Tactile-visual marking arrangement for temporary fixing on a base and method for applying tactile-visual marking arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a tactile-visual marking arrangement for temporary attachment to a substrate. The tactile-visual marking arrangement comprises at least one tactile element and a carrier layer, the carrier layer comprising an adhesive layer on its underside. The tactile element is arranged on an upper surface of the carrier layer opposite the underside, is smaller than the carrier layer, and has a minimum height of 2 mm from the surface of the carrier layer. The invention further relates to a method for applying and a method for removing a tactile-visual marking arrangement, as well as the use of a carrier layer for applying a tactile element to a substrate.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tactile-visual marking arrangement for temporary attachment to a substrate, a method for applying a tactile-visual marking arrangement, a method for removing a tactile-visual marking arrangement and the use of a carrier layer for applying a tactile element to a substrate.

[0002] To enable visually impaired and blind people to move more easily, safely, and independently in public spaces, tactile-visual markings are used on the ground. Such markings are typically found at public transport stops or other public facilities and can be detected with a long cane, also known as a white cane or orientation cane.

[0003] Construction sites can lead to tactile-visual markings being temporarily inaccessible, misleading, or completely missing. Temporarily reapplying and then removing these markings using traditional methods is complex, costly, and can permanently damage the surface.

[0004] Tactile-visual marking arrangements are known from the prior art. These marking arrangements, as described, for example, in US4080087A, are permanently applied to the surface and can only be removed by complex soil preparation measures, such as milling.

[0005] KR20190096775A describes a tactile marking arrangement designed as a mobile mat. These mats can be connected and joined together. Such tactile mats simply rest on the surface and can be accidentally moved.

[0006] CH718799B1 describes a tactile marking arrangement which is designed as a single, very hard stripe. Depending on the surface, there is insufficient visual contrast and the stripe can only be applied to very hard surfaces.

[0007] The purpose of the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a tactile-visual marking system is intended to enable a seamless guidance system for visually impaired and blind persons in temporary or provisional public areas.

[0008] The problem is solved by a tactile-visual marking arrangement for temporary attachment to a substrate, a method for applying a tactile-visual marking arrangement, a method for removing a tactile-visual marking arrangement and the use of a carrier layer for applying a tactile element to a substrate according to the independent claims.

[0009] In particular, the task is solved by a tactile-visual marking arrangement for temporary attachment to a substrate. The tactile-visual marking arrangement comprises at least one tactile element and a carrier layer. The carrier layer includes an adhesive layer on its underside. The tactile element is arranged on an upper surface of the carrier layer opposite the underside. The tactile element is smaller than the carrier layer and, in particular, has a minimum height of 2 mm measured from the surface of the carrier layer.

[0010] In this context, a tactile-visual marking arrangement refers to an arrangement of one or more tactile elements that facilitate independent orientation for a visually impaired or blind person. A tactile element, in this context, refers to a three-dimensional structure that can be felt by a visually impaired or blind person. This is typically done with a long cane, but can also be done with other aids or without any aids at all.

[0011] The adhesive layer of the backing allows the marking arrangement to be attached to a substrate. The substrate can be made of, for example, asphalt, concrete, stone such as granite or marble, wood, metal, ceramic, or plastic.

[0012] The surface can be flat or curved. It is also conceivable that the surface could be designed as steps, slopes, or a grid.

[0013] The carrier layer can be made of plastic; in particular, it is conceivable that the carrier layer could be made of polyurethane or polyester. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the carrier layer could be made of metal, especially aluminum. The carrier layer can be 1 mm to 2 mm thick, although a carrier layer thickness of less than 1 mm is also conceivable.

[0014] The adhesive layer also allows the tactile-visual marking system to be removed quickly and easily without significant material costs or permanent damage to the surface. This enables the temporary use of the tactile-visual marking system, for example, at temporary public transport stops, construction sites, or event venues. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to use the tactile-visual marking system indoors or on vehicles such as ships, buses, trains, or trams.

