EP0711122B1 - Chemiluminescent coaster - Google Patents

Abstract

A chemiluminescent coaster, particularly a coaster (10) combined with a luminous filler consisting of a shell (13) containing reagents for inducing chemiluminescence. A single-use chemiluminescent coaster may use light sources in which the reaction takes place extemporaneously at the time of use, as well as light sources wherein the pre-mixed reagents are kept at -40 °C in order to prevent any chemiluminescent reaction. Reusable chemiluminescent coasters preferably use extemporaneously chemiluminescent sources which are particularly suitable for such embodiments.

Description

The coaster object of the invention comprises an upper face and a lower face totally or partially transparent or translucent, one or more light sources arranged in a space between the said faces making it totally or partially luminous and is characterized in that the source is chemiluminescent and in that the upper face intended to support the glass is made of a rigid material, the underside being entirely or partially made of material flexible, a space being provided between the underside and the source or between the said underside and a plane which is at the lower end of a ledge peripheral or foot elements or protuberances regularly spaced this spacing allowing the expansion of the slight gas emanation occurring at the time of chemiluminescent reaction.

In particular embodiments, the light source chemiluminescent is a transparent envelope or translucent where chemiluminescence-inducing reagents are kept in separate compartments which are put in communication at the time of employment.

The chemiluminescent light source is an envelope transparent or translucent where the reagents inducing chemiluminescence are already mixed, which requires, for avoid induction of chemiluminescence before use, they are kept at a temperature such that the reaction of chemiluminescence is stopped.

In another embodiment, the underside carries an opening allowing a slight expansion of the chemiluminescent envelope.

The coaster can be adapted in its shape and presentation to look like the casino bet plates.

In another embodiment, the coaster has a opaque faces.

The transparent or translucent upper face can be with self-adhesive film or pieces of film transparent, itself protected by a film that sticks to it and can be easily removed.

The coaster can be worn on the front sides and back, on one or the other or both at the same time logos or advertising inscriptions.

TECHNICAL AREA

Beside what its name indicates, the coaster may have other uses than being placed just below cups or drinking glasses seen from containers which we want to either protect the bottom or protect the table or support on which these containers are posed. It can be used for advertising or advertising purposes. communication or decoration that finds its place in bars with cocktail accessories.

Coasters have been known for a long time; many coaster models are made of cardboard more or less absorbent; coasters serving as advertising medium, printed logos of brands or advertising messages are usually thrown away quickly and replaced as soon as they become wet or soiled. There are many other models of coasters; some more expensive are made of metal, leather, plastic possibly metallized, wood, etc .; these coasters, given their higher price, are manufactured to decorate a bar and to be used regularly in their role of protecting the container or the bar himself; they are not disposable items use.

A particular use in the context of casinos or play houses is where we use these coasters chemiluminescent like token imitations or large bet plates marked with the casino or its advertising which will attract attention on the importance of the sums that can be bridged and give a festive feel to the atmosphere of the game rooms.

GENERAL INFORMATION ON CHEMILUMINESCENCE

The principle and techniques for the production of light chemiluminescent are well known and are fully described in many patents such as, for example, the patent of the United States no. 4,678,608 of July 7, 1987 entitled "Chemiluminescent composition" (C.Dugliss).

Chemiluminescence is produced by the reaction of an activator with a fluorescent agent and an oxalate.

a) Modulation de la durée de luminescence: La chimie de la chimiluminescence permet, par le dosage adéquat des différents réactifs, de moduler la durée et l'intensité de l'illumination: il est ainsi possible de fabriquer des charges lumineuses dont la durée de luminosité peut être fixée à l'avance, ceci d'une manière évidemment approximative, soit courte de 1 à 2 heures, soit plus longue jusqu'à 6 à 7 heures et plus, selon les desiderata des utilisateurs. Dans le cas du dessous-de-verre lumineux, c'est probablement la durée la plus longue qui sera préférée.

