Three-Dimensional Preformed Thermoplastic Pavement Marker

Abstract

A three dimensional (3-D) thermoplastic pavement marker and the application thereof to roads, streets, walkways and other paved surfaces is described. The marking patterns are composed of two or more independent sections, the first section is a grid representing for example, the mortar joints in a brick wall. The second sections or inserts, for example, can represent bricks which are contained within the grid. By varying the measurements in height of the brick component (first section) and the grid component (second section), a three-dimensional pavement marking pattern is created. This article of manufacture allows for enhancements in beautification and preservation of historical pavements as well as the introduction of safety/warning devices using the same or different pavement marking patterns.

Description

PRIORITY

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of original U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/592,462 entitled, “Pavement Marking Pattern and Method”, filed on Nov. 25, 2009, and of original U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/816,635 entitled “Pavement Marking Pattern and Method”, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, and issued on Jan. 12, 2010 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,645,503. Priority is also claimed from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/662,152 entitled, “System, Method and Composition for Adhering Preformed Thermoplastic Traffic Control Signage to Pavement”, filed on Oct. 26, 2012 and of original U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/226,838, of the same title, filed on Sep. 14, 2005 and granted as U.S. Pat. No. 8,317,956 on Nov. 27, 2012, and of US granted U.S. Pat. No. 8,247,054 granted Aug. 21, 2012, entitled “Adhesive Backed Preformed Thermoplastic Sheeting”, filed on Mar. 16, 2006 as application Ser. No. 11/377,733 and PCT/US2007/06496 filed Mar. 14, 2007. Subsequent U.S. patent application continuations Ser. No. 13/543,494 filed Jul. 6, 2012 and Ser. No. 13/771,867 filed Feb. 20, 2013 of the same title are also claimed. These applications and issued patents are also hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention herein pertains to markers for pavement and particularly pertains to pavement marking patterns utilizing two or more independent sections which are sprayed with an adhesive to maintain the integrity of the pattern prior to its application to a substrate, and where the adhered pattern sections demonstrate a variable three-dimensional raised visual and textural feature.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELEVANT ART AND OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

Pavement markings convey information to drivers and pedestrians by providing exposed visible, reflective and/or tactile surfaces that serve as indicia upon a traffic surface. In the past such a function was typically accomplished by painting a traffic surface. Modern pavement marking materials offer significant advantages over paint such as dramatically increased visibility and/or retroreflectance, improved durability, and temporary removable marking options. Examples of modern pavement marking materials are thermoplastic, pavement marking sheet materials, tapes and raised pavement markers.

In recent years increasing numbers of municipalities, office complexes, shopping centers and other commercial developments have utilized thermoplastic pavement markings with various patterns and designs to guide, decorate and protect high traffic areas such as highways, pedestrian crosswalks, parking lots and business entrances. A typical, conventional pavement marking pattern as set forth in patent application US/03/03156 (WO03/064771 A1) consists of a preformed planar thermoplastic sheet or strip having a thickness of approximately 0.01″ (2.5 mm). The widths of these patterns vary with the purpose of the marking. Such patterns may include a first section or grid, for example to represent the mortar joints in a “brick” design and a plurality of second sections or “bricks” which are coplanar therewith, usually in a color different from the mortar color. The second section or bricks which are separately manufactured are inserted into the first section or grid before application of the pattern to the pavement. Various such two section marking patterns are commonly available such as: herringbone, standard brick, cobblestone, paving slabs and many other designs. Marking patterns with more than two sections are also commonly available such as horizontal highway and street signage, logos and many others.

As hereinbefore mentioned, these marking patterns consist of two or more independent sections which must be carefully assembled and handled before applying to pavements such as asphalt, concrete or other suitable substrates. These marking patterns are placed at desired locations such as road crosswalks, intersections, parking lots or other sites. In some cases heat is then applied to soften the pavement marking pattern causing it to firmly adhere to the substrate. Various adhesives can also be used to adhere the marking pattern to the substrate.

The purchase of such pavement marking patterns is relatively inexpensive; however, much time and labor is devoted to the assembly and application of the pattern to the substrate. Most patterns consist of two or more sections which are independently formed for manual assembly at the job site and time and effort is needed to assemble and maintain the integrity of a pattern before the heat treatment. Usually the pattern placed on the substrate must be moved manually for adjustment purposes. During such movement, the independent sections in the pattern inadvertently become unaligned, requiring reinsertion or realignment. U.S. Pat. No. 7,645,503 to Greer therefore solves the requirement of reinsertion and realignment, and integrity of the marking pattern before the heat treatment and during the handling and placement is maintained.

