Method of and apparatus for applying a film to the surface of a handrail for an escalator or moving walkway

ES 2 363 007 T3

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

This invention relates to a handrail for escalators and moving walkways, and more specifically it relates to the application of a protective film, optionally including advertising or other visible material, to the surface of said handrail.

Background of the invention

Advertisers continually search for new placements to place ads. It has been recognized for some time that various forms of public transportation and the like offer good opportunities for advertising. By necessity, public transport systems offer a large potential audience, and a relatively small number of well-positioned advertisements can be seen by large numbers of people. Traveling by public transport is generally quite time consuming and therefore commuters on such systems often have a lot of time to view and read advertisements, which also makes this type of advertisement attractive to businesses. This has been well recognized in the past, and advertisers have sought out various places to place ads.

Escalators and moving walkways are a common component of many mass transit systems, and are also found in many other places with a high level of foot traffic, for example, large office buildings, shopping malls, department stores, and the like. While riding an escalator is relatively quick compared to, say, a subway ride, a ride on the escalator nevertheless presents a potential audience for advertisers. While an escalator ride is relatively short, it is certainly long enough for a user to notice and observe an advertisement. On the other hand, it is not really practical for an escalator user to do something else while using the escalator, such as reading a book or newspaper.

Advertisers have long been aware of this, and it is common on well-used escalators to find different advertising panels. Thus, conventional billboards are often found covering the walls of escalator shafts. Additionally, advertisers have tried to place smaller ads, such as posters on smaller panels, at the top of the strip that separates escalator railings up and down. Commonly, the advertisements would be placed on both sides, in order to present the advertisements to users both up and down escalators.

Ingenious advertisers have sought out other forms of escalator advertising. Therefore, it has occurred to others that advertising could be placed on the handrails of escalators. This is attractive since a stair handrail presents an otherwise unused surface. As if to hold onto an object, an escalator user will instinctively first look at the handrail to locate it. This ensures that, most of the time, every user or person passing by will have at least one look at the handrail. This makes it attractive for simple advertising, for example, well-known company logos and other advertising devices.

Description of the invention

The invention is based on the concept of providing a film to the handrail surface, said film is both continuous and removable.

In earlier application 09 / 252,784 and US patent 6,450,228 issued by a "continuation-in-part" of that application, a flexible film with an adhesive layer was applied to a handrail, without any prior stretching or tension. When a handrail, for example, at the ends of an escalator or treadmill, rotates around a pulley, the handrail flexes, and in the known way the upper part of the handrail is stretched while the lower part is compressed. In fact, the presence of steel cables or stretch inhibitors serves to define a neutral axis that is at the top of the handrail. Consequently, part of the upper part of the handrail, above the steel cables is stretched or put under tension and the lower part of the upper part of the handrail and the ridges are compressed. Since the shoulders extend substantially below the neutral axis, they are subject to significant compression as the handrail passes around end pulleys, etc.

When a film is applied to the handrail, this means that the edges of the film, which meet at the ridges, are equally compressed. In practice, this leads to creasing or creasing at the edges of the film. The adhesive used is unable to maintain adhesion of the end edges of the film to the handrail when subjected to the compressive load that results from bending of the handrail.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided, in combination, an elongated handrail and a flexible film adhered to the handrail, according to claim 1, the film comprising: a first film layer and a first glue layer between the first layer of the film and the handrail, joining the first layer of the film to the handrail, where the film has been applied to the handrail in tension,

ES 2 363 007 T3 whereby the film includes a desired pre-stretching, thereby at least reducing any tendency for the edges of the film to separate from the handrail when these edges are subjected to compressive stresses.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a method of applying a flexible film to a moving handrail, according to claim 18, the method comprising:

(1) providing a film comprising a first film layer and the first adhesive layer at the bottom thereof, the film being generally elongated and with a width corresponding to the width of the handrail;

(2) aligning and adhering a first end of the film to a surface of the handrail;

(3) applying a nearly constant tension load to the film to provide a desired degree of tension to the film;

(4) drive the handrail relative to the film, to make the prestressed film continuously and progressively adhere to the handrail, and (5) ensure that the entire width of the film adheres evenly and smoothly to the surface of the railing.

The present invention also provides an apparatus for applying an adhesive film to a moving handrail, according to claim 27, the apparatus comprising: mounting means for mounting the apparatus to a railing, a first shaft means, for mounting a first roll of film, a tensioning device for applying tension to the film, to apply a desired amount of tension to the film before it the film is applied to the handrail, and a pressure means to apply pressure to the film to make the film adhere to the handrail, by which, in use, the handrail can be driven past the apparatus, causing the film to unwind from the first roll with the pressing means to make the film adhere to the handrail and the tension device to pre-stretch the film.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method of applying a flexible film to a moving handrail, with a desired degree of pre-stretching or elongation. Again, references to escalator handrails are understood to include moving walkway handrails. The first step is to provide a flexible film comprising a first layer and an adhesive layer at the bottom thereof, where the film is generally elongated and with a width corresponding to the width of the handrail. The film is then aligned to the handrail and the first end of the film adheres to the surface of the handrail. The handrail is then driven with respect to the film to cause the film to adhere progressively and continuously to the handrail. At the same time, tension is applied to the film to prestress or stretch the film.

