U.S. patent application number 10/951240 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-31 for efficiently installable and durable embedment tile for producing tactilely-detectable surfaces.
Invention is credited to Sippola, Duane Frederick.
Application Number | 20050066623 10/951240 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34381146 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050066623 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sippola, Duane Frederick |
March 31, 2005 |
Efficiently installable and durable embedment tile for producing
tactilely-detectable surfaces
Abstract
Disclosed is an embedment tile for producing a tactilely
detectable surface in concrete or asphalt, comprising a tile member
substantially planar in form, having a pattern of upwardly
extending projections on its upper surface forming a tactilely
detectable pattern (e.g., warning, way-finder, decorative or
other), and, two or more cross beams on the lower surface of the
tile member, with hollow channels and end openings, and optionally
also with several apertures enabling flow of air and concrete or
asphalt in and around the cross beams to facilitate rapid
installation. The embedment tile may further consist of support
members which project down further than the cross beams and
function for support and to interlock the embedment tile to the
concrete or asphalt once they set and harden. Methods for
installing the tile are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Sippola, Duane Frederick;
(Madison, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATRICIA SMITH KING
SUITE 22
222 NORTH MIDVALE BOULEVARD
MADISON
WI
537055072
|
Family ID: |
34381146 |
Appl. No.: |
10/951240 |
Filed: |
September 27, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60505794 |
Sep 25, 2003 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/782.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 11/24 20130101;
A61H 3/066 20130101; E01C 5/16 20130101; E01C 5/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
052/782.1 |
International
Class: |
E04D 001/00 |
Claims
1. An embedment tile for producing a tactilely detectable surface
in concrete or asphalt, comprising: a. a tile member substantially
planar in form, having an upper surface and a lower surface and two
or more sides defining side edges, the upper surface having a
plurality of projections extending upward there from in a tactilely
detectable pattern; and, b. two or more cross beams attached to the
lower surface of the tile member and projecting downward a distance
there from, the distance defining a depth of the cross beams, each
cross beam comprising a sidewall having two opposing ends which
define a length there between, the sidewall being shaped so as to
define a hollow channel extending the length and an opening at each
end, the channel being in communication with an exterior via the
openings; whereby air and the concrete or asphalt are displaced
around and into the openings of the cross beams and toward the
lower surface and two or more sides of the tile member as the
embedment tile is embedded therein, leaving exposed the
tactilely-detectable pattern of projections on the upper
surface.
2. The embedment tile of claim 1, wherein the projections are
shaped and patterned so as to be compliant with the Americans with
Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.
3. The embedment tile of claim 1, wherein the tile member is
comprised of stainless steel.
4. The embedment tile of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the
tile member is skid-resistant.
5. The embedment tile of claim 1, further comprising two or more
support members, each support member being attached to the lower
surface of the tile member and projecting downward a distance there
from, the distance defining a depth greater than that of the two or
more cross beams and comprising a sidewall having two opposing ends
which define a length there between, the sidewall being shaped so
as to define a hollow channel extending the length and an opening
at each end, the channel being in communication with the exterior
via the openings, whereby the concrete is displaced around and into
the openings of the support members as the embedment tile is
embedded therein.
6. The embedment tile of claim 5, wherein the depth of the two or
more support members is sufficient to support the tile member at a
surface height of the concrete during installation of the embedment
tile therein.
7. An embedment tile for producing a tactilely detectable surface
in concrete or asphalt, comprising: a. a tile member substantially
planar in form, having an upper surface and a lower surface and two
or more sides defining side edges, the upper surface having a
plurality of projections extending upward there from in a tactilely
detectable pattern; and, b. two or more cross beams attached to the
lower surface of the tile member and projecting downward a distance
there from, the distance defining a depth of the cross beams, each
cross beam comprising a sidewall having two opposing ends which
define a length there between, the sidewall being shaped so as to
define a hollow channel extending the length and an opening at each
end, the sidewall further comprising two or more apertures therein,
the channel being in communication with an exterior along the
length via the two or more apertures and at each end via the
openings; whereby air and the concrete or asphalt are displaced
around and into the apertures and openings of the cross beams and
toward the lower surface and two or more sides of the tile member
as the embedment tile is embedded therein, leaving exposed the
tactilely-detectable pattern of projections on the upper
surface.
8. The embedment tile of claim 7, wherein the projections are
shaped and patterned so as to be compliant with the Americans with
Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines.
9. The embedment tile of claim 7, wherein the tile member is
comprised of stainless steel.
10. The embedment tile of claim 7, wherein the upper surface of the
tile member is skid-resistant.
