Abstract:
The present invention relates to a removable and replaceable flooring matrix capable of providing various environmental cues for the safety of disabled persons. The flooring matrix may be installed and de-installed in sections, called sectionals, that are securely attached to the ground or an anchor box by two-part fasteners. In operation, one part of the two-part fastener, or ground anchor, engages an anchor box or the ground, while the other part of the two-part fastener, or matrix anchor, engages the flooring matrix sectional. Sectionals are interchangeable in part due to beveled edges, which create discernible pathways at the perimeter of each sectional for providing a pathway for the wheels of wheelchairs and the like. Flooring matrix sectionals may display a variety of detectable warnings or other environmental cues to alert disabled persons of conditions or hazards, or assist in their transgress.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to floor coverings for notifying pedestrians, persons in wheelchairs, and bystanders of a nearby drop-off or dangerous ledge. This invention also generally relates to floor coverings specially adapted with grooves, protuberances, or textures for notifying and instructing pedestrians, persons in wheelchairs, and bystanders of appropriate safety measures. The special adaptations, or “detectable warnings” provide a more safe environment for those in the vicinity of patent and latent dangers. 
     The Federal Government has enacted 28 C.F.R. Part 36 which requires the presence of detectable warnings to notify disabled persons of the presence of nearby drop-offs and ledges. The purpose of which is to enable disabled persons to function more easily in society in general and does so by providing safety standards and adaptable access means for the disabled. 
     Disabled individuals are a disadvantaged minority who are continually faced with restrictions and limitations, particularly when it comes to transportation and accessing high traffic and mass transit locations. For example, platforms adjacent to mass transit throughways, such as bus stops, train platforms, metro stops, and airplane runways must remain easy to navigate for the mass population, yet safe for the individual who is blind or constrained to a wheelchair. 
     Detectable warnings provide a solution for the sight impaired who are dependent on environmental cues—sounds, elements that can be detected by a cane, or textures underfoot that can warn the disabled of hazardous conditions. Likewise, persons in wheelchairs can rely on physical borders on the ground&#39;s surface to prevent themselves from mistakenly departing from level ground. 
     The Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) imposes upon the construction and design of certain public facilities to bear disabled persons in mind so that disabled persons can utilize the facilities. While the American Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) is generally designed to remove or lessen the number of barriers to which handicapped and disabled individuals are subjected, implementation of the remedial aspects of the ADA has been inhibited or delayed because of the practical difficulties of implementing safety adaptations without compromising facilities. 
     Often times, detectable warnings are required on walking surfaces that cross or join vehicular ways or other environmental hazards where, for example, there is no curb, wall, railing, or other separation means to alert pedestrians and the like passing into an area of potential danger. 
     28 C.F.R. Part 36 Section 4.29.2 states in part: 
     “Detectable warnings shall consist of raised truncated domes with a diameter of nominal 0.9 in (23 mm), a height of nominal 0.2 in (5 mm) and a center to center spacing of nominal 2.35 in (60 mm) and shall contrast visually with adjoining surfaces, either light on dark, or dark on light.” 
     The code further requires that the surface comprise a 36 inch wide border that creates a boundary between pedestrian areas and hazardous areas such as train and vehicular areas. (28 C.F.R. Part 36 Section 4.29.5). Platform edges in transit stations are permitted to have borders of only 24 inches in width along the edge of the platform. 
     In addition, detectable warnings must extend along the entire surface of the flooring, and the flooring must be comprised of a non-slip matrix, again, having a strong color contrast with the surrounding ambient environment. Frequently, a matrix of the color yellow, conforming to Federal Color No. 33538, is required. 
     Accordingly, there are manufacturers who manufacture safety flooring surfaces with the specified detectable warnings to comply with 28 CFR Part 36. The disadvantage of such surfaces is that previous manufacturers have provided a safety flooring surface that is applied to the existing ground or ambient floor surface by a permanent adhesive. In addition, and to make replacement even more problematic, the flooring surface is typically installed from large rolls, such as linoleum. The adhesive tends to be so strong that subsequent efforts to remove the safety flooring surface results in destruction of the ground structure. This destruction in turn requires a re-laying of the existing ground structure, such as concrete, etc. As can be imagined, this reconstruction process is costly and disruptive, such as, to a nearby transit system, as well as, to its passengers. 
