LIGHT-UP LABEL

Abstract

Illuminated Label: An illuminated 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 the surface 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 the light from the electroluminescent elements. [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: LIGHT-UP LABEL FIELD OF INVENTION

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

[0002] PREVIOUS INVENTION

[0003] In nightlife venues such as bars and nightclubs, customers often want to buy bottled drinks. These establishments often operate in dim lighting to maintain a particular atmosphere. Consequently, when bottles are offered for sale in such an environment, it can 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 those of other manufacturers.

[0004] To this end, some manufacturers use a light-up label. These light-up labels can be affixed 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 in the base of the bottle and electrically connected to the label, thus maintaining the label's thinness. In other examples, the batteries are contained within the labels and are connected to side-emitting LEDs positioned around the label's periphery. However, including a battery in the label can lead to an increase in its thickness, which is undesirable for reasons related to both the product's aesthetics and its ease of packaging and transport.

[0005] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment, a luminous label is proposed having a rear face intended to be glued to a surface and a front face opposite the rear face, the label comprising a power source, a flexible printed circuit board on the front face of the power source and superimposed on a surface 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 the light from the electroluminescent elements.

[0007] In one embodiment, the one or more electroluminescent elements are arranged within the area occupied by the power source.

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

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

[0010] In one embodiment, the label further includes 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 electroluminescent elements, such that the one or more electroluminescent elements protrude through the one or more holes.

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

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

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

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

[0016] According to another embodiment, a luminous label is provided having a front face and a rear face, comprising a flexible printed circuit board including one or more electroluminescent 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 electroluminescent elements protruding from the flexible printed circuit board through the reflective layer.

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

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

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

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

[0021] According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a luminous 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 the following elements: a reflective layer, a light guide layer, a protective layer and a battery. Brief description of the drawings

[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded view of the light label according to embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 2A illustrates a plan view of the light label according to embodiments.

[0025] Fig. 2B illustrates the propagation of light on the luminous label according to embodiments.

[0026] Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the light label according to embodiments.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT METHODS

[0028] An exploded view of a possible embodiment of the light label 100 is shown in [Fig. 1]. In some embodiments, the label may include all the layers shown in [Fig. 1]. In other embodiments, the label may omit certain layers or may substitute certain layers or combinations of layers with equivalents. We assume that those skilled in the art will understand that such variations and modifications are permissible without departing from the inventive concept defined in the claims.

[0029] In [Fig. 1], the frontmost layer of the label is shown on the far left of the figure, and the rearmost layer of the label is shown on the far right. Those skilled in the art will understand that, although the luminous label in [Fig. 1] has a particular shape, the invention can be implemented in labels of any shape, and therefore the shape shown in [Fig. 1] does not constitute a limitation of the invention.

[0030] 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, ensuring that the bottle retains the label throughout its use. The adhesive layer 109 may be a thin layer of double-sided tape, with the back side of the tape adhering to the bottle and the front side of the tape adhering to the next layer of the label. Before being affixed to the bottle, the adhesive layer 109 may be bonded to a backing layer 109b (not shown). The backing layer 109b may be configured to hold the label 100 until it is applied. on a bottle. When applying to a bottle, the backing layer 109b can be separated from the adhesive layer 109 and discarded. Other suitable adhesives, such as water-based glue, can also be used instead of double-sided tape. The thickness of the adhesive layer 109 can be approximately 0.14 mm, and the layer can be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0031] The next layer, in front of the adhesive layer 109, may be a protective layer 108. The protective layer 108 may comprise a cork or foam-type material. The protective layer 108 isolates the internal components of the label 100 from the external environment. The protective layer 108 can substantially waterproof the inside of the label 100. The thickness of the protective layer 108 may be approximately 0.4 mm.

[0032] The next layer, in front of the protective layer 108, may be another adhesive layer 107. The adhesive layer 107 may be of substantially similar composition to the adhesive layer 109. The adhesive layer 107 may comprise double-sided adhesive tape, with the back side of the tape adhering to the protective layer 108 and the front side of the tape adhering to the next layer of the label. Again, other suitable forms of adhesive, such as water-based glue, may also be used instead of double-sided adhesive tape. The thickness of the adhesive layer 107 may also be approximately 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 double-sided foam tape.

[0033] 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 flexible thin-film 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 punched in layers 107, 108, and 109, such that its perimeter is enclosed by these layers. The power source 106 may be glued to any of the surrounding layers, to the bottle, or to an adjacent layer located further forward.

[0034] The power source can be loosely glued, allowing it to be separated from the 100 label after use for recycling of both components. The power source can have an approximate service life of up to 8 hours at a temperature of 2°C. The power source can have a thickness of approximately 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 identical to the radius of the curve of the bottle on which the label 100 is to be applied.

