U.S. patent application number 10/977592 was filed with the patent office on 2005-10-27 for non-powered luminous panels and devices and method of manufacture.
Invention is credited to Sturley, David K..
Application Number | 20050238911 10/977592 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35449319 |
Filed Date | 2005-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050238911 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Sturley, David K. |
October 27, 2005 |
Non-powered luminous panels and devices and method of
manufacture
Abstract
A non-powered luminous device comprises an elongate member that
is at least one of transparent and/or translucent and that defines
a cavity. A luminous material is located in the cavity and in
contact with inner walls of the cavity and includes a light
transmissive resinous material containing a suspension of
luminescent particles.
Inventors: |
Sturley, David K.; (Royal
Oak, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael D. Wiggins
950 Harmon St.
Birmingham
MI
48009
US
|
Family ID: |
35449319 |
Appl. No.: |
10/977592 |
Filed: |
October 29, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10977592 |
Oct 29, 2004 |
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09810353 |
Mar 16, 2001 |
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6828043 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
428/690 ;
250/462.1; 250/484.4; 40/542; 40/543; 427/157; 427/231; 428/100;
428/373; 428/397; 428/99 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21K 2/00 20130101; Y10T
428/2929 20150115; H05B 33/02 20130101; B32B 27/18 20130101; Y10T
428/24876 20150115; Y10T 428/24901 20150115; Y10T 428/256 20150115;
Y10T 428/24017 20150115; C09K 11/778 20130101; Y10T 428/26
20150115; Y10T 428/24008 20150115; Y10S 428/917 20130101; C09K
11/02 20130101; Y10T 428/2973 20150115; Y10T 428/24802 20150115;
Y10T 428/258 20150115; Y10T 428/31786 20150401; G09F 13/20
20130101; Y10T 428/31938 20150401; Y10T 428/25 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/690 ;
428/373; 428/397; 428/099; 428/100; 040/542; 040/543; 250/462.1;
250/484.4; 427/157; 427/231 |
International
Class: |
F21K 002/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A non-powered luminous device, comprising: an elongate member
that is at least one of transparent and/or translucent and that
defines a cavity; and a luminous material that is located in said
cavity and in contact with inner walls of said cavity and that
includes a light transmissive resinous material containing a
suspension of luminescent particles.
2. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein the luminous
material contains about 4 to 40 grams of the luminescent particles
per 100 cc of the light transmissive resinous material.
3. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein the luminous
material contains about 11 to 20 grams of the luminescent particles
per 100 cc of the light transmissive resinous material.
4. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein the luminous
material contains tackiness promoter.
5. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein said elongate
member is flexible.
6. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein the luminous
material contains a catalyst.
7. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein said light
transmissive resinous material remains flexible after curing.
8. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein the resinous
material comprises a clear polyester or styrene resin.
9. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein said elongate
member has one of circular, elliptical, polygonal, square, or
rectangular cross section.
10. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein the luminous
particles comprise MO.a(Al.sub.1-bB.sub.b).sub.2O.sub.3:cR wherein:
0.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.10.0, 0.0001.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.5 and
0.01.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.2, MO represents at least one divalent metal
oxide selected from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, SrO and ZnO
and R represents Eu and at least one additional rare earth element
selected from the group consisting of Pt, Nd, Dy and Tm.
11. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein the
luminescent particles are comprised of a sinter expressed by a
general formula
MO.(n-x){aAl.sub.2O.sub.3.sup..alpha..div.(1-a)Al.sub.2O.sub.3.sup..gamma-
.}B.sub.2O.sub.3:R wherein M represents an alkaline earth metal, R
represents a rare earth element, 0.5<a.ltoreq.0.99,
0.001.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.35, and 1.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.8.
12. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein the luminous
particles comprise a luminescent material which absorbs light from
a light source and reemits the light energy in a first wavelength
spectrum when the light source is removed mixed with a material
selected from the group consisting of fluorescent colorants and
optical brighteners which are excited by absorbing light at a first
wavelength spectrum and reemitting the absorbed light at a second
wavelength spectrum.
13. A system comprising the non-powered luminous device of claim 1
and further comprising: an object; a first fastener attached to
said object; and a second fastener attached to said flexible
member, wherein said first and second fasteners are mating
fasteners.
