WO2007017910A1 - Self-labelling device for sanitary fixtures - Google Patents

Self-labelling device for sanitary fixtures Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007017910A1
WO2007017910A1 PCT/IT2005/000480 IT2005000480W WO2007017910A1 WO 2007017910 A1 WO2007017910 A1 WO 2007017910A1 IT 2005000480 W IT2005000480 W IT 2005000480W WO 2007017910 A1 WO2007017910 A1 WO 2007017910A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
layer
self
adhesive
sanitary fixture
sanitary
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2005/000480
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Andrea Gilardi
Original Assignee
P-Stick Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by P-Stick Limited filed Critical P-Stick Limited
Priority to PCT/IT2005/000480 priority Critical patent/WO2007017910A1/en
Publication of WO2007017910A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007017910A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00—Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/02—Forms or constructions
    • G09F3/0291—Labels or tickets undergoing a change under particular conditions, e.g. heat, radiation, passage of time
    • G09F3/0294—Labels or tickets undergoing a change under particular conditions, e.g. heat, radiation, passage of time where the change is not permanent, e.g. labels only readable under a special light, temperature indicating labels and the like
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D13/00—Urinals ; Means for connecting the urinal to the flushing pipe and the wastepipe; Splashing shields for urinals
    • E03D13/005—Accessories specially adapted for urinals
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a self-adhesive device for sanitary fixtures
  • the device had a limited encumbrance, can be easily manufactured and used in situ, and can be used many times so that it is not necessary to replace it frequently, anyway the replacements must be done in a condition of positive hygiene DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
  • a self-adhesive device that comprises at least one self-adhesive layer, at least one printed image on the at least one layer and at least one layer of thermochromatic ink applied on the image.
  • thermochromatic ink is matt in a temperature range lower than a threshold temperature.
  • thermochromatic ink is transparent in a temperature range higher than the threshold temperature.
  • Another object of the present invention is a sanitary fixture which comprises a self-adhesive device applied to the inner surface of the sanitary fixture.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic section along a vertical plane of device of figure 1
  • Figure 3 is a view of the device applied to the bowl of a sanitary fixture in a non operative state
  • Figure 4 is a view of the device applied to the bowl of the sanitary fixture in an operative state
  • Figure 5 is a schematic section along a vertical plane of a second embodiment of the self-adhesive device according to the invention
  • Figure 6 is a schematic section along a vertical plane of another embodiment of the self-adhesive device according to the invention.
  • the self-adhesive according to the invention is substantially formed by a plurality of layers, preferably made of a polymeric material, having different operative tasks.
  • the embodiment shown in figure 1 comprises a first layer 10 made by a double-sided adhesive film, whose opposite surfaces 10a, 10b are adapted respectively to be put on a wall 1a of a sanitary fixture 1 and on a second layer 20 and made of a polymeric base adapted to withstand corrosive agents of the environment and also to common cleansing agents.
  • the device comprises a third transparent layer 30, formed by a double-sided adhesive film similar to the first layer 10, whose opposite surfaces are adapted to adhere to outer surface 20b of said second layer 20 and to inner surface 40a of a fourth outer layer 40 made also of polymeric material adapted to withstand to corrosive agents of the environment and also to common cleansing agents.
  • the outer surface 40b of the fourth layer 40 is covered by silk screen printing for example, having at least one layer of thermochromatic ink 41 adapted to change its color from matt to transparent when it is subjected to a temperature change.
  • the ink 41 is subjected to a completely reversible color change which happens when a threshold temperature is crossed.
  • This threshold temperature is preferably higher than the average room temperature (20-30 0 C) and less than the average urine temperature (35- 4O 0 C). Below this threshold temperature, ink 41 takes a covering matt hue, while above the threshold temperature ink 41 is completely transparent.
  • the plurality of ink layers are applied to either of the outer surface of the third layer 30 or the inner surface of the fourth layer 40 so that it is protected during the use. According to embodiments shown in figures 5 and 6, it is possible to implement the invention with a small number of layers.
  • the number of layers of the self-adhesive device can be reduced only to the first self-adhesive layer 10 on which the image 21 is directly printed, and to the outer resistant layer 40 covered by the layers of thermochromatic ink 41.
  • FIG 6 there is shown another embodiment in which both the image 21 and the thermochromatic ink layers 41 are directly printed on the self- adhesive layer 10.
  • the self-adhesive device can be covered by a protective layer 50 consisting in a self-adhesive transparent film or a layer of transparent varnish, for example. If the protective layer 50 is implemented as a self-adhesive transparent layer, it is also possible to print the plurality of thermochrornatic layers 41 directly on the adhesive surface of the protective layer 50.
  • the operation of the self-adhesive is the following.
  • the multi-layer device is applied on the front surface 1a of the bowl of the sanitary fixture by the adhesive surface 10a of the inner layer 10.
  • the self-adhesive device 1 and so the ink layers 41 , are at a temperature lower than the threshold temperature because they are at room temperature between 20 and 30 0 C. Therefore, the ink layers 41 are matt completely covering the image 21 on the second layer 20.
  • the urine flow When the user uses the sanitary fixture, the urine flow, at a temperature generally between 35-4O 0 C, hits the self-adhesive device and increases its temperature particularly in the ink areas 41 wetted by the flow.
  • the temperature increase beyond the threshold temperature triggers the ink color change process that, in the wetted areas, gets more transparent allowing to see the image on the underlying layer 20.
  • the water drain opening (which is often automatic in public washrooms) cools down the ink under the threshold temperature so that it becomes again matt covering the image and preparing the device for a new user.
  • the device according to the invention is adapted to attract the attention and the aim of the user, so that the user is induced to correctly use the sanitary fixture, in order to automatically improving the hygienic condition thereof and of the surrounding washroom.
  • the image which change color exclusively in the area impinged by the urine flow encourages a continued correct use of the sanitary fixture because stirs up the curiosity/competitiveness to discover the hidden image.
  • the self-adhesive for sanitary fixtures according to the invention can be used as advertising means.
  • the hidden image can be a promotional message or the like. It is also self evident that the device can be manufactured and applied at low cost, it does not require a lot of maintenance and since it is clean because it is continuously washed by the drain water can be easily substituted.

