Abstract: According to the invention, blocks (10) are formed of rigid colored material shaped as mosaic components of the road sign; the sign is then composed by arranging the blocks (10) as a mosaic, and incorporatedly inserting the blocks (10) into the upper layer (40) of the wearing course, in such a manner that the upper surface of the mosaic road sign is substantially coplanar with the road surface.

Abstract: A very low-profile snowplowable pavement marker mounted in an elongated groove formed in a highway pavement, the groove extending longitudinally of the highway and exposing the reflective highway marker to the headlights of oncoming motor vehicles when their approach distance from the reflective highway marker is adequate for highway guidance purposes. The reflective highway marker is a metal casting with a reflector mounted in a pocket formed in the casting. The casting is adhesively installed in a deepened section of the groove. The protective rails of the casting are situated slightly above the pavement surface, but are significantly lower than rails of prior art snowplowable castings. The leading edge of the reflector support is below pavement level and allows light from oncoming headlights to enter the reflector without the shadowing effect prevalent in conventional low-profile marker castings.

Abstract: A pavement marking and methods of making pavement markings are disclosed in which the pavement markings exhibit enhanced wear resistance to, e.g., snowplow blades. The pavement markings include elongated protuberances in which successive elongated protuberances overlap along at least the longitudinal direction and may also overlap in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. Other protuberances are interspersed between the elongated protuberances to improve retroreflectivity. The elongated protuberances are provided to support, e.g., a snowplow blade moving over the pavement marking.

Abstract: The pavement marking article comprises a substrate, a plurality of protrusions provided on the surface of the substrate, and first transparent microspheres having a refractive index of not less than 2.0 fixed at least on the surface of the substrate between adjacent protrusions.

Abstract: A reflective pavement marker integrally molded in one piece structure having retroreflective face and structural body. The marker provide a mean to enhance agglutination to the roadway, if needed when bituminous based adhesive is used by maximizing the base area for adhesive wetting parameter. The reflective face and the structural body integrally made of high impact and abrasion resistance thermoplastic. Recessed reflective cells within the reflective face tend to minimize contact with tires and other abrasive roadway elements.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a traffic directional mat 10 which is expected to be made of black, rubber-like material. The mat 10 is a relatively thin, generally rectangular body which is designed to be placed on a roadway in a pre-selected pattern or line in order to indicate the direction of travel for the traffic. The mat has an indented 20 arrow 18, which arrow may be painted in reflective paint 32 so as to be clearly visible to the driver 34 of a vehicle 24. The mats 10 are expected to be about 4′×5′ being about ⅝ inch thick having a 3′×4′ arrow with about a ¼ inch indention.

Abstract: A roadway marker device for marking a roadway with marker embedded in the roadway. The roadway marker device includes an elongate member having a first end and a second end. The elongate member has a top wall and a bottom wall. A reflective strip enhances night time visibility of the elongate member. The reflective strip has a first side and a second side. The first side of the strip is adapted to reflect light. The second side of the strip has adhesive thereon. The second side of the strip is adhesively coupled to a surface of the top wall of the elongate member. The elongate members are placed in the roadway such that the top wall of the elongate member is generally flush with the roadway.

Abstract: A first road marking unit with a first base plate is provided with a first light source, and a second road-marking unit with a second base plate is provided with a second light source. A view angle of 0.1≦&agr;≦8° is formed between an interconnecting line, which interconnects the first and the second light sources, and an intersecting line which intersects the interconnecting line. In a view section where the view angle is 0.1≦&agr;≦8°, light beams originating from the first and the second light sources demonstrate a uniform overlap in the view section at a distance a≧40 m from the first light source. Preferably, the distance d between the first light source and the second light source lies in the range from 10 ≦d≦25 cm. The first and the second base plate of the road-marking units are integrated so as to form a base module.

