Abstract: An article of clothing 10 bearing a retroreflective applique 12 that has a binder layer 14 onto which a retroreflective layer 19 is disposed. The retroreflective layer 19 includes a layer of optical elements 16 and a metal reflective layer 18, and the binder layer 14 includes a thermoplastic copolymer that includes units which contain carboxyl groups. A retroreflective applique, which uses such a binder layer in conjunction with aluminum-coated or silver-coated optical elements, demonstrates very good home laundering durability.

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, crosslinkable, terminal, functional groups. Retroreflective articles of this construction can demonstrate good abrasion resistance and laundering durability.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water-based high-solids moisture-resistant latex pressure sensitive adhesive which has a low coating viscosity and which has high shear, high compliance, and controlled adhesion buildup.

Abstract: To provide a retroreflective material which has high utilization efficiency of light and which can give a reflected light to various color tones: the retroreflective material in accordance with the present invention, which comprises synthesizing an incident light by giving a phase contrast to a part of the incident light, and emphasizing a light component of specific wavelength region by interference and returning a colored light that the color tone is different from the incident light to the incident direction of the light, and to provide a hologram reconstructor which reflect the light to the almost the same direction as the incident direction, when the linear light that has regular directionality is irradiated, and which comprises graphic design function, decorating function and high forgery prevention property by using said retroreflective material as the hologram reconstructor: the retroreflective reconstructor in accordance with the present invention laminates said retroreflective material and a hologra

Abstract: This invention relates to lens type functional retroreflective sheeting having retroreflective regions and visual functionality presenting regions, the retroreflective sheeting comprising:a base sheet consisting of a support comprising a functional resin layer containing a functional pigment having light-storing or fluorescent properties, microspherical lens-embedding regions in which microspherical lenses are densely distributed on the surface of the functional resin layer of the support so as to form a mono-layer, and microspherical lens-free regions in which substantially no microspherical lens is embedded and the functional resin layer is exposed;a transparent protective film disposed above the microspherical lens-bearing surface of the base sheet; andbonds at which said base sheet and said transparent protective film are partly bonded together. This lens type functional retroreflective sheeting not only afford good visibility to viewers positioned in the direction of the light source (e.g.

Abstract: Luminous retroreflective sheetings have a transparent cover layer, an optical layer disposed beneath the cover layer, and a reflective layer. The optical layer includes a first polymer layer and a monolayer of beads at least partially embedded therein. The reflective layer is disposed proximate a focal plane of the monolayer of beads. The monolayer of beads includes transparent beads that, in combination with the reflective layer, retroreflect incident light. The monolayer also includes light-emitting beads that emit light under the influence of an applied voltage or ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Processes for making such sheetings are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses lens-type retroreflective sheeting excellent in appearance and having constant thickness and desired retroreflective performance, wherein the transparent microspheres in the retroreflective layer are composed of transparent microspherical lenses (A) having a refractive index of 1.8 or more and transparent microspherical fillers (B) having a refractive index different by at least 5% from the refractive index of the lenses (A).

Abstract: A retroreflective article utilizing a solventless bead bond composition wherein the bead bond composition includes a urethane/acrylate interpenetrating polymer network in which the urethane polymer is a thermoplastic and the acrylate component is a thermoset. The solventless bead bond is applied as a mixture of diisocyanates, diols, multifunctional acrylates and additives and thermally cured to a rubbery, thermoplastic solid. At this point the bead bond can be softened or molded with the application of heat or stored for a period of time without loss of thermoplasticity. Final retroreflective sheeting constructions which possess superior adhesion to acrylics, toughness and high retroreflectance are achieved by curing the multifunctional acrylates with radiation.

Abstract: The articles of the present invention comprise optical elements embedded in either a core having a binder layer which is embedded in a road-binder or optical elements which are directly embedded into a binder layer. The binder layer may be part of a preformed pavement marking tape or may be applied directly to a traffic-bearing surface. The binder layer is comprised of a black pigment. The pavement marking articles of the present invention comprise one or more first region(s) wherein the first region(s) has a daytime appearance of black and is retroreflective.In another embodiment of the present invention, the pavement marking articles further comprise one or more second region(s) having a color which contrasts with black during the daytime and which is typically also retroreflective. The second region(s) is adjacent to the first region(s).

