GB2332081A

GB2332081A - A phosphorescent article

Info

Publication number: GB2332081A
Application number: GB9725524A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Wah Sing Li
Original assignee: METRO KING Ltd
Current assignee: METRO KING Ltd
Priority date: 1997-12-02
Filing date: 1997-12-02
Publication date: 1999-06-09
Also published as: GB9725524D0; GB2332081A9

Abstract

A phosphorescent article is disclosed as including a base 12 incorporating at least a phosphorescent pigment for emitting light in darkness, in which the base includes at least one area printable with an ink of a colour, and the area of the base printed with the ink includes at least one portion (34, Figure 4) which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from the phosphorescent pigment of the base to pass through, such that when light is emitted by the phosphorescent pigment of the base, the colour of the ink is perceivable in darkness. A method of producing a phosphorescent article is also disclosed as including the steps of providing a base incorporating a phosphorescent pigment for emitting light in darkness; and printing the base with an ink of a colour in which the printed area of the base, after printing, includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from the phosphorescent pigment of the base to pass through, such that when light is emitted by the phosphorescent pigment of the base, the colour of the ink is perceivable in darkness. The area printable with the ink may be a synthetic film to be adhered to the base 12. Alternatively, the ink may be applied directly on to the base 12.

Description

1 2332081 A Phosphorescent Article This invention relates to a

phosphorescent article and, in particular, such an article which can, in darkness, emit light and show at least one colour different from that emitted by the phosphorescent pigment incorporated therein.

Existing phosphorescent decoration itemslarticles incorporate phosphorescent pigments which can absorb and store the energy of natural or artificial light, especially in the ultra-violet range, and emit such energy in the form of visible light in darkness. Each such phosphorescent pigment emits light in only one of a number of colours, including green yellow, light blue, orange, dark pink and pink. Various attempts have been made to provide phosphorescent articles which can show patterns of at least one other different colour, or better still, of at least two colours, in darkness.

For example, it has been proposed to produce such an article by first manufacturing the various parts of the article, each incorporating a phosphorescent pigment emitting light of a different colour. The whole article is then finished by assembling the parts together. Such a method of production is clearly both cumbersome and costly.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a phosphorescent article which, in darkness, can show at least one colour which is different from that of the light emitted by the phosphorescent pigment incorporated therein. It is a finther object of the present invention to provide a phosphorescent article which., in darkness. can show up at least two different colours. It is a still further ol:ject of the present invention to provide a method of producing the aforesaid phosphorescent articles.

2 According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a phosphorescent article comprising a member incorporating at least a phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness, wherein said member comprises at least one area printable with an ink of at least a first colour, wherein the area of said member printed with said ink includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first colour is perceivable in darkness.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of producing z phosphorescent article, comprising the steps of providing a member incorporating at least one phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness; and printing said member with at least an ink of a first colour wherein the printed area of said member, after printing, includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first colour is perceivable in darkness.

The invention will now be described and with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:- Fig. 1 shows a first embodiment of a phosphorescent article according to the present invention; 3 Fig. 2 shows a film printed with a pattern, for use in the phosphorescent article in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of a phosphorescent article according to the present invention; and Fig. 4 shows a magnified view of part of a printed area of the printed film shown in Figs 1, 2 and 3.

Fig. 1 shows a phosphorescent article generally designated as 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The article 10 includes a base 12 made principally of a synthetic resin, e.g. polypropylene (PP), ACRYLIC (Trade Mark), polyethylene (PE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyvinyl chloride VC), (P poly-carbonate (PC), general purpose polystyrene (GP), etc., incorporated with a phosphorescent pigment. According to the specific choice of the phosphorescent pigment, the base 12 may, in darkness, emit light of a colour of green yellow, light blue, orange, dark pink, or pink. The base 12 may be made into various desired shapes in accordance with conventional production methods. The article 10 also includes a thin film 14, which is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE). As compared with PVC, PE is more environmentally friendly. Before printing. the film 14 is transparent. The film 14 may be of a thickness of 0. 1 nun to 0. 12mm.

As shown in Fig. 2, the film 14 has an upper surface 16 which is printable with ink of plurality of different colours, in particular colours different from that emitted by the 4 phosphorescent pigment incorporated in the base 12. The upper surface 16 of the film 14 may also include print varnish to enhance the printing effect. As an example, the upper surface 16 of the film 14 is shown in Figs. I and 2 as having been printed with two colours, each being represented by a different set of shading lines, although it is also possible to print the upper surface 16 of the film 14 with a pattern of only one colour, which is different from that emitted by the phosphorescent pigment incorporated in the base 12. The film 14 may be printed by a variety of conventional printing processes, e.g. gravure printing, flexo printing and silkscreen printing. Ink suitable for such printing may be obtained from Toyo Ink Mfg. Co., Ltd. of Japan, under their commodity names TK Mark V Yellow, TK Mark V Red, TK Mark V Blue and TK Mark V Black. The film 14 also has a lower surface 18 with selfadhesive material, e.g. strong permanent acrylic adhesive, such that it may be adhered onto to the base 10. A self-adhesive transparent polypropylene (O.P.P.) film (not shown) of a thickness of 0.015mm to 0. 02mm is also applied on the upper surface 16 of the film 14 to protect the printed pattern. The polyethylene film, PVC film and polypropylene protective film may be obtained from Jackstadt GmbH, of Germany, under their Trade Mark "Jac" (Trade Mark).

The film 14 is usually originally of a width of 50cm or 1 00cm, and of a length of roughly I m to 200m. Depending on the size of the coloured patterns. a number of such patterns may be printed on the film 14 across its width and length. In order to manufacture the required phosphorescent article 10, the base 12 is produced, and then the upper surface 16 of the film 14 is printed with the necessary coloured patterns. The O.P.P. coating is then applied onto the upper surface 16 of the film 14. The patterns are then cut out or punched out from the rest of the film 14 to be subsequently attached/adhered onto the base 12.

As an alternative, the base 12 may be a phosphorescent sheet 20, as shown in Fig. 3, usually of an original dimension of 0.25-0.4mrn (thickness) x I m (width) x 50m (length), and is made up of four layers. The sheet 20 includes a top layer 22 incorporating a phosphorescent pigment, a second layer 24 of milky white PVC, an adhesive layer 26, and a release paper layer 28. The release paper layer 28 may be peeled off from the rest of the sheet 20 to allow the sheet 20 to be adhered onto another article via the adhesive layer 26.

The film 14 printed with a number of the necessary patterns is adhered onto the top layer 22 of the phosphorescent sheet 20. The whole phosphorescent article may then be trimmed/cut/punched out for ready use.

As a further alternative, it is possible to print, and thus apply the ink, directly on the base 12 and the sheet 20, e.g. by tempo printing, silk screening/silk screen printing, and offset printing process. After printing, zi protective layer is also applied onto the ink. In case of silk screening onto a polyethylene base 12 or sheet 20, an appropriate protective layer may be the series ROTOCURE GS 191 traded under the Trade Mark "DUBUIT". After application of the protective layer onto the ink, it is necessary to expose the coated area under ultra-violet lamp for several seconds. In case of silk screen printing of ABS, PVC, PC, GP and ACRYLIC (Trade Mark) base 12 or sheet 20, an appropriate protective layer may be an overprint lacquer traded under the Trade 6 Mark "PRINTCOLOR", and by the reference to #88-05. As to the printing of polypropylene base 12 or sheet 20 by silk screen printing, an appropriate protective layer may also be an overprint lacquer traded under the Trade Mark "PRINTCOLOR", and by the reference to #140-742. The thickness of the protective layer in the above cases ranges from 0.3mm to 0.5mm.

Turning to the tempo printing of base 12 or sheet 20 made of ABS, PVC, PC, GP and ACRYLIC (Trade Mark), an appropriate protective layer may be an overprint lacquer traded under the Trade Mark "PRINTCOLOR", and by the reference to 985. The thickness of the protective layer ranges from 0. 03mrn to 0.04mm. As to the case of printing of PP and PE base 12 or sheet 20, an appropriate protective layer is one traded under the trade name "PPE Screen InW' under serial No. 000-medium by Teikoku, of Japan. In order to achieve the best results, the surface of the base 12 or sheet 20 is firstly flame-treated/heated. The coloured inks are then applied onto the flame-treated/heated surface. The protective layer is then applied onto the coloured inks.

A principle behind the present invention is to arrange the proportion and distribution of the area of the upper surface 16 of the film 14, or alternatively the base 12 and the sheet 20, which is actually covered with the ink. In printing the film 14. the base 12 and the sheet 20, it is necessary to specify two parameters, namely the number of dots/squares each square-inch of the printed area is to be divided into and the percentage of area in each such dot which is actually covered by the ink(s). Using Fig. 4 as an example, we assume that the length of "d' is one inch, and the blackened 7 circular portions 30 represent the areas which are actually covered with the ink(s). In this case, each square-inch of the film 14, the base 12 or the sheet 20 is evenly divided into nine dots/squares 32 and the film 14, the base 12 or the sheet 20 is said to be printed with 3d.p.i.(dot-per- inch). Assuming that each of the blackened circular portions 30 occupies 45% of the area of each of the dots/squares 32, the film 14, the base 12 or the sheet 20 is then said to be printed at 45%. Alternatively, it is possible to leave the circular portions 30 blank, and print instead the remaining trarisparent area 34. Again, assuming that each of the circular portions 30 occupies 45% of the area of each of the dots/squares 32, the film 14, the base 12 or the sheet 20 is then said to be printed at 55%. In any event, it is clear that the higher the d.p.i. value, the finer is the resultant pattern. However, there is a practical upper limit of roughly from 120d.p.i. to 13)0d.p.i., since it is not possible to print with a too high d.p.i. with the existing technology. It is, on the other hand, not desirable to print with too low a d.p.i. value, since the resultant pattern will be very coarse. As to the percentage parameter, such will eventually determine the lightness/darkness of the specific colour(s). If the percentage is high, the colour(s) will appear to be darker. On the other hand, if the percentage is low, the colour(s) will appear to be lighter.

While light emitted by the phosphorescent pigment incorporated in the base 12 or the sheet 20 can pass through area(s) which are actually covered by ink(s). such only constitutes a relatively small amount of the light so emitted. On the other hand, the light emitted by the phosphorescent pigment can easily pass through the transparent area(s). Although the light emitted by the phosphorescent pigment may be of a colour which is different from that of the ink(s), if the d.p.i. value and percentage level are 8 properly adjusted, the effective result is that an onlooker can clearly see in darkness the coloured pattern(s) printed on the film 14, the base 12 or the sheet 20. In this connection, it is found that a percentage range of 30% to 75%,,vill provide the required result, with a preferable range of 40% to 65%, and a still more preferable level of 50%. As to the d.p.i. level, it is found that 70d.p.i. to 11 Od.p.i. will provide the required result, with a preferable range of 80d.p.i. to 100d.p.i., and a still more preferable level of 90d.p.i. It is also found that it is possible to achieve more satisfactory results if the two parameters are properly combined. In practice, it is found that the combinations of 40% with 105d.p.i., 45% with 95d.p.l. and 50% with 85d.p.i. can all provide more satisfactory results, in terms of the clarity, of the patterns and the degree of brightness, in darkness.

It should be understood that the above only describes embodiments of the invention, and that it is possible to made modifications or changes thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

Claims:-

9 1. A phosphorescent article comprising a member incorporating at least a phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness, wherein said member comprises at least one area printable with an ink of at least a first colour, wherein the area of said member printed with said ink includes at least one portion which is substantially parent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first colour is perceivable in darkness. An article according to Claim 1 wherein said member is made at least partly of a synthetic resin.

3. An article according to Claim 1 or 2 wherein from 20% to 85% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink.

4. An article according to Claim 3 wherein from 30% to 75% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink.

5. An article according to Claim 4 wherein from 40% to 65% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink.

6. An article according to Claim 5 wherein substantially 50% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink. An article according to any of the preceding claims wherein the printed area of said member is printed %hdth said ink at 70c.p. i. to 11 Od.p. i.

8. An article according to Claim 7 wherein the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at 80c.p.i. to 100d.p.i.

9. An article according to Claim 8 wherein the pdnted area of said member is pdrited with said ink at substantially 90d.p.i.

10. An article according to Claim 3 or 7 wherein substantially 40% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 105d.p.i.

11. An article according to Claim 3 or 7 wherein substantially 45% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 95d.p.i.

12. An article according to Claim 3 or 7 wherein substantially 50% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 85d.p.i.

13. An article according to any of the preceding claims wherein said member is printed with inks of a plurality of colours.

14. An article according to Claim 13 wherein said member is printed with inks of four colours.

15. An article according to any of the preceding claims wherein said member comprises a base part and a top part releasably attachable t o each other, and wherein said ink(s) is(are) printed on said top part.

16. An article according to Claim 15 wherein said base part incorporates said phosphorescent pigment. An article according to Claim 15 or 16 wherein said base part is in sheet form. An article according to Claim 15, 16 or 17 wherein said top part is substantially transparent before printing.

19. An article according to any one of Claims 15 to 18 wherein said top part is made 11 principally of polyethylene.

20. An article according to any one of Claims 15 to 18 wherein said top part is made principally of polyvinyl chloride.

qol - 2 1. An article according to any one of Claims 15 to 20 wherein said top part comprises a self-adhesive layer.

22. An article according to any one of Claims 15 to 21 wherein said top part is covered with a protective layer.

23. An article according to Claim 22 wherein said protective layer is made principally of polypropylene.

24. A method of producing a phosphorescent article, comprising the steps of providing a member incorporating at least one phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness; and printing said member with at least an ink of a first colour wherein the printed area of said member, after printing, includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member. at least said first colour is perceivable in darkness.

A method according to Claim 24 wherein said from 20% to 85% of the printed area of said member is covered with said in k.

25.

26. A method according to Claim 25 wherein from -30% to 75% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink. 27. A method according to Claim. 26 wherein from 40% to 65% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink.

28. A method according to Claim 27 wherein substantially 50% of the printed area 12 of said member is covered with said ink.

29. A method according to any one of Claims 24 to 28 wherein the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at 70c.p.i. to 11 Od.p.i.

30. A method according to Claim 29 wherein the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at 80c.p.i. to 100d.p.i.

31. A method according to Claim 30 wherein the printed area of said member printed with said ink at substantially 90d.p.i.

32. A method according to Claim 25 or 28 wherein substantially 40% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said is 33.

34.

35.

36.

37.

38.

member is printed with said ink at substantially 105d.p.i. A method according to Claim 25 or 28 wherein substantially 45% of the Printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 95d.p.i. A method according to Claim 25 or 28 wherein substantially 50% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 85d.p.i. A method according to any one of Claims 24 to 34 wherein said member is printed mdth inks of a plurality of colours. A method according to Claim 35 wherein said member is printed with inks of four colours. A method according to any one of Claims 24 to -3) 6 wherein said member comprises a base part and a top part, wherein said ink is printed on said top part. A method according to Claim 37 wherein after printing said top part with said ink., said top part is attached to said base part.

13 39. A method according to Claim 38 ftirther comprising the step of applying a protective layer on the ink printed onto said top part of said member.

40. A method according to any one of Claims 37 to 39 wherein said top part and said base part are of indefinite length, and wherein said top part is printed with a plurality of patterns of at least one colour.

1. A method according to Claim 41 wherein after said top part is attached to said base part, said top part and said base part are cut away from the rest of the top part and base part of indefinite length according to the pattern.

42. A phosphorescent article substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

14 Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1 A phosphorescent article comprising a member incorporating at least a phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness, wherein said member comprises at least one area printable with an ink of at least a first colour, wherein the area of said member printed with said ink includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first colour is perceivable in darkness, and wherein from 20% to 85% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink.

2. An article according to Claim 1 wherein from 30% to 75% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink- An article according to Claim 1 wherein from 40% to 65% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink.

An article according to Claim 1 wherein substantially 50% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink.

An article according to any of the preceding claims wherein said member is made at least partly of a synthetic resin.

6. An article according to Claim 1 wherein substantially 40% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 105d.p.i.

7. An article according to Claim 1 wherein substantially 45% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 95d.p.i.

8. An article according to Claim 1 wherein substantially 50% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 85d.p.i.

9. A phosphorescent article comprising a member incorporating at least a phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness, wherein said member comprises at least one area printable with an ink of at least a first colour, wherein the area of said member printed with said ink includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted ftom said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first colour is perceivable in darkness, and wherein the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at 70d.p.i. to 11 Od.p.i.

10. An article according to Claim 9 wherein the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at 80d.p.i. to 100d.p.i.

16 11. An article according to Claim 9 wherein the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 90d.p.i.

12. An article according to Claim 9 wherein substantially 40% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 1 05d.p.i.

An article according to Claim 9 wherein substantially 45% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 95d.p.i.

14. An article according to Claim 9 wherein substantially 50% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member printed with said ink at substantially 85d.p.i.