The present invention provides three-dimensional visual and textural attributes to preformed thermoplastic sheeting for road way markings having a previously singular planar geometry (normally flat and/or flush pavement surfaces). One objective is to provide an improved pavement marking pattern in which the patterned sections incorporate 3-D properties that impart raised features for safety and warning devices with aesthetic appeal which is often required to match historic sections of pavement.

It is another objective is to provide a relatively inexpensive visual and textural 3-D pavement marking pattern having two or more sections in which the sections are joined by use of an applied adhesive. These modular sections are thus available to cover the desired cured and uncured pavement surfaces. For older, historical pavement surfaces, matching sections are often required to maintain the integrity of the existing historical features.

In yet another objective of the present invention a visual and textural 3-D pavement marking pattern which allows for cost efficient factory assembly of the preform pattern and prevents dislodging and separation of the patterned sections during handling, transportation and application.

It is still another objective of the present invention to provide a three-dimensional (3-D) raised feature to the surface of the pavement marking material by varying the change in height (ΔH) between the brick component feature and the grid component feature in order to provide a visual and textural attribute. The range for these raised features (above the base grid of the preform) is normally from 100 to 400 mil and most preferably 120-390 mil.

A further embodiment of the invention is the use of 3-D preformed thermoplastic sheeting to allow for almost instant application of a cobblestone street or walkway, whilst also providing a means for patching preexisting cobblestone streets, walkways and the like.

Variations in the visual characteristics of the preformed thermoplastic marking can be obtained during manufacturing by using color combinations of a first section or “grid” feature representing, for example, the mortar joints and a second section or “bricks” feature that are not coplanar with the grid feature. Textural attributes, as required for a certain visual appearance, historical roadway matching, or retroreflectiveness can also be added during manufacture, assisting in the ability to provide a plethora of options for construction/renovation/transportation arenas.

Still another embodiment provides via 3-D preformed thermoplastic pavement marking, safety warning devices for drivers and pedestrians wherein the 3-D preformed thermoplastic marking causes an auditory or physical sensation notification to the driver of a vehicle of, for example, an upcoming traffic signal or crosswalk due to variations in height between the grid components and the brick components causing changes in vibrational frequencies and thereby differences in roadway noises, during travel across the 3-D marking material. In this manner, handicapped individuals are provided a safer medium over which to travel.

Various other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as a more detailed description is set forth below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforesaid and additional objectives are realized by providing a conventional pavement marking pattern formed of a thermosetting or thermoplastic having two or more sections, manually joined by bridging the bottom surface thereof with an adhesive having substantially the same temperature softening point as the sections of the marking pattern. The adhesive is sprayed primarily along the intersections of the pattern to cover a percentage (approximately 5-90%) of the pattern bottom surface area while bridging the intersections. The more intricate the pattern (with more joints or intersections), the greater the percentage of coverage required. The spray adhesive can be a typical polyamide, EVA based hot melt adhesive or other and preferably consists of a hot melt polyamide resin based adhesive which is sprayed in a circular or spiral string like configuration at a temperature at or above its softening point.

The sprayed hot adhesive strikes the marking pattern and adheres, bridging and bonding the pattern sections to maintain pattern integrity during subsequent handling. Uni-Rez 2633 as sold by Arizona Chemical Company of P.O. Box 550850, Jacksonville, Fla. 32225 is the main ingredient in the preferred hot melt adhesive. The preferred hot melt adhesive is formulated with Uni-Rez 2633, ester modified rosins, fillers, extenders, levelers and other conventional components.

Individual independent tile sections can be designed in simple and complex patterns, symmetrical in shape, and textured in a variety of thicknesses, providing a 3-D visual element. In a typical manufacturing process, various sections of a pavement marking pattern (such as a brick and mortar pattern) are factory assembled and while in assembled form can be provided together with a hot melt adhesive as described above applied to the bottom (underside) of the pattern.