11. The embedment tile of claim 7, further comprising two or more
support members, each support member being attached to the lower
surface of the tile member and projecting downward a distance there
from, the distance defining a depth greater than that of the two or
more cross beams and comprising a sidewall having two opposing ends
which define a length there between, the sidewall being shaped so
as to define a hollow channel extending the length and an opening
at each end, the channel being in communication with the exterior
via the openings, whereby the concrete is displaced around and into
the openings of the support members as the embedment tile is
embedded therein.
12. The embedment tile of claim 11, wherein the depth of the two or
more support members is sufficient to support the tile member at a
surface height of the concrete during installation of the embedment
tile therein.
13. Method for producing a tactilely detectable surface in
concrete, comprising: a. providing an embedment tile comprising: i.
a tile member substantially planar in form, having an upper surface
and a lower surface and two or more sides defining side edges, the
upper surface having a plurality of projections extending upward
there from in a tactilely detectable pattern; and, ii. two or more
cross beams attached to the lower surface of the tile member and
projecting downward a distance there from, the distance defining a
depth of the cross beams, each cross beam comprising a sidewall
having two opposing ends which define a length there between, the
sidewall being shaped so as to define a hollow channel extending
the length and an opening at each end, the channel being in
communication with an exterior at each end via the openings; b.
lowering the embedment tile into the concrete; and, c. positioning
the upper surface of the tile member relative to a surface of the
surrounding concrete as desired and so that the upper surface's
tactilely-detectable pattern of projections is exposed.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising finishing around the
two or more edges of the embedment tile.
15. The method of claims 13, wherein the embedment tile's crossbeam
sidewall further comprises two or more apertures therein, the
crossbeam channel being further in communication with the exterior
along the length via the two or more apertures.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the embedment tile's tile
member is comprised of stainless steel.
17. The method of claim 13, wherein the embedment tile, further
comprises two or more support members, each support member being
attached to the lower surface of the tile member and projecting
downward a distance there from, the distance defining a depth
greater than that of the two or more cross beams and comprising a
sidewall having two opposing ends which define a length there
between, the sidewall being shaped so as to define a hollow channel
extending the length and an opening at each end, the channel being
in communication with the exterior via the openings, whereby the
concrete is displaced around and into the openings of the support
members as the embedment tile is lowered into the concrete.
18. Method for producing a tactilely detectable surface in
concrete, comprising: a. providing an embedment tile comprising: i.
a tile member substantially planar in form, having an upper surface
and a lower surface and two or more sides defining side edges, the
upper surface having a plurality of projections extending upward
there from in a tactilely detectable pattern; ii. two or more cross
beams attached to the lower surface of the tile member and
projecting downward a distance there from, the distance defining a
depth of the cross beams, each cross beam comprising a sidewall
having two opposing ends which define a length there between, the
sidewall being shaped so as to define a hollow channel extending
the length and an opening at each end, the channel being in
communication with an exterior at each end via the openings; and,
b. securing the embedment tile in place; c. adjusting the embedment
tile to meet slope or grade requirements; and, d. pouring the
concrete onto the sub-base and under and around the embedment
tile.
19. The method of claims 18, wherein the embedment tile's crossbeam
sidewall further comprises two or more apertures therein, the
crossbeam channel being further in communication with the exterior
along the length via the two or more apertures.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the embedment tile's tile
member is comprised of stainless steel.
21. The method of claim 18, further comprising two or more support
members, each support member being attached to the lower surface of
the tile member and projecting downward a distance there from, the
distance defining a depth greater than that of the two or more
cross beams and comprising a sidewall having two opposing ends
which define a length there between, the sidewall being shaped so
as to define a hollow channel extending the length and an opening
at each end, the channel being in communication with the exterior
via the openings.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES
[0001] This application is entitled to the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/505,794, filed 2003 Sep.
25. Applicant(s) requests that Disclosure Document no. 536197,
filed at U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on 2003 AUG 11, be
associated with this application.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The Department of Justice (DOJ), the lead agency that
oversees the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has mandated
that many municipalities and other governmental bodies comply with
certain regulations regarding accessibility. One such regulation
deals with accessibility on walkways in public right of ways. In
brief, it requires that surfaces of those walkways enable tactile
detection by visually impaired persons.
[0003] One of the primary ways of providing the ability to detect
proximity to hazardous locations (e.g., roadways, railroad
crossings, etc.) is by modifying the surface texture of the
walkways. Tactilely detectable warnings are distinctive surface
patterns of domes detectable by cane or underfoot, and are used to
alert people with vision impairments of their approach to streets
and hazardous drop-offs. The ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
require these warnings on the surface of curb ramps, which remove a
tactile cue otherwise provided by curb faces, and at other areas
where pedestrian ways blend with vehicular ways. They are also
required along the edges of boarding platforms in transit
facilities and at the perimeter of reflecting pools.
