Temporary striping system for roadways

Abstract

An anchoring system for securing traffic control lines to a roadway. The anchoring system includes an anchoring device that is a substantially planar member that includes at least one through hole. An adhesive is applied to the device or roadway that then secures the anchoring device to the roadway. The anchoring device is positioned over a traffic control line formed by an adhesive tape for securing and retaining the tape in a proper location.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/875,188, filed on Dec. 15, 2006. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an anchoring system for securing traffic control lines on a roadway.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

As roads are being constructed, or when existing roads are being resurfaced or rehabilitated, it is common to provide temporary dividing lines that separate lanes of traffic. Generally, these temporary dividing lines are formed of reflective tape that is adhesively secured to the road surface. To adhere these temporary lines onto the road surface, the road surface must first be cleaned, dried, and then provided with the adhesive tape. If the temperature of the environment, however, is below a predetermined range (e.g., 50 degrees Fahrenheit), the adhesive tape may not properly adhere to the road surface. After the dividing lines have been driven over by traffic, therefore, the adhesive tape may either be removed from the road surface or be moved such that the dividing lines are not disposed where they were originally placed.

SUMMARY

The present teachings provide an anchoring system for securing traffic control lines to a roadway. The anchoring system includes an anchoring device that is a substantially planar member that includes at least one through hole. An adhesive is applied to the device or roadway that then secures the anchoring device and a traffic control line to the roadway.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an anchoring device according to the present teachings;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of another anchoring device according to the present teachings;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of an anchoring device according to the present teachings prior to being disposed on a roadway;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the anchoring device taken through line 4-4 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of anchoring devices securing traffic control lines to a roadway according to the present teachings;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a line anchoring device according to the present teachings;

FIG. 7 is a top-perspective view of a line anchoring device according to the present teachings; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a line anchoring device according to the present teachings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses

The line anchoring system according to the present teachings is a system that assures proper adhesion (bonding) and retention of traffic control lines to a roadway. In this regard, the line anchoring system may adhere and secure temporary traffic control lines to a roadway through various temperature ranges. More particularly, temporary traffic control lines may generally be used to divide a newly deposited (resurfaced) roadway into various lanes of traffic, as well as divide an existing roadway into temporary lanes of traffic.

Temporary traffic control lines may generally be formed from an adhesive tape that may be reflective in nature. Conventional temporary tapes are available from several manufacturers. By using an adhesive tape, the temporary traffic control lines may be easily removed prior to providing more permanent traffic control lines. To secure conventional temporary traffic control lines, the roadway typically must be cleaned and dried prior to applying the traffic control lines to the roadway. If the temperature during application is too low, however, the lines may not adequately bond or adhere to the roadway. If inadequate bonding or adhesion occurs, the lines may be prone to move or detach from the roadway. If the lines move or detach, the lanes will not be properly marked.

To ensure that temporary traffic control lines remain securely anchored to the roadway, the present teachings provide a line anchoring system that may anchor temporary traffic control lines to a roadway surface during periods when the air temperature is approaching the freezing point, and a system that increases the longevity of temporary traffic control lines remaining on the roadway. More particularly, the line anchoring system according to the present teachings allows placement of temporary traffic control lines at temperatures ranging from approximately 34° Fahrenheit (−1° Celsius) and above during dry weather conditions on clean surfaces. Furthermore, the line anchoring system may include a retro-reflector to provide for increased visibility, particularly in wet conditions, and more particularly under nighttime wet-weather conditions.

Referring to FIG. 1, the line anchoring system 10 according to the present teachings may include a crossbar or tie down member 12. The crossbar member 12 may be a generally planar member or bracket that includes a length dimension A and a width dimension B. The crossbar member 12 may also include a pair of flanges 14 at ends 16 thereof that include through holes 18.

A central portion 20 of the crossbar member 12 may include an extended portion 22 that extends in the width direction from the flanges 14. The extended portion 22 provides increased surface area for the crossbar member 12 to contact a temporary traffic control line. In other words, the extended portion 22 of the crossbar member 12 may ensure that a greater surface area of the traffic control line may be secured. In this manner, the temporary traffic control line may be further prevented from becoming dislodged from the roadway, which also reduces the need to repair gaps in the traffic control lines that may occur if a traffic control line should become dislodged. Furthermore, it should be understood that instead of simply increasing a length of the crossbar member 12 to increase the surface area of the traffic control line that is secured, the extended portion 22 may assist in reducing the amount of material that is needed to manufacture the crossbar member 12. As such, manufacturing costs may be reduced.

