Abstract: Methods of making retroreflective articles include mixing a metal pigment with a binder material. The mixture is applied to a surface of a substrate. The surface can be a flat planar surface or be contoured or have arcuate regions. The binder material forms a binder material layer and the metal pigment forms a leafing pigment layer near a top surface of the binder material layer. Transparent microsphere lenses are embedded in the top surface of the binder material layer. The leafing metal pigment layer conforms to a rear embedded surface of the microsphere lenses to thereby form a retroreflective article. Related retroreflective articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: An embossed thermoplastic label includes (a) a facestock having an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one layer and the layer has at least one thermoplastic resin, and (b) the facestock includes at least one embossed pattern on the upper surface of the facestock. The embossed pattern includes at least one embossed section and at least one unembossed section on the facestock. An intermediate configuration is also disclosed. A method is provided for embossing a thermoplastic label. The embossed thermoplastic label is useful in various labeling and brand awareness applications and provides visual and textural effects.

Abstract: A retroreflective article includes a prismatic film having prismatic elements with a metallized coating wherein the metallized coating is laser etched to provide one or more light transmissive regions to expose underlying material that one or more provides high contrast images that contrast with the retroreflective film. The underlying material can include one or more contrasting elements. The article may be back-lighted to increase the contrast especially during conditions of reduced lighting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to projection films and methods of making the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a projection film whereby the microspheres exhibit improved alignment on the light exit surface and have alignment on the light entrance surface that varies according to the individual microsphere diameter. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a projection film that has the attributes of variable gain within the single projection film. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an exposed microsphere projection film construction that provides modification of the head-on and angular pattern of light transmission (gain).

Abstract: Methods of making retroreflective articles include mixing a metal pigment with a binder material. The mixture is applied to a surface of a substrate. The surface can be a flat planar surface or be contoured or have arcuate regions. The binder material forms a binder material layer and the metal pigment forms a leafing pigment layer near a top surface of the binder material layer. Transparent microsphere lenses are embedded in the top surface of the binder material layer. The leafing metal pigment layer conforms to a rear embedded surface of the microsphere lenses to thereby form a retroreflective article. Related retroreflective articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retroreflective sheet with a discernable image. The retroreflective sheet comprises a transparent polymeric spacing layer having a first surface and a second surface; a layer of transparent microsphere lenses embedded into the first surface of the spacing layer at varying depths forming an image, wherein the spacing layer adheres to and conforms to the microspheres; and a reflective layer adhered to the second surface of the spacing layer. The present invention also provides methods for preparing such retroreflective sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: Methods of making adhesive articles providing air egress by supplying a route for the air to flow out from under the construction are described. One method includes providing a release liner comprising a moldable layer having a release surface and a back surface; applying a first pattern of a first non-adhesive material to a first portion of the release surface; applying a second pattern of a second non-adhesive material to a second portion of the release surface, wherein the second pattern partially overlaps the first pattern; embedding at least one of the first or second non-adhesive materials into the moldable layer; and transferring an adhesive layer having a front and back surface and end edges onto the release liner, wherein the front surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the release surface of the release liner.

Abstract: A retroreflective article includes a prismatic film having prismatic elements with a metallized coating wherein the metallized coating is laser etched to provide one or more light transmissive regions to expose underlying material that one or more provides high contrast images that contrast with the retroreflective film. The underlying material can include one or more contrasting elements. The article may be back-lighted to increase the contrast especially during conditions of reduced lighting.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retroreflective sheet with a discernable image. The retroreflective sheet comprises a transparent polymeric spacing layer having a first surface and a second surface; a layer of transparent microsphere lenses embedded into the first surface of the spacing layer at varying depths forming an image, wherein the spacing layer adheres to and conforms to the microspheres; and a reflective layer adhered to the second surface of the spacing layer. The present invention also provides methods for preparing such retroreflective sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a retroreflective sheet with a discernable image. The retroreflective sheet comprises a transparent polymeric spacing layer having a first surface and a second surface; a layer of transparent microsphere lenses embedded into the first surface of the spacing layer at varying depths forming an image, wherein the spacing layer adheres to and conforms to the microspheres; and a reflective layer adhered to the second surface of the spacing layer. The present invention also provides methods for preparing such retroreflective sheet.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a route, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles. These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.

Abstract: Methods of making adhesive articles providing air egress by supplying a route for the air to flow out from under the construction are described. One method includes providing a release liner comprising a moldable layer having a release surface and a back surface; applying a first pattern of a first non-adhesive material to a first portion of the release surface; applying a second pattern of a second non-adhesive material to a second portion of the release surface, wherein the second pattern partially overlaps the first pattern; embedding at least one of the first or second non-adhesive materials into the moldable layer, and transferring an adhesive layer having a front and back surface and end edges onto the release liner, wherein the front surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the release surface of the release liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to projection films and methods of making the same. In particular, the present invention relates to a projection film whereby the microspheres exhibit improved alignment on the light exit surface and have alignment on the light entrance surface that varies according to the individual microsphere diameter. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a projection film that has the attributes of variable gain within the single projection film. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to an exposed microsphere projection film construction that provides modification of the head-on and angular pattern of light transmission (gain).

Abstract: This invention relates to an adhesive article which provides air egress. Air egress is provided by supplying a mute, such as areas of no initial adhesion for the air to flow out from under the construction. The invention relates to an adhesive article comprising a facestock having a front surface and a back surface, a continuous layer of adhesive having an upper surface and a lower surface wherein the upper surface of the adhesive layer is adhered to the back surface of the facestock, and a plurality of spaced-apart non-adhesive material which is in contact with the lower surface of the adhesive layer wherein the lower surface of the adhesive layer has a Sheffield roughness of at least about 10 and the adhesive article provides air egress. The invention also relates to methods of preparing the adhesive articles, These articles have usefulness as industrial graphics images, as well as decorative coverings, etc. The articles provide air egress and optionally repositionability and slideability.