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: A method for forming retroreflective sheeting comprising a binder layer having a first surface with protrusions thereon and a plurality of retroreflective elements partially embedded in the surface, wherein the method comprises forming the binder layer in a first profile, embedding the retroreflective elements therein, and then activating that binder layer such that it is restored to the first profile via shape memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retroreflective sheeting including: optical elements arranged in substantially a monolayer; a spacing layer in which the optical elements are at least partially embedded; a specularly reflecting layer underlying the spacing layer; and a bead bond layer in which the optical 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.degree. C.

Abstract: A retroreflective applique is provided that includes a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from a transfer adhesive layer prepared from ingredients comprising a vinyl plastisol and a substantially nonhydrolyzed aminosilane adhesion promoter; wherein the aminosilane adhesion promoter is used in an amount effective to produce an applique capable of:(a) retaining at least about 60% of its initial retroreflectivity after being laminated to 65/35 polyester/cotton blend fabric (100 g/m.sup.2) at about 174.degree. C. and about 2.8 Kg/cm.sup.2 pressure for about 20 seconds and subjected to home laundering conditions five times; and(b) retaining at least about 40% of its initial retroreflectivity after being laminated to 65/35 polyester/cotton blend fabric (100 g/m.sup.2) at about 174.degree. C. and about 2.8 Kg/cm.sup.2 pressure for about 20 seconds and subjected to home laundering conditions twenty-five times.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting have a multitude of retroreflective elements that include a layer of optical elements and a reflective element(s) that is positioned functionally behind the optical elements. The retroreflective elements are supported by a polymeric layer, and an adhesive layer positioned below the support layer. The adhesive layer contains a polyurethane crosslinked by at least an isocyanate compound. The polyurethane is polymerized from a component containing a polyol having at least one alkyl side chain in a molecule, and the adhesive has (i) a storage modulus of about 2.times.10.sup.7 to 8.times.10.sup.7 dyne per square centimeter when measured in a tensile mode at a frequency of 35 Hz and 25.degree. C., and (ii) a softening point of about 80.degree. C. to less than 200.degree. C.

Abstract: An exposed lens retroreflective article 10 has in sequence a layer of microspheres 12, a polymeric intermediate layer 18, a metal reflective layer 16, and a polymeric binder layer 14. Microspheres 12 are partially embedded in the binder layer 14, and the intermediate layer 18 and the metal reflective layer 16 are disposed between the microspheres 12 and the binder layer 14 such that the intermediate layer 18 is in contact with microspheres 12. Retroreflective articles of this construction provide improved laundering durability.

Abstract: A method for making retroreflective sheeting comprising the steps of placing a light-transmittable protective film on glass beads in a support sheet which consists of a binder layer and a reinforcing layer, and which is provided with retroreflective glass beads embedded in the binder layer, and thermoforming parts of the support sheet under heating and pressure so as to partially bond the binder layer of the support sheet to the protective film, which is characterized in that the reinforcing layer of the support sheet consists of a crosslinkable resin having shearing stress S in the range of 6.times.10.sup.6 -1.2.times.10.sup.7 dyne/cm.sup.2 before the thermoforming. A retroreflective sheeting made by this method has a high uniformity of the joint portions of the support sheet and protective film. Even when this retroreflective sheeting is used outdoors for a long period of time, troubles including peeling-off of the protective film do not substantially occur.

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.degree. C. to 200.degree. 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.

Abstract: A retroreflective article comprising a monolayer of microspheres partially embedded in and protruding from a binder layer and specular reflector underlying the microspheres, wherein the monolayer of microspheres comprises a mixture of a first class of microspheres having a first refractive index and a second class of microspheres having a second refractive index wherein the second refractive index is higher than the first refractive index. As a result, the sheeting exhibits superior observation angle angularity.

Abstract: Retroreflective articles, for example in the form of pavement markers or retroreflective elements, exhibit both wet and dry retroreflectivity by using a plurality of Type A microspheres and a plurality of Type B microspheres partially embedded in a binder layer containing specular pigments. The Type A and Type B microspheres have different average indices of refraction.

Abstract: An article of clothing 10 bearing a retroreflective applique 12 that has a binder layer 14 onto which a retroreflective layer 19 is disposed. The retroreflective layer 19 includes a layer of optical elements 16 and a metal reflective layer 18, and the binder layer 14 includes a thermoplastic copolymer that includes units which contain carboxyl groups. A retroreflective applique, which uses such a binder layer in conjunction with aluminum-coated or silver-coated optical elements, demonstrates very good home laundering durability.

