Coated game card sleeve

Abstract

The utility model discloses a coating game card cover relates to the protective cover designed for game card, include: cover main part, the cover main part is used to accommodate game card, the cover main part includes at least two plastic base material layers, at least two plastic base material layers are bonded together at the combining part to form the enclosure with the entry port for inserting the game card, coating, the coating is printed on the outer surface of any plastic base material layer, the coating outer surface is coated with the coating ink of fine solid particle, so that the printed outer surface has textured finish, to enhance the holding of game card and provide the convenience of handling or shuffling to game card.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to protective sleeves designed for game cards. Specifically, this invention relates to an improved coated game card sleeve that uses a coating ink mixed with fine solid particles to create a texture on the sleeve surface, thereby providing a tactile grip while maintaining durability and environmental compliance. Background Technology

[0002] Card sleeves are typically used to protect game cards from damage, maintain their quality during handling, and prevent tampering. Universal card sleeves usually use a combination of a transparent front material and an opaque back material. One known method for enhancing grip and usability is embossing, where a texture is mechanically pressed into the back of the sleeve material. This provides benefits such as easier card handling, shuffling, and preventing slippage during use.

[0003] However, traditional embossing methods present several challenges, including high production costs, as embossing must be performed during the material production stage, increasing production complexity and costs. Traditional embossing methods also raise environmental issues, with the most common embossing material being the environmentally unfriendly polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Their design flexibility is also limited, as embossing technology struggles to produce multi-color products and requires large-volume production, leading to increased inventory risk.

[0004] This invention further enhances the performance of game card sleeves by providing a novel alternative that achieves the benefits of embossing without its associated drawbacks. The invention relates to the production of game card sleeves using a coating ink mixed with fine solid particles, which is printed onto a plastic-based composite material to enhance processability, production efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

[0005] Fine solid particles such as silica or aluminum form a textured surface that mimics the effect of traditional embossing, providing better grip and reducing slippage during shuffling. This delivers an improved tactile experience for players, while the matte finish minimizes glare and enhances usability.

[0006] From a production perspective, this approach eliminates the need for expensive and demanding embossing processes. Instead, the texture is achieved through a simple printing process using common techniques such as screen printing or digital printing. This reduces production costs, allows for greater design flexibility, and supports customizing kit designs simply by adjusting the ink formulation.

[0007] Furthermore, this approach addresses environmental concerns by allowing for the use of more environmentally friendly non-PVC materials, such as polypropylene or PET. It provides a regulatory-compliant, sustainable alternative by avoiding the traditional use of PVC and energy-intensive embossing processes.

[0008] US Patent US2017 / 0096270A1 discloses an invention of a card holder comprising a translucent plastic sleeve front and a multi-layer card sleeve back. The multi-layer card sleeve back includes: an inner thermoplastic layer containing black pigment, an intermediate thermoplastic layer containing white pigment, and an outer thermoplastic layer containing pigment of a predetermined color. The intermediate thermoplastic layer is disposed between the inner and outer thermoplastic layers. The translucent plastic sleeve front is heat-sealed to the multi-layer card sleeve back. The inner thermoplastic layer contains 8% black pigment by weight, the intermediate thermoplastic layer contains 11% white pigment by weight, and the outer thermoplastic layer contains 12% pigment of the predetermined color by weight. However, this patent does not disclose: a printable coating on at least one surface; allowing for a multi-color design that is transparent or opaque by changing the ink color or a combination thereof without changing the plastic substrate; and the formation of an embossed texture pattern when the ink is mixed with fine solid particles.

[0009] Another US patent, US2010 / 008094.0A1, discloses an invention relating to an opaque thermoplastic multilayer sheet that is opaque in transmission, the sheet having a density of 1 g / cm or less and a thickness of 500 µm or less, each face of the sheet having a uniform surface finish, the sheet comprising at least three extruded layers, the at least three extruded layers comprising an opaque inner layer and at least two thermoplastic outer layers, the at least two thermoplastic outer layers being not completely opaque, the inner layer comprising a thermoplastic material and a light-blocking filler. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing the opaque thermoplastic sheet, including a co-extrusion step and a “press-cool-finish” step, wherein the co-extruded polymer between a cooling roller and an endless conveyor belt provides the sheet with the desired thickness and uniform surface finish. The invention also relates to its application in various sheets, particularly in hanging banners or game cards or scratch cards. Nevertheless, the invention does not mention the use of transparent or opaque colored inks or combinations thereof mixed with fine solid particles for printing to form a thin coating on the surface of a plastic substrate, wherein the coating printed on the game card sleeve has a thickness of 5µm to 30µm.

