visual cue for entering the second slide 42. The second jump target 61 is positioned on the second slide 42 and does not extend onto the side wall 21 or the central divider 22.
[0047] In one example, the first and second jumping targets 60, 61 are positioned at the same location along the length of ramp 40. The first and second jumping targets 60, 61 can be identical in shape and size and have identical markings. This visually indicates to a person that the two slides 41, 42 are identical and either can be used to reach the ground 110. In another example, the first and second jumping targets 60, 61 are positioned at different locations along the length of ramp 40. In various examples, the jumping targets 60, 61 are positioned at a certain distance from the edge 32 along ramp 40. This sense of distance visually indicates to a person that they should step or jump from the porch 30 onto ramp 40. This prevents a person from sitting on the porch 30 and rushing onto ramp 40, which slows down their progress and reduces the efficiency of slide 10.
[0048] Figure 5 A slide 10 is schematically illustrated with first and second jumping targets 60, 61 positioned at a distance D from the edge 32. Distance D extends beyond the upper ends of the side walls 20, 21 and the central divider 22. This prevents a person from grabbing the ends of these objects and slowing or stopping their downward movement along the ramp 40. This distance also positions the first and second jumping targets 60, 61 at a height H below the porch 30. This horizontal and vertical positioning causes the person's momentum to be shifted forward, thereby propelling them downward along the slide tracks 41, 42 and reaching the second end 113 more quickly and exiting the slide 10. Distance D and height H can be the same or different.
[0049] Another visual cue is a jump line indicator 31 positioned at edge 32 to visually indicate the transition between porch 30 and ramp 40. Jump line indicator 31 provides a visual clue as to how far one can cross onto porch 30 before entering ramp 40. This prevents accidental entry onto ramp 40, which could cause injury and / or slow down the efficiency of slide 10. Jump line indicator 31 comprises a series of dashed lines aligned across most of the width of the body 11.
[0050] In one example, the jump line indicator 31 is a single line extending across the main body 11. In another example, the jump line indicator 31 comprises separate segments aligned at the top of each of the slide tracks 41, 42. Figure 4 As illustrated, this includes a first jump line indicator 31a positioned at the top of the first slide 41 and a second jump line indicator 31b positioned at the top of the second slide 42. The two jump line indicators 31a and 31b are separated by a space 39 aligned with the top of the central divider 22. The space 39 provides a visual indication of the central divider 22 and informs a person to go right or left to enter only one of the first and second slides 41 and 42 of the ramp 40.
[0051] The jump line indicator 31 (in the form of a single line or multiple segments) can be positioned at various locations on the body 11. In one example, such as Figure 4 As illustrated, the jump line indicator 31 is parallel to the edge 32. In another example, the jump line indicator 31 is angled to the edge 32 to indicate the unique point of entry into each of the first and second slide tracks 41, 42. In one example, the jump line indicator 31 is aligned in a straight line perpendicular to the center line C / L. In one example, this positioning is used for slide 10 extending straight outward from the body 103 (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 2 The slide 10 (as shown in the diagram) faces the nose 101 and tail 104. In another example, the jump line indicator 31 is aligned in a straight line not perpendicular to the centerline C / L. In one example, it is positioned non-perpendicularly on the slide 10, which is inclined away from the wing 102. In another example, the jump line indicator 31 is arranged in an arc or otherwise non-straight arrangement.
[0052] Another visual cue is one or more indicators 90 positioned on the porch 30 to visually indicate the presence of one of the two slide tracks 41, 42. For example... Figure 4 As illustrated, the indicator 90 can be in the form of an arrow pointing to the corresponding slide 41, 42. In one example with multiple indicators 90, the indicators 90 are visually identical to indicate to a person that the two slides 41, 42 are identical and can be used to exit the aircraft 100. In another example, the indicators 90 have different shapes and / or sizes.
