U.S. patent application number 11/544195 was filed with the patent office on 2007-04-12 for electroluminescent display apparatus for an inflatable device and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Haynes Enterprise, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bryan D. Haynes.
Application Number | 20070082578 11/544195 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37758858 |
Filed Date | 2007-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070082578 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haynes; Bryan D. |
April 12, 2007 |
Electroluminescent display apparatus for an inflatable device and
method
Abstract
A lighted balloon system is provided including an inflatable,
metallized polyfilm balloon device, having a surface, and a
relatively lightweight, flat electroluminescent display device
mounted to the surface of the balloon device. The lighted balloon
system further includes a power supply, and one or more circuits
disposed on the surface of the inflatable device electrically
communicating the power supply and the display device for
illumination thereof.
Inventors: |
Haynes; Bryan D.; (Pacifica,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BEYER WEAVER LLP
P.O. BOX 70250
OAKLAND
CA
94612-0250
US
|
Assignee: |
Haynes Enterprise, Inc.
Pacifica
CA
94044
|
Family ID: |
37758858 |
Appl. No.: |
11/544195 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60724553 |
Oct 6, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
446/220 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09F 21/10 20130101;
G09F 13/22 20130101; A63H 2027/1091 20130101; A63H 27/10 20130101;
A63H 2027/1058 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
446/220 |
International
Class: |
A63H 27/10 20060101
A63H027/10 |
Claims
1. A lighted inflatable apparatus comprising: an inflatable device;
and a relatively lightweight, flat emissive display device
applicable to the inflatable device for illumination of the
emissive display while applied thereto.
2. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said inflatable device is a balloon device.
3. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
said balloon device is selected from the group consisting
essentially of a metallized polyfilm balloon, a non-metallized
polyfilm balloon, a latex rubber balloon and a chloroprene
balloon.
4. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 1, further
including: a power supply operably coupled to the display device
for illumination thereof.
5. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 4, wherein
said power supply is disposed on a surface of the inflatable
device.
6. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 5, wherein
said power supply includes a battery configured to be printed
directly onto said surface of the inflatable device.
7. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 6, wherein
said inflatable device is a balloon composed at least partially of
a metallized polyester, and at least one electrode operably coupled
to the battery utilizes the metallized polyester for operation
thereof.
8. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 4, further
including: one or more circuits disposed on the surface of the
inflatable device electrically communicating the power supply and
the display device.
9. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the one or more circuits are provided by etched multi-circuit ITO
coated polyfilm.
10. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the one or more circuits are provided by printed conductive
inks.
11. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
the one or more circuits are transparent circuits composed of
metallized films and printed conductive inks.
12. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 11, wherein
said one or more circuits includes at least one of a foraminous
electrode and an electrode printed on said surface via a
transparent or translucent ink including ITO conductive particles
suspended in a binder solution.
13. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said display device is an electroluminescent display configured to
be printed directly onto a surface of the inflatable device.
14. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 13, wherein
said electroluminescent display is comprised of light emitting
polymers, (OLED).
15. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 13, wherein
said electroluminescent display is comprised of light emitting
electroluminescent phosphors (ACPEL).
16. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said flat emissive display device is configured to emits
transmissive light from both a front side and a back side
thereof.
17. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 16, wherein
said inflatable device is a metallized polyester balloon, and said
display device is suspended internally therein.
18. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 17, wherein
one or more window portions are formed in a metal coating of said
balloon for viewing of the internally suspended display device.
19. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 18, wherein
the display device is suspended by a filament.
20. The lighted inflatable apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
said inflatable device is a metallized polyester balloon, said
display device is an electroluminescent display, and further
including a conductive adhesive mounting the electroluminescent
display to a metal coating of the metallized polyester balloon in a
manner capable of conducting power to the display.
21. A lighted balloon system comprising: an inflatable, metallized
polyfilm balloon device having a surface; a relatively lightweight,
flat electroluminescent display device mounted to the surface of
said balloon device; a power supply; and one or more circuits
disposed on the surface of the balloon device electrically
communicating the power supply and the display device for
illumination thereof.
22. The lighted balloon system according to claim 21, wherein said
power supply includes a battery configured to be printed directly
onto said surface of the balloon device.
23. The lighted balloon system according to claim 22, wherein at
least one electrode formed from a metallized polyester surface of
the balloon device, and operably coupling the battery to at least
one of the one or more circuits.
24. The lighted balloon system according to claim 23, wherein said
electroluminescent display is configured to be printed directly
onto the surface of the balloon device via one of ink-jet printing,
screen-printing and rotogravure printing.
