U.S. patent application number 13/327898 was filed with the patent office on 2012-04-12 for thermochromatic pigment covered article and method of making the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to World Wide Lines, Inc.. Invention is credited to Wayne PARR.
Application Number | 20120088094 13/327898 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37024437 |
Filed Date | 2012-04-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120088094 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PARR; Wayne |
April 12, 2012 |
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.
Inventors: |
PARR; Wayne; (North
Covington, TN) |
Assignee: |
World Wide Lines, Inc.
North Covington
TN
|
Family ID: |
37024437 |
Appl. No.: |
13/327898 |
Filed: |
December 16, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11376560 |
Mar 16, 2006 |
8092866 |
|
|
13327898 |
|
|
|
|
60663738 |
Mar 22, 2005 |
|
|
|
60675464 |
Apr 28, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
428/323 ;
427/248.1; 427/385.5; 427/386; 427/420; 427/427.4; 427/430.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09D 11/50 20130101;
B05D 5/061 20130101; Y10T 428/25 20150115; B44F 5/00 20130101; C09D
11/037 20130101; Y10T 428/31504 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
428/323 ;
427/385.5; 427/248.1; 427/386; 427/427.4; 427/420; 427/430.1 |
International
Class: |
B32B 5/16 20060101
B32B005/16; B05D 1/00 20060101 B05D001/00; B05D 1/18 20060101
B05D001/18; B05D 1/02 20060101 B05D001/02; B05D 1/30 20060101
B05D001/30; B05D 3/02 20060101 B05D003/02; B05D 1/34 20060101
B05D001/34 |
Claims
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)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is based on and claims the priority
of Provisional Patent Application No. 60/663,738, filed on Mar. 22,
2005, and Provisional Patent Application No. 60/675,464, filed on
Apr. 28, 2005.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to an improved thermochromatic
pigment covered article and method of making the same. More
particularly, the article is coated with a single layer of an
encapsulated thermochromatic pigment that is contained within a
resin in a manner that it does not separate therefrom.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known to coat an article such as a mug, teapot or dish
with thermochromatic ink such that, when the article undergoes a
temperature change by, for example, hot liquid being poured
therein, an image disposed on the article becomes visible as the
thermochromatic ink becomes transparent, and when the article
cools, the image "disappears". Also known are thermochromatic inks
that change from opaque to transparent as the temperature changes
from hot to cold. With such inks, images can be made to "disappear"
when the article is heated.
[0004] In some cases, the coated article is covered with a
pre-applied decoration that is covered by the thermochromatic ink
coating. In other cases, the coating can be applied to an
undecorated article and then a decoration can be sublimated into
the coating.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,223,958 to Berry describes a well-known
article that incorporates thermochromatic ink in an amusement
device that is heat activated. Berry's amusement device comprises a
supporting substrate, a layer of micro encapsulated thermochromatic
liquid crystal material disposed on the substrate and an outer
transparent film having a message or visual image. The requirement
of a separate layer to carry the image, however, contributes to
increased manufacturing costs in terms of both materials and
process steps. Moreover, the Berry reference fails to provide any
sort of protection for the transparent film. That is, the
transparent film easily can be damaged by scratching or the like.
Moreover still, an article manufactured in accordance with the
disclosure of Berry is deficient in that no protection is afforded
when the article is subjected to relatively harsh conditions, such
as those presented by an automatic dishwasher.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,219,625 to Matsunami et al. is similar to
Berry and discloses a thermochromatic laminate member having a base
layer, a thermochromatic layer, and a thin transparent iridescent
film laminated on the thermochromatic layer. Color patterns on the
film become visible once the thermochromatic layer becomes clear
after heating. An article fabricated in accordance with Matsunami
et al., however, like an article made in accordance with Berry,
requires a separate transparent film over the thermochromatic ink
and, further, is susceptible to harsh conditions, wherein the
laminate and even the thermochromatic ink layer can be damaged.
[0007] U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,759,099 and 6,902,775 to Lodge disclose
decoration methods using thermochromic ink wherein a first coating
having thermochromic ink is applied to an article to be decorated,
the first coating is set or cured, and a second transparent coating
material is applied over the first coating to protect it. This
decoration method requiring multiple steps and two coatings is time
consuming, complicated and thus expensive.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,165 to Cranford discloses a
thermochromatic ink covered article and method making the same
wherein a thermochromatic ink layer is disposed on the article, a
protective coating is applied over the thermochromatic ink layer,
and a design is disposed at least partially in the protective
coating. This method is subject to the same disadvantages as the
method disclosed in the Lodge patents in that it requires multiple
manufacturing steps and two coatings to be applied to the
article.
