Method for manufacturing a visual display assembly, visual display assembly and lighter comprising such assembly

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a visual display assembly, the method comprising: providing a film (20) of transparent material comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the first surface comprising a lens array, the lens array comprising arranged to be capable of providing information of a plurality of images when viewed from different predetermined angles through the lenses; placing a screen printing fabric (21) in proximity to the first surface to form a pattern or printed image; applying a layer of ink or varnish (22) to the screen printing fabric (21) allowing the ink or varnish (22) to pass through to be placed on portions of the first surface; wiping the ink or varnish (22) over the screen printing fabric (21) by means of a squeegee (23).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing visual display assemblies. It is particularly suitable for visual display assemblies used as anti-counterfeiting devices or for unique purposes, such as labels on products and / or lighters. Background Technology

[0002] Nowadays, many products or lighters are counterfeit.

[0003] A lighter is known and conventionally comprises a lighter body equipped with a reservoir and an igniter. The reservoir is the fuel tank. The igniter can be of different types, specifically piezoelectric igniters, friction igniters, or simple electric igniters. Friction igniters have a thumbwheel that generates friction upon contact with a spark stone. In the latter case, ignition of the lighter typically involves operating the wheel with the thumb. After operating the thumbwheel, the thumb presses the valve button that releases the fuel almost simultaneously. The release of the fuel occurs instantaneously with the appearance of a spark, thus producing a flame.

[0004] In piezoelectric ignition, the button is actuated by the user's finger (usually the thumb). When the thumb presses on the actuator, the initial displacement of this actuator compresses the spring. Continued support causes the spring to suddenly release. This then strikes the piezoelectric quartz, which also produces a spark. Due to the continuous action on the button that opens the fuel valve, the generation of the spark also occurs simultaneously with the fuel release.

[0005] Lighters are widely used and often used as promotional items.

[0006] The film used for decoration (sleeves or labels) is either glossy or matte. A disadvantage of this type of film is that it is not scratch-resistant and can be easily peeled off. Additionally, the film used for decoration is easily replicated, and counterfeit lighters exist, the existence of which is related to the replication of the film used for decoration.

[0007] One objective of this invention is to have films that are used for decoration, but of a unique variety. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to overcome these shortcomings with a completely innovative method.

[0009] Therefore, according to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a visual display assembly, characterized in that the method comprises:

[0010] - A thin film of transparent material is provided, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface including a lens array, the lens array including information arranged to provide the images when viewing multiple images from different predetermined angles through the lenses;

[0011] - Place the screen-printed fabric near the first surface to form a pattern or printed image;

[0012] - Apply an ink or varnish layer to the screen-printed fabric and allow the ink or varnish to pass through to be placed on a portion of the first surface;

[0013] - Use a squeegee to wipe ink or varnish off the screen-printed fabric.

[0014] These arrangements allow images to be printed on the curved portions of a biconvex film.

[0015] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a visual display assembly to be used in a lighter.

[0016] Other advantages, typically or related to the product, include its use as an anti-counterfeiting device. More specifically, the assembly can be used as an anti-counterfeiting device on product labels.

[0017] Ink or varnish can mask the 3D effect in one location to visually isolate it, thus separating it from the decoration by placing the ink or varnish in the foreground.

[0018] For example, the pattern is a square.

[0019] The present invention is advantageously implemented according to the embodiments and variations described below, which may be considered individually or in any combination of technical operations.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of applying an adhesive layer to a second surface of a transparent material. The layer is configured to be non-peelable.

[0021] These arrangements allow the film to be peeled off and re-bonded onto products such as lighters, thus avoiding the creation of waste.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further includes providing a flexible support on which patterns, images, or text are printed, the flexible support being located below a second surface of a transparent material film.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of applying an adhesive layer under the flexible support, the adhesive layer being configured such that it can be peeled off and then re-bonded at least once without leaving any trace of the adhesive layer.

[0024] The layer is configured to not leave adhesive residue on the product during product separation.

[0025] The adhesive layer is provided beneath the flexible support to hold the assembly to the product or silicone support.

[0026] In one embodiment, the screen-printed fabric has at least 70 lines per centimeter.

