WO2018170411A1 - Procédés et systèmes destinés à l'impression sur un objet tridimensionnel (3d) pour obtenir un effet 3d - Google Patents

Procédés et systèmes destinés à l'impression sur un objet tridimensionnel (3d) pour obtenir un effet 3d Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018170411A1
WO2018170411A1 PCT/US2018/022887 US2018022887W WO2018170411A1 WO 2018170411 A1 WO2018170411 A1 WO 2018170411A1 US 2018022887 W US2018022887 W US 2018022887W WO 2018170411 A1 WO2018170411 A1 WO 2018170411A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
design
ink
effect
additive
light
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Application number
PCT/US2018/022887
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Ajit Ranade
Candi WHITSEL
Original Assignee
Igloo Products Corp.
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 Igloo Products Corp. filed Critical Igloo Products Corp.
Publication of WO2018170411A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018170411A1/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09D—COATING COMPOSITIONS, e.g. PAINTS, VARNISHES OR LACQUERS; FILLING PASTES; CHEMICAL PAINT OR INK REMOVERS; INKS; CORRECTING FLUIDS; WOODSTAINS; PASTES OR SOLIDS FOR COLOURING OR PRINTING; USE OF MATERIALS THEREFOR
    • C09D11/00—Inks
    • C09D11/02—Printing inks
    • C09D11/03—Printing inks characterised by features other than the chemical nature of the binder

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates generally to techniques for printing, and more particularly, to techniques for printing on a three-dimensional (3-D) object to achieve a 3-D effect.
  • Screen printing involves the use of a mesh screen to transfer ink onto a substrate, often in conjunction with a stencil which forms a design by blocking ink in a desired pattern from permeating onto the substrate. A squeegee is then moved across the screen filling the mesh apertures not occluded by the stencil with ink. Eventually ink permeates the mesh and contacts the substrate. Meanwhile, other techniques, such as laser etching, involve engraving the surface of an object.
  • LED edge-lighting is beneficial because LEDs offer low voltage DC operation, low power consumption, long, maintenance-free lifespans, and relatively rugged construction that is impervious to vibration and shock.
  • Edge-lighting technology incorporates a light source coupled to a light guide that uses total intemal reflection (TIR) to direct light from the light source to the target application space (e.g., a flat acrylic sheet).
  • TIR total intemal reflection
  • Fluorescent and LED light sources are common for these applications because they are small and can readily fit within confined spaces.
  • a small light source combined with a thin light guide makes it possible for a display to maintain a very low profile.
  • the cost-effective nature of LED light sources allows such displays to be both energy-efficient and long-lasting.
  • methods for combining many modem printing techniques with LED edge-lighting to create 3-D illuminated images in a modular and portable format do not currently exist.
  • the present disclosure provides techniques for creating a design on a surface of a 3-D object, such as a container or bottle, to achieve a 3-D effect.
  • the 3-D object is made of a material that is at least partially transparent, and the surface of the 3-D object is non-flat, i.e., the surface is curved or the 3-D object has a plurality of angled surfaces.
  • a design is screen printed onto the surface of the 3-D object using an ink that has been mixed with at least one additive causing the ink to become optically reactive. Other techniques discussed herein are used for applying the design to the surface of the 3-D object, as well.
  • light passing through the material of the 3-D object illuminates the design to produce a 3-D effect.
  • An electronics module coupled to the 3-D object can provide the light for illuminating the design.
  • the electronics module may include a light source which, when activated, emits light through the material of the 3-D object.
  • a method for creating a design on a surface to achieve a 3-D effect includes: providing a 3-D object made of a material that is at least partially transparent, a surface of the 3-D object being a curved surface or one of a plurality of angled surfaces; mixing ink with at least one additive causing the ink to become optically reactive; and screen printing a design on the surface of the 3-D object using the mixed ink. Light passing through the material of the 3-D object illuminates the design to achieve the 3-D effect.
  • the screen printing may include, for example: providing a pad containing the design; and performing a screen printing loop until the design is screen-printed on each of a plurality of surface portions of the 3-D object.
  • the screen printing loop may include: pressing the pad against a surface portion of the plurality of surface portions of the 3-D object that faces the pad; releasing the pad from the surface of the 3-D object; and rotating the 3-D object such that a different surface portion faces the pad.
  • the screen printing may include: providing a flat print plate containing the design; and translating the print plate along the surface of the 3-D object, causing the 3-D object to rotate while the surface of the 3-D object maintains continuous contact with the print plate.
  • the method may further include: before the screen printing, applying a coating to the surface of the 3-D object; and screen printing the design on the applied coating.