Abstract: A snowplowable pavement marker includes a frame member having primary spaced keel members with ramp surfaces which have upwardly inclined contours beginning at a forward end portion of each keel member and extending at a first acute angle, then transitioning to a second portion having a second acute angle which is greater than the first angle. Further, the frame member includes an auxiliary keel member having ramp surfaces disposed between the primary keel members and having the same contour as the primary ramp surfaces. The auxiliary keel member ramp surfaces extend inwardly of the frame member to a point proximate the marker's reflector and serve to prevent damage by a snowplow blade set at a wide angle to the direction of blade travel. Advantageously, the contour of ramp surfaces permits a higher frame member installation above the pavement and allows for greater exposure of the reflector.

Abstract: A road safety reflector assembly has a pair of oppositely disposed finger cradles with a hollow, reinforceable housing, which has one or two reflectors mounted therein.

Abstract: A method of making a retroreflective marking material is provided, the method has the steps of: (a) providing an enclosed-lens retroreflective sheet having a top surface and a bottom surface and comprising a cover layer and a monolayer of retroreflective elements; (b) applying a conformance layer to the bottom surface of the retroreflective sheet; and (c) laminating a configuration member to the conformance layer thereby creating first portions and second portions in the sheet, the first portions being arranged in an upwardly contoured profile and the second portions being arranged in a lower, substantially planar position. A retroreflective article made by the method is also provided.

Abstract: A thermoplastic traffic marking composition that includes resin(s) and at least two polyethylenes, the polyethylenes having a plurality of molecular weights, can be applied as a profiled traffic stripe within a temperature range of about 330.degree. F. to about 380.degree. F., to a road surface, while substantially retaining the profile in which it was applied.

Abstract: A pavement marker comprising a base member and a signal device for sending a light signal to a driver of an oncoming vehicle further includes a longitudinally extending tire directing hood member that directs tire contact away from the upper edge, upper portion, and upper generally corner portions of the signal device front face, while allowing tire contact with the lower portion of the signal device front face. The signal device front face is at a predetermined recess depth in said pavement marker, and is at a predetermined angle with respect to the roadway surface. The marker can be either a snowplowable marker or a sun country marker. The signal device optionally can be mounted on a base member by a mechanical interlock. Optional drainage channels can be provided in the base member to allow drainage of fluid from in front of the lower portion of the signal device.

Abstract: A raised road marker has a flat bottom surface with an outer periphery. At least one cavity opens onto the bottom surface laterally inwardly of the periphery and extends upwardly into the marker body. A venting groove extends along the bottom surface from the cavity to the periphery to provide a vent for air trapped in the cavity when the marker is urged into a pool of adhesive to secure the marker to a roadway. The venting of air provides a stronger bond between the marker and adhesive. Markers having a rounded top surface may be provided with a flat bottom portion with abutment surfaces to facilitate movement of a line of the markers in an automated system.

Abstract: A raised pavement marker includes a reflector assembly that is resiliently supported by a membrane, that in turn is supported by a frame. The reflector assembly includes a skirt that overlaps the membrane, thereby allowing large-area reflectors and low-angle ramp surfaces. A vent is formed between the skirt and the membrane, and this vent is resistant to clogging. Locating elements are placed on the frame of the pavement marker to assist in proper installation of the marker in a recess of a roadway, such that all portions of the frame are positioned below the surface of the roadway. Indentations allow the installer to gauge the level of adhesive in the recess.

Abstract: A raised road marker has a flat bottom surface with an outer periphery. At least one cavity opens onto the bottom surface laterally inwardly of the periphery and extends upwardly into the marker body. A venting groove extends along the bottom surface from the cavity to the periphery to provide a vent for air trapped in the cavity when the marker is urged into a pool of adhesive to secure the marker to a roadway. The venting of air provides a stronger bond between the marker and adhesive. For markers having a rounded top surface, there is preferably an indexing projection on the top surface and a complementary recess on the bottom surface. This enables interlocking of a plurality of markers in a vertical stack to prevent tilting of the markers.

