CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to ET.S. Provisional Application No. 62/659,466, filed April 18, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to directional marking devices, in particular directional marking devices for use on roadways.

[0003] Head-on crashes continue to be one of the leading causes of fatalities in the

United States and across the world. Significant research and product development has been invested trying to reduce these types of crashes. Most head-on crashes are caused by wrong-way driving, either when vehicles enter freeways going the wrong direction or when vehicles travel on the wrong side of two-lane highways. Older, intoxicated, unfamiliar, impaired, and/or distracted drivers often become fixated with roadway striping and ignore traffic signs and signals, thereby causing their vehicles to drive the wrong direction and/or cross over into a wrong lane.

[0004] Current directional marking devices, such as pavement striping, suffer from various problems. For example, existing pavement striping can be seen in all directions in white or yellow. That is, independent of the direction of traffic, drivers see identical or very similar pavement striping. This may lead to confusion by a driver, who believes he or she is traveling in the correct direction based on the striping, but is in fact driving in the opposite, wrong direction.

[0005] Additionally, existing pavement striping reflects visible and infrared light. In arid climates, such as Nevada, daytime to nighttime temperature differentials can be extreme. This can lead to a cold region under the striping that can cause pavement cracking. The wider the striping, such as on cross-walks and interstate highway facilities, the more pronounced this effect becomes. This can lead to premature failures in pavement, and costly repairs. [0006] Additionally, on rural highways the practice of grinding in a centerline rumble strip has become a standard practice. Even though this practice has reduced head-on crashes, it has been discovered that grinding centerline strips into a roadway may be detrimental to the pavement. For example, it has been discovered that grinding a centerline rumble strip allows water into the pavement joint, which eventually leads to cracking and destruction of the pavement. In contrast, grinding rumble strips along shoulders of roads does not generate this same problem, because the shoulders are not located over a pavement joint, and are not driven over as often as centerline rumble strips.

[0007] Finally, paint has proven to be an ineffective means of sealing pavement joints.

Thus, water continues to seep into pavement joints, even if the joint is covered by paint. While tape has sometimes used for striping, the width of the tape limits the area being covered. For example, tape is sometimes used for striping of a double solid yellow line. However, the space between the solid yellow lines is then left uncovered.

[0008] For at least each of these reasons, there is a desire for improved directional marking devices.

SUMMARY

[0009] In accordance with one embodiment, a directional marking device for use on pavement includes a base layer having a first color. The base layer is to be secured to the pavement. The directional marking device further includes a plurality of nodes extending upwardly from the base layer, each node having a first inclined region that is viewable in a first view direction from a vehicle traveling along the pavement and a second inclined region that is viewable from a second, opposite view direction. At least one of the first inclined region or the second inclined region includes a brightly colored region having a second color that is brighter than the first color.

[0010] In accordance with another embodiment, a directional marking device for use on pavement includes a base layer to be secured to the pavement, a first region forming a first centerline when viewed along a view direction, a second region forming a second centerline when viewed along the view direction, and a plurality of rumble elements extending upwardly from the base layer, wherein each of the plurality of rumble elements is an elongate element oriented at an oblique angle relative to the view direction.

[0011] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. l is a perspective view of a directional marking device according to one embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the directional marking device of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the directional marking device of FIG. 1, taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 2.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a directional marking device according to another embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the directional marking device of FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the directional marking device of FIG. 4, taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 5.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective, exploded view of a directional marking device according to another embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a partial, top view of the directional marking device of FIG. 7.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the directional marking device of FIG. 7, taken along lines 9-9 in FIG. 8.

[0021] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a directional marking device according to another embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the directional marking device of FIG. 10. [0023] FIG. 12 is cross-sectional view of the directional marking device of FIG. 10, taken along lines 12-12 in FIG. 11.

[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the directional marking device of Fig. 10, taken along lines 13-13 in FIG. 11.

[0025] FIG. 14 is a perspective, exploded view of the directional marking device of FIG.

10, with end elements added.