[0015] Since the tactile element is smaller than the substrate, multiple tactile elements can be positioned at defined intervals on the substrate. Furthermore, the visual contrast between the tactile element and the substrate can be set independently of the background color.

[0016] The minimum height of the tactile element, in this case, refers to the minimum height of the tactile element in its new, unused state. With frequent use, the tactile element can wear down, which can reduce its height. A minimum height of 2 mm can achieve the same tactile behavior as a permanent tactile-visual marking system. It is also conceivable that the tactile element could have a minimum height of 4 mm.

[0017] The tactile element and the top surface of the substrate layer can be different colors, such that a Michelson contrast of at least 0.3, preferably at least 0.6, exists between the top surface and the tactile element. The top surface can be black, and the tactile element white.

[0018] If only the tactile element were applied to the substrate, sufficient contrast could not be guaranteed for all surfaces. However, the contrast between the substrate and the tactile element allows the tactile-visual marking system to be applied to any colored substrate. This eliminates the need for any time-consuming dyeing or treatment of the substrate. Furthermore, a consistent Michelson contrast can be ensured under identical environmental conditions, regardless of the substrate. The Michelson contrast can be determined using a luminance camera or a luminance meter. Inverting the colors is also possible. The tactile element could be yellow and the top of the substrate black. Additionally, any other color combination that provides a sufficiently high Michelson contrast can be used.

[0019] The tactile element may include a reflective component.

[0020] The reflective component can improve the visibility of the tactile-visual marking system at night and in poor visibility conditions. This reflective component can be designed as a retroreflector. Glass beads, titanium dioxide particles, or glass prisms are all possible materials for this purpose. The reflective component can be located on the surface of the tactile element or distributed throughout it.

[0021] The tactile element can include acrylic resin, in particular the tactile element can include methacrylate resin.

[0022] It is conceivable that a hardener containing dibenzoyl peroxide or other peroxides is used to cure the acrylic resin. It is also conceivable that the tactile element contains a plasticizer, such as n-butyl acrylate. The mass fraction of plasticizer in the tactile element can range from 2% to 5% and may be higher than in permanent tactile-visual marking systems. Therefore, the tactile element can have a modulus of elasticity (tensile modulus dry according to ISO 527) of less than 5 GPa.

[0023] The use of acrylic resin allows the tactile element to be temperature and abrasion resistant.

[0024] The adhesive layer can include a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Possible pressure-sensitive adhesives include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or acrylate, or a combination thereof. By using an adhesive layer containing a pressure-sensitive adhesive, the tactile-visual marking can be applied by a person without extensive expertise, without the need for special equipment or tools. The adhesive layer thickness is less than that of the carrier layer and the tactile element, and can be less than 0.2 mm.

[0025] The tactile element can be in the form of a strip and, in particular, can have a length that is at least 3 times its width.

[0026] A strip-shaped design of the tactile element allows the tactile-visual marking arrangement to be used as guide lines. Such guide lines can be part of a guide line system, as required, for example, in the national standards SN 640852:2005, DIN 18040-1:2023 or ÖNORM V 2102:2018.

[0027] However, it is also conceivable that the tactile element could be circular or square. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the tactile element could have another shape described in a national standard.

[0028] The tactile element can have a maximum length of 5 m, preferably a maximum of 1 m.

[0029] Such a maximum length of the tactile element allows the tactile-visual marking arrangement to be rolled for transport and storage without damaging the tactile element.

[0030] If tactile-visual marking systems are used outdoors, the guide lines may include drainage breaks. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the tactile element has a maximum length corresponding to the recommended maximum guide line length without a drainage break. Therefore, it is conceivable that two tactile elements could form a drainage break, which may be less than 33 mm.

[0031] At least three, and in particular six, tactile elements can be arranged in parallel on the top surface.

[0032] By arranging tactile elements in parallel on a substrate, guide lines with defined spacing can be generated. It is conceivable that the tactile elements are designed as strips with a width of 30 mm, and the width of the spaces between them is either 30 mm or 270 mm.

[0033] At least two tactile elements can be arranged on the top surface and can be arranged in particular as a guide line, safety line, branching field, end field, entry field or attention field.

[0034] Standardized tactile-visual marking systems can be created using such arrangements. In this context, a guide line refers to tactile elements that serve to guide and indicate direction. Guide lines preferably run in straight lines or at right angles. A branch field marks a junction or intersection of guide lines. An end field marks the end of a guide line, and an attention field indicates a special situation. An entry field marks the position of a vehicle door. A safety line serves to demarcate a danger zone, such as a platform edge.

[0035] The object of the invention is further achieved by a method for applying a tactile-visual marking arrangement to a substrate. The application of the tactile-visual marking arrangement can optionally include preparing the substrate by cleaning or pre-conditioning it. Subsequently, the carrier layer can be bonded to the substrate. The tactile element can then be applied to the carrier layer and subsequently cured. Preparing the substrate can improve the adhesion of the carrier layer to the substrate. This can be particularly advantageous in cases of heavy use of the tactile-visual marking arrangement or in exposed locations. The preparation can include cleaning or degreasing the floor.Furthermore, an adhesion promoter, also called a primer, can be applied to improve adhesive properties such as weather resistance, moisture resistance, aging resistance, and adhesion. The sequential application of the carrier layer and the tactile element allows for flexible adaptation to the conditions of the application site. For example, scaffolding or other obstacles can be easily circumvented. Moreover, this method enables the installation of tactile elements several meters long without interruption.

[0036] The backing layer can be applied using a floor marking machine or manually. It is also possible to use a pressure roller afterward to improve adhesion. The tactile element can be applied using a second floor marking machine or a stencil.

[0037] A method for applying a tactile-visual marking arrangement to a substrate can include applying the tactile element to the carrier layer. The tactile element can then be cured. Subsequently, the substrate can optionally be prepared as described previously. The tactile-visual marking arrangement can then be bonded to the substrate.

[0038] By applying the tactile element to the substrate, the tactile-visual marking arrangements can be prepared and pre-produced. Due to its ease of use, the application of the tactile-visual marking arrangement to the substrate does not require a specialist. The tactile-visual marking arrangement can therefore be applied quickly and without the use of special tools or machines.

[0039] The object of the invention is further achieved by a method for removing a tactile-visual marking arrangement. The removal of the carrier layer with the tactile element from the substrate can be accomplished by detaching the adhesive layer from the substrate. Detachment of the adhesive layer can be achieved using chemical, thermal, or mechanical methods, or a combination thereof. It is conceivable that the adhesive layer could be mechanically detached using a spatula. Detachment can be carried out quickly, without leaving any residue and without damaging the substrate.

[0040] The object of the invention is further achieved by the use of a carrier layer for applying a tactile element to a substrate.

[0041] Using a carrier layer ensures, firstly, the necessary visual contrast between the tactile element and its surroundings. Secondly, it allows multiple tactile elements to be applied to the substrate at defined intervals.

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail in the following figures.

[0043] They show: FIG 1: Perspective view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement. FIG 2: Front view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement. FIG 3: Top view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement designed as a guide line. FIG 4: Top view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement designed as a safety line. FIG 5: Top view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement designed as a branch field. FIG 6: Top view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement designed as an end field. FIG 7: Top view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement designed as an attention field. FIG 8: Perspective view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement designed as a studded field. FIG 9: Flowchart of a method for applying a tactile-visual marking arrangement. FIG 10: Flowchart of a second method for applying a tactile-visual marking arrangement.

