Reflective tape has a fascinating history that dates back several decades. The invention and development of reflective tape can be attributed to the need for improved visibility and safety in various industries and applications. Reflective materials have been used for centuries, but the modern reflective tape as we know it today has its roots in the mid-20th century.
In the 1930s, a British scientist named Percy Shaw invented “cat’s eyes,” which were reflective road markers that helped drivers navigate in the dark. These early reflective devices used glass beads to reflect light back to its source. This concept laid the foundation for the development of reflective tape.
Jonathan Cass Stimson, a United States inventor, created and filed for a patent on his cube corner reflector array in 1928. If you look at the original drawings in his patent, you can clearly see that his triple mirror cubed corner prism is the same array used to this very day for a multitude of reflective products. It is also the same prismatic design used in modern day prismatic reflective films, like what is used on street signs. The reflectors were originally made with glass and then transitioned to plastic, most likely because of ease of manufacture and cost. After filing for his patent, he formed a company called Stimsonite. A name that to this day is very well known in the traffic safety industry.
In the 1950s, the first commercial reflective tape was introduced by 3M. This tape, known as Scotchlite, utilized a combination of glass beads and retroreflective technology to enhance visibility. It quickly gained popularity and was widely used in traffic signs, road markings, and safety apparel.
Over the years, advancements in technology and materials led to the development of more efficient and durable reflective tapes. Microprismatic technology, which uses tiny prisms to reflect light, became a significant breakthrough in the 1980s. This technology, pioneered by Reflexite (now Orafol), greatly improved the brightness and visibility of reflective tapes.
Today, reflective tapes are used in a wide range of applications, including traffic safety, personal protective equipment, sports gear, and outdoor gear. They play a crucial role in enhancing visibility and safety, particularly in low-light conditions or during nighttime activities.
For a more detailed history of reflective tape, you can visit the following article: “The Invention and History of Reflective Tape” on Reflective.info [https://reflective.info/basics-of-reflective-tape/the-invention-and-history-of-reflective-tape/].
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