Upon receipt at the job site, the packages are opened and after the intended substrate, usually asphalt or concrete is properly cleaned and swept, the marking pattern is then placed on the substrate without concern of disassembly during handling, movement and adjustment. Once suitably placed, a heat application is delivered from a conventional source which softens the marking pattern and the underlying sprayed adhesive, both of which have the approximate same temperature softening point to thereby affix the pavement marking pattern to the substrate. Time and labor are thereby saved as the marking pattern sections have been adhered to form a unified pattern by the hot melt adhesive.

To summarize, the present invention is a three dimensional thermoplastic preform pavement marker comprising: a first independent grid section, and a second independent raised section, wherein the first grid section is contiguous with the second section and forms an intersection between the first and second section and both sections also form a top and a bottom surface completing the preformed pavement marker wherein the top surface includes variable heights along the top surface causing a three dimensional marking pattern along the top surface of the pavement marker. Additionally, the first and second contiguous sections can form a preformed pattern with different planar geometries either along the top surface or along the bottom surface or along both the top and bottom surfaces of the pavement marker.

Also, the pavement marker may include an adhesive on the bottom surface of the marker for application and adherence to a roadway, crosswalk, pedestrian, horizontal or vertical surface and wherein the pavement marker may be adhered to a paved surface which includes an adhesive along the surface to which the pavement marker is adhered. The pavement marker adhesive can be rolled or sprayed onto said paved surface.

Additionally, the pavement marker pattern can comprise two or more sections in which the sections are joined together using an adhesive and wherein the first and second grid sections are modular sections and together form pavement marker(s) which subsequently cover a desired cured or uncured paved surface.

The modular sections can provide for matching sections that are required to provide and maintain the integrity and match the appearance of existing historical features of any previously paved surface.

In a further embodiment, three dimensional pavement marker(s) provide a visual, textural, and physically differentiating pattern that matches or compliments the appearance of the surface to which markers are adhered and which are pre-assembled in a factory where preform thermoplastic markers are manufactured thereby preventing dislodging and separation of patterned sections during handling, transportation, prior to and during application of the markers.

This includes the use of differentiating pattern matches for a certain visual appearance including historical roadway matching and retroreflectiveness and wherein these patterned attributes also are added during manufacture of the preform for use with any three dimensional construction, renovation, and/or transportation surface.

The three-dimensional raised features vary along the surface of the marker by providing a change in height between a brick component feature and a grid component feature.

Raised features are raised above the base grid of the marker in a range of between 100 and 400 mil. The base grid is defined herein to mean the portion or section that defines the area and volume that the base portion of the marker occupies once placed in its final location. The range is most preferably between 120 and 390 mil.

In a further embodiment, the three dimensional preform provides instant application to cobblestone streets or walkways and also provides for patching preexisting cobblestone streets or walkways.

In an additional embodiment, the marker also provides a safety warning device for vehicular drivers and pedestrians in that the marker causes changes in vibrational frequencies sending auditory and/or physical sensation signals that notify a driver of a vehicle or said pedestrian regarding an upcoming traffic signal or crosswalk due to variations in height between a first grid section and a second raised section as said the drivers or the pedestrians pass over the marker.

Further described is a method of applying a pavement marker having multiple contiguous sections and a corresponding pattern to a substrate comprising the steps of:

a) forming a non-planar marking pattern having contiguous independent sections, with different planar geometries along either the top surface or the bottom surface or both the top and bottom surfaces which form intersections between the contiguous sections;

b) adhering the contiguous sections by applying an adhesive which bridges the intersections; and

c) adhering the marker to the substrate.

Another embodiment includes a method of making a pre-bonded pavement marking first grid and second insert section forming a pattern comprising: providing an independent thermoplastic grid section and an independent thermoplastic insert section that when taken together are separate non-planar geometries, such that the grid section is adjacent to and in direct contact with an insert section, thereby forming an intersection between the grid section and the insert section, and

further comprising applying an adhesive backing layer on the bottom surface, so that the adhesive backing layer bridges and bonds said the intersection of the grid section and the insert section to form a unified pavement marking pattern thereby preventing dislodging or separation of the pavement marking pattern during handling, movement, transportation, and application.

