Pavement marker, kit and method

Abstract

A kit containing thermoplastic pavement markers for convenience in transportation and application at a jobsite. The pavement markers have light colored projections on the upper surface to deflect water and reflect light for ease in viewing during rain, darkness and other adverse conditions. The method describes the application of the pavement markers on a road or other substrate for strong adhesion to asphalt and concrete.

1 . A pavement marker comprising: a planar base, a plurality of projections, said projections adhered to said planar base. 
     
     
         2 . The pavement marker of  claim 1  wherein said projections are tear drop shaped. 
     
     
         3 . The pavement marker of  claim 1  wherein said planar base comprises a thermoplastic material. 
     
     
         4 . The pavement marker of  claim 1  wherein said planar base and said projections are integrally formed. 
     
     
         5 . The pavement marker of  claim 1  wherein said planar base has a smooth flat bottom surface. 
     
     
         6 . The pavement marker of  claim 1  wherein said projections extend above the top of said planar base. 
     
     
         7 . The pavement marker of  claim 1  wherein said projections are retroreflective. 
     
     
         8 . The pavement marker of  claim 1  wherein said base has a lower softening point than said projections. 
     
     
         9 . A method of applying a pavement marker to a substrate comprising the steps of:
 a) selecting a pavement marker having a base with a plurality of tear drop projections thereon;   b) heating the pavement marker to soften the base; and   c) adhering the pavement marker to the substrate.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9  wherein heating the pavement marker comprises the step of heating the pavement marker with a heat torch. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein adhering the pavement marker comprises the step of adhering the pavement marker by gravitational forces. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9  further comprising the step of sealing the substrate with a coating before adhering the pavement marker. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 9  wherein adhering the pavement marker comprises the step of adhering the pavement marker to an asphalt substrate. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 9  wherein adhering the pavement marker comprises the step of adhering the pavement marker to a concrete substrate. 
     
     
         15 . A kit comprising a container, a plurality of polymeric pavement markers, said pavement markers each comprising a base, a plurality of projections, said projections affixed to said base, said pavement markers positioned within said container. 
     
     
         16 . The kit of  claim 15  wherein said container comprises a box. 
     
     
         17 . The kit of  claim 15  wherein said projections are retroreflective. 
     
     
         18 . The kit of  claim 15  wherein said projections are tear drop shaped.