WO2000025289A1 - Phosphorescent markers - Google Patents

Phosphorescent markers Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000025289A1
WO2000025289A1 PCT/SE1999/001771 SE9901771W WO0025289A1 WO 2000025289 A1 WO2000025289 A1 WO 2000025289A1 SE 9901771 W SE9901771 W SE 9901771W WO 0025289 A1 WO0025289 A1 WO 0025289A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
phosphorescent
light
box
flash unit
flash
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/SE1999/001771
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Lars A. Bergkvist
Original Assignee
Labino Patent Ab
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 Labino Patent Ab filed Critical Labino Patent Ab
Publication of WO2000025289A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000025289A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0033—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide
    • G02B6/0035—Means for improving the coupling-out of light from the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/004—Scattering dots or dot-like elements, e.g. microbeads, scattering particles, nanoparticles
    • G02B6/0043—Scattering dots or dot-like elements, e.g. microbeads, scattering particles, nanoparticles provided on the surface of the light guide
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V5/00—Refractors for light sources
    • F21V5/10—Refractors for light sources comprising photoluminescent material
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V9/00—Elements for modifying spectral properties, polarisation or intensity of the light emitted, e.g. filters
    • F21V9/30—Elements containing photoluminescent material distinct from or spaced from the light source
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0003—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being doped with fluorescent agents
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0096—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the lights guides being of the hollow type
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/20—Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising with luminescent surfaces or parts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a phosphorescent marker or a sign for warning purposes.
  • the present invention relates to a phosphorescent marker or sign in the form of a box-like body that is caused to phosphoresce.
  • warning signs that are either illuminated or that consist of a hollow box equipped with internal lighting.
  • One drawback with warning signs of this kind is that they shine with a constant light and are consequently not always observed, particularly in daylight.
  • warning lamps in the form of flashing lights of the kind used to warn motorists of the presence of road works.
  • One drawback with such lamps is, however, that they flash in the dark with a strong light and are totally dark in between flashes and cannot be seen.
  • the present invention relates to a phosphorescent marker which avoids these drawbacks.
  • the present invention thus relates to a phosphorescent marker which includes a hollow box-like body which houses an illuminating device, said marker being characterised in that at least the wall of the box-like body that is intended to face towards a viewer includes a plastic material that is semi-transparent to visible light; in that said wall includes a phosphorescent material; in that the illuminating device includes a flash unit which is adapted to emit light that substantially consists of ultraviolet and short-wave light; and in that the flash unit is adapted to emit flashes of light at predetermined time intervals.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a box in which the invention is applied
  • FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line A-A in Figure 1;
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a flashing light from one side
  • FIG. 5 is a front view of the flashing light in Figure 4;
  • Figure 1 shows a phosphorescent marker that comprises a hollow box-like body 1 which houses an illuminating device 2.
  • the box-like body may have any suitable form, which will depend on the purpose for which the marker is intended.
  • At least that wall of the body 1 which is intended to face towards a viewer will include a plastic material which is semi-transparent to visible light and will also include a phosphorescent material.
  • the illuminating device 2 includes a flash unit 3 which is adapted so that a substantial part of the light emitted thereby will consist of ultraviolet and short-wave light.