25. The lighted balloon system according to claim 21; further
including a conductive adhesive mounting the electroluminescent
display to a metal coating of the metallized polyester balloon in a
manner capable of conducting power to the display.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119 to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/724,553,
naming Haynes as the inventor, filed Oct. 6, 2005, and entitled
LIGHTED BALLOON DESIGNS, which is incorporated herein by reference
in its entirety and for all purposes.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to inflatable
devices, and more specifically inflatable balloons capable of being
fabricated with thin, flat, flexible electroluminescent displays
that can be printed on or laminated onto the balloon without
inhibiting operation of the displays.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional latex or chloroprene helium filled inflatable
balloons have remained relatively unchanged since their creation.
Depending upon the quality of the material, these expandable
balloons, while inexpensive, permit the helium to escape or
dissipate over a relatively short time period. More recently,
metallized polyester (MYLAR.RTM.) has been developed representing a
significant advancement in balloon material technology.
[0004] Since the development of metallized polyester balloons,
there has been very little development or technological advancement
in the other balloon technology fields that spur renew interest.
One potential balloon technology, however, is the application of
illuminated displays with the inflatable device. Unfortunately, the
difficulty of fabrication and the current array of illuminated
display selection, such as incandescent and light emitting diodes,
inhibit the function of the helium filled balloon by adding weight
and generating heat, rendering such designs impractical.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention provides a lighted inflatable
apparatus including an inflatable device, and a relatively
lightweight, flat emissive display device applicable to the
inflatable device for illumination of the emissive display while
applied thereto.
[0006] In one embodiment, the inflatable device is a balloon
device, such as a metallized polyfilm balloon, a non-metallized
polyfilm balloon, a latex rubber balloon or a chloroprene
balloon.
[0007] The inflatable apparatus includes a power supply operably
coupled to the display device for illumination thereof. The power
supply can be internal to the inflatable device, such as being
disposed on its surface, or can be external to the inflatable
device, such as being remote from the inflatable device.
[0008] In another specific embodiment, at least one display device
electrode, operably coupled to the power supply battery, utilizes
the metallized polyester of a metallized balloon for operation
thereof. Further, one or more circuits disposed on the surface of
the inflatable device electrically communicating the power supply
and the display device. These circuits can be provided by etched
multi-circuit ITO coated polyfilm, or can be printed on the surface
of the balloon using printed conductive inks.
[0009] In another configuration, the display device is an
electroluminescent display capable of being printed directly onto a
surface of the inflatable device, using one of ink-jet printing,
screen-printing and rotogravure printing.
[0010] The electroluminescent display may be comprised of light
emitting polymers, (OLED), or light emitting electroluminescent
phosphors (ACPEL).
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the flat emissive display device
is configured to emits transmissive light from both a front side
and a back side thereof. This arrangement is particularly suitable
for an electroluminescent display that is suspended internally
within the balloon device. By providing one or more window portions
in the metal coating of the metallized balloon (i.e., front and
rear side), both sides of the display may be viewed.
[0012] Another specific embodiment includes an electroluminescent
display mounted to a metallized balloon device using a conductive
adhesive. Hence, using the metallized coating the balloon device,
together with the conductive adhesive, the power can be transferred
to the rear electrode of the display device.
[0013] In another aspect of the present invention, a lighted
balloon system is provided including an inflatable, metallized
polyfilm balloon device having a surface, and a relatively
lightweight, flat electroluminescent display device mounted to the
surface of the balloon device. The system further includes a power
supply, and one or more circuits disposed on the surface of the
balloon device electrically communicating the power supply and the
display device for illumination thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The assembly of the present invention has other objects and
features of advantage which will be more readily apparent from the
following description of the best mode of carrying out the
invention and the appended claims, when taken in conjunction with
the accompanying drawing, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an illuminated balloon
system with an electroluminescent lamp (EL lamp) constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the balloon system of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of an interior rear half of
the embodiment of the illuminated balloon system of FIG. 9,
illustrating the connection terminals.
[0018] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side elevation view, in cross-section,
of one specific embodiment of an EL lamp of the balloon system of
FIG. 1.
[0019] FIGS. 5A-5D is a sequence of fragmentary, top plan views of
the EL lamp of FIG. 4, illustrating the layered fabrication.