     The present invention eliminates the present hardship of having to damage the ground structure every time any portion of the safety flooring surface requires replacement. The present invention also greatly facilitates the installation and de-installation of flooring surfaces by providing interchangeable sections. Sections may be interchanged repeatedly as the mechanism for attaching the flooring surface is secure yet mechanically reversible. 
     Moreover, the present invention also provides a flooring surface having pathways in the form of discernible grooves or otherwise smooth areas for permitting the passage of wheels of a wheelchair or the like. Alternatively, a flooring surface may include raised bars for actually directing the movement and direction of the wheels of a wheelchair. Accordingly, the present invention provides a flooring surface possibly having: pathways for permitting the wheels of a wheelchair, raised bars for directing the wheels of a wheelchair, and detectable warnings for providing an environmental cue for disabled persons. The combination of the aforementioned surface characteristics may be variously combined and choreographed depending on the particular needs and hazards presented by the surrounding environment. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly summarized, the present invention permits the installation of flooring matrix in sections and without the need for a permanent adhesive. Instead, the present invention consists of sections of flooring matrix that may be secured and removed by brackets or bolts that engage a walking surface, e.g. either points on the ground or an anchor box embedded within the ground structure. The anchor box, while anchored within the ground structure, need only be installed once and may support replacement after replacement of any number of the sections of the flooring matrix that are operatively secured to the upper surface of the anchor box. 
     Mechanisms for securely attaching the flooring matrix sectionals to a walking surface can vary but are depicted herein by conventional threaded bolts that originate optionally from either the flooring matrix sectional or the walking surface underneath. The threaded bolts engage a threaded female portion embedded in the flooring matrix sectional or walking surface, with the bolt and female portion collectively forming a two-part fastener. Though the present invention is described herein using conventional threaded two-part fasteners, any appropriate fastener for securely attaching the flooring matrix sectional to the walking surface underneath may be applied. 
     As defined herein, the two-part fasteners include: 1) a matrix anchor engaging, attached to, or embedded within the matrix sectional, and 2) a ground anchor which is embedded within the ground substrate. The flooring matrix sectionals may be securely fastened to the ground by the matrix anchors attached to either: a suite of independently positioned ground anchors embedded within the ground, or an anchor box that incorporates, within its structure, a suite of ground anchors. Either construction of ground anchors, independently placed or in an anchor box, can easily be installed into the ground during the construction of a facility, say for example, by incorporating the ground anchors into concrete when it is still wet, or after construction is complete, say for example, by threading the ground anchors into dry concrete. 
     One advantage of the present invention is that it enables easy installment and de-installment of flooring specially adapted for the safety of disabled persons. Areas particularly in need of such flooring includes mass transit depots and the like where repairs may be exceptionally inconvenient and costly. 
     Additionally, the present invention facilitates the mass production of identical, and therefore, interchangeable flooring matrix sectionals. Of particular note is that each sectional can be characterized by beveled edges which provide a uniform shape among sectionals. Accordingly, no matter where a repair may be necessary within a mass spread of flooring, any sectional will be an appropriate replacement due to the uniform size and beveled edges. 
