CA2070984C

CA2070984C - Tiles for pedestrian platforms and walkways

Info

Publication number: CA2070984C
Application number: CA002070984A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Kenneth E. J. Szekely
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Astra Capital Inc
Priority date: 1990-12-18
Filing date: 1992-06-10
Publication date: 1994-05-31
Anticipated expiration: 2010-12-18
Also published as: CA2070984A1; CA2032532C; CA2032532A1

Abstract

ABSTRACT

A marking tile is disclosed, for use in conjunction with pedestrian platforms and walkways. The preferred embodiment of the tile has a plurality of buttons or longitudinal strips projecting upwardly therefrom to provide a distinctively textured upper surface. Edges of the tile which face pedestrian traffic have a downwardly angled portion such that the height of the upper surface of the tile at the traffic-facing edge is substantially at the height of the lower surface of the rest of the tile, so that the edge may be installed flush with the platform or walkway if the surface of the platform or walkway is bevelled beneath the angled portion. An integral flange, preferably angled away from the vertical, projects downwardly from each traffic-facing edge, for positioning in a groove of corresponding dimension to be cut into the platform or walkway. The upward projections are of a lower height adjacent each traffic-facing edge than elsewhere on the tile. Where buttons are used, the button surfaces and the surface of the tile between the buttons are provided with a plurality of small upward projections to texture the surfaces. Where the tile is installed at the edge of a platform, an integral right-angled flange projects downwardly therefrom to overlie the face of the platform.

Description

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This invention relates generally to pedestrian platforms and walkways, and specifically to textured tiles which assist pedestrians, particularly those who are visually ~^ impaired, in following a walkway or detecting the location of a platform edge.
In public transit facilities, for example, such as subway stations, railway stations and airports, there is often a need for a pedestrian to follow a particular path to arrive at the correct platform or other embarkation point. In the case of a platform, there is also a need to mark the location of the platform edge so that the pedestrian does not accidentally walk off the edge of the platform. The need for marking such walkways and platform edges is of course particularly ac~te in attempting to make such facilities accessible and safe for blind or visually impaired persons.
; The need to make obvious to pedestrians the vicinity ; of the edge of platforms applies not only to public transit facilities, of course, but also to loading docks, stages, speaking platforms, stairway tops, etc In many public transportation systems, passenger traffic is increasing. A concomitant societal commitment to increasing access to public facilities has increased the independent mobility of persons traditionally believed to be physically disabled. Thus, there is an increased need for means to indicate to pedestrians the location of walkways and the vicinity of the edge of platforms.
Coloured strips and signs are clearly inadequate for blind or visually impaired persons. It is important to , ~ :

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provide a tile which can be detected by a blind or visually impaired person by contact through a shoe or with a cane. The tile must be anchored securely to the floor, and must not create a tripping hazard.
Surface markings of a platform or walkway edge involving painted borders or flooring having distinctly different surface properties are known for indicating walkways or for forewarning pedestrians of the vicinity of a platform edge. These prior art means lose effectiveness under conditions of heavy passenger traffic and with wear which can necessitate significant expenditures of time and energy to maintain maximum effectiveness.
Various prior art tiles having raised dimples are also known, such as those shown in Canadian patent no.
1,265,372, for example, granted to Donald W. Schmanski. Such tiles suffer from a number of drawbacks, however, not the least of which is a tendency to peel from the floor after a period of time, and to potentially create a tripping hazard.
It is an object of the invention to provide tiles which can be installed adjacent to the edge of a pedestrian platform to provide an improved warning of the proximity of the edge of the platform, or which in an adapted version can be used as a guidance path along or to define a walkway.
In the case of tiles intended for use at a platform edge, the upper surface of each tile has plural rows of spaced buttons projecting upwardly therefrom. In the case of tiles intended to form a guidance path along or to define a walkway, the upper surface of each tile has plural strips of 207098~

