Abstract:
Retroreflective sheeting comprises (a) a flat reflector having at least one primed or unprimed specularly reflective surface, the reflector being selected from the group consisting of metallized paper and metallized polymer; and (b) a dispersion of substantially spherical, substantially transparent microparticles in a light-transmissive, non-pressure-sensitive adhesive binder layer, the dispersion being adjacent to and in direct contact with at least one specularly reflective surface; wherein the microparticles are embedded in the binder layer and are spaced from the reflector by an essentially uncontrolled distance. The sheeting exhibits good retroreflective properties while being cost-effective to manufacture.
Abstract:
To provide a retroreflective sheet which is suitable for co-molding by injection molding or the like, wherein the retroreflective sheet can be laid within a mold and molded with a resin to form a molded product, and, after molding, the sheet retains a significant portion of its reflection luminance and appearance as compared with the reflection luminance value before molding. A retroreflective sheet used for a co-molding, comprising a metallic reflective layer, a microspherical lens layer disposed as a single layer, and a transparent focal resin layer disposed between the reflective layer and the microspherical lens layer, in which the focal resin layer comprises a mixture of cellulose ester and polyvinyl butyral resin.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a retroreflective sheeting having a front surface and a back surface, the retroreflective sheeting retroreflecting light entering through the front surface, wherein the retroreflective sheeting comprises encapsulated-lens retroreflectors. The retroreflective sheeting includes a plurality of indentations in the back surface of the retroreflective sheeting and seal coat at least partially filling the indentations.
Abstract:
All-ceramic retroreflective elements which may be used in pavement markings comprising an opacified ceramic core and ceramic optical elements partially embedded into the core.
Abstract:
A retroreflective composition of the present invention comprises non-volatile matrix material (12), volatile constituent, and a plurality of retroreflective microsphere beads (14), wherein the ratio of the volume of matrix material to the volume of retroreflective microsphere beads is in the range of 75 % to 185 %, and is optimally suitable for use on fabrics.
Abstract:
A retroreflective article (10) includes retroreflective elements (12) partially embedded in a binder layer (14) that comprises a polyurethane polymer. The polyurethane polymer is a reaction product of (i) a polyether polyol having a number average molecular weight of at least 2,000 and (ii) a polyisocyanate. A retroreflective article that employs a binder layer of this kind demonstrates extraordinary laundering durability under harsh wash conditions.
Abstract:
A retroreflective sheeting (10, 30) comprising a retroreflective constituent (12, 32) that includes optical elements (14, 34) and a reflective layer (16, 36). The reflective layer (16, 36) contains elemental aluminum and is disposed behind the optical elements (14, 34). A phenolic resin is placed in chemical association with the elemental aluminum. The phenolic resin has a total hydroxyl number of at least 90. The placement of the phenolic resin in chemical association with the reflective layer provides the retroreflective sheeting with improved durability, demonstrated by prolonged retroreflective performance.
Abstract:
Retroreflective assembly comprising: a) a transparent globule having a first, uncoated part-spherical surface portion for reception of incident light; a second, substantially flat surface portion opposite the first surface portion; and a third, toroidal surface portion intermediate the first and second surface portions, the toroidal surface having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the first part-spherical surface portion; b) a monolayer of externally reflecting transparent microspheres for focusing and retroreflecting light beams incident upon the first surface portion and which have passed through the globule, the monolayer being applied to at least a part of the toroidal surface portion; and c) a layer of diffuse reflecting pigment disposed behind the monolayer of microspheres. Optionally, a space coat is interposed between the monolayer and the diffuse reflecting pigment. In some embodiments, fluorescent pigment isused.
Abstract:
Retroreflective plastic articles, namely plastic fencing, and a method of preparation thereof by embedding glass beads in thermoplastic materials such as high density polyethylene (HDPE). The glass beads (30) are heated and the thermoplastic material (12) is softened by contact with the heated beads (30). Pressure is applied to the beads to embed them into the substrate at least 50 % of their diameter but no greater than 70 % of their diameter. No covering layer is necessary.