Abstract: The present invention comprises lens-type retroreflective sheeting which is excellent in appearance and having constant thickness and desired retroreflective performance, wherein the transparent microspheres in the retroreflective layer are composed of transparent microspherical lenses (A) having a refractive index of 1.8 or more and transparent microspherical fillers (B) having a refractive index different by at least 5% from the refractive index of the lenses (A).

Abstract: The present invention relates to retroreflective transfer sheets and graphic images produced therefrom, i.e., appliques. The retroreflective applique includes: a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder resin layer and a transfer adhesive layer comprising a vinyl plastisol disposed on the rear surface of the binder resin layer. The binder resin layer is prepared from ingredients comprising an isocyanate-functional hardener and a resin selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin and a polyurethane resin.

Abstract: A display which when illuminated by a light source is adapted to present selectively to an observer colors and images that depend both on the angular position of the observer and on the angular position of the light source relative to the display. The display includes a substrate on which is coated an opaque base layer having a color image printed thereon. Coated over the base layer is an intermediate layer of transparent material having interference pigment particles dispersed therein which impart goniochromatic properties to this layer, the color seen by the observer depending on said angular positions. Overlying the intermediate layer is a retroreflectivity layer formed by transparent beads whereby light reflected from the base layer or from the intermediate layer, as seen by the observer, passes through the retroreflectivity layer to enhance the brilliance of the colors or images presented to the observer.

Abstract: This invention relates to glass microsphere (bead) coated articles having an upper surface comprising a layer of low refractive index transparent glass microspheres such as those made from recycled ordinary glass. The articles of the invention have an extremely smooth tactile feel and a low friction surface even though they can be prepared from glass microspheres intermixed with abrasive irregularly shaped glass particles. The invention also relates to the method making the bead coated articles of the invention and transfer articles that can be used to make the bead coated articles of the invention.

Abstract: Method for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest in a sample by providing a substrate having an optically active surface exhibiting a first color in response to light impinging thereon, and exhibiting a second color comprising a combination of wavelengths of light different from the first color or comprising an intensity of at least one wavelength of light different from the first color, in response to the light when the analyte is present on the surface in an amount selected from any one of 0.1 nM, 0.1 ng/ml, 50 fg, 2.times.10.sup.3 organisms comprising the analyte; and contacting the optically active surface with a sample potentially comprising the analyte of interest under conditions in which the analyte can interact with the optically active surface to cause the optically active surface to exhibit the second color when the analyte is present.

Abstract: Thermoplastic based pavement marking sheets are disclosed. The marking sheets employ a conformant composite material including: polyolefin and a nonreinforcing mineral particulate; and/or a thermoplastic upper surface. Preferably, the sheet's thermoplastic upper surface is embedded with reflective elements and/or skid-resistant particles. A solventless process of embedding particles in thermoplastic pavement marking sheets is disclosed. Processes for preparing marking sheets are also disclosed. Conformant pavement marking sheets which may be applied in cooler conditions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A retroreflective article (100, 200, 300) includes a monolayer of retroreflective elements (120, 220, 320), a binder layer (110, 210, 310), and a compound comprising an aromatic bidentate moiety. The retroreflective elements (120, 220, 320) are partially embedded in the binder layer (110, 210, 310), and the compound is chemically associated with the retroreflective elements (120, 220, 320) to provide extraordinary laundering durability to the retroreflective article (100, 200, 300).

Abstract: Device for detecting the presence or amount of an analyte of interest, having a substrate possessing an optically active surface which exhibits a first color in response to light impinging thereon, and exhibits a second color comprising a combination of wavelengths of light different from the first color or comprising an intensity of at least one wavelength of light different from the first color, in response to the light when the analyte is present on the surface in any amount selected from 0.1 nM, 0.1 ng/ml, 50 fg, and 2.times.10.sup.3 organisms comprising the analyte.

Abstract: Retroreflective appliques comprising a monolayer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder layer and an optional layer of adhesive on the rear surface of the binder layer, wherein the binder layer, the adhesive layer, or both contain a metal-azo dye to camouflage the color of any exposed portions of said binder layer. Appliques comprising micropheres with aluminum reflectors as retroreflective elements and a black metal-azo dye in the binder layer will exhibit a pleasing silver appearance even after portions of the binder layer have been visibly exposed due to degradation of the aluminum reflectors, typically as a result of subjecting the applique to harsh laundering conditions.

