U.S. patent application number 11/365944 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-06 for vapor permeable retroreflective garment.
This patent application is currently assigned to 3M Innovative Properties Company. Invention is credited to Rino A. Feduzi, Robert L. JR. Jensen, Jeanine M. Shusta.
Application Number | 20060143772 11/365944 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25440100 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060143772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Feduzi; Rino A. ; et
al. |
July 6, 2006 |
Vapor permeable retroreflective garment
Abstract
The disclosure describes vapor permeable retroreflective
material for use on protective garments. The material may be formed
in a non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of
retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability
to prevent exposure to trapped thermal energy and heated moisture.
The non-continuous retroreflective pattern may include
retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions arranged
such that thermal decay through the protective garment is not
substantially decreased in the regions corresponding to the
retroreflective material. Rather, vapor permeation and thermal
decay through the garment may be substantially the same as if the
retroreflective material was not present.
Inventors: |
Feduzi; Rino A.; (Ranco,
IT) ; Jensen; Robert L. JR.; (Oakdale, MN) ;
Shusta; Jeanine M.; (Mahtomedi, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
PO BOX 33427
ST. PAUL
MN
55133-3427
US
|
Assignee: |
3M Innovative Properties
Company
|
Family ID: |
25440100 |
Appl. No.: |
11/365944 |
Filed: |
March 1, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11183027 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
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11365944 |
Mar 1, 2006 |
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09918267 |
Jul 30, 2001 |
6931665 |
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11183027 |
Jul 15, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
2/69 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 428/2804 20150115;
Y10T 428/31554 20150401; A62B 99/00 20130101; G02B 5/124 20130101;
A41D 31/32 20190201; Y10T 428/24545 20150115; Y10S 2/904 20130101;
A41D 31/102 20190201; A41D 13/01 20130101; A62B 17/00 20130101;
G02B 5/128 20130101; Y10T 428/24802 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
002/069 |
International
Class: |
A41D 13/00 20060101
A41D013/00 |
Claims
1-62. (canceled)
63. A high visibility safety garment for wearing by an individual
exposed to hazardous vehicular traffic, said garment constructed to
comply with retroreflection standards of an acknowledged and
recognized safety garment standard specifying a minimum coefficient
of retroreflectivity R.sub.min for a horizontal stripe on a safety
garment intended for encircling the torso of an individual wearing
the safety garment, comprising: a torso covering safety garment
base formed at least partially of a fluorescent colored background
material; a horizontal high visibility retroreflective safety
stripe attached to and encircling the base so as to encircle the
torso of a garment wearer; said stripe having a plurality of
disconnected but closely spaced stripe segments separated by stripe
spaces to approximate a continuous stripe in appearance; said
stripe segments formed of a retroreflective material having a
coefficient of retroreflection R.sub.A; said stripe segments and
stripe spaces occupying an area A.sub.stripe, and said stripe
segments occupying an area A.sub.segment that is a sufficient
percentage of the area A.sub.stripe to satisfy the relationship
(A.sub.segment/A.sub.stripe).times.R.sub.A.gtoreq.R.sub.min.
64. The safety garment of claim 63 including: one or more
additional safety stripes on the garment base formed of
disconnected but closely spaced stripe segments that are formed of
a material having a coefficient of retroreflection and occupy a
percentage of the total area occupied by the stripe to satisfy said
relationship.
65. The safety garment of claim 64 wherein: said additional stripes
are vertical.
66. The safety garment of claim 65 wherein: said base is configured
as a safety vest.
67. The safety garment of claim 64 wherein: said stripes have an
area and said stripe segments have a coefficient of retroreflection
so as to comply with the standard of ANSI/ISEA 107 for a class 1
garment.
68. The safety garment of claim 64 wherein: said stripes have an
area and said segments have a coefficient of retroreflection so as
to comply with the standards of a ANSI/ISEA 107 for a Class 2
garment.
69. The safety garment of claim 64 wherein: said stripes have an
area, and said stripe segments have a coefficient of
retroreflection so as to comply with the standards of ANSI/ISEA 107
for a Class 3 garment.
70. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said base is configured
as a tee shirt.
71. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said base is configured
as a jacket.
72. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said base and stripe
are in compliance with the standards specified in the American
National Standards Institute for High Visibility Safety
Apparel.
73. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said stripe has an area
and said stripe segments have a coefficient of retroreflection so
as to comply with European standard EN471.
74. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said stripe has a width
of at least 35 mm, said base has an exposed background material
area of at least 775 square inches and a stripe area of at least
201 square inches.
75. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said stripe has a width
of at least 50 mm, said base has an exposed background material
area of at least 1240 square inches and a stripe area of at least
310 square inches.
76. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said segments are
comprised of closed geometric figures in the shape of a
parallelogram, in a repetitive segment-space pattern.
77. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said segments are
comprised of closed geometric figures in the shape of chevrons, in
a repetitive segment-space pattern.
78. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said segments are
comprised of closed geometric figures in the shape of crosses, in a
repetitive segment- space pattern.
79. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said segments are
comprised of closed geometric figures in the shape of pentagons, in
a repetitive segment-space pattern.
80. The safety garment of claim 63 wherein: said stripe includes
identifying indicia.
81. A high visibility safety garment for wearing by an individual
exposed to hazardous vehicular traffic, said garment constructed to
comply with retroreflection standards of an acknowledged and
recognized safety garment standard specifying a minimum coefficient
of retroreflection for a horizontal stripe on a safety garment
intended for encircling the torso of an individual wearing the
safety garment, comprising: a torso covering safety garment base
formed of a fluorescent colored background material; a horizontal
high visibility retroreflective safety stripe attached to and
encircling the garment base so as to encircle the torso of a
wearer; said safety stripe having top and bottom borders and a
length so as to define a stripe area; said safety stripe having a
plurality of disconnected but closely spaced stripe segments to
approximate a continuous stripe in appearance; said stripe segments
formed of a retroreflective material having a coefficient of
retroreflection higher than the minimum coefficient of
retroreflection specified by the standard being addressed; said
stripe segments occupying a portion of the total area of the stripe
sufficient that when the ratio of the surface area occupied by the
stripe segments to the total stripe area is multiplied by the
retroreflection coefficient of the segment material, the result is
at least equal to the minimum coefficient of retroreflection
specified by the standard being addressed.
82. The safety garment of claim 81 including: one or more
additional safety stripes on the garment base formed of
disconnected but closely spaced stripe segments that are formed of
a material having a coefficient of retroreflection and occupy a
percentage of the total area occupied by the stripe to satisfy said
relationship.
83. The safety garment of claim 82 wherein: said additional stripes
are vertical.
84. The safety garment of claim 82 wherein: said base is configured
to be a safety vest.
85. The safety garment of claim 83 wherein: said base is configured
to be a jacket.
86. The safety garment of claim 82 wherein: said base is configured
to be a tee shirt.
87. The safety garment of claim 81 wherein: said stripe has an area
and said stripe segments have a coefficient of retroreflection so
as to comply with the standard of ANSI/ISEA 107 for a garment
chosen from the category of class 1, 2 or 3.
88. The safety garment of claim 81 wherein: said segments are
comprised of closed geometric figures in a repetitive pattern for
the length of the stripe.
89. The safety garment of claim 81 wherein: said safety stripe
includes identifying indicia.
90. A high visibility safety garment for wearing by an individual
exposed to hazardous vehicular traffic, said garment constructed to
comply with retroreflection standards of an acknowledged and
recognized safety garment standard specifying a minimum coefficient
of retroreflection for a horizontal stripe on a safety garment
intended for encircling the torso of an individual wearing the
safety garment, comprising: a torso covering safety garment base
formed of a fluorescent colored background material; a horizontal
high visibility retroreflective safety stripe attached to and
encircling the garment base so as to encircle the torso of a
wearer; said safety stripe having top and bottom boarders and a
length so as to define a stripe area; said stripe including a
plurality of disconnected but closely spaced stripe segments formed
of a retroreflective material and that together occupy a sufficient
amount of the total stripe area such that the stripe has a
composite coefficient of retroreflection that equals or exceeds the
coefficient of retroreflection specified by the standard being
addressed.
91. A graphic transfer device for use in fabrication of the high
visibility safety stripe for a high visibility safety garment for
wearing by an individual exposed to hazardous vehicular traffic,
said garment constructed to comply with retroreflection standards
of an acknowledged and recognized safety garment standard
specifying a minimum coefficient of retroreflection for a
horizontal stripe on a safety garment intended for encircling the
torso of an individual wearing the safety garment, having a torso
covering safety garment base formed of a fluorescent colored
background material, a horizontal high visibility retroreflective
safety stripe attached to and encircling the garment base so as to
encircle the torso of a wearer; said safety stripe including a
plurality of disconnected but closely spaced stripe segments to
approximate a continuous stripe in appearance, said stripe segments
formed of a retroreflective material having a coefficient of
retroreflection higher than the minimum coefficient of
retroreflection specified by the standard being addressed,
comprising: a flexible backing; a layer of retroreflective optical
elements adhered to one surface of the backing and having a
coefficient of retroreflection that is greater than the minimum
coefficient of retroreflection specified by the standard being
addressed; a plurality of disconnected but closely spaced adhesive
strips located on said bead layer forming a stripe pattern
corresponding to the intended safety stripe pattern of disconnected
but closely spaced stripe segments of a retroreflective material
occupying a sufficient portion of the total stripe area such that
when the ratio of the surface area occupied by the stripe segments
to the total stripe area is multiplied by the retroreflection
coefficient of the segment material, the result is at least equal
to the minimum coefficient of retroreflection specified by the
standard being addressed; said adhesive strips having a heat
activated adhesive whereby the pattern of adhesive strips can be
adhered to a high visibility safety garment base with adhering
retroreflective optical elements facing outward as part of the
fabrication process of attaching a high visibility safety stripe to
the garment base.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to retroreflective material, and
more particularly retroreflective material for use on protective
garments.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Retroreflective materials have been developed for use in a
variety of applications, including road signs, license plates,
footwear, and clothing patches to name a few. Retroreflective
materials are often used as high visibility trim materials in
clothing to increase the visibility of the wearer. For example,
retroreflective materials are often added to protective garments
worn by firefighters, rescue personnel, EMS technicians, and the
like.
[0003] Retroreflectivity can be provided in a variety of ways,
including by use of a layer of tiny glass beads or microspheres
that cooperate with a reflective agent, such as a coated layer of
aluminum. The beads can be partially embedded in a binder layer
that holds the beads to fabric such that the beads are partially
exposed to the atmosphere. Incident light entering the exposed
portion of a bead is focused by the bead onto the reflective agent,
which is typically disposed at the back of the bead embedded in the
binder layer. The reflective agent reflects the incident light back
through the bead, causing the light to exit through the exposed
portion of the bead in a direction opposite the incident
direction.
[0004] Retroreflective materials can be particularly useful to
increase the visibility of fire and rescue personnel during
nighttime and twilight hours. In some situations, however,
firefighter garments can be exposed to extreme temperatures during
a fire, causing the retroreflective material to trap heat inside
the garment. Under certain conditions, the trapped heat can result
in discomfort or even burns to the skin of the firefighter.
[0005] In particular, moisture collected under the retroreflective
material may expand rapidly when exposed to the extreme temperature
from the fire. If the expanded moisture is unable to quickly
permeate through the retroreflective material, the firefighter can
be exposed to extreme temperatures. In some cases, this can result
in steam burns on the skin of the firefighter underneath the
portions of the garment having the retroreflective material.
Conventional retroreflective materials, including perforated
retroreflective materials generally exhibit this phenomenon. For
example, conventional perforated retroreflective materials include
standard retroreflective trim having needle punched holes, laser
punched holes, slits, or relatively large holes made with a paper
punch.
SUMMARY
[0006] In general, this disclosure describes vapor permeable
retroreflective material for use on protective garments. For
example, the material can be formed on the protective garment in a
non-continuous pattern that provides a high-level of
retroreflective brightness, yet also provides adequate permeability
to prevent exposure to heated moisture and prolonged exposure to
extreme temperatures.
[0007] In particular, the non-continuous pattern may include
retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions. The
regions are arranged such that the retroreflective regions do not
substantially decrease thermal decay or vapor permeability. Rather,
vapor permeability and thermal decay through the protective garment
may be substantially the same as if the retroreflective pattern was
not present.
[0008] In one aspect, a garment includes a protective outer layer
such as an outer shell of a firefighter outfit, and a reflective
material formed over a first portion of the protective outer layer.
The retroreflective material can be formed in a non-continuous
pattern to define retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective
regions. Thermal decay through the first portion may be
substantially equal to thermal decay through a second portion of
the protective garment not covered by retroreflective material.
Alternatively or additionally, vapor permeability through the first
portion may be substantially equal to vapor permeability through a
second portion of the protective garment not covered by
retroreflective material. The garment may comprise an outer shell
of a firefighter outfit and the first portion may comprise
retroreflective trim on the outer shell of the firefighter outfit.
In some aspects, the first portion formed with the non-continuous
retroreflective pattern may have a reflective brightness greater
than 50 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2) or even greater than 250
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2).
[0009] In another aspect, a protective outfit includes a first
layer, a second layer and a third layer. The first layer may be an
outer shell including a non-continuous retroreflective portion that
has retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions and a
second portion that does not have retroreflective regions.
Moreover, vapor permeability and/or thermal decay through the
non-continuous retroreflective portion may be substantially equal
to vapor permeability through the second portion. The protective
outfit may be a firefighter outfit in which the second layer is a
moisture barrier and the third layer is a thermal liner.
Alternatively, the protective outfit may be a thermal control
outfit in which the second layer is a liquid retaining layer and
the third layer is a waterproof vapor permeable layer. Again, the
non-continuous retroreflective portion may have a reflective
brightness greater than 50 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2) or even
greater than 250 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2).
[0010] In other aspects, an article may include a first material,
such as a durable cloth backing made of the same material as an
outer shell of a firefighter outfit. In addition, the article may
include retroreflective material formed on the first material
according to a non-continuous pattern defining retroreflective
regions and non-retroreflective regions,. The retroreflective
material can be arranged such that it does not substantially
decrease thermal decay through the article. These retroreflective
regions and vapor permeable non-retroreflective regions may form
any of a variety of different configurations as described in
greater detail below. The presence of the retroreflective regions
may not substantially decrease thermal decay and or vapor
permeability through the article. In one particular case, the
article comprises a retroreflective patch for use on a garment. The
material defining the non-continuous pattern may have a reflective
brightness greater than 50 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2) or even
greater than 250 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2).
[0011] In still other aspects, this disclosure describes one or
more methods. For example, a method may include screen printing an
adhesive pattern on a protective garment and pressing
retroreflective beads on the adhesive pattern to create a
retroreflective pattern. Vapor permeability and/or thermal decay
through the protective garment in portions having the
retroreflective pattern may be substantially the same as vapor
permeability and/or thermal decay through the protective garment in
portions of the garment that do not have the retroreflective
pattern.
[0012] Alternatively, a method may include mixing retroreflective
beads into an adhesive material and screen printing a pattern on a
protective garment using the mixture. Again, vapor permeability
and/or thermal decay through the protective garment in portions
having the screened pattern may be substantially the same as vapor
permeability and/or thermal decay through the protective garment in
portions of the garment that do not have the screened pattern.
[0013] Non-continuous vapor permeable material can provide several
advantages. In particular, unlike conventional retroreflective
material, including perforated retroreflective material, the
non-continuous vapor permeable material can provide improved
thermal and vapor transfer through protective garments having
retroreflective material thereon. Unlike conventional perforated
retroreflective material that can decrease vapor permeability and
thermal decay, this disclosure provides techniques for fixing
retroreflective material to protective garments without
substantially effecting the permeability of the garment, thereby
reducing the risk of injury due to heated moisture and extreme
temperatures. In addition, the techniques described herein can
provide improved thermal decay through an outer shell versus the
use of conventional retroreflective material, such as perforated
retroreflective material, thereby allowing any heat trapped within
the protective outfit to escape.
[0014] Other advantages of the non-continuous retroreflective
material include the ability to use highly retroreflective material
on a protective garment without risking potential injury to the
wearer of the garment due to extreme temperatures. The use of
retroreflective material is particularly important during nighttime
and twilight hours when visibility is low. The disclosure below can
provide for the creation of non-continuous retroreflective material
having a reflective brightness greater than 50
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2) or even greater than 250
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2) without substantially changing the vapor
permeability and thermal decay of the garment.
[0015] In addition, providing retroreflective material on
protective outfits using screen printing techniques or other
techniques described herein can improve the production of
protective outfits. Moreover, the retroreflective patterns created
as described below may be thinner and much less bulky that more
conventional retroreflective material used on conventional
protective garments.
[0016] Additional details of these and other embodiments are set
forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other
features, objects and advantages will become apparent from the
description and drawings, and from the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a protective garment incorporating a
non-continuous retroreflective material.
[0018] FIGS. 2-5 further illustrate exemplary non-continuous vapor
permeable retroreflective patterns.
[0019] FIGS. 6 and 7 are flow diagrams illustrating processes for
creating material having the non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective patterns.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-layer
firefighter outfit that includes an outer shell incorporating a
non-continuous retroreflective material.
[0021] FIGS. 9 and 10 are graphs summarizing experimental data
collected in testing the vapor permeability of a protective
garment.
