U.S. patent application number 11/253873 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-19 for method for producing detectable warnings on surfaces and products thereof.
Invention is credited to Jon N. Julnes.
Application Number | 20070086859 11/253873 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37685168 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070086859 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Julnes; Jon N. |
April 19, 2007 |
Method for producing detectable warnings on surfaces and products
thereof
Abstract
A method for producing detectable warnings (16) on surfaces (14)
includes providing a mat (30) with a top surface (38) and a bottom
surface (36). The mat (30) has a pattern of truncated dome-shaped
cavities (34) with a dome upper surface (28) and a dome lower
surface. The mat (30) has at least one aperture (40), wherein the
aperture (40) passes from the dome upper surface (28) to the top
surface (38) of the mat (30). The method further includes securing
the bottom surface (36) of the mat (30) to a substrate surface
(14). The method also includes preparing a viscous substance (32)
having the ability to cure into a solid, injecting the viscous
substance (32) into each aperture (40) of the mat (30) to fill the
truncated dome-shaped cavity (34), permitting the viscous substance
(32) to substantially cure, and removing the mat (32) to expose
raised detectable warnings (16) on the substrate surface (14).
Inventors: |
Julnes; Jon N.; (Snohomish,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTENSEN, O'CONNOR, JOHNSON, KINDNESS, PLLC
1420 FIFTH AVENUE
SUITE 2800
SEATTLE
WA
98101-2347
US
|
Family ID: |
37685168 |
Appl. No.: |
11/253873 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
404/19 ;
404/75 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61H 3/066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
404/019 ;
404/075 |
International
Class: |
E01C 11/24 20060101
E01C011/24 |
Claims
1. A method for producing detectable warnings on surfaces,
comprising: (a) providing a mat with a top surface and a bottom
surface, the mat having a pattern of truncated dome-shaped
cavities, said truncated dome-shaped cavities having a dome upper
surface and a dome lower surface, said mat having at least one
aperture, wherein the aperture passes from the dome upper surface
to the top surface of the mat; (b) securing the bottom surface of
the mat to a substrate surface; (c) preparing a viscous substance
having the ability to cure into a solid; (d) injecting the viscous
substance into the apertures of the mat to fill the truncated
dome-shaped cavities; (e) at least substantially curing the viscous
substance; and (f) removing the mat to expose raised detectable
warnings on the substrate surface.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the truncated dome-shaped
cavities are circular in shape.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the detectable warnings have a
dome lower surface with a diameter of at least 0.9'' and no more
than 1.4'', a dome upper surface with a diameter of at least 0.45''
and no more than 0.6'', and a height of at least 0.2'' and no more
than 0.3''.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the truncated dome-shaped
cavities are selected from shapes consisting of diamond shapes and
dumbbell shapes.
5. The product resulting from the method of claim 1.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the truncated dome-shaped
cavities are arranged in a sinusoidal row, each row being in
stacked relationship to another similar row.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the viscous substance is a
monomer.
8. The product resulting from the method of claim 7.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an adhesive
layer on the bottom surface of the mat, such that the bottom
surface of the mat may adhere to the substrate surface.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of preparing the
viscous substance further comprises the step of combining at least
one adjunct to create a viscous blend.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the at least one adjunct
comprises glass fibers, glass spheres, glass filaments, pigments,
or abrasives.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the viscous substance is
selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyethylene,
polyurethane, polypropylene, polymethacrylate, polystyrene,
polystyrene-acrylonitrile, polyvinylchloride, vinyl chloride
acetate, nylon, rayon, acetate, acetate butyrate, rubber,
methylmethacrolate, and polycarbonate.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of preparing the
viscous substance further comprises the step of combining at least
one adjunct to create a viscous blend.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the at least one adjunct
comprises at least one of: glass fibers, glass spheres, glass
filaments, pigments, or abrasives.
15. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying a final
layer of viscous catalyzed material to the substrate surface and
raised detectable warnings.
