GB2309813A - Multi layered structure - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-layered structure comprising at least two layers sealed together around their periphery, at least one of which is opaque, at least one of which is transparent, and at least one of which is flexible; and at least two differently coloured immiscible liquids disposed between at least two of the layers such that when pressure is applied to the at least one flexible layer, the liquids move relative to one another and a transient pattern is produced. The transparent layer may carry printing. The liquids may be water based or oil based, and may include low melting point waxes and greases. The opaque layer may be formed from a membrane that is susceptible to pigmentation by the dyes or pigments present in the liquids. Solid matter such as glitter, sequins and small beads, may be incorporated in an article of manufacture, such as a moose mat, the pattern of which will change as pressure is applied to the mat, see Figures 2 to 5.

Description

MULTI-LAYERED STRUCTURE The present invention relates to a multi-layered structure. In particular, it relates to a multi-layered structure having at least two immiscible, differently coloured, liquids situated between at least two of the layers such that disturbance of the structure causes the liquids to move relative to one another to form a pattern which can be varied by subsequent perturbations of the structure.

Various arrangements for presenting liquids the perturbation of which causes the formation of a pattern have been proposed.

In GB1554473 a mobile decorative device is disclosed in which two immiscible fluids are used to produce a constantly changing pattern of drops. The device is operated by gravity after inversion.

An optical projector which produces a psychedelic moving image is described in GB1536328. The projector comprises a light source, heat filter, an optical filter and two rotatable discs which contain coloured immiscible liquids such that in use a changing coloured pattern is projected onto a surface.

US 4395835 discloses a display which comprises two transparent sealed sheet-like chambers, the first of which contains three mutually immiscible liquid phases, at least two of which are coloured yellow, cyan or magenta. The second chamber contains at least two immiscible liquid phases at least one of which is coloured yellow, cyan or magenta. The volumes of liquids used are selected such that when the device is vertical and at rest, each of the liquid phases in the second chamber overlap with at least two of the liquid phases in the first chamber. Various combinations of colours are thereby observed.

FR 2589794 describes a variable picture in which two transparent panels are arranged such that there is a narrow interfacial gap. The panels are sealed around the edges and a suspension of fine particles such as a mixture of, for example, powdered chromate, sulphur, sand and marble, in a liquid are located in the interfacial gap with at least one second liquid having a different density to the first liquid. The liquids may contain a surfactant to induce the formation of bubbles at the liquid/solid interface when the picture is inverted.

We have now discovered an alternative means for presenting liquids such that the perturbation of the liquids causes the formation of a pattern. The means can be utilised in a wide range of articles of manufacture to provide a decorative, soothing or stimulating effect.

According to the present invention there is provided a multi-layered structure comprising at least two layers sealed together around their periphery, at least one of which is opaque, at least one of which is transparent, and at least one of which is flexible; and at least two differently coloured immiscible liquids disposed between at least two of the layers such that when pressure is applied to the at least one flexible layer, the liquids move relative to one another and a transient pattern is produced.

A preferred embodiment of the invention relates to a two-layered structure comprising: two layers sealed together around their periphery, the lower of which is opaque and the upper of which is transparent and flexible; and two differently coloured immiscible liquids disposed between the layers such that when pressure is applied to the transparent flexible layer a transient pattern is produced.

Included in the phrase "differently coloured" are different shades or hues of the same colour. The coloured liquids include dyes and/or pigments.

By a "transient" pattern we mean a pattern that is extant until such time as pressure is again applied to the flexible layer and the pattern is perturbed and a new pattern is produced.

The pressure required to be applied to the flexible layer to generate the pattern may be a direct, stationary pressure such as produced by an object, including a hand, being applied to the flexible layer and then removed or it may be moving such as when an object, including a finger, is drawn over the surface of the flexible layer.

By "liquids" we mean any material that is suitable for use in the multi-layered structure and that can be moved by the aforementioned pressure. Thus, for the purposes of the present application the term "liquids" includes low melting point waxes and greases.

The layers of the multi-layered structure may be formed from any suitable material.

However, the materials are preferable chosen such that they are resistant to the materials chosen as the immiscible liquids and any pigments and dyes used for colouring the liquids. Any suitable material may be used with PVC being particularly preferred.

The opaque layer may be formed from a material that is susceptible to pigmentation by the dyes or pigments present in at least one of the liquids. In this case the layer will become coloured. For example, the opaque layer may be formed from white PVC and one of the liquids may be red in colour. The PVC layer may then become coloured with a red hue. However, the shade and/or intensity of the colour of the opaque layer may not be the same as that of the liquid and thus a further colour is introduced into the pattern.

Additionally, or alternatively, the opaque layer may be printed on its face such that the printing is visible through the transient pattern obtained by the perturbation thereby adding to the overall pattern.

The flexible, transparent layer of the multi-layered structure may additionally or alternatively be printed. Where the printing covers a substantial area of the layer, the printing is itself transparent. However, if a non-substantial area only is printed, the printing may be opaque.