[0022] FIGS. 11 and 12 are graphs summarizing experimental data
collected in testing the thermal decay of heat escaping a
protective garment.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a graph of temperature differentials between
various locations of various firefighter outfits showing thermal
transfer characteristics of a garment incorporating non-continuous
vapor permeable material in comparison to the prior art.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another protective
outfit incorporating a non-continuous retroreflective material on
an outer shell.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In general, this disclosure describes vapor permeable
retroreflective material for use on protective garments. The
material may include a non-continuous retroreflective pattern that
provides a high-level of retroreflective brightness, yet provides
adequate permeability to prevent exposure to heated moisture and
extreme temperatures.
[0026] In some cases, this disclosure describes the garment itself,
i.e., an outer layer or outer shell of a protective outfit. In
other cases, this disclosure describes an article, such as a
clothing patch that could be added to a protective garment. In
still other cases, this disclosure describes a protective outfit
that includes the non-continuous retroreflective pattern on an
outer shell and additional layers such as a thermal liner and a
moisture barrier.
[0027] The non-continuous retroreflective pattern may include
retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions. However,
unlike conventional retroreflective material, the presence of
retroreflective regions do not substantially decrease thermal decay
or vapor permeability through the material. In other words, the
thermal decay and vapor permeability through the material are not
substantially reduced by the retroreflective pattern. Rather, vapor
permeability and thermal decay through the material may be
substantially the same as if the retroreflective pattern was not
present. In general, vapor permeability is a measure of the
transfer rate of vapor through a material. Thermal decay is a
measure of the rate at which heat can escape through a
material.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a protective garment 10 such as an outer
shell of a protective outfit worn by a firefighter. Protective
garment 10 includes an outer shell having retroreflective material
formed in a non-continuous pattern over a first portion 12 to
define retroreflective regions and non-retroreflective regions. A
second portion 14 does not have retroreflective regions. As
described in greater detail below, thermal decay through the first
portion 12 is substantially equal to thermal decay through the
second portion 14. In addition, vapor permeability through the
first portion 12 is substantially equal to thermal decay through
the second portion 14.
[0029] First portion 12 may include an article, such as a clothing
patch formed with a non-continuous retroreflective pattern, or
alternatively, non-continuous retroreflective pattern may be
printed directly onto the surface of protective garment 10 as
discussed below. Importantly, unlike conventional retroreflective
materials used with protective garments, first portion 12 does not
trap heat or vapor inside protective garment 10. Garment 10 may
also include other non-retroreflective fluorescent material (not
illustrated) to provide improved visibility of garment 10 during
the day.
[0030] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate a number of exemplary non-continuous
patterns of retroreflective material formed on first portion 12. In
particular, retroreflective material may be applied in these and
similar non-continuous patterns onto a patch or other material,
which may be sewn or otherwise attached to protective garment 10.
For example, the retroreflective material may be applied by screen
printing or by heat transferring the material from a tape-like
substance as described below. In some aspects, the retroreflective
material may be applied directly onto protective garment 10 to
realize first portion 12. Of course, the patterns illustrated in
FIGS. 2-5 are only exemplary, and other patterns could be used.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an example non-continuous pattern 20
defining retroreflective regions 22 and vapor permeable
non-retroreflective regions 24. In this arrangement, the
retroreflective regions 22 and the vapor permeable
non-retroreflective regions 24 form a checkerboard-like
configuration having a surface area of approximately fifty percent
retroreflective material. In one particular case, the vapor
permeable non-retroreflective regions 24 and the retroreflective
regions 22 have sides measuring approximately 0.3175 centimeters.
In that case, the retroreflective regions have surface areas
substantially less than one square centimeter.
[0032] Conventional retroreflective materials can substantially
reduce vapor permeability and thermal decay through garments. The
use of non-continuous pattern 20 resolves this issue because the
vapor permeable non-retroreflective regions 24 comprise a
sufficient percentage of non-continuous pattern 20, allowing vapor
and heat to escape. The presence of non-retroreflective regions 24,
however, reduces the reflective brightness of the pattern. For
example, if non-retroreflective regions 24 account for 50 percent
of the surface area of non-continuous pattern, the reflective
brightness would be approximately 50 percent less than it would be
if retroreflective materials were applied in a continuous
pattern.
[0033] The surface area of the non-retroreflective regions may need
to comprise at least approximately 20% of a total surface area of
the retroreflective material to ensure that vapor permeability and
thermal decay through the garment are not increased. The examples
of FIGS. 2-5 are all effective to allow vapor and heat to
adequately escape. Non-retroreflective regions comprising greater
than 20%, greater than 25%, and greater than 50% of the total
surface area of the retroreflective material may be particularly
effective.
[0034] Another factor that can affect vapor permeability and
thermal decay may be the size of each individual retroreflective
region and each individual non-retroreflective region. In
particular, each retroreflective region may need to be sufficiently
small to ensure that vapors and heat can escape through the
material. Retroreflective regions having individual surface areas
of less than four square centimeters and in some cases less than
one square centimeter may be sufficient. This can help ensure that
thermal decay and vapor permeability through portion 12 (FIG. 1)
formed with the non-continuous retroreflective pattern 20 (FIG. 2)
is substantially the same as thermal decay and vapor permeability
through similar material, such as portion 14 that does not have any
retroreflective regions 22.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates an example non-continuous pattern 30
defining retroreflective regions 32 and vapor permeable
non-retroreflective regions 34. In this arrangement, the
retroreflective regions 32 and the vapor permeable
non-retroreflective regions 34 form a stripe like configuration. In
other words, the non-retroreflective regions 34 comprise
stripe-like regions that separate the retroreflective regions 32.
The stripe-like configuration may have a surface area comprising
approximately sixty-six percent retroreflective regions 32 and
approximately thirty-three percent vapor permeable
non-retroreflective regions 34. In one particular case, the
non-retroreflective regions 34 are approximately 0.3175 centimeters
wide and the retroreflective regions 32 are approximately 0.635
centimeters wide. Thermal decay and vapor permeability through
portion 12 (FIG. 1) formed with the non-continuous retroreflective
pattern 30 is substantially the same as thermal decay and vapor
permeability through similar material, such as portion 14 that does
not have any retroreflective regions.
[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates an example non-continuous pattern 40
defining retroreflective regions 42 and vapor permeable
non-retroreflective regions 44. In this arrangement, the
retroreflective regions 42 and the vapor permeable
non-retroreflective regions 44 form a pattern with triangular
shaped regions removed. In one case, the retroreflective regions 42
comprise approximately seventy-five percent of a surface area of
the non-continuous pattern 40. In another case, the retroreflective
regions 42 comprise approximately fifty percent of a surface area
of the non-continuous pattern 40. Thermal decay and vapor
permeability through portion 12 (FIG. 1) formed with the
non-continuous retroreflective pattern 40 is substantially the same
as thermal decay and vapor permeability through similar material,
such as portion 14 that does not have any retroreflective regions.
In still other aspects, both the retroreflective regions and the
non-retroreflective regions comprise triangular shaped regions.
[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates an example non-continuous pattern 50
defining retroreflective regions 52 and vapor permeable
non-retroreflective regions 54. In this arrangement, the
retroreflective regions 52 comprise circular shaped regions within
the non-retroreflective regions 54. Notably, thermal decay and
vapor permeability through portion 12 (FIG. 1) formed with the
non-continuous retroreflective pattern 50 is substantially the same
as thermal decay and vapor permeability through similar material,
such as portion 14 that does not have any retroreflective
regions.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a screen printing
process that can be used to form non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective patterns like those illustrated in FIGS. 2-5. As
discussed above, the pattern can be applied on a patch that can be
sewn onto protective garment 10 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the
pattern can be applied directly on a portion of garment 10, thereby
forming non-continuous retroreflective portion 12.
[0039] Vapor permeable retroreflective material can be formed by
defining a non-continuous pattern (62), mixing retroreflective
glass beads into a resin (64) and screen printing the mixture onto
an article according to the defined pattern (66). The
retroreflective beads may be half coated with aluminum. Suitable
beads, for example, are #145 Reflective Glass Elements commercially
available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company of St.
Paul, Minn. After screen printing the mixture, the beads are
oriented randomly within the resin. After screen printing the
mixture, the mixture may be cured or dried according to a number of
techniques. The reflective brightness that can be achieved by the
process of FIG. 6 may be only approximately 25
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2) for total coverage because the beads are
randomly oriented. Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,269,840
provides additional details of one or more processes like that
illustrated in FIG. 6, and is hereby incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
[0040] Reflective brightness of retroreflective material is a
measure of the apparent brightness of the article when viewed under
standard retroreflective conditions, i.e., 0.degree. orientation
angle, -4.degree. entrance angle, and 0.2.degree. observation
angle. The brightness is normalized for the area of the article and
the illumination from the light source used. The reflectivity or
reflective brightness is also referred to as the coefficient of
retroreflection (RA), and is expressed in units of
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2). Reference is made to ASTM Standard
Method #808-94, "Standard Practice For Describing
Retroreflection."
[0041] As mentioned above, the reflective brightness of the vapor
permeable retroreflective material is related to the percentage of
the surface area comprising retroreflective regions. For example,
if the pattern has a surface area defined by approximately fifty
percent retroreflective regions and approximately fifty percent
non-retroreflective regions, the reflective brightness may only be
approximately 12.5 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2) if the technique of
FIG. 6 is used. This may be bright enough for some applications,
but not bright enough for others. For example, it can be desirable
to maximize the reflective brightness of firefighting garments to
better ensure that firefighters are seen by motorists during
nighttime and twilight hours.
[0042] FIG. 7 illustrates a process that can be used to create
non-continuous retroreflective patterns like that illustrated in
FIGS. 2-5, wherein the reflective brightness is greater than 50
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2). In some cases, the brightness can be
greater than 250 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2).
[0043] The process of FIG. 7 involves defining a pattern (72) and
screen printing an adhesive on a material according to the defined
pattern (74). For example, the material may comprise a portion of a
protective garment or the material may comprise a patch for use
with a protective garment. Retroreflective beads are then pressed
on the adhesive pattern to create a retroreflective pattern
(76).
[0044] Pressing the retroreflective beads on the adhesive pattern
(76) can be performed in a number of ways. In one case, glass beads
are first deposited onto a substrate and the exposed surfaces of
the beads are coated with aluminum. The substrate is then pressed
onto the screened adhesive, fixing the beads in the adhesive. The
substrate can then be peeled back, leaving the half-aluminum coated
beads properly oriented in the adhesive. Such a method can achieve
reflective brightness of approximately 500
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2) for total coverage. Thus, if the pattern
defines fifty percent coverage, the reflective brightness of the
material may be approximately 250 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2). If
the pattern defines sixty-six percent coverage, the reflective
brightness of the material may be approximately 330
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2). If the pattern defines seventy-five
percent coverage, the reflective brightness of the material may be
approximately 375 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2).
EXAMPLE 1
[0045] 5720 3M.TM. Scotchlite.TM. Silver Graphic Transfer Film
commercially available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
Company of St. Paul, Minn. (hereafter 3M) was used to demonstrate
non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material. Graphic
images were made and transferred to Kombat.TM. fabric comprising
PVI/Kevlar.RTM. blended fabric available from Southern Mills of
Union City, Ga. The fabric with the graphic images was then tested.
The graphic images were used as one example of a non-continuous
retroreflective pattern. Specifically, the sample was prepared
according to the following procedure.
[0046] The 5720 Silver Graphic Transfer Film (SFEE1 134-3-2-1A with
polyester carrier) was screen printed with SX 779B FR Printable
Adhesive (fire retardant SX 864B plastisol ink) available from
Plast-O-Meric SP, Inc., Sussex, Wis., modified with 3M.TM. 571N
Coupler (A-1120 silane, 4% by weight). The ink was printed through
a 110 T/in (43.3 T/cm) printing screen with a medium hardness
squeegee onto the 5720 Graphic Transfer Film using a Cameo printer
available from American M & M Screen Printing Equipment of
Oshkosh, Wis. The artwork of the screen consisted of three stripes
with different graphic patterns (checker board, hash-marks, and
circles). The resulting prints were gelled by passing them through
a Texair.TM. Model 30 conveyor oven available from American Screen
Printing Equipment Co., Chicago, Ill., having a belt temperature of
230 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Centigrade). The oven was
heated by an IR panel set at 1100 degrees Fahrenheit (593 degrees
Centigrade), and the belt temperature was controlled by belt speed.
