Untitled record
Abstract
This record has no abstract on file.
Term
No projected expiry on record.
- Priority and filed
- Published
- Today
10 claims: 10 independent, 0 dependent
- 1Indicator device, in particular for the blind or visually impaired, comprising a support which has a plurality of graphic indications, said indicator device being characterized in that it comprises, on at least one surface layer which can come into contact with a user, a sanitizing composition. 1. Dispositivo indicatore, in particolare per non vedenti ο ipovedenti, comprendente un supporto che presenta una pluralità di indicazioni grafiche, detto dispositivo indicatore essendo caratterizzato dal fatto di comprendere, su almeno uno strato superficiale che può venire a contatto con un utente, una composizione sanificante.
- 2Indicator device, according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said sanitizing composition is distributed in a substantially homogeneous way within said at least one surface layer. 2. Dispositivo indicatore, secondo la rivendicazione precedente, caratterizzato dal fatto che detta composizione sanificante è distribuita in modo sostanzialmente omogeneo all'interno di detto almeno uno strato superficiale.
- 3Indicator device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sanitizing composition is distributed in a substantially permanent manner within said at least one surface layer. 3. Dispositivo indicatore, secondo una o più delle rivendicazioni precedenti, caratterizzato dal fatto che detta composizione sanificante è distribuita in modo sostanzialmente permanente all'interno di detto almeno uno strato superficiale.
- 4Indicator device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said sanitizing composition comprises nanoparticles of titanium dioxide suitable for eliminating at least in part any pathogenic agents present on said at least one surface layer and for filling at least in part any porosity present on said at least one surface layer. 4. Dispositivo indicatore, secondo una o più delle rivendicazioni precedenti, caratterizzato dal fatto che detta composizione sanificante comprende nanoparticelle di biossidi di titanio atte ad eliminare almeno in parte eventuali agenti patogeni presenti su detto almeno uno strato superficiale e a riempire almeno in parte eventuali porosità presenti su detto almeno uno strato superficiale.
- 5Indicator device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one surface layer extends over the entire thickness of 5. Dispositivo indicatore, secondo una o più delle rivendicazioni precedenti, caratterizzato dal fatto che detto almeno uno strato superficiale si estende all'intero spessore di INTERNATIONAL^REVETTI INTERNAZIONAC^REVETTI Eng. Zini,(^F^^^S_C. srl Ingg. Zini,(^F^^^S_C. s.r.l. Z205023 Z205023 -2detto dispositivo indicatore. -2said indicator device.
- 6Indicator device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said support comprises a substantially sheet-like body. 6. Dispositivo indicatore, secondo una o più delle rivendicazioni precedenti, caratterizzato dal fatto che detto supporto comprende un corpo sostanzialmente lastriforme.
- 7Indicator device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said graphic indications comprise high reliefs and low reliefs. 7 . Dispositivo indicatore, secondo una o più delle rivendicazioni precedenti, caratterizzato dal fatto che dette indicazioni grafiche comprendono altorilievi e bassorilievi.
- 8Indicator device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said high relief and low relief comprise a plurality of alphanumeric characters and/or symbols suitable for reproducing writings. 8. Dispositivo indicatore, secondo una o più delle rivendicazioni precedenti, caratterizzato dal fatto che detti altorilievi e bassorilievi comprendono una pluralità di caratteri alfanumerici e/o simboli atti a riprodurre scritte.
- 9Indicator device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said high reliefs and low reliefs comprise a plurality of stylized shapes suitable for reproducing environments and/or objects. 9. Dispositivo indicatore, secondo una o più delle rivendicazioni precedenti, caratterizzato dal fatto che detti altorilievi e bassorilievi comprendono una pluralità di forme stilizzate atte a riprodurre ambienti e/o oggetti.
- 10Indicator device, according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said high reliefs and low reliefs comprise a plurality of pins detectable by touch engaged in respective holes defined on said support. 10. Dispositivo indicatore, secondo una o più delle rivendicazioni precedenti, caratterizzato dal fatto che detti altorilievi e bassorilievi comprendono una pluralità di pioli rilevabili al tatto impegnati in rispettivi fori definiti su detto supporto.
Independent claims10
78 paragraphs in 8 sections, as filed
DESCRIPTION of the industrial invention entitled:
INDICATOR DEVICE, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE BLIND OR VISUALLY VISUAL in the name of TREU VERONICA, residing in VICENZA (VI).
DESCRIPTION TEXT
The present invention relates to an indicator device, in particular for blind or visually impaired people.
As known, in an almost infinite number of sectors of daily life the use of plates, synoptic panels or similar indicating devices is widespread, on which names, acronyms, indications and information of various types are engraved or written.
This information is generally organized in a schematic and simplified way, so as to be quickly consultable by users who can use it for various reasons.
Furthermore, in cases where the communication is dedicated to people with visual impairment or to the creation of sensory pathways, the information is written in relief, as well as in Braille, so that it can also be read using the hands.
