3m Innovative Properties Company

Toheeb B Alabi

Alexander J Kugel

Vivek Krishnan

Christopher Bland Walker, Jr

John Charles Clark

Steven J McMan

Joseph D Rule

Ryan E Marx

Charlie C Ho

Mikhail L Pekurovsky

Matthew S Stay

Kui Chen-Ho

Sharon Wang

Steven Hin-Chung Kong

Jeremy P Gundale

Chris A Pommer

Matthew T Holbrook

Kyle E Kulseth

Steven J Mcman

Described herein is an article having a microsphere layer comprising a monolayer of microspheres, the monolayer of microspheres comprising a first area substantially free of microspheres and a second area comprising a plurality of randomly-distributed microspheres, wherein the monolayer of microspheres comprises a predetermined pattern, the predetermined pattern comprises at least one of (i) a plurality of the first areas, (ii) a plurality of the second areas, and (iii) combinations thereof; and (b) a bead bonding layer disposed on the microsphere layer, wherein the plurality of microspheres are partially embedded in a first major surface of the bead bonding layer, wherein the article has a retroreflectivity (R) of less than 5.0 candelas/lux/square meter. Also disclosed herein are transfer carriers and methods of making the articles and transfer carriers.

Article featuring a predetermined pattern of randomly distributed microspheres and methods of making the same

Multilayer stacks that can be used as decorative microsphere articles. The decorative microsphere articles can be a durable and aesthetically pleasing substitute for anodized aluminum and other matte metallic surfaces. The decorative microsphere articles are durable and can have a bright diffused appearance of any desired color, for example white, gold, silver, red, or other colors, while being capable of being manufactured using a roll-to-roll process. The decorative microsphere articles can also provide novel optical effects than can change at different viewing angles, including, for example, changing color with view angle, changing sharpness or clarity of an image or icon with view angle, and the like, that may allow customers to differentiate their products.

Decorative microsphere articles with information layer

There is provided an article comprising at least a first surface having a first binder layer selected from at least one of linear resins and resins having low cross link densities, where the first binder layer has a first major surface opposite a second major surface; and a plurality of microspheres at least partially embedded in the first major surface of the first binder layer. There is also provided an article comprising a first surface having a first binder layer selected from at least one of linear resins and resins having low cross link densities; and a plurality of microspheres at least partially embedded a the first major surface of the first binder layer, where for at least a portion of the first major surface the plurality of microspheres covers 30% to 50% of that portion, and the microspheres are substantially uniformly spaced.

Thermoformable microsphere articles

There is provided an article comprising at least a first surface having a first binder layer selected from at least one of linear resins and resins having low cross link densities, where the first binder layer has a first major surface opposite a second major surface; and a plurality of microspheres at least partially embedded in the first major surface of the first binder layer. For at least a portion of the first major surface, the plurality of micro spheres may cover 30% to 50% of that portion, and the microspheres may be substantially uniformly spaced.

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Woodbury, MN, United States of America

Toheeb B Alabi