LIGHT LABEL

Abstract

LUMINOUS LABEL An illuminated label having a backside for adhering to a surface and a frontside opposite the backside, the label comprising a power source, a flexible printed circuit board on the frontside of the power source and superimposed on the surface area occupied by the power source; the flexible printed circuit board comprising one or more light-emitting elements, a light guide plate on the frontside of the power source; the light guide plate being configured to distribute light from the light-emitting elements. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: LUMINOUS LABEL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to labels, for example for bottles, and more particularly to a configuration making it possible to provide a luminous label while keeping the thickness of this label to a minimum.

[0002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In party venues such as bars and nightclubs, customers often wish to purchase bottled drinks. These establishments often operate under dim lighting, in order to maintain a particular atmosphere. Therefore, when bottles are offered for sale in such an environment, it may be difficult for a customer to distinguish between two different brands of a given type of drink. It is therefore desirable for a beverage manufacturer to be able to differentiate its product from that of other manufacturers.

[0004] For this purpose, some manufacturers use a luminous label. These luminous labels can be adhered to the surface of a bottle and can contain one or more lighting elements, connected to a power source such as a battery. In some examples, the power source is contained in the base of the bottle and electrically connected to the label, allowing the thinness of the label to be maintained. In other examples, the batteries are contained in the labels and these batteries are connected to side-emitting LEDs positioned on a periphery of the label. However, including a battery in the label can lead to an increase in its thickness, which is undesirable for reasons relating to both the aesthetics of the product and its ease of packaging and transport.

[0005] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment, there is provided a luminous label having a back face intended to be adhered to a surface and a front face opposite the back face, the label comprising a power source, a flexible printed circuit board on the front face of the power source and superimposed on an area occupied by the power source, the flexible printed circuit board comprising one or more electroluminescent elements, a light guide plate on the front face of the power source, the light guide plate being configured to distribute light from the electroluminescent elements.

[0007] In one embodiment, the one or more light-emitting elements are disposed within the area occupied by the power source.

[0008] In one embodiment, the light guide plate comprises one or more recesses, and wherein the light emitting elements protrude from the flexible printed circuit board into the one or more recesses.

[0009] In one embodiment, the electroluminescent elements emit light laterally across the entire light guide plate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the label further comprises a reflective layer between the flexible printed circuit board and the light guide plate.

[0011] In one embodiment, the reflective layer comprises one or more holes, the one or more holes being 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.

[0012] In one embodiment, the power source comprises a thin film battery.

[0013] In one embodiment, the flexible circuit further comprises a switching element, and the switching element is configured to turn the light emitting elements on or off.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electroluminescent elements are arranged in a central portion of a profile of the label.

[0015] In one embodiment, the label further comprises a design layer on the front of the label, comprising a design printed in a UV reactive ink, and the electroluminescent elements comprise UV LEDs.

[0016] According to another embodiment, there is provided a luminous label having a front face and a back face, comprising a flexible printed circuit board comprising one or more light-emitting elements, a reflective layer in front of the flexible printed circuit board and a battery behind the flexible printed circuit board, having a battery capacity, said battery capacity being 500 mAh or less, the one or more light-emitting elements protruding from the flexible printed circuit board through the reflective layer.

[0017] In one embodiment, the capacity of the battery is less than 200 mAh. In one embodiment, the battery capacity is about 170 mAh. In one embodiment, the battery capacity is less than 100 mAh. In one embodiment, the battery capacity is about 90 mAh.

[0018] In one embodiment, the battery comprises a rechargeable battery.

[0019] In one embodiment, the label comprises a light guide plate in front of the reflective layer.

[0020] In one embodiment, the label further comprises a design layer on the front of the label, comprising a design printed in a UV reactive ink, and the electroluminescent elements comprise UV LEDs.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to an illuminated label comprising one or more UV LEDs and a front surface, the front surface comprising UV reactive ink.

[0022] In one embodiment, the label further comprises one or more of: a reflective layer, a light guide layer, a protective layer and a battery. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] [Fig.l] illustrates an exploded view of the luminous label according to embodiments.

[0024] [Fig.2A] illustrates a plan view of the luminous label according to embodiments. [Fig.2B] illustrates the propagation of light on the luminous label according to embodiments. [Fig.3] illustrates a side view of the light label according to embodiments.