[0020] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevation view, in cross-section,
of another specific embodiment of an EL lamp of the balloon system
of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of still another specific
embodiment of the illuminated balloon system of FIG. 1, having an
internal EL lamp suspended by a filament.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of another specific
embodiment of the illuminated balloon system of FIG. 7, having the
internal EL lamp suspended by a vertical suspension strip.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view, in cross-section, of yet
another specific embodiment of the illuminated balloon system of
FIG. 7, having the internal EL lamp suspended by horizontal
suspension strips.
[0024] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of another specific
embodiment of the illuminated balloon system of FIG. 1.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of yet another specific
embodiment of the illuminated balloon system of FIG. 1, having a
hoop-shaped EL lamp.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of yet another specific
embodiment of the illuminated balloon system of FIG. 1.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of still another specific
embodiment of the illuminated balloon system of FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] While the present invention will be described with reference
to a few specific embodiments, the description is illustrative of
the invention and is not to be construed as limiting the invention.
Various modifications to the present invention can be made to the
preferred embodiments by those skilled in the art without departing
from the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. It will be noted here that for a better
understanding, like components are designated by like reference
numerals throughout the various figures.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a lighted inflatable system,
generally designated 40, is provided including a flexible,
inflatable device, generally designated 4, having a surface (that
could be an internal surface or an external surface), and a
relatively lightweight, flat display device, generally designated
1, mounted and/or fabricated directly to the surface of the
inflatable device. The system further includes a power supply 3,
and one or more circuits or conductors 9, 10 electrically
communicating the power supply 3 and the display device 1 for
illumination thereof.
[0030] Accordingly, a flexible inflatable device, such as a
conventional inflatable balloon composed latex or MYLAR.RTM.
(polyester), is provided that is capable of cost effectively
supporting, mounting and/or fabricating a light weight
illuminescent display device directly thereon. Such a solution is
highly desirable in that illumination by other means such as
incandescent, light emitting diodes and enabling components inhibit
the function of the helium filled balloon by adding weight and
generating heat normally associated with these methods of
illumination.
[0031] More particularly, in one specific embodiment, the
inflatable system 40 includes the flexible balloon device 4 having
the display device 1 capable of being mounted directly to or being
fabricated directly on a surface of the balloon device. For
example, the balloon device 4 may be provided by a metallized
polyester material (e.g., a MYLAR.RTM. balloon with an outer metal
coating 41 (FIG. 6)) upon which the display device is disposed. The
display device 1 itself must be relatively lightweight so that
conventional sized helium filled balloons will be capable of
lifting the collective weight of the balloon and display device.
Further, the display device should be energy efficient for
practicality of use.
[0032] More recently, relatively flat electroluminescent-type
displays (i.e., an EL lamp) have been developed that are
particularly suitable to this application. Such displays will be
set forth in greater detail in the description of FIGS. 4 and
6.
[0033] Referring back to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the power supply
3, in this example, is separated and external to the balloon
device. Hence, a variety of the power sources may be applied that
are capable of remotely powering EL lamps. For example, an inverted
power source, such as conventional AA batteries, may be applied.
The power supply 3 may also include a switch element and an
inverter, which typically includes a transformer and switching
components (all of which are not shown), capable of creating an
alternating current needed to power the EL lamp 1.
[0034] As will be described in greater detail below, the power
supply 3 may incorporate other types of power sources, such as an
internal power source, or one carried on and/or supported by the
balloon device itself. For example a printable battery technology
may be utilized that is capable of printing a power source on the
surface of the balloon device using the printing techniques
above-mentioned. Typical of such technology may be found in U.S.
Pat. No. 7,022,431 to Shchori et al., filed Aug. 20, 2001, and
entitled THIN LAYER ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL WITH SELF-FORMED
SEPARATOR, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0035] To couple the display device 1 to the power supply, the
lighted inflatable system includes two or more circuits or
conductors 9, 10 electrically inter-coupling respective electrodes
of the power source and the respective electrodes of the display
device 1. The conductors 9, 10 themselves may be printed onto the
balloon surface using a conductive ink, for example. In another
example, the metal coating itself may be applied as a conductor by
etching, removing and/or insulating the conductors from the
surrounding metal coatings.
[0036] As best viewed in FIGS. 2 and 3, in one embodiment, the
conductors 9, 10 extend down a neck portion of the filler valve 4c
of the balloon device 4, terminating at respective terminal
electrodes 9a, 10a of a proximal contact region 18. For the
embodiment of FIG. 1, where an external power supply 3 is employed,
a proximal power contact region 18 of the conductors 9, 10
electrically communicate with a lightweight multi-conductor wire 2,
which in turn communicate with the power supply. Accordingly, when
the power supply is operably coupled to the EL lamp 1, via a
switching element, the power source illuminates the display
device.
