Systems and methods using UV-reactive laminates, and methods for manufacturing UV-reactive laminates.

Abstract

To provide UV-responsive laminates including a first layer having a photochromatic pigment arranged as a pigment texture, or one or more photochromatic indicators, or combinations thereof.SOLUTION: The photochromatic pigment may be disposed on the laminates during laminate fabrication, prior to laminate installation, or subsequently to the installation in situ. The photochromatic pigment is configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to exposure to an ultraviolet (UV) light source, the first state is invisible to the naked eye under ambient lighting and the second state is visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting. The UV-responsive laminates may further include additional layers, such as a second layer which may be a coupling layer configured to removably couple the laminate to a component. Additional layers, such as a protective layer or a backing layer, may also be included in the UV-responsive laminate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1D

Description

Background Art

[0001] The cleaning of surfaces included in the provision of services to customers has become of utmost importance in the current environment. In addition, it is equally important to confirm the cleanliness of the surfaces accordingly.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0002] Current surface cleaning methods cannot provide a reliable indication that the cleaning process has been executed. Therefore, neither the users of these surfaces nor the users responsible for performing the cleaning process can be certain that the surfaces have been adequately cleaned. Thus, there is still a need for a system and method for cleaning reliably and for confirming that the cleaning procedure has been carried out.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] The present disclosure provides a laminate. In one aspect, the laminate includes a first layer having a light-adjusting pigment, wherein the light-adjusting pigment is configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to exposure to an ultraviolet (UV) light source, the first state being invisible to the naked eye under ambient lighting and the second state being visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, and a second layer, wherein the second layer is a bonding layer that removably attaches the laminate to a component.

[0004] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below other laminates, the laminate includes a first layer formed from a polyvinyl material or a glass fiber material.

[0005] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or below other laminates, the laminate includes a first layer formed from a material that is at least 30% UV transmissive within a predetermined wavelength.

[0006] In one embodiment, the laminate, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, includes a material having UV transmittance at a predetermined wavelength of about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 360 nm.

[0007] In one embodiment, the laminate, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, includes a material having UV transmittance at a predetermined wavelength of about 222 nm to about 254 nm.

[0008] In one embodiment, the laminate comprises a first layer formed from a non-combustible material, in combination with any other laminate described above or below.

[0009] In one embodiment, the laminate, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, comprises a plurality of edges that define the surface area of ​​the laminate.

[0010] In one embodiment, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, the laminate comprises a first layer having a plurality of indicators formed from a light-adjusting pigment, wherein the plurality of indicators are formed over less than the entire surface area.

[0011] In one embodiment, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, the laminate comprises a first layer having a plurality of indicators formed from a light-adjusting pigment, wherein the plurality of indicators are formed over the entire surface area.

[0012] In one embodiment, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, the laminate comprises a first layer having a plurality of indicators having at least one of the first color, first material, or first pattern which is different from at least one of the second color, second material, or second pattern of the first layer.

[0013] In one embodiment, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, the laminate comprises a laminate configured as a plurality of sections, each of which is separated from adjacent sections of the plurality of sections by a series of perforations.

[0014] In one embodiment, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, the laminate comprises a first layer having a plurality of indicators formed from a light-adjusting pigment, wherein the plurality of indicators are formed in an sequential arrangement.

[0015] In one embodiment, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, the laminate further comprises a first layer having a pigment texture including an embossed pattern, wherein the light-adjusting pigment is arranged in the embossed pattern.

[0016] In one embodiment, the laminate, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, comprises a second layer formed from a polyvinyl material or a glass fiber material.

[0017] In one embodiment, the laminate, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, comprises a second layer having an adhesive.

[0018] In one embodiment, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, the laminate comprises a backing layer removably bonded to the second layer.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second layer of the laminate, when combined with any other laminate described above or below, does not contain adhesive.

[0020] In one embodiment, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, the laminate comprises a light-tuning pigment having a first pigment and a second pigment, wherein the first pigment is configured to change back from a second state to a first state after a first predetermined period, and the second pigment is configured to change back from a second state to a first state after a second predetermined period, the first predetermined period being shorter than the second predetermined period.

[0021] In one embodiment, the laminate, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, includes the first layer being the outermost layer of the laminate.

[0022] In one embodiment, in combination with any other laminate described above or below, the laminate comprises a protective layer formed on a first layer having a light-adjusting pigment, wherein the protective layer is the outermost layer of the laminate.

[0023] This disclosure provides a method for forming a UV-reactive laminate, the method comprising the step of placing a photochromic pigment on the laminate, wherein the photochromic pigment is configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to exposure to UV light, the first state being invisible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, and the second state being visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, and the laminate being formed from a polyvinyl material.

[0024] In one embodiment, in combination with any other method for forming the UV-reactive laminate described above or below, the method includes a step of removably bonding the laminate to its components prior to the step of arranging the photochromic pigment, wherein the step of arranging the photochromic pigment is performed in situ.

[0025] In one embodiment, in combination with any other method for forming the UV-reactive laminate described above or below, the method includes the formation of components from materials selected from the group consisting of polymers, metals, composite materials, organic materials, and combinations thereof.

[0026] In one embodiment, in combination with any other method for forming the UV-reactive laminate described above or below, the method includes the step of arranging photochromic pigments to form a sequenced arrangement of photochromic indicators.

[0027] The present disclosure provides a cleaning method, which includes: (a) exposing a laminate to an ultraviolet (UV) light source, wherein the laminate is removably coupled to a component and includes a dimming pigment configured in a first state that is invisible to the naked eye under ambient lighting; (b) changing from the first state to a second state in response to absorption of UV light from the UV light source by the dimming pigment, wherein the second state is visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting and indicates that the laminate is clean; and (c) reversing from the second state to the first state by the dimming pigment after a predetermined period.

[0028] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or any other cleaning method below, the method includes: (d) following (c), exposing the laminate to a UV light source to change the dimming pigment from the first state to the second state.

[0029] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or any other cleaning method below, the method includes that the UV light source is configured to emit UV light within a wavelength range of about 200 nanometers (nm) to about 360 nm.

[0030] In one aspect, in combination with any of the above or any other cleaning method below, the method includes that the UV light source is configured to emit UV light within a wavelength range of about 222 nm to about 254 nm.