  • the 3-D object may include a plurality of walls, and the design can be screen-printed on a surface of any one of the plurality of walls. Also, the 3-D object may be an outer sleeve that is operable to removably surround an inner 3-D object.
  • the design may include an outline of an image and a plurality of vector lines within the outline. Also, a color of the ink can be white or non-white.
  • the material of the 3-D object may include a glass-based material, a plastic-based material, a metal-based material, or a ceramic-based material.
  • the at least one additive may include at least one of: a fluorescence additive, an ultraviolet (UV) additive, plastisol, a puff additive, a multi-chromatic additive, a glitter additive, a phosphorescent powder, a photochromatic additive, and a glow-in-the-dark additive.
  • the 3-D object may be a cylindrically shaped container or a polygonal- shaped container.
  • a method for creating a design on a surface to achieve a 3-D effect includes: providing a 3-D object made of a material that is at least partially transparent, a surface of the 3-D object being a curved surface or one of a plurality of angled surfaces; and laser etching a design on the surface of the 3-D object. Light passing through the material of the 3-D object illuminates the design to achieve the 3-D effect.
  • the method may further include: before the laser etching, applying a coating to the surface of the 3-D object; and laser etching the design on the applied coating.
  • the method may also further include laser etching the design directly on the surface of the 3-D object.
  • a method for creating a design on a surface to achieve a 3-D effect includes: providing a 3-D object made of a material that is at least partially transparent, a surface of the 3-D object being a curved surface or one of a plurality of angled surfaces; impregnating the material with at least one additive; and screen printing a design on the surface of the 3-D object using ink.
  • the at least one additive causes the ink to become optically reactive, and light passing through the material of the 3-D object illuminates the design to achieve the 3-D effect.
  • a method for creating a design on a surface to achieve a 3-D effect includes: providing a 3-D object made of a material that is at least partially transparent, a surface of the 3-D object being a curved surface or one of a plurality of angled surfaces; mixing ink with at least one additive causing the ink to become optically reactive; printing a design on a plastic film using the mixed ink; and adhering the plastic film to the surface of the 3-D obj ect. Light passing through the material of the 3-D object illuminates the design to achieve the 3-D effect.
  • a container for achieving a three-dimensional (3-D) effect includes: a surface made of a material that is at least partially transparent, wherein the surface is a curved surface or one of a plurality of angled surfaces; and a design that is screen-printed on the surface using ink mixed with at least one additive causing the ink to become optically reactive. Light passing through the material illuminates the design to achieve the 3-D effect.
  • a system for achieving a three-dimensional (3-D) effect includes: a 3-D object having a surface made of a material that is at least partially transparent and including a design that is screen-printed on the surface using ink mixed with at least one additive causing the ink to become optically reactive, wherein the surface is a curved surface or one of a plurality of angled surfaces; and an electronics module coupled to the 3-D object and including a light source which, when activated, emits light through the material of the 3-D object and illuminates the design to achieve the 3-D effect.
  • the electronics module can mate with the panel via a receiving groove positioned along a perimeter of the electronics module.
  • the light source may be disposed within the electronics module such that, when the electronics module mates with the 3-D object and the light source is activated, the light emitted by the light source passes through one or more longitudinal walls of the 3-D obj ect.
  • the light source may include a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed along a perimeter of the electronics module.
  • the light source may include at least one of: an incandescent light, a fluorescent light, a neon light, and an argon light.
  • a method for laser etching a non-flat surface to achieve a three-dimensional (3-D) effect includes the steps of: resin casting a three-dimensional (3-D) shape from a translucent material; etching the 3-D shape with a design.
  • the translucent material is selected from the group consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonate.
  • the etching is laser etching.
  • a method for laser etching a non-flat surface to achieve a three-dimensional (3-D) effect includes the steps of: etching a design on a two-dimensional (2-D) sheet of translucent material; thermoforming the etched sheet of translucent material into a desired three-dimensional (3-D) shape.
  • translucent material is selected from the group consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonate.
  • the etching is laser etching.
  • a method for laser etching a non-flat surface to achieve a three-dimensional (3-D) effect includes the steps of: resin casting a three-dimensional (3-D) shape from a translucent material; coating an interior and an exterior surface of the translucent material with a coating material; and etching the coding material to create a design.
  • the translucent material is selected from the group consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate), polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and polycarbonate.
  • the etching is laser etching.
  • a method for creating a design on a non-flat surface to achieve a 3-D effect includes the steps of: screen printing a design on a three-dimensional (3-D) shape made from a translucent material with an optically reactive ink; edge-lighting the 3-D shape; and illuminating, by the edge- lighting, the design to produce a 3-D effect.
  • the translucent material is selected from the group consisting of poly(methyl methacrylate), polyethylene,
  • polypropylene polystyrene, and polycarbonate.