[0053] One or more indicators 90 can be positioned along one or both of the side walls 20, 21. The indicators 90 are positioned along the upper quarter of the length of the ramp 40. These indicators 90 are visible from the exit 105 and from the porch 30 to indicate the direction of travel along the ramp 40. In one example... Figure 4 As illustrated in the diagram, identical indicators 90 are positioned at identical locations along each of the side walls 20, 21. In one example, as... Figure 4 In the diagram, each of the indicators 90 is an arrow pointing downwards along the ramp 40.
[0054] Another visual cue is the slide end indicator 51 located at the second end 13 of the main body 11. The slide end indicator 51 provides a visual indication of the end of the main body 11 at the ground 110. This indicates the length of the slide 10 to the viewer. Figure 3 and Figure 4As illustrated in the diagram, the slide end indicator 51 can be a single target positioned downstream of the bottom end of the central divider 22 and extending across both the first and second slide tracks 41, 42. Figure 6 Includes a pair of slide end indicators 51, one of which is positioned at the bottom of each of the first and second slide tracks 41, 42. The two slide end indicators 51 are positioned on different sides of a central divider 22 extending the length of the first and second slide tracks 41, 42.
[0055] The slide end indicator 51 provides a visual cue for the length of the slide 10 to people who will be entering the ramp 40. The slide end indicator 51 also provides a visual cue for people moving along the ramp 40 to indicate that the ramp 40 is about to end. This visual cue allows people to prepare for the end of the slide and the transition to the ground 110. In one example, the slide end indicator 51 is visible from both the exit 105 and the porch 30, as well as from various points along the ramp 40.
[0056] In one example, such as Figure 4 As illustrated in the diagram, the indicators 90 and jumping targets 60, 61 along the first and second slide tracks 41, 42, and the slide end indicator 51 are symmetrical about the centerline C / L. This visually indicates to a person the existence of two slide tracks 41, 42. This reduces the likelihood of a person entering the ramp 40 at the center and occupying both slide tracks 41, 42, thereby reducing the efficiency of the slide 10. The symmetry also visually indicates to a person standing on the porch 30 that the two slide tracks 41, 42 are identical and either one can be used to reach the ground 110.
[0057] The first jump target 60 and the second jump target 61, the slide end indicator 51, the indicator 90, and the jump line indicator 31 are attached to the body 11. These can be attached in various ways, including but not limited to being attached to a coating applied to the body 11 or to separate materials attached by adhesive. Various visual cues can be attached in the same or different ways.
[0058] Visual cues, including first and second jump targets 60, 61, slide end indicator 51, jump line indicator 31, and indicator 90, have a different visual appearance from the main body 11. This provides these visible visual cues for indicating to a person standing at exit 105 and / or porch 30. In one example, these include visual cues with one or more colors different from the main body 11. One example includes one or more of these visual cues being high-contrast paint that exhibits improved contrast. In another example, one or more of the visual cues are reflective.
[0059] These different visual cues can further include different subsets of appearance. In one example, the first and second jump targets 60, 61 and the slide end indicator 51 include the same visual appearance. Each of the plurality of indicators 90 includes the same appearance that is different from the first and second jump targets 60, 61 and the slide end indicator 51. In one example, the first and second jump targets 60, 61 and the slide end indicator 51 are all white. One or more of the first and second jump targets 60, 61 and the slide end indicator 51 include one or more indicators 90 that are different colors. In one example, the first and second jump targets 60, 61 are white in the case of green indicators 90.
[0060] The indicators 90 can include the same or different colors. In one example, each of the indicators 90 includes the same color. In one example, each indicator 90 is green. In another example, each indicator 90 is green and outlined in white.
[0061] Slide markers 45 are positioned along the lateral side of each of the first and second slides 41, 42. Slide markers 45 are positioned on the sidewalls 20, 21 at the junctions with the respective slides 41, 42. Slide markers 45 provide visual indication of the outer boundaries of the first and second slides 41, 42, respectively. In one example, slide markers 45 comprise a narrow band extending substantially or entirely along each of the sidewalls 20, 21.
