Thermochromatic pigment covered article and method of making the same

Abstract

A thermochromatic pigment covered article, comprising a substrate, and a single layer of a combined encapsulated thermochromatic pigment and resin or resin mixture disposed on the substrate. In accordance with the method of the present invention, an encapsulated thermochromatic pigment mixture and a resin or resin mixture are combined and mixed so that the thermochromatic pigment is disbursed and protected in the resin to prevent it from separating therefrom, and the combined pigment mixture and resin or resin mixture are then applied to the substrate in a single layer.

1 . A thermochromatic pigment covered article, comprising:
 a substrate; and   a single layer of a combined encapsulated thermochromatic pigment and resin disposed on said substrate.   
     
     
         2 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said single layer comprises a thermochromatic pigment mixture comprising an encapsulated thermochromatic ink, powder or slurry, and a wetting or dispersion agent mixed therewith. 
     
     
         3 . The article of  claim 2  wherein said thermochromatic pigment mixture further comprises a resin mixed therewith. 
     
     
         4 . The article of  claim 3  wherein said thermochromatic pigment mixture further comprises an anti-sagging additive mixed therewith. 
     
     
         5 . The article of  claim 3  wherein said thermochromatic pigment mixture further comprises a solvent mixed therewith that is compatible with said pigment. 
     
     
         6 . The article of  claim 2  wherein said single layer further comprises a resin mixture comprising said resin and a durability additive mixed therewith. 
     
     
         7 . The article of  claim 6  wherein said resin mixture further comprises an anti-sagging additive mixed therewith. 
     
     
         8 . The article of  claim 3  wherein said resin mixture further comprises a surface tension additive or bubble breaker mixed therewith. 
     
     
         9 . The article of  claim 3  wherein said single layer further comprises a crosslinker mixture comprising a catalyst, a solvent and/or a crosslinker. 
     
     
         10 . The article of  claim 3  wherein said single layer further comprises an adhesion promoter. 
     
     
         11 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said thermochromatic pigment and resin are so combined in said single layer that said thermochromatic pigment is disbursed therein and protected to prevent it from separating from said resin. 
     
     
         12 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said substrate is decorated. 
     
     
         13 . The article of  claim 1  wherein said substrate is undecorated, and a decoration is sublimated into said single layer. 
     
     
         14 - 41 . (canceled)