Technical area of the invention

This invention relates to an environmental and eco-friendly Coaster with an optimized visualization of a print, partly or completely covered by a thermochromic coating, applied on a reusable thermal base with heat absorbing, heat radiating and heat reflexing properties as described in claim number 1.

Background of the invention

Today Coasters/Table Mats exist with permanent printed information or images and several of them have special features, for example reflecting surface or special designs. Coasters also exist with heat sensible coatings which almost or completely - depending on the size of the coating - changes optic at different temperatures, eg. when affected by a hot or cold subject.

Existing Coasters do, however, not consider the optic advantages of using materials with special thermal properties - which materials are often environmentally and eco-unfriendly - hence existing Coasters do not handle the advantages making the thermal base of the Coaster reusable.

In FR 2907324 A3 is described a Coaster with a thermochromic coating that seeks to solve the disadvantages of printing on stiff materials which are normally used for Coasters - leading to higher printing costs. This disadvantage is solved by printing on materials (mainly film/foils) which are delivered in rolls.

The invention according to FR 2908324 does not describe special thermal properties related to the standard thermochromic coating, neither does it describe a specific base with thermal properties for applying a label. So the printed label is per se the Coaster in itself, even if it would have contained materials with special thermal properties.

In FR 2807324 A3, the Coaster is printed directly on rolls, described as film or foils - meaning flexible materials. In this case, a combination of varying materials with optimized thermal and hence optic properties and the same materials' printing properties would very rarely be flexible and at least not convenient in a normal industrialized graphical production. Furthermore, FR 2807324 A3 describes a variety of the Coaster - illustrated in the applications' fig. 3, where the detachable layers in the Coaster are connected (2-4) with 2 static units (6-7) and where the layers (5) are detachable from the one static unit (7) via a dashed cut (8). Hence, according to FR 2807324, the layers in the Coaster are detachable from the static unit (7), but are still unconditionally connected to the other static unit (6). Hereby, the Coaster does not allow a replacement of parts of the Coaster if for example the images are to be updated. As the layers don't seem to be applicable to a base, a new campaign with new images would require a completely new Coaster which - if it consisted of materials with special thermal properties - would cause a negative environmental impact.

In GB 2311371 is described a Beer Mat with thermochromic coating printed directly on a suitable material eg. Wood Pulp. The technique of printing directly on the Beer Mat causes that the Beer Mat must be discarded if a new image is required. As the Beer Mat in this case consists of Wood Pulp, the negative environmental impact is low, however, if an optimized optic effect is desired, it requires other materials with special thermal properties, which often are highly environmental and eco- unfriendly. GB 2311371 does not provide any solution to this. The solution to this challenge is described by the present invention of an informative Coaster. A base of any given material with the desired thermal properties is either cut or stamped material by material or in one piece. The thermal base can be placed on stock for later use. When the base of the said Coaster has been assembled with the desired thermal properties and the label with desired image/information has been applied, the label containing image and information coated with heat sensible ink can be replaced by a new one. The new lablels can then be mass produced from rolls of foil/film and subsequently be applied to the thermal base of the Coaster providing the desired optical effect which is described in the present invention.

Hence the present invention describes an improved method to reduce the negative environmental impact of using the Coaster by reusing the base of the Coaster when the image/information on the Coaster needs to be changed. As the label on top is applicable to the thermal basis and removable, the label can be changed whenever needed with a new one - eg. for a new campaign. The thermal base and the label can be sold either composite or separately for customer application. The thermal basis is endlessly reusable and does not have a negative environmental impact when changing the image/information of the Coaster. The present invention then obtains the desired optical effect, combustion of the thermal materials is avoided and the effect of this is a reduction of the negative environmental impact when the image/information of the Coaster needs to be changed.

Purpose of the invention

The purpose of the invention is to provide a new and environmental friendly Coaster as initially described which by its heat absorbing, heat radiating and heat reflexing properties by thermodynamic imbalance when impacted by an external subject in a simple, practical and environmental and eco- friendly way provides an improved method to regulate the speed of optical change and optimized visual reproduction of the entire display surface of the Coaster even at different sizes. The present invention reduces waste when change of content is needed as the base of the Coaster is reused when the display surface needs to be changed. It is protected by dirt, grime and cleaning by a transparent sealing, preferably containing a heat thermally conductive and/or a non-slip surface.

