DE202021105735U1 - Luminous coasters for articles, in particular for vessels - Google Patents

Abstract

Luminous coaster (1) for articles, in particular for vessels, such as glasses, bottles or vases, having a flat, essentially plate-shaped base body (2) with a top side (2.1) having at least one translucent area (2a) and a top side (2.1) opposite the top side (2.1) Underside (2.2) and at least one lighting unit (3), the lighting unit (3) comprising at least one electronic component (5) with at least one LED light source (6) and at least one electrical energy storage device (7), the base body (2) has at least one recess (4) that is open on the underside (2.2) and accommodates the lighting unit (3) and wherein the lighting unit (3) is interchangeably accommodated in the recess, in such a way that under the action of an on the top (2.1) of the base body (2) acting pressure, an electrical contact can be made in the lighting unit (3) and the LED light source (6) thereby Generates light, the generated light reaching the outside via the transparent area (2a) connected to the recess (4) on the upper side (2.1) of the base body (2), and the lighting unit which is exchangeably accommodated in the recess (4) (3) is secured in its position and fixed in a pressure-sensitive manner by means of a reusable and repeatedly releasable sheet-like or film-like securing element (8) attached to the underside (2.2) of the base body (2).

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a luminous coaster for articles or objects, in particular to a luminous coaster for vessels such as glasses, bottles, vases or the like.

State of the art

Coasters for articles, in particular for vessels such as glasses, bottles, vases or the like are well known. For example, such coasters are also known as “beer mats” and are used, among other things, to place drinking glasses on them. The named coasters or beer mats not only serve to protect the table surface, but are also used in particular for decorative purposes, namely as decorative items, and are used both in restaurants and in private settings.

It is also known from the prior art that such coasters of the type mentioned are designed as luminous coasters. Such luminous coasters, which can also be referred to as illuminated or luminous coasters, illuminate, for example, a vessel placed on them, such as a drinking glass filled with a drink, and thereby create a visually pleasing effect. In addition, the illuminated coasters can on the one hand make drinking glasses easily visible in a dark environment and on the other hand also act as a light source.

Luminous coasters are usually equipped with a lighting means or a lighting arrangement and also often have their own voltage or power supply in the form of a battery. For example, describes the DE 299 19 755 U1 a light coaster with a lighting means, the light coaster comprising a two-part housing made of a lower shell and a screwed-on cover, and the lighting means is arranged together with a battery inside the housing and can be switched on and off via an actuatable switch.

Furthermore describes the US 2019/0216246 A1 a light coaster, which has an LED lighting arrangement with a battery and in which the light function is triggered by the action of pressure when a vessel is placed on the light coaster.

The light coaster according to US 2019/0216246 A1 is designed as a disposable item, whereby the LED lamp arrangement or the battery cannot be replaced when the function deteriorates and the lighting function cannot be restored if the battery power and / or the lamp fail or fail.

A typical problem with such solutions is also that a reliable mode of operation with regard to the light generation caused by the action of pressure cannot be guaranteed for a long time.

Despite the solutions known from the prior art, there is therefore a need for improved luminous coasters that allow the lighting means and / or battery to be replaced and therefore remain functional over a long service life, can be reused several times and function reliably.

Presentation of the invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a luminous coaster which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and which in particular allows the lighting unit and / or parts of it to be replaced in such a way that reliable and safe functionality is maintained even after multiple changes remains. This object is achieved according to the invention by the device according to independent claim 1. Further advantageous aspects, details and configurations of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

The present invention provides a luminous coaster for articles, in particular for vessels such as glasses, bottles or vases, the luminous coaster having a flat, essentially plate-shaped base body with an upper side having at least one translucent area and an underside opposite the upper side, and the luminous coaster furthermore has at least one lighting unit which comprises at least one electronic component with at least one LED light source and at least one electrical energy storage device. The base body has at least one recess that is open on the underside and accommodates the lighting unit, and the lighting unit is exchangeably received in the recess in such a way that an electrical contact can be established in the lighting unit under the action of a pressure acting on the top of the base body and the LED -Light source thereby generates light. In this case, the generated light reaches the outside via the translucent area connected to the recess on the upper side of the base body. In the case of the present luminous coaster, the replaceable lighting unit accommodated in the recess is secured in its position and pressure-sensitive by means of a reusable and repeatedly detachable sheet-like or film-like securing element attached to the underside of the base body.

The luminous coaster according to the invention is to be understood in particular as a luminous or illuminated coaster that has the following "functionality": In a "state of use" the illuminated coaster starts to glow, namely precisely when, for example, a drink glass or a bottle is placed on it, the illuminated coaster lights up as long as the state of use is maintained, i.e. as long as an object is placed on it. In its “idle state”, on the other hand, that is, without an object placed on it, the illuminated coaster does not light up.