essentially the same cross section as the buttons, running , longitudinally along the tile, i.e. in the direction of the walkway. The buttons or strips provide a distinctively textured surface relative to the texture of the surface of the platform or walkway.
To avoid or minimize any possibility of tripping on the tiles, and to ensure that the tiles are securely anchored to the floor to prevent peeling which could also cause tripping, the tiles have one or all of the following features.
Firstly, the exposed edges of the tiles, i.e. the front edge of each platform edging tile and both lateral edges of each walkway designating tile, preferably are angled slightly downwardly from the rest of the tile, such that the edges may be installed flush with the platform or walkway if the surface of the platform or walkway is bevelled slightly beneath the area of the edge. Secondly, each such tile preferably includes, as a means of securing the exposed edges to the platform, an integral flange projecting downwardly from the edge, preferably at an angle, adapted to be positioned in a groove of corresponding dimension precut into the platform or walkway. Thirdly, the height of the buttons or strips preferably is reduced adjacent the exposed edges, such that there is a gradual increase in their height moving away from the edges.
The tiles thus provide a surface having a texture distinctly different from that of the adjacent platform or walkway. The various features of the invention combine to provide a simple, reliable indicator. The tiles are 2~7~98~

relatively easy to install on existing platforms and walkways, and require relatively little or no routine maintenance.
Further features of the invention will be described or will become apparent in the course of the following ` 5 detailed description.
In order that the invention may be more clearly understood, the preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail by way o~ example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
; 10 Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the edging tile installed on a subway platform;
Fig. 2 is a side sectional view of the edging tile positioned above a platform before installation:
Fig. 3 is a plan view of the tile;
Fig. 4 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the front edge of the edging tile:
Fig. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the rear edge of the edging tile;
Fig. 6 is an enlarged sectional elevation of a portion of the rear edge of the edging tile;
Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional elevation of a portion of the front edge of the edging tile;
Fig. 8 is a plan view of a tile adapted for use as a walkway designator;
Fig. 9 is an enlarged plan view of the Fig. 8 tile;
and Fig. 10 is a cross-section of the Fig. 8 tile.

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For convenience, the following description refers first to the edging tile, and then to the walkway designating tile. The description refers to the preferred embodiment of the edging tile as installed on a subway platform. However, it should be apparent that the tiles can be applied to any area where pedestrian traffic should not take place, including loading docks, stages, speaking platforms, stairway tops, landings, docks, piers, steep slopes, restricted areas, hazardous areas of any kind, etc., not just platforms having a vertical drop-off, i.e. a vertical face 4. For locations with no drop-off or a drop-off other than vertical, the face-piece 11 could be omitted, or its shape could be adapted to the shape of the surface beyond the rear of the tile.
Refer~ing to Figs. 1~2, the preferred embodiment of the platform edging tile 1 is shown on a subway or other platform 2, the platform having a horizontal surface 3 and a substantially vertical face 4 dropping therefrom. The tile has a horizontal portion 5 adapted to overlie the subway platform up to the vertical face, and rear and front edges 6 and 7 respectively, the front edge being the one remote from ; the platform edge.
The surface of the horizontal portion 5 has plural rows of spaced buttons 8 projecting upwardly therefrom, thereby providing a distinctively textured surface relative to the texture of the surface of the platform. As can be seen in Figs. 3-5, the buttons preferably are circular in horizontal cross-section. Buttons in adjacent rows are offset from each other by one-half of the centerline spacing distance. The ~7~8'~

buttons have generally flat upper surfaces which have texturing means thereon for creating a palpably rough surface texture. The relatively large diameter and the flat upper surface of the buttons provide for better traction and balance than in comparison to the buttons shown in the above-mentioned Canadian patent no. 1,265,372, for example. As seen in Figs.
6 and 7, the texturing means in the preferred embodiment is provided by rows of semi-spherical raised dimples 9, arranged in a diamond-shaped grid pattern.
As can be seen in Figs. 3-5, the areas between buttons preferably also have texturing means consisting of plural rows of spaced dimples 10 projecting upwardly therefrom.
The edging tile preferably has an integral face-piece ll, best seen in Fig. 6, adapted to overlie the vertical face 4 of the platform and thereby facilitate holding the tile in place. Preferably, adhesives or mechanical anchoring means (not shown) are used to secure the face-piece to the vertical face 4. The face-piece may have a thicker lower section 13 to strengthen and reinforce the bottom edge of the face-piece and to catch and retain adhesive which might otherwise run out from behind the face-piece during installation of the tile.
Referring to Fig. 7, the tile preferably has an area 12 adjacent the front edge 7 which is angled slightly downwardly from the rest of the tile, at an angle of approximately 6 degrees from the horizontal, so that the height of the tile at the front edge is substantially at the height of the adjacent platform surface to form a non-trip 2~7098~