The crossbar member 12 may be stamped from a metal such as aluminum or steel or alternately molded from a plastic such as a polycarbonate plastic resin suitable for highway lane markers. By forming the crossbar member 12 of such a material, the crossbar member 12 may be rigid and able to withstand being disposed on a roadway and subjected to tire hits from vehicles using the roadway. Additionally, these materials are relatively inexpensive. Regardless, it should be understood that any type of material that is able to withstand the rigors of traffic traveling over it may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings.

The length dimension A may be selected such that the temporary traffic control lines may be captured beneath the crossbar member 12. The length dimension A may be about 6.5 inches and may accommodate a standard 4 inches wide line. The crossbar members 12 further include a width dimension B, as stated above, that may ensure that the crossbar members 12 cover a sufficient portion of the traffic control lines such that the traffic control line may be restrained from moving either laterally or longitudinally relative to the roadway. The width dimension B may be about 2.5 inches.

Now referring to FIG. 2, an alternative feature of the present teachings will now be described. As can be seen in FIG. 2, crossbar member 12 may be modified to include a plurality of protrusions 24. These protrusions 24 may be provided with a reflective tape or paint that may increase the visibility of the crossbar member 12 when it anchors a temporary traffic line to a roadway. By increasing the visibility of the crossbar member 12, the traffic control lines may also have an increased visibility that improves safety for motorists using the roadway.

Although a plurality of protrusions 24 are shown, it should be understood that a pair of protrusions 24, or only a single protrusion 24 may be used. Notwithstanding, by using a plurality of protrusions 24, water that may accumulate on the crossbar member 12 may easily drain from between the protrusions 24.

The crossbar member 12 of FIG. 2 may also be provided with a retro-reflector or prismatic marker 26. Similar to the plurality of protrusions 24, the retro-reflector 26 may increase the visibility of the crossbar member 12, which in turn may increase the visibility of the temporary traffic control lines. The retro-reflector 26 may be any type known to one skilled in the art. Further, the retro-reflector 26 may be clear, yellow, red, or any other color desired. If system 10 is used on a roadway, however, retro-reflector should be a color that complies with roadway safety regulations. Regardless, it should be understood that so long as the retro-reflector 26 increases the visibility of the crossbar member 12, it may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the present teachings.

As stated above, the retro-reflector 26 may provide for increased visibility, particularly in wet conditions for such temporary traffic control lines, and more particularly under nighttime wet-weather conditions for such temporary traffic control lines. In this regard retro-reflector 26 may increase the visibility of the traffic control lines in light rain (e.g., in rain less than an inch per hour) and heavy rain (e.g., in rain equal to or greater than an inch an hour) so that the traffic control lines may be seen at greater distances. Generally, traffic control lines (i.e., dotted traffic lines and gore lines) are disposed on the roadway in lengths that range from 10 feet to 30 feet, with a distance between each traffic control line being in the range of 5 feet to 40 feet. By using a cross-bar member 12 having a retro-reflector 26, the traffic control lines in heavy rain conditions may be seen at distances that range greater than 400 feet relative to the viewer. By increasing the visibility of the traffic control lines in these wet-weather conditions, safety conditions are increased for motorists using the roadway.

-Retro-reflector 26 may be angled or include a reflective face 28 that is angled to avoid damage of the retro-reflector 26 resulting from tire hits from a vehicle. A height of the retro-reflector 26 may be approximately 0.3125 inches. The height and angled face 28 of the retro-reflector 26 enable the tire of the motor vehicle to pass over the crossbar member 12 without exerting excessive force to the crossbar member 12 and retro-reflector 26. This assists in ensuring that the crossbar member 12, and in turn the temporary traffic control line, remains securely fastened and anchored to the roadway to ensure a maximum useful life of the line anchoring system 10 by reducing the potential of the line anchoring system 10 from being dislodged, cracked, or fragmented during use on a roadway. Moreover, the height of the retro-reflector 26 decreases the likelihood that the line anchoring system 10 is dislodged or broken if the roadway is plowed.

Retro-reflector 26 may be any type of reflector or prismatic marker known to one skilled in the art. In this regard, retro-reflectors 26 that are solid or include an air-cell feature, or any other type of reflector may be used. Reflectors that include an air-cell may increase reflectivity substantially, while solid reflectors may provide structural rigidity to the retro-reflector that further deflect forces experienced by retro-reflector 26 in the event of a tire hit. To increase the structural rigidity of the a reflector having an air-cell, the reflector may have various structural supports within the body of the reflector unit.