[0009] The thermochromatic pigment covered article and method of
coating the same in accordance with the present invention are not
subject to the disadvantages of the articles and methods disclosed
in the above-identified patents, and embody improvements and
advantages that are not disclosed or suggested by the
above-identified patents or other prior art. More specifically, the
present invention provides a thermochromatic pigment covered
article and method wherein only a single coating is used that
includes an encapsulated thermochromatic pigment contained within a
resin in a manner that helps to protect the pigment and prevent the
separation of the pigment and the resin.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In accordance with the present invention, a decorated or
undecorated article such as a mug or the like is coated with a
single layer of encapsulated thermochromatic pigment that is
disposed in a resin and treated in a manner to protect it and
prevent the separation of the pigment and the resin.
[0011] In the method of the present invention, a predetermined
amount of encapsulated thermochromatic pigment in ink, powder or
slurry form is first mixed together with a suitable wetting or
dispersion agent that is compatible with the pigment so as not to
break down its encapsulation. Mixing may be done by hand,
mechanical mixer or in any other suitable manner. During the mixing
process, a suitable solvent or solvents and a resin are added to
the mixture to disburse or "wet out" and protect the pigment.
[0012] Depending on the nature of the resin and the wetting or
dispersion agent, a suitable anti-sagging additive may be mixed
therewith.
[0013] A suitable resin base mixture is then prepared The resin may
be comprised of any single or combination of polyesters, acrylics,
alkyds or epoxy resin. Also, the resin may be combined with a
suitable durability additive and/or an anti-sagging additive which
may include a surface tension additive.
[0014] Depending on the type of resin, a crosslinker mixture, which
may comprise a catalyst, solvent and/or crosslinker is added to the
resin base mixture, and these mixtures are further mixed by a
mechanical mixer or any other suitable mixing device.
[0015] Depending on the substrate or article to be coated, a
suitable surface tension additive may then be added to the final
thermochromatic pigment mixture and resin base mixture after they
are combined and mixed, and one or more solvents may be added to
bring the combined mixtures to a desired viscosity for spraying or
another application process. An adhesion promoter may then be added
to the prepared combined mixture or may be pre-applied to the
article to be coated.
[0016] The completed mixture may then be applied as a single layer
thermochromatic coating on the substrate or article to be coated.
The thermochromatic coating can be applied to the article by
various methods, such as by spraying, a waterfall method or
dipping. After the article is coated, the thermochromatic coating
is cured in any suitable manner such as by heat, air drying or UV
exposure. The curing method may vary depending on the type of resin
and other ingredients included in the thermochromatic coating
mixture.
[0017] If the coated article is undecorated, it may then be
subjected to a sublimation process wherein a transfer that is
printed with sublimation dyes is applied thereto with suitable heat
and pressure to cause the sublimation dyes to vaporize and transfer
into the single layer of thermochromatic coating. After cooling,
the transferred image may then be obscured by the thermochromatic
coating.
[0018] Also, in some cases where the coated article is not
decorated or printed with sublimation dyes, it may be screen
printed with a design or copy. It may also be screen printed in
cases where it is decorated or printed with sublimation dyes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The present invention provides an improved thermochromatic
pigment covered article and method of making the same.
Specifically, in accordance with the present invention, there is
provided an article such as a mug, glass or teapot that can
withstand temperature changes and is capable of "hiding" a design
or decoration within a thermochromatic material disposed on the
article, and is capable of making the design or decoration appear
when the article is subjected to increased temperature by, for
example, a hot beverage being poured into it. Alternatively, the
present invention provides such an article that is capable of
showing a design or decoration at room temperature, but may hide
the design or simply just change color when subjected to a cooler
temperature by, for example, a cold beverage being poured
therein.
[0020] It is to be understood that the present invention is
applicable to any article that undergoes temperature changes and on
which it might be desirable to place a design or decoration that
appears or disappears or simply just changes color in accordance
with changes in temperature.