[0062] The slide marker 45 extends entirely along the center divider 22. This visually indicates that the center divider 22 is a divider, not a location where a person should enter the ramp 40. In another example, the center divider 22 includes first and second narrow bands extending the length of the center divider. The first band of a plurality of bands is positioned at the junction of the divider 22 and the first slide 41, and the second band is positioned at the junction of the divider and the second slide 42.
[0063] The slide marker 45 has a different visual appearance from the main body 11, the first and second jump targets 60, 61, the slide end indicator 51, and the indicator 90. In one example, the slide marker 45 has a darker appearance than the other visual items to visually indicate that these are areas on the ramp 40 that people should not enter. In one example, the slide marker 45 is black.
[0064] In one example, each of the first and second jump targets 60, 61 and the slide end indicator 51 is white. A green indicator 90 is positioned on each of the first and second jump targets 60, 61. Each of the plurality of indicators 90 is green and outlined in white. The jump line indicator 31 is white. The body 11 is gray. The slide marker 45 is black.
[0065] Ramp lights 80 are attached to side walls 20 and 21 and illuminate the first and second slide tracks 41 and 42. The first set of ramp lights 80 on side wall 20 faces and illuminates the first slide track 41. The second set of ramp lights 80 on side wall 21 faces and illuminates the second slide track 42. At least one of the ramp lights 80a in the first set is aligned along ramp 40 with the first jump target 60. At least one of the ramp lights 80b in the second set is aligned along ramp 40 with the second jump target 61.
[0066] In one example, ramp lights 80a and 80b, combined with the high-contrast or reflective material of the first and second jump targets 60 and 61, cause the first and second jump targets 60 and 61 to have different visibility than the rest of the first and second slide tracks 41 and 42. Figure 6 In one example illustrated in the diagram, none of the other indicators 90 are aligned with the ramp light 80 along the length of the ramp 40 to provide a more visible jump target 60, 61 than the indicators 90.
[0067] like Figure 3 As illustrated, the slide exit light 81 is positioned at the second end 13 of the main body 11. The slide exit light 81 faces outwards from the main body 11 to illuminate the ground 110 beyond the length of the second end 13 of the slide 10. The slide exit light 81 provides a visual indication to people at the top of the slide 10 where they will be delivered by the slide 10 and where they should go once they are on the ground 110.
[0068] One or more aircraft lights 70, 71 mounted on aircraft 100 can further illuminate slide 10. For example... Figure 3 As illustrated, the body light 71 is mounted on the outer wall of the body 103 and illuminates the upper reach of the slide 10. Alternatively, a door light 70 is positioned on the door 106. When the door 106 is opened away from the exit 105, the door light 70 illuminates the upper section of the slide 10. In one example, as... Figure 3 As illustrated, door 106 pivots open, and door light 70 is positioned inside door 106. In another example, door 106 is translated away from exit 105, and door light 70 is positioned outside door 106.
[0069] Aircraft lights 70 and 71 illuminate the upper arrival area of slide 10. In one example, aircraft lights 70 and 71 illuminate the section of porch 30 and ramp 40 from edge 32 to the lower edge of the first and second jump targets 60 and 61. In another example, aircraft lights 70 and 71 illuminate the upper third of the length of slide 10. Aircraft lights 70 and 71 direct visual attention to the top section of porch 30 and ramp 40, allowing safe and efficient access to ramp 40. In various examples, aircraft 100 may include one or more door lights 70 and one or more fuselage lights 71.
[0070] Figure 7 The illustration depicts a method of positioning a slide 10 on an aircraft 100 to provide an exit path from a door 106 of the aircraft 100. The method includes deploying the slide 10 (box 200). A porch 30 is attached to the aircraft 100 at an exit 105, and a ramp 40 extends from the porch 30. The distal end of the ramp 40 contacts the ground 110.