  • FIGS. 1A to 1C provide a perspective view, a top perspective view, and an exploded view, respectively, of a 3-D object having a non-flat surface on which a design can be printed according to embodiments of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an LED edge-lit 3-D object on which a design is screen-printed producing a 3-D effect according to embodiments of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 3A is a front view of a 3-D object on which a design is screen-printed according to embodiments of the disclosure
  • FIG. 3B is a view of an example design partem applied to the surface of the 3-D object illustrated in FIG. 3 A;
  • FIGS. 4A to 4C provide a top perspective view, a top view, and an exploded view, respectively, of an electronics module including a light source and operable to mate with a 3- D object for edge-lighting the 3-D object according to embodiments of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an LED edge-lit 3-D object on which a design is laser-etched producing a 3-D effect according to embodiments of the disclosure;
  • FIGS. 6 to 9 provide flowcharts demonstrating simplified procedures for creating a design on a surface of a 3-D obj ect to achieve a 3-D effect
  • FIG. 10 is a view of a LED edge-lit design laser etched onto a three-dimensional (3- D) translucent surface that has a 3-D effect according to embodiments of the disclosure;
  • FIGS. 11 A to 11 G provide a perspective view, front view, back view, left view, right view, bottom view, and top view, respectively, of a LED edge-lit design laser etched onto a three-dimensional (3-D) translucent surface of a container that has a 3-D effect according to embodiments of the disclosure;
  • FIG. 12 is a front view of a container having a 3-D laser-etchable surface according to embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a container having a 3-D laser-etchable surface according to embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a 3-D laser-etchable surface portion of a container according to embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of a base of a container having a LED light source for edge-lighting a 3-D laser-etchable surface of a container according to embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIG. 16 is a top view of a base of a container having a LED light source for edge- lighting a 3-D laser-etchable surface of a container according to embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the term "container” includes any vessel, regardless of shape, size, material, etc., capable of containing a thing, such as a bottle, a carton, a box, a crate, a can, or the like.
  • the present disclosure provides methods and devices for laser etching or laser engraving a surface in a translucent material and illuminating the etched image to achieve a three dimensional (3-D) effect. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to methods of laser etching a non-flat surface of a translucent material and illuminating the etched image to achieve a three dimensional (3-D) effect.
  • the 3-D object 100 can be a container with a cap 120 mating with a top portion 102 of the container and an electronics module 130 mating with a bottom portion 104 of the container.
  • the top portion 102 may be configured to mate with the cap 120 by any of a variety of mating mechanisms including, but not limited to, a threaded mechanism, a twist lock mechanism, a pressure fit mechanism, a snap fit mechanism, and the like.
  • the top portion 102 may have interior threads to reversibly receive the cap 120.
  • the electronics module 130 can mate with the bottom portion 104 via a receiving groove 134 positioned along a perimeter of the electronics module 130.
  • the container shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C is but a single example of the 3-D object 100 presented for demonstration purposes, and the 3-D object 100 may be modified in any suitable manner as would be understood by a person possessing an ordinary level of skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the 3-D object 100 can be made of a transparent material or a partially transparent material.
  • the 3-D object 100 can be made of any variety of transparent or partially transparent material.
  • the 3-D object 100 may be made of a plastic-based material, including TritanTM, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate, poly(methyl methacrylate) (e.g., acrylic such as, for example, PlexiglasTM, LuciteTM, AcryliteTM, PerspexTM, OroglassTM, OptixTM, AltuglassTM, and the like), polystyrene, acrylonitrile- styrene, polyethylene (PE), and polypropylene (PP), a glass-based material, a ceramic-based material, a metal-based material, and so on.
  • the material may be manufactured in any way, such as extrusion, injection molding, blow molding, solvent casting, thermoforming, and so forth. Also, the material may be clear, or one or more colors may be added to the material to modify the
  • the surface of the 3-D object 100 may be non-flat, i.e., curved.
  • the 3-D object 100 may be a cylindrically shaped container, as shown in FIGS. 1 A to 1C.
  • the 3-D object 100 may have a plurality of angled surfaces.
  • the 3-D obj ect 100 may be a polygonal-shaped container, such as a triangular container, a square container, a rectangular container, and so on.
  • the 3-D object 100 may include any number of walls (e.g., for insulation), such as single-walled, double-walled, or triple-walled bottles. In the case of multi-walled bottles, each wall may be independently constructed (e.g., using different materials, techniques, etc.).
  • the design 110 may be printed on any one or more of the walls.
  • the 3-D object 100 may function as an outer sleeve (e.g., a koozie) that removably surrounds an inner 3-D object (not shown).