14. The system of claim 13 wherein said first and second fasteners
comprise Velcro.
15. The system of claim 13 wherein said first and second fasteners
are male and female connectors.
16. A system comprising the non-powered luminous device of claim 1
and further comprising a handrail including a slot for removably
receiving said elongate member.
17. A system comprising the non-powered luminous device of claim 1
and further comprising: a handrail having a surface; and an
attachment device for attaching said elongate member to said
surface.
18. The system of claim 17 wherein said attachment device includes
double-sided tape.
19. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein said
luminescent particles include low light green (LLG) luminescent
particles.
20. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein said
luminescent particles include high light (HL) luminescent
particles.
21. A method for making a non-powered luminous device, comprising:
providing an elongate member having a cavity; mixing luminescent
particles with a light transmissive resinous material to create a
resin-based solution; filling the cavity of the elongate member
with the resin-based solution; and rotating the flexible member
until the resin-based solution cures.
22. The method of claim 21 wherein the resin-based solution is
drawn into the cavity using vacuum.
23. The method of claim 21 further comprising injecting the
resin-based solution into the cavity under pressure.
24. The method of claim 21 further comprising gravity feeding the
resin-based solution into the cavity.
25. The method of claim 21 further comprising adding a hardener to
the resin-based solution before curing.
26. The method of claim 21 further comprising adding a tackiness
promoter to the resin-based solution before curing.
27. The method of claim 21 further comprising applying heat to the
flexible member during curing.
28. The method of claim 21 further comprising adding about 4 to 40
grams of the luminescent particles per 100 cc of the light
transmissive resinous material.
28. The method of claim 21 further comprising adding about 11 to 20
grams of the luminescent particles per 100 cc of the light
transmissive resinous material.
29. The method of claim 21 wherein said luminescent particles are
low light luminescent particles.
30. The method of claim 21 wherein said luminescent particles are
high light luminescent particles.
31. The non-powered luminous device of claim 1 wherein said
elongate member is cut into 3' to 6" lengths and wherein said
non-powered luminous devices are used to mark a path.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/810,353 filed on Mar. 16, 2001. The
disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to luminous panels and
devices, and more particularly to non-powered luminous devices
containing luminescent particles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Luminous panels and devices are often used for signs,
decorations and markings. The luminous panels typically require
electricity to operate. These luminous-panels usually include a
powered light source such electroluminescent elements, light
emitting diodes (LEDs), neon light bulbs, incandescent light bulbs
and/or fluorescent light bulbs.
[0004] When the normal power source is unavailable, the luminous
panels are unable to provide illumination unless backup systems are
used. In other words, in emergency situations when the normal power
source is not available, these luminous panels must be connected to
a backup power source such as batteries. Alternately, a backup
generator may be used. As can be appreciated, the batteries will
require maintenance personnel to perform periodic testing and/or
replacement, which can be costly. Backup generators are also costly
and may be damaged during emergency situations.
[0005] Some building codes require stairwells and halls to be
illuminated by non-powered light sources to a prescribed level when
power is lost. When an emergency occurs, the non-powered sources
provide light that help building occupants safely exit the
building. In one approach, paint containing luminescent particles
has been used. Light that is absorbed by the luminescent particles
is released with the light source is removed. However, paint
containing luminous particles has typically been unable to meet the
specifications relating to the duration that the light must be
provided. This approach may also fail to provide a sufficient
amount of light or intensity. Durability may also be
problematic.
[0006] Non-powered luminous panels and devices have a variety of
other applications. Law enforcement personnel often need respond to
dangerous situations. For example, when law enforcement personnel
respond to a robbery in progress, there may be an armed robber in
the vicinity. In the heat of the ensuing action, it may be
difficult for one law enforcement person to differentiate between
other law enforcement personnel and the armed robbers.