[0044] Figure 1Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement 1 with three tactile elements 2. The tactile elements 2 are made of methacrylate resin and are located on the top side of the carrier layer 3, which is made of polyurethane. The adhesive layer 4 is made of synthetic rubber and is located on the underside of the carrier layer 3. The tactile-visual marking arrangement 1 can be adhered to a substrate using the adhesive layer 4.

[0045] Figure 2 Figure 1 shows a front view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement 1 with a tactile element 2. The tactile element 2 has a height H of 4 mm and is located on the polyurethane substrate 3, which is 1.6 mm high. The reflective component 5, in the form of glass beads, is located on the surface of the tactile element 2. The adhesive layer 4 consists of synthetic rubber.

[0046] Figure 3Figure 1 shows a top view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement 1, which is designed as a guide line 7. The guide line 7 consists of six tactile elements 2, which are designed as strips and arranged parallel to each other. The strips are made of methacrylate resin and are each 4 mm high, 3 cm wide, and 1 m long. Three strips form a group, with the strips spaced 3 cm apart. The two groups of strips are spaced 27 cm apart. In this version, the tactile elements 2 are white, and the backing layer 3 is black. The backing layer 3 is made of polyurethane and is 1.6 mm high, 63 cm wide, and 1 m long. The adhesive layer 4 is made of synthetic rubber and is also 63 cm wide and 1 m long.

[0047] Figure 4Figure 1 shows a 1.4 m long section of a top view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement 1, which is designed as a white safety line 8. The safety line 8 consists of six tactile elements 2, which are designed as strips and arranged parallel to each other. The strips are each 4 mm high, 3 cm wide, and 1 m long. The distance between the strips is 3 cm. In this configuration, the safety line 8 is provided with drainage breaks 6 so that rainwater cannot accumulate between the tactile elements 2. The drainage breaks 6 are each 3 cm long and 3 cm wide. The strips, which are made of methacrylate resin, are located on a black polyurethane backing layer 3, which is 1.6 mm high and 63 cm wide. The adhesive layer 4 is made of synthetic rubber and is also 63 cm wide.

[0048] Figure 5Figure 1 shows a top view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement 1, which is designed as a branching field 9. The branching field 9 consists of ten tactile elements 2, which are designed as white stripes and arranged parallel to each other. The stripes are made of methacrylate resin and are each 4 mm high, 3 cm wide, and 57 cm long. The distance between the stripes is 3 cm. The ten stripes are located on a black polyurethane backing layer 3, which is 1.6 mm high, 63 cm wide, and 63 cm long. The adhesive layer 4 is made of synthetic rubber and is 63 cm wide and 63 cm long. Three guide lines 7 border the branching field 9. Fig. 3 The distance between branch field 9 and guide lines 7 is 3 cm in each case.

[0049] Figure 6Figure 1 shows a top view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement 1, which is designed as an end panel 10. The end panel 10 consists of ten tactile elements 2, which are designed as white stripes and arranged parallel to each other. The stripes are made of methacrylate resin and are each 4 mm high, 3 cm wide, and 57 cm long. The distance between the stripes is 3 cm. The ten stripes are located on a black polyurethane backing layer 3, which is 1.6 mm high, 63 cm wide, and 63 cm long. The adhesive layer 4 is made of synthetic rubber and is 63 cm wide and 63 cm long. A guide line 7 borders the end panel 10. Fig. 3 , where the distance between end field 10 and guideline 7 is 3 cm.

[0050] Figure 7Figure 1 shows a top view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement 1, which is designed as an attention field 11. The attention field 11 consists of 64 tactile elements 2, which are designed as white stripes and arranged parallel to each other. The stripes are made of methacrylate resin and are each 4 mm high, 3 cm wide, and 90 cm long. The distance between the stripes is 3 cm. The 64 stripes are located on a black polyurethane backing layer 3, which is 1.6 mm high, 1.2 m wide, and 2 m long. The adhesive layer 4 is made of synthetic rubber and is also 1.2 m wide and 2 m long.