[0031] To better understand the above, a more specific description briefly summarized above can be obtained by referring to the exemplary embodiments, some of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1A] FIG. shows an exemplary laminate according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. shows an exemplary laminate according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C]This figure shows an exemplary laminate according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] This figure shows an exemplary laminate according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] This figure shows an exemplary laminate containing a light-adjustable pigment according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] This figure shows an exemplary lamination including a light-adjustable pigment according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] This figure shows an exemplary laminate containing a light-adjusting pigment according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] This figure shows an exemplary laminate containing a light-adjusting pigment according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2E] This figure shows an exemplary laminate containing a light-adjusting pigment according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This figure shows an exemplary cabin interior of an aircraft that may include one or more UV-reactive laminates ("Laminates") according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This figure shows an exemplary service cart that may be used in an aircraft and may include one or more laminates containing light-adjustable pigments according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This figure shows an exemplary cooking chamber that may include UV-reactive laminates removably bonded to various surfaces, as discussed herein. [Figure 6] This figure shows an exemplary cleaning system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This figure shows a flowchart illustrating a method for using a cleaning system including a laminate according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] This disclosure relates to cleaning, for example, sterilization and disinfection of one or more surfaces of a component using non-contact cleaning. Non-contact cleaning may include exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Cleaning as discussed herein may include sterilization in some examples. As used herein, “sterilization” is the process of making one or more surfaces of a component free of bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other living microorganisms. Surfaces as discussed herein may be public or private transport vehicles (aerospace vehicles such as aircraft, spacecraft, and sea vehicles, and non-aerospace transport vehicles such as buses, automobiles, trains, boats, and cruise ships), retail or food service locations, financial institutions, casinos, non-casino gaming environments (e.g., esports), or other locations, or part of other public or semi-public spaces that have surfaces that can be touched by multiple parties so that living microorganisms can spread from the surface to each other, whether or not the parties are in contact with the surface. In some cases, UV light may be used alone, and in other cases, UV light may be used in combination with one or more cleaning agents, such as cleaning solvents, to remove contaminants such as dirt and oil, as well as biological elements such as viruses, fungi, mold, mildew, and bacteria, so that the cleaned surfaces are less likely to transmit biological contaminants between users of these surfaces.

[0034] In current cleaning processes, one or more photoluminescent elements can be used to indicate that rooms and surfaces, such as aircraft toilets, have been cleaned. However, current photoluminescent processes are generally confirmed by the emission of light from photoluminescent strips absorbed by photons in darkened cabins or other areas where all light sources can be deactivated or otherwise covered. Furthermore, photoluminescent inks currently in use may only be visible when illuminated and invisible to the naked eye under ambient light. In addition, some currently used systems utilize photoluminescent indicators that can be charged from multiple light sources, such as ambient light sources, in addition to cleaning sources such as UV light. Therefore, current photoluminescent indicators glow when charged by these light sources, thereby potentially providing misreadings of ultraviolet (UV) exposure and resulting undesirable cleanliness.

[0035] Using the systems and methods discussed herein, light-adjustable pigments are used to indicate to both the party responsible for cleaning the surface and the party that may use the surface that the surface has been cleaned. Thus, the systems and methods discussed herein enhance the reliability, in some cases, the verifiability and auditability of the cleaning that has been performed. Cleaning may be mandated by a predetermined schedule set by the party owning or leasing the component(s), or by local, state, or federal regulations.

[0036] Photochromic pigments can take various forms. As used herein, “photochromic indicator” is printed text or graphic formed from one or more photochromic pigments. A photochromic indicator is one form that a photochromic pigment can take, and the photochromic pigment is placed on a surface. Pigments such as photochromic pigments may be used to form a “pigment texture.” As discussed herein, “pigment texture” means a pattern of a series of forms or repeating forms formed by embossing or otherwise creating a glass fiber, polyvinyl, textile, organic, or other material or combination of materials such that the form contains a pigment such as a photochromic pigment. Photochromic pigments are configured to change from a first state to a second state over a given period of time in response to absorbing UV light. The determination of whether a photochromic pigment is in a first state or a second state can be made by the naked eye under ambient light conditions. As discussed herein, the “first state” of a photochromic pigment means that the photochromic pigment is not visible to the naked eye under ambient light. As discussed herein, the “second state” of a photochromic pigment means that the photochromic pigment is visible to the naked eye under ambient light. When in the visible state, a photochromic pigment can be a variety of colors, such as red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown, black, or other colors or combinations of colors.

[0037] As used herein, “ambient light” is light present in a room from natural light (e.g., sunlight) or existing indoor lighting, as opposed to light used to illuminate a particular aspect of the room or another environment or an area within the room or another environment. As used herein, “visible to the naked eye” includes anything that can be seen without magnification and is visible to one or more people wearing prescription glasses. The first and second states of the photochromic pigments and the resulting indicators discussed herein are visible to the naked eye and can be seen with the naked eye in ambient light, and therefore the environment containing the photochromic indicator does not need to be darkened to confirm cleaning. In other aspects of this disclosure, the change from the first state to the second state can be additionally confirmed, for example, by an application on a mobile device or by a tactile change if the party wishing to confirm the change is visually impaired or wishes to create a record of the change using a mobile device. The ability to verify that a surface has been cleaned using the photochromic indicators discussed herein ensures that the party cleans the surface and that the party uses the surface.

[0038] A first state of the photochromic pigment, where it is invisible to the naked eye under ambient light, can indicate that the surface containing the photochromic pigment may not have been cleaned recently. In contrast, a second state of the photochromic pigment, where it is visible to the naked eye under ambient light, indicates that the surface containing the photochromic pigment has been cleaned. For example, a photochromic pigment can change from a first state, invisible to the naked eye under ambient light, to a second state, visible to the naked eye under ambient light, when it absorbs specific UV light. Photochromic pigments can take the form of liquids, solids (e.g., powders), colloids (e.g., slurry), or other forms or combinations of forms. Depending on the example, photochromic pigments can be used as indicators in liquid or gel reservoirs, paints or other coatings, and may be applied using various printing methods, either by the manufacturer of a laminate to be installed in an aircraft or other vehicle or in the environment, or in-situ. As used herein, “in-situ” use of photochromic pigments means applying a photochromic pigment by one or more means to a surface, such as a laminate surface already installed in an aircraft, vehicle, or other environment, as opposed to forming a laminate containing a photochromic pigment at an OEM. As used herein, the terms “paint” and “coating” may be used interchangeably to mean various types of materials (such as photochromic indicators) applied in one or more layers to one or more surfaces using various application means. Laminates discussed herein as containing photochromic pigments may be called “UV-reactive laminates,” but may also be called “laminateds.”

[0039] The photochromic pigments discussed herein are arranged on a laminate that is removably bonded to a component installed in an environment, including an aircraft. As used herein, the laminate may be “removably bonded” to one or more components such that the debonding of the laminate to the component does not damage the component, and a second laminate can subsequently adhere to the component. In some examples, the component may be cleaned when the laminate is removed before a new laminate is removably bonded to the component. Thus, the photochromic pigment is reversible, and therefore the surface can be cleaned repeatedly multiple times without replacing the laminate while the component is installed in the environment. The ability to repeatedly clean a surface, such as a laminate, without removing the laminate enables efficient maintenance and cleaning of these environments. As used herein, “reversible” means that UV light is shone on the photochromic indicator to change the photochromic indicator from a first state to a second state. In this example, after a predetermined period which may range from about 10 minutes to about 24 hours, the photochromic indicator changes back from the second state to the first state. In other examples, the specified period can be approximately 30 minutes to approximately 3 hours. In yet another example, the specified period of the first state can be approximately 2 hours to approximately 6 hours. As used herein, "approximately" means within + / - 5% of the specified target value, maximum value, or minimum value.

[0040] Exemplary laminated structure Figures 1A to 1D show exemplary laminates according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1A shows a cross-section of a first laminate 100A having a first layer 102. The first layer 102 has a thickness 102A and has a first side surface 102B and a second side surface 102C. The second side surface 102C is configured to be removablely bonded to a component (not shown) which may be formed from or from a combination of materials including metals, polymers, and composite materials. Chemical adhesives, pressure-based adhesives, heat-activated adhesives, and thermosetting adhesives, or other adhesives or combinations of adhesives as needed, can be used to removablely bond the first laminate 100A to a component. In one example, the thickness 102A of the first layer 102 may be about 0.25 mils (1 mil = 0.001 inches (in)) to about 10.0 mils. In another example, the thickness 102A of the first layer 102 may be about 0.50 mils to about 7.0 mils. In another example, the thickness 102A of the first layer 102 can be approximately 0.75 mil to approximately 5.0 mil.

