AU2008202373C1 - Tactile ground surface indicator - Google Patents
Tactile ground surface indicator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2008202373C1 AU2008202373C1 AU2008202373A AU2008202373A AU2008202373C1 AU 2008202373 C1 AU2008202373 C1 AU 2008202373C1 AU 2008202373 A AU2008202373 A AU 2008202373A AU 2008202373 A AU2008202373 A AU 2008202373A AU 2008202373 C1 AU2008202373 C1 AU 2008202373C1
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- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- indicator
- casing
- projecting portion
- cavity
- ground surface
- Prior art date
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Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 20
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 12
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 claims 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 abstract description 6
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000001154 acute effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000033228 biological regulation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006332 epoxy adhesive Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000007717 exclusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013213 extrapolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
- E01F—ADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
- E01F9/00—Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
- E01F9/50—Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
- E01F9/553—Low discrete bodies, e.g. marking blocks, studs or flexible vehicle-striking members
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
Abstract
There is provided a tactile ground surface indicator, comprising:
a body, made of a robust material and comprising an indicator portion configured
5 to be positioned above a ground surface; and
a retaining portion receivable in a cavity provided in the ground, the retaining
portion being formed from a deformable material and adapted to deform against a wall of
the cavity when the tactile ground surface indicator is inserted into the cavity to retain the
tactile ground surface indicator in the ground,
10 wherein the retaining portion is permanently fixed to the body.
There is also provided a method of manufacturing a tactile ground surface indicator, the
method comprising:
forming a body from a robust material, the body having an indicator portion
15 configured to be positioned above a ground surface; and
moulding a retaining portion over the body such that the retaining portion is
permanently fixed to the body to be receivable in a cavity provided in the ground, the
retaining portion being made from a deformable material and being configured to deform
against a wall of the cavity when the tactile ground surface indicator is driven into the
20 cavity to retain the tactile ground surface indicator in the ground.
1/4
51
-+K
5
3 yXE>\ 9
Fig. IA
3
-- + KFig.l1B
5
K Fig.
Fg.IDi
23 30
3 3
25 2935
12 33 21
72
13
33T
13 11
9 15
15 Fig. 1D
Fig. 1 C
Description
1/4
51 -+K 5
yXE>\ 9 Fig. IA 3
3
-- + KFig.l1B
23 30 3 3 25 2935 12 K Fig. 33 21 72 Fg.IDi 13 33T 13 11
9 15 15 Fig. 1D Fig. 1 C
Regulation 3.2
AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (ORIGINAL)
Name of Applicant: CTA Australia Pty Ltd
Actual Inventor: Daniel DeDomenico
Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, I Nicholson, Melbourne, Victoria 3000.
Invention Title: "Tactile ground surface indicator"
Details of Associated Provisional Applications No: 2007903648 filed 5 July 2007; and No. 2007906297 filed 16 November 2007.
The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us:
Q:\OPER\MRF\2008\NZ 30547474 150 doc - 29/5/08
Tactile Ground Surface Indicator
The present invention relates to tactile indicators which are disposed on a ground surface to provide a tactile and/or visual indication to a person, particularly a blind or vision-impaired person, walking on the surface.
Tactile ground surface indicators are specially configured protrusions which are positioned on walking surfaces. Such indicators are typically found in public areas in and around buildings and stairs, or at pedestrian crossings and the like, to forewarn pedestrians, particularly blind or vision-impaired persons, of an upcoming obstruction or hazard. When the person feels the tactile indicators under their feet, they are made aware that their next step should be taken with caution.
Tactile ground surface indicators can be located, for example, in approaches to steps or stairs, edges of railway platforms, traffic crossings, ramps and so forth.
It is advantageous to machine or mould tactile indicators from strong, durable material, such as stainless steel. Stainless steel indicators are typically adhered to the ground with adhesive such as epoxy adhesive, either directly on the ground surface or in a recess or cavity in the ground into which a stem of the indicator is received. The need for adhesive complicates the installation of the tactile indicators, in that supplies of such adhesive must be maintained and the indicators are vulnerable to dislodgement before the adhesive has set, generally necessitating downtime, usually of the order of 24 hours, during which the area in which the indicators have been installed must be cordoned off.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tactile ground surface indicator, comprising a rigid indicator portion, which is of substantially single piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a rigid projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion, in fixed relation to the indicator portion, to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground, the indicator further comprising a casing applied to the projecting portion, thereby substantially encasing it, prior to receipt of the projecting portion in the cavity, the casing being deformable against a wall of the cavity, upon insertion of the projecting portion and casing into the cavity, to retain the indicator.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tactile ground surface indicator, comprising a rigid indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a rigid projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion, in fixed relation to the indicator portion, to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground, the indicator further comprising a casing pre-applied to the projecting portion such that, during insertion of the projecting portion into the cavity, downward movement of the projecting portion relative to the casing is substantially precluded and the casing deforms against a wall of the cavity to retain the indicator.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tactile ground surface indicator, comprising a rigid indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a rigid projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion, in fixed relation to the indicator portion, to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground, the indicator further comprising a casing pre-applied to the projecting portion, whereby an upper end of the casing is received over an upper part of the projecting portion, such that during insertion of the projecting portion into the cavity, the casing deforms against a wall of the cavity to retain the indicator.
Deformation of the casing against the wall establishes sufficiently tight contact engagement between the casing and the wall to resist upward pulling forces on the indicator. Such engagement will generally include frictional engagement.
Advantageously, the tactile ground surface indicator can thus be installed very rapidly, without any adhesive, whilst still being robust and durable.
The indicator, and in particular the casing, may be driven into the cavity to cause deformation of the casing.
Preferably, the indicator portion is of substantially solid form.
In the preferred embodiments of the invention, the indicator is configured such that, when the casing is driven into the cavity, the base of the indicator portion is received directly against the ground surface.
Preferably, the base is substantially flat.
The casing may be overmoulded to, or moulded over, the projecting portion.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the entirety of the projecting portion is encased by the casing.
Preferably, the casing covers the projecting portion.
Preferably, the casing is arranged to abut an underside of the indicator portion.
Preferably, the indicator comprises a stem defining the projecting portion.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the projecting portion comprises a stem which extends downwardly from the indicator portion to be receivable in the cavity.
Preferably, the casing is fixed to the stem.
The casing may be overmoulded to, or moulded over, the stem.
The casing preferably extends along an entirety of the stem top-to-bottom, so as to encase said entirety.
In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the casing is plastically deformable against the cavity wall.
Preferably, the casing is formed with at least one protuberance which protrudes radially outwardly to deform against the cavity wall.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protuberance comprises a pair of opposed ribs which extend in general alignment with the direction of insertion of the casing in the cavity to engage opposed portions of the cavity wall.
-3A
In an alternative preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protuberance extends circumferentially around the casing to engage the opposed portions. In particular, the at least one protuberance may comprise one or more ribs extending around the casing. The ribs may define a barbed or saw-tooth configuration which facilitates insertion of the casing.
Consistent with national standard no. AS/NZS 1428, tactile ground surface indicators according to preferred embodiments of the present invention provide areas of raised ground surface texture treatment, designed to provide blind or vision-impairedpedestrians with warningand/or directionalorientation information.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a tactile ground surface indicator, the method comprising: providing a rigid body comprising an indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground; and applying a casing to the projecting portion, such that the projecting portion is substantially encased thereby, prior to receipt of the projecting portion in the cavity, the casing being deformable against a wall of the cavity upon insertion of the projecting portion and casing into the cavity, to retain the indicator.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a tactile ground surface indicator, the method comprising: providing a rigid body comprising an indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground; and pre-applying a casing to the projecting portion, such that during insertion of the projecting portion into the cavity, downward movement of the projecting portion relative to the casing is substantially precluded and the casing deforms against a wall of the cavity to retain the indicator.
- 3B
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a tactile ground surface indicator, the method comprising: providing a rigid body comprising an indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground; and pre-applying a casing to the projecting portion, whereby an upper end of the casing is received over an upper part of the projecting portion, such that during insertion of the projecting portion into the cavity, the casing deforms against a wall of the cavity to retain the indicator.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the casing is applied so as to encase the entirety of the projecting portion.
Preferably, the casing is applied so as to cover the projecting portion.
Preferably, the casing is applied so as to abut an underside of the indicator portion.
Preferably, the body includes a stem defining the projecting portion.
Preferably, the rigid body is formed as a single piece.
Preferably, the projecting portion comprises a stem arranged so as to extend downwardly from the indicator portion to be receivable in the cavity.
Preferably, the casing is moulded over the stem.
The casing is preferably applied to extend along an entirety of the stem top-to-bottom, so as to encase said entirety.
Preferably, the casing is moulded over the projecting portion.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the casing is overmoulded to the projecting portion.
The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1A is a perspective view of a tactile ground surface indicator according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure lB is a top view of the indicator showing Figure lA; Figure IC is a cross-sectional elevation view taken through section J-J in Figure IB, showing deformable longitudinal ribs of a casing of the indicator; Figure ID is a cross-sectional elevation view taken through section K-K in Figure IB, showing channels of the casing of the indicator; Figure 2A is a perspective view of the body portion of the tactile ground surface indicator according to both the first embodiment and a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 2B is a top view of the body portion shown in Figure 2A; Figure 2C is a cross-sectional elevation view taken through section D-D in Figure 2B; Figure 2D is a rotated side view of the body portion shown in Figures 2A to 2C. Figure 3A is a perspective view of a tactile ground surface indicator according to the second embodiment of the invention; Figure 3B is a top view of the indicator showing Figure 3A; Figure 3C is a cross-sectional elevation view taken through section F-F in Figure 3A; Figure 4A is a perspective view of an indicator portion of the indicators according to both the first and second embodiments; Figure 4B is a top view of the indicator portion shown in Figure 4A; Figure 4C is a cross-sectional elevation view taken through section D-D in Figure 4B; Figure 4D is a view of detail E as shown in Figure 4C; and Figure 4E is a rotated side view of the indicator portion shown in Figures 4A to 4D.
A tactile ground surface indicator I according to a first embodiment of the invention, as depicted in Figure IA, comprises a very robust body portion 3, which is moulded as a single piece from stainless steel, or machined from a solid bar of stainless steel, and, as can best be seen in Figures IC and ID, comprises an indicator portion 5 which will be
-4A
positioned above a ground surface, and a downwardly projecting portion in the form of a stem 7 which is receivable in a cavity, provided in the ground, which locates the indicator I in position.
The indicator 1 further comprises a generally elongate casing 9, which is received over, and engaged with, the stem 7, the casing, which is for holding the indicator 1 in the ground, being made from suitably deformable plastic, whereby it can deform against an annular wall of the cavity when the indicator 1 is driven into the cavity.
The casing in this embodiment is moulded as a single piece of plastically-deformable plastic, and is moulded to, the stem 7. The casing 9 is configured as a cap which covers the stem 7, the cap defining a recess 11 which is occupied by the stem 7. The casing 9 has a generally circular outer transverse cross-sectional profile.
The exterior of the casing 9 is provided with a pair of opposed ridges or ribs 13 which extend linearly and longitudinally along the casing 9 from a top end of the casing 9. The ribs 13 are provided at diametrically opposite positions on the casing 9. The ribs 13 protrude radially outwardly to be engageable with the annular wall of the cavity so as to deform against the wall when the indicator 1 is driven into the cavity, thus permanently locking the casing in the cavity and fixing the indicator 1 in the ground. To this end, the outermost extents of the ribs 13 are spaced apart by a distance which slightly exceeds the diameter of the cavity.
In an alternative embodiment, two pairs of ribs are provided, the ribs of each pair lying at diametrically opposite positions on the casing to define planes which are perpendicular to each other and which each form an acute angle of 60* with the plane in which the channels 17 are arranged.
The lower end 15 of the casing 9 is tapered radially inwardly to facilitate driving of the indicator 1 into the ground.
The casing 9 further comprises a pair of longitudinally extending channels 17 which are disposed at diametrically opposite positions on the exterior of the casing 9 and extend generally linearly between the top and bottom ends of the casing 9. The channels 17 define spaces into each some of the material of the casing 9 can be displaced when the casing 9 is driven into the cavity, under a radially inward pressure exerted by the cavity wall, giving rise to a radially outward biasing of the casing against the cavity wall, which assists retention of the indicator 1 in the ground.
An annular channel 19 is provided in the exterior of the stem 7, the channel 19 defining a space into which a complementarily configured, radially inwardly projecting portion 21, in the form of an annular rim, provided on the casing 9 in the recess 11, is received. The channel 19 defines a transversely extending portion which in turn defines an upper shoulder 23, providing a downwardly facing surface 25. The channel 19 also defines a further transversely extending portion which in turn defines a lower shoulder 27, providing an upwardly facing surface 29.
Similarly, the projecting portion 21 defines, on the casing 9, a transversely extending portion which in turn defines an upper shoulder 30, providing a downwardly facing surface 31. The projecting portion 21 also defines a further transversely extending portion which in turn defines a lower shoulder 33, providing an upwardly facing surface 35.
The downwardly facing surface on the casing 9 abuts the upwardly facing surface on the stem 7 to restrain the body 3 from upward movement relative to the casing 9. Similarly, abutment of the downwardly facing surface of the stem 7 with the upwardly facing surface of the casing 9 prevents downward movement of the body 3 with respect to the casing, as does abutment of the upper end of the casing 9 with the underside of the indicator portion 5. Relative movement between the casing 9 and body 3 is thus prevented.
In other embodiments, the abutting surfaces need not face exactly upwardly and downwardly but rather need merely to have respective upwardly and downwardly facing components.
As can be seen in Figures IC and ID, the recess 11 and stem 7, and particularly the channel 19 projecting portion 21, are complementarily profiled such that the casing 9 is closely received over and fitted to the stem 7.
As will be clear from Figures lB and ID, the channels 17 lie in an upright plane which is perpendicular to an upright plane in which the ribs 13 lie. The ribs 13 are thus provided intermediate the channels 17 around the exterior of the casing 9.
In the following description of the second embodiment, the same reference numerals as used in respect of the first embodiment will be used to designate common features.
The indicator ' according to the second embodiment is shown in Figures 3A to 3C. It is identical to the indicator I of first embodiment in every respect except that the casing comprises opposed ridges or ribs 13' which, instead of extending longitudinally along the casing 9', extend around the casing 9'. The ribs 13' each extend between the channels 17 and are provided at opposite sides of a longitudinally-extending plane passing through the channels, the ribs 13'thus defining a substantially annular deformable portion. The ribs 13' are provided approximately halfway down the casing.
In an alternative embodiment, the casing comprises more than two ribs, constituting protuberances or protruding portions, extending therearound to define a substantially annular deformable portion. In another alternative embodiment, the deformable portion is defined by deformable wings protruding from the casing.
Because the casing 9/9' in each of the first and second embodiments is permanently fixed to the stem 7, each indicator 1/1' is, advantageously, provided as a single or unitary item, whereby it is very quick and easy to install.
In another embodiment, the exterior of the casing is configured with a plurality of radially outwardly projecting protuberances or protruding portions, in the form of ribs or ridges which are arranged axially or longitudinally along the casing and which each extend therearound. The ridges or ribs provide a serrated longitudinal cross-sectional profile, affording the exterior of the casing a barbed configuration, with each ridge/rib extending upwardly and radially outwardly to define an annular edge.
