Illuminated label

Abstract

An illuminated label with a rear side for adhesion to a surface and a front side opposite the rear side, the label comprising a power source, a flexible circuit board on the front side of the power source and overlapping a footprint of the power source, wherein the flexible circuit board comprises one or more light-emitting elements, a light guide plate on the front side of the power source, wherein the light guide plate is configured to distribute light from the light-emitting elements.

Description

[0001] Illuminated label

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The following disclosure relates to labels, for example for bottles, and more specifically towards a configuration for providing an illuminated label, whilst keeping thickness of said label to a minimum.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In entertainment venues such as bars and nightclubs, customers often wish to purchase bottled beverages. It is often the case that such establishments may operate under low lighting, for purposes of maintaining a particular atmosphere. Therefore, where bottles are displayed in such an environment, it may be difficult for a customer to distinguish between two different brands of a given beverage type. Therefore, it is desirable for a beverage manufacturer to be able to differentiate their product from those of other manufacturers.

[0006] Some manufacturers achieve this through the use of an illuminated label. These illuminated labels may be adhered to the surface of a bottle, and may contain one or more lighting elements, connected to a power source such as a battery. In some examples, the power source is contained within a base of the bottle and electrically connected to the label, to ensure the label remains thin. Other examples contain batteries within the labels, and connect the batteries to side-firing LEDs positioned around a periphery of the label. However, including the battery within the label may lead to an increased thickness, which is undesirable for reasons pertaining to both the aesthetics of the product, and its ease of packing and transportation.

[0007] STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0008] According to an embodiment there is provided an illuminated label with a rear side for adhesion to a surface and a front side opposite the rear side, the label comprising a power source, a flexible circuit board on the front side of the power source and overlapping a footprint of the power source, wherein the flexible circuit board comprises one or more light-emitting elements, a light guide plate on the front side of the power source, wherein the light guide plate is configured to distribute light from the light-emitting elements.

[0009] In an embodiment the one or more light emitting elements are disposed within the footprint of the power source.

[0010] In an embodiment the light guide plate comprises one or more recesses, and wherein the light-emitting elements protrude from the flexible circuit board into the one or more recesses.

[0011] In an embodiment the light-emitting elements emit light laterally across the light guide plate.

[0012] In an embodiment the label further comprises a reflective layer between the flexible circuit board and the light guide plate.

[0013] In an embodiment the reflective layer comprises one or more holes, wherein the one or more holes are co-located with the one or more light-emitting elements, such that the one or more light-emitting elements protrude through the one or more holes.

[0014] In an embodiment the power source comprises a thin-film battery.

[0015] In an embodiment the flexible circuit further comprises a switch element, and wherein the switch element is configured to switch the light-emitting elements on or off.

[0016] In an embodiment the light-emitting elements are disposed within a central portion of a profile of the label.

[0017] In an embodiment the label further comprises a design layer on the front of the label comprising a design printed in UV-reactive ink, and wherein the light-emitting elements comprise UV LEDs.

[0018] According to another embodiment there is provided an illuminated label with a front side and a rear side, comprising a flexible circuit board, comprising one or more light emitting elements, a reflective layer in front of the flexible circuit board and a battery behind the flexible circuit board having a battery capacity, wherein the battery capacity is 500mAh or less, wherein the one or more light emitting elements protrude from the flexible circuit board through the reflective layer.

[0019] In an embodiment the battery capacity is below 200mAh. In an embodiment the battery capacity is approximately 170mAh. In an embodiment the battery capacity is below lOOmAh. In an embodiment the battery capacity is approximately 90mAh.

[0020] In an embodiment the battery comprises a rechargeable battery.

[0021] In an embodiment the label comprises a light guide plate in front of the reflective layer.

[0022] In an embodiment the label further comprises a design layer on the front of the label comprising a design printed in UV-reactive ink, and wherein the light-emitting elements comprise UV LEDs.

[0023] According to another embodiment there is provided an illuminated label, comprising one or more UV-LEDs and a front surface, wherein the front surface comprises UV- reactive ink.