Brief description of the drawings

For a better understanding of the invention and to show more clearly how it can be carried out, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings showing the preferred embodiment of the invention and in that:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing an apparatus according to the present invention in use in a railing of an escalator;

Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the apparatus, handrail and handrail of Figure 1 in greater detail;

Figure 3 is a perspective view from the bottom of the apparatus of the invention;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a rear end of the apparatus of the invention;

Figures 5 and 5a are viewed along an axis of the apparatus showing the open and closed positions of a tundish element of a press mechanism of the apparatus.

Figures 6 and 6a show the open and closed positions of a roller extension device;

Figure 6b shows a detailed perspective view of the installation of the roller extension device in the tundish element;

Figure 7 is a side view of the apparatus, handrail and handrail of Figures 1 and 2, showing the operation of the apparatus;

ES 2 363 007 T3

Figures 8a and 8b schematically show the wrapping of a film around a handrail;

Figure 9 shows a cross section through an example film structure, and

Figures 10a, 10b and 10c show, respectively, a plan view of a splice joint, the application of a film cap, and the attachment of the film cap with an iron to the ends of the film.

Description of the invention

Figures 1 and 7 show the basic configuration and mode of use of an apparatus for applying a film to a handrail, according to the present invention, the basic principles of which are the same as the apparatus shown and as described in detail in the US Patent 6450228, published September 17, 2002.

The apparatus is indicated at 10 and is shown in Figure 1 attached to a railing 198 of a staircase with handrail of the royal staircase indicated at 200 as shown in detail in the following figures. The apparatus 10 has a first and second support arms 12 attached to suction cups 20, for fixing to the handrail 198.

Each of the support arms 12 is a triangular structure, including a main arm portion 14, which extends generally vertically, an adjustable arm portion 16, and an upper arm portion 18. The adjustable arm portion 16 includes an adjustable threaded element, to allow the length of the arm portion 16 to be adjusted. The main parts of the arm 14 are rotatably mounted to the suction cups 20, and this arrangement accommodates different handrail configurations and ensures that the working portion of the apparatus 10 is correctly located with respect to the handrail. As indicated, the various parts of the arm 14, 16 and 18 are rotatably connected.

The ends of the upper portions of the arm 18 include mounting clips 22, for attachment to a main frame 30 of the apparatus 10. The main frame 30 includes a plurality of separate holes or mounting locations 32, which allow the support arms 12 to be secured in different places. Two sets or rows of holes 32 are provided on the two sides of the frame 30, so that it can be mounted on both sides of the frame 30, and therefore so that it can be mounted on both sides of a staircase or moving walkway, and so it can be mounted on both sides of a particular railing. Again, this is intended to facilitate the accommodation of different handrail configurations 198 and the fact that many handrails will not provide a continuous smooth surface to accept the suction cups 20, so that the spacing and location of the arms 12 can be varied. as desired. Preferably the holes 32 or holes 22 in the brackets are threaded, to simply secure the mounting clips 22 with screws. The staples 22 can be U-shaped with smooth perforations on one side and with threaded holes on the other side, for fastening the staples 22 and the frame 30.

The main frame 30 includes, at either end, roller alignment devices 34 and 36. These roller devices 34, 36 generally correspond and for simplicity details only the roller device 34 is described, these are shown in detail. in Figure 4.

The roller device 34 includes a central roller 38 mounted by a support 40 to the main frame 30. The side supports 42 support transverse supporting guide bars 44, on which are mounted support clips 46 for the side rollers 48.

A threaded shaft 50 with 52 actuating buttons at each end is rotatably mounted on the side clips 42. The threaded shaft includes opposing threads on the two ends of the shaft that engage the support clips 46. As a consequence, the Rotation of the buttons 52 will cause the two support clips 46 with their side rollers 48 to either move inward towards each other or to move outwardly away from each other.

A first shaft arm 60 (Figures 3 and 7) is provided extending upward from the main frame 30. A first shaft 62 is provided on the shaft arm 60, for mounting a roll of film for application to a handrail. .

A second vertically extending arm 64 is provided, carrying a second shaft 66. In use, shaft 66 is equipped with a roller to pick up a release sheet of the film.

A drive mechanism 68, for example a drive belt, which may be a toothed drive belt which is provided by connecting to shafts 62, 66, so that in use the shaft 66 for the take-up roll is driven by the axis 62. A gear ratio is provided between shafts 62, 66, so that for all effective diameters of the rollers on the two shafts 62, 66, the periphery of a roller on the take-up shaft 66 is about driving at a speed highest. A slip clutch is then provided on transmission mechanism 68, to dissipate overspeed applied to shaft 66, whereby, effectively, proper tension is maintained on the release sheet at all times as it winds up on a roller on shaft 66.