This “mode of operation” of the illuminated coaster can also be referred to as the desired mode of operation and is further defined by the fact that light is generated and emitted under the action of pressure, namely by the object placed on it. The desired mode of operation is such that light is only generated and emitted with an extremely high level of reliability and, in particular, safely when there is a pressure effect and, equally reliably and safely, light is always and precisely generated and emitted when there is sufficient pressure , namely by a parked object.

This desired mode of operation is implemented in the present illuminated coaster and is brought about in particular due to the interaction of the design of the recess in the base body, the configuration of the lighting unit and the sheet-like or film-like securing element.

Furthermore, the lighting unit can be easily and safely exchanged according to the invention, in particular due to the combinatorial interaction or the interaction of the recess in the base body, the lighting unit and the sheet-like or film-like securing element - particularly advantageously while maintaining the desired functionality even after several change processes.

The dimensioning of the recess, which is matched to the exchangeable lighting unit and therefore adapted to the configuration of the lighting unit, is in particular precisely and precisely set and introduced into the base body. Due to the sheet-like or film-like securing element attached to the underside of the base body so as to be detachable several times, not only is the opening and reclosing of the recess ensured several times in order to remove the lighting unit and reinsert it, but also the required and sufficient pressure sensitivity is provided for the lighting unit used to hold and fix securely and pressure-sensitive in the recess, even after several replacement processes, in such a way that the desired functionality is maintained.

All standard LED colors, such as white, blue, red and green, can of course be used as the LED lighting unit; an LED lighting unit which changes the color between these four colors can also preferably be used. Any other colors are also possible, such as pink or orange. This means that the light coasters can be used in a variety of ways for a wide variety of optical effects.

According to a preferred embodiment variant, the base body is designed in one piece and is made from a plastic or from a foam material, in particular from a rigid PVC foam. As a result, the base body can be produced simply and inexpensively, in particular with the illuminating coaster being highly stable at the same time.

In this case, the base body is particularly preferably produced from rigid PVC foam by means of a machining process, namely, for example, by milling. When producing the base body from rigid PVC foam, there are special advantages due to the material properties, for example advantages due to the low material weight with simultaneous stability, the versatile processing options, such as a simple color and / or shape of the material, due to the possible printability as well especially due to the moisture and moisture tolerance but also due to the hygienic cleanability of the material and not least due to an appealing feel and appearance.

Alternatively and also preferably, the base body is produced by means of an injection molding process from a plastic particularly suitable for this process, preferably from thermoplastic material. For example, plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA6), polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymers (ABS), methyl methacrylate-acrylonitrite Butadiene-styrene (M-ABS) or the like can be used. Special advantages result from the use of transparent, clear plastics that ensure good light transmission and can therefore produce special optical light effects. It is therefore particularly preferable to use a clear ABS material for producing the base body, which is referred to, for example, as “ABS clear”. Likewise preferably, various design options, such as color and shape or printing, are advantageously available for these materials. Base bodies made from the plastics mentioned are also advantageously stable, easy to clean and water-resistant.

It goes without saying that in alternative design variants other materials can also be used to produce the base body, materials such as glass, cardboard, aluminum composite, cork, Plexiglas, wood, bamboo or the like being suitable for this purpose.

The flat, plate-like base body preferably has a thickness in a range from around 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably in a range from 2.5 mm to 4 mm and particularly preferably around 3 mm or around 3.5 mm. This particularly flat, thin shape has a beneficial effect on material and resource consumption as well as on customer acceptance.

In the case of the present luminous coaster, advantages result from the fact that the recess is designed to receive the lighting unit with an exact fit and, in particular, the lighting unit is received in the recess with a fit. The recess, which, for example, is elongated in shape and has a predetermined width and length, is optimally adapted in particular to the shape, dimensions and configuration of the lighting unit, so that the lighting unit is received and held in the recess, for example, with a snug fit, but at the same time can be secured pressure-sensitive. This increases handling and safety when replacing and also improves the reliability and safety of the desired mode of operation, that is, the pressure-sensitive light generation.

For example, the recess is oval in shape or alternatively has an essentially circular central section, from which two angular edge sections project opposite one another in the longitudinal direction of the recess. These preferred shapes of the recess improve or increase the fit and / or the fit or the snug fit of the lighting unit in the recess.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the recess of the base body has a recess depth extending from an underside surface of the underside to a bottom of the recess in a range of 1 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably around 2 mm. This recess depth is especially adapted to the lighting unit used in order to ensure the reliable and safe functioning of the lighting unit when pressure is applied to the top of the base body, namely when placing an object, in particular a drink glass or a bottle, on the illuminated coaster.

The recess depth extending from the underside surface of the underside to the bottom of the recess advantageously has a tolerance deviation of less than 0.5 mm, in particular of less than 0.2 mm and preferably of a maximum of 0.1 mm. In the present case, the tolerance deviation of the recess depth is to be understood in particular to mean that the recess has the same exactly and precisely set recess depth over its entire spatial or areal extent, namely the recess depth with the values lying within the specified tolerance limit.