[0024] In an embodiment the label further comprises one or more of a reflective layer, a light guide layer, a protective layer and a battery.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the illuminated label, according to embodiments. Fig. 2A illustrates a plan view of the illuminated label, according to embodiments. Fig. 2B illustrates the propagation of light throughout the illuminated label, according to embodiments.

[0027] Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the illuminated label, according to embodiments.

[0028] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0029] An exploded view of a possible embodiment of the illuminated label 100 is set out in Fig. 1. In some embodiments, the label may comprise all of the layers shown in Fig. 1. In other embodiments, the label may omit certain layers, or substitute certain layers or combinations of layers for equivalents. We submit that the skilled person would understand that such omissions or modifications are permissible without straying from the inventive concept defined in the claims.

[0030] In Fig. 1 , the front-most layer of the label is displayed on the far left of the figure, and the rear-most layer of the label is displayed on the far right. The skilled person will appreciate that whilst the illuminated label of Fig. 1 possesses a particular shape, the invention can be implemented in labels of any shape, and hence the shape shown in Fig. 1 does not constitute a limitation on the invention.

[0031] Starting from the rear of the label, the label comprises an adhesive layer 109. The adhesive layer 109 adheres the label 100 to the bottle, to ensure the bottle retains the label throughout use. The adhesive layer 109 may be a thin layer of double-sided tape, where the rear side of the tape adheres to the bottle, and the front side of the tape adheres to the next layer of the label. Prior to adhesion to the bottle, the adhesive layer 109 may be adhered to backing layer 109b (not shown). The backing layer 109b may be configured to retain the label 100 until the label is to be applied to a bottle. Upon application to a bottle, the backing layer 109b may be separated from the adhesive layer 109, and discarded. Other appropriate forms of adhesive, such as water glue, may also be used in place of double-sided tape. The thickness of the adhesive layer 109 may be approximately 0.14 mm, and the layer may be comprised of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0032] The next layer forward from the adhesive layer 109 may be a protective layer 108. The protective layer 108 may comprise a cork or foam material,. The protective layer 108 insulates the internal components of the label 100 from the external environment. The protective layer 108 may substantially waterproof the inside of the label 100. The thickness of the protective layer 108 may be approximately 0.4 mm.

[0033] The next layer forward from the protective layer 108 may be another adhesive layer 107. The adhesive layer 107 may be substantially similar in composition to the adhesive layer 109. The adhesive layer 107 may comprise double-sided tape, where the rear side of the tape adheres to the protective layer 108, and the front side of the tape adheres to a next layer of the label. Again, other appropriate forms of adhesive, such as water glue, may also be used in place of double-sided tape. The thickness of the adhesive layer 107 may again be approximately 0.14 mm. In some embodiments, adhesive layer 107 may be omitted, and protective layer 108 may comprise a double sided adhesive, such as a double sided foam tape.

[0034] The layers 107, 108, and 109 may have a uniform segment removed from their centre. The uniform segment may be the same shape and substantially the same size as a power source 106. The power source 106 may be a battery. Specifically, the power source 106 may be a thin-film flexible battery. In this configuration, the battery may be thin and flexible, facilitating the thinness and flexibility of the label 100. The power source 106 may be retained within the uniform hole stamped out of layers 107, 108 and 109, such that it is enclosed around its perimeter by these layers. The power source 106 may be adhered to any of the surrounding layers, the bottle, or an adjacent frontward layer.

[0035] The power source may be loosely adhered, such that it may be separated from the label 100 after usage, to enable both parts to be recycled. The power source may have an approximate usage time of up to 8 hours at a temperature of 2°C. The power source may have a thickness of approximately 0.5 mm, rendering it substantially equal in thickness to the three layers encircling it. In some embodiments, the power source may be formed in a curve shape, wherein the radius of the curve is substantially identical to the radius of the curve of the bottle to which the label 100 is to be applied.

