The present invention relates exclusively to escalators and moving walkways

(travelators), and relates particularly to a method and apparatus used to enhance standing-surfaces on existing escalators or moving walkways. Background of the Invention

Escalators are mechanised, moving stairs. These mechanisms include a plurality of platform-components that are connected in an endless loop. The platform-components are arranged to circulated so as to resemble moving stairs. People stand on the platform-components, and thus are transported either up or down the moving stairs by the movement of the platform- components. Prior Art Figure 1 shows an illustration of part of a conventional escalator.

Another variety of such mechanisms are moving walkways which are based on a similar concept, except that the platform-components are arranged to resemble moving, elongated platforms which are actually made up of a loop of connected platform-components. These moving walkways are also known as travelators.

When such escalators and moving walkways are used, the people stand on the upper surfaces (tread plate) on the platform-components, and hence, the upper surfaces on which people stand, during such use, will be referred to in this specification as standing-surfaces of the platform-components.

Prior art Figure 2 shows a conventional platform-component 20 which has an alternating series of elongate, parallel valleys and peaks that, in operation, generally align axially with the travel direction of the platform-components.

Over the last few decades, many thousands of such escalators and moving walkways have been installed in various locations, such as in office buildings, shopping centres, airports, for example, however, over a period of time, it has become necessary to enhance the standing- surfaces of those existing escalators.

For example, the standing-surfaces of escalators may need to be enhanced to address the issue of the standing-surfaces tending to become slippery, particularly during rainy periods when the soles of the users' shoes are wet Also, the standing surfaces of newly-installed escalators and moving walkways may need to be enhanced to address the issue of the standing-surfaces becoming slippery.

A known solution to this problem of the standing-surfaces being able to become slippery, particularly when wet and/or soiled, is for the manufacturer of the escalator to enhance the surface of the standing-surfaces by arc-spraying a material onto the standing-surfaces. The resulting surface has a sandpaper-like characteristic. This provides the standing-surfaces with greater friction which is intended to minimise the likelihood of users slipping on the standing- surfaces, particularly during wet weather.

Another known solution to this problem is for the manufacturer to provide cuts or abrasions to the surface of the standing-surfaces. T is, once again, is intended to provide the standing-surfaces of the escalator with greater friction in order to minimise the likelihood of slippage by the users particularly when the standing-surfaces become wet and/or soiled.

There are, however, several disadvantages inherent in the above approaches, as follows:

There is considerable expense involved in disassembling an escalator or walkway so that the individual platform-components can be taken away to the manufacturer's off-site facility for repair enhancement

The known enhancement methods, such as arc-spaying or physical cutting of the surfaces, are expensive.

Moreover, during the time period when the escalator is shut down, there is considerable inconvenience caused. For example, the closure of an escalator in a shopping centre can cause severe disruption to shoppers trying to move around the shopping centre. Also, when individual platform-components are removed from an escalator to be taken away for enhancement at the manufacturer's facility, the resulting gap in the escalator structure means that people cannot even walk up and down the motionless escalator.

Furthermore, it can sometimes take a week or two, for example, for platform-components to be enhancement off-site, which means that the abovementioned inconvenience can be exacerbated by the length of time often needed to restore the escalator to operation.

Another situation where the standing-surfaces of an escalator or moving walkway has to be enhanced is where one or more of the peaks become damaged. For example, if a hard object such as a wedding ring, screw, coin, stone or piece of metal were to be dropped onto a standing- surface, it would be carried along on the standing-surface until it reaches the end of the exposed moving portion of the escalator, ending at a location 16 where the standing-surfaces move under a comb plate and under the ground surface 9 portion, shown in Figure 1. The hard object could become lodged at that location 16 where the moving standing-surfaces meet the stationary comb plate. At this location 16, the hard object can continue to scour or abrade the standing-surfaces as these move past continuously. In these situations, the damage would tend to be restricted to a localised area on the standing-surface, typically affecting either one or two peaks. Such localised damage still requires disassembling the escalator so that the individual platform-components can be taken away to the manufacturer's facility for repair enhancement

Discussion of prior art herein, either individually or in combination, is not to be taken as an admission of common general knowledge of the skilled addressee of this specification.

