Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A reflective marker for highway striping, signs and other surfaces is produced from a multiplicity of thermoplastic or thermosetting granules in the shape of tetrahedrons. A plurality of glass spheres having a diameter in the range of from about 6.0 microns to about 0.125 inches are substantially evenly dispersed throughout each granule with some of the spheres protruding through the outer granule surfaces. To form the granules the glass spheres, the granule material and a suitable pigment are mixed together and then applied to a flexible sheet or a roller containing a multiplicity of tetrahedron-shaped indentations. The mixture is urged into each of the indentations and is then cured. The resulting granules are removed from the indentations and are dropped from a random position onto a freshly painted highway line or other surface such that one of the flat faces on each granule is disposed in a downward direction. As the paint dries and hardens, the granules are firmly held in place on the surface to provide a reflective marker.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim