MXPA96005016A - Flexible fabric material covered with polimeroretrorreflector and manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

A process and an article for a flexible fabric material coated with retroreflective polymer having a retroreflective layer and a compatible polymeric layer welded to an outer surface coated with polymer of a flexible fabric material. The compatible layer provides an intermediate layer between the retroreflective layer and the flexible fabric material creating a suitable bonding force between different polymers.

Description

. "- * - * FLEXIBLE FABRIC MATERIAL COVERED WITH RETRORREFLECTOR POLYMER AND MANUFACTURING METHOD FIELD OF THE INVENTION 5 The invention relates to retroreflective covers for vehicles and in particular with retroreflective devices welded by radio * - * - w 'frequency to the cover of a vehicle. 10 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Visually retroreflective devices have been developed to be used to increase safety and visibility especially during periods of reduced visibility. In general, the problems related to the binding of visibly retroreflective coating to rigid substrates have been solved.

However, difficulties are encountered when it is desirable to join retroreflective markings to a polymer coated fabric material. Visibly retroreflective markings must have the ability to bond to a flexible substrate, such as a cloth material, without interfering with the life and functioning of the substrate. REF: 23307 '"" *** Items that use flexible fabric materials, such as a towing tarp or superimposed sign, will typically have a lifespan of up to about ten years. The flexible vehicle covers 5 are particularly convenient, allowing the vehicle operator to have access to the trailers quickly and conveniently, to allow the trailer compartment to maintain reasonable waterproof capacities. The operator of the vehicle can open and close a cover numerous times each day, therefore the cover should be flexible but strong. The vehicle cover must withstand harsh weather conditions as well as the mechanical demands placed on it by the operator. The 5 decks are exposed to extreme temperatures, chemical challenges of atmospheric pollution and road salt, and photoreactions involving infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. A retroreflective cover must remain flexible and waterproof through the expected life span. Flexible fabric materials are typically fabrics manufactured from polyester, nylon or cotton. The fabric is usually coated with a suitable polymer, the most useful being highly plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC). and- Highly plasticized PVC is durable and convenient to work with. Highly plasticized PVC can normally be bonded together or some other suitable polymer with the use of heat or welding by radio frequency. Large cloth materials coated with PVC are manufactured by welding small panels or rectangular pieces together. Fabric materials coated with PVC torn or frequently damaged - / are repairable while still remaining on the vehicle. ib However, problems are encountered when trying to use adhesives with PVC due to the plasticizers that migrate from the PVC to the adhesive. This softens the adhesive makes it lose its cohesive force. Another problem relates to mechanical union, such as "posture, materials with flexible PVC covers. This form of bonding often interferes with the impervious characteristics of a polymer coated fabric material. Other means of joining flexible fabrics coated with PVC include the use of thermal and radio frequency energy. A thermal fusion technique, using heat for example from a source such as a hot air gun, increases the thermal kinetic motion of all the atoms in the polymer chains. When the The temperature of the polymer increases until the temperature / "* - of fusion, the polymer is able to flow properly to form a union." For the thermoplastic polymers, the fusion occurs at a temperature below the temperature at which degradation occurs. For a suitable thermal melt to occur, the polymers to be melted should have similar melting temperatures.An example of melting temperature compatibility is highly plasticized PVC and polyurethane. '-'-' incompatibility is the highly plasticized PVC and the polycarbonate, due to the substantially higher melting temperature of the polycarbonate. Radio frequency (RF) welding is an alternative to thermal fusion. RF welding effects fusion through the presence of polar groups of the polymer that convert the radio frequency energy into kinetic motion, which heats the polymer. When a radio frequency field is applied to a thermoplastic polymer with polar groups, the ability of the polar groups to change the phase 0 orientation with the radio frequency will determine the degree to which the RF energy is absorbed and converted to kinetic motion. cfel polar group. This kinetic energy is conducted as heat to the entire polymer molecule. If enough RF energy is applied, the polymer will heat up enough to melt. A useful measure to determine the degree to which a polymer will absorb energy from an alternating field is the ratio of the dielectric constant of the polymer and the dielectric dissipation factor known as the loss factor and is given by the following relationship: eq. 1 N = 5.55xl0'13 (/) (32) (K) (tand); where N is the electrical loss in watts / cm3 -seg, / is the frequency in Hertz / sec, 3 is the resistance of the field in volts / cm, K is the dielectric constant, and d is the loss angle (tand is the dissipation factor). This dissipation factor of the energy ratio in phase to out phase. If the polar groups in a thermoplastic polymer have a relative inability to change the orientations in the RF field, this results in a phase delay. This phase delay is known as the loss factor. The higher the dissipation factor, the greater the amount of heat generated by an RF field. Studies with thermoplastic polymers and radio frequency welding have shown that thermoplastic polymers with dissipation factors of approximately 0.065 or greater will form useful solders. For example, PVC has a dissipation factor of approximately 0.09 to 0.10 at 1 MHz, nylon caprolactam has a dissipation factor of 0.06 to 0.09, and polycarbonate has a dissipation factor of only 0.01. The respective dielectric constants for these three compounds are 3.5, 6.4, and 2.96 at 1 MHz. Polyethylene, polystyrene and polycarbonate have very low dissipation factors and in practical use have a capacity to be radio frequency soldiers, poor. The polyvinyl chlorides, polyurethanes, nylon and polyesters have factors of "-? - dissipation reasonably high and have found a practical use or to form very functional RF solders. Reference is made to the article "RF Welding of PVC and Other Thermoplastic Compounds" by J. Leighton, T. Brantley, and E. Szabo in ANTEC 1992, pps. 724-728. These authors tried to weld the polycarbonate to the other 5 polymers due to the lack of understanding in the technique that a useful welding, using the RF energy could always fail. Only those polar groups within the RF field will start moving. The convenience of RF-welding becomes real due to this controlled heating of only the molecules that are within the RF field. The need for thermal insulation is obviated by the use of RF welding. PCT Application WO 93/10985 published June 5, 1993, describes the joining of retro-reflective articles j "- of PVC to a canvas fabric coated with PVC using RF welding." This combination was then fused with hot air to a A tarpaulin vehicle cover or tarpaulin also coated with PVC To weld or heat the PVC coated fabric to the tarpaulin cover covered with PVC, the two surfaces were heated to approximately 400 to 600 ° C and the surfaces were then pressed together to achieve fusion with * "•« - • hot air. The purpose of the union of the intermediate canvas was to provide thermal insulation between the hot air and the retroreflective article attached to the canvas fabric to prevent thermal fusion, loss of retroreflection and destruction of the retroreflective article. The retroreflective items of cubic 5 corners constructed from PVC have relatively low coefficients of retroreflectivity, generally in the region of approximately 250 spark plugs per lux per square meter or less. A flexible retroreflective fabric material, using highly reflective, flexible, flexible polymeric retroreflective or prismatic elements, which is relatively easy to attach to the flexible fabric could be "clesable. d ~ BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION This invention provides a highly glossy, flexible, durable, compatible compatible retroreflector coating to be bonded to a flexible polymer-coated fabric material, comprising a polymeric prismatic retroreflective layer having a high coefficient of retroreflectivity and a polymer layer "- *" "compatible to join a cloth material coated with polymer, flexible. This invention provides a highly glossy, flexible, durable, compatible retroreflective coating for bonding to a polymer-coated flexible fabric material comprising a polymeric prismatic retroreflective layer having a high L5 retroreflectivity coefficient, a compatible polymeric layer, and a flexible polymer coated fabric material. The polymeric prismatic retroreflective layer will have a coefficient of retroreflectivity greater than about 250 spark plugs per lux per square meter and Z Or preferably greater than 400 spark plugs per lux per square meter. The flexible fabric material is suitable for use for personal fashion products, garments, and safety devices, as well as for use on vehicles such as awnings or vehicle covers, tarpaulins, and visible markers. A flexible, useful fabric material, ~. It is durable as well as flexible. The compatible layer is a polymeric material having suitable characteristics for the connection between a retroreflective layer and a flexible fabric material under conditions that use radio frequency welding and / or selective or machined thermal welding. The compatible layer is critical since the highly bright retroreflective layers use polymeric material are different from the polymeric coating ** - commonly used on flexible fabric materials. A compatible compatible layer, should form a suitable union to a retroreflective layer characterized by a tensile bond greater than 270 Newtons (60 lbf). The compatible layer should be properly bonded to the outer surface coated with polymer of a material of flexible fabric as characterized by a tear-off force in T greater than 8.8 N / cm (5 lbs / in). A useful compatible layer overcomes a bond, or connection, or compatibility between a highly glossy polymeric retroreflective layer and the external surface coated with polymer -from a flexible cloth material. Mechanical durability, visibility, and bonding can be easily altered by providing a coating * of polymer film suitable for the retroreflective layer.