[0007] Some law enforcement personnel attach a non-powered luminous
device to identify themselves as law enforcement personnel and to
prevent accidental misidentification. These non-powered luminous
devices typically include a brittle inner tube such as glass,
breakable plastic or other material within a semi-flexible outer
tube such as plastic. When the device is bent, the inner tube
breaks. Chemicals in the inner tube mix with chemicals in the outer
tube. The chemical reaction creates a luminous mixture. When these
luminous devices are initially activated, they typically provide
too much light, which can be a distraction and/or can draw
attention to the law enforcement personnel. These luminous devices
tend to last for a short period and are typically single use
devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] A non-powered luminous device comprises an elongate member
that is at least one of transparent and/or translucent and that
defines a cavity. A luminous material is located in the cavity and
in contact with inner walls of the cavity and includes a light
transmissive resinous material containing a suspension of
luminescent particles.
[0009] In other features, the luminous material contains about 4 to
40 grams of the luminescent particles per 100 cc of the light
transmissive resinous material. The luminous material contains
about 11 to 20 grams of the luminescent particles per 100 cc of the
light transmissive resinous material. The luminous material
contains tackiness promoter. The elongate member is flexible. The
luminous material contains a catalyst.
[0010] In still other features, the light transmissive resinous
material remains flexible after curing. The resinous material
comprises a clear polyester or styrene resin. The elongate member
has one of circular, elliptical, polygonal, square, or rectangular
cross section.
[0011] A system comprising the non-powered luminous device of claim
1 and further comprises an object, a first fastener attached to the
object, and a second fastener attached to the flexible member. The
first and second fasteners are mating fasteners.
[0012] In still other features, the first and second fasteners
comprise Velcro. The first and second fasteners are male and female
connectors.
[0013] A system comprises the non-powered luminous device and
further comprises a handrail including a slot for removably
receiving the elongate member.
[0014] A system comprises the non-powered luminous device and
further comprises a handrail having a surface and an attachment
device for attaching the elongate member to the surface. The
attachment device includes double-sided tape.
[0015] In other features, the luminescent particles include low
light green (LLG) luminescent particles. The luminescent particles
include high light (HL) luminescent particles.
[0016] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the
invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are
not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention will become more fully understood from
the detailed description and the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a non-powered luminous
device according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0023] FIGS. 6A-6F are cross sectional views of exemplary elongate
members;
[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates apparatus for making the non-powered
luminous device of FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 8A illustrates an exemplary device for rotating the
elongate member during curing;
[0026] FIG. 8B illustrates an exemplary device for rotating and
heating the elongate member during curing;
[0027] FIGS. 9A-9D are flowcharts illustrating steps of a method
for making the non-powered luminous device;
[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates a system including the non-powered
luminous device, first exemplary mating attachments, and an
object;
[0029] FIG. 11 illustrates a system including the non-powered
luminous device, second exemplary mating attachments, and an
object;
[0030] FIG. 12 illustrates a system including the non-powered
luminous device, double-sided tape, and an object;
[0031] FIG. 13 illustrates a system including a first exemplary
handrail including a slot for receiving the non-powered luminous
device;
[0032] FIG. 14 illustrates a system including the non-powered
luminous device and a second exemplary handrail; and
[0033] FIG. 15 illustrates a recharging device for a non-powered
luminous device and/or a luminous panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0034] The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is
merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its application, or uses. For purposes of clarity, the
same reference numbers will be used in the drawings to identify
similar elements.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a non-powered
luminous panel according to the present invention is shown. The
non-powered luminous panel includes a bottom plate 2 and a top
plate 4. In this embodiment, the plates 2 and 4 are illustrated as
being rectangular. However, skilled artisans can appreciate that
the plates 2 and 4 can be circular, square or any other desired
shape.
[0036] The plates 2 and 4 are made from a transparent or
translucent material such as glass or plastic. At least the top
surface of plate 2 and the bottom surface of plate 4 are
substantially flat. An interlayer 6 of a luminescent resinous
material is provided between the plates 2 and 4. The layer of
luminescent resinous material 6 can be coated onto the plate 2 by
any known method. Subsequently, the plate 4 is placed on top of the
layer 6. The luminous panel may be of any thickness depending on
the use. In some embodiments, the thickness of the luminous panel
is in the range of {fraction (3/16)}" to 1-1/4".
[0037] The interlayer 6 includes a clear resinous material such as
polyester or styrene resins with a dispersion of luminescent
particles therein. The resinous material need only be light
transmissive, capable of curing by heat, infrared, x-rays,
ultraviolet light, passage of time, etc., act as an adhesive and be
compatible with the particles of luminescent material.