edge. Machining the surface of the platform to bevel the area underneath this angled area 12 permits this area to be installed flllsh with the platform.
Preferably, an integral flange 14 projects downwardly from the front edge 7 to assist in securing the area of the front edge to the platform, and to prevent anything from being wedged underneath the tile to cause it to peel. The tile may be secured to the platform by positioning the flange 14 in a groove 15 of corresponding dimension cut ; 10 into the platform, and anchoring it therein with a suitable adhesive. The flange 14, in addition to aiding in securing i~
: the tile, also ensures that there is no exposed edge to potentially cause a problem or to permit vandals to readily pry the tile from the platform. Preferably, the flange and the corresponding groove 15 are angled from the vertical, so that the front edge cannot be lifted and so that the tile is thus essentially locked in place. Angling of the flange also permits stacking of the tiles, which is obviously an important consideration in packaging, shipping and handling of the tiles.
The fact that the front edge is flush with the adjacent platform and securely "locked" therein not only prevents or minimizes any possibility of tripping, but also minimizes any possibility of the edge of the tile being lifted by mechanical cleaning equipment.
Another measure to reduce the possibility of tripping is that the height of the buttons in one or more rows adjacent the front edge is reduced in height relative to the 2 ~ 8 ~

height of buttons in subsequent rows, so that there is a gradual increase in height. ~hus in the preferred embodiment, as seen best in Fig. 7, the buttons in the first row adjacent the front edge are only about one-third as high as the buttons above the main area, and the buttons in the second row rear are only about two-thirds as high as the buttons above the main area.
The tiles of the present invention can be made of vinyl, rubber, urethane, ceramic or cast composite materials or the like. The edging tile is preferably made entirely of yellow thermoset glass-reinforced plastic composite material having a textured surface pattern as shown in Figs. 3-5. In addition, a micro-thin film may be applied to the upper surface if desired, to provide enhanced abrasion resistance characteristics. Because the entire tile preferably is brightly coloured, it serves to visually alert sighted and visually impaired pedestrians of the vicinity of the subway platform edge. The textured surface provides a tactile signal as well, which is particularly important for the visually impaired. The buttons can be felt through most if not all footwear, and can also be readily detected by a "white cane"
of the type frequently used by the blind or visually impaired.
Certain types of conventional canes can detect the buttons very readily, while types may pass between the buttons and can readily detect the dimples in the areas between buttons. It is therefore preferable to have these dimples in the areas between buttons, and not just on the surface of the buttons themselves.

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As an alternative to a single bright colour, a scheme of alternating contrasting colours could be used to create a distinctive pattern, if desired.
It will be appreciated that a wide range of dimensions may be suitable for the edging tile and for the buttons. However, in the preferred embo~iment, key dimensions are as follows:
Forward to rear dimension: 24.375 inches Tile width: 14.125 inches Tile thickness: 0.100 inches Rear face-piece dimensions: 2.1 inches long by 0.125 inches thick Button diameter (base): 1.325 inches Button diameter (top): 0.875 inches Button height (excluding dimples): 0.200 inches ., Button height (first row from front 0.066 inches edge):
Button height (second row from 0.132 inches front edge):

Height of dimples 9: 0.030 inches Diameter of dimples 9: 0.062 inches Height of dimples 10: 0.062 inches Diameter of dimples 10: 0.0125 inches Spacing between dimples 10 0.200 inches (centerline to centerline):

Spacing of buttons in the same row 2.800 inches (centerline to centerline):

Spacing of rows (centerline to 1.400 inches centerline):

Length of angled area 12: 1.085 inches Angle of angled area from 6 degrees horizontal:

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Distance of top of front edge of 0.110 inches angled area 12 below top of main portion of tile:

Angle of flange 14 from the 53 degrees horizontal:

Vertical dimension component of 0.500 inches flange 14:

To install the tile, a groove 15 is cut into the platform at an appropriate distance away from the platform edge to receive the integral flange 14 of the tile. The ` platform is then ground to form a gradual bevelled slope whe~e the angled area 12 of the tile will rest. The existing platform surface is lightly ground to clean it before receiving the tile. The groove is filled with adhesive prior to receiving the flange. Adhesive is then applied to the surface of the platform, and the tile is positioned. The tile is cured in place before use by pedestrians. Expansion joints in the platform slab may be accommodated in the tile, by cutting a narrow gap through the tile at the expansion joint location, after installation of the tile. The gap would then ordinarily be filled with a resilient sealant.
In the case of a new floor, it will be apparent that the floor could be poured or otherwise prepared with the bevelled slope already in place. Where no flooring has been put in place, it would be possible to apply the marking tile directly to the floor instead of on top of existing flooring, with the floor under the marking tile location being poured to a different height than elsewhere if necessary in order to match the marking tile height to the height elsewhere. It 207~98~

will generally be obvious in any given situation as to how to prepare the floor for ideal installation of the tiles.
Referring now to Figs. 8-10, it will be readily appreciated how the tile as intended for use as a platform edging can be adapted for use to designate a walkway.
Essentially, each lateral edge is identical to the front edge of an edging tile, i.e. it has an angled area 12 so that the edge can be installed flush with the adjacent walkway, and each edge has a downwardly projecting flange 14 to position in a groove cut into the walkway floor. The flange 14 in this case may be vertical or at least not as angled as the flange in the case of the edging tile, since an excessive angle obviously may make installation difficult. At least some angle is possible because the tile can be flexed to a certain degree.
Although buttons essentially identical to those in the edging tile could be used, it is preferable in this case to use strips 20 instead, which strips may be essentially identical in cross-section to the buttons. With strips instead of buttons, it is relatively easy for a blind or visually impaired person to position his or her can between the strips and simply run the cane along between adjacent strips.
Since there is no serious hazard as in the case of a platform edge, and since it is desired that the person be able to readily slide a cane along between adjacent strips, the dimples are omitted from the strips and between the strips.

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~To minimize any tripping hazard, the height of the ; strips increases gradually moving in from the lateral edges, in the same manner as with the buttons in the case of the platform edging tiles. It is not intended that the person ' 5 will actually walk on the tiles, but rather that the person will walk along beside a row of tiles, using a cane, or between two rows of tiles, with or without a cane.
It will be appreciated that the above description relates to the preferred embodiments of the invention, by way of example only. Many variations will be obvious to those knowledgeable in the field, and such obvious variations are within the scope of the invention as claimed.
For example, it is obvious that the size, shape and pattern of the buttons could be varied within a wide range.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. Marking means for a platform edge or walkway, comprising a tile having a horizontal upper surface with a plurality of upward projections therefrom to provide a distinctively textured upper surface, said tile having two opposite side edges adapted to butt against corresponding side edges of other tiles, and front and back edges one or both of which faces pedestrian traffic, said tile having an integral anchoring flange projecting downwardly at at least one said traffic-facing edge, adapted to be positioned in a groove of corresponding dimension to be cut into said platform or walkway.

2. Marking means as recited in claim 1, in which each said integral anchoring flange is angled away from the vertical.

3. Marking means as recited in claim 1, in which only one of said front and back edges has said anchoring flange adapted to be positioned in a groove, and which the other one of said edges has a substantially right-angled flange projecting downwardly to overlie the face of a platform edge.

4. Marking means as recited in claim 3, in which said anchoring flange is angled away from the vertical.

5. Marking means as recited in claim 1, where said tile has a portion in the area adjacent at least one said traffic-facing edge which is angled slightly downwardly such that the height of the upper surface of said tile at said traffic-facing edge is substantially at the height of the lower surface of the tile elsewhere, whereby each said traffic-facing edge may be installed flush with said platform or walkway if the surface of said platform or walkway is bevelled beneath said angled portion.

