Escalator skirt panel

US4669597A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY · US

Inventors

• Hans J. Langer · Stadthagen, DE
• Peter Lehmann · Oebisfelde, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 4, 1985
• Grant date: Jun 2, 1987
• Expiry date: Nov 4, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B66B29/02
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Increased safety in the area of running clearance between the step (12) and the skirt panel (10) of an escalator is provided by an elongated tubular bladder (24) running the length of the skirt panel, behind the panel just opposite the step. Inward deflection of the skirt panel indicative of an object trapped between the step and the panel increases the air pressure in the bladder. A switch (30) sensitive to the increased bladder pressure controls a relay (32) that shuts off the escalator drive motor (33) and applies the escalator brake (34).