Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
21~23q~
- TACTILE DIRECTIONAL EVACUATION SYSTEN
Background of the Invention
Field Of The Invention:
The present invention relates generally to a
directional evacuation system, and more particularly but not
by way of limitation, to a tactile directional evacuation
system having tactile directional indicator members disposed
along interior walls of a structure to define a path of
directionalized escape from the structure when an
individual's vision is impaired due to adverse conditions
within the structure or otherwise.
Brief DescriPtion Of Prior Art:
Visual direction indicators have heretofore been
employed in structures, such as hotels, office buildings and
the like, to define a path of travel for directionalized
evacuation from the structure when an emergency arises.
Generally such visual indicators are lighted signs
indicating the direction to an exit and such visual
indicators often employ arrows in order to inform
individuals which direction to travel in order to properly
exit the structure. However, in many instances visualized
indicators are ineffective because of power failures, i.e.
blackouts, which often occur during emergencies or because
of dense smoke which impair the ability of individuals to
visually determine a proper path of travel to exit the
structure. In addition, for visually impaired individuals
visual direction indicators are of no avail for defining the
proper path of travel to evacuate the structure during an
emergency.
Therefore, a need has long existed for a
directional evacuation system capable of defining a
directionalized travel path to enable individuals to
evacuate a structure, regardless of whether the individuals
are visually impaired or whether the individuals' vision is
impaired due to adverse conditions such as smoke and the
like. It is to such a directional evacuation system that
the present invention is directed.
21S23~
Summary Of The Invention:
According to the present invention a tactile
directional evacuation system is provided for defining a
path of travel for directionalized evacuation from a
S structure when an individual's vision is impaired due to
adverse conditions within the structure. The tactile
directional evacuation system includes tactile directional
indicator members positioned along interior walls of a
structure to define paths of travel for directionalized
evacuation from the structure. The tactile directional
indicator members are substantially linearly disposed along
the interior walls of the structure so that the tactile
directional indicator members are disposed substantially
parallel to the floor of the structure and positioned a
distance above the floor so as to permit individuals to
slidingly move their hands along the tactile directional
indicator members when the individuals are either in a
standing position or a crawling position.
The tactile directional indicator members are
provided with patterned graduated indentations and
protuberances which define a surface shaped to indicate the
path of travel through the structure to an exit. Thus, when
individuals place their hands on the tactile directional
indicator members and slidingly move their hands along the
tactile directional indicator members, the patterned
graduated indentions and protuberances provide a relatively
smooth tactile surface leading in one direction towards an
exit of the structure and a relatively rough tactile surface
leading in an opposite direction away from an exit of the
structure.
In another aspect, the present invention provides
a tactile directional indicator system for defining a path
of directionalized escape from a structure when an
individual's vision is impaired due to adverse conditions
within the structure, the tactile directional indicator
system comprising: tactile directional indicator members
linearly disposed along interior walls of the structure so
as to permit an individual to slidingly move a hand along
21~23~0
_ the tactile directional indicator members, the tactile
directional indicator members having a surface formed of
patterned graduated indentations and protuberances so as to
provide a relatively smooth tactile surface in a direction
towards an exit of the structure and a relatively rough
tactile surface in an opposite direction away from an exit
.of the structure; and means for securing the tactile
directional indicator members to the interior walls of the
structure a selected distance from a floor of the structure
so as to permit the individual to slidingly move a hand
along the surface of patterned graduated indentations and
protuberance from either a standing or crawling position.
In yet another aspect, the present invention
provides a tactile directional indicator system for defining
a predetermined path of travel for an individual through a
structure to enable the individual to exit the structure
when the individual's vision is impaired due to adverse
conditions within the structure, tactile directional
indicator system comprising: a plurality of tactile
directional indicator members disposed along interior walls
and interior doors of the structure and terminating at an
exit for the structure, each of the tactile directional
indicator members comprising contiguous tactile members
cooperating to provide the tactile directional indicator
members with a surface formed of patterned graduated
indentations and protuberances, each of the contiguous
tactile members having a first end, a second end and an
inclined upper planar surface extending from the first end
to the second end, the first and second ends of adjacently
disposed tactile members cooperating to define an
indentations and a protuberance at the junction thereof
whereby, upon an individual placing a hand for sliding
movement along the tactile directional indicator members,
substantially unrestricted sliding movement of - t,he
individual's hand along the tactile directional indicator
members indicates that the individual is traveling along a
predetermined path to exit the structure whereas engagement
of the individual's hand with a protuberance formed by
215~3~
adjacently disposed tactile directional indicator members
indicates that the indi~idual is traveling along an improper
path to exit the structure.