[0038] The resinous material in the interlayer 6 is typically
formed by adding about 50 grams of luminescent particles to 1000 cc
of resinous material. To this, small amounts of additives may be
mixed into the resinous materials. Such additives may include an
adhesion promoter and catalyst to cause the resinous material to
harden. The thickness of the interlayer 6 depends upon the
application and is preferably in the range equal to 0.010 to 0.150
inches. However, the greater the thickness of the interlayer 6, the
greater is the chance of a deflection of the interlayer 6 which may
result in a breaking of one or both of the plates 2 and 4.
[0039] Suitable luminescent particles are those such as the long
decay phosphors of U.S. Pat. No. 5,376,303, the long afterglow
phosphor of U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,483 and the photostorage and
emissive material of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/166,199,
which was filed on Oct. 5, 1999. The long decay phosphor of U.S.
Pat. No. 5,376,303 is comprised of
MO.a(A1.sub.1-bB.sub.b).sub.2O.sub.3:cR herein:
[0040] 0.5.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.10.0,
[0041] 0.0001.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.0.5 and
[0042] 0.0001..ltoreq.c.ltoreq.0.2,
[0043] MO represents at least one divalent metal oxide selected
from the group consisting of MgO, CaO, SrO and ZnO and R represents
Eu and at least one additional rare earth element selected from the
group consisting of Pt, Nd, Dy and Tm. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,483,
the long afterglow phosphor comprises a sinter expressed by a
general formula MO.(n-x){a
A1.sub.2O.sub.3*(1-a)A1.sub.2O.sub.3.sup..gamma.}B.sub.2O.sub.- 3:R
wherein M represents an alkaline earth metal, T represents a rare
earth element, 0.5<a.ltoreq.0.99, 0.001.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.0.35,
1.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.8 and a part of M may be replaced with at least
one alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of Mg,
Ca and Ba.
[0044] The photostorage and emissive material of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/166,199 is composed of luminescent material
which absorbs light from a light source. The luminescent material
re-emits the light energy in a first wavelength spectrum when the
light source is removed. A second material is mixed with the
luminescent material. The second material is selected from the
group consisting of fluorescent colorants and optical brighteners
that absorb light at the first wavelength spectrum and re-emit the
absorbed light at a second wavelength spectrum.
[0045] In use, the non-powered luminous panel absorbs light energy
into the luminous particles contained in the interlayer 6. The
light energy is thereby stored in the interlayer 6 and continues to
be stored so long as the source of light is present. Once the
source of light is removed by either the sun going down, the other
powered sources of light energy being turned off (for example by
power failure or other emergency), the interlayer 6 will emit light
energy in the visible spectrum and the non-powered luminous panel
will be easily visible.
[0046] Referring back to FIG. 1, indicia such as letters 8, which
form either a direction or emergency notice sign such as the
letters EXIT, can be printed in opaque letters on the top surface
of the plate 4. When the interlayer 6 emits light energy in the
visible spectrum, the indicia 8 can easily seen and the sign easily
read.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the present
invention is shown. All of the elements are similar except that the
plate 2' is made thinner in FIG. 2 than the plate 2 in FIG. 1, the
plate 4' is made thicker than the plate 4 in FIG. 1 and the indicia
8' are formed in inverse. By varying the relative thickness of the
plates, it is possible to change the strength of the overall
luminous plate to suit the particular application. Also by printing
the indicia in reverse such as the indicia 8' in FIG. 2, the
luminous light energy in the visible spectrum will be visible from
the luminous panel as letters. In some situations, the letters in
FIG. 2 may be more visible than the construction shown in FIG.
1.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, a third embodiment of the present
invention is shown. The bottom plate 2 is eliminated. In its place,
a protective layer 12 is provided. The protective layer 12 may
comprise aluminum or tin foil or a suitable plastic film that
protects the bottom surface of the interlayer 6. Otherwise, the
embodiment of FIG. 3 functions in the same way the embodiments of
FIGS. 1 and 2. However, this embodiment only emits light from one
side.