     The beveled edges of each sectional may be intended to provide pathways for the wheels of wheelchairs or other devices to assist disabled persons. Additionally, the width and length of the sectionals may be appropriately modified so that the beveled edges of two abutting sections coincide with the standard wheel base of certain wheelchairs, for example. Of course, other modifications to the surface and traits of a flooring matrix sectional may be implemented for providing any number of variable particular functions for disabled persons. The most common functions are for providing detectable warnings or directional cues to disabled persons. For instance, the present invention discloses the use of surface features to indicate to disabled persons the location of entrances and exits of train compartments, for example. More innovative features of the present invention include optional heating elements for preventing snow and ice build-up that could otherwise cover and obscure the important environmental cues relied upon by disabled persons. Other superficial characteristics, such as, the form of patterns or colors, may be applied to the flooring matrix sectionals as well. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a top view of one flooring matrix sectional; 
     FIG. 2 is a side view of one flooring matrix sectional; 
     FIG. 3 is a side view of one flooring matrix sectional; 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of several flooring matrix sectionals used in coordination with one another; 
     FIG. 5 is a perspective view of several flooring matrix sectionals used in coordination with one another and being utilized by a person in a wheelchair; 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of several flooring matrix sectionals specially adapted for wheelchairs only; 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of several flooring matrix sectionals specially adapted for wheelchairs only; 
     FIG. 8 is a perspective view of several flooring matrix sectionals specially adapted for wheelchairs only; 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of two abutting flooring matrix sectionals securely attached to an anchor box by two apparent screws; 
     FIG. 10 is a side view of two abutting flooring matrix sectionals securely attached to an anchor box by two conventional bolts; 
     FIG. 11 is a top view of an anchor box underneath and supporting two whole and two torn flooring matrix sectionals that are attached; 
     FIG. 12 is a bottom view of an anchor box showing beams for supporting the body of the anchor box; 
     FIG. 13 is a side view of an anchor box having a width capable of seating three adjacent flooring matrix sectionals; 
     FIG. 14 is a side view of an anchor box having a width capable of seating two adjacent flooring matrix sectionals; 
     FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an anchor box; and 
     FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the anchor box, matrix anchors, and six flooring matrix sectionals. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Looking now in greater detail at the accompanying drawings, the present invention is comprised of a flooring matrix that is attached to a ground substrate by engageable and disengageable two-part fasteners. The flooring matrix is planar in shape, though the geometric dimensions of the flooring matrix may be any possible variation of a sectional piece to facilitate prefabrication and replacement. By way of example, the present invention encompasses various sized square, rectangular, and polygonal sectionals of flooring matrix which are assembled to form a walking surface. 
     With reference to the figures, the preferred flooring matrix sectional (also referred to herein as a “sectional”)  10  is square and has a side length of approximately 12 inches. The edges  12  of the sectional are preferably beveled with the beveled edge  12  occupying approximately one half inch of the perimeter of each sectional  10 . In addition to beveled edges  12 , the flooring matrix sectional  10 , preferably includes superficial detectable warnings  14  within the boundaries of each section&#39;s beveled edges  12 . The detectable warnings  14  provide environmental cues for warning the sight impaired and others of a nearby hazardous condition, e.g. a drop off. With reference to FIG. 2, the contour created by the detectable warnings  14  may comply with United States Federal Regulations&#39; standards for detectable warnings  14 , though various standards and patterns may be applied. By way of example, the American Disabilities Act of 1990 prescribes evenly spaced truncated domes wherein each dome is separated from another by 2.35 inches, has a 0.9 inch diameter at its base, and reaches a height of 0.2 inches. FIG. 3 illustrates typical truncated domes for use as detectable warnings  14  in compliance with U.S. regulations. 
     It should be clear, however, that the present invention bears in mind other possible governmental and non-governmental standards and other reasonable adaptations for providing an environmental cue to disabled persons. 
     With reference to FIG. 4, a plurality of flooring matrix sectionals  10  are assembled in coordination with one another to form a walking surface. Preferably, a discernible pathway  40  is created where two sectionals  10  abut one another. Consequently, in a preferred embodiment, when two beveled edges  12  of two abutting flooring matrix sectionals  10  are aligned and positioned on the ground, a discernible pathway  40  in the flooring matrix is created in increments of approximately every 12 inches. The discernible pathway  40  is intended to provide a trough or groove to catch and direct the wheels of a wheelchair or the like. The discernible pathways provide a smooth surface by which a handicapped person, either assisted by a wheelchair or stroller of some kind, may traverse the surface of the flooring matrix with ease and without obstruction. FIG. 5 is particularly demonstrative of how persons in wheelchairs may benefit by the discernible pathways  40  for providing a smooth pathway for the wheels of a wheelchair. 
     Alternatively, in place of or in combination with detectable warnings  14  described above, the flooring matrix may be characterized by repeated superficial bars  60  for the purpose of catching and directing the wheels of a wheelchair or the like. For example, FIG. 6 shows a series of bars  60  for more clearly adapting a walkway for persons needing assistance from a device having wheels, e.g. wheelchairs, walkers, strollers, carts, etc. As such, the sectionals  10  including bars  60 , rather than truncated domes  14 , are more appropriately installed for providing an accessible route for wheelchairs and the like. 
     The preferred embodiment of a flooring matrix sectional  10 , for providing an accessible route for wheelchairs and the like, includes a series of approximately parallel raised bars  60  approximately 1.88 inches apart. The resulting pattern creates repeated troughs  62  also approximately 1.88 inches apart. A contour resulting from bars  60  on the surface of a flooring matrix sectional  10  is illustrated in FIG.  7 . Other particular standards for the incremental spacing, widths of each trough  62  and reciprocal bar  60 , as well as the height of each trough  62  and bar  60 , are possible. Therefore, any reasonable combination of traits characterizing the troughs  62  and bars  60  may be applied and may vary considerably. 
     It should be noted that while a flooring matrix sectional  10  may be characterized by bars  60  for catching and directing the wheels of a wheelchair or similar device, in only two directions, e.g. forwards and back, multidirectional bars  60  are possible and anticipated by the present invention. Multidirectional bars, by comparison, would be created by a grid-like arrangement of bars that intersect but are continuous, if not contiguous, for the expanse of each section. A sectional having bars  60  that are only two directional, for example, is depicted in FIG.  8 . 
     Although not illustrated in the figures, another preferred embodiment of the invention is typified by one or more surface bars designed to indicate where the various exits and entrances of a building or structure are located. For example, one or more raised bars may be integrated into the flooring matrix sectional  10  immediately adjacent to the entrance of a train compartment. Raised bars may indicate the presence of an exit, entrance or similar throughway. In this instance, a raised bar would indicate where the throughway provided passage by its placement adjacent to the throughway. Similarly, raised bars may be used to indicate the exits and entrances of any depot, e.g., to assist disabled persons in departing the transit facility. 
     With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the flooring sectionals are attached to the ground by a plurality of engagable and disengageable two-part fasteners. To enable a secure hold from the flooring matrix sectional  10  to the ground, the fasteners  90  comprise two parts, a matrix anchor  94  which engages the flooring matrix sectional  10 , and a ground anchor  96  embedded within the ground substrate. The two-part fasteners may be provided in any of numerous constructions as can be selected by those skilled in the art. 
     For additional clarity, the two-part fasteners  90  are primarily described as the two parts of a conventional threaded fastener. For example, the matrix anchor  94  may be either: the hollow threads of a nut-like fitting embedded into the matrix of the flooring matrix sectional  10 , or a threaded bolt affixed to the floor matrix sectional  10  so as to permit the selective engagement to a threaded receptacle, such as a nut. Likewise, the ground anchor  96  of the two-part fastener  90  may also be either part of a conventional threaded fastener so long as the mating part comprises the two-part fastener&#39;s  90  matrix anchor  94 . In no way is the two-part fastener  90  limited to the embodiment of a threaded fastener as one skilled in the art of construction will be able to utilize numerous fastening devices or locking means for use as a two-part fastener  90  with regards to the present invention. When the two parts of each fastener  90  are engaged with each other, the flooring matrix sectional  10  is considered secured to the ground, etc, and “locked” in place. FIG. 10 is identical to FIG. 9 except that it shows a different type of two-part fastener  90 , wherein the matrix anchor  94  is depicted as a conventional screw and the ground anchor  96  is hollow threads for engaging the matrix anchor  94 . 
     As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the ground anchors  96  are preferably integrated into a horizontally extending anchor box  92  which is intended to be embedded within the ground substrate. The anchor box  92  is a frame-like structure constructed of plastic, wood, metal or other material that is embedded in the ground for providing a structural base for positioning and affixing the ground anchors, and for securely attaching the flooring matrix sectionals  10 . Preferably, the anchor box  92  is made hollow so as to be light-weight and easy to transport. Also preferably, the anchor box  92  is installed into concrete when it is still “wet”. To this end, to facilitate installing an anchor box  92  into wet concrete, the top of the anchor box  92  preferably includes air holes  98  for permitting the escape of ambient air when the anchor box is laid into wet concrete, as depicted in FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 11 is the top view of an anchor box  92  capable of seating six flooring matrix sectionals  10 . Each sectional  10  preferably permits five two-part fasteners  90  to affix on or through the flooring matrix for the purpose of securing each sectional  10  to the walking surface underneath, e.g. an anchor box  92 , a bridge, walkway, boardwalk, etc. A possible configuration of ground anchors  96  arranged in the shape of an “X” with regards to an anchor box  92  is also illustrated. While the two-part fasteners  90  may be arranged in optional configurations, the “X” configuration provides a near contiguous hold from the flooring matrix sectional  10  to the ground or substrate. Optionally, a semi-permanent glue may be applied between the sectional  10  and the ground or substrate, around the two-part fasteners  90 , to provide a more tight relationship between the sectional  10  and ground or substrate. 