A pair of upwardly extending staples 70, 72 are also provided at the top of the frame

ES 2 363 007 T3 main 30. A release sheet guide roller 74 (Figure 7) is rotatably mounted between the brackets 70, 72, to guide a release sheet towards a roller on the shaft 66. A release roller Tension 76 is also mounted between brackets 70, 72 for rotation, and is connected to a braking device or tension motor 78.

The braking device 78 can be a low profile electric motor that requires a conventional 110V AC input, and that provides a virtually constant torque, which in turn results in a uniform tension applied to a film that passes over the roller. tension 76. However, it will be appreciated that any suitable active or passive device can be used, which provides essentially constant torque over the range of film speeds encountered in practice. For example, a magnetic clutch has the advantage that it is passive and does not require an external power source. As detailed below, the actual voltage required can vary considerably and therefore the braking device must be variable. To this end, to prevent slippage of the film, the film must be tight enough around the tension roll 76 to ensure proper transmission characteristics between the roll 76 and the film.

A toothed drive belt can be provided by connecting the braking device 78 to the tension roller 76. A common cover 114 can be provided for the toothed drive belt, as well as for the drive mechanism between the axle shafts 62, 66.

Between the first roller device 34 and the tension roller 76, there is a pressure roller mechanism 80. The pressure roller mechanism 80 has a pair of upwardly extensible guides 82. A pressure roller 86 has an axis and is rotatably mounted on a pair of ball joints, which connect the shafts to guides 82. This allows guides 82 to move independently without bending or tensioning the shaft of roller 86.

Vertical shafts 84 are slidably mounted on guides 82 and are connected to an axis of pressure roller 86, whereby pressure roller 86 is free to rotate about its axis. The upper ends of shaft 84 are connected to a cross member 88.

Springs 89 are disposed within upwardly extending guides 82 to provide a downward force on shafts 84, in order to press pressure roller 86 downward toward the handrail, indicated at 200.

Now generally, in accordance with earlier application No. 09 / 252,784 and granted patent US 6,450,228, a wrapping mechanism is provided to make a film first adhered to a handrail by the action of the pressure roller 86 , which should be progressively wrapped around the handrail, to cover substantially as much of the exposed surface of the handrail as desired. This wrapping mechanism has been designated by reference 90.

In the described embodiment of the wrapping or pressing mechanism 90, it comprises two main components, namely, a trough-shaped element 92 and a roller extension device 120, both including rollers. This two-component separation provides some advantages, detailed below, but it will be understood that a single pressure mechanism, as in the above US patent 6,450,228, can be used and has the advantage of simplicity.

The wrapping or pressing mechanism 90 has a trough or shell element 92 having first and second halves 92a, 92b. As shown in Figures 5 and 5a, extending downward from each of two frame cross members 30 are two clips 94, to which the two housing halves 92a, 92b are rotatably mounted.

The two halves of the trough element 92a, 92b are at least partially transparent. In use, this transparency is sufficient to allow engagement of the roller with a handrail to be visually inspected, which facilitates assembly of the apparatus.

The two halves of the tundish element 92a, 92b are rotatably mounted to a pair of staples 94, attached to the main frame 30. Extension arms 96 extend upwardly from the elements 92a, 92b, and handles 98 are provided. at its upper ends. Therefore, by grasping and pressing the handles 98 together, the tundish elements 92a, 92b open to the position shown in Figure 5. To close the tundish elements 92a, 92b, the handles 98 are released. A locking mechanism 100, comprising a single catch, is provided on each clip 94 to secure elements 92a, 92b in the closed position, as shown in Figure 5A. In the closed position, the rollers are pressed against the surface of the handrail 200 and a film on the handrail.

Referring in particular to Figures 3, 5 and 5a, a series of five pairs of rollers 101, 102, 103, 104 and 105 are rotatably mounted on roller mounting mechanisms within each of the element halves 92a. , 92b. Rollers 101-105 are mounted such that rollers 101 are relatively close to the center line of the apparatus and the center line of the handrail. Rollers 101 are mounted towards the rear of the element halves 92a and 92b. The other rollers 102-105 are progressively farther from the center line and progressively closer to the front of the mechanism, to progressively wrap a film around the handrail. Each of the 101-105 rollers is mounted on a short arm and has a

ES 2 363 007 T3 spring mechanism to press the roller against a handrail 200 and the film 160.

