U.S. patent application number 10/859374 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-01 for method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile detectable warnings, resulting surface, and components.
Invention is credited to Everett, James Carl.
Application Number | 20050265782 10/859374 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35425428 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050265782 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Everett, James Carl |
December 1, 2005 |
Method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile detectable
warnings, resulting surface, and components
Abstract
The present invention provides a method for giving a concrete
surface visual and tactile detectable warnings for pedestrian
traffic and users of wheeled conveyances. This method starts with
an existing concrete surface on which the detectable warnings are
desired. First it is determined where and in what pattern on the
surface the detectable warnings are to be placed. Next, the
concrete surface is marked at each space where a warning is to be
placed. This can be done by manually measuring and marking or by
placing a pre-made sticker sheet, cut to the size of the necessary
surface and marked in the predetermined pattern directly on the
surface. Next, a hole of predetermined depth and diameter is
drilled into the surface at each mark. This can be accomplished
using any tool or method acceptable for drilling a hole into
concrete according to the specifications necessary for the hole. If
a two-ply sticker sheet is being used, the first layer is removed.
Next, a button is placed in the hole. Said button is to have a top
in the shape of a truncated dome. The bottom of this truncated dome
portion must be larger than the diameter of the hole so that it
will rest on top of the concrete surface. An elongated member
extends from the bottom of the truncated dome part of the button to
a length not to exceed the depth of the drilled hole and of a
diameter not greater than that of the hole but great enough to
cause a secure fit of the elongated member in the hole. Epoxy may
be used to increase the security of this fit. Any remaining sticker
sheet on the surface is then removed leaving a concrete surface
having detectable warnings securely embedded.
Inventors: |
Everett, James Carl;
(Surprise, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Jami Butler
5733 West Washington Street
Phoenix
AZ
85043
US
|
Family ID: |
35425428 |
Appl. No.: |
10/859374 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/15 ; 404/19;
404/73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E01C 11/24 20130101;
E01C 23/0993 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/015 ;
404/073; 404/019 |
International
Class: |
E01F 009/00 |
Claims
1. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings, including the steps of: a. Applying a two-ply
sticker sheet to said concrete surface; said two-ply sticker sheet
having marks in such a pattern as to have a center to center
spacing of 2.35 inches measured along one side of a square
arrangement; b. Drilling a hole through the two-ply sticker sheet
and into the concrete surface at each place on the two-ply sticker
sheet designated by said mark; c. Cleaning debris out of drilled
hole; d. Peeling off the top sheet of said two-ply sticker sheet;
e. Applying an epoxy having the capability to adhere to both
concrete and plastic into said drilled holes; f. Installing buttons
into each of said drilled hole; said buttons consisting of both a
truncated dome top with a diameter of about 0.9 inch at the bottom,
a diameter of about 0.4 inch at the top and a height of about 0.2
inch and a thinner elongated member extending from the flat side of
the truncated dome to a length limited by the depth of said drilled
hole; g. Pulling off the bottom/remaining layer of said two-ply
sticker sheet leaving a clean concrete surface with visual and
tactile detectable warnings.
2. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings including the steps of: a. Applying a two-ply
sticker sheet to said concrete surface; said two-ply sticker sheet
having marks in such a pattern as to have a center to center
spacing of 2.35 inches measured along one side of a square
arrangement; b. Drilling a hole through the two-ply sticker sheet
and into the concrete surface at each place on the two-ply sticker
sheet designated by said mark; c. Cleaning debris out of drilled
hole; d. Peeling off the top sheet of said two-ply sticker sheet;
e. Installing buttons into each of said drilled hole; said buttons
consisting of both a truncated dome top with a diameter of about
0.9 inch at the bottom, a diameter of about 0.4 inch at the top and
a height of about 0.2 inch and a thinner elongated member extending
from the flat side of the truncated dome to a length limited by the
depth of said drilled hole; such elongated member possessing a
course gripping texture to function as an embedded anchoring device
for the said button; f. Pulling off the bottom/remaining layer of
said two-ply sticker sheet leaving a clean concrete surface with
visual and tactile detectable warnings.
3. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings as in claim 2, including the step of: a.
Applying an epoxy having the capability to adhere to both concrete
and plastic into said drilled holes.
4. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings, including the steps of: a. Applying a sticker
sheet to said concrete surface; said sticker sheet having marks in
such a pattern as to have a center to center spacing of 2.35 inches
measured along one side of a square arrangement; b. Drilling a hole
through said sticker sheet and into the concrete surface at each
place on the sticker sheet designated by said mark; c. Cleaning
debris out of drilled hole; d. Peeling off said sticker sheet; e.