Alternatively to providing the crossbar member 12 with a retro-reflector 26, the extended portion 22 of the crossbar member may be angled relative to the central portion 20 of the crossbar member 12 and roadway. In this regard, the extended portion 22 may then be provided with a reflective tape or paint that increases the visibility and reflectivity of the crossbar member 12. Regardless whether the crossbar member 12 includes a retro-reflector or prismatic marker 26, or an angled extended portion 28, it is preferred that angle of inclination be between 45 and 60 degrees. These angles ensure that vehicles may travel over the crossbar member 12 safely and without dislodging the cross bar member 12.

Now referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, it can be seen that the central portion 20 of the crossbar member 12 also includes a height dimension C that ensures that traffic control lines that have various thicknesses may fit beneath the crossbar member 12. Also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are the remaining elements of the line anchoring system of the present teachings.

That is, to connect the crossbar member 12 to the roadway, the line anchoring system 10 of the present teachings may use a moisture-cure, urethane-based, high-strength adhesive 30. The adhesive 30 may have inherent low-temperature bonding characteristics that make it available for use at temperatures where other materials fail. In this regard, the low-temperature range of adhesive material 30 extends from a minimum of 34° F. upwards. Moreover, because adhesive 30 may be a moisture-cure adhesive, the adhesive 30 may applied to roadways that are moist. This increases the ability to install line anchoring system 10 on a roadway in less than satisfactory conditions (i.e., in conditions that are not clean and dry).

To dispose the line anchoring system 10 to the roadway, generally a predetermined amount of adhesive or adhesive dollop 30 is applied to an underside 32 of the crossbar member 12, shown in an inverted position in FIG. 3 at the flange portions 14 thereof. To apply the adhesive dollop 30 to the crossbar 12, a caulking gun, air-dispensing system device, or some other similar device may be used. Alternatively, the adhesive dollop may be kept in a bulk container and disposed to the crossbar member 12 using a spatula or putty knife. Yet another alternative is to provide a pre-measured pre-formed adhesive dollop 30. Regardless, any additional deposition methods may be used without departing from the present teachings.

After the adhesive dollop 30 has been applied to the underside 32 of the crossbar member 12 (i.e., to the surface of the crossbar member that will contact the roadway), the crossbar member 12 may then be turned over and applied to the road surface. Because the crossbar members 12 include a pair of through holes 18 at lateral ends 16 thereof, the adhesive 30 is forced upward through the through holes 18 to an upper surface 34 of the crossbar member 12. In this manner, once the adhesive 30 cures, the adhesive 30 that has been forced upward through the through holes 18 forms a rivet-like structure 36 having an enlarged head on the upper surface 38 of the cross bar 12 and an adequate layer 40 of adhesive on the underside 32 that secures the crossbar member 12 to the roadway.

Although the adhesive dollop 30 may be applied directly to the crossbar member 12 prior to disposing the crossbar member 12 on the roadway, it should be understood that the adhesive dollop 30 may be directly applied to the roadway instead. After the adhesive dollop 30 has been applied to the roadway, the crossbar member 12 may then be contacted with the adhesive 30 to secure the crossbar 12 to the roadway. In addition, the measured amount of adhesive 30 preferably is disposed in an amount that represents the diameter of about 1.0 inches and a height of 0.25 to 0.5 inches, or in other words about 1-2 in³. Further, the crossbar 12 may be manually pressed the roadway for a period of 5 seconds to spread the adhesive 30 beneath the crossbar 12, and then be rolled over with a tool or driven over with a vehicle such as a car or truck to secure crossbar 12 to the roadway.

To acquire adequate initial adhesion of the crossbar 12 to the roadway, various environmental conditions should be taken into consideration. In this regard, if the outside temperature is 40° F. or below, the amount of time to acquire adequate initial adhesion is approximately 2 to 4 hours. If the outside temperature is 50° F. and above, the amount of time to acquire adequate initial adhesion is approximately 1 to 3 hours. Following this initial period, the bond strength of the adhesive 30 to the roadway increases to a very high level.

Now referring to FIG. 5, the line anchoring system 10 of the present teachings is shown disposed on roadway. First, a series of temporary tape lines 100 are placed on the road surface 102 to define the traffic control lane. As shown in FIG. 5, the lines may be spread apart to define a dashed traffic line or alternatively may be placed in an end-to-end configuration to define a solid traffic line. Next, the cross bar 12 is secured to the roadway 102 over the tape lines 100. As presently preferred, cross bars 12 are placed about 3 to 6 inches from the ends of the tape line 100 which is typically 10 feet to 30 feet long. Additional cross bars 12 may be secured over the tape line 100 between the ends to provide increased adhesion or improved visibility.

