AU2006202792B2

AU2006202792B2 - Tactile Indicator Stud

Info

Publication number: AU2006202792B2
Application number: AU2006202792A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alistair John Calow; Phillip Graham Calow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-07-01
Filing date: 2006-06-30
Publication date: 2014-12-18
Anticipated expiration: 2026-06-30
Also published as: AU2006202792A1

Abstract

Abstract A tactile indicator stud (10) comprising a body portion (12), the body portion (12) having an upper surface (14), a lower surface (16), a side wall (18) extending from the upper surface (14) to the lower surface (16), a cavity (26) formed in the body portion (12) extending from the lower surface (16), at least one projection (28) extending into or adjacent the cavity (26), the projection (28) having an end surface (30) substantially aligned with the lower surface (16). Figure 3

Description

P/00/011 28/5/91 Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Phillip Graham Calow & Alistair John Calow Actual Inventors Phillip Graham Calow & Alistair John Calow Address for service is: WRAY & ASSOCIATES Level 4, The Quadrant 1 William Street Perth, WA 6000 Attorney code: WR Invention Title: Tactile Indicator Stud The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: 1 -2 "Tactile Indicator Stud" Field of the Invention This invention relates to a tactile indicator stud. More particularly, the tactile indicator stud of the present invention is intended for application to flooring and ground surfaces for the purpose of tactile warning or signalling. Background Art Tactile ground surface indicators (TGSIs) are required in certain circumstances for the aid of vision impaired persons in detecting surface transition and directional change. TGSIs are commonly classified as either warning or hazard indicators, or directional indicators. Directional indicators are provided commonly as raised lines in or on a ground surface, whereas warning indicators are commonly in the form of a discreet stud. Installation is typically provided, in accordance with AS 1428.4, at the top and bottom of stairways, escalators, ramps, railway platforms, vehicle pick up and drop off areas and the like. TGSIs may be formed integrally in a paving or flooring product, or may be fixed to an existing surface. With specific reference to discreet tactile indicator studs, such are typically provided in one of two forms. The first has a uniformly flat lower surface that is adhered with adhesive to the surface. A significant problem with this arrangement is due to the flat lower surface, adhesive is forced from under the tactile indicator stud and needs to be wiped away. This results in a significant portion of the adhesive being lost, requiring the use of a substantially more adhesive than would be required otherwise. Additionally, due to the flat and smooth nature of the lower surface, and the loss of adhesive underneath the lower surface, the indicator can become detached after a period of time. This is a particular problem when the stud is formed of certain materials, including stainless steel, brass and bronze. Such studs may also be formed of plastic materials.

-3 Yet a further form of a discreet tactile indicator stud is as described above but with an additional shank extending downwardly from the lower surface. The fitting of such a stud requires drilling of the surface to accommodate the shank or shaft. Whilst such a stud engages positively with the surface the installation is time and labour intensive, and consequently more costly than other options. The present invention has one object thereof to substantially overcome the abovementioned problems associated with the prior art, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto. The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application. Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Disclosure of the Invention In accordance with the present invention there is provided a tactile indicator stud comprising a body portion, the body portion having an upper surface, a lower surface, a side wall extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, at least one cavity formed in the body portion extending from the lower surface, and at least one projection extending into or adjacent the cavity(ies), the projection(s) having an end surface substantially aligned with the lower surface, wherein each projection end surface includes a second cavity. Preferably, the projection is disposed centrally of said cavity and the cavity is substantially annular and extends around the projection. The outer portions of the cavity are preferably defined by an internal wall of the body portion.

