A self-sanitizing handrail system includes an elongate handle extending along a central axis and including an exterior surface graspable by users of the handrail system, an annular sanitizing module positioned around the handle and including an outer housing and a sanitizer positioned in the housing and configured to sanitize by a sanitizing light emitted by the sanitizer pathogens located on the exterior surface of the handle, a linear drive extending along the central axis of the handle and coupled to the sanitizing module, and a motor coupled to the linear drive and configured to transport the sanitizing module rectilinearly along the central axis of the handle in response to activation of the motor.

A safety rail monitoring system, and associated methods of operation, for monitoring use of a safety rail that borders a footpath to help prevent injuries while the user traverses the footpath. The safety system includes a sensor system for detecting the presence of a user on the footpath and the presence of a contact by the user on the safety rail. A sensor observation system in communication with the sensor system receives signals indicating whether the user is present on the footpath and whether the user is holding on to the safety rail. If the user is not holding on to the safety rail, the sensor observation system generates an alert signal to the user to remind the user to hold the safety rail. In some embodiments, the safety system may include a barrier that prevents the user from continuing along the footpath without contacting the safety rail.

An improved handrail for a staircase or ramp. In one embodiment, the handrail includes an elongated member such as a cylinder or bar that spans the length of the staircase or ramp and a riser barrier. The riser barrier has an extender portion and a riser portion. The extender portion of the riser barrier keeps the elongated member a sufficient distance horizontally from the riser portion that a person can slide his or her hand on the rail without interference. The riser portion projects vertically a sufficient distance above the elongated member to deter sliding down the elongated member. Thus, sliding on the member is deterred, while the function of the cylinder as a handrail is preserved.

An object transfer system (OTS) for a flight of steps for transporting an object on the flight of steps is disclosed. The OTS may include a rail positioned in place of a handrail on the flight of steps, a trolley assembly movably attached to the rail, and an object carrier attached to the trolley assembly. The rail has a rail length and the object carrier is configured to hold the object. Additionally, the trolley assembly is configured to transport the object held by the object carrier along the rail length.

Customizable elevator car handrails are provided that include a first mounting frame attachable to a panel of an elevator car and a first rail module removably attached to the first mounting frame. The first rail module having includes a housing having a first contact surface, a second contact surface opposing the first contact surface, an exterior function surface extending between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, an interior function surface extending between the first and second contact surfaces, and a module internal space defined by the housing, and module components disposed in the module internal space of the housing and configured to provide a module functionality.

A bracket for a railing structure includes a bottom portion comprising an inner surface that is formed in a shape that conforms to a profile of a top surface, first side surface, and second side surface of the railing structure so that the bracket can be flexibly attached to and detached from the railing structure. The inner surface is also formed in a shape that permits the bracket to slide in a longitudinal direction of the railing structure while being held firmly in a lateral direction of the railing structure. A mounting platform is positioned on a top surface of the bottom portion.

An improved handrail for a staircase or ramp. In one embodiment, the handrail includes an elongated member such as a cylinder or bar that spans the length of the staircase or ramp and a riser barrier. The riser barrier has an extender portion and a riser portion. The extender portion of the riser barrier keeps the elongated member a sufficient distance horizontally from the riser portion that a person can slide his or her hand on the rail without interference. The riser portion projects vertically a sufficient distance above the elongated member to deter sliding down the elongated member. Thus, sliding on the member is deterred, while the function of the cylinder as a handrail is preserved.

An improved handrail for a staircase or ramp. In one embodiment, the handrail includes an elongated member such as a cylinder or bar that spans the length of the staircase or ramp and a riser barrier. The riser barrier has an extender portion and a riser portion. The extender portion of the riser barrier keeps the elongated member a sufficient distance horizontally from the riser portion that a person can slide his or her hand on the rail without interference. The riser portion projects vertically a sufficient distance above the elongated member to deter sliding down the elongated member. Thus, sliding on the member is deterred, while the function of the cylinder as a handrail is preserved.

A safety rail monitoring system, and associated methods of operation, for monitoring use of a safety rail that borders a footpath to help prevent injuries while the user traverses the footpath. The safety system includes a sensor system for detecting the presence of a user on the footpath and the presence of a contact by the user on the safety rail. A sensor observation system in communication with the sensor system receives signals indicating whether the user is present on the footpath and whether the user is holding on to the safety rail. If the user is not holding on to the safety rail, the sensor observation system generates an alert signal to the user to remind the user to hold the safety rail. In some embodiments, the safety system may include a barrier that prevents the user from continuing along the footpath without contacting the safety rail.

A deck curtain and mounting system using vertical posts attachable to a deck rail or decking form a structure supporting curtains hung from cross members positioned between the vertical posts to surround or encompass a deck area. The method of shading or securing the privacy of a deck area includes attaching vertical posts to a rail cap of a deck structure surrounding a deck area and attaching rotatable horizontal connectors to the vertical posts so that cross members may be connected between the vertical posts for hanging privacy curtains from the cross members around the deck structure.