  • the angle of its wall or walls may vary. While a draft angle of approximately zero degrees is shown in FIG. 1A to 1 C, meaning the wall of the 3-D object 100 is substantially vertical, the draft angle of the 3-D object may be modified in any suitable manner. For instance, it is expressly contemplated herein that the draft angle of the 3-D object 100 may be anywhere within +10 and -10 degrees.
  • the draft angle of the 3-D object 100 affects the total internal reflection (TIR) of light within the material of the obj ect 100, and thus affects the degree of 3-D illusion produced when light reflects from the design 110, as described in greater detail below.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an LED edge-lit 3-D object 100 on which a design 1 10 is screen-printed producing a 3-D effect according to embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the design 110 can be screen printed onto the surface of the 3-D object 100 using an ink that has been mixed with at least one additive causing the ink to become optically reactive.
  • the design 110 is not limited to any particular design, such as that shown in the figures, but rather includes any design capable of being printed onto the surface of the 3-D object 100.
  • the ink may be white, though colored inks may be utilized as well.
  • the design 1 10 may include an outline of an image and a plurality of vector lines within the outline.
  • One or more additives can be mixed with the ink to enhance the 3-D effect produced when light passes through the material of the 3-D object 100 and illuminates the design 110. As light passes through the transparent material, it can bounce off the additive(s) in the ink and create a glowing effect or other visual effect, which would otherwise be absent if the ink was not mixed with any additive, while the rest of the material remains clear.
  • Various additives can be utilized, including a fluorescence additive, an ultraviolet (UV) additive, plastisol, a puff additive, a multi-chromatic additive, a glitter additive, a phosphorescent powder, a photochromatic additive, and a glow-in-the-dark additive.
  • a plurality of the above additives can be added to ink in conjunction. There is no limit as to the amount of said additive(s) which can be added to the ink.
  • FIG. 3A is a front view of the 3-D object 100 on which a design 110 is screen-printed according to embodiments of the disclosure
  • FIG. 3B is a view of an example design pattern 112 applied to the surface of the 3-D obj ect 100 illustrated in FIG. 3A
  • a first screen printing technique involves "pad printing" in which a print plate contains a graphic, such as the design pattern 1 12. The graphic can be transferred to a pad (not shown) which is pressed against the surface of the 3-D object 100 to stamp the graphic onto the surface of the 3-D object 100.
  • the design pattern 1 12 can be constructed in various ways, such as a top partem portion 112a and a bottom pattern portion 112b.
  • a screen printing loop may be performed until the design partem 1 12 is screen- printed on each of a plurality of surface portions 114 of the 3-D object 100.
  • the screen printing loop may include: 1) pressing the pad against a surface portion of the plurality of surface portions of the 3-D object 100 that faces the pad; 2) releasing the pad from the surface of the 3-D object 100; and 3) rotating the 3-D object 100 such that a different surface portion faces the pad. Any of the steps listed above may be automated or performed manually.
  • the 3-D object 100 may be divided into four surface portions 114.
  • the design pattern 112 may be stamped onto the surface of the 3-D object 100 four times, whereby the 3-D object 100 is rotated between each stamp such that a different surface portion faces the pad until each of the four surface portions 114 has received the design pattern 112.
  • the entire circumference of the 3-D object 100 contains the design pattern 112, as shown in FIG. 3A.
  • a second screen printing technique involves "360-degree printing" in which a flat print plate containing the design 110 is made with an area corresponding to the circumference of 3-D object 100. Unlike pad printing, this technique does not require an iterative process in which a design pattern 112 is applied to the surface of the 3-D object 100 multiple times. Rather, only a single step is needed whereby the print plate (not shown) is moved or translated laterally along the surface of the 3-D object 100, from a first end of the print plate to an opposite end of the print plate. The surface of the 3-D object 100 maintains continuous contact with the print plate during the lateral movement of the print plate, thereby causing the 3-D object 100 to rotate, which in turn results in the entire
  • the pad printing process can accommodate a 3-D object 100 of any shape
  • the 360- degree printing process require an object with a curved surface which is able to rotate along the flat print plate.
  • any suitable screen printing technique for screen printing a design 110 onto the surface of the 3-D obj ect 100 using ink mixed with one or more additives may be employed.
  • the design 110 may be screen-printed directly onto the surface of the 3-D object, or, alternatively, a coating may first be applied to the surface of the 3-D object 100, and the design 110 may be screen-printed onto the coating.
  • the electronics module 130 may include a base 136 and a light source 132 which, when activated, emits light through the material of the 3-D object 100 and illuminates the design 110 to achieve the 3-D effect.
  • the light source 132 may include, as one example, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 132a disposed along a perimeter of the electronics module 130, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C.