[0025] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0026] An exploded view of one possible embodiment of the illuminated label 100 is shown in [Fig. 1]. In some embodiments, the label may include all of the layers shown in [Fig. 1]. In other embodiments, the label may not have certain layers or may substitute certain layers or combinations of layers with equivalents. It is assumed that those skilled in the art will understand that such variations and modifications are permitted without departing from the inventive concept defined in the claims.

[0027] In [Fig.l], the frontmost layer of the label is shown furthest to the left of the figure, and the rearmost layer of the label is shown furthest to the right. Those skilled in the art will understand that, although the luminous label of [Fig.l] has a particular shape, the invention can be implemented in labels of any shape, and therefore the shape shown in [Fig.l] does not constitute a limitation of the invention.

[0028] Starting from the back of the label, the label includes an adhesive layer 109. This adhesive layer 109 adheres the label 100 to the bottle, to ensure that the bottle retains the label throughout its use. The adhesive layer 109 may be a thin layer of double-sided adhesive tape, with the back side of the adhesive tape adhering to the bottle and the front side of the adhesive tape adhering to the next layer of the label. Before being adhered to the bottle, the adhesive layer 109 may be adhered to a backing layer 109b (not shown). The backing layer 109b may be configured to retain the label 100 until it is applied. on a bottle. When applied to a bottle, the backing layer 109b may be separated from the adhesive layer 109 and discarded. Other suitable forms of adhesive, such as water-based glue, may also be used instead of double-sided tape. The thickness of the adhesive layer 109 may be about 0.14 mm, and the layer may be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0029] The next layer, forward of the adhesive layer 109, may be a protective layer 108. The protective layer 108 may comprise a cork or foam-like 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 interior of the label 100. The thickness of the protective layer 108 may be about 0.4 mm.

[0030] The next layer, forward of 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 a double-sided adhesive tape, with the back side of the adhesive tape adhering to the protective layer 108 and the front side of the adhesive tape adhering to the next layer of the label. Again, other suitable forms of adhesive, such as water-based glue, may also be used in place of the double-sided adhesive tape. The thickness of the adhesive layer 107 may also be about 0.14 mm. In some embodiments, the adhesive layer 107 may be omitted, and the protective layer 108 may comprise a double-sided adhesive, such as a double-sided foam tape.

[0031] A uniform segment may have been removed from the center of layers 107, 108, and 109. The uniform segment may have the same shape and substantially the same size as a power source 106. The power source 106 may be a battery. More 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 in the uniform hole die-cut in layers 107, 108, and 109 such that its perimeter is surrounded by these layers. The power source 106 may be adhered to any of the surrounding layers, the bottle, or an adjacent layer further forward.

[0032] The power source may be loosely bonded, allowing it to be separated from the label 100 after use for recycling of both. 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 about 0.5 mm, making it substantially equal in thickness to the three layers that surround it. In some embodiments, the power source may be curved in shape, the radius of the curve being substantially the same as the radius of the curve of the bottle to which the label 100 is to be applied.

[0033] In front of the power source 106 is a flexible printed circuit board 105. The flexible printed circuit board 105 includes one or more light-emitting elements, such as LEDs. The flexible printed circuit board 105 provides an electrical connection between the light-emitting elements and the power source 106 to enable operation of the light-emitting elements. The flexible printed circuit board may also include a switching element, such as a button, configured to initiate and interrupt operation of the light-emitting elements. In this way, the LEDs may only be activated when desired by the bottle owner, thereby preserving battery life. The flexible printed circuit board may have a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm.

[0034] In some embodiments, the light-emitting elements may be configured for animation. More particularly, the light-emitting elements may be configured to vary in intensity at a predetermined rate. 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 on the flexible printed circuit board.

[0035] The light-emitting elements are arranged on the flexible printed circuit board so that they can be stacked next to or on the power source 106, as viewed in the direction toward the front of the label. In this embodiment, the light-emitting elements are arranged so that they are located within the perimeter of the power source. This will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0036] The next layer, forward relative to the flexible printed circuit board 105, is a reflective layer 104. The reflective layer is substantially or entirely opaque and has a plurality of holes cut through the layer. The holes are co-located with the light-emitting elements of the flexible printed circuit board 105, such that, when the label is assembled, the light-emitting elements protrude from the printed circuit board 105 through the reflective layer 104. Once the label is assembled, the reflective layer and the flexible printed 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 about 0.05 mm and may be made of PET.

