Diffractive and retroreflective textile fabrics, methods of making same, and articles made therefrom
US6764744B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 12, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T442/699
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A composite fabric structure having unique visual and physical properties is described. The composite fabric includes a textile fabric layer having a visual surface and a rear surface. A layer of diffractive or retroreflective material is secured beneath the textile fabric layer, either directly or beneath a layer of substantially transparent material. The textile fabric layer is of an open or semi-transparent construction, so that light can pass through it to reach the layer of diffractive or retroreflective material and be reflected back through the layer of textile fabric, to provide a unique appearance to its visual surface. Because fabric constructions can be provided which are extremely conspicuous, they have particular utility in the formation of safety equipment and automobile components. Furthermore, the fabrics have high durability, improved hand, and in many embodiments can be stretched as well as molded.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.