Short description of the invention

The Coaster according to the invention is peculiar as the said Coaster is based on a material with a low thermal conductivity (Insulating) on which is applied a material with high thermal conductivity and low thermal capacity (heat absorbing and - radiating) and subsequently a self-adhesive label is applied which contains a image and/or information, where the image and/or information is partly or completely covered by a heat sensible, thermochromic coating, changing opacity at a given temperature and subsequently preferably sealed by a protecting laminate - or coating - where the said laminate/coating preferably has a thermal conductive property and a non-slipping surface, avoiding the object placed on it to slip. The thermal base of the Coaster is composite by an adhesive substance. The label with print, thermal coating and laminate are permanently applied to each other. The thermal base and the label are detachable from each other.

The Coaster according to the invention is mainly used to protect a table from a subject in thermodynamic unbalance with the Coaster and has a heat sensitive coating changing opacity at temperature is higher than normal room temperature when it is used to protect against hot subjects, while the heat sensitive coating changes opacity at lower temperature when protecting against colder subjects. The material with high thermal conductivity and low thermal capacity has the same size as the display surface (label, image/text, thermochromic print and laminate/coating) and is adapted to ensure an even distribution of the temperature under the entire display surface containing the thermochromic print and to ensure flexible heat radiation under the display surface so a thermodynamic balance between the Coaster and the surroundings is obtained within a desired time range, while the insulating material with low thermal conductivity ensures that the thermal energy from the subject placed on the Coaster is distributed right under the display surface and hence the heat sensitive coating.

The heat sensitive thermochromics print is applied to change optic from respectively visible to transparent or reverse when being affected by an external object which is in thermodynamical unbalance with the Coaster. It changes back to the original optic when the Coaster is no longer used and hence in thermodynamic balance with its surroundings.

The transparent laminate is applied to ensure resistance against dirt, dust and cleaning devices and chemicals. Preferably the laminate is thermally conductive ensuring that the thermal energy is led towards the thermochromics print and with a non-slip surface ensuring that the object on the Coaster isn't slipping.

The label applied to the coaster is removable making it replaceable with a new label if the display of the Coaster needs to be changed.

Preferable materials in the layer with low thermal conductivity is materials with insulating properties usually with a thermal conductivity of 1.0 (W/m*K) or less, hence different types of foam, polymers (polystyrene, polyurethane) or varieties hereof (Vacupor, foamglass, styrofoam) neoprene, rubber, wood, leather, felt, fabric, plexiglass, cork or adhesive pads including the mentioned materials are commonly used.

The material with low thermal conductivity has a thickness ensuring that the thermal energy with which the object placed on the Coaster and the material with high thermal conductivity/low thermal capacity are affecting each other is reflected towards the display surface which contains the thermochromics print. The thickness of the material with low thermal conductivity depends on the material used and the expected energy transferred from the object placed on the Coaster. Preferably the insulating material with a thermal conductivity of 1.0 (W/m*K) has a thickness of 0.5 mm or more for optimal effect. Preferable materials for the layer with high thermal conductivity are materials with a thermal conductivity with 100.00 (W7m*K) or more and a thermal capacity of 1.5 (kj/kg*K) or less. Hence preferable materials could be materials based on - or including - gold, silver, copper, aluminum, magnesium or zinc, graphene, heat conductive silicones or other materials with similar thermal properties. The materials graphene, gold and silver are often very expensive, hence the thermal conductive layer often consists of massive plates or foils based on copper aluminum, magnesium, zinc or materials with similar thermal properties which are cheaper to purchase.

The material of high thermal conductivity and low thermal capacity has a thickness ensuring that the thermal energy between the object placed on the Coaster and the Coaster itself is distributed evenly under the Coaster's display surface - containing the thermochromic print - and ensuring the absorbing and emitting of the thermal energy is giving thermal balance with the surroundings with the desired pace. In Coasters according to the invention including materials with a specific thermal conductivity of 300,00 (W/m*K) or more and/or a specific thermal capacity of 0,5 (J*kg*K) or less, the material - depending on the size of the Coaster - is normally with a thickness of between 0.001mm and 2.0 mm. Materials with a specific thermal conductivity between 100.00 and 300.00 (W/kg*K) and/or a specific thermal capacity of between 0.5 and 1.5 (kj/kg*K) - dependent on the size of the Coaster - normally has a thickness of between 0.05 and 4.0 mm.

When using the Coaster, the thermochromics print - overprinted on parts of the label or the entire label and its information/motive is impacted from the temperature of the object placed on the Coaster and the underlying thermal conducting material in which the thermal energy is distributed throughout the whole material making the thermochromics print changing optic from visible to transparent or reverse by a given temperature. Hereby the whole information/motive on the label is changing optic.