     The anchor box  92 , usually containing a suite of ground anchors  96  of two-part fasteners  90 , should be embedded into the ground or substrate so that when the flooring matrix sectionals  10  are also engaged, the surrounding ground level is flush with the surface of the flooring matrix. Additionally, when the flooring matrix sectional  10  is securely attached and locked to the ground or anchor box  92 , for example, the matrix anchors  94  of the two-part fastener  90  do not significantly alter or interfere with the surface pattern of the matrix. This being so, the transgress of pedestrians who rely on the detectable warnings  14  or bars  60 , are not affected by the presence of the two-part fasteners  90 . One skilled in the art of construction, for example, has ample knowledge and skill to install any number of anchor boxes  92  or ground anchors  96  of two-part fasteners  90  while ensuring that the entire ensemble (matrix anchor  94  and ground anchor  96  of the two-part fasteners  90 , flooring matrix sectionals  10 , and optional anchor box  92 ) remain flush with the surface of the flooring matrix. 
     In another embodiment, temperature controls can be embedded into the anchor box  92  for maintaining the integrity and functionality of the flooring matrix sectionals  10  above. In cold weather climates, where snow and ice can be anticipated, a heating element may be incorporated into the anchor box  92  to ensure that the surface features of the flooring matrix sectionals  10  are not covered or obscured by weather conditions, such as slush, snow, or ice. Heating elements may vary in design and manufacture, but are typically comprised of electrical elements, similar to the electrical elements found in “heat blankets”. Particular considerations regarding placement, heating thresholds, and fire prevention will be known to someone skilled in the art of construction. As envisioned, the heating element may be positioned underneath the flooring matrix sectionals  10 , embedded into an anchor box  92 , and encapsulated or insulated by a water proof cover to prevent water damage or fire hazard. In operative mode, the heating elements will not interfere, obstruct, or alter the surface features of the flooring matrix sectionals  10 . 
     The invention has been primarily described as including an anchor box  92  for positioning and aligning ground anchors  96  within the ground. The use of the anchor box  92  is considered preferable. However, an additional preferred embodiment of the invention includes ground anchors that are independently placed within the ground without the use of an anchor box. To this end, a plurality of anchors are embedded within the ground. For example, five anchors would be embedded within the ground for engaging and locking in place one or more flooring matrix sectionals, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Whether ground anchors  96  are independently placed or associated with an anchor box  92 , the flooring matrix sectionals are capable of securely locking in place, and unlocking for repeated replacements. 
     The independently placed ground anchors  96  can be installed into wet or dry concrete, or any other substrate, alternatively to, or in conjunction with, an anchor box  92 . Although not shown in the figures, flexible or inflexible templates or ground over-lays, which are less substantial than anchor boxes, may be used to aid in the placement, planning, or setting of independently placed ground anchors. Accordingly, a template&#39;s pattern may provide an appropriate plan for placing the independently placed ground anchors  96 . 
     The installation and de-installation of flooring matrix sectionals  10  is made easier by the relatively few number of two-part fasteners  90  necessary to secure the flooring matrix sectionals  10  to the ground or anchor box  92 , whichever the case shall be. The technical experience necessary for installation and de-installation is fundamental, as can be discerned in FIG.  16 . The exploded view demonstrates the ease with which each sectional can be removed and replaced easily without disturbing the surrounding area or the integrity fo the ground beneath. 
     Due to the innovative adaptations and design of the disclosed invention, facilities that incorporate safety flooring assemblies will save time and money in maintaining their facilities, while ensuring a safe environment for disabled persons, and coincidentally, comply with Federal Rules and Regulations concerning the same.