Three additional pairs of rollers 106, 107 and 108 may be mounted on a roller extension device 120, or edge roller assembly, as noted, it is not essential to provide these rollers 106-108 separately. This facilitates the separation of apparatus 10 into components small enough to be easily stored and transported. In addition, it simplifies the design of the tundish element 92, as they then only need to open a small portion, the rollers 108, in particular, require the edge roller assembly 120 to be opened further. Thus, compared to the previous embodiment of the invention, there are now eight pairs of rollers, reflecting the intention to wrap the film completely around the handrail, but it is understood that various modifications, including the use of different numbers of rollers, are possible, for some applications fewer rollers may be suitable, whereas for unusual square handrail profiles, for example, it may be necessary to provide more rollers.

Referring primarily to Figures 6, 6a and 6b, the roll extension device includes the first and second portions 121, 122, which are essentially mirror images of each other. Parts 121, 122 are rotatably connected and mounted by a common mounting bolt 124, which engages a mounting clip 126 connected to main frame 30 (Figure 6b).

The two parts 121, 122 each include side flanges 128. During initial assembly, the bolt 124 allows some play or axial movement of the parts 121, 122 so that they can rotate freely. As indicated in Figure 6a, this allows them to move from an open position (dotted lines), to a fully closed position (solid lines in Figure 6a), fully engaged around the entire handrail 200. Once fully engaged, the mounting bolt 124 can be fully tightened, which also causes the side ribs 128 to engage the side faces of the mounting clip 126, in order to fully align the two parts 121, 122 and to retain them in their correct positions.

Each of the first and second portions 121, 122 includes a first arm 130 carrying two pairs of rollers 106, 107. Second arms 132 are provided for a pair of end rollers 108.

The pairs of rollers 106, 107 include short arms and spring mechanisms 134, generally similar to the spring mechanism 110 for the other pairs of rollers. However, as each of the rollers 106, 107 is intended to engage, at least to some extent, a bottom surface of the handrail 200, they are provided with extension shafts 136.

Referring to Figure 6a, the final pair of rollers 108 is mounted on the second arms 132. The rollers 108 are mounted on short shafts 140, which are attached to the vertically extending bars 142. The bars 142 are mounted for the sliding movement in the second arms 132 and coil springs 144 are provided to tilt the bars 142 upward, in order to press the rollers 108 against the bottom surface of the edges of the handrail 200.

As shown, the upper ends of the bars 142 are provided with small transverse holes into which a steering bar 146 is inserted, after the first and second portions 121, 122 have been secured in place. This steering rod 146 generally ensures that the bars 142 move together in the vertical direction, and also ensures that the rollers 108 are correctly aligned under the handrail 200, that is, the bars 142 do not rotate on their axes to misalign the rollers 108. .

All the different rollers can be provided with surfaces adapted for their particular functions. For example, the vertical and side rollers 38, 48 can all be relatively firm or hard, to provide good guiding and centering action, the pressure roller 86 and rollers 101-107 can all have a strong cover, for the rollers. 106, these can be smaller with a firmer surface. The tension roll can have a cover formed from a resilient, foamy or porous material that provides a high coefficient of friction to the film 160. The rolls can be covered with, for example, a polyurethane material or a silicone material.

Referring first to Figure 9, a cross section of a film for use with the present invention is shown schematically, said film being the subject of prior patent 6,682,806 and related applications. This cross section is shown transverse to the longitudinal direction of the handrail. This film is indicated at 160 and comprises a first film layer 162 with a first adhesive layer 164 at the bottom thereof. To protect the film until it is applied and to allow the film to wrap onto a sleeve 150, a release film 166 is provided in known manner.

On top of the first layer 162, the printed theme is provided as indicated at 168. This printed theme can be text, logos, images, etc., and is often expected to comprise a repeating pattern. Shown schematically, this printed theme would have a negligible thickness, so as not to significantly affect the thickness of the other layers. This printed theme 168 is printed directly on top of the first layer of film 162.

After the application of the printed theme 168, a second layer of film 170 with a respective second

ES 2 363 007 T3 adhesive layer 172 is applied to the top of the first sheet, to sandwich the printed subject 168 between the two layers of film 162, 170. This serves to protect the printed subject.

Each layer of film 162, 170 is preferably a flexible, transparent, high gloss film coated with a clear acrylic pressure sensitive adhesive. These films are provided with a release liner. Thus, once the top of the first film layer 162 has been printed, the second film layer 170 with its associated adhesive 172, after the release liner or sheet has been removed, is then applied to the top. of the first film layer 162 to form the combined film 160 shown in Figure 9.

The width of the currently supplied film is normally 13 inches. For present purposes, it would be cut to a desired width depending on the application to the particular handrail.

While the first and second film layers 162, 170 are expected to be transparent, for some applications, it may be desirable to color the first film layer 162. Thus, the first layer 162 could be a solid, uniform color to provide a background. suitable for advertising or a manufacturer's logo, and this color may be a color associated with the particular product or manufacturer. In addition, the second film layer 170, if desired, can be provided with some dyeing.