The material used for laminating/coating the Coaster is applicable for protecting the Coaster against dirt, dust, chemicals and cleaning devices. Preferably it has a thermal conductivity of 10.00 (W/m*K) or more and with a non-slipping surface.

The thermochromics print can be activated and change optic when affected by an external object, for example the surface of a warm or cold cup, mug, glass, plate, dish, bottle or bowl. Hereby, the Coaster can be used as eg. coffee coaster, tea, coaster, beer coaster, glass coaster, bottle coaster, Coaster or tablemat or parts hereof where the thermal base and the label are distributed either separately or together.

All layers of the Coaster have preferably the same size and shape which normally is ensured by cutting or stamping each layer separately or together.

The preferred temperature for changing optic of the thermochromics print depends on the energy conducted to the Coaster, its size, its thermal properties and the surroundings of the Coaster.

When using the Coaster according to the invention to protect against hot objects, the thermochromics print has an activation temperature higher than normal indoor temperature. When using the Coaster according to the invention to protect against cold objects, the thermochromics print has an activation temperature lower than normal indoor temperature.

With a combination of the thermochromics prints activation temperature, the size of the Coaster and the thermal properties of the materials used control of the optic of the complete display surface is obtained.

The replaceable adhesive label which is applied to the layer with high thermal conductivity can be removed and replaced by a new adhesive label if the information or motive of the coaster needs to be changed. Hereby, the thermal base of the coaster can be reused and the effect of this is less waste when changing the information of the Coaster and hence lower environmental impact.

This is a simple way of making an environmentally friendly Coaster with an optimized method of changing the optic of its display surface including any type of information or motive covered completely or partly with a thermochromics print. The Coaster according to the invention reduces waste when changing the information/motive as the thermal base of the Coaster can be reused.

The optimized method of optical changes in the information/motive is taking effect when changes in temperatures from an external object is effecting the display surface of the Coaster and thermal energy is distributed equally under the display surface. The reduced environmental impact of the Coaster is due to the fact that the thermal base of the Coaster - including materials with respectively high and low thermal conductivity is reusable when hanging the information/motive for example for a new marketing campaign. The non-slip surface is preferred to ensure that the object is not slipping from the surface when touched.

When changing the display surface - including laminate/coating, thermochromic print and the adhesive label - the thermal base - including materials with respectively high and low thermal conductivity - can be reused and a new adhesive label including information/motive, thermochromics print and

laminate/coating can be applied.

Hereby the environmental impact is reduced and the effect of this is better protection of the environment.

Description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows an example of an embodiment of the Coaster according to the invention

Fig. 2A, 2B shows an example of the optical change of the display surface when a hot object is places on the Coaster according to the invention.

Fig 3A, 3B shows an example of the optical change of the display when a cold object is placed on the Coaster according to the invention.

Fig 4A, 4B, 4C shows an example of the thermal conductivity in the Coaster according to the invention under the influence of a hot object. Fig 5A, 5B, 5C shows an example of the thermal conductivity in the Coaster according to the invention under the influence of a cold object.

Fig. 6A, 6B, 6C shows an example in cross section of the thermal conductivity in the Coaster according g to the invention under the influence of a hot object.

Fig. 7A, 7B, 7C shows an example in cross section of the thermal conductivity in the Coaster according g to the invention under the influence of a cold object.

Fig 8A, 8B shows an example of a thermal conducting material with low thermal capacity in a small Coaster according to the invention.

Fig 9A, 9B, 9C shows an example of a thermal conducting material with higher thermal capacity in a small Coaster according to the invention. Fig 10A, 10B shows an example of a material with high thermal conductivity and low thermal capacity on a big Coaster according to the invention.

Fig 11 A, 1 IB, 11C shows an example of a material with high thermal conductivity and higher thermal capacity on a big Coaster according to the invention. Fig 12A, 12B, 12C shows examples of different materials with different thermal conductivities used according to the size of the Coaster.

Fig 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D shows examples of the reuse of the Coaster according to the invention

Fig 14A, 14B shows an example of different non-slipping laminates/coatings, increasing the practical use of the Coaster according to the invention. Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

