Method for imprinting and filling a pattern in an asphalt surface.

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of imprinting and filling the imprint to create a decorative pattern on an asphalt surface. The asphalt is heated to a pliable state and a preformed grid is pressed into the pliable asphalt and removed to expose an impression in the asphalt. In one embodiment a liquid coating is poured into the impressions but not onto the adjacent surface. In another embodiment a liquid coating is forced out of a calking gun into the impressions but not onto the adjacent surface. In a third embodiment a coating is spread over the entire surface and wiped clean using a rubber squeegee leaving only the imprint filled. In the final embodiment a strip of plastic is placed into the imprint and bonded in place by either adhesive or heat setting.

Description

Various apparatuses and methods have been devised to create a decorative appearance on an asphalt surface. Most of these methods require a liquid coating to be applied to the entire surface of the asphalt. These coatings do not resist the abrasion of vehicular traffic and wear off the surface of the asphalt in a short period of time. This invention creates a decorative pattern imprint or cavity to apply a coating into. The top of the coating is level with the top surface of the asphalt. Vehicular traffic abrasion does not cause severe wear to the coating in the cavity. This method provides an extended life for the decorative surface.

(FIG. 1) A heating device 16 is used to bring the asphalt surface 10 to a pliable state.

(FIG. 2) An imprinting tool 14 is placed upon the asphalt surface 10.

(FIG. 3) A compaction tool 12 is place upon the imprinting tool 14 to press the imprinting tool into the asphalt surface 10. The imprinting tool 14 is then removed from the surface of the asphalt to reveal an imprinted cavity.

(FIG. 4) A liquid coating 20 is poured 22 into the imprinted cavity 18 and not onto the adjacent asphalt surface.

(FIG. 5) Another method of filling the imprinted cavity 18 is using a caulking gun 24 to direct the liquid coating 20 into the cavity and not onto the adjacent surface.

(FIG. 6) Yet another method of filling the imprinted cavity 18 is to pour the liquid coating 20 onto the asphalt surface 10, filling the imprinted cavity 18 and depositing coating on the adjacent asphalt surface 10, then wipe the surface substantially clean using a rubber squeegee 26.

(FIG. 7) A final method of filling the imprinted cavity 18 is to place strips of material 28 into the imprinted cavity 18 bonding these strips to the asphalt using heat or adhesive.

Claims

1. A method of imprinting a pattern and filling the imprinted pattern on an asphalt surface comprising: heating the asphalt surface to a pliable state; pressing a pattern tool into the pliable asphalt to form an imprinted pattern, removing the tool and filling the imprinted pattern.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the imprinting tool is a predetermined pattern constructed of plastic.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein the imprinting tool is a predetermined pattern construction of metal.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein the filler material is a liquid and is poured into the imprint and not onto the adjacent surface.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein the filler material is a liquid and is forced out of a caulking gun into the imprint and not onto the adjacent surface.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein the filler material is spread across the entire surface area and the surface wiped substantially clean using a rubber squeegee leaving only the imprint filled.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein a strip is place into the imprint.

8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the strip is constructed of a thermoplastic material and is heat set to form a bond.

9. A method according to claim 7, wherein the strip is constructed of a plastic or rubber material and is bonded using pre-applied adhesive.