US2043414A - Marker for highways - Google Patents

Marker for highways Download PDF

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Publication number
US2043414A
US2043414A US736198A US73619834A US2043414A US 2043414 A US2043414 A US 2043414A US 736198 A US736198 A US 736198A US 73619834 A US73619834 A US 73619834A US 2043414 A US2043414 A US 2043414A
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Prior art keywords
marker
particles
spherical
highway
highways
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Expired - Lifetime
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US736198A
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Fred H Korff
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    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B5/00Optical elements other than lenses
    • G02B5/12Reflex reflectors
    • G02B5/126Reflex reflectors including curved refracting surface
    • G02B5/128Reflex reflectors including curved refracting surface transparent spheres being embedded in matrix
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01FADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/50Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
    • E01F9/506Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users characterised by the road surface marking material, e.g. comprising additives for improving friction or reflectivity; Methods of forming, installing or applying markings in, on or to road surfaces
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01FADDITIONAL WORK, SUCH AS EQUIPPING ROADS OR THE CONSTRUCTION OF PLATFORMS, HELICOPTER LANDING STAGES, SIGNS, SNOW FENCES, OR THE LIKE
    • E01F9/00Arrangement of road signs or traffic signals; Arrangements for enforcing caution
    • E01F9/50Road surface markings; Kerbs or road edgings, specially adapted for alerting road users
    • E01F9/576Traffic lines

Definitions

  • My invention relates to markers for highways, which markers are adapted to return rays of light emanating from the headlights of automobiles driven on the highway, and thereby warn the operators driving the same in the night-time of delineated traffic lanes in the highway.
  • One of the important features of the invention resides in the conjoint action of the light-colored marker strip or binder with the glass or other refracting grains or particles.
  • the driver of an automobile is not only accorded the benefit of the advantages of the light-colored marker strip in guiding him, but he also has the benefit of the light-colored grains, which add to the brilliance of the marker strip by reason of their refracting action.
  • a much narrower marker strip than that now used may be effectively laid, thereby making a great saving in the paint, binder or other materials entering into such marker.
  • a principal object of the invention is to contribute to the safety of night driving by motorists.
  • Another principal object is to provide a marker for automobile highways, which will reflect back the light rays emanating from the headlights of the automobile, upon such rays striking the marker.
  • Another object is to provide markers which may be cleaned by rain falls, and also by the tires of automobiles which impinge upon the same.
  • Another object is to provide means for the above purposes, which will be long-wearing as compared with the present means for marking highways, and at the same time inexpensive to provide and apply.
  • Figure 1 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of a highway, showing a marker longitudinally along the center thereof;
  • Figure 2 is a greatly exaggerated cross-section of a marker embodying my invention, in position on the highway, the thickness of the marker being slightly greater than a coat of paint, and the width being that of the usual highway marker; and
  • Figure 3 is a detail showing the action of a sphere used in my marker, upon a ray of light.
  • I0 is a highway having the marker II.
  • This marker consists of a non-metallic binder I2, which may be a coating of metal oxide or other paint or other medium having binding properties, preferably white, and having embedded therein the lower portions of spherical glass grains or particles 13, preferably clear, but which may be colored, the binder forming at the same time a backing for the said spherical grains and a lock to hold the spherical grains in place.
  • These spherical grains are preferably so small in diameter as to be indistinguishable by the naked eye, although the same are readily discernible under a magnifying glass.
  • a coating of binder or paint is first spread in position, and the spherical grains are then dropped onto the surface so as to completely cover the same.
  • the spherical grains may be applied when the binder is in either a wet or tacky condition.
  • the marking machine applying the binder may be immediately followed by a dispenser adapted to deliver and spread the spherical grains. I have found that the spherical grains imbed themselves into the binder sufficiently to be locked in place.
  • pressure-means may also be used after the spherical grains have been dropped onto the binder to positively insure that the spherical grains will be locked in place.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates this phenomenon.
  • the ray illustrated is a direct ray from an automobile headlight. This ray enters the spherical grain l3 at l5, strikes the back portion of the spherical grain at I6, which refracts the ray so that it leaves the spherical grain at 11 substantially parallel to its entering path, and continues in the direction of its source.
  • a marker of the type described will give a superbrilliance to the driver of an automobile, by reason of the fact that the beams from the headlights of his car will shine into such marker and will be refracted toward their source; at the same time, the bounce forward of those beams, which would annoy an approaching driver, is blocked by the spherical grains or particles.
  • One reason why spheres of microscopic size are more desirable than spheres of larger diameter is be cause the refracted rays leaving the spheres are closer to their correspondingly entering rays, and consequently a greater number of rays will travel and be compact between the source of light and the marker in a given space, resulting in more intense brilliance of the marker.
  • the minuteness of the diameter of the spherical grains of the marker provides a substantially even surface which does not hold dirt and oil, but which may be readily cleaned with the rest of the highway by wind and rainfalls.
  • the glass grains surfacing the marker also add to its wearing properties.
  • a marking strip for highways consisting of a painted band of light colored non-metallic binding material applied to the surface of a highway, said band of binding material having glass spherical particles in the surface thereof, said particles being of such minute diameter that they are substantially entirely embedded in the surface of the binder strip, sufiicient of the upper surface of said particles being exposed to permit of refracting action of light rays.
  • a marking strip for highways consisting of a painted band of white non-metallic binding material applied to the surface of a highway, said band of binding material having glass spherical particles inthe surface thereof, said particles being of such minute diameter that they are substantially entirely embedded in the surface of the binder strip, suflicient of the upper surface of said particles being exposed to permit of refracting action of light rays.
  • a marking strip for highways consisting of a painted band of non-metallic binding material applied to the surface of a highway, said band of binding material having glass spherical particles in the surface thereof, said particles being of such minute diameter that they are substantially entirely embedded in the surface of the binder strip, suflicient of the upper surface 01 said particles being exposed to permit of refracting action of light rays.
  • a marking strip for highways consisting of a painted band of non-metallic binding material applied to the surface of a highway, said band of binding material having light refracting spherical particles in the surface thereof, said particles being of such minute diameter that they are substantially entirely embedded in the surface of the binder strip, suflicient of the upper surface of said particles being exposed to permit of refracting action of light rays.
  • a marking strip for highways consisting of a painted band of non-metallic binding material applied to the surface of a highway and glass spherical particles in the surface of said band, said particles being of such diameter that they are substantially embedded in the surface of the binder strip while having sufficient of their upper light refracting surfaces exposed above said band to make the total thickness of the marking strip slightly greater than that of the painted band.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Road Signs Or Road Markings (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Description

June 9, 1936- F H. KORFF 2,043,414
MARKER FOR HIGHWAYS Filed July 20, 1954 INVENTOR Patented June 9, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Claims.
My invention relates to markers for highways, which markers are adapted to return rays of light emanating from the headlights of automobiles driven on the highway, and thereby warn the operators driving the same in the night-time of delineated traffic lanes in the highway.
One of the important features of the invention resides in the conjoint action of the light-colored marker strip or binder with the glass or other refracting grains or particles. By reason thereof, the driver of an automobile is not only accorded the benefit of the advantages of the light-colored marker strip in guiding him, but he also has the benefit of the light-colored grains, which add to the brilliance of the marker strip by reason of their refracting action. Furthermore, by reason of the outstanding efiect of the marker, a much narrower marker strip than that now used may be effectively laid, thereby making a great saving in the paint, binder or other materials entering into such marker.
A principal object of the invention is to contribute to the safety of night driving by motorists.
Another principal object is to provide a marker for automobile highways, which will reflect back the light rays emanating from the headlights of the automobile, upon such rays striking the marker.
Another object is to provide markers which may be cleaned by rain falls, and also by the tires of automobiles which impinge upon the same.
Another object is to provide means for the above purposes, which will be long-wearing as compared with the present means for marking highways, and at the same time inexpensive to provide and apply.
Other objects will be apparent from reading this specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which Figure 1 is a fragmentary diagrammatic view of a highway, showing a marker longitudinally along the center thereof;
Figure 2 is a greatly exaggerated cross-section of a marker embodying my invention, in position on the highway, the thickness of the marker being slightly greater than a coat of paint, and the width being that of the usual highway marker; and
Figure 3 is a detail showing the action of a sphere used in my marker, upon a ray of light.
Referring now in detail to the drawing, in which similar characters refer to similar parts throughout, I0 is a highway having the marker II. This marker consists of a non-metallic binder I2, which may be a coating of metal oxide or other paint or other medium having binding properties, preferably white, and having embedded therein the lower portions of spherical glass grains or particles 13, preferably clear, but which may be colored, the binder forming at the same time a backing for the said spherical grains and a lock to hold the spherical grains in place. These spherical grains are preferably so small in diameter as to be indistinguishable by the naked eye, although the same are readily discernible under a magnifying glass.
In applying the marker to the highway, a coating of binder or paint is first spread in position, and the spherical grains are then dropped onto the surface so as to completely cover the same. 1 The spherical grains may be applied when the binder is in either a wet or tacky condition. In fact, the marking machine applying the binder may be immediately followed by a dispenser adapted to deliver and spread the spherical grains. I have found that the spherical grains imbed themselves into the binder sufficiently to be locked in place. Of course, if desired, pressure-means may also be used after the spherical grains have been dropped onto the binder to positively insure that the spherical grains will be locked in place.
In operation, automobile headlights in night driving, will cast their rays upon the highway, and the rays striking the spherical grains of my improved marker will be refracted to their source. Figure 3 illustrates this phenomenon. The ray illustrated is a direct ray from an automobile headlight. This ray enters the spherical grain l3 at l5, strikes the back portion of the spherical grain at I6, which refracts the ray so that it leaves the spherical grain at 11 substantially parallel to its entering path, and continues in the direction of its source.
A marker of the type described will give a superbrilliance to the driver of an automobile, by reason of the fact that the beams from the headlights of his car will shine into such marker and will be refracted toward their source; at the same time, the bounce forward of those beams, which would annoy an approaching driver, is blocked by the spherical grains or particles. One reason why spheres of microscopic size are more desirable than spheres of larger diameter is be cause the refracted rays leaving the spheres are closer to their correspondingly entering rays, and consequently a greater number of rays will travel and be compact between the source of light and the marker in a given space, resulting in more intense brilliance of the marker. Furthermore, the minuteness of the diameter of the spherical grains of the marker provides a substantially even surface which does not hold dirt and oil, but which may be readily cleaned with the rest of the highway by wind and rainfalls. The glass grains surfacing the marker also add to its wearing properties.
I have shown and described what I believe to be the best embodiment of my invention. However, I do not wish to be confined in patent protection to the embodiment illustrated, but what I desire to secure by Letters Patent is set forth in the accompanying claims.
I claim:
1. A marking strip for highways consisting of a painted band of light colored non-metallic binding material applied to the surface of a highway, said band of binding material having glass spherical particles in the surface thereof, said particles being of such minute diameter that they are substantially entirely embedded in the surface of the binder strip, sufiicient of the upper surface of said particles being exposed to permit of refracting action of light rays.
2. A marking strip for highways consisting of a painted band of white non-metallic binding material applied to the surface of a highway, said band of binding material having glass spherical particles inthe surface thereof, said particles being of such minute diameter that they are substantially entirely embedded in the surface of the binder strip, suflicient of the upper surface of said particles being exposed to permit of refracting action of light rays.
3. A marking strip for highways consisting of a painted band of non-metallic binding material applied to the surface of a highway, said band of binding material having glass spherical particles in the surface thereof, said particles being of such minute diameter that they are substantially entirely embedded in the surface of the binder strip, suflicient of the upper surface 01 said particles being exposed to permit of refracting action of light rays.
4. A marking strip for highways consisting of a painted band of non-metallic binding material applied to the surface of a highway, said band of binding material having light refracting spherical particles in the surface thereof, said particles being of such minute diameter that they are substantially entirely embedded in the surface of the binder strip, suflicient of the upper surface of said particles being exposed to permit of refracting action of light rays.
5. A marking strip for highways consisting of a painted band of non-metallic binding material applied to the surface of a highway and glass spherical particles in the surface of said band, said particles being of such diameter that they are substantially embedded in the surface of the binder strip while having sufficient of their upper light refracting surfaces exposed above said band to make the total thickness of the marking strip slightly greater than that of the painted band.
FRED H. KORFF.
US736198A 1934-07-20 1934-07-20 Marker for highways Expired - Lifetime US2043414A (en)