In yet another aspect the present invention
provides a tactile directional indicator system for deflning
a predetermined path of travel for an individual through a
`~ structure to enable the individual to exit the structure
when the individual's vision is impaired, the tactile
directional indicator system comprising: tactile
directional indicator members embossed on interior walls,
the embossed tactile directional indicator members having a
surface formed of patterned, graduated indentations and
protuberances so as to provide a relatively smooth tactile
surface in a direction towards an exit of the structure, and
a relatively rough tactile surface in an opposite direction
away from an exit of the structure, the embossed tactile
directional indicator members being linearly disposed along
the interior walls of the structure a predetermined distance
from a floor of the structure so as to permit an individual
to slidingly move a hand along the tactile directional
indicator members from either a standing position or a
crawling position and thereby enable the person to determine
a desired travel path through the structure to an exit.
In still yet another aspect, the present invention
provides a method for defining a path of directionalized
escape from a structure when an individual's vision i8
impaired due to adverse conditions within the structure, the
structure having interior walls, interior doors, a floor and
at least one exit door, the method comprising: providing a
plurality of tactile directional indicator members having a
surface formed of patterned graduated indentations and
protuberances so as to provide a relatively smooth tactile
surface for a hand of an individual when sliding there along
in a direction towards an exit of the structure and a
relatively rough tactile surface for the hand of the
individual when sliding there along in an opposite direction
away from an exit of the structure; securing the tactile
directional indicator members along the interior walls and
2152340
_ the interior doors of the structure so that the tactile
directional members are.linearly disposed a distance of from
about 1 to about 5 feet above a floor of the structure to
permit an individual to position and slidingly move a hand
along the tactile directional members when the individual i8
in either a standing or crawling position; providing at
-least one exit door tactile indicator member; and securing
the exit door tactile indicator member on the exit door of
the structure, the exit door tactile indicator member being
lo linearly aligned with the tactile directional indicator
members disposed adjacent the exit doors.
In yet another aspect, the present invention
provides a method for defining a path of directionalized
escape from a structure when an individual's vision is
impaired, the structure having interior walls, a floor and
at least one exit door, the method comprising: providing a
plurality of tactile directional indicator members along at
least the interior walls of the structure, the tactile
directional indicator members being linearly disposed along
such walls and having a surface formed of patterned
graduated indentations and protuberances so as to provide a
relatively smooth tactile surface when an individual
slidingly moves a hand along the tactile directional
indicator members in a direction towards the exit door of
the structure and a relatively rough tactile surface when
the individual slidingly moves a hand along the tactile
directional indicator members in an opposite direction away
from the exit door of the structure.
In another aspect, the present invention provides
a method for escaping from a structure along a
directionalized path through a structure when an
individual's vision is impaired due to adverse conditions
within the structure, the structure having interior walls,
interior doors, a floor and at least one exit door; the
method comprising the steps of: providing tactile
directional indicator members having a surface formed of
patterned graduated indentations and protuberances so as to
provide a relatively smooth tactile surface in a direction
21~2~
towards an exit of the structure and a relatively rough
tactile surface in an qpposite direction away from an exit
of the structure; affixing the tactile directional
indicator members to the interior walls and interior doors
of the structure so that the tactile directional indicator
members are linearly disposed a predetermined distance from
the floor of the structure; providing exit door tactile
indicator members on the exit doors of the structure, the
exit door tactile indicator members being linearly aligned
with the tactile directional indicator members disposed
adjacent the exit doors; locating the tactile directional
indicator members by moving a hand along the interior walls
of the structure and thereafter sliding the hand along the
tactile directional indicator member in a direction of the
smooth tactile surface of the tactile directional indicator
members; continuing sliding of the hand along the tactile
directional indicator members in the direction indicated by
the relatively smooth tactile surface of the tactile
directional indicator members until termination of the
tactile directional indicator members; locating the exit
door tactile indicator members; and opening the exit door
for escape from the structure.
In still yet another aspect the present invention
provides a method for escaping from a structure along a
directionalized path through a structure when an
individual's vision is impaired due to adverse conditions
further comprising the steps of: providing an informational
card on an interior surface of each of the interior doors of
the structure, the information card containing written
instructions and a segment of patterned graduated
indentations and protuberances corresponding to the
patterned graduated indentations and protuberances of the
tactile directional indicator members; locating the segment
of patterned graduated indentations and protuberances on the
information card by sliding a hand over an interior surface
of the interior door so as to determine the tactile surface
of the tactile directional indicator members prior to
2 1 ~ 0
opening the interior door and locating the tactile
directional indicator members.
Other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will become clear upon reading the
following detailed description in conjunction with the
drawings and the appended claims.