An object of the present invention is to overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the problems in the prior art, or to provide an improved alternative.

Summary of Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a method of enhancing at least part of standing-surfaces of platform-components of an escalator or a moving walkway which, in operation, is able to move in a continuous loop of a plurality of mutually connected platform- components,

and in which the standing-surface of each platform-component has an alternating series of elongate, parallel valleys and peaks that generally align axially with the travel direction of the platform-components,

the method comprising:

using applicator-means to apply a flowable enhancement-material to one or more peaks of the standing-surfaces of the platform-components at which location on the one or more peaks the flowable enhancement-material solidifies in order to achieve an enhancement of surface characteristics of the one or more peaks of the standing-surfaces;

wherein the applicator-means includes:

mould-means comprising one or more mould-cavities each having an interior-mould- shape, the mould-means having mould-inlet-means through which, in use, the flowable enhancement-material is able to enter into the one or more mould-cavities;

and wherein the method includes positioning each of the one or more mould-cavities on one of said peaks so that flowable enhancement-material that enters through the mould-inlet- means into the one or more mould-cavities is moulded onto the peak inside the one or more mould-cavities thus adopting the interior-mould-shape of the mould-cavity when the material solidifies on the peak to achieve the enhancement Preferably, the method includes using pressurised-material-insertion-means of the applicator-means to insert the flowable enhancement-material under pressure into the one or more mould-cavities through the mould-inlet-means.

The flowable enhancement-material may comprise an epoxy resin.

The epoxy resin may be based on Bisphenol A.

The epoxy resin may use a solidifier based on Benzyl Alchol, Diethylenetriamine, Cycloaliphatic Amine Mixture, Isophorone Diamine and 4,4'-Isoproplylidenediphenol.

The flowable enhancement-material may include a particulate material that is able to provide slip-resistance.

The particulate material may contain metallic, synthetic or mineral-based particles.

The particulate material may include Aluminium particles, or an Aluminium-based particulate material, or quartz particles, or polypropylene particles.

In the exemplary embodiment, the use of the applicator-means to apply a flowable enhancement-material occurs either when the escalator or moving walkway is in operational motion, or when stationary.

In the exemplary embodiment, the applicator-means is portable and the method may include using the portable applicator-means in a hand-held manner to apply the flowable enhancement-material. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an enhancement apparatus adapted to enhance at least part of standing-surfaces of platform-components of an escalator or a moving walkway which, in operation, is able to move in a continuous loop of a plurality of mutually connected platform-components,

and in which the standing-surface of each platform-component has an alternating series of elongate, parallel valleys and peaks that generally align axially with the travel direction of the platform-components,

wherein the apparatus comprises:

applicator-means adapted to apply a flowable enhancement-material to one or more peaks of the standing-surfaces of the moving platform-components at which location on the one or more peaks the flowable enhancement-material solidifies in order to achieve an enhancement of surface characteristics of the one or more peaks of the standing-surfaces;

wherein the applicator-means includes: mould-means comprising one or more mould-cavities each having an interior-mould- shape, the mould-means having mould-inlet-means through which, in use, the flowable enhancement-material is able to enter into the one or more mould-cavities;

such that, in use, each of the one or more mould-cavities is able to be positioned on one of said peaks so that flowable enhancement-material that enters through the mould-inlet-means into the one or more mould-cavities is moulded onto the peak inside the one or more mould- cavities thus adopting the interior-mould-shape of the mould-cavity when the material solidifies on the peak to achieve the enhancement Preferably, the applicator-means further includes: pressurised-material-insertion-means adapted to insert the flowable enhancement-material under pressure into the one or more mould- cavities through the mould-inlet-means.

The pressurised-material-insertion-means may include a pumping mechanism.

The pumping mechanism may be able to be mechanically-driven or manually-driven.

Preferably, each of the one or more mould-cavities has a passageway that is adapted, in use, to fit a peak therein such that each of the mould-cavities is filled with the flowable enhancement-material when a peak is inside the passageway.