Together with the retroreflective layer the coating can incorporate ultraviolet stabilizers to increase durability and may also contain colored or pigmented dyes to further increase daytime visibility. The compatible polymeric layer is typically a thermoplastic polymer having generally a lower melting point relative to the chosen polymer used in the retroreflective layer and will generally have a favorable dielectric loss factor. Where the flexible fabric materials have .. '** "been coated on its outer surface with polymers of PVC plasticized with monomeric plasticizers, the compatible layer can be chosen to function properly as a barrier to the migration of the plasticizer. A suitable compatible layer is not limited to a single polymer layer, but can also include multiple layers ] Of compatible polymers to achieve the attachment of a highly bright retroreflective layer to a flexible polymer coated material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS This invention will be better explained with reference to the drawings, in which: x ^ Figures la-d are schematic views in section of representative retroreflective layers known in the art; Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view of an intermediate manufacturing step for a retroreflective coating manufactured by the process of the present invention; Figure 3 is a view similar to that of X- ~ Figure 2 of an alternative embodiment of a process of manufacturing of retroreflective coating; Figure 4 is a schematic sectional view of a retroreflective flexible fabric material manufactured by the process of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic sectional view of a retroreflective flexible fabric material using an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a schematic sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a schematic sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 9 is a plan view describing the surface of the printing wheel shown in the Figure. These figures, which are ideal, are not to scale and are intended to be merely illustrative and not limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a useful flexible retroreflective fabric material adaptable for use in numerous applications, for example, but not limited to, the use by humans in safety or fashion articles or accessories such as personal bags or backpacks, the use for items for pets and other animals, as well as items for use on signs and machinery such as road signs, overlapping signs, covers or flexible vehicle awnings, tarps, warning tapes and visible markings. The flexible retroreflective fabric may comprise all or only any portion of those articles. These materials can also be useful in decorative and structural reinforcements to display graphic designs and logos as well as to provide patches to be attached to such articles. The most common flexible cloth material that has a polymer coated surface is the cloth material used by PVC that has been plasticized with monomeric plasticizers. Suitable base fabrics are thin fabrics or canvases of nylon, polyester and cotton. Generally, the PVC polymer is coated on at least the outer surface of the flexible cloth base and may contain additional chemicals for coloration and stabilization of the PVC to improve durability, weathering and wear ability. Frequently, a very thin additional coating of acrylic will be applied on a surface coated with PVC to increase the hardness of the PVC surface without significantly altering the physical and chemical properties of the PVC coating. PVC provides good flexibility, resistance to abrasion, stability to ultraviolet rays and operation at cold temperatures. Although PVC is also highly plasticized with monomeric plasticizers to achieve good flexibility. Typically PVC will contain up to 30 to 40% by weight of monomeric plasticizers. An alternative useful polymer material to coat? less an external surface of a cloth base is the copolymer of ethylene acrylic acid (EAA). Like the PVC polymer, the EAA is flexible, durable and resistant to abrasion but maintains flexibility without the need for plasticizers.The present invention provides a highly flexible, polymeric, retroreflective fabric material. 5 bright by providing compatible means for attaching a prismatic, polymeric, highly glossy retroreflective layer to a flexible polymer-coated fabric material Polymer prismatic retroreflective layers are well known in the art as well as the actual geometrical configuration of the prismatic elements on A retroreflective layer or sheet surface Polymeric materials suitable for use in the retroreflective layer provide a high retroreflectivity coefficient For the purposes of this invention, a high retroreflectivity coefficient is at least about 250 spark plugs per lux per square meter at an angle of observation of 0.2 ° and an entry angle of -4 ° for the average orientation angles of 0 ° and 0 90 °. In the present invention, the polymers useful in the retroreflective layer should satisfy and preferably exceed this level., preferably providing more than 400 spark plugs per lux per square meter and more preferably providing more than 600 spark plugs per lux per square meter. This optical performance requirement limits the convenience of PVC prismatic elements due to the inconvenience of PVC to provide a high coefficient of retroreflectivity during any period of time. This is mainly due to the use of monomeric plasticizers within the PVC and the coating layer of the retroreflective layer. What is needed is to provide flexibility using monomeric plasticizers, but at the cost of allowing ,,, - migration of monomeric plasticizers causing the deterioration of the optical properties in a retroreflective layer using PVC as the polymer. The invention provides a compatible layer that functions as a barrier to the migration of the monomeric plasticizer from a flexible fabric coated with PVC and the prismatic elements polymeric. Polymeric materials considered useful for the present invention include, but are not limited to polymers capable of transmitting at least 70% of the intensity of light incident on the polymer to a length-of given wave. More preferably, the polymers that are used in the retroreflective layer of the invention have a light transmission capacity greater than 80%, and more preferably greater than 90%. The polymeric materials used in the * "**" - prismatic elements can be thermoplastic or crosslinkable resins. Examples of thermoplastic polymers that can be used in the prismatic elements and the retroreflective layer 5 include acrylic polymers such as poly (methyl methacrylate); polycarbonates; cellulosics; polyesters such as poly (butylene terephthalate); poly (ethylene terephthalate); fluoropolymers; • "- polyamides, polyetherketones, poly (etherimide), polyolefins; "0 poly (styrene); copolymers of poly (styrene); polysulfone; urethanes, including aliphatic and aromatic polyurethanes; and mixtures of the above polymers such as a mixture of poly (ester) and poly (carbonate) and a fluoropolymer mixture. and acrylic polymer.