Brief Description Of The Drawings:
FIG. 1 is a fragmented, pictorial representation
of an interior wall of a structure defining a hallway
wherein a tactile directionalized evacuation system of the
present invention is disposed along the interior wall of the
structure.
FIG. 2 is a fragmented perspective view of a
tactile directional indicator member of the tactile
directionalized evacuation system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the tactile directional
indicator member of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmental cross-sectional
view of the tactile directional indicator member of FIG. 3
taken along lines 4-4.
FIG. 5 is a fragmented, schematic representation
of a corner of a hallway of a structure illustrating tactile
directional indicator members of the directionalized
evacuation system of the present invention disposed along
interior walls of the structure defining the corner.
FIG. 6 is a fragmented perspective view of a
channel bracket for securing the tactile directional
indicator member of FIG. 2 to an interior wall or door of a
structure.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exit door
indicator member of the tactile directionalized evacuation
system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 8 is a fragmented, pictorial representation
of a hallway of a structure having an exit door wherein exit
door indicator members of the tactile directionalized
21~3~
evacuation system of the present invention are segments of
the tactile directional indicator member of FIG. 2.
FIG. 9 is a fragmented, pictorial representation
of a hallway of a structure having an exit door wherein
another embodiment of exit door indicator members of the
tactile directionalized evacuation system of the present
invention are secured to the exit door to indicate paths of
travel through a stairwell of the structure.
FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of an
instructional information card of the tactile
directionalized evacuation system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 is a fragmented perspective view of
another embodiment of a tactile directional indicator member
of the tactile directionalized evacuation system of the
lS present invention. FIG. 12 is a fragmented
perspective view of another embodiment of a tactile
directional indicator member of the tactile directionalized
evacuation system of the present invention. ~.
13 is a fragmented perspective view of another embodiment of
a tactile directional indicator member of the tactile
directionalized evacuation system of the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a fragmented perspective view of
another embodiment of a tactile directional indicator member
of the tactile directionalized evacuation system of the
present invention.
FIG. 15 is a fragmented top elevational view a
tactile directional indicator member of the tactile
directionalized evacuation system of the present invention
disposed over a hand rail of an access ramp.
FIG. 16 is a fragmented perspective view of the
tactile directional indicator member of FIG. 15.
Detailed Description Of The Drawings:
Referring now to the drawings, and more
particularly to Fig. 1, a tactile directional indicator
system 10 constructed in accordance with the present
invention is illustrated disposed along an interior wall 12
of a hallway (not shown), an interior door 14 and an exit
2152340
door 16 of a structure 18, such as a hotel or office
building. The tactile directional indicator system 10
includes a plurality of tactile directional indicator
members 20 and exit door tactile indicator members 22 and
24. The tactile directional indicator members 20 are
linearly disposed along the interior walls and exterior
'~ surface of the interior doors of the structure 18, such as
the interior wall 12 and the exterior surface 25 of the
interior door 14; and the tactile directional members 20
terminate at an exit door, such as the exit door 16. The
exit door tactile indicator members 22 and 24 are connected
to the exit door 16 so as to be disposed near and
substantially aligned with terminal ends 26 and 28 of the
tactile directional indicators members 20 abutting the exit
door 16 substantially as shown in FIG.1.
Each of the tactile directional indicator members
20 includes a plurality of contiguous chevrons 30 which
provide the tactile directional indicator members 20 with a
surface shaped to indicate a path of travel in the direction
of arrow 32. The tactile directions indicator members 20
are desirably of unitary construction and are connected to
the interior walls and the exterior surface of the interior
doors of the structure 18, such as the interior wall 12 and
the exterior surface 25 of the interior door 14, in such a
manner so that the tactile directional indicator members 20
are disposed substantially parallel to a floor 34 of the
structure 18 and positioned a distance 36 from the floor 34
so as to permit individuals to slidingly move their hands on
the tactile directional indicator members 20 when the
individuals are either in a standing position or a crawling
position. The distance 36 between the tactile directional
indicator members 20 and the floor 34 can vary widely.
However, in order to enable individuals to slidingly move
their hands over the tactile directional indicator members
from either a standing or crawling position, it is
desirable that the distance 36 between the tactile
directional indicator members 20 and the floor 34 be from
about 1 to about 5 feet.