  • the light source 132 could include one or more of incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, neon lights, argon lights, and the like.
  • the light source 132 may embody types of lights other than LEDs, including both clear lights and colored lights (causing the 3-D effect to be colored), and may include a circuit board to control the light(s) therein.
  • the lights 132a may be installed into or integral with the circuit board.
  • the light source 132 may be configured to display multiple colors of light one at a time, sequentially, or in any of a variety of patterns (e.g., blinking, alternating, and the like).
  • the electronics module 130 may also include a power source (not shown), e.g., a battery, a fuel-cell, or the like.
  • the LEDs 132a have been described as emitting a single color, the lights may be able to emit one or more different colors, respectively.
  • the controller e.g. , computer processor
  • the controller may activate the LEDs 132a in various colors to create various effects through the design 110.
  • a red-green-blue lighting source may be cycled to display various colors sequentially by, for example, changing the red lighting source to green, the green to blue, the blue to red, etc.
  • the light source 132 may be positioned proximal to the bottom surface of receiving groove 134 so that light projected from the LEDs 132a enters the bottom end/edge of the transparent material of the 3-D object 100.
  • the LEDs 132a may be positioned equi distantly around the perimeter of the electronics module 130, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C.
  • the LEDs 132a may be disposed within the electronics module 130 such that, when the electronics module 130 mates with the 3-D object 100, the walls of the 3-D object 100 sit directly atop the LEDs 132a.
  • the light source 132 is activated, the light emitted by the LEDs 132a passes through one or more longitudinal walls of the 3-D obj ect 100, thereby edge-lighting the 3-D object.
  • Edge-lit technology incorporates a light source coupled to a light guide that uses total internal reflection (TIR) to direct light from the light source to the target application space (e.g., walls of the 3-D object 100).
  • TIR total internal reflection
  • Fluorescent and LED light sources are common for these applications because they are small and can readily fit within confined spaces.
  • a small light source combined with a thin light guide makes it possible for a display to maintain a very low profile.
  • the cost-effective nature of LED light sources allows such displays to be both energy-efficient and long-lasting.
  • the light source 132 may include a single-point light source (e.g., a light disposed in the center of the electronics module 130), instead of a multi-point light source as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C. It should be understood that the light source 132 is not limited to any particular type, number, or arrangement of lights, and the embodiments shown in the figures are provided merely for the purpose of illustration.
  • the transparent material of the 3-D object 100 may be lit by the light source 132 in the electronics module 130.
  • the light emitted from the light source 132 may travel through the translucent material and at the site of the screen-printed design 110, the light may be redirected outwardly from the surface of the transparent material so that the light is made visible to a user viewing the edge-lit design 110, as shown in FIG. 2, thereby producing the 3- D effect.
  • light from light source 132 is not emitted.
  • the draft angle of the 3-D obj ect 100 affects the TIR of light within the material of the object 100.
  • the degree of 3-D illusion depends on the TIR of light within the material of the object 100, as well as the quality of printed design 1 10 on the surface.
  • the TIR is directly proportional to the amount of light passing through the material of the object. For instance, increasing the draft angle of the 3-D object 100 can significantly reduce light intensity since the walls are no longer vertical. Conversely, a draft angle of zero degrees can produce maximal TIR as light emitted from the light source 132 can pass through the entire walls of the 3-D object 100.
  • FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an LED edge-lit 3-D object 100 on which a design 500 is laser-etched producing a 3-D effect according to embodiments of the disclosure.
  • a design 500 can be laser- etched or laser-engraved into the surface of the 3-D object 100, causing one or more etched lines as shown in FIG. 5.
  • the material of the 3-D object 100 may be glass or cast acrylic.
  • the one or more etched lines may include depressions on the transparent material.
  • a 3-D effect may be achieved when light passes through the material of the 3-D object 100 and gets refracted along the etched design 500.
  • a coating e.g., paint, metallic layer, or the like
  • the design 500 can be laser-etched onto the applied coating.
  • the design 500 can be laser-etched directly onto the surface of the 3-D object 100.
  • a coating material applied to the surface of the 3-D object 100 may be any type of coating that will make the surface of the object similar to glass or cast acrylic, such as, for example, glass, acrylic, epoxy, and the like.
  • FIGS. 6 to 9 provide flowcharts demonstrating simplified procedures for creating a design on a surface of a 3-D object to achieve a 3-D effect.
  • FIG. 6 demonstrates a screen printing process using ink mixed with one or more additives.
  • a 3-D object 100 made of a transparent or partially transparent material can be provided.
  • ink can be mixed with at least one additive causing the ink to become optically reactive.
  • a design 110 can be screen-printed onto a surface of the 3-D object 100 using the mixed ink. As a result, light passing through the material of the 3-D object 100 illuminates the design 110 and achieves a 3-D effect (e.g., see FIG. 2).