  • the flash unit 3 is also adapted to flash light at predetermined intervals.
  • the flash unit is placed in the box 1 so that the light flashes will impinge mainly on the inside of the entire box, or at least on that part of the box that is intended to be seen by a viewer.
  • the flash unit 2 may be mounted at an opening, such as an end-wall, in the box.
  • more than one flash unit may be mounted at or in the box.
  • the flash unit is adapted to emit further flashes of light at regular time intervals, wherewith the box 1, or at least a part of said box, shall have a discernible residual afterglow effect when a further flash is emitted. Consequently, the box will shine constantly and, moreover, emit flashes of light at regular time intervals.
  • the flash unit is preferably a photoflash unit that includes an Xenon tube. A substantial part of the light emitted by such a flash unit is ultraviolet and short-wave light. Naturally, other flash units that are suitable for the purpose intended may be used.
  • the phosphorescent material is a phosphorescent pigment that includes a strontium-aluminium compound in the form of strontium aluminate.
  • the phosphorescent material is a phosphorescent pigment that includes copper- doped zinc sulphide.
  • a significant surface area can be caused to phosphoresce over a long period of time with the aid of a conventional photoflash unit, for instance an area of at least one-half square metre to a full square metre.
  • the phosphorescence is distinctly visible up to one hour or more provided that the surrounding is dark.
  • a wavelength of 365 manometers is ideal in achieving maximum excitation of the aforesaid material.
  • effective excitation is also achieved in the range of 350 to 450 manometers. It is therefore essential that the flash unit will emit light whose major part lies within the aforesaid range. Excitation will generally decrease with increasing wavelength.
  • the inner surface of the wall of said box 1, which is semi-transparent, is coated with said phosphorescent material, as indicated in broken lines 4 in Figure 1.
  • the wall of the box 1 which is semi-transparent, consists of a plastic material in which said phosphorescent material has been admixed.
  • the box may for example include fastener elements 5 which enable the box to be attached to the roof of a vehicle, so that the vehicle may be easily seen.
  • Markers for airport vehicles, roadwork vehicles and service vehicles are typical areas in which this embodiment can be applied.
  • Figure 3 illustrates another area of use, in the form of a warning cone 6 of the kind used in route detours and temporary road blockages.
  • the flash unit 7 is placed conveniently at the top of the cone 6.
  • the whole of the conical part is constructed to phosphoresce and therewith glow when irradiated by a flash of light.
  • the arrows in Figures 1 and 3 illustrate a flash of light.
  • This embodiment causes the cone to be irradiated with flashes of light at regular intervals, wherewith the afterglow renders the cone visible to motorists during the interims between flashes.
  • FIG 4 and Figure 5 illustrate a further area of use in which so-called flashlights 8 are used in respect of route detours among other things.
  • a lens 9 or front glass is made phosphorescent, for instance by coating the inner surface of the lens 9 or front glass with a phosphorescent material.
  • the flash unit 10 is positioned conveniently where a flashbulb of a conventional flashlight is placed.
  • This embodiment solves a particular problem where motorists driving in the dark are only able to see a conventional flashing light during those periods in which the light flashes. This means that some motorists will find it difficult to localise the source of the flashes.
  • the warning effect given by the flashes can be enhanced by making an area 11 in the centre of the flashlight more transparent than the remainder of the lens or front glass.
  • Figure 6 illustrates another area of use, namely the use of the invention with different types of road signs 12 intended for temporary or permanent use.
  • Reference numeral 13 identifies a flash unit.
  • the numeral 14 identifies electric conductors for powering the flash unit.
  • the time interval between flashes may, of course, be chosen in accordance with the area of use. However, it is believed that a time interval of 1 to 2 seconds is appropriate with respect to various kinds of warning signs. Such quick repetition of the flashes will provide a highly effective afterglow effect.