After gelation, the printed graphic images, were laminated to
Kombat.TM. fabric using a HIX N-800 press available from HIX Corp.
of Pittsburg, Kans., set at 340 degrees Fahrenheit (171 degrees
Centigrade) for 30 seconds at an air line pressure of 40 psi (276
kPa). After the samples had cooled to room temperature, the
polyester carrier was removed, yielding silver graphic images on
the Kombat.TM. fabric. This Kombat.TM. fabric, containing silver
images, was attached by sewing in the upper right-hand corner to
the remaining two layers that make up the protective outfit shown
in FIG. 8. This complete assembly was then tested according to a
procedures that substantially conformed standard industry testing
procedures.
[0047] Another way of pressing the retroreflective beads on the
adhesive pattern comprises depositing fully aluminum-coated beads
onto the adhesive and then etching the aluminum from the exposed
surfaces of the beads. Such a process can be continuous, and the
need to peel back and discard a substrate is avoided. Additional
details of this process are provided in copending and commonly
assigned published PCT Application number WO0142823(A1), the entire
content of which is hereby incorporated by reference. The process
can achieve a reflective brightness of approximately 350
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2) or greater for total coverage. Thus, if
the pattern defines fifty percent coverage, the reflective
brightness of the material may be approximately 175
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2). If the pattern defines sixty-six
percent coverage, the reflective brightness of the material may be
approximately 231 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2). If the pattern
defines seventy-five percent coverage, the reflective brightness of
the material may be approximately 263
candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2).
[0048] As yet another alternative to the processes of FIGS. 6 or 7,
a non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material having
patterns like those illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 can be created as
follows. Glass beads are first deposited and bonded onto a
substrate and the exposed surfaces of the beads are coated with
aluminum. An adhesive is then applied on top of the glass beads,
creating a retroreflective tape-like substance. The pattern can
then be cut into the tape-like substance before pressing the
tape-like substance onto a material such as a patch or the outer
shell of a firefighter outfit. Heat and pressure can be applied and
the substrate can then be peeled back leaving the pattern of
half-aluminum coated beads properly oriented in the adhesive and
attached to the underlying material to define the non-continuous
vapor permeable retroreflective material.
EXAMPLE 2
[0049] 8710 3M Scotchlite.TM. Silver Transfer Film commercially
available from 3M was also used to realize non-continuous vapor
permeable material. 8710 Silver Graphic Images were made and
transferred to a Nomex.RTM. outer shell material available from
Southern Mills of Union City, Ga. The Nomex.RTM. outer shell
material was then tested. The graphic images were used as another
example of a non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective
material.
[0050] Specifically, the 8710 Silver Graphic Images were prepared
according to the following procedure. The 8710 Silver Transfer Film
(75-0001-6745-4) graphic images were plotter cut, the weed was
removed, and the material was then laminated to Nomex.RTM. outer
shell material using a HIX N-800 press available from HIX Corp. of
Pittsburg, Kans., set at 338 degrees Fahrenheit (170 Centigrade)
for 15 seconds at an air line pressure of 40 psi (276 kPa). After
the samples had cooled to room temperature, the paper carrier was
removed, yielding silver graphic images on the Nomex.RTM. outer
shell material. This material containing silver images was attached
(by sewing in upper right-hand corner) to other layers that make up
a protective outfit. This complete assembly was then tested
according to a procedures that substantially conformed standard
industry testing procedures.
[0051] Non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective materials
created as described above exhibit thermal decay properties and
vapor permeability properties that have not been achieved in the
prior art. In particular, the thermal decay and vapor permeability
through non-continuous retroreflective material may be the same as
the underlying material. In other words, the addition of the
patterns of retroreflective material does not substantially alter
either the vapor permeability of the material or the thermal decay
through the material. For this reason, the non-continuous vapor
permeable retroreflective material can improve the performance of
protective firefighter garments.
[0052] Providing retroreflective material on protective garments
using screen printing techniques or non-continuous retroreflective
tape like substances that are heat applied can improve the
production process associated with the creation of protective
garments. Moreover, the non-continuous retroreflective patterns may
be thinner and much less bulky that more conventional
retroreflective material used on conventional protective garments.
In addition, the resultant non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective material can be non-perforated, thus avoiding any
perforation steps in the production process.
[0053] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view a multi-layer protective
firefighter outfit. Firefighter outfit 80 includes an outer shell
82, having a retroreflective portion 84 thereon. Firefighter outfit
80 also includes moisture barrier 86 and thermal liner 88.
Retroreflective portion 84 carries retroreflective material formed
in a non-continuous pattern. Portion 84 may be a patch that is sewn
or otherwise attached to outer shell 82. Alternatively, portion 84
may include a non-continuous retroreflective pattern screened
directly on outer shell 82 as described above.
[0054] Outer shell 82 represents a typical outer shell used in
firefighter protective outfits. For example, outer shell may
protect the firefighter from scrapes or abrasions and may be coated
with a water repellent or the like. An example is Kombat.TM. fabric
comprising PVI/Kevlar.RTM. blended fabric available from Southern
Mills of Union City, Ga.
[0055] Moisture barrier 86 can be used to keep liquid from
penetrating into thermal liner 88. Older firefighter outfits used
moisture barriers that were vapor impervious. However, newer
designs have utilized moisture barriers that are vapor permeable to
provide added comfort to the wearer. If moisture barrier 86 is
vapor permeable, hot vapors may be able to penetrate to the skin of
the wearer, causing discomfort or burns if the vapors cannot escape
through the outer shell or through the outer shell equipped with
retroreflective material. Indeed, the use of vapor permeable
moisture barriers is one of the underlying reasons that called for
the non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material. An
example of a suitable vapor permeable moisture barrier is
Crosstech.TM. material on Nomex.RTM. pajama check material
available from W. L Gore of Elkton, Md.