Another aspect of the invention is the use of a film simply to protect a handrail of an escalator or moving walk. To this end, the film 160 could have a single layer. For this type of application, the second film layer 170 and its adhesive 172 can be omitted. For completeness, it is noted that, possibly, in these applications, some printed material could be provided on top of the first film layer 162, but said printed material would then not be protected, and would probably be subject to excessive wear, marked , etc. during passage through the transmission mechanism of the handrail.

The film could also just be a solid color, optionally with a movement indicator, to serve as a quick way to rejuvenate a handrail.

Otherwise, the film used in the present invention may be as described in the aforementioned US patent 6,450,228, and as claimed in the related applications. The film is indicated at 160 and comprises a first layer with a first adhesive layer at the bottom thereof. The film 160 may be formed of polyurethane with a thickness in the range of about 13 to 76 microns (about 0.5 to 3.0 mil), provided with a layer of adhesive with a thickness in the range of about 6.5 to 25 microns (approximately 0.25 to 1 mil). To protect the film until it is applied and to allow the film to roll into a sleeve, a release sheet 166 is provided in known manner.

The following film thicknesses have been found to be practical: a first film that is 51 microns (2 mils) thick and has a solid color, and a second film that is transparent and 76 microns (3 mils) thick. Thicknesses can be reduced or modified to minimize vandalism. Also, for some applications, films with a matte finish may be preferable.

The following table sets out preferred properties for the film. As indicated, the film can be a polyurethane material, but more generally, it is expected that a number of different thermoplastic elastomers could be used.

TABLE 1

<td>Material:</td><td>Thermoplastic Elastomer</td>

<td>Shore Hardness (ASTM D-792):</td><td>85A ± 3</td>

<td></td><td></td>

<td>Tensile Strength (ASTM D-412):</td><td>36-40 MPa</td>

<td></td><td></td>

<td>Stress / Strain Properties (ASTM D412 / D-638)</td><td></td>

<td></td><td></td>

<td>Tensile Stresses @ 10% Strain:</td><td>4-4.5 MPa.</td>

<td>Tensile Stresses @ 50% Strain:</td><td>6.5 - 7.5 MPa.</td>

<td>Tensile Stresses @ 100% Strain:</td><td>10.0-11.5 MPa.</td>

<td></td><td></td>

<td>Final Elongation (ASTM D412):</td><td> 400%</td>

ES 2 363 007 T3

<td>Material:</td><td>Thermoplastic Elastomer</td>

<td></td><td></td>

<td>Compression Fit (ASTM D395):</td><td></td>

<td>22 hrs @ 23 ° C</td><td> 20%</td>

<td>22 hrs @ 70 ° C</td><td> 65%</td>

<td></td><td></td>

<td>Loss by abrasion (DIN 53.516):</td><td>15-20 mm</td>

As detailed below, the present invention provides a pre-stretching of the film in one direction, typically on the order of six percent, that is, a strain applied in the longitudinal direction of the film on the order of six percent. . The exact degree of deformation will vary depending on the film, application, handrail configuration, etc. However, it is now understood that such deformation must, necessarily, correspondingly elongate an image applied to the film. For many images or models, this small percentage of elongation in one direction will have no significant effect and can possibly be missed. For other images, to ensure that the image has the desired proportions on the film after application, the image would be correspondingly shrunk or reduced in the axial direction, thus its length is approximately 94.33 percent. of the original length, and then when extended by six percent, it will be returned to its original, intended length.

Axial stretching should have little or no effect on the transverse dimension of an image, although it is known that stretching in one direction can cause a reduction in the corresponding perpendicular dimension, and this can be compensated for where it occurs.

A description will now be given of the use of the apparatus of the invention. First, before a film is applied to a handrail, the handrail must be properly prepared. Most handrails, after a period of use, will acquire a film of dirt and grease, preventing the proper adhesion of an adhesive film. If an old film has to be removed first, reference should be made to prior patent 6,450,228 and related applications that provide a technique for removing an existing film.

Therefore, the handrail is first washed with a suitable solvent, to remove all dirt and grease. The handrail is then inspected for grooves or defects that prevent application. If deep grooves are present, the handrail may need to be replaced before the film is applied.

For an escalator or moving walk, two paired rolls of film are provided to the operator, one for each handrail, the handrail is indicated at 200 and its handrail at 198 in the drawings, while a roll of film is indicated at 174.

Apparatus 10 is mounted to handrail 198, shown in Figures 1 and 2 preferably mounted at the top of the stair for downward escalator units and at the bottom of the escalator for upward escalator units. . In installations where obstacles prevent mounting at such locations, the apparatus 10 is allowed to be positioned away from the ends on a straight, sloping portion of the handrail.

Initially, the support arms 12 are assembled, and for transportation they can be separated into their individual components. The edge roller assembly 120, comprising the two parts 121 and 122, is assembled and ready for coupling to the main frame 30.