[0026] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of a roadway incorporating the use of at least one of the directional marking devices of FIGS. 1, 4, 7, or 10.

[0027] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being deployed in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limited.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a directional marking device 10. The directional marking device 10 is a striping tape having a base layer 14. In the illustrated embodiment the base layer 14 is made of a thin, conformable material such as polymer or ultraviolet resistant nylon, or any other suitable taping material for use on a roadway. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the base layer 14 has a generally elongated, rectangular outer profile, although in other embodiments the shape and size of the base layer 14 may be different than that illustrated.

[0029] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the directional marking device 10 further includes an adhesive layer 18 disposed along at least a portion of a bottom of the base layer 14. The adhesive layer 18 may be covered initially with paper or other covering (e.g., a thin film covering) that is first peeled back or otherwise removed prior to pressing the directional marking device 10 onto the pavement of the roadway (e.g., with a heavy roller while the pavement is still hot). Once placed onto the pavement, the adhesive layer 18 acts to hold the base layer 14 and the directional marking device 10 overall onto the pavement. As described above, pavements may include one or more joints, and/or may become cracked or damaged. The directional marking device 10 may be sized and shaped to fit over joints in the pavement, and/or to cover cracked or damaged areas of the pavement. The adhesive layer 18 acts to seal the pavement below it, inhibiting or preventing water or other liquids from seeping down into the pavement under the directional marking device 10 and causing damage to the pavement.

[0030] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, the directional marking device 10 further includes a plurality of nodes 22 that each extend up above the base layer 14, and above an upper plane or surface 24 (FIG. 3) of the surrounding pavement. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the nodes 22 may be arranged in one or more patterns above the base layer 14. For example, the directional marking device 10 may include one or more rows of nodes 22 that are spaced equally apart from one another within the row. The rows themselves may also be spaced equally apart from one another, and/or may be arranged parallel to one another. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in some embodiments a first row 26 of nodes 22 may be staggered or otherwise offset relative to a second row 30 of nodes 22. Other embodiments include various other arrangements of nodes 22 than that illustrated. Additionally, while the nodes 22 in the illustrated embodiment are all of the same size and shape, in other embodiments one or more of the nodes 22 may be different in size and shape as compared to another of the nodes 22.

[0031] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, each of the nodes 22 includes at least one inclined region. For example, in the illustrated embodiment each node 22 includes a first inclined region 34 that is viewable along a view direction, and a second inclined region 38 that is not viewable along the view direction. As illustrated in FIG. 3, each node 22 has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape due to the first and second inclined regions 34, 38 (the triangular shape being visible along a direction that is perpendicular to the view direction). As illustrated in FIG. 2, the first inclined region 34 may have a trapezoidal shape when viewed from above, and the second inclined region 38 may extend rearwardly from the first inclined region 34 and taper or otherwise narrow moving away from the first inclined region. With reference to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment the angle formed between the first inclined region 34 and the second inclined region 38 may be approximately 90 degrees, although other embodiments include different angles and ranges of angles. Additionally, and as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments the nodes 22 may be arranged such that when viewed from the side (FIG. 3), one node 22 appears to begin where a previous node ends (i.e., there are generally no spaces or gaps between the nodes 22 when viewed from the side, although as illustrated in FIG. 2 spaces or gaps may be present generally between the nodes 22 in each horizontal row of nodes 22). Other embodiments include various other shapes and sizes for the nodes 22 and their inclined regions than that illustrated, as well as different spacing of nodes 22 than that illustrated.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 3, in the illustrated embodiment each of the nodes 22 is formed in part (e.g., substantially) from the same material as the base layer 14. In some embodiments the base layer 14 and the nodes 22 are thermally bonded together. The material forming the base layer 14 may be black, or another dark non-reflective color. The dark color may absorb both visible and infrared light. The second inclined region 38 may be made of the material forming the base layer 14, and thus an outer surface 42 of the second inclined region 38 may be black or another dark non-reflective color. In other embodiments the second inclined region 38 may be painted or otherwise colored to be black or a dark non-reflective color. In contrast, the first inclined region 34 includes a more brightly colored region 46 (i.e. a region brighter than the color of the base layer 14) that is visible to a driver. In the illustrated embodiment the brightly colored region 46 is a bead-filled polymer base (e.g., colored red, yellow, white, etc.). With continued reference to FIG. 3, the first inclined region 34 further includes at least one ceramic or glass bead 50 as well as a tough polyurethane top coat 54 extending over the brightly colored region 46. The ceramic or glass beads 50 cause light that is reflected off of the brightly colored region 46 to be directed back to the driver as the driver and vehicle are moving along the view direction. The polyurethane topcoat 54 helps to hold the ceramic or glass beads 50 in place, seal the brightly colored region 46, and/or further facilitate a reflective surface along a top of the first inclined region 34. In some embodiments the polyurethane topcoat 54 is clear, or is colored. Additionally, in some embodiments, a polyurethane topcoat 54 (e.g., clear) may be placed over the second inclined region 38 (e.g., to add durability). Other embodiments may not include the ceramic or glass beads 50 and/or the polyurethane topcoat 54. [0033] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the directional marking device 10 is a unidirectional marking device, meaning that is it is intended to provide marking to a driver so long as the driver is moving along the view direction illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, if the driver is moving along the view direction, the driver will see the first inclined regions 34 (e.g., will see a surface of the brightly colored regions 46 through the polyurethane topcoat 54 and/or will see the colored topcoat 54 itself), which may indicate to the driver that the driver is driving in the correct direction. For example, the brightly colored regions 46 may form yellow or white lane striping normally seen on a roadway, indicating that the driver is moving along a two-lane road, or along a road with two lanes both moving in the same direction.

