No_1_1957 — Page 82

"CLEATED RISERS"

A NEW Safety DEVELOPMENT FOR ESCALATORS

The only conceivable mishap which might occur on escalators would be the pinching or wedging of footwear or over- shoes between steps when they change from step formation into a platform at the upper landing. Photograph No. I depicts the conditions which are actually experienced when passengers riding on the escalator hold their feet against the back of the step immediately in front of them. As the steps level out the pinching or wedging effect occurs.

This is more pre- valent where canvas or rubber shoes are

methods have failed, the Otis Elevator Company have developed a step design which combs the face of the steps in front as they fold, and in this way rejects any object before the steps reach the top of the escalator. This new safety feature has been named "Cleated Safety Riser" (the word "riser" referring to the trade name for escalator steps).

worn by large numbers of people, as in Hong Kong, or where women's overshoes are being worn.

In the past it was common practice to cover the front surface of the step with some type of petroleum jelly in order to minimise the degree of friction which caused the trouble. This, however, has been very unsightly, and annoying both to the owners of the escalators and to the public using them. Moreover, the jelly was not usually renewed as frequently as necessary, and therefore its benefit was reduced until it was of no value whatso

ever in most cases.

Porcelain and stainless steel faces on the steps were experimented with, but though lowering the factor of friction did not eliminate the hazard.

effect in operation and it can readily be Photograph No. 2 shows the combing

seen

that any pinching or jamming of shoes is minimised. The necessity for the development of this additional safety feature is only due to the possible misuse of escalator equipment, but since it is the obligation of the owner to cover any eventuality and avoid anything which might affect the good will or prestige of his building, "Cleated Safety Riser'' es- calators will reduce the possibility of accidents if they are not properly used.

Most passengers stand so that there is which case no hazard exists. If, however, no contact with the adjacent step, in

the feet of some passengers have contact with the step in front, the curved face of this step, which incidentally is also an Otis safety patent, moves away from their feet as the steps fold.

are

The first installation in the Far East with these "Safety Cleated Risers" Because it was found that very few the two escalators in the new Man Yee steps are kept clean, and as all other Building in Des Voeux Road Central.

EMBOSSED ALUMINIUM

ALUMINIUM SHEETS

Photograph 1

Photograph 2

Architects and builders are becoming rial is so malleable that they can give other competitive materials and is at- more conscious of the value of aluminium full range to their ingenuity and origin- tractive enough to permit it to be used as a structural and decorative medium. ality with the knowledge that the embossed wherever and whenever fancy dictates. The properties which make aluminium a aluminium can be shaped and fitted to valuable building material are well known and it is becoming more widely recognized that these valuable properties incorporated in a building reduce the cost of main tenance and repairs to an extent which makes the extra initial cost of small importance.

conform to any new ideas they may have for its use, panelling of all kinds, edging. framing, railing, wall mosaics, ceiling trim and light concealers are some of the ap- plications which suggest themselves.

The principle characteristic of aluminium is that brilliant yet subdued sheen which terior of the building or in the interior. can be so attractive, whethe in the ex-

and its indestructibility and rust-resisting properties which keep all surfaces perfect condition with little maintenance

many years.

in

The material is supplied in four different

for patterns; wave type. multi-square type, A new type of embossed aluminium pyramid type, and stucco type; in three We feel sure that this material will prove which is being offered in sheets or in strips qualities hard, half hard, and soft; and a valuable addition to the architects' re- should provide architects and decorators in seven thicknesses ranging from 35 Swg quirements. The Trinity Development Co., with some new ideas which they can to 19 Swg. The extremely reasonable Ltd., Bank of East Asia Bldg., are the incorporate in their designs. This mate- range brings it well within the cost of distributors in Hong Kong.

recommended kitchen

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT BY BENHAM'S Benham & Sons Limited are leading machines and kitchen utensils for the Drawings of specialists in the design, manu- new Dairy Farm Restaurant, Manson layouts can be supplied without obliga- facture, and supply of complete com- House, Kowloon, will be supplied by tion or engagement. mercial kitchen equipment covering them. every phase of cooking, heating and ventilation. The entire contract for

The Dairy Farm, Ice & Cold Storage Any project involving the layout Co., Ltd., have been appointed sole the supply of all kitchen and food and installation of cooking equipment agents in Hong Kong for this firm and service equipment for the vast Istan- to provide the maximum degree of their many years of practical ex- bul Hilton Hotel was awarded to efficient and economic operation can perience in the catering field in this Benham & Sons Limited of London be effectively designed by them either Colony enables them to afford invalu- in the face of competition from world- from the recommendation of their own able assistance and advice the famous kitchen engineers, and the large staff of specialists and draftsman essentials of all categories of kitchen entire cooking equipment and kitchen or from architects' specifications. installation both large and small.

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