[0027] In one embodiment, the thickness of the ink or varnish layer is between 40 micrometers and 70 micrometers.

[0028] In one embodiment, the screen-printed fabric is colored.

[0029] In this way, diffusion can be prevented and the best possible clarity can be obtained during the exposure of the artwork.

[0030] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a visual display assembly, characterized in that it comprises:

[0031] - A thin film of transparent material, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface comprising a lens array, the lens array comprising information arranged to provide the images when viewing multiple images from different predetermined angles through the lenses;

[0032] - A printed image that partially covers the first surface.

[0033] Given that the advantages, objectives, and specific features of this assembly are similar to those of the method which is the subject of this invention, they will not be repeated here.

[0034] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a lighter, the lighter comprising:

[0035] - The lighter body includes a fuel tank with a valve for releasing fuel;

[0036] - An assembly of a piezoelectric, electric, or friction wheel system, which the user can use and / or rotate to generate a spark toward fuel released from the valve, the piezoelectric, electric, or friction wheel assembly being mounted on the lighter body such that at least a portion of it is exposed for user manipulation and / or rotation;

[0037] - A valve actuator that can be lowered to actuate the valve and release the fuel;

[0038] The lighter is characterized in that it further includes:

[0039] - A visual display assembly bonded to the lighter body, the visual display assembly comprising:

[0040] - A thin film of transparent material, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface comprising a lens array, the lens array comprising information arranged to provide the images when viewing multiple images from different predetermined angles through the lenses;

[0041] - An image or pattern printed with ink or varnish and partially covering the first surface.

[0042] More specifically, a piezoelectric, electric, or friction wheel system assembly that the user can rotate to generate a spark toward fuel released from the valve, the piezoelectric, electric, or friction wheel assembly being mounted on the lighter body such that at least a portion of it is exposed for user manipulation and rotation.

[0043] Given that the advantages, objectives, and specific features of this lighter are similar to those of the method which is the subject of this invention, they will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Referring to the accompanying drawings, other advantages, objectives, and features of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is provided for illustrative purposes and is in no way limiting, wherein:

[0045] [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 A perspective view of a thin film of the transparent material used in this invention is shown;

[0046] [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 A top view showing the problem of applying ink or varnish to the film in the image above;

[0047] [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 A top view showing the desired rendering during the application of ink or varnish to a thin film of a transparent material, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0048] [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 A perspective view showing the desired rendering during the application of ink or varnish to a thin film of a transparent material, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0049] [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the steps for manufacturing a visual display assembly according to the present invention;

[0050] [ Figure 6 ] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a visual display assembly according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0051] [ Figure 7 ] Figure 7 The steps implemented according to the invention in a specific embodiment of a method for manufacturing a visual display assembly are illustrated in flowchart form. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Figure 1 A perspective view of the thin film 20 used in the transparent material of the present invention is shown.

[0053] The thin film 20 has multiple lenses arranged in parallel. The thin film 20 consists of a lens array. The lens array consists of circular lenses or square lenses.

[0054] The transparent film 20 or the biconvex film 20 can create images or different viewpoints of multiple images at multiple levels. In one exemplary embodiment, there are three levels.

[0055] In one exemplary embodiment, the plurality of images visible in the biconvex film 20 include wallpaper patterns. The biconvex film 20 also includes overlay patterns.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the problem of applying ink or varnish 22 to the film 20 in the above figure.

[0057] The challenge lies in printing graphic elements with clear outlines that are faithful to the model to be reproduced and have flat, smooth surface conditions.

[0058] This diagram illustrates the flow of ink or varnish 22 within a lens array. This gives the impression of blurred and poorly defined contours. This invention attempts to address this problem.

[0059] Figure 3 and 4 Top and perspective views show the desired result during the application of ink or varnish 22 to a film 20 of a transparent material. In the example, the letter Y is shown.

[0060] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the steps for manufacturing a visual display assembly according to the present invention.

[0061] The method includes a specific screen printing step as a means of printing on the first surface of a thin film 20 of a transparent material.

[0062] Screen printing is used as a printing technique to eliminate unwanted bleeding.