21~2~0
_ Each of the tactile directional indicator members
20 is provided with pat~erned graduated indentations 38 and
protuberances 40 (Figs. 2-4). The patterned graduated
indentations 38 and protuberances 40 of the tactile
directional indicator members 20 cooperate to define a
tactile surface for each of the tactile directional
indicator members 20 which is shaped to indicate a path of
travel in the direction of the arrow 32 (FIG. 1) through the
structure 18 for directionalized escape or exit from the
structure 18 via the exit door 16. Thus, when individuals
place their hands on the tactile directional indicator
members 20 and slidingly move their hands along the chevrons
30 of the tactile directional indicator members 20, the
patterned graduated indentions 38 and protuberances 40
defined between adjacently disposed chevrons 30 provide a
relatively smooth tactile surface leading in the direction
of the arrow 32 towards the exit door 16 and a relatively
rough tactile surface leading in an opposite direction away
from the exit door 16 of the structure 18 as indicated by
the arrow 42 (FIG. 1).
Each of the tactile directional indicator members
20 are identical in construction and function. Thus, only
one of the tactile directional indicator members 20 will be
described in detail with reference to Figs. 2-4. Each of
the chevrons 30 of the tactile directional indicator members
20 are also substantially identical in construction and
function. Thus, only two adjacently disposed chevrons 30 of
the tactile directional member 20, which are designated by
the numerals 30a and 30b, will be described in detail with
reference to Figs. 2-4.
The chevron 3Oa, which is provided with a
substantially triangular-shaped cross section, has a first
end 44a, a second end 46a and an inclined upper planar
surface 48a which extends from the first end 44a to the
second end 46a. Similarly, the chevron 30b, which also has
a substantially triangular-shaped cross section, has a first
end 44b, a second end 46b and an inclined upper planar
surface 48b which extends from the first end 44b to the
21~i2340
second end 46b. The first end 44b of the chevron 30b abuts
the second end 46a of the chevron 30a so that the inclined
upper planar surface 48b of the chevron 30b cooperates with
the first end 44b of the chevron 30b and the second end 46a
of the chevron 3Oa to define a patterned graduated
indentation and protuberance, such as the graduated
-indention 38 and the protuberance 40 substantially as shown
in Figs. 2 and 4. It should be noted that the second end
of each of the chevrons 30 of the tactile directional
indicator members 20 cooperates with the first end of an
adjacently disposed chevron 30 to define a protuberance in
the same manner that the chevrons 3Oa and 3Ob cooperate to
form the protuberance 40; and the inclined upper planer
surface of each of the chevrons 30 of the tactile
lS directional indicator members 20 cooperates with the second
end of an adjacently disposed chevron 30 to define a
graduated indention, such as the graduated indentation 38
formed between the chevrons 30a and 30b.
The alternating protuberances and graduated
indentions formed between adjacently disposed chevrons 30 of
the tactile directional indicator members 20 cooperate to
define a path for directionalized escape from the structure
18 via the exit door 16. Thus, when individuals place
their hands on the tactile directional indicator members 20
and slide their hands along the tactile directional
indicator members 20 in the direction of the arrow 32
(FIG.1), substantially unrestricted sliding movement of the
individuals' hands along the tactile directional indicator
members 20 indicates that the individuals are traveling
along a predetermined path to exit the structure 18 via a
predetermined exit, such as the exit door 16 (Fig. l);
whereas engagement of the individuals' hands with the
protuberances formed between adjacently disposed chevrons 30
of the tactile directional indicator members 20, such as the
protuberance 40 formed between chevrons 30a and 30b (Fig.
4), indicates that the individuals are traveling along an
improper path in the direction of the arrow 42 and away from
21X~
_ an exit of the structure 18, such as the exit door 16 (Fig.
To inform individuals that the individuals are
approaching a corner of the structure 18, the tactile
directional indicator members 20 secured to the wall 12
terminate a selected distance 49 from a corner 50 formed by
abutting interior walls 12 and 12a; and the tactile
directional indicator members 20 secured to the wall 12a are
disposed a selected distance 51 from the corner 50
substantially as shown in Fig. 5. The distances 49 and 51
can vary in length, but such distances should be of a
sufficient length to inform individuals that the corner 50
is approaching so as to enable the individuals to feel the
corner 50 and thereby prevent the individuals from running
into the corner 50. In addition, the distances 49 and 51
should be limited in length so that the break in continuity
of the tactile directional indicator members 30 is
minimized. Thus, the distances 49 and 51 are desirably
about 22 inches in length.
Referring more specifically to Figs. 2 and 3, each
of the chevrons 30 of the tactile directional indicator
members 20 has a first side 52 and an opposed second side
54; and each of the tactile directional indicator members 20
further includes a lower rail member 56 and an upper rail
member 58. The lower rail member 56 is disposed adjacent
the first side 52 of the chevrons 30 and extends outwardly
therefrom. The upper rail member 58 is disposed adjacent
the second side 54 of the chevrons 30 and extends outwardly
therefrom. The upper and lower rail members 56 and 58 have
a thickness 59 (Fig. 2) which is no greater than, and more
desirably less than, the height of the first ends of the
chevrons 30 of the tactile directional indicator members 20
(such as height 60 of the first ends 48a and 48b of the
chevrons 30a and 30b shown in Fig. 4) so as to facilitate
attachment of the tactile directional indicator members 20
to the interior wall 12 and the interior door 14 of the
structure 18.
21S23~
The tactile directional indicator members 20 can
-
be secured to a supporting wall or interior door of the
structure 18 by any convention means, such as adhesives,
double-sided tape, screws and/or brackets. For example, the
upper and lower rail members 56 and 58 can be provided with
spatially disposed apertures 61 adapted to receive a screw
(not shown) so that the tactile directional indicator
members 20 can be secured to the interior walls and interior
doors of the structure 18, or the tactile directional
indicator members 20 can be secured to the interior walls
and the interior doors of the structure 18 via channel
members, such as channel member 62 depicted in Fig. 6.
The tactile directional indicator members can also
be embossed on the interior walls (such as by embossing the
members on the wall covering) and interior doors of the
structure 18 without departing from the inventive concept
disclosed herein. That is, the embossed tactile directional
indicator members have a surface formed of patterned,
graduated indentations and protuberances so as to provide a
relatively smooth tactile surface in a direction towards an
exit of the structure, and a relatively rough tactile
surface in an opposite direction away from an exit of the
structure. Further, the embossed tactile directional
indicator members are linearly disposed along the interior
walls and exterior surfaces of the interior doors of the
structure a predetermined distance from a floor of the
structure so as to permit an individual to slidingly move a
hand along the tactile directional indicator members from
either a standing position or a crawling position and
thereby enable the person to determine a desired travel path
through the structure to an exit in the same manner as the
tactile directional indicator member 30 described with
reference to Figs. 1-5.
Referring now to Fig. 6, a channel member 6Z for
securing the tactile directional indicator members 20 to the
interior wall 12 and the interior door 14 is illustrated.
The channel member 62 is provided with a substantially U-
shaped member having a body portion 64, a lower rail
13
21a2~4~
retaining lip 66 and an upper rail retaining lip 68. The
lower rail retaining lip 66 extends inwardly from a first
side 70 of the body portion 64 of the channel member 62 a
selected distance substantially as shown. Thus, the lower
rail retaining lip 66 cooperates with the body portion 64
to define a lower rail receiving slot 72 which extends along
the first side 70 of the body portion 64. Similarly, the
upper rail retaining lip 68 extends inwardly from a second
side 74 of the body portion 64 of the channel member 62 a
selected distance substantially as shown. Thus, the upper
rail retaining lip 68 cooperates with the body portion 64 to
define an upper rail receiving slot 76 which extends along
the second side 70 of the body portion 64.
The channel member 62 can be secured to the
interior wall 12 and the exterior surface 25 of the interior
door 14 of the structure 18 in any conventional manner which
will maintain the channel members 62, and thus the tactile
directional indicator members 20 supported thereby, in a
predetermined linear disposition when individuals slidingly
move their hands along the tactile directional indicator
members 20 in a manner hereinafter described. For example,
the channel member 62 can be provided with a plurality of
apertures spatially disposed along the length of the body
portion 64, such as apertures 78 and 80, so that the channel
member 62 can be secured to the interior wall 12 and
exterior surface 25 of the interior door 14 of the structure
18 with conventional screws 77 substantially as shown in
Fig. 5 for securing the channel member 62 and thus the
tactile directional indicator members 20 to the wall 12; or,
the channel member 62 can be secured to the interior wall 12
and the exterior surface 25 of the interior door 14 of the
structure 18 by adhesives 77a, double-sided tape, and the
like substantially as shown in Fig. 5 for securing the
channel member 62 and thus the tactile directional indicator
members 20 to the wall 12a.
Once the channel members 62 have been connected to
the interior walls and the interior doors of the structure
18, the tactile directional indicator members 20 are
215~3 lO
_ connected to the channel members 62 by slidably disposing
the lower rail member 56 and the upper rail member 58 of the
tactile directional indicator members 20 in the lower rail
receiving slot 72 and the upper rail receiving slot 76 of
the channel members 30, respectively, substantially as shown
. in FIG. 6. Alternatively, the tactile directional indicator
-members 20 can be fabricated of a sufficiently pliable
material so that the tactile directional indicator members
can be temporarily deformed to enhance disposition of the
lower and upper rail members 56 and 58 into the lower and
upper rail receiving slots 72 and 76 of the channel members
62. If desired, the tactile directional indicator members
20 can be fabricated of an optically transparent material so
that an informational decal (not shown) can be secured to
the substantially U-shaped body portion 64 of the channel
members 62.
