Abstract: An escalator comprising four kinds of steps is disclosed. The first steps are ordinary steps, and the second step is disposed between the first steps and has a retractable support device for supporting a vertically movable step of the third step. The movable step supported by the support device lifts from the third step as the steps ascend to provide a deeper effective tread together with the tread of the second step. The fourth step includes a drop-down step which can be moved into a sloped position which also provides a space for safely accommodating a wheelchair or the like on the deep effective tread thus provided by the second, third, and fourth steps.

Abstract: An escalator system comprises an endless loop of chain links extending between two landings, a plurality of steps pivotally connected to the chain link loop, a guide rail system for guiding the steps, and a drive means for driving the chain link along the chain link loop with the steps thereon. At least one of the escalator steps comprises a step main body pivotally connected to a chain link loop and guided by a guide rail system, and a drop-down portion pivotally mounted to the main body and movable between a horizontal position in which the main body and the drop-down portion together forms a usual step tread and a drop-down position in which the drop-down portion is dropped down for allowing a wheel chair to be carried on the steps.

Abstract: A moving staircase is disclosed wherein along the circulating path of a number of conventional tread boards thereof which are articulated together in an endless fashion at least one pair of specifically constituted tread boards are disposed between any two conventional tread boards so as to be articulated thereto. The specifically constituted tread boards each have substantially the same configuration as that of the conventional tread board and are articulated one behind the other in the circulating direction of the conventional tread boards. The rear one is provided with a movable footboard so as to be moved up and down relative thereto, the movable footboard being adapted to be normally locked to the rear one of the specifically constituted tread boards by a lock means provided therein.

Abstract: An escalator step having a tread and a convex riser, the riser being provided on its convex surface with a number of alternating first and second grooves which are shallow and deep respectively. The tread is provided on the surface with a number of first and second alternating cleats corresponding to the first and second grooves of the riser, the ends of the first and second cleats projecting from the side opposite to the riser a short and a long distance, respectively, corresponding to the depths of the first and second grooves of the riser. The end of the tread at the side adjacent the riser is constituted by recesses conforming to the first and second grooves of the riser.

Abstract: The disclosed safety device includes a barrier member disposed on a departure landing in front of a guide port for receiving a moving handrail after having been turned in its traveling direction. The barrier member is provided on the upper surface with a C-shaped groove having an opening narrower than the width of the handrail and formed of two sections of easily destructable material divided in a plane extending lengthwise of the groove. The handrail is loosely inserted into the groove. The barrier member may be provided on each of its lateral side surfaces with a notch in the form of a semi-arch.