The fundamental reference for some possible aliphatic urethanes is made to U.S. Patent No. 5,117,304 (Huang et al.). Additional materials suitable for for the polymeric prismatic elements and the layer The retroreflective devices include reactive resin systems capable of being crosslinked by means of a free radical polymerization mechanism by exposure to actinic radiation, for example, electron beam, ultraviolet light or visible light. Additionally, those Materials can be polymerized by thermal means with "**" the addition of a thermal initiator such as benzoyl peroxide. Polymerizable cationic resins initiated by radiation can also be used. The reactive resins suitable for for the prismatic elements and the retroreflective layer may include mixtures of photoinitiator and at least one compound containing an acrylate group. Preferably the resin mixture contains a monofunctional, difunctional compound "* - or polyfunctional to ensure the formation of the network polymeric cross-linked after radiation. Examples of resins that are capable of being polymerized by a free radical mechanism include acrylic based resins derived from epoxies, polyesters, polyesters and urethanes, ethylenically unsaturated compounds, aplast derivatives having at least one group acrylic pendant, isocyanate derivatives having at least one acrylic group pendent, epoxy resins other than acrylated epoxies and mixtures and combinations thereof The term acrylate is used here to encompass both acrylates and methacrylates. 4,576,1350 (Martens) discloses examples of crosslinked resins that can be used in the prismatic elements and the retroreflective layer of the present invention. d Ethylenically unsaturated resins include both monomeric and polymeric compounds containing carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms, and optionally nitrogen, sulfur and halogens. The oxygen or nitrogen atoms, or both, are generally present in the ether, ester, urethane, amide and urea groups. The ethylenically unsaturated compounds preferably have a molecular weight of less than about 4,000 and / preferably are esters made from the reaction De of the compounds containing monohydroxy aliphatic groups, polyhydroxy aliphatic groups, and unsaturated carboxylic acids, such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, isocrotonic acid, maleic acid, and the like. Examples of photopolymerization initiators that can be mixed with the acrylic compounds include the following illustrative initiators: benzyl, methyl o-benzoate, benzoin, benzoin ethyl ether, benzoin isopropyl ether, benzoin isobutyl Ether, etc., benzylphenone / tertiary amine, acetophenones such as 2,2-diethoxyacetophenone, benzyl methyl ketal, 1-hydroxycyclohexylphenyl ketone, 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-propyl-1-one, 1- (4-isopropylphenyl) -2-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-1-one, 2-benzyl-2-N, N-dimethylamino-1- (4-morpholinophenyl) -1- 25 butanone, 2, 4, 6 oxide -trimethylbenzoyl-diphenylphosphine, 2-methyl-1-4- (methylthio), phenyl-2-morpholino-1-propinone, etc. The compounds can be used individually or in combination. The cationically polymerizable materials include but are not limited to materials containing epoxy and vinyl ether functional groups. These systems are photoinitiated by initiators of onium salts. Saline initiators such as triarylsulfonium salts, and diaryliodonium. Preferred polymers for prismatic elements include poly (carbonate), poly (methylmethacrylate), poly (ethylene terephthalate), aliphatic polyurethanes and crosslinked acrylates such as acrylates or multifunctional epoxides and acrylated urethanes mixed with mono and multifunctional monomers. These polymers are preferred for one or more of the following reasons: thermal stability, environmental stability, clarity, excellent release of manufacturing tools or molds, and the ability to receive a reflective coating *; Many of the polymers mentioned above for use on the prismatic elements on a surface of the retroreflective layer will not form suitable bonds directly with highly plasticized PVC or EAA. In addition, these prismatic elements may experience interference due to the migration and deposition of the monomeric plasticizers of the plasticized PVC material either from direct contact or as a vapor. The present invention provides an article and a manufacturing method for joining a highly glossy retroreflective layer to a flexible fabric material that overcome the incompatibility between the layers S. ' Highly bright retroreflective and coatings polymeric on flexible cloth materials. The present invention provides suitable polymeric compatible layers that provide adequate bonding to a retroreflective layer having polymeric prismatic elements on a surface as measured by the tensile bonding test described below and also characterized by a suitable bonding to a polymeric coating of a flexible fabric material as characterized by a suitable tear-off force as measured by a peel test in T described later. An additional quality in the appropriate polymer compatible layer is to act as a barrier to "the migration of the monomeric plasticizers that migrate from a flexible fabric material coated with PVC. d Polymers suitable for use in a compatible layer include the following, but are not limited to polyurethane, ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene N-butyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene acetate copolymer vinyl, polymerically plasticized PVC, and polyurethane primed with ethylene acrylic acid copolymer. Polymerically plasticized PVC is considered a polymer '""' different from monomerically plastified PVC because 0 polymeric plasticizers will not migrate from this type of PVC. Polymerically plasticized PVC remains flexible and does not cause deterioration of the optical performance of the retroreflective layer. The present invention comprises the construction 5 of a flexible fabric material, retroreflector, either from the simultaneous application of a retroreflective layer, a compatible layer and a flexible fabric coated with polymer or a preconstruction of a retroreflective coating comprising a retroreflective layer 0 attached to a layer compatible with the subsequent bond of the retroreflective cladding to a flexible polymer coated material The retroreflective cladding was constructed to retain an excellent degree of flexibility without any cracking or fracture or mechanical failure.For example, the cladding can be wound around curved surfaces or otherwise you do not plan without damage In one test, this flexibility was measured by rolling the retroreflective coating around a cylindrical mandrel having a diameter of 3.2 mm (0.125 in.) The test was performed at 0 ° C with good results, ie without visible cracking The polymers used for the retroreflective layer, the compatible layer and flexible coated fabric can be - /, different and the polymers used in the layer . ' 0 retroreflective and flexible coated fabric may also be incompatible for direct bonding. In a first construction mode, a suitable retroreflective layer, the compatible layer, and a flexible polymer-coated fabric material were simultaneously joined using radio frequency energy. The frequency of the radio frequency energy and the strength of the field can be varied by an operator and chosen in a suitable way depending on the polymeric components within the retroreflective layer, compatible layer, and fabric. flexible - covered with polymer. The choice depends on factors such as individual polymeric dielectric loss factors *, dielectric constants, melting temperatures and layer thicknesses.The radio frequency energy is released through antennas mounted within the appropriate plates that are pressed onto the appropriate surface of the retroreflective flexible cloth material by applying an appropriate amount of pressure and an appropriate duration of the radio frequency energy. An alternative embodiment of the present invention provides a selected or structured thermal weld of a retroreflective layer, the compatible layer, and the flexible fabric material coated with an impolymer. In an illustrative mode the components are pass between a pressure roller and a thermal embossing roller by applying a suitable pressure to the components on a raised embossing pattern which is on the surface of the embossing roller. The opposing force stamping roller is preferably a smooth surface roller of sufficiently hard rubber, for example a roller with a durometer of 85. The stamping roll is structured to exert pressure on the material that is welded only at the point of the embossed edges. As he The stamping roll as the hard durometer roller is heated to suitable temperatures depending on the composition * of the polymers used in the retroreflective layer, the compatible layer, and the polymeric coating on the flexible fabric material. The boss Embossing 25 may be of various suitable patterns such as linked chain patterns as described below. In another embodiment, the heat to achieve the bond between the compatible layer and the substrate is applied from a heating element. In an illustrative embodiment of this method, a heating element is placed between the retroreflective coating with the compatible layer and the substrate, preferably without being in direct contact with any, and then the retroreflective coating and the substrate are moved by the heating element. and they are passed between the pressure rollers after being heated so that a bond between the compatible layer and the substrate develops. The heating element, sometimes known as a hot wedge, may be configured so that essentially all of the lower surface of the compatible layer is softened to achieve a universal joint or may be configured such that the longitudinal portions of the coating compatible layer The retroreflector and the substrate are selectively joined as they pass through, for example, one or more bands or strips that extend in the direction of the retroreflective coating movement and the substrate as it passes through the pressure rollers. In an exemplary embodiment of this method, the hot wedge may be from about 10 to 20 millimeters wide, heated to about 460 ° C, the applied milling pressure is about 1.6 bar, and the retroreflective coating and the substrate is passed over the heating element and through the roller at approximately 6 meters / minute. The heating element may be configured to heat only one of the compatible layer and the substrate, although it is usually preferred that both components be heated to ensure that a strong bond is achieved. In another embodiment, the heat to achieve the bond between the compatible layer and the substrate is applied via hot air. A source of hot air can be used to heat the compatibil layer and / or the substrate sufficiently to achieve a bond and then the two fabrics are laminated under pressure. As with the previous embodiment, this technique can be used to achieve a substantial bond across the entire compatible layer or only in the selected portions thereof by controlling the flow of air so that it is directed only towards the edge exterior of the retroreflective coating. The latter method makes it possible to obtain a useful joint or weld between the compatible layer and the substrate in cases where the heat and pressure required for a joint are so high that the degradation of the retroreflective prismatic elements occurs. As with the heating element discussed above, the hot air source can be configured to heat only one of the compatible layer and the substrate, although it is usually preferred that both components be heated to ensure a strong bond is achieved. As will be understood, the temperature, speed of operation, and configuration of the welding of all those techniques should be chosen so as not to undesirably degrade the retroreflective coating, including its compatible layer, and the substrate. When a retroreflective coating is prefabricated prior to its application to a flexible polymer coated material, the present invention uses radio frequency welding, structured thermal welding, adhesive bonding and molding bonding to bond the compatible layer to the surface of the element prismatic retroreflector. The welding with radio frequency and structured thermal energy are as described above. These methods of bonding by welding can use previously formed compatible layers. Those previously formed compatible layers can be molded or extruded. The adhesive bonding of a previously formed compatible layer uses appropriate adhesives which can be thermal or pressure sensitive or suitable to achieve the tensile adhesive forces described below. An alternative joining method is the molding method by which a suitable compatible layer is molded directly on the surface of the prismatic element of a retroreflective layer. An additional alternative mode provides an improved barrier characteristic in which the layer , > retroreflective has a plurality of embossed septa on the prismatic surface for bonding the compatible layer. Figures la-d describe various constructions of retroreflective layers such as those known in the prior art. In Figure la, the retroreflective layer 20 comprises a lower portion 22 and a plurality of prismatic elements 24 projecting from a surface of the retroreflective layer 20. The retroreflective layer 20 represents a monolithic construction. Figure Ib describes a composite construction for a retroreflective layer 26 comprising a body portion 28 and a plurality of prismatic elements on a surface of the retroreflective layer 26. The polymeric materials used for the body 28 and the prismatic elements 30 are different.

Figure 1c describes a construction for a retroreflective layer 32 of monolithic construction having a lower portion 34 and a plurality of prismatic elements 36 on a surface of the retroreflective layer 32 and incorporating an overlay 38 as an integral portion of the retroreflective layer. 32. In Figure Id, a construction is presented ** in a retroreflective layer 40 comprising a lower portion 42, a plurality of prismatic elements 44 on a surface of the retroreflective layer 40, a body portion 46, and an upper layer 48. The relative percent of each portion can be variable, where, for example, the lower portion 42 can comprise virtually zero percent of the retroreflective layer 40. Each type of construction as depicted in the various Figures la-d are chosen considering the optical performance that will be required for the application of the retroreflective layers that should be to be used * s. Figure 2 describes the construction of a retroreflective coating 50 and comprising a retroreflective layer 52 and a compatible layer 54, which have been fused using the energy of the solder radio frequency from the plates 56 creating an RF weld 58 between the retroreflective layer 52 and the compatible layer 54. Figure 3 describes an alternative method for constructing a retroreflective coating 60 comprising a retroreflective layer 62 and a compatible layer 64 that pass between a stamping roll 66 and a durometer roller 70. The stamping roll 66 comprises a raised embossed edge 68 whereby by use • '* of heat and pressure between the rollers 66 and 70 a heat seal 72 between the retroreflective layer 62 and the compatible layer 64 corresponding to the structural relief flange 68. In Figure 4, an embodiment of the present invention is described in the flexible fabric material. retroreflective 80 comprising a retroreflective layer 82, a compatible layer 84, and a flexible fabric material 86. The retroreflective layer 82, the compatible layer 84 and the flexible fabric material 86 are fed between the rolls 88 and 92 creating a weld structured thermal 96 which corresponds to the raised pattern 90 on the surface of the embossing roller 88 with a defect in the surface "** 94" embossed on the flexible fabric 86 corresponding to the embossing pattern 90 on a embossing roller 88.

