(19)
(11) EP 1 717 371 A3

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION

(88) Date of publication A3:
18.07.2007 Bulletin 2007/29

(43) Date of publication A2:
02.11.2006 Bulletin 2006/44

(21) Application number: 06252142.2

(22) Date of filing: 20.04.2006
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
E01C 23/16(2006.01)
(84) Designated Contracting States:
AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR
Designated Extension States:
AL BA HR MK YU

(30) Priority: 28.04.2005 GB 0508639

(71) Applicant: PRISMO LIMITED
Crawley, West Sussex RH10 6UE (GB)

(72) Inventor:
  • Copeland, Robert, c/o Prismo Limited
    Crawley, West Sussex RH10 6UE (GB)

(74) Representative: Sherrard-Smith, Hugh et al
Appleyard Lees & Co. 15 Clare Road
Halifax, HX1 2HY, West Yorkshire
Halifax, HX1 2HY, West Yorkshire (GB)

   


(54) Retroreflective distributor


(57) A distributor device 10 includes a container 44, which is arranged in use to contain retroreflective articles. The articles are supplied to the container via a supply line 34 and, in use, are arranged to exit the container through an outlet and down a distributing chute 36 on to a target material. A restrictor 18, which is arranged in the region of the outlet, is operable to determine the extent at which the outlet is restricted and therefore the egress of the articles from the container. The distributor device further comprises an agitator 78, which, in use, assists the articles from moving past the restrictor and also from locking together in the container or supply line. In use, relative movement of the distributor and target material, which includes a pre-laid encapsulant surface, assists in the distribution of a retroreflective deposit that has a different retroreflective character from light emanating from a common source.







Search report