6. Marking means as recited in claim 5, in which each said integral anchoring flange is angled away from the vertical.

7. Marking means as recited in claim 5, in which only one of said front and back edges has said anchoring flange adapted to be positioned in a groove, and which the other one of said edges has a substantially right-angled flange projecting downwardly to overlie the face of a platform edge.

8. Marking means as recited in claim 7, in which said anchoring flange is angled away from the vertical.

9. Marking means as recited in claim 1, in which said upward projections comprise plural rows of spaced-apart buttons projecting upwardly from the tile, said rows being arranged parallel to at least one said traffic-facing edge, the height of said buttons in the first row adjacent said traffic-facing edge being lower than the height of said buttons in the second row in from said traffic-facing edge.

10. Marking means as recited in claim 2, in which said upward projections comprise plural rows of spaced-apart buttons projecting upwardly from the tile, said rows being arranged parallel to at least one said traffic-facing edge, the height of said buttons in the first row adjacent said traffic-facing edge being lower than the height of said buttons in the second row in from said traffic-facing edge.

11. Marking means as recited in claim 3, in which said upward projections comprise plural rows of spaced-apart buttons projecting upwardly from the tile, said rows being arranged parallel to at least one said traffic-facing edge, the height of said buttons in the first row adjacent said traffic-facing edge being lower than the height of said buttons in the second row in from said traffic-facing edge.

12. Marking means as recited in claim 4, in which said upward projections comprise plural rows of spaced-apart buttons projecting upwardly from the tile, said rows being arranged parallel to at least one said traffic-facing edge, the height of said buttons in the first row adjacent said traffic-facing edge being lower than the height of said buttons in the second row in from said traffic-facing edge.

13. Marking means as recited in claim 5, in which said upward projections comprise plural rows of spaced-apart buttons projecting upwardly from the tile, said rows being arranged parallel to at least one said traffic-facing edge, the height of said buttons in the first row adjacent said traffic-facing edge being lower than the height of said buttons in the second row in from said traffic-facing edge.

14. Marking means as recited in claim 6, in which said upward projections comprise plural rows of spaced-apart buttons projecting upwardly from the tile, said rows being arranged parallel to at least one said traffic-facing edge, the height of said buttons in the first row adjacent said traffic-facing edge being lower than the height of said buttons in the second row in from said traffic-facing edge.

15. Marking means as recited in claim 7, in which said upward projections comprise plural rows of spaced-apart buttons projecting upwardly from the tile, said rows being arranged parallel to at least one said traffic-facing edge, the height of said buttons in the first row adjacent said traffic-facing edge being lower than the height of said buttons in the second row in from said traffic-facing edge.

16. Marking means as recited in claim 8, in which said upward projections comprise plural rows of spaced-apart buttons projecting upwardly from the tile, said rows being arranged parallel to at least one said traffic-facing edge, the height of said buttons in the first row adjacent said traffic-facing edge being lower than the height of said buttons in the second row in from said traffic-facing edge.

17. Marking means as recited in claim 1, in which said upward projections comprise a plurality of strips running parallel to at least one traffic-facing edge.

18. Marking means as recited in claim 2, in which said upward projections comprise a plurality of strips running parallel to at least one traffic-facing edge.

19. Marking means as recited in claim 3, in which said upward projections comprise a plurality of strips running parallel to at least one traffic-facing edge.

20. Marking means as recited in claim 4, in which said upward projections comprise a plurality of strips running parallel to at least one traffic-facing edge.

21. Marking means as recited in claim 5, in which said upward projections comprise a plurality of strips running parallel to at least one traffic-facing edge.

22. Marking means as recited in claim 6, in which said upward projections comprise a plurality of strips running parallel to at least one traffic-facing edge.

23. Marking means as recited in claim 7, in which said upward projections comprise a plurality of strips running parallel to at least one traffic-facing edge.

24. Marking means as recited in claim 8, in which said upward projections comprise a plurality of strips running parallel to at least one traffic-facing edge.