. As previously stated, the tactile directional
indicator system 10 includes, in addition to the tactile
directional indicator members 20, exit door tactile
20 indicator members 22 and 24. Since the exit door tactile
indicator members 22 and 24 are of identical construction
and function, only the exit door tactile indicator member 22
will be described in detail herein after with reference to
Figure 7. The exit door tactile indicator member 22 is
25 provided with a tactile surface shaped to indicate that a
designated exit, such as the exit door 16, has been reached.
That is, the exit door tactile indicator member 22 is
provided with a bulls-eye configuration having patterned
protuberances and a centrally located indentation or
recessed portion.
The exit door tactile indicator 22 is provided
with a lower portion 82, a medial portion 84, and a
centrally disposed upper portion 86. The medial portion 84
extends upwardly from the lower portion 82 and has a
diameter less than the diameter of the lower portion 82.
Thus, the lower portion 82 defines a first protuberance or
shoulder 88 and the medial portion 84 defines a second
protuberance or shoulder 89. The centrally disposed upper
21~i2340
portion 86 extends downwardly into the medial portion 84 and
has a diameter less than the diameter of the medial portion
84 so as to define a centrally disposed indentation or
recessed portion 90. Thus, when individuals' hands are
moved across the exit door tactile indicator member 22 of
the tactile directionalized evacuation system 10, the first
and second protuberances 88 and 89 cooperate with centrally
disposed indentation or recessed portion 90 of the exit door
tactile indicator member 22 to indicate to the individuals
that the exit door 16 of the structure 14 has been reached.
While the exit door tactile indicator members 22
and 24 have been illustrated as having a substantially
bulls-eye shaped configuration, it should be understood that
the exit door tactile indicator members can be provided with
any suitable surface shaped to indicate the exit door 16.
For example, oppositely disposed segments 92 and 94 of the
tactile directional indicator members 20 can be spatially
disposed on the exit door 16 substantially as shown in FIG.
8. Thus, when individuals' hands are moved across one of
the segments, such as segment 92, and then encounters the
protuberances formed between adjacently disposed chevrons 30
of segment 94, the individuals are aware that the exit door
16 of the structure 14 has been reached.
Referring now to Fig. 9, another embodiment of
exit door tactile indicator member 22a and 24a is
illustrated. The exit door tactile indicator member 22a
comprises one or more segments of the tactile directional
indicator members 20, such as spatially disposed segment 92a
and 94a . The spatially disposed segments 92a and 94a of
the tactile directional indicator members 20 provide a
relatively smooth tactile surface in a downward direction
and a relatively rough tactile surface in an upward
direction.
The exit door tactile indicator member 24a
comprises one or more segments of the tactile directional
indicator members 20, such as spatially disposed segments
92b and 94b. The spatially disposed segments 92b and 94b of
the tactile directional indicator members 20 provide a
2152340
relatively smooth tactile surface in an upward direction and
a relatively rough tactile surface in a downward direction.
Thus, the exit door tactile indicator member 22a and 22b
cooperate to indicate not only the location of an exit door
16a, but provide tactile surfaces shaped to indicate travel
in a stairwell (not shown) of the structure 18 in either an
upward direction toward a roof (also not shown) of the
structure 18 or in a downward direction towards the ground
level.
To instruct individuals on the use of the tactile
directional evacuation system 10 of the present invention so
that, in the case of emergencies, individuals can utilize
the tactile directional evacuation system 10 to travel along
a predetermined route to exit the structure 18, an
informational card 96 is secured to an interior surface of
each of the interior doors of the structure 18, such as the
interior surface 98 of the interior door 14 substantially as
shown in FIG. 10. The informational card 96 includes
written instructions 100 and a tactile portion 102 having
patterned graduated indentations and protuberances similar
to the patterned graduated indentations and protuberances 38
and 40 of the tactile directional indicator members 20. The
tactile portion 102 is positioned on the door to provide the
individual leaving a room or area with the initial direction
of movement toward the exit.
Referring now to Figure 11, a second embodiment of
a tactile directional indicator member 104 is illustrated.
The tactile directional indicator member 104 is provided
with a plurality of contiguous rectangular shaped members
106, a lower rail member 108 and an upper rail member 110.
The rectangular shaped members 106 are provided with a
substantially triangular shaped cross section so that the
contiguous rectangular shaped members define a tactile
surface of patterned, graduated indentations and
protuberances. Thus, with the exception of the rectangular
shaped members 106, the tactile directional indicator member
104 is similar in construction and function to the tactile
directional indicator members 20 heretofore described.