The at least two immiscible liquids may be selected from any suitable liquids.

However, where the end use of the structure is educational or domestic, it is preferable that non-toxic liquids are chosen. The at least two immiscible liquids preferably comprise an oil based liquid and a water based liquid. Suitable oil based liquids include linseed oil, caster oil and liquid paraffin. Suitable water based liquids include water and dextrose glycerine solutions.

The relative viscosity of the liquids may be varied according to the colour or the rheological properties required and, in one embodiment, may vary from 1 mPa.s to 1,000,000 mPa.s; preferably from 100 mPa.s to 25,000 mPa.s.

Any suitable dyes or pigments may be used. However where the end use of the structure is educational or domestic, it is preferable that non-toxic dyes or pigments are chosen. The dyes may be solid solutions of dyes in a suitable support. One suitable support is melamine formaldehyde sulphonamide resin. Dyes that fluoresce in the visible and/or invisible region of the electromagnetic spectrum may be used as may organic dyes, acid dyes, organic and non-organic pigments, micronised aluminium powders and heat and light sensitive compounds.

Where the dyes and pigments include light sensitive compounds a light source may be located in the multi-layer structure.

Solid matter may also be incorporated into the liquids to add to the pattern.

Examples of suitable solid matter include glitter, sequins and small beads.

If it is desired to utilise three or more colours to create the pattern, it may be advantageous to include further layers of into the structure. Thus, for example, the multi-layered structure may comprise, three layers sealed together around their periphery, the lowest of which is opaque and the upper two of which are transparent and flexible; two differently coloured immiscible liquids disposed between the lowest layer and the middle layer; and two differently coloured immiscible liquids disposed between the middle layer and the uppermost layer such that when pressure is applied to the upper layer a transient pattern is produced between both pairs of layers. By the selection of appropriate colours or other dye types for the liquids a more complex pattern may be obtained than can be achieved using the two layered structure.

The amount of immiscible liquids introduced between the layers of the structure will vary depending on the effect desired provided that there is not so much liquid that the liquids cannot move relative to one another when pressure is applied. The space between the layers may not be wholly filed with liquid such that air bubbles remain in the structure. The movement of the air bubbles may add to the effect of the pattern.

The multi-layered structure of the first aspect of the present invention may be utilized in a number of applications. Thus, according to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an article of manufacture comprising the multi-layered structure of the above first aspect.

One particular use of the multi-layered structure is as the upper surface of a mouse mat, that is a mat on which the mouse control for a personal computer is operated.

In this case, the mat will comprise the multi-layered structure of the present invention mounted on a non-slip mat. Thus in use, as the mouse is moved over the surface of the mat a pattern will be formed.

The multi-layered structure may also be incorporated into a range of other types of mats including, table mats, coasters and tray bases. Where the mat is intended for use as, for example, a table mat, the material from which the upper flexible layer is formed is preferably heat resistant. Additionally, or alternatively, the surface of the mat may be treated to ensure heat resistance. At least one of the liquids will preferably contain a heat sensitive dye.

The article of manufacture may be a cover for a book, such as a personal organiser, album or notebook.

The article of manufacture may be a toy for a child. For example, the multi-layered structure may be arranged such that the outer periphery of the structure traces a shape of an article or an animal. For a child's use suitable shapes include, space ships, humanoid figures, dinosaurs and monsters. The selection of dyes and/or pigments used can be selected to complement the shape or may be chosen to provide the most stimulating patterns to the child; primary colours may be particularly suitable in this regard.

As the transient patterns are stimulating to a child, the article of manufacture may be a play surface or the base of a play pen. The movement of the child on the surface will form the transient patterns. The transient patterns are particularly stimulating to handicapped children. The inclusion of metallic dyes, light sensitive dyes and/or light sources, mean that the mat may be used to stimulate partially sited children.

Similarly, the article of manufacture may be the base of an eating vessel, such as a child's plate. The desire to reach the base of the plate and form patterns may encourage the child to eat the food presented on the plate.

The article of manufacture may also be a toy of the type commonly referred to as an executive toy. Here the colours may be chosen to provide the most soothing and stress-relieving effects.

The article of manufacture may be, or may form part of, an article of clothing, for example, a hat, top, skirt, trousers, shoes, jacket. The article of manufacture may form part of a clothing accessory such as a belt, bag, scarf or tie. The article of manufacture may also be a case, such as a briefcase, suitcase, document carrier, music case or pordolio case. In addition, the article of manufacture may be a piece of jewellery, including a pendant, ring, bracelet, choker, ankle chain, necklace.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying example and drawings, in which: Figure 1 schematic diagram of the formation of the structure of one article of manufacture.

Figures 2 - 5 are examples of transient patterns formed in the multi layered structure of the present invention.