[0037] By placing the flexible printed circuit board behind the reflective layer, but allowing the light-emitting elements to protrude through the reflective layer, it can be ensured that no light emission through the front surface of the label 100 is blocked. In this way, the reflective layer 104 allows a maximum amount of light to be directed toward the front of the label. This increased illumination efficiency allows the power source 106 to operate at a lower power consumption rate while emitting light of acceptable brightness, thereby allowing the use of a thinner battery in the label.

[0038] The next layer, forward of the reflector, is the light guide layer 103. The light guide layer 103 includes a substantially translucent planar surface in which a plurality of guide elements are disposed. The light guide layer 103 may have a thickness of about 0.175 mm and may be substantially made of polycarbonate. The plurality of guide elements may include a dot pattern implemented in the light guide layer. The dot pattern may be implemented in the light guide layer by a hot lamination process. The light guide layer 103 may also include a plurality of recesses or holes in the surface, the recesses being co-located with the light emitting elements of the flexible printed circuit board, such that the light emitting elements are placed in the recesses when the label 100 is assembled.

[0039] The electroluminescent elements emit light into the light guide layer 103. Light propagating laterally through the light guide layer 103 is reflected by the dot pattern to the reflective layer 104, which reflects the light toward the front of the label 100. It will be appreciated that localized variations in the illumination of the label can therefore be achieved if a suitable dot pattern is provided. The pattern in question may be configured to complement a pattern or design shown on a front surface of the label 101. Alternatively, the pattern in question may allow for a homogeneous distribution of light across the entire light guide layer. Light emitted toward the rear of the light guide layer is incident on the reflective layer 104 and is therefore reflected toward the front of the label 100.

[0040] It is known in the art that a plurality of light-emitting elements are distributed around the periphery of a light label and emit light laterally in a central light guide layer. This may be done to allow the power source and the light-emitting elements to be located in the same layer of the label, which helps to minimize the thickness of the label. However, the peripheral distribution of the electroluminescent elements leads to a light pattern that can be uneven and lack uniformity, and causes the electroluminescent elements to consume a greater amount of energy to transmit light across the entire light guide plate. On the other hand, if the electroluminescent elements are arranged on the area occupied by the power source, and therefore within the light guide plate, an improvement in the distribution of light across the entire label and a reduction in the required energy consumption are achieved.

[0041] To compensate for the extra thickness caused by the stacking of the power source 106 and the electroluminescent elements, the components of the label 100 may be chosen so as to ensure that the thickness of the label is reduced to a minimum. The materials used for the adhesive layers 107 and 109 and the protective layer 108 may be chosen such that the thickness of the label does not exceed about 1.2 mm. This improves the light distribution without compromising 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 solely based on the illumination needs in the areas of the label that are to be illuminated. Thus, the LEDs may be located above the surface area by the battery or adjacent to it.By choosing the layer structure shown in [Fig.l], the designer of new label shapes and looks is completely free to choose the LED position best suited to the new label design.

[0042] The next layer, forward of the light guide plate, may be a light barrier 102. The light barrier 102 may be a strip of the same shape as the label, substantially encircling the perimeter of the preceding layers, and may be entirely opaque. The light barrier 102 may prevent light leakage from the sides of the label 100, thereby improving the appearance of the label. The light barrier 102 may have a thickness of about 0.8 mm, making it approximately the same thickness as the preceding layers and allowing it to entirely surround the perimeter of each layer. 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 a VHB (“Very High Bond”) tape.

[0043] The frontmost 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 the design dictates. The design layer 101 may be translucent so as to provide the best possible complement to the dispensing of light in the light guide layer. In other words, the light distribution in the light guide layer and the design on the graphics layer can be harmoniously matched to provide the most aesthetically pleasing result possible. The graphics layer may have a thickness of approximately 0.125 mm and be substantially made of polycarbonate.

[0044] [Fig.2A] illustrates a plan view of the label 100 from its front side. When the label 100 is viewed from the front, the only layer substantially visible to the naked eye may be the design layer 101. Since the remaining layers all have approximately the same shape and size (with the exception of the flexible circuit 105 and the power source 106), the remaining layers may all be present behind the graphics layer without being visible.

[0045] [Fig. 2A] also illustrates, in dotted 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 is visible in dotted lines. It can be seen by inspection that the one or more light-emitting elements 110 may be arranged within the label such that they are contained within the perimeter of the battery 106. As noted above, it is known in the art to position the light-emitting elements 110 outside the perimeter of the battery and in the layer of the same depth as the battery, thus not increasing the thickness of the label.However, as illustrated in embodiments of the present invention, the light-emitting elements may instead be placed within the perimeter of the battery to improve light distribution, while preserving the thinness of the label 100. The thinness of the label 100 may be preserved through careful selection of the remaining components of the label 100.