[0004] Complying with the federal mandate is requiring the
expenditure of much time and money by the municipalities to modify
the surface textures of their sidewalks and other walkways. The
need for a tactile warning device that is cost effective is
essential to enable municipalities to comply with the ADA unfunded
mandates. It is also needed by non-governmental entities, such as
land developers, railroad companies and others who likewise need to
provide tactile-detectable surfaces at curb ramps, platforms and
the like.
[0005] Some embedded tile devices currently exist for providing
tactilely detectable warning surfaces for the visually impaired in
concrete walkways. Once embedded in concrete or asphalt, these
devices form a truncated dome portion of the surface that is
detectable to people on foot.
[0006] However, most of these devices are made out of plastic and
are flimsy, being subject to ultraviolet light damage,
deterioration and cracking in short periods of time. Also, inherent
to the truncated dome design is the exposure of domes to severe
impacts by snowplow equipment, particularly snowplow blades and
end-loader buckets. Domes made of plastic tend to be sheared off,
nicked or cracked when snowplows hit them. Once damaged, repair
requires that entire plastic embedded tiles be removed and
replaced. The fact that plastic embedded tile devices are easily
damaged results in high long-term costs to maintaining truncated
dome surfaces when they are employed. Yet, current manufactures of
plastic embedded tile devices either do not warrant the devices or
warrant them for no more than five years. Public entities cannot
afford to replace truncated dome devices every five years--nor
every ten to fifteen years for that matter. A more durable device
is needed.
[0007] Information somewhat relevant to attempts to address these
problems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,775,835 to Szekely;
6,449,790 to Szekely; 6,715,956 TO Weber et al.; and, U.S. patent
Application Publication US 2004/0042850 to Provenzano, III.
However, each one of these references suffers from one or more of
the following disadvantages: (1) they do not enable embedment of a
tile in materials such as concrete or asphalt; (2) they lack means
for securely interlocking a tile with the concrete or asphalt; (3)
they result in build-up of concrete or asphalt around the edges of
the tile when inserted, resulting in longer installation times due
to the need for removal of the buildup prior to finishing; (4) the
tiles are not designed to efficiently move air and concrete or
asphalt to enable the rapid sinking of the tile, and without the
need for applying weights to prevent the tile from floating while
the concrete or asphalt sets; and, (5) the tiles are not made of
materials that stand up to the cracking and sheering effects of
snowplows or other heavy equipment, thus resulting in high
maintenance costs over time.
[0008] For the foregoing reasons there is a need for an embedment
tile device that is designed to be both easily installable to
minimize installation time and cost, and durable to minimize
long-term maintenance costs and to reliably provide tactilely
detectable surfaces.
SUMMARY
[0009] The present invention is directed to an embedment tile and
method that satisfy this need for a device that is designed to be
both easily installable to minimize installation time and cost, and
durable to minimize long-term maintenance costs and to reliably
provide tactilely detectable warning surfaces.
[0010] One version of the embedment tile for embedment in concrete
or asphalt, comprises a tile member substantially planar in form,
having an upper surface and a lower surface and two or more sides
defining side edges, the upper surface having several projections
extending upward there from in a tactilely detectable pattern; and,
two or more cross beams attached to the lower surface of the tile
member and projecting downward a distance there from, the distance
defining a depth of the cross beams, each cross beam comprising a
sidewall having two opposing ends which define a length there
between, the sidewall being shaped so as to define a hollow channel
extending the length and an opening at each end, the channel being
in communication with an exterior via the openings, whereby air and
the concrete or asphalt are displaced around and into the openings
of the cross beams and toward the lower surface and two or more
sides of the tile member as the embedment tile is embedded
therein.
[0011] In another version, the two or more cross beams further
consist of two or more apertures to enable air and concrete or
asphalt to flow into the central hollow channel facilitating
insertion of the embedment tile therein and providing further
interlocking between the tile and the set concrete or asphalt.
[0012] In yet another version, the embedment tile further consists
of support members. Support members are attached to the lower
surface of the tile member and projecting downward a distance there
from, the distance defining a depth of the support member, the
depth of the support member being greater than that of the two or
more cross beams and comprising a sidewall having two opposing ends
which define a length there between, the sidewall being shaped so
as to define a hollow channel extending the length and an opening
at each end, the channel being in communication with the exterior
at each end via the openings, whereby the concrete is displaced
around and into the openings of the support members as the
embedment tile is lowered into the concrete. The support members
may also function to support the tile member during
installation.
[0013] In other versions, the upper surface of the tile member may
be skid-resistant, all or a portion of the embedment tile may be
manufactured out of stainless steel, and/or its projections may
consist of a surface of truncated domes distributed in a warning
pattern compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act
Accessibility Guidelines.
[0014] In other versions, methods for making a tactilely detectable
surface using the embedment tile as described above are
disclosed.
