Durable retroreflective elements with a blend of beads
US12043723B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 16, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/252
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The disclosed retroreflective element includes a polymeric core that is loaded with a plurality of first beads and second beads distributed at the perimeter of the core. The first beads are different than the second beads. Because of the beads in the core, the retroreflective element remains useful for returning light even after portions of the core begins to wear away. Further, when the retroreflective elements get wet, water will settle to the bottom of the perimeter of the core. Therefore, using the second beads with a refractive index suited for wet conditions, while the first beads have a refractive index suited for dry conditions allows the retroreflective element to be useful in both wet and dry conditions even while the retroreflective element wears during use.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.