[0071] When slide 10 is deployed, a first jumping target 60 (box 202) is positioned on the first slide track 41, aligned away from porch 30. The first jumping target 60 is positioned horizontally and vertically away from porch 30. A second jumping target 61 is positioned horizontally and vertically away from porch 30, aligned on the second slide track 42. The first and second jumping targets 60, 61 are also horizontally spaced apart across the width of slide 10 (box 204).
[0072] The method also includes visually masking the raised divider 22 (box 206) that extends along the ramp 40 and between the first and second jump targets 60, 61. The method also includes illuminating the first and second jump targets 60, 61 by a greater amount than the rest of the ramp 40 (box 208).
[0073] In one example, slide 10 includes a pair of slides 41, 42. In other examples, slide 10 includes three or more slides 41, 42. Each of the slides 41 includes one or more jumping targets 61, indicators 90, and slide end indicators 51.
[0074] In such Figure 8In another example illustrated, slide 10 includes a single slide track 41. A jumping target 60 is positioned near porch 30 along ramp 40. In one example with a single slide track 41, the jumping target 60 is larger than the jumping target of the multi-slide slide 10. Ramp lights 80 illuminate the slide track 41, including ramp lights 80a and 80b aligned with the target 60. One or more indicators 90 are positioned along ramp 40. A slide end indicator 51 is positioned at a second end 13 of slide 10. Ramp lights 80c and 80d are aligned with and illuminate the slide end indicator 51.
[0075] In one example, each slide 41 includes a single jumping target 60. The single jumping target 60 can be relatively large and provides different aspects for people of different sizes and / or jumping abilities to attempt to reach as they enter the ramp 40. In another example, each slide 41 includes two or more smaller jumping targets 60. The first jumping target 60 is positioned closer to the porch 30 and provides a target for smaller people. The second jumping target 60 is positioned further away from the porch 30 and provides a target for larger people.
[0076] The slide 10 can be used on aircraft 100 as described above, as well as on a wide variety of vehicles. Vehicles include, but are not limited to, spacecraft, rotorcraft, rockets, various land vehicles, water vehicles, and combinations thereof.
[0077] This invention may be practiced in ways other than those specifically set forth herein without departing from its essential characteristics. These embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects, and all variations within the meaning and equivalence of the appended claims are intended to be included therein.
[0078] In addition, this disclosure includes examples pursuant to the following terms:
[0079] Clause 1. A slide providing an exit path from an aircraft's exit, the slide comprising: a porch configured to be attached to the aircraft; a ramp including first and second slide tracks extending between an upper end and an opposite lower end at the porch; first and second jump targets respectively positioned on the first and second slide tracks, the first and second jump targets being spaced apart from the porch; a first pair of slide markers positioned on the ramp and extending along the lateral sides of the first slide tracks; a second pair of slide markers, the second pair of slide tracks... Track markers are positioned on the inflatable ramp, and a second pair of track markers extends along the lateral side of the second slide track; each of the first and second pairs of track markers outlines the lateral side of the first and second slide tracks and provides visual identification of the first and second slide tracks; a first jump target is positioned between the first pair of track markers, and a second jump target is positioned between the second pair of track markers; and the first and second jump targets are made of a first material having higher visibility than the first and second slide tracks and the first and second pairs of track markers.
[0080] Clause 2. The slide as described in Clause 1, wherein the first and second pairs of slide markers share a common central dividing marker extending along the centerline of the inflatable ramp.
[0081] Clause 3. The slide as described in Clause 1, wherein the first pair of slide markers is raised above the first jump target, and the second pair of slide markers is raised above the second jump target.
[0082] Clause 4. The slide according to Clause 1, wherein the first and second pairs of slide markers comprise a central dividing marker and an outer slide marker, the outer slide marker extending along the outer edge of the respective first and second slide tracks, the outer slide marker being positioned at a distance from the porch different from the distance from the central dividing marker from the porch.
[0083] Clause 5. The slide according to Clause 1 further includes a slide end indicator positioned at the lower end on the ramp, the first and second jump targets and the slide end indicator comprising the same structure having the same visual appearance.