Abstract

The object of the present invention is a self-adhesive device for sanitary fixtures which is characterized in that it comprises at least one self-adhesive layer (10), at least one image (21) printed on the at least one layer (10) and at least one layer (41) of thermochromatic ink applied on the image (21).

Description

SELF-LABELLING DEVICE FOR SANITARY FIXTURES
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a self-adhesive device for sanitary fixtures
BACKGROUND ART
It is known in the field of public washrooms, public areas, schools and the same, the problem due to the fact that an user does not correctly or is not able to guide the urine flow into a sanitary fixture, rapidly deteriorating the hygiene thereof, and causing the next user to do awkward and extemporaneous cleaning operations
Many approaches have been proposed in order to solve this problem which comprise single-use tablets or notices which remind the user to be careful, however these approaches are generally ineffective because they are complicated and because the vagueness of the notice does not induce the user to comply willingly
Therefore, there is the technical problem of implementing a device adapted to induce an user to correctly use sanitary fixtures such as toilets and/or urinals both public and private, in order to obtain a precise flow of urine into the sanitary fixtures and consequently improving the inner and surrounding hygienic conditions
In the scope of this problem, it is also necessary that the device had a limited encumbrance, can be easily manufactured and used in situ, and can be used many times so that it is not necessary to replace it frequently, anyway the replacements must be done in a condition of positive hygiene DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
This aim and these and other objects of the invention which will be better understood in the following, are attained by a self-adhesive device according to the invention that comprises at least one self-adhesive layer, at least one printed image on the at least one layer and at least one layer of thermochromatic ink applied on the image.
Conveniently, the thermochromatic ink is matt in a temperature range lower than a threshold temperature.
Advantageously, the thermochromatic ink is transparent in a temperature range higher than the threshold temperature.
Another object of the present invention is a sanitary fixture which comprises a self-adhesive device applied to the inner surface of the sanitary fixture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other characteristic and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by the description of a preferred embodiment of the self- adhesive device according to the invention shown as a non limiting example in the attached drawing, wherein: Figure 1 is an exploded view of the device according to the invention,
Figure 2 is a schematic section along a vertical plane of device of figure 1 , Figure 3 is a view of the device applied to the bowl of a sanitary fixture in a non operative state, Figure 4 is a view of the device applied to the bowl of the sanitary fixture in an operative state, Figure 5 is a schematic section along a vertical plane of a second embodiment of the self-adhesive device according to the invention, Figure 6 is a schematic section along a vertical plane of another embodiment of the self-adhesive device according to the invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION As shown, the self-adhesive according to the invention is substantially formed by a plurality of layers, preferably made of a polymeric material, having different operative tasks. The embodiment shown in figure 1 comprises a first layer 10 made by a double-sided adhesive film, whose opposite surfaces 10a, 10b are adapted respectively to be put on a wall 1a of a sanitary fixture 1 and on a second layer 20 and made of a polymeric base adapted to withstand corrosive agents of the environment and also to common cleansing agents.
There is an image 21 on this second layer 20, obtained for example by printing techniques whose description will be omitted since they are known per se.