[0015] Several objects and advantages of the present invention
are:
[0016] providing an embedment tile with cross beams on its lower
surface designed to optimize air release and concrete movement upon
embedment in concrete and to move concrete into and around the
cross beams and toward the lower surface and sides as the embedment
tile is embedded therein to enable rapid, efficient and quality
installations;
[0017] means for providing tactilely detectable warning surfaces
(or other surface patterns such as way-finder, decorative and the
like) that are both efficiently installed and durable to enable
entities to comply with ADA Accessibility Guidelines, or other
requirements, rapidly and cost-effectively;
[0018] means for providing tactilely detectable surfaces in
materials such as concrete and asphalt efficiently and reliably so
as to save installation time and labor costs;
[0019] means for providing tactilely detectable surfaces in
materials such as concrete and asphalt durably so as to minimize
the need for replacement and thereby, the long-term costs of
maintenance, by providing embedment tiles that last at least as
long as the surrounding materials;
[0020] means for providing embedment tiles that are reusable in
order to conserve materials and to minimize replacement costs;
and,
[0021] means for providing embedment tiles with improved
recyclability so as to maximally conserve environmental
resources.
[0022] The reader is advised that this summary is not meant to be
exhaustive. Further features, aspects, and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description, accompanying drawings and appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0023] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference may be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1a, shows a top perspective view of a version of the
embedment tile;
[0025] FIG. 1b, shows a bottom perspective view of the version of
the embedment tile depicted in FIG. 1a;
[0026] FIG. 2a, shows a top view detail of the tile member depicted
in the embedment tile of FIG. 1a;
[0027] FIG. 2b, shows the cross section indicated in FIG. 2a,
detailing a projection and an optional edge flange of the tile
member;
[0028] FIG. 2c, shows a side view (both sides being alike) of the
tile member depicted in FIG. 2a;
[0029] FIG. 2d, shows an end view (both ends being alike) of the
tile member depicted in FIG. 2a;
[0030] FIG. 3, shows a bottom view of the embedment tile depicted
in FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0031] FIG. 4a, shows a side view of the embedment tile depicted in
FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0032] FIG. 4b, shows the detail "A" of FIG. 4a, enlarged to show
apertures and the location of a cross beam perpendicularly to
another aligned to allow optional insertion of reinforcement bars
there through;
[0033] FIG. 4c, shows an end view of the embedment tile depicted in
FIGS. 1a and 1b;
[0034] FIGS. 5a to 5c, show side view details of versions of cross
beams which vary in length and in number of apertures;
[0035] FIG. 6, shows cross-sectional views of versions of the cross
beams which vary in way in which they are attached to the lower
surface of the tile member;
[0036] FIG. 7, shows cross-sectional views of versions of the cross
beams which vary in shape of the side wall;
[0037] FIGS. 8a to 8c, show a cross sectional view through an
embedment tile showing one cross beam with apertures as it is
lowered into a matrix of concrete or asphalt; arrows in matrix
indicate direction of flow of concrete or asphalt as it is
displaced by the cross beam and as it flows into the hollow channel
of the cross beam via its apertures;
[0038] FIG. 9, shows a side view and several end views of a support
member; and,
[0039] FIGS. 10a to 10c, show samples of tile members varying in
number of sides from 2-sided to 3- and 4-sided, respectively.
DESCRIPTION
[0040] Referring now specifically to the figures, in which
identical or similar parts are designated by the same reference
numerals throughout, a detailed description of the present
invention is given. It should be understood that the following
detailed description relates to the best presently known
embodiment(s) of the invention. However, the present invention can
assume numerous other embodiments, as will become apparent to those
skilled in the art, without departing from the appended claims. For
example, though the present embedment tile is described relative to
embedment in concrete, it may also be embedded in other materials
such as asphalt. Also, though the tactilely detectable surface of
the embedment tile is described as producing a warning pattern
compliant with ADA Accessibility Guidelines, any pattern may be
produced, including way-finder patterns, purely decorative
patterns, emblematic patterns or patterns of other sorts.
[0041] It should also be understood that, while the methods
disclosed herein may be described and shown with reference to
particular steps performed in a particular order, these steps may
be combined, sub-divided, or re-ordered to form an equivalent
method without departing from the teachings of the present
invention. Accordingly, unless specifically indicated herein, the
order and grouping of the steps is not a limitation of the present
invention.
[0042] Detailed Description--Embedment Tile
[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, one version of the embedment tile
device of the present invention is depicted. This version of the
embedment tile device 100 is designed for embedment in concrete
walkways to bring them into compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) by producing
tactilely detectable warning surfaces. Though the accompanying
drawings and following description relate to use of the embedment
tile 100 for creating tactilely detectible warning surfaces in
concrete, the reader is reminded that the tiles 100 may be used to
produce other surface patterns in a variety of places other than
walkways specifically, and in a variety of materials other than
concrete, including asphalt.
[0044] The embedment tile 100 comprises a tile member 200 and two
or more cross beams 300. It may further comprise two or more
support members 400.