Fig 1 shows an illustration of an embodiment of a Coaster according to the invention where an insulating material with relatively low thermal conductivity 1 of any given thickness and size - normally different types of foam, polymers (polystyrene, polyurethane) or varieties hereof (vacupor, foamglass, styrofoam), neoprene, rubber, wood, leather, felt, fabric, plexiglass, cork or adhesive pads containing the materials - composite with an adhesive substance 2 with a material with relatively high thermal conductivity and relatively low thermal capacity 3 - normally massive plates or foils based on - or containing - metals like gold, silver, aluminum, magnesium, zinc or graphene or materials with similar thermal properties - and a label of a given color preferably with a printed information or motive, which is completely or partly covered by a thermochromic print that changing its optic at a given temperature and preferably sealed with a protecting transparent laminate/coating 6 which preferably is a laminate/coating with high thermal conductivity and a non-slip surface. The Coaster according to the invention is used for the purpose of increasing awareness about campaigns, discounts, activities, events, competitions, commercials and internal and external marketing - or communication purposes on eg. offices, canteens, bars, cafis, restaurants, hotels, waiting rooms, stores, hairdressers or any other workplace where hot or cold beverages are drunk or hot food eaten as well as used for the purpose of an visual active Coaster - or parts hereof - for private households which in use shows a particular information or motive. Furthermore the Coaster according to the invention is protecting the environment by reducing waste as the thermal base of the Coaster is reusable when the visual information/motive is changed and in practical it is resistant towards dirt, dust, chemicals and cleaning devices and ensures that the object placed on the Coaster is not sliding. Fig 2A and 2B shows an example of the Coaster according to the invention where the thermochromics print is visible 7 on a table of a given material 8 where the thermochromics print is transparent on the entire display surface 9 when a hot cup is placed on it 10.

Fig 3A and 3B shows an example of the Coaster according to the invention where the thermochromics print is transparent 1 Ion a table of a given material 12 where the thermochromics print is visible on the entire display surface 13 when a cold glass is placed on it 14.

Fig 4A, 4B, 4C shows an example of the Coaster according to the invention 15,not influenced from the surroundings on a table of a given material 16 where the Coaster is showing an incomplete visual representation of a information/motive 17 after being influenced by a hot cup 18 and the Coaster is showing a complete visual representation of the information/motive 19 when the heat is evenly distributed in the Coaster and reflected upwards after being influenced by a hot cup 20.

Fig 5A, 5B, 5C shows an example of the Coaster according to the invention 21 which is not influenced from the surroundings on a table of a given material 22 where the Coaster is showing an incomplete visual representation of a information/motive 23 after being influenced by a cold glass cup 24 and the Coaster is showing a complete visual representation of the information/motive 25 when the cold is evenly distributed in the Coaster and reflected upwards after being influenced by a cold glass 26.

Fig 6A, 6B, 6C shows a cross section of the Coaster according to the invention where the protective laminate/coating 27, which preferably is thermal conductive and/or non-slipping is applied to the label 28, which again is applied to the material with high thermal conductivity and low heat capacity 29, which is applied to the material with low thermal conductivity 30 on a table of a given material 31, where a hot cup32 via the laminate/coating 33 influences the label with the thermochromic print 34 leading the heat to the material with high thermal conductivity and low thermal capacity 35, where the insulating material 36 is reflecting the heat upwards and away from the table 38, where the cup 40 is placed for a short while on the protecting laminate/coating 41 and the label 42 which now is completely visually reproducing the information/motive as the material with high thermal conductivity 44 has distributed the heat under the complete surface of the Coaster, while the material with low thermal conductivity 46 ensures that the heat is reflected upwards and not to the table 48.

Fig 7A, 7B, 7C shows a cross section of the Coaster according to the invention where the protective laminate/coating 49, which preferably is thermal conductive and/or non-slipping is applied to the label 50, which again is applied to the material with high thermal conductivity and low heat capacity 52, which is applied to the material with low thermal conductivity 54 on a table of a given material 56, where a cold glass58 via the laminate/coating 59 influences the label with the thermochromic print 60 leading the cold to the material with high thermal conductivity and low thermal capacity 62, where the insulating material 64 is reflecting the thermal energy upwards and away from the table 66, where the glass 68 is placed for a short while on the protecting laminate/coating 69 and the label 70 which now is completely visually reproducing the information/motive as the material with high thermal conductivity 72 has distributed the thermal energy under the complete surface of the Coaster, while the material with low thermal conductivity 74 ensures that the heat is reflected upwards and not to the table 76. Fig 8 A, 8B, 8C shows a hot cup 78 placed on the Coaster according to the invention with a small display surface 80 on a thermal conductive material with a low mass and low specific heat capacity 82 applied on a material with a low thermal conductivity 84, where the cup is removed and the optic of the

thermochromics print on the display surface 86 changes quickly from transparent to visible as the underlying material 88 has a low thermal capacity and hence emits the heat placed on a material with low thermal conductivity 90.

