Abstract: This invention provides an improved handrail construction for escalators and moving walkways that enables the handrail to be advance by positive drive forces so as to reduce the amount of stress on the handrail structure and to improve the durability of escalator handrail systems. The handrail includes teeth for engaging a drive mechanism, the teeth preferably being formed in the body of the handrail.

Abstract: A moving handrail construction, for escalators, moving walkways and other transportation apparatus has a handrail having a generally C-shaped cross-section and defining an internal generally T-shaped slot. The handrail is formed by extrusion and comprises a first layer of thermoplastic material extending around the T-shaped slot. A second layer of thermoplastic material extends around the outside of the first layer and defines the exterior profile of the handrail. A slider layer lines the T-shaped slot and is bonded to the first layer. A stretch inhibitor extends within the first layer. The first layer is formed from a harder thermoplastic than the second layer, and this has been found to give improved properties to the lip and improved drive characteristics on linear drives.