[0041] The first side surface 102B of the first layer 102 of the first laminate 100A contains a plurality of light-adjusting pigments 104. The plurality of light-adjusting pigments 104 can take various forms, as discussed in at least Figures 2A to 2C below. The plurality of light-adjusting pigments 104 can be formed on the first side surface 102B of the first layer 102 using various printing methods, such as screen printing, digital printing, inkjet printing, or other printing processes that can deposit the plurality of light-adjusting pigments 104. The first layer 102 can be formed from one or more materials, including polyvinyl material or glass fiber material. In one example, the first layer 102 can be formed from polyvinyl fluoride film (PVF) or glass fiber reinforced embossed resin. In some examples, the first layer 102 contains two or more types of materials that can be layered vertically along the y-axis, horizontally along the x-axis, or otherwise configured (an example of a coordinate system is included adjacent to Figure 1A).

[0042] Figure 1B shows a second laminate 100B having a first layer 120 containing a light-adjusting pigment 104, which may have a composition similar to the first layer 102 of Figure 1A, and the light-adjusting pigment may be arranged in various configurations as described later in Figures 2A to 2C. In contrast to the first laminate 100A of Figure 1A, the second laminate 100B includes a first side 120B and a second side 120C, and an adhesive layer 106 formed on the second side 102C. The adhesive layer 106 may include a chemical adhesive, a pressure-activated adhesive, a thermoplastic adhesive, a heat-activated adhesive, or a combination thereof. The adhesive layer 106 is configured to removably bond the second laminate 100B to a component (not shown). In some examples, the adhesive may be deposited on the component, and therefore the adhesive of the component is selected to adhere to the adhesive layer 106. In one example, the adhesive layer 106 is formed on the entire surface area of ​​the second side surface 120C of the first layer 120 (described later in Figure 2A). In another example, the adhesive layer 106 is formed on one or more portions of the second side surface 120C that are less than the entire surface area of ​​the second side surface 120C. The configuration of the second laminate 100B may be used, for example, when the roll of the laminate is formed by an OEM. In this example, the second laminate 100B may be cut to form a portion of the second laminate 100B and to join this portion to a component. Any joining of a laminate or a portion of a laminate discussed herein may be referred to herein as “installation”. In another example, the roll of the second laminate 100B may include a plurality of perforations defining a plurality of pre-formed laminates. The plurality of pre-formed laminates may include the same shape and dimensions, or the shape, dimensions, or both of the single roll may differ.

[0043] The second laminate 100B has a thickness of 114. In one example, the thickness 114 of the second laminate 100B may be about 0.25 mils (1 mil = 0.001 inches (in)) to about 10.0 mils. In another example, the thickness 114 of the second laminate 100B may be about 0.50 mils to about 7.0 mils. In yet another example, the thickness 114 of the second laminate 100B may be about 0.75 mils to about 5.0 mils. The first layer 120 may have a thickness 120A, which in one example may be about 1% to about 50% of the thickness 114 of the second laminate 100B. In another example, the first layer 120 may have a thickness 120A, which may be about 3% to about 30% of the thickness 114 of the second laminate 100B. In another example, the first layer 120 may have a thickness 120A which is about 5% to about 10% of the thickness 114 of the second laminate 100B.

[0044] Figure 1C shows a third laminate 100C having a first layer 120 and an adhesive layer formed on a second side surface 120C of the first layer 120, similar to the layers described above in Figure 1B. In contrast to Figure 1B, the third laminate includes a backing layer 108 formed on the adhesive layer 106. The backing layer 108 may include an organic material (paper), a textile (woven material), or other material. The backing layer 108 is configured to be removed from the adhesive layer 106 before the third laminate 100C is removably bonded to its components (not shown). The configuration of the third laminate 100C may be used, for example, when a roll of laminate is formed by an OEM. In this example, the roll may include a plurality of perforations (not shown) defining a plurality of pre-formed laminates. The plurality of pre-formed laminates may include the same shape and dimensions, or the shape, dimensions, or both of the single roll may differ. In other examples, the configuration of the third laminate 100C may be one or more unconnected parts that can have various shapes to be coupled to components of an aircraft, a ship (including a cruise ship), or other transport vehicle, or other components placed in a retail or restaurant environment.

[0045] The third laminate 100C has a thickness of 116. In one example, the thickness 116 of the third laminate 100C may be about 0.25 mils (1 mil = 0.001 inches (in)) to about 10.0 mils. In another example, the thickness 116 of the third laminate 100C may be about 0.50 mils to about 7.0 mils. In yet another example, the thickness 116 of the third laminate 100C may be about 0.75 mils to about 5.0 mils. The first layer 120 may have a thickness 120A, which in one example may be about 1% to about 50% of the thickness 116 of the third laminate 100C. In another example, the first layer 120 may have a thickness 120A, which may be about 3% to about 30% of the thickness 116 of the third laminate 100C. In another example, the first layer 120 may have a thickness 120A which may be about 5% to about 10% of the thickness 116 of the third laminate 100C.

[0046] Figure 1D shows the fourth laminate 100D. The fourth laminate 100D comprises a first layer 110 formed on the first side surface 112B of the second layer 112, which is sometimes called the light-adjusting pigment layer. In some examples, the first layer 110 may be formed from a polyvinyl material or a glass fiber material. In one example, the first layer 110 may be formed from a polyvinyl fluoride film (PVF) or a glass fiber reinforced embossed resin. The first layer 110 may have a thickness 110A. In one example, the thickness 110A may be about 0.25 mil to about 10 mil. In another example, the thickness 110A of the first layer 110 may be about 5% to about 33% of the thickness 118 of the fourth laminate 100D. In contrast to the first layer 102 discussed in Figures 1A to 1C, the first layer 110 of the fourth laminate 100D does not contain a light-adjusting pigment. Rather, the first layer 110 is a protective layer formed on the second layer 112 which contains the light-adjusting pigment 104. The fourth laminate 100D, like the third laminate 100C, comprises an adhesive layer 106 formed on the second side surface 112C of the second layer 112 and a backing layer 108 bonded to the adhesive layer 106.

[0047] The fourth laminate 100D has a thickness of 118. In one example, the thickness 118 of the fourth laminate 100D may be about 0.25 mil to about 10.0 mil. In another example, the thickness 118 of the fourth laminate 100D may be about 0.50 mil to about 7.0 mil. In yet another example, the thickness 118 of the fourth laminate 100D may be about 0.75 mil to about 5.0 mil. The first layer 110 may have a thickness 110A, which in one example is about 1% to about 50% of the thickness 118 of the fourth laminate 100D. In another example, the first layer 110 may have a thickness 110A, which in another example is about 3% to about 30% of the thickness 118 of the fourth laminate 100D. In yet another example, the first layer 110 may have a thickness 110A, which in another example is about 5% to about 10% of the thickness 118 of the fourth laminate 100D. The second layer 112 has a thickness 112A. In one embodiment, the thickness 112A of the second layer 112 may be about 1% to about 50% of the thickness 118 of the fourth laminate 100D. In another embodiment, the thickness 112A of the second layer 112 may be about 3% to about 30% of the thickness 118 of the fourth laminate 100D. In another embodiment, the thickness 112A of the second layer 112 may be about 5% to about 10% of the thickness 118 of the fourth laminate 100D. In one example, the thickness 110A is less than the thickness 112A. In one embodiment, the ratio of thickness 110A to thickness 112A may be about 1:1 to about 1:10. In another embodiment, the ratio of thickness 110A to thickness 112A may be about 1:2 to about 1:8. In another embodiment, the ratio of thickness 110A to thickness 112A may be approximately 1:3 to approximately 1:6.