[0049] Referring now to FIG. 4, a fourth embodiment of the present
invention is shown. In this embodiment, the top surface 14 of the
top plate 4 and/or bottom surface 16 of the bottom plate 2 may be
half silvered to allow light to enter the non-powered luminescent
plate but be reflected or trapped between the top and bottom plates
2 and 4 by the partial or half silvered layers 14 and 16. In this
way, the light capturing ability of the non-powered luminous plate
may be enhanced.
[0050] Still further, in other applications, the top or bottom
surface of the plate 2 that is in contact with the interlayer 6 can
be provided with a completely mirrored surface. By providing the
completely mirrored surface, the light that is emitted by the
interlayer 6 is reflected by the mirror and exits the top surface
14 of the upper plate 4. Still further and in other embodiments,
the interlayer 6 further comprises reflective particles to further
enhance the emission of light and to provide a more aesthetic
appearance.
[0051] Using the photostorage and emissive material of U.S. Ser.
No. 09/166,199, it is possible to provide an interlayer 6 having
different colors. In other words, the interlayer 6 can be any color
such as red, green, blue, purple, etc. By utilizing the
photostorage and emissive material of U.S. application Ser. No.
09/166,199, the color of the luminous panel and the color of the
light emitted from the non-powered luminous panel can be selected
based upon esthetics or the use. For example, for emergency signs
or uses, it may be desirable to provide the interlayer 6 in red.
Finally, in some applications, it may be useful to utilize a
colored light transmissive material for the plates 2 and 4,
depending on the use and the aesthetics.
[0052] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the
uses of the non-powered electroluminescent panel of the present
invention is particularly broad. In particular, because of the
varying ways in which the luminous panel of the present invention
can be manufactured, such non-powered luminous panels can be used
for safety, novelty and/or decoration. For commercial uses, it can
be used as an interior or exterior glazing and provide navigational
light and security in entrances and atriums. In public parking
structures, it can be mounted to walls and handrails for
navigational and direction and include letters and arrows to
further enhance the security and safety of the parking structure.
Still further, it can be installed on the vertical risers of steps
and stairways to easily mark the steps and thereby increase the
safety in both commercial and residential settings.
[0053] Other uses of the luminous panel include but are not limited
to pavers made entirely of light transmissive material or
composites of brick, mortar, and/or cement with a portion made of
light transmissive material embedded therein to mark sidewalks and
driveways, table tops, shower door glass, doors and door moldings,
lens covers for incandescent and fluorescent lights, light shades
and commercial signage.
[0054] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6A-6F, a non-powered luminous
device 100 according to the present invention includes an elongate
member 104 that defines an inner cavity 108. The term elongate is
used herein to mean a length that is at least two times greater
than a cross-sectional width. The elongate member 104 can be made
of any transparent and/or translucent material. In some
embodiments, the elongate member 104 is flexible. In some
embodiments, the elongate member 104 is made of plastic such as but
not limited to vinyl. The elongate member 104 can have a variety of
cross-sections including, but not limited to, circular (FIG. 6A),
elliptical (FIG. 6B), polygonal including N sides where N is
greater than three (FIG. 6C), square (FIG. 6D), rectangular (FIG.
6E), rounded rectangular (FIG. 6F), or any other suitable shape.
The inner cavity 108 of the elongate member 104 receives
luminescent resinous material 112 that contains luminous particles,
as previously described the embodiments above and as will be
described in the embodiments below.
[0055] In some embodiments, the luminescent resinous material
remains pliable after curing. Having a pliable non-powered luminous
device facilitates bending and improves durability by reducing
cracking. In some embodiments, a tackiness enhancing material is
added to the resin-based solution to improve the adhesion of the
resin-based solution to inner walls of the cavity 108. In some
embodiments, a catalyst or hardener can be added to the luminescent
resinous material to reduce the curing time. For example, the resin
material can be ASTROCURE 5000G available from Zircon Corporation
of Collierville, Tenn. and/or low shrinkage resin from Glasslam H.
G. I, Inc. of Pompano Beach, Fla. For example, the tackiness
enhancing material can be organic silane available from ASTROCURE
P-88-2 (Gamma Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane) available from
Zircon Corporation. For example, the catalyst or hardener can be
organic peroxide such as Organic Peroxide Type D or ASTROCURE C-88
available from Zircon Corporation.
