Abstract: Microstructured articles, such as a retroreflective articles, having a plurality of (e.g. cube-corner) microstructured elements and a seal film layer adhered to portions of the cube-corner elements and/or portions of a (e.g. flexible) body layer. The seal film is a thermoplastic polymeric material comprising reaction products of alkylene in an amount of at least about 50% and reaction products of at least one non-acidic polar monomer.

Abstract: The present application is related to substrates having light transmitting areas and light shielding areas. The application discloses methods of manufacturing the substrates, including modifying a light shielding layer be contact to a structured surface.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a substrate comprising a first major surface comprising light transmitting areas and light shielding areas. A reflective image exists on the light shielding areas of the first major surface of the substrate. A transmitted image exists on the first major surface through the light transmitting areas of the first major surface of the substrate. The substrate is substantially continuous and not specularly transmissive.

Abstract: The present application is directed methods of manufacturing dual image substrates. In one embodiment, a light transmitting film is coated with a light shielding substance to provide light shielding areas and a major surface of the film is structured. In another embodiment, a light shielding film is structured to provide light transmitting areas. In another embodiment, a film is printed and then structured to provide light transmitting areas. In another embodiment, a light transmitting film is structured, and then coated with a light shielding coating. The coating is then removed from portions of the structured surface to provide light transmitting areas. The film may also be structured by casting on a structured liner.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a substrate comprising a first major surface comprising light transmitting areas and light shielding areas. An image reception layer exists on the light shielding areas of the first major surface of the substrate. The substrate is substantially continuous. In some embodiments, the image reception layer is on the second major surface of the substrate. In some embodiments, the light transmitting areas are substantially free of the image reception layer. In certain embodiments, a light shielding coating exists on the light shielding areas between the image reception layer and the substrate.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a method of creating a dual appearance comprising providing a substrate. The dual appearance is further created by providing an illumination source proximate to the second major surface of the substrate. A reflective image is provided on the first major surface of the substrate opposite the illumination source. A transmitted image is provided on the second major surface of the substrate between the substrate and the illumination source. Generally, the reflective image is visible with the illumination source off and the transmitted image is visible with the illumination source on.

Abstract: The present application is directed to substrates comprsing light shielding areas and light transmitting areas. In one embodiment, the present application is directed to a substrate comprising a film comprising a light shielding additive. The film comprises a structured surface resulting in thick light shielding areas and relatively thin light transmitting areas. In another embodiment, the present application is directed to a substrate comprising a film comprising a first major surface that is structured with a series of microstructure features and he substrate has light shielding layer is on the first major surface in the light shielding areas. In another embodiment, the light transmitting areas are series of holes through the film having at least two lateral dimensions less than 1.4 mm.

Abstract: A method of protecting a substrate using a protection sheet is disclosed. The protection sheet comprises a multilayer structure having a support layer and a thermoplastic backing layer, wherein the support layer contains a plurality of raised portions and a plurality of anchor portions bonded to a surface of the backing layer. The raised portions of the protection sheet are capable of releasably engaging with a mechanical mating member. In an embodiment, the backing layer of the protection sheet is surface treated to increase wetting tension to facilitate the adherence of paint particles to the surface of the protection sheet. The protection sheet may be used to protect horizontal substrates, vertical substrates, and objects, such as the walls of a paint booth, a work surface and a vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an imaged article comprising a substrate having a primed surface layer. The primed surface layer is comprised of a base polymer having a solubility parameter, molecular weight (Mw) and glass transition temperature within a specified range. The presence of the primer improves the overall image quality by improving at least one property including ink uptake, dot gain, color density and/or ink adhesion. Preferred primer compositions are soluble at least in part in the ink composition resulting in an increase in ink layer thickness that further improves the durability and/or day/night color balance. A variety of substrates may be primed including various sheeting for traffic control signage and commercial graphic films for advertising and promotional displays.