Figure 5 describes an alternative embodiment of the present invention for building a retroreflective flexible fabric material 100 comprising a retroreflective coating 102 and a flexible fabric material 104. The retroreflective coating 102 comprises a retroreflective layer 106 and a compatible layer 108 such as constructed using the radio frequency energy described in Figure 2. This method of construction leads to a depressed surface portion 110 and an RF weld 112 created by the pressure and heat generated by the radio frequency welding plates. The retroreflective coating 102 and the flexible fabric material 104 are fused using the radio frequency energy generated by the radio frequency antenna / plates of the electrode 114 creating a radio frequency welding 116. An alternative construction for a flexible retroreflective fabric material 120 is described in Figure 6, comprising a retroreflective coating 122 and a flexible fabric material 124. The retroreflective coating 122 comprises a retroreflective layer 126 having an upper layer 128 and a compatible layer 130, which has been previously constructed using the method described in the Figure 3, in which the retroreflective layer 126 with its top layer 128 were made to pass between a durometer roller and a stamping roll together with the compatible layer 130 which facilitates the thermal welding sites 132. The retroreflective coating 122 and the Flexible cloth material 124 undergoes fusion using the radio frequency energy of the plates 134 and the solder points 136. Figure 7 describes an alternative embodiment of the present invention in a flexible cloth material.

X retroreflective 150, comprising a coating retroreflector 152 and a flexible fabric material 154. The retroreflective coating 152 comprises a retroreflective layer 156 with an upper layer 158 and a compatible layer 160. The compatible layer 160 comprises a primer layer 162 and a carrier layer 163. The The retroreflective coating 152 is constructed in this embodiment using the method shown in Figure 3 wherein the retroreflective layer 156 with the top layer 158 is passed between a durometer and stamping roll together with the compatible layer 160 creating a weld thermal 164. The retroreflective coating 152 is welded to the flexible cloth material 154 using the radio frequency energy of the radio frequency energy plates 166 creating an RF weld 168. Figure 8 depicts a representation Schematic of an embodiment of the present invention in which a retroreflective flexible fabric material 180 is manufactured having a retroreflective layer 132, a compatible layer 184 and a flexible fabric material 186. The retroreflective layer 182, the compatible layer 184 and the flexible cloth material 186 is fed between a stamping roll 188 and a hard rubber roll 190. The stamping roll 188 has embossing elements 192 on its surface creating a thermal welding pattern within the flexible retroreflective fabric material 180 corresponding to the embossing pattern of the embossed edges 192. Figure 9 depicts a planar view of an embossing pattern 192 on the surface of the embossing roll 188 showing the measurements of the dimensions of pattern A, B and C, which are described later. The invention also incorporates prismatic elements specularly coated with metals and other suitable reflective coatings as means to alter the optical performance of the retroreflective layer. The invention anticipates the need to structure metallized coatings when using RF welding and to restrict RF welding to those regions free of any metallization. It should be recognized that a portion can comprise all /? surfaces of prismatic elements or at least all surfaces. Dyes, UV absorbers, light stabilizers, radical or antioxidant scavengers, processing aids and antiblocking agents, release agents, lubricants and other additives to the retroreflective layer and, the body portion or prismatic elements and the top layer can be added. , if they are used • The particular coloring selected, of course, depends on the desired color. Colorants are typically added at about 0.01 to 0.5 weight percent. UV absorbers are typically added at about 0.5 to 2.0 weight percent. UV absorbers include benzotriazole derivatives such as Tinuvin ™ 327,328,900 and 1130, Tinuvin-PMR, available from Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Ardsley, New York; chemical derivatives of benzophenone such as UvinulMR-M40, 408, and D-50, available from BASF Corporation, Clifton, New Jersey; SyntaseMR 230, 800, and 1200 available from Neville-Synthese Organics, Inc., Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and diphenylacrylate chemical derivatives such as UvinulMR-N3 ?, and 539, also available from BASF Corporation, Clifton, New Jersey. The light stabilizers that can be used include hindered amines, which Z5 are typically used at about 0.5 to 2.0 weight percent. Examples of hindered amine light stabilizers include Tinuvin ™ RM-144, 292, -622, and 770, and Chimassorb ™ -944 all available from Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Ardsley, New York. The antioxidant free radical scavengers can be used, typically, at about 0.01 to 0.5 percent by weight. Suitable antioxidants include hindered phenolic resins such as Irganox ™ 1010, 1076, 1035, and MD-1024, and IrgafosHR-168, available from Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Ardsley, New York. Small amounts of other process aids, typically no more than one percent by weight of the polymeric resin, can be added to improve the processability of the resin. Useful processing aids include fatty acid esters, and fatty acid amides, available from Glyco Inc., Norwalk, Connecticut, the metal stearate available from Henkel Corp., Hoboken, New Jersey, and Wax EMR available from Hoechst Celanese Corporation, Somerville, New Jersey. The adhesive forces of the retroreflective layers are measured using two types of tests, a tensile bond test and a T detach test. The tensile bond test is particularly useful for measuring the adhesive strength of small sealing patterns , as described in U.S. Patent No. 4,025,159 (McGrath); U.S. Patent No. 3,924,929 (Holmen); or as used in the High Intensity Grade Reflective coating of the 3M brand or the Diamond Grade Reflective Coating of the 3M brand sold by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St. Paul, Minnesota. The T-peel test is useful for measuring the adhesive strengths of the bonding of a retroreflective coating to a flexible polymer-coated fabric. The tensile bond test is based on ASTM D 952-93 in which the specimen to be tested is joined between two metal fittings. For the purposes of the following examples, the test was performed using a top fitting that is a cubic steel block of 25.4 mm presenting on each edge a surface of one square inch. A lower fixture is an aluminum plate 1.6 mm thick and 50 mm wide. For the test, a 30 mm square piece of the retroreflective sheeting of this invention was coated on top and bottom with a layer of a suitable pressure sensitive tape, such as 3M Scoth Adhesive Tape No 419. The coating was placed, the compatible layer on the underside over the center of the aluminum layer, and the metal block was placed on the top side of the coating. The coating was then cut around the edges of the upper block so that a sample of 25.4 x 25.4 mm square was tested. The assembled sandwich was then compressed with a force of 1900 Newton (425 lbs.) For 60 seconds. The steel hub was secured to the upper jaw of a standard tensile testing machine and the aluminum plate was secured along two sides in a lower tester fixture. The jaws were quickly separated at 500 mm / min (20 inches / min) and the force versus displacement curve was recorded and the peak or maximum force was reported. Well-bonded compatible layer samples resulted in peak or high peak forces, ie, greater than about 270 N (60 lbs) and preferably greater than about 450 N (100 lbs). The failure mode is typically cohesive (traction) within the compatible layer or in the prismatic element to the interface or interconnection of the compatible layer. In some cases, the specimen may fail in the adhesiveness in the tape used to secure the compatible layer or the film of the upper layer to the metallic accessories but if high maximum forces are developed, the result of the test will continue to indicate that a good bond between the compatible layer and the cubic films. Typically, a poorly bonded sample will fail in adhesion with the cubic film to the interface of the layer compatible with a low "*" * "maximum strength.For some pairs of materials, the bond will apparently be excellent but after rinsing the coating Sealed in water for 1 to 10 days the adhesive strength will significantly decrease indicating a lack of moisture resistance and possible failure under exteriors with wet conditions.10 days after washing, the maximum force could be greater than approximately 180 N (40 lbs. ) and preferably greater than about 360 N (80 lbs) .10 The T-peel test was based on the ASTM D 1876-93 except with the changes noted here. Samples were cut into strips 25.4 mm (1.0 inches) wide perpendicular to the RF or thermal weld. The speed of separation of the clamp was 305 mm / min (12 inches / min). The maximum release forces were reported, since the bond line is only about 5 mm in length in the direction of detachment. The characteristics and advantages of this invention will be better illustrated in the following examples. It should be recognized, however, that although the examples serve this purpose, the particular ingredients and quantities used, as well as the other conditions and details, were not constructed in a manner that could limit ¿. D unduly the scope of this invention. In general, for the following examples tested according to the T-peel test, the failure mode was cohesive at the interface of the polymeric coating / fabric.

