GB2568027A - Novelty article - Google Patents

Novelty article Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2568027A
GB2568027A GB1716772.7A GB201716772A GB2568027A GB 2568027 A GB2568027 A GB 2568027A GB 201716772 A GB201716772 A GB 201716772A GB 2568027 A GB2568027 A GB 2568027A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
article
colour
thermochromic pigment
temperature range
writing surface
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1716772.7A
Other versions
GB201716772D0 (en
Inventor
North Richard
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
China Industries Ltd
Original Assignee
China Industries Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by China Industries Ltd filed Critical China Industries Ltd
Priority to GB1716772.7A priority Critical patent/GB2568027A/en
Publication of GB201716772D0 publication Critical patent/GB201716772D0/en
Publication of GB2568027A publication Critical patent/GB2568027A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05D—PROCESSES FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05D5/00—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures
    • B05D5/06—Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials to surfaces to obtain special surface effects, finishes or structures to obtain multicolour or other optical effects
    • B05D5/061—Special surface effect
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
    • B41M—PRINTING, DUPLICATING, MARKING, OR COPYING PROCESSES; COLOUR PRINTING
    • B41M5/00—Duplicating or marking methods; Sheet materials for use therein
    • B41M5/26—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used
    • B41M5/28—Thermography ; Marking by high energetic means, e.g. laser otherwise than by burning, and characterised by the material used using thermochromic compounds or layers containing liquid crystals, microcapsules, bleachable dyes or heat- decomposable compounds, e.g. gas- liberating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L1/00—Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing
    • B43L1/002—Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing chemical details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B43—WRITING OR DRAWING IMPLEMENTS; BUREAU ACCESSORIES
    • B43L—ARTICLES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING UPON; WRITING OR DRAWING AIDS; ACCESSORIES FOR WRITING OR DRAWING
    • B43L1/00—Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing
    • B43L1/12—Repeatedly-usable boards or tablets for writing or drawing having translucent writing surfaces producing visual impressions by co-operation with backing members
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
    • B44F1/00—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects
    • B44F1/08—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects characterised by colour effects
    • B44F1/10—Changing, amusing, or secret pictures

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Details Of Rigid Or Semi-Rigid Containers (AREA)

Abstract

An article 10 comprises at least one thermochromic pigment (20, Fig.2A) and a writing surface 18 on an outer surface 16 of the article for markings or indicia. The at least one thermochromic pigment is configured to conceal markings or indicia on the writing surface when the article is within a first temperature range and reveal the at least one markings or indicia within a second temperature range. There is also disclosed methods of concealing and revealing markings on the article. The thermochromic pigment may be a coating, membrane or layer of the article. The thermochromic pigment may be a leuco dye or liquid crystals. The markings may be indelible or permanent or may be temporary or erasable. The thermochromic pigment may be a first colour within the first temperature range and a second colour with the second temperature range. The thermochromic pigment many be reversible or irreversible. The article may be a drinking vessel such as a mug, cup, glass, bottle and/or jar. The article may be tableware, cookware, crockery, cutlery, coasters, beermats, baby bottles and/or drinking straws.