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Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2430534A (en) * 1939-09-27 1947-11-11 Rodli Gilbert Marker and process of making it
US2579467A (en) * 1947-06-14 1951-12-25 Alan E Brickman Pavement lane marker
US2882632A (en) * 1955-10-25 1959-04-21 Prismo Safety Corp Marker material and method
US2983202A (en) * 1957-10-21 1961-05-09 American Marietta Co Highway marking paint
DE1162297B (en) * 1955-03-24 1964-01-30 Loepfe Ag Geb Photoelectric shot coil sensor
US3215039A (en) * 1961-03-03 1965-11-02 Karl W Flocks Reflex light reflecting sheet
US4726134A (en) * 1986-11-21 1988-02-23 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Roadway sign
US5576097A (en) * 1995-04-24 1996-11-19 Brite-Line Industries, Inc. High brightness durable retro-reflecting microspheres and method of making the same
US5750191A (en) * 1994-05-20 1998-05-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Retroreflective elements
US5774265A (en) * 1996-02-05 1998-06-30 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Durable retroreflective elements
US5822120A (en) * 1996-02-05 1998-10-13 Palazzotto; Michael C. Layered retroreflective elements
US5942280A (en) * 1997-09-16 1999-08-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Method of making retroreflective elements
WO2000023257A1 (en) 1998-10-20 2000-04-27 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for making retroreflective elements having enhanced retroreflectivity under dry or wet conditions
US6365262B1 (en) 1998-10-20 2002-04-02 3M Innovative Properties Company Pavement marking articles having enhanced retroreflectivity under dry or wet conditions and method for making same
US6623793B2 (en) 2000-08-16 2003-09-23 Litetech, Inc. Process for forming a reflective surface
WO2005047604A1 (en) 2003-11-06 2005-05-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective elements comprising a bonded resin core and pavement markings
WO2005073468A1 (en) 2004-01-21 2005-08-11 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective elements and articles
US6966660B1 (en) 1999-10-15 2005-11-22 3M Innovative Properties Company Article exhibiting dry and wet retroreflectivity
US20080280034A1 (en) * 2007-05-11 2008-11-13 3M Innovative Properties Company Pavement marking and reflective elements having microspheres comprising lanthanum oxide and aluminum oxide with zirconia, titania, or mixtures thereof
US8591045B2 (en) 2009-08-21 2013-11-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Pavement markings, reflective elements, and methods of making microspheres