~1523~
_ Referring now to Figure 12, another embodiment of
a tactile directional indicator member 112 having a tactile
surface to indicate a desired path of travel for
directionalized escape or exit from a structure is shown.
The tactile directional indicator member 112 is desirably of
unitary construction and is connected to the interior walls
-and interior doors of a structure in a conventional manner.
The tactile directional indicator member 112
comprises a base portion 114 having an upper surface 116, a
lower rail member 118 which extends from a first side 120 of
the base portion 114 and an upper rail member 122 which
extends from a second side 124 of the base portion 114. A
plurality of angularly disposed peg members 126 extend from
the upper surface 116 of the base portion 114 substantially
as shown. The angularly disposed peg members 126 cooperate
to define a tactile surface indicative of a path of travel
through a structure for directionalized escape or exit from
the structure. That is, when individuals place their hand
on the tactile directional indicator members 112 and
slidingly move their hands over the peg members 126 of the
tactile directional indicator members 112, a relatively
smooth tactile surface indicates that the individual is
moving in a proper direction for directionalized escape from
the structure. However, the upper ends of the angularly
disposed peg members 126 provide a relatively rough tactile
surface when a person is moving in an opposite direction
which indicates to the individual that the individual is
moving away from the exit of the structure.
Referring now to Figure 13, another embodiment of
a tactile directional indicator member 130 is illustrated.
The tactile directional indicator member 130 is similar in
construction to the tactile directional indicator member 112
of Figure 11 except that the tactile directional indicator
member 130 is provided with a plurality of parabolic or
bullet shaped members 132 to define the tactile surface of
the tactile directional indicator member 130 rather than a
plurality of angularly disposed peg members 126. With such
exception, the tactile directional indicator member 130 is
21a2340
substantially identical in construction and function to the
-
tactile directional indicator members 112 herein before
described. Thus, the tactile directional indicator
member 130 comprises a base portion 134 having an upper
surface 136, a lower rail member 138 which extends from a
first side 140 of the base portion 134 and an upper rail
member 142 which extends from a second side 144 of the base
portion 134. The parabolic or bullet shaped members 132
extend from the upper surface 136 of the base portion 134
(substantially as shown) and cooperate to define a tactile
surface for the tactile directional indicator members 130
indicative of a path of travel through a structure for
directionalized escape or exit from the structure. That is,
when individuals place their hand on the tactile directional
indicator members 130 and slidingly move their hands over
the parabolic or bullet shaped members 132 of the tactile
directional indicator members 130, a relatively smooth
tactile surface indicates that the individual is moving in
a proper direction for directionalized escape from the
structure. However, upwardly extending rearward ends 146 of
the parabolic or bullet shaped members 132 of the tactile
directional indicator members 130 provide a relatively rough
tactile surface when an individual is moving in an opposite
direction which indicates to the individual that the
individual is moving away from the exit of the structure.
Figure 14 depicts yet another embodiment of a
tactile directional indicator member 150 having patterned
graduated indentations and protuberances to define a tactile
surface capable of indicating a proper and an improper path
of travel for individuals for directionalized escape from a
structure. The tactile directional indicator member 150
includes a base portion 152 having an upper surface 154. A
first member 156 having an arrow configuration and a second
member 158 having a chevron configuration are spatially
disposed along the upper surface 154 of the base portion 152
of the tactile directional indicator member 150
substantially as shown. Each of the arrow shaped first
member 156 and chevron shaped second member 158 is provided
2152340
_ with spatially disposed parabolic or bullet shaped tactile
members 160 similar in construction to the parabolic or
bullet shaped members 132 of the tactile directional
indicator member 130 hereinbefore described with reference
5 to Figure 13.
The tactile directional indicator members 20, 104,
. 112, 130 and 150 can be fabricated of any suitable material
which permits individuals to slidingly move their hands over
the tactile surface of such tactile directional indicator
members to determine the proper path of travel for
directionalized escape from the structure 18. Typical of
such materials satisfying the before-stated requirements is
a polymeric material, and more desirably, a transparent or
translucent polymeric material. Since such materials are
well known in the art, no further comments concerning the
nature of the material used in the fabrication of the
tactile directional indicator members of the tactile
directional evacuation system 10 of the present invention
are believed necessary.
Referring now to Figures 15 and 16, a tactile
directional indicator member 170 for positioning over a
handrail 172 of a wheelchair access ramp (not shown) is
illustrated. The handrail 172 is illustrated as having a
substantially circular shaped cross section. However, it is
25 to be understood that the handrail can be provided with any
qeometric cross-section, such as a rectangular or square
cross-section. In such event, the tactile directional
indicator member 170 would be adapted to be positioned over
the handrail in substantially the same manner as hereinafter
30 described with reference to the handrail 172.