Description

Novelty Article
The present invention relates to generally to the field of novelty articles, in particular to novelty articles which change colour in response to changes in temperature.
Background to the Invention
It is common to play harmless tricks or pranks on one another to invoke laughter and amusement as way of reducing the stress of working life.
There are many novelty items that are available including drinking vessels such as coffee mugs which display funny pictures and/or text. These novelty drinking vessels are popular because they provide a vessel having a humorous design as a means of encouraging laughter and provoking the individual in a playful way for entertainment purposes.
However, after a while the humorous design on the drinking vessel may become tired and lose its comicalness. The novelty items are required to be replaced regularly to ensure the originality and spontaneity of the humorous design.
It is therefore an object of an aspect of the present invention to obviate or at least mitigate the foregoing disadvantages of novelty articles known in the art.
Summary of the invention
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an article comprising: at least one thermochromic pigment;
a writing surface on an outer surface of the article for markings or indicia; wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment is configured to conceal markings or indicia on the writing surface when the article is within a first temperature range and reveal the marking or indicia on the writing surface when the article is within a second temperature range.
By providing an article with at least one thermochromic pigment designed to conceal markings on a writing surface within a first temperature range and reveal the markings within a second temperature range, funny and/or secret messages may be written on the article and revealed when the article temperature is raised to within the second temperature range. This can result in a surprising and amusing reaction for anyone who has no prior knowledge of the funny or secret message.
The at least one thermochromic pigment may be embedded in or integral with the article body. The at least one thermochromic pigment may be embedded in or integral with a portion or section of the article body. The at least one thermochromic pigment may be in a coating, membrane or layer of the article. The at least one thermochromic pigment may be in a section or portion of a coating, membrane or layer of the article.
Preferably the at least one thermochromic pigment is a layer on an outer surface of the article. The at least one thermochromic pigment may be in a section or portion of an outer surface of the article. The at least one thermochromic pigment may be in a section or portion of a layer of an outer surface of the article.
A surface of the thermochromic layer may define the writing surface. A portion or section of the surface of the thermochromic layer may define the writing surface.
The writing surface may comprise a transparent or translucent layer, film or coating. The transparent or translucent layer, film or coating may be provided on an outer surface of the thermochromic layer. The transparent or translucent layer, film or coating may be provided on a portion or section of an outer surface of the thermochromic layer.
The writing surface may be non-porous and/or smooth. The surface may be porous and/or matte. The writing surface may be dry-erasable surface. The writing surface may be configured to receive indelible or permanent markings. Alternatively, the writing surface may be configured to receive semi-permanent, temporary and/or erasable markings.
The writing surface may be configured to receive marking or indicia applied by a writing instrument.
The at least one thermochromic pigment may comprise a leuco dye or liquid crystals.
Preferably the at least one thermochromic pigment is configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range.
The colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment at the first temperature may be the same or similar to the colour of the markings or indicia. The at least one thermochromic pigment within the first temperature range may be configured to conceal or obfuscate any markings or indicia on the writing surface.
The colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment within the second temperature range may be different and contrasting to the colour of the markings or indicia. The at least one thermochromic pigment within the second temperature range may be configured to contrast with any markings or indicia on the writing surface to increase the visibility of the markings or indicia.
The at least one thermochromic pigment may be reversible such that the colour of the pigment reverts back to the first colour when at the temperature of the article reverts to within first temperature range. The at least one colour of the thermochromic pigment may be reversible.
The at least one thermochromic pigment may be irreversible such that the colour of the pigment remains the second colour when at the temperature of the article reverts to within the first temperature range. The colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment may be fixed after the transition from the colour within the first temperature range to the colour within the second temperature range.
The article may comprise a plurality of thermochromic pigments. Each thermochromic pigment may have a different colour within the first temperature range. Each thermochromic pigment may have a different colour within the second temperature range.
The thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a third colour at a third temperature range. The thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a fourth colour at a fourth temperature range.
The first temperature range may be colder than the second temperature range. The first temperature range may be lower than the second temperature range.
The first temperature range may be warmer than the second temperature range. The first temperature range may be higher than the second temperature range.
The first temperature range may be between -10°C and 25°C and the second temperature range may be between 26°C and 100°C.
The first temperature range may be between 20°C and 100°C and the second temperature range may be between -10°C and 19°C.
The article may be selected from the group including but not limited to a drinking vessel, tableware, cookware, crockery, cutlery; coasters, beermats, baby bottles and drinking straws.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an article comprising: at least one thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range;
wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the article defines a writing surface for receiving markings or indicia;
wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment is configured to conceal or obfuscate markings or indicia on the writing surface within the first temperature range and reveal the marking or indicia on the writing surface within the second temperature range.
Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a drinking vessel comprising a vessel body comprising a thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range; wherein at least a portion of an outer surface of the vessel body defines a writing surface for receiving markings or indicia;
wherein the thermochromic pigment is configured to conceal or obfuscate markings or indicia within the first temperature range and reveal the marking or indicia within the second temperature range.
The drinking vessel may be configured to contain or hold a beverage.
The temperature of the beverage may change the temperature of the drinking vessel.
The drinking vessel may be selected from the group including but not limited to a mug, cup, glass, bottle or jar.
Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first or second aspect of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising: at least one writing instrument and an article, wherein the article comprises: at least one thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range; and writing surface on at least a portion of an outer surface of the article.
Preferably the at least one writing instrument is a pen, pencil, stylus, crayon, chalk, brush or marker. Further preferably the at least one writing instrument comprises ink. The ink may be permanent or erasable.
The writing surface may be an ink receptive surface. The surface may be porous or matte. The surface may be non-porous and/or smooth.
The kit may comprise an eraser, cloth and/or cleaning fluid to aid the removal of markings from the writing surface.
The thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a first colour within a temperature range between -10°C and 25°C. The thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a first colour within the range of +/- 5°C of room temperature. The thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a second colour within the range of 26°C and 100°C.
The thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a first colour within a temperature range between 20°C and 100°C. The thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a second colour within the range of-10°C and 19°C.
The article may comprise a plurality of thermochromic pigments. The thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a first colour within a temperature range between -10°C and 20°C. The thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a second colour within the range of 21 °C and 40°C. The thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a third colour within the range of 41 °C and 100°C.
The ink colour of the marker may be configured to be identical or similar to the first or second colour of the thermochromic pigment.
The thermochromic pigment is configured to conceal or obfuscate the marker ink on the writing surface when the article is within the first temperature range. The thermochromic pigment is configured to contrast with the marker ink of the writing surface when the article is the within the second temperature range to reveal the marking or indicia.
Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to third aspects of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising: at least one writing instrument and a drinking vessel, wherein the drinking vessel comprises:
a vessel body comprising a thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range; and a writing surface on an outer surface of the vessel body.
The drinking vessel may be selected from the group including but not limited to a mug, cup, glass, bottle or jar.
Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to fourth aspects of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts comprising: at least one writing instrument and a coaster for supporting a drinking vessel, wherein the coaster comprises:
a coaster body comprising a thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range; and a writing surface on an outer surface of the coaster body.
Embodiments of the sixth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to fifth aspects of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.
According to a seventh aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of concealing and revealing markings on an article comprising:
providing an article comprising:
at least one thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range;
a writing surface on at least a portion of an outer surface of the article;
applying markings to the writing surface, change the temperature of the thermochromic pigment such that the marking on the writing surface contrasts with the colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment and is visible.
The method may comprise marking the writing surface with ink which is the same or similar colour as the thermochromic pigment within the first temperature range. The method may comprise marking the writing surface with ink which is a different colour as the thermochromic pigment within the second temperature range.
The method may comprise utilising a writing instrument to mark or apply marking to the writing surface. The writing instrument may be a pen or marker. Preferably the pen or marker comprises ink. The ink may be permanent or erasable.
The method may comprise exposing the article to a source of heat or cold to change the temperature of the thermochromic pigment.
Embodiments of the seventh aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to sixth aspects of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.
According to an eighth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of revealing markings on an article comprising: providing an article comprising:
at least one thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range;
a writing surface on at least a portion of an outer surface on the article, the writing surface having markings applied thereon which are the same or similar colour as the first colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment;
changing the temperature of the at least one thermochromic pigment such that the marking on the writing surface contrasts with the colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment and is visible.
Embodiments of the eighth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to seventh aspects of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.
According to a ninth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of applying and concealing markings on an article comprising:
providing an article comprising:
at least one thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range;
a writing surface on at least a portion of an outer surface on the article;
marking the writing surface; the markings having the same or similar colour as the first colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment.
The method may comprise marking the writing surface when the article is at a temperature within the first temperature range.
Embodiments of the ninth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to eighth aspects of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.
According to a tenth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of applying and concealing markings on an article comprising:
providing an article comprising:
at least one thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range;
a writing surface on at least a portion of an outer surface on the article;
marking the writing surface; the markings having the same or similar colour as the first or second colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment changing the temperature of the thermochromic pigment to change the colour of the thermochromic pigment such that the marking on the writing surface is concealed or obfuscated.
The method may comprise marking the writing surface with ink having the same or similar colour as the second colour of the thermochromic pigment and changing the temperature of the thermochromic pigment from the first temperature range to the second temperature range to change the colour of the thermochromic pigment to the second colour of the thermochromic pigment such that the marking on the writing surface is concealed or obfuscated.
The method may comprise providing a writing instrument containing ink configured to mark the writing surface. The ink colour is selected to be identical or similar to the first or second colour of the thermochromic pigment.
Embodiments of the tenth aspect of the invention may include one or more features of the first to ninth aspects of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.
Brief Description of the Drawings
There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, of which:
Figures 1A and 1B show schematic side-views of an article at first and second temperature ranges respectively according to a first embodiment of the invention;
Figures 2A and 2B are enlarged schematic sectional views of the articles of Figures 1A and 1B taken along line A-A’ respectively in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figures 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D show schematically steps of a method of using the article of Figure 1A according to an embodiment of the invention.
Figures 4A and 4B show schematic perspective views of an article at first and second temperature ranges respectively according to an embodiment of the invention.
In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of embodiments of the invention.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
Figures 1A and 1B show a drinking vessel, in particular, a mug 10 according to a first embodiment of the invention, shown from a side elevation view. The mug 10 has a handle 12, an interior surface 14 and an exterior surface 16.
Figure 2A and 2B are enlarged schematic cross-sectional views of the interior surface 14 and an exterior surface 16 of the mug 10 shown in Figures 1A and 1B respectively.
The interior surface 14 in configured, in use, to be contactable with a beverage (not shown). The exterior surface 16 has a writing surface 18 which is configured to receive ink. Preferably a writing instrument is employed to transfer the ink onto the exterior surface 18. Most preferably the ink is stored within the writing instrument.