[0063] This means that the various parameters mentioned below can be controlled and identified, namely, the deposition of a thick film of ink or varnish 22 with sufficiently clear and precise contours.

[0064] This figure shows a film 20 of transparent material to which ink or varnish 22 has been applied. A screen-printed fabric 21 is positioned close to the film 20, above it. "Close to" is understood to mean approximately 3 mm, with a tolerance of ±0.5 mm. This allows for good, clean, and precise separation of the screen-printed fabric 21 after the ink or varnish 22 has passed through, while avoiding any risk of soiling.

[0065] The screen-printed fabric 21 includes a portion that allows ink or varnish 22 to pass through, so that the ink or varnish can be deposited on a first surface of the film 20. The screen-printed fabric 21 has a solid portion called a capillary film, which has sharp edges around the area where ink or varnish 22 is allowed to pass through.

[0066] In an exemplary embodiment, the screen-printed fabric 21 consists of a solid portion through which ink or varnish 22 is not allowed to pass and at least one area for allowing ink or varnish 22 to pass through.

[0067] Solid portions or capillary films can achieve the lowest possible roughness value to allow for repeated wiping. The Rz value is 5 micrometers, with tolerances up to 7 micrometers.

[0068] The roughness value is very low, meaning that the surface of the solid area or capillary film is not rough.

[0069] The screen-printed fabric 21 comprises 90 lines / cm to allow for a relatively large amount of ink or varnish 22 to be deposited, wherein the tolerance is between 71 lines / cm and 120 lines / cm, depending on the fineness of the pattern to be reproduced.

[0070] The screen-printed fabric 21 is colored to prevent diffusion and to provide the best possible clarity during artwork exposure.

[0071] The thickness of the ink or varnish 22 is between 40 micrometers and 70 micrometers.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment, in order to obtain good print quality (clear and accurate outlines + smooth surface of the printed pattern), the ink or varnish 22 has the following rheological properties:

[0073] - Pseudo-plastic: In order to penetrate the fabric, the ink or varnish 22 must reach a viscosity of less than 500 poise under a shear force of 100 s⁻¹. At rest, the ink or varnish 22 has a high viscosity to keep particles suspended and prevent sedimentation. During printing, the ink or varnish 22 is subjected to shear stress due to the passage of the squeegee. For the ink or varnish 22 to penetrate the fabric mesh, the viscosity must decrease as the applied stress decreases.

[0074] - Thixotropy: The ink or varnish 22 is thixotropic to achieve good clarity after the scraper is removed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the ink or varnish 22 must recover a viscosity greater than 10,000 poise. The ink or varnish 22 must be "coated / smoothed" to remove traces of the fabric mesh, but must not "flow" to maintain a clean and precise profile. Therefore, the viscosity must slowly recover to its initial value to allow the ink or varnish 22 time to smooth.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, the ink or varnish 22 is modified to suit its rheological properties and to adapt it to the irregular surface of the biconvex film 20.

[0076] Based on the example:

[0077] Depending on the fineness and detail of the pattern to be reproduced, add a thixotropic reagent (+3% by weight, ±1%) to the ink or varnish 22.

[0078] Add a gelling agent to increase the initial viscosity by up to 1% (±0.2%).

[0079] Add 2% ± 0.5% silicone-based tensioner to promote the smoothing of ink or varnish 22 and prevent "orange peel" effect after printing.

[0080] Following printing, there is a step of drying the ink or varnish 22 under a UV tunnel. The time interval between printing and passing through the UV tunnel increases in increments of minutes or (according to one example) two minutes, rather than the industry-standard average of 5 seconds. This allows the ink or varnish 22, which has become highly thixotropic, time to recover its initial viscosity and to regain good "smoothness" before it is fully dried.

[0081] This figure also shows a squeegee 23 passing (displaced) across the ink or varnish channel area 22. In other words, the squeegee 23 moves more specifically relative to the screen-printed fabric (21) and / or the film (20) of the transparent material. The squeegee 23 can remove excess ink or varnish 22 under a specific amount of pressure and a specific displacement speed.

