US1640830A - Traffic marker - Google Patents

Description

1,640,830 Aug. .30, 1927. A R. HUNT TRAFFIC MARKER Filed Oct. 18. 1924 figure INVENTOR.

A TTORNE Y.

Patented Aug. 30, 1927 UNITED STA Annx n. HUNT, or SAN rnancrsco, cennromzm.

TRAFFIC MARKER.

Applicatlonflled October 18,.1924. Serial No. 744,365.

This invention relates to improvements in trafiic markers and more particularly to means for. imbedding permanent legends and directions in street pavements, for the direction and control of traflic.

Among the objects of the invention are to provide a tile or block of suitable shape, that can be embedded in the plastic body of bituminous, cementitious and other forms of plastic pavement, or set in brick, wood block or other forms of block pavement.

Another object is to so shape the marker block that it will not sink below the surface of plastic pavements, when same be-.

come softened by summer heat.

A further object is to form the marker of such material and of such nature that the exposed surface will preserve the necessary legibility, tractive surface and durability, so that the plane of the pavement surface will be maintained under stress of traflic.

Other objects and advantages will appear as this description progresses.

In this specification and the annexed one sheet of drawings, the invention is illustrated in the form considered to be the best but it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such form, because it may be embodied in other forms and it is also to be understood that in and by the claims following the description, it is desired to cover the invention in whatsoever form it may be embodied.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a section of pavement having a traffic marker embedded therein in accordance with this invention.

.Fig. 2 is a side view of a marker block made in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 3 is a perspective from below of the same.

Fig. 4.- is an assembly view of a pair of blocks set in plastic pavement, shown in cross section.

In detail the construction shown in the drawings includes the marker block, preferably having the square top surface 1, extending down to the lower edge 2, in lines perpendicular to the said top surface, see Fi 2.

' The restricted portion 3, is formed by the cylindrical curves extending backwardly from the edges 2. These curves slightly under cut or extend above the plane of the edges 2, to form a tapered edge extending downwardly at this point. These curves extend upwardly then downwardly from the edges 2, then outwardly toward the shoulders 4, on the four. sides of the block. See Fig. 3.

From the shoulders 4, the sides converge to the point 5,'giving the form of an inverted pyramid. The depth of the blocks may be equal to the depth of the bituminous layer X, so that the oints 5 rest upon the underlying base of the pavement-not shown. This precaution is rarely necessary, since the scientific form of the block will prevent it sinking into the bituminous mass. and rectangular forms, like bricks are not practical, because they continue to sink below the surface when the pavement becomes plastic under summer heat.

The color or tone of the marker blocks is chosen with re ard to the low heat conductivity, preferably white or gray, with the idea of reflecting heat rays, whereby the impinging and surrounding bituminous mass is maintained at a slightly lower temperature, which further aids in supporting the blocks.

The material for forming the blocks is preferably a vitreous clay of the nature of paving brick material, or any other material having the requisite characteristics of form, density, color, tractive efiiciency and durability as set forth.

Fig. 4 illustrates two blocks set in the plastic pavement, with abutting lateral edges, for the purpose of spelling any desired legend in the surface of the pavement. The surrounding bituminous surface may be depended upon for proper contrasting color to the tint or white of the marker block. A square white surface as in Fig. 1, may be laid-with the Stop or other legend in red or other contrasting color. v

For convenience the marker blocks are assembled by gluing or cementing the top surface 1, to a sheet of heavy paper, in the desired design, as practiced in the mosaic art.

In its application to old pavements, the necessary area is removed from the bituminous top layer, or the same is softened by the application of heat; the assembled marker blocks on the sheet of paper is set in position with the points 5, downward. The blocks are then forced into the plastic Experience has shown that cubicalmass of the pavement by the Wei ht of a This particular. form is intended also to counteract the tendency of the blocks to topple over under the lateral stress of the tractive effort of vehicle passing thereover. Having thus described this invention what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is: t

.1. A paving block having an overhanging top with perpendicular sides; a curved portion extending backward from said sides and upward above the lower edge of said top; and (a pyramidal 'b'ase tapering from said curved portion to a oint.

2. A paving block having an overhanging top with perpendicular sides; a curved portion extending backwardl from said sldes and terminating in a shoulder spaced downwardly beneath the bottom of said top; and a pyramidal base tapering downwardly from said shoulder.

3. A paving block having an overhanging top with perpendicular sides; a curved portion extending backwardly from said sides then forwardly and terminating in a shoulder to form a restricted portion between said top and shoulder; and a pyramidal base tapering to a point from said shoulder.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto fixed my signature.

ALEX R. HUNT.

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