Preferably, the passageway has an entrance region with a slightly enlarged opening that enables peaks of succeeding platform-component to be guided by surfaces of the opening into the interior of the passageway even if some of the peaks are misaligned with respect to one after another.

Preferably, the entrance region is in the form of an inwardly-tapering, delta-shaped entrance region such that, in use, if a misaligned peak impinges on a surface of the delta-shaped entrance region, the misaligned peak is guided by the surface towards and into the central longitudinal region of the passageway.

Preferably, the mould-inlet-means is arranged to allow the flowable enhancement- material to enter the one or more mould-cavities at said entrance region of the passageway.

In the exemplary embodiment, the applicator-means is able to apply the flowable enhancement-material either when the escalator or moving walkway is in operational motion, or when stationary.

Preferably, the applicator-means is portable and adapted to be used in a hand-held manner to apply the flowable enhancement-material. Drawings

In order that the present invention might be more fully understood, embodiments of the invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 relates to prior art, and is an illustration of part of a known escalator;

Figure 2 relates to prior art, and is a perspective view of part of a standing-surface on a platform-component of a known escalator, such as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 relates to prior art, and is a schematic diagram that represents a cross-sectional front view of a standing-surface of a known platform-component

Figure 4A is an embodiment of a mould applicator

Figure 4B is a front perspective view of a photograph of an embodiment of a mould applicator positioned on top of ribs of an escalator standing surface;

Figure 4C is a front, cross-sectional view seen when looking at line B-B of Figure 4E; Figure 4D shows the embodiment of Figure 4C when in use and located on top of ribs of an escalator standing surface;

Figure 4E is a side, cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 4A where the section is taken along the central longitudinal axis of the embodiment;

Figure 4F is a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 4A;

Figures 4G1 and 4G2 are illustrations of the mould applicator of Figure 4A attached to the end of a pumping mechanism, and of the mould applicator being positioned on top of ribs of an escalator standing surface; and

Figure 4H shows a further embodiment where a modified moulding device 500A can be used to mould material onto more than one peak at a time, in this instance, three peaks simultaneously.

Embodiments of the invention will be described in relation to escalators for the sake of illustration, however, other embodiments or modifications can be applied equally to moving walkways or travelators. Description of Embodiments

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an illustration of a conventional escalator 10. In prior art Figure 1, the escalator 10 includes a mutually-connected loop of platform- components 20. The platform-components 20 are able to move in a continuous loop during operation.

In Figure 1 , users stand on top of the platform-components 20. In Figure 1 , the uppermost, flat part 21 of each platform-component 20 acts as standing-surface on which the users can stand. The standing-surfaces are the form of tread-plates 21. The users stand on the tread-plates 21 and are thereby conveyed by the escalator, thus avoiding having to climb up or down the stairs.

In Figure 1, the tread-plates 21 are bordered on either side by upright side-panels 11 which may be vertical or at a slight incline.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a tread-plate 21 of a conventional platform- component 20. The tread-plate 21 has an alternating series of elongate, parallel valleys and peaks that, in operation, generally align axially with the travel direction of the platform-components. In terms of appearance, the peaks 22 separated by valleys 23, in Figure 3, are in the form that resembles rows of parallel ribs. (In the specification, reference numeral 22 sometimes the suffix U to refer to an un-damaged peak, while the suffix D in the case of 22D refers to a damaged peak).

In conventional escalators, the tops of the peaks can be curved, flat, peaked, cut or serrated, however, embodiments of the invention are able to enhance peaks with all of these surface variations.

In Figure 1, the travel direction A-A of the escalator is shown with an arrow 12 which indicates that the escalator is able to act as' a moving stairway that has its tread-plates 21 moving either upwards or downwards in order to convey the users either up or down the stairway. Application of Material To The Peaks

As described above, the tread-plate 21 of a conventional platform-component 20 has an alternating series of elongate, parallel valleys and peaks. It is the tops of the peaks to which the enhancement-material is intended to be applied by the overall material dispenser 100. In existing escalators or moving walkways, the tops of the peaks can be curved, flat or provided with cuts in the upper surface, hence, the invention is not limited to enhancing peaks of any one shape or configuration.