Abstract: A raised pavement marker includes a rigid reflector assembly that supports two retroreflectors. The reflector assembly is resiliently mounted over a base by a resilient membrane, which is secured to the base at its outer edge. When a vehicle contacts the reflector housing, downward forces supplied by the vehicle to the reflector housing deform the membrane, which allows the reflector housing to move downwardly to pavement level. After the vehicle has passed, the resilience of the membrane restores the reflector assembly to its raised position. Methods for installing and removing the pavement marker are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus permits guiding barriers resting on a street surface in the form of a track to be laterally shifted. The apparatus is fastened to a vehicle, and is moved along, together with the vehicle, in the longitudinal direction of the guiding barriers. The apparatus includes a guideway which has a curved portion extending behind the vehicle, such that a front portion of the guideway is laterally offset from a trailing portion thereof. The guideway has a generally U-shaped cross-section, upright legs of which guide the sides of the guiding barriers passing therethrough. A blade, disposed at the front end of the guideway, initially moves under the first guiding barrier. The first guiding barrier and the subsequent barriers constituting the track are pushed over the guideway, into a position which is offset laterally to the original position, and placed down again on the surface of the street.

Abstract: A substantially permanent pavement marking system using a polymer modified cement material to provide a raised marking that extends above the surface of the pavement. The lines are formed by taping off the desired outline shape of the marking. The pavement marking material is of such a consistency that it will set up to form a thick layer and not flow over the tape and will harden forming a raised marking.

Abstract: A substantially permanent pavement marking system using a polymer modified cement material to provide a raised marking that extends above the surface of the pavement. The lines are formed by taping off the desired outline shape of the marking. The pavement marking material is of such a consistency that it will set up to form a thick layer and not flow over the tape and will harden forming a raised marking.

Abstract: A pavement marking tape having a scrim, wherein the scrim is extensible to enable the tape to conform to irregularities in a road surface, and thereby bond more securely to that surface.

Abstract: The articles of the present invention comprise optical elements embedded in either a core having a binder layer which is embedded in a road-binder or optical elements which are directly embedded into a binder layer. The binder layer may be part of a preformed pavement marking tape or may be applied directly to a traffic-bearing surface. The binder layer is comprised of a black pigment. The pavement marking articles of the present invention comprise one or more first region(s) wherein the first region(s) has a daytime appearance of black and is retroreflective.In another embodiment of the present invention, the pavement marking articles further comprise one or more second region(s) having a color which contrasts with black during the daytime and which is typically also retroreflective. The second region(s) is adjacent to the first region(s).

Abstract: A housingless abrasion resistance reflective pavement marker is disclosed. The marker comprises a housingless, flat topped body and a reflective member embeded in the body.The body can be made of abrasion and impact resistant curable resinous filler material such as epoxy or polyester resin. The body and the reflective member can be coated with high abrasion resistance diamond like carbon film to enhance durability and retain reflectivity. The filler can be an inert additive material.The reflective member can have light reflecting cells on its inner surface. The reflective member can be protected by a variety of abrasion and impact reducing ridges and webs. Also disclosed is a method for making housingless reflective pavement marker in an open mold.

Abstract: A floor runner is disclosed for providing path of travel across a floor. The floor runner includes an elongated sheet in rolled form. The sheet is formed of a flexible plastic material having a bottom surface containing an adhesive applied thereto. The sheet has outer spaced apart parallel colored edges extending along the length. The colored edges are distinguishable from the generally translucent central portion of the sheet with the colored edges defining a path of travel therebetween. Further, a method of using the floor runner is disclosed where the floor runner has severed portions or lengths disposed transversely against a length of floor runner extended along a floor. The colored edges of the severed length and floor runner form a generally square-shaped colored perimeter viewable by a user to alert the user of an obstacle positioned therebelow.