[0034] Alternatively, the brightly colored regions 46 and/or topcoat of the second inclined regions 38 may instead be used to provide an indication that the driver is driving in the wrong direction. For example, the brightly colored regions 46 may include red surfaces that raise a warning to the driver. In some embodiments, the nodes 22 may be arranged in a pattern such that if the driver is moving in the view direction, the brightly colored regions 46 spell out a warning (e.g.,“WRONG WAY”), or generate red arrows that direct a driver to a correct lane, or red stripes that indicate the driver is moving in the wrong direction. Thus, some of the nodes 22 may include the brightly colored regions 46 along the first inclined regions 34, while others may not, such that letters and/or other symbols may be formed and may be visible to a driver that is driving in the view direction.

[0035] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3, if the driver is moving along a direction that is opposite to the view direction (i.e., moving to the left in FIG. 2), the driver will not be able to see the brightly colored regions 46 and/or topcoats. Instead, the driver may only see the black or other dark color of the outer surfaces 42 of the nodes 22. In some embodiments this color may match the pavement, such that the driver does not see any markings on the pavement, indicating for example that the driver is (or is not) not moving in the correction direction.

[0036] FIGS. 4-6 illustrate another directional marking device 110. Similar to the directional marking device 10, the directional marking device 110 is also a striping tape and includes a base layer 114, an adhesive layer 118 (FIG. 6) disposed along a bottom of the base layer 114, and a plurality of raised nodes 122 that each extend up above the base layer 114 and above the upper plane or surface 24 of the surrounding pavement. Similar to the directional marking device 10, the material forming the base layer 114 may be black, or another dark non- reflective color. As illustrated in FIG. 4, and similar to the nodes 22 of the directional marking device 10, the nodes 122 of the directional marking device 110 may be arranged in one or more patterns above the base layer 114 and may include for example a first row 126 of nodes 122 that is staggered or otherwise offset relative to a second row 130 of nodes 122. In some

embodiments the base layer 114 and the nodes 122 are thermally bonded together.