[0010] Meanwhile, Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent PCT / US2023 / 014398, which enjoys priority of US Patent US20230321520A1, discloses a ferrule system including an outer sleeve. According to an example, the outer ferrule includes an outer front sheet. The outer ferrule may include an outer back sheet attached to the outer front sheet along the outer lower edge, outer left side, and outer right side of the outer sleeve. In some examples, the outer upper edge of the outer ferrule defines an outer opening configured to receive an inner ferrule. Furthermore, in some examples, the outer upper left and outer upper right corners of the outer ferrule define right angles. The outer lower left and outer lower right corners of the outer ferrule may define rounded corners. However, this invention does not disclose the use of transparent, opaque colored inks or combinations thereof to achieve a textured effect after printing, wherein the ink is mixed with fine solid particles.

[0011] Another US patent, US2021 / 0308557A1, discloses a sleeve configured to receive a transaction card and a pull tab attached to the sleeve. The sleeve includes a body defined as an opening through which the transaction card is inserted. The invention further discloses that the body includes a front side and a back side opposite the front side. The pull tab is characterized in that it is attached to the body (back side) near the opening, and the front side of the sleeve is transparent. However, the invention does not disclose: a printed coating on at least one surface; allowing transparent, opaque color designs or combinations thereof to be obtained by changing the ink color without altering the plastic substrate; and forming textured patterns when the ink contains fine solid particles.

[0012] According to Chinese patent CN209320388U, this invention outlines a fire-resistant thin-film card sleeve, which comprises a collar, a finger rubber anti-slip pad, a folding body, a folding buckle, a fire-resistant layer, a fire-resistant foam ball, a rubber ball, a basalt fiber fire-resistant interlayer, a phenolic fire-resistant material interlayer, a card plug, a card slot, a finger sleeve, and an entrance port. This invention also mentions the use of a modified high-chlorinated polyethylene fire-resistant coating. Another Chinese patent CN103356442A outlines an anti-fingerprint and antibacterial card sleeve, which includes a collar body, a PET layer, an anti-fingerprint and antibacterial layer, raised and recessed ribs, a snap, a diamond pattern, a star pattern, square holes, and round holes. This invention further discloses the use of a nano-titanium dioxide coating on the frosted particle layer of the collar body for anti-fingerprint and antibacterial functions. However, neither of these inventions discloses a printed coating that provides a transparent or opaque colored design or a combination thereof by changing the color of the coating ink without altering the plastic substrate, wherein the printed coating comprises a transparent or opaque colored ink or a combination thereof mixed with fine solid particles.

[0013] This invention provides a game card sleeve assembly that uses an environmentally friendly plastic substrate and allows for multi-color designs by changing the coating ink without altering the plastic substrate when a coating is applied by printing. Utility Model Content

[0014] In view of this, the present invention provides a coated game card sleeve, which relates to printing a thin coating on the surface of the game card sleeve using a coating ink mixed with fine solid particles, wherein the coating ink can be transparent or colored. This method produces textures that mimic grainy, embossed, glossy, or matte effects, thereby providing improved grip and card handling performance while offering additional benefits such as more efficient production costs, environmental friendliness, and allowing for design flexibility.

[0015] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A coated game card sleeve includes a sleeve body for accommodating game cards, the sleeve body comprising at least two plastic substrate layers joined together at a joint to form an enclosure having an entry port for inserting the game cards; a coating printed on the outer surface of either plastic substrate layer; the outer surface of the coating being coated with a coating ink containing fine solid particles, giving the printed outer surface a textured finish to enhance grip on the game cards and provide ease of handling or shuffling the game cards.

[0016] Furthermore, the plastic substrate layer is made of one of the following: polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polyhydroxyalkanoate, starch-based plastic, cellophane, and polycaprolactone.

[0017] Furthermore, the coating ink is one of the following: UV-curable ink, solvent-based ink, water-based ink, acrylic ink, epoxy-based ink, and latex ink.

[0018] Furthermore, the fine solid particles are selected from silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, barium sulfate, and silicon carbide.

[0019] Furthermore, the coating uses one of the following: organic pigments, inorganic pigments, dyes, nano pigments, metallic pigments, fluorescent pigments, phosphorescent pigments, and carbon black.