Fig 9A, 9B, 9C shows a hot cup 92 placed on a Coaster according to the invention with a small display surface 94 on a thermal conducting material with a relatively high mass and a relatively low specific heat capacity 96 applied to a material with a low thermal conductivity 98, where the cup is removed and the visual change of the thermochromics print on the display surface 100 is slowly turning from transparent to visible as the underlying thermal conducting material 102 has a relatively high mass and specific heat capacity and is placed on a material with low thermal conductivity 104, where the visual change of the thermochromics print on the display surface 106 is complete as the thermal conducting material with a relatively high mass and specific heat capacity 108 placed on a material with low thermal conductivity 110 takes longer to emit the heat and only after a while has regained thermodynamic balance with the surroundings.

Fig 10A, 10B shows a hot cup 112 placed on the Coaster according to the invention with a large display surface 114 on a thermal conductive material with a low mass, low thermal conductivity and high thermal conductivity 116 applied on a material with a low thermal conductivity 118, where the cup is removed and the optic of the thermochromics print on the display surface 120 changes quickly from transparent to visible as the underlying material 122 has a low thermal capacity and hence emits the heat placed on a material with low thermal conductivity 124.

Fig 11 A, 1 IB, 11C shows a hot cup 126 placed on a Coaster according to the invention with a large display surface 128 on a thermal conducting material with a relatively high mass and a relatively low specific heat capacity 130 applied to a material with a low thermal conductivity 132, where the cup is removed and the visual change of the thermochromics print on the display surface 134 is slowly turning from transparent to visible as the underlying thermal conducting material 136 has a relatively high mass and specific heat capacity and is placed on a material with low thermal conductivity 138, where the visual change of the thermochromics print on the display surface 140 is complete as the thermal conducting material with a relatively high mass and specific heat capacity 142 placed on a material with low thermal conductivity 144 takes longer to emit the heat and only after a while has regained thermodynamic balance with the surroundings.

Fig 12A, 12B, 12C shows a cross section of the Coaster according to the invention, where a cup 146 is placed on a Coaster applied with a label on a large display surface 148, where the underlying material has a high specific thermal conductivity on more than 300.00 (W7m*K) 150, placed on an insulating layer 152 and a cup 154 placed on a middle sized Coaster applied with a label with a middle sized display surface 156, where the underlying material has a specific thermal conductivity on 200.00 (W/m*K) 158 placed on an insulating layer 160 and a cup 162 on a smaller Coaster applied with a label with a smaller display surface 164, where the underlying material has a specific thermal conductivity of 100.00 (W/m*K) 166 placed on an insulating layer 168.

Fig 13 A, 13B, 13C, 13D, shows a cross section of the Coaster according to the invention where the protective laminate/coating 169 is applied to the label 170 which is applied to the material with high thermal conductivity and low thermal capacity 172 which is applied to the material with low thermal conductivity 174 where the laminate/coating 175 and the label 176 is detached from the material with high thermal conductivity and low thermal capacity 178 and the insulating material 180 so the Coaster only consists of the material with high thermal conductivity and low heat capacity 182 and the material with low thermal conductivity 184 until a new laminate/coating 185 and a new label 186 is applied unto the material with high thermal conductivity and low thermal capacity 188 and the material with low thermal conductivity 190.

Fig 14A, 14B shows a cross section of the Coaster according to the invention where a cup 192 is unstable on the laminate/coating with low friction 194 applied to the label 196 which is applied to the material with high thermal conductivity and low heat capacity 198, while another cup 200 is stable on laminate/coating with high friction 202, applied to a label 204 which is applied to a material with high thermal conductivity and low thermal capacity.

Fig 15 A, 15B, 15C, 15D, is showing a cross section of the Coasters display surface 208 consisting of a removable label, print and laminate/coating and the thermal base of the Coaster 210 consisting of a composite with material with low thermal conductivity and material with high thermal conductivity where the display surface 212 is detachable from the thermal base 214 so the thermal base 216 is reusable and a new display surface 218 can be applied on the same thermal base.

All shown examples of figures - except for 13A, 13B, 13, 13D and 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D - are illustrated with a cup or a glass, but the Coaster can also be used to protect a table against many other objects containing hot or cold elements - eg. mugs, dishes, plates, bottles or bowls. The shown examples 8A, 8b, 9A, 9B, 9C, 10A, 10B, 11A, 1 lb, 11C, 12A, 12B, 12C are illustrating the thermal influence of the display surface and are illustrated with a hot cup, but the principles also goes for other hot objects, as for example a pot or other cold objects as for example a glass with ice water. When using cold objects, the visual effect of the thermochromics print is reverse, so the print becomes visible when influenced by a cold object instead of transparent by hot objects - as shown in the examples.