An airborne evacuation system for buildings

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an evacuation system for apartments in a building comprises: a) a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is configured to be installed on the exterior side of a building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to manually, or controllably shift said evacuation platform between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture, b) an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuation platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within the interspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors, and one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system.

Description

BROSH-OOl PCTAN AIRBORNE EVACUATION SYSTEM FOR BUILDINGSFIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention pertains to the field of evacuation systems for buildings. Specifically, the invention relates to an airborne evacuation system aimed at rapid evacuation readiness for building occupants during routine and emergency scenarios.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The continuous increase in population, particularly in densely populated cities, has led to the construction of multi-story buildings. These high-rise buildings, while efficient in terms of accommodation-to-footprint ratio, present a significant challenge in emergency evacuation. Unfortunately, traditional means of evacuation, such as staircases and elevators, are often insufficient for building evacuation in emergency events. The densely populated city areas and buildings can also hinder the arrival of emergency services teams to emergency sites. Furthermore, in certain emergency events involving power failures or structural damage, associated evacuation routes may become blocked.

[0003] Nevertheless, smaller buildings adapted with external fire escape ladders and staircases may also become hazardous in emergencies since those escape ladders often demand a high degree of physical ability and can be perceived as unsafe or impractical for certain occupants, including the elderly, disabled, or young children. Hence, the reliance on manual evacuation undesirably exposes occupants to hazards, such as smoke inhalation, structural instability, and falling debris, especially in scenarios involving fire or seismic activity.

[0004] Furthermore, since earthquake events may result in mass injuries and deaths, various measures are implemented in different countries to prevent or minimize the potential damage of earthquakes, such as by implementing construction standards and practices, including, for instance, the installation of shock absorbers in new buildings and structural reinforcement of old buildings. These measures may improve the readiness of new buildings, but may not apply to many existing buildings, and adapting such buildings or demolishing such buildings and building new ones can endure long years.BROSH-OOl PCT

[0005] Similarly to earthquakes, fire events in buildings involve a significant hazardous potential, where many existing buildings were built before advanced fire prevention building standards were issued. Both examples of potential emergency events are evolving events in which the building occupants’ survival chances and health highly depend on early and rapid evacuation.

[0006] Various modem systems have attempted to address these shortcomings, such as external evacuation chutes and self-contained escape pods. However, these systems often fall short in ensuring safe, secure, and timely evacuation due to issues related to deployment complexity, timely access to evacuation means, and control of the evacuation process. Furthermore, such systems typically lack the necessary infrastructure for secure communication and coordination during evacuation, which is significant for managing large-scale evacuations in urban residential settings. Additionally, centralized airborne evacuation systems are offered, yet hindered by the extensive duration required from the receipt of an alert or emergency call through launching an available air evacuation vehicle to arrive at the emergency location and evacuation of occupants therefrom.

[0007] The present invention is aimed at providing a rapid and possibly high-scale evacuation of occupants from buildings while resolving the abovementioned drawbacks.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In one aspect, the invention relates to an evacuation system for apartments in a building comprising an evacuation platform on the exterior side of the building, installed outside a designated evacuation aperture of a room. The platform supports an evacuation air vehicle configured to transport one or more persons to a determined destination. The system includes communication devices for receiving control signals, enabling an access route to the evacuation air vehicle, preparing the vehicle for departure, and, upon activation of a departure signal, flying the vehicle to the determined destination.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation system for apartments in a building comprises: a) a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is configured to be installed on the exterior side of a building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures (e.g., fitted with one or more closureBROSH-OOl PCT elements) in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to manually, or controllably shift said evacuation platform between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture, b) an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuation platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within the interspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors, and one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system, wherein said one or more controllers comprise one or more communication devices adapted for receiving control signals from one or more predetermined valid signal sources, wherein said one or more controllers are configured, after receiving a control signal for initiating an airborne operation of said system, to enable access route into said evacuation air vehicle while simultaneously preparing said evacuation air vehicle for departure, and upon activation of a departure signal, flying said evacuation air vehicle carrying said one or more persons to said determined destination.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation system for apartments in a building comprises: a) a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is configured to be installed on the exterior side of a building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures (e.g., fitted with one or more manually operated closure elements) in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to controllab ly / manually shift said evacuation platform between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture ; b) an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuation platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within the interspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors ; and c) one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system, wherein said one or more controllers comprise one or more communication devices adapted for receiving control signals from one or more predetermined valid signal sources. In this embodiment, said one or more controllers are configured, after receiving a control signal for initiating an airborne operation of said system, toBROSH-OOl PCT enable access route into said evacuation air vehicle while simultaneously preparing said evacuation air vehicle for departure, and upon activation of a departure signal, flying said evacuation air vehicle carrying said one or more persons to said determined destination.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation system for apartments in a building comprises: a) a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is configured to be installed on the exterior side of a building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures (e.g., fitted with one or more closure elements) in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to controllably shift said evacuation platform between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture ; b) an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuation platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within the interspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors ; and c) one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system, wherein said one or more controllers comprise one or more communication devices adapted for receiving control signals from one or more predetermined valid signal sources, wherein said one or more communication devices are configured to transmit a signal that triggers the controller to operate the alignment mechanism to align the evacuation platform with the designated evacuation aperture. In this embodiment, the designated evacuation aperture is adapted with one or more closure elements operated by a controller, wherein the one or more communication devices are configured to transmit a signal that triggers the controller to open the closure elements for enabling passage through the designated evacuation aperture.