[0020] Furthermore, the thickness of the coating is 5µm to 30µm.

[0021] Furthermore, the particle size of the fine solid particles is 50nm~500nm.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: The coated game card sleeve of this invention offers advantages in terms of production costs, wherein the coated game card sleeve provides more efficient production costs because the ink-based method is easy to apply during the printing process, thereby reducing the need for dedicated embossing equipment and thus reducing production costs.

[0023] Another benefit is that this invention addresses the environmental problems associated with the use of non-degradable plastic materials by avoiding and eliminating the use of PVC and using more environmentally friendly alternative materials, while ensuring that this invention complies with future regulations and is therefore environmentally friendly.

[0024] This invention also offers advantages in design flexibility, where multi-color and textured designs are achieved by changing the ink color and particle mixing ratio. This allows for a greater range of visual and functional customization. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a side view showing an embodiment of the present invention with a transparent game card sleeve; Figure 2 This is a front view showing an embodiment of the present invention with a transparent game card sleeve; Figure 3 This is a side view showing an embodiment of the present invention with an opaque game card sleeve; Figure 4 This is a front view showing an embodiment of the present invention with an opaque game card sleeve; Figure 5 This is an illustration showing another embodiment of the present invention: a three-layer game card sleeve with an opaque intermediate layer; In the figure: 11 - First main body with two plastic substrate layers; 12 - First transparent coating printing layer; 13 - Second transparent coating printing layer; 14 - First joint; 15 - First inlet port; 21 - Second main body with two plastic substrate layers; 22 - Transparent coating printing layer; 23 - Opaque coating printing layer; 24 - Second joint; 25 - Second inlet port; 31 - Main body with three plastic substrate layers; 32 - Middle layer of main body; 33 - First transparent coating printing layer; 34 - Second transparent coating printing layer; 35 - Third joint; 36 - Inlet port with two openings; 37 - Opaque colored coating intermediate printing layer; 100 - Transparent game card sleeve; 200 - Opaque game card sleeve; 300 - Multi-layer game card sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0028] Please see the appendix Figure 1-5 This utility model provides a coated game card sleeve, a sleeve body for accommodating game cards, the sleeve body comprising at least two plastic substrate layers joined together at a joint to form an enclosure having an entry port for inserting the game card; a coating printed on the outer surface of any one of the plastic substrate layers; the outer surface of the coating being coated with a coating ink containing fine solid particles, giving the printed outer surface a textured finish to enhance grip on the game card and provide ease of handling or shuffling the game card.

[0029] Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention is shown, illustrating a sleeve body made of at least two plastic substrate layers, wherein the transparent game card sleeve 100 includes: a first sleeve body 11 having two plastic substrate layers, a first transparent coating printing layer 12 and a second transparent coating printing layer 13 printed on the surface of the sleeve body of the game card sleeve. Figure 2 A front view of a transparent game card sleeve 100 is shown, illustrating the first engagement portion 14 and the first entry port 15.

[0030] like Figure 3The illustration shows an embodiment of an opaque game card sleeve 200, which includes: a second body 21 having two plastic substrate layers, a transparent coating printing layer 22, and an opaque coating printing layer 23, wherein the opaque layer is a colored coating printed on the surface of the sleeve body. Figure 4 A front view of an opaque game card sleeve 200 is shown, which has an opaque coated printed layer 23, a second bonding portion 24, and a second entry port 25.

[0031] The first joining portion 14 and the second joining portion 24 are where at least two plastic substrate layers are joined together along the seam of the game card sleeve body, wherein openings are used to form a first entry port 15 and a second entry port 25. The first entry port 15 and the second entry port 25 are where the game card can be inserted into the first body 11 having two plastic substrate layers and the second body 21 having two plastic substrate layers.

[0032] Another embodiment of this utility model is... Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the game card sleeve is a multi-layer game card sleeve 300, which includes: a sleeve body 31 having three plastic substrate layers and an intermediate layer 32 of the sleeve body, a first transparent coating printing layer 33, a second transparent coating printing layer 34, a third bonding portion 35, an inlet port 36 with two openings, and an opaque colored coating printing layer 37, wherein at least three plastic substrate layers are bonded together at the third bonding portion 35, and at least two game cards can be inserted into the sleeve body through the inlet port 36 with two openings of the multi-layer game card sleeve 300.