[0036] In front of the power source 106 resides a flexible circuit board 105. The flexible circuit board 105 comprises one or more light-emitting elements, such as LEDs. The flexible circuit board 105 provides an electrical connection between the light-emitting elements and the power source 106, to enable the light-emitting elements to operate. The flexible circuit board may also comprise a switch element, such as a button, configured to commence and cease operation of the light-emitting elements. In this way, the LED’s may only be activated when intended by the owner of the bottle, so as to conserve battery life. The flexible circuit board may have a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm.

[0037] In some embodiments, the light-emitting elements may be configured for animation. More specifically, the light-emitting elements may be configured to vary in intensity according to a pre-determined pattern. Different light-emitting elements may be configured to operate at different intensities at the same time. The animation of the light- emitting elements may be controlled by an integrated circuit present on the flexible circuit board.

[0038] The light-emitting elements are disposed on the flexible circuit board such that they maybe stacked adjacent to / on top of in the direction towards the front of the label the power source 106. In the embodiment, light-emitting elements are disposed such that they are located within the perimeter of the power source. This will be explained further later on with reference to Fig. 2.

[0039] The next layer forward from the flexible circuit board 105 is a reflective layer 104. The reflective layer is substantially or entirely opaque, with a plurality of holes cut through the layer. The holes are co-located with the light-emitting elements of the flexible circuit board 105, such that when the label is assembled the light-emitting elements protrude from the circuit board 105 through the reflective layer 104. When the label is assembled, the reflective layer and the flexible circuit form a continuous opaque surface, to prevent the propagation of any light to lower levels of the label. The reflective layer 104 may have a thickness of approximately 0.05 mm, and may be comprised of PET.

[0040] By placing the flexible circuit board behind the reflective layer, but allowing the lightemitting elements to protrude through the reflective layer, it can be ensured that no light is blocked from emitting through the front surface of the label 100. In this way, the reflective layer 104 allows for a maximum amount of light to be directed forwards from the label. This increased efficiency of lighting allows for the power source 106 to operate at a lower rate of power consumptions whilst outputting light of an acceptable brightness, which in turn allows for the use of a thinner battery in the label.

[0041] The next layer forward from the reflector is the light guide layer 103. The light guide layer 103 comprises a substantially translucent planar surface, in which a plurality of guiding elements are disposed. The light guide layer 103 may have a thickness of approximately 0.175 mm, and may be substantially comprised of polycarbonate. The plurality of guiding elements may comprise a dot pattern implemented into the light guide layer. The dot pattern may be implemented into the light guide layer by a hot rolling process. The light guide layer 103 may also comprise a plurality of recesses or holes in the surface, wherein the recesses are co-located with the light-emitting elements of the flexible circuit board, such that the light-emitting elements are placed within the recesses when the label 100 is assembled.

[0042] The light-emitting elements emit light into the light guide layer 103. Light propagating laterally through the light guide layer 103 is reflected by the dot pattern towards the reflective layer 104, which reflects the light towards the front of the label 100. It will be appreciated that local variations in illumination of the label can consequently be generated by providing an appropriate dot pattern. The specified pattern may be one configured to complement a pattern or design shown on a front surface of the label 101. Alternatively, the specified pattern may allow for a homogeneous distribution of light across the entirety of the light guide layer. Light emitted towards the back of the light guide layer is incident on the reflective layer 104, and hence is reflected towards the front of the label 100.

[0043] It is known within the art for a plurality of light-emitting elements to be distributed around the periphery of an illuminated label, and to emit light laterally into a central light guide layer. This may be done so as to allow the power source and light-emitting elements to be located within the same layer of the label, in an effort to minimise the thickness of the label. However, peripheral distribution of light-emitting elements leads to a light pattern, which can be uneven and inconsistent, and requires that the light-emitting elements consume a larger amount of power to transmit light throughout the entirety of the light guide plate. By contrast, having the light-emitting elements disposed on the footprint of the power source, and therefore within the light guide plate, the distribution of light throughout the label can be improved and the required power consumption can be lowered.