An enhancement-material 300, initially in flowable form, is applied to one or more peaks 22 of the tread-plates 21. At this location on the one or more peaks, the flowable enhancement- material eventually solidifies in order to enhance surface characteristics of the peaks. This application of the flowable material is performed, in situ.

Preferably, before applying the enhancement-material to a peak or peaks of the tread- plates, it is preferable to remove existing matter from the tread-plate surface that may impair the adhesion of the enhancement-material. This removal may include a cleaning process using chemicals, or abrasion or other processes that remove a very thin layer of the surface of the tread- plate surface.

Material Dispenser

The material dispenser 100 to apply flowable material 300 to a single peak of a conventional tread-plate 21 of an escalator or moving walkway.

Figure 4G2 shows an embodiment of a material dispenser 100 that is adapted to enhance the tread-plates 21 of platform-components 20, in the sense of enhancing the surfaces of the peaks of the tread-plates.

In use, in a first approach, the user holds the dispenser 100 and either manually guides it along the peaks of the surface of the tread-plate, or in a second approach the user manually holds the dispenser 100 stationary while the esclarator moves such that the dispenser applies material to a peak or peaks of the moving surfaces of the escalator. The aim, achieved by either of the approaches, is to achieve relative motion between the dispenser 100 and the ribs of the tread- plates. In other words, the use of the material dispenser 100 to apply a flowable enhancement- material is able to occur either when the escalator or moving walkway is in operational motion, or when stationary.

The embodiment of the material dispenser 100 in Figure 4G2 is adapted and designed to be used hand-held and to be portable. It is important that the terms, hand-held and portable, are construed according to the skilled addressee as used in the trade. In this regard, a dispenser which is able to be used hand-held and portable is something that is designed to be used, as such, day in and day out In this specification, the terms hand-held and portable would exclude an apparatus which, even though capable of being lifted by an extremely strong person, is not intended, by design, to be used by ordinary workmen in a hand-held manner. For instance, a 200 kg apparatus might conceivably be lifted, but such a 200 kg apparatus would not be regarded as a portable, hand-held apparatus, according to the language of the skilled addressee.

For the avoidance of doubt, it is noted that the term "moving walkway" is a name used to refer to a type of apparatus for transporting people, and that it is possible a "moving walkway" to be stationary when not in operation. Hence, the word "moving" in the overall term is not to be taken as an inference that the application of material can only happen when the walkway is in motion. As mentioned above, in the embodiment, the use of the material dispenser 100 to apply a flowable enhancement-material is able to occur either when the escalator or moving walkway is in operational motion, or when stationary.

Figures 4A to 4F show various views of the embodiment of Figure 4G2.

The dispenser 100 is provided with applicator-means that is adapted to apply a flowable enhancement-material 300 to one or more peaks of the tread-plate of the moving platform- components. The flowable enhancement-material 300 solidifies on the peaks, thereby enhancing the surface characteristics of the peaks of the tread-plates.

Moulding & Pressurised Mouldine

The embodiment of Figures 4A to 4F combines two functions— firstly, the application of the material, and secondly, the shaping the material. These two functions are combined into, and achieved by one action, by virtue of characteristics of the design of the applicator-means of the present embodiment

Figure 4G2 shows that the material dispenser 100 of the embodiment is provided with applicator-means in the form of a moulding-device 500.

Figure 4A shows a perspective view of the moulding-device 500 of the embodiment

The moulding device 500 function as a mould. The process, in which the moulding device 500 is used, involves something akin to moulding or casting processes in which flowable material is filled into a. mould cavity to impart shape to the material in order to produce an end- product that a shape which is imparted to it by the interior shape of the mould cavity.

Figure 4B shows a photograph showing a front perspective view of the moulding device

500 riding on and along the peak of an elongate rib 22.

In the embodiment of Figures 4A to 4F, the moulding device 500 includes mould-means that enables the moulding device 500 to function as a fillable mould which, when filled, imparts its shape to the final end-product

This mould-means preferably is in the form of one or more mould-cavities each having an interior-mould-shape. In the embodiment of Figures 4 A to 4G, the mould-means has one mould-cavity having an interior-mould-shape that corresponds to the shape of an undamaged peak and rib. In other embodiments, the mould-means can have two, three or more mould-cavities that are able to repair the corresponding number of damaged peaks. For instance, a moulding device 500 that includes mould-means having four mould-cavities can be used to simultaneously repair four adjoining, parallel ribs.

