Display element of transparent plastic with fluorescent colorant

Abstract: This invention provides an element for displaying one or more portions of characters or shapes, wherein the display element comprises partially transparent plastic in which fluorescent colorant is incorporated. Preferably the inside of one head end is provided with a profiled form.

Description: The present invention relates to a display element of transparant plastic with fluorescent colorant. Display elements incorporating fluorescent colorants are taught by FR-A-1128737 M.C. Di Spirito, DE-U-8708573 Mönck kunststoftechnik GmbH and US-A-2 269 325. FR-A-1128737 teaches translucent plastic elements, taking the form of nails that are hammered into an opaque back-ground panel in order to produce a desired light transmitting sign. DE-U-8708573 teaches a device, taking the form of a self-contained unit, comprising display elements incorporating fluorescent colorants that are held in position, either between openings in a support plate, or by magnets, behind a transparant screen. According to the present invention, there is provided an element for displaying one or more portions of characters or shapes, wherein the display element comprises partially transparant plastic in which fluorescent colorant is incorporated, a cylindrical end for insertion into an opening of a back-ground and snapping means for snapping the element fixedly into an opening of the back-ground. Such a display element is easily replaceable and/or interchangeable in a back-ground, for example a metal grid provided with holes, and shows, for instance, text in a very clear manner if a number of these display elements are arranged in the metal grid and if light or partially invisible radiation such as so called black-light falls onto such a pattern of display elements. In preference the inside of the head end of a display element takes a profiled form so that a rear side of the display element results that is provided with facets, whereby the front view of the display element exhibits a highlighting illumination. A most preferred embodiment of such a display element is provided with concentric rings at the head end of the inside thereof; when radiated such a display element is the most clearly noticeable relative to a plurality of different display elements which were injection moulded by way of experiment with differing profiling on the inside of the head end. Further advantages, features and details will be elucidated in the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to a drawing, wherein: fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a background provided with a first embodiment of the present invention; fig. 2 is an oblique front view of a display element of fig. 1; fig. 3 is a partly broken away, oblique rear view of the display element of fig. 2; fig. 4 shows a partly broken away, oblique rear view of a second embodiment of the present invention; and fig. 5 is a perspective, oblique front view of the embodiment of fig. 4. If in a background 1 (fig. 1), for instance a metal grid, display elements 2 are arranged in a particular pattern, texts or shapes can be shown as desired herewith in the grid 1. The display elements 2 are manufactured from transparent plastic with fluorescent colorants such as for instance those made commercially available by the Bayer company under the name Lisa. A particular illuminating effect results when such display elements 2 are radiated with light (sunlight (also diffuse), artificial light) or ultraviolet radiation such as "black light". The colorants relate preferably but not exclusively to fashion colours such as turquoise, violet and the like. The radiation generated in the display element by fluorescence will exit substantially via the convex head end. A display element according to the present invention also displays a conspicuous appearance if radiated from the jacket end 1 from behind the grid, for instance by means of a black light. A display element 2 preferably has roughly the form of an internally hollow toadstool provided with an approximately rounded conical or convex head end that projects over a hollow cylindrical end 4 so that the head end 3 has a large target surface for the radiation. The radiation enters via the head end into the interior of the transparent display element. The cylindrical jacket 4 is preferably provided with a snap-in edge 6 for snapping-in that jacket end into the grid 1. The display element 2 (fig. 3) is in preference provided on the inside of the head end 3 with concentric, annular edges 7, 8 and 9 which are staggered respectively in lengthwise direction of the display element 2 and which form facets for reflection of the radiation entering the head end which, as with a diamond, cause a shining/sparkling, with the result that the display element is very highly visible. Another embodiment 12 of the display element according to the present invention (fig. 4, 5) is provided with a convex head end 13 and a plurality of comparatively small facets 14 which are arranged in an inner wall 16 which runs parallel to the head end surface 13. The embodiment shown can be manufactured in elegant manner in large quantities with a device for injection moulding of plastic.

Claims: Element for displaying one or more portions of characters or shapes, wherein the display element comprises partially transparant plastic in which fluorescent colorant is incorporated, a cylindrical end for insertion into an opening of a back-ground characterized in that said display element further comprises an approximately convex head end having a diameter greater than the outer diameter of the cylindrical end and in that snapping means are provided for snapping the element fixedly into the opening of the back-ground. Display element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cylindrical end has the form of a hollow cylinder and the inner wall of the head end facing toward the cylindrical end takes a profiled form. Display element as claimed in claim 2, wherein the inside of the head end is provided with concentric, annular edges or reflection surfaces located at mutual intervals in lengthwise direction of the display element. Display element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims obtainable according to an injection moulding technique.

Inventors: COHEN HENRI, SCHOPPEN REMCO SYTZE, WILLEMSEN GERTJAN ROB, COHEN, HENRI, SCHOPPEN, REMCO SYTZE, WILLEMSEN, GERTJAN ROB
Applicants: COHEN HENRI, SCHOPPEN REMCO SYTZE, WILLEMSEN GERTJAN ROB, GRIPWELL INDUSTRIES LTD.
Application year: 1990
Main classification: G09F13
IPC codes: G09F13, G09F7