Escalator device

Abstract

Escalator steps for loading a wheelchair or the like comprise a set of three serial steps (1), (2), and (3). Steps (1) and (3) are positioned at the front and rear of an intermediate step (2). Step (1) comprises fixed step (10) and floating step (11) and step (3) comprises fixed step (30) and floating step (31). Floating steps 11 and 31 are capable of being separated from fixed steps (1) and (3), respectively. When an escalator is traveling under a normal condition, fixed steps (1) and (3) and floating steps (11) and (31) are integrally coupled to each other for enabling the escalator to operate as a common escalator. When loading a wheelchair on the steps, however, floating step (11) and (31) are coupled with intermediate step (2), whereby intermediate step (2) and floating steps (11) and (31) form a level tread capable of loading the wheelchair.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.