SE545632C2

SE545632C2 - Colour afterglowing sign

Info

Publication number: SE545632C2
Application number: SE2150350A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Lönnström Mikael Andersson
Original assignee: Systemtext Ab
Priority date: 2021-03-25
Filing date: 2021-03-25
Publication date: 2023-11-21
Also published as: SE2150350A1

Abstract

The present invention describes a colour afterglowing product, said colour afterglowing product being printed with a colour afterglowing layer comprising colour afterglowing pigment(s), wherein the colour afterglowing layer is complemented with a printed screen pattern, wherein the colour afterglowing layer comprises both phosphorescent pigment(s) and fluorescent pigment(s), wherein the amount of fluorescent pigment(s) is in the range of from 0.5 to below 1.5 wt.% calculated on the total weight of colour in the colour afterglowing layer, wherein the screen pattern has a coverage of maximum 60% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer, and wherein the screen pattern is a coloured non-afterglowing screen pattern.

Description

Field of the invention The present invention relates to a colour afterglowing product, especially to a colour afterglowing sign. Technical Background There are known afterglowing products on the market today. One such in the form of a sign is disclosed in EP1368799. EP1368799 describes an afterglowing sign printed with afterglowing pigments, in which the afterglowing pigments are supplemented by at least a partial screen print using opaque or transparent ink. Moreover, in EP1741081 there is disclosed an afterglowing sign with a sign material having a coloured surface, wherein the coloured surface of the sign is provided by printing with opaque ink on the sign material, where a ground colour of the sign is provided by printing an opaque ink and symbols and borders by printing another opaque ink on the sign material, and where the opaque ink of the ground colour and the another opaque ink of the symbols and borders are non-afterglowing, wherein the afterglowing sign also comprises a transparent print of afterglowing pigments and wherein the coloured surface of the sign shines through the transparent print with afterglowing pigments. Furthermore, in EP2717245 there is disclosed a colour afterglowing article comprising an afterglowing material, wherein the colour afterglowing article comprises a colour print of a non- afterglowing colour system, wherein the colour print has a colour value being less than 100% for each chosen colour of the colour system, when calculated in the colour system CMYK, wherein the colour print is a digital print, wherein the afterglowing material is free from colour pigments, and wherein the colour afterglowing article afterglows in the colours chosen in the colour system.

One aim of the present invention is to provide a colour afterglowing product which provides optimal colour reproduction in both daylight and in the dark.

Summary of the invention The stated purpose above is achieved by a colour afterglowing product, said colour afterglowing product being printed with a colour 2 afterglowing layer comprising colour afterglowing pigment(s), wherein the colour afterglowing layer is complemented with a printed screen pattern, wherein the colour afterglowing layer comprises both phosphorescent pigment(s) and fluorescent pigment(s) wherein the amount of fluorescent pigment(s) is in the range of from 0.5 to below 1.5 wt.% calculated on the total weight of colour in the colour afterglowing layer, wherein the screen pattern has a coverage of maximum 60% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer, and wherein the screen pattern is a coloured non- afterglowing screen pattern.

The combination of the right type of pigments in the colour afterglowing layer as well as a screen pattern printed on top of this provides for an optimal colour reproduction in both daylight and in the dark. The phosphorescent pigment(s) ensures for colour reproduction in the dark, however using only such pigments does normally not provide an optimal and clear colour in daylight. By mixing fluorescent pigment(s) into the colour afterglowing layer this layer is given a clearer colour in daylight. Moreover, by then also complementing this colour afterglowing layer with an outermost screen pattern the colour in daylight may be even further optimized. Moreover, the screen pattern does not cover the entire colour afterglowing layer, which in turn is very important to ensure that the colour afterglowing layer may be charged by light during the day to ensure colour afterglowing in the dark.

This aspect as well as e.g. optimal percentage of pigments in the colour afterglowing layer and yet other embodiments and features of the present invention are further disclosed below.

Brief description of the drawinqs Fig. 1 shows an escape route sign according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 shows another type of sign, in this case a notice /warning sign according to a similar embodiment of the present invention of that shown in fig.

Specific embodiments of the invention Below there are provide further embodiments of the present invention. 3 According to the present invention, the amount of fluorescent pigment(s) is below 1.5 wt.%, calculated on the total weight of colour in the colour afterglowing layer. This low level of fluorescent pigments according to the present invention ensures that the phosphorescent pigment(s) are dominant, which is important to provide for colour afterglowing in the dark. Furthermore, the inclusion ofﬂuorescent pigment(s) is still very relevant as this ensures a clearer colour in daylight. Also, according to the present invention, the amount of fluorescent pigment(s) is in the range of 0.5 - 1.5 wt.%, calculated on the total weight of colour in the colour afterglowing layer. This lower level ofﬂuorescent pigment(s) is also possible as the colour afterglowing layer is complemented with a printed screen pattern according to the present invention. lt is this combination that provides for a clear colour in daylight as well as a strong colour reproduction in the dark. Moreover, by use a screen pattern less ﬂuorescent pigment(s) are needed in the colour afterglowing layer, which in turn is beneficial in terms of the total need of special pigments in a product according to the present invention.

According to the present invention, the screen pattern is a coloured non-afterglowing screen pattern, i.e. printed with non-afterglowing pigment(s) as an outermost non-afterglowing screen pattern. This combination, i.e. where the amount of fluorescent pigment(s) is below 1.5 wt.%, calculated on the total weight of colour in the colour afterglowing layer, and where this is complemented with a printed coloured non-afterglowing screen pattern is a preferred combination according to the present invention.

Furthermore, the screen pattern may be of different type according to the present invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the screen pattern is a coloured line screen pattern and/or a coloured dot screen pattern. lt should be noted that all possible combinations here are possible according to the present invention. One example is a typical dot screen pattern but where some or all dots are connected to each other with thin lines. Moreover, all types of lines and dots are possible, such as straight lines or somewhat curved lines, dots in the shape of circles, rhombus, etc.

Furthermore, also the coverage of the screen pattern is of relevance according to the present invention. Disclosed but not claimed is an 4 embodiment of the present invention, where the screen pattern is a coloured non-afterglowing screen pattern and has a coverage of maximum 80% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer, preferably maximum 70% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer. According to the present invention, the screen pattern has a coverage of maximum 60% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the screen pattern has a coverage of maximum 50% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer, most preferably maximum 40% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer. According to one specific embodiment, the coverage of the coloured non-afterglowing screen pattern is in a range of 35 - 55% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer. This type of coverage level of the screen pattern is a preferred level according to the present invention.

Furthermore, also the amount level of the phosphorescent pigment(s) may be of relevance according to the present invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of phosphorescent pigment(s) is in the range of 30 - 80 wt.%, preferably in the range of 40 - 70 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 45 - 65 wt.%, calculated on the total weight of colour in the colour afterglowing layer. As should be understood, this level should be much higher than the amount level of fluorescent pigment(s), as the phosphorescent pigment(s) ensure for a high degree of colour afterglowing in the dark.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the colour afterglowing product is a sign, preferably a safety sign or a warning sign or the like. The sign may e.g. be an emergency sign, escape route sign or the like.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the colour after glowing product, such as a sign, comprises symbols and/or text in one first afterglowing colour and a complementing signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a different second afterglowing colour, and wherein the complementing signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour is complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non- afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour. This type of sign is very suitable as a safety sign, warning sign, escape route sign or the like, or a type of notice sign. For instance, a sign with a red or green signal field and with white symbols and/or text is one example which is suitable. lt should be noted that such white symbols may be provides with an afterglowing layer directly, i.e. without a screen pattern, whereas the signal field with a green or red afterglowing layer is then also complemented with a screen pattern with matching non-afterglowing colour. Furthermore, the signal field may be seen as the signalling colour background of a sign according to the present invention.

The present invention provides colour afterglowing products, such as signs, which provides an optimal effect of colour reproduction in daylight as well as in the dark. This is obtained by providing a high luminance effect of the signal field from the colour afterglowing material, but still with the correct colour effect in daylight (right level of fluorescent pigments as well as the correct perceived colour). Moreover, also the combined effect of the luminance level of the white/yellowish afterglowing symbols also play a role in this. The combined effect of the two different colour afterglowing spaces of a sign interact to ensure an optimal effect in the dark. This also implies that a too high level of luminance of the white/yellowish symbol could affect the reproduction of the colour of the signal field in the dark in a somewhat negative way. ln relation to the above it may be mentioned that the white/yellowish afterglowing parts may also be referred to as non-coloured afterglowing parts, that is they are afterglowing in a white colour in the dark. ln accordance with the above, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non- afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour has a minimum luminance of 4/0.5 mcd/m2 when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes, preferably a minimum luminance of 6/0.75 mcd/m2, most preferably a minimum luminance of 7.5/1 .0 mcd/m2, when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes. 6 Moreover, according to yet another embodiment, the signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non-afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour has a minimum luminance of 7.5/1 .0 mcd/m2, when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes, and has a red colour, preferably a red colour corresponding to the standard ISO 3864-4:2011 with reference to chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor for object colours of ordinary materials, phosphorescent materials and unpowered internally illuminated safety signs under external illumination. This embodiment is directed towards obtaining a high colour luminance as well as a correct red colour reproduction also in daylight.

According to yet another specific embodiment of the present invention, the signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non-afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour has a minimum luminance of 15/2.0 mcd/m2, preferably a minimum luminance of 25/3.0 mcd/m2 when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes, and has a green colour, preferably a green colour corresponding to the standard ISO 3864-4:2011 with reference to chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor for object colours of ordinary materials, phosphorescent materials and unpowered internally illuminated safety signs under external illumination. As should be understood, this embodiment is directed towards a green afterglowing signal field with a correct green colour also in daylight.

As mentioned, also the luminance of the white/yellow (uncoloured) afterglowing symbols are important, also for the entire effect of the colour afterglowing product according to the present invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the symbols and/or text in one first afterglowing colour comprises white/yellowish afterglowing pigments (material) and has a minimum luminance of 140/20 mcd/m2, preferably a minimum luminance of 160/20 mcd/m2, more preferably a minimum luminance of 190/25 mcd/m2, most preferably a luminance in the range of (190/25 - 350/50) mcd/m2, when measured in accordance with ISO 7 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes. The most preferred range also with a maximum luminance is provided as a too high luminance in the non-coloured afterglowing material may have a negative effect on the colour afterglowing of the signal field.

According to one preferred embodiment, the signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non-afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour has a minimum luminance of 4/0.5 mcd/m2 when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes, preferably a minimum luminance of 6/0.75 mcd/m2, most preferably a minimum luminance of 7.5/1 .0 mcd/m2, when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes, and wherein the symbols and/or text in one first afterglowing colour comprises white/yellowish afterglowing pigments and has a minimum luminance of 140/20 mcd/m2, preferably a minimum luminance of 160/20 mcd/m2, more preferably a minimum luminance of 190/25 mcd/m2, most preferably a luminance in the range of (190/25 - 350/50) mcd/m2, when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes.

As said, also the colour in daylight is of importance. The present invention provides products, such as signs, which also meets the suitable standards for colour reproduction of non-coloured afterglowing signs. ln accordance with this, according to one embodiment, the complementing signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non-afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour has a colour corresponding to the standard ISO 3864-4:2011 with reference to chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor for object colours of ordinary materials, phosphorescent materials and unpowered internally illuminated safety signs under external illumination, for the specific chosen colour(s) of the complementing signal field, preferably being a green or a red colour.

