Abstract:
The present invention relates to an ADA compliant detectable warning or guidance tile for pedestrian platforms, walkways, and sidewalks and the like having a detectable warning surface containing raised truncated domes detectable by the visually impaired in accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities and being provided with one or more additional means on the top surface of the tile to provide visual or tactile information to sighted and visually impaired pedestrians.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to pedestrian platforms, walkways, and sidewalks and the like, and specifically to textured tiles which assist pedestrians, particularly those who are blind, visually or physically impaired, young children or the elderly in following a walkway or in detecting the location of a sidewalk edge, platform edge or other similar hazard. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In connection with pedestrian platforms, walkways, and sidewalks in locations such as subway or railway stations, loading docks, stages, speaking platforms, stairways, sidewalks, school crossings, airports, curb ramps, crosswalks and roadway crossings, etc. there is a requirement for pedestrians to be able to safely navigate and avoid hazards. The requirement is particularly acute in attempting to make such facilities accessible and safe for blind or visually impaired persons. 
     In the 1980&#39;s a series of studies were undertaken in the United States to improve the design of buildings and transportation facilities to improve the mobility of the visually impaired. These studies culminated in recommendations on making potential hazards detectable to the visually impaired either by use of the long cane or underfoot. 
     Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities set the requirements for the use of detectable warnings to warn visually impaired persons of hazards. The Guidelines require that detectable warnings shall consist of raised truncated domes of prescribed diameter, height and center-to-center spacing and shall contrast visually with adjoining surfaces. Detectable warnings used on interior surfaces are required to differ from adjoining surfaces in resiliency or sound-on-cane contact. Various tactile tiles having raised truncated domes in compliance with the ADA Guidelines or the equivalent have been developed such as those shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,715,743 and 5,303,669. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides improved tactile tiles providing enhanced directional guidance features and greater color contrast from the surrounding walkway to improve detection and recognition. 
     Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred embodiments will now be described in detail by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a top plan view of one embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring a border of contrasting color to the tile. 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring a border and domes of contrasting color within the border. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring a contrasting color border and centering and directional element. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring a contrasting color border with directional features. 
         FIG. 5  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring a contrasting color border with a thicker border on one side to convey a sense of direction as well as a signal to STOP. 
         FIG. 6  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring a contrasting color symbol to provide directional input. 
         FIG. 7  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring contrasting color symbols to provide directional input. 
         FIG. 8  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring a contrasting color lateral edge to provide directional input. 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring a contrasting color symbol to convey a signal to STOP. 
         FIG. 10  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring a centrally located contrasting color symbol to convey a signal to STOP. 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring domes of contrasting color framing the tile. 
         FIG. 12  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring brightly colored domes and frame and background of contrasting color. 
         FIG. 13  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring luminescent domes and frame and background of contrasting color according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic view of domes on an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring domes co-molded of contrasting color. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view of domes on an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring domes co-molded of contrasting color with contrasting colored grooves on the side of the domes. 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring a centering groove on the tile to provide directional information. 
         FIG. 17  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring texture between domes of contrasting density to provide directional information. 
         FIG. 18  is a top plan view of another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention featuring texture between domes in the form of lineal grooves to provide directional information. 
         FIG. 19   a - d  are top plan views of other embodiments of ADA compliant detectable tiles according to the present invention featuring added grooves between domes to provide directional and other information. 
         FIG. 20  is a top plan view of another embodiment of ADA compliant detectable tiles according to the present invention featuring a photoluminescent strip on one edge of the tile to detect the base of a curb ramp, edge or platform, or the location of a hazardous vehicular way. 
         FIG. 20   a  is a side view of a raised section on one edge of the of the tile to provide a warning or to detect the base of the curb ramp and contains drainage grooves. 
         FIG. 21  is a top plan view of another embodiment of ADA compliant detectable tiles according to the present invention featuring photoluminescent strips on each end of the tile and on the base of the tile to provide direction of travel guidance. 
         FIG. 22  is a top plan view of another embodiment of ADA compliant detectable tiles according to the present invention featuring photoluminescent strips on each end of the tile to provide direction of travel guidance. 