[0046] [Fig. 2B] illustrates the propagation of light from the electroluminescent elements throughout the label, in the same view as [Fig. 2A]. It is noted that by positioning the electroluminescent elements over the area occupied by the power source, the distribution of light throughout the light guide layer can be improved. The electroluminescent elements of [Fig. 2B] are shown in pairs but, in some embodiments, the electroluminescent elements may be distributed individually or distributed in groups of three or more at each location.

[0047] [Fig. 3] illustrates an example configuration of the layers of the label 100 according to embodiments. The thickness of the layers is not to scale - rather they are shown with a uniform thickness for ease of illustration. Note that the power source 106 is retained in the uniform hole of the layers 109, 108 and 107. The flexible printed circuit board 105 is superimposed on the battery, the light-emitting elements 110 being located directly above the battery and passing through the reflective layer 104 into the light-guide layer 103. The light barrier 102 is approximately as thick as the first six layers and follows their perimeter.

[0048] By placing the flexible printed circuit board 105 behind the reflector 104 but allowing the electroluminescent elements to protrude through the reflector and into the light guide layer, the amount of light emitted from the front of the layer for a given power rating can be maximized. This reduces the battery capacity required to illuminate the label for a given period of time, and thus allows the use of thinner batteries. For example, the use of the reflector 104 may allow the use of a battery having a capacity between 20 mAh and 500 mAh. In some embodiments, the battery capacity may be less than 200 mAh, such as 170 mAh. In some embodiments, the battery capacity may be less than 100 mAh, such as 90 mAh. With such a capacity, the battery can work up to about 6 to 8 hours at a temperature of 2 °C.In some embodiments, the battery may be rechargeable.

[0049] Additionally, separately or in combination with the above embodiments, the design layer 101 may comprise a printed design, said design being printed using a UV-reactive ink. For example, the graphic may be printed using a photochromic ink. The light-emitting 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. In use, the emitted UV light may be incident on the printed design. Due to the UV reactivity of the printed design, the printed design may fluoresce under the influence of the UV light. This fluorescence may be in addition to or in place of the usual visual light emission from the light-emitting elements.

[0050] Although certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the inventive devices and methods described herein may be embodied in various other forms; further, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications regarding the form of the devices, methods, and products described herein may be undertaken without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover those forms or modifications which fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

Claims

Claims

1. A luminous label having a back side for being adhered to a surface and a front side opposite the back side, the label comprising: a power source, a flexible printed circuit board on the front side of the power source and superimposed on an area occupied by the power source, the flexible printed circuit board comprising one or more light-emitting elements, a light guide plate on the front side of the power source, the light guide plate being 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 area occupied by the power source.

3. A label according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the light guide plate comprises one or more recesses, and wherein the light emitting elements protrude from the flexible printed circuit board into the one or more recesses.

4. A label according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electroluminescent elements emit light laterally across the entire light guide plate.

5. A label according to any preceding claim, further comprising a reflective layer between the flexible printed circuit board and the light guide plate.

6. The label of claim 5, wherein the reflective layer comprises one or more holes, the one or more holes being 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.

7. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the power source comprises a thin film battery.

8. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the flexible circuit further comprises a switching element, and wherein the switching element is configured to turn the light-emitting elements on or off.

9. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the electroluminescent elements are arranged in a central portion of a profile of the label.

10. A label according to any preceding claim, further comprising a design layer on the front of the label, comprising a design printed in a UV reactive ink, and wherein the electroluminescent elements comprise UV LEDs.

11. A luminous label having a front face and a back face, comprising: a flexible printed circuit board, including one or more light-emitting elements, a reflective layer in front of the flexible printed circuit board, and a battery behind the flexible printed circuit board, having a battery capacity, the battery capacity being 500 mAh or less; the one or more light-emitting elements protruding from the flexible printed circuit board through the reflective layer.

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

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

14. The label of claim 10, wherein the battery capacity is less than 100 mAh.

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

16. A label according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the battery comprises a rechargeable battery.

17. A label according to any one of claims 10 to 15, further comprising a light guide plate in front of the reflective layer.

18. A label according to any preceding claim, further comprising a design layer on the front of the label, comprising a design printed in a UV reactive ink, and wherein the electroluminescent elements comprise UV LEDs.

19. Illuminated label, comprising: one or more UV LEDs; a front surface, the front surface comprising 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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