Moreover, according to yet another embodiment, one or several counter recesses are arranged around one or more symbols and/or text. Such counter recesses are arranged to ensure a more distinct shape of the 8 symbols and text, especially in the dark. Furthermore, the one or more counter recesses may be arranged by ensuring a gap between the white afterglowing layer and the coloured afterglowing signal field. lf a white sign material is provided in the rear, the one or more counter recesses are then also white in colour.

Furthermore, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the colour afterglowing sign also comprises a sign base material, preferably made of a self-adhesive material or which is complemented with an adhesive layer. This sign base material is the rear surface which may be white as mentioned above. Moreover, according to some examples, the sign base material is made of a metal, such as aluminium, plastic or a composite.

Detailed description of the drawinqs Fig. 1 shows an escape route sign according to one embodiment of the present invention. ln this case the colour afterglowing layer is complemented by a screen print pattern, in this case a line pattern, which is printed in colour(s) from a non-afterglowing colour system. The colour afterglowing layer comprises both phosphorescent pigment(s) and fluorescent pigment(s), such as stated according to the present invention. The line screen print pattern is printed with a non-afterglowing green colour. Moreover, the white symbols comprise afterglowing material which is perceived as white in daylight and in the dark. The base material in the back may be a material with a white surface.

Fig. 2 shows another type of sign, in this case a notice /warning sign according to a similar embodiment of the present invention of that shown in fig. 1. ln this case a dot screen print pattern is used instead of a line screen print pattern. ln this connection it should be stated that screen print patterns may be created with in principle any shapes, such as crosses, stars, etc. Furthermore, a notice /warning sign according to fig. 4 suitably has a red signal field / background made of a red afterglowing layer comprising both phosphorescent pigment(s) and fluorescent pigment(s), then a dot screen pattern printed with red non-afterglowing material and finally a white symbol printed with white afterglowing material. Furthermore, in this case there is 9 also provided a counter recess around the symbol so that the symbol is clearer when viewed in the dark. Testinq of some siqns accordinq to the present invention Two different signs according to the present invention where tested in accordance with the standard method ISO 16069:2017 and such decided testing parameters, and thus tested at 10/60 minutes. One sign comprising a sign base material was printed with a green afterglowing signal field, which then was complemented with a green non-afterglowing screen pattern. The symbols where printed with white/yellowish afterglowing material. When tested according to ISO 16069:2017 the obtained luminance values where 205/28 mcd/m2 for the white/yellowish afterglowing material and 29.2/4.4 mcd/m2 for the green afterglowing signal field, with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes. lt may also be noted that the green signal field had a non-afterglowing screen pattern which was green in accordance with the standard ISO 3864-4: The second printed sign according to the present invention was a sign in accordance with the above, however printed with a red signal field with a red afterglowing material complemented with a red non-afterglowing screen pattern. When tested according to ISO 16069:2017 the obtained luminance values where 205/28 mcd/m2 for the white/yellowish afterglowing material, i.e. again in accordance with the above, and 8.0/1.2 mcd/m2 for the red afterglowing signal field, with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes.

Claims

1. A colour afterglowing product, said colour afterglowing product being printed with a colour afterglowing layer comprising colour afterglowing pigment(s), wherein the colour afterglowing layer is complemented with a printed screen pattern, wherein the colour afterglowing layer comprises both phosphorescent pigment(s) and fluorescent pigment(s), wherein the amount of fluorescent pigment(s) is in the range of from 0.5 to below 1.5 wt.% calculated on the total weight of colour in the colour afterglowing layer, wherein the screen pattern has a coverage of maximum 60% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer, and wherein the screen pattern is a coloured non-afterglowing screen pattern.

2. The colour afterglowing product according to claim 1, wherein the screen pattern is a coloured line screen pattern and/or a coloured dot screen pattern.