[0037] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, each of the nodes 122 includes a first inclined region 134 that is only viewable along a first view direction (i.e.,“View Direction 1” in FIG. 6), and a second inclined region 138 that is only viewable along a second view direction (i.e.,“View Direction 2” in FIG. 6). As illustrated in FIG. 6, each node 122 again has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape formed by the first and second inclined regions 134, 138. However, in the illustrated embodiment the first inclined region 134 and the second inclined region 138 form a smaller angle (e.g., an acute angle) than that of the nodes 22 described above. As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, this arrangement creates gaps 140 between the nodes 122, so that both the first inclined regions 134 and the second inclined regions 138 are viewable depending on which way the driver is moving across the directional marking device 110. Additionally, these gaps 140 allow infrared energy to be absorbed to keep the temperature the same underneath the directional marking device 110.

[0038] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the second inclined region 138 of each node

122 includes a brightly colored region 142 (e.g., yellow, red, etc.), and the first inclined region 134 also includes a brightly colored region 146 (e.g., yellow, red, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment the brightly colored regions 142, 146 are bead-filled polymer bases, although in other embodiments the brightly colored regions 142, 146 may be made of other material. The brightly colored regions 142 are visible along the second view direction, and the brightly colored regions 146 are visible along the first view direction. Similar to the directional marking device 10, the directional marking device 110 may also include ceramic or glass beads 150 and a tough polyurethane top coat 154 for each node 122. [0039] With reference to FIGS. 4-6, the directional marking device 110 is a bi-directional marking device, meaning that is it is intended to provide a marking to a driver regardless of whether the driver is moving along the first view direction or the second view direction. For example, if the driver is moving along the first view direction, the driver may see the first inclined regions 134 (e.g., surfaces of the brightly colored regions 146 and/or topcoats 154) of the nodes 122, which may indicate to the driver that the driver is driving in the correct direction. The brightly colored regions 146 may form yellow or white lane striping normally seen on a roadway, indicating that the driver is moving along a two-lane road, or along a road with two lanes both moving in the same direction.

[0040] Alternatively, the brightly colored regions 146 may instead be used to provide an indication that the driver is driving in the wrong direction. For example, the brightly colored regions 146 may include red surfaces that raise a warning to the driver or direct a driver in a correct direction. In some embodiments, the nodes 122 may be arranged in a pattern such that if the driver is moving in the view direction, the brightly colored regions 146 spell out a written message (e.g.,“WRONG WAY”), or form red arrows or stripes. Thus, some of the nodes 122 may include the brightly colored regions 146 along the first inclined regions 134, while others may not, such that letters and/or other symbols may be formed and may be visible to a driver that is driving in the view direction.

[0041] In contrast, if the driver is moving along the second view direction, the driver will see the second inclined regions 138 but not the first inclined regions 134. In some embodiments, the brightly colored regions 142 are a different color than the brightly colored regions 146.

Thus, if the driver is moving the correct direction the driver may see appropriate lane markings (e.g., yellow or white) via the brightly colored regions 146, but if the driver is moving in the incorrect direction the driver may see a different color marking (e.g., red) that indicates the driver is going in the wrong direction, or may spell out a warning to the driver.

[0042] FIGS. 7-9 illustrate another directional marking device 210. The directional marking device 210 is an inset. Thus, rather than being adhesively coupled as a tape to the top of the pavement like the directional marking devices 10 and 110, the directional marking device 210 instead is integrally formed into the pavement when the pavement is created, or is retrofitted into an existing pavement. For example, in some embodiments the directional marking device 210 is placed on an asphalt dense grade material. A wearing course material is then placed around the directional marking device 210 to form a finished pavement. The wearing course material may be an open grade material (e.g., 3/4” or other size), a chip seal (e.g., 1/4” or other size), or other suitable material. The wearing course material may rise up to a top surface of the directional marking device 210, such that the top surface of the directional marking device 210, or a portion thereof, is generally flush with the top plane or surface 24 of the finished pavement. In contrast, if the directional marking device 210 is being retrofitted into an existing pavement, a groove the size of the directional marking device 210 may be milled out or otherwise removed from the existing pavement. The directional marking device 210 may then be placed into the groove, and in some embodiments may be held in the groove via an epoxy material and/or other adhesive.