The exterior surface 16 has a layer of thermochromic pigment 20. The thermochromic pigment 20 may be applied as to the mug 10 via painting, spraying, dip coating. Alternatively, the thermochromic pigment 20 may be integral with the mug material and added during the casting or moulding of the mug 10.
In the above example the thermochromic pigment layer is applied to the exterior surface of the mug. However, it will be appreciated that the thermochromic pigment may be disposed on a portion or section of the exterior surface. In this embodiment, only the portion or section of the exterior surface of the mug comprising thermochromic pigment layer will change colour in response to a temperature change.
The thermochromic pigment 20 may comprise a leuco dye or liquid crystals. It is preferable for the thermochromic pigment 20 to be reversible so that its colour can be repeatedly changed with changing temperatures. Alternatively, the thermochromic pigment 20 is irreversible such that the colour of the pigment 20 remains the second colour even when at the temperature of the mug 10 reverts to the original first temperature range.
The thermochromic pigment 20 is configured to change colour on exposure to a change in temperature. Figure 1A shows the thermochromic pigment has a black colour when the thermochromic pigment 20 and the mug 10 is at a first temperature e.g. room temperature.
Figure 1B shows the thermochromic pigment 20 has a white colour when the temperature of the thermochromic pigment 20 is changed e.g. it is raised above room temperature. The black markings 22 forming the word “HELLO” in Figure 1B, contrast with the white thermochromic layer at the second temperature and are visible on the writing surface 18 of the mug 20.
It is preferable for the writing surface 18 to comprise a transparent or translucent layer, film or coating 19. The transparent or translucent layer, film or coating 19 may be provided on an outer surface of the thermochromic layer and is found to assist in the transfer and removal of the ink.
The above arrangement allows the writing surface 18 to be non-porous or porous and/or matte. Furthermore, the writing surface 18 may be a dry-erasable surface. The writing surface 18 may be configured to receive indelible or permanent markings. Alternatively, the writing surface 18 may be configured to receive semi-permanent, temporary and/or erasable markings.
Figure 3A to 3D show schematically steps of a method of concealing and revealing a message on a drink vessel, such as a mug 10. As shown in Figure 3A an individual writes a message on the writing surface 18 of the mug 10 using a marker pen 21. The ink of the marker pen 21 is selected to be the same as the colour of the thermochromic pigment 20 of the mug 10 at room temperature. In this example, the colour of the thermochromic pigment 20 and the pen ink are both black.
Hot water is then poured from a kettle 30 into the mug 10 as shown in Figure 3B. The temperature of the hot water heats the mug 10 and the exposes the thermochromic pigment 20 to a temperature above room temperature. The colour of the thermochromic pigment 20 changes from black to white. The pen ink remains in black and is now visible on the writing surface 18 of the mug 10 as shown in Figure 3C.
Over time, the water in the mug 10 cools to room temperature, or the water is removed from the mug. As the mug cools, the thermochromic pigment 20 colour changes from white to black as shown in Figure 3D. The pen ink markings 22 is again obscured and concealed by the thermochromic pigment 20 having the same colour. The markings may be revealed again by repeating the steps of 3B and 3C.
The markings 22 from the writing instrument ink 21 may be indelible or permanent. Alternatively, the markings 22 may be temporary or erasable and allow the individual to remove the marking and apply the same or different markings.
Figure 4A and 4B show a coaster 40 for a drinking vessel, shown from a schematic perspective view. The coaster 40 has a body 42 with an upper surface 44. The upper surface 44 is configured, in use, to be contactable with a drinking vessel.
The upper surface 44 has a writing surface 46. The writing surface 46 is ink receptive and is configured to enable ink from a marker pen 41 to be transferred from the marker pen onto the writing surface 46.
The upper surface 44 has a layer of thermochromic pigment 48. The thermochromic pigment 48 may be applied to the coaster 40 via painting, spraying or dip coating.
Alternatively, the thermochromic pigment 48 may be integral with the coaster material and added during the casting or moulding of the coaster 40.
The thermochromic pigment 48 is configured to change colour on exposure to a temperature change. Figure 4A shows the thermochromic layer has a black colour when the thermochromic pigment 48 and the coaster 40 are at room temperature. Figure 4B shows the thermochromic pigment layer has a white colour when the thermochromic pigment 48 is raised above room temperature e.g. when a drinking vessel (not shown) holding hot beverage is located on the coaster. The black markings 49 which form the word “HELLO” in Figure 4B contrast with the white thermochromic layer and are visible on the writing surface 46 of the coaster 40.
Although in the above example, the mug 10 and coaster 40 change colour in response to an increase in temperature e.g. above room temperature, it will be appreciated that the thermochromic pigment or composition thereof may be selected to provide a colour change in response to a reduction or decrease in temperature e.g. below room temperature. The thermochromic pigment or composition may be selected such that a variety of temperature ranges may be selected to produce a colour change in the pigment.
The thermochromic pigment 20 and 48 may be configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range. It is preferable for the colour of the thermochromic pigment 20 and 48 at the first temperature to be the same, or similar to, the colour of the markings or indicia while the colour of the thermochromic pigment 20 and 48 within the second temperature range is different and contrasting to the colour of the markings or indicia. The first temperature range for the thermochromic pigment 20 and 48 may be between -10°C and 25°C and the second temperature range for the thermochromic pigment 20 and 48 may be between 26°C and 100°C. Alternatively, the first temperature range for the thermochromic pigment 20 and 48 may be between 20°C and 100°C and the second temperature range for the thermochromic pigment 20 and 48 may be between -10°C and 19°C.
As well as being a drinking vessel or a coaster the article may also comprise other tableware, cookware, crockery, cutlery; coasters, beermats, baby bottles and or drinking straws.
In alternative embodiments the article may comprise a plurality of thermochromic pigments. Each thermochromic pigment may have a different colour within the first temperature range. Each thermochromic pigment may have a different colour within the second temperature range.
An alternative embodiment of the invention may comprise an article having at least one portion of the article or article surface comprising at least one thermochromic pigment. The at least one portion changes colour in response to a temperature change, whereas the remaining sections or portions of the article which do not comprise a thermochromic pigment do not change colour in response to a temperature change.
It will be appreciated that as an alternative to ink being used to produce markings or indicia on the writing surface other writing materials may be used such as pencils, crayons, paints, brushes or chalk.
In yet further alternative embodiments the thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a third colour at a third temperature range. Furthermore, the thermochromic pigment may be configured to have a fourth colour at a fourth temperature range.
By providing an article such as a drinking vessel or coaster with at least one thermochromic pigment and a writing surface, the invention facilitates a fun way of concealing and revealing messages or symbols. An advantage of this method is that the visibility of the messages or symbols are temperature dependant and are only revealed or conceal under predetermined temperature conditions.
The invention provides an article comprising at least one thermochromic pigment and a writing surface on an outer surface of the article for markings or indicia. The at least one thermochromic pigment is configured to conceal markings or indicia on the writing surface when the article is within a first temperature range and reveal the at least one markings or indicia within a second temperature range.
The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention herein intended.