16. A method for producing detectable warnings on substrate
surfaces, using a mat with a top surface and a bottom surface, with
a plurality of cavities formed in the mat from the bottom surface
of the mat to form a pattern of truncated dome-shaped cavities
having a dome upper surface and having an aperture extending from
the dome-shaped cavity to the top surface of the mat, the method
comprising: (a) securing the bottom surface of the mat to a
substrate surface; (b) preparing a viscous substance having the
ability to cure into a solid; (c) infusing the viscous substance
into the apertures of the mats to fill the truncated dome-shaped
cavities; (d) permitting the viscous substance to at least
substantially cure; and (e) removing the mat to expose raised
detectable warnings on the substrate surface.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the truncated dome-shaped
sections are selected from a group consisting of circular,
elongated ellipses, diamond-shaped and dumbbell-shaped.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein each detectable warning has a
diameter of at least 0.9'' and no more than 1.4'' along the bottom
of the detectable warning, a diameter of at least 0.45'' and no
more than 0.6'' along the top of the detectable warning, and a
height of at least 0.2'' and no more than 0.3''.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the viscous substance is a
monomer.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of preparing the
viscous substance further comprises the step of combining at least
one adjunct to create a viscous blend.
21. The method of claim 16, further comprising applying a final
layer of viscous catalyzed material to the substrate surface and
the raised detectable warnings.
22. A mat used for producing detectable warnings on substrate
surfaces, the warnings composed of a curable, initially viscous,
substance, the mat comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, a
plurality of cavities formed in the mat extending upwardly from the
bottom surface in the shape of a truncated dome, and an aperture
extending downwardly from the top surface of the mat to the upper
surface of the truncated dome cavity.
23. The mat according to claim 22, wherein the bottom surface of
the mat is adapted to be secured to the substrate surface so that
when the viscous substance is introduced into the truncated dome
cavities through the apertures, the viscous substance does not
substantially leak or migrate from the mat cavity at the interface
of the bottom surface of the mat cavity and the substrate surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of surface
treatment, and more specifically to the creation of detectable
warnings that protrude from a target surface.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] With increasing public awareness regarding persons with
disabilities, many local and regional laws, regulations, and
ordinances have been passed that require modifications to existing
structures and consideration of the disabled when undertaking new
construction. Perhaps the most significant new legislation has been
the enactment of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This
Act sets forth numerous requirements regarding access to and use of
facilities by the disabled.
[0003] One of the more widely recognized disabilities is impaired
vision. While previously the incorporation of tactile indicia and
detectable warnings was discretionary, under the ADA, suitable
tactile indicia and detectable warnings must be provided in many
situations. Moreover, the types of acceptable detectable warnings
are now regulated.
[0004] Specifically, the ADA now requires detectable warnings on
the walking surface of curb ramps or on a walking surface prior to
the surface or ramp crossing or adjoining a vehicular way not
otherwise separated by curbs, railings, or other such elements.
Similarly, if there are no curbs, railings, or the like between a
walking surface and perhaps, for example, a reflecting pool,
detectable warnings must be used.
[0005] Detectable warnings have been defined as "a standardized
integral surface feature built in or applied to walking surfaces or
other elements to warn individuals with visual impairments of
hazards on a circulation path." The technical specifications of the
ADA require that detectable warnings on walking surfaces have a
specific truncated dome pattern. This unique pattern is intended to
provide a consistent and uniform surface that is distinctive from
other materials and, therefore, recognizable as a warning to
pedestrians that they are approaching a potentially dangerous area.
The detectable warnings must contrast visually with adjoining
surfaces, and material used to provide contrast must be an integral
part of the walking surface. Though not required, a 70% contrast
ratio is recommended.
[0006] When discussing detectable warnings for pedestrians, three
traditional techniques of achieving such warnings have been used:
surface forming, etching, and deposition. In surface forming, a
desired pattern is created in the surface during its formation
stage. For example, when a concrete walk is being formed, the
detectable warning pattern is created therein usually by stamping
the surface or by applying a prefabricated surface treatment.
Etching, if done during the formation of the surface, provides a
low cost method for treating a traveled surface to have the
required detectable warning. However, if etching is desired on an
existing surface, a material removal process must usually be used
which often incorporates the use of abrasives or the like. With
both of these means, however, there is little ability to
incorporate visual contrast or other required or desirable aspects
identified in the ADA.
