Miniature micro prism retroreflector
AssigneeReflexite Corporation
InventorsWilliam P. Rowland, Robert B. Nilsen
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Retroreflective sheeting for forming orientation free cones of reflected light encompassing a 0.5 degree angle of observation is formed of small metal backed cube corner prisms in an array in which the size of the prisms are in a range between 0.0005 inch to 0.003 inches on center. The array is formed by casting transparent plastic prisms in a mold formed by ruling three sets of grooves which intersect at an angle. The grooves are spaced apart in the range of 0.0005 inch to 0.003 inches on center. Before or after formation, the prisms are coated with a reflective material such as a metal.
Claims14
A retroreflective structure comprising an array of transparent prisms having a three-sided base and three facets extending therefrom to a common apex, the base of the prisms lying in a common plane, each side of the base having a length of between 0.0005 and 0.003 inches, the prisms including a reflective coating adhered to the facets and wherein the retroreflected light includes a 0.33 degree angle of observation, uniform orientation-free cone of light.
A retroreflective structure comprising an array of transparent faceted cube corner prisms having a three-sided base and three facets extending therefrom to a common apex, the base of the prisms lying in a common plane, each side of the base having a length of about 0.002 inches, the prisms including a reflective coating adhered to the facets.
A retroreflective structure comprising an array of transparent prisms having a three-sided base and three facets extending therefrom to a common apex, the base of the prisms lying in a common plane, each side of the base having a length of between 0.0005 and 0.003 inches, the prisms including a reflective coating adhered to the facets, wherein the light retroreflected from the structures encompasses a 0.5 degree angle of observation, uniform orientation-free cone.
A retroreflective structure comprising an array of cube corner prisms which diffracts essentially all incoming light, wherein the retroreflected light includes a 0.33 degree angle of observation, uniform orientation-free cone of light.
A retroreflective structure comprising an array of transparent faceted cube corner prisms having a three-sided base and three facets extending therefrom to a common apex, the base of the prisms lying in a common plane, each side of the base having a length of between about 0.0005 and 0.002 inches, the prisms including a reflective coating adhered to the facets.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.