During the initial assembly, the pressure roller 86 is raised, so that the action of a spring on the pressure roller does not disturb the correct location of the apparatus 10. To this end, the cross member 88 can be lifted and rings or the like they are inserted between it and guides 82, to retain pressure roller 86 in a raised position. The side rollers 48 of each of the roller devices 34, 36 are then moved outward enough to give sufficient space around the handrail 198. The two carcass halves 92a, b of the carcass or shaped element trough 92 open, holding handles 98.

While holding the handles 98, the main frame 30 then lowers onto the top of the handrail 198. The two halves 92a, b of the tundish element 92 are then closed by releasing the handles 98 and engaging the elements. clamping 100, and during this operation, the location of the different rollers 101-105 is monitored to ensure that they contact the handrail correctly and evenly.

At this point, the ends of the frame 30 are supported on the handrail 200 by the rollers 38. The buttons 52, at each end, are actuated, to move the side rollers 48 inwards, until they

ES 2 363 007 T3 contact the handrail 200, to precisely locate and center the apparatus 10 with respect to the handrail 200.

The suction cups 20 are then attached to the handrail 198, and if necessary, the adjustable arm portions 16 are adjusted in length as necessary, to ensure the correct location of the suction cups 20 in consonance with the desired location of the main frame 30. The motor or braking device 78 is connected to a suitable power source (not required for a passive braking device 788).

The roller extension device 120 is then attached to the main frame 30 by means of the mounting bolt 124. The two parts 121, 122 close around the handrail 200, and the bolt 124 is tightened to fix the parts 121, 122 in the closed position. The performance of your rollers can be inspected at this time. If desired, the rollers can be pivoted away from the handrail, to simplify closing of device 120, and subsequently rotated into position.

At this time, if desired, the handrail 200 can be operated for a short period, to ensure that all of the rollers 101-108 that press the film onto the handrail are in a proper position and operating as desired. Since the two halves of the carcass or trough-shaped element 92 are transparent, the different rollers can be seen for this purpose, and the open configuration of the roller extension device 120 allows the rollers to be inspected.

A roll 174 of film 160 on the sleeve 150 is then mounted on the shaft 62, and a take-up roll 178 for picking up the release sheet is mounted on the second shaft 66.

The end of the film 160 is unwound from the first roll, the end of the film 166 is separated from the film and wrapped around the take-up roll 178. The end of the film, indicated at 176, is passed around the roll of film. tension 76 and under pressure roll 86, and then adhered to the top of handrail 200. The side edges of the end of the film are manually wrapped around the handrail at the beginning.

The handrail 200 is then moved or pushed for a short distance, whereby the film begins to pass through the entire mechanism, and the rollers and pressure roller mechanism 90 wrap the film 160 around the handrail 200.

Once it has been confirmed that the film has been applied correctly to the handrail, i.e. the handrail is being properly wrapped around the handrail, that the edges of the film are aligned as desired with the handrail groove on the underside of the handrail, and that there are no folds, wrinkles, bubbles, etc. unwanted, then the appliance is ready to cover the entire handrail with the film.

Before spreading the film along the entire length of the handrail, the tension in the film can be checked. Preferably, this is done by spreading a short length of the film, and measuring the film over the handrail to check the degree of stretch or tension imposed on the film. Most films are expected to have some standard, repeating pattern so that the length between prominent features of the image or print on the film will be known from the unstretched film on the release sheet, or it can be determined in advance. Then, once a short length of the film has been applied to the handrail, the corresponding measurement can be checked, to ensure that a desired degree of tension or stretch has been applied to the film. The exact degree of stretch or tension has been found to depend on a number of factors, such as individual handrail characteristics, fixtures, temperature, and possibly humidity. Consequently, in practice it is quite possible that it will be necessary to adjust the torque applied by the braking device or motor 78.

If an initial stretch of film has the correct tension, then the tension can be removed and adjusted. Once the film has been applied with the tension or tension within the desired limits, the handrail 200 can then be operated to apply the film along the entire length of the handrail. When one handrail has been covered, then the other handrail can undergo the same treatment.

Typically, escalators are pushed or operated three meters to spread out a test strip, during which the edges of the film are ensured not to bend on rollers 101-108. The film is checked for alignment, bubbles or wrinkles, or other defects. The location of the film roll 174 on the shaft 60 can be adjusted, to center the film and the pressure applied by the pressure roller 86 can be adjusted if necessary.

The stretch of the film is calculated by re-measuring a repeated length on the film. If the original, unstretched length of a repeating image is X and if it is Y when stretched, the stretch is calculated as:

percent stretch = (YX) / X) x 100

Typically the desired stretch will be about 6 percent. If the stretch is too low, then a controller setting for the motor or braking device 78 is increased, correspondingly if the stretch is too high, then the setting is lowered.

ES 2 363 007 T3

Table 2 below presents example settings for braking device 78, demonstrating that the tensile force required to give a constant six percent stretch or tension can vary considerably.