[0056] Thermal liner 88 can be used to protect the wearer from
extreme temperatures. An example of a suitable thermal liner is
Aralite.RTM. material including 100% Kevlar.RTM. batt with 100%
Nomax.RTM. face cloth, available from Southern Mills of Union City,
Ga.
[0057] FIGS. 9 and 10 are graphs summarizing experimental data
collected in testing the vapor permeability of prior art
firefighter garments and firefighter garments making use of a
retroreflective material formed in a non-continuous pattern.
Reference is made to industry standard testing methods described in
Lawson, J. Randall and Twilley, William H., "Development of an
Apparatus for Measuring the Thermal Performance of Firefighters
Protective Clothing", National Institute of Standards and
Technology, Gaithersburg, Md., 1999 (NISTIR 6400); and American
Society for Testing and Materials, E162 "Standard Test Method for
Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy
Source", ASTM Annual Book of Standards, Volume 04.07, West
Conshohocken, Pa., 1997. The various testing and experiments
described below substantially conformed to the industry standard
testing methods described in the above-mentioned references.
[0058] In particular, FIG. 9 illustrates the vapor permeability of
a prior art construction that utilizes a retroreflective standard
trim material rather than a non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective material for portion 84 (FIG. 8). FIG. 10
illustrates the vapor permeability of a garment utilizing
retroreflective material formed in a non-continuous pattern on
portion 84. In both cases, the respective garment was subjected to
heat, and temperatures at particular points within the respective
garment were recorded over time.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 9, line 92 graphs temperature as a
function of time measured at point C (FIG. 8) of a firefighter
garment using a prior art retroreflective standard trim material
rather than a non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective
material for portion 84. Similarly, line 94 illustrates temperature
measured at point D of a prior art firefighter garment. Notably,
after approximately 70 seconds, the temperature at point C becomes
hotter than the temperature at point D. This is due, at least in
part, to the fact that hot vapors were unable to adequately
permeate through the prior art retroreflective material, and were
driven down through the vapor permeable moisture barrier 86 and
condensed, quickly raising the temperature at point C. In the
experiments, the mass transfer of hot vapors was visually apparent
as moisture condensed on the thermal liner 88 in the regions
covered by the prior art retroreflective material. Notably, prior
art retroreflective material having perforations showed similar
results.
[0060] Unlike conventional retroreflective material, the use of
non-continuous retroreflective material for portion 84 resulted in
the desired vapor permeability. Referring to FIG. 10, line 102
graphs temperature as a function of time measured at point C (FIG.
8) of a firefighter garment having a non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective material for portion 84. Line 104 graphs
temperature as a function of time measured at point D of a
firefighter garment including retroreflective material formed in a
non-continuous pattern as described herein. As shown, the
temperature at point C remains cooler than the temperature at point
D at all times, due to the dissipation of the hot vapors developed
from water retained under outer shell through portion 84. In other
words, hot vapors were able to adequately permeate through
non-continuous retroreflective material, i.e., portion 84.
[0061] FIGS. 11 and 12 are graphs summarizing experimental data
collected in testing the thermal decay of heat escaping a
firefighter garment. Again, industry standard testing methods were
used. FIG. 1 shows the thermal decay of a prior art construction
that utilizes a retroreflective standard trim material rather than
a non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material for
portion 84. FIG. 12 illustrates the thermal decay of a garment
utilizing a non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material
for portion 84.
[0062] Referring to FIG. 11, line 112 graphs temperature as a
function of time measured at point A (FIG. 8) of a prior art
firefighter garment. Again, the prior art firefighter garment
utilized retroreflective standard trim material rather than a
non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material for portion
84. Line 114 graphs temperature as a function of time measured at
point B of a prior art firefighter garment. In the experiment, the
firefighter garment was exposed to extreme temperatures and then
removed from proximity to the heat source and allowed to cool. In
the graph, the point at time=X corresponds to the point in time
when the garment was removed from the heat source.
[0063] As can be seen by comparing line 112 to line 114, the
thermal decay of the temperature at point A is less than the
thermal decay of the temperature at point B. In other words, in the
prior art firefighter garment it took longer for point A to cool
off than it did for point B to cool off. The reason is at least in
part due to the fact that the prior art retroreflective standard
trim material reduced the rate of thermal decay through the outer
shell. Heat was trapped inside the garment longer in the regions
that correspond to the prior art retroreflective standard trim
material.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 12, line 122 graphs temperature as a
function of time measured at point A (FIG. 8) of firefighter
garment having a non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective
material for portion 84. Line 124 graphs temperature as a function
of time measured at point B of the firefighter garment including
retroreflective material formed in a non-continuous pattern as
described herein. As can be seen by comparing line 122 to line 124,
the thermal decay of the temperature at point A is approximately
the same as the thermal decay of the temperature at point B. In
other words, non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective
material does not substantially decrease the thermal decay through
the outer shell of the firefighter garment. Heat was not trapped
inside the garment for longer periods of time in the regions that
correspond to the non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective
material.
[0065] FIG. 13 is a graph of temperature differentials between
points A and B (FIG. 8) for various different firefighter garments,
i.e. a graph of the temperature at point A minus the temperature at
point B over time. In FIG. 13, the point of approximately time=0
corresponds to the point in time at which the garment is removed
from proximity to a heat source and allowed to cool. Line 132
corresponds to a prior art firefighter garment incorporating
standard continuous non-perforated retroreflective trim. As can be
seen by line 132, the temperature differential between the
temperature under the outer shell versus the temperature under the
outer shell with the standard retroreflective trim is relatively
large. For example, after approximately 50 seconds, it was
approximately 50 degrees Centigrade hotter behind the standard
trim. Again, this is due to the fact that heat cannot adequately
escape through the standard retroreflective trim.
