WO2002096518A1

WO2002096518A1 - Guidance rail for fitting to walls

Info

Publication number: WO2002096518A1
Application number: PCT/GB2001/002426
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Charles Phillips
Original assignee: Michael Charles Phillips
Priority date: 2001-06-01
Filing date: 2001-06-01
Publication date: 2002-12-05

Abstract

A wall rail comprises an elongate strip for fitting along a wall, the strip comprises a flat front surface having an axially extending central portion into which a plurality of successive triangular-section surface formations (15) are recessed. The rate at which each formation (15) increases in depth along the strip between first and second ends thereof is different from the rate at which each formation (15) decreases in depth, with the rate of increase being less than the rate of decrease. The central portion is bounded on its opposite sides by flat co-planar side portions (13). The difference in the rate of change of depth of the formations (15) can be felt by a person as they run their hand along the length of the strip in opposite directions and thus when the rail is aligned on a wall, end-to-end with other such rails, it provides a means for guiding persons towards an exit or other destination purely by the sense of touch. The side portions (13) act as a guard to alleviate the risk of persons and vehicles being caught on the formations (15).

Description

GUIDANCE RAIL FOR FITTING TO WALLS

This invention relates to a rail for fitting to walls in buildings or other structures.

In the event of a fire or other emergency in a building or other structure, it is often difficult for persons to quickly find their way to the nearest emergency exit, especially if the air is filled with smoke or the person is partially sighted.

British Patent Application GB-2-224-154, British Patent Application GB-2-263-008, International Patent Application W091/16513, US Patent US-5-612-665 and US Patent US-5-636-479 each disclose a solution to this problem in the form of a rail comprising an elongate strip for fitting along a wall, the strip comprising a plurality of successive surface formations disposed along the length thereof, wherein the rate at which each formation increases in depth along the strip between first and second ends thereof is different from the rate at which each formation decreases in depth, with the rate of increase being less than the rate of decrease.

The difference in the rate of change of depth of the formations can be felt by a person as they run their hand along the length of the strip in opposite directions. Thus, it will be appreciated that the formations provide a directional indication purely by the sense of touch.

In use, the rail can be aligned on a wall, end-to-end with other such rails to guide persons by the sense of touch towards an exit or other destination.

A disadvantage of the above arrangements is persons may inadvertently catch and injure themselves on the formations which project from the rail. Also, in hospitals etc. there is a risk that trollies and other vehicles can collide with the rails and become caught on the formations: This not only damages the rails but can be injurious, since the trolley etc. can be brought to an abrupt halt.

I have now devised a wall rail which alleviates the above-mentioned problems.

In accordance with this invention, there is provided a wall rail comprising an elongate strip for fitting along a wall, the strip comprising a plurality of successive surface formations disposed in a first region which extends axially along the length thereof, the rate at which each formation increases in depth along the strip between first and second ends thereof being different from the rate at which each formation decreases in depth, with the rate of increase being less than the rate of decrease, wherein said first region is bounded on at least one of its opposite sides by a second region which extends longitudinally of the strip and which comprises a surface which lies at or outwardly of the outermost portion of each formation. The second region thus presents a longitudinally extending surface which is disposed at or outwardly of the outermost portion of each formation and thereby acts as a guard to alleviate the risk of persons and vehicles catching on the formations . Preferably the surface of the second region is flat.

Preferably the second region provides a flat planar surface which extends along opposite sides of the first region.

Preferably the width of the second region on the or each opposite side of the first region is wide compared with the depth of the strip.

Also in accordance with this invention, there is provided a wall rail comprising an elongate strip for fitting along a wall, the strip comprising flat surface having a plurality of successive surface formations recessed into the surface along a first axially extending region, the rate at which each formation increases in depth along the strip between first and second ends thereof being different from the rate at which each formation decreases in depth, with the rate of increase being less than the rate of decrease, wherein said region is disposed inwardly of at least one side edge of the strip.

Embodiments of this invention will now be described by way of examples only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of wall rail in accordance with this invention;

Figure 2 is a sectional view along the line II-II of Figure 1/

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rail of Figure 1; and

Figure 4 is a plan view of a wall fitted with the wall rail of Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 1-3 of the drawings, there is shown a rail for fitting to a wall comprising an elongate strip 10 of moulded plastics having a flat rear surface for fitting against a wall or an intermediate backing member 11 using screws 12.

The front surface of the rail is flat and comprises longitudinally-extending flat side portions 13 and a longitudinally-extending serrated central portion 14 having a plurality of equally spaced identical serrations 15 disposed at regular intervals along its length.

Each serration 15 is triangular in section with one face thereof lying perpendicular to the front plane of the rail and another face thereof being inclined at an angle of about 20° to the longitudinal axis of the rail.

The outer ends of the serrations 15 lie in the same plane as the side portions 13 of the rail.

Referring to Figure 4, in use a plurality of rails are mounted end-to-end along a wall of a passageway, with the serrations 15 thereof facing in the same direction.

The rail may be arranged to lead persons to the nearest exit in the event of an emergency, in which case the rails are preferably aligned so that the perpendicular faces of the serrations are directed towards the exit. It will be appreciated that it is easier for a person to run their hand in the direction in which the perpendicular face of the serrations forms the trailing edge and thus a person will intuitively be guided towards the exit even if they are unable to see where they are going.

The side portions 13 of the rail present a longitudinally extending surfaces which are disposed level with the outermost portion of each formation 15 and thereby act as a guards to alleviate the risk of persons and vehicles being caught on the formations as they travel along the passageway.

It will be appreciated that a rail in accordance with this invention provides an extremely simple yet effective means for indicating the direction to a destination purely by means of the sense of touch.

Claims

1. A wall rail comprising an elongate strip for fitting along a wall, the strip comprising a plurality of successive surface formations disposed in a first region which extends axially along the length thereof, the rate at which each formation increases in depth along the strip between first and second ends thereof being different from the rate at which each formation decreases in depth, with the rate of increase being less than the rate of decrease, wherein said first region is bounded on at least one of its opposite sides by a second region which extends longitudinally of the strip and which comprises a surface which lies at or outwardly of the outermost portion of each formation.

2. A wall rail as claimed in claim 1, in which the surface of the second region is flat.

3. A wall rail as claimed in claim 2, in which the second region provides a flat planar surface which extends along opposite sides of the first region

4. A wall rail as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the width of the second region on the or each opposite side of the first region is wide compared with the depth of the strip.

5. A wall rail comprising an elongate strip for fitting along a wall, the strip comprising flat surface having a plurality of successive surface formations recessed into the surface along a first axially extending region, the rate at which each formation increases in depth along the strip between first and second ends thereof being different from the rate at which each formation decreases in depth, with the rate of increase being less than the rate of decrease, wherein said region is disposed inwardly of at least one side edge of the strip.

6. A wall rail as claimed in claim 5, in which said region is disposed inwardly of opposite sides of the strip.