Abstract

The invention relates to a phosphorescent marker or sign that includes a box-like hollow body (1) that houses an illuminating device (2) and is characterised in that at least that wall of the box-like body (1) which is intended to face towards a viewer includes a plastic material that is semi-transparent to visible light; in that said wall includes a phosphorescent material (4); in that the illuminating device (2) includes a flash unit (3) which is adapted to emit light which consists substantially of ultraviolet and short-wave light; and in that the flash unit (3) is adapted to flash at predetermined time intervals.

Description

PHOSPHORESCENT MARKERS
The present invention relates to a phosphorescent marker or a sign for warning purposes.
More specifically, the present invention relates to a phosphorescent marker or sign in the form of a box-like body that is caused to phosphoresce.
There are available various kinds of warning signs that are either illuminated or that consist of a hollow box equipped with internal lighting. One drawback with warning signs of this kind is that they shine with a constant light and are consequently not always observed, particularly in daylight.
Also available are warning lamps in the form of flashing lights of the kind used to warn motorists of the presence of road works. One drawback with such lamps is, however, that they flash in the dark with a strong light and are totally dark in between flashes and cannot be seen.
The present invention relates to a phosphorescent marker which avoids these drawbacks.
The present invention thus relates to a phosphorescent marker which includes a hollow box-like body which houses an illuminating device, said marker being characterised in that at least the wall of the box-like body that is intended to face towards a viewer includes a plastic material that is semi-transparent to visible light; in that said wall includes a phosphorescent material; in that the illuminating device includes a flash unit which is adapted to emit light that substantially consists of ultraviolet and short-wave light; and in that the flash unit is adapted to emit flashes of light at predetermined time intervals. The invention is described in more detail below, partly with reference to an embodiment of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawing, where
- Figure 1 illustrates a box in which the invention is applied;
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line A-A in Figure 1;
- Figure 3 illustrates a warning cone;
- Figure 4 illustrates a flashing light from one side; - Figure 5 is a front view of the flashing light in Figure 4; and
- Figure 6 shows a road sign.
Figure 1 shows a phosphorescent marker that comprises a hollow box-like body 1 which houses an illuminating device 2. The box-like body may have any suitable form, which will depend on the purpose for which the marker is intended.
According to the invention, at least that wall of the body 1 which is intended to face towards a viewer will include a plastic material which is semi-transparent to visible light and will also include a phosphorescent material. The illuminating device 2 includes a flash unit 3 which is adapted so that a substantial part of the light emitted thereby will consist of ultraviolet and short-wave light. The flash unit 3 is also adapted to flash light at predetermined intervals.
The flash unit is placed in the box 1 so that the light flashes will impinge mainly on the inside of the entire box, or at least on that part of the box that is intended to be seen by a viewer. For instance, the flash unit 2 may be mounted at an opening, such as an end-wall, in the box. Naturally, more than one flash unit may be mounted at or in the box. As the flash unit flashes, the phosphorescent material will be excited and therewith emit visible light over a given following time period. The flash unit is adapted to emit further flashes of light at regular time intervals, wherewith the box 1, or at least a part of said box, shall have a discernible residual afterglow effect when a further flash is emitted. Consequently, the box will shine constantly and, moreover, emit flashes of light at regular time intervals.
The flash unit is preferably a photoflash unit that includes an Xenon tube. A substantial part of the light emitted by such a flash unit is ultraviolet and short-wave light. Naturally, other flash units that are suitable for the purpose intended may be used.
According to one highly preferred embodiment of the invention, the phosphorescent material is a phosphorescent pigment that includes a strontium-aluminium compound in the form of strontium aluminate.
According to an alternative embodiment, the phosphorescent material is a phosphorescent pigment that includes copper- doped zinc sulphide.
It has surprisingly been found that a significant surface area can be caused to phosphoresce over a long period of time with the aid of a conventional photoflash unit, for instance an area of at least one-half square metre to a full square metre. The phosphorescence is distinctly visible up to one hour or more provided that the surrounding is dark.
A wavelength of 365 manometers is ideal in achieving maximum excitation of the aforesaid material. However, effective excitation is also achieved in the range of 350 to 450 manometers. It is therefore essential that the flash unit will emit light whose major part lies within the aforesaid range. Excitation will generally decrease with increasing wavelength.
According to one preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the wall of said box 1, which is semi-transparent, is coated with said phosphorescent material, as indicated in broken lines 4 in Figure 1.
According to an alternative embodiment, the wall of the box 1, which is semi-transparent, consists of a plastic material in which said phosphorescent material has been admixed.
As illustrated in Figure 1, the box may for example include fastener elements 5 which enable the box to be attached to the roof of a vehicle, so that the vehicle may be easily seen. Markers for airport vehicles, roadwork vehicles and service vehicles are typical areas in which this embodiment can be applied.
The combination of a flashing light and an afterglow enables the inventive device to be seen very easily.
Figure 3 illustrates another area of use, in the form of a warning cone 6 of the kind used in route detours and temporary road blockages. In this case, the flash unit 7 is placed conveniently at the top of the cone 6. Conveniently, the whole of the conical part is constructed to phosphoresce and therewith glow when irradiated by a flash of light. The arrows in Figures 1 and 3 illustrate a flash of light. This embodiment causes the cone to be irradiated with flashes of light at regular intervals, wherewith the afterglow renders the cone visible to motorists during the interims between flashes.
Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrate a further area of use in which so-called flashlights 8 are used in respect of route detours among other things. In this embodiment, a lens 9 or front glass is made phosphorescent, for instance by coating the inner surface of the lens 9 or front glass with a phosphorescent material. The flash unit 10 is positioned conveniently where a flashbulb of a conventional flashlight is placed. This embodiment solves a particular problem where motorists driving in the dark are only able to see a conventional flashing light during those periods in which the light flashes. This means that some motorists will find it difficult to localise the source of the flashes. The warning effect given by the flashes can be enhanced by making an area 11 in the centre of the flashlight more transparent than the remainder of the lens or front glass.
Figure 6 illustrates another area of use, namely the use of the invention with different types of road signs 12 intended for temporary or permanent use. Reference numeral 13 identifies a flash unit.
In Figures 1, 2 and 6, the numeral 14 identifies electric conductors for powering the flash unit.
The time interval between flashes may, of course, be chosen in accordance with the area of use. However, it is believed that a time interval of 1 to 2 seconds is appropriate with respect to various kinds of warning signs. Such quick repetition of the flashes will provide a highly effective afterglow effect.
A number of embodiments and areas of use have been described above. It will however be understood that both embodiments and areas of use can be varied.
The present invention is therefore not restricted to the aforedescribed embodiments thereof, since variations and modifications can be made within the scope of the following Claims .