In some contexts, therefore, tactile supports become an indispensable tool that can be used over time by a plurality of different users.
In this regard, it should be noted that the promiscuous and continuous use of these touch panels can sometimes lead to
INTERNATIONAL^REVETTI
Eng. Zini, (fagFa£ie^ srl
Z205023
-2proliferation of bacteria, germs and other pathogens on surfaces that come into contact with users' hands.
The presence of these microorganisms, which under certain conditions can multiply extremely rapidly, negatively affects hygienic conditions, giving rise to serious health risks for users.
To obviate these drawbacks, it is possible to resort to disinfection and/or sterilization of the aforesaid indicator devices, preferably by scheduling interventions at regular intervals.
Known disinfection and/or sterilization systems, however, can be complex and expensive since they generally require the use of specific equipment and appropriate cleaning solutions.
Frequent cleaning of touch panels also carries the risk of damaging the panels themselves.
The task of the present invention is to provide an indicator device, in particular for blind or visually impaired people, which overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned.
Within the scope of the above aim, a particular object of the invention is to provide an indicator device which allows to combat the proliferation of bacteria, viruses and other pathogenic agents, particularly in contexts in which there is
INTERNATIONAL^REVETTI
Eng. Zini, (fagFa£ie^ srl
Z205023
-3 a high promiscuity of use of the indicator device itself.
Another object of the invention is to provide an indicator device in which disinfection and/or sterilization requires little time and reasonable effort.
Another purpose of the invention is to provide an indicator device which is suitable for various uses, such as for example the manufacturing of tactile maps, synoptic panels, information plates, intercom push-button panels and the like.
A further object of the invention is to provide an indicator device which, due to its particular constructive characteristics, is capable of ensuring the greatest assurances of reliability and safety in use.
Not least object of the invention is to provide an indicator device which is simple and economical to produce.
The above aim and objects, as well as others which will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved by an indicator device, in particular for blind or visually impaired people, comprising a support which has a plurality of graphic indications, said indicator device being characterized in that it comprises , on at least one surface layer that can come into contact with a user, a sanitizing composition.
Further characteristics and advantages will become clearer from the description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of an indicator device according to the invention , illustrated by way of example and not as a limitation in the following
INTERNATIONAL^REVETTI
Eng. Zini, (fagFa£ie^ srl
Z205023
-4 drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a front view of an indicator device made according to the present invention;
figure 2 is a section along the line II-II of figure 1;
Figure 3 is a front view of an indicator device made according to a second possible embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 is a front view of an indicator device made according to a third possible embodiment of the invention.
With reference to the figures cited, the indicator device according to the invention, indicated globally with the reference numbers 1, 101 and 201, comprises a support 2, 102 or 202 which has a series of graphic indications 3, 103 or 203.
The indicator device 1, 101 or 201 can have various shapes and sizes, depending on the purpose for which it is intended.
With reference to figures 1 and 2, which illustrate a first embodiment of the invention, the indicator device can consist, for example, of a tactile map indicated as a whole with 1.
With reference to figure 3, which illustrates a second possible embodiment of the invention in which the components equal and/or equivalent to those illustrated in figures 1 and 2 are indicated with the same reference numerals increased
INTERNATIONAL^REVETTI
Eng. Zini, (fagFa£ie^ srl
Z205023
-5 of 100, the indicator device can consist, for example, of a synoptic panel indicated as a whole by 101.
With reference to figure 4, which illustrates a third possible embodiment of the invention in which the same and/or equivalent components to those illustrated in figures 1 and 2 are indicated with the same reference numerals increased by 200, the indicator device can consist, for example, of an intercom push-button panel indicated as a whole with 201.
As will be evident to an expert in the field, those presented in figures 1-4 are only some examples of possible embodiments of the indicator device according to the invention, which in reality can consist of any instrument used to group different types of information having a visual and tactile impact.
The support 2, 102 or 202 essentially consists of a substantially sheet-like body, which is preferably made of metal or hard polymeric material.
The graphic indications 3, 103 or 203 are instead made up of high reliefs, projections, or protrusions, or of bas-reliefs, imprints, grooves, or incisions, which develop on the support 2, 102 or 202 so as to reproduce alphanumeric characters and/or symbols 4, 104 or 204 suitable, for example, to compose writings of various kinds.
INTERNATIONAL^REVETTI
Eng. Zini, (fagFa£ie^ srl
Z205023
-6The aforementioned high reliefs and low reliefs can also develop according to stylized forms 5 suitable for reproducing, schematically and to scale, environments and objects such as those shown, for example, in the tactile map 1 schematized in figures 1 and 2.
The graphic indications 3, 103 or 203 can be made with the same material used for the support 2, 102 or 202, but differ for example in the surface colouring, or they can be made with different materials.