[0021] In accordance with the present invention, a single layer of
a coating containing an encapsulated thermochromatic pigment within
a resin is applied to a decorated or undecorated article. If the
article is undecorated, the single layer of the thermochromatic
pigment and resin coating may then be subjected to a sublimation
process wherein a transfer printed with sublimation dyes is applied
to the coated article and exposed to suitable heat and pressure
such that the sublimation dyes vaporize and transfer into the
single layer of thermochromatic coating. Also, the coated article
may be merely screen printed with a design or copy, whether
decorated or undecorated.
[0022] In the new and improved method of the present invention, the
thermochromatic pigment is mixed with a resin and other additives
in a manner that ensures that the encapsulated thermochromatic
pigment is protected, disbursed in the resin, and does not separate
therefrom such that it can be applied as a single coating on the
decorated or undecorated article to be coated.
[0023] According to the method of the present invention, a
thermochromatic mixture is prepared by combining a suitable
encapsulated thermochromatic pigment in ink, powder or slurry form
with a suitable wetting or dispersion agent that is compatible
therewith. Depending on the nature of the ingredients, the wetting
or dispersion agent may be 1% to 100% by weight of the
thermochromatic pigment.
[0024] As a specific example, the encapsulated thermochromatic
pigment may be DYNA COLOR 45.degree. C. manufactured by CTI, SAKURA
COLOR-TC-PB45 manufactured by Sakura Color Products, or NC BASE Ink
manufactured by Matsui. The wetting or dispersion agent may be
K-SPERSE 152 manufactured by King Industries.
[0025] A desired amount of a suitable resin is added to the pigment
and wetting or dispersion agent mixture to "wet out" and disburse
the encapsulated pigment. The resin can be comprised of any single
or combination of polyesters, acrylics, alkyds or epoxy resin.
[0026] The thermochromatic pigment is mixed with the wetting or
dispersion agent and the resin by hand, a mechanical mixer or in
any other suitable manner for a period of time, e.g., 1-5 minutes,
to effect adequate mixing of the components. While mixing, one or
more suitable solvents may be added to the thermochromatic pigment
mixture to vary the viscosity thereof. As illustrative examples,
the solvents may be A100 manufactured by Sunoco, A150 manufactured
by Eastman Chemical, or Toluene manufactured by ExxonMobil. The
solvents may be added in an amount between 5%-40% by weight of the
total thermochromatic pigment mixture.
[0027] Depending on the nature of the ingredients in the
thermochromatic pigment mixture, a suitable anti-sagging additive
may be mixed therewith in an amount from 5% to 70% by weight of the
pigment. Examples of suitable anti-sagging additives are as
follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Name Manufacturer IRCOGEL Lubrizol K-STAY King
Industries EASY GEL Eagle Specialty Products
[0028] A resin base mixture is then prepared. The resin can be
comprised of any single or combination of polyesters, acrylics,
alkyds or epoxy resin. Depending on the nature of the resin, it may
be mixed with a suitable durability additive and/or anti-sagging
additive and, in some cases, a suitable surface tension additive.
The components of the resin base mixture may be mixed by hand, with
a mechanical mixer or in any other suitable manner for a suitable
period of time and at a suitable temperature. As illustrative
examples, the durability additive may be K-FLEX manufactured by
King Industries, the anti-sagging additive may be CERATIX
manufactured by BYK Chemie or DISPARLON manufactured by King
Industries, and the surface tension additive may be BYK361N, an
acrylate copolymer manufactured by BYK Chemie. In the resin base
mixture, the durability additive may be approximately 5 to 10% by
weight of the resin, the anti-sagging additive may be approximately
0.5 to 5% by weight of the total mixture, and the surface tension
additive may be approximately 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of the total
mixture.
[0029] Depending on the type of resin and other ingredients, a
crosslinker mixture, comprising a catalyst, solvent and/or
crosslinker, may be added to the resin base mixture, before mixing
with the thermochromatic pigment mixture. As an illustrative
example, the catalyst may be a PTSA acid catalyst under the name
CYCAT 4040 manufactured by Cytec, at a rate of between 0.5% to 3%
by weight of the total resin and crosslinker solids. The solvent
may be N-Butanol manufactured by Eastman Chemicals, at a rate of
40% to 60% by weight of the crosslinker, and the crosslinker may be
CYMEL303, a modified melamine resin manufactured by Cytec, at a
rate of between 20% to 45% by weight of the resin.