[0033] Preferably, the plastic substrate layer is made of one or a combination of polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polyhydroxyalkanoate, starch-based plastic, cellophane, and polycaprolactone.

[0034] These plastic substrates are environmentally friendly and biodegradable, providing a sustainable alternative for the production of coated game card sleeves. The benefits offered by these plastic substrates are as follows: 1. Polypropylene (PP): Extracted from petroleum through propylene polymerization. It is a lightweight material with high durability and flexibility. It has excellent moisture resistance and is recyclable.

[0035] 2. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET): Extracted from petroleum through polymerization of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. It is a strong and durable material that offers a clear and glossy finish, high moisture resistance and chemical resistance, and is highly recyclable. Due to its high clarity and aesthetic value, it is also preferred for card sleeves.

[0036] 3. Polylactic acid (PLA): Extracted from fermented plant sugars such as corn and sugarcane, making it a biodegradable and compostable material. It offers high transparency and a glossy finish. However, it is not as durable as synthetic plastics for frequent use.

[0037] 4. Polybutylene succinate (PBS): Biodegradable because it can be extracted from renewable resources and petroleum. However, bio-PBS is synthesized from plant-based succinic acid. It has good flexibility and toughness, as well as excellent moisture resistance.

[0038] 5. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA): Completely biodegradable because it is produced by bacteria through the fermentation of sugars and lipids. PHA has excellent moisture-proof and gas-barrier properties.

[0039] 6. Starch-based plastics: These are biodegradable and extracted from plant starch. They can also be combined with other polymers to enhance performance and provide a good matrix for uniform dispersion of solid particles. However, for frequent use, they are not as durable or waterproof as synthetic plastics. Nevertheless, starch-based plastics can be customized to improve these properties by adding crosslinking agents or compatible polymers.

[0040] 7. Cellophane: Fully biodegradable and made from cellulose extracted from wood pulp or cotton. It offers a clear and glossy finish and is resistant to oils and greases. While not as durable as modern plastics, its durability can be improved by adding crosslinking agents or compatible polymers.

[0041] 8. Polycaprolactone (PCL): A synthetic polyester derived from petrochemical products. It is a biodegradable material with high flexibility and toughness. It also has a low melting point, allowing for easy molding processes.

[0042] Based on the materials mentioned above, PLA and PHA are preferred materials as plastic substrates for coated game card sleeves because they provide high-quality and biodegradable sleeves. Copolymerizing these materials with PCL, PBS, or PET enhances the durability of PLA and PHA for frequent use and provides long-term protection for the game cards.

[0043] Furthermore, combining the aforementioned materials with plasticizers such as glycerin, polyethylene glycol (PEG), or citrates (such as triethyl citrate (TEC), acetylated triethyl citrate (ATEC), and tributyl citrate (TBC)) can increase the flexibility and impact resistance of the plastic substrate. Surface coatings using fine solid particles in the plastic substrate mixture can also be used to enhance durability and provide scratch and moisture resistance. This allows the coated game card sleeve plastic substrate to maintain its biodegradability and improve performance and environmental sustainability.

[0044] Preferably, the coating ink is one or a combination of UV-curable ink, solvent-based ink, water-based ink, acrylic ink, epoxy-based ink, and latex ink.

[0045] An important characteristic is ensuring that fine solid particles do not clump in the ink, as this can cause printer clogging. Therefore, suitable inks include: UV-curable inks, solvent-based inks, water-based inks, acrylic inks, epoxy-based inks, latex inks, aniline printing inks, or gravure inks, preferably UV-curable or solvent-based inks, or combinations thereof. Several factors need to be considered, including: adhesion to plastic substrates, ink durability, flexibility, ink compatibility with solid particles, and print quality. These inks can be described as follows: 1. UV-curable ink: This ink hardens upon exposure to ultraviolet light, forming a strong, durable coating that is waterproof, chemical-resistant, and abrasion-resistant. It can also be mixed with fine solid particles without affecting the curing process. Due to its rapid curing characteristic, it is ideal for high-speed printing, and it allows the ink to keep fine solid particles suspended, ensuring uniform particle distribution and a smooth plastic surface. UV ink also provides excellent adhesion to plastics and can be mixed with matting agents without sagging or damaging the plastic substrate. UV-curable ink is best suited for creating textured and durable coatings on game card sleeves because it is compatible with various types of particles without negatively impacting their performance.