Claims (35)

Claims
1. An article comprising:
at least one thermochromic pigment;
a writing surface on an outer surface of the article for markings or indicia;
wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment is configured to conceal markings or indicia on the writing surface when the article is within a first temperature range and reveal the marking or indicia on the writing surface when the article within a second temperature range.
2. The article as claimed in claim 1 wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment is in a coating, membrane or layer of the article.
3. The article as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment is in a coating, membrane or layer of a portion or section of the article.
4. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment is a layer on an outer surface of the article.
5. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment is in a portion or section of an outer surface of the article.
6. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the writing surface comprises a transparent layer.
7. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the writing surface is a portion of the thermochromic layer.
8. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the writing surface is configured to receive indelible or permanent markings.
9. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the writing surface is configured to receive semi-permanent, temporary and/or erasable markings.
10. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment comprises a leuco dye or liquid crystals.
11. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment is configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range.
12. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment at the first temperature is the same or similar to the colour of the markings or indicia.
13. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment within the second temperature range is different and contrasting to the colour of the markings or indicia.
14. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment is reversible.
15. The article as claimed in any of claims 1 to 13 wherein the at least one thermochromic pigment is irreversible.
16. The article as claimed in any preceding claim comprising a plurality of thermochromic pigments.
17. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first temperature range is lower or colder than the second temperature range.
18. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first temperature range is higher or warmer than the second temperature range.
19. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the first temperature range is between -10°C and 25°C and the second temperature range is between 26°C and 100°C.
20. The article as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18 wherein the first temperature range is between 20°C and 100°C and the second temperature range is between -10°C and 19°C.
21. The article as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the article is selected from the group of a drinking vessel, tableware, cookware, crockery, cutlery; coasters, beermats, baby bottles and/or drinking straws.
22. The article as claimed in claim 21 wherein the article is a drinking vessel and the drinking vessel is selected from the group of a mug, cup, glass, bottle and/or a jar.
23. A kit of parts comprising:
at least one writing instrument and an article, wherein the article comprises:
at least one thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range; and writing surface on at least a portion of an outer surface of the article.
24. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 23 wherein the writing instrument is a pen or marker.
25. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 24 wherein the pen or marker comprises ink.
26. The kit of parts as claimed in claim 25 wherein the ink colour is configured to be have an identical or similar colour to the first or second colour of the thermochromic pigment.
27. The kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 23 to 26 wherein the writing surface is an ink receptive surface.
28. The kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 23 to 27 comprising an eraser, cloth and/or cleaning fluid to aid the removal of markings from the writing surface.
29. The kit of parts as claimed in any of claims 23 to 28 wherein the article is a drinking vessel or a coaster.
30. A method of concealing and revealing markings on an article comprising: providing an article comprising:
at least one thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range;
a writing surface on at least a portion of an outer surface of the article; applying markings to the writing surface, changing the temperature of the at least one thermochromic pigment such that the marking on the writing surface contrasts with the colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment and is visible.
31. The method according to claim 30 comprising marking the writing surface with ink which is the same or similar colour as the thermochromic pigment within the first temperature range.
32. The method according to claim 30 comprising marking the writing surface with ink which is a different colour as the thermochromic pigment within the second temperature range.
33. The method according to any of claims 30 to 32 comprising exposing the article to a source of heat or cold to adjust the temperature of the thermochromic pigment.
34. A method of revealing markings on an article comprising: providing an article comprising:
at least one thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range;
a writing surface on at least a portion of an outer surface on the article, the writing surface having markings applied thereon which are the same or similar colour as the first colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment;
changing the temperature of the at least one thermochromic pigment such that the marking on the writing surface contrasts with the colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment and is visible.
35. A method of applying and concealing markings on an article comprising: providing an article comprising:
at least one thermochromic pigment configured to have a first colour within a first temperature range and a second colour within a second temperature range;
a writing surface on at least a portion of an outer surface on the article; marking the writing surface; the markings having the same or similar colour as the first colour of the at least one thermochromic pigment.
GB1716772.7A 2017-10-13 2017-10-13 Novelty article Withdrawn GB2568027A (en)

