COMPOSITE CONSTRUCTION

The present invention provides improvements in tactile ground surface indicator construction. More particularly, the invention provides a set of components which can be assembled to form a tactile ground surface indicator, an indicator formed from the components so assembled and a method of forming an indicator by assembling the components. Characteristics of a tactile ground surface indicator may, in particular applications, be optimised by designing the indicator such that it has a composite construction. In a typical such construction, a head of the indicator comprises a solid body formed from one material and an infill, received by an upwardly opening recess at a top end of the body, formed from another material. In one example, the body may be stainless steel and the infill carborundum, affording the head a combination of apparent quality and/or robustness, attributable to the stainless steel, and wear resistance and/or anti-slip properties, attributable to the carborundum. In another example, the infill may instead be plastic having a colour which contrasts from that of the material from which the body is formed, permitting application of the indicator to a ground surface having a colour and/or luminosity similar to that/those of the body, a sufficient level of contrast between the indicator head and ground surface (such that the indicator will be noticed by pedestrians, in including visually impaired pedestrians, approaching it) being attributable to the infill. (Relevant codes and standards may prohibit, for example, an indicator the body of which is stainless steel from being applied to a ground surface of similar luminosity to the stainless steel - e.g. an unpainted concrete ground surface - unless the head includes a highly contrasting top face.) Aesthetic appeal may also be enhanced as a result of a composite head construction being visible when the indicator is installed (which construction may. for example, define a visible variation in any one or more of finish, colour, texture and pattern).

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a set of components for forming a tactile ground surface indicator, the set comprising a first component, which comprises a body, and a second component, which comprises a skirt shaped such that it can be fitted over a peripheral portion of the body so as to surround a central portion of the body, the second component being securable to the first component when the skirt is so fitted such that said indicator is formed and the body and second component define a head of the indicator which is configured such that at least part of said central portion is visibly exposed when the indicator is installed.

Preferably, the first component is a single piece.

Preferably, the second component is a single piece.

Preferably, the skirt is configured in the form of a shell. Preferably, the skirt has a substantially solid wall structure whereby a peripheral exterior portion of the head is defined in its entirety by the skirt. Alternatively, the skirt may be configured with an apertured or mesh-like wall structure whereby part of the exterior of the body visible therethrough defines part of the peripheral exterior portion. The skirt may have, for example, a mottled, textured or knurled finish which is arranged whereby to be visible when the indicator is installed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the components are configured such that the entirety of a central exterior portion of the head is defined by the body.

Preferably, the components are configured whereby the head appears to comprise a solid main piece made of the material from which the skirt is formed and a supplementary piece, which may take the form of an insert, made of the material from which the body is formed and attached to the solid main piece.

Preferably, the body and the skirt are configured such that said peripheral exterior portion has a surface appearance which is distinct from that of the central exterior portion. The surface appearance may be defined, for example, by any one or more of colour, texture, finish and pattern. Preferably, the body and the skirt are formed from different materials. For example, the body may be formed from any one of metal, masonry material and plastic (which materials can included, for example, carborundum, garnet, powder metallurgy materials, resin, rubber, ceramic and stone (e.g. granite)) and the skirt formed from any other one of those materials. In one embodiment of the invention, the body is formed, and is preferably moulded, from plastic and the skirt is formed from metal, which may comprise, for example, stainless steel, brass, the choice of metal perhaps depending on the skirt thickness and construction. In one possible embodiment of the invention, the body is substantially cylindrical and is formed at an upper end thereof with a radially outwardly facing circumferentially extending shoulder, and the skirt comprises a frustoconical ring which is configured with an upper opening which is shaped and sized to locate to the shoulder. In another embodiment of the invention, the skirt is formed from said metal and the body is formed of masonry material, which may comprise, for example, stone. The stone may comprise, for example, granite. Preferably, the entirety of the first component is formed from one material. Preferably, the first component is of unitary construction.

Preferably, the first component includes a member which projects from the body to be downwardly insertable into an upwardly opening cavity in the ground during installation of the indicator and securable in the cavity to anchor the indicator. Preferably, the member is configured to deform against a sidewall of the cavity when inserted so as to be secured in the cavity.

Preferably, the body is formed with an anti-slip configuration defining at least part of the central exterior portion and being arranged so that it can be stepped upon when the indicator is installed. The anti-slip configuration may comprise a grip pattern formed over or into the surface of the body. Instead, it may be defined by a rough or coarse surface finish of the body; e.g. the body may be formed from carborundum or another material having such a surface finish.

