Retroreflective transfer sheet and applique
AssigneeMinnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
InventorPaul E. Marecki
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present invention relates to retroreflective transfer sheets and graphic images produced therefrom, i.e., appliques. The retroreflective applique includes: a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder resin layer and a transfer adhesive layer comprising a vinyl plastisol disposed on the rear surface of the binder resin layer. The binder resin layer is prepared from ingredients comprising an isocyanate-functional hardener and a resin selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin and a polyurethane resin.
Claims35
A retroreflective applique comprising:
- (a) a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from the front surface of a binder resin layer;
- wherein the binder resin layer is prepared from ingredients comprising an isocyanate-functional hardener and a resin selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin and a polyurethane resin;
- and
- (b) a transfer adhesive layer comprising a vinyl plastisol disposed on the rear surface of the binder resin layer.
A kit for preparing a retroreflective applique comprising:
- (a) a base sheet material comprising:
- (i) a carrier comprising a heat-resistant backing and a layer of a heat-softenable material coated thereon;
- and
- (ii) a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from the heat-softenable material;
- (b) ingredients for preparation of a binder resin composition comprising:
- (i) an isocyanate-functional hardener;
- and
- (ii) a resin selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin and a polyurethane resin;
- wherein the binder resin composition is suitable for imagewise printing on the base sheet material;
- and
- (c) a transfer adhesive composition comprising a vinyl plastisol suitable for imagewise printing.
A method for preparing a retroreflective applique;
- the method comprising:
- (a) providing a base sheet material comprising:
- (i) a carrier comprising a heat-resistant backing and a layer of a heat-softenable material coated thereon;
- and
- (ii) a layer of optical lens elements partially embedded in and protruding from the heat-softenable material;
- (b) imagewise printing a binder resin composition on the base sheet material, wherein the binder resin composition is prepared from ingredients comprising:
- (i) an isocyanate-functional hardener;
- and
- (ii) a resin selected from the group consisting of a polyester resin and a polyurethane resin;
- and
- (c) imagewise printing a transfer adhesive composition comprising a vinyl plastisol in register with the image formed with the binder resin composition to form a retroreflective applique transfer sheet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.