초록 ▼

Simplified continuous processes are disclosed for converting standard woven or nonwoven fabric into reflectorized fabric in a continuous fashion and in bulk quantities. These processes are easily capable of achieving reflectivities of well over 100 cd/(lux?m2). In the processes, an extended length o

Simplified continuous processes are disclosed for converting standard woven or nonwoven fabric into reflectorized fabric in a continuous fashion and in bulk quantities. These processes are easily capable of achieving reflectivities of well over 100 cd/(lux?m2). In the processes, an extended length of fabric is provided such as by unwinding an input roll of fabric to be reflectorized, and the fabric is passed through a station that applies a coating of binder material to the fabric. The fabric then passes through a station where aluminum-coated beads are applied to the coating of binder material. An etching station removes exposed portions of the aluminum coating from the beads after the binder material is allowed to substantially solidify. End-use materials other than fabrics but suitable for enhancing personal conspicuity can be reflectorized in the same way.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of making an exposed lens retroreflective fabric, comprising the steps of:providing an extended length of fabric by unwinding an input roll of the fabric; passing the fabric through a coating station that applies a coating of binder material to the fabric; passing the fabric through a be

1. A method of making an exposed lens retroreflective fabric, comprising the steps of:providing an extended length of fabric by unwinding an input roll of the fabric; passing the fabric through a coating station that applies a coating of binder material to the fabric; passing the fabric through a bead application station where aluminum-coated beads are applied to the coating of binder material; and passing the fabric through an etching station that removes exposed portions of the aluminum coating from the beads.