b) Méthodes physiques d'utilisation de la chimiluminescence:Il y a aussi DEUX méthodes physiques d'utilisation de la lumière chimiluminescente:La première méthode ou METHODE A consiste en l'utilisation de la lumière chimiluminescente par le mélange extemporané des réactifs auquel on ne procède qu'au moment où l'on a besoin de la lumière. Cette première méthode que l'on peut appeler " extemporanée " permet de garder l'ensemble chimiluminescent dans des conditions normales de température à condition de le préserver dans les conditions requises pour sa conservation la plus longue posssible, notamment en le préservant le mieux possible de l'humidité. Dans cette méthode " extemporanée ", il n'est pas indispensable que les réactifs séparés soient tous deux sous forme liquide, l'un d'entr'eux peut-être sous forme solide.

It should be noted here interesting characteristics of the chemiluminescence reaction which may have their importance in the practical implementation of the invention.

a) Modulation of the luminescence duration: The chemiluminescence chemistry allows, by the adequate dosage of the different reagents, to modulate the duration and the intensity of the illumination: it is thus possible to manufacture light charges whose duration of brightness can be fixed in advance, this in an obviously approximate way, either short from 1 to 2 hours, or longer up to 6 to 7 hours and more, according to the wishes of the users. In the case of the luminous coaster, it is probably the longest duration which will be preferred.

b) Physical methods of use of chemiluminescence: There are also TWO physical methods of use of chemiluminescent light: The first method or METHOD A consists in the use of chemiluminescent light by the extemporaneous mixture of the reagents to which proceed only when you need the light. This first method which one can call "extemporaneous" makes it possible to keep the chemiluminescent unit under normal temperature conditions provided that it is preserved in the conditions required for its longest possible preservation, in particular by preserving it as best as possible. humidity. In this "extemporaneous" method, it is not essential that the separate reagents are both in liquid form, one of them may be in solid form.

The second method or METHOD B consists in the use of chemiluminescent light by the use of reagents mixed beforehand but with their reaction producing chemiluminescent light blocked by a cold intense enough to do this. Indeed, it appears in the literature concerning chemiluminescent light that the reaction which creates it is killed between the limits of -40 C. to +75 C., with the best light output between +20 C. and +50 C. One can therefore imagine the use of the already executed mixture of reagents, chemiluminescent liquid and corresponding activator, and its prior storage at a temperature below -40 C., in carbo-ice, for example.

This mode can be called "frozen" method.

In summary, there are therefore two methods of using the phenomenon of chemiluminescence in the light sources placed in coasters for carrying out the present invention, methods of use which will be taken into account in the description which follows .

STATE OF THE ART

Many systems and patents exist using the phenomenon chemiluminescence mainly as a means lighting or signaling; we will refer to this subject U.S. Patent No. 3,576,987 of May 4, 1971 (Chemical lighting device to store, initiate and display chemical light); U.S. No. 3,940,604 of February 24, 1976 (Device for emergency lighting); U.S. No. 4,015,111 of September 25, 1979 (Inflatable chemi-luminescent assembly); U.S. No. 4,184,193 January 15, 1980 (Multi-purpose lantern): U.S. No 4,635,166 of January 6, 1987 (Chemical emergency light); U.S. No. 4,814,949 of March 21, 1989 (Chemiluminescent device).

Nowhere in these patents is it stated that they could apply to coasters.

Regarding the chemiluminescent envelopes, we refer to U.S. Patent Nos. 3,539,794 of November 10 1970 (Self-contained chemiluminescent lighting device) and U.S. No. 3,808,414 of April 30, 1974 (Device for the packaging of a three or more component chemiluminescent system). The various proposals for chemiluminescent envelopes which are set out in these patents are, at present, in the public domain. It is only the use of their concept with the necessary and timely modifications in conjunction with coasters specially adapted which is claimed herein invention.

