View source for 18390903. RETROREFLECTIVE TRAFFIC SIGN AND PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME simplified abstract (The Boeing Company)

=RETROREFLECTIVE TRAFFIC SIGN AND PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME=


==Organization Name==

[[:Category:The Boeing Company|The Boeing Company]]


[[Category:The Boeing Company]]

==Inventor(s)==

[[:Category:Robert M. Pricone of Libertyville IL (US)|Robert M. Pricone of Libertyville IL (US)]][[Category:Robert M. Pricone of Libertyville IL (US)]]

==RETROREFLECTIVE TRAFFIC SIGN AND PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME - A simplified explanation of the abstract==


This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18390903 titled 'RETROREFLECTIVE TRAFFIC SIGN AND PROCESS AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME

==Simplified Explanation==

The abstract describes a retroreflective sign with a rigid substrate and a polymeric sheet containing microprismatic reflective elements adhered to the substrate with an air gap in between.

* The retroreflective sign consists of a rigid substrate with cell walls made of polyurethane adhesive or two-part polyurea adhesive.
* The polymeric sheet is attached to the cell walls, leaving an air gap between the microprismatic reflective elements and the substrate.
* The method of making the sign involves applying adhesive to the substrate, then laminating the polymeric sheet before the adhesive fully cures.

== Potential Applications ==
This technology could be used in road signs, safety equipment, and other applications where high visibility is crucial.

== Problems Solved ==
This innovation solves the problem of achieving high visibility and reflectivity in signs and safety equipment, especially in low light conditions.

== Benefits ==
The retroreflective sign offers increased visibility and safety for drivers, pedestrians, and workers in various environments.

== Potential Commercial Applications ==
Commercial applications for this technology include manufacturing retroreflective signs, safety vests, and other high-visibility products.

== Possible Prior Art ==
Prior art may include existing retroreflective sign technologies using different adhesives or attachment methods.

== Unanswered Questions ==
1. How does the durability of this retroreflective sign compare to traditional reflective signs?
2. Are there any specific environmental conditions that could affect the performance of this technology?


==Original Abstract Submitted==

A retroreflective sign comprising a rigid substrate with a pattern of cell walls formed of a polyurethane adhesive or two-part polyurea adhesive, and a polymeric sheet having a front face and a rear face, the rear face facing the substrate, the rear face comprising microprismatic reflective elements is disclosed. The polymeric sheet is adhered directly to the cell walls formed of the polyurethane adhesive or two-part polyurea adhesive while leaving an air gap between the microprismatic retroreflective elements and the rigid substrate in the cells. A method of making the retroreflective sign includes applying a polyurethane adhesive or two-part polyurea adhesive to a front side of a rigid substrate in a pattern defining cell walls; and prior to full curing of the polyurethane adhesive, laminating the front side of the rigid substrate a rear side of a polymeric sheet via the cell walls, the polymeric sheet comprising microprismatic elements.



[[Category:G02B5/124]]