[0048] Laminates discussed herein, including those discussed above and below, comprise one or more layers manufactured from non-combustible materials. As discussed herein, “non-combustible” materials are those that may melt or otherwise degrade in response to heat and / or flame, but do not ignite or release toxic gases. The materials from which the laminates discussed herein are formed may be selected based on state, local, or federal regulations applicable to the environment in which the laminates will be installed (e.g., aircraft, food service, cruise ships / boats, military vehicles, automobiles, trains, etc.).

[0049] Figures 2A to 2C show exemplary laminates containing light-adjusting pigments according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The laminates shown in Figures 2A to 2E can be formed in various ways from various materials, such as the materials described in Figures 1A to 1D.

[0050] Figure 2A shows a first laminate 200A having a pigment texture 202 formed from a photochromic pigment. The pigment texture may include one or more pigments of various colors (including, but not limited to, photochromic pigments) which can be arranged in various patterns and configurations. In one example, the first pigments included in the pigment texture may include a photochromic pigment and a non-photochromic pigment, so that the non-photochromic pigment is visible to the naked eye under ambient light, and the photochromic pigment is invisible to the naked eye under ambient light in a first state, and visible to the naked eye under ambient light after the photochromic pigment has been exposed to UV light in a second state. In this example, the photochromic pigment reverts from the second state to the first state after a predetermined recovery time. As discussed herein, “recovery time” is the time it takes for the photochromic pigment to change and return from the second state (visible to the naked eye under ambient light) to the first state (invisible to the naked eye under ambient light). Depending on the example, the recovery time of the photochromic pigment may be about 2 minutes to about 6 hours or more. In one example, a pigment gradient containing two or more pigments may be used to form a pigment texture. In one example, the gradient includes dimmable and non-dimmable pigments, as described above. In another example, the pigment gradient may include two or more dimmable pigments of various colors, each having a different predetermined return time.

[0051] The first laminate 200A has a polygonal shape defined by a first side 204A, a second side 206A, a third side 208A, and a fourth side 210A. The first side 204A, the second side 206A, the third side 208A, and the fourth side 210A define the surface area of ​​the first laminate 200A. In other examples, the first laminate 200A can take on other shapes or combinations of shapes suitable for installation in various environments having various geometric shapes. In one example, the pigment texture 202 can be stretched over a portion of the first laminate 200A that is less than the total surface area of ​​the first laminate 200A. In other examples, the pigment texture 202 can be formed on the first laminate 200A, on a portion of the surface area of ​​the first laminate 200A that is less than the total surface area of ​​the first laminate 200A. The first laminate 200A further includes a plurality of perforations 226, which can be used to separate the first laminate 200A into one or more components or sections that can be attached to one or more regions of the same components.

[0052] Figure 2B shows a second laminate 200B having at least one deposit of a light-adjusting pigment and not containing a pigment texture. The second laminate 200B has a polygonal shape defined by a first side 204B, a second side 206B, a third side 208B, and a fourth side 210B. The first side 204B, the second side 206B, the third side 208B, and the fourth side 210B define the surface area of ​​the second laminate 200B. In other examples, the second laminate 200B can take on other shapes or combinations of shapes suitable for installation in various environments with various geometric shapes. In one example of the second laminate 200B, at least one deposit of light-adjusting pigment may include a graphic indicator 212 or a text indicator 214. In the example in Figure 2B, a single graphic indicator 212, a single text indicator 214, or a combination of both, may be formed on the entire surface area of ​​the second laminate 200B. This is in contrast to the partial diagrams of the laminates in Figures 2C-2E, which can include various sequential or random arrangements of the dimming indicators.

[0053] In contrast to Figures 2A and 2B, which show the entire laminate, Figures 2C to 2E show partial top views of the laminate according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2C shows a third laminate 200C including a plurality of randomly arranged graphic indicators 212. "Random arrangement" can mean that the distances between adjacent graphic indicators 212 in each pair (216A, 216B, 216C) are different. In some examples, the plurality of graphic indicators 212 shown in Figure 2C are the only dimming indicators on the third laminate 200C. In other examples, the third laminate 200C may include other plurality of graphic indicators 212 having non-uniform spacing (as opposed to ordered arrangement, as described later). In other examples that can be combined with the various examples herein, the third laminate 200C may include one or more text indicators 214 that can be arranged in various patterns.

[0054] Figure 2D shows a fourth laminate 200D containing an ordered array 218 of dimming indicators, shown here as graphic indicators 212. In other examples, text indicators may also be formed as ordered arrays. As discussed herein, an "ordered array" comprises multiple dimming pigment deposits, either graphic, text, or a combination thereof, where each dimming pigment deposit is equidistant from each adjacent deposit. The ordered arrays discussed herein may extend over the entire surface area of ​​the laminate or over a portion of the surface area of ​​the laminate that is less than the entire surface area. In the example of Figure 2D, the fourth laminate 200D contains an ordered array 218 of graphic indicators 212, where each graphic indicator is equidistant 220A from one or more adjacent graphic indicators 212. As described above, the graphic indicators 212 can take various forms, including acting as brand identifiers. In other examples, the ordered array 218 may include text indicators or a combination of graphic and text indicators. Although graphic indicators 212 having the same shape and dimensions are shown herein, in other examples graphic indicators of various sizes and / or shapes may be used to form the ordered array 218.

[0055] Figure 2E shows a fifth laminate 200E combining the pigment texture 202 shown in Figure 2A with an ordered array 222 which may be similar to the ordered array 218 shown in Figure 2D. As discussed herein with respect to the ordered array 218 in Figure 2D, the fourth laminate 200D includes graphic indicators 212 within the ordered array 222, each graphic indicator being equidistant 224A from one or more adjacent graphic indicators 212. As described above, the graphic indicators 212 can take various shapes, including acting as brand identifiers. In other examples, the ordered array 218 may include text indicators or a combination of graphic indicators and text indicators. While graphic indicators 212 having the same shape and dimensions are shown herein, in other examples, graphic indicators of various sizes and / or shapes may be used to form the ordered array 222.

[0056] Exemplary Environment Including UV-Reactive Laminates Figure 3 shows an exemplary cabin interior 316 of an aircraft 300 that may include one or more UV-reactive laminates ("Laminates") according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The cabin interior 316 may include structural components covered with one or more examples of laminates disclosed herein, such as Laminate 304. Structural components include cabin interior side walls 306 and panels 308. Structural components are shown herein as having laminates bonded to the structural components and may further include floor panels 310, storage units 312, and window elements 314 (e.g., window masks, window frames, blinds, etc.). Furthermore, in this example, elements of a seat 302 may include laminates (e.g., seat consoles, seat interiors, seat panels, seat backs, seat shells, tray tables, etc.). Other structural components of the aircraft 300, not shown herein, may have UV-reactive laminates removably bonded to these structural components, including thermal barriers, moisture barriers, composite noise panels, toilet and galley panels and structures, bulkheads, partitions, ceilings, door panels, passageways, and cargo bin liners. The laminate in Figure 3 is shown having a photochromic pigment in a first state, which is invisible to the naked eye under ambient light.