Preferably, the components are configured such that at /east part of the centra) exterior portion is proud of an upper end of the peripheral exterior portion when the indicator is installed.

The skirt is preferably pressed from a piece of material, though may, alternatively, be, for example, moulded, machined pressed or coined. Preferably, the skirt has an exterior profile which defines an inclined peripheral exterior face of the head. The face may be substantially smooth. Alternatively, it may be non- smooth - e.g., it may be coarse and/or configured with a pattern.

In one embodiment of the invention, the components are shaped such that the head in plan view is circular. Preferably, in such an embodiment, the skirt in plan view is ring-shaped and the central exterior portion in plan view is circular.

In another embodiment of the invention, the components are shaped such that the head in plan view is elongate. Preferably, in such an embodiment, the central exterior portion and head are both elongate in the same direction. Preferably, in such an embodiment, the skirt comprises opposed elongate side walls arranged to extend parallel to a longitudinal axis of the head and end walls interconnecting the side walls. In such an embodiment, the second component may include at least one transverse bridge portion interconnecting the side walls to hold them adjacent the body; the bridge portion(s) and body may together define the exterior portion.

Preferably, the second component is downwardly introduceable over the body so as to be fit thereto.

Preferably, the second component is securable to the first component prior to installation. Preferably, the second component is engageable with the first component so as to be secured thereto. Preferably, the second component includes at least one locking portion which is interconnected with the skirt and receivable against an underside of the body to lock the second component to the first component, in one embodiment of the invention, the or each locking portion comprises a tab. Preferably, the or each tab is orientated to be clear of the body when the second component is introduced over the body and is bendable so as thereafter to be received against said underside. In another embodiment of the invention, the second component may comprise a single, continuous said locking portion extending around the periphery of the skirt which is orientated to be clear of the body when the second component is introduced over the body and is bendable so as thereafter to be received against said underside.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided said indicator, formed by assembly of the components of said set. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of forming a tactile ground surface indicator, comprising assembling the components of said set. such that the skirt is fitted over the peripheral portion of the body whereby it surrounds the central portion of the body, wherein the second component is secured to the first component when the skirt is so fitted such that said indicator is formed and the body and second component define said head of the indicator.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first component is a tactile ground surface indicator. The present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure I is an upper perspective view of a set of components for forming a tactile ground surface indicator according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of the set shown in Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of the indicator of the first embodiment; Figure 4 is a lower perspective view of the indicator of the first embodiment;

Figure 5 is a top view of the indicator of the first embodiment;

Figure 6 is a bottom view of the indicator of the first embodiment;

Figure 7 is a first side elevation view of the indicator of the first embodiment; Figure 8 is a second side elevation view of the indicator of the first embodiment;

Figure 9 is a view taken through section 9-9 shown in Figure 5;

Figure 10 is an upper perspective view of a set of components for forming a tacti le ground surface indicator according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 1 1 is a lower perspective view of the set shown in Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an upper perspective view of the assembled indicator of the second embodiment;

Figure 13 is a lower perspective view of the indicator of the second embodiment; Figure 1 is a top view of the indicator of the second embodiment;

Figure 15 is a bottom view of the indicator of the second embodiment;

Figure 16 is side elevation view of the indicator of the second embodiment ;

Figure 17 is an end elevation view of the indicator of the second embodiment; Figure 18 is a view taken through the section 18- 1 8 shown in Figure 14; and Figure 19 is a view of detail 19 shown in Figure 18.

A set 1 of components, comprising a first piece 20 and a second piece 30, for forming a tactile ground surface indicator in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. That indicator 10, which is shown in Figures 3 to 8, comprises a head 3, receivable against a ground surface, and a projecting member 4, in the form of a stem, which extends downwardly from an underside of the head 3 so as to be downwardly insertable into an upwardly opening cavity and securable in the cavity to anchor the head 3 against the ground surface (see Figure 9).

In the present embodiment, the piece 20 is actually a tactile ground surface indicator in its own right, comprising a body 2, which defines the head of that indicator in its entirety, and including the stem 4 which is integrally formed with the body 2 and projects downwardly from an underside thereof. In the present embodiment, the first piece 20 is injection moulded from plastic, and is thus inexpensive to produce.