[0035] In front of the power supply 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 supply 106 to enable the operation of the light-emitting elements. The flexible printed circuit board may also include a switching element, such as a button, configured to activate and deactivate the operation of the light-emitting elements. In this way, the LEDs can be activated only when the bottle owner desires, thus preserving battery life. The flexible printed circuit board may have a thickness of approximately 0.1 mm.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the electroluminescent elements can be configured for animation. More specifically, the electroluminescent elements can be configured to vary in intensity according to a predetermined rhythm. Different electroluminescent elements can be configured to operate at different intensities simultaneously. The animation of the electroluminescent elements can be controlled by an integrated circuit located on the flexible printed circuit board.

[0037] The electroluminescent elements are arranged on the flexible printed circuit board so that they can be stacked next to or on top of the power supply 106, viewed from the front of the label. In this embodiment, the electroluminescent elements are arranged so as to be located within the perimeter of the power supply. This will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 2.

[0038] The next layer, in front of the flexible printed circuit board 105, is a reflective layer 104. The reflective layer is substantially or completely opaque and has a plurality of holes cut through it. The holes are co-located with the electroluminescent elements of the flexible printed circuit board 105, so that, when the label is assembled, the electroluminescent 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 be approximately 0.05 mm thick and may be made of PET.

[0039] By placing the flexible printed circuit board behind the reflective layer, but allowing the electroluminescent elements to protrude through the reflective layer, it is ensured that no light emission through the front surface of the label 100 is blocked. In this way, the reflective layer 104 directs a maximum amount of light to the front of the label. This increased lighting efficiency allows the power supply 106 to operate at a lower power consumption rate while emitting light of acceptable brightness, thus enabling the use of a thinner battery in the label.

[0040] The next layer, in front of the reflector, is the light guide layer 103. The light guide layer 103 comprises a substantially translucent flat surface in which a plurality of guiding elements are arranged. The light guide layer 103 may have a thickness of approximately 0.175 mm and may be essentially made of polycarbonate. The plurality of guiding 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 electroluminescent elements of the flexible printed circuit board, such that the electroluminescent elements are placed in the recesses when the label 100 is assembled.

[0041] The electroluminescent elements emit light in 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 understood that localized variations in the illumination of the label can therefore be achieved if a suitable dot pattern is implemented. The pattern in question can be configured in addition to a pattern or design displayed on a front surface of the label 101. Alternatively, the pattern in question can allow for a homogeneous distribution of light over the entire light guide layer. Light emitted towards the rear of the light guide layer strikes the reflective layer 104 and is therefore reflected towards the front of the label 100.

[0042] It is known in the art that a plurality of electroluminescent elements are distributed around the periphery of a luminous label and emit light laterally into a central light guide layer. This can be done to allow the power source and the electroluminescent elements to be located in the same layer of the label, which helps to minimize the label thickness. However, the peripheral distribution of Electroluminescent elements result in a light pattern that can be irregular and lack uniformity, and cause the electroluminescent elements to consume more energy to transmit light across the entire light guide plate. Conversely, if the electroluminescent elements are arranged on the surface occupied by the power source, and therefore within the light guide plate, improved light distribution across the entire label and a reduction in the required energy consumption are achieved.

[0043] To compensate for the added thickness caused by stacking the power source 106 and the electroluminescent elements, the components of the label 100 can be chosen to ensure that the label thickness is reduced to a minimum. The materials used for the adhesive layers 107 and 109 and the protective layer 108 can be chosen so that the label thickness does not exceed approximately 1.2 mm. This improves light distribution without compromising the label thickness. It will be understood that the use of thin layers, including a very thin battery, in these embodiments allows label designers to choose the location of the LEDs solely based on the lighting requirements of the areas of the label that need to be illuminated. Thus, the LEDs can be located above or beside the battery surface.By choosing the layer structure illustrated in [Fig.1], the designer of new label shapes and looks is completely free to choose the LED position best suited to the new label design.

[0044] The next layer, in front of the light guide plate, can be a light barrier 102. The light barrier 102 can be a strip of the same shape as the label, substantially encircling the perimeter of the preceding layers, and can be completely opaque. The light barrier 102 can prevent light leakage from the sides of the label 100, thus improving the label's appearance. The light barrier 102 can have a thickness of approximately 0.8 mm, giving it roughly the same thickness as the preceding layers and allowing it to completely 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 can include a VHB tape.

[0045] The frontmost layer of the label 100 can be a design layer 101. The design layer 101 comprises a printed image, drawing, or logo. The design layer 101 can be entirely translucent, or it can be opaque in sections and translucent in sections, depending on the design. The design layer 101 can be translucent so as to provide the best possible complement to the light distribution in the light guide layer. In other words, the distribution The light in the light guide layer and the design on the graphics layer can be harmoniously coordinated to provide the most aesthetically pleasing result. The graphics layer can be approximately 0.125 mm thick and is made primarily of polycarbonate.