[0012] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation system for apartments in a building comprises: a) a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is configured to be installed on the exterior side of a building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to manually, or controllably shift said evacuation platform between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture ; b) an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuationBROSH-OOl PCT platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within theinterspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors ; and c) one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system, wherein said one or more controllers comprise one or more communication devices adapted for receiving control signals from one or more predetermined valid signal sources. In this embodiment, the evacuation platform comprises one or more departure preparation devices that enable the departure of the evacuation air vehicle from the evacuation platform, including an external power supply adapter that is configured to physically connect and disconnect the external power supply to the evacuation air vehicle, and a departure gate that secures the evacuation air vehicle. These devices may operate automatically with redundant manual operating mechanisms. The system may also include a maintenance access door from within the building, enabling access to components of the system.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation system for apartments in a building comprises: a) a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is configured to be installed on the exterior side of a building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to manually, or controllably shift said evacuation platform between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture ; b) an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuation platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within theinterspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors ; and c) one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system, wherein said one or more controllers comprise one or more communication devices adapted for receiving control signals from one or more predetermined valid signal sources. In this embodiment, the evacuation air vehicle is configured for manual operation. The evacuation air vehicle comprises a main cabin configured to accommodate a predetermined number of occupants in a seated or lying posture, and a superior rescue cabin configured to be manned by a person-in-charge and equipped with anBROSH-OOl PCT instrument panel for monitoring and optional manual operation and control of the evacuation air vehicle.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation system for apartments in a building comprises: a) a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is configured to be installed on the exterior side of a building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to manually, or controllably shift said evacuation platform between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture ; b) an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuation platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within theinterspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors ; and c) one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system, wherein said one or more controllers comprise one or more communication devices adapted for receiving control signals from one or more predetermined valid signal sources. In this embodiment, the evacuation platform is shared with several building apartments on consecutive floors, and the system further comprises a coordinating controller configured to manage evacuation cycles between the floors.

[0015] In another aspect, the invention related to an evacuation method for buildings that involves providing one or more such systems in various apartments, generating a control signal for initiating an airborne operation to be received by the communication devices, enabling access routes into each evacuation air vehicle, preparing the vehicles for departure, and flying the vehicles to a determined destination upon activation of a departure signal.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation method comprises: a) providing one or more building airborne evacuation systems comprising: i) an evacuation platform comprising a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is installed on the exterior side of the building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to shift said evacuation platformBROSH-OOl PCT between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture, ii) an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuation platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within the interspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors, and iii) one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system, wherein said one or more controllers comprise one or more communication devices adapted for receiving control signals from one or more predetermined valid signal sources. In this embodiment, the method further comprises b) after receiving a control signal for initiating an airborne operation of said system: i) enabling access routes into the evacuation air vehicle from within said building, ii) simultaneously preparing said evacuation air vehicle for departure, iii) enabling departure of said evacuation air vehicle from said evacuation platform, and iv) flying said evacuation air vehicle carrying said one or more persons to a determined destination upon activation of a departure signal.

[0017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the evacuation method for buildings comprises: a) providing one or more building airborne evacuation systems comprising: i) an evacuation platform comprising a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is installed on the exterior side of the building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to shift said evacuation platform between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture ; ii) an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuation platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within the interspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors ; and iii) one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system, wherein said one or more controllers comprise one or more communication devices adapted for receiving control signals from one or more predetermined valid signal sources ; and b) after receiving a control signal for initiating an airborne operation of said system: i) enabling access routes into the evacuation air vehicle from within said building; ii) simultaneously preparing said evacuation air vehicle for departure; iii) enabling departure of saidBROSH-OOl PCT evacuation air vehicle from said evacuation platform; and iv) flying said evacuation air vehicle carrying said one or more persons to a determined destination upon activation of a departure signal. The method further comprises a step of generating an emergency alarm in the building.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] For a better understanding of various embodiments of the present invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference is made, by way of example, to the accompanying illustrative drawings, in which:- Figs. 1A-1C schematically illustrates an evacuation system installed in several apartments of a building, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an evacuation platform of an evacuation system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Figs. 3A-3B schematically illustrate an optional configuration of an evacuation air vehicle of an evacuation system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Fig. 4A illustrates a top view of an air vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Fig. 4B illustrates a corresponding section view “A -A” of an air vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Fig- 5 is an internal perspective view (viewed from within the building) that illustrates an optional configuration of an evacuation aperture, according to an embodiment of the present invention;- Fig. 6 illustrates a system diagram of an exemplary configuration of an evacuation system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and- Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary configuration of two multi-floor building evacuation systems, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] In the above drawings, structural details of the invention are shown to provide a fundamental understanding of the invention, where the following detailed description, taken with the drawings, makes apparent to those skilled in the art how several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIONBROSH-OOl PCT

[0020] The invention pertains to an airborne evacuation system for use in buildings, specifically for evacuating individuals from one or more apartments during routine and emergency scenarios. The system comprises an airborne evacuation vehicle held in a stored state on a dedicated platform in the proximity of predetermined evacuation apertures of apartments in buildings.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the proposed system comprises means to simultaneously facilitate rapid access route into said evacuation air vehicle while preparing said evacuation air vehicle for departure, and upon activation of departure signal, flying said evacuation air vehicle to said determined destination. Such means may include communication, monitoring, and control equipment, as well as electro-mechanical arrangement, as further explained hereinbelow.

[0022] In the following detailed description, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are discussed and illustrated, where references are made to accompanying drawings. These embodiments and accompanying drawings should be understood as non-limiting examples of implementing the present invention. Furthermore, terms such as “optionally“, “for instance”, “for example”, “exemplary”, “e.g.,”, “may”, etc., refer to optional features being selected in certain embodiments of the invention for the sake of simplicity and clarity of explanation. It should be understood, however, that features mentioned in different embodiments may be used, in conjunction and / or separately, to implement further embodiments of the present invention.

[0023] Figs. 1A-1B schematically illustrates an evacuation system 100 installed in several apartments of a building 10, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each system 100 comprises an evacuation platform 110 installed on the exterior side of building 10, outside designated evacuation apertures, such as windows 12 of the corresponding building apartments, for example, apartments on floors lOc-lOe of building 10, where certain apartments of the building, e.g., on the ground floor 10a and the first floor 10b may not be adapted with evacuation systems 100. Notably, in the embodiment of Figs. 1A-1B systems 100 are installed in a vertical column at a predetermined section of building 10.

[0024] Each evacuation platform 110 is configured to hold an evacuation air vehicle (such as shown in Fig. 2) and to obtain alignment with the corresponding window 12 to enable access from within the apartment, through the designated evacuation aperture / window 12, into the evacuationBROSH-OOl PCT air vehicle. In the embodiment of Figs. 1A-1B evacuation platforms 110 are installed above windows 12 and are adapted with a platform alignment mechanism 1 11 configured to align evacuation platforms 110 with the designated evacuation aperture / window 12, such as by descending along rails 11 la between a stored position (i.e., above window 12) and an evacuation ready position (illustrated in Fig. 2).

[0025] In certain embodiments, platform 110 can be integrated with a balcony of an apartment or a public area of the building (not shown) and be accessible through the balcony door and thus simplify the installation and maintenance of system 100, however many buildings are not fitted with balconies and, therefore, in such buildings one or more systems 100 can be installed in a similar manner as illustrated in Figs. 1A-1B.

[0026] Further shown in Figs. 1A-1B are enclosures 120 that may be utilized to partially / entirely enclose platforms 110 and the evacuation air vehicles stored thereat. Enclosure 120 may comprise a top ceiling surface 121 supported by a support frame 122, side partitions 123, and a front partition 124. Enclosure 120 enables enclosed storage of the evacuation air vehicle on platform 110 and protection from environmental conditions such as winds, dust, and rain. In those cases where platform 110 is integrated with an apartment balcony, enclosure 120 may be configured differently (e.g., with a movable side gate in lieu of a side partition 123) to enable access from a determined section of the balcony to the evacuation air vehicle while preventing unauthorized access thereto. Enclosure 120 and its components may be constructed of commonly known building materials including, but not limited to, concrete, steel, other metals, and polymers, or any combination thereof, suitable for providing a firm and stable attachment and adaptation thereof, as a retrofit to existing buildings or for integration in the design of new buildings.

[0027] To facilitate dual use of the designated evacuation aperture as a regular aperture (e.g., as a window or as a balcony door), the obscurement of viewable scenery therefrom should be minimized. Minimizing the effect of installed systems 100 on the aesthetic appearance of building 10 is also desirable. Therefore, system 100 may be configured to fit into a limited area of building 10. In the embodiment of Figs. 1A-1B enclosure 120 and platform 110 are designed to fit between the windows 12 of apartments on subsequent floors. For instance, enclosure 120 installed for the apartment on floor lOd vertically extends between the top windowsill on floor 10c and the bottomBROSH-OOl PCT windowsill on floor lOd. The minimal dimensions of enclosure 120 and platform 110 may be derived from predetermined dimensions of an evacuation air vehicle positioned thereat, as illustrated in Figs. 3A-3B and 4A-4B. Nevertheless, other parameters may be considered when determining the size of platform 110, such as its fitness to an existing building, and the number of occupants to be evacuated from each apartment.

[0028] Furthermore, ceiling surface 121 and support frame 122 may be utilized as a stopping point and support for the descending platform 110 on a superior floor. For instance, platform 110 of the apartment on floor lOd may stop descending and be supported (i.e., in the proximity of the corresponding window 11) on top of ceiling surface 121 and support frame 122 of the apartment on floor 10c. However, since system 100 with enclosure 120 is not installed at the apartment on floor 10b, platform 110 of the apartment on floor 10c may stop descending and be supported solely by a support frame 122, which is therefore adapted with a support extension 122a.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, ceiling surface 121 may be slightly inclined to enable proper drainage of accumulated liquids (such as rainwater). Furthermore, enclosure 120 may be adapted with a gutter 125.

[0030] Fig. 1C schematically illustrates evacuation systems 100 with descended platforms 110 and evacuation air vehicles 130 in an evacuation -ready position, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Platforms 110 are supported by support frames 122 on top of the inferior enclosures 120, where drones 130 (interchangeably referred to herein with “evacuation air vehicles” and “air vehicle”) are held on floor support surfaces 112 of platforms 110. Notably, in the evacuation -ready state, drones 130 are partially aligned with windows 12, with their rear sections accessible through windows 12.

[0031] In certain embodiments of the invention, the height of air vehicle 130 is determined so that the combined height of support surface 112, air vehicle 130, and ceiling surface 121 (i.e., where system 100 is provided with enclosure 120) does not exceed the vertical distance between windows 12 of subsequent building units (e.g., correspondingly located on floors lOc-lOd, or lOd- lOe). Thus, the stored state of air vehicle 130 (i.e., in the stored position of platform 110), allows routine use in windows 12. Thereby, system 100 may be installed as an add-on retrofit in existingBROSH-OOl PCT buildings without requiring any structural modifications in the buildings. For example, in the stored state, support surface 112 and air vehicle 130 may extend within a distance between evacuation apertures of subsequent building units (i.e., apartment windows located one above the other on subsequent floors). That distance may be limited in certain circumstances, for instance, to 2.20 meters, and accordingly, the overall height of vehicle 130 may be restricted, e.g., to 1.80 meters, allowing further space, e.g., forthe height of support surface 112 and optionally, combined with the height of ceiling surface 121 of enclosure 120.

[0032] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates an evacuation platform 110 of an evacuation system, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Platform 110 comprises a floor support surface 112 on which an air vehicle 130 can be supported, side fences 211 for laterally securing a supported air vehicle 130 on platform 110, a rear partition 212 with an access void 212a facing the corresponding apartment wall with evacuation aperture / window 12, and a movable departure gate 213 (e.g., attached with a hinge 213a to the floor support surface 112) that facilitates, in conjunction with side fences 211 and enclosure 120, secured storage of air vehicle 130 on platform 100 while enabling its departure from platform 110, e.g., for evacuating occupants from the corresponding apartment. Floor support surface 112 may comprise one or more securement devices configured to detachably secure a determined portion of the evacuation air vehicle 130 to platform 110, such as skids-anchors engageable with the skids 360 of air vehicle 130.

[0033] Platform 110 further comprises a lifting mechanism that comprises two lifting arms 214 that support the floor support surface 112 and are movably engaged with rails 11 la that are firmly attached to the wall of building 10. In certain embodiments, rails I l la may be integrated with or embedded in the building wall as a retrofit building upgrade or as part of the original building design. System 100 may utilize various well-known lifting mechanisms for lifting platform 110 to a stored position within enclosure 120 or descending platform 110 to enable access to air vehicle 130 and / or to platform 110 for evacuation by air vehicle 130 or for maintaining the same and / or components of platform 110. Such lifting mechanisms may include rack -and -pinion arrangements and driving belt arrangements selected with sufficient loading capacity determined by the weight of air vehicle 110 and platform 110.BROSH-OOl PCT

[0034] Furthermore, the mechanical engagement between lifting arms 214 and rails 11 la may be selected by an artisan from multiple available coupling arrangements. For instance, lifting arms 214 may comprise two or more T-shaped elements that can slideably engage into C-shaped rails I l la. Similarly, multiple different driving mechanisms and arrangements may be employed to open / close gate 213, such as pneumatically driven telescopic arms 215 hinged between the sides of gate 213 and side fences 211.

[0035] Since certain routine and emergency operation scenarios of system 100 include an electrical power outage, platform 110 may include a self-sustained power supply that may include rechargeable batteries, a charging controller, and a switch between batteries and a utility power supply. These components may be stored within a designated control and power supply cabin 216 of platform 110. Cabin 216 may further include continuous power supply means (e.g., battery- backed continuous power supply modules / systems) to support the continuous operation of platform 110 even under general utility power outage events.

[0036] In certain embodiments of the present invention, one or more of the abovementioned mechanisms (e.g., platform 110 lifting / d escent alignment mechanism, gate 213 open / close mechanism) are configured with backup / redundant manually operated mechanism, e.g., that employs drive chains and ratchet arrangements suitable for manually descending platform 110 to alignment with the designated evacuation aperture 12 and / or for opening gate 213. Furthermore, the powered mechanisms may be configured as “normally open”, such that in case of a power outage, platform 110 automatically descends.

[0037] Optionally, one or more structural elements of platform 100 may be configured with hollow portions to accommodate mechanical arrangements, control wiring and circuitry, and access cavities thereto. For instance, side fences 211 may be partially hollow to accommodate the hinged telescopic arms 215 that open / close gate 213 (e.g., within designated shafts), thus maintaining that mechanism concealed and saving storage space within platform 110 and avoiding pinching hazards. Certain hollow portions and access lids may be integrated with side gates for enabling maintenance and / or manual operation access to the concealed mechanism and ancillaries (e.g., wiring).BROSH-OOl PCT

[0038] As previously mentioned, evacuation platform 110 can be installed in alignment with, or adjacent to, the designated evacuation aperture 12. Some configurations may incorporate an alignment mechanism to adjust the platform's position relative to the aperture. This alignment mechanism can be either manually operated or controlled by a controller upon receipt of a signal from the communication devices. Furthermore, platform 110 may include various sensors that provide indications as to the operational state of platform 110, the power supply status, and other monitoring means, such as one or more cameras.

[0039] Figs. 3A-3B schematically illustrate an optional configuration of an evacuation air vehicle 300 of an evacuation system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Vehicle 300 (i.e., which is interchangeable with vehicle 130) is configured to hold one or more occupants of the corresponding apartment of building 10 and is routinely stationed at evacuation platform 110 and is designed to transport individuals from the apartment to a predetermined safe destination.

[0040] Therefore, vehicle 300 comprises a main rescue cabin 310, which is adapted to accommodate a predetermined number of occupants in a lying posture. In the embodiment of Figs. 3A-3B vehicle 300 further comprises a superior monitoring and control rescue cabin 320 (also referred to herein interchangeably with “superior cabin”, or “superior rescue cabin”) designated to be manned by a designated person-in-charge (e.g., the owner of a department). Superior cabin 320 is positioned between two instrument cabins 330 and 340, which accommodate the power and control circuitry and electro-mechanical instruments for operating four propeller motors 350 mounted thereon through motor struts 351. Cabin 340 may inter alia comprise one or more rechargeable batteries and, optionally, a fuel cell or other fuel container, according to the type of motors 350. Cabin 340 may further comprise a charging controller and a detachable electrical connection to a utility power supply, such as an outlet embedded in cabin 216 of platform 110 (illustrated in Fig. 2) or within floor support surface 112.

[0041] The orientation of vehicle 300 in Figs. 3A-3B and in Figs. 4A-4B is illustrated by an arrow designated with the letter “D” to indicate the departure direction from platform 110. For example, in Fig. 3A, the rear portion of vehicle 300, which faces designated evacuation aperture 12 of the corresponding apartment, is opposite to the “D” direction.BROSH-OOl PCTAir vehicle 300 comprises two skids 360 that provide a stable stand thereof on various types of terrain. Skids 360 may be adapted with anchor points that enable a detachable securement thereof by one or more securement devices, such as the aforementioned skid -anchors connected to platform 110. Skids 360 may be foldable skids that provide an improved aerodynamic design for vehicle 130. Furthermore, skid -anchors 360 may be installed at higher attachment points to vehicle 130 or may be designed with a minimal height to enable an overall lower profile of vehicle 130 and hence lower minimal height thereof and of platform 110, and correspondingly of enclosure 120. In certain embodiments, the air vehicle’s fuselage is predesigned with sufficient strength and / or minimally protruding portions to enable safe and stable belly landings. Optionally, predetermined portions of the air vehicle’s belly are hardened and / or padded to enable the safe and stable belly landing of the air vehicle while maintaining the fuselage integrity.

[0042] Further shown in Figs. 3A-3B is a slidable access door 311 which encloses an access aperture 311a to rescue cabin 310, a top hatch lid 321 that allows a direct exit of superior cabin 320, and forward ventilation apertures 312 that enable fluent ventilation of the rescue cabin 310. Similar ventilation apertures or internal ventilation channels (not shown) may be installed in the superior cabin 320. Notably, in Fig. 3B, the rear instrument cabin 340 is shown transparent, and superior cabin 320 is partially transparent to expose a slidable seat 322 that can be slid over a passage 323 between rescue cabin 310 and superior cabin 320 and subsequently used as a seat by a designated person who occupies the superior cabin 320 during evacuation.

[0043] Accordingly, the abovementioned designated person can exit an apartment (e.g., on floor lOe of building 10) through a designated evacuation aperture 12, through the access void 212a of platform 110 (shown in Fig. 2), and through access aperture 311a into rescue cabin 310, then through passage 323 into superior cabin 320, slide his legs to a leg space 423 (shown in Fig. 4B), and subsequently slide seat 322 to cover passage 323 to sit thereon during the departure and evacuation flight of vehicle 130. The passage course into cabin 320 is further illustrated by dashed arrows in Fig. 4B,

[0044] Fig. 4A illustrates a top view of an air vehicle 400, and Fig. 4B illustrates a corresponding section view “A-A” thereof, exposing an exemplary internal layout of cabins 310, 320, 330, andBROSH-OOl PCT340, according to an embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that vehicle 400 may be interchangeable with vehicles 130 and 300). Cabin 310 comprises safety harnesses 411 and cushioning 412 for the occupants therein. Further shown in Fig. 4B are hatch lid 321 and slidable seat 322 with their sliding channels 421 and 422 (correspondingly). Optionally, hatch lid 321 may be rotatably opened outward ratherthan slidably opened. Further shown in Fig. 4B are a backrest 424, a safety belt 425 intended forthe designated occupant of the superior cabin 320, and an instruments panel 450 that may comprise the required flight instruments for use in case of a manual flight of vehicle 400 by the person in cabin 320, and other monitoring, communication, and control means for use during the flight of vehicle 400.

[0045] Instruments panel 450 may include, for instance, a “departure-ready” button that, when pressed (e.g., by a person-in-charge), transmits a corresponding departure signal to the flight controls of vehicle 400 and optionally to a remote control center that may take over the operation of vehicle 400. In certain embodiments, pressing the abovementioned “departure-ready” button initiates a control script that verifies (e.g., against predetermined sensors and operational data in one or more controllers of the air vehicle) thatplatform HO and vehicle 130 are ready for departure (e.g., access door 311 is closed), and upon readiness is affirmed a departure signal is generated. The departure signal may trigger an automated departure of vehicle 400 from platform 110, an indication on panel 450, and / or a remote indication in a corresponding remote control center.

[0046] As previously explained with respect to the minimal dimensions of platform 110 (in Figs. 1A-1B) and as can be readily noted in Figs. 3A-3B and 4A-4B, the modular design of vehicle 130 enables the production of multiple variations thereof in different shapes and dimensions. Furthermore, the incorporation of a rescue cabin 310 that is configured with suitable cushioning and restraint means for safely evacuating a determined number of occupants in a lying posture enables a compact design of vehicle 130 with reduced height, thus, enabling, for instance, the fitness of platform 110 and enclosure 120 installation between windows 12 of adjacent apartments (e.g., in floors lOd and 10c of Figs. 1A-1B). Nevertheless, while pursuing minimal dimensions of vehicle 130 and, thus, of platform 110 and enclosure 120 may be a leading consideration in the design of system 100, a further significant parameter may be the number of occupants to be evacuated. For example, a widervehicle 130 may be produced to accommodate two seated persons in the superior cabin 320 and a larger number of lying occupants in the rescue cabin 310.BROSH-OOl PCT

[0047] Different configurations of air vehicle 130 may be provided with different internal divisions of the cabins of air vehicle 130. One optional configuration of the air vehicle 130 may comprise both cabins 310 and 320 that allow seated occupancy. In another optional configuration, the air vehicle comprises a single combined cabin that integrates the functionality of both cabins 310 and 320. Thereby, system 100 may utilize air vehicles 130 that are adapted to different evacuation aperture interspacing (i.e., on subsequent building floors).

[0048] Notably, air vehicles 130, 300, and 400 are illustrated in a basic and schematic design, however, one skilled in the art will readily consider alternative designs thereof. Furthermore, various designs of the air vehicles disclosed herein may comprise common and specific safety elements that may be required by different air authorities, laws, standards, and common practices. For instance, air vehicles 130, 300, or 400 may further comprise light-emitting elements such as green and red flashing lights or other irradiating elements. Moreover, vehicles 130, 300, or 400 may also be adapted with auxiliary directional motors, horizontal / vertical speed reduction means such as air brakes, emergency parachutes, and intemal / extemal inflatable elements that enable successful landings under various safety conditions, including landing on rough / water terrain with or without operable motors, thus, providing improved survivability of the evacuation air vehicle occupants.

[0049] Fig. 5 is an internal perspective view (viewed from within the building) that illustrates an optional configuration of an evacuation aperture 12, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The designated evacuation aperture 12 can be adapted with one or more closure elements 512 (e.g., a shutter, a window, a safety grille, a ventilation net, or combinations thereof), which can be operated manually or by a controller. These elements can be configured to allow common / routine use of the aperture, e.g., as a regular door or window when platform 110 is not aligned therewith, and a safe passage through the aperture 12 when activated by a signal from the communication devices. Where platform 110 is constantly aligned with evacuation aperture 12, which is dedicated for use with system 100, the closure elements are integrated with safety interlocks to prevent accidental / unauthorized opening of closure elements 512 and ensure that the aperture is only accessible during an evacuation scenario. Evacuation aperture 12 is installed within a peripheral wall of a building in a suitable frame 520 that enables the manual / controllableBROSH-OOl PCT opening / closure of closure elements 512, such as by sliding / rolling closure elements 512 on a guiding rail to a cavity 521 aside / above the designated evacuation aperture 12. Utilizing such cavity 521 can enable a complete clearance of evacuation aperture 12 in its full open state.

[0050] The corresponding peripheral wall of a building in which evacuation aperture 12 is installed may comprise a maintenance access aperture and door 522 to facilitate access from within the building to the components installed in the evacuation platform and to enable maintenance of vehicle 130. The peripheral wall may further be adapted with designated cavities and ducts 523, such as for deployment of the required utility power, communication, controls, and monitoring circuitry and wiring required for monitoring / controlling / and maintenance of platform 110 and vehicle 130, for instance, utility power cables that supply power to charging ports in cabin 216 of platform 110. Furthermore, cavities and ducts 523 may also include an installation cavity for a control panel that enables manual control over platform 110, for instance, in the event of interferences or loss of wireless communication signals. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral wall includes a dedicated cavity in which the lifting motor of platform 110 (not shown in Fig. 5) is installed.

[0051] Fig. 6 illustrates a system diagram of an exemplary configuration of an evacuation system 600, according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 600 comprises a main / central controller 610 that, through a wired / wireless connection, may monitor and / or control the operation of various components of system 100, such as the lifting mechanism 111 of platform 110, the open / close mechanism of gate 213 of platform 110, and the closure elements 512 of evacuation aperture 12. The monitoring / control may be performed by transmitting control signals to relay s / drivers that activate the abovementioned mechanisms orto individual controllers associated with those mechanisms.

[0052] Furthermore, the main controller 610 and / or any of those individual controllers may comprise one or more wired / wireless communication devices configured to receive wired and / or wireless control signals associated with routine or emergency scenarios, e.g., wired control signals triggered by a user residing in a building apartment, or an emergency alert received from one or more predefined sources, such as in cases of fire detection event, earthquake, or another emergency event). Accordingly, one or more signal generating sources 620 may be predefined on mainBROSH-OOl PCT controller 610, and / or other controllers, as valid remote sources for control signals (e.g., a building emergency alert system or fire detection system, a remote emergency management center, or any other external emergency signal source), and / or as valid sources within an apartment or public areas of building 10 (e.g., one or more occupants’ mobile devices such as a smartphone or atablet, dedicated mobile / stationary computing devices such as a dedicated tablet or a dedicated apartment control panel), from which the main controller 610 and / or individual controllers associated with the abovementioned controllable mechanisms can receive control signals and act upon. In certain embodiments, the abovementioned dedicated mobile / stationary computing devices are running a dedicated and / or maintenance computer program or mobile application that interacts with the main / individual controllers of system 600.

[0053] The abovementioned signal sources 620 and / or controller 610 may communicate with various emergency indicative sensors 630 (e.g., fire detection sensors, seismic sensors) installed in apartments of building 10, within the general area of building 10, in the surrounding environment of building 10, or in another predetermined relevant location determined as a possible source for emergency indicating signal (e.g., smoke detectors distributed across an apartment or across building 10, seismic sensors distributed in predetermined structural joints and other structural elements of building 10). It should be understood that systems 100 and 600 are interchangeable, where the term system 600 is only used herein for the sake of simple illustration.

[0054] Upon receiving routine or emergency control signal, by communication devices thereof, for initiating an airborne operation of system 600, such as to mobilize one or more persons from a building unit (e.g., apartment or office within building 10), the main controller 610 and / or individual controllers of system 100 may submit operating commands to the various components of system 100 to initiate the establishment of an access route from within the apartment / building 10 to the corresponding evacuation air vehicle 130. For instance, upon receiving a broadcast earthquake alert by any of the communication devices, the corresponding controllers may submit operational commands to activate the lifting motors of platform 110 to initiate its alignment with evacuation aperture 12 and to activate an opening means of closure elements 512 to open the same.

[0055] Simultaneously, the main controller, individual controllers of system 600, and / or communication devices associated therewith may submit a triggering signal that triggers a constantBROSH-OOl PCT standby control module (e.g., at least one controller that is maintained in a constant / continuous standby “listening” state / mode, ready for operation) of vehicle 130 to prepare vehicle 130 for departure. Such preparations may include activation of an opening motor to open access door 311 of vehicle 130; and triggering of one or more modules of the evacuation air vehicle 130 (e.g., flight controls module, communication module, power supply management module, navigation module) to shift from a hibernate or shutdown state to a standby state wherein those modules are ready for immediate operation.

[0056] In parallel, the main controller and / or individual controllers of system 600 may also submit operational commands to one or more components of system 600 that are designated as departure preparation devices that enable the departure of evacuation air vehicle 130 from evacuation platform 110.

[0057] Such operational commands may exert activation of an external power supply adapter of vehicle 130 to physically disconnect an external power supply connection between a utility power outlet to a corresponding charging port of vehicle 130 (e.g., turning off an electro -magnetic connection port’s circuit) followed by electrical switching of the electrical systems of vehicle 130 to be fed from on-board power supply batteries; activating one or more detachable skid-anchors of platform 110 to disengage with skids 360 of vehicle 130; and activating the gate 213 open / close mechanism to open gate 213. Optionally, these operations of the departure preparation devices may be executed at a later point in time, closer to the actual departure of vehicle 130 from platform 110. The abovementioned departure preparation devices can be manually operated (e.g., manual disconnection of the power supply adapter or skid-anchors by a person before entering into vehicle 130, for instance, in case of utility electricity shortage) or controlled by one or more departure control modules upon receipt of a signal (e.g., generated by a button press within vehicle 130, by pressing a button / touch operator on a control panel near evacuation aperture 12 or remotely by an emergency service officer in a remote emergency control center). The preparation devices are calibrated to operate under diverse environmental conditions.

[0058] Accordingly, the preparation of vehicle 130 and access routes thereto from within building 10 may be performed within seconds from receipt of a control signal for initiating an airborne operation of system 100 / 600, and the longest time-consuming operation in the entireBROSH-OOl PCT evacuation process is the physical movement of evacuated persons from building 10 into vehicle 130. To further reduce that period of time, system 100 or 600 may further comprise an alarm device that produces an audial / visual emergency alarm within determined locations in building 10 (e.g., apartments’ bedrooms, shower rooms, and public spaces in / surrounding building 10) upon receiving a wired / wireless signal from main controller 610, or from the abovementioned communication devices.

[0059] Following the completed evacuation of the intended persons into vehicle 130, a departure is initiated. The departure may be triggered by pressing a “departure ready” button in instrument panel 450, or by receipt of a remote departure ready signal such as from a remote control center. The departure ready signal may trigger a controls verification script that performs a pre-departure confirmation process (e.g., by corresponding sensors and monitoring means, such as micro switches that indicate the closure state of access door 311 and hatch lid 321, safety restraints are engaged, skid -anchors and external power supply are disengaged and gate 213 is open) that specific prerequisite conditions are fulfilled, e.g., access door 311 and hatch lid 321 are closed, vehicle 130 electrical systems are supplied by the independent power supply thereof, presence of predetermined occupants is confirmed (e.g., by image processing of captured images of cabins 310 and 320), open departure gate 213, skid-anchors and external power supply are disengaged. In certain embodiments, several prerequisite conditions are ignored. For instance, in a case where not all the predetermined occupied are present in vehicle 130, the person in the superior cabin 320, or an officer in a remote control center may confirm to proceed with departure; or in critical conditions where an external power supply plug fails to disengage and the departure of vehicle 130 will only tear the corresponding cable or the plug (e.g., that may be pre-designed to tear / break in such conditions) their detachment confirmation may be bypassed by the person in the superior cabin 320, or an officer in a remote control center.

[0060] Following the completion of the pre-departure confirmation process, a departure signal is generated by the controls of vehicle 130, and the takeoff and departure of vehicle 130 from platform 110 initiate. Vehicle 130 (or 300 / 400) may be configured to manually / remotely or autonomously take off and depart the evacuation platform 110. Furthermore, vehicles 130, 300, and / or 400 may comprise one or more sensors that provide real-time indications as to the operational status, the real-time location thereof, and the status of its occupants.BROSH-OOl PCT

[0061] Upon departure, vehicle 130 may autonomously fly at a preconfigured flight course or at a newly received flight course to a designated destination. In certain embodiments, remote or manual flight modes are enabled for real-time determination of the flight course and / or destination of vehicle 130, such as by a remote control center, or by the person in superior cabin 320. The communication devices utilize encrypted signal transmission to prevent unauthorized access and ensure secure operation. The pre-configured / real-time configured flight course may include a temporal floating / waiting location such as to enable traffic management of a plurality of evacuation air vehicles.

[0062] Systems 100 is illustrated in Figs. 1A-1C as comprising a dedicated evacuation platform for each floor of the illustrated building. However, the illustration of building 10 having a single column of apartments is only made for the sake of simplicity and privity. Different building configurations may derive variant implementations of system 100. For example, system 100 may be installed in buildings that comprise two or more apartments or offices, where each floor comprises a single designated evacuation aperture 12 in a peripheral wall of an apartment room / office or a public area on the floor. In this example, a corresponding evacuation platform 110 with or without a corresponding enclosure 120 is installed outside each evacuation aperture 12. In certain buildings, the designated evacuation apertures 12 on different floors may be correspondingly located and form a vertical column, whereas in other buildings, evacuation apertures 12 and the corresponding evacuation platform may be differently located on different floors. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, evacuation platforms 110 may be integrated with correspondingly or differently positioned balconies on different floors of a building (e.g., in buildings with staggered balconies. Another example of utilizing the proposed evacuation system in different configurations is described below.

[0063] Fig. 7 illustrates an exemplary configuration of two multi-floor building evacuation systems 700, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Systems 700 are similar to systems 100 or 600, yet share their evacuation platforms 710 (interchangeable with platform 110) with several consecutive apartments (e.g., on consecutive building floors). Systems 700 may further comprise enclosures 720 (interchangeable with enclosure 120) at least partially enclosing evacuation platforms 710 and air vehicles 130 supported thereon. Fig. 7 illustrates two systemsBROSH-OOl PCT700, one of which is installed on floor 74 and shares its evacuation platform 710 with floors 71- 73, and the second is installed on a lower building floor and serves at least several floors below. It should be understood that the illustration of Fig. 7 is merely an illustration, and multiple different configurations of similar multi-floor systems may be provided by implementing the features of one or more systems 700.

[0064] While each system 700 includes all the apartment-associated components (e.g., evacuation aperture 12 and its enclosure elements control, alert / waming components), a shared evacuation platform, and optionally an enclosure 720, each apartment that shares the evacuation platform 710 of system 700 comprises a partial evacuation system 700a (not shown), which may be similar to systems 100, 600, or 700, yet without a separate individual evacuation platform, since systems 700a are only intended to evacuate occupants of building 70 via the corresponding aperture 12, coordinated with the alignment of a corresponding shared platform 710 therewith, such as by evacuation coordinating controller that coordinates the evacuation platform alignment and the opening of aperture 12.

[0065] Furthermore, to enable a safe evacuation, any of systems 100, 600, 700, and 700a may comprise electrical / mechanical alignment verification modules that assure the alignment of an air vehicle in front of aperture 12 before enabling the opening of the corresponding closure elements 512. Such electrical / mechanical alignment verification modules may comprise, for instance, magnetic and / or optical position sensors embedded in any of the evacuation platforms 110, 610, 710, in predetermined positions of apertures 12, and / or in one or more corresponding positions of the air vehicle (e.g., access door 311).

[0066] Therefore, in this embodiment, each system 700 comprises longer platform alignment / descending rails 711, which are similar yet longer than the previously explained rails I l la. These rails 711 extend across several consecutive building floors, and may be configured and constructed to carry heavier loads (i.e., corresponding to the predetermined higher evacuation capacity).

[0067] Systems 700 may comprise similar control, power supply, and monitoring components used in systems 100 and 600, which are suitable for both shared evacuation platforms (e.g., sharedBROSH-OOl PCT by several floors) and dedicated evacuation platforms (e.g., dedicated to each floor or apartment), or may require minimal adaptation relative to systems 100 and 600. Furthermore, the evacuation air vehicle 130, 300, or 400, and the corresponding evacuation platforms 710 and / or enclosures 720 may be adapted in their dimensions and motors’ power to the potentially increased number of occupants.

[0068] In certain embodiments, the air vehicles, platforms 710, and enclosures 720 of system 700 are similarly sized as platforms 110 and enclosure 120 of systems 100 and 600, and the same air vehicle is configured to perform predetermined evacuation cycles. For example, a single air vehicle 130 may initially evacuate building occupants from floor 74 of building 70 to a predetermined landing site. During the flight of vehicle 130, the corresponding platform 710 ascends to floor 71, vehicle 130 returns to building 70 and lands on platform 710 to evacuate building occupants from floor 71, and so on until all the building occupants from floors 71 -74 are evacuated. In certain embodiments, another available air vehicle 130 may join the original vehicle 130 to accelerate the evacuation cycles from floors 71-74. (e.g., originally designated toa different group of floors / side of building 70, which are presently unoccupied, or a redundant air vehicle 130 dedicated to building 70, or a reinforcement air vehicle 130 which joins ad-hoc to the present evacuation operation of building 70).

[0069] Accordingly, system 700 may comprise a central and / or dedicated (e.g., to groups of floors) evacuation coordinating controller that coordinates the above evacuation cycles, the air vehicles 130 preparation, and the alignment of the evacuation platform with corresponding evacuation apertures. These evacuation coordinating controllers may be configured to consider the effective utilization of available evacuation resources (e.g., available vehicles 130 and their remaining fuel / battery charge, and available platforms 710), the required extent of evacuation (e.g., number of floors / apartments that require evacuation), and prioritize the evacuation cycles order according to preconfigured parameters, such as the evacuation urgency of each floor / apartment. For instance, in the event of active fire in the mid -section of building 70, the evacuation from the upper floors may be prioritized over the lower floors of the building.