Abstract: The following constitution is employed for enhancing the visual recognition of a road traffic sign by presenting a road traffic sign composed of a solid pattern having shades as visual image. A marking pattern divided into plural sections is tightly formed on the road, and the adjacent sections are mutually different in lightness, so that, in the road traffic sign of the invention, a solid figure is recognized as the visual image of the marking pattern. Herein, the adjacent sections have a lightness difference of 1 or more in Munsell value, and the lightness of each section is selected at lightness in two to four stages set at mutually different Munsell values. Moreover, when the adjacent sections are colored in hues mutually different in lightness, a more solid visual image will be obtained due to the difference in hue among the sections.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting material comprising at least one retroreflective optical system (200, 300, 400) consisting of an entrance transmission optical element (201, 301) for receiving and focusing incident electromagnetic radiation from an irradiation source, and a reflective optical element (205, 405) for reflecting the incident electromagnetic radiation back toward the irradiation source; said reflective optical element being positioned in or near the effective focal point of the transmission optical element and the space between the optical elements optionally being constituted by a spacing material (202); wherein at least one of the optical elements (205, 301, 405) is a diffractive optical element, the reflective optical element (205, 405) for substantially all angles of incidence sends at least a part of the incident electromagnetic radiation back along the direction of the incoming chief ray (204), and the reflective optical element does not exclusively consist of a specular mirror type reflective op

Abstract: A retroreflective element which may be used in pavement markings comprising a core having (a) a central layer having first and second major surfaces and at least one vertical surface, (b) a barrier layer applied to the first major surface, and (c) a barrier layer applied to the second major surface; and a plurality of optical elements embedded in the vertical surface(s) of the central layer.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles, for example in the form of pavement markers or retroreflective elements, exhibit both wet and dry retroreflectivity by using a plurality of Type A microspheres and a plurality of Type B microspheres partially embedded in a binder layer containing specular pigments. The Type A and Type B microspheres have different average indices of refraction.

Abstract: All-ceramic retroreflective elements which may be used in pavement markings comprising an opacified ceramic core and ceramic optical elements partially embedded into the core.

Abstract: A metal detector and distance sensor for a motor vehicle. A departure of the motor vehicle from a correct path indicated by one or two metal lines covered with paint in the road is signaled. The metals lines are formed by projecting a jet of metal in the gaseous state at high speed onto the road surface. A covering of paint is then formed over the metal line on the road surface. A turbine supplied by an air compressor projects the jet of metal in the gaseous state from a vehicle or a trailer having a metal supply device and a painting device thereon. A display indicates the direction of departure from the correct path and the distance separating the motor vehicle from a preceding vehicle. Alarm signals can be emitted upon the departure.

Abstract: Disclosed are surface markings systems and methods of producing such systems in which the marker is at once permanently and strongly affixed to the surface during normal use thereof but efficiently and economically removable from the surface during repair or recycling operations. The preferred systems utilize a reactive adhesive which, when cured, has a lap shear strength of at least about 1000 psi at about 25.degree. C. and a lap shear strength of about 50 psi or less at least one temperature in the temperature range of from about 70.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C. The use of curable epoxy adhesives is described.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced raised pavement marker made of a composite material comprising an isotropic mixture of a polymeric material, reinforcing fibers and a filler material. The results of finite element analysis and composite technology have been combined to produce a pavement marker having high flexural strength and impact resistance without the need for an impact-resistant shell. Durable, high strength composite pavement markers are made by casting a homogenous mixture of chopped glass fibers and a filler material in a polymeric matrix. Placement of a retroreflective lens within the mold followed by pouring and curing the composite material results in a finished product upon release from the mold.

Abstract: A special reinforcement basket of steel rebar for reinforcing concrete barriers has toe regions of increased strength. Above the toe regions, there is a shoulder region where windows, or gaps, in the rebar provide for uninterrupted passage of holes in the concrete for anchor bolts, in order that the cast barrier may be anchored to a foundation. The invention is especially useful for precast concrete road barriers, which are manufacturered in a plant and then brought to a site and anchored in place.

Abstract: A marker bump for placement on a traffic lane, particularly for marking a traffic lane when the course of traffic is changed at construction sites or the like, comprises links, joined in an articulated manner with one another to form a link chain and preferably having a warning color on their upper side. The links are connected with one another over a connecting link, which in each case is hinged on its own pin to the adjacent link. The two links, which are to be joined to one another, in each case having a recess for accommodating the connecting link.