[0044] To compensate for the increased thickness caused by stacking the power source 106 and the light-emitting elements, the components of the label 100 can be chosen to ensure the thickness of the label is minimised. The materials used for the adhesive layers 107 and 109 and the protective layer 108 can be chosen to ensure the label thickness does not exceed more than approximately 1.2mm. This allows the distribution of the light to be improved, without compromising on the thickness of the label. It will be appreciated that the use of thin layers, including a very thin battery, in embodiments allows label designers to choose the location of the LEDs purely on the basis of the need for illumination in areas of the label that are required to be illuminated. This may mean that LEDs are located above the footprint of the battery or besides it. By choosing the layer structure shown in Fig. 1 the designer of new label shapes and appearances has full freedom to choose the LED position best suited for the new label design.

[0045] The next layer frontward from the light guide plate may be a light barrier 102. The light barrier 102 may be a band of the same shape as the label, substantially encircling the perimeter of the previous layers, and may be entirely opaque. The light barrier 102 may prevent the leakage of light from the sides of the label 100, thereby improving the appearance of the label. The light barrier 102 may possess a thickness of approximately 0.8mm, rendering it approximately the same thickness as the previous layers, allowing it to encompass the perimeter of each layer fully. In another embodiment the light barrier 102 is omitted from the label to generate a halo effect around the label. The light barrier may comprise VHB tape.

[0046] The front most layer of the label 100 may be a design layer 101. The design layer 101 comprises a printed image, design or logo. The design layer 101 may be entirely translucent, or may be opaque in sections and translucent in sections, as dictated by the design. The design layer 101 may be translucent in such a way as to best complement the distribution of light in the light guide layer. That is to say, the distribution of light in the light guide layer and the design on the design layer may be designed harmoniously, to provide for the most aesthetically pleasing result. The design layer may have a thickness of approximately 0.125 mm, and be substantially comprised of polycarbonate.

[0047] Fig. 2A illustrates a plan view of the label 100 from its front. When the label 100 is viewed from the front, the only layer substantially visible to the eye may be the design layer 101 . As the remaining layers are all of approximately the same shape and size (with the exceptions of the flexible circuit 105 and power source 106), the remaining layers may all be present behind the design layer but not in view.

[0048] Fig. 2A also illustrates in dashed lines the location of some of the components of the label 100, which are otherwise not visible from the front. The location of the power source 106 and one or more light-emitting elements 110 can be seen in dashed lines. It can be seen by inspection that the one or more light-emitting elements 110 can disposed within the label such that they are contained within the perimeter of the battery 106. As discussed above, it is known in the art to position the light-emitting elements 110 outside of the perimeter of the battery and in the same depth layer as the battery, such that the thickness of the label is not increased. However, as shown in the embodiments herein, the light-emitting elements can instead be placed within the perimeter of the battery to improve the distribution of the light, whilst also maintaining the thinness of the label 100. The thinness of the label 100 can be maintained with careful choice of the remaining components of the label 100.

[0049] Fig. 2B shows the propagation of light from the light-emitting elements throughout the label, from the same view as Fig. 2A. It can be seen that by positioning the light-emitting elements over the footprint of the power source, the distribution of light throughout the light guide layer can be improved. The light-emitting elements of Fig. 2B are shown in pairs, but in some embodiments the light-emitting elements may be distributed individually, or distributed in groups of three or more at each location.

[0050] Figure 3 shows an example configuration of the layers of the label 100 according to embodiments. The thickness of the layers is not to scale - instead, layers are shown having a uniform thickness for ease of illustration. It can be seen that the power source 106 is retained within the uniform hole of layers 109, 108 and 107. The flexible circuit board 105 is stacked on top of the battery, with the light-emitting elements 110 directly above the battery and extending through the reflective layer 104 and into the light guide layer 103. The light barrier 102 is approximately as thick as the first six layers, and wraps around their perimeter.

