Tractive box for traffic stripe and method of use

Abstract

A tractive box for producing a traffic stripe and method of producing a traffic stripe including a composition well with at least two gates. A comb gate for permitting compound to be released through a comb for a contoured or profiled stripe and a base gate for compound to be released for a standard or flat stripe.

Description

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention[0002] The present invention relates to a tractive box for use in manufacturing a traffic stripe applied to a road surface and method of using the same. In particular, a tractive box for producing a traffic stripe having a profiled portion including a plurality of spaced grooves that provide improved night visibility and a raised profile that provides an audible indication of the presence of the line when a vehicle passes thereover, as well as improved visibility in wet or rainy conditions.[0003] 2. Prior Art[0004] Road markings are generally made by using hot or cold traffic stripe paint, cold tape, or more durable materials such as epoxies or thermoplastics. Road markings generally come in two forms, long line stripes and transverse stripes. Long line stripes are typically four inches wide and include a solid line, an interrupted line, a pair of solid lines, or a solid line in combination with an interrupted line. The interrupted lines include a ser...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0022] The resulting mark or traffic stripe produced consists of a linear stripe with a cross section that corresponds to the comb or die used with the tractive box and may contain three or more raised portions. The reflective qualities of the stripe may be further enhanced with the application of additional reflective material such as small glass beads.

Problems solved by technology

This relatively simple task becomes a particularly exasperating and often treacherous assignment when darkness and wet weather conditions prevail.

As a result, when it is raining, a thin film of water will form on top of the traffic stripe and significantly reduce the reflectivity of the striping material and the glass beads used therein.

If a thick film of water forms on top of the traffic stripe, such as encountered in a heavy storm, the water will totally obscure the markings from view, thereby making them completely ineffective.

Because of the deterioration in traffic guidance conditions that occurs during dark and wet driving conditions, the incidence of traffic accidents increases and the usual smooth flow of traffic is impeded.

The markers are secured to the road using an epoxy glue or an adhesive, however, a problem with maintaining the markers on the road surface exists.

Heavy trucks also knock these markers off the road, thereby leaving a hole in place of the marker.

In both instances, the effectiveness of the reflective marker is destroyed.

The cost for such individual markers and their installation is also a significant drawback.

However, using this type of large glass bead substantially increases costs, and since the larger beads are not universally accepted for road marking, approval on a state by state basis is required.

Further, because of their size, the large glass beads do not adhere well to the road marking and have a tendency to be dislodged by traffic.

However, the mechanical dye of this process requires an undulating dye head which can produce inconsistent thickness of striping and limit the available profile of any striping to a series of transverse ridges, providing for a limited profile.

This process is very expensive and requires the use of costly heated thermoplastics, not suitable in all conditions.

The reflectivity of traditional tractive box markings is limited by the constant cross section of the mark made.

Water can easily cover the mark made limiting reflectivity.

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