Cube corner article with altered inactive areas and method of ma

Details Cube corner article with altered inactive areas and method of ma Cube corner article with altered inactive areas and method of ma

1997-10-30

1999-08-17

Phan, James

Optical: systems and elements

Signal reflector

3-corner retroreflective

359530, 359900, G02B 5122, G02B 5124

Patent

active

059402121

ABSTRACT:
A reflective article has a structured surface which includes geometric structures each having at least three specularly reflecting faces which converge at an apex or other extremity. The article is marked with a plurality of spots located between the extremities, the spots having different reflectivity characteristics than the specularly reflecting faces. The geometric structures can comprise cube corner elements. The spots can be diffusely reflecting and distributed uniformly on the structured surface or distributed to define a particular pattern. The article can have a plurality of first active areas at a first illumination geometry, and the spots can be sized and positioned such that they avoid the first active areas. The article can have first inactive areas adjacent the first active areas, and each spot can cover a majority of one inactive area. Alternatively, at least some of the spots can be decentered within their respective inactive areas such that they are visible in retroreflected light only at selected illumination geometries, thereby forming a directional image.

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Sample: Retroreflective sheeting designated "Sample A" believed to be on sale before Oct. 30, 1996.
Sample: Retroreflective sheeting designated "Sample B" believed to be on sale before Oct. 30, 1996, and accompanying product literature.

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