In the International Application filed on August 30, 1991 and published under the Patent Corporation Treaty (PCT) dated March 19, 1992 under number WO, A, 92/04577 (Priorities: 9000835 BE of August 30, 1990 and 9000941 BE of 4 October 1990) for which a European Patent No EP 0549604 B1 (Collet M.G.) (Set combining a container and a chemiluminescent light source) was granted on the 19th April 1995, the illumination of the contained liquids is described in transparent or translucent containers where the chemiluminescent light envelope is integral with the bottom of the container without encroaching on the capacity thereof. In the invention in question, the chemiluminescent devices being integral with the containers for which they were designed, it is not claimed that they can be stuck to the very bottom of the glasses, or that they can be included in cardboard or plastic thicknesses or any other material to serve as a coaster luminous. Here the object and function of this invention are different from those set out in this brief.

US patent, A, 5,171,081 (Pita & Al) of December 15, 1992 entitled "Chemiluminescent reactive vessel" describes a container whose walls are double and contain, in the vacuum thus formed, one of the chemiluminescence reagents intended to be mixed at the time of use with each other reagent contained in a tube constituting the edge of the container where the drinker's lips or contained in a capsule located in the base of the container. Two claims dependent on the original claims apply the invention to a serving dish; this one, by its very nature must present some depth and has a frustoconical shape to say the least. The object and function of this device are therefore different of those of the present invention, which allow to create an illuminated coaster for itself without be intended to illuminate objects or products which could be placed on its surface.

The international application PCT / FR90 / 00367 whose Number of international publication is WO, A, 91/19133 (Guillaume & Al) of December 12, 1991 (luminescent portable object) described a chemiluminescent portable object for use as a badge. The destination as a badge for this device is well indicated by the very configuration of it which exposes a design allowing the interior liquid level from the mixture of reagents, under pressure slight evolution of carbon dioxide from the reaction, not to descend from the upper part of the badge when it is held vertically, its position when the device is used as a badge; indeed, this lowering of the liquid level prevents a regular illumination of the entire transparent face or translucent of the badge; it is, moreover, planned a tank part projecting from the back of the badge which is necessary to create a carbon dioxide expansion space and obtain the effect which has just been exposed; this tank protrudes and also makes the two sides of the device are not parallel surfaces. The object and function of this device are different from those of the present invention.

U.S. Patent A, 5,010,461 (K. Saotome) of April 23, 1991 (Multicolor pressure-sensitive illuminating display platform) describes a platform illuminating an object whose weight triggers the illumination process in a choice color variable created by a mobile filter placed between the exhibition platform and a light source inside the device. The object and function of this relatively expensive device which are to light up, with electric power sufficient to do so, an object placed on the device even are different from those of the present invention.

The US patent, A 4,814,949 granted to L. Elliott on March 21 1989 (Chemiluminescent device) and already mentioned above for chemiluminescent envelopes describes a device chemiluminescent including absorbent material saturated with a first reagent, and a second reagent contained in a glass bulb. The second reagent is absorbed in the material absorbent and mixes with the first reagent to give the chemiluminescent reaction when the ampoule of glass is broken at the time of use. The outer container and the absorbent material can be established in different presentations or forms but the invention relates to a new chemiluminescent envelope design and does not anticipate the present invention.

US patent A 3,017,051 awarded to M. Rosenfeld on January 16 1962 (Luminescent coaster) describes a coaster system luminescent having the characteristics of preamble to claim 1 the luminescence of which is produced by phosphorescent products. These products phosphorescent which are not described in this patent are dangerous use if made from phosphorus; they are not if it is from sulfide zinc or cadmium but the latter substances give very low luminescence which requires excitation prior by light; luminescence intensity by chemiluminescence is much more intense and controllable and its use in coasters is not anticipated by Rosenfeld's invention which dates from 1962.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION IN RELATION TO COASTERS EXISTING

The different patents that have been exposed and studied more top were considered relevant in the "Report International Type Search "performed for Request BE 9300382 to which this International Application corresponds and of which the latter claims priority.