[0066] Line 134 corresponds to a prior art firefighter garment
incorporating standard continuous perforated retroreflective trim.
As can be seen by line 134, the temperature differential between
the temperature under the outer shell versus the temperature under
the outer shell with the standard continuous perforated
retroreflective trim is still relatively large. In other words,
perforations do not resolve the thermal decay issue. For example,
after approximately 50 seconds, it was approximately 42 degrees
Centigrade hotter behind the standard continuous perforated
retroreflective trim. Again, this is due to the fact that heat
cannot adequately escape through the standard continuous perforated
retroreflective trim.
[0067] Line 136 corresponds to a firefighter garment, incorporating
a non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material for
portion 84 (FIG. 8). As can be seen by line 136, the temperature
differential between the temperature under the outer shell both
with and without the non-continuous retroreflective material is
much smaller than that of lines 132 or 134. In other words,
non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material resolved
the thermal decay issue. For example, after approximately 50
seconds, it was only approximately 4 degrees Centigrade hotter
behind the non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material
compared to the underlying material not having retroreflective
material formed thereon. Moreover, after 50 seconds, it was never
more than 8 degrees Centigrade hotter behind the non-continuous
vapor permeable retroreflective material. This is due to the fact
that heat can adequately escape through the non-continuous vapor
permeable retroreflective material.
[0068] The graphs of FIGS. 9-13 illustrate the advantages of
retroreflective material formed in a non-continuous pattern, in
relation to the prior art. The retroreflective material formed in a
non-continuous pattern as described herein provides improved
thermal transfer and/or vapor transfer through protective garments
having retroreflective material thereon. Conventional
retroreflective material, such as retroreflective trim materials
and perforated retroreflective trim materials provide inadequate
thermal decay and vapor permeability characteristics.
Non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material, however,
exhibits substantially the same thermal decay characteristics and
vapor permeability characteristics as the underlying material
without the retroreflective material.
[0069] Firefighter garments, and thus multi-layer firefighter
outfits, can be greatly improved by implementing non-continuous
vapor permeable retroreflective material. If vapor cannot escape
thought the outer shell because conventional retroreflective
material provides a vapor barrier, hot vapors can be directed
inward, toward the skin of the wearer, possibly causing steam burns
or other discomfort to the wearer. The techniques described herein
resolve this issue by providing a retroreflective material formed
in a non-continuous pattern to define retroreflective regions and
non-retroreflective regions. In this manner, the addition of
retroreflective material does not substantially decrease vapor
permeability of the outer shell.
[0070] Thermal decay through an outer shell having conventional
retroreflective trim material, such as perforated retroreflective
trim material, is substantially less than thermal decay through the
outer shell in regions not having the conventional retroreflective
trim material. Thus, heat trapped within the protective garment may
not be able to escape fast enough for the firefighter to cool off
at a desired rate. Rather, the presence of conventional
retroreflective material such as perforated retroreflective trim
material can cause heat to remain trapped inside the protective
garment for longer periods of time, providing discomfort to the
firefighter even after he or she has left the fire. The techniques
described herein resolve this issue by providing a non-continuous
vapor permeable retroreflective material that does not
substantially decrease thermal decay of the garment in the portions
having the non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective material.
In this manner, the vapor permeable retroreflective material can
reduce the heat load within the various layers that comprise the
firefighter outfit, reduce negative physiological impacts on the
wearer, and reduce the likelihood of producing burn injuries on the
wearer.
[0071] The techniques described herein can provide non-continuous
vapor permeable retroreflective material having a reflective
brightness greater than 50 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2) or even
greater than 250 candelas/(lux*meter.sup.2). Brightnesses in these
ranges significantly increase visibility of a wearer during
nighttime and twilight hours. Indeed, this can better ensure that
firefighters are not only seen by night motorists, but more
importantly, these brightness ranges can be achieved while still
providing the vapor permeability and thermal decay characteristics
described above.
[0072] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another protective
multi-layer outfit that could benefit by the teaching of this
disclosure. Protective outfit 140 is a protective multi layer
thermal control outfit. Protective outfit 140 includes an outer
shell 142, and a non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective
material defines portion 144 of outer shell 142. For example,
portion 144 may be a patch that is sewn or otherwise attached to
outer shell 142, or alternatively, portion 144 may be a portion of
outer shell 142 having a non-continuous retroreflective pattern
applied thereon as described above. Protective outfit 140 also
includes liquid retaining layer 146 and waterproof vapor permeable
layer 148.
[0073] Protective outfit 140 may be used to keep the wearer cool
through the effects of evaporative cooling and by acting as a heat
sink. The liquid retaining layer 146 can be soaked with water and
water vapors can permeate through the outer shell 142 to cool the
skin of the wearer. The outfit makes use of non-continuous vapor
permeable retroreflective material to define portion 144 of outer
shell 142. In this manner, the thermal transfer characteristics and
vapor permeability characteristics of protective outfit 140 can be
maintained while adding the effects of nighttime visibility through
the use of retroreflective materials.
[0074] A number of implementations and embodiments have been
described. For instance, non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective material having retroreflective regions and
non-retroreflective regions has been described. Thermal decay and
vapor permeability through the non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective material is substantially the same as thermal decay
and vapor permeability through the underlying material that does
not include non-continuous vapor permeable retroreflective
material.
[0075] Nevertheless, it is understood that various modifications
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this
disclosure. For example, the non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective material could be included in as part of any
garment to provide retroreflectively in the garment and yet also
provide adequate thermal decay and vapor permeability through the
garment. In addition, the non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective material could substantially or completely cover a
garment or article. Also, the retroreflective material may be made
florescent to enhance daytime visibility. In addition, alternative
methods may be used to realize non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective material. For example, various different graphic
screen printing techniques, electronic digital printing techniques,
plotter cutting, laser cutting, or die cutting of retroreflective
substrates to be applied on a material, or other similar techniques
may be used to realize non-continuous vapor permeable
retroreflective material. Accordingly, other implementations and
embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *