DE202005014900U1 - Display for a drink container in the form of a barrel, comprises a vertical strip which conducts heat and consists of a thermochromic colors - Google Patents

Abstract

A display arrangement on an opaque, cooled drink container (2) in the form of a barrel, a can or a bottle, comprises a vertical strip (1) which shows how full the container is, where the strip conducts heat and consists of thermochromic colors, and the level indicator consists of two or more temperature stages.

Description

object The invention is a level indicator system on a non-transparent beverage container in the form of a barrel, a can or a bottle, wherein the level and temperature indicator system typographically as label or banderole or shrink-sleeve-like Structure or is designed as a transfer and thermochromic Has elements that an optical indication of level visualized and optionally displays the recommended service temperature.

description of the prior art

In the US25104035A1 and in the US22097778A1 Thermoindicators are described on beverage containers. However, no level indicator systems combined with a temperature control are mentioned. The thermoindicators shown there serve only to indicate the temperature of the liquid in the container.

task The present invention is a level indicator for a container with a chilled liquid propose.

A Another subordinate task is to provide a cost-effective printing technology Production of a filling level and temperature display system for non-transparent liquid containers in the form of a barrel, a can or a bottle.

According to the invention was found that on non-transparent containers made different Plastics through the ventilation while dispensing liquid warm air reaches the top of the container. The heat conduction of even more cooled liquid in the lower part of the container and a bit warmer Air in the upper part of the container causes on the outer wall of the container this fine temperature difference by means of thermochromic strip-like Sensors can be well recognized visually. This is the first time possible, an indication of the liquid level of the in the container stored, refrigerated liquid make.

The Recommended service temperature of drinkable liquids varies depending on Content between some 5 ° to 15 ° C, in particular between 8 ° and 10 ° C and can be clearly indicated visually signaling.

The However, the invention is not only drinkable on the level indicator liquids in a chilled container limited. Likewise, the level other, cooled liquids in non-transparent containers displayed, such as medical, chemical and biological Liquids.

The level indicator works over the entire possible Temperature range and delivers over the entire possible Area a visually recognizable indication of the liquid level on the outside of the chilled Container.

requirement for the However, it is an indication that the container is being opened for the first time, for warmer Air in the upper (liquid-depleted) Area of the container pour in allow.

to Display will be used a thermochromic system, which is colored and / or in terms of intensity over the desired Temperature range changes displays.

When thermochromic systems can relatively easy to process dyes added to conventional printing inks become. This works for offset inks, flexo inks, Rotogravure inks up to screen inks very good. Even if such systems usually no good UV resistance This does not play a significant role in the present application Role as usual beverage containers do not be stored in the blazing sun and no essential Exposed to UV radiation.

Of the Advantage of printing thermochromic dye indicators is in their low layer thickness and the associated low heat capacity and thus the rapid response speed at the display.

typographically can transparent or opacifying thermochromic systems are used become. In both cases Visual signaling and informational underpressures become visible or they are covered.

Next The use of thermochromic dyes may also be liquid crystal (LC) display systems are used. It is important to that does not use too thick carrier sheet systems Otherwise, their response speed is relatively slow becomes. Visually, such LC systems offer a high color variety, but at much higher Production costs.

Usually Such display or indicator systems are labeled or band or Schrumpfschlauchartiges structure or as Transfer formed and mounted on the liquid container.

To appropriate environmental protection and Hy In order to comply with the requirements of the art, such display systems may be designed for single use or multiple use.

For one-time Display systems can simple paper-based labels or banderoles. or transfer labels be used. In a repeated use, the attachment on the inside of a transparent plastic film a simple and cost-effective Possibility. The inside printed plastic foil can be used as heat shrink tubing or Element can be used or by means of appropriate adhesive system be applied.

in the The following is the invention with reference to only one embodiment illustrative drawings closer explained. Here are more from the drawings and their description Essential to the invention features and advantages of the invention.

there shows:

1 : a schematic representation of a display strip according to the invention ( 1 ) on a beverage container ( 2 ) in a cut version,

2 : a schematic representation of a display strip ( 1 ) in the form of an elongated label,

3 : a schematic representation of a display strip ( 1 ) in the form of a heat shrink tubing system on a beverage container ( 2 ) in a cut version with the tap ( 3 ) and the ventilation valve ( 4 ) integrated in the upper lid of the beverage container ( 2 ) in the form of a KEG barrel,

4 and 5 : a schematic representation of a display strip ( 1 ) in the form of an elongated label in the two extreme states "full and OK" and "empty and OK".

In 1 is a schematic representation of a display strip ( 1 ) on a beverage container ( 2 ) shown in cut execution. In this example, the liquid is 10 ) up to about half and above is a propellant gas-air mixture ( 11 ).

It it is assumed that the container cooled to a temperature of, for example, + 5 degrees and the ambient temperature is 20 degrees Celsius. Will the cooled and still sealed containers open, then it flows warmer Ambient air into the interior of the container and heats the non-liquid-filled, upper Area in the interior of the container. Therefore warmed up this area is faster than the lower, still fluid-filled and colder Area of the container. The temperature difference between the two areas is formed heat conduction on the lateral surface of the container from. In the direction of the longitudinal extent of the container is now according to the invention the display strip thermally conductive on the lateral surface attached. His length corresponds to the liquid level to be displayed in the container.

The display strip ( 1 ) visualizes the level ( 7 ) graphically by color change or color change or change in the intensity of a thermochromic color.

In a modified version can be a thermochromic - before opaque or translucent - print layer transparent and an underlying signal-colored display will be visible.

The beverage temperature is determined by a thermochromic graphic element ( 6 ), wherein the arrangement preferably in the lower region of the container ( 2 ) he follows. The tap ( 3 ) is exemplary in the lower outer area of the container ( 2 ) and the ventilation valve ( 4 ) in the lid region of the container ( 2 ). The arrangement of these two valves ( 3 . 4 ) can just as well only be at the top or bottom.

Basically, when removing liquid ( 10 ) ventilated and space-warm air ( 11 ) will flow into the upper area and the container wall is not cooled in this upper area as in the lower area where the cooled liquid ( 10 ) is stored. This temperature difference is at the outer wall of the container ( 2 ) and displayed. If the color changes from green to red, then the warmer, upper area will show green color bars, while red color bars will still be displayed in the area of the cooled liquid. The border between the green and the red color bars then corresponds to the current level of the liquid in the container.

In 2 is a schematic representation of a display strip ( 1 ) in the form of an elongated label. The fill level visualization ( 7 ) can by a color change or by the intensity of the thermochromic ink, the level ( 5 ) visualize.

Thermochromic colors become transparent as the temperature rises as a result of an opaque color impression, and a font underneath or a level indicator below it becomes visible. Alternatively, the thermochromic color design can be seen with increasing temperature and is at low temperature largely transparent.

Next such thermochromic inks with a very fast reaction time can as well Liquid-Crystal (LC) systems, so used liquid crystal systems become. However, such temperature indicators are essential more expensive, thicker and somewhat sluggish in construction, but offer one exact display accuracy of + - 0,2 degrees.

In 3 is a schematic representation of a display strip according to the invention ( 1 ) in the form of a shrink tube on a beverage container ( 2 ) in a cut version with the tap ( 3 ) and the ventilation valve ( 4 ) integrated in the upper lid of the beverage container ( 2 ) in the form of a KEG barrel. Such heat shrink tubing systems provide a large area for the control panel display and temperature control and explanations, and also provide good opportunities for up-to-date advice and promotional information.

In 4 and in 5 is a schematic representation of a display strip ( 1 ) in the form of an elongated label in the two extreme states "full and OK" and "empty and OK". Such a label can be applied by means of environmentally friendly and easily removable adhesive or by means of self-adhesive technology according to the prior art.

In addition to these functional technical printing features, further information and advertising messages can be added. In a simple design thin 80 to 120 g / m ² paper with surface printing and optionally a protective coating can be used. In the simplest embodiment, such labels ( 1 ) applied by means of adhesive.

In another embodiment, a wet adhesive coating may already be applied to the back of the label ( 1 ) and this layer just needs to be moistened and it can be used to label ( 1 ) are applied.

In another embodiment, the back can be coated by means of hot melt adhesive layer and the application can be carried out by means of temperature and pressure. In a further embodiment, the back of the label ( 1 ) be self-adhesive with a peelable protective film and the label ( 1 ) is removed after peeling off the protective film by means of pressure on the surface of the container ( 2 ) applied.

Next the execution On a paper basis, the label may as well be on a plastic film to be printed. In doing so, the graphic design on the top as with a paper or preferably on the bottom.

In In this case, a transparent plastic film must be used and the graphic design is good against abrasion and chemical agents protected. The type of attachment can then according to the already described Variants take place.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the display strip ( 1 ) in the form of a transfer label. In this case, a protective lacquer system with subsequently the graphic design including the thermochromic prints is applied to a release substrate in the form of a siliconized paper or a polymeric release film and further applied a pressure-sensitive adhesive system and then a release liner as protection. Before attaching the label ( 1 ) on the surface of the container ( 2 ), the protective film must be removed and then the print substrate with the release substrate is applied to the surface of the container ( 2 ) are arranged by means of pressure application and then the separation substrate is peeled off. The pressure-sensitive adhesive system may be self-adhesive or may be moisture-based or water-based.

The display strip according to the invention 1 is not only suitable for displaying the liquid level of beer or lemonade barrels. It can also be used for all coolable liquids (whether drinkable or not) for chemical, medical and biological fluids - especially in diagnostic systems.

1

display strip

2

Beverage container in Shape of a barrel, a can or a bottle

3

tap

4

vent valve

5

level

6

Temperature control: Visualization by e.g. OK.

7

level visualization

8th

Visualization "Full"

9

Visualization "empty"

10

liquid

11

LPG-air mixture

Claims (8)

Display device on an opaque, cooled to the environment beverage containers ( 2 ) in the form of a keg, a can or a bottle with at least approximately the temperature of the cooled liquid Label, characterized in that for indicating the level of the liquid in the container at least one band or line-shaped display strip ( 1 ) is attached in a heat-conducting manner in the vertical direction on the outer jacket of the container. Display device according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator strip ( 1 ) is designed as a label or as a banderole or as a shrink-tube-like structure or as a transfer and has thermochromic elements which are suitable for indicating a temperature difference between the temperature of the cooled liquid and the warmer ambient temperature. Display device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized marked that in addition the temperature is displayed. Display device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a temperature-induced color change is displayed by means of liquid crystal systems. Display device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the temperature-induced color change from organic acid and dye is visible and by electron interaction a visible Color change is achieved. Display device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the display strip ( 1 ) is produced by printing with thermochromic colors and dyes. Display device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the level indicator of a System is designed with two or more temperature levels. Display device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the level indicator of a or more colors exists.