Embedded-Type Reflective Road Maker

Abstract

The invention concerns an embedded-type reflective road marker ( 10 ) comprising a generally convex shell ( 12 ) and base ( 14 ) which is mated with a lower edge of the shell to form an internal chamber. The shell is of moulded plastics material and includes at least one moulded plastics reflector ( 36 ) which forms an integral part of the shell to reflect light cast onto the marker in use.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . An embedded-type reflective road marker comprising a generally convex, rigid shell and a rigid base fixed in sealed manner to a lower edge of the shell to form, in combination with the shell, a rigid housing defining a sealed, internal chamber, the shell being of molded plastics material and including at least one molded plastics reflector, forming an integral part of the shell, to reflect light cast onto the marker in use.  
   
   
       18 . The road marker according to  claim 17  wherein the shell has an operatively lower edge which includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, externally projecting ribs to fix the marker against rotation when embedded in a road surface in use.  
   
   
       19 . The road marker according to  claim 18  wherein the lower edge of the shell carries an outwardly projecting flange to fix the marker against being pulled out of the road surface when the marker is embedded in the road surface.  
   
   
       20 . The road marker according to  claim 18  wherein the shell has a raised, central rib and a pair of oppositely inclined, externally planar surfaces extending downwardly from the central rib in a direction towards the lower edge, such that the shell has, externally, substantially a gable shape in a cross-section transverse to the rib.  
   
   
       21 . The road marker according to  claim 20  wherein the shell includes two reflectors facing in generally opposite directions.  
   
   
       22 . The road marker according to  claim 21  wherein surfaces of the reflectors form the externally planar surfaces of the shell.  
   
   
       23 . The road marker according to  claim 17  wherein the at least one reflector is molded in one piece with the remainder of the shell so as to form an integral part of the shell.  
   
   
       24 . The road marker according to  claim 23  wherein the shell is made of a light transmitting material.  
   
   
       25 . The road marker according to  claim 24  wherein the shell has the same color, or is clear or translucent, throughout.  
   
   
       26 . The road marker according to  claim 24  wherein different portions of the shell are of different color.  
   
   
       27 . The road marker according to  claim 17  wherein at least one reflector is a premolded component and the remainder of the shell is molded about the at least one reflector so that the at least one reflector forms an integral part of the shell.  
   
   
       28 . The road marker according to  claim 22  wherein the remainder of the shell aside from the reflectors is opaque.  
   
   
       29 . The road marker according to  claim 17  wherein the at least one reflector is a corner cube prism reflector.  
   
   
       30 . The road marker according to  claim 17  wherein the base is of molded plastics construction and is ultrasonically welded to the shell.  
   
   
       31 . The road marker according to  claim 30  wherein the base carries an upstanding support wall which underlies a central, raised rib of the shell to limit downward deflection of the rib under vertical loading applied to the shell.  
   
   
       32 . The road marker according to  claim 17  wherein the internal chamber accommodates a light source, a solar panel or a light sensor.