The indicator portion 5 of each of the indicators 1 and ' according to the first and second embodiments is illustrated in Figures 4A to 4E (though the stem 7, which is integrally formed with it, is not shown in these drawings). The indicator portion 5, which is provided as a single piece, has a generally circular transverse cross section and comprises a bottom portion 56, defining a flat base 58 arranged to abut the ground surface, an upper portion 57 and a sloped or tapered smooth side wall 59, extending upwardly and radially inwardly from the bottom portion 56 to the upper portion 57 and being inclined at an angle of approximately 350 to 45° from the base 58. The diameter of the bottom portion is 35 millimetres.
In other embodiments, the base need not be entirely flat.
Moreover, in other embodiments the base need not be continuous.
The upper portion 57 is defined by an upwardly facing surface 61, which is bounded by an upper end of the side wall. The diameter of the upwardly facing surface 61, and thus the upper portion, is 25 millimetres. The distance between the base 58 and the upper portion 57 is 4 to 5 millimetres.
-7A
A gripping portion, provided by a circular lip 60, is provided at a radially outermost position on the upper surface 61 and extends upwardly from the upper surface 61 to define a shoulder 62 which protrudes outside of the conical plane defined by the side wall 59, i.e. by extrapolation in the upwardly and radially inwardly direction in which the side wall 59 extends. The shoulder 62 comprises an edge 64 which lies outside of the conical plane. The lip 60 has a height of 0.5 millimetres.
The protruding shoulder 62, particularly its edge 64, is able to catch and engage the sole of the person's shoe, particularly as moved against the tactile ground surface indicator in a direction having a sideways component, thereby preventing slipping, especially in the general plane defined by the side wall, and conferring improved anti-slip characteristics to the tactile ground surface indicator.
To enhance gripping further, a gripping pattern 63, is provided on the upper surface 61, the gripping pattern 63 comprising a plurality of concentric rings 65 extending upwardly from the upper surface 61. The upper ends or tips of the rings, which define the uppermost extent of the gripping pattern 63, lie in a plane which is approximately 0.5 millimetres above the upper portion 57, or the plane defined by the upwardly facing surface 61 and are coplanar with the top end of the circular lip 60 and the upper edge 64.
The concentric rings 65 each have a thickness of approximately 0.5 millimetres, as does the lip 60. The concentric rings 65 have a radial pitch P of approximately 1.10 millimetres, each ring 65 thus having a thickness which is approximately 45% of the radial pitch P. Annular spaces 66 are defined between the rings 65, the annular spaces having a radial dimension of approximately 0.6 millimetres, as does the annular space defined between the lip 60 and the outermost ring 65.
Manufacture of the indicator I and ' according to the first and second embodiments firstly comprises moulding of the body portion 3, including the indicator portion 5, from stainless steel, or machining it from a solid billet of stainless steel.
With the body portion 3 arranged upside down, the stem 7 is then centrally positioned in a mould which defines the external configuration of the casing 9/9', the flat underside of the indicator portion 5 abutting a lower end of the mould to close that lower end. Molten plastic is then injected into the space between the mould and the stem, through a suitable opening provided in the mould. The plastic is then allowed to cool and set, whereupon the finished indicator I/'is removed from the mould.
Because the casing 9/9' in each embodiment is fixed to the stem 7, each indicator 1/1' is, advantageously, inserted as a single or unitary item, whereby it is very quick and easy to install.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
Claims (32)
1. A tactile ground surface indicator, comprising a rigid indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a rigid projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion, in fixed relation to the indicator portion, to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground, the indicator further comprising a casing applied to the projecting portion, thereby substantially encasing it, prior to receipt of the projecting portion in the cavity, the casing being deformable against a wall of the cavity, upon insertion of the projecting portion and casing into the cavity, to retain the indicator.