[0057] Figure 4 shows an exemplary service cart 400 that may be used in an aircraft and may include one or more laminates containing light-chromic pigments according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The service cart 400 may include laminates shown herein as being removably coupled to a plurality of side panels 404 and a plurality of front panels 410. It will be understood that a second plurality of side panels are arranged on another side of the service cart 400, parallel to and opposite to the side shown in Figure 4 as having a plurality of side panels 404, and the other side further includes side panels to which the laminates are coupled. The service cart 400 further includes one or more trays 406 that can be slidably engaged with the service cart 400, so that the trays 406 can be pulled out from the service cart 400 to act as serving surfaces without being completely disengaged from the service cart 400 in some examples. In this example, one or more trays 406 may have laminates having light-chromic pigments removably coupled to the trays, as discussed herein. Multiple front panels 410 have laminates containing light-adjusting pigments that are removably bonded to the front panels and may include panels associated with drawers, bins, or other storage devices. The service cart 400 may further include a frame 402 that may be formed from aluminum or other material and handles 408 that may be configured to position the service cart 400 and / or to provide access to compartments of the service cart 400. In some examples, the frame 402 has laminates containing light-adjusting pigments that are removably bonded to the frame. The service cart 400 further includes multiple movable elements 412 for transporting the service cart 400 between various locations on the aircraft and between various locations off the aircraft (for example, for maintenance of the service cart 400). In one example, the movable elements 412 include wheels. The service cart 400 further includes a top surface 414 that may have laminates bonded to the service cart.

[0058] The UV-reactive laminate discussed in Figure 4 may include photochromic pigments in the form of one or more pigment textures. In other examples, the laminate may include a photochromic indicator such as "UV clean" or a brand identifier associated with an airline, aircraft manufacturer, food service provider, other advertiser, or a combination thereof (indicated herein as "123"). The service cart 400 is an example of a service cart that may, in other examples, include drawers, shelves, refrigeration / heating equipment, or different geometric shapes, dimensions, and configurations of materials. For illustrative purposes, the laminate of Figure 4, detachably coupled to multiple side panels 404 and multiple front panels 410, is shown in a second state, indicating that the service cart 400 has been cleaned so that the photochromic pigments are visible to the naked eye under ambient light.

[0059] Figure 5 shows an exemplary example of a kitchen 500 that may include UV-reactive laminates removably bonded to various surfaces as discussed herein. The kitchen 500 may be located in an aircraft, a seaplane, a bus, a train, a restaurant, a food kiosk, or any other place where cooking may take place. The kitchen 500 may have storage cabinets (502C, 502D, 502E, and 502F) used for non-perishable food or serving / cooked supplies, one or more trash cans or recycling bins 502B, and / or laminates bonded to one or more drawers 512. The kitchen 500 may further include UV-reactive laminates bonded to a refrigerated storage area 502A and heating devices 504A, 504B, as well as a service surface 510. The laminates may be further removably bonded to structural elements and structural surfaces such as top surfaces 506A, 506B, and sides 508A, 508B, 508C.

[0060] The UV-reactive laminate discussed in Figure 5 may include photochromic pigments in the form of one or more pigment textures. In other examples, the laminate may include photochromic indicators such as "UV clean" or brand identifiers of airlines, aircraft manufacturers, food service providers, other advertisers, or combinations thereof. The galley 500 is a service cart that may, in other examples, include storage devices (drawers, cabinets, etc.), heating and cooling devices, serving surfaces and serving devices, or various configurations of structural elements and structural surfaces. The galley 500 may be cleaned between flights when there are no passengers on board. In other examples, the galley 500 may be cleaned whole or partially during flight when there are passengers in the cabin. The cleaning of the galley 500 can be visually confirmed using the naked eye under ambient light by the photochromic pigments contained in the laminate described above. One or more aspects of the galley 500 may be cleaned during flight, for example, before or after snack or meal service, or upon request from the crew or passengers. For illustrative purposes, the laminate in Figure 5 is shown in a first state where the light-adjusting pigment is not visible to the naked eye.

[0061] Exemplary cleaning system Figure 6 shows an example of a cleaning system 600 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The cleaning system 600 includes a UV light source 602 which may include a power source 604 or be configured to be coupled to a power source. The UV light source 602 may be configured as a standalone wireless device including the power source 604, which may be a rechargeable battery. As detailed below, the UV light source 602 may be configured to emit wavelengths from about 100 nanometers (nm) to about 400 nm. The wavelengths may be from about 200 nm to about 360 nm. In another example, the given wavelength range is about 200 nm to about 230 nm. In another example, the given wavelength range is about 235 nm to about 280 nm. In yet another example, the given wavelength range is about 315 nm to about 400 nm. Furthermore, in some examples, the UV light source may be configured to emit wavelengths from about 222 nm to about 254 nm. In some examples, the UV light source 602 may have an elongated geometric shape, a circular shape, a polygonal shape, or a shape that combines two or more geometric shapes, referred to as a “wand.” The UV light discussed herein may be UVA, UVB, UVC, or a combination of UV light types. The UV light source 602 may include multiple LED lights. In other examples, the UV light source 602 may be configured as a wired device that may or may not be connected to the power source 604 when in use. In other examples, the UV light source 602 may be configured as a self-driving or manually driven device or assembly of devices that can be coupled to the ceiling and / or floor of the area to be cleaned. In other examples, the UV light source 602 may be included in a robot or manually driven cleaning device that may or may not include the power source 604. In one example, the UV light source 602 may be included in a device that can be programmed to move along a predetermined path to clean multiple surfaces.

[0062] The UV light source 602 can be configured to operate at or within a wavelength range such that one or more photochromic pigments 610A contained in or formed on the laminate 610 change from a first state to a second state in response to the absorption of energy from the UV light source 602. Depending on the example, one or more photochromic pigments 610A can be reversible as described above. In some examples, the laminate 610 may be composed of photochromic pigments 610A as shown, for example, in Figures 1A-1D, Figures 2A-2C, or a combination of these figures. Thus, the photochromic pigments 610A may be formed as a pigment texture or as one or more photochromic indicators. In one example, the photochromic pigments 610A may be configured to contain two or more types (colors) of photochromic pigments or two or more concentrations of two or more types (colors) of photochromic pigments (colors) such that the laminate 610 has a color gradient that occurs in one or more directions over time as the photochromic pigments 610A change from a second state to a first state and back. In one example, the color gradient can be configured to indicate to the cleaner or cleaning system sensor when the dimming pigment 610A is changing from a first state to a second state.