Abstract: A roadway marker or other article has a narrow slot through which a tab associated with a static mixing container is passed. Before placing the marker, the mixing container is drawn manually through the slot toward one side, thereby bursting internal seals or walls in the mixing container that separate two or more adhesive components, forcing the components to flow and mix, and finally to discharge the mixed adhesive onto the opposite surface of the marker in the correct mix proportions and quantity needed to attach the marker in place. The mixing container is flexibly collapsible and when initially containing the components has a larger cross section than the slot. A pull tab extends from the container for pulling the container though the slot or passageway.

Abstract: An advertising display method involves marking grass sports fields by bending the grass blades in definite zones and bending or leaving them straight in other zones in order to form an image or a word. The difference in the direction given to the grass blades is quite visible to the spectator. The grass blades are directed by means of an apparatus mounted on rollers which runs on the grass surface. The apparatus also has brushes and/or additional rollers which rotate to straighten the grass blades on definite sectors. The sectors form an image or the letters of a words. The engines which drive the apparatus and the brushes and/or rollers are electrical and are controlled by a computer. The image or word to represent on the grass, as well as the position of the apparatus on the surface to work, are entered in the memory of a computer.

Abstract: A pyrotechnic patty for rapidly attaching a raised pavement marker to a paved roadway surface is disclosed. The pyrotechnic patty consists of a stable mixture of oxidizer and fuel formed into a fattened shape that, once ignited, deflagrates rapidly producing a large amount of heat. The heat melts an adhesive pad that, after cooling and solidifying, permanently attaches the pavement marker to the paved surface. Preferably, the adhesive pad is formed of bitumen and the pyrotechnic patty is formed of a composition, in predetermined proportions, of potassium nitrate, aluminum nitrate, shredded newspaper, aluminum, and sulfur. The pyrotechnic patty is controllably ignited by passing an ignition current through a nichrome wire. The pyrotechnic patty is particularly suitable for use in an automatic marker attachment system.

Abstract: A two-part traffic channelizing device including a recycled rubber base (or other suitable material) having a slot with a textured interior surface extending therethrough and a vertically upwardly extending vertical member coated with reflective material and releasably inserted inside the slot, forming a friction/compression fit between the vertical member and the textured interior surface of the slot. The vertical member is held in position in the slot by friction/compression alone. Upon impact, the vertical member pops out of the slot, and the device is reassembled simply by reinserting the vertical member into the slot; no replacement parts are necessary, except for accessory items such as lighting devices or power sources.

Abstract: Pavement marking material comprising a top layer, an optional base sheet, and a layer of adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises a rubber and a high loading of tackifier. Such adhesives have been found to exhibit exceptional impact shear resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a traffic stripe having improved reflectivity includes a vehicle having an apparatus for applying the traffic stripe, an applying assembly for dispersing a reflective material over the traffic stripe, another applying apparatus for applying a releasing agent, and a deformation apparatus disposed rearward thereof for forming interval grooves in the traffic stripe. The application of the releasing agent directly onto the traffic stripe or onto the deformation apparatus prevents the freshly applied traffic stripe from lifting off the road surface and adhering to the deformation apparatus.

Abstract: A conformable marking tape having improved mechanical properties comprises a support base and a top-coat layer, the support base comprising a highly saturated acrylonitrile elastomer grafted with a zinc salt of methacrylic acid. The top-coat layer preferably comprises a polyurethane resin having about 50 to about 65% by weight of rigid segments and about 35 to about 50% by weight of flexible segments. The rigid segments are derived from diisocyanates and aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic chain extenders, and the flexible segments are derived from polymeric compounds having at least two active hydrogen atoms and having weight average molecular weights ranging from about 400 to about 4000.

Abstract: The invention relates to signalling, particularly road signalling, means. A considerable variety of illuminated and reflective signalling means are known to give advice to the driver of a particular vehicle and of great value to the driver of a vehicle during the hours of darkness on unlit roads or in inclement weather where mist and fog shroud a road. Such known signalling means cannot satisfy the important need to give advice to a driver of a vehicle of the presence of another vehicle closely ahead, and which is of particular importance in misty or foggy conditions.