[0043] With reference to FIGS. 7-9, the directional marking device 210 includes a base layer 214. The base layer 214 may be a durable black base material made for example of polymer or ultraviolet resistant nylon, or any other suitable material. The base layer 214 has a generally elongated, rectangular outer profile, although in other embodiments the shape and size of the base layer 214 may be different than that illustrated.

[0044] With continued reference to FIGS. 7-9, in the illustrated embodiment the directional marking device 210 further includes an adhesive layer 218 disposed along a bottom of the base layer 214. The adhesive layer 218 may be covered initially with paper or other covering (e.g., a thin film covering) that is first peeled back or otherwise removed prior to pressing the directional marking device 210 into the milled out portion of an existing pavement. Once placed into the pavement, the adhesive layer 218 acts to hold the base layer 214 and the directional marking device 210 overall onto the pavement. The adhesive layer 218 may help to seal the pavement, inhibiting or preventing water or other liquids from seeping down into the pavement below the directional marking device 210 and causing damage to the pavement.

[0045] The directional marking device 210 further includes a plurality of nodes 222 that each extend up above the base layer 214. The nodes 222 may be arranged in one or more patterns above the base layer 214. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the directional marking device 210 may include a series of nodes 222 that are disposed one behind the other moving along a length of the directional marking device 210. Each of the nodes 222 may be an elongate member that extends substantially or entirely across a width of the directional marking device 210. In other embodiments the nodes 222 are arranged in other patterns, and/or have other shapes and sizes than that illustrated. In some embodiments the base layer 214 and the nodes 222 are thermally bonded together.

[0046] With continued reference to FIGS. 7-9, each of the nodes 222 includes at least one inclined region. For example, and with reference to FIG. 9, in the illustrated embodiment each node 222 includes a first inclined region 234 and a second inclined region 238. In the illustrated embodiment each node 222 has a generally triangular cross-sectional shape. Additionally, and as illustrated in FIG. 9, in some embodiments the nodes 222 may be spaced apart by gaps 240 that allow infrared energy to be absorbed to keep the temperature the same underneath the directional marking device 210. Other embodiments include various other shapes and sizes for the nodes 222 and their inclined regions than that illustrated, as well as different spacing of nodes 222 than that illustrated.

[0047] With continued reference to FIGS. 7-9, the material forming the base layer 214 may be black, or another dark non-reflective color. Similar to the nodes 22, 122 described above, the first and second inclined regions 234, 238 of each node 222 may be made partially of the material forming the base layer 14. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 9, in some

embodiments a backing or coating 242 (e.g., made of the same material as the base layer 214) may be provided along one of the inclined regions 234, 238. Additionally, and similar to the nodes 22, 122 described above, each node 222 may include a more brightly colored region or regions 246 that are visible along a first and/or second viewing direction. In some embodiments the nodes 222 include ceramic or glass beads and/or tough polyurethane top coats similar to the nodes 22, 122 described above.

[0048] With continued reference to FIGS. 7-9, the directional marking device 210 further includes a durable top cover 256 that is positioned over the nodes 222 and the base layer 214.

The top cover 256 may be made, for example, of clear polyurethane. The top cover 256 is transparent, such that as a driver is driving over the directional marking device 210 the brightly colored regions 246 are visible. The directional marking device 210 may further include one or more friction elements 260 extending upwardly from the top cover 256. The friction elements 260 may be rounded bumps or other raised projections. When a vehicle drives over the friction elements 260, the friction elements 260 may provide tactile feedback to the driver, indicating to the driver that the driver is for example passing over a center lane or is otherwise moving into another area of the roadway.

[0049] Similar to the directional marking device 210, the directional marking device 210 may be a unidirectional marking device, meaning that is it is intended to provide marking to a driver so long as the driver is moving along one direction, (e.g. the view direction illustrated in FIG. 1). Thus, if the driver is moving along the view direction, the driver will see the first inclined regions 234 (e.g., surfaces of the brightly colored regions 246 of the nodes 222), which may indicate to the driver that the driver is driving in the correct direction. For example, the brightly colored regions 246 may form yellow or white lane striping normally seen on a roadway, indicating that the driver is moving along a two-lane road, or along a road with two lanes both moving in the same direction. Alternatively, the brightly colored regions 246 may instead be used to provide an indication that the driver is driving in the wrong direction. For example, the brightly colored regions 246 may be red surfaces that raise a warning to the driver. If the driver is moving along a direction that is opposite to the view direction, the driver will not be able to see the brightly colored regions 246. Instead, the driver may only see the black or other dark color of the backing or coating 242 of the nodes 222.