Safety and Warning Devices:

3D preformed thermoplastic pavement markers can be used to provide safety and warning devices to drivers and pedestrians wherein the 3-D preformed thermoplastic marking causes an auditory or physical sensation notification to the driver of a vehicle of, for example, an upcoming traffic signal or crosswalk due to variations in height between the grid components and the brick components causing changes in vibrational frequencies and thereby differences in roadway noises, during travel across the 3-D marking material. In this manner, handicapped individuals are provided a safer medium over which to travel.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, published requirements for sidewalk and other potentially dangerous areas in that detectable warning devices would be required to warn blind or visually impaired and wheelchair bound individuals of potentially dangerous and vehicular traffic areas. Of particular note is section 4.29.2 as restated below:

4.29 Detectable Warnings:

• • 4.29.2 Detectable Warnings on Walking Surfaces. Detectable warnings shall consist of raised truncated domes with a diameter of nominal 0.9 in (23 mm), a height of nominal 0.2 in (5 mm) and a center-to-center spacing of nominal 2.35 in (60 mm) and shall contrast visually with adjoining surfaces, either light-on-dark, or dark-on-light. The material used to provide contrast shall be an integral part of the walking surface. Detectable warnings used on interior surfaces shall differ from adjoining walking surfaces in resiliency or sound-on-cane contact.
  • 4.29.3 Detectable Warnings on Doors to Hazardous Areas.
  • 4.29.4 Detectable Warnings at Stairs.
  • 4.29.5 Detectable Warnings at Hazardous Vehicular Areas. If a walk crosses or adjoins a vehicular way, and the walking surfaces are not separated by curbs, railings, or other elements between the pedestrian areas and vehicular areas, the boundary between the areas shall be defined by a continuous detectable warning which is 36 in (915 mm) wide, complying with 4.29.2.
  • 4.29.6 Detectable Warnings at Reflecting Pools. The edges of reflecting pools shall be protected by railings, walls, curbs, or detectable warnings complying with 4.29.2.

Detectable warning devices may be constructed as a preformed thermoplastic, thermoplastic, rubber, adhesive tile, tile cast into concrete, metal or other suitable material that will withstand abrasion and environmental extremes.

ASTM Designation F1637-10, “Standard Practices for Safe Walking Surfaces”, sections 5.2, 8 and 11 are followed in the application of the disclosed 3-D preformed thermoplastic pavement markers.

Those sections of the standard test methodology specific to the invention are provided below;

5.2 Walkway Changes in Level

• • 5.2.1 Adjoining walkway surfaces shall be made flush and fair, whenever possible and for new construction and existing facilities to the extent practicable.
  • 5.2.2 Changes in levels up to ¼ in (6 mm) may be vertical and without edge treatment.
  • 5.2.3 Changes in level between ¼ and ½ in. (6 mm and 12 mm) shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2 (rise:run).
  • 5.2.4 Changes in levels greater than ½ in. (12 mm) shall be transitioned by means of a ramp or stairway that complies with applicable building codes, regulations, standards, or ordinances, or all of these.

5.7 Exterior Walkways

• • 5.7.1. Exterior walkways shall be maintained so as to provide safe walking conditions.
  • 5.7.1.1 Exterior walkways shall be slip resistant.
  • 5.7.1.2 Exterior walkway conditions that may be considered substandard and in need of repair include conditions in which the pavement is broken, depressed, raised, undermined, slippery, uneven, or cracked to the extent that pieces may be readily removed.
  • 5.7.2 Exterior walkways shall be repaired or replaced where there is an abrupt variation in elevation between surfaces. Vertical displacements in exterior walkways shall be transitioned in accordance with 5.2.
  • 5.7.3 Edges of sidewalk joints shall be rounded.

8. Speed Bumps

• • 8.1 Design to avoid the use of speed bumps.
  • 8.2 All speed bumps which are in foreseeable pedestrian paths shall comply with 5.2 (walkway changes in level).
  • 8.3 Existing speed bumps, that do not conform to 5.2, shall be clearly marked with safety color coding to contrast with surroundings. Painted speed bumps shall be slip resistant. Pedestrian CAUTION signs are recommended.

11. Warnings

• • 11.1 The use of visual cues such as warnings, accent lighting, handrails, contrast painting, and other cues to improve the safety of walkway transitions are recognized as effective controls in some applications. However, such cues or warnings do not necessarily negate the need for safe design and construction.
  • 11.2 When relying on applications of color as a warning, provide colors and patterns that provide conspicuous markings for the conditions being delineated, their surroundings, and the environment in which they will be viewed by users. Bright yellow is a commonly used color for alerting users of the presence of certain walkway conditions. When properly applied and maintained, other colors can also provide effective warnings.

