3m Innovative Properties Company

Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company

Vera L Lightle

Britton G Billingsley

Kenneth M White

Lee A Pavelka

James C Coderre

Wallace K Bingham

Johann F Petersen

David P Swanson

Michael D Currens

Kenneth L Smith

Olester Benson, Jr

Susan K Nestegard

Chester A Bacon, Jr

John F Dreyer

Cheryl M Frey

Jeanine M Shusta

Yoshiyuki Nagaoka

Claus Jansen

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.

Stabilization of fluorescent dyes in vinyl articles using hindered amine light stabilizers

A process for making a retroreflective article that includes the steps of providing a device (tool or a mold) having a first structured surface; applying a reflective layer on the first structured surface resulting in a first adhesion value between the reflective layer and the first structured surface, the reflective layer having an exposed surface; applying a molding polymer to the exposed surface of the reflective layer resulting in a second adhesion value between the reflective layer and the molding polymer. The second adhesion value is higher than the first adhesion value. The device is separated from the molding polymer to yield a retroreflective article that has a second structured surface that is the reverse image of the first structured surface. The separation causes a transfer of the reflective layer from the first structured surface to the retroreflective article. The method allows the reflective layer to be formed during the separation step, rather than being formed independent of creating the second structured surface. The method can yield a article that has a second structured surface coated with an aluminum reflective material having aluminum microstructures that are predominantly amorphous on a first side (the side near the second structured surface) and predominantly crystalline on a second side, which is opposite the first side.

Method of making a retroreflective article and a retroreflective article having an aluminum reflector

Stabilization of fluorescent dyes in vinyl chloride articles using hindered amine light stabilizers

Method of making a retroreflective article

A retroreflective article has first and second segments each comprising a binder layer and a multitude of microspheres partially embedded in the front surface of the binder layer. The first segment also has an opaque reflective metal layer disposed on the embedded portions of the microspheres; whereas, the second segment lacks such an opaque reflective metal layer and thereby allows the color of the underlying binder layer to be seen from the front side of the retroreflective article. The first and second segments display noticeably different colors under daytime lighting conditions, and each possesses a distinctly different retroreflective efficiency when viewed under retroreflective lighting conditions. The first and second segments therefore stand out in contrast to each other to enhance the conspicuity of the retroreflective article.

Retroreflective article and method of making same

An article of clothing 10 bearing a retroreflective applique 12 that has a binder layer 14 onto which a retroreflective layer 19 is disposed. The retroreflective layer 19 includes a layer of optical elements 16 and a metal reflective layer 18, and the binder layer 14 includes a thermoplastic copolymer that includes units which contain carboxyl groups. A retroreflective applique, which uses such a binder layer in conjunction with aluminum-coated or silver-coated optical elements, demonstrates very good home laundering durability.

Clothing bearing retroreflective appliques

Stabilization of fluorescent dyes in vinyl articles using hindered amine

A retroreflective applique (10) includes a supporting structure (12), a layer of optical lens elements (14), and a reflective material (16). The layer of optical lens elements (14) is partially embedded in the supporting structure (12), and the reflective material (16) is disposed on the embedded portion of the layer of optical lens elements (14). The supporting structure (12) may contain a binder layer (24) and a heat-activatable adhesive layer (26). The binder layer (24) includes a non-filamentary acrylic polymer layer. The use of such a supporting structure (12) eliminates the need for a release liner on the rear surface (20) of the heat-activatable adhesive layer (26), and it also enables a carrier web (28) to be separated from the polymeric supporting structure (12) before the applique (16) is permanently secured to a substrate. The separation step can be accomplished without causing substantial harm to the retroreflective performance of the applique (10).

Method of making a retroreflective applique

Dual axis retroreflective articles and methods of using them are disclosed. The retroreflective articles may combine dual axis retroreflection with three axis retroreflection to provide a steady glow due to the three axis retroreflective portions of the article and also provide intermittent or flashing retroreflection as the plane of retroreflection from the dual axis retroreflector passes through or near the light source. The retroreflective articles may also include dual axis retroreflective structures in combination with sparkling reflective structures, as well as dual axis retroreflective structures in combination with both three axis retroreflective structures and sparkling reflective structures. Methods of use include moving the dual axis retroreflective structures to obtain intermittent or flashing retroreflection.

Dual axis retroreflective articles

A high visibility fabric includes a web of fibrous material and a fluorescent layer. The web has first and second major surfaces, and the fluorescent layer includes fluorescent pigment in a crosslinked resin. The resin penetrates into the web to surround the fibers and is bonded thereto, but the fluorescent pigment is concentrated at the first major surface at a level greater than at the second major surface. Because the pigment concentrates at the one surface, considerably less pigment is used in producing a fluorescent colored fabric. The fabric can be used to form a safety vest, and retroreflective sheeting can be placed on the vest to further enhance visibility.

High visibility fabric and safety vest

A method for manufacturing flexible cube corner retroreflective sheeting comprising the steps of:

Ultra-flexible retroreflective cube corner composite sheetings and

A high visibility fabric having a non-woven web material with a fluorescent layer. The fluorescent pigment concentration in the fabric is greater proximate a designated fabric outer surface than at other outer surfaces of the fabric. The fabric is used for manufacturing safety vests, signage, and other articles requiring high visibility.

Growing community of inventors

Hudson, WI, United States of America

Vera L Lightle