[0030] The crosslinker mixture and the resin base mixture are mixed
in any suitable manner such as by mechanical mixing. Depending on
the resin and other ingredients, a surface tension additive may
then be added at a rate of approximately 0.05% to 0.5% by weight of
the total mixture.
[0031] The thermochromatic pigment mixture and resin base and
crosslinker mixture are then combined and mixed. Suitable solvents
may then be added to the final thermochromatic pigment and resin
base mixture to bring it to a desired viscosity for spraying or for
another application process. For spraying, the viscosity may be
between 25 and 40 seconds on a Zahm cup No. 2. The solvents may be
the same as those used in the pigment and resin mixtures
hereinbefore described.
[0032] Depending on the nature of the resin and substrate or
article to be coated, a suitable adhesion promoter can be added to
the total mixture in an amount of between 0.5% to 2% by weight of
the total mixture. Alternatively, the adhesion promoter may be
pre-applied to the substrate or article to be coated. The adhesion
promoter may be a suitable type of Silane.
[0033] The completed mixture may then be used as a single layer
thermochromatic coating to be applied to the substrate or article
to be coated in any suitable manner such as by spraying, a
waterfall method, dipping or in any other suitable manner. After
the article is coated, a suitable curing method may be used
depending on the type of resin or other components used. As
illustrative examples, the coated substrate or article may be cured
by heat, air or UV radiation for a suitable period of time.
[0034] Before the application of the single layer thermochromatic
coating to a substrate or article, it should be cleaned in any
suitable manner to free it of any dust or contamination.
[0035] If the coated substrate or article is not decorated, the
decoration can be applied to the coating thereon by a sublimation
process wherein a transfer printed with sublimation dyes is applied
to the article and subjected to suitable heat and pressure for a
suitable period of time to cause the sublimation dyes to vaporize
and transfer into the single layer of thermochromatic coating, as
described in the patent to Cranford, U.S. Pat. No. 6,281,165.
[0036] Because the encapsulated thermochromatic pigment is
protected and contained within the resin mixture so that it does
not separate therefrom, as a result of the new and improved method
of the present invention, it is not necessary to apply a second
protective coating to the combined thermochromatic pigment and
resin mixture. Accordingly, decorated or undecorated articles can
be effectively coated by a single layer thermochromatic coating in
accordance with the present invention.
[0037] Specific examples of compositions and the method of the
present invention are as follows:
Thermochromatic Pigment Mixture
[0038] In one illustrative example, approximately 12 to 36 g
(preferably about 24 g) of K-Sperse 152, a wetting agent
manufactured by King Industries is blended with approximately 500
to 700 g (preferably about 600 g) of an encapsulated
thermochromatic pigment, e.g., DYNA COLOR 45.degree. C., in powder
form by hand or mechanical mixer. Depending on the type and nature
of the thermochromatic pigment, the wetting agent may be
approximately 0.5 to 8% of the pigment weight. While continuing the
mixing, approximately 40 to 120 g (preferably about 60 g) of a
solvent, such as A150 manufactured by Eastman Chemical is added to
the thermochromatic pigment and wetting agent mixture. Depending on
the nature and type of the thermochromatic pigment and the wetting
agent, the solvent may be approximately 5 to 20% of the pigment
weight.
[0039] While the mixing still continues, approximately 300 to 600 g
(preferably 500 g) of a suitable resin, such as POLYMAC 2882
polyester resin manufactured by Resolution Specialty Materials, is
added to the mixture and mixed well for approximately 5 minutes.
Depending on the nature of the resin and the thermochromatic
pigment and other ingredients, the resin may be 35 to 100% of the
pigment weight.
[0040] Thereafter, the thermochromatic pigment mixture is run
through a three roll mill or the like until the thermochromatic
pigment powder is wet out thoroughly and the mixture has a glossy
appearance. Approximately 2 to 15 passes through the roll mill may
be necessary. The rollers should be maintained at a temperature
below approximately 85% F to prevent damage to the pigment.
[0041] The completed thermochromatic pigment mixture is prepared in
approximately 30 to 45 minutes using the above-described steps and
can be stored in any suitable manner until it is ready for use.