[0082] The printing speed is 8 meters per minute (with a tolerance of ±1 meter per minute), which is compatible with the rheological properties of the very viscous ink or varnish 22.

[0083] The squeegee 23 has a Shore hardness of 75 ± 5. More specifically, the squeegee 23 has a Shore A hardness of about 70 to about 80, more specifically about 72 to about 78, and about 75. The determination of the Shore hardness, more specifically the Shore A hardness, is not particularly limited and can be performed, for example, using a hardness tester according to ISO 868. The profile of the squeegee 23 is rectangular. The angle of inclination of the squeegee relative to the screen-printed fabric 21 is 75° (± 5°).

[0084] According to one example, the squeegee is polished every 2 hours and replaced according to its wear condition to maintain high precision during printing.

[0085] The vertical pressure applied to the squeegee must be carefully controlled and adjusted to the non-printing limit, which means that removing the pressure will prevent the ink or varnish 22 from passing through the screen-printed fabric 21.

[0086] Pressure adjustment allows the lower surface of the screen-printed fabric 21 to contact the top of the lens of the film 20 without causing any deformation of the printing squeegee.

[0087] Excessive pressure can cause more ink or varnish 22 to penetrate the fabric than is required, and promote the flow and uncontrolled bleeding of ink or varnish 22 on the lens holder.

[0088] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a visual display assembly according to an exemplary embodiment is shown.

[0089] The assembly consists of the following different layers:

[0090] - A thin film 20 of transparent material includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface including a lens array, the lens array including information arranged to provide the images when viewing multiple images from different predetermined angles through the lenses;

[0091] - An image or pattern printed with ink or varnish 22 and partially covering the first surface;

[0092] - Printed materials containing printing inks that represent images or patterns;

[0093] - Flexible, printable support;

[0094] - Adhesive layer;

[0095] - Silicone stent.

[0096] In this diagram, arrow NV indicates the clear coat layer that masks the 3D effect. Arrow V indicates the 3D effect.

[0097] This involves depositing a clear varnish or ink onto a flexible 3D biconvex film. This has the effect of completely neutralizing the 3D effect obtained by using a flexible 3D biconvex film.

[0098] In the example shown, varnish is selectively deposited at desired locations according to the desired design. Therefore, varnish can mask 3D effects, which may impair the proper readability of graphic elements such as fine text or logos.

[0099] Adding varnish to decorative elements can visually isolate them, thus separating them from the decoration by placing the varnish in the foreground, which adds an extra plane to the initial 3D graphic.

[0100] For example, from a marketing perspective, highlighting a brand's logo is very attractive.

[0101] The advantage of 3D layers is that these regulations further increase the difficulty of counterfeiting products, thus enhancing the anti-counterfeiting aspects of the products.

[0102] Figure 7 The steps implemented according to the invention in a specific embodiment of a method for manufacturing a visual display assembly are illustrated in flowchart form.

[0103] The method includes the following steps:

[0104] - Step 101: Supplying a thin film 20 of transparent material, the thin film comprising a first surface, the first surface comprising a lens array;

[0105] - Step 102: Placing the screen-printed fabric 21 near the first surface of the film 20;

[0106] - Step 103: Applying an ink or varnish 22 layer by screen printing fabric 21, such that a portion of the ink or varnish 22 is applied to the first surface of the transparent material film 20;

[0107] - Step 104: Wipe the ink or varnish 22 with the aid of scraper 23.

[0108] During step 104, the squeegee 23 is rectangular and tilted at an angle between 70° and 80° relative to the normal plane of the screen-printed fabric.

[0109] More specifically, the movable scraper 23 is particularly suitable for use on curved, elliptical, and / or substantially cylindrical surfaces.