Furthermore, the graphic indications 3, 103 or 203 can be made in a single piece with the support 2, 102 or 202, as for example in the case of the synoptic panel 101 schematized in figure 3 or in the case of the intercom button panel 201 schematized in figure 4, or they can be made separately and subsequently linked to it.
In the case of figures 1 and 2, for example, part of the graphic indications 3 are obtained by means of pegs 6, substantially cylindrical in shape, which have a rounded end 7 intended to protrude from the support 2 in such a way as to be detectable to the touch by part of a user.
According to this embodiment, the pegs 6 are made separately and subsequently constrained to the support 2, engaging them in respective holes 8 arranged in such a way as to reproduce symbols or characters of the Braille language.
INTERNATIONAL^REVETTI
Eng. Zini, (fagFa£ie^ srl
Z205023
-ΊThe holes 8 are preferably of the through type and are provided with flarings 9 suitable for receiving corresponding frustoconical terminal ends 10 defined on each peg 6 in an opposite position with respect to the rounded terminal end 7.
In a per se known way, the pegs 6 can be kept in the correct position, for example, by means of a sealing plate 11 joined in a substantially permanent way to the non-visible face of the support 2.
According to the present invention, the indicator device 1, 101 or 201 comprises, on at least one surface layer 12, 112 or 212 which can come into contact with a user, a sanitizing composition.
By sanitizing composition, we mean a chemical composition capable of exerting an action to prevent the proliferation of pathogens, such as for example bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds and spores, and/or to reduce their number where they were present on the surface layer 12, 112 or 212.
Advantageously, the aforementioned sanitizing composition is distributed in a substantially homogeneous and almost permanent manner within the surface layer 12, 112 or 212.
Experimental tests and a careful analysis of the results have made it possible to prefer, among the various sanitizing compounds that can be used, a protective coating of the nanocomposite hybrid sol-gel type based on titanium dioxides.
INTERNATIONAL^REVETTI
Eng. Zini, (fagFa£ie^ srl
Z205023
-8This titanium dioxide-based sanitizing composition in fact exerts a photocatalytic/oxidizing action which prevents the proliferation of any pathogens on the surface layer 12, 112 or 212 and significantly reduces its life time.
Furthermore, this sanitizing composition based on titanium dioxides fills any porosity present on the surface layer 12, 112 or 212, making the indicator device 1, 101 or 201 easier to clean, for example by simply exploiting the washing away effect of the rains.
It is important to highlight that the good adhesion of the sanitizing composition based on titanium dioxides and the absence of contaminating substances, such as heavy metals and metal ions, prevent the nanoparticles contained inside from being released or dispersed into the environment.
Preferably, the titanium dioxide-based sanitizing composition is applied to the indicator device 1, 101 or 201 by impregnating the surface layer 12, 112 or 212 as defined above.
However, as will be evident to an expert in the field, in different embodiments of the invention, the surface layer 12, 112 or 212 could become very thick, up to coincide, in the limit, with the entire thickness of the indicator device according to the 'invention.
In these cases, the sanitizing composition based on
Z205023 - 9 - INTERNATIONAL^REVETTI
Eng. Zini,{fagFgie^^ srl
titanium dioxides can be dispersed in the material with which the indicator device 1, 101 or 201 according to the invention is then made.
The use of the indicator device according to the invention clearly follows from what has been described above.
In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects, an indicator device being provided, in particular for blind or visually impaired people, which allows to combat the proliferation of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, particularly in contexts where there is a high promiscuity of use of the indicator device itself.
The disinfection and/or sterilization of the indicator device according to the invention in fact occurs autonomously, with consequent savings both in terms of management costs and in terms of time.
A further advantage of the indicator device according to the invention consists in its constructive simplicity and in its adequacy for different conditions of use which make it suitable for realizing, for example, tactile maps, synoptic panels, information plates, intercom push-button panels and much more.
The indicator device, in particular for the blind or visually impaired, according to the invention is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; furthermore, all the details may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.
Z205023 -10- INTERNATIONAL^REVETTI
Eng. srl
Of course, the materials used, as well as the dimensions and shapes, may be any according to the requirements and the state of the art.
Contents8
3 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office | Category | Cited during | Relevant claims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102006023375A1 | Cites | Germany | A | Search report | 1-10 |
| DE102006038593A1 | Cites | Germany | IA | Search report | 1 |
| US2004107543A1 | Cites | United States of America | I | Search report | 1-10 |
| WO2016120900A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A | Search report | 1-10 |
| WO9710186A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A | Search report | 1-10 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 202000015175
- Application
- 10000015175
Titles2
- Italian
- DISPOSITIVO INDICATORE, IN PARTICOLARE PER NON VEDENTI O IPOVEDENTI.
- English
- INDICATOR DEVICE, PARTICULARLY FOR THE BLIND OR VISUALLY IMPAIRED.
Classification
- CPC, 2
- B62B5/069
- B01J21/063
- IPC, 3
- B01J21 06
- B62B5 06
- B62B