The bottom of the recess is therefore in particular planar or even. The depth of the recess corresponds exactly to the set value, regardless of where it is measured on the floor. The bottom runs in a second plane, for example, which is oriented parallel to a first plane in which the upper side surface of the base body is received, so that the recess depth is also defined here as the distance between the parallel first and second planes.

Due to the small tolerance deviation in the depth of the recess, it is particularly advantageously ensured and ensured with the present light coaster that the lighting function, which is effected by means of the lighting unit accommodated in the recess, functions particularly safely and reliably and, moreover, with particularly few errors or error-free and effectively reduces corresponding malfunctions or avoided entirely. A malfunction in this context would be, for example, the lighting of the luminous coaster in its "idle state", that is, without an object placed on it or even the non-lighting in the "state of use" of the luminous coaster, that is, when there is a light on the luminous coaster Object is parked.

The upper side of the base body is preferably provided with a decoration. In particular, the base body is printed directly on its upper side. The main body can with an individual and / or personalized design, in particular the specified materials for the production of the base body are also compatible and suitable for the individual design, for example by printing. The luminous coasters are therefore suitable, for example, as advertising media or as promotional items or business gifts ("give-aways") or as individualized decorative items for parties, celebrations or similar events.

In a preferred embodiment variant, an opening is also provided in the base body, the light-permeable area on the top side of the base body being formed by this opening opening outwards on the top side, which extends from the bottom of the recess to the top side and this breaks through. This opening formed as a hole-like opening in the upper side surface is particularly preferred in the case of base bodies made of a non-transparent material, so that here the emitted light generated by the lighting unit reaches the outside through the hole-like opening.

In alternative design variants, a recess is also provided in the base body, which, starting from the bottom of the recess, extends in the direction of the top. The translucent area on the upper side of the base body is formed here by at least one transparent surface section of the upper side that defines a base area of the depression. This is particularly preferred in the case of base bodies which are manufactured from transparent plastic by means of injection molding. Since in these design variants it is advantageously possible to dispense with a breakthrough opening in the upper side, in particular the ingress of dirt, moisture or water is effectively avoided, so that the lighting unit is particularly well and effectively protected in these embodiments.

In the embodiment variants explained above, the LED lighting means is particularly preferably received at least partially in the recess or at least partially in the opening. This ensures that the LED light source is arranged with the smallest possible distance from the translucent area on the upper side of the base body and that the light thus reaches the outside in the best possible way. In these variants, the recess together with the depression or opening advantageously forms a precisely fitting receiving space for the lighting unit, so that the lighting unit is also received here with a fit or a snug fit.

The base body can have an essentially polygonal, in particular a triangular, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal basic cross-sectional shape, preferably a basic square cross-sectional shape. Alternatively, the basic cross-sectional shape can also be round or essentially round or oval or have an irregular free shape. The size of the base body can also vary and can be selected as required, for example up to a maximum of two square meters in one piece. This means that the luminous coaster can be of any size and geometric shape, from "beer mat size" to "tray size".

The lighting unit also preferably has a plurality of LED lighting means. As an alternative or in addition, a plurality of recesses can also be formed in the base body, a lighting unit with one or more LED lighting means being received in each recess. It goes without saying that embodiments are also conceivable in which several lighting units are accommodated in a correspondingly larger recess.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the sheet-like or film-like securing element is designed and connected to the base body in such a way that the lighting unit received in the recess is further protected against moisture and / or wetness and / or contamination. The sheet-like or film-like securing element is particularly preferably water-impermeable and / or has a water- and / or dirt-repellent surface on its side facing away from the base body. In this way, the lighting unit is advantageously protected particularly effectively against external influences, as a result of which the proper functionality of the lighting unit can be ensured and supported and, moreover, its service life can also be extended.

The sheet-like or foil-like securing element preferably has a cross-sectional size which is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the base body. The cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size of the securing element are preferably selected such that the recess in the base body is completely covered by the sheet-like or film-like securing element and the securing element protrudes with at least one peripheral edge area over the recess and is connected to the underside surface of the underside of the base body .

The sheet-like or foil-like securing element preferably has a material thickness in a range of around 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. It can thus be ensured that the lighting unit received in the recess is held and fixed securely in its position in an effective manner and at the same time, however, the required pressure sensitivity is retained in order to ensure reliable and error-free function.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment variant of the invention, the sheet-like or film-like securing element is designed in the form of a self-adhesive sticker and is connected to the base body via an adhesive connection. On its side facing the base body, the sticker is provided, at least in sections, with a pressure-sensitive adhesive having a predetermined first adhesive force, in order in particular to allow the adhesive connection to be released and restored several times. In particular, the pressure-sensitive adhesive and the first adhesive force are set up or selected such that even with a large number of application cycles, namely cycles of loosening and restoring the adhesive bond, for example after a number of 30 such application cycles, no failure problems of the adhesive force occur. In this way, for example, the lighting unit, in particular the energy storage device provided in the lighting unit, namely the battery, can be changed several times if necessary, for example when performance deteriorates or when there is a malfunction, so that the customer can reuse the light coaster and use it permanently.