3. The colour afterglowing product according to any of claims 1-2, wherein the screen pattern is a coloured non-afterglowing screen pattern and has a coverage of maximum 50% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer, more preferably maximum 40% of the total surface area of the colour afterglowing layer.

4. The colour afterglowing product according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the amount of phosphorescent pigment(s) is in the range of 30 - 80 wt.%, preferably in the range of 40 - 70 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 45 - 65 wt.%, calculated on the total weight of colour in the colour afterglowing layen

5. The colour afterglowing product according to any of claim 1-4, wherein the colour afterglowing product, such as a sign, comprises symbols and/or text in one first afterglowing colour and a complementing signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a different second afterglowing colour, and wherein the complementing signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second 11 afterglowing colour is complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non- afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour.

6. The colour afterglowing product according to claim 5, wherein the complementing signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non- afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour has a minimum luminance of 4/0.5 mcd/m2 when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes, preferably a minimum luminance of 6/0.75 mcd/m2, most preferably a minimum luminance of 7.5/1 .0 mcd/m2, when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes.

7. The colour afterglowing product according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the complementing signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non- afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour has a minimum luminance of7.5/1.0 mcd/m2, when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes, and has a red colour, preferably a red colour corresponding to the standard ISO 3864- 4:2011 with reference to chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor for object colours of ordinary materials, phosphorescent materials and unpowered internally illuminated safety signs under external illumination.

8. The colour afterglowing product according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the complementing signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non- afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour has a minimum luminance of 15/2.0 mcd/m2, preferably a minimum luminance of 25/3.0 mcd/m2 when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes, and has a green colour, preferably a green colour corresponding to the standard ISO 3864-4:2011 with reference to chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor for object colours of ordinary 12 materials, phosphorescent materials and unpowered internally illuminated safety signs under external illumination.

9. The colour afterglowing product according to any of claims 5-8, wherein the symbols and/or text in one first afterglowing colour comprises white/yellowish afterglowing pigments and has a minimum |uminance of 140/20 mcd/m2, preferably a minimum |uminance of 160/20 mcd/m2, more preferably a minimum |uminance of 190/25 mcd/m2, most preferably a |uminance in the range of (190/25 - 350/50) mcd/m2, when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes.

10. The colour afterglowing product according to any of claims 5-9, wherein the complementing signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non- afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour has a minimum |uminance of 4/0.5 mcd/m2 when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes, preferably a minimum |uminance of 6/0.75 mcd/m2, most preferably a minimum |uminance of 7.5/1 .0 mcd/m2, when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes, and wherein the symbols and/or text in one first afterglowing colour comprises white/yellowish afterglowing pigments and has a minimum |uminance of 140/20 mcd/m2, preferably a minimum |uminance of 160/20 mcd/m2, more preferably a minimum |uminance of 190/25 mcd/m2, most preferably a |uminance in the range of (190/25 - 350/50) mcd/m2, when measured in accordance with ISO 16069:2017 testing parameters and at 10/60 minutes.

11. The colour afterglowing product according to any of claims 5-10, wherein the complementing signal field with a colour afterglowing layer in a second afterglowing colour complemented with a coloured screen pattern with non- afterglowing colour complementing the second afterglowing colour has a colour corresponding to the standard ISO 3864-42011 with reference to 13 chromaticity coordinates and Iuminance factor for object colours of ordinary materials, phosphorescent materials and unpowered internally illuminated safety signs under external illumination, for the specific chosen colour(s) of the complementing signal field, preferably being a green or a red colour.

12. The colour afterglowing product according to any of claims 5-11, wherein one or several contour recesses are arranged around one or more symbols and/or text.

13. The colour afterglowing product according to any of claims 1-12, wherein the colour afterglowing product is a sign, preferably a safety sign or a warning sign.

14. The colour afterglowing product according to claim 13, also comprising a sign base material, preferably made of a self-adhesive material or which is complemented with an adhesive layer.