Cited By (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2430534A (en) * 1939-09-27 1947-11-11 Rodli Gilbert Marker and process of making it
US2579467A (en) * 1947-06-14 1951-12-25 Alan E Brickman Pavement lane marker
DE1162297B (en) * 1955-03-24 1964-01-30 Loepfe Ag Geb Photoelectric shot coil sensor
US2882632A (en) * 1955-10-25 1959-04-21 Prismo Safety Corp Marker material and method
US2983202A (en) * 1957-10-21 1961-05-09 American Marietta Co Highway marking paint
US3215039A (en) * 1961-03-03 1965-11-02 Karl W Flocks Reflex light reflecting sheet
US4726134A (en) * 1986-11-21 1988-02-23 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Roadway sign
US5750191A (en) * 1994-05-20 1998-05-12 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Retroreflective elements
US5576097A (en) * 1995-04-24 1996-11-19 Brite-Line Industries, Inc. High brightness durable retro-reflecting microspheres and method of making the same
US5822120A (en) * 1996-02-05 1998-10-13 Palazzotto; Michael C. Layered retroreflective elements
US5774265A (en) * 1996-02-05 1998-06-30 Minnesota Mining And Manufacturing Company Durable retroreflective elements
US5942280A (en) * 1997-09-16 1999-08-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Method of making retroreflective elements
WO2000023257A1 (en) 1998-10-20 2000-04-27 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for making retroreflective elements having enhanced retroreflectivity under dry or wet conditions
US6247818B1 (en) 1998-10-20 2001-06-19 3M Innovative Properties Company Method for making retroreflective elements having enhanced retroreflectivity under dry and/or wet conditions
US6365262B1 (en) 1998-10-20 2002-04-02 3M Innovative Properties Company Pavement marking articles having enhanced retroreflectivity under dry or wet conditions and method for making same
US6966660B1 (en) 1999-10-15 2005-11-22 3M Innovative Properties Company Article exhibiting dry and wet retroreflectivity
US6623793B2 (en) 2000-08-16 2003-09-23 Litetech, Inc. Process for forming a reflective surface
WO2005047604A1 (en) 2003-11-06 2005-05-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective elements comprising a bonded resin core and pavement markings
WO2005073468A1 (en) 2004-01-21 2005-08-11 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective elements and articles
EP2757197A2 (en) 2004-01-21 2014-07-23 3M Innovative Properties Company Retroreflective elements and articles
US20080280034A1 (en) * 2007-05-11 2008-11-13 3M Innovative Properties Company Pavement marking and reflective elements having microspheres comprising lanthanum oxide and aluminum oxide with zirconia, titania, or mixtures thereof
EP2360128A1 (en) 2007-05-11 2011-08-24 3M Innovative Properties Co. Pavement marking and reflective elements having microspheres comprising lanthanum oxide and aluminum oxide with zirconia, titania, or mixtures thereof
US8591045B2 (en) 2009-08-21 2013-11-26 3M Innovative Properties Company Pavement markings, reflective elements, and methods of making microspheres

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