         FIG. 23  is a top plan view of another embodiment of ADA compliant detectable tiles according to the present invention featuring photoluminescent strips on each and in the centre of the tile to provide direction of travel guidance. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  1 , according to the present invention, generally similar to the type of tiles described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,303,669 and 5,775,835 or the like, has a top surface  2  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  3 . The tile  1 , of the present invention, features a symbol, generally indicated at  4 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  4  is formed with an internal border  5  of contrasting color around the periphery  6  of the top surface  2  of the tile. The border provides contrast and draws the eye of the pedestrian to ensure a visual warning is provided and to add directional guidance to the intended path. The color of the tiles is preferably selected from the group consisting of Federal Yellow, Ochre Yellow, Brick Red, Colonial Blue, Ocean Blue, Onyx Black, Dark Gray, Light Gray or Pear White (as identified on the www.armor-tile.com web site). Where the tile is for example Federal Yellow the internal border can be Onyx Black to provide the desired level of contrast. The border is preferably molded into the tile. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates another embodiment of a ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  10 , according to the present invention similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  that has a top surface  12  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  13 . The tile  10  features a symbol, generally indicated at  14 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In this embodiment the symbol  14  is an internal border  15  of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In this embodiment, the tops  16  of the domes  17  within the border are of contrasting color to the border and preferably the same color as the rest of the top surface of the tile. The border  15  with different colored domes  17  provides contrast and draws the eye of the pedestrian to ensure a visual warning is provided and to add directional guidance to the intended path. For example where the tile is Federal Yellow the internal border can be Onyx Black and the tops of the domes can be Federal Yellow to provide the desired level of contrast. The border is preferably molded into the tile. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  20 , according to the present invention similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  that has a top surface  22  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  23 . The tile  20  features a symbol, generally indicated at  24 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  24  features an internal border  25  of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In this embodiment, a thick stroke  26  of the same color as the border is added to center and provide direction to the pedestrian regarding the intended path, in the direction indicated by stroke  26 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  30 , according to the present invention similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  that has a top surface  32  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  33 . The tile  30  features a symbol, generally indicated at  34 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  34  is an internal border  35  of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In this embodiment, the side edges  36 , 37  of the border  35  are wider than the other two sides  38 , 39 . This provides directional guidance to the intended path, between the side edges  36 , 37 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  40 , according to the present invention similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  that has a top surface  42  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  43 . The tile  40  features a symbol, generally indicated at  44 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  44  is an internal border  45  of contrasting color to the top surface  42  of the tile. In this embodiment, the side  46  of the border  45  closest to the hazard (platform edge, roadway etc.) is wider than the other sides,  47 ,  48 ,  49  of the border  45  to convey a sense of direction as well as a signal to STOP. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  50 , according to the present invention similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  that has a top surface  52  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  53 . The tile  50  features a symbol, generally indicated at  54 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  54 , in this case is a triangle  55 , of contrasting color formed on the top surface of the tile. Where the tile is for example Federal Yellow the triangle can be Onyx Black to provide the desired level of contrast. The symbol is preferably molded into the tile. The contrasting colored triangle provides contrast and draws the eye of the pedestrian to convey a strong sense of direction and centering to the intended path. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  60 , according to the present invention similar to the one shown in  FIG. 6  that has a top surface  62  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  63 . The tile  60  features a symbol, generally indicated at  64 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  64 , in this case is a series of nested chevrons  65 , of contrasting color formed on the top surface of the tile. Where the tile is for example Federal Yellow the series of nested chevrons can be Onyx Black to provide the desired level of contrast. The contrasting colored triangles  65  provide contrast and draw the eye of the pedestrian to convey a strong sense of direction and centering to the intended path while at the same time showing more of the base color of the tile surface. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  70 , similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  that has a top surface  72  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  73 . The tile  70  features a symbol, generally indicated at  74 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  74 , in this case is colored lateral edges  75 , 76 , of contrasting color formed on the top surface of the tile. The contrasting colored edges provide contrast and draw the eye of the pedestrian to convey a strong sense of direction and centering to the intended path. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  80 , according to the present invention similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  that has a top surface  82  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  83 . The tile  80  features a symbol, generally indicated at  84 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated the symbol is a colored “X”  85 , of contrasting color formed on the top surface of the tile. The contrasting colored “X” provides contrast and draws the eye of the pedestrian to convey a sense of centering to the intended path to convey a signal to STOP. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  90 , according to the present invention similar to the one shown in  FIG. 9  that has a top surface  92  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  93 . The tile  90  features a symbol, generally indicated at  94 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  94  is a colored “X”  95  with colored side arrows  96 , 97 , both of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. Where the tile is for example Federal Yellow, the “X” 95  and side arrows  96 , 97  can be Onyx Black to provide the desired level of contrast. The contrasting colored “X”  95  provides contrast and draws the eye of the pedestrian to convey a sense of centering to the intended path and to convey a signal to STOP. The side arrows  96 , 97  reinforce the centering aspect and STOP signal. For further emphasis, the tops  98  of the domes  99  within the side arrows  96 , 97  may be of contrasting color to the side arrows and preferably the same color as the top surface  92  of the tile. 
