Method for forming a retroreflective sheeting
AssigneeReflexite Corporation
InventorsGus Bernard, Jay Soaft
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The method for forming a retroreflective sheeting includes providing a first layer and forming a prism array on the first layer. A second layer is applied to the prism array. The first thermoplastic layer is welded to the second thermoplastic layer, while applying a die having a plurality of cells with multi-course, hatched patterned perimeters to the layers to dislocate a portion of the prism array, thereby allowing the first layer to be bonded to the second layer at the portion.
Claims15
A method for forming a retroreflective sheeting, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a first light transparent thermoplastic polymer layer;
- b) forming light transparent prism elements in a prism array on the first thermoplastic polymer layers said prism elements being formed of a polymer material which is transparent and substantially inflexible at room temperature;
- c) applying a second light transparent thermoplastic layer to the prism array on a side of the array opposite the first layer;
- and
- d) welding the first thermoplastic layer to said second thermoplastic layer, while applying a die having a plurality of cells with multi-course, hatched patterned perimeters to said layers to dislocate a portion of the prism elements of the prism array, whereby the first thermoplastic layer bonds to the second thermoplastic layer at said portion, thereby forming the retroreflective sheeting.
A method for forming a retroreflective sheeting, comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a first layer having a first light transparent thermoplastic polymer;
- b) forming light transparent prism elements in a prism array with a second thermoplastic polymer which second thermoplastic polymer is substantially inflexible at room temperature, wherein the second thermoplastic polymer has a substantially higher distortion temperature than the distortion temperature of the first thermoplastic polymer;
- c) applying a second layer having a third thermoplastic polymer to the prism elements of the prism array, wherein the third thermoplastic polymer has a distortion temperature that is about the same as the first thermoplastic polymer;
- and
- d) welding the first layer to the third layer, while applying a die having multi-course, hatched patterned perimeters to said layers to dislocate a portion of the prism elements of the prism array, whereby the first layer bonds to the second layer at said portion, thereby forming the retroreflective sheeting.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.