It goes without saying that the sticker can be printed on its side facing away from the base body. For example, in addition to design elements or slogans, technical information, safety or disposal instructions, brief instructions for changing the lighting unit or the like can also be printed so that the sticker also fulfills the function of a label.

The self-adhesive sticker preferably has a tab-like pull-off aid section, the sticker being free of pressure-sensitive adhesive in the area of its pull-off help section on its side facing the base body or being provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive having a second adhesive force, the second adhesive force being less than the first adhesive force. As a result, the handling of the sticker is improved, especially in the event of any change processes, that is, when loosening and re-establishing the adhesive connection.

The electronic component of the lighting unit is preferably formed by a multilayer, flexible printed circuit board, the LED lighting unit being connected to the flexible printed circuit board by soldering. The energy storage device is preferably a battery serving as a current and voltage source, for example a button cell. The flexible printed circuit board and the battery are assembled in an arrangement forming the lighting unit in such a way that the electrical contact is made under the action of pressure and a circuit is thereby closed.

The present invention further comprises a set of a light coaster as described above and at least one vessel.

Developments, advantages and possible applications of the invention also emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all of the features described and / or shown in the figures, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally the subject matter of the invention, regardless of how they are summarized in the claims or their reference.

Figure list

• 1 schematisch und vereinfacht dargestellt eine unterseitige Ansicht einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Grundkörpers des vorliegenden Leuchtuntersetzers;
• 2 eine schematische Schnittdarstellung eines Schnitts entlang der in 1 angedeuteten Schnittlinie A-A durch den Grundkörper gemäß 1;
• 3a schematisch und vereinfacht dargestellt eine oberseitige Ansicht eines Leuchtuntersetzers gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 3b schematisch und vereinfacht dargestellt eine unterseitige Ansicht des Leuchtuntersetzers der 3a;
• 4 beispielshaft und schematisch dargestellt ein blatt- oder folienartiges Sicherungselement in einer Ansicht auf die dem Grundkörper zugewandte Seite;
• 5 schematisch und vereinfacht dargestellt eine unterseitige Ansicht einer alternativen bevorzugten Ausführungsform eines Grundkörpers des vorliegenden Leuchtuntersetzers;
• 6a-6d eine Ausführungsform der Beleuchtungseinheit im zusammengesetzten Zustand in oberseitiger Ansicht (6a), unterseitiger Ansicht (6b) und im Schnitt (6d) sowie im nicht-zusammengesetzten Zustand (6c).

The invention is to be explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments in connection with the drawings. Show it

• 1 shown schematically and in a simplified manner, a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of a base body of the present luminous coaster;
• 2 a schematic sectional illustration of a section along the in 1 indicated section line AA through the base body according to 1 ;
• 3a shown schematically and in a simplified manner, a top view of a luminous coaster according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
• 3b shown schematically and in a simplified manner, a view of the underside of the illuminated coaster 3a ;
• 4th exemplarily and schematically shown a sheet-like or film-like securing element in a view of the side facing the base body;
• 5 shown schematically and in a simplified manner, a bottom view of an alternative preferred embodiment of a base body of the present luminous coaster;
• 6a-6d an embodiment of the lighting unit in the assembled state in the top view ( 6a) , bottom view ( 6b) and on average ( 6d ) as well as in the non-assembled state ( 6c ).

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

The luminous coaster, generally designated 1 in the figures, is a luminous or illuminated coaster for articles, in particular for vessels such as vases, bottles, glasses or the like, the luminous coaster 1 In the examples shown, it is essentially designed as a so-called beer mat for placing drinks bottles and / or drinks glasses.

The present light coaster 1 can, also deviating from the examples shown, have different sizes and shapes, but is basically designed as a flat, thin or plate-shaped coaster and can with regard to its size, namely with regard to its cross-sectional size or its format or its areal extension , be designed differently and have sizes or a wide variety of formats from "beer mat size" to "tray size".

