The present application claim priority to and incorporates by reference U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/473,247 of the same title filed on Apr. 8, 2011.
This invention relates to an apparatus and method of applying pavement markers to roadway surfaces. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus and method to automate the removal of a paper protective backing from the pavement marker in association with application of the pavement marker to a roadway. Of course, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the invention is not necessarily so limited.
Pavement markers 10, such as those shown in
Generally, thousands or tens of thousands of pavement markers 10 are applied to the roadway at a time, where the markers 10 are regularly spaced apart over a distance of many miles. The markers 10 are often applied in two rows, as shown in
Thus, pavement markers 10 are purchased in large quantities, but require individual human application. To apply a pavement marker 10 to the roadway requires removing a protective wax paper backer 12, as shown in
Application of the markers 10 to the roadway, or other surface, is a manually intensive procedure. Typically, the task is performed by a group of at least five workers. The workers operate on a trailer pulled behind a towing vehicle, and the workers apply the markers 10 to the roadway surface as the trailer is towed along the road.
One of the more difficult and time consuming steps in the process is removing the backing paper 12 from the markers 10 at the time of application. Removal requires prying up an edge of the paper, peeling the paper from the marker 10, and dispensing of the paper backer 12 all by individual workers. The task, while not complicated, is time consuming and requires a fair amount of dexterity. For example, the process cannot typically be performed while wearing gloves, and given the roughness of the surfaces and the difficulty in removing the paper backer 12 it is very hard on the workers hands. This is especially true given the fact that the operation must be performed outdoors, often inclement weather, and must be performed hours on end.
In view of the sheer number of markers 10 involved, where applying the markers 10 for a single project can take days to complete, one worker cannot remove paper backer 12 for very long without injury or discomfort. Thus, multiple workers are required just to afford workers some relief from the process.
Furthermore, often the actual application of the pavement markers 10 to the roadway is accomplished by a mechanical device, such as a wheel 14 (described in greater detail below), which can apply the markers 10 at a relatively high rate of speed. As a result, removing the paper backer 12 is usually the limiting step in operation since it cannot be accomplished fast enough, and/or requires several people to keep up with the applicator wheel 14.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved apparatus and method for removing paper backer 12 from pavement markers 10 during the application process that reduces the time it takes to perform the task and reduces the wear and tear on workers.
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for removing paper backer from pavement markers during the application process that substantially eliminates the problems of the prior art.
These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the following specification, drawings, and claims. To that end, the present invention comprises a peeler apparatus for mechanical separation of paper backer from the adhesive surface of the markers during the process of applying the markers to a roadway surface.
In the Figures, is shown an apparatus 16 and method for applying pavement markers 10 to a roadway or other surface. In particular, the apparatus 10 and method automates the step of removing the backing paper 12 from the pavement marker 10 in a fast, efficient, and safe manner that does not subject the workers to repetitive stress and exposure.
The trailer 20 is connected at the rearward end 24 to a secondary trailer 30 that houses a container 32 for receipt of the paper backer 12, as disclosed in more detail in
The peeler 18 is mounted to the deck 22 of the trailer 20 with a frame 34 comprised of four legs 36 and supporting structure. At the rearward end 24 of the peeler (the end adjacent to the secondary trailer 30), a bin 38 is mounted to the peeler 18. The bin 38, as shown in
The peeler 18 further comprises an input chute 40, as shown in
Referring to
The peeler 18 drive mechanism is engaged and disengaged by a foot pedal 48, as shown in
As best shown in
a and 9b show the peeler 18 apparatus with the shroud 52 removed. The apparatus 16 comprises two motors. The first motor 54 drives two shafts 56, 58 that turn two drums 60, 62. In particular, the second drum 62 is driven by the second shaft 58 which is driven directly by the motor 54, while the first drum 60 (idler drum) is driven by the first shaft 56 which is driven by the barbed bands 64 connecting the two drums 60, 62. The second motor (located just under the peeler 18 on the opposite side of the peeler 18 from the first motor 54) drives a rotating brush 68. The second rotates the brush 68 by turning a wheel 66, which drives the brush shaft 72 via a belt 70 connected to the motor. The position of second motor, along with the wheel 66 and belt 70, is adjustable to move the brush 68 to ensure that it is properly positioned through movement of a bracket 74. Anchors and linking arms 76 secure the shafts 56, 58 to the peeler 18 as shown in
As shown in
As best seen in
The wire brush 68 which rotates in a counter clockwise direction (as seen in
As shown best in
The wheel 14 is comprised of two parallel tracks 92, which include side-by-side slots 90 into which the markers 10 are placed. The markers 10 are placed on the slots 90 with the butyl side up, in side-by-side fashion, as shown in
As the trailer 20 is towed forward by a towing vehicle, the wheel 14, which is in contact with the road surface, rotates the markers 10 in the slots 90 from the loading position toward the road surface. As the markers 10 reach the road surface, they are pressed into the surface by the wheel 14 adhering the butyl to the surface breaking the vacuum and leaving the markers 10 on the roadway as show in
In this manner, the apparatus 16 of the present invention substantially overcomes the limitations of the prior art. The apparatus 16 automatically removes the backing paper 12 from the marker 10 without the need for human contact. A single worker can load the markers 10 into the peeler from the bin 38, and using the foot peddle 48 can control the movement of the markers 10 through the peeler 18. The same, or another worker, can then load a supply of markers 10 into the collection area at the base of the slide 88 and then place them into the slots 90 of the wheel 14 while the trailer 20 is moving forward, or this can be automatically accomplished as show in
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in reference to the markers shown in the Figures, the invention is not so limited. The invention can be adapted to use different types of pavement markers 10 including, raised pavement markers (RPMs), temporary pavement markers (TPMs), temporary overlay markers, temporary chip seal markers, and the like. In the case of L-shaped markers, such as chip seal markers, the apparatus would require modification to provide for a slot in the input chute and extending through the peeler to accommodate the upward extending portion of the marker.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods, and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art that have the disclosure before them will be able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the loading of the markers into the bin may be automated by suitable mechanical means. The loading of the markers from the collection area at the base of the slide onto the slots of the wheel can also be automated. Further, the container that houses the separated paper backer need not be located on a separate trailer, but could be located on the same trailer as the peeler. In addition, the invention can be adapted to the separation of articles other than paper backer from pavement markers.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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3864052 | Blomberg | Feb 1975 | A |
4089730 | Mahn | May 1978 | A |
4623280 | Stenemann | Nov 1986 | A |
4936485 | Downing | Jun 1990 | A |
5853263 | Green | Dec 1998 | A |
6709193 | Rogers et al. | Mar 2004 | B1 |
6896444 | Orthaus et al. | May 2005 | B2 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20120255680 A1 | Oct 2012 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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61473247 | Apr 2011 | US |