Reflective marker for traffic-control devices & applications thereof

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention are directed to reflective markers for traffic-control devices and applications thereof. In one embodiment, a reflective marker comprises a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive adjacent an adhesive-backed sheet. The layer of pressure sensitive adhesive may comply with national, state or local government ordinances related to traffic control buttons, pedestrian crossing features, site accessibility and exterior routes of travel. In one embodiment, the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive may include a first border extending along an upper edge of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive, a second border extending along a lower edge of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive, and a center portion located between the inner edges of the first and second borders.

1 . A reflective marker applied to stanchions located at a controlled pedestrian crossing, the marker comprising:
 an adhesive-backed sheet defining a total length and a total surface area; and   a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive adjacent the adhesive-backed sheet, the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive comprising:
 a first border, having reflective properties, extending along an upper edge of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive; and 
 a second border, extending along a lower edge of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive and spaced apart longitudinally from the first border defining a center portion, the center portion located between inner edges of the first and second borders. 
   
   
   
       2 . The reflective marker of  claim 1 , wherein color retroreflective elements are embedded in the first and second borders forming a non-exposed retroreflective optical system in the first and second borders. 
   
   
       3 . The reflective marker of  claim 1 , wherein the center portion has a tactile pattern. 
   
   
       4 . The reflective marker of  claim 1 , wherein the center portion comprises at least one segment. 
   
   
       5 . The reflective marker of  claim 4 , wherein the at least one segment comprises text defining a trademark, a company name and/or Braille information. 
   
   
       6 . The reflective marker of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second borders are made from a material different than the center portion. 
   
   
       7 . The reflective marker of  claim 4 , wherein a total surface area of the at least one segment is less than fifty percent of the total surface area of the center portion. 
   
   
       8 . The reflective marker of  claim 4 , wherein a total surface area of the at least one segment is less than fifty percent of the total surface area of the adhesive-backed sheet. 
   
   
       9 . The reflective marker of  claim 4 , wherein a length of the at least one segment is less than fifty percent of the total length of the adhesive-backed sheet. 
   
   
       10 . The reflective marks of  claim 4 , wherein a total surface area of the at least one segment is greater than thirty percent and less than fifty percent of a total surface area of the center portion. 
   
   
       11 . The reflective marks of  claim 4 , wherein a total surface area of the at least one segment is greater than thirty percent and less than fifty percent of the total surface area of the adhesive-backed sheet. 
   
   
       12 . The reflective mark of  claim 4 , wherein a length of the at least one segment is greater than thirty percent and less than fifty percent of the total length of the center portion. 
   
   
       13 . The reflective mark of  claim 1 , wherein the first border has a surface area half the size of the surface area of the center portion. 
   
   
       14 . The reflective mark of  claim 1 , wherein a combined surface area of the first and second borders is equal to or greater than the total surface area of the center portion. 
   
   
       15 . The reflective marker of  claim 1 , wherein the center portion is a horizontal yellow textured band 2 inches in height and wherein each of the first and second borders are a horizontal reflective blue band 1 inch in height. 
   
   
       16 . The reflective marker of  claim 1 , wherein the reflective marker is made of stable plastic film, elastomeric film, polyethylene, vinyl or an equivalent material. 
   
   
       17 . A reflective marker applied to stanchions located at a controlled pedestrian crossing, the marker comprising:
 an adhesive-backed sheet defining a total length and a total surface area; and   a layer of pressure sensitive adhesive adjacent the adhesive-backed sheet, the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive comprising:   a first border, having reflective properties, extending along an upper edge of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive; and
 a second border, extending along a lower edge of the layer of pressure sensitive adhesive and spaced apart longitudinally from the first border defining a center portion, the center portion located between inner edges of the first and second borders, the center portion comprising:
 at least one segment, wherein a combined surface area of the first and second borders is equal to or greater than the total surface area of the center portion, and wherein a length of the at least one segment is greater than thirty percent and less than fifty percent of the total length of the center portion. 
 
   
   
   
       18 . The reflective marker of  claim 17 , wherein color retroreflective elements are embedded in the first and second borders forming a non-exposed retroreflective optical system in the first and second borders. 
   
   
       19 . The reflective marker of  claim 17 , wherein the center portion is a horizontal yellow textured band 2 inches in height and wherein each of the first and second borders are a horizontal reflective blue band 1 inch in height. 
   
   
       20 . The reflective marker of  claim 17 , wherein the reflective marker is made of stable plastic film, elastomeric film, polyethylene, vinyl or an equivalent material.