For example from the 3a and 3b is recognizable, includes the illuminated coaster 1 a base body 2 , a lighting unit 3 which in one in the base body 2 provided recess 4th is added, as well as a sheet-like or foil-like securing element 8th , about the one in the recess 4th of the main body 2 recorded lighting unit 3 in particular is protected, secured in its position and fixed in a pressure-sensitive manner. The sheet-like or foil-like securing element 8th to secure and fix the lighting unit 3 is reusable and detachable several times on an underside 2.2 of the main body 2 attached.

the 1 and 2 show the main body 2 a preferred embodiment of a light coaster designed as a beer mat 1 , the flat body 2 a predetermined thickness d has, which is approximately 3.5 mm in the example shown. The basic body 2 of the example shown has an essentially square cross-sectional basic shape with rounded corners and with an upper side 2.1 and an opposite bottom 2.2 on and is integrally formed. A side length of the exemplary base body is in the range between 90 mm and 100 mm and, in the case shown, is approximately 93 mm, for example. The basic body 2 is in 1 in a plan view of the underside 2.2 shown and in 2 in a section along the in 1 indicated line AA.

In the flat body 2 is at the bottom of it 2.2 , in a central, approximately central area, a recess 4th provided that to the bottom 2.2 is open towards and thus an opening in a bottom surface UF the bottom 2.2 forms, the underside surface UF in a first level E1 or runs in a sub-level. The elongated recess 4th with a width b and a length I. also has a recess depth t on, starting from the underside surface UF or starting from the first level E1 down to a floor 4.1 the recess 4th extends, with the bottom 4.1 the recess 4th in a second level E2 or runs in a ground plane. The depth of the recess t , which essentially corresponds to the distance between the first and second planes, which run approximately parallel to one another E1 , E1 corresponds to, is around 2 mm in the example shown and thus takes a little more than half the thickness d but less than 60% of the thickness d of the main body 2 one.

The one on the second level E2 trending floor 4.1 the recess 4th forms a particularly flat and level floor surface, so that the depth of the recess t Over the entire area of the recess 4th is identical and in a particularly exact manner, and in particular with the lowest tolerances or deviations, corresponds to the specified value. In other words, it is the depth of the recess t always exactly the same, regardless of where on the floor 4.1 or the floor area the value is considered or at which point the recess depth t is measured. In the present example the 1 and 2 is the tolerance or deviation of the recess depth t below 1/10 mm.

The exemplary base body 2 according to 1 and 2 is made from a plastic, in particular from a thermoplastic plastic, by means of an injection molding process from a plastic specially suitable for this purpose, the plastic here in particular being a transparent or "clear" plastic in different colors. The basic body 2 is therefore a one-piece injection molded part or injection molded part in this embodiment variant.

Approximately in the middle of the recess 4th is in the main body 2 of the example shown also starts from the ground 4.1 the recess 4th towards the top 2.1 of the main body 2 extending depression 11th provided that in the ground 4.1 the recess 4th forms an opening. The deepening 11th is designed essentially in the form of a blind hole and extends so far in the direction of the top 2.1 out that the top 2.1 is not broken and the depression 11th or the blind hole therefore on the top 2.1 closed is. The recess forms with its closed end or with its base area 11th a transparent surface portion 10 , the part of the top surface OF of the main body 2 is. This transparent surface section 10 the Top 2.1 of the main body 2 in turn represents a translucent area 2a at the top 2.1 of the main body 2 ready or forms this or is part of it.

The recess 4th forms together with the recess 11th a receiving space for the lighting unit 3 of the luminous coaster 1 which more in detail related to the 6a until 6d is described below.

In the example shown, the recess 4th one specially adapted to the shape of the circumference of the lighting unit 3 adapted shape so that the lighting unit 3 for fit or a snug fit in the recess 4th can be included. This is the case with the recess 4th a substantially circular center section 12th provided, from which in the longitudinal direction of the recess 4th two angular edge sections 13th , 13 ' project on two longitudinally opposite sides of the central section 12th . The edge sections have one opposite the width b the recess 4th reduced margin width. In the example shown, the edge width of the edge sections is 13th , 13 ' approx. 7.7 mm and is thus compared to the approx. 20 mm width b reduced. The length I. the recess of the example shown is about 24 mm. As a result, a receiving space is formed which is optimally adapted to the shape of the lighting unit 3 (please refer 6a until 6d ) is coordinated and adapted to this.

For the variant of the base body designed as an injection molded part 2 although not specifically shown in the figures, it is also in this variant of the illuminated coaster 1 the lighting unit 3 in the recess 4th added and by the sheet-like or foil-like securing element 8th , which is reusable and detachable several times at the bottom 2.2 of the main body 2 is attached, protected, secured in their position and fixed, as in connection with the variant according to the 3a , 4b and 4th is described.

Likewise not shown in the figures, in the case of the base body produced by means of injection molding 2 at the bottom 2.2 Projections may be provided over the underside surface UF protrude. Such projections can, for example, be one or more, preferably concentrically arranged, and the recess 4th be formed circumferential annular ribs. As a result, on the one hand, the stability of the base body 2 be increased, which is particularly important in the case of very thin or very flat base bodies 2 is advantageous, and on the other hand, the connecting surface, for example also the size of the connecting surface for the connection to the sheet-like or film-like securing element, can also be used here 8th can be set.

the 3a and 3b show an alternative preferred embodiment of the luminous coaster 1 namely in a plan view of the top 2.1 of the main body 2 ( 3a) and in a plan view of the underside 2.2 of the main body 2 ( 3b) . The top and bottom 2.1 , 2.2 of the main body 2 At the same time, they also form the corresponding upper and lower sides of the illuminated coaster 1 .