       FIG. 11  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile according to the present invention, generally indicated at  100 , similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  that has a top surface  102  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  103 . The tile  100 , of the present invention, features a symbol, generally indicated at  104 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  104  features contrasting color indicators. In this embodiment, internal rows of domes  107  forming an internal border  108  are of contrasting color to the other domes  109  on the top surface of the tile. Where the tile is for example Federal Yellow the internal border of domes can be Onyx Black to provide the desired level of contrast. The different colored domes provides contrast and draws the eye of the pedestrian to ensure a visual warning is provided and to add directional guidance to the intended path. 
       FIG. 12  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  110 , according to the present invention similar to the one shown in  FIG. 1  that has a top surface  112  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  113 . The tile  110 , of the present invention, features a symbol, generally indicated at  114 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  114  is brightly colored domes  113  and outer frame  115  of contrasting color to the top surface  112  of the tile  110 . In this embodiment the brightly colored domes  113  and frame  110  provide contrast and draw the eye of the pedestrian to ensure a visual warning is provided and to add directional guidance to the intended path. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  120 , according to the present invention similar to the one shown in  FIG. 12  having a top surface  122  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  123 . The tile  120 , of the present invention, features a symbol, generally indicated at  124 , of contrasting color to the top surface of the tile. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  124  is brightly colored domes  123  and outer frame  125  of contrasting color to the top surface  122  of the tile. In this embodiment the brightly colored domes  123  and frame  125  are luminescent. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates another method according to the present invention of providing contrasting color on the top surface  132  of a tile  130  having a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  133  to give visual contrast.  FIG. 14  illustrates schematically, domes, generally indicated at  133 , on the top surface  132  of a section of an ADA compliant detectable tile  130  (partial section shown only) where the domes  133  are co-molded of contrasting color. In addition the domes  133  could be made of different material from the rest of the tile to provide durability from loads and forces experienced under load, to provide a better non-skid surface, change the texture or feel of the domes etc. In the embodiment illustrated the sides  135  of the domes are a contrasting color to the top  136  of the domes and the tile surface  132 . Where the tile is for example Federal Yellow the sides of the domes can be Onyx Black to provide the desired level of contrast. In addition the sides of the domes could be made of different material from the rest of the tile to provide enhanced durability from loads and forces experienced under load, to provide a better non-skid surface, change the texture or feel of the domes etc. 
       FIG. 15  illustrates another method according to the present invention of providing contrasting color on the top surface  142  of a tile  140  having a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes, generally indicated at  143 , to give visual contrast.  FIG. 15  schematically shows domes  143  on a section of an ADA compliant detectable tile  140  where the domes  143  are co-molded of contrasting colors and have side grooves  144  (or alternatively rings, not shown) molded into the side walls  145  of the domes  143  and being of a different color to the rest of the side wall  145  of the domes. This provides a shadow effect to the dome rendering it more visible. Where the tile is for example Federal Yellow the sides of the domes can be Onyx Black and the side grooves Federal Yellow to provide the desired level of contrast. A similar use of contrasting colored grooves or rings or depressions or modified dome shape can be applied to the top of the dome or around the base of the dome to make them more visible. If directional information is required it may be possible to make the domes elliptical to add directional input. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  150 , according to the present invention and generally of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,303,669 and 5,775,835 or the like, that has a top surface  152  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  153 . The tile  150  features a symbol or other indicia, generally indicated at  154 , applied to the top surface of tile. In the embodiment illustrated the tile  150  is formed where the symbol or indicia is a centering groove  151  in the top surface  152  of the tile between adjacent rows of domes  153 . A visually impaired pedestrian can use his or her cane to follow the groove  152  along the intended direction of travel. The centering groove  151  can be made photo luminescent to be more visible to the sighted. 