[0070] While at least the initial flight course of the disclosed air vehicles (i.e., after taking off from the evacuation platforms) may be predetermined, it should also be coordinated in real-timeBROSH-OOl PCT to avoid the undesired proximity of two or more air vehicles and to enable fluid evacuation of the building area and airspace. Optionally, an external air space control system or a corresponding control module of systems 100, 600, and / or 700 may control the airspace near the evacuated building to ensure that no safety risks or redundant delays occur at this early stage of the airborne evacuation operation.

Claims

BROSH-OOl PCTCLAIMS1. An airborne evacuation system for buildings, comprising: a) an evacuation platform comprising a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is configured to be installed on the exterior side of a building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to shift said evacuation platform between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture; b) an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuation platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within the interspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors; and c) one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system, wherein said one or more controllers comprise one or more communication devices adapted for receiving control signals from one or more predetermined valid signal sources, wherein said one or more controllers are configured, after receiving a control signal for initiating an airborne operation of said system, to enable access route into said evacuation air vehicle while simultaneously preparing said evacuation air vehicle for departure, and upon activation of a departure signal, flying said evacuation air vehicle carrying said one or more persons to said determined destination.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the alignment mechanism is manually operated.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein the alignment mechanism is operated by a controller.

4. A system according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the one or more communication devices are configured to transmit a signal that triggers the controller to operate the alignment mechanism to align the evacuation platform with the designated evacuation aperture.

5. A system according to claim 1, wherein the designated evacuation aperture is adapted with one or more closure elements.BROSH-OOl PCT6. A system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more closure elements are manually operated.

7. A system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more closure elements are operated by a controller.

8. A system according to claim 7, wherein the one or more communication devices are configured to transmit a signal that triggers the controller to open the closure elements for enabling passage through the designated evacuation aperture.

9. A system according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation platform comprises one or more departure preparation devices that enable the departure of the evacuation air vehicle from the evacuation platform.

10. A system according to claim 9, wherein the one or more departure preparation devices comprise an external power supply adapter that is configured to physically connect and disconnect the external power supply to said evacuation air vehicle.

11. A system according to claim 9, wherein the evacuation platform comprises a departure gate that secures the evacuation air vehicle, and one or more departure preparation devices comprise a departure gate driving mechanism designed to open and close said departure gate.

12. A system according to claim 9, wherein the one or more departure preparation devices comprise one or more securement devices that are configured to secure and un-secure a determined portion of the evacuation air vehicle to the evacuation platform.

13. A system according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the one ormore departure preparation devices are manually operated.

14. A system according to any one of claims 10-12, wherein the one ormore departure preparation devices are operated by a controller.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the one or more communication devices are configured to transmit a signal that triggers the controller to operate one or more departure preparation devices to enable the departure of the evacuation air vehicle from the evacuation platform.BROSH-OOl PCT16. A system according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation air vehicle is configured to automatically depart from said evacuation platform upon receipt of the departure signal.

17. A system according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation air vehicle is configured for autonomous takeoff, departure, and flight.

18. A system according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation air vehicle is configured for remote operation.

19. A system according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation air vehicle is configured for manual operation.

20. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a maintenance access door from within the building enabling access to components of said system.

21. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a continuous power supply means for continuously supplying electrical power to components of said system.

22. A system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more communication devices are further adapted to trigger an emergency alarm in the building.

23. A system according to claim 1, wherein one or more communication devices are embedded in one or more computing devices.

24. A system according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation air vehicle comprises a constant standby control module, configured to prepare said evacuation air vehicle for departure upon receiving a triggering signal, the departure preparation includes one or more operations selected from the group consisting of : activating an opening motor to open an access door into said evacuation air vehicle, shifting one or more modules of said evacuation air vehicle to a standby state wherein said one or more modules are ready for immediate operation.

25. A system according to claim 1, further comprising an evacuation vehicle enclosure positioned at the evacuation platform, wherein said enclosure at least partially encloses the evacuation air vehicle.

26. A system according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation platform is shared with several building apartments on consecutive floors.BROSH-OOl PCT27. An integrated airborne evacuation system according to claim 26, wherein said system further comprises a coordinating controller configured to manage evacuation cycles between the floors.

28. A system according to claim 1, wherein the evacuation air vehicle comprises amain cabin and a superior cabin.

29. A system according to claim 28, wherein the main cabin is configured to accommodate a predetermined number of occupants in a seated or lying posture.

30. A system according to claim 29, wherein the superior cabin is configured to be manned by a person-in-charge and equipped with an instrument panel for manual operation and control of the evacuation air vehicle.

31. An airborne evacuation method for evacuating one or more persons from buildings, comprising: a) providing one or more building airborne evacuation systems comprising: i. an evacuation platform comprising a support surface adapted for holding an evacuation air vehicle, said evacuation platform is installed on the exterior side of the building, outside one or more designated evacuation apertures in a peripheral wall of one or more building units, wherein the evacuation platform is adapted with an alignment mechanism configured to shift said evacuation platform between a stored position and alignment with said designated evacuation aperture; ii. an evacuation air vehicle held on said evacuation platform in a stored state and is configured to fly one or more persons that evacuate thereto from said building to a determined destination, wherein said evacuation air vehicle is configured to extend, with said support surface, within the interspace between two adjacent evacuation apertures on subsequent building floors; and iii. one or more controllers configured to monitor and / or control the operation of various components of said evacuation system, wherein said one or more controllers comprise one or more communication devices adapted for receiving control signals from one or more predetermined valid signal sources; and b) after receiving a control signal for initiating an airborne operation of said system: i. enabling access routes into the evacuation air vehicle from within said building;BROSH-OOl PCT ii. simultaneously preparing said evacuation air vehicle for departure; iii. enabling the departure of said evacuation air vehicle from said evacuation platform; and iv. flying said evacuation air vehicle carrying said one or more persons to a determined destination upon activation of a departure signal.

32. A method according to claim 31, wherein step b) further comprises generating an emergency alarm in the building.

33. A method according to claim 31, wherein step b) comprises a step of aligning the evacuation platform with a designated evacuation aperture.

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