Abstract:
A retroreflector consists of a support surface (12) coated with a layer (11) of small retroreflecting particles such as glass spheres. The support surface comprises a plurality of regularly repeating, like structural elements (13) which are inclined to the overall plane of the retroreflector. The surface elements (13) can be of various shapes and serve to increase the angular range over which retroreflection can occur. The optical characteristics of the proposed retroreflectors can be tailored so that they are eminently suitable for use in certain beam scanning applications such as continuous monitoring of doorways and windows by an optical beam scanning device located at one corner thereof in order to detect, for example, intruders.
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, 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:
A retroreflective article (100, 200, 300) that has a retroreflective layer (120, 220, 320) that includes optical elements (121, 221, 321) and a specularly reflective layer (122, 222, 322), and a binder layer (110, 210, 310), that is the reaction product of an epoxy resin and polymer that has a silicon-containing, cross-linkable, terminal, functional groups. Retroreflective articles of this construction can demonstrate good abrasion resistance and laundering durability.
Abstract:
The present invention refers to a multilayer film, comprising a substrate bearing essentially a monolayer of retroreflective elements, said substrate bearing a front surface and a rear surface, and a transparent layer overlying said front surface of said substrate, wherein said transparent layer includes means for providing patterned differential retroreflectivity.
Abstract:
A retroreflective sheeting including: retroreflective elements (13) arranged in substantially a monolayer; a spacing layer (15) in which the retroreflective elements are at least partially embedded; a specularly reflecting layer (16) underlying the spacing layer; and a bead bond layer (14) in which the retroreflective elements are at least partially embedded. The bead bond layer includes an aminoplast-crosslinked polymer comprising urethane groups, wherein prior to crosslinking the polymer has a glass transition temperature (Tg) of less than about 0 DEG C.
Abstract:
An article is disclosed having both holographic and retroreflective features. The article includes a holographic layer that is perceptible under normal lighting conditions and substantially imperceptible to the unaided eye under retroreflective lighting conditions, a retroreflective layer perceptible under retroreflective lighting conditions, and means for bonding the two layers together.
Abstract:
A retroreflective element which may be used in pavement markings comprising a core having (a) a central layer having first and second major surfaces and at least one vertical surface, (b) a barrier layer applied to the first major surface, and (c) a barrier layer applied to the second major surface; and a plurality of optical elements embedded in the vertical surface(s) of the central layer.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a new retro-reflecting sheet material comprising a substrate having a retro-reflective surface, where said retro-reflective surface comprises several layers including a mono layer of spherical beads and possibly one or more transparent layers. Further, the invention relates to a new method of preparing said retro-reflective surface on a substrate comprising providing said layers on the substrate. The layers constituting the retro-reflecting sheet material are applied one by one to the substrate substantially by rollers, and preferably by means of coil coating.
Abstract:
An encapsulated lens retroreflective sheeting that has a bonding layer that consists essentially of a thermoplastic polyurethane resin that has a softening point of 70 DEG C to 200 DEG C. The bonding layer is sealed to a light transmissible surface protective layer by a multitude of bonds that form spaces between the protective layer and the bonding layer. Retroreflective elements are partially embedded in the bonding layer and interface with air in the spaces. An encapsulated lens retroreflective sheeting of this construction can be adhered to a highly plasticized plastic surface and maintain high adhesion force for an extended duration while at the same time maintaining good retroreflective performance.