Historic Restorations:

One objective is to provide an improved pavement marking pattern in which the patterned sections incorporate 3-D properties that impart raised features for safety and warning devices with aesthetic appeal which is often required to match historic sections of pavement. For older, historical pavement surfaces, matching sections are often required to maintain the integrity of the existing historical features. The use of 3-D preformed thermoplastic sheeting to allows for almost instant application of a cobblestone street or walkway, whilst also providing a means for patching preexisting cobblestone streets, walkways and the like. Textural attributes, as required for a certain visual appearance, historical roadway matching, or retroreflectiveness can also be added during manufacture, assisting in the ability to provide a plethora of options for construction/renovation/transportation arenas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 pictures a top view of a partially assembled pavement marking pattern with one brick exploded therefrom;

FIG. 2 demonstrates a bottom plan view of the brick pavement marking pattern as shown in FIG. 1 fully assembled;

FIG. 3 illustrates in schematic form a spray application of the adhesive to the bottom of the brick pavement marking pattern as seen in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 depicts an enlarged sectional view of the pavement marking pattern as shown in FIG. 3 with the adhesive applied;

FIG. 5 features the bottom of the pavement marking pattern as seen in FIG. 3 after a typical spray adhesive application is completed;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic pavement marking pattern during standard substrate; and cross-sectional view of the initial installation.

FIG. 7 presents the final installation step of the pavement marking pattern on the substrate with a propane torch heater.

FIG. 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of a standard pavement marking pattern as shown in FIG. 2

FIG. 9 provides a cross-sectional view of a three-dimensional pavement marking pattern displaying the ability to provide a variation of raised visual, textural, and physical features.

FIGS. 10(a-e) provides photographic illustrations of a range of three-dimensional pavement markings of varying raised features changes ranging in height from the base surface (grout line) of between 120 and 390 mils (0.120 and 0.390 inches). The base surface normally is a thickness of 0.1 inches (100 mils) or 2.5 mm.

FIGS. 11(a-b) provides photographic illustrations of a range of three-dimensional pavement markings of varying raised features changes ranging in height from the base surface (grout line) of between 120 and 390 mils (0.120 and 0.390 inches) from an angled elevational view distanced at four (4) feet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention and its operation, turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a typical partial decorative pavement marking pattern 10 for application to concrete, asphalt or other suitable substrates. Marking pattern 10 is a brick and mortar pattern used herein for illustration purposes but as would be understood various other thermosetting and thermoplastic patterns are commercially available such as 90° herringbone, cobblestone, pavement slabs, horizontal signage, logos and other designs. Also, while many colors are available for the pavement marking patterns, typically different sections of each pattern are of different colors, such as a “light” grid or mortar color and a “darker” brick or insert color. The marking patterns typically consist of two or more sections.

Preferred marking pattern 10 shown for demonstration purposes consists of two separate thermoplastic sections, first section 11 represents a grid or mortar joint and second section 12 represents a brick or insert. Sections 11 and 12 are generally formed independent of each other due to the differences in color. Pavement marking pattern 10 is planar and is conventionally formed from a standard thermoplastic.

Once marking pattern 10 has been conventionally formed and assembled as shown in FIG. 2, with bottom 15 of marking pattern 10 facing upwardly, the preferred method steps of the invention are as follows:

Marking pattern 10 is now ready for the adhesive application as seen in FIG. 3 whereby preferably Loctite spray gun 20 receives adhesive 25 which is forced or pumped from tank 21 through conduit 22. Adhesive 25 is then sprayed by using compressed air which passes through hose 26 and directed onto bottom 15 of marking pattern 10. Adhesive 25 is a hot melt polyamide resin based adhesive, preferably composed from Uni-Rez 2633 available from Arizona chemical, delivered at an elevated temperature of approximately 127°-210° C. in a semi-solid condition thereby forming spiral strings 27 on marking pattern bottom 15.