-4 Preferably, wherein one or more keys or projections are formed in the internal wall. The internal wall is preferably generally tapered from the lower surface towards the upper surface. The projection preferably includes at least one arm extending to the internal wall. Preferably, each projection includes a side wall tapering inwardly from its end surface toward the top surface. Each projection preferably includes a side wall having grooves, keys, and/or a roughened surface. In another embodiment, each projection end surface can be slightly conical or convex. Further alternatively, each projection end surface can be slightly inwardly spaced relative to the lower surface of the body portion. The indicator stud is preferably substantially circular. The upper surface preferably includes grooves formed therein. The upper surface preferably has smaller peripheral dimensions compared to the lower surface and the sidewall tapers outwardly from the upper surface to an outer edge of the lower surface. Preferably, the cavity is preloaded with adhesive. In another aspect, the present invention provides a tactile indicator stud comprising a body portion, the body portion having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, wherein the body portion includes an at least substantially annular cavity extending from the lower surface, the cavity forming a projection of the body portion therewithin, the projection having an end surface substantially aligned with the lower surface. In an alternative embodiment, the plug end surface is slightly inwardly spaced relative to the lower surface. Preferably, the lower surface is circular, the cavity is an annular ring, and the projection has an end surface diameter at least % of the diameter of the lower surface at its outer edge. More preferably, the end surface diameter is at least 1/3 of the diameter of the lower surface at its outer edge.

-5 The cavity preferably has an inner boundary separated from its outer boundary by a distance substantially equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the plug end surface. The projection end surface area is preferably at least 1

/

16 th, or more preferably at least 1

/

9 th, of an area bounded by outer edges of the lower surface. The projection and cavity preferably have a height of at least 1/3, or more preferably at least 1/2 of the height of the indicator. The upper surface of the indicators are grooved preferably to allow for light diffusion and glare prevention. The side edges may also be similarly textured. Preferably, the indicator stud is circular and the cavity surrounds the plug, the plug being located centrally therein. Brief Description of the Drawings The tactile indicator of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to one embodiment thereof and the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a tactile indicator stud in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the tactile indicator of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the tactile indicator of Figures 1 and 2 through a centre thereof. Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention In Figures 1 to 3 there is shown a tactile indicator 10 of generally circular form comprising a body portion 12 having an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 16. The upper surface 14 has a smaller diameter relative to the lower surface 16. The -6 body portion 12 includes a side wall 18 which is tapered outwardly from the upper surface 14 to an outer edge 20 of the lower surface 16. The upper surface 14 has provided thereon a number of concentric grooves 24. As best seen in Figures 2 and 3, the body portion 12 includes a cavity 26 formed therein which extends from the lower surface 16. The body portion 12 also includes a projection in the form of a central plug 28 extending into the cavity 26. Thus, the cavity 26 is annular. In other words, the distal portion 33 of the plug 28 is separated from outer portions 19 of the body portion 12 by the cavity 26. The central plug 28 has an end surface 30 that is substantially in alignment with rest of the lower surface 16. The plug end surface 30 however can be slightly inwardly spaced relative to the lower surface 16, such that the end surface 30 is lightly spaced from a floor surface when installed. In the preferred embodiment, only a single plug 28 is provided which has an end surface 30 diameter at least % of the diameter of the indicator at outer edge 20. Preferably, the end surface 30 diameter is at least 1/3 of the diameter of the indicator at outer edge 20. In terms of end surface area, the end surface 30 area is thus at least 1/16th, and more preferably at least 1/9th, of an area bounded by outer edge 20. The cavity 26 preferably extends around the plug 28 and has an inner boundary separated from its outer boundary by a distance substantially equal to or slightly less than the diameter of the plug end surface. The plug 28 preferably has a height of at least 1/3, preferably at least 1 %, of the height of the indicator. The cavity 26 preferably has a height substantially equal to the plug 28. Side portions 32 of the cavity 26 are tapered generally from the lower surface 16 towards the upper surface 14 and include a number of lateral projections or keys 34. In use, adhesive or glue is applied to the floor surface at a location substantially corresponding to the desired installed position of the central plug 28. The indicator 10 is then pushed onto the floor surface such that the central plug end surface 30 initially engages the glue/adhesive and forces same into the cavity 26. There should be enough glue to substantially fill the cavity 26 and the keys or -7 projections 34. A thin layer of glue may be applied to the lower surface 16 adjacent the outer edge 20 if desired. When lateral force is applied to the indicator 10 the keys or projections 34 and the central plug 28 will engage the adhesive that has set in the cavity 26, thus allowing the indicator 10 to resist the applied force and remain in place. The side wall 31 of the central plug 28 can be further modified to be tapering inwardly from its end surface 30 toward the top surface 14, include grooves and/or be roughened, to further assist with engagement with the adhesive or glue. Further, the end surface 30 can also include a second smaller cavity for receiving adhesive. Alternatively to the above, the cavity can be preloaded with the adhesive. It is envisaged that the tactile indicator stud of the present invention can be provided in a shape other than the generally circular form described above. For example, the indicator can be elongated to function as a direction indicator. In such an embodiment, the plug 28 and cavity 26 will correspondingly be elongated. It is further envisaged that the shape of the cavity 26 and the keyed edges 34 can be altered such that they complement the shape of the body portion. It is still further envisaged that the tactile indicator stud of the present invention can be formed from a variety of materials including stainless steel, brass, bronze, aluminium and plastics materials. It is yet still further envisaged that the plug 28 can be provided with a keyed surface to aid the engagement of the adhesive when force is applied to the tactile indicator. Further, the plug end surface 30 can be slightly inwardly spaced relative to the lower surface 16 of the body portion to aid in distribution of adhesive during application/installation. By having the central plug 28, less adhesive is required for the indicator 10 which leads to less air bubbles in the cavity 26. Also, the plug 28 can engage the adhesive in the cavity 26 to provide a further anchor against lateral movement of -8 the indicator 10. The central plug 28 also distributes the glue/adhesive well into the cavity 26. In further modifications thereof, the end surface 30 can be slightly conical or convex to further assist in the distribution of the glue/adhesive during installation. In other modifications, the plug 28 can include arms extending to the side portions 32 of the cavity 26. In these embodiments, the body portion 12 can include multiple cavities with the plug 28 being adjacent the cavities or extending across same. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