2. A tactile ground surface indicator, comprising a rigid indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a rigid projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion, in fixed relation to the indicator portion, to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground, the indicator further comprising a casing pre-applied to the projecting portion such that, during insertion of the projecting portion into the cavity, downward movement of the projecting portion relative to the casing is substantially precluded and the casing deforms against a wall of the cavity to retain the indicator.
3. A tactile ground surface indicator, comprising a rigid indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a rigid projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion, in fixed relation to the indicator portion, to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground, the indicator further comprising a casing pre-applied to the projecting portion, whereby an upper end of the casing is received over an upper part of the projecting portion, such that during insertion of the projecting portion into the cavity, the casing deforms against a wall of the cavity to retain the indicator.
4. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator portion is of substantially solid form.
5. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator portion is formed of metal.
6. An indicator according to claim 5, wherein the metal comprises stainless steel.
7. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projecting portion is formed of metal.
8. An indicator according to claim 7, wherein the projecting portion is formed of stainless steel.
9. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing is closed at an end thereof which is lowermost when the indicator is installed.
10. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the projecting portion is configured in the form of a stem.
11. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing and projecting portion are interlocked.
12. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the indicator portion and projecting portion are integrally formed.
13. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, the indicator being configured such that the base is received directly against the ground surface when the indicator is installed.
14. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base is substantially flat.
15. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing is formed with at least one protuberance which protrudes radially outwardly to be deformable against the cavity wall.
16. An indicator according to claim 15, wherein the at least one protuberance comprises a pair of ribs arranged at opposite sides of the casing which extend in general alignment with the projecting portion.
17. An indicator according to claim 15, wherein the at least one protuberance comprises one or more ribs extending circumferentially around the casing to be deformable against the cavity wall.
18. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing is moulded over the projecting portion.
19. An indicator according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the casing is overmoulded to the projecting portion.
20. An indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing is permanently fixed to the projecting portion.
21. A tactile ground surface indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing covers the projecting portion.
22. A tactile ground surface indicator according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing is arranged to abut an underside of the indicator portion.
23. A method of forming a tactile ground surface indicator, the method comprising: providing a rigid body comprising an indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground; and applying a casing to the projecting portion, such that the projecting portion is substantially encased thereby, prior to receipt of the projecting portion in the cavity, the casing being deformable against a wall of the cavity upon insertion of the projecting portion and casing into the cavity, to retain the indicator.
24. A method of forming a tactile ground surface indicator, the method comprising: providing a rigid body comprising an indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground; and pre-applying a casing to the projecting portion, such that during insertion of the projecting portion into the cavity, downward movement of the projecting portion relative to the casing is substantially precluded and the casing deforms against a wall of the cavity to retain the indicator.
25. A method of forming a tactile ground surface indicator, the method comprising: providing a rigid body comprising an indicator portion, which is of substantially single-piece construction and arranged to lie exposed over a ground surface, and a projecting portion extending from a base of the indicator portion to be receivable in a cavity formed in the ground; and pre-applying a casing to the projecting portion, whereby an upper end of the casing is received over an upper part of the projecting portion, such that during insertion of the projecting portion into the cavity, the casing deforms against a wall of the cavity to retain the indicator.
26. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the casing is applied so as to cover the projecting portion.
27. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein the casing is applied so as to abut an underside of the indicator portion.
28. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the rigid body is formed as a single piece.
29. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein applying the casing to the projecting portion comprises moulding the casing over the projecting portion.
30. A method according to any one of claims 23 to 29, wherein applying the casing to the projecting portion comprises overmoulding the casing to the projecting portion.
