Abstract: Retroreflective assembly comprising:a) a transparent globule having a first, uncoated part-spherical surface portion for reception of incident light; a second, substantially flat surface portion opposite the first surface portion; and a third, toroidal surface portion intermediate the first and second surface portions, the toroidal surface having a radius of curvature smaller than the radius of curvature of the first part-spherical surface portion;b) a monolayer of externally reflecting transparent microspheres for focusing and retroreflecting light beams incident upon the first surface portion and which have passed through, the globule, the monolayer being applied to the second surface portion and to at least a part of the toroidal surface portion; andc) a layer of diffuse reflecting pigment disposed behind the monolayer of microspheres.Optionally, a space coat is interposed between the monolayer and the diffuse reflecting pigment. In some embodiments, fluorescent pigment is used.

Abstract: An article comprising a transparent plano-convex base sheet having first and second broad faces, the second face being substantially planar and the first face having an array of substantially hemi-spheroidal microlenses thereon, the shape of the microlenses and thickness of the base sheet being such that collimated light substantially orthogonally incident to the array is focused approximately at the second face. The article optionally further comprising a specularly reflective layer on the second face which renders the base sheet retroreflective. An optional layer of adhesive over the reflective layer permits the article to be adhered to a document as a tamper-indicating, authenticating, and protective overlay. Special images can be formed within the article to enhance the security provided thereby. Also, a method for forming such articles.

Abstract: Reflective tape for pinstriping of automobiles or other vehicles. The tape has strips of retroreflective material sandwiched between a bottom release liner of polyethylene coated paper and a clear top release liner having an adhesive undersurface for retaining the tape composite intact with the strips parallel one another prior to and during application to a vehicle. The retroreflective material is highly visible at night for safety. The strips include pressure-sensitive adhesive. When the tape is applied to a vehicle, thin pinstripes of retroreflective material are seen. The material may be colored to contrast with the color of the vehicle paint, which is visible on either side of the tape and also through the open middle section between the pinstripes of retroreflective material. The strips are applied by peeling away the bottom liner as the top liner and strips are applied to a surface; thereafter, the top release liner is peeled away leaving only the two retroreflective material strips on the surface.

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 comprises one or more flexible polymeric binder materials having active hydrogen functionalities and one or more isocyanate-functional silane coupling agents thereon.

Abstract: Retroreflective sheeting is usually provided as rolls with an adhesive backing for application to rigid road and other signs. Roll-up signs are those small signs having folding frames holding a flexible material placed to caution traffic about temporary workers. On completion of the tasks the frames are folded, and the signs are rolled up for future use. Such signs, contemplated herein, present problems other than flexibility. In addition to weather resistance, durability, and foldability, means for attaching the signs to the stands must be devised. Generally the sign material is provided with pockets. But most plastics cannot be readily sewn. The resulting needle holes weaken the sewn area so that the pocket readily tears out, or at least partially away, from the sign. The usual method for making such signs, then, is to attach the pockets by fusion using heated die elements. The deformation which occurs when the heated die is impressed to bring about the heat fluidization usually weakens the plastic.

Abstract: Flexible, self-supporting, air-permeable retroreflective sheeting comprising a two-sided, self-supporting, air-permeable web of thermoplastic filaments with retroreflective elements partially embedded in the filaments on one side of the web. On the other side of the web, the surfaces of the filaments are substantially free of retroreflective elements. In some embodiments, the web may be used as a bonding agent to secure the sheeting to a desired substrate.

Abstract: A retroreflective security laminate, designed to be applied to the surface of a document over information thereon, and having a protective cover sheet comprising an abrasion-resistant outer layer and a support layer which is resistant to deformation under localized pressure. Also methods for making such laminates.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting comprising a substantially transparent face member, an encapsulating member having a front and a back side, the front side of the encapsulating member being sealed by a network of interconnecting bonds to the face member, and retroreflective elements disposed between the face member and the encapsulating member in substantially a monolayer with an air-interface. The encapsulating member comprises a plasticizer-resistant barrier layer which prevents migration of plasticizer therethrough, thereby protecting the aforementioned elements of the sheeting therefrom.