[0050] In other embodiments the directional marking device 210 is a bi-directional marking device. For example, the nodes 222 may have brightly colored surface layers on both the first and second inclined regions 234, 238 of the nodes 222 (similar to the directional marking device 110), so that the driver sees a marking regardless of whether the driver is moving in a first view direction or an opposite view direction. In such embodiments, the first and second inclined regions 234, 238 may be painted with one or more colors.

[0051] FIGS. 10-14 illustrate another directional marking device 310. Similar to the directional marking device 210, the directional marking device 310 may also be an inset. Thus, the directional marking device 310 may be integrally formed into the pavement when the pavement is created, or may be retrofitted into an existing pavement. Alternatively, the directional marking device 310 may be taped directly onto the top surface of the pavement. As illustrated in FIG. 10, in some embodiments the directional marking device 310 may have a width W that is large enough to cover and/or seal a pavement joint.

[0052] With continued reference to FIGS. 10-14, the directional marking device 310 includes a base layer 314. The base layer 314 may be a durable black base material made for example of polymer or ultraviolet resistant nylon, or any other suitable material. In the illustrated embodiment the base layer 314 is between 1/8” and 1/4” thick, although other embodiments include different thicknesses. The base layer 314 has a generally elongated, rectangular outer profile, although in other embodiments the shape and size of the base layer 314 may be different than that illustrated. With reference to FIG. 13, the directional marking device 310 may also include an adhesive layer 318, similar to the adhesive layer 218, that is disposed underneath at least a portion of the base layer 314.

[0053] The directional marking device 310 further includes a plurality of raised nodes

322 that each extend up above at least a portion of the base layer 314. The nodes 322 may be arranged in one or more patterns above the base layer 314, similar to the nodes 22, 122, 222 described above. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the directional marking device 310 may include a series of nodes 322 that are arranged in staggered rows. In the illustrated embodiment the directional marking device 310 is for use as a double center line on the roadway. Thus, it includes two regions 324, 328 of nodes 322, spaced apart by a gap region 332 (e.g., made only of the material forming the base layer 314) without nodes 322. The two regions 324, 328 reflect two yellow center line stripes. In other embodiments the nodes 322 are arranged in other patterns, and/or have other shapes and sizes than that illustrated.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 12, in the illustrated embodiment each of the nodes 322 includes at least one inclined region. For example, each node 322 may include a first inclined region 334 and a second inclined region 338. Each of the nodes 322 may be formed in part (e.g., substantially) from the same material as the base layer 314, but with a different color. In some embodiments, the material forming the base layer 314 may be black, or another dark non- reflective color. In some embodiments the first inclined region 334 and/or the second inclined region 338 may be made of the darker material forming the base layer 14, and thus an outer surface of that inclined region may be black or another dark non-reflective color. In other embodiments one or both the first and the second inclined regions 334, 338 may be painted or otherwise colored with brightly colored regions similar to that described above for the nodes 122. The first inclined regions 334 and/or second inclined regions 338 may further include at least one ceramic or glass bead and/or a tough polyurethane top coat extending over the glass or ceramic beads and the brightly colored regions. The raised nodes 322 may function in manner similar to the nodes 22, 122, 222 described above. For example, when a driver is driving over the directional marking device 310, the driver may see a marking (e.g., yellow or white striping, or a red arrow or striping) depending on which way the driver is driving. In some embodiments, all of the nodes 322 are the same color, such that a double yellow striping or double white striping is visible.

