Method and apparatus for heating surface markings
AssigneeIntegrated Paving Concepts Inc.
InventorPatrick Carl Wiley
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This application relates to a method and apparatus for heating a surface marking, such as a thermoplastic pattern in an asphalt substrate. The marking may be selected for functional or decorative purposes. The method involves gradually applying heat to the marking to avoid scorching and to ensure a consistent bond with the underlying substrate, even in the case of markings having a very large surface area. In one embodiment the method a portable heating apparatus is provided having infrared heaters mounted for reciprocal movement in a travel path periodically passing over the marking and the underlying substrate. The heating method permits direct visual monitoring of the work site to achieve optimum adhesion of the marking to the asphalt or other substrate.
Claims20
A method of binding a thermally settable marking to a substrate comprising:
- (a) positioning said marking on said substrate;
- (b) gradually heating said marking and said substrate in situ by periodically passing at least one heater in proximity to said substrate;
- and
- (c) allowing said marking to bind to said substrate when said marking is heated to a sufficiently pliable state.
A portable heating apparatus comprising:
- (a) a frame movable on a support surface, said frame having an elongated rail extendable above a substrate;
- (b) at least one infrared heater mounted for reciprocal movement on said rail along a travel path passing over said substrate;
- and
- (c) a sensor for sensing the temperature of said substrate.
A method of thermally setting a marking on a substrate comprising:
- (a) positioning said marking on said substrate;
- (b) gradually heating said marking and said substrate in situ by periodically passing at least one heater in proximity to said substrate;
- and
- (c) allowing said marking to set on said substrate when said marking is heated to a sufficiently high temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.