[0046] 2. Solvent-based inks: These inks use organic solvents that evaporate after printing, leaving a strong coating. These solvents can also carry fine solid particles and adhere well to plastic substrates (bioplastics), especially PP and PET. These inks exhibit high abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and environmental resistance, and demonstrate high durability once dry.

[0047] 3. Water-based inks: This type of ink can have its adhesion to plastic substrates improved through cleverly designed additives. When combined with binders or thickeners, water-based inks can carry suspended fine solid particles to help disperse the particles evenly. These inks can also be modified by adding additives or surfactants to enhance adhesion to plastic surfaces. These inks are safe and environmentally friendly.

[0048] 4. Acrylic Ink: It is water-based and contains acrylic polymers as a binder to provide excellent flexibility, adhesion, and durability. It can effectively carry fine solid particles and provides a smooth finish and abrasion resistance. The advantages of using acrylic ink for coating and printing include rapid drying, providing a stable matrix for fine solid particles and water resistance. Aesthetically, this ink offers vibrant colors and durable coatings.

[0049] 5. Epoxy-based inks: Known for their strong adhesion and durability on smooth surfaces such as plastics. The viscosity of epoxy resin allows fine solid particles to suspend and prevents clumping. Once cured, epoxy resin forms a hard, textured coating. The advantages of using epoxy-based inks are their durability, chemical resistance, and the ability to accommodate solid particles within their matrix to create textured surfaces with highly resistant coatings.

[0050] 6. Latex Ink: A water-based ink containing polymers. It forms a flexible thin-film coating on the surface of materials. The viscosity of latex also provides a good matrix for the suspension and dispersion of fine solid particles without losing its flexibility. Once the moisture evaporates, the ink provides excellent adhesion, and the latex forms a solid coating with high flexibility. In addition, latex ink is durable and ideal for coating plastic surfaces, as it may be subjected to bending and stress. Once cured, the coating is waterproof, chemical-resistant, and scratch-resistant.

[0051] Based on the above description, UV-curable inks and solvent-based inks are preferred because they provide excellent adhesion, flexibility, and durability on plastic surfaces. Because they keep fine solid particles in suspension, these particles can be uniformly dispersed for coating printing without affecting print quality, and they prevent clumping of fine solid particles that could clog printer nozzles.

[0052] Preferably, the fine solid particles are selected from silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, barium sulfate, and silicon carbide.

[0053] This invention utilizes fine solid particles mixed with ink to print a thin coating on the surface of a game card sleeve plastic substrate. When adding fine solid particles to the ink mixture, several factors need to be considered, including the particle size of the fine solid particles and the compatibility of the fine solid particles with the ink solution.

[0054] Examples of fine solid particles that can be used include: silica, alumina, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, barium sulfate, silicon carbide, or combinations thereof. When these fine solid particles are incorporated into inks for printing, each of these solid particles provides specific functional advantages. Typically, these particles can provide performance enhancements, durability, aesthetics, and additional functionality to the printed coating on game card sleeves, as described below: 1. Silica (SiO2): SiO2 is transparent, lightweight, and used to reduce light reflection. Therefore, it is used as a matting agent to create a rough texture on the surface of plastic substrates, thereby reducing gloss and providing a matte finish to the material. It can also improve ink adhesion and enhance the scratch resistance of printed materials on plastic substrates and surfaces, providing durability and abrasion resistance.

[0055] 2. Alumina (Al2O3): Hard and abrasion-resistant, making it suitable for high-durability coating applications. When added to ink solutions, Al2O3 improves the hardness and scratch resistance of the coating and provides a matte finish on coated plastic materials. In application, Al2O3 can improve the mechanical strength of coated plastics and extend the life of game cartridges.

[0056] 3. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3): A white and highly opaque compound commonly used in inks and coatings because it acts as a filler to increase opacity and improve coating smoothness. It also allows ink to adhere to plastic surfaces. CaCO3 can enhance colored pigments, making them more vibrant and durable, and contributes to the even distribution of ink on printed coatings on game card holders.

[0057] 4. Titanium dioxide (TiO2): Possesses a high refractive index and strong UV blocking ability. In ink mixtures, TiO2 is commonly used as a white pigment and to increase opacity, as it helps provide excellent hiding power and brightness to the coating. Due to its high refractive index and UV blocking properties, TiO2 can enhance the clarity of game cards and protect coated game card sleeves and cards from UV degradation to prevent fading.