The text and claims of this Application have modified to take into account the remarks made in the Research report while remaining within the determined framework by the priority of the original Request.

It was noted for each of the patents listed above the differences existing with the present invention.

a) l'invention permet d'obtenir un dessous-de-verre nouveau, réellement très lumineux puisque cette luminosité est en fait une chimiluminescence qu'il ne faut pas confondre avec la luminosité qui serait apportée par le procédé de phosphorescence qui, comme il a été exposé plus haut, ne donne qu'une luminosité faible qui demande une excitation préalable par la lumière. Le dessous-de-verre faisant l'objet de la présente invention contient en lui-même sa propre source lumineuse qui, pendant plusieurs heures, peut garder une forte luminescence.

b) il n'a pas été trouvé de brevet revendiquant une utilisation de colorants fluorescents sur les surfaces de dessous-de-verre; cette fluorescence qui n'est pas revendiquée ici pourrait donner des dessous-de-verre aux couleurs plaisantes et assez lumineuses dans l'obscurité mais ne peut se concevoir que dans des lieux spécialement équipés pour activer cette fluorescence avec des projecteurs de lumière noire (lampes de Wood). Le dessous-de-verre chimiluminescent représente un dispositif indépendant de conditions extérieures; il peut être utilisé partout - bien entendu, comme pour toutes les sources lumineuses dont on veut profiter de l'effet, dans des conditions favorables de luminosité ambiante et non en plein soleil ou dans des endroits déjà fortement éclairés.

c) le prix de revient d'un dessous-de-verre chimiluminescent peut être fortement abaissé si l'on utilise des dessous-de-verre à usage répété ou seule la recharge lumineuse est remplacée lors de chaque usage. Le prix de revient est aussi particulièrement bas lorsqu'il s'agit de dessous-de-verre à usage unique où les réactifs sont déjà préalablement mélangés mais où la réaction est arrêtée par la conservation du dessous-de-verre a une température assez basse pour arrêter la réaction chimiluminescente. Cette formule nécessite une chaíne de froid mais de nombreux établissements en sont déjà équipés.

d) l'invention présente une possibilité pratique de fixation occasionnelle du dessous-de-verre par adhésion au fond du verre à boire, du gobelet ou de la chope grâce à un système autocollant.

e) les possibilités d'utilisation publicitaire sont augmentées et les publicités affichées ont un impact visuel beaucoup plus efficace. L'utilisation éventuelle, par exemple, d'un dessous-de-verre luminescent représentant une plaque de casino lumineuse présente un grand avantage pour l'agrément du jeu, tout en restant utilisable comme dessous-de-verre lorsque, par exemple, la luminosité s'est éteinte.

The advantages obtained thanks to the present invention compared to the patents which can be opposed to it are the following:

a) the invention makes it possible to obtain a new coaster, really very luminous since this luminosity is in fact a chemiluminescence which should not be confused with the luminosity which would be provided by the phosphorescence process which, as it has been exposed above, gives only a weak luminosity which requires a prior excitation by light. The coaster which is the subject of the present invention contains in itself its own light source which, for several hours, can keep a strong luminescence.

b) no patent has been found claiming the use of fluorescent dyes on coaster surfaces; this fluorescence which is not claimed here could give coasters with pleasant colors and fairly bright in the dark but can only be imagined in places specially equipped to activate this fluorescence with black light projectors (lamps Wood). The chemiluminescent coaster represents a device independent of external conditions; it can be used everywhere - of course, as with all light sources whose effect you want to enjoy, in favorable conditions of ambient light and not in direct sunlight or in places that are already brightly lit.

c) the cost price of a chemiluminescent coaster can be greatly reduced if coaster is used for repeated use or only the light refill is replaced during each use. The cost price is also particularly low in the case of disposable coasters where the reagents are already mixed beforehand but where the reaction is stopped by preserving the coasters at a fairly low temperature. to stop the chemiluminescent reaction. This formula requires a cold chain, but many establishments already have it.

d) the invention presents a practical possibility of occasional fixing of the coaster by adhesion to the bottom of the drinking glass, the goblet or the mug by means of a self-adhesive system.

e) the possibilities of advertising use are increased and the advertisements displayed have a much more effective visual impact. The possible use, for example, of a luminescent coaster representing a luminous casino plate has a great advantage for the enjoyment of the game, while remaining usable as a coaster when, for example, the brightness went out.

The invention, as further explained and characterized in main claim 1 thus brings an improvement and certain advantages on the characteristics already existing coasters.

PRACTICAL REALIZATIONS OF THE INVENTION For a practical realization of the invention, it must be considered that the invention applies to two models of coasters :

1) UNDER-GLASS FOR SINGLE USE
and

2) THE MULTI-PURPOSE COASTER (where the luminescent charge after use).

A) Conditions of realization and realization of the coaster for single use :

The luminescent coaster is a flat element which must in its different models be designed so that it can receive a chemiluminescent envelope, whether of the "extemporaneous" method or the "frozen" method.

In the basic design of the luminescent coaster, there is, as can be seen in FIGURE 1, a space empty (1) which is reserved for inserting the envelope chemiluminescent.

The chemiluminescent envelope to which the coaster is associated must be as flat as possible and must be thinner than the rest of the body even of the coaster himself into which it fits.

The top side of the envelope must be the most as close as possible to the level of the upper side of the coaster. These upper faces of the chemiluminescent envelope and coaster are possibly covered cover sheets (2), one of which allows form a continuous flat surface capable of carrying elements the other possibly constituting a self-adhesive sheet (3), itself covered with a protective sheet to be removed.

Given the very slight release of carbon dioxide from reaction it is necessary to provide a space or a empty below the envelope (4), i.e. at the level of the flexible underside thereof, between this level and the coaster floor, so that this swelling does not affect the flatness of the assembly and that the underside or underside of the coaster remains perfectly flat; this forecast of a space below the underside could be replaced with existence regular projections (5) or a raised edge around the perimeter of the coaster preventing the direct contact of the underside with the surface on which the coaster is installed.

For this slight release of carbon dioxide to swell the lower wall of the envelope rather than the one above, the first cover sheet must be (2) the upper side of the handset is made of a material transparent rigid, sheet of plastic or any other suitable material. It must not only strengthen and weld the whole namely the upper side of the body main and upper side of the chemiluminescent envelope but also let the light from the source pass bright and allow the reading of advertising.

A luminescent coaster model for single use interesting - with "frozen" or "extemporaneous" system - which is a variation of the model exposed above is the one which is described below (see FIGURE 2); consider a chemiluminescent envelope having a parallelepiped shape with vertical walls on 4 sides connecting the ceiling and the envelope floor; the side walls (6) of the envelope around the completely closed cavity and constituting the chemiluminescent reaction center of the envelope develop, in the same material, towards the exterior, extending in the plane (7) to give form to a completely plastic coaster transparent or translucent. In this way the brightness of chemiluminescent light not only propagates towards the top by its transparent or translucent upper face but also in the transparent or translucent walls and also by the bottom of the envelope which can also be transparent or translucent. The roofing material of the ceiling and the surround of the envelope part should be rigid and transparent or translucent and is the same as that of the chemiluminescence chamber while that constituting the floor (8) of the chamber only should be more flexible so that we can put pressure on him; this pressure would be transmitted inside the chamber to trigger the reaction chemiluminescent broke the bulb (9) therein contained - this in the case of a system model "extemporaneous" - (see FIGURE 3); it would also allow the slight development of the envelope at the time of expansion due to the production of carbon dioxide from the reaction. This duality of materials would be easy to achieve since this flexible part of the base of the chamber chemiluminescence (8) would be sealed after introduction reagents in the chamber; in the case of the model "extemporaneous" one of the reagents, before sealing, would be introduced in liquid or solid form, the other in the bulb breakable in the liquid state preferably and imperatively if the other reagent is in solid form; in the case of the "frozen" mode model, the reagent liquid already mixed and kept at very low temperature would be introduced directly in the room before sealing.