Example 1 The molten polycarbonate resin (Makolon ™ 2407, distributed by Mobay Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) was emptied onto a hot micro-structured nickel tool containing micro-cubic prismatic cavities having a depth of approximately 80 micrometers (0.0035 inches). The microcubic cavities were formed as pairs corresponding cubic corner elements with the optical axis edged or inclined 8.15 degrees from the main groove, as generally described in the Patent North American No. 4,588,258 (Hoopman). The thickness of the nickel fabrication tool was 508 micrometers (0.020 inches) and the manufacturing tool was heated to 215.6 ° C (420 ° F). The molten polycarbonate at a temperature of 288 ° C (550 ° F) was emptied onto the manufacturing tool at a pressure of about 1.03 x 107 to 1.38 x 107 pascal (1500 to 2000 psi) during 0.7 seconds to duplicate the microcube cavities.

Along with the filling of the cubic cavities, additional polycarbonate was deposited in a continuous layer on top of the manufacturing tool with a thickness of approximately 104 micrometers (0.004 inches). A pre-extruded 50 micron (0.002 inch) thick aliphatic urethane polyester body layer (Morthane ™ PN03, distributed by Morton International, Seabrook, New Hampshire) was then laminated onto the upper surface of the continuous polycarbonate bottom layer when the The surface temperature was approximately 191 ° C (375 ° F). The manufacturing tool combined with the laminated polycarbonate and the polyurethane body layer were then cooled with air at room temperature for 18 seconds at a temperature of 71.1 to 87 ° C (160 to 190 ° F), allowing the materials to solidify. The sheet sample was then removed from the microstructured tool.

Example 2 The sheet sample of Example 1 was fed into the nip between a steel stamping roll and a durometer rubber roll 85 with the pre-extruded polyurethane layer * "*" compatible. The compatible layer was protected by a 25 micrometer (0.001 inch) polyester terephthalate film on top of the steel stamping roll. The sheet sample of Example 1 was also protected with a 51 micrometer (0.002 inch) polyester terephthalate film on top of the rubber roll. The previously extruded compatible layer has a thickness of 51 micrometers (0.002 inches) and is a mixture of 60% The aliphatic polyester urethane (MorthaneMR PN03, distributed by Morton International, Seabrook, New Hampshire) with 40% of a pigmented aromatic polyester urethane (the pigmented aromatic polyester urethane is comprised of 50% aromatic polyester urethane, Tin 58810MR BF Goodrich Co. , Cleveland, Ohio, and 50% titanium dioxide, previously compounded and kneaded in a twin screw extruder). The stamping pattern is of a chain link configuration as shown in Figure 9. The surface temperature of the stamping roll was of 210 ° and (410 ° F) and the surface temperature of the rubber roller was 63 ° C (145 ° F). The rolls were rotated at a surface speed of 6.09 etros / min. (20 ft / min.) And the force on the contact line between the rollers was maintained at 114 N / cm (65 lbs / inch). The protective layers of polyester terephthalate were then removed from the samples. The sheet sample including the compatible layer was then tested to determine the adhesion strength according to the tensile test described above. This example produced a sheet with a tensile strength of 400 N (90 lbf).

Example 3 A sheet sample of Example 1 was coated together with a compatible polyurethane layer as described in Example 2 on top of a plastic coated PVC coated fabric (Duraskin ™ B129134, distributed by Verseidag-Indutex GmbH, Krefeld, Germany). The sample was welded using a bar-shaped matrix, 3.2 mm (0.125 inches) wide. A radio frequency energy of approximately 1.20 kW was used at a frequency of 27.12 MHz for a rest of 2.8 seconds and a pressure of 346 N / cm2 (502 psi) to achieve satisfactory welding. The welding equipment was from Thermatron, Electronics "* Division of Wilcox and Gibbs, New York, New York.

The sample was measured to determine the adhesion strength in the 180 ° T release mode, and the results are shown in Table 1.

Example 4 A sheet sample of Example 1 was laminated together with a compatible layer of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (Ultrathane ™ UE 646-04 distributed by Quantum, Cincinnati, Ohio) previously extruded with a thickness equal to 104 micrometers (0.004 inches) and also was placed on top of a plastic coated PVC fabric (Duraskin ™ B129134, distributed by Verseidag-Indutex GmbH, Krefeld, Germany) as shown in the Figure. The sample was welded using an aluminum rod-shaped matrix, 3.2 mm (0.125 inches) wide, 7.5 cm (3 inches) long. A radio frequency energy of approximately 1.28 kW was used at a frequency of 27.12 MHz for a rest of 2.8 seconds and a pressure of 346 N / cm2 (502 psi) to achieve satisfactory welding using the same equipment described in Example 3. d The sample was measured to determine the adhesion strength in the 180 ° T release mode, and the results are shown in Table 1.