[0046] [Fig. 2A] illustrates a plan view of the label 100 from its front face. When the label 100 is viewed from the front, the only layer that is readily visible to the naked eye may be the drawing 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 supply 106), the remaining layers may all be present behind the graphics layer without being visible.

[0047] Figure 2A also illustrates, in dotted lines, the location of some of the components of the label 100, which are not otherwise visible from the front. The location of the power supply 106 and one or more electroluminescent elements 110 is shown in dotted lines. It can be seen by inspection that the one or more electroluminescent elements 110 can be arranged inside the label so that they are contained within the perimeter of the battery 106. As indicated above, it is known in the art to position the electroluminescent elements 110 outside the perimeter of the battery and in the same layer depth as the battery, so as not to increase the thickness of the label.However, as illustrated in embodiments of the present invention, the electroluminescent elements can instead be placed inside the perimeter of the battery to improve light distribution, while preserving the thinness of the label 100. The thinness of the label 100 can be preserved through careful selection of the remaining components of the label 100.

[0048] Figure 2B illustrates the propagation of light from the electroluminescent elements throughout the label, according to the same view as Figure 2A. It can be seen that by positioning the electroluminescent elements on the surface occupied by the power source, the distribution of light throughout the light guide layer can be improved. The electroluminescent elements in Figure 2B are shown in pairs, but in some embodiments, the electroluminescent elements may be distributed individually or in groups of three or more at each location.

[0049] Figure 3 illustrates an example of the layer configuration of the label 100 according to embodiments. The layer thickness 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 layers 109, 108, and 107. The flexible printed circuit board 105 is superimposed on the battery, with the electroluminescent elements 110 located directly above the battery and passing through the reflective layer 104 to penetrate the light guide layer 103. The light barrier 102 is about as thick as the first six layers and follows their perimeter.

[0050] By placing the flexible printed circuit board 105 behind the reflector 104 but allowing the electroluminescent elements to protrude through the reflector and penetrate 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, thus allowing the use of thinner batteries. For example, using the reflector 104 allows the use of a battery with a capacity between 20 mAh and 500 mAh. In some embodiments, the battery capacity may be less than 200 mAh, for example, 170 mAh. In some embodiments, the battery capacity may be less than 100 mAh, for example, 90 mAh. With such a capacity, the battery can operate for up to approximately 6 to 8 hours at a temperature of 2 °C.In some embodiments, the battery may be rechargeable.

[0051] Furthermore, separately or in combination with the above embodiments, the drawing layer 101 may include a printed drawing, said drawing being printed using UV-reactive ink. For example, the graphic may be printed using photochromic ink. The electroluminescent elements 110 may include UV LEDs. In some embodiments, the electroluminescent elements 101 may consist exclusively of UV LEDs, while in others, the electroluminescent elements may include both UV LEDs and normal LEDs. In use, the emitted UV light may be incident on the printed drawing. Due to the UV reactivity of the printed drawing, the printed drawing may become fluorescent under the effect of UV light. This fluorescence may be in addition to, or instead of, the normal emission of visible light from the electroluminescent elements.

[0052] Although certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented solely by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the inventive devices and methods described herein can be implemented in various other forms; moreover, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications concerning the form of the devices, methods, and products described herein can be undertaken without departing from the spirit of the inventions. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover these forms or modifications, which fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

Claims

Demands

1. A light label having a back face intended to be glued 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 a surface 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 the light from the electroluminescent elements.

2. Label according to claim 1, wherein one or more electroluminescent elements are arranged within the area occupied by the power source.

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

4. Label according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the electroluminescent elements emit light laterally over the entire light guide plate.

5. Label according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a reflective layer between the flexible printed circuit board and the light guide plate.

6. Label according to claim 5, wherein the reflective layer comprises one or more holes, the one or more holes being co-located with the one or more electroluminescent elements, such that the one or more electroluminescent elements protrude through the one or more holes.

7. Label according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power source comprises a thin-film battery.

8. Label according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flexible circuit further comprises a switching element, and wherein the switching element is configured to turn the electroluminescent elements on or off.

9. Label according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electroluminescent elements are arranged in a central part of a profile of the label.

10. Label according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a design layer on the front of the label, comprising a design printed in 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 electroluminescent 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 electroluminescent elements protruding from the flexible printed circuit board through the reflective layer.

12. Label according to claim 11, wherein the battery capacity is less than 200 mAh.

13. Label according to claim 12, wherein the battery capacity is about 170 mAh.

14. Label according to claim 11, wherein the battery capacity is less than 100 mAh.

15. Label according to claim 14, wherein the battery capacity is about 90 mAh.

16. Label according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the battery comprises a rechargeable battery.

17. Label according to any one of claims 11 to 16, further comprising a light guide plate in front of the reflective layer.

18. Label according to any one of claims 11 to 17 further comprising a design layer on the front of the label, comprising a design printed in 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. Label according to claim 19, further comprising one or more of the following elements: a reflective layer, a light-guiding layer, a protective layer, and a battery.

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