Matrix element pavement marker and method of making same

Abstract

A method of making a pavement marker including the steps of forming an array of pavement elements in a predefined pattern interconnected by a carrier web. A frangible connection is formed between a plurality of the pavement elements and the carrier web. After the array of pavement elements is applied to the pavement surface using an adhesive, a portion of the carrier web surrounding the pavement elements is removed or allowed to substantially deteriorate and dissipate, leaving an array of discrete pavement elements.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method of making a pavement marker comprising the steps of: 
 forming an array of discrete pavement elements in a predefined pattern interconnected by a carrier web; and    forming a frangible connection between a plurality of the discrete pavement elements and the carrier web.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of forming the pavement elements interconnected by a carrier web comprises the step of integrally forming the pavement elements and the carrier web.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of forming the pavement elements interconnected by a carrier web comprises the step of bonding the pavement elements to the carrier web.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of forming the pavement elements interconnected by a carrier web comprises the steps of bonding the carrier web to an upper surface of the array of pavement elements.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising the steps of: 
 applying a pressure sensitive adhesive to a rear surface of the pavement elements; and  
 applying a release liner over the adhesive.  
 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of forming a frangible connection comprises the step of at least partially severing the carrier web around a perimeter of the pavement elements.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of forming a frangible connection comprises the step of at least partially severing the carrier web around one or more groups of pavement elements.  
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the carrier web is selected from a group consisting of paper, a liner, a screen, a mat, a film or nonwoven web of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymeric material, and a biodegradable material.  
     
     
         9 . The process of  claim 1  wherein the pavement elements are selected from a group consisting of retroreflective lens and single bead durable pavement elements.  
     
     
         10 . A method for applying the array of pavement elements of  claim 1  to a pavement surface comprising the steps of: 
 interposing an adhesive between the pavement elements and the pavement surface; and  
 engaging the adhesive to the pavement surface under pressure.  
 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  further comprising the step of removing a portion of the carrier web between adjacent pavement elements to yield an array of discrete pavement elements adhered to a pavement surface.  
     
     
         12 . A pavement marking article attachable to a pavement comprising: 
 an array of discrete pavement elements in a predefined pattern interconnected by a carrier web; and    a frangible connection between a plurality of the pavement elements and the carrier web.    
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 12  wherein the carrier web and the pavement elements are integrally formed.  
     
     
         14 . The article of  claim 12  wherein the pavement elements are bonded to the carrier web.  
     
     
         15 . The article of  claim 12  wherein the carrier web is bonded to upper surfaces of the pavement elements.  
     
     
         16 . The article of  claim 12  further comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive applied to a rear surface of the pavement elements, and a release liner extending over the adhesive.  
     
     
         17 . The article of  claim 12  wherein the frangible connection comprises slits around a perimeter of the pavement elements.  
     
     
         18 . The article of  claim 12  wherein the carrier web is selected from a group consisting of paper, a liner, a screen, a mat, a film or nonwoven web of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymeric material, and a biodegradable material.  
     
     
         19 . The article of  claim 12  further comprising an adhesive interposed between the pavement elements and the pavement surface.  
     
     
         20 . A pavement marker comprising: 
 discrete pavement elements having a pressure sensitive adhesive layer on a bottom surface, the bottom surfaces being arranged in an array on a release liner; and    a carrier web bonded to an upper portion of the pavement elements capable of maintaining the spatial orientation of the array of pavement elements when the release liner is removed.