[0058] 5. Zinc oxide (ZnO): A white, largely inert compound widely used as a compatibilizer or filler, and as a white pigment. ZnO also has excellent UV absorption properties. It can be used as a UV blocker; as an additive, ZnO can enhance the durability of inks, prevent discoloration, and protect coated plastic surfaces from UV light. Furthermore, ZnO provides antibacterial properties, as it is also an antibacterial agent, offering extra protection for game card sleeves and thus extending their lifespan.

[0059] 6. Barium sulfate (BaSO4): An inorganic compound that exists in nature as a mineral barite. Chemically, BaSO4 is inert, has a high density, and is commonly used in high-opacity applications. BaSO4 can also act as a filler to improve ink durability, opacity, and provide a smooth finish. Ink solutions mixed with BaSO4 provide improved density and brightness to the coating, resulting in game card sleeves with a smooth surface. It also provides color brightness and handling comfort due to the improved surface smoothness.

[0060] 7. Silicon Carbide (SiC): Also known as corundum, it is extremely hard, with fine particles containing silicon and carbon, which provides a matte texture. SiC also has a high-quality abrasion-resistant and scratch-resistant coating. It can also provide a rougher or granular surface texture to provide extra grip and prevent cards from slipping from your hand during shuffling.

[0061] Adding these fine solid particles to printing inks to print coatings on plastic substrates can also help alter the surface properties of the material, such as texture, durability, opacity, and finish (whether glossy or matte).

[0062] Preferably, the coating is made of one of the following: organic pigments, inorganic pigments, dyes, nano pigments, metallic pigments, fluorescent pigments, phosphorescent pigments, and carbon black.

[0063] The game card sleeve of this invention is transparent, colored, or a combination thereof. To produce a colored game card sleeve layer, ink is mixed with a coloring material that provides high opacity, vibrant color, good adhesion to plastic substrates, and compatibility with fine solid particles. The coloring material compatible with fine solid particles and the types of inks suitable for coating printing on the game card sleeve are described below: 1. Organic and Inorganic Pigments: These pigments are best suited for printing fine characters and intricate designs. They also offer excellent opacity and color retention. Organic pigments provide bright and vibrant colors and are typically used for high-quality printing. Inorganic pigments, on the other hand, offer softer colors and excellent hiding power on plastic substrates. These pigments are suitable for fine solids suspensions and most ink types without compromising print quality. These pigments also ensure that textured finishes and fine characters can be printed clearly on game card sleeves with textured or matte coatings.

[0064] 2. Solvent dyes and disperse dyes: These dyes are soluble colorants that dissolve in ink solutions, thus producing a colored appearance by absorbing or transmitting light, resulting in colors that are more vibrant than pigments. Solvent dyes dissolve in organic solvents, making them ideal for solvent-based inks. Meanwhile, disperse dyes offer good adhesion and vibrant colors, making them suitable for application to non-porous surfaces such as plastics. These dyes can be mixed with additives such as fine solid particles to achieve vibrant and transparent finishes for game card sleeves.

[0065] 3. Nano pigments: These are ultrafine pigments that, due to their nanoscale size, improve color dispersion, opacity, and smoothness in inks even when mixed with fine solid particles, thus preventing printhead clogging or affecting ink texture. They are suitable for high-definition and fine-grained design printing on game card sleeves with textured or matte coatings.

[0066] 4. Metallic Pigments: Containing aluminum or bronze to provide a shiny and reflective appearance for printed logos. These pigments are compatible with fine solid particles and can form textured finishes and add decorative value. They also exhibit good adhesion to plastic surfaces.

[0067] 5. Fluorescent pigments: These are bright, highly visible pigments that glow under ultraviolet light. These pigments can be thoroughly mixed with fine solid particles to create textured surfaces and print designs that require striking high contrast under specific lighting conditions.

[0068] 6. Phosphorescent pigments: These absorb light and slowly emit it over a period of time, allowing the printed design to glow in the dark. They can be mixed with fine solid particles to create textured coatings or matte finishes, allowing game card sleeves to have low light visibility.

[0069] 7. Carbon Black: An extremely fine pigment with high opacity, used for black inks. It also has excellent hiding power and is ideal for printing crisp and sharp designs. It works well with fine solid particles to create textured surfaces and is ideal for printing fade-resistant and stain-resistant black or dark coatings on game card sleeves.

[0070] These pigments can be mixed with inks and fine solid particles to achieve textured and high-quality printed designs or coatings. Thus, organic and inorganic pigments are effective in producing inks that mix well with fine solid particles, while also allowing for clear printing. Solvent dyes and disperse dyes can be used to achieve vibrant and transparent finishes. Nano pigments, metallic, fluorescent, and phosphorescent pigments can add decorative effects to printed coatings or designs, and carbon black is ideal for bold and dark, high-contrast coating printing on game card sleeves.

[0071] Preferably, the thickness of the coating is 5µm to 30µm.

[0072] When printing a coating on a plastic substrate using ink mixed with fine solid particles, the printing method must be able to extrude the viscous ink and ensure a uniform coating with a uniform particle distribution printed on the plastic substrate surface, while also exhibiting good adhesion to the plastic substrate surface. This utility model discloses a printing method for printing a coating on the surface of a game card sleeve using ink mixed with fine solid particles. This printing method includes: screen printing, inkjet printing, pad printing, offset printing, or combinations thereof. The applicability and advantages of these methods are described below: 1. Screen Printing: Ideal for thick (viscous) inks containing fine solid particles, where a screen is used to transfer the ink to the surface of a plastic substrate. This method allows for controlled ink and solid particle deposition, producing a uniform ink layer to coat the plastic substrate, thus providing a textured finish. The advantages of this method include high ink deposition rates and the ability to handle viscous ink solutions or particles added to the ink, providing textured, matte, or embossed effects on game card sleeves.

[0073] 2. Inkjet Printing: Offers design flexibility and customizability. Dedicated inkjet printers can extrude ink mixed with fine solid particles for texture printing, making them ideal for customizable game card sleeves. The advantages of this printing method include ease of customization, quick setup, and suitability for small to medium-sized production.

[0074] 3. Pad printing: This method uses a silicone pad to pick up and transfer the ink solution. It's used for precise printing on small surface areas, allowing for fine printing of game card sleeves.

[0075] 4. Offset printing: This method uses a printing plate to transfer the ink solution onto a blanket, and then onto a plastic substrate. It offers high precision and high-volume uniform printing and is compatible with inks containing fine solid particles.

[0076] The choice of printing method depends on the scale of production, the type of ink, and the desired finish. Screen printing, pad printing, and offset printing are particularly suitable for textured or embossed finishes and large-scale production, while inkjet printing is ideal for fine and controlled printing and can be customized for short-run printing.

[0077] On the other hand, this invention discloses a coating printing on a game card sleeve with a thickness of 5 micrometers to 30 micrometers, preferably 10 micrometers to 20 micrometers. This is to provide flexibility, grip, texture, and durability. In addition to providing optimal performance and manufacturing cost-effectiveness, this thickness protects the card, improves the processing, ensures visual appeal, and maintains flexibility without breaking.

[0078] The plastic substrate layers of this invention are joined together by heat sealing, hot pressing, adhesive bonding, solvent bonding, or a combination thereof to form a sleeve, preferably by hot pressing. Joining plastic substrate layers to form a game card sleeve typically involves several methods that ensure the card's durability, flexibility, and protection. The most commonly used techniques include heat sealing, adhesive bonding, ultrasonic welding, and solvent bonding. These methods are selected based on the type of plastic material (PP, PET, PLA, or PHA) and the desired finish.

[0079] 1. Heat Sealing: This method uses heat to melt the surface layers of a plastic substrate. After cooling, the layers are fused together under applied pressure. This method is effective for thermoplastics such as PP, PE, PLA, and PHA. The process involves applying heat along the edges of the plastic substrate layers to be joined using a heating tool (such as a heating rod or heating roller), which melts the surface of the plastic substrate. The molten surface is then cooled, and under pressure, a strong bond is formed, creating a seam for the game card sleeve. The advantages of this method are that it provides a strong and durable, airtight and watertight seal, is suitable for thermoplastic materials, and is suitable for mass production.

[0080] 2. Hot pressing: This method also uses heat and pressure between two printing plates to bond the plastic substrate together. Compared to heat sealing, this method uses higher pressure to bond or compress the material. It is suitable for thermoplastic substrates. This method is suitable for: lamination, where the plastic base surface of a game card holder is embossed or textured; surface coating, where hot pressing ensures the printed coating adheres evenly to the surface of the game card holder; and shaping game card holders to produce durable edges.