1. A tactile indicator stud comprising a body portion, the body portion having an upper surface, a lower surface, a side wall extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, at least one cavity formed in the body portion extending from the lower surface, and at least one projection extending into or adjacent the cavity(ies), the projection(s) having an end surface substantially aligned with the lower surface, wherein each projection end surface includes a second cavity.

2. The tactile indicator stud of claim 1 wherein the projection is disposed centrally of said cavity and the cavity is substantially annular and extends around the projection.

3. The tactile indicator stud of claim 1 or 2 wherein outer portions of the cavity are defined by an internal wall of the body portion.

4. The tactile indicator stud of claim 3 wherein one or more keys or projections are formed in the internal wall.

5. The tactile indicator stud of claim 3 or 4 wherein the internal wall is generally tapered from the lower surface towards the upper surface.

6. The tactile indicator stud of any one of claims 3 to 5 wherein the projection includes at least one arm extending to the internal wall.

7. The tactile indicator stud of any one of claims I to 6 wherein each projection includes a side wall tapering inwardly from its end surface toward the top surface.

8. The tactile indicator stud of any one of claims I to 7 wherein each projection includes a side wall having grooves, keys, and/or a roughened surface

9. The tactile indicator stud of any one of claims I to 8 wherein each projection end surface is slightly conical or convex. -10

10. The tactile indicator stud of any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein each projection end surface is slightly inwardly spaced relative to the lower surface of the body portion.

11. The tactile indicator stud of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the indicator stud is substantially circular.

12, The tactile indicator stud of any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the upper surface includes grooves formed therein.

13. The tactile indicator stud of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the upper surface has smaller peripheral dimensions compared to the lower surface and the side wall tapers outwardly from the upper surface to an outer edge of the lower surface.

14. The tactile indicator stud of any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the cavity is preloaded with adhesive.