[0051] Figure 8Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a tactile-visual marking arrangement 1, which is designed as a white studded field. The tactile elements 2 are made of methacrylate resin and are cylindrical. Each tactile element 2 has a diameter of 3 cm and a height of 4 mm. The individual tactile elements 2 are spaced 5 cm apart in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. The studs are located on a black polyurethane backing layer 3, which is 1.6 mm high, 50 cm long, and 30 cm wide. The adhesive layer 4 is made of synthetic rubber and is also 50 cm long and 30 cm wide.

[0052] Figure 9Figure 100 shows a flowchart of a process for applying a tactile-visual marking arrangement 1. In a first step, the substrate is prepared by cleaning and preconditioning 101. Subsequently, the black polyurethane carrier layer 3 is adhered to the substrate 102, with the adhesive layer 4 consisting of synthetic rubber. The carrier layer 3 is applied to the substrate using a first floor marking device and a pressure roller. The tactile element 2, made of methacrylate resin, is then applied to the carrier layer 3 103. The application 103 of the white, 4 mm high tactile element 2 is carried out using a second floor marking device. The tactile element 2 must then cure for 30 minutes 104. After curing 104, the temporary tactile-visual marking arrangement 1 can be used.

[0053] Figure 10Figure 100 shows a flowchart of a second method for applying a tactile-visual marking arrangement 1. In a first step, the white tactile element 2, made of methacrylate resin, is applied to the black polyurethane carrier layer 3 103. The tactile element 2 then needs to cure for 30 minutes 104. After that, the substrate is prepared as described above 101. The tactile-visual marking arrangement 1 is then adhered to the substrate using the first floor marking device 102, with the adhesive layer 4 consisting of synthetic rubber. The tactile-visual marking arrangement 1 can then be used.

Claims

1. Tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) for temporary attachment to a substrate comprising at least one tactile element (2) and a carrier layer (3), wherein the carrier layer (3) comprises an adhesive layer (4) on its underside, characterized by the fact that the tactile element (2) is arranged on a top surface of the carrier layer (3) opposite the underside and the tactile element (2) is smaller than the carrier layer (3), wherein the tactile element (2) in particular has a minimum height (H) of 2 mm starting from the surface of the carrier layer (3).

2. Tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the tactile element (2) and the top surface have different colors, such that there is a Michelson contrast of at least 0.3, preferably at least 0.6, between the top surface and the tactile element (2), wherein in particular the top surface is black and the tactile element (2) is white.

3. Tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the tactile element (2) includes a reflective medium component (5).

4. Tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the tactile element (2) comprises acrylic resin, in particular methacrylate resin.

5. Tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the adhesive layer (4) comprises a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

6. Tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the tactile element (2) is strip-shaped and in particular has a length that is at least 3 times the width.

7. Tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the tactile element (2) has a maximum length of 5 m, preferably a maximum of 1 m.

8. Tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least three, in particular six tactile elements (2) are arranged in parallel on the top surface.

9. Tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that at least two tactile elements (2) are arranged on the top side and are arranged in particular as a guide line (7), safety line (8), branching field (9), end field (10), entry field or attention field (11).

10. Method for applying a tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-9 to a substrate, comprising the following steps: - Optionally preparing (101) the substrate by cleaning and / or preconditioning the substrate, - Adhering (102) the carrier layer (3) to the substrate, - Applying (103) the tactile element (2) to the carrier layer (3), - Curing (104) the tactile element (2).

11. Method for applying a tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-9 to a substrate, comprising the following steps: - Applying (103) the tactile element (2) to the carrier layer (3), - Curing (104) the tactile element (2), - Optionally preparing (101) the substrate by cleaning and / or preconditioning the substrate, - Adhering (102) the tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) to the substrate.

12. Method for removing a tactile-visual marking arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized by the fact that The carrier layer (3) with the tactile element (2) is removed from the substrate by loosening the adhesive layer (4).

13. Use of a carrier layer (3) for applying a tactile element (2) to a substrate.

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