Example 5 The sheet sample described in Example 2 was coated directly on top of a cloth coated with plasticized PVC as described in Example 3. The sample was welded using a matrix in the form of an aluminum rod, 3.2 mm (0.125 inches) wide. A radio frequency force of approximately 120 kW was used at a frequency of 27.12 MHz for an i5 standstill of 2.8 seconds and a pressure of 346 N / cm2 (502 psi) ^ to achieve satisfactory welding using the same equipment described in Example 3. The sample was measured to determine the adhesion strength in the release mode in T at 180 °, "and the results are shown in Table 1.

J "Example 6 A sheet sample was coated together with a compatible polyurethane layer on top of a plastic coated PVC coated fabric as described in Example 3. The sample was thermally bonded using a hot runner-shaped matrix in a press. plates model PW 220H, distributed by Pasadena Hidraulics, Inc., Brea, California. The channel-shaped matrix consisted of parallel relief sections with a width of approximately 6.35 mm (0.25 inches). The width of the channel was approximately 50.8 mm (2.00 inches). Approximately 690 to 759 N / cm2 (1000 to 1100 psi) were applied for approximately 3 seconds with the top plate at 132 ° C (270 ° F) and lower plate at 48.9 ° C (120 ° F) to achieve a satisfactory bond. The sample was measured to detect adhesion resistance in the 180 ° T release mode, the results are shown in Table 1.

Example 7 A sheet sample was coated directly onto the top of a plasticized PVC coated fabric as described in Example 5. The sample was thermally bonded using a hot runner in a plate press under the conditions described in FIG. Example 6. The sample was measured to determine the adhesion strength in the 180 ° T release mode, the results are shown in Table 1.

Example 8 A sheet sample was coated together with a compatible polyurethane layer on top of a plastic coated PVC coated fabric as described in Example 3. The coated sample was then fed into the contact point between a steel stamping roll with a chain link pattern and a rubber support roller as described in Example 2. The side of the coated fabric of the coated sample was placed on top of the rubber roller. The surface temperature of the steel roll was 149 ° C (300 ° F) and the temperature "* of the surface of the rubber roll was 26.7 ° C (80 ° F) .The rolls were rotated at a speed surface of 1.52 meters / min (5.0 ft / min.), and the force on the contact line between the rollers was maintained at 2030 N / cm (180 lbs / inch) .The sample was measured to detect adhesion strength in the 180 ° T release mode, and the results are shown in table 1.

Example 9 The sheet sample of Example 1 was fed between the contact line of a steel stamping roll and a rubber roll with a pre-extruded polyurethane-compatible copolymer layer of ethylene acrylic acid copolymer. The compatible layer was protected by a 26 micrometer (0.001 inch) polyester terephthalate film after the steel stamping roll. The sheet sample of Example 1 was also protected by a 26 micrometer (0.001 inch) polyester terephthalate film after the "" rubber roll. The previously extruded compatible layer was 52 micrometers (0.002 inches) of total thickness * and was of a double-layer primed film.The first layer used a polymer of transparent ethylene acrylic acid of 26 micrometers (0.001 inches) (PrimacorHR 3440, The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Michigan) An aliphatic urethane primer was applied to the first layer to promote adhesion of the polycarbonate compatible layer of the foil specimen.The primer (Q-taneMR QC-4820, KJ Quinn and Co., Inc., Seabrook, New Hampshire) was solvent coated to form a layer having a final dry coating thickness of approximately 2.5 micrometers (0.0001 inches) .The second layer was also 26 micrometers (0.001 inch). '-' 'inches) thick and a mixture of 60% ce was used copolymer of ethylene acrylic acid (Primacor ™ 3440) with 40% of a copolymer of pigmented ethylene acrylic acid. The second layer was adjacent to the polyester terephthalate protection film. The pigmented polyethylene-acrylic acid was comprised of 50% of copolymer of ethylene acrylic acid (Primacor ™ 3440) and 50% titanium dioxide, previously composed in a twin-screw extruder and kneader. The patterned pattern was the chain link configuration as in Example 2. The surface temperature of the embossing roller was of 182 ° C- (360 ° F) and the surface temperature of the rubber roller was 49 ° C (120 ° F). The rolls were rotated at surface speeds of 6.09 etros / min. (20 ft / min.) And the force on the contact line between the rollers was maintained at 2030 N / cm d (180 lbs / inch).

The sheet sample including the compatible layer was then tested to determine the tensile bond strength according to the previously described tensile test giving a value of 400 Newtons (93 lbf).

Example 10 A sheet sample described in Example 9 was coated directly on top of a fabric coated with EAA, such as the fabric / backing used in the manufacture of the 3M Series Scotchlite Retroflective Overlayer Sign Coatings RS84, as described in FIG. generally in the commonly assigned co-pending application entitled High Strength Non-Chlorinated Multiple Layer Polymer Product Serial No. 08 / 082,037, filed on June 24, 1994. The sample was thermally bonded using a hot, channel-like matrix. - in a plate press as described in the Example 6. Approximately 690 to 759 N / cm2 were applied (1000 to 1100 psi) for about 3 seconds with the top plate at 149 ° C (300 ° F) and the bottom plate at 48.9 ° C (120 ° F) to achieve a satisfactory bond.

The sheet sample including the compatible layer was then tested to determine the strength of the bond according to the tensile test described above and the results are given in Table 1.

Table 1 Example Number of Release Force in T in Newtons / cm 3 19.6 4 8.9 5 15.6 6 29.5 7 34.1 8 11.8 10 30.5 Example 11 To demonstrate the migration effects of the monomeric plasticizers, a retroreflective layer was produced according to the method of Example 1 which was then coated onto a tarpaulin as described in Example 3 oriented with the surface of the prismatic elements towards the bright side of the fabric coated with polymer. This combination was sealed around the perimeter with adhesive tape completely closing the structure. A second similar sample was prepared but with the inclusion of 50 micrometer (0.002 inch) thick polyurethane film as described in Example 2 placed between the surface of the prismatic elements of the retroreflective layer and the flexible PVC coated fabric. The initial coefficients of retroreflection were measured at an observation angle of 0.2 ° and an input angle of -4 ° on a retrosuminometer, model MCS-7-7.0, from Todd Products Corporation, Farmington, New York, obtaining values of approximately 1,400 spark plugs per lux per square meter. These samples were then placed in an oven for 14 days at 70 ° C (150 ° F) to accelerate the migration of the monomeric plasticizer. It was estimated that this test predicts functioning for two years at room temperature. The coefficient of retroreflectivity was measured after this exposure. The retroreflective layer in the sample that does not contain the compatible layer ** acts as a barrier to the migration of the monomeric plasticizer that looks milky and has a coefficient of retroreflectivity of 4 spark plugs per lux per square meter, equating to a loss of more than 99% retroreflectivity. The sample that included the compatible layer that acts as a barrier to the migration of the monomeric plasticizer, the retroreflective layer did not have any milky appearance and retained 100% of its original retroreflectivity. The various modifications and alterations of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this. / -. invention. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is that which is clear from the present description of the invention. Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following:

Claims (29)

* ^ CLAIMS

1. A method for manufacturing a flexible retroreflective coating suitable for directly attaching to a flexible polymer coated fabric, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a retroreflective layer having a plurality of polymeric prismatic elements on a 10 surface and a high coefficient of retroreflectivity; select a first polymeric material to be used as a compatible layer, which is suitable for joining directly L5 to the retroreflective layer and to the polymer-coated, flexible fabric; placing the compatible layer on the surface of the retroreflective layer having prismatic elements; and 20 ~ attaching the compatible layer to the retroreflective layer which forms a flexible reflective coating having a compatible surface which is suitable for the subsequent direct solder connection The polymeric coating is comprised of a second polymeric material.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the joining of the compatible layer to the retroreflective layer includes a joining method selected from the following: radio frequency welding, structured thermal welding, adhesive bonding, and connection by molding

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that a portion of the retroreflective layer is coated in a specular manner.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises the step of attaching the retroreflective coating to a flexible polymer coated fabric.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that it further comprises the step of joining the flexible, retroreflective fabric material to a second flexible polymer material coated with polymer using melting with hot air. • * "

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the compatible layer is attached to the fabric via a joining method selected from the following: radio frequency welding, welding 5 structured thermal, adhesive bond and union by molding.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the compatible layer of the retroreflective coating is bonded to the fabric using At least one of a jet of forced hot fusion air or a heating element for heating at least one of the compatible layer of the fabric so that when the compatible layer is brought into contact with the fabric a bond is formed between them. .

8. A method for manufacturing a flexible retroreflective fabric material, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a flexible 20-material material having an outer surface coated with polymer; ** provide a retroreflective coating with a high coefficient of retroreflectivity, the coating 25 has; a retroreflective layer comprising a first polymeric material and having a plurality of polymeric prismatic elements on a surface; and a polymer compatible layer comprising a second polymeric material bonded to the surface of the prismatic elements; placing the retroreflective coating so that the compatible layer is brought into contact with the outer surface of the flexible fabric material; and welding the retroreflective coating directly to the outer surface of the flexible fabric material.

9. A method for manufacturing a flexible retroreflective fabric material, the method is characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing a flexible fabric material having an outer surface coated with polymer; providing a retroreflective layer having a plurality of polymeric prismatic elements on a surface; provide a polymer compatible layer; placing the surface of the prismatic elements on the retroreflective layer on the compatible layer and the flexible fabric material so that the compatible layer is between the outer surface of the flexible fabric material and the retroreflective coating; and simultaneously welding the retroreflective layer to the compatible layer and the outer surface of the flexible material.

The method according to claim 9, characterized in that the retroreflective layer comprises a polymer top layer.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that the upper layer comprises a polymer identical to the compatible layer.

12. The method according to any of claims 8 or 10, characterized in that the welding effects the union between the compatible layer and the external surface of the flexible fabric material characterized by a T-peel force of approximately 8.8 N / cm (5 lbs. per inch).

13. The method according to any of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the outer surface of the flexible fabric material is covered by a first polymer, the retroreflective layer comprises a second polymer and the polymer compatible layer comprises a third polymer, each of the First, second, and third polymers are different. "

14. A flexible laminated retroreflective material suitable for being applied to a flexible fabric material having an outer surface coated with polymer, the retroreflective material is characterized in that it comprises: a retroreflective layer having a plurality of polymeric prismatic elements on a surface, the The retroreflective layer has a high coefficient of retroreflectivity, and a polymer compatible layer comprising a first polymeric material placed in such a way that the polymer compatible layer is bonded to the surface of the prismatic element of the retroreflective layer and is suitably compatible for welding bonding. After the direct backing of the compatible layer to the outer surface coated with polymer from a flexible fabric material, the polymer on the outer surface of the flexible fabric material comprises a second polymeric material.

15. The retroreflective material according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises a flexible cloth material welded directly to the compatible layer, the flexible cloth material has an outer surface coated with polymer.

16. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the flexible retroreflective coating has a flexibility characterized in that it conforms to a mandrel of 3.2 mm (0.125"inches) in diameter at 0 ° C without cracking or visible fractures.

17. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the article is selected from the list of articles comprising a portion of a road sign, a superimposed signal, article of clothing, an accessory bag, a backpack, a protective cover, a coating, a tarpaulin, a warning tape, a decorative fabric, a structural fabric, or patches attached to such articles.

18. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that a portion of the retroreflective layer is covered in a specular manner.

19. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the compatible layer comprises a polymer having a dielectric loss factor greater than about 0.06.

20. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the compatible layer includes two polymers selected from a list consisting of polyurethane, ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene n-butyl acrylate copolymer, ethylene ethyl acrylate copolymer, copolymer of ethylene vinyl acetate, or a polyvinyl chloride containing a polymeric plasticizer.

21. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the compatible layer is attached to the retroreflective layer with a tensile adhesion strength greater than about 270 Newtons (60 lbt).

22. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the compatible layer is bonded to the polymeric prismatic elements with a tensile adhesion strength greater than about 270 Newtons (60 lbf). 2 * 5.

The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the welding of the retroreflective coating to the flexible polymer coated fabric is achieved using the radio frequency energy.

24. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the welding of the retroreflective coating to the flexible polymer-coated fabric was achieved using a structured thermal welding or selective thermal welding.

25. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the compatible layer comprises a polymer suitable as a barrier for the migration of a monomeric plasticizer.

26. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the polymeric prismatic elements include a polymer selected from a list of polymers consisting of acrylic, polycarbonate, polyester, polyurethane or crosslinked acrylates. 2"7.

The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the retroreflective coating comprises a coating having a coefficient of retroreflectivity of more than about 250 spark plugs per lumen.

28. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the welding achieves the union between the compatible layer and the outer surface of the flexible fabric material characterized by a T-peel force of about 8.8 N / cm (5 pounds per inch).

29. The article according to claim 14, characterized in that the outer surface of the flexible fabric material is coated with a first polymer, the prismatic elements comprise a second polymer, and the compatible layer comprises a third polymer, each of the first, second, and third polymers are different.