31. A tactile ground surface indicator substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
32. A method of forming a tactile ground surface indicator, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2008202373A AU2008202373C1 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2008-05-29 | Tactile ground surface indicator |
| AU2009233692A AU2009233692B2 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2009-11-06 | Tactile ground surface indicator |
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2007903648 | 2007-07-05 | ||
| AU2007903648A AU2007903648A0 (en) | 2007-07-05 | Tactile Ground Surface Indicator | |
| AU2007906297A AU2007906297A0 (en) | 2007-11-16 | Tactile ground surface indicator | |
| AU2007906297 | 2007-11-16 | ||
| AU2008202373A AU2008202373C1 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2008-05-29 | Tactile ground surface indicator |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2009233692A Division AU2009233692B2 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2009-11-06 | Tactile ground surface indicator |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2008202373A1 AU2008202373A1 (en) | 2009-01-22 |
| AU2008202373B2 AU2008202373B2 (en) | 2009-08-06 |
| AU2008202373C1 true AU2008202373C1 (en) | 2023-11-02 |
Family
ID=40158285
Family Applications (3)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2008202373A Active AU2008202373C1 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2008-05-29 | Tactile ground surface indicator |
| AU2009233692A Active AU2009233692B2 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2009-11-06 | Tactile ground surface indicator |
| AU2010201685A Active AU2010201685B2 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2010-04-28 | Tactile Ground Surface Indicator |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| AU2009233692A Active AU2009233692B2 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2009-11-06 | Tactile ground surface indicator |
| AU2010201685A Active AU2010201685B2 (en) | 2007-07-05 | 2010-04-28 | Tactile Ground Surface Indicator |
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| AU (3) | AU2008202373C1 (en) |
| NZ (2) | NZ572592A (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2957944B1 (en) * | 2010-03-26 | 2015-02-27 | Auriol Frappe A Froid | PODOTACTILE NAIL AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1816502A (en) * | 1930-11-24 | 1931-07-28 | William H Theel | Traffic marker |
| US1918336A (en) * | 1930-01-02 | 1933-07-18 | Paul P Horni | Pavement marker |
| AU2006101003A4 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2007-01-04 | Eigen Technology Pty Ltd | Tactile Ground Surface Indicator |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP2002167718A (en) * | 2000-11-30 | 2002-06-11 | Hitachi Cable Ltd | Braille block and braille block laying body |
| DE10229542B4 (en) * | 2002-07-01 | 2004-05-19 | Infineon Technologies Ag | Electronic component with multilayer rewiring plate and method for producing the same |
| AU2006201654A1 (en) * | 2005-04-20 | 2006-11-09 | Dece Holdings Pty Ltd | Tactile indicator with visually contrasting features |
| AU2006202792B2 (en) * | 2005-07-01 | 2014-12-18 | Alistair John Calow | Tactile Indicator Stud |
| JP4708168B2 (en) * | 2005-11-24 | 2011-06-22 | 三▲祥▼株式会社 | Ride position guidance tile for visually impaired |
-
2008
- 2008-05-29 AU AU2008202373A patent/AU2008202373C1/en active Active
- 2008-05-30 NZ NZ572592A patent/NZ572592A/en active IP Right Revival
- 2008-05-30 NZ NZ568738A patent/NZ568738A/en active IP Right Revival
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2009
- 2009-11-06 AU AU2009233692A patent/AU2009233692B2/en active Active
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2010
- 2010-04-28 AU AU2010201685A patent/AU2010201685B2/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1918336A (en) * | 1930-01-02 | 1933-07-18 | Paul P Horni | Pavement marker |
| US1816502A (en) * | 1930-11-24 | 1931-07-28 | William H Theel | Traffic marker |
| AU2006101003A4 (en) * | 2006-11-27 | 2007-01-04 | Eigen Technology Pty Ltd | Tactile Ground Surface Indicator |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2009233692A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 |
| AU2008202373A1 (en) | 2009-01-22 |
| AU2008202373B2 (en) | 2009-08-06 |
| AU2009233692B2 (en) | 2014-06-19 |
| NZ568738A (en) | 2008-12-24 |
| NZ572592A (en) | 2009-09-25 |
| AU2010201685B2 (en) | 2013-09-26 |
| AU2010201685A1 (en) | 2010-05-20 |
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