Patents by Inventor James C. Coderre

James C. Coderre has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8596801
    Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Gerald M. Benson, James C. Coderre, Cheryl M. Frey, Bruce B. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20120120491
    Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Gerald M. Benson, James C. Coderre, Cheryl M. Frey, Bruce B. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7568807
    Abstract: A retroreflective article 10 has a body portion 14 and a multitude of cube-corner elements 12 that project from a rear side 20 of the body portion 14. The body portion 14 includes a body layer 18 that contains a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus less than 7×108 pascals. The cube-corner elements 12 contain a light transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus greater than 16×108 pascals. A retroreflective article of this construction can be highly flexed while maintaining good retroreflective performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Tzu-Li J. Huang, James C. Coderre
  • Patent number: 7468406
    Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
  • Patent number: 7452588
    Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. A reflective film is disposed at least on the recessed faces, and a fill material fills the cube corner cavities. The fill material comprises radiation-curable materials, adhesives, or both, and preferably transparent radiation-curable pressure-sensitive adhesives. The fill material preferably forms a continuous layer covering both the recessed faces and upper portions of the structured surface. A transparent cover layer preferably contacts the fill material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Gerald M. Benson, James C. Coderre, Cheryl M. Frey, Bruce B. Wilson
  • Patent number: 7449514
    Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
  • Patent number: 7185993
    Abstract: A retroreflective article 10 has a body portion 14 and a multitude of cube-corner elements 12 that project from a rear side 20 of the body portion 14. The body portion 14 includes a body layer 18 that contains a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus less than 7×108 pascals. The cube-corner elements 12 contain a light transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus greater than 16×108 pascals. A retroreflective article of this construction can be highly flexed while maintaining good retroreflective performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Tzu-Li J. Huang, James C. Coderre
  • Patent number: 7025847
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel
  • Patent number: 6958179
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel
  • Publication number: 20030235674
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel
  • Patent number: 6656571
    Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a body layer having a structured surface with recessed faces and top surfaces, the recessed faces forming cube corner cavities. The recessed faces have a high specular reflectivity, while the top surfaces have a low specular reflectivity. In some embodiments a substantially continuous film of reflective material covers the structured surface, and a masking substance is provided over the reflective material at the top surfaces. Alternatively, the top surfaces are given a non-smooth surface finish so that the film of reflective material on those portions has a diffuse reflectivity. In other embodiments the film of reflective material is discontinuous, disposed selectively on the recessed faces and not on the top surfaces. A cover layer is also provided, and can bond at least to the top surfaces. Keeping the top surfaces substantially free of reflective material inhibits corrosion and can enhance the bond integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Gerald M. Benson, Kenneth L. Smith, James C. Coderre, Paul E. Humpal, Mark D. Nachbor
  • Publication number: 20030104235
    Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
  • Patent number: 6526588
    Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
  • Publication number: 20020126382
    Abstract: A retroreflective article 10 has a body portion 14 and a multitude of cube-corner elements 12 that project from a rear side 20 of the body portion 14. The body portion 14 includes a body layer 18 that contains a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus less than 7×108 pascals. The cube-corner elements 12 contain a light transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus greater than 16×108 pascals. A retroreflective article of this construction can be highly flexed while maintaining good retroreflective performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Tzu-Li J. Huang, James C. Coderre
  • Publication number: 20020090530
    Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
  • Patent number: 6406798
    Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre
  • Patent number: 6350035
    Abstract: A retroreflective article 10 has a body portion 14 and a multitude of cube-corner elements 12 that project from a rear side 20 of the body portion 14. The body portion 14 includes a body layer 18 that contains a light-transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus less than 7×108 pascals. The cube-corner elements 12 contain a light transmissible polymeric material having an elastic modulus greater than 16×108 pascals. A retroreflective article of this construction can be highly flexed while maintaining good retroreflective performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Smith, Tzu-Li J. Huang, James C. Coderre
  • Publication number: 20020012761
    Abstract: The present invention provides a new sheeting article that may suitably include: a carrier having a first major surface and a second major surface; and a plurality of discrete segments of a sheeting (e.g., a retroreflective sheeting), wherein the sheeting has a first major viewing surface and a second major opposing surface, and the first major viewing surface of the sheeting is preferably removably attached to the second major surface of the carrier. Preferably, the first major surface of the carrier comprises a release surface, the second major opposing surface of the sheeting comprises an adhesive, the article is provided in the form of a roll, and the adhesive surface of the sheeting is adjacent the release surface of an adjacent layer of the roll. In a presently preferred embodiment the present invention provides novel easy-to-use truck conspicuity sheeting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2000
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Applicant: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Eugene H. Carlson, James C. Coderre, Christopher L. Harvey, James E. Lasch, David W. Meitz, Colleen C. Nagel
  • Patent number: 6325515
    Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting includes a transparent film, a pigmented layer having pigmented indicia thereon, and a retroreflective cube layer. The cube layer includes a number of cube corner elements bounded by at least two sets of intersecting grooves. A metallic film is disposed on at least some of the cube corner elements. The pigmented layer is interposed between the transparent film and the cube layer, and has pigmented indicia aligned with at least one of the sets of intersecting grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: James C. Coderre, Dennis J. Chirhart, John W. Frank, Stephen A. Johnson, Daniel J. McGurran
  • Publication number: 20010046607
    Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Publication date: November 29, 2001
    Inventors: Kenneth M. White, Lee A. Pavelka, Vera L. Lightle, James C. Coderre