[0084] Clause 6. The slide according to Clause 1 further includes a fuselage light configured to be attached to the fuselage of the aircraft, the fuselage light being positioned to illuminate the upper section of the slide, the upper section of the slide including the portico and the ramp between the upper end and the first and second jump targets.
[0085] Clause 7. The slide according to Clause 1 further includes a plurality of ramp lights spaced apart along the ramp to illuminate the first and second slide tracks, a first ramp light of the plurality of ramp lights being aligned with the first jump target, and a second ramp light of the ramp lights being aligned with the second jump target.
[0086] Clause 8. The slide as described in Clause 1, wherein the first and second pairs of slide markers are visually darker than the ramp.
[0087] Clause 9. A slide providing an exit path from an aircraft exit, the slide comprising: a porch configured to be attached to the aircraft; a ramp comprising: an upper end and an opposing lower end, the upper end being attached to the porch and the lower end being configured to contact the ground, the ramp comprising: first and second sidewalls; a central partition positioned between the first and second sidewalls; a first slide track positioned between the first sidewall and the central partition, the first slide track extending from the upper end to the lower end; and a second slide track, the... A second slide is positioned between the second sidewall and the central divider, extending from the upper end to the lower end; a first jump target is positioned on the first slide and spaced apart from the first sidewall and the central divider; a second jump target is positioned on the second slide and spaced apart from the second sidewall and the central divider; each of the first and second jump targets is spaced apart from the porch by a jump distance; and the first and second jump targets have greater visibility than the ramp.
[0088] Clause 10. The slide as described in Clause 9 further includes fuselage lights configured to be attached to the fuselage of the aircraft, the fuselage lights being positioned to illuminate the first and second jump targets.
[0089] Clause 11. The slide according to Clause 9 further includes a plurality of ramp lights spaced apart along the length of each of the first and second sidewalls and positioned to illuminate the first and second slide tracks, wherein a first ramp light of the plurality of ramp lights is aligned with the first jump target and a second ramp light of the plurality of ramp lights is aligned with the second jump target.
[0090] Clause 12. The slide according to Clause 11 further includes a slide end indicator positioned at the lower end of the inflatable ramp, the slide end indicator being continuous across both the first and second slide tracks, and at least two of the ramp lights being aligned with the slide end indicator.
[0091] Clause 13. The slide as described in Clause 12, wherein the slide end indicator is a coating attached to the ramp.
[0092] Clause 14. The slide as described in Clause 13, wherein the coating has higher visibility than the first and second slide tracks.
[0093] Clause 15. The slide according to Clause 9, wherein each of the first and second jumping targets is vertically spaced at an equal height below the porch and spaced at an equal distance from the porch along the ramp.
[0094] Clause 16. A method of positioning a slide on an aircraft to provide an exit path from an exit of the aircraft, the method comprising: deploying the slide having a porch and a ramp, the porch being attached to the aircraft at the exit, the ramp extending from the porch and having a distal end contacting the ground; aligning a first jump target positioned on a first slide track horizontally outward from the porch and vertically below the porch; aligning a second jump target positioned on a second slide track horizontally and vertically away from the porch and laterally away from the first jump target; visually obscuring an elevated partition extending along the ramp and between the first and second jump targets; and illuminating the first and second jump targets by a greater amount than the remainder of the ramp.
[0095] Clause 17. The method described in Clause 16 further comprises one or more jump lines aligned outward from the exit of the aircraft with the junction of the porch and the ramp.
[0096] Clause 18. The method according to Clause 16 further comprises visually highlighting the slide end indicator at the distal end of the ramp by a greater amount than the section of the ramp between the first and second jump targets and the slide end indicator.
[0097] Clause 19. The method described in Clause 16 further includes aligning ramp lights and illuminating the first and second jump targets.
[0098] Clause 20. The method described in Clause 16 further includes aligning arrows positioned on the porch to point to the first and second slide tracks.