[0007] Deposition techniques are usually carried out after the
surface formation process has been completed. Thus, such techniques
are suitable for both new and old work. A significant problem
associated with many other deposition techniques is that the
resulting detectable warnings may be abrupt so as to engender the
tripping of a person using that surface. In addition, many surfaces
having detectable warnings are slippery and/or lack contrast when
compared to the base surface. Moreover, it is desirable to have
detectable warnings that are uniform in appearance--a quality that
some deposition techniques fail to provide.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] One embodiment of a method for producing detectable warnings
on surfaces includes providing a mat with a top surface and a
bottom surface. The mat has a pattern of truncated dome-shaped
cavities with a dome upper surface and a dome lower surface. The
mat also has at least one aperture, wherein the aperture passes
from the dome upper surface to the top surface of the mat. The
method further includes securing the bottom surface of the mat to a
substrate surface. The method also includes preparing a viscous
substance having the ability to cure into a solid, injecting the
viscous substance into each aperture of the mat to fill the
truncated dome-shaped cavity, permitting the viscous substance to
substantially cure, and removing the mat to expose raised
detectable warnings on the substrate surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of detectable warnings formed
on a target, substrate surface.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a detectable warning
formed on a target surface as shown in FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of a mat used to form
the detectable warnings, wherein dome-shaped sections have been
formed on the bottom surface of the mat.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a top perspective view of the mat depicted in FIG.
3.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a cross-section of the mat depicted in FIGS. 3 and
4, wherein the mat has been secured to a target surface such that a
blended material may be injected into the dome-shaped cavities in
the mat to form the detectable warnings depicted in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the mat depicted in
FIGS. 3 and 4 being removed from the target surface to reveal the
detectable warnings depicted in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a substrate or target surface 14 having
a pattern of detectable warnings in the form of truncated domes 16
formed thereon is shown. The truncated domes are illustrated as
arranged in an "in-line" or "square" pattern as shown in FIG. 1.
The rows of truncated domes may instead be rotated (for example at
45 degrees) in relation to the substrate surface 14 to produce an
offset pattern. Preferably, the truncated domes are spaced at least
1.6'' from the center of one truncated dome to the center of the
adjacent truncated dome, and no more than 2.4'' apart for both the
in-line pattern and the offset pattern. In addition, a multiple
sinusoidal pattern in a stacked relationship, as shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 5,385,770, may instead be used to provide a greater likelihood
that an object, in constant contact with surface 14, will encounter
a truncated dome 16 in the least distance. For ease of illustration
and clarity, only the in-line pattern is shown.
[0017] A cross section of a truncated dome 16 bonded to substrate
14 is shown in FIG. 2. Inclined peripheral surfaces 20 may have
curved upper and lower transitions 22 and 24 with upper surface 26
and substrate 14, respectively, so that an object such as a cane,
shoe, or foot, as well as an implement such as a shovel or
squeegee, will not jam or lodge in the otherwise sharp corners or
edges created at these interfaces. Beneficially, these curved
transitions 22 and 24 increase the truncated dome's resistance to
dislodgment from lateral impacts by permitting a certain degree of
impact redirection. The truncated domes 16 are preferably at least
0.9'' in diameter along the bottom of the truncated dome 16, and no
more than 1.4'' in diameter. Along the top of the truncated dome,
the diameter is preferably at least 0.45'' and no more than 0.6''.
The truncated domes 16 are preferably approximately 0.2'' in
height. However, other truncated dome shapes and sizes may also be
used. For instance, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,385,770, additional
designs may include an elongated elliptical design, a diamond
shaped design, an asymmetrical elongated elliptical design, or a
dumbbell design. Regardless of the form of truncated dome 16, each
truncated dome is characterized as having an inclined peripheral
surface and somewhat rounded or curved transitions between both the
lower substrate 14 and the upper surface of the truncated dome
16.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 3, a mat 30 or similar element may be used
to create the afore-described detectable warnings or truncated
domes 16 on a substrate surface 14. The mat 30 may consist of
either a rigid, flexible, or semi-flexible material, where the mat
30 may be preferably formed using a molding technique, such as
injection molding. The mat mold may also be designed to produce
dome-shaped cavities 34 in the mat 30 during the molding process.