15. A phosphorescent article comprising a member incorporating at least a phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness, wherein said member comprises a first area printable with an ink of at least a first colour, and a second area printable with an ink of at least a second colour, and wherein each of said areas of said member printed with said inks includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first and second colours are percer, 'able in darkness.

17 16. An article according to Claim 15 wherein said member is printed with inks of four colours.

17. A phosphorescent article comprising a member incorporating at least a phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness, wherein said member comprises at least one area printable with an ink of at least a first colour, wherein the area of said member printed with said ink includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first colour is perceivable in darkness, wherein said member comprises a base part and a top part releasably attachable to each other, and wherein said ink is printed on said top part.

18. An article according to Claim 17 wherein said base part incorporates said phosphorescent pigment.

19. An article according to Claim 17 or 18 wherein said base part is in sheet form.

20. An article according to Claim 17, 18 or 19 wherein said top part is substantially transparent before printing.

2 1. An article according to any one of Claims 17 to 20 wherein said top part is made principally of polyethylene.

1 fl 22. An article according to any one of Claims 17 to 21 wherein said top part is made principally of polyvinyl chloride.

23. An article according to any one of Claims 17 to 22 wherein said top part comprises a self-adhesive layer.

24. An article according to any one of Claims 17 to 23 wherein said top part is covered with a protective layer.

25. An article according to Claim 24 wherein said protective layer is made principally of polypropylene.

26. A method of producing a phosphorescent article, comprising the steps of providing a member incorporating at least one phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness; and printing said member with at least an ink of a first colour wherein the printed area of said member, after printing, includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first colour is perceivable in darkness, and wherein said from 20% to 85% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink.

27. A method according to Claim 26 wherein from 30% to 75% of the printed area of said mernber is covered with said ink.

( Ct 28. A method according to Claim 26 wherein ftom 40% to 65% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink- 29. A method according to Claim 26 wherein substantially 50% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink.

30. A method according to Claim 26 wherein substantially 40% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 105d.p.i.

3 1. A method according to Claim 26 wherein substantially 45% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 95d.p.i.

32. A method according to Claim 26 wherein substantially 50% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 85d.p.i.

3 33. A method of producing a phosphorescent article, comprising the steps of providing a member incorporating at least one phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness; and printing said member with at least an ink of a first colour wherein the printed area of said member, after printing, includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when _ 0 light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first colour is perceivable in darkness, and wherein the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at 70d.p.l. to 11 Od. p.i.

34. A method according to Claim 33 wherein the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at 80d.p.i. to 100d.p.i.

35. A method according to Claim 33 wherein the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 90d.p.i.

36. A method according to Claim 33 wherein substantially 40% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 105d.p.i.

37. A method according to Claim 33 wherein substantially 45% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 95d.p.i.

3 38. A method according to Claim 33 wherein substantially 50% of the printed area of said member is covered with said ink, and the printed area of said member is printed with said ink at substantially 85d.p.i.

3 39. A method of producing a phosphorescent article, comprising the steps of providing a member incorporating at least one phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness; printing a first area of said member with at least an ink of a first colour; and printing a second area of said member with at least an ink of a second colour, wherein each of the printed areas of said member, after printing, includes at least one portion which is substantially transparent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first and second colours are perceivable in darkness.

40. A method according to Claim 39 wherein said member is printed with inks of four colours.

41. A method of producing a phosphorescent article, comprising the steps of providing a member incorporating at least one phosphorescent pigment adapted to emit light in darkness; and printing said member with at least an ink of a first colour wherein the printed area of said member, after printing, includes at least one portion which is substantially parent and permits light emitted from said phosphorescent pigment of said member to pass through, whereby when light is emitted by said phosphorescent pigment of said member, at least said first colour is perceivable in darkness, and wherein said member comprises a base part and a top part, wherein said ink is printed on said top part.

42. A method according to Claim 41 wherein after printing said top part with said ink, said top part is attached to said base part.

122- 43. A method according to Claim 41 further comprising the step of applying a protective layer on the ink printed onto said top part of said member.

44. A method according to any one of Claims 41 to 43 wherein said top part and said base part are of indefinite length, and wherein said top part is printed with a plurality of patterns of at least one colour.

45. A method according to Claim 44 wherein after said top part is attached to said base part, said top part and said base part are cut away from the rest of the top part and base part of indefinite length according to the pattern.

46. A phosphorescent article substantially as herein described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.