[0045] The tile member 200 is substantially planar in form, having
an upper surface and a lower surface and two or more sides defining
side edges. As depicted in most of the figures, the tile member 200
has 4 side edges. However, the same design can be constructed to
meet the needs of a user for different shapes, including, for
example, skewed curb ramp approaches, blended sidewalk approaches,
sides of curb ramp approaches and the like where the number of side
edges may vary (see FIGS. 10a-10c for examples of 2-, 3-, and
4-sided versions, respectively).
[0046] Referring to FIG. 1a, the tile member 200's upper surface
comprises many projections 210 extending upward from the surface.
As depicted, these projections 210 are distributed in a tactilely
detectable warning pattern. As shown in FIG. 1a, the projections
210 are shaped like truncated domes and are distributed in a matrix
of rows and columns in conformance with the ADAAG. As the ADA
guidelines evolve over time or as users require conformance with
other guidelines, the projections 210 may be altered in form, size,
distribution pattern and spacing to meet those new requirements.
For example, users may require the projections 210 to form a
way-finder pattern, decorative design or some other pattern.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 2a to 2d, detailed views of the version
of the tile member 200 depicted in FIG. 1a are provided. A top view
is provided in FIG. 2a, side view in FIG. 2c and an end view in
FIG. 2d. FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional view through one of the
truncated dome projections 210 and one edge of the tile member 200
(defined as section B-B in FIG. 2a).
[0048] Note that in FIGS. 2b to 2d, a vertical flange 220 is shown
extending vertically downward from each edge of the tile member
200. Vertical flanges 220 are optional. When present, however, the
vertical flanges 220 function to further stabilize the tile member
200 and enable the easy connection of additional embedment tiles
100 as may be necessary to extend or expand surface projection
areas by bolting them together at the flanges 220 (note that bolt
holes 222 are shown in the vertical flanges 220 as depicted in
FIGS. 1a-1b, 2c-2d, 4a-4c).
[0049] As mentioned above, the size of the tile member 200 as well
as its shape and number of sides may vary depending on a user's
needs. By way of example, in one version as depicted in FIGS. 1a,
1b, and 2a-2d, the tile member is about 24.0 inches (61 cm) wide by
48.0 inches (122 cm) long. Many other sizes are possible.
[0050] The upper surface of the tile member 200 may further be
conditioned or surfaced so as to provide skid-resistance. For
example, if the tile member 200 is made of a metal material, such
as stainless steel, the upper surface might be etched or otherwise
surfaced to provide skid-resistance. In addition or alternatively,
the upper surface may be coated with a material to improve or
provide its skid-resistant quality. Color for improved visual
contrast of the embedment tile 100 may further be provided by
treatment of the embedment tile 100's material itself, and/or by
coating it with a colorant. A variety of techniques may be used to
impart the embedment tile 100 with long-lasting color contrasting
and skid resistance.
[0051] The embedment tile 100 further comprises two or more cross
beams 300 that are attached to and project downward a distance from
the lower surface of the tile member 200, the distance defining a
depth 360 of the cross beams 300 (see FIGS. 1b and 3, in which 5
cross beams 300 are shown). Each cross beam 300 consists of a
sidewall 310 having two opposing ends which define a length there
between. The sidewall 310 is shaped so as to define a hollow
channel 340 extending the length and an opening 320 at each end.
The channel is in communication with an exterior at each end via
the openings.
[0052] The depth of the sidewall 310 may vary. As illustrated in
the accompanying drawings (FIGS. 1b, 4a-4c), the depth 360 is about
2.0 inches (5.1 cm). Generally the depth 360 will be 1.0 inches
(2.5 cm) or more. However, many other depths 360 are possible.
Likewise, lengths may vary.
[0053] The cross beams 300 may be distributed on the lower surface
of the tile member 200 in various ways. As depicted in FIG. 3, two
longer cross beams 300 (detailed in FIG. 5c) are located length
wise toward the outer edges of the lower surface of the tile member
200. Two cross beams 300 of shorter length (detailed in FIG. 5a)
are located at opposite ends of the lower surface of the tile
member 200 so as to span the distance between and to rest
perpendicularly to the two longer beams 300. A fifth cross beam 200
(detailed in FIG. 5b) is located lengthwise down the middle of the
lower surface of the tile member 200 in parallel to and midway
between the two longer cross beams 200, and spanning the distance
between the two short cross beams 200 running perpendicular to
them. Other orientations (such as diagonal) and numbers of cross
beams 300 may be employed also.
[0054] Likewise, the shaping of the sidewall 310 may vary (see FIG.