In Figures 4A to 4F, the moulding device 500 has two elongated walls 51 OA, 510B that define a space 520 between these walls, and this space 520 functions as the mould-cavity.

Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view of the moulding device 500 as seen from line B- B in Figure 4E.

The intention is that the flowable material 300 is able to be introduced into this space 520 that functions as a mould-cavity.

Figure 4D shows the moulding device 500 in use, shown with part of a damaged elongate peak 22D positioned located inside the mould-cavity space 520 of the moulding device 500.

Figure 4D shows that the two underside-shoulders 550 of the moulding device 500, in use on the tread plate, actually are able to ride on the un-damaged peaks 22U that are on either side of the damaged peak 22D. The roof or ceiling 551 of the inner channel 520 is in the same plane as that of the shoulders 550. Therefore, when the shoulders 550 ride on the peaks of un-damaged ribs 22U, it serves to position the ceiling 551 at a height up to which the damaged rib 22D should be rebuilt with the material 300 in order to enhance the rib 22D and restore it as close as possible to its original height

It can be seen from Figure 4D that the interior walls of the mould-cavity space 520 particularly the ceiling 551, and some of the upper surfaces 221 of the peak 22D, together combine to act as the boundaries of an enclosed volume 521. Into this enclosed volume 521, the flowable material 300 can be introduced, in the manner of a mould to fill that volume 521.

In the embodiment in Figure 4F, the mould-cavity space 520 is shaped as an elongated channel 520, and the channel is open at both its entrance 522 and exit 523 to allow peaks 22 of the ribs to pass through the channel.

When the enclosed volume 521 is filled with flowable material 300, a result is that the portion of the damaged peak 22, on which the material is applied, is thereby rebuilt by the material 300 either preferably back to its original dimensions, or to a set of dimensions that are regarded as being suitable for operational use.

In the embodiments, each of the mould-cavities has mould-inlet-means through which, in use, the flowable material 300 is able to enter into its mould-cavity. In the embodiment of Figures 4A to 4F, the mould-inlet-means is in the form of a tapered-conical passageway 530 that allows entry of material 300, through the passageway 530, into the area of the the enclosed volume 521.

Figure 4E shows a cross-sectional view seen by looking at a section along line A-A in Figure 4C.

In use, the mould-cavity space 520, that is between the two walls 51 OA, 510B is positioned on one of peaks 22, as shown in Figure 4D. Then, the flowable material 300 is introduced and enters through the tapered-conical passageway 530 into the mould-cavity space 520. Since the peak in Figure 4D is damaged, the only available space for the material 300 to fill is the volume 521 that is bounded by the various surfaces that define this volume, as described above. Thus, when the material 300 is introduced into this volume 521, the material is moulded onto the damaged peak 22 that is inside the mould-cavity space 520.

The material 300 thus adopts the interior-mould-shape of the mould-cavity in order to solidify on the peak, in a manner that conforms to the interior-mould-shape to enhance the damaged peak. In this example, the result of this enhancement is rebuilding the damaged peak back to approximately its original shape and configuration. This is because the interior-mould- shape substantially corresponds to the original shape and configuration of the peaks.

Introduction of Material: Pressurised

In an embodiment, the material 300 is introduced into the upper entrance 531 of the tapered-conical passageway 530. The material moves through the passageway 530 by force of gravity, out through the lower exit 532 of the passageway, and into the available volume 521 inside the space 520 between the walls.

In another embodiment, shown in Figure 4G1 and Figure 4G2, the applicator-means further includes pressurised-material-insertion-means adapted to insert the material 300, under pressure, through the passageway 530, into the mould-cavity space 520. This delivery of the material into the mould-cavity space 520, while the material is under pressure, assists the material to fill as much as possible of the available volume 521 inside the space 520 between the walls.