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Citations (6)

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US5223958A (en) * 1988-12-30 1993-06-29 Hyperdesign, Inc. Heat activated amusement device employing microencapsulated thermochromic liquid crystal
GB2346112A (en) * 1999-01-29 2000-08-02 Atlas Crystal Works Inc Thermochromatic ink covered article having image disposed thereon and method of making the same
US20010020785A1 (en) * 1998-10-30 2001-09-13 Van Boom Joel Bryan Form for concealing variable printed information
US6313067B1 (en) * 1997-03-10 2001-11-06 Sakura Color Products Corporation Image receptor surface and method of making the same
US20040191524A1 (en) * 1998-06-17 2004-09-30 Lodge James Anthony Decoration methods
US20080229971A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Wynn Wolfe Article of manufacture having sublimatable time delay thermochromic ink display

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5223958A (en) * 1988-12-30 1993-06-29 Hyperdesign, Inc. Heat activated amusement device employing microencapsulated thermochromic liquid crystal
US6313067B1 (en) * 1997-03-10 2001-11-06 Sakura Color Products Corporation Image receptor surface and method of making the same
US20040191524A1 (en) * 1998-06-17 2004-09-30 Lodge James Anthony Decoration methods
US20010020785A1 (en) * 1998-10-30 2001-09-13 Van Boom Joel Bryan Form for concealing variable printed information
GB2346112A (en) * 1999-01-29 2000-08-02 Atlas Crystal Works Inc Thermochromatic ink covered article having image disposed thereon and method of making the same
US20080229971A1 (en) * 2007-03-22 2008-09-25 Wynn Wolfe Article of manufacture having sublimatable time delay thermochromic ink display

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