TABLE 2

<td colspan="5">Braking device 78: Adjustment, 6% stretch</td>

<td colspan="2">Film width mm</td><td> 135</td><td> 142</td><td> 152</td>

<td rowspan="7">Temperature, C</td><td> 0</td><td> 50</td><td> 55</td><td> 61</td>

<td> 5</td><td> 38</td><td> 42</td><td> 46</td>

<td> 10</td><td> 25</td><td> 28</td><td> 30</td>

<td> 15</td><td> 16</td><td> 18</td><td> 19</td>

<td> 20</td><td> 10</td><td> 11</td><td> 12</td>

<td> 25</td><td> 7</td><td> 8</td><td> 8</td>

<td> 30</td><td> 6</td><td> 7</td><td> 7</td>

The handrail 200 is then pushed or put into operation for another two or three meters, to test its stretching. Again, the above measurement or calculation is repeated to determine the stretch. This is repeated as many times as necessary, until the desired degree of stretch is obtained.

Once the desired stretch is present, the test sections of the film are torn off and removed, and the end of the film is trimmed neatly at an angle of 80-85 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the handrail 200, with a torque scissors or a knife, being careful not to damage or nick the handrail itself. This leaves a first film end portion 182 with the current and indicated film end inclined at 183 (dotted lines in FIG. 10a).

As shown in Figure 8a, the film 160 is initially flat when it comes into contact with the handrail 200, under the influence of the pressure roll 86. The tension mechanism described above is such as to provide a desired tension or pre-stretch of the movie. Typically this will be on the order of 6 percent, and is generally expected to be in the 5-8 percent range, measured as a percent stretched on film.

As film 160 is further stretched along handrail 200, rollers 101-108 cause the film to progressively wrap around the handrail until the film is fully in contact with handrail 200, as shown in Figure 8b. .

The film is then ready to be applied to the entire handrail. The start button of the escalator or moving walkway is actuated during a complete revolution of the pass and stop it when the film has overlapped the first final portion of the film 182 by approximately 1.5 to 2 meters (Figure 10 does not show the entire overlap). The film is then cut, and the escalator or moving walk is then pushed or operated sufficiently to extend the end of the film out of the applicator 10.

The applicator 10 can then be lowered or withdrawn. First, the roller extension device 120 is removed from the main frame 30 and removed. Support arms 12 and suction cups 20 are removed. The 48 side rollers are loosened. The locking mechanism 100 for the housing halves 92a, 92b opens. Housing halves 92a, 92b are held open by handles 98 and applicator 10 is removed from handrail 198. It is then transferred to the other handrail if you still need to stock up on a film, or just left ready for disassembly and packing for transport. When necessary, any black residue left by the suction cups 20 is removed from the handrail 198.

Next, a heat seal joint is formed for the two end portions of the handrail. After making the final cut to the film, a second film end portion 184 is formed having an actual film end or edge 185 (Figure 10).

The second film end portion 184 is formed by pulling an appropriate amount of excess film, onto the overlapping portion of the film, until the print or pattern on the overlapping lengths of the film is conveniently matched, or any lack of coincidence is not too discernible. The top end of the film is adjusted at an angle of 80-85 degrees to the axis of the handrail 200, to form the film end 185 of the second film end portion 184. The end portion 184 then

ES 2 363 007 T3 is smoothed by hand to ensure there are no bubbles or wrinkles.

Now, when the film has been pre-stretched, the adhesive that secures it to the handrail 200 has been found to be insufficient to prevent creep of the film. Before long, the tension in the film will cause the end portions 182, 184 to begin to creep.

A heat seal sealing plate 190 is used as shown in Figure 10. A film stopper is provided, as indicated at 192. The film stopper 192 is generally rectangular and has its own release sheet. Film stopper 192 is formed of the same material as film 160 itself and preferably has the same thickness as a film layer 160, although it could have a different thickness. The film stop 192 is transparent. For example, the film stop 192 may have a thickness in the range of 0.53.0 mils of an inch and a width in the range of 10-25 mm.

The film stopper release or liner sheet 192 is removed, and symmetrically positioned over the overlapping end portions of the film 182, 184. In other words, it is aligned so that the exposed upper film end 185 splits the top of the movie 192.

It is smoothed evenly, to ensure again that there are no wrinkles or bubbles.

The heat seal plate 190 is then pressed against the film stop 192, starting in the center and working sideways. Work slowly and regularly, with uniform pressure, to heat seal the film stop 192 to the end portions of the film 182, 184, that is, to cause the film stop 192 to melt or adhere to the top of film 160.

It has been found desirable to provide the plate 190 with a non-stick surface, such as a Teflon surface, to ensure that it does not stick to the film. A used Teflon surface has a surface pattern or texture that can leave an impression on the top of the film 192, but this has the advantage of confirming that the top of the film 192 has been properly heat sealed or adhered to the film. movie 160. The adhesion of the film stop 192 can be checked by visual inspection and by the operator using his fingers to grasp the edges of the stop 192.