When the temporary traffic lane is no longer needed, the cross bar 12 may be removed upon application of a shear force between the roadway 100 and the cross bar 12. For example, a scraper or shovel may be used to easily pry the cross bar 12 from the roadway 100. Because the adhesive bond is not very strong against the shear force, the cross bar 12 pops off and is readily removed. Then, the temporary traffic line tape may be removed in a conventional manner. It should be understood that the system works sufficiently on asphalt or concrete, or any road surface that may be used. The lines will then remain in place throughout the length of the job cycle until the time of the removal process. That is, until the temporary traffic control lines are removed. In addition, the line anchoring system may assist in preventing a residue (i.e., ghost lines) of the traffic control lines from remaining on the roadway after the temporary traffic control lines have been removed Now referring to FIGS. 6-8, alternative configurations of the cross-bar 12 are illustrated. FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-bar 12 similar to the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, with the protrusions 24 removed and the retro-reflector 26 moved from the extended portion 22 to the central portion 20 of the cross-bar member 12. Such a configuration maintains the ability to secure the traffic control lines to the roadway, but reduces manufacturing costs of the line anchoring system 10 by omitting the protrusions 24.

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-bar member 12 having a cut-out portion 50 formed in the central portion 20 of the cross-bar member 12. Again, such a configuration maintains the ability to secure the traffic control lines to the roadway, but reduces the amount of material used to secure the lines to the roadway. This, in turn, further reduces manufacturing costs.

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-bar member 12 having a dual-sided retro-reflector 52. The dual-sided retro-reflector enables cross-bar member 12 to be used on solid traffic control lines that are used on roadways that support two-way traffic. Accordingly, vehicles traveling in opposite directions are able to view the traffic control lines simultaneously. Such a configuration also reduces installation costs of the line anchoring system 10 because fewer cross-bar members 12 are needed to provide visibility to the traffic control lines.

Claims

1. An anchoring system for securing traffic control lines to a roadway, comprising:

an anchoring device including a pair of flanges having at least one through hole found therein and a central position extending between said pair of flanges; and

an adhesive dollop disposed on an underside of each of said pair of flanges and extruded through said at least one through hole to form an enlarged head on a topside of each of said pair of flanges;

wherein said adhesive secures said anchoring device to the roadway.

2. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein said anchoring device includes a length dimension sufficient to accommodate a width of the traffic control lines.

3. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein said anchoring device includes at least one protrusion formed on a surface, of said central position.

4. The anchoring system of claim 3, wherein said anchoring device includes a plurality of protrusions formed on a surface, of said central position.

5. The anchoring system of claim 3, wherein said protrusion includes a reflective coating.

6. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein said anchoring device further comprises a retro-reflector disposed on a topside of said central position.

7. The anchoring system of claim 6, wherein said retro-reflector includes an a reflector element having a face disposed at an angle relative to a plane defined by said central position.

8. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein said adhesive is a moisture-cure, urethane-based, high-strength adhesive.

9. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein said anchoring device includes a cut-out in said central portion.

10. The anchoring system of claim 1, wherein said anchoring device including a dual-sided retro-reflector on a topside of said central portion.

11. A method of securing traffic control lines to a roadway, comprising:

securing a traffic control line to a roadway;

positioning an anchoring device over said traffic control line such that a pair of flanges extend beyond longitude edges of said traffic control line; and

securing said anchoring device with an adhesive to the roadway such that said traffic control line is captured therebetween.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein said anchoring device includes a through hole, and a portion of said adhesive secures said anchoring device to the roadway by passing through said through hole and forming an enlarged head on an upper surface of said anchoring device relative to the roadway.

13. The method of claim 11, further comprising disposing an adhesive dollop on a surface of said anchoring device that contacts said roadway.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said adhesive dollop is disposed on said anchoring device with a dispensing device.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein said adhesive dollop is provided as a pre-formed capsule.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein said adhesive is applied to said roadway and said anchoring device is applied to said adhesive.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein said anchoring device includes a reflective region.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the adhesive is applied at temperature within the range of 34°-40° F.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein said anchoring device includes a cut-out.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein said anchoring device includes a dual-sided retro-reflector.