It is also necessary to provide a slight vacuum on the face bottom of the reaction chamber to allow slight expansion due to carbon dioxide or possibly provide a slight ledge or protrusions, as explained more top, around the lower peripheral edge, the void or whatever rim guaranteeing the flatness of the assembly during the reaction.

The faces of the assembly, the upper and the lower, can be printed or transparent film bearing advertisements can be pasted there.

B) Conditions of realization and realization of models of MULTIPLE USE coasters

This coaster model is designed to allow insertion into a reserved space a chemiluminescent envelope. When this is not not present, it can be used as a coaster non-luminescent.

Obviously in this case of the multi-use model, only the "extemporaneous" system is practically acceptable.

The production formula presented is therefore a model intended to be a non-disposable model, with renewed use and which, as discussed above, could be used as non-luminescent coaster.

FIGURE 4 shows a sectional view of such a coaster.

It can be made of fairly rigid plastic or all other material. The basic element is a receptacle (10) providing a cavity (11) intended to receive the chemiluminescent envelope. This receptacle can carry elements of regularly spaced foot or protrusions preventing the flat bottom to be in direct contact with the surface on which it is posed.

In this model, the receptacle is here closed in its part upper by a removable, rigid and transparent cover (12) or translucent in plastic or any other material rigid and transparent or translucent. This cover cleaning the interior chamber in this way intended to receive the chemiluminescent envelope (13).

This receptacle cover can be fixed by a snap or by a hinge (14) which allows it to be lifted and lower it by closing the cavity.

The floor of this coaster may show a hole (15) which can optionally activate by pressing the chemiluminescent envelope if you don't want to raise the cover (12).

The invention is not limited, to the embodiments, shown and described in detail, because various modifications can be made without departing from its scope, as defined in the claims.

Claims (8)

1. Coaster comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, being either totally or partially transparent or translucent, with one or several sources of light (9,13) placed into a Space (1) between the said faces thus rendering it totally or partially luminous, characterized in that the source is chemiluminescent and in that the upper surface intended to support a drinking glass is made of rigid material, the lower surface is made, entirely or partially, of supple material, a space (4) being reserved between the lower surface and the source or between the said lower surface and a plane which is at the level of the lower edge of a peripheral border (5), or of elements of base or of protuberances regularly outspaced, this space to allow expansion of the gaseous discharge created at the moment of the chemiluminescent reaction.
2. Coaster according to claim 1 where the source of chemiluminescent light is a translucent or transparent shell where reagents inducing the chemiluminescence are preserved in separate compartments which are put in communication at the moment of use.
3. Coaster according to claim 1 where the source of chemiluminescent light is a translucent or transparent shell where reagents inducing the chemiluminescence are already mixed, which requires, in order to avoid chemiluminescence from occurring before use, that they are preserved at a temperature such that chemiluminescence reaction is impeded.
4. Coaster according to claim 1 where the lower surface has an opening (15) allowing slight dilation of the chemiluminescent shell.
5. Coaster according to claim 1 adapted in shape and presentation to resemble casino chips.
6. Coaster according to claim 1 where one of the surfaces is opaque.
7. Coaster according to claim 6 where the transparent or translucent upper surface is fitted with a transparent self-adhesive or pieces of self-adhesive material (3), itself protected by a transparent backing film which can be easily removed.
8. Coaster according to one of claims 1 to 7, where front and back surfaces, either one or both carry logos or advertising markings.

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