As from the 3a can be seen is at the top 2.1 the translucent area 2a formed, which in the example shown 3a , 3b from a breakthrough 9 is formed which has an opening in the top surface OF or in the top 2.1 trains so that the translucent area 2a in this preferred embodiment through an opening, in particular a window-like opening or through an open window or a perforation in the top surface OF or in the top 2.1 is provided.

The exemplary base body 2 according to 3a and 3b is made from a foam material, in particular from a rigid PVC foam, in particular by means of a metal-cutting manufacturing process, for example by milling. The PVC rigid foam material can in particular be a non-transparent material in different colors.

In the in 3b The illustrated underside view of the luminous coaster 1 it becomes clear that the sheet-like or foil-like securing element 8th on the underside surface UF or at the bottom 2.2 is attached and thereby the underlying in the receiving space of the recess 4th recorded in 3b Lighting unit indicated by dashed lines 3 both holds in place, protects against dirt or mechanical damage and is pressure-sensitive.

The sheet-like or foil-like securing element 8th is designed as a self-adhesive sticker in the example of the figures, the sticker 8th via an adhesive connection to the base body 2 connected is. With reference to 4th is the sticker 8th shown in isolation according to a preferred embodiment, namely in a plan view of the base body in the state of use 2 facing side. The essentially round, in particular circular, sticker 8th is dimensioned so that it has the recess 4th in the base body 2 , especially through the recess 4th formed opening at the bottom 2.2 of the main body 2 , completely covered and at the same time with a circumferential, ring-like edge area 8a or. Edge portion in such a way over the recess 4th survives that the sticker 8th at least with this circumferential, ring-like edge section 8a on the underside surface UF the bottom 2.2 of the main body 2 and is adhesively connected to it.

The sticker 8th is for this purpose at least in the circumferential, ring-like edge area 8a or edge section on its the base body 2 The side facing it is provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive having a predetermined first adhesive force, the pressure-sensitive adhesive and the first adhesive force being selected such that the adhesive connection can be released and restored several times. It goes without saying that the sticker 8th also in its central area, which is the recess when in use 4th of the main body 2 covered, can be provided with adhesive.

It goes without saying that the described self-adhesive sticker is included 8th equally with the main body 2 according to the embodiment of 1 and 2 Compatible and combinable and can also be used with this light coaster 1 form.

For easier handling of the sticker 8th when loosening and re-establishing the adhesive connection, the sticker shows 8th a tab-like pull-off aid section 8.1 on, with the sticker 8th in the area of its pull-off aid section 8.1 on the main body 2 facing side is adhesive-free. Alternatively, the pull-off aid section 8.1 however, it can also be provided with a pressure-sensitive adhesive which has a second adhesive force which is less than the first adhesive force of the pressure-sensitive adhesive with which the sticker is applied 8th in the circumferential, ring-like edge area 8a or edge portion is provided.

One of the embodiment according to 3a , 3b corresponding base body 2 is in 5 shown again in a view from below, from which the recess 4th more can be seen in detail. The recess 4th In the example shown, it has an essentially oval basic shape with a width b and a length I. on and is thus in its shape of that recess 4th according to the example 1 designed differently, but just like the recess 4th the example of 1 for holding the lighting unit 3 educated.

The lighting unit 3 of the present luminous coaster 1 is with respect to the 6a until 6d described in more detail. The lighting unit 3 comprises at least one electronic component embodied in particular in the form of a flexible printed circuit board or circuit board 5 with at least one LED light source 6th and at least one electrical energy storage device 7 serving as a current or voltage source, which is formed in particular by a battery. In the example of the figures, the battery 7 is a CR2016 button cell with a diameter of around 20 mm. The recess 4th in the base body 2 is here in their dimensions, especially in width b the recess 4th , matched to the diameter of the battery 7.

the 6a and 6b show a top and bottom view of the assembled lighting unit 3 , what a 6d also in a section along the in 6a indicated section line BB is shown. In 6c are the electronic component 5 with the LED light source 6th and the battery 7 shown separately from one another.

The electronic component designed in the form of the flexible printed circuit board or printed circuit board 5 is approx. 24 mm long and approx. 7.7 mm wide in the example of the figures and is made by means of two cuts made there S. longitudinally divided into three strip sections, the cuts S. not over the entire length of the component 5 extend so that the strip sections remain connected at the end. The LED light source is on the top of the middle section of the strip 6th assembled. The electronic component 5 can be designed as a multilayer printed circuit board in a manner known to the person skilled in the art. The LED light sources 6th can be attached to the multilayer printed circuit board in an equally known manner by means of corresponding solder points.