In the embodiment of Figures 4G1 and 4G2, the pressurised-material-insertion-means includes a pumping mechanism in the form of material pump 600. In the embodiment, a trigger mechanism 601 is used to activate an internal piston that forces the stored material out of the pump 600 and into the the tapered-conical passageway 530 of the moulding device 500. Figures 4G1 and 4G2 shows that the end of the pump 600, through which the material 300 is expelled, is attached to the moulding device 500 of Figure 4A. Thus, when the material 300 is expelled from the pump as a result of the pumping pressure, the expelled material is directed straight into the the tapered-conical passageway 530.

As shown in Figure 4C and others, the tapered-conical passageway 530 has an internal screw-thread to facilitate connection of the exit-end of the pump 600 to the passageway 530.

The embodiment of Figure shows a manually-driven pump that is activated by a manual trigger, whereas other variations can make use of mechanically-driven pumping mechanisms, such as electrical pumps that may be provided with electronic control mechanisms to automatically monitor and control the delivery of material at a desired delivery rate and pressure level.

If necessary, after using the moulding device to mould the material to the peaks, further minor shaping may be performed to achieve a greater degree of perfection in the shape of the final repaired peaks, if deemed necessary or desirable.

Tapered Entrance

In installations of escalators and moving walkways, ideally and theoretically, each rib and its peak , on one standing-surfaces of a platform-component should theoretically be in perfect axial alignment with the corresponding rib and peak on the next adjoining platform-component in the circuit In practice, this is not always the case, and it is usually for there to be a slight degree of misalignment between corresponding ribs of adjoining standing-surfaces.

Figure 4F shows a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 4A.

The two elongated walls 51 OA, 510B of the moulding device 500 define the inner space 520 between the walls.

The walls 510A, 510B have inner wall-surfaces 511 A, 51 IB and outer wall-surfaces 512A. 512B.

In the embodiment, the passageway has a slightly enlarged opening that enables peaks of succeeding platform-component to be guided by surfaces of the opening into the interior of the passageway even if some of the peaks are misaligned with respect to one after another.

For example, the entrance region 522, that leads into the inner channel 520, has a slightly enlarged opening that provides an inwardly-tapering, delta-shaped entrance region. In practice, if any ribs on adjoining standing-surfaces are slightly misaligned, the inwardly-tapering entrance to the channel 520 performs the function of guiding the peaks of the ribs towards a common axial alignment, which is in line with the central longitudinal axis 525 of the moulding device 500. In other words, if a misaligned peak impinges on a surface of the delta-shaped entrance region, the misaligned peak is guided by the surface towards and into the central longitudinal region of the passageway.

In the embodiment, the step of applying material 300 to the peak or peaks is preferably performed in this enlarged entrance area 522 of the channel 520. Subsequently, as this same amount of material is funnelled together into a smaller volume, as the peak 22 passes through the narrower central 524 region of the channel, the material experiences a degree of compression as a result, which is believed to improve the quality or integrity of the material that is moulded onto the peak 22.

In Figure 4F, the tapered-conical passageway 530 is preferably located above the enlarged entrance area 522.

An advantage of locating the entrance point of the material 300 at this enlarged area 522 is that, if an excessive amount of material 300 is inadvertently introduced into the available volume 521 inside the mould-cavity space 520, it is observed that any excess material tends to be pushed out into this enlarged area 522 where it is able to applied to fresh portions of the incoming peak 22 surfaces that are progressively engaging with the moulding device 500.

In other embodiments, the entrance point of the material 300 may be positioned over the non-tapered, central 524 region of the channel, however, such a location is less preferred since it is found that any excessive material 300 can have a tendency of being forced downwards into the valleys areas 23 between the peaks 22.

In other modified embodiments, the mould devices can be altered to have different visual shape and configuration, provided such modifications can perform the function of the exemplary embodiment of a moulding device.

Advantage of the Process & Device

The embodiments are able to produce a coating on the peaks of the tread-plates in terms of coverage and profile.