7 for cross-sectional views). The sidewalls 310 of the cross beams
300 may be shaped so that the cross beams are substantially
V-shaped in cross section as in the version depicted in FIGS. 1b,
4b-4c, 5a-5c. The V-shape functions well to enable the cross beams
300 to embed efficiently in wet concrete or asphalt, acting to move
concrete or asphalt into and around the cross beams 300 to enable
insertion (as shown in FIGS. 8a to 8c). However, as mentioned
previously, the sidewall 310 may be formed to other cross-sectional
shapes as well that function likewise such as U-shaped, round,
square or otherwise (see FIG. 7).
[0055] As seen in FIG. 6, the way in which the cross beam 300 is
attached to the lower surface of the tile member 200 may vary. For
example, a cross beam 300 may be attached by its two side edges
312, one side edge 312 and a portion of the sidewall 310 adjacent
to the opposing side edge 312, by portions of the sidewall 310
adjacent to each side edge 312, or in some other way.
[0056] The sidewall 310 of the cross beams 300 may further consist
of two or more apertures 330 distributed along its length. The
channel 340 is in further communication with the exterior via the
apertures 300, further improving air release and concrete movement
into and around the cross beams 300 as the embedment tile 100 is
lowered into the surface of the wet concrete.
[0057] The apertures 320 may also vary in shape such as round (as
depicted in the figures), saw-toothed, triangular, rectangular and
so forth. The number and size of the apertures 310 will vary with
the depth and length of the cross beam 300. Several cross beams 300
of varying lengths are depicted in FIGS. 5a-5c in side view. In
these versions, as length increases, so do the number of apertures
310, though the number and distribution of apertures 310 may vary
and are not necessarily proportional to length of the cross beam
300.
[0058] The apertures 320 function to improve the amount of concrete
or asphalt that intrudes into the hollow channels 340, and thus the
interlocking function of the cross beams 300. The apertures 320
also serve to enable air to escape as concrete or asphalt enters
the channels 340 (see, e.g., FIGS. 8a to 8c). By enabling air to
escape and concrete or asphalt to move into place more smoothly,
the installation of the embedment tile 100 may proceed more
quickly. Also, allowing air to escape enables the embedment tile
100 to remain in place at the desired grade without requiring
weights during installation (when lowered into wet concrete). This
too improves the efficiency of installation. Also, because some of
the wet concrete or asphalt moves into the hollow channels 340 via
the apertures 320, improved interlocking occurs between the
embedment tile 100 and the dry concrete or asphalt walkway.
[0059] As can be seen from the above, cross beams 300 function to
stabilize the tile member 200 and are also designed to function to
provide good air release and concrete movement by displacing air
and the concrete into (via the end openings 320 and apertures 330)
and around the cross beams 300 toward the lower surface and sides
of the tile member 200 as the tile 100 is lowered into wet
concrete, thus easing the embedment tile 100 down into the concrete
and thereby facilitating rapid embedment of the tile 100 (see FIGS.
8a to 8c). In versions of the tile member 200 where the projections
210 on the upper surface are accompanied by matching indentations
on the lower surface below (as illustrated in FIGS. 1b, 2b, 3), the
cross beams 300 also function to move the concrete into the
indentations, eliminating voids therein and thereby further
fortifying the projections 210 above against cracking and breaking
from heavy equipment.
[0060] Once the concrete sets and hardens, the portions of same
which flowed into the channels 340 of the cross beams 300 (via the
end openings 320 and apertures 330) function to interlock the tile
100 with the hardened concrete.
[0061] To further improve interlocking, reinforced steel bars
(reinforcement bars or, re-bars, L-bars, tie-bars and the like) may
optionally be employed. These are sometimes desired by designers to
assist with unusual applications. The re-bars may be inserted
through or into the cross beam 300 and/or support beam 400 (see
below) channels 340/440, and/or the apertures 330. In some versions
of the cross beams 300, additional re-bar apertures 332 may be
provided to enable more options for insertion of re-bars. Referring
to FIG. 4b, a version of cross beams 300 are shown with a re-bar
aperture 332 located in one cross beam 300 so as to allow a
reinforcement bar to be inserted at least partly there through and
extend through an adjacent and perpendicularly oriented cross beam
300's hollow channel 340. Many variations on orientation of
apertures 330/332 may be employed according to the needs of the
user.
[0062] In some applications, tie-bars may be used to tie the tiles
100 to the surrounding concrete, particularly for tying narrow
strips of concrete to the tile 100 and to keep tooled or untooled
cracks (joints) from moving or offsetting. In general, tie-bars
would extend through tooled in concrete joints in the sidewalk. The
use of reinforced steel bars further stabilizes the embedment tile
100 and strengthens the interlocking between it and the concrete.
Reinforcement bars may further aid in joining adjacent embedment
tiles 100 to form larger areas of surface projections 210.
Reinforcement bars may still further function in securing the
embedment tile 100 in place during installation (see Method section
below).