Resin Base Mixture
[0042] The first part of the resin base mixture may comprise
approximately 5500 to 5900 g (preferably about 5850 g) of POLYMAC
2882 polyester resin, 700 to 950 g (preferably about 900 g) of a
suitable durability additive such as KFlex 188, manufactured by
King Industries, and approximately 400 to 800 g (preferably about
600 g) of a suitable anti-sag agent such as DISPARLON 6900-20 x,
manufactured by King Industries. The resin, durability additive and
anti-sag agent are mixed with a mechanical mixer for approximately
5 to 30 minutes until well blended without incorporating any air or
a vortex.
[0043] Thereafter, while mixing continues, approximately 60 to 130
g (preferably about 100 g) of a surface tension defoamer, such
BYK310 manufactured by BYK Chemie, is added and the mixing speed is
increased until a vortex appears. Depending on the desired
viscosity, one or more solvents may be added to the mixture while
mixing continues. For example, 300 to 700 g (preferably about 500
g) of A150 solvent manufactured by Eastman Chemical and 300 to 700
g (preferably about 500 g) of A100 solvent manufactured by Sonoco
may be added.
[0044] Finally, approximately 60 to 130 g (preferably about 100 g)
of a bubble breaker or defoamer, surface tension and air release
agent, such as BYK323 manufactured by BYK Chemie, is added to
complete the first part of the base mixture.
Cross Linker Mixture
[0045] Depending on the nature of the resin (e.g., if a polyester
resin is used), it may be necessary to add a cross linker mixture
to the first part of the base mixture. If a cross linker mixture is
necessary, one example would be to mix in a separate container
approximately 1500 to 2100 g (preferably about 1960 g) of a
stabilizer such as N-Butanol with approximately 40 to 120 g
((preferably about 60 g) of a catalyst such as CYCAT 4040
manufactured by Cytec, and approximately 2500 to 3800 g (preferably
about 3500 g) of CYMEL 303, a crosslinker agent manufactured by
Cytec. This cross linker mixture is mixed until it is well blended
and clear for approximately 30 seconds to one minute. This cross
linker mixture is then added to the completed first part of the
base mixture while mixing continues.
Final Ingredients For Resin Base Mixture
[0046] The final ingredients for the resin base mixture comprise
approximately 80 to 150 g (preferably about 130 g) of a leveling
and surface tension agent such as BYK361N manufactured by BYK
Chemie, approximately 200 to 400 g (preferably about 300 g) of an
adhesion promoter such SILANE manufactured by Advanced Polymer,
Inc. approximately 1500 to 2500 g (preferably about 2400 g) of a
suitable solvent such as TOLUENE manufactured by ExxonMobil and
approximately 800 to 1600 g (preferably about 1400 g) of a slow
solvent such as DB ACETATE manufactured by Eastman Chemical for
suitable spraying viscosity. These final ingredients are added to
the first part of the base mixture and the cross linker mixture
while they continue to be mixed together.
Final Mixture
[0047] Approximately 400 to 700 g (preferably about 630 g) of the
thermochromatic pigment mixture are mixed with approximately 75 to
150 g (preferably about 100 g) of a thermal anti-sag additive such
as K-STAY 501 manufactured by King Industries. They are mixed with
a mechanical mixer or the like until well blended.
[0048] Thereafter, approximately 100 to 200 g (preferably about 120
g) of a suitable solvent such as a A-150 manufactured by Eastman
Chemical and 100 to 200 g (preferably about 160 g) of another
suitable solvent such as TOLUENE manufactured by ExxonMobil are
added to the thermochromatic pigment mixture while mixing
continues.
[0049] Approximately 1500 to 1900 g (preferably about 1800 g) of
the combined base mixture and cross linker mixture are then added
and mixed with the thermochromatic pigment mixture until well
blended. Finally, a slow solvent such as DB Acetate in the amount
of approximately 100 to 200 g (preferably about 160 g) may be added
to the final mixture for a desired viscosity.
[0050] Other additives may be used as needed or desired, and other
pigments may be added for different visual effects.
[0051] It is noted that the above-described specific composition
and method is only one example of a completed mixture that may be
used as a single layer thermochromatic coating with use of a
specific resin and other ingredients. The ingredients may vary
significantly depending on the type of encapsulated pigment, the
type of resin, the type of wetting agent and other ingredients to
be used.
[0052] Also, in a modified embodiment, the thermochromatic pigment
mixture and resin base mixture may be mixed together before the
crosslinker mixture and other ingredients are added thereto and
mixed therewith.
[0053] While the invention has been described in connection with
what are presently considered to be the most practical and
preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the
contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended
claims.
* * * * *