Installing buttons into each of said drilled hole; said buttons
consisting of both a truncated dome top with a diameter of about
0.9 inch at the bottom, a diameter of about 0.4 inch at the top and
a height of about 0.2 inch and a thinner elongated member extending
from the flat side of the truncated dome to a length limited by the
depth of said drilled hole; such elongated member possessing a
course gripping texture to function as an embedded anchoring device
for the said button.
5. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings, including the steps of: a. Placing a series of
marks on said concrete surface creating a center to center spacing
of 2.35 inches between said marks measured along one side of a
square arrangement; b. Drilling a hole through each said mark
distance into the concrete surface; c. Cleaning debris out of
drilled hole; d. Applying an epoxy having the capability to adhere
to both concrete and plastic into said drilled holes; e. Installing
buttons into each of said drilled hole; said buttons consisting of
both a truncated dome top with a diameter of about 0.9 inch at the
bottom, a diameter of about 0.4 inch at the top and a height of
about 0.2 inch and a thinner elongated member extending from the
flat side of the truncated dome to a length limited by the depth of
said drilled hole;
6. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings, including the steps of: a. Placing a series of
marks on said concrete surface creating a center to center spacing
of 2.35 inches between said marks measured along one side of a
square arrangement; b. Drilling a hole through each said mark into
the concrete surface; c. Cleaning debris out of drilled hole; d.
Installing buttons into each of said drilled hole; said buttons
consisting of both a truncated dome top with a diameter of about
0.9 inch at the bottom, a diameter of about 0.4 inch at the top and
a height of about 0.2 inch and a thinner elongated member extending
from the flat side of the truncated dome to a length limited by the
depth of said drilled hole; such elongated member possessing a
course gripping texture to function as an embedded anchoring device
for the said button.
7. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings as in claim 6, including the step of: a.
Applying an epoxy having the capability to adhere to both concrete
and plastic into said drilled holes.
8. A button consisting of: a. a truncated dome top with a diameter
of 0.9 inch at the bottom; b. a diameter of 0.4 inch at the top and
a height of 0.2 inch; c. a thinner elongated member extending from
the flat side of the truncated dome to a length necessary to
function as an anchoring device for said button.
9. The use of the product described in claim 8 as a detectable
warning.
10. A button consisting of: a. a truncated dome top with a diameter
of 0.9 inch at the bottom; b. a diameter of 0.4 inch at the top; c.
a height of 0.2 inch; d. a thinner elongated member extending from
the flat side of the truncated dome and possessing a course
gripping texture to function as an embedded anchoring device for
said button.
11. The use of the product described in claim 10 as a detectable
warning.
12. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 1.
13. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 2.
14. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 3.
15. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 4.
16. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 5.
17. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 6.
18. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 7.
19. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings, including the steps of: a. Applying a two-ply
sticker sheet to said concrete surface; said two-ply sticker sheet
having marks in such a pattern as to have a center to center
spacing of about 2.35 inches measured along one side of a square
arrangement; b. Drilling a hole through the two-ply sticker sheet
and into the concrete surface at each place on the two-ply sticker
sheet designated by said mark; c. Cleaning debris out of drilled
hole; d. Peeling off the top sheet of said two-ply sticker sheet;
e. Applying an epoxy having the capability to adhere to both
concrete and plastic into said drilled holes; f. Installing buttons
into each of said drilled hole; said buttons consisting of both a
truncated dome top and a thinner elongated member extending from
the flat side of the truncated dome to a length not to exceed the
depth of said drilled hole; g. Pulling off the bottom/remaining
layer of said two-ply sticker sheet leaving a clean concrete
surface with visual and tactile detectable warnings.
20. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings including the steps of: a. Applying a two-ply
sticker sheet to said concrete surface; said two-ply sticker sheet
having marks in such a pattern as to have a center to center
spacing of 2.35 inches measured along one side of a square
arrangement; b. Drilling a hole through the two-ply sticker sheet
and into the concrete surface at each place on the two-ply sticker
sheet designated by said mark; c. Cleaning debris out of drilled
hole; d. Peeling off the top sheet of said two-ply sticker sheet;
e. Installing buttons into each of said drilled hole; said buttons
consisting of both a truncated dome top and a thinner elongated
member extending from the flat side of the truncated dome to a
length not to exceed the depth of said drilled hole; such elongated
member possessing a course gripping texture to function as an
embedded anchoring device for the said button; f. Pulling off the
bottom/remaining layer of said two-ply sticker sheet leaving a
clean concrete surface with visual and tactile detectable
warnings.
21. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings as in claim 20, including the step of: a.
Applying an epoxy having the capability to adhere to both concrete
and plastic into said drilled holes.
22. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings, including the steps of: a. Applying a sticker
sheet to said concrete surface; said sticker sheet having marks in
such a pattern as to have a center to center spacing of 2.35 inches
measured along one side of a square arrangement; b. Drilling a hole
through said sticker sheet and into the concrete surface at each
place on the sticker sheet designated by said mark; c. Cleaning
debris out of drilled hole; d. Peeling off said sticker sheet; e.
Installing buttons into each of said drilled hole; said buttons
consisting of both a truncated dome top and a thinner elongated
member extending from the flat side of the truncated dome to a
length not to exceed the depth of said drilled hole; such elongated
member possessing a course gripping texture to function as an
embedded anchoring device for the said button.
23. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings, including the steps of: a. Placing a series of
marks on said concrete surface creating a center to center spacing
of 2.35 inches between said marks measured along one side of a
square arrangement; b. Driing a hole through each said mark and
into the concrete surface; c. Cleaning debris out of drilled hole;
d. Applying an epoxy having the capability to adhere to both
concrete and plastic into said drilled holes; e. Installing buttons
into each of said drilled hole; said buttons consisting of both a
truncated dome top and a thinner elongated member extending from
the flat side of the truncated dome to a length not to exceed the
depth of said drilled hole.
24. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings, including the steps of: a. Placing a series of
marks on said concrete surface creating a center to center spacing
of 2.35 inches between said marks measured along one side of a
square arrangement; b. Drilling a hole through each said mark and
into the concrete surface; c. Cleaning debris out of drilled hole;
d. Installing buttons into each of said drilled hole; and a thinner
elongated member extending from the flat side of the truncated dome
to a length not to exceed the depth of said drilled hole; such
elongated member possessing a course gripping texture to function
as an embedded anchoring device for the said button.
25. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings as in claim 24, including the step of: a.
Applying an epoxy having the capability to adhere to both concrete
and plastic into said drilled holes.
26. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 19.
27. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 20.
28. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 21.
29. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 22.
30. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 23.
31. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 24.
32. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 25.
33. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings, including the steps of: a. Applying a sticker
sheet to said concrete surface; said sticker sheet having marks in
such a pattern as to have a center to center spacing of 2.35 inches
measured along one side of a square arrangement; b. Drilling a hole
through said sticker sheet and into the concrete surface at each
place on the sticker sheet designated by said mark; c. Cleaning
debris out of drilled hole; d. Applying an epoxy having the
capability to adhere to both concrete and plastic into said drilled
holes; e. Peeling off said sticker sheet; f. Installing buttons
into each of said drilled hole; said buttons consisting of both a
truncated dome top with a diameter of about 0.9 inch at the bottom,
a diameter of about 0.4 inch at the top and a height of about 0.2
inch and a thinner elongated member extending from the flat side of
the truncated dome to a length limited by the depth of said drilled
hole.
34. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings as in claim 4, including the step of: a.
Applying an epoxy having the capability to adhere to both concrete
and plastic into said drilled holes.
35. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 33.
36. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 34.
37. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings, including the steps of: a Applying a sticker
sheet to said concrete surface; said sticker sheet having marks in
such a pattern as to have a center to center spacing of 2.35 inches
measured along one side of a square arrangement; b. Drilling a hole
through said sticker sheet and into the concrete surface at each
place on the sticker sheet designated by said mark; c. Cleaning
debris out of drilled hole; d. Applying an epoxy having the
capability to adhere to both concrete and plastic into said drilled
holes; e. Peeling off said sticker sheet; f. Installing buttons
into each of said drilled hole; said buttons consisting of both a
truncated dome top and a thinner elongated member extending from
the flat side of the truncated dome to a length not to exceed the
depth of said drilled hole.
38. A method for giving a concrete surface visual and tactile
detectable warnings as in claim 22, including the steps of: a.
Applying an epoxy having the capability to adhere to both concrete
and plastic into said drilled holes.
39. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 37.
40. A concrete surface having visual and tactile detectable
warnings, produced by the method of claim 38.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to pedestrian walkways, ramps,
platforms and curbs used by the visually impaired.
[0002] For the visually impaired, there is a need for a warning
system in public transit facilities to decrease the level of risk
of inadvertent street entry associated with the presence of curb
ramps. Detectable warnings complying with existing ADAAG
requirements can provide an effective stop signal for the visually
impaired to determine the end of a sidewalk and the beginning of a
vehicular way.
[0003] American with Disabilities Act (ADA): "Accessibility
Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities" instill the guidelines for
the use of detectable warnings associated with the presence of curb
ramps, walking surfaces, platforms and the like. The guidelines
state that detectable warnings are to be in the form of a truncated
dome with a diameter of 0.9 inch at the bottom, a diameter of 0.4
inch at the top, a height of 0.2 inch and a center-to-center
spacing of 2.35 inches measured along one side of a square
arrangement. The material used to form the detectable warning must
contrast visually with the adjoining surface, either light on dark
or dark on light. The visual contrast must be a minimum of 70
percent in light reflectance between the detectable warning and an
adjoining surface. The material used to provide visual contrast
must be an integral part of the detectable warning surface. The
location of the detectable warnings is to be such that the edge
nearest the curb line or other potential hazard is 6 to 8 inches
from the curb line or other potential hazard. Placement of the
detectable warnings a maximum of 6 to 8 inches back from the curb
line gives some latitude in placement of the detectable warning.
Curb ramps are required to have detectable warnings extending the
full width and depth of the curb ramp. Curbing embedded at the
sidewalk/street junction is not required to be replaced. Platform
edges bordering a drop off and that are not protected by guardrails
or screens must have a detectable warning 24 inches wide that runs
the full length of the platform drop off If a walkway adjoins or
crosses a vehicular way and the two are not separated by curbs or
railing, the boundary between the areas is to have a continuous
detectable warning that is 36 inches wide.
[0004] Known within the art are ways to produce the above mentioned
detectable warnings by using a stamp with indentions on a wet
concrete surface. U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,690 issued to Fennessy, Sr.
describes this method. The end result is a concrete surface with
detectable warnings. However, use of this method is very expensive
and labor intensive. It is also limited to the initial forming of
the concrete surface and cannot be used to retrofit an existing
surface.
[0005] Also know within the art is a pre-cast textured tile system
and method for positioning on a necessary surface. U.S. Pat. No.
5,385,770 issued to Julnes describes this method. Described is a
"mask" used to create a pattern of holes. A viscous substance is
poured into the holes and the mask is then removed exposing raised
detectable warnings on the surface. The apertures are supposed to
resemble elongated ellipses. The resulting detectable warnings have
a length of approximately 1.5", a length of approximately 0.8", and
a height of approximately 0.14". After applied to the appropriate
surface, the end result of this invention is a surface with
detectable warnings. In theory this is seemingly a good,
inexpensive way to form detectable warning systems. However, in
practice, particularly in areas that experience extremely warm
temperatures, these pre-cast tiles have trouble adhering to the
surface and either bubble up or peel off. In this event, an even
greater danger is imposed on the handicap or visually impaired
person who crosses the surface. Also, the liability on the owner of
the surface on which these tiles are placed increases
dramatically.
[0006] An attempt has been made to decrease the inherent problems
with the pre-cast textured tile system for forming detectable
warnings in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 0040042850 submitted
by Provenzano, Peter J. III. This system describes laying the
pre-cast tiles in fresh concrete. This may solve the
above-mentioned problems but describes a very different method of
doing so than our present invention.
[0007] What is needed is an inexpensive and less labor intensive
way to produce detectable warning systems on ramps, curbs, walkways
and the like in which there is no danger of the truncated domes
coming loose or the surface becoming dangerous, thus increasing the
danger to those who cross as opposed to decreasing it. This system
must also comply with the ADA.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention sets forth a method for giving a
concrete surface visual and tactile detectable warnings as well as
the product of this method. This method can be used on new or
existing surfaces, thus already placing it above the on-site
stamping method. The present invention can be used on any surface
that is required to have detectable warnings pursuant to the ADA
but is not limited to just those surfaces.
[0009] In brief summary, the method describes ways of marking the
necessary surface in each spot that a truncated dome is required.
This marking can be done either by apply a pre-made map to the
surface or by measuring the surface by hand and making marks. The
pre-made map can take two different forms. The best embodiment is a
two-ply sticker sheet that is cut in the shape of the surface
requiring the detectable warnings. Another embodiment can be a
one-layer sticker sheet. Choosing between these two embodiments
depends on the needs of the installer.