[0037] The multi-conductor wire 2 should also be sufficiently
lightweight so as to minimize the collective weight carried by the
inflatable balloon device. Examples of such thin and lightweight
multi-conductor wire include light emitting wire, light emitting
polymer wire comprising coaxial construction and light emitting
electroluminescent wire or filament U.S. Pat. No. 5,876,863 to
Feldman et al., filed Dec. 19, 1996, and entitled
ELECTROLUMINESCENT FILAMENT, incorporated by reference in its
entirety. In one example, the external power supply can also
function as a table weight, while the multi-conductor wire
functions as a means for securing the floatable balloon device 4 to
the external power supply 3. Hence, the lightweight multi-conductor
wire 2 not only functions as a power conduit, but also functions to
secure the helium inflatable balloon, while illuminated conductors
add to the overall effect of the illuminated display.
[0038] Several methods of electrical connection may be used to
connect the power supply 3 to the terminal electrodes 9a, 10a of
the power contact region 18, shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. One example
connection includes the application of a printed power connector 36
containing respective universal terminal electrodes 9b, 10b. A
z-axis conductive adhesive material embedded with isolated
conductive particles that convey power thru the material while not
conducting from side to side or xy (not shown) may be applied that
conducts power only in the z-axis. Thus, by simply peeling the
backing layer off the z-axis adhesive, the terminal electrodes 9b,
10b at the power connector 36 can be connected to the terminal
electrodes 9a, 10a at the proximal contact region. The power
connector 36, in turn, is connected to the multi-conductor wire 2
by soldering it to connector pins (not shown) that are crimped onto
electrodes 9b and 10b.
[0039] In the preferred embodiment, as mentioned, the display
device 1 is provided by a substantially flat, substantially
flexible electroluminescent lamp 1 that is sufficiently lightweight
so as to enable conventional sized helium filled inflatable
balloons to still float. FIG. 4 best illustrates a cross section
view an example EL lamp device 1 suitable for mounting to a
mounting surface 42 of the balloon device 4. In this particular
configuration, the EL lamp device can be independently constructed,
and operably secured to a surface (i.e., exterior surface or
interior surface) of any type inflatable balloon device 4, such as
a common latex balloon device 4.
[0040] Initially, as best illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5A, a
transparent substrate 24 is provided that is coated with a
transparent conductor 25 (i.e., the front electrode). The
transparent substrate 24 functions as the exterior surface the EL
lamp 1 when mounted to the balloon device. In one specific example,
the transparent substrate 24 is composed Polyethylene
Terephathatate (PET), while the transparent conductor 25 material
is composed of Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). In other embodiments, as
will be described, the material of the transparent conductor may be
replaced by a printed conductive layer of Atomony Tin Oxide (ATO)
embedded ink or binder (i.e. Dupont translucent conductor #7162)
utilizing two transparent or translucent conductors as opposing
electrodes for energizing the phosphor enabling light emission from
both or opposing sides of an electroluminescent lamp. In other
embodiments, the front electrode 25 and the rear electrode 28 (to
be discussed) may be foraminous electrodes where an opaque
conductor material may be applied, such as AG500 silver.
[0041] While this configuration of the EL lamp may be fabricated
using various conventional techniques, this substantially flat lamp
is particularly suitable for printed fabrication. That is, most if
not all of the subsequent material layers, atop one another, can be
applied using printing techniques. Such techniques include, but are
not limited to, ink-jet printing, screen-printing and rotogravure
printing.
[0042] Briefly, the composition and forward build printing sequence
of the EL lamp 1 will now be described using FIGS. 4 and 5A-5D. It
will be appreciated, however, that the thickness of each layer
shown is not proportional, and merely shown as being equal for
illustrative purposes.
[0043] Turning now to FIG. 5A, the transparent conductor layer 25
(front electrode) is followed by a light-emitting layer 26 of
phosphor. The phosphor in the phosphor layer generates the light
emission that is caused by the excitation from the front electrode
26 and a rear electrode 28. This phosphor layer 26 preferably
consists of zinc sulfide crystals, for example, suspended in a
binder. The phosphor itself can be conventionally selected for the
desired color emission. For instance, one example of a suitable
phosphor includes, Dupont phosphors embedded in Dupont binder
#7155.