[0063] The embedment tile 100 may further consist of two or more
support members 400 (see FIGS. 1b, 3, 4a, 4c, 9) which function as
support of the tile member 200 during installation. Support members
400 are attached to and project downward from the lower surface of
the tile member 200 for a distance defining a depth 460 greater
than the depth 360 of the two or more cross beams 300. The support
members 400 may be two-dimensional and affixed perpendicularly in
orientation to the lower surface of the tile member 200.
Alternatively, the support members 400 may be three-dimensional
constructs similar to the cross beams 300, but shorter in length as
depicted in the figures referenced above.
[0064] In their three-dimensional version, support members 400
consist of a sidewall 410 having two opposing ends which define a
length there between. The sidewall 410 is shaped so as to define a
hollow channel 440 extending the length and an opening 420 at each
end, the channel being in communication with the exterior via the
openings 420. In this way concrete is displaced around and into the
openings 420 as the embedment tile 100 is embedded in the concrete
(similarly to how the cross beams 300 function and as depicted in
FIGS. 8a to 8c). Thus an interlocking function is provided by the
support members 400 once the concrete hardens in and around them,
securing the tile in the concrete matrix when the concrete
hardens.
[0065] Note that the sidewall 410 may assume various shapes in
cross section similarly to those of the cross beams 300. Referring
to FIG. 9, the sidewall 410 in a substantially V-format is shown.
As can be seen, it may be bent to open the channel 440 to the
exterior along its length as in the two lower cross-sectional
views. These more open versions may facilitate bending in
circumstances where users must fit the embedment tiles 100 in odd
places and positions relative to other objects, affording the user
flexibility in how they may manipulate the support members 400.
[0066] As mentioned above, the support members 400 project downward
from the lower surface of the tile member 200 for a depth 460
greater than the depth 360 of the two or more cross beams 300. By
so doing, the support members 400 may further function to hold the
tile member 200 at the appropriate level above the sub-layer of the
walkway (e.g. at the surface height of the walkway) during concrete
pouring operations thereby providing an area for the concrete or
asphalt to flow around and underneath (see descriptions in method
section of this alternative method of installation). This enables a
user to install the tile 100 quickly into fresh concrete and to
work from the surface of the tile member 200 to finish around the
embedment tile 100 as necessary. Concrete finishing operations can
continue without delay when using the embedment tile 100 with
support members 400 attached.
[0067] The embedment tile 100 may be made in whole or in part, out
of a variety of materials. Stainless steel has advantages of
strength, durability and recyclability. However, the embedment tile
100 may be made out of other hard, durable materials such as
galvanized steel, other metals, hard plastics, fiber reinforced
plastics, resins and the like. As technology evolves, other types
of metals, plastics, resins and the like may be developed that may
be used to provide the durability needed in the tile member 200 and
its projections 210, among other parts of the embedment tile
100.
[0068] Some advantages of using stainless steel is that it is
recyclable, thus conserving resources, and highly durable.
Stainless steel will not be damaged by ultraviolet light, will not
crack and will withstand heavy vehicle loading, e.g., snowplow
equipment (including snow plows, end loaders, skid loaders) and
heavy truck traffic across the domed area of the walkway. Unlike
plastic dome projections 210 which experience all of the preceding
types of damage, steel dome projections 210 will not sheer off when
hit by snowplows and the like and will last as long as the concrete
around them does. Maintenance of stainless steel embedment tiles
100 is, therefore, largely limited to periodically resurfacing an
optional topcoat as necessary to maintain color contrast and skid
resistance. The frequency and cost of maintenance over the
long-term is thus minimized. The high durability of steel embedment
tiles 100 ensures that the tactile-detectible surface is compliant
with ADA requirements and that the surface is therefore, in
condition to safely warn the blind and other users.
[0069] In those cases where ramped walkways, including the
tactilely-detectable surface areas are removed from time to time
for utility repairs or other necessary work, the embedment tile 100
can be removed for re-use again at the same site or other
locations. This further reduces the costs of using the stainless
steel version of the embedment tiles 100.
[0070] Detailed Description--Method
[0071] The various versions of the embedment tile 100 of the
present invention may be embedded in fresh concrete or asphalt in
various ways. Following are descriptions of two basic methods,
though others may be employed. The descriptions specify how to
embed the tile 100 in fresh concrete. However, the basic
methodology may be applied to other materials such as fresh
asphalt.
[0072] The design of the embedment tile 100 enables installation to
proceed easily and rapidly. For example, certain versions of the
embedment tile 100 require only about 1 minute to install in
concrete.
[0073] In general, the embedment tile 100 is either (a) embedded
into already poured wet concrete or (b) is secured in place before
the concrete is poured to fill in the walkway or other surface
areas around and underneath the embedment tile 100. Once installed,
the embedment tile 100 provides a pattern of projections 210 on its
upper surface that remains exposed to pedestrian traffic once the
concrete sets and hardens to provide a surface that is
tactilely-detectable to pedestrians.