[0055] With continued reference to FIGS. 10-14, the directional marking device 310 further includes at least one redirecting rumble element 344. In the illustrated embodiment the directional marking device 310 includes four redirecting rumble elements 344, at least some of which extend substantially entirely across the width W of the directional marking device 310.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the rumble elements 344 extend parallel to one another. Each redirecting rumble element 344 is a raised region that extends above the base layer 314, and acts as a large bump that causes tactile feedback to a driver. In the illustrated embodiment each of the rumble elements 344 rises approximately 5/8” above the base layer 314, although other embodiments include different thicknesses. As illustrated in FIG. 12, each of the rumble elements 344 may be formed for example from a polymer material that includes beads 348 (e.g., glass or ceramic beads). In some embodiments at least a portion of one or more of the rumble elements 344 is formed from the same material as the base layer 314. In some embodiments the rumble elements 344, the base layer 314, and the nodes 322 are thermally bonded together.

[0056] With reference to FIG. 10, as a driver passes over the directional marking device

310, the driver will feel a vibration from the rumble elements 344 (e.g., letting the driver know that he or she is moving into a wrong lane and redirecting the driver back into the proper lane). In the illustrated embodiment, the directional marking device 310 extends along an axis 348 that is parallel to a view direction of the nodes 322, and that is generally aligned in use with the center of the roadway and is aligned parallel to the yellow center line stripes that are visible via the nodes 322. As illustrated in FIG. 10, each of the redirecting rumble elements 344 is an elongate raised bump that extends along an axis 350 that is at an oblique angle (e.g.,

approximately 30 degrees) relative to the axis 348. The angles of the rumble elements 344 may be selected such that as a vehicle drives over the directional marking device 310, the vehicle is urged, or redirected, back into its appropriate lane. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, if a vehicle were to be traveling in an appropriate right-hand lane on a two-lane road, and the vehicle were to begin drifting toward the centerline of the roadway, the vehicle’s tires would engage the directional marking device 310 and the rumble elements 344. The rumble elements 344 would then not only provide tactile feedback to the driver via vibrations felt through the vehicle, but would also assist in redirecting the vehicle and urging the vehicle back toward the right-hand lane, due to the orientation of the rumble elements 344 themselves. Similarly, if the vehicle were traveling in the opposite direction in the other lane, the rumble elements 344 would urge the vehicle to remain in that lane should the vehicle being to drive onto the directional marking device 310. This is in contrast to milled rumbles in existing roadways, which have the tendency to pull the vehicle into the wrong lane.

[0057] Other embodiments include different angles for the rumble elements 344 than that illustrated, as well as different shapes and sizes. For example, in some embodiments the rumble elements 344 are arranged perpendicular to the axis 348, and serve only for example to provide tactile feedback. In some embodiments the rumble elements 344 are spaced closer together, or farther apart than as illustrated, or are arranged such that they are not parallel to one another. Additionally, while the rumble elements 344 are shown on a directional marking device that is used for centerline stripes, in other embodiments the rumble elements 344 may be disposed on any other directional marking device (e.g., the directional marking device 10, 110, or 210), including directional marking devices that are used on areas of the roadway other than in a center of the roadway (e.g., along a side or shoulder, at a cross-walk, etc.), or on directional marking devices that are used only to provide warnings to a driver (e.g., via red words or other markings). In some embodiments, the rumble elements 344 may be used on a tape or inset that does not include any nodes 322. Rather, such a directional marking device may be used solely for tactile feedback and/or redirecting of a vehicle should the vehicle stray from an appropriate lane. [0058] With reference to FIG. 14, in some embodiments the directional marking device

310 additionally includes end elements 352 that each include a base layer 356. The base layer 356 may be made of the same material (e.g., black polymer material) as the base layer 314. The end elements 352 and the base layers 356 may extend integrally from opposite ends of the base layer 314, or may be placed adjacent the base layer 314 during assembly. In some embodiments the end elements 352 may each include an adhesive layer 360, and/or one or more additional rumble elements 364. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the additional rumble elements 364 may extend above the base layer 356, and may be oriented in different directions than the rumble elements 344. For example, the additional rumble elements 364 may extend together in a generally V- shape or other shape on each end element 352, and may extend along directions that are not parallel to the rumble elements 344 described above. As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the illustrated embodiment the end elements 352 do not include nodes 322, although in other embodiments the end elements 352 may include nodes 322. In some embodiments, the end elements 352 and the additional rumble elements 364 may be used for example to guide snow plows up onto the marking device 310 and the rumble elements 344.