[0044] The binder, on the other hand, is selected to have a
viscosity sufficient for print fabrication. This permits the
additive particles to be uniformly suspended in the binder during
the application process, while at the same time, enables print
fabrication directly onto the transparent conductor 25. This
application process, which is in part dependent upon the selected
binder, includes curing by heat or ultra violet radiation.
[0045] To insulate the phosphor layer 26, an insulating layer 27 is
then disposed atop the phosphor layer (FIG. 5B). This insulating
layer 27 provides an insulating barrier from electrical shorts
caused by offset bias of the high voltage alternating current or
pulsed direct current (DC) penetrating the phosphor layer 26 from
the rear electrode 28 to the front electrode 25. This insulating
layer 27, in one example, consists of at least one print layer of a
dielectric material. One example of a suitable dielectric insulator
includes barium titanate particles suspended in a printable binder.
Again, the viscosity of the binder is selected to enable print
fabrication, while at the same time being sufficiently viscous to
allow the additive particles to be uniformly suspended in the
binder. Similar to the application of the printable phosphor layer
26 above, the printable dielectric insulator is then cured in the
same manner as the previous layers.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 5C, the rear electrode layer 28 is
next disposed atop the dielectric insulating layer 27. This rear
electrode is what actually causes the lamp to illuminate. While the
insulating layer 27, as indicated, provides a barrier from
electrical shorts caused by the rear electrode 28 seeping through
the phosphor layer 26 to the front electrode 25, a sufficient
potential and electrical flow between display electrodes, via the
power switch, excites the phosphor layer 26. Thus, in general, the
distal ends of the respective conductors 9, 10 terminate at, and
are electrically coupled to, the respective front electrode 25 and
the rear electrode 28 of the display device 1.
[0047] In certain embodiments, the electrically conductive rear
electrode 28 is provided by silver particles suspended in the
binder material during the application process. Again, such an
application may consist of a printable binder procedure employed to
print the rear electrode layer directly to and in contact with the
insulating layer 27.
[0048] In another specific embodiment, two separate circuits may be
disposed on the layered EL lamp 1 during the deposition of the rear
electrode sequence shown in FIG. 5C. One circuit corresponds to the
rear electrode 28 that is applied directly to the barium titanate
insulating layer 27. This rear electrode, as mentioned, is what
actually causes the lamp to illuminate.
[0049] The second circuit is an outline conductor 30 (FIG. 5C) that
is disposed on the exposed surface of the front electrode layer 25.
This outline conductor 30 "outlines" the desired illumination
shaped of the EL lamp 1, and can be printed directly onto an
outline shoulder portion 43 of the front electrode layer 25 that
peripherally extends beyond the printed display electrodes and
phosphor layer. It will be appreciated that the outline conductor
30 can be printed at the same time as the printing of the rear
electrode 28 in FIG. 5C. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, when an
outline conductor 30 is employed, the distal terminal of one of the
printed conductors (e.g., conductor 10) is electrically coupled
directly to the outline conductor 30, rather than directly to the
front electrode.
[0050] Accordingly, during operation, the printed conductor 30
functions as a bus bar or current carrying trace that is applied to
overcome the electrical resistance usually found in ITO layer
(i.e., the transparent electrode 25). Generally, when the surface
area of front electrode conductor layer of an EL lamp exceeds the
conductive capabilities of a printed ATO conductor, an additional
conductive material (i.e. Dupont AG500 silver conductor) can be
used to apply conductive bus bars that convey power along greater
distances of the front planar electrode.
[0051] The rear surface of the rear electrode 28 of the
electroluminescent lamp 1 may also be insulated from the mounting
surface 42 of the inflatable device 4, especially if the device is
a metallized polyester or MYLAR.RTM. balloon device 4. Using common
electrical insulating techniques such as cold lamination, heat
lamination, and/or printing of an insulating layer 45 onto the rear
electrode 28 (FIGS. 4 and 5D), such insulating can be provided.
Typical of such substantially flat EL lamp designs shown in FIG. 4
may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,054,809 to Haynes et al., filed
Aug. 13, 1997, and entitled ELECTROLUMINESCENT LAMP DESIGNS, herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
[0052] To mount the finished electroluminescent lamp 1 to the
mounting surface 42 of the balloon device 4, one technique includes
the application of an adhesive between the backside of the lamp and
the mounting surface 42 of the balloon (FIG. 5). For example, a
double stick adhesive or printed adhesive 29 may be applied to the
non-light emitting side of the lamp (i.e., which is then die cut or
stamped to the outlining shape of the artwork as shown in FIG.
1.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 6, another specific embodiment of an
EL lamp 1 is illustrated, in cross section, having a significantly
thinner profile than the embodiment of FIG. 4. It will be
appreciated that this configuration is significantly thinner since
the rear electrode of the EL lamp 1 is integrated into the balloon
device itself, thereby eliminating the deposition of a separate
rear electrode layer of the previous embodiment. That is, in a
metallized polyfilm or MYLAR.RTM. balloon device 4, the metallic
coating 41 of the balloon device itself is utilized as the rear
electrode for the display device. Such a configuration, therefore,
not only reduces the lamp thickness, but more importantly, reduces
the overall EL lamp weight as well.
[0054] Similar to the previous EL lamp embodiment, the individual
layers may be print fabricated. However, in this electroluminescent
lamp embodiment, the display device layers may be print fabricated
directly onto the mounting surface 42 of the metallized balloon 4
(e.g., a polyfilm balloon) itself, in a reverse build. Accordingly,
using the metallic coating 41 of the balloon device 4 as the rear
electrode, the next layer disposed atop the metallized balloon
electrode 28s a dielectric layer 27. Similar to that of the
previous embodiment, in one example, this dielectric layer 27 is
comprised of barium titanate suspended in a liquid, printable
binder. Again, this printed layer is then cured by heat or ultra
violet radiation
[0055] Next, the light emitting layer 26 of zinc sulfide phosphor
particles is color selected, and then disposed, suspended in a
binder is printed onto the dielectric layer 26. Again, the binder
is cured by heat or ultra violet radiation. This phosphor layer 26
is then followed by printing a front electrode layer 34 there atop.
This printable front electrode layer 34 is preferably composed of
an ITO material that is also suspended in a liquid binder.
[0056] An outline conductor 30 is printed atop and in electrical
contact with the front electrode 34 that peripherally outlines the
desired illumination shaped of the EL lamp 1. As mentioned, the
outline conductor 30 functions as a bus bar or current carrying
trace that is applied to overcome the electrical resistance usually
found in ITO layer.
[0057] With only these three major printed layers, the EL structure
is capable of emitting light when power is applied to the front and
the rear electrodes 25, 28 of the lamp. As previously mentioned,
the power source will be operably coupled to the at least a portion
of the metal coating 41 of the balloon device 4, functioning as the
rear electrode 28.
[0058] A layer of clear insulator 35 can be applied to encase the
layered EL lamp, providing a moisture barrier. This insulator 35
similarly can be applied by printing over the entire printed lamp
structure. Moreover, such an insulative layer will prevent any
contact of the front electrode 34 with the rear electrode 28,
should any compressive forces be applied to the EL lamp.
[0059] Either EL lamp embodiment (i.e., FIG. 4 or 6) can be
externally mounted to the exterior surface of the balloon device 4
(FIGS. 1 and 2), or can be internally mounted to an interior
surface of the balloon device 4 (not shown). In the embodiment of
FIG. 6, of course, the interior surface of the balloon device 4
would at least have either an interior metal coating or have a rear
electrode layer printed thereon (e.g., ITO conductive
particles).
[0060] To power the surface mounted EL lamp of FIG. 6, the
respective conductors 9, 10 similarly electrically communicate the
front electrode 25 and the rear electrode 28 of the EL lamp 1 with
the terminals of the power supply 2. One conductor (e.g., conductor
9 in FIG. 2) electrically communicates directly with the rear
electrode 28 of the EL lamp, while the other conductor 10
electrically communicates directly with the outline conductor 30
and front electrode 25 thereof. For EL lamps that do not require an
outline conductor, such as those with smaller surface area EL
lamps, the other conductor can electrically communicate directly
with the front electrode 25.
[0061] Depending upon the type of balloon, the conductors 9, 10 can
be printed directly on the selected balloon surface using
conductive inks and the printing techniques described above. For
example, multi-circuit ITO conductors 9, 10 can be printed atop the
front and rear electrode terminals of the rearward built EL lamp.
In other configurations, as will be described in greater detail
below, more translucent circuits can be printed using translucent
inks such as Dupont translucent conductor #7162. As shown in the
embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 9, and as will be apparent, the
translucent circuits are less visible from a distance, forming an
illusion of a floating EL lamp internally within the balloon device
4.
[0062] In yet another example, conventional etching techniques can
be applied to form and isolate the conductors 9, 10 from one
another. This is particularly suitable for use with metallized
polyester balloon device, where selected portions of the metallic
coating can be isolated and etched away, forming the conductors 9,
10.
