1. Field of the Invention
Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a traffic control device or marker (hereinafter collectively referred to as a “traffic control marker”). More particularly, various embodiments of the invention are directed to a traffic control marker having a mesh base and an improved inner core.
2. Description of the Related Art
Traffic control markers used on roadways or other marking areas are frequently struck by moving vehicles. These traffic control markers typically have an outer or primary tube mounted to a base. Typically, the traffic control marker includes a reflective sheeting partially or completely surrounding the primary tube to warn or guide an operator of the moving vehicle, for example, at night or through a construction zone. Examples of commonly used traffic control markers include traffic cones and barrels, as non-limiting examples.
Another type of traffic control marker is a flexible delineator highway marker. The highway marker typically includes a flexible insert positioned in a primary tube of the highway marker to provide it with a rebound effect. In particular, the insertion of the flexible insert into the primary tube of the highway marker allows the traffic control marker to return to a substantially upright position after being struck and deflected by a moving vehicle. In addition to other attachment methods, a conventional traffic control marker may be attached to the roadway using an epoxy or other adhesive.
A vehicular strike may overcome the seal created by the epoxy at the base of the traffic control marker, causing the traffic control marker to detach from the roadway at, or near, the base. Further, the primary tube, and thus the reflective sheet or indicia attached thereto, may detach from the traffic control marker upon impact by the moving vehicle. It can be costly and time consuming to repair or replace the damaged traffic control marker.
Thus, it would be desirable to provide a traffic control marker, or flexible highway marker, with an improved epoxy attachment mechanism capable of securing the primary tube to the base of the traffic control marker, thereby enhancing the structural integrity of the outer tube to prevent it from detaching from the traffic control marker on impact by a moving vehicle, improving the functioning life of the traffic control marker, and maintaining the performance of known types of flexible highway markers, when vehicles deflect them on the roadway or other marking area.