The flexible electronic component 5 or the circuit board can comprise, for example, two conductive metallic layers that are separated from one another by a non-conductive layer, all three layers in turn being encased by an outer, non-conductive, insulating layer and with contact points or contact areas being left out in the encasing on which the conductive metallic layers are exposed and accessible.

For assembling the lighting unit 3 the battery 7 is placed between the strip sections of the flexible circuit board 5 used that the one arranged on top, the LED light source 6th The carrying, middle strip section is passed over the side of the battery 7 which forms the positive pole (can be clearly seen in FIG 6a) and the two outer strip sections, in each of which an exposed contact point is formed, over the side of the battery 7 that forms the negative pole (cf. 6b) .

The flexible circuit board 5 is designed such that it has a predetermined flexural strength, in particular in such a way that the Strip sections are sufficiently flexible and pliable that the battery 7 can be inserted between the strip sections and received there, as described above and in FIG 6a until 6d shown.

At the same time, however, the flexible circuit board 5 , in particular each strip section, has sufficient strength or flexural rigidity that the battery 7 inserted between the strip sections does not touch the exposed contact points of the strip sections in the rest position and the circuit is not closed, so that the LED illuminant 6th emits no light. The lighting unit is in this rest position 3 in the recess 4th of the main body 2 added and by the sheet-like or foil-like securing element 8th secured.

Furthermore, the flexural strength of the flexible circuit board 5 , in particular the strip sections are chosen so that the strip sections can be deformed by applying slight pressure so that the exposed contact points of the strip sections come into contact with the battery 7, thereby closing the circuit and the LED light source 6th Emits light.

In the present light coaster 1 are the precisely set recess depth t the recess 4th in the base body 2 , and in combination therewith the design of the sheet-like or foil-like securing element 8th so optimally on the configuration and dimensioning of the lighting unit 3 , in particular also on the flexural strength of the flexible electronic component 5 matched that the LED light source 6th no light is generated as long as there is no object on the illuminated coaster 1 is turned off, but with placing an object, in particular a drink glass or a bottle on the illuminated coaster 1 the circuit in the lighting unit 3 closed and over the LED light source 6th Light is generated so that the luminous coaster 1 starts to light up and lights up as soon as an object is placed on it.

In particular because of the precise and precisely set recess depth t the recess 4th in the base body 2 in cooperation with the sheet-like or foil-like securing element 8th and the configuration of the lighting unit 3 is with this illuminated coaster 1 ensures that the light emission takes place extremely reliably, safely and reliably in the desired way, namely precisely or always then and only when on the illuminated coaster 1 an object is parked.

List of reference symbols

1

Luminous coasters

2

Base body

2.1

Top

2.2

bottom

2a

translucent area

3

Lighting unit

4th

Recess

4.1

Bottom of the recess

5

flexible electronic component

6th

LED bulbs

8th

sheet-like or foil-like securing element

8.1

Pull-off section

8a

circumferential, ring-like edge area

9

Breakthrough

10

transparent surface section

11th

deepening

12th

Central section of the recess

13, 13 '

Edge sections of the recess

b

Width of the recess

d

Thickness of the main body

E1

first floor

E2

second level

I.

Length of the recess

OF

Top surface

S.

cut

t

Depth of the recess

UF

Underside surface

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 29919755 U1 [0004]
• US 2019/0216246 A1 [0005, 0006]

Claims (20)

