Inducted 2007

Charles Seeberger was an inventor whose patented idea contributed to the development of the escalator in its modern form.

Invention Impact

In connection with the Otis Elevator Company, Seeberger built the first commercially produced escalator based on his design in the Otis factory in 1899 and put such a model on display at an exhibition in Paris in 1900 where it won an award. In 1910, Seeberger sold his design outright to Otis. The Otis Elevator Company began to manufacture escalators whose designs seem to have changed little over the subsequent century.

Inventor Bio

Born in Oscaloosa, Iowa and employed by the Otis Elevator Company, Seeberger is most commonly attributed with coining the term escalator, a combination of the Latin “scala” meaning “steps” with “elevator.” Seeberger’s invention consisted of a series of risers attached to a series of levers and wheels which traveled in tracks. As the slats were pulled along the tracks, the movement of the wheels and lever arms ensured that the steps remained horizontal throughout the entire operation. In addition, an elastic rubber strip placed underneath the slats remained in contact with the adjacent riser. The rubber strip served as a safety device to seal any gaps between steps.