Tracy Louis Allen

US Patent:

53364589, Aug 9, 1994

Filed:

Jun 8, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/895560

Inventors:

Glenn E. Hutchison - Prairie Village KS
Tracy M. Allen - Kansas City KS

Assignee:

Universal Engraving, Inc. - Overland Park KS

International Classification:

B29C 4320

US Classification:

264220

Abstract:

A sign having a raised message-defining image which may be read by sighted individuals and a series of raised dots presenting a corresponding encoded message in Braille characters, wherein the visually observable message is flat and has relatively sharp outlines so that it can be readily seen, whereas the Braille characters are of dome shaped configuration that fully comply with Braille specifications. A visually impaired person may touch and decipher the Braille characters and also feel the relatively sharp outline of the message intended for visual observation in order verify the content of the dual medium message of the sign. The sign is prepared using a metal female mold which is engraved with the dual reverse messages, whereupon a curable epoxy resin in flowable condition containing a tinting agent is poured over an engraved matte face of the mold, a partially cured epoxy backing member of a different color than the tinting agent is placed over the mold in covering relationship to the flowable resin, a compressible pressure-compensating sheet is placed over the backing member, and the resulting sandwich of components is subjected to heat and pressure which effects final curing of the resin composition as well as the backing member.