[0059] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates a first highway 400, a second highway 404, and an off-ramp 408 from the first highway 400 onto the second highway 404. As illustrated in FIG. 15, as a driver is traveling along the first highway 400, the drive moves from the right-hand lane onto the off-ramp 408 and then merges into the right-hand lane of the second highway 404. To prevent drivers from traveling the incorrect direction along the off-ramp 408, the off-ramp 408 may include one or more of the directional marking devices described herein. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 15, the off-ramp 408 may include a first marking location 412 that includes one or more of the directional marking devices 10, 110, 210, or 310 secured to the pavement (e.g., taped or formed into the pavement). The directional marking device at the first marking location 412 may include nodes (e.g., nodes 22, 122, 222, or 322) that include brightly colored regions that spell out the words“WRONG WAY - GO BACK” or another similar phrase, or may simply provide a red or other-colored symbol, word, or other marking indicating to the driver that he or she is driving the wrong way down the off-ramp 408 (i.e., driving from the second highway 404 toward the first highway 400). [0060] With continued reference to FIG. 15, the off-ramp 408 may additionally or alternatively include second marking locations 416 that include one or more of the directional marking devices 10, 110, 210, or 310 secured to the pavement. For example, the second marking locations 416 may include the bi-directional tape of the directional marking device 110 described above, with the nodes 122 providing a red marking to a driver moving along the wrong direction, and a yellow or white marking to the driver moving along the correct direction.

[0061] With continued reference to FIG. 15, the off-ramp 408 may additionally or alternatively include a third marking location 420 that includes one or more of the directional marking devices 10, 110, 210, or 310 secured to the pavement. For example, the third marking location 420 may include the unidirectional tape of the directional marking device 10 described above, or the unidirectional inset of the directional marking device 210 described above. The nodes 22 or 222 may provide a marking (e.g., yellow or red lines) to the driver only if the driver is moving for example in the wrong direction, so that if the driver is moving in the wrong direction, the driver is guided over into a secondary ramp portion 424 (e.g., including a sand trap) that will take the driver out of the flow of traffic and prevent head-on collisions.

[0062] With continued reference to FIG. 15, the off-ramp 408 may additionally or alternatively include fourth marking locations 428 that include one or more of the directional marking devices 10, 11, 210, or 310 secured to the pavement. For example, the fourth marking locations 428 may include the unidirectional tape of the directional marking device 10 described above, or the unidirectional inset of the directional marking device 210 described above. The nodes 22 or 222 may provide a marking (e.g., yellow or red lines) to the driver only if the driver is moving in the correct direction (i.e., toward the second highway 404).

[0063] With continued reference to FIG. 15, the off-ramp 408 may additionally or alternatively include a fifth marking location 432 that includes one or more of the directional marking devices 10, 110, 210, or 310 secured to the pavement. For example, the fifth marking location 432 may be similar to the first marking location 412 and include nodes that again spell out the words“WRONG WAY - GO BACK” to the driver if the driver is moving the wrong way on the off-ramp 408. [0064] With continued reference to FIG. 15, the off-ramp 408 may additionally or alternatively include sixth marking locations 436 that include one or more of the directional marking devices 10, 110, 210, or 310 secured to the pavement. For example, the sixth marking locations 436 may be similar to the second marking locations 416, and may include nodes 122 providing a red marking to a driver moving along the wrong direction, and a yellow or white marking to the driver moving along the correct direction.

[0065] Other roadway systems, including other off-ramps or roadway sections, may include different numbers and arrangements of marking locations and directional marking devices than that illustrated.

[0066] Although the invention has been described in detail referring to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described.