Ultra-flexible retroreflective cube corner composite sheetings and methods of manufacture
Patent 5691846 Issued on November 25, 1997. Estimated Expiration Date: 
June 7, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
June 7, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesInventors
ApplicationNo. 472444 filed on 06/07/1995US Classes:359/530, Unitary plate or sheet comprising plural reflecting elements156/245, In configured mold264/214, To form nonplanar article or surface359/529, 3-Corner retroreflective (i.e., cube corner, trihedral, or triple reflector type)359/900, METHODS428/172Composite web or sheetExaminersPrimary: Phan, JamesAttorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassG02B 005/124AbstractA method for manufacturing flexible cube corner retroreflective sheeting comprising the steps of:a) providing a tool having a molding surface;b) applying to the molding surface a volume of a flowable resin composition;c) contacting the resin composition with a first major surface of an overlay film;d) minimizing excess resin composition;e) curing the resin composition to form a sheeting comprising an array of cube corner elements bonded to the overlay film;f) removing the sheeting from the tool; andg) applying mechanical stress to the sheeting so as to cause a fractured separation of substantially each individual cube corner element from surrounding cube corner elements. Also, flexible retroreflective sheetings comprising: a) a two dimensional array of substantially independent cube corner elements, the array comprising a first polymeric material, and b) an overlay film having two major surfaces and comprising of a second polymeric material, the array being bonded to the first major surface of the overlay film. Also safety devices incorporating such sheetings.Other References
Field of Search3-Corner retroreflective (i.e., cube corner, trihedral, or triple reflector type)Unitary plate or sheet comprising plural reflecting elements Mounted on roadway Mounted adjacent roadway Mounted on vehicle Including a curved refracting surface Within individual indentations Minute transparent spheres Directional reflection (e.g., prevent viewing unless critical angle of light is used) On flexible substrate (e.g., flexible sheeting, bumper sticker, etc.) Mixture in liquid binder (e.g., paint, resin) Placed on top of binder (e.g., resin, asphalt, glue, etc.) With single transparent coating between spheres and atmosphere Plural refracting elements formed as a unitary mass With individual reflector element mount Including a snap, spring clip, or spring retainer Including a threaded member Discrete reflecting elements formed as a unitary mass Mounted on or adjacent roadway Mounted on vehicle Rigidly mounted on vehicle Bicycle or motorcycle SIGNAL REFLECTOR Body carried Worn by hand or wrist Permanently fixed to clothing Worn over clothing Moving Pedal mounted Rotating Spoke mounted Tire, wheel, valve stem, hub cap, or axle mounted METHODS OPTICAL ARTICLE SHAPING OR TREATING Reflective With mold element formation or removal By casting liquids on a solid supporting or shaping surface Utilizing surface parting, anti-stick or release agent To form nonplanar article or surface Rubber or synthetic resin containing liquid Direct contact transfer of adhered lamina from carrier to base With formation of lamina of continuous length by molding or casting on endless carrier Carrier is configured mold With lamina formation by molding or casting Forming plural continuous web laminae In configured mold Parallel ribs and/or grooves Composite web or sheet With component conforming to contour of nonplanar surface | |