[0063] Referring now to FIGS. 7-13, alternative embodiment the
inflatable systems 40 will be shown and described. For example,
FIG. 7 illustrates a fish-shaped EL lamp 1 internally disposed
within the interior of the balloon device itself. Unlike the
previously mentioned internally disposed display device, however,
the EL lamp 1 of this configuration is not mounted to an internal
surface of the balloon device. Rather, the EL lamp is suspended
within the internal space of inflated balloon device, and can be
viewed through transparent front and/or rear windows 6, 5 formed in
the balloon surface.
[0064] For a metallized polyester balloon, transparent openings can
be formed in the metal coating 41 using chemical etching
techniques. Once the selected portions of the metal coating are
removed, the transparent windows 5, 6 will be formed in the
metallized coating on the polyester, which in turn permit viewing
of the EL lamp from one side or both sides. The latter
configuration, of course, is desirable with a dual sided
illumination EL lamp having an ATO coating, as described above.
[0065] To internally suspend the EL lamp 1 centrally within the
balloon's interior space, the lamp can be vertically and/or
horizontally supported using various techniques. In one example, as
shown in FIG. 7, the EL lamp 1 is vertically suspended within a
metallized polyester balloon device 4 through a filament material
14. A lower end of the filament 14 is mounted to the EL lamp 1,
while an upper end of the filament is mounted to an upper interior
wall of the balloon device 4. Internal lightweight multi-conductor
wire 2' can be operably connected to the respective front and rear
electrodes 25, 28, and further provide lower vertical support so
that the suspended EL lamp 1 will not sway uncontrollably within
the interior of the balloon device.
[0066] Lower terminal electrodes of the interior multi-conductor
wire 2' can terminate, and be operably coupled to printable
conductors 9, 10, as shown in FIG. 7. The printable conductors are
disposed either along an interior surface or an exterior surface of
the filler valve 4c. In turn, the printable conductors 9, 10 are
electrically coupled to power supply 3, via external
multi-conductor wire 2'', similar to that shown and described in
reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In another implement, the
multi-conductor wire 2 could extend continuously and directly from
the terminals of the EL lamp 1, internally through the filler valve
4c, and directly to the terminals of the power supply 3.
[0067] An alternative suspension technique, as shown in FIG. 8, is
to apply a vertical suspension strip 20 in replacement of the
filament 14, in the embodiment of FIG. 7. Centrally mounted to a
backside of the EL lamp 1, one end of the strip 20 can be secured
to an upper interior portion of the balloon device, while an
opposite second end of the strip can be secured to a lower interior
portion of the balloon device. The suspension strip 20 may be
composed of PET, or ITO coated polyester, although it may be
composed of any semi-rigid material capable of securing the
conductors 9, 10. The lamp 1 is connected to the power supply 3
through printed conductors 9, 10 disposed on the lower portion of
the suspension strip 20, and lightweight multi-conductor wire 2.
Similar to the configuration of FIG. 7, at least one non-metallized
opening or window 6 is provided for viewing of the suspended EL
lamp 1.
[0068] The suspension strip 20 could be provided by a semi-rigid
transparent material as well, providing the illusion of the EL lamp
floating within the balloon itself. Moreover, the conductors 9, 10
may be more translucent in nature, so as not be viewable from
farther distances. For example, such translucent circuits may be
composed of metallized films and printed conductive inks.
[0069] In yet another alternative embodiment mounting arrangement,
as shown in FIG. 9, a horizontal suspension technique of the EL
lamp 1 is illustrated. In this arrangement, a front suspension
strip 21 may be provided having one end of the strip 21 secured to
a front interior portion of the front half 4a of the balloon device
4, while an opposite second end of the front suspension strip 21
may be secured to a front portion of the EL lamp 1. Moreover, as
shown in FIG. 9, a rear suspension strip 22 may be provided having
one end of the strip secured to a rear interior portion of the rear
half 4b of the balloon device 4, while an opposite second end of
the rear suspension strip 22 may be secured to a rear portion of
the EL lamp 1. In one specific embodiment, the front suspension
strip 21 may be composed of PET. The front suspension strip may be
relatively transparent so as not to be imperatively viewed through
the front window 6 of the balloon device 4. The rear suspension
strip 22, however, may be composed of etched multi-circuit ITO on
coated polyester 15, and include a pair of conductors or circuits
(not shown), one of which electrically coupled to the front
electrode 25 or outline conductor 30 of the suspended EL lamp 1,
and the other conductor of which is connected to the rear electrode
of the EL lamp.
[0070] Referring back to FIG. 3, a front view of the rear halve 4b
of the balloon device 4 is illustrated, showing an interior surface
thereof. To connect the conductors of the rear suspension strip 22
(FIG. 9) to the internally printed or isolated metallized polyfilm
conductors 9, 10 extending along the interior surface of the rear
half 4b, the conductors terminate at distal terminals 17. These
terminals may connect the power directly to the lighted display
using the same z-axis method as described for termination area
18.
[0071] In yet another specific configurations, as shown in FIG. 10,
an exterior mounted rear EL lamp 1 is employed to rear illuminate a
stencil or graphic 7 disposed in the front transparent window 6.
The EL lamp 1, thus, may be selected for its luminous qualities as
compared to its shape. By placing the exterior mounted EL lamp 1
adjacent to the rear transparent window, the light 8 is emitted
into the interior of the balloon device 4 from a rear halve 4b
thereof where it projects through the balloon interior space for
viewing from the front transparent window 6 side. Hence, the
emitted light is passed through the interior space of the balloon
device 4 from the rear window to the front window. This is
advantageous in that a smaller surface area EL lamp 1, on the rear
half 4b of the balloon device 4, can be employed. Since the EL lamp
1 is positioned a further distance from front window, as compared
to an EL lamp 1 positioned internally within the balloon interior
space, the light dispersion is increased on the front half 4a
thereof through the front transparent window 6. That is, the
projected light 8 that is transmitted from the EL lamp 1, passes
through the non-metallized rear transparent window 5 and into the
interior of the balloon 4. As it disperses and spreads out, the
light 8 illuminates a much wider area of the non-metallized front
transparent window.
[0072] Moreover, this configuration enables the rear illumination
of translucent or transparent stencils and/or graphics 7 disposed
in the front transparent window with a standard uniform light
source (i.e., EL lamp 1). Thus, the translucent art work of the
stencils and/or can be changed or modified for individual designs
without having to modify or change the electroluminescent lamp 1
for each new design.
[0073] In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the EL lamp 1 may be provided
by an ACPEL (Alternating Current Phosphor Electroluminescent Lamp)
or LEP (Light Emitting Polymer) EL lamp 1. Applying a transparent
double stick adhesive or printed adhesive, such as adhesive 29 in
FIG. 4, to the light emitting side of the EL lamp 1, it may be
mounted directly to the exterior side of the rear transparent
window 5 of the balloon device 4.
[0074] Turning now to FIG. 11, still another specific embodiment is
illustrated where a ring-shaped or hoop-shaped EL lamp 1 can be
retrofitted around a more conventional, stock, latex or chloroprene
balloon 12. Applying the forward build embodiment of FIG. 4, the
hoop-shaped EL lamp 1 may be circumferentially fitted around the
waist of the tear-shaped balloon 12. Conductors 9, 10 can be
disposed on the balloon, and electrically coupled to the electrodes
of the EL lamp in the manner above-mentioned. Also similar to the
techniques described above, the terminals of the conductors 9, 10
can be connected to the lightweight multi-conductor wire 2, and the
battery pack power supply 3.
[0075] FIG. 12 illustrates a plurality of balloon devices 4 that
function as a collective theme. Applying either the illuminated
stencil or graphics 7 in the design of FIG. 10, or the specific
embodiment of FIG. 1, these five balloon devices can be
illuminated. At least one of the two opposing electrodes (front or
rear) is divided into separate circuits or cells in order to
produce an animated or sequencing display. These divided electrodes
of the respective EL lamps are connected, via lightweight
multi-conductor wire 2, to a sequencing power supply 19, capable of
illuminating individual cells or circuits producing individual
flashing cells within the electroluminescent lamp construction
capable of creating patterns that simulate motion of the light.
[0076] In still another specific embodiment of FIG. 13, an EL lamp
1 is provided suspended by a filament 14 underneath the balloon
device. Thus, a lower distal end of the filament 14 is mounted to
the lamp, while an upper distal end of the filament is mounted to
the filler valve of the balloon device. Applying lightweight
multi-conductor wire 2, the EL lamp 1 can be electrically coupled
to the battery pack power supply 3.
[0077] Although the present invention has been described in
connection with the preferred form of practicing it and
modifications thereto, those of ordinary skill in the art will
understand that many other modifications can be made thereto within
the scope of the claims that follow. Accordingly, it is not
intended that the scope of the invention in any way be limited by
the above description, but instead be determined entirely by
reference to the claims that follow.
* * * * *