[0051] By placing the flexible circuit board 105 behind the reflector 104 but allowing the lightemitting elements to protrude through the reflector and into the light guide layer, the amount of light emitted from the front of the layer can be maximised for a given power rating. This reduces the battery capacity required to illuminate the label for a given time period, and so allows the usage of thinner batteries. For instance, the use of the reflector 104 may allow for the use of a battery with capacity within 20mAh - 500mAh. In some embodiments, the battery capacity may be below 200mAh, for example 170mAh. In some embodiments, the battery capacity may be below 100 mAh, for example 90mAh. With this capacity, the battery may operate for up to approximately 6-8 hours, at a temperature of 2°C. In some embodiments, the battery may be rechargeable. Additionally, both separately to or in combination with the above embodiments, the design layer 101 may comprise a printed design, wherein the design is printed using UV- reactive ink. For example, the design may be printed using a photochromic ink. The lightemitting elements 110 may comprise UV-LEDs. In some embodiments, the light-emitting elements 101 may comprise exclusively UV-LEDs, while in others the light-emitting elements may comprise both UV-LEDs and normal LEDs. During operation, the emitted UV light may be incident on the printed design. Because of the UV reactivity of the printed design, the printed design may fluoresce in response to the UV light. This fluorescence may be in addition to or in replacement to the usual emission of visual light from the light emitting elements.

[0052] Whilst certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel devices, and methods described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the devices, methods and products described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An illuminated label with a rear side for adhesion to a surface and a front side opposite the rear side, the label comprising: a power source; a flexible circuit board on the front side of the power source and overlapping a footprint of the power source, wherein the flexible circuit board comprises one or more light-emitting elements; a light guide plate on the front side of the power source, wherein the light guide plate is configured to distribute light from the light-emitting elements.

2. The label of claim 1 , wherein the one or more light emitting elements are disposed within the footprint of the power source.

3. The label of claim 1 or 2, wherein the light guide plate comprises one or more recesses, and wherein the light-emitting elements protrude from the flexible circuit board into the one or more recesses.

4. The label of claim 1 or 2, wherein the light-emitting elements emit light laterally across the light guide plate.

5. The label of any of any preceding claim, further comprising a reflective layer between the flexible circuit board and the light guide plate.

6. The label of claim 5, wherein the reflective layer comprises one or more holes, wherein the one or more holes are co-located with the one or more lightemitting elements, such that the one or more light-emitting elements protrude through the one or more holes.

7. The label of any of any preceding claim, wherein the power source comprises a thin-film battery.

8. The label of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible circuit further comprises a switch element, and wherein the switch element is configured to switch the light-emitting elements on or off.

9. The label of any preceding claim, wherein the light-emitting elements are disposed within a central portion of a profile of the label.

10. The label of any preceding claim, further comprising a design layer on the front of the label comprising a design printed in UV-reactive ink, and wherein the light-emitting elements comprise UV LEDs.

11. An illuminated label with a front side and a rear side, comprising: a flexible circuit board, comprising one or more light emitting elements; a reflective layer in front of the flexible circuit board; and a battery behind the flexible circuit board having a battery capacity, wherein the battery capacity is 500mAh or less; wherein the one or more light emitting elements protrude from the flexible circuit board through the reflective layer.

12. The label of claim 10, wherein the battery capacity is below 200mAh.

13. The label of claim 11 , wherein the battery capacity is approximately 170mAh.

14. The label of claim 10, wherein the battery capacity is below lOOmAh.

15. The label of claim 13, wherein the battery capacity is approximately 90mAh.

16. The label of any of claims 10-14, wherein the battery comprises a rechargeable battery.

17. The label of any of claims 10-15, further comprising a light guide plate in front of the reflective layer.

18. The label of any preceding claim, further comprising a design layer on the front of the label comprising a design printed in UV-reactive ink, and wherein thelight-emitting elements comprise UV LEDs.

19. An illuminated label, comprising: one or more UV-LEDs; a front surface, wherein the front surface comprises UV-reactive ink.

20. The label of claim 19, further comprising one or more of: a reflective layer; a light guide layer a protective layer; and a battery.

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