In 1853, Elisha Otis invented the revolutionizing safety elevator giving birth to a whole new industry and solving a crucial problem being faced during industrial revolution. His invention addressed a problem that had affected factories, warehouses and other buildings during the Industrial Revolution. People needed a way to move goods between floors without risking lives and cargo when a lifting rope or chain broke. Before this invention, freight hoists could become dangerous when their supporting ropes failed. A platform carrying people or goods could fall. Otis developed a mechanical safety device that could stop the platform if the lifting rope lost tension.
The invention became a turning point in elevator history. It helped establish confidence in elevators and later contributed to the development of passenger elevators, taller buildings and modern cities.
