GB1386449A - Variable speed handrails - Google Patents

Abstract

1386449 Handrails for variable-speed passenger conveyers DUNLOP Ltd 13 Aug 1973 [12 Aug 1972] 37730/72 Heading B8A A handrail for a variable-speed conveyer comprises a series of interconnected (at a b c d ...) frames 20 which are bent to U-shape and carry guide wheels 24 at A B C D...) running on guide rails 27, 27. By varying the distance apart of the rails 27, the distances apart of the points a b c d ... are varied and thus the speed of the handrail is varied. The frames 20 are covered by a network, which itself may be covered by a layer of material to afford a suitable surface for gripping. The network may consist of a series of jointed secondary members (21), (Fig. 3, not shown), and tertiary members (22). In Fig. 8, the wheels 24 are replaced by wheels 10 mounted on an extension of each frame. Further wheels 6a are provided, which run on additional guide rails 8, 8. (One rail 8, only, visible in Fig. 8). The height of a balustrade x is varied in relation to the speed of the handrail at any given location of the conveyer so as to give. a constant projection height of the handrail above the top of the balustrade anywhere along the conveyer. Thus in Fig. 5 which shows the shape of the handrail in a low speed section of the conveyer, the balustrade has a greater height than in Fig. 6. In the high speed sections (Fig. 6), the handrail may be driven by conventional means (not shown) assisted by the action of a linear conveyer. The links of the frame 20 may be of polypropylene, the hinges being formed integrally with the strips.