As shown enlarged in FIG. 4, strings 27 bridge across first grid section II, intersections 18 and second insert sections 12. Upon cooling to room temperature strings 27 harden and bond first section 11 and second section 12 forming unified marking pattern 10A. The area covered by adhesive strings 27 may range from 5-90% of the total marking pattern bottom 15 surface area, depending on the complexity of the particular pattern design. In FIG. 5 the bottom of preferred unified marking pattern 10A is shown with an approximate 30% adhesive area coverage which is preferred for this marking pattern.

The preferred method of applying marking pattern 10A to a desired substrate such as asphalt 30 shown in FIG. 6 can be described as follows. Preferred marking pattern 10A having adhesive strings 27 bonded thereto is first unrolled or positioned onto cleaned and swept asphalt or concrete 30. Once unrolled or positioned, marking pattern 10A is then moved and shifted for precise placement without fear of pattern disassembly. After suitable placement, marking pattern 10A is then heated with conventional heat torch 35, shown schematically in FIG. 7 whereupon marking pattern 10A and adhesive strings 27 are softened due to their similar or approximate softening points thus resulting in a secure, permanent adherence of marking pattern 10A to asphalt 30. The preferred softening point range for both adhesive strings 27 and marker pattern section 11 and 12 is 90°-120° C. although other thermoplastic materials may be used having different softening points. Additional marking patterns are subsequently similarly applied as necessary for the desired coverage of the particular substrate.

While the preferred adhesive and pavement marking patterns herein are formed of thermoplastic resins, thermosetting resins could also be used but are not preferred such as epoxies or other organic oligomeric or polymeric materials. Such thermosetting adhesive would require a high molecular weight to generate a melt viscosity sufficient to function as a “string spray” adhesive as described above. Such melt viscosity would range from approximately 500 to 100,000 cps with a preferred range of 1500-2000 cps, as are commercially available

FIG. 8 provides a depiction of a standard pavement marking material 10A, assembled with grid portions 11 and brick portions 12 that remain within a singular planar geometry which provides essentially flush features along the marking surface.

Incorporation of three-dimensional (3-D) visual and textural feature is depicted in FIG. 9. A cross-sectional view of a 3-D pavement marking material 50, assembled with grid portions 11 and brick portions 12; including a change in height (Δh) 52 between the grid portions 11 and the brick portions 12. This provides a 3-D pavement marking material 50, between the grid portion 11 and the brick portion 12, which comprises varying numerical values dependent on visual functional requirements of the 3-D pavement marking material 50.

FIG. 10(a-e) provides top plan photographic illustrations of a range of three-dimensional pavement markings 50 of varying raised features changes, from the normally provided base surface thickness of 0.1 inches (100 mil) or 2.5 mm represented by the grid portion 11, on an asphalt surface 30. FIG. 10a provides a preformed thermoplastic pavement marking having a brick portion 12 of Δh 52 from the base surface (grid portion or grout line 11) of 120 mils (0.120 in) 101. FIG. 10b provides a preformed thermoplastic pavement marking having a brick portion 12 of Δh 52 from the base surface (grid portion or grout line 11) of 210 mils (0.210 in) 102. FIG. 10c provides a preformed thermoplastic pavement marking having a brick portion 12 of Δh 52 from the base surface (grid portion or grout line 11) of 300 mils (0.300 in) 103. FIG. 10d provides a preformed thermoplastic pavement marking having a brick portion 12 of Δh 52 from the base surface (grid portion or grout line 11) of 360 mils (0.360 in) 104. FIG. 10e provides a preformed thermoplastic pavement marking having a brick portion 12 of Δh 52 from the base surface (grid portion or grout line 11) of 390 mils (0.390 in) 105.

FIG. 11a depicts, from an angled elevational view distanced at four (4) feet, a preformed three-dimensional pavement marking of 120 mils (0.120 in) 101, a preformed three-dimensional pavement marking of 210 mils (0.210 in) 102, a preformed three-dimensional pavement marking of 300 mils (0.300 in) 103, a preformed three-dimensional pavement marking of 360 mils (0.360 in) 104, preformed three-dimensional pavement marking of 390 mils (0.390 in) 105, positioned from front to back of the photograph in order of decreasing three-dimensional display.