  • FIG. 7 demonstrates a laser etching process in which a design is etched into a coating applied on a 3-D object.
  • a 3-D object 100 made of a transparent or partially transparent material can be provided.
  • a coating can be applied to a surface of the 3-D object 100.
  • a design 500 can be laser-etched onto the coating applied to the surface of the 3-D object 100. As a result, light passing through the material of the 3-D object 100 illuminates the etched design 500 and achieves a 3-D effect.
  • FIG. 8 demonstrates a screen printing process in which the material of a 3-D object is impregnated with one or more additives.
  • a 3-D object 100 made of a transparent or partially transparent material can be provided.
  • the material of the 3-D object 100 can be impregnated with at least one additive that is capable of causing ink to become optically reactive.
  • a design 110 can be screen-printed onto a surface of the 3-D object 100 using ink. As a result, light passing through the material of the 3-D object 100 illuminates the design 110 and achieves a 3-D effect.
  • FIG. 9 demonstrates a printing process in which a design is applied to the surface of a 3-D obj ect in an indirect manner, such as via a decal or sticker.
  • a 3-D object 100 made of a transparent or partially transparent material can be provided.
  • ink can be mixed with at least one additive causing the ink to become optically reactive.
  • a design 1 10 can be printed onto a decal, such as a plastic film.
  • the decal can be adhered (e.g., heat transferred) to the surface of the 3-D object 100.
  • light passing through the material of the 3-D object 100 illuminates the design 1 10 and achieves a 3-D effect.
  • FIG. 10 shows an exemplary front view of an edge-lit design 100 that includes a design 110 (e.g. a horse head) including one or more etched lines 105 that have been laser etched into a 3-D translucent material 120 such as, for example, acrylic.
  • a design 110 e.g. a horse head
  • etched lines 105 that have been laser etched into a 3-D translucent material 120
  • the translucent material may be referred to as acrylic, however, it is specifically contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that other translucent materials capable of being edge-lit may also be used.
  • the 3-D translucent material 120 may be lit by a light source 130 that transmits light through translucent material 120.
  • the light emitted from a light source 130 may travel through 3-D translucent material 120 and at the site of the one or more etched lines 105, the light may be redirected outwardly from the surface of 3-D translucent material 120 so that the light is made visible to a user viewing edge-lit design 100. Where the translucent material 120 does not have one or more etched lines 105, light from light source 130 is not emitted.
  • Translucent material 120 may be configured to have a top end 122 and a bottom end 124.
  • the one or more etched lines 105 may include depressions on the layer of translucent material 120, and may typically be formed by the application of a laser or other cutting technique known to one of skill in the art. Generally, the one or more etched lines 105 will be positioned between top end 122 and bottom end 124 of translucent material 120.
  • Light source 130 may include receiving groove 140 configured to mate with bottom and 124 of translucent material 120.
  • Light source 130 may include one or more illumination sources 150 positioned proximal to the bottom surface of receiving groove 140 so that light projected from the one or more illumination sources 150 enters the bottom end/edge 124 of translucent material 120.
  • Light source 130 may include a circuitboard to control the one or more illumination sources 150 (e.g., a light, diode, LED, and the like). It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that the one or more illumination sources 150 may be installed into the circuit board.
  • the light source 130 may typically include one or more LEDs, although other illumination sources known to those of skill in the art may also be used.
  • Light source 130 may be a single point light source or a multi-point light source. It is also contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that light source 130 may include other configurations that use a bar that extends at least partly around the edge of the translucent material 120, or may extend around the entire translucent material layer 120.
  • Light source 130 may emit one or more colored lights such as, for example, a blue light, red light, green light, etc.
  • light source 130 may be configured to display multiple colors of light one at a time, sequentially, or in any of a variety of patterns (e.g., blinking, alternating, and the like).
  • the one or more illumination sources 150 have been described as emitting an individual color, the illumination sources 150 may be able to emit one or more different colors.
  • the controller of the lighting sources may activate the lighting sources in various colors to create various effects through the laser etching. For example, a red-green-blue lighting source may be cycled to display various colors sequentially by, for example, changing the red lighting source to green, the green to blue, the blue to red, etc.
  • a translucent material as described herein may include any of a variety of translucent materials including, but not limited to, poly(methyl methacrylate) (e.g., acrylic such as, for example, PlexiglasTM, LuciteTM, AcryliteTM, PerspexTM, OroglassTM, OptixTM, AltuglassTM, and the like), glass, and the like.