[0056] The luminous particles can be the luminescent particles
described above and in the concentrations described above
(hereinafter high light (HL) luminescent particles). The
luminescent particles are called HL due to their ability to be
charged by outdoor light--sunlight--with only ordinary degradation
of the luminescent particles. In other embodiments, a low light
(LL) luminescent particles is used alone or in combination with the
HL luminescent particles. The LL luminescent particles have a
shorter charge time. The LL luminescent particles charge with
indoor sources of light but experience accelerated degradation if
changed with outdoor light. The LL luminescent particles are
preferably GLL300M available under the trademark Luminova.RTM. from
United Mineral and Chemical Corp. of Lyndhurst, N.J. and Nemota
& Co. LTD. of Tokyo, Japan. The HL luminescent particles are
preferably G300, BG300 or V300 available under the trademark
Luminova.RTM. from United Mineral and Chemical Corp. and Nemota
& Co. LTD. of Tokyo, Japan. As can be appreciated, the luminous
panels described above can also be implemented using LL, HL and/or
LL and HL luminescent particles.
[0057] In some embodiments of the non-powered luminous device and
luminous panels, approximately 4-40 g of luminescent particles are
added to each 100 cc of resin. In other embodiments, approximately
11-20 g of luminescent particles are added to each 100 cc of resin.
If the tackiness enhancer is used, preferably 0.5 to 2 cc is added
for each 100 cc of resin in some embodiments. If the catalyst or
hardener is used, approximately 0.5 to 2 cc is added for each 100
cc of resin in some embodiments.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 7, one end 116 of the elongate member
104 is in fluid communication with a supply 120 that includes the
luminescent resinous material. An opposite end 118 of the elongate
member 104 is in fluid communication with a vacuum source 130. In
use, the vacuum source 130 draws the luminescent resinous material
into the cavity 108 of the elongate member 104. While a vacuum
source 130 is shown, gravity and/or pressure based systems can also
be used.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, exemplary curing devices
are shown. In FIG. 8A, the curing device 134 includes a rotating
device 138 that rotates rollers 140. The non-powered luminous
device 100-1, 100-2, . . . , 100-N are positioned on the rollers
140. Preferably, the rollers 140 rotate the non-powered luminous
device 100 at a rate that is greater than or equal to 1 revolution
every 50 seconds. By rotating the non-powered luminous devices 100
during curing, the luminescent particles will remain in solution
until curing is complete. This will ensure that the non-powered
luminous devices 100 have uniform light intensity from all
directions during emission.
[0060] In FIG. 8B, a rotating and curing device 146 rotates the
rollers 140 and uses a curing enhancement. For example, the rollers
can be heated. For example, the rollers can be heated and/or an
infrared heat source can be used. The heated rollers 140 heat the
non-powered luminous devices 100 to facilitate curing. In some
embodiments, the heating portion is separate from the rollers 140.
In other embodiments, the heating portion is integrated with the
rollers 140. Any source of heat may be used including heat
radiating surfaces, hot air, and/or other known heat sources.
Ultraviolet might may also be used. Temperatures above ambient and
less than a melting point of the elongate member are preferably
used. Other variations will be apparent to skilled artisans.
[0061] Referring now to FIGS. 9A-9D, various exemplary methods for
making the non-powered luminous device 100 are shown. In FIG. 9A,
the LL and/or HL luminescent particles are mixed with the resinous
material in step 160. In step 164, the luminescent resinous
material is drawn into the cavity 108 of the elongate member 104
using vacuum, pressure and/or gravity. In step 166, the elongate
member 104 is rotated until the resin cures. In FIG. 9B, an
optional hardener or catalyst is added to the luminescent resinous
material before curing in step 170. In FIG. 9C, an optional
tackiness promoter is mixed into the luminescent resinous material
before curing in step 174. In FIG. 9D, both heat and rotation are
optionally performed during curing in step 178. Alternately
ultraviolet light may be used. As can be appreciated, the steps of
the methods shown in FIG. 9A-9D can be combined and/or arranged in
other permutations without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, mating attachment devices
200 and 204 are used to attach the flexible phosphorescent light
supply 100 to an object 210. For example, the mating attachment
devices 200 and 204 can be male and female connectors such as
Velcro or other types of male and female mating attachments. If
Velcro is used, adhesive is preferably used to attach one of the
Velcro portions to one side of the non-powered luminous device 100.
