WO1996014900A1

WO1996014900A1 - Tactile directional evacuation system

Info

Publication number: WO1996014900A1
Application number: PCT/US1995/014458
Authority: WO
Inventors: Georgie G. Garrett
Original assignee: Innovations Plus, L.L.C.
Priority date: 1994-11-09
Filing date: 1995-11-07
Publication date: 1996-05-23
Also published as: AU4104496A; CA2152340A1

Abstract

A tactile directional indicator system positioned along interior walls and interior doors of a structure so as to define a path of travel for directionalized escape from the structure when an individual's vision is impaired due to adverse conditions within the structure. The tactile directional indicator system includes tactile directional indicator members substantially linearly disposed along interior walls and doors of the structure. The tactile directional indicator members are connected to the interior walls of the structure in such a manner so that the tactile directional indicator members are substantially parallel to the floor of the structure and positioned a distance from the floor so as to permit individuals to slidingly move their hands on 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 a tactile 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.

Description

TACTILE DIRECTIONAL EVACUATION SYSTEM

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. 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 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 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 the 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 adjacently disposed tactile directional indicator members indicates that the individual is traveling along an improper path to exit the structure.

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, 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 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: 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 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 is 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 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 towards an exit of the structure and a relatively rough tactile surface in an opposite 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 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 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 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. FIG.

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 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.l.

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 20 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. Each of the tactile directional indicator members 20 is provided with patterned 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 30a, 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 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 30a 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 30a and 30b cooperate to form the protuberance 40; and the inclined upper planer surface of each of the chevrons 30 of the tactile 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.l) , 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. 1) ; 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 an exit of the structure 18, such as the exit door 16 (Fig.

1).

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. 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 62 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. 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 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 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 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 to be understood that the handrail can be provided with any geometric 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 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. 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 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 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 εlidingly 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 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.

Claims

1. 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 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.

2. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 1 further comprising: exit door tactile indicator members having a tactile surface indicative of an exit door of the structure, the exit door tactile indicator members secured to the exit door so as to be substantially aligned with the tactile directional indicator members disposed on interior walls of the structure adjacent the exit door.

3. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 1 wherein each of the tactile directional indicator members is characterized as having a first end, a second end and an inclined upper planar surface wherein the second end is provided with a height greater than the first end and whereby the first end, the second end and the inclined upper planer surfaces of the tactile directional indicator members cooperate to define the patterned graduated indentations and protuberances such that an individual placing a hand for sliding movement along the tactile directional indicator members can readily determine the desired travel path through the structure to the exit.

4. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 3 wherein each of the tactile directional indicator members is further characterized as having a first side and an opposed second side and wherein each tactile directional indicator member further comprises a lower rail member and an upper rail member, the lower rail member connected to the first side of the tactile directional indicator members so as to extend outwardly therefrom and the upper rail member connected to the second side of the tactile directional indicator members so as to extend outwardly therefrom, the lower and upper rails having a height substantially less that the height of the tactile directional indicator members.

5. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 4 further comprising connector means for connecting the lower and upper rail members to a wall of the structure so that the tactile directional indicator members are disposed substantially parallel to the floor of the structure and at a distance of from about 1 to about 5 feet above a floor of the structure.

6. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 5 wherein the tactile directional indicator members and the lower and upper rail members are of unitary construction.

7. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 6 wherein each of the tactile directional indicator- members comprises a plurality of contiguous chevrons having a substantially triangular cross section.

8. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 6 wherein each of the tactile directional indicator members comprises a plurality of contiguous rectangularly shaped members having a substantially triangular cross section.

9. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 1 wherein each of the tactile directional indicator members comprises a plurality of contiguous chevrons having a first end, a second end, an inclined upper planar surface extending therebetween, a first side and a second side, the second end having a height greater than the first end whereby the first end, the second end and the inclined upper planer surfaces of the tactile directional indicator members cooperate to defined the patterned graduated indentations and protuberances such that an individual placing a hand for sliding movement along the tactile directional indicator members can readily determine the desired travel path through the structure to the exit, and wherein the tactile directional indicator member further comprise a lower rail member and an upper rail member, the lower rail member connected to the first side of the chevrons so as to extend outwardly therefrom and the upper rail member connected to the second side of the chevrons so as to extend outwardly therefrom, the lower and upper rails having a thickness no greater than the height of the first end of each of the chevrons of the tactile directional indicator members.

10. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 9 wherein the means for securing the tactile directional indicator member to the interior walls and doors of the structure further comprises: bracket assemblies adapted to supportingly receive the lower and upper rails of the tactile directional indicator members and wherein the bracket assembly is disposed substantially parallel to the floor of the structure.

11. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 10 wherein the tactile directional indicator members and the lower and upper rail members are of unitary construction and are fabricated of a polymeric material.

12. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 10 wherein the tactile directional indicator members and the lower and upper rail members are of unitary construction and are fabricated of a substantially transparent polymeric material.

13. 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 the 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 adjacently disposed tactile directional indicator members indicates that the individual is traveling along an improper path to exit the structure.

14. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 13 further comprising: exit door tactile indicator members having a tactile surface indicative of an exit door of the structure, the exit door tactile indicator members secured to the exit door so as to be substantially aligned with the tactile directional indicator members disposed on interior walls of the structure adjacent the exit door.

15. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 14 wherein each of the contiguous tactile members is further characterized as having a first side and an opposed second side and wherein the tactile directional indicator members further comprise: a lower rail member and an upper rail member, the lower rail member connected to the first side of the contiguous tactile members so as to extend outwardly therefrom and the upper rail member connected to the second side of the contiguous tactile members so as to extend outwardly therefrom.

16. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 15 wherein the tactile directional indicator members are linearly disposed along the interior walls and interior doors of the structure and wherein the tactile directional indicator system further comprises connector means for connecting the tactile directional indicator members to the interior walls and doors of the structure via the lower and upper rail members of the tactile directional indicator members so that the tactile directional indicator members are disposed substantially parallel to a floor of the structure and at a distance of from about 1 to about 5 feet above the floor.

17. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 16 wherein the tactile directional indicator members and the lower and upper rail members are of unitary construction.

18. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 13 wherein each of the tactile directional indicator members comprises a plurality of contiguous chevrons having a first end, a second end, an inclined upper planar surface extending therebetween, a first side and a second side, the second end having a height greater than the first end whereby the first end, the second end and the inclined upper planer surfaces of the tactile directional indicator members cooperate to defined the patterned graduated indentations and protuberances such that an individual placing a hand for sliding movement along the tactile directional indicator members can readily determine the desired travel path through the structure to the exit, and wherein each of the tactile directional indicator members further comprises a lower rail member and an upper rail member, the lower rail member connected to the first side of the chevrons so as to extend outwardly therefrom and the upper rail member connected to the second side of the chevrons so as to extend outwardly therefrom, the lower and upper rails having a thickness no greater than the height of the first end of each of the chevrons of the tactile directional indicator members.

19. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 18 further comprising: connector means for connecting the lower and upper rails to a wall of the structure so that the tactile directional indicator members are disposed substantially parallel to a floor of the structure at a distance of from about 1 to about 5 feet from the floor of the structure.

20. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 19 wherein the tactile directional indicator members and the lower and upper rail members are of unitary construction and are fabricated of a polymeric material.

21. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 19 wherein the tactile directional indicator members and the lower and upper rail members are of unitary construction and are fabricated of a substantially transparent polymeric material.

22. The tactile directional indicator system of claim 19 further comprising: exit door tactile indicator members having a tactile surface indicative of an exit door of the structure, the exit door tactile indicator members secured to the exit door so as to be substantially aligned with the tactile directional indicator members disposed on interior walls of the structure adjacent the exit door.

23. 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, 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.

24. A method 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 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 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 is 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 linearly aligned with the tactile directional indicator members disposed adjacent the exit doors.

25. The method for defining a path of directionalized escape from the structure of claim 24 further comprising: securing an informational card to 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 which correspond to the patterned graduated indentations and protuberances of the tactile directional indicator members.

26. The method for defining a path of directionalized escape from the structure of claim 25 wherein the tactile directional indicator members terminate a predetermined distance from corners formed by abutting interior walls of the structure so as to inform an individual of the approach of such corners.

27. 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.

28. The method of claim 27 further comprising: providing at least one exit door tactile indicator member disposed on the exit door of the structure for indicating the location of the exit door.

29. 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 towards an exit of the structure and a relatively rough tactile surface in an opposite 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.

30. 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 opening the interior door and locating the tactile directional indicator members.

31. The method of claim 28 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 wherein, in the step of providing tactile directional indicator members along the interior walls and the interior doors of the structure, the tactile directional indicator members terminate a predetermined distance from corners formed between adjacent interior walls so as to inform individuals of the approach of such corners.