An important advantage of the invention and all its embodiments is that it is able to enhance the surfaces of parts of an escalator or moving walkway while it is in situ, and thus avoids the expense and/or inconvenience of shutting down and disassembling the escalator or moving walkway for relocation of those parts for off-site enhancement. The cost of operating the embodiment of Figure 4, in situ, to enhance the tread-plates of an escalator is likely to be less expensive that the alternative cost of disassembling the escalator, removing the parts to an off-site workshop, and relying on an expensive enhancement process such as arc-spraying. In addition to lowering costs, a considerable advantage of performing an enhancement process in situ, without having to disassemble and remove parts of the escalator, is that it avoids the disruption that would occur from not having the escalator in operation for long periods of time. Also, the enhancement process is able to repair existing components of escalators, thus avoiding or postponing the higher expense of replacing these components. Composition of the Enhancement-material

In the embodiment, an exemplary enhancement-material is an epoxy resin.

The epoxy preferably contains a particulate material that is able to provide slip-resistance as a result of the hard particles.

Preferably, the enhancement-material is a metalised epoxy that contains metallic particles. The metallic particles, contained in the epoxy material, contribute to its coarse or rough texture which enhances the slip-resistance and wear-resistance of the surfaces on which people stand on the escalator or moving walkway.

Preferably, the epoxy compound is a two component system, comprising a resin and a solidifier, and also includes a metal aggregate. The epoxy material is able to cure at room temperature. In its pre-cure, flowable state, the epoxy material has the consistency of a paste-like adhesive. Once solidified, the epoxy has properties of high strength and toughness.

In the embodiment, the epoxy material is thixotropic with good environmental and chemical resistance. In the embodiment, the epoxy resin is based on Bisphenol A. The solidifier is based on Benzyl Alchol, Diethylenetriamine, Cycloaliphatic Amine Mixture, Isophorone Diamine and 4,4'-Isoproplylidenediphenol. When the two materials are blended, for instance, with a spatula, they form a homogeneous mix which is deposited onto the tread-plates using the material-applicator 200 of the material dispenser 100, as described herein.

The material used in the embodiment cures to a solid form in around one hour, and is fully cured within around 8 hours at 20 degrees Centigrade. This curing timeframe enables the material to be applied in situ to the surfaces of existing escalator, for example, in a shopping centre just after closing time, say, at 10 p.m. This would leave sufficient time for the material to be applied and fully cured in time for opening of the shopping centre at 9 am. in the morning, thus avoiding the inconvenience of downtime. In the embodiment, the aggregate material consists of Aluminium particles or an Aluminium-based particulate material. In other variations, different materials can be used to provide enhanced wear resistance. The particles may be synthetic or mineral-based. In other modifications, the particulate material can be of any appropriate material, such as quartz or polypropylene particles, provided such material can provide adequate wear and slip resistance when incorporated with the epoxy resin.

In the embodiment, the epoxy material 300 is formulated so as to have a pre-cure viscosity that, in use, flows neither too quickly nor too slowly for the purpose of being applied by embodiments of the enhancement apparatus.

In some embodiments, the enhancement-material is applied without any particulate material, for example, when applying enhancement material to a single peak on an existing tread- plate in which the other peaks do not have a parrJculate-like surface structure.

Other Variations

Figure 4H shows a further embodiment where a modified moulding device 500A can be used to mould material onto more than one peak at a time, in this instance, three peaks simultaneously.

In this specification, the words enhance, enhancing, enhanced and other variants, include: adding material to the peaks of the standing-surface of the platform-components, either for improving its existing surface characteristics, or for repair-enhancement of surfaces that have previously been damaged.

In this specification, the reference to the escalator or moving walkway being in operation, in situ, means that the enhancement process is performed where the escalator or walkway actually is, without taking any of its components away for enhancement off-site. For example, if the escalator is located in a shopping centre, then the enhancement process, in situ, is carried out in the shopping centre, without the need to disassemble parts of the escalator to take them away for. off-site repair.

The embodiments have been advanced by way of example only, and modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In this specification, where the words comprise or comprises or derivatives thereof are used in relation to elements, integers, steps or features, this is to indicate that those elements, steps or features are present but it is not to be taken to preclude the possibility of other elements, integers, steps or features being present The specification and its appended claims specifically exclude from its scope any matter that does not pertain to the field of escalators and moving walkways.