[0074] One version of the method for producing a tactilely
detectable surface in concrete comprises providing a version of the
embedment tile 100 described above for embedment in wet concrete. A
user installs the embedment tile 100 by (a) lowering the embedment
tile 100 into the concrete; and, (b) positioning the upper surface
of the tile member 200 relative to a surface of the surrounding
concrete as desired and so that the upper surface's
tactilely-detectable pattern of projections 210 is exposed. A user
may optionally work from the surface of embedment tile 100,
finishing (and optionally also edging) around the two or more edges
of the embedment tile 100. The concrete is then allowed to set and
interlocking to occur between the embedment tile 100 and the
hardened concrete.
[0075] Another version of the method for producing a tactilely
detectable surface in concrete also comprises providing a version
of the embedment tile 100 described above prior to pouring wet
concrete. In this version however, a user installs the embedment
tile 100 by (a) securing the embedment tile in place relative to an
existing sub-base or newly prepared sub-base; (b) adjusting the
embedment tile 100 to meet slope or grade requirements (e.g., those
set by the ADA Accessibility Guidelines or other requirements of
the user); and, (c) pouring the concrete onto the sub-base in a
formed area and under and around the embedment tile 100. A user may
work from the surface of embedment tile 100, working the concrete
under and around the embedment tile 100 and finishing (and
optionally also edging) around the two or more edges of the
embedment tile 100. The concrete is then allowed to set and
interlocking to occur between the embedment tile 100 and the
hardened concrete. This version may further comprise using a
concrete vibrator to consolidate the concrete.
[0076] Securing the embedment tile 100 in place may comprise (a)
anchoring the embedment tile 100 to the sub-base, or (b) suspending
the tile above the sub-base.
[0077] Anchoring the embedment tile 100 will generally involve
resting the embedment tile 100 on the sub-base or a portion thereof
[depending on version, it may rest on the sub-base (or shims placed
on the sub-base) by its cross-beams 300 or by its support members
400]. Once resting in place, one or more weights (such as sand
bags, cement blocks, or the like) may be placed directly on the
upper surface of the embedment tile 100. Alternatively, L-shaped
reinforcement bars (or, re-bars) may be placed through or into the
bottom portions of hollow channels 440 of the support members 400
(or if resting on cross-beams 300, through the bottom portions of
hollow channels 340) and secured to the sub-base by pushing or
tapping the reinforcement bars down into the sub-base. Likewise,
other types of reinforcement bars and means for anchoring the
embedment tile 100 may be employed.
[0078] Alternatively, securing the embedment tile 100 in place may
consist of suspending the embedment tile 100 above the sub-base
before the concrete is poured. In one version, the embedment tile
100 is suspended above the sub-base by placing L-shaped
reinforcement bars (or, re-bars) into the hollow channels 340 of
the cross beams 300 or aperture's 320 of cross beams 300 and
securing the other ends of the reinforcement bars into the sub-base
by pushing or tapping the reinforcement bars down into the
sub-base. Alternatively, suspending the embedment tile 100 may be
accomplished by securing a wood board or other rigid material to
the upper surface of the embedment tile 100, then resting ends of
the wood board on an existing portion of concrete surface (such as
a walkway and back of curb and gutter) to hold the embedment tile
100 to grade. Other alternatives for suspending the embedment tile
100 may also be employed.
ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0079] The previously described versions of the present invention
have many advantages, including:
[0080] providing an embedment tile with cross beams on its lower
surface designed to optimize air release and concrete movement upon
embedment in concrete and to move concrete into and around the
cross beams and toward the lower surface and sides as the embedment
tile is embedded therein to enable rapid, efficient and quality
installations;
[0081] means for providing tactilely detectable warning surfaces
(or other surface patterns such as way-finder, decorative and the
like) that are both efficiently installed and durable to enable
entities to comply with ADA Accessibility Guidelines, or other
requirements, rapidly and cost-effectively;
[0082] means for providing tactilely detectable surfaces in
materials such as concrete and asphalt efficiently and reliably so
as to save installation time and labor costs;
[0083] means for providing tactilely detectable surfaces in
materials such as concrete and asphalt durably so as to minimize
the need for replacement and thereby, the long-term costs of
maintenance, by providing embedment tiles that last at least as
long as the surrounding materials;
[0084] means for providing embedment tiles that are reusable in
order to conserve materials and to minimize replacement costs;
and,
[0085] means for providing embedment tiles with improved
recyclability so as to maximally conserve environmental
resources.
[0086] The present invention does not require that all the
advantageous features and all the advantages need to be
incorporated into every embodiment thereof.
[0087] Closing
[0088] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions
thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and
scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the
description of the preferred versions contained herein.
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