The stem 4 comprises a generally cylindrical main section 6 and protuberances, in the form of axially extending ribs 7, which are arranged on opposite sides of the main section 6 (see Figures 6 and 7) and project radially outwardly. The main section 6 is configured with axially extending scallops 8 arranged at opposite sides thereof, each scallop 8 being positioned substantially 90 degrees from both ribs 7. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the body 2 is substantially solid and generally frustoconical, having an inclined circumferential side face 5, an upper face 1 1 , radially inward of the side face 5, and a lower face 13 which defines a base of the body 2, the faces 1 1 and 13 being parallel to each other and perpendicular to the direction in which the stem 6 projects. The body 2 is formed with an anti-slip configuration, which in the present embodiment comprises upwardly protruding formations 15 arranged on the upper face 1 1 . The formations 15 in the example shown are configured in the form of nodules, though the anti-slip configuration may take any of a great number of forms, as would be known to a person skilled in the art, without departure from the invention. The second piece 30 comprises an annular skirt 32 and is configured to fit to the body 2 such that the skirt 32 is received against the side face 5 thereof, thereby covering the side face 5 (see Figures 3 and 4). When the skirt 32 is so received, the circular top portion 1 8 of the body 2, comprising upper face 1 1 and the formations 1 5, remains visibly exposed, thus defining a central exterior portion 16 of the head 3 of the indicator 1 , in which the gripping configuration is positioned proud of the upper end of the skirt 32, such that it can engage the sole of a shoe of a person stepping onto the indicator head 3 when the indicator 1 is installed. The second piece 30 is punched, stamped or coined from stainless steel plate, the thickness of which may be, for example, 0.2mm to 1 .0mm (and will depend on strength requirements), and the skirt 32 takes the form of an annular shell which conceals the periphery of the body 2 and defines a peripheral exterior portion 17 of the head 3. The central hole 36 through the top end of the piece 30 has a diameter substantially equal to that of the top portion of the body 2, whereby the top end of the piece 30 locates closely adjacent and concentric with the perimeter of the body top portion. The top portion of the body, in this embodiment, projects a small distance upwardly from the top end of the annular face 5, whereby to comprise a shoulder defining a spigot around which the open top end of the piece 30 locates. The top portion may have a height which is such that the face 1 1 is flush with the upper end of piece 30, or instead is proud of that end.

The skirt 32 includes, in addition to an inclined circumferential wall 32A which is received against the inclined face 5 of the body, an upright circumferential wall portion 32B at its lower end receivable around and adjacent to an upright exterior circumferential face 5Λ of the body 2 formed at a lower end thereof.

The second piece 30 further includes circumferential!y spaced apart tabs 34 integrally formed with the skirt 32 and arranged at a lower end thereof. After downward introduction of the piece 30 over the body 2, each tab 34 is bent radially inwardly from a downwardly projecting orientation to engage the underside of the body 2, thereby locking the piece 30 to the piece 20, Advantageously, the provision of locking elements, defined in this embodiment by tabs 34, eliminates any need for adhesive to be employed hold the piece 30 to the piece 20. This being said, such locking elements could be omitted and adhesive so employed without departure from the invention.

The indicator 10, once assembled, is installed as follows. Referring to Figure 9, a cavity is drilled into the ground, which will often comprise concrete, the cavity having a diameter slightly greater than that of the stem main section 6 but less than the spacing between the radially outermost extents of the opposed ribs 7. The head 3 is then tapped with a hammer to drive the stem 4 downwardly into the cavity whereby the ribs 7 deform against the circumferential side wall of the cavity, such that the indicator 10 is anchored to the ground with the underside of the head 3 in abutment with the ground surface. The scallops 8 define relief portions which may promote satisfactory deformation of the stem during the insertion. The installation method is, in this regard, substantially consistent with that disclosed in the specification and drawings of Australian patent application 2008202373. the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The head 3, of the indicator 10 thus installed, resembles, or appears as, one comprising a solid main piece made of the material from which the second piece 30 is formed and a supplementary piece made of the material from which the body is formed and attached to the solid main piece. It thus appears that the head is composed mostly of stainless steel. The indicator 10 thus has the appearance of a high-end product which is robust and may be aesthetically attractive.

