Compositions – Light transmission modifying compositions – Modification caused by energy other than light
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-21
2001-01-09
Tucker, Philip (Department: 1712)
Compositions
Light transmission modifying compositions
Modification caused by energy other than light
C428S457000, C428S522000, C428S913000, C428S001400
Reexamination Certificate
active
06171524
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to thermochromic materials and is particularly directed to improved thermochromic liquid crystal coatings for use in outdoor and abrasive atmospheres, together with suitable methods for applying such coatings.
PRIOR ART
Thermochromic materials, such as liquid crystals, have been known for many years. However, the use of such materials has been limited to so-called “mood rings”, greeting cards and the like, due to the fact that the prior art thermochromic materials have been jellylike in substance and were not able to withstand exposure to outdoor conditions. Also, they were easily rubbed off by something brushing against it. Heretofore, thermochromic materials have been provided in sheet form on a supporting layer of transparent material, such as mylar, to prevent the sheet of thermochromic material from tearing or becoming otherwise damaged. Also, once applied to a substrate, the mylar served to protect the thermochromic sheet. However, it has been difficult to make the mylar adhere to the thermochromic material and the mylar layer has not provided satisfactory protection against erosion by atmospheric conditions or damage by abrasion or the like. Other attempts have been made heretofore to provide protective coatings for the thermochromic materials. However, many of the prior art protective coatings have had adverse chemical effects on the thermochromic material and have prevented the thermochromic materials from functioning properly. Mylar and other protective coatings have been unable to withstand exposure to atmospheric conditions and have peeled or otherwise become delaminated from the substrate. Thus, none of the prior art protective coatings or thermochromic materials have been entirely satisfactory.
BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF INVENTION
These disadvantages of the prior art are overcome with the present invention and improved protective coatings are provided which are simple and inexpensive to produce and apply and which combine with the thermochromic material to provide temperature-sensitive surfaces which are able to withstand exposure to even severe atmospheric conditions and which strongly resists abrasion, rubbing and other harsh treatment.
These advantages of the present invention are preferably attained by providing an improved protective coating for thermochromic materials comprising a sheet of thermochromic material bonded to a substrate and coated with a layer of protective liquid which hardens to protect and bond with the thermochromic material and substrate against erosion by atmospheric conditions or abrasion, together with a method for forming such a coating.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved thermochromic coating.
Another object of the present invention to provide an improved thermochromic coating which is not subject to damage by atmospheric conditions or abrasion.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide improved thermochromic coatings which are simple and inexpensive to produce and apply.
A further object of the present invention is to provide improved thermochromic coatings which combine with the thermochromic material to provide temperature-sensitive surfaces which are able to withstand exposure to even severe atmospheric conditions.
Another object of the present invention is to provide improved thermochromic coatings which strongly resist abrasion, rubbing and other harsh treatment.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide improved thermochromic articles which can withstand exposure to atmospheric conditions and abrasion.
A further object of the present invention is to provide improved methods of applying thermochromic coatings.
A specific object of the present invention is to provide an improved protective coating for thermochromic materials comprising a sheet of thermochromic material bonded to a substrate and coated with a layer of protective liquid which hardens to protect and bond with the thermochromic material and substrate against erosion by atmospheric conditions or abrasion, together with a method for forming such a coating.
These and other objects and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, taken with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawing.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4028118 (1977-06-01), Nakasuji
patent: 4421560 (1983-12-01), Kito et al.
patent: 4425161 (1984-01-01), Shibahashi et al.
patent: 5058999 (1991-10-01), Davis
patent: 5124819 (1992-06-01), Davis
patent: 5490956 (1996-02-01), Kito et al.
patent: 5573848 (1996-11-01), Van Praet
patent: 5585425 (1996-12-01), Kito et al.
patent: 5721059 (1998-02-01), Kito et al.
patent: 5918981 (1999-07-01), Ribi
Chemical Abstracts 93: 159126, Abstract of Sheng Wu Hua Hsueh Yu Sheng Wu Wu Li Chin Chan, vol. 30 pp. 64-67, (1979).*
Sperry Robert M.
Tucker Philip
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