The mold may include an upper and lower portion, and each portion
of the mat mold may contain a portion of a mold cavity. The mold
may also include inwardly extending projections that generally
conform to the shape of a truncated dome 16 to form the dome-shaped
cavities 34 during the molding process.
[0019] During the molding process, the upper and lower portions of
the mat mold are coupled together to define the mold cavity
therebetween. At least one inlet channel may be included in the
mold to allow the inflow of material through the inlet channel and
into the mold cavity. An injection nozzle may inject material
through the inlet channel and into the mold cavity. The injected
material may fill the mold cavity to form the mat 30. After the
material injected into the mold cavity has cured, the mold portions
may be separated and the mat 30, with dome-shaped cavities 34, may
be removed from the mold.
[0020] Each dome-shaped cavity 34 formed during the molding process
represents a mold for forming the desired truncated domes 16 on the
substrate surface 14. Thus, the material of the mat 30 defining
each dome-shaped cavity 34 is in roughly complimentary relationship
to the desired physical dimensions of the truncated dome 16. The
dome-shaped cavities 34 may be formed during the molding process on
the bottom surface of the mat 36, such that the bottom of the
dome-shaped cavities 34 align the bottom surface of the mat 36. The
dome-shaped cavities 34 may be arranged in a desired pattern to
enhance the detectability of the target surface.
[0021] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an aperture 40 may be formed in
the top of each dome-shaped cavity 34, where the aperture 40 passes
from the upper surface 28 of the dome-shaped cavity 34 to the upper
surface of the mat 38. The apertures 40 may be formed during the
molding process at the same time the dome-shaped cavities 34 are
formed. The mat mold may include inwardly extending cylindrical
projections that extend from the top of the dome-shaped
projections. These inwardly extending cylindrical projections will
form an aperture that passes from the upper surface 28 of the
dome-shaped cavity 34 to the upper surface of the mat 38 when the
mold cavity is injected with material.
[0022] Referring to FIG. 5, the truncated domes 16 may be formed by
first placing the mat 30 on a substrate surface 14. The mat 30 may
include a sealant or adhesive surface 42 that covers the bottom
surface of the mat 30. Thus, the mat 30 may be placed on the
substrate surface 14 such that the bottom surface of the mat 30 may
adhere to the substrate surface 14 by means of the adhesive surface
42. After the mat 30 is placed upon the substrate surface 14, a
material 32 may be injected into each aperture 40 to fill the
dome-shaped cavities 34. The material 32 may be used to fill the
dome-shaped cavities 34 by using a manually operated squirt bottle
or other manually operated or powered device with a nozzle
sufficiently small to inject the material 32 into the aperture 40.
After the material 32 has completely, or at least substantially,
cured in stasis, the mat 30 may be removed to reveal the truncated
domes 16, as shown in FIG. 6. Once the mat 30 has been removed, a
final coat of viscous catalyzed material may be applied to the
substrate surface 14 and the truncated domes 16 to smoothen any
abnormalities or blemishes and help ensure an even appearance.
[0023] The truncated domes 16 of the present invention may be
formed from material 32, which may comprise a methacrylate monomer
blended with binders, pigments, and an abrasive. Ideally, the
blended material has good abrasion resistance, chemical resistance,
and longevity. In one form of the present invention, the
composition of the detectable warnings may be a methacrylate
monomer blend having glass fiber binders, pigments, and reflective
material. The use of a methacrylate monomer helps engender strong
bond characteristics with normally encountered substrate surfaces
such as asphalt, concrete, and wood. The use of glass fibers
enhances structural properties of the detectable warnings and
reduces the amount of resin mixture needed for any given
application. The percentage pigment chosen provides adequate color
contrast under the provisions of the ADA. The use of reflective
material such as glass spheres or beads enhances low light
detection of the detectable warnings and further decreases the
amount of monomer needed. Finally, the percentage abrasive not only
increases the potential coefficient of friction of the warnings,
but also provides additional strength as an aggregate and decreases
the overall amount of resin needed for a given application.
[0024] While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been
illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various
changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
* * * * *