Luminous coaster (1) for articles, in particular for vessels, such as glasses, bottles or vases, having a flat, essentially plate-shaped base body (2) with a top side (2.1) having at least one translucent area (2a) and a top side (2.1) opposite the top side (2.1) Underside (2.2) and at least one lighting unit (3), the lighting unit (3) comprising at least one electronic component (5) with at least one LED light source (6) and at least one electrical energy storage device (7), the base body (2) has at least one recess (4) which is open on the underside (2.2) and accommodates the lighting unit (3) and wherein the lighting unit (3) is exchangeably received in the recess, such that under the action of an on top (2.1) of the base body (2) acting pressure, an electrical contact can be made in the lighting unit (3) and the LED light source (6) thereby Generates light, the generated light reaching the outside via the transparent area (2a) connected to the recess (4) on the upper side (2.1) of the base body (2), and the lighting unit which is exchangeably accommodated in the recess (4) (3) is secured in its position and fixed in a pressure-sensitive manner by means of a reusable and repeatedly releasable sheet-like or film-like securing element (8) attached to the underside (2.2) of the base body (2). Luminous coaster (1) Claim 1 , characterized in that the base body (2) is formed in one piece and is made of a plastic or a foam material, in particular a rigid PVC foam, the base body (2) preferably having a thickness (d) in a range from around 2 mm to 5 mm, preferably in a range from 2.5 mm to 4 mm and particularly preferably from around 3 mm or around 3.5 mm. Luminous coaster (1) Claim 2 , characterized in that the base body (2) is made from rigid PVC foam by means of a machining process or that the base body (2) is made from plastic by means of an injection molding process. Luminous coaster (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that the recess (4) is designed to receive the lighting unit (3) with an exact fit and, in particular, the lighting unit (3) is received in the recess (4) so as to fit. Illuminated coaster (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (4) of the base body (2) has an elongated shape with a length (I) and a width (b), the recess (4) being in particular oval or preferably has an essentially circular central section (12) from which two angular edge sections (13, 13 ') project opposite one another in the longitudinal direction of the recess (4). Illuminated coaster (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the recess (4) of the base body (2) extends from an underside surface (UF) of the underside (2.2) to a bottom (4.1) of the recess (4) Recess depth (t) in a range of 1 mm to 2.5 mm, preferably of around 2 mm. Luminous coaster (1) Claim 6 , characterized in that the recess depth (t) extending from the underside surface (UF) of the underside (2.2) to the bottom (4.1) of the recess (4) has a tolerance deviation of less than 0.5 mm, in particular less than 0, 2 mm and preferably of a maximum of 0.1 mm. Illuminated coaster (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the upper side (2.1) of the base body (2) is provided with a decoration, in particular is directly printed. Luminous coaster (1) according to one of the Claims 6 until 8th , characterized in that the transparent area (2a) on the top (2.1) of the base body (2) is formed by at least one opening (9) on the top (2.1) which opens outwards and which extends from the bottom ( 4.1) extends the recess (4) to the top (2.1) and breaks through it. Luminous coaster (1) according to one of the Claims 6 until 8th , characterized in that a recess (11) is also provided in the base body (2), which extends from the bottom (4.1) of the recess (4) in the direction of the top (2.1) and that the transparent area (2a) is formed on the top (2.1) of the base body (2) by at least one, a base area of the recess (11) defining transparent surface section (10) of the top (2.1). Luminous coaster (1) Claim 9 or 10 , characterized in that the LED lighting means (6) is received at least partially in the recess (11) or at least partially in the opening (9). Illuminated coaster (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base body (2) has a substantially polygonal, in particular a triangular, rectangular, hexagonal or octagonal cross-sectional Basic shape, preferably a square cross-sectional basic shape or that the cross-sectional basic shape is round or substantially round or oval or has an irregular free shape. Illuminated coaster (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting unit (3) has several LED lighting means (6) and / or that several recesses (4) are formed in the base body (2), wherein in each recess ( 4) a lighting unit (3) with one or more LED lamps (6) is added. Illuminated coaster (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet-like or foil-like securing element (8) is designed and connected to the base body (2) in such a way that the lighting unit (3) received in the recess (4) also counteracts Moisture and / or wetness and / or contamination is protected, the sheet-like or film-like securing element (8) preferably being impermeable to water and / or having a water- and / or dirt-repellent surface on its side facing away from the base body (2). Illuminated coaster (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet-like or foil-like securing element (8) has a cross-sectional size which is smaller than the cross-sectional size of the base body (2), the cross-sectional shape and cross-sectional size of the securing element (8) being selected in this way are that the recess (4) in the base body (2) is completely covered by the sheet-like or film-like securing element (8) and the securing element (8) protrudes with at least one peripheral edge region (8a) over the recess (4) and with the Underside surface (UF) of the underside (2.2) of the base body (2.2) is connected. Illuminated coaster (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet-like or foil-like securing element (8) has a material thickness in a range of around 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm. Illuminated coaster (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sheet-like or film-like securing element (8) is designed in the form of a self-adhesive sticker and is connected to the base body (2) via an adhesive connection, the sticker on its base body ( 2) facing side is provided, at least in sections, with a pressure-sensitive adhesive having a predetermined first adhesive force, in particular to allow multiple detachment and re-establishment of the adhesive connection. Luminous coaster (1) Claim 17 , characterized in that the self-adhesive sticker (8) has a pull-off aid section (8.1), which is preferably designed in the manner of a tab, the sticker (8) being free of pressure sensitive adhesive in the area of its pull-off aid section (8.1) on its side facing the base body (2) or with a second Adhesive having adhesive force is provided, wherein the second adhesive force is less than the first adhesive force. Illuminated coaster (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic component (5) of the lighting unit (3) is formed by a multilayer, flexible circuit board, the LED lighting unit (6) being connected to the flexible circuit board by soldering and that the energy storage device (7) is a battery serving as a current and voltage source, the flexible printed circuit board and the battery being assembled in an arrangement forming the lighting unit (3) in such a way that the electrical contact is made under the action of pressure and thereby a circuit is closed will. Set of a light coaster (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 19th and at least one vessel.

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