Abstract: A conformable marking tape having improved mechanical properties comprises a support base and a top-coat layer, the support base comprising a highly saturated acrylonitrile elastomer grafted with a zinc salt of methacrylic acid. The top-coat layer preferably comprises a polyurethane resin having about 50 to about 65% by weight of rigid segments and about 35 to about 50% by weight of flexible segments. The rigid segments are derived from diisocyanates and aliphatic and/or cycloaliphatic chain extenders, and the flexible segments are derived from polymeric compounds having at least two active hydrogen atoms and having weight average molecular weights ranging from about 400 to about 4000.

Abstract: Retroreflective appliques comprising a monolayer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder layer and an optional layer of adhesive on the rear surface of the binder layer, wherein the binder layer, the adhesive layer, or both contain a metal-azo dye to camouflage the color of any exposed portions of said binder layer. Appliques comprising micropheres with aluminum reflectors as retroreflective elements and a black metal-azo dye in the binder layer will exhibit a pleasing silver appearance even after portions of the binder layer have been visibly exposed due to degradation of the aluminum reflectors, typically as a result of subjecting the applique to harsh laundering conditions.

Abstract: Retroreflective appliques comprising a monolayer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder layer and an optional layer of adhesive on the rear surface of the binder layer for securing the applique to a garment, wherein the binder layer comprises an electron-beam cured polymer selected from the group consisting of chlorosulfonated polyethylenes, ethylene copolymers comprising at least about 70 weight percent of polyethylene, and EPDM polymers.

Abstract: A retro-reflective target tape comprising a lower sub-laminate having an upper transparent thick mylar backing about 2 mils thick, a release sheet therebeneath and a pressure sensitive adhesive therebetween; and an upper sub-laminate having an upper light reflective sheet with a thin, transparent mylar backing about a half mil thick therebeneath and with a pressure sensitive adhesive therebetween and with pressure sensitive adhesive beneath the thin mylar backing, the upper sub-laminate being cut to form a plurality of circular reflective targets and removed from the lower sub-laminate except for the plurality of circular reflective targets, the pressure sensitive adhesive above the release sheet remaining with the thick mylar backing upon the removal of the adjacent release sheet. Also disclosed is a method of fabricating such tape.

Abstract: A two-part system and method for increasing the reflex-reflectivity of a substrate is disclosed wherein a first aerosol dispensing means containing a first coating composition capable of forming a base coating on a substrate and a second aerosol dispensing means containing a second coating composition capable of imparting reflex-reflectivity to the base coating is employed. The first coating composition comprises a binder resin and a solvent in which the binder resin is dissolved and the second coating composition contains transparent microspheres having a particle size from about 45 to about 90 microns and a carrier in which the transparent microspheres are dispersible. The substrate is coated first with the first coating composition via aerosol means to form a base coating which is subsequently coated with the second coating to impart reflex-reflectivity to the base coating.

Abstract: A retroreflective marking material which can be secured to a substrate, e.g., a firefighter's helmet, and then readily removed when desired, even after exposure to heat and flame. The material comprises a retroreflective layer made up of a layer of retroreflective elements in a binder layer, a fire resistant fabric, and a defined fire resistant adhesive on the rear of the fire resistant fabric. The adhesive adheres strongly to polycarbonate and can be stripped from polycarbonate after being held in a forced air oven at 260.degree. C. for 5 minutes. The marking material can contain fluorescent coloring agent(s) to afford good daylight visibility.

Abstract: Cellular, encapsulated-lens retroreflective sheeting comprising: (1) a base sheet of a monolayer of retroreflective elements partially embedded in a binder layer which typically is white or comprises a whitening agent; (2) a cover sheet disposed in spaced relation from the layer of retroreflective elements; and (3) a network of narrow intersecting bonds or seal legs that extend between the cover sheet and the base sheet and comprise binder material thermoformed at the point of contact between the base sheet and cover sheet so as to adhere the base sheet and the cover sheet together and form a plurality of cells within which retroreflective elements are hermetically sealed; wherein the cover sheet comprises an inner layer and at least a structural layer, the structural layer being adhered to the outside surface of the inner layer.