       FIG. 17  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  160 , according to the present invention and generally of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,303,669 and 5,775,835 or the like, that has a top surface  162  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  163 . The tile  163  features a symbol or indicia, generally indicated at  164 , on the top surface of the tile to provide directional guidance. In the embodiment illustrated, the tile  160  has texture, generally indicated at  165 , between rows of domes  163  to provide an anti-slip surface to the top surface  162  of tile  160 . According to the present invention in the embodiment illustrated, the tile  160  is formed with texture  165  between domes of contrasting density to provide directional information. On the rear side  166  (side facing away from the hazard) of the tile the density of the texture between domes is less than between domes on the street side  167  (side facing the hazard) of the tile. The transitional density of the texture provides audible location awareness when the difference in density is detected by cane. Low density texture between domes at the rear of the tile provides slower vibration feedback and tones from the cane. As density increases faster vibration feedback and tones are received. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  170 , according to the present invention having a top surface  172  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  173 . The tile  170  features indicia, generally indicated at  174 , to provide additional direction information. In the embodiment illustrated, the indicia  174  comprises texture between domes  173  in the form of lineal grooves  175  to provide directional information. The texture rather than being individual dimples as in  FIG. 18  is in the form of lineal grooves between domes. The lineal grooves provide slip resistance but have a lower profile than the use of dimples in  FIG. 18 . This provides improved detectability and traction. The lineal grooves can be used to provide guidance information as well and can also be photo luminescent. 
       FIGS. 19A-D  illustrate other embodiments of ADA compliant detectable tiles, generally indicated at  190 , according to the present invention and generally of the type described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,303,669 and 5,775,835 or the like, that have a top surface  192  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  193 . The tiles  190  features a symbol or indicia, generally indicated at  194 , on the top surface of the tile to provide additional directional information. In the embodiment illustrated the tiles  190  are formed with one or more grooves  195  in the top surface  192  of the tile between adjacent rows of domes  193  forming a pattern. For example in  FIG. 19A  the grooves  195  form a pattern of chevrons indicating an intended direction of travel. In  FIG. 19B  the pattern is of two pairs of oppositely aligned chevrons  196 , 197  indicating “entry-exit”. In  FIG. 19C  the grooves form a hexagon  198  indicating the pedestrian should STOP. In  FIG. 19D  the grooves form an outline for an “X”  199  indicating a railway crossing. A visually impaired pedestrian can use his or her cane to identify the pattern of grooves to obtain the guidance information. The pattern of grooves can be made photo luminescent. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  210  according to the present invention that has a top surface  212  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  213 . The tile  210  features a symbol or other indicia, generally indicated at  214 , to provide a visual contrast and or directional information. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  214  is a photoluminescence strip  215  on one edge  116  of the tile to assist with the ability of the pedestrian to detect the base of a curb ramp or edge of the platform or location of hazardous vehicular way that the tile is intended to provide notice of the both visually impaired and sighted pedestrians.  FIG. 20A  illustrates the tile  210  of  FIG. 20  in cross-section. In the embodiment illustrated the photoluminescence strip  215  is raised relative to the top surface  212  of the tile. The provision of a raised photoluminescence strip  215  on one edge  217  of the tile will enable detection by cane to warn the visually impaired of the base of the curb ramp, edge of platform, or location of a hazardous vehicular way. The photoluminescence strip  215  may be provided with drainage grooves  216  to eliminate ponding of water and will help reduce ice forming on the top surface  212  of the tile. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  220  according to the present invention that has a top surface  222  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  223 . The tile  220  features a symbol or other indicia, generally indicated at  224 , to provide a visual contrast and or directional information. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  224  is photoluminescence strips  225 ,  226 ,  227  on the edges  228 , 229 , 230  of the tile to assist with the ability of the pedestrian to not only detect the base of a curb ramp or edge of the platform or location of hazardous vehicular way at edge  229  but to provide directional information between edges  228 ,  230 . Where each of the photoluminescence strips  225 ,  226 ,  227  is raised relative to the top surface  222  of the tile the strips will be detectable by cane to warn the visually impaired and/or provide guidance information.  FIG. 22  is a variation of the tile of  FIG. 21  with the photoluminescence strips  225 ,  227  along edges  228  and  230 . 
       FIG. 23  illustrates another embodiment of an ADA compliant detectable tile, generally indicated at  240  according to the present invention that has a top surface  242  with a plurality of rows of raised truncated domes  243 . The tile  240  features a symbol or other indicia, generally indicated at  244 , to provide a visual contrast and or directional information. In the embodiment illustrated, the symbol  244  is photoluminescence strips  245 ,  246 ,  247  on the edges  248 , 249 , and center  250  of the tile to provide directional information between edges  248 ,  249 . Where each of the photoluminescence strips  245 ,  246 ,  247  is raised relative to the top surface  242  of the tile the strips will be detectable by cane. 
     Having illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention and certain possible modifications thereto, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention permits of further modification in arrangement and detail. It will be appreciated that the dimensions can be varied widely subject to the ADA Guidelines, as desired to suit the particular application. Tile size, length, width, thickness, color, ribbing and surface profiles can be modified to suit specific project requirements. In addition combinations of tiles with different indicia can be used. All such modifications are covered by the scope of the invention.