Claims

1. A phosphorescent marker or sign that includes a box-like hollow body (1) that houses an illuminating device (2) , characterised in that at least that wall of the body (1) intended to face towards a viewer includes a plastic material that is semi-transparent to visible light; in that said wall includes a phosphorescent material (4) ; in that the illuminating device (2) includes a flash unit (3) which is adapted to emit light which consists substantially of ultraviolet and short-wave light; and in that the flash unit (3) is adapted to flash at predetermined time intervals.
2. A marker according to Claim 1, characterised in that the flash unit (3) is a photoflash unit that includes an Xenon tube.
3. A marker according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the inner surface of said semi-transparent wall is coated with said phosphorescent material (4) .
4. A marker according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said semi-transparent wall is comprised of a plastic material in which said phosphorescent material has been admixed.
5. A marker according to Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterised in that the phosphorescent material is a phosphorescent pigment that includes a strontium-aluminium compound.
6. A marker according to Claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterised in that said phosphorescent material is a phosphorescent pigment that includes copper-doped zinc sulphide.
PCT/SE1999/001771 1998-10-12 1999-10-05 Phosphorescent markers WO2000025289A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE9803472-1 1998-10-12
SE9803472A SE9803472L (en) 1998-10-12 1998-10-12 Phosphorescent marking for warning purposes

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000025289A1 true WO2000025289A1 (en) 2000-05-04

Family

ID=20412915

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/SE1999/001771 WO2000025289A1 (en) 1998-10-12 1999-10-05 Phosphorescent markers

Country Status (2)

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SE (1) SE9803472L (en)
WO (1) WO2000025289A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005091260A1 (en) * 2004-03-24 2005-09-29 Oesthassel Henry Gordon Device for electric sign
JP2013058410A (en) * 2011-09-08 2013-03-28 Sharp Corp Lighting device
WO2016153372A1 (en) * 2015-03-24 2016-09-29 "Alumast"Społka Akcyjna Composite lighting column

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2213868A (en) * 1938-05-07 1940-09-03 Arsene N Lucian Sign
EP0187410A1 (en) * 1984-12-12 1986-07-16 Party Paint Promotions Ltd. Display device
US4772869A (en) * 1987-02-24 1988-09-20 Lamba Systems, Inc. Communication apparatus
SE461305B (en) * 1984-11-06 1990-01-29 Labino Patent Ab Luminaire INCLUDING A CHARGING BODY

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2213868A (en) * 1938-05-07 1940-09-03 Arsene N Lucian Sign
SE461305B (en) * 1984-11-06 1990-01-29 Labino Patent Ab Luminaire INCLUDING A CHARGING BODY
EP0187410A1 (en) * 1984-12-12 1986-07-16 Party Paint Promotions Ltd. Display device
US4772869A (en) * 1987-02-24 1988-09-20 Lamba Systems, Inc. Communication apparatus

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2005091260A1 (en) * 2004-03-24 2005-09-29 Oesthassel Henry Gordon Device for electric sign
JP2013058410A (en) * 2011-09-08 2013-03-28 Sharp Corp Lighting device
WO2016153372A1 (en) * 2015-03-24 2016-09-29 "Alumast"Społka Akcyjna Composite lighting column

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE9803472D0 (en) 1998-10-12
SE511159C2 (en) 1999-08-16
SE9803472L (en) 1999-08-16

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