FIG. 11a depicts, from an angled elevational view distanced at four (4) feet, a preformed three-dimensional pavement marking of 120 mils (0.120 in) 101, a preformed three-dimensional pavement marking of 210 mils (0.210 in) 102, a preformed three-dimensional pavement marking of 300 mils (0.300 in) 103, a preformed three-dimensional pavement marking of 360 mils (0.360 in) 104, preformed three-dimensional pavement marking of 390 mils (0.390 in) 105, positioned from front to back of the photograph in order of increasing three-dimensional display.

While the invention has been described in connection with the specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further modification. The illustrations and examples provided herein are for explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A three dimensional thermoplastic preform pavement marker comprising: a first independent grid section, and a second independent raised section, wherein said first grid section is contiguous with said second section and forms an intersection between said first and second section and both sections also form a top and a bottom surface completing said preformed pavement marker wherein said top surface includes variable heights along said top surface causing a three dimensional marking pattern along said top surface of said pavement marker.

2. The pavement marker of claim 1, wherein first and second contiguous sections form a preformed pattern with different planar geometries either along said top surface or along said bottom surface or both the top and bottom surfaces of said pavement marker.

3. The pavement marker of claim 1, wherein said pavement marker includes an adhesive on said bottom surface of said marker for application and adherence to a roadway, crosswalk, pedestrian, horizontal or vertical surface.

4. The pavement marker of claim 3, wherein said pavement marker is adhered to a paved surface which includes an adhesive along the surface to which said pavement marker is adhered.

5. The pavement marker of claim 4, wherein said adhesive is rolled or sprayed onto said paved surface.

6. The pavement marker of claim 1, wherein said pattern comprises two or more sections in which said sections are joined together using an adhesive.

7. The pavement marker of claim 6, wherein the first and second grid sections are modular sections and together form said pavement marker which subsequently covers a desired cured or uncured paved surface.

8. The pavement marker of claim 7, wherein said modular sections provide for matching sections that are required to provide and maintain the integrity and match the appearance of existing historical features of any previously paved surface.

9. The pavement marker of claim 1, wherein said three dimensional pavement marker provides a visual, textural, and physically differentiating pattern that matches or compliments the appearance of the surface to which said marker is adhered and which is pre-assembled in a factory where preform thermoplastic markers are manufactured thereby preventing dislodging and separation of patterned sections during handling, transportation, prior to and during application of said markers.

10. The pavement marker of claim 9, wherein said differentiating pattern matches a certain visual appearance including historical roadway matching and retroreflectiveness and wherein these patterned attributes also are added during manufacture of said preform for use with any three dimensional construction, renovation, and/or transportation surface.

11. The pavement marker of claim 1, wherein three-dimensional raised features vary along the surface of said marker by providing a change in height between a brick component feature and a grid component feature.

12. The pavement marker of claim 10, wherein said raised features are raised above the base grid of said marker in a range of between 100 and 400 mil.

13. The pavement marker of claim 11, wherein said range is most preferably between 120 and 390 mil.

14. The pavement marker of claim 1, wherein said three dimensional preform provides instant application to cobblestone streets or walkways and also provides for patching preexisting cobblestone streets or walkways.

15. The pavement marker of claim 1, wherein said marker provides a safety warning device for vehicular drivers and pedestrians in that said marker causes changes in vibrational frequencies sending auditory and/or physical sensation signals that notify a driver of a vehicle or said pedestrian regarding an upcoming traffic signal or crosswalk due to variations in height between a first grid section and a second raised section as said drivers or said pedestrians pass over said marker.

16. A method of applying a pavement marker having multiple contiguous sections and a corresponding pattern to a substrate comprising the steps of:

a) forming a non-planar marking pattern having contiguous independent sections, with different planar geometries along either said top surface or said bottom surface or both the top and bottom surfaces which form intersections between said contiguous sections;

b) adhering said contiguous sections by applying an adhesive which bridges said intersections; and

c) adhering said marker to said substrate.

17. A method of making a pre-bonded pavement marking first grid and second insert section forming a pattern comprising: providing an independent thermoplastic grid section and an independent thermoplastic insert section that when taken together are separate non-planar geometries, such that said grid section is adjacent to and in direct contact with an insert section, thereby forming an intersection between said grid section and said insert section, and

further comprising applying an adhesive backing layer on said bottom surface, said adhesive backing layer bridging and bonding said intersection of said grid section and said insert section to form a unified pavement marking pattern thereby preventing dislodging or separation of said pavement marking pattern during handling, movement, transportation, and application.