Abstract: A potted shell style pavement marker reinforced with fiberglass in the form of a mat of fiberglass strands located near the bottom of the marker or in the form of chopped fiberglass strands distributed throughout the fill material. The mat provides support against torsional or bending stresses near the bottom of the marker. The chopped strands in the fill material provide three-dimensional support throughout the height and depth of the fill in the interior of the housing. Both means of support are expected to reduce the number of cracks that develop in the fill, to prevent the expansion of any cracks which do develop, to prevent premature disintegration of the marker, and to increase average marker life. The supporting mat and the chopped fiberglass strands can be used together in a single marker.

Abstract: An economical roadway marking sheeting matrix that includes hydrated alumina as its main inorganic filler is disclosed. Use of hydrated alumina in the roadway marking sheeting matrix results in reduced mixing and production time, reduction of aging time, lower transportation cost due to lower weight, and lower material cost. In a preferred embodiment, hydrated alumina having a particle size of less that one micron and a GE brightness of 94 or more is incorporated as the main filler system in a roadway marking sheeting matrix. The resulting sheeting matrix may then be fabricated into a road marker by bonding to an upper layer which may include glass beads, and to an adhesive layer for attachment to a road surface.

Abstract: A pavement marker structure and method for making same is provided wherein a pre-molded base block is clad with an in situ molded cap structure. One or two retro-reflective flattened reflectors are preferably mounted as insets between the base block and the cap structure. Use of epoxy resins is avoided, the pavement marker structure is durable and resists attack by moisture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying colored foam markers to road surfaces as a means of temporarily changing or outlining traffic patterns. In the preferred embodiment, dissoluble foam markers would be periodically deposited upon the road behind a work crew to alert motorists of a potential hazard ahead, in order to avoid any collisions between the motorist and the work crew. As the work crew would move up on the road, the foam markers would naturally dissipate and substantially disappear over a predetermined or a relatively short period of time so that the roadway automatically returned to its original traffic pattern when the work crew has left the area. Foam markers according to the present invention would enhance the safety of a work crew's operations and increase work output by freeing the work crew from the obligation of retrieving the markers after they are used.

Abstract: An improved roadway marker rubber-like strip in which the upper layer is deformed into protruberances such as wedges or ridges, preferably provided with a coating of exposed retro-reflective beads, that have been cross-link-vulcanized to provide the same with memory that permits shape restoration following depression by vehicle traffic, and a cold-flow un-vulcanized bottom layer adhered to the roadway and conforming without memory to the same under vehicle traffic.

Abstract: A street marking strip device formed of a resilient and flexible strip material includes a traffic marking on a visible side thereof and a street engaging underside having longitudinally extending clearances and cavities separated by longitudinally extending contact edge zones for releasably engaging a street surface. The strip material optionally may include longitudinally extending reinforcement elements in the form of strand or sheet material and may include prestressing elements for giving the strip material an overall concave shape when it is in its unloaded condition. When the prestressed strip material engages a street surface, a clawing action results as the strip material is flattened against the street surface. The strip material may be readily released from the street surface and reused again. The strip material includes tapered flanks to ensure smooth traversal by automobiles.

Abstract: A one-way snowplowable pavement marker having an auxiliary ramp at the front of a body portion connecting the spaced first and second primary ramps for supporting a snowplow blade tip when the tip is at angle up to 60.degree. from a line perpendicular to the direction of travel to protect a reflector in the marker. A cast-in-place shelf is formed behind the reflector for supporting the blade tip before and after it leaves the auxiliary ramp to prevent the reflector from being contacted by the snowplow blade.

Abstract: A traffic control marker includes an elongate flexible arrow member arranged for positioning upon a road surface to direct traffic flow therethrough. The marker provides for a removable forward head relative to the marker for use of the arrow head relative to the marker. A modification of the invention includes suction cup members molded into the bottom wall of the marker body and arrow head, as well as reflector housings mounting reflective lenses projecting rearwardly of the marker head, with a further organization to include the reflector housing positioned medially of speed-bump type boss members that in conjunction with the reflector housing are orthogonally oriented relative to the side walls of the body as a one-piece assembly.