Adhesive is also used to attach the mating Velcro portions to the
object 210.
[0063] In FIG. 11, male and female interlocking elements 220 and
224 are used to attach the flexible phosphorescent light supply 100
to the object. Still other types of mating attachments can be used.
Referring now to FIG. 12, double-sided tape 230 is used to attach
the non-powered luminous device 100 to the object 210. Any other
type of fastening device may be used.
[0064] In FIG. 13, a slot 240 is formed in a handrail 242. The slot
240 removably receives the non-powered luminous device 100. As can
be appreciated, the non-powered luminous device can be removed from
the slot 240 and replaced if needed. The non-powered luminous
device can be used when powered light sources are unavailable.
[0065] In FIG. 14, a handrail 250 having a C-shaped cross-section
is shown. A rectangular non-powered luminous device 100 is shown
attached to an upper surface thereof. Still other cross-sectional
shapes may be used for the handrail and/or the luminous device 100.
The same types of attachment devices may also be used to attach
luminous panels to objects.
[0066] Law enforcement personnel sometimes need a non-powered light
source for quick identification during emergency and/or dangerous
situations. For example, when responding to a crime scene with
armed suspects, the law enforcement personnel must quickly decide
whether an armed person is friend or foe. Attaching a luminous
device such as those described above may help law enforcement
personnel quickly decide whether the armed person is a friend or
foe.
[0067] The non-powered light source can be small luminous panel or
luminous device. For example, the luminous panel or device can be
made of plastic and include attachment devices such as those
described above. The luminous device may be self attaching such as
a ring shape that can be worn around the neck, arm, legs, waist,
etc. The luminous panel may include one or more light transmissive
layers that are made of plexiglass or other bullet resistant
material. The luminous panel and/or device may include HL and/or LL
luminous particles. Advantages of LL include reduced charge time as
compared to HL. The luminous panel may be attached to the uniform
of the law enforcement personnel using Velcro or other attachment
types. For example, the luminous panels may be attached on the
front and/or back of the law enforcement personnel.
[0068] Since the law enforcement personnel may be in the field, a
convenient source of light is needed. Referring now to FIG. 15, a
charging device 250 is shown to include a housing 254 that includes
a power supply 258, a light source 262, and one or more slots 264
for receiving one or more of the luminous panels and/or luminous
devices 100. The charging device 250 can be used to charge the
LL-based, HL-based and/or LL and HL-based luminous devices.
[0069] While a generally rectangular shape is shown, the housing
254 may have any suitable shape. The power supply 258 may be an AC
source and/or a DC source such as batteries or a vehicle adaptor.
The light source 262 can be any suitable source that excites the
luminescent particles including but not limited to black light,
incandescent light, light emitting diodes, etc. One or more inner
surfaces of the housing 254 can be coated with a reflective
material or mirrored to increase the charging efficiency of the
light source. A door 270 can be used to enclose an end of the
charging device 250 that receives the luminous panel or a
luminescent resinous material. A control 272 may include an on/off
switch 272 that is used to turn the light source on or off. In some
embodiments, the control 272 may include a timer that sets the
amount of time that the light source is on and/or a delay until the
light turns on. The control 272 may be programmable to start and
stop.
[0070] In use, the luminous panel and/or luminous device is
inserted into the slot 264. The control 272 is used to turn on the
light source 262. After the luminous panel or a non-powered
luminous device has been in the slot 264 for a sufficient amount of
time with the light source on, it becomes charged. The luminous
panel or luminous device is removed attached to the object or
person.
[0071] The elongate member 104 can be made in longer sections and
cut into shorted sections during manufacture and/or after sale. The
shorter sections can be used as "breadcrumbs" to mark a path to
provide a marking for the return trip at night or other low light
situations.
[0072] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the present
invention can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore,
while this invention has been described in connection with
particular examples thereof, the true scope of the invention should
not be so limited since other modifications will become apparent to
the skilled practitioner upon a study of the drawings, the
specification and the following claims.
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