Claims
1. A slide (10) providing an exit path from an exit (105) of an aircraft (100), the slide (10) comprising: A porch (30) is configured to be attached to the aircraft (100). A ramp (40) comprising a first slide (41) and a second slide (42) extending between the upper end and the opposite lower end of the porch (30), wherein the ramp (40) is inflatable; A central divider (22) is positioned between the first slide track (41) and the second slide track (42); A first jumping target (60) and a second jumping target (61) are respectively positioned on the first slide track (41) and the second slide track (42), and the first jumping target (60) and the second jumping target (61) are spaced apart from the porch (30); The first pair of slide markers (45) are positioned on the ramp (40) and extend along the lateral side of the first slide track (41); The second pair of slide markers (44) are positioned on the ramp (40) and extend along the lateral side of the second slide track (42); Each of the first pair of slide markers (45) and the second pair of slide markers (44) respectively outlines the contour of the lateral side of the first slide (41) and the second slide (42) and provides visual identification of the first slide (41) and the second slide (42); The first jump target (60) is positioned between the first pair of slide markers (45), and the second jump target (61) is positioned between the second pair of slide markers (44); The first jump target (60) and the second jump target (61) are made of a first material having higher visibility than the first slide track (41) and the second slide track (42) and the first pair of track markers (45) and the second pair of track markers (44); and The first pair of ramp markers (45) and the second pair of ramp markers (44) are visually darker than the ramp (40).
2. The slide (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of slide markers (45) and the second pair of slide markers (44) share a common center dividing marker extending along the centerline of the ramp (40).
3. The slide (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of slide markers (45) are raised above the first jump target (60), and the second pair of slide markers (44) are raised above the second jump target (61).
4. The slide (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first pair of slide markers (45) and the second pair of slide markers (44) comprise a central dividing marker and an outer slide marker, the outer slide marker extending along the outer edge of the respective first slide slide (41) and second slide slide (42), the outer slide marker being positioned at a distance from the porch (30) different from the distance of the central dividing marker from the porch (30).
5. The slide (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a slide end indicator (51) positioned at the lower end on the ramp (40), wherein the first jump target (60) and the second jump target (61) and the slide end indicator (51) have the same structure having the same visual appearance.
6. The slide (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a fuselage light (71) configured to be attached to the fuselage (103) of the aircraft (100), the fuselage light (71) being positioned to illuminate the upper section of the slide (10), the upper section of the slide (10) including the porch (30) and a ramp (40) between the upper end and the first jump target (60) and the second jump target (61).
7. The slide (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of ramp lights (80) spaced apart along the ramp (40) to illuminate the first slide track (41) and the second slide track (42), wherein a first ramp light of the plurality of ramp lights (80) is aligned with the first jump target (60) and a second ramp light of the plurality of ramp lights (80) is aligned with the second jump target (61).
8. A method of positioning a slide (10) on an aircraft (100) to provide an exit path from an exit (105) of the aircraft (100), the method comprising: Deploy the slide (10), which has a porch (30) and a ramp (40), the porch (30) being attached to the aircraft (100) at the exit (105), and the ramp (40) extending from the porch (30) and having a distal end that contacts the ground (110); Align the first jumping target (60) positioned on the first slide track (41) horizontally and vertically away from the porch (30). Align the second jump target (61) positioned on the second slide track (42) horizontally and vertically away from the porch (30) and laterally away from the first jump target (60), wherein the first jump target (60) and the second jump target (61) are made of a first material having higher visibility than the first slide track (41) and the second slide track (42); Visually obscure the raised divider (22) extending along the ramp (40) and between the first jump target (60) and the second jump target (61); and The first jump target (60) and the second jump target (61) are illuminated by a greater amount than the rest of the ramp (40), wherein the first pair of slide markers (45) and the second pair of slide markers (44) located along the lateral side of each of the first slide track (41) and the second slide track (42) are visually darker than the ramp (40).
9. The method of claim 8, further comprising aligning the exit (105) outward from the aircraft (100) with a jump line (31) at the junction of the porch (30) and the ramp (40).