[0110] Reference Symbol List

[0111] [Table 1]

[0112] Reference symbol name 20 Thin film of transparent material 21 Screen-printed fabrics 22 ink or varnish 23 scraper 24 Printed products made with printing ink 25 Flexible printable support 26 adhesives 27 Silicone stent

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a visual display assembly, comprising: -Providing a thin film (20) of transparent material, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface comprising a lens array, the lens array comprising information arranged to provide the images when viewing a plurality of images from different predetermined angles through the lenses, characterized in that the method comprises; - Place the screen-printed fabric (21) near the first surface; - An ink or varnish (22) layer is applied to the screen-printed fabric (21), the screen-printed fabric allowing the ink or varnish (22) to pass through to a portion of the first surface to form a pattern or printed image, wherein the screen-printed fabric (21) comprises lines between 70 lines / cm and 120 lines / cm, wherein the ink or varnish (22) comprises a gelling agent and a silicone-based tensioning agent, and wherein the ink or varnish achieves a low viscosity under shear force, specifically, at 100 s. -1 The viscosity is below 500 poise at the shear rate, and recovers to a higher viscosity, specifically greater than 10,000 poise, over a period of time when at rest, so that: - This allows the ink or varnish to smooth the surface of the pattern or printed image, thereby removing traces of the mesh on the screen-printed fabric; but - To prevent the ink or varnish from flowing, thereby maintaining the clarity and precise outline of the pattern or printed image; - The ink or varnish (22) is wiped on the screen-printed fabric (21) by means of a scraper (23); thereby subjecting the ink or varnish to shear force so that a portion of the ink or varnish on the first surface passes through the mesh.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the squeegee (23) is more specifically movable relative to the film (20) of the screen-printed fabric (21) and / or transparent material.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the scraper (23) is displaced on the ink or varnish layer.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the scraper (23) has a rectangular profile.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the scraper (23) has a Shore hardness between 70 and 80.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the scraper (23) has a Shore hardness of 75.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the squeegee (23) is inclined relative to the normal plane of the screen-printed fabric (21) at an angle between 70° and 80°.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the squeegee (23) is inclined at an angle of 75° relative to the normal plane of the screen-printed fabric (21).

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising the step of applying an adhesive layer to the second surface of the transparent material.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising providing a flexible support on which a pattern, image or text is printed, the flexible support being located below the second surface of the film (20) of the transparent material.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of applying an adhesive layer under the flexible support, the adhesive layer being configured such that it can be peeled off and then re-adheded at least once without leaving any trace of the adhesive layer.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the thickness of the ink or varnish (22) is between 40 micrometers and 70 micrometers.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the screen-printed fabric (21) is colored.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the ink or varnish (22) is thixotropic.

15. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the ink or varnish (22) comprises a thixotropic reagent in an amount between 2 wt% and 4 wt%.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the gelling agent of the ink or varnish (22) increases the initial viscosity by up to 1% ± 0.2%.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the amount of silicone tensioning agent in the ink or varnish (22) is 1.5 to 2.5 wt%.

18. A visual display assembly comprising: - A thin film (20) of a transparent material, comprising a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the first surface comprising a lens array, the lens array comprising information arranged to provide images when viewing multiple images from different predetermined angles through the lenses, characterized in that the visual display assembly comprises: - An image or pattern printed according to any one of the preceding claims for a method of manufacturing a visual display assembly.

19. The visual display assembly of claim 18, wherein the ink or varnish (22) is thixotropic.

20. The visual display assembly of claim 18, wherein the ink or varnish (22) is a pseudo-plastic.

21. The visual display assembly of claim 18, wherein the ink or varnish (22) comprises a thixotropic reagent in an amount between 2 wt% and 4 wt%.

22. The visual display assembly of claim 18, wherein the ink or varnish (22) comprises a gelling agent to increase the initial viscosity by up to 1% ± 0.2%.

23. The visual display assembly of claim 18, wherein the ink or varnish (22) comprises a silicone-based tensioner in an amount of 1.5 to 2.0 wt%.

24. A lighter, comprising: - The lighter body includes a fuel tank with a valve for releasing fuel; - An assembly of a piezoelectric, electric, or friction wheel system, which allows the user to use and / or rotate the assembly to generate a spark toward the fuel released from the valve, the assembly of the piezoelectric, electric, or friction wheel system being mounted on the lighter body such that at least a portion of it is exposed for the user to manipulate and / or rotate; - A valve actuator capable of being lowered to actuate the valve and release the fuel; The lighter is characterized in that it comprises: - The visual display assembly according to claim 18 is bonded to the body of the lighter.

Images