Finally, any length in excess of the top of the film 192, at the lip edges of the handrail 200 is trimmed with a pair of scissors.

A final inspection is then made of the film around the entire length of the handrail. Despite all due care, bubbles can occasionally occur. These can be removed by puncturing the bubble with a hypodermic needle and progressively squeezing the bubbles to squeeze the air out of the bubbles and make the entire film adhere to the handrail surface. For larger bubbles, a number of punctures may have to be performed with a needle.

Now, as mentioned above, the difficulty in providing a flexible film for a handrail is that the handrail 200 flexes during use. Figure 8B indicates at 240 the neutral axis of the handrail, which is defined by the tension elements that are schematically indicated at 242, these usually being a series of coplanar steel cables. As indicated in Figure 8b, this results in the upper surface of the handrail 200 being spaced a distance D1 above the neutral axis 240, while the lower part of the edges, indicated at 244, are at a distance D2 below the neutral axis 240. In other words, since these steel cables have a much higher modulus of elasticity than the rest of the body of the handrail, usually made of strong elastomeric material, it is almost exclusively the characteristics of the steel cables that inhibit extension 242, that define the location of the neutral axis. Depth D2 is much greater than depth D1.

As indicated in 246, in the applicant's earlier application, it was proposed to wrap the film 160 only partially around the edges to the location near that indicated in 246, that is, slightly below the widest point of the handrail indicated by a line 248, which represents half of the shoulders 250 of the handrail. Still, at such a location, edges 246 of film 160 are substantially below neutral axis 240. Consequently, when the handrail 200 passes around the rollers, for example, at the ends of the escalator, the body of the handrail below the neutral axis 240 is compressed, while the body of the handrail above the neutral axis 240 is stretched . For film 160, stretching does not cause difficulties. First, the degree of stretch is relatively small, since the top surface is seen to be only a relatively small distance D1 from the neutral axis. Second, the film is capable of withstanding the necessary degree of stretching and such stretching does not tend to lift the film off the handrail.

A difficulty arises for the edge portions of the film, which extends to the edges246. The edges 246 themselves lie well below the neutral axis 240, and as such must compress heavily if they are to adhere to the handrail 200. In practice, it has been found that the edges 246, after repeated use, tend to show a creasing or creasing effect, that is, the edges 246 tend to show short portions that adhere to the handrail 200 alternating with short portions that have wrinkled away from handrail 200, to accommodate compression of handrail below neutral axis 240.

ES 2 363 007 T3

Accordingly, the present invention provides a pre-stretch of the film 160, whereby the degree of pre-stretch, measured as a tension or the percentage of elongation of the film 160, is at least greater than the maximum degree of reduction of compression of the film length, ie negative elongation, which could occur during use. This will ensure that all parts of the film 160, even when the handrail 200 is flexed, will always remain in tension. The body of the handrail 200 itself, especially towards the edges 244, can be subjected to significant compressive stresses, but the net stress in the film 160 will always be a tensile stress. Consequently, there should be no tendency for the film 160 to lift off the body of the handrail 200.

While such pre-stretching of the film will increase the total tensile load applied to the top of the film at the top of the handrail 200, since this is only the relatively short distance D1 from the neutral axis, the total tensile stress applied to film 160 should still be acceptable. For certain handrail designs, configurations, and material selection for film 160, this may result in excessive tensile loads being applied to film 160. In such cases, it may be possible to reduce the pre-stretch applied to film 160, from so that, for the edges of the film 160, small compressive stresses can be applied. These should be selected to be so small that they can be easily taken over by the adhesive used to adhere the film 160 to the handrail 200 without causing significant wrinkling or puckering.

In the prior invention, as indicated at 246 of the edges of film 160 were relatively high on the body of handrail 200, with the intention not to impose excessive compressive stresses on film 160. For the present invention, as These compressive stresses are totally eliminated or at least reduced to acceptable levels, it is now envisioned that the film 160 could extend around such places as those indicated at 252 or 254. The edges 252 are closer to the edges 244, while the edges 254 anticipate the film 160 which extend almost to the end of the edges 244. This is desirable, since the edges that are well below the main body handrail will not be visible or obvious to users. Edges that are somehow visible or detectable by touch when the user grasps the handrail with one hand encourages users who have a tendency to pick at these edges. Over time and with continued use, the edges will be damaged, resulting in the possibility of the film 160 loosening to a greater or lesser extent, and the possibility of the film or a portion of the film being caught in the locking mechanism. handrail drag.

In particular, the degree to which the film 160 wraps around the handrail can be adjusted and will depend on the individual handrail profiles and installations. Having the film wrapped a large part around the handrail edges is advantageous as it puts the edge of the film away from users and not easily accessible to anyone who, for whatever reason, might wish to attempt to peel it off. On the other hand, where the film wraps all the way around the edges, it can tend to twist as the handrail travels around the end rollers and the like. Consequently, it is expected that a certain compromise is usually needed between these two parameters.