Sinuous traffic line

Abstract

A sinusoidal traffic line that has scalloped edges to form a sine wave that increases visibility under conditions of reduced visibility is formed of a pre-cut ribbon or applied traffic line material (e.g., sprayed thermoplastic material). The traffic lines have a wavy left edge and a wavy right edge. The edges are formed in a regular pattern, having a regular amplitude and wavelength relative to a directional vector along the axis of the traffic line. In another embodiment, the patterns of the outer edges are arranged in an opposite arrangement such that they converge and diverge. The upper surface of the traffic line can be embossed by an embossed device so as to create a regular pattern and increase reflectivity.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A system of sinusoidal traffic lines comprising:
 applied traffic lines that are arranged to have a wavy left edge and a corresponding wavy right edge so as to create a sinusoidal line in a directional vector along the axis of the traffic, a pattern of the wavy left edge being identical and corresponding to a pattern of the wavy right edge.   
     
     
         2 . The system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the material of the sinusoidal traffic line is visually reflective of light. 
     
     
         3 . The system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the sinusoidal traffic lines are formed of an applied thermoplastic line paint material. 
     
     
         4 . The system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the material of the traffic line includes a prepared ribbon having been pre-cut in a sinusoidal pattern. 
     
     
         5 . The system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the sinusoidal traffic line is arranged in a regular pattern having a lateral amplitude of between 1 and 2 inches. 
     
     
         6 . The system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the sinusoidal traffic line is arranged in a regular pattern having a longitudinal wavelength of between 4 and 6 inches. 
     
     
         7 . The system as set forth in  claim 1  in wherein a sinusoidal traffic line is arranged so that the pattern of the wavy left edge of the line is an opposite of the pattern of the wavy right edge and the outer wavy edges converge and diverge with a regular wavelength and amplitude. 
     
     
         8 . The system as set forth in  claim 7  wherein the sinusoidal traffic line is arranged in a regular pattern having a lateral amplitude of between 2 and 4 inches. 
     
     
         9 . The system as set forth in  claim 7  wherein the sinusoidal traffic line is arranged in a regular pattern having a longitudinal wavelength of between 4 and 6 inches. 
     
     
         10 . The system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein a reflective upper surface of the sinusoidal traffic line is embossed with a diamond or other pattern in the surface of the line. 
     
     
         11 . The system as set forth in  claim 1  wherein the longitudinal wavelength and lateral amplitude can be varied greater and lesser depending on the prevailing travel speed of the underlying road. 
     
     
         12 . A method for application of sinusoidal traffic lines comprising the steps of:
 preparing a mixture of traffic line material in an applicator device;   pre-heating the mixture of traffic line material to a first temperature and mixing the material with a quantity of glass beads;   pressurizing the preheated traffic line material to a first pressure such that the preheated traffic line material enters and flows through one or more feed lines to an applicator head of the applicator device that is provided with a nozzle;   moving the applicator head laterally at a regular rate to create a sinusoidal of a first amplitude; and   moving the applicator device along a directional axis of travel such that the lateral movement of the applicator head moving laterally on a device that is moving along the axis of directional travel creates a sinusoidal line of a first wavelength.   
     
     
         13 . The method as set forth in  claim 11  further comprising:
 applying an embossing device to the upper surface of the sinusoidal traffic line to create a pattern upper surface.