Abstract:
A fabric-backed retroreflective article has improved visual appearance by combining the fabric and retroreflective layers. An article, comprises a retroreflective layer formed of a resin that partially interpenetrates a fabric layer. Manufacturing a retroreflective article includes a retroreflective layer partially interpenetrating a fabric layer. The method includes disposing a layer of curable resin on a fabric layer; causing the layer of curable resin to partially penetrate the fabric layer; and curing the layer of curable resin, thereby forming the retroreflective layer partially interpenetrating the fabric layer.
Abstract:
A light collimating film includes a sheet having a first side and a second side. The first side can include a series of optical elements and the second side includes a series of stepped plateaus and a series of base planes that run along a first axis. The plateaus and base planes alternate along a second axis and the plateaus have an elevation different than the base planes.
Abstract:
A light collimating film has a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of linear optical elements having a primary axis running the length of the optical elements, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures being oriented at about ninety degrees relative to the primary axis of the linear optical elements. Another embodiment includes a back lighting display device having a lighting device, a display panel, and a sheeting having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a series of linear prisms having peaks, and the second side includes a plurality of subwavelength optical microstructures being oriented at about ninety degrees relative to the peaks of the linear prisms.
Abstract:
A retroreflective structure includes an outer layer having a first transparent plastic layer having a fluorescent colorant and a second transparent plastic layer having a non-fluorescent colorant which is significantly more stable to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light than the fluorescent colorant. The second transparent plastic layer is bonded to the first transparent plastic layer. An array of retroreflective elements is bonded to the top layer. An inner layer is bonded to a second side of the array of retroreflective prism elements.
Abstract:
The method for forming a retroreflective sheeting includes providing a first layer (12) and forming a prism array (14) on the first layer. A second layer (24) is applied to the prism array. The first thermoplastic layer is welded to the second thermoplastic layer, while applying a die (28) having a plurality of cells with multicourse, hatched patterned perimeters to the layers to dislocate a portion of the prism array, thereby allowing the first layer to be bonded to the second layer at the portion.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an optical device for black level enhancement of a viewing display. Also disclosed are a system including the optical device and methods of improving black level of a viewing display, such as a plasma display panel, a liquid crystal display panel, an inorganic light emitting diode display panel, or an organic light emitting diode display panel.
Abstract:
A solar array system has a plurality of geometric-shaped, three- dimensional structures on a surface of a substrate. At least one surface of one of the geometric-shaped, three-dimensional structures is sloped with respect to the surface of the substrate. At least one photovoltaic conversion layer is on at least a portion of one the geometric- shaped, three-dimensional structures.
Abstract:
Techniques for adhering metal backed cube corner Retroreflective tapes to a variety of fabric types, such as Gortex™, by applying a thermoset adhesive to the back of the tape at temperatures below the activation temperature (e.g., at about the melt temperature), and then subsequently applying the tape to the garment at temperatures above the adhesive activation temperature. This permits adhesive bonding to both the fabric and the tape at the same time, which in turn provides improved performance through numerous wash and wear cycles.
Abstract:
Flame retardant and heat resistant retroreflective structures are disclosed. Generally, the retroreflective structure includes a transparent plasticized polyvinyl chloride film, an array of retroreflective cube-corner elements underlying the transparent plasticized polyvinyl chloride film, a flame retardant and heat resistant adhesive underlying the array of retroreflective cube-corner elements, and a flame retardant woven fabric bonded to the flame retardant and heat resistant adhesive.
Abstract:
Optical structures and methods for manufacturing the same includes, in one embodiment, a substrate and a plurality of two-sided optical components disposed along the substrate. Each component includes optical microstructures on each side. At least a portion of one side of at least some of the components is air-backed and the other side of the at least some of the components is substantially wetted-out by a material. Retroreflective optical structures, threads or fibers and manufacturing methods for forming same are also provided.