The tactile directional indicator member 170 iS
provided with a plurality of contiguous chevrons 174 which
provide the tactile directional indicator member 170 with a
tactile surface shaped to indicate a desired path of travel.
35 That is, the contiguous chevrons 174 of the tactile
directional indicator member 170 cooperate to provide
patterned graduated indentations and protuberances which, in
the same manner as the tactile directional indicator member
21~23~0
_ 20 heretofore described, define a proper path of travel for
directionalized escape or exit from a structure. Thus, when
individuals place their hands on the tactile directional
indicator member 170 and slidingly move their hands along
the chevrons 174 of the tactile directional indicator
members 170, the patterned graduated indentions and
.-protuberances defined between adjacently disposed chevrons
174 provide a relatively smooth tactile surface leading down
the ramp to an exit door of the structure; whereas, if the
individuals encounter a relatively rough tactile surface,
the individuals are informed that continued movement in such
direction along the ramp will lead the individuals away from
the exit door of the structure.
The tactile directional indicator member 170 is
desirably provided with a configuration adapted to conform
to the outer peripheral surface 176 of the handrail 172
substantially as shown in Figure 14. The tactile
directional indicator member 170 is desirably fabricated of
a polymeric material having sufficient elasticity and memory
so that the tactile directional indicator member 170 can be
deformed and positioned upon the handrail 172 whereupon the
tactile directional indicator member 170 returns to its
original position and is securely mounted on the handrail
172. To ensure proper positioning of the tactile
directional indicator member 170 on the handrail 172, the
tactile directional indicator member 170 can be secured to
the handrail 172 by the addition of an adhesive material,
double-sided tape or any other conventional method well
known.
It should be noted that while several embodiments
and configurations of tactile directional indicator members
for providing a tactile surface consisting of patterned
graduated indentations and protuberances to define a proper
and improper path of travel for individuals for
directionalized escape from a structure have been
illustrated, the tactile surface provided on the tactile
directional indicator members can be of any suitable
configuration which will enable individuals to readily
21523~0
determine a path for directionalized escape from a structure
by sliding engagement of the individuals' hands along the
tactile directional indicator members without departing from
the scope of the present invention.
Referring now to Figure 1, 2, 5 and 9, the
directionalized escape of an individual from the structure
16 will be described. The informational card 96 (Fig. 9) is
secured to the interior surface of each of the interior
doors of the structure 18, such as the interior surface 98
of the interior door 14. The information card 96 is
provided with a segment of patterned graduated indentations
and protuberances which correspond to the patterned
graduated indentations and protuberances of the tactile
directional indicator members 30 disposed along the interior
walls of the structure 18, such as the interior wall 12.
Thus, when an emergency arises, the individual moves to the
interior door 14 and places a hand on the informational card
96 to determine the tactile surface on the tactile
directional indicator members 30. The individual then opens
the interior door 14 and locates the tactile directional
indicator members 20 secured to the interior wall 12
adjacent the interior door 14 from which the individual is
exiting. Once the tactile directional indicator members 20
have been located, the individual places a hand on the
tactile directional indicator member 20 and slidingly moves
the hand along the chevrons 26 of the tactile directional
indicator member 20. If the individual approaches a corner
formed by abutting interior walls, such as corner 50 formed
by abutting interior walls 12 and 12a shown in Fig. 5, a
break in the continuity of the tactile directional indicator
members 30 indicates to the individual that the corner 50 is
approaching. The individual then slowly approaches the
corner 50 and once the corner 50 is located, makes the
appropriate turn and again places a hand on the tactile
indicator members 30 and continues to move in the designated
direction until the individual detects the presence of at
least one of the exit door tactile directional indicator
members 22 and 24. Upon detecting the exit door tactile
22
21~2~40
_ directional indicator members 22 and 24, the individual is
informed that the exit door 16 has been located which will
enable to individual to exit the structure 18 without
further delay. On the other hand, should the individual
commence travelling a direction away from the exit door 16,
the individual would encounter a rough tactile surface when
' sliding the individual's hand over the tactile surface of
the tactile directional indicator members 20, therefore
advising the individual to reverse direction in order to
achieve directionalized escape or exit from the structure 18
via an exit such as the exit door 16.
Changes may be made in the construction and the
operation of the various components, elements and assemblies
described herein and changes may be made in the steps or the
sequence of steps of the methods described herein without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
defined in the following claims.
