Method of applying surfacing materials

Abstract

A method of applying surfacing material to highway deck and bridge deck surfaces includes transporting a portable surfacing material applicator to the deck surface, and supplying the portable surfacing material applicator with liquid adhesive. The portable surfacing material applicator is moved along the deck surface, and the adhesive is distributed through an adhesive distribution outlet onto the deck surface. The amount of adhesive distributed by the adhesive distribution outlet is controlled.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A portable applicator configured to apply surfacing material to highway deck and bridge deck surfaces, the applicator comprising a frame, wheels for supporting the frame and allowing the applicator to move along a deck surface, an adhesive vessel supported by the frame, the adhesive vessel being configured to store a liquid adhesive, an adhesive distribution outlet mounted on the frame and connected to the adhesive vessel, the adhesive distribution outlet being configured to distribute liquid adhesive from the adhesive vessel onto the deck surface, a controller for controlling the amount of adhesive distributed by the adhesive distribution outlet, and a reinforcement distributor for paying out reinforcement material onto the deck surface.  
     
     
         2 . The portable applicator of  claim 1  in which the wheelbase is sufficiently small that the applicator can be turned on a turning radius less than about 8 feet.  
     
     
         3 . The portable applicator of  claim 1  in which the applicator is configured to be operated by one person.  
     
     
         4 . The portable applicator of  claim 1  including a heater for heating liquid adhesive in the vessel.  
     
     
         5 . The portable applicator of  claim 1  in which the adhesive distribution outlet has a length within the range of from about 1 foot to about 4 feet.  
     
     
         6 . The portable applicator of  claim 1  in which the applicator is adapted to be transported in a pickup truck.  
     
     
         7 . The portable applicator of  claim 1  in which the wheels comprise two primary support wheels and at least one caster wheel.  
     
     
         8 . The portable applicator of  claim 1  in which the applicator weighs less than about 200 pounds empty.  
     
     
         9 . The portable applicator of  claim 1  in which the controller is a valve regulating the flow of liquid adhesive from the adhesive vessel.  
     
     
         10 . The portable applicator of  claim 1  in which the adhesive distribution outlet is an elongated slot, and the controller is configured to regulate the width of the slot.  
     
     
         11 . The portable applicator of  claim 1  in which the reinforcement distributor is a creel mounted on the frame.  
     
     
         12 . A method of applying surfacing material to highway deck and bridge deck surfaces comprising transporting a portable surfacing material applicator to the deck surface, supplying the portable surfacing material applicator with liquid adhesive, moving the portable surfacing material applicator along the deck surface, distributing the adhesive through an adhesive distribution outlet onto the deck surface, and controlling the amount of adhesive distributed by the adhesive distribution outlet.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  in which the wheelbase is sufficiently small that the applicator can be turned on a turning radius less than about 8 feet.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  including operating the applicator with one person.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  including heating liquid adhesive in the vessel with a heater.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  in which the adhesive distribution outlet has a width within the range of from about 1 foot to about 4 feet.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  including transporting the portable surfacing material applicator to the deck surface in a pickup truck.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12  including transporting the portable surfacing material applicator to the deck surface on a trailer.  
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12  including transporting the portable surfacing material applicator to the deck surface by towing the portable surfacing material applicator.  
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 12  in which the wheels comprise two primary support wheels and at least one caster wheel.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 12  in which the applicator weighs less than about 200 pounds empty.  
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 12  including paying out reinforcement material onto the distributed deck surface using a distributor mounted on the portable surfacing material applicator.  
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 12  in which the adhesive distribution outlet is an elongated slot, and further including regulating the width of the slot with the controller.