A set of pieces, comprising a first piece 20' and a second piece 30', for forming a tactile ground surface indicator in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figures 10 and 1 1. That indicator 10', which is shown in Figures 12 to 18, comprises a head 3' which, instead of being circular, is elongate, and plural projecting members 4 arranged at spaced apart positions axially along the head, each being configured in the form of a stem which extends downwardly from an underside of the head 3' so as to be downwardly insertable into a respective upwardly opening cavity and securable in the cavity to anchor the head 3' against the ground surface, and being identical in form to the stem 4 in the first embodiment, comprising main section 6, ribs 7 and scallops 8. In the present embodiment, the piece 20', like the piece 20, is a tactile ground surface indicator in its own right, comprising a body 2' which defines the head of that indicator in its entirety, and including the stems 4 which are integrally formed with the body 2' and project downwardly from an underside thereof. The first piece 20', like the piece 20, is injection moulded from plastic, and is thus inexpensive to produce.

The body 2' is substantially solid and comprises an inclined side wall extending around the entire periphery of the body 2', and plural top portions, comprising end top portions 18A and intermediate top portions 18B, the top portions each projecting upwardly from the top end of the side face 5, whereby a shoulder extends around the perimeter of each lop portion, channels or grooves 19 thus being defined between adjacent ones of the top portions. Rach of the end top portions 18A comprises an upper face 1 1 ' and formations 15 arranged on the upper face 1 1 to define a respective anti-slip configuration of the same form as in the previous embodiment. Each intermediate upper portion 18B also includes an upper face 1 1 ' and an anti-slip configuration, which in the present embodiment comprises upwardly protruding formations configured in the form of parallel ribs 15' extending axially along the body 2. Again, the anti-slip configuration, in the portions 18A and/or 18B, may take any of a number of alternative forms without departure from the invention.

The second piece 30' comprises a skirt 32' which, like the body 2'. is elongate, and comprises an inclined wall 32A which is configured to be received against the inclined face 5' of the body 2' and an upright continuous wall portion 32B at its lower end receivable around and adjacent to an upright exterior peripheral face 5A'of the body 2' formed at a lower end thereof. The piece 30' additionally comprises transverse bridging sections or stringers 33 which are arranged at axially spaced apart positions along the piece 30' and interconnect the opposed side sections of the skirt 32'.

The second piece 30' further includes tabs 34 arranged at spaced apart positions along the lower end of the skirt 32' and integrally formed with the skirt 32'. The piece 30' is downwardly introduced over the piece 20' such that the inclined wall 32A fits over the inclined side face 5', thereby concealing it, and the wall section 32B is received around and adjacent to the upright exterior face of the body 2' at its lower end. and each stringer 33 locates in a respective one of the channels 19. The configuration of each of the openings 36A, 36B through the top end of the piece 30' matches the configuration of a respective one of the portions 18A and 18B received therethrough, whereby the top end of the piece 30' locates closely adjacent the perimeters of the portions 18 A, 18B, which perimeters may serve as locating spigots for the piece 30'. The tabs 34 are then bent inwardly so as to engage the underside of the body 2', thereby locking the piece 30' to the piece 20'.

The indicator 10', once assembled, is installed as follows. Plural cavities - one for each stem 4 - are drilled into the ground (see Figures 18 and 1 ). The head 3' is then tapped with a hammer to drive the stems 4 downwardly into the cavities whereby the ribs 7 on each stem deform against the circumferential side wall of the respective cavity, consistent with the previous embodiment, such that the indicator 10' is anchored to the ground with the underside of the head 3' in abutment with the ground surface.

The head 3', like the head 3 in the previous embodiment, resembles, or appears as, one comprising a solid main piece made of the material from which the second piece 30' is formed and a supplementary piece made of the material from which the body is formed and attached to the solid main piece. It thus appears that the head is composed mostly of stainless steel. Again, the indicator thus has the appearance of a high-end product which is robust and may be aesthetically attractive.

The stems 4 in the indicator 10' may, without departure from the invention, be replaced with a centrally disposed flange extending most of the length of the body 2' and projecting downwardly from an underside thereof, the flange being receivable in a groove formed into the ground appropriately configured with laterally outwardly projecting protuberances which deform against side walls of the groove when the flange is downwardly inserted therein, thereby anchoring the indicator to the ground.

In other embodiments of the invention, the first piece may be formed from another material such as, for example, stone. In such an embodiment, the or each projecting member may be held in the cavity into which it is downwardly inserted by adhesive or by deformation of a deformable casing, applied to the projecting member, against the cavity wall. In such an embodiment, the second piece may be formed of steel, or another material such as. for example, another metal or a plastic.

In the present embodiment, the central exterior portion 16' is defined by the portions 18A, 18B and the stringers 19 received in the respective channels 19 defined between adjacent ones of those portions. The peripheral exterior portion 17' is defined by the skirt 32'. While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.