[0010] Next, the surface is drilled using a tool suitable for
drilling into concrete at each said mark. Then, a piece of durable
material such as a hard nylon or plastic is placed in each drilled
hole. Said piece of material is referred to as a "button" for
purposes of this application. Said button is shaped in such a way
that the top is a truncated dome pursuant to the guidelines set
forth by the ADA on detectable warnings and the bottom is long and
wide enough to fit securely into the drilled hole.
[0011] Obviously, the drilled hole must be deep enough to house the
button. Two different methods of fitting the detectable warning
button securely into the hole are described. One method is applying
an epoxy capable of adhering to both concrete and plastic into each
hole to form a tight bond between the inserted button and the
interior of the hole. Another method is for the part of the button
that is to be placed into the hole to possess a course gripping
texture that will function as an embedded anchoring device for the
said button. In the event that one of these friction fit buttons
becomes loose, epoxy can be added for extra stick. Therefore, the
present invention claims the epoxy method, the friction fit method,
and a combination of the two.
[0012] Said buttons are intended to comply with the ADA regulations
for detectable warnings not only in their shape but also in their
color. Said buttons shall be produced in a color that contrasts
with the adjoining surface either light on dark or dark on light.
They are also intended to be placed in the pattern required by the
ADA.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The present invention is intended to create detectable
warnings on surfaces as required by the ADA Accessibility
Guidelines to further protect individuals in society who are blind
or visually impaired. Also, as the language of the law evolves,
this invention has the ability to change accordingly. Also, it is
not limited to those surfaces. This invention can be used on any
surface where it is desirable to create visual and tactile
detectable warnings for pedestrian traffic. This is the reason in
which some presented claims have very specific guidelines for
creating the detectable warnings and others are broader. We feel
this is necessary so that our invention may encompass any surface
on which a detectable warning system is necessary.
[0014] The present invention is based on a system in which holes
are drilled into a concrete surface in a set pattern. On surfaces
where the ADA is requiring detectable warnings to be present, the
set pattern shall reflect the Accessibility Guidelines of the ADA
for detectable warning systems. On all other surfaces, any
predetermined pattern is possible. The actual concrete surface in
question can be prepared by mixture of any composition acceptable
in the industry.
[0015] The present invention has two different parts that are
required to be pre-manufactured. The first concerns the sticker
sheet method of marking the concrete surface where each detectable
warning is to be placed. The second is the actual detectable
warning truncated dome to be placed in the surface.
[0016] Two different methods of marking the concrete surface in
preparation for drilling holes in a set pattern are embodied in our
claims. One is using a pre-made map or template that can adhere to
the surface and the second is to measure and place the marks down
by hand. The first and perhaps most effective method is to use a
pre-made mapping system in the form of a sticker that has been
manufactured and cut to stick directly onto the concrete surface
where the detectable warnings are to go. Said sticker sheet has
marks on it in the predetermined pattern corresponding directly to
where each detectable warning truncated dome is to be placed. In
the event the surface is one falling under the ADA Accessibility
Guidelines, each mark on the sticker is to be placed with a
center-to-center spacing of 2.35 inches measured along one side of
a square arrangement. Said sticker sheet is to be cut in the exact
shape of the surface requiring the warnings. The paper backing on
the sticker sheet is removed and it is placed directly on the
concrete surface. A hole can then be drilled through the sticker
and into the concrete surface using a tool or method suitable in
the industry for creating holes in concrete.
[0017] The other part of the present invention that must be
pre-manufactured are the truncated domes themselves. We call our
embodiment of the truncated domes "buttons". The buttons are to be
made of a nylon or plastic material that is very durable and can
withstand abuse from heavy amounts of traffic including shoes,
wheelchairs, and anything else that might be reasonably expected to
cross over them. Two different variations of buttons are embodied
in our claims. One has a truncated dome top with a diameter of 0.9
inch at the bottom, a diameter of 0.4 inch at the top and a height
of 0.2 inch, and a thinner elongated member extending from the flat
side of the truncated dome to a length necessary to function as an
anchoring device for the said button. The elongated member is
designed to be of a length and diameter equal to or less than the
hole drilled into the concrete that is to house the button in such
a manner so that the button can fit securely into the hole with the
truncated dome resting on the top of the concrete surface. For this
embodiment of the button, an epoxy capable of adhering to both
concrete and plastic is also put in the drilled hole to ensure a
secure fit, thus preventing the truncated dome from ever being
dislodged from the concrete surface. The other variation of button
has the same truncated dome top dimensions but is different in that
the elongated member possesses a course gripping texture to
function as an embedded anchoring device for the said button in the
concrete. We call this the friction fit button. The theory behind
this button is that its texture will be sufficient to ensure a
secure fit in the concrete, thus eliminating the need for any
epoxy. However, epoxy may be used along with the friction fit
button for any necessary added security. With these buttons, we
feel that the detectable warning will never be dislodged from the
surface and thus the safety of those passing across the surface
will never be in question.
[0018] The present invention thus embodies every possible variation
of using the sticker sheet to create marks or manually measuring
out the marks, drilling into the concrete at each mark, and then
securing either a smooth button with epoxy into the hole or a
friction fit button with epoxy into the hole thus creating a
surface with detectable warnings.
[0019] The first method described uses a two-ply sticker sheet. As
stated above, the size of the sticker sheet is to be pre-made to
fit perfectly on top of the concrete surface where detectable
warnings are to be placed. The sticker sheet is first placed onto
the surface by peeling off the paper backing to expose the sticky
side and then adhering the sheet perfectly to the concrete. This
will result in a surface with a mark in each spot that a detectable
warning truncated dome is to be placed. Next, a hole is drilled at
the spot of each mark, through the sticker and into the concrete.
The drilling can be done using a tool suitable for drilling through
concrete. The depth of the hole should correspond with the length
of the elongated member on the button. The diameter of the hole
needs to be big enough for the elongated member of the button to
fit tightly inside but small enough to where the bottom of the
truncated dome part of the button rests on top of the concrete
surface. Once the holes are drilled and cleaned out, the top layer
of the two-ply sticker sheet can be removed. This step results in
an easy clean up of the debris left over from the drilling. Next,
epoxy is inserted into the hole. The epoxy is to be of a type
capable of adhering to both concrete and plastic. A button is then
inserted into the hole before the epoxy has the chance to dry. Due
to the adhering qualities of the epoxy, the size of the drilled
hole, and the shape of the button a seal should be created that
makes it virtually impossible for the button to come loose, even in
extremely warm climates. The remaining layer of the sticker sheet
is then removed making an easy cleanup of the epoxy that may have
seeped out of the drilled hole when the button was inserted. The
end result is a concrete surface with detectable warnings.
[0020] Another embodiment of our invention is to use the same
method as above with a couple variations. The epoxy step is removed
and the button inserted into the said drilled holes is of the
friction fit variety. The epoxy step can be added at the end if it
is found that, due to imperfections in the concrete, one or more
buttons are not as secure in the concrete as preferred. The one-ply
sticker is the most efficient way of using the friction fit method
when it is determined that a limited amount, if any, of epoxy is
necessary to make the friction fit buttons fit securely. However, a
two-ply sticker sheet is also effective in the friction fit method.
Therefore, we claim both variations.
[0021] Another embodiment of our invention is to eliminate the
sticker sheet step completely. We call this the measure and drill
method. To perform it, the installer measures the concrete surface
manually and makes a mark on the surface in each spot where a
detectable warning is desired. Then a hole is drilled directly into
the surface at each said mark and a button inserted, either smooth
or friction fit. Although the end result would be the same as the
sticker sheet method, we do not feel that this is the best
embodiment of the invention. However, it may be a more cost
effective way of doing it if the installer fees that purchasing or
creating a sticker sheet would not be necessary. This method leave
more margin for error in that the surface is not protected from the
drilling and any possible left over epoxy by the sticker sheet.
However, careful installation may eliminate the need for this added
protection.
[0022] Another embodiment of our invention found in the claims is
the same method but allowing for broader limits on the shapes of
the truncated dome tops of the buttons. We feel it is necessary to
include this embodiment if this method is to be used on a surface
that isn't covered under the ADA Accessibility Guidelines.
Therefore, our claims encompass providing detectable warnings on
concrete surfaces both covered and not covered under the ADA
Accessibility Guidelines.
[0023] Another embodiment of our invention is that we are claiming
not only the above described methods for giving concrete surfaces
detectable warnings but also the product of these methods--the
resulting surfaces themselves. This is meant to encompass any
concrete surface containing detectable warnings in the form of
individual buttons that have been placed into drilled holes in the
surface. The buttons are to be fixed in the holes either through
epoxy or a gripping texture on the buttons themselves.
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