[0063] The light-adjustable pigment 610A and the laminate 610 may each be formed from one or more materials that have been used and approved for use (e.g., by one or more government authorities and / or by internal regulations of the OEM or customer) in one or more of the following locations: aircraft, automobiles, hospitals, restaurants, retail locations, hotels / recreational venues, or other locations discussed herein. Thus, in some locations, the light-adjustable pigment 610A and the laminate 610 may each be formed from one or more materials that can withstand moisture, fire, a wide pH range, heat, low temperatures, or other conditions without being removed or detached from the relevant components. In some examples, the light-adjustable pigment 610A and the laminate 610 may each be formed from materials selected to prevent the release of toxic gases in the event of a fire.

[0064] In some examples, as discussed herein, the laminate 610 includes a photochromic pigment 610A before installation, for example, in an aircraft. In other examples, the photochromic pigment 610A is added to the in-situ laminate 610 after installation. In this example, an in-situ printing apparatus 614 may be used to place the photochromic pigment 610A on the laminate 610 without removing the laminate 610. That is, the photochromic pigment 610A can be in-situ coated onto the laminate 610 in the environment in which the laminate 610 is installed. In other examples, the laminate 610 may include the photochromic pigment 610A from either an OEM process or a subsequent in-situ process using an in-situ printing apparatus 614, but additional photochromic pigment 610A may be added after installation.

[0065] In some examples, the cleaning system 600 includes a server computer 606 having non-temporary memory that stores multiple logics in the form of cleaning programs, cleaning schedules, and cleaning records. This and other information may be stored in one or more data storage devices 608, which may be part of a cloud computing system. The UV light source 602 and power source 604 may communicate with and / or be controlled by the server computer 606. In some examples, a mobile device 612, such as a phone, tablet, personal data assistant, laptop computer, or wearable smart device, may include an app that determines when the photochromic pigment 610A is in a first or second state. In other examples, the mobile device 612 may communicate with and control the UV light source 602 and power source 604. The cleaning system 600 may be used to clean the laminate according to various methods discussed herein.

[0066] Example usage of the cleaning system Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a method 700 for using a cleaning system to clean a laminate according to an aspect of the present disclosure. In step 702, a laminate containing photochromic pigments is manufactured (Step 702 - Manufacturing a laminate containing photochromic pigments). In one example, step 702 includes placing a plurality of photochromic pigments on the laminate in step 706 (Step 706 - Placing a plurality of photochromic pigments on a laminate). In one example, step 706 may be performed on an unplaced laminate. In another example, prior to step 706, the laminate is placed, i.e., in an optional step 704, the laminate is removably coupled to its components (Step 704 - Removably coupling a laminate to its components).

[0067] Depending on the example, the laminate set in step 704 may or may not contain a photochromic pigment. The photochromic pigment set in step 706 may be set on the laminate as a pigment texture, one or more photochromic indicators, or a combination thereof. The photochromic pigment may be set in step 706 in a first state in which it is invisible to the naked eye under ambient light. In other examples, the photochromic pigment may be set in step 706 in a second state in which it is visible to the naked eye under ambient light, for example, by setting the photochromic pigment under UV light. This may be done, for example, to ensure the setting and formation of the pigment texture and / or photochromic indicators. In this example, the photochromic pigment can be reversed from the second state to the first state before setting, as described later. The photochromic pigment may be set in step 706 as a single photochromic indicator, as a sequence of photochromic indicators, or in other forms or patterns. The photochromic pigment set in step 706 may be configured to change from the first state to the second state in response to exposure to UV light. The first state of the photochromic pigment is invisible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, and the second state is visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting. As discussed herein, the surface on which the photochromic pigment is placed may be formed from a polyvinyl material, whether in-situ after step 704 or OEM before installation. In other examples, the surface on which the photochromic pigment is placed may be formed from other materials that can be selected to meet, for example, the rules or regulations of the OEM, customer, government, or the environment in which the laminate is installed, relating to durability, safety (e.g., flammability), or other aspects. The components to which the laminate is removably bonded may be formed from materials such as polymers, metals, composites, organic materials, and combinations thereof.

[0068] In an optional step 708, if the laminate has not been previously installed in step 704, the laminate containing the photochromic pigment is removably coupled (installed) to a component (step 708 - Removably coupling the laminate containing the photochromic pigment to a component). In step 710, the laminate having the photochromic pigment configured in a first state is exposed to UV light (step 710 - Exposure of the photochromic pigment in a first state to UV light).

[0069] In one example, the UV light source is configured in step 710 to emit UV light in the wavelength range of approximately 200 nanometers (nm) to approximately 360 nm. In another example, the UV light source is configured in step 710 to emit UV light in the wavelength range of approximately 220 nanometers (nm) to approximately 300 nm. In yet another example, the UV light source is configured in step 710 to emit UV light in the wavelength range of approximately 222 nm to approximately 254 nm.

[0070] In step 712, in response to exposure to UV light in step 710, the photochromic pigment changes to a second state, making it visible to the naked eye in ambient light (step 712 - photochromic pigment changes to a second state). The change of the photochromic pigment from the first state to the second state in step 712 can occur instantaneously; that is, the change to the second state in step 712 can be visible to the naked eye in ambient light after exposure to UV light for less than approximately 0.5 seconds. In other examples, the change from the first state to the second state in step 712 can occur over a period of approximately 0.1 seconds to approximately 10 seconds. In other examples, the change from the first state to the second state in step 712 can occur over a period of approximately 0.3 seconds to approximately 7 seconds. In other examples, the change from the first state to the second state in step 712 can occur over a period of approximately 0.5 seconds to approximately 5 seconds.

[0071] Next, after a predetermined period, in step 714, the photochromic pigment changes back from the second state to the first state (reverses), indicating that the laminate containing the photochromic pigment is clean (step 714 - photochromic pigment changes back to the first state). In one example, the photochromic pigment may remain in the second state, visible to the naked eye under ambient light, for a predetermined period of about 5 seconds to about 60 minutes, after step 712 but before step 714. In another example, the photochromic pigment may remain in the second state, visible to the naked eye under ambient light, for a predetermined period of about 5 seconds to about 180 minutes, after step 712 but before step 714. In another example, the light-adjusting pigment may remain in a second state, visible to the naked eye under ambient light, for a predetermined period of about 60 seconds to about 15 minutes, after step 712 but before step 714.

[0072] In some examples, following step 714, method 700 returns to step 710 one or more times, so that the laminate containing the photochromic pigment can be cleaned repeatedly without being removed or refurbished. In some examples, if the photochromic pigment contained in the laminate is faulty or otherwise has not changed to a second state in response to exposure to UV light in step 710 in step 712, the laminate can be removed (detached) from its components in step 716 and may be discarded, refurbished or recycled (step 716 - remove the laminate and discard or refurbish / recycle it). In other examples, if the photochromic pigment contained in the laminate is faulty or otherwise has not changed to a second state in response to exposure to UV light in step 710 in step 712, method 700 may return to step 706, where another set of photochromic pigments may be placed on the in-situ laminate after step 714 or after removal following step 716. This in-situ placement of the photochromic pigment in step 706 may also be performed, for example, if different types of photochromic pigments are desired on the laminate (e.g., a new brand identifier or other text or symbols). In some examples, after removing the laminate in step 716, method 700 proceeds to step 708 (or step 704) in which a new, different laminate is removably bonded to the components.

[0073] Using the systems and methods discussed herein, various surfaces to which UV-reactive laminates are bonded can be verifiablely cleaned by a transition in which the photochromic pigment contained in the laminate changes from a first state to a second state. This visual verification can result in a more efficient cleaning process and improved safety for both the party cleaning the surface and the party using the environment in which the laminate is installed. The photochromic pigment can be customized to include various colors or color combinations, including gradients, as well as brand identifiers. The UV-reactive laminate may have a photochromic pigment that is included in the laminate at the OEM when the laminate is formed. The laminate may also have the photochromic pigment placed on or reapplied in-situ after the laminate has already been removably bonded to the surface of its components. Formed from a wide variety of materials and configured to removably bond to various types of surfaces deployed in various types of environments, UV-reactive laminates can provide a reliable method for safely cleaning a wide range of environments, from aircraft and other transport vehicles to retail, game, and food service locations.

[0074] This disclosure references various embodiments. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any particular embodiments described. Rather, any combination of the embodiments and elements described above, whether relating to a different embodiment or not, is intended to implement and practice the teachings provided herein. Furthermore, where elements of an embodiment are described in the form of “at least one of A and B,” it should be understood that embodiments comprising only element A, embodiments comprising only element B, and embodiments comprising elements A and B are intended, respectively. Furthermore, while some embodiments may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and / or the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not a limitation of this disclosure. Accordingly, the embodiments, forms, and advantages disclosed herein are merely illustrative and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims. Similarly, references to “the present invention” should not be interpreted as a generalization of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein and should not be considered elements or limitations of the appended claims unless expressly stated in the claims.

[0075] As those skilled in the art will understand, the embodiments described herein can be embodied as systems, methods, or computer program products. Thus, embodiments can take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware embodiments, all of which are commonly referred to herein as “circuits,” “modules,” or “systems.” Furthermore, embodiments described herein can take the form of computer program products embodied on computer-readable storage media (which may include computer-readable program code).

[0076] Program code, embodied on a computer-readable storage medium, may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, fiber optic cable, RF, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0077] Computer program code for performing the processes for the aspects of this disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the C programming language or similar programming languages. The program code can run entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer, partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it may be connected to an external computer (for example, via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0078] Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowcharts and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to aspects of the present disclosure. It will be understood that each block in a flowchart and / or block diagram, as well as combinations of blocks within a flowchart and / or block diagram, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing device for the purpose of producing a machine, and so the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create means for performing the function / operation specified in the block(s) of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0079] These computer program instructions may also be stored on a computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to function in a particular way, and so the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium produce a manufactured article containing instructions that perform functions / operations specified in a flowchart and / or block(s) of a block diagram.

[0080] Computer program instructions may also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to generate a computer execution process by having the computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device execute a series of operational steps on that device; therefore, instructions executed on a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device provide a process for performing a function / operation specified in a flowchart and / or block(s) of a block diagram.

[0081] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the above figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible embodiments of the systems, methods, and computer program products according to various aspects of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function. Note that in some alternative embodiments, the functions described in a block may be performed in a different order than shown in the diagram. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or two blocks may be executed in reverse order or out of order depending on the functionality involved. Note that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, as well as combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs a specified function or operation.

[0082] The explanatory diagrams of the present invention as described herein may be further defined by the following supplementary information.

[0083] Additional notes 1. A first layer (120) having a light-adjusting pigment (104), wherein the light-adjusting pigment (104) is configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to exposure to an ultraviolet (UV) light source, the first state being invisible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, and the second state being visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting. A second layer (106), wherein the second layer (106) is a bonding layer that removably connects the laminate (100D) to its constituent elements, and A laminate comprising the above.

[0084] Additional note 2. The laminate according to Appendix 1, wherein the first layer (120) is formed from a polyvinyl material or a glass fiber material.

[0085] Additional Note 3. The laminate according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the first layer (120) is formed from a material that is at least 30% UV transparent within a given wavelength.

[0086] Additional Note 4. A laminate as described in Appendix 3, wherein the specified wavelength is approximately 200 nanometers (nm) to approximately 360 nm.

[0087] Additional Note 5. The laminate described in Appendix 3, wherein the specified wavelength is approximately 222 nm to approximately 254 nm.

[0088] Additional Note 6. A laminate according to any one of the appendices 1 to 5, wherein the first layer (120) contains a non-combustible material.

[0089] Additional Note 7. A laminate according to any one of the appendices 1 to 6, further comprising a plurality of edges (204A, 206A, 208A, 210A) that define the surface area of ​​the laminate (200A).

[0090] Additional Note 8. The laminate according to Appendix 7, wherein the first layer (120) comprises a plurality of indicators (212 / 214) formed from a light-adjusting pigment (104), the plurality of indicators (212 / 214) being formed over less than the entire surface area.

[0091] Additional Note 9. The laminate according to Appendix 7, wherein the first layer (120) comprises a plurality of indicators (212 / 214) formed from a light-adjusting pigment (104), the plurality of indicators (212 / 214) being formed over the entire surface area.

[0092] Additional Note 10. A laminate according to any one of the appendices 1 to 9, wherein the first layer (120) includes a plurality of indicators (212 / 214) having at least one of the first color, first material, or first pattern which is different from at least one of the second color, second material, or second pattern of the first layer.

[0093] Additional Note 11. The laminate according to any one of the appendices 1 to 10, further comprising a laminate (200A) composed of multiple sections, wherein each section of the multiple sections is separated from adjacent sections of the multiple sections by a series of perforations (226).

[0094] Addendum 12. A laminate according to any one of appendices 1 to 11, wherein a first layer (120) comprises a plurality of indicators (212) formed from a light-adjusting pigment (104), and the plurality of indicators (212) are formed as an ordered arrangement (218 / 222).

[0095] Addendum 13. The laminate according to any one of the appendices 1 to 12, wherein the first layer (120) further comprises a pigment texture (202), the pigment texture comprises an embossed pattern, and a light-adjusting pigment (104) is arranged in the embossed pattern.

[0096] Addendum 14. The laminate according to any one of the appendices 1 to 13, wherein the second layer (106) is formed from a polyvinyl material or a glass fiber material.

[0097] Addendum 15. A laminate according to any one of appendices 1 to 14, wherein the second layer (106) contains an adhesive.

[0098] Addendum 16. The laminate according to any one of appendices 1 to 15, further comprising a backing layer (108) removably bonded to a second layer (106).

[0099] Addendum 17. A laminate according to any of the appendices 1 to 16, wherein the second layer (106) does not contain adhesive.

[0100] Addendum 18. The laminate according to any one of the appendices 1 to 17, wherein the light-adjusting pigment (104) comprises a first pigment and a second pigment, wherein the first pigment is configured to change back from a second state to a first state after a first predetermined period, and the second pigment is configured to change back from a second state to a first state after a second predetermined period, and the first predetermined period is shorter than the second predetermined period.

[0101] Addendum 19. A laminate according to any of the appendices 1 to 18, wherein the first layer (120) is the outermost layer of the laminate (100C).

[0102] Additional Note 20. The laminate according to any one of appendices 1 to 19, further comprising a protective layer (110) formed on a first layer (112) having a light-adjusting pigment (104), wherein the protective layer (110) is the outermost layer of the laminate (100D).

[0103] Addendum 21. Step (706) of placing a light-adjusting pigment on a laminate, wherein the light-adjusting pigment is configured to change from a first state to a second state (712) in response to exposure to UV light (710), the first state being invisible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, the second state being visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, and the laminate being formed from a polyvinyl material. A method for forming a UV-reactive laminate containing [a specific component].

[0104] Addendum 22. The method according to Appendix 21, further comprising the step of removably joining the laminate to its components (704) prior to the step of placing the light-adjusting pigment (706), wherein the step of placing the light-adjusting pigment (706) is performed in situ.

[0105] Addendum 23. The method according to Appendix 22, wherein the components are formed from materials selected from the group consisting of polymers, metals, composite materials, organic materials, and combinations thereof.

[0106] Addendum 24. The method according to any one of appendices 21 to 23, further comprising the step (706) of arranging photochromic pigments to form an orderly arrangement of photochromic indicators.

[0107] Addendum 25. (a) Step (710) of exposing the laminate to an ultraviolet (UV) light source, wherein the laminate includes a light-adjusting pigment that is removably bonded to a component and configured in a first state, the first state being invisible to the naked eye under ambient light, (b) Step (712) in which a photochromic pigment changes from a first state to a second state in response to the absorption of UV light from a UV light source, wherein the second state is visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, and the second state indicates that the laminate is clean. (c) A step (714) in which the light-adjusting pigment causes the device to revert from the second state to the first state after a predetermined period of time. A cleaning method, including

[0108] Addendum 26. The method of Appendix 25, further comprising the step of (d) exposing the laminate to a UV light source (710) to change the light-adjusting pigment from a first state to a second state (712), following (c).

[0109] Addendum 27. The method according to Appendix 25 or 26, wherein the UV light source is configured to emit UV light in the wavelength range of approximately 200 nanometers (nm) to approximately 360 nm.

[0110] Addendum 28. The method according to any one of the appendices 25 to 27, wherein the UV light source is configured to emit UV light in the wavelength range of approximately 222 nm to approximately 254 nm.

[0111] While the foregoing applies to aspects of the present disclosure, other further aspects of the present disclosure can be devised without departing from the fundamental scope of the present disclosure, and the scope of the present disclosure is determined by the following claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 100A First laminate, 100B Second laminate, 100C Third laminate, 100D Fourth laminate, 102 First layer, 102A Thickness, 102B First side, 102C Second side, 104 Light-adjusting pigment, 106 Adhesive layer, 108 Backing layer, 110 First layer, 110A Thickness, 112 Second layer, 112A Thickness, 112B First side, 112C Second side, 114 Thickness, 116 Thickness, 118 Thickness, 120 First layer, 120A Thickness, 120B First side, 120C Second side, 200A First laminate, 200B Second laminate, 200C Third laminate, 200D Fourth laminate, 200E Fifth layer, 202 Pigment texture, 204A First side, edge, 204B First side, 206A Second side, edge, 206B Second side, 208A Third side, edge, 208B Third side, 210A Fourth side, edge, 210B Fourth side, 212 Graphic indicator, 214 Text indicator, 216A Distance, 216B Distance, 216C Distance, 218 Ordinal array, 220A Equidistant, 222 Ordinal array, 224A Equidistant, 226 Perforation, 300 Aircraft, 302 Seat, 304 Layer, 306 Cabin interior side wall, 308 Panel, 310 Floor panel, 312 Storage rack, 314 Window element, 316 Cabin interior, 400 Service cart, 402 Frame, 404 Side panel, 406 Tray, 408 Handle, 410 Front panel, 412 Movable elements, 414 Top, 500 Cooking area, 502A Refrigerated storage area, 502B Trash can or recycling bin, 502C Storage cabinet, 502D Storage cabinet, 502E Storage cabinet, 502F Storage cabinet, 504A Heating device, 504B Heating device, 506A Top, 506B Top, 508A Side, 508B Side, 508C Side, 510 Service surface, 512 Drawer, 600 Cleaning system, 602 Ultraviolet (UV) light source, 604 Power source, 606 Server computer, 608 Data storage device, 610 Laminate, 610A Dimmable pigment, 612 Mobile device, 614 In-situ printing device, 700 Method

Claims

1. A laminate for verifying the execution of cleaning procedures, A first layer (120) having a light-adjusting pigment (104), wherein the light-adjusting pigment (104) is configured to change from a first state to a second state in response to exposure to an ultraviolet (UV) light source, the first state being invisible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, and the second state being visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting. A second layer (106) is a bonding layer that removably connects the laminate (100D) to its constituent elements, Equipped with, The first layer (120) comprises a combination of multiple indicators (212 / 214) and a pigment texture (202), A laminate in which the indicators (212 / 214) are formed from the light-adjusting pigment (104), and the pigment texture (202) comprises an embossed pattern in which the light-adjusting pigment (104) is arranged.

2. The laminate according to claim 1, wherein the first layer (120) is formed from a polyvinyl material or a glass fiber material.

3. The laminate according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first layer (120) includes a non-combustible material.

4. The laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a plurality of edges (204A, 206A, 208A, 210A) that define the surface area of ​​the laminate (200A).

5. The laminate according to claim 4, wherein the first layer (120) includes a plurality of indicators (212 / 214) formed from the light-adjusting pigment (104), and the plurality of indicators (212 / 214) are formed over less than the entire surface area.

6. The laminate according to claim 4, wherein the first layer (120) includes a plurality of indicators (212 / 214) formed from the light-adjusting pigment (104), and the plurality of indicators (212 / 214) are formed over the entire surface area.

7. The laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first layer (120) includes a plurality of indicators (212 / 214) having at least one of a first color, a first material, and a first pattern, which is different from at least one of the second color, a second material, and a second pattern of the first layer.

8. The laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a laminate (200A) configured as a plurality of sections, wherein each of the plurality of sections is separated from adjacent sections of the plurality of sections by a series of perforations (226).

9. The laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first layer (120) includes a plurality of indicators (212) formed from the light-adjusting pigment (104), and the plurality of indicators (212) are formed in an ordered arrangement (218 / 222).

10. The laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second layer (106) is formed from a polyvinyl material or a glass fiber material.

11. The laminate according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the light-adjusting pigment (104) comprises a first pigment and a second pigment, the first pigment is configured to change back from a second state to a first state after a first predetermined period, and the second pigment is configured to change back from a second state to a first state after a second predetermined period, the first predetermined period being shorter than the second predetermined period.

12. A method for forming a UV-reactive laminate according to claim 1, The step (706) includes arranging the light-adjusting pigment (104) on the laminate, The light-adjusting pigment (104) is arranged on a plurality of indicators (212 / 214) and in an embossed pattern, thereby forming a pigment texture (202). A method wherein the light-adjusting pigment (104) is configured to change from a first state to a second state (712) in response to exposure to UV light (710), the first state is invisible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, the second state is visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, and the laminate is formed from a polyvinyl material.

13. A method for cleaning a laminate according to claim 1, (a) Step (710) of exposing the laminate to an ultraviolet (UV) light source, wherein the laminate is removably bonded to a component and includes the light-adjusting pigment (104) configured in a first state, the first state being invisible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, (b) A step (712) in which the light-adjusting pigment (104) reacts to the absorption of UV light from the UV light source to change from the first state to a second state, wherein the second state is visible to the naked eye under ambient lighting, and the second state indicates that the laminate is clean. (c) A step (714) in which the light-adjusting pigment (104) causes the device to revert from the second state to the first state after a predetermined period of time. Methods that include...

Images