WO1997043746A1

WO1997043746A1 - Improvement in luminescent signs or other markings

Info

Publication number: WO1997043746A1
Application number: PCT/NO1997/000127
Authority: WO
Inventors: Per Ole BJØRN
Original assignee: Bjoern Per Ole
Priority date: 1996-05-15
Filing date: 1997-05-14
Publication date: 1997-11-20
Also published as: NO962027D0; AU2794797A; NO962027L

Abstract

In order to make a sign or a marking visible even under difficult conditions, e.g. in smoke-filled rooms, the sign/marking is equipped with a combination of a material which provides the luminescent effect and a material which provides a light-reflecting effect.

Description

Improvement in luminescent signs or other markings

The invention concerns a device for improvement in luminescent signs or markings. At present all over the world there are stringent requirements with regard to signposting in public places, not only to show the way, but especially also as guides in connection with emergency situations, such as fires or other disasters, to enable people to find the way out, and for use in other situations where rescue or first aid is required. In such situations demands are made not only on the position of the sign, but also its design and function. These requirements and rules are ordained in regulations both of a national and international nature.

Signs which are described as "emergency signs" should have some luminescent effect after a power failure. Some are described as "emergency light/sign" and should have a battery reserve with capacity from 1-3 hours, according to the requirements in the given cases. These signs are normally placed at exits and marked EXIT.

Other emergency signs require to have a luminescent effect, i.e. they are produced from a material which requires the supply of light in order to be "charged". The luminous effect is dependent on how well "charged" the signs are, and decreases gradually when the signs have no light supply (e.g. in a dark room or a room which is filled with smoke). They are therefore not suitable in rooms which have no constant light source or are poorly lit. These signs give a false sense of security, as well as making it difficult to perform, e.g. rescue work after an accident. This is particularly difficult in rooms which are filled with smoke. The object of the present invention is to improve signs of the luminescent type, thus making them more visible in situations with insufficient lighting or, e.g. smoke-filled rooms.

This object is achieved with a device which is characterized by the features presented in the patent claims. By means of the devices according to the invention it will be possible to substantially increase the safety or security in rooms where luminescent signs are used since a display effect is achieved from the sign even after the luminous effect has ceased. This is due to the fact that in the design of the sign a reflecting material is also employed. Thus in the invention the luminescent effect is combined with a reflecting effect on the same marking, or the same sign, i.e. if the luminescent effect is no longer in force, the sign can still be made visible, e.g. by illuminating it with a torch or other light source.

The invention can be designed in many different ways. One alternative is to design the sign as a laminate of two materials, where one material, e.g., is composed of a luminescent material, on which there is laminated a reflecting material with cut-outs, e.g. in the form of an arrow or the word "exit". In normal lighting conditions the part which is composed of the symbol or the letters will be charged, with the result that they will radiate light. Should this effect be lost, the sign can be illuminated and the remaining part of the sign will be seen, against which the letters or the symbol are shown in relief.

A second design may consist in the application of a reflecting or luminous material on the same sign by means of a printing method, these two materials thus together forming the surface of the sign with insignia or characters.

In a third design a sign of a reflecting material is coated with a luminous printer's ink, e.g. by silk printing.

In the attached drawing there is illustrated a single example of the design of a sign or marking according to the invention. The sign has a flat surface or a base which is indicated by 1 , while the sign's symbol is indicated by 2.

According to the invention the surface 1 , e.g., can be made of a luminescent material, on which a symbol of the reflecting material is adhered.

Alternatively the symbol can be a cut-out in the material 1 , with the result that a reflecting background material is visible in the cut-out. The two types of material may also be exchanged.

As an alternative, as mentioned above, instead of cutting out or adhering, a single sign surface can be used on which a screen pattern or silk print is applied which provides a connection between the two types of material with different effect.

As the reflecting material a product from 3M can be employed which is marketed under the name "Scotch-light + 680/580". This material is known from traffic signs and is highly reflective with good durability. As the luminescent material a "Scotchal Marking Film" or a printer's ink which is specially developed for silk printing can be employed - there are many products to choose from here.

Many modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, and other compositions, other patterns and other materials can be used.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS

1. A device for luminescent signs or marking, characterized in that the luminescent sign or marking also comprises a light- reflecting material.

2. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the sign/marking's insignia or characters are reflecting, while a remaining part of the sign/marking is luminescent, or vice versa.

3. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the materials which provide the luminescent effect and the materials which provide the reflecting effect are applied in a screen pattern or by a printing method such as silk printing.

4. A device according to claim 1 , characterized in that a sign/marking of reflecting material is coated with a luminous printer's ink by silk printing.