  • poly(methyl methacrylate) e.g., acrylic such as, for example, PlexiglasTM, LuciteTM, AcryliteTM, PerspexTM, OroglassTM, OptixTM, AltuglassTM, and the like
  • FIGS. 11 A to 11G depicts an embodiment in which translucent material 120 is configured as a sleeve 220 that fits over an outer surface of a container 200 and includes a design 210.
  • Container 200 may have a top end 202 and a bottom end 204.
  • Top end 202 may be configured to mate with a container cap (not shown) by any of a variety of mating mechanisms including, but not limited to, a threaded mechanism, a twist lock mechanism, a pressure fit mechanism, a snap fit mechanism, and the like.
  • Sleeve 220 may have a top end 222 and a bottom end 224.
  • Sleeve top end 222 may be configured to mate with sleeve stop 240, which is configured with a groove or recess 242 (see FIG. 13) that mates with top end 222, thereby preventing edge-lighting from escaping top end 222 of sleeve 220.
  • Bottom end 224 of sleeve 220 may be configured to mate with a bottom end groove or recess 232 (see FIG. 4) on bottom light source 230.
  • FIG. 12 depicts an embodiment in which translucent material 120 is configured as a sleeve 220 that fits over an outer surface of a container 200.
  • Container 200 may have a top end 202 and a bottom end 204.
  • Top end 202 may be configured to mate with a container cap (not shown) by any of a variety of mating mechanisms including, but not limited to, a threaded mechanism, a twist lock mechanism, a pressure fit mechanism, a snap fit mechanism, and the like.
  • Sleeve 220 may have a top end 222 and a bottom end 224.
  • Sleeve top end 222 may be configured to mate with sleeve stop 240, which is configured with a groove or recess 242 (see FIG. 13) that mates with top end 222, thereby preventing edge-lighting from escaping top end 222 of sleeve 220.
  • Bottom end 224 of sleeve 220 may be configured to mate with a bottom end groove or recess 232 (see FIG. 13) on bottom light source 230.
  • Bottom light source 230 may include receiving groove 250 configured to mate with bottom end 224 of translucent material 120.
  • Bottom light source 230 may include one or more illumination sources 260 positioned proximal to the bottom surface of receiving groove 232 so that light proj ected from the one or more illumination sources 260 enters the bottom end/edge 224 of translucent material 120.
  • Bottom light source 230 may include a circuitboard to control the one or more illumination sources 150 (e.g., a light, diode, LED, and the like). It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that the one or more illumination sources 260 may be installed into the circuit board.
  • bottom light source 230 may include a lighting source for use in case of emergency (e.g., a flashlight), Bluetooth capability, a speaker, and/or a charging station for mobile devices. While the illustrative example disclosed herein contemplates that the one or more illumination sources 150 are positioned proximal to the bottom surface of receiving groove 232, one of skill in the art will appreciate that the one or more illumination sources 150 may be positioned in other locations.
  • FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of container 200 that highlights the
  • FIG. 14 depicts sleeve 220 and bottom light source 230 in the un-coupled
  • FIG. 15 shows a top perspective view of bottom light source 230 in which sleeve 220 has been uncoupled from bottom recess 232.
  • the one or more illumination sources 260 may be equi distantly spaced around the circumference of bottom recess 232.
  • Bottom light source 230 may include one or more illumination sources 260 positioned proximal to the bottom surface of receiving groove 250 so that light projected from the one or more illumination sources 260 enters the bottom end/edge 224 of translucent material 120.
  • Bottom light source 230 may include a power source (e.g., a battery, a fuel-cell, and the like) and a circuit board to control the one or more illumination sources 150 (e.g., a light, diode, LED, and the like). It is contemplated within the scope of the disclosure that the one or more illumination sources 260 may be installed into the circuit board.
  • FIG. 16 shows a top view of bottom light source 230 depicted in FIG. 15.
  • a 3-D translucent material according to the disclosure may occur in any of a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, a cylindrical tube, a rectangle, a square, a sphere, and the like.
  • laser etching of a 3-D translucent material may occur by casting a 3-D object (e.g., a rectangle, a tube, etc.) that is then laser etched.
  • a 3-D cast object according to this aspect of the disclosure may generally be comprised of acrylic or glass.
  • laser etching of a 3-D translucent material may occur by laser etching a desired partem on a flat resin cast acrylic sheet and then thermoforming (e.g., heat bending) the acrylic sheet into a desired shape (e.g., a rectangle, a tube, etc.).
  • laser etching of a 3-D translucent material may occur by coating the inside and outside profile of a 3-D object (e.g., a rectangle, a tube, etc.) with a coating material (e.g., paint, metallic layer, and the like) and then laser etching the coating material.
  • a coating material e.g., paint, metallic layer, and the like
  • this aspect of the disclosure allows a wide variety of materials to be used for the 3-D object (e.g., plastic, glass, metal, ceramic, and the like).
  • the variety of plastics useful for this aspect of the disclosure includes all known plastics.
  • useful materials for the 3-D object may include Triton, PET, PETG, acrylic, glass, and the like.
  • a coating material applied to a plastic material may be any type of coating that will make the surface of the plastic similar to glass or cast acrylic such as, for example, glass, acrylic, epoxy, and the like.
  • a design may be incorporated onto a 3-D translucent material via a screen printing technique involving an optically reactive ink configured to be illuminated when the underlying 3-D translucent material is subjected to edge-lighting.
  • this aspect of the disclosure allows a wide variety of materials to be used for the 3-D object (e.g., plastic, glass, metal, ceramic, and the like).
  • the variety of plastics useful for this aspect of the disclosure includes all known plastics.
  • useful materials for the 3-D object may include Triton, PET, PETG, acrylic, glass, and the like. According to this aspect of the disclosure, laser etching would not be required to create a design.
  • Such a screen printing technique may be used to generate a design with an optically reactive ink on an intermediate material such as, for example, a transparent sticker backing that may then be applied to a 3-D object capable of being edge-lit.
  • the printing techniques disclosed herein allow for achieving a 3-D effect on a surface of an object in various ways, including screen printing a design onto transparent material of a 3-D object using ink mixed with one or more additives causing the ink to become optically reactive. Exposing the transparent material and the design printed thereon to light thus creates a 3-D effect, as described in detail above.
  • this aspect of the disclosure allows a wide variety of materials to be used for the 3-D object (e.g., plastic, glass, metal, ceramic, and the like). Certain plastics eligible for use with screen printing are known to be safer, cheaper, lighter, more sustainable, and more durable than glass or cast acrylic, which is required for laser etching. Moreover, manufacturing time can be reduced as screen printing is less time-consuming than laser etching.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Materials Engineering (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Printing Methods (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé destiné à la création d'un dessin sur une surface pour obtenir un effet tridimensionnel (3D) qui comprend : la fourniture d'un objet en 3D constitué d'un matériau qui est au moins partiellement transparent, l'objet en 3D présentant une surface incurvée ou une pluralité de surfaces inclinées ; le mélange de l'encre avec au moins un additif amenant l'encre à devenir optiquement réactive ; et la sérigraphie d'un dessin sur la surface de l'objet en 3D à l'aide de l'encre mélangée. La lumière traversant le matériau de l'objet en 3D éclaire le dessin pour obtenir l'effet 3D.
PCT/US2018/022887 2017-03-16 2018-03-16 Procédés et systèmes destinés à l'impression sur un objet tridimensionnel (3d) pour obtenir un effet 3d WO2018170411A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201762472547P 2017-03-16 2017-03-16
US62/472,547 2017-03-16
US201762541401P 2017-08-04 2017-08-04
US62/541,401 2017-08-04

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Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20040139881A1 (en) * 2003-01-07 2004-07-22 Hirotec, Inc. Technology for printing luminescent pictorial images
US20050083676A1 (en) * 2003-10-10 2005-04-21 Vanderschuit Carl R. Lighted items
US20060016109A1 (en) * 2002-06-11 2006-01-26 Nicolaas Maritz G Advertising media
US20100321638A1 (en) * 2008-05-02 2010-12-23 Disney Enterprises, Inc. Magical image cups and containers with 3d displays
US8102375B1 (en) * 2008-04-07 2012-01-24 Crestron Electronics Inc. Dimmable keypad device suitable for multiple faceplate and legend colors
US20140360394A1 (en) * 2013-06-11 2014-12-11 Ball Corporation Printing process using soft photopolymer plates
US20160221360A1 (en) * 2013-09-13 2016-08-04 Till Gmbh Printing press for printing three-dimensional objects

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060016109A1 (en) * 2002-06-11 2006-01-26 Nicolaas Maritz G Advertising media
US20040139881A1 (en) * 2003-01-07 2004-07-22 Hirotec, Inc. Technology for printing luminescent pictorial images
US20050083676A1 (en) * 2003-10-10 2005-04-21 Vanderschuit Carl R. Lighted items
US8102375B1 (en) * 2008-04-07 2012-01-24 Crestron Electronics Inc. Dimmable keypad device suitable for multiple faceplate and legend colors
US20100321638A1 (en) * 2008-05-02 2010-12-23 Disney Enterprises, Inc. Magical image cups and containers with 3d displays
US20140360394A1 (en) * 2013-06-11 2014-12-11 Ball Corporation Printing process using soft photopolymer plates
US20160221360A1 (en) * 2013-09-13 2016-08-04 Till Gmbh Printing press for printing three-dimensional objects

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