Moreover, the device comprises a third transparent layer 30, formed by a double-sided adhesive film similar to the first layer 10, whose opposite surfaces are adapted to adhere to outer surface 20b of said second layer 20 and to inner surface 40a of a fourth outer layer 40 made also of polymeric material adapted to withstand to corrosive agents of the environment and also to common cleansing agents. The outer surface 40b of the fourth layer 40 is covered by silk screen printing for example, having at least one layer of thermochromatic ink 41 adapted to change its color from matt to transparent when it is subjected to a temperature change.
More particularly, the ink 41 is subjected to a completely reversible color change which happens when a threshold temperature is crossed. This threshold temperature is preferably higher than the average room temperature (20-300C) and less than the average urine temperature (35- 4O0C). Below this threshold temperature, ink 41 takes a covering matt hue, while above the threshold temperature ink 41 is completely transparent. According to another embodiment, the plurality of ink layers are applied to either of the outer surface of the third layer 30 or the inner surface of the fourth layer 40 so that it is protected during the use. According to embodiments shown in figures 5 and 6, it is possible to implement the invention with a small number of layers. As shown in figure 5, the number of layers of the self-adhesive device can be reduced only to the first self-adhesive layer 10 on which the image 21 is directly printed, and to the outer resistant layer 40 covered by the layers of thermochromatic ink 41. In figure 6, there is shown another embodiment in which both the image 21 and the thermochromatic ink layers 41 are directly printed on the self- adhesive layer 10.
Finally, in all the embodiments, the self-adhesive device can be covered by a protective layer 50 consisting in a self-adhesive transparent film or a layer of transparent varnish, for example. If the protective layer 50 is implemented as a self-adhesive transparent layer, it is also possible to print the plurality of thermochrornatic layers 41 directly on the adhesive surface of the protective layer 50.
The operation of the self-adhesive is the following.
Once the multi-layer device has been assembled, it is applied on the front surface 1a of the bowl of the sanitary fixture by the adhesive surface 10a of the inner layer 10.
Under this condition, the self-adhesive device 1 , and so the ink layers 41 , are at a temperature lower than the threshold temperature because they are at room temperature between 20 and 300C. Therefore, the ink layers 41 are matt completely covering the image 21 on the second layer 20.
When the user uses the sanitary fixture, the urine flow, at a temperature generally between 35-4O0C, hits the self-adhesive device and increases its temperature particularly in the ink areas 41 wetted by the flow.
The temperature increase beyond the threshold temperature triggers the ink color change process that, in the wetted areas, gets more transparent allowing to see the image on the underlying layer 20.
In this way, the user is induced to direct the urine flow to the self-adhesive device to completely see the image.
Lastly, the water drain opening (which is often automatic in public washrooms) cools down the ink under the threshold temperature so that it becomes again matt covering the image and preparing the device for a new user.
Therefore, the device according to the invention is adapted to attract the attention and the aim of the user, so that the user is induced to correctly use the sanitary fixture, in order to automatically improving the hygienic condition thereof and of the surrounding washroom. Moreover, the image which change color exclusively in the area impinged by the urine flow encourages a continued correct use of the sanitary fixture because stirs up the curiosity/competitiveness to discover the hidden image.
According to other embodiments of the device, the self-adhesive for sanitary fixtures according to the invention, can be used as advertising means. In this case, the hidden image can be a promotional message or the like. It is also self evident that the device can be manufactured and applied at low cost, it does not require a lot of maintenance and since it is clean because it is continuously washed by the drain water can be easily substituted.

Claims

1. Self-adhesive device for sanitary fixtures characterized in that it comprises at least one self-adhesive layer (10), at least one image (21 ) printed on said at least one layer (10) and at least one layer (41 ) of thermochromatic ink applied on said image (21 ).
2. Device according to claim 1 characterized in that said thermochromatic ink is matt at temperatures lower than a threshold temperature.
3. Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said thermochromatic ink is transparent at temperatures higher than the threshold temperature.
4. Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said threshold temperature is higher than the average environment temperature.
5. Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said threshold temperature is lower than the average urine temperature.
6. Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said at least one layer (10) is a double-sided adhesive layer.
7. Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises at least one layer (20, 40) resistant to corrosive agents, located on said at least one self-adhesive layer (10).
8. Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said image (21 ) is reproduced on said resistant layer (20).
9. Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises an intermediate double-sided adhesive layer (30) applied on said self-adhesive and resistant layers (10, 20).
10. Device according to claim 9 characterized in that said intermediate layer (30) is transparent.
11. Device according to any of the preceding claims 9 or 10 characterized in that said resistant layer (40) is located on said double-sided adhesive intermediate layer (30).
12. Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that it comprises an upper protective layer (50).
13. Device according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that said at least one thermochromatic ink layer (41 ) is applied to anyone of the following surfaces:
- the top surface of said at least one self-adhesive layer (10);
- the top surface or the lower surface of said resistant layer (20, 40);
- the top surface of said intermediate layer (30);
- the lower surface of said protective layer (50).
14. Use of a self-adhesive device according to anyone of the preceding claims for correctly using sanitary fixtures.
15. Use of a self-adhesive device according to claim 14 characterized in that said sanitary fixtures are toilets/urinals.
16. Use of a self-adhesive device according to claim 15 characterized in that said image (21 ) comprises an advertising message.
17. Sanitary fixture characterized in that it comprises a self-adhesive device applied to the inner surface (1 a) of the sanitary fixture (1 ) itself.
18. Sanitary fixture according to claim 17 characterized in that said self- adhesive device comprises at least one self-adhesive layer (10), at least one image (21 ) printed on said at least one layer (10) and at least one layer (41 ) of thermochromatic ink applied on said image (21 ).
19. Sanitary fixture according to claim 20 characterized in that said thermochromatic ink is matt at temperatures lower that a threshold temperature.
20. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 18 or 19 characterized in that said thermochromatic ink is transparent at temperatures higher than the threshold temperature.
21. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 18 to 20 characterized in that said threshold temperature is higher than the average environment temperature.
22. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 18 to 21 characterized in that said threshold temperature is lower than the average urine temperature.
23. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 18 to 22 characterized in that said at least one layer is a double-sided adhesive layer.
24. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 18 to 23 characterized in that it comprises at least one layer (20, 40) resistant to corrosive agents, located on said at least one layer (10).
25. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 18 to 24 characterized in that said image (21 ) is reproduced on said resistant \ayer (20).
26. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 18 to 25 characterized in that it comprises an intermediate double-sided adhesive layer (30) applied on said self-adhesive and resistant layers (10, 20).
27. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 18 to 26 characterized in that said intermediate layer (30) is transparent.
28. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 26 and 27 characterized in that said resistant layer (40) is located on said double-sided adhesive intermediate layer (30).
29. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 18 to 28 characterized in that it comprises an upper protective layer (50).
30. Sanitary fixture according to any of claims 18 to 29 characterized in that said at least one thermochromatic ink layer (41 ) is applied on anyone of the following surfaces:
- the top surface of said at least one self-adhesive layer (10);
- the top surface or the lower surface of said resistant layer (20, 40);
- the top surface of said intermediate layer (30);
- the lower surface of said protective layer (50).
31. Sanitary fixture according to claim 17 characterized in that it is a toilet/urinals.
PCT/IT2005/000480 2005-08-08 2005-08-08 Self-labelling device for sanitary fixtures WO2007017910A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2005/000480 WO2007017910A1 (en) 2005-08-08 2005-08-08 Self-labelling device for sanitary fixtures

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IT2005/000480 WO2007017910A1 (en) 2005-08-08 2005-08-08 Self-labelling device for sanitary fixtures

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2007017910A1 true WO2007017910A1 (en) 2007-02-15

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IT2005/000480 WO2007017910A1 (en) 2005-08-08 2005-08-08 Self-labelling device for sanitary fixtures

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2007017910A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2356766A1 (en) * 2010-12-15 2011-04-13 Rodolfo Ros Alcantara Adhesive for urinaries. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
CN103321288A (en) * 2013-06-19 2013-09-25 无锡商业职业技术学院 Toilet bowl trainer

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5809590A (en) * 1996-11-29 1998-09-22 Williams; Theodore A. Thermochromic urinal mat
GB2326866A (en) * 1998-02-16 1999-01-06 Nicholas Charles Richar Holmes Advertising label using thermochromic ink
US5867848A (en) * 1997-04-09 1999-02-09 Ort; Randall C. Method and apparatus for providing a urine-activated thermochromic display screen
DE29818391U1 (en) * 1998-10-15 1999-02-11 Junge Frank Marking device
JP2002322724A (en) * 2001-04-25 2002-11-08 Takku Shiko Kk Target for use in urinal
EP1345194A1 (en) * 2002-03-15 2003-09-17 Ralf Steinhoff-Speit Advertising medium
JP2004116245A (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-15 System Amenity:Kk Mark sheet for urinal and urinal
WO2004055768A1 (en) * 2002-12-18 2004-07-01 Sung-Ha Kim Advertisement sticker for preventing urine from being spattered

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5809590A (en) * 1996-11-29 1998-09-22 Williams; Theodore A. Thermochromic urinal mat
US5867848A (en) * 1997-04-09 1999-02-09 Ort; Randall C. Method and apparatus for providing a urine-activated thermochromic display screen
GB2326866A (en) * 1998-02-16 1999-01-06 Nicholas Charles Richar Holmes Advertising label using thermochromic ink
DE29818391U1 (en) * 1998-10-15 1999-02-11 Junge Frank Marking device
JP2002322724A (en) * 2001-04-25 2002-11-08 Takku Shiko Kk Target for use in urinal
EP1345194A1 (en) * 2002-03-15 2003-09-17 Ralf Steinhoff-Speit Advertising medium
JP2004116245A (en) * 2002-09-30 2004-04-15 System Amenity:Kk Mark sheet for urinal and urinal
WO2004055768A1 (en) * 2002-12-18 2004-07-01 Sung-Ha Kim Advertisement sticker for preventing urine from being spattered

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 2003, no. 03 5 May 2003 (2003-05-05) *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 2003, no. 12 5 December 2003 (2003-12-05) *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2356766A1 (en) * 2010-12-15 2011-04-13 Rodolfo Ros Alcantara Adhesive for urinaries. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
CN103321288A (en) * 2013-06-19 2013-09-25 无锡商业职业技术学院 Toilet bowl trainer

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