[0081] 3. Adhesive Bonding: This involves applying an adhesive between layers of a plastic substrate and then curing the plastic substrate layers to form a strong bond. This adhesive can be a solvent-based adhesive or a UV-curing adhesive (UV resin). The process involves: applying the adhesive to the surfaces of the plastic substrates to be bonded; aligning the layers and pressing them together; and then curing the adhesive. This method is suitable for a wide range of plastics and offers flexibility in the bonding process. It is suitable for forming transparent and seamless finishes and can be used in both large and small production lines.

[0082] 4. Solvent Bonding: This method involves applying a solvent to dissolve the plastic substrate layers, allowing the layers to fuse together under pressure. As the solvent evaporates, the plastic substrate is bonded. The advantage of this method is that it provides a smooth and seamless bond and does not require external heating. It is ideal for game card sleeves that require both flexibility and airtightness.

[0083] These methods take into account the biodegradable properties of the plastic substrate, thus providing a variety of options for forming durable and environmentally friendly game card sleeves.

[0084] Inks mixed with fine solid particles can produce various finishes on game card sleeves. Thus, the final appearance and texture effects of this invention include granular finishes, glossy finishes, matte finishes, or combinations thereof, depending on the type of ink and fine solid particles and the printing technique. The following finished textures can be achieved: 1. Granular finish: This can be achieved by adding coarse or irregularly shaped solid particles (such as silica or alumina) to the ink mixture solution. When the ink is applied to a plastic substrate, these particles form a textured surface with a grainy feel. Granular finishes can enhance durability, grip, and tactile feedback during playing and shuffling.

[0085] 2. Gloss Finish: Achieved by using smooth, fine pigments or dyes and fine solid particles in the ink solution. The ink printed on the plastic substrate creates a smooth, shiny coating on the game card sleeve, reflecting light and producing a high-gloss appearance. This type of finish makes the colors printed on the plastic substrate more vibrant and enhances visual appeal, resulting in a polished look.

[0086] 3. Matte Finish: Matting agents (such as silica, alumina, and other fine solid particles) are used in the ink mixture. These particles scatter light on the surface of the plastic substrate, reducing reflection and creating a diffuse finish. This finishing allows the card sleeve to have a soft, low-glare, and smooth feel. It's desired to have a subtle aesthetic while maintaining good visibility of the playing cards.

[0087] Preferably, the particle size of the fine solid particles is 50nm~500nm.

[0088] To achieve a smooth printing and coating surface, the fine solid particles mixed with the ink solution must be fine and small enough to pass through the printer nozzle. Therefore, the particle size of the fine solid particles must be in the range of nanometers to micrometers, preferably 50 nanometers to 500 nanometers, and more preferably 50 nanometers to 100 nanometers. This is important for preventing nozzle clogging, ensuring smooth ink flow, and maintaining stable dispersion to produce high-quality and uniform coating printing.

[0089] Another factor to consider is the compatibility of the fine solid particles with the ink solution to be used. The ink and solid particles must be chemically compatible to produce a uniform and functional dispersion of fine solid particles, ensuring that the functionality of the fine solid particles is not affected and preventing particle clumping and sedimentation, which can cause problems during printing.

[0090] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.

[0091] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A coated game card sleeve, characterized in that, Includes: a sleeve body for receiving a game card, the sleeve body comprising at least two plastic substrate layers, the at least two plastic substrate layers being joined together at a joint to form an enclosure having an inlet port for inserting the game card; A coating, said coating being printed on the outer surface of any plastic substrate layer; The outer surface of the coating is coated with a fine solid particle ink, giving the printed outer surface a textured finish to enhance the grip of the game card and provide ease of handling or shuffling the game card.

2. The coated game card sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plastic substrate layer is made of one of the following: polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polyhydroxyalkanoate, starch-based plastic, cellophane, and polycaprolactone.

3. The coated game card sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coating ink is one of the following: UV-curable ink, solvent-based ink, water-based ink, acrylic ink, epoxy-based ink, and latex ink.

4. The coated game card sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fine solid particles are selected from silicon dioxide, aluminum oxide, calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, barium sulfate, and silicon carbide.

5. The coated game card sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The coating uses one of the following: organic pigments, inorganic pigments, dyes, nano pigments, metallic pigments, fluorescent pigments, phosphorescent pigments, and carbon black.

6. The coated game card sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The thickness of the coating is 5μm to 30μm.

7. The coated game card sleeve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The particle size of the fine solid particles is 50 nm to 500 nm.

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