As illustrated in Figure 1, an article of manufacture, such as a mouse mat is formed from three layers. The upper layer, layer 1, preferably comprises 400 micron mark resistant clear PVC sheet plastics material, which may be printed on its underside.

The second layer, layer 2, preferably comprises 350 micron flexible white PVC plastics material. The lowest layer, layer 3, preferably comprises rubber material which preferably has a self-adhesive backing.

Layer 1 was laid onto an indent on the machine bed of a high frequency welder with a heated tool head. 60 ml of an oil based liquid consisting of 1% blue base, 10% Fluo Red 3 base (shade matched to PMS 273) and 89% alkali refined linseed oil (viscosity 5000 mPa.s) and 20 ml of a water based liquid consisting of 6% acid red base, 6.5% Fluo Red 3 base, 12.5 titanium white base (shade matched to PMS 178) and 75% water (viscosity 100 mPa.s). Layer 2 was then laid over the combined liquids and the two layers were bonded by passing high frequency radio waves operating at the nominal frequency of 27.12 MHz through a brass electrode in the shape of the finished article.

The machine settings were: Pre Weld 1 second Power 6 amps Weld 4 seconds Dwell 2 seconds Head Temperature 60"C Layer 3 was then applied to the base of layer 2 and the mat was cut to the final size on a die cutting platen. Conventionally mouse mats are approximately sieved 260mm by 200 mm with radius corners.

Pressure of the upper surface of the mat resulted in the formation of a pattern illustrated in Figure 1. On application of pressure the pattern changed to that shown in Figure 2. On application of pressure the pattern changed to that shown in Figure 3. On application of pressure the pattern changed to that shown in Figure 4.

Claims (20)

1. A multi-layered structure comprising at least two layers sealed together around their periphery, at least one of which is opaque, at least one of which is transparent, and at least one of which is flexible; and at least two differently coloured immiscible liquids disposed between at least two of the layers such that when pressure is applied to the at least one flexible layer, the liquids move relative to one another and a transient pattern is produced.

2. A multi-layered structure according to Claim 1 wherein the multi-layered structure is a two-layered structure comprising: two layers sealed together around their periphery, the lower of which is opaque and the upper of which is transparent and flexible; and two differently coloured immiscible liquids disposed between the layers such that when pressure is applied to the transparent flexible layer a transient pattern is produced.

3. A multi-layered structure according to Claim 1 comprising, three layers sealed together around their periphery, the lowest of which is opaque and the upper two of which are transparent and flexible; two differently coloured immiscible liquids disposed between the lowest layer and the middle layer; and two differently coloured immiscible liquids disposed between the middle layer and the uppermost layer such that when pressure is applied to the upper layer a transient pattern is produced between both pairs of layers.

4. A multi-layered structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 wherein the liquids include dyes and/or pigments.

5. A multi-layered structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the layers are formed from PVC.

6. A multi-layered structure according to Claim 4 or 5 wherein the opaque layer is formed from a material that is susceptible to pigmentation by the dyes or pigments present in at least one of the liquids.

7. A multi-layered structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein the opaque layer may be printed on its face such that the printing is visible through the transient pattern.

8. A multi-layered structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 7 wherein the flexible, transparent layer is printed.

9. A multi-layered structure according to Claim 8 wherein the printing is transparent and covers a substantial area of the layer.

10. A multi-layered structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 9 wherein the at least two immiscible liquids comprise an oil based liquid and a water based liquid.

11. A multi-layered structure according to Claim 10 wherein the oil based liquid is selected from linseed oil, caster oil and liquid paraffin.

12. A multi-layered structure according to Claim 10 or 11 wherein the water based liquid is selected from water and dextrose glycerine solutions.

13. A multi-layered structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 12 wherein the relative viscosity of the liquids is selected to be from 1 mPa.s to 1,000,000 mPa.s, preferably from 100 mPa.s to 25,000 mPa.s.

14. A multi-layered structure according to any one of Claims 4 to 13 wherein the dyes are solid solutions of dyes in melamine formaldehyde sulphonamide resin.

15. A multi-layered structure according to any one of Claims 4 to 14 wherein the dyes and pigments are selected from dyes that fluoresce in the visible and/or invisible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, organic dyes, acid dyes, organic and non-organic pigments, micronised aluminium powders and heat and light sensitive compounds.

16. A multi-layered structure according to any one of Claims 4 to 15 wherein the dyes and pigments include light sensitive compounds and a light source is located in the multi-layer structure.

17. A multi-layered structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 16 wherein solid matter is incorporated into at least one of the liquids.

18. A multi-layered structure as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying description.

19. An article of manufacture comprising the multi-layered structure of any one of Claims 1 to 18.

20. An article of manufacture according to Claim 19 wherein the article is a mouse mat, a table mat, a coaster, a tray base, a cover for a book, a toy for a child, a play surface, the base of a play pen, a base of an eating vessel, an article of clothing, an item of jewellery, a case or an executive toy.