Trading card

Abstract

To provide a trading card that by providing a genuine / counterfeit determination section that changes in color by raising a temperature with application of everyday heat such as the warmth of a fingertip, offers an anti-counterfeiting function to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit items, while also allowing for easy authenticity verification.SOLUTION: A trading card includes a genuine / counterfeit determination section containing a reversible thermochromic material, the reversible thermochromic material having a complete decolorization temperature t4 of 26 to 37°C and exhibiting a hysteresis width (ΔH) of 5°C or less in a color density-temperature curve.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to trading cards with anti-counterfeiting features. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, trading cards printed with pictures, photographs, or illustrations based on a specific theme (e.g., sports, anime, automobiles, animals, etc.) have been in circulation for the purpose of collection or exchange. Furthermore, competitive games (so-called trading card games) using trading cards printed with characters from manga, anime, games, television programs, etc., or original characters, are also popular. Among these trading cards, cards with limited numbers issued and few in circulation on the market, or popular cards, are considered "rare cards" and are traded at higher prices than other cards. At the same time, counterfeit rare cards have also begun to circulate on the market, becoming a social problem. Therefore, anti-counterfeiting measures are incorporated into trading cards to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit cards.

[0003] Some trading cards feature holograms as an anti-counterfeit measure, but recent improvements in hologram duplication technology have led to the problem that cards with elaborately counterfeit holograms cannot be distinguished as counterfeits by card buyers or ordinary consumers. Furthermore, the card itself must have space for the hologram, and in some cases, the card design does not allow for the use of holograms, posing challenges to the use of holograms as an anti-counterfeit measure. Also, a gaming card equipped with a contactless IC chip as an anti-counterfeiting measure has been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This card has anti-counterfeiting information such as a manufacturing lot number written on the IC chip, and the authenticity of the card can be determined by reading the anti-counterfeiting information using a writing / reading means such as a reader. However, since a separate writing / reading means is required, there are cases in which authenticity cannot be determined easily. Furthermore, there are problems with using an IC chip as an anti-counterfeiting measure, such as errors occurring during reading depending on the position or orientation of the IC chip, and the IC chip itself being susceptible to the effects of electricity, magnetism, or metal, which may impose restrictions on the reading environment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-224262 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention provides a trading card with an anti-counterfeiting function, which is provided with an authenticity determining section that changes color when the temperature is increased. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention provides a trading card having an authentication section containing a reversible thermochromic material, wherein the reversible thermochromic material is a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment encapsulating a reversible thermochromic composition comprising at least (a) an electron-donating color-forming organic compound, (b) an electron-accepting compound, and (c) a reaction medium for controlling the color reaction of the components (a) and (b), or a reversible thermochromic resin particle in which the reversible thermochromic composition is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, and the material exhibits hysteresis characteristics in a color density-temperature curve. The requirements for the trading card are that the material exhibits alternation between a colored state and a decolored state, and as the temperature rises from the colored state, it begins to decolor when it reaches the decoloring starting temperature t3 and becomes completely decolored in the temperature range above the complete decoloring temperature t4, which is higher than temperature t3, and as the temperature drops from the decolored state, it begins to color when it reaches the coloring starting temperature t2 and becomes completely colored in the temperature range below the complete coloring temperature t1, which is lower than temperature t2, showing hysteresis characteristics, with the complete decoloring temperature t4 being 26 to 37°C and a hysteresis width (ΔH) of 5°C or less on the color density-temperature curve. Further, the requirements are that the authenticity determination portion is an image selected from the group consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, figures, and pictures, that the authenticity determination portion reversibly changes color from one color to a different color, and that the reversible thermochromic material exhibits a hysteresis width (ΔH) of 3°C or less on the color density-temperature curve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a trading card that has an anti-counterfeiting function that distinguishes between genuine and counterfeit products and allows for easy authentication by providing an authenticity determining section that changes color when exposed to everyday heat, such as that from a finger, to raise the temperature. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a graph illustrating the hysteresis characteristics in the color density-temperature curve of a reversible thermochromic composition. [Figure 2] 1 is an example of a sheet for producing trading cards according to the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is an example of a trading card according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a color change in the authenticity determining section in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is another example of a sheet for producing trading cards according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is another example of a trading card according to the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the color change of the authenticity determining section in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is another example of a trading card according to the present invention. [Figure 11] 10(b) is an enlarged view of the dotted line portion in FIG. 10(b) and an explanatory diagram of the color change of the authenticity determining portion. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 11. [Figure 13] 1 is another example of a trading card according to the present invention. [Figure 14] 13(b) is an enlarged view of the dotted line portion in FIG. 13(b) and an explanatory diagram of the color change of the authenticity determining portion. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. 14. [Figure 16] 10 is another example of a sheet for producing trading cards according to the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is another example of a trading card according to the present invention. [Figure 18] 17(b) is an enlarged view of the dotted line portion and an explanatory diagram of the color change of the authenticity determining portion. [Figure 19] 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG. 18. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The authentication part provided on the trading card (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "card") according to the present invention comprises a reversible thermochromic material. Examples of reversible thermochromic materials include reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigments in which a reversible thermochromic composition containing at least the three essential components of (a) an electron-donating color-forming organic compound, (b) an electron-accepting compound, and (c) a reaction medium that determines the temperature at which the color reaction of components (a) and (b) occurs is encapsulated in a microcapsule, and reversible thermochromic resin particles in which the above-mentioned reversible thermochromic composition is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin.

[0010] The reversible thermochromic composition used in the reversible thermochromic material can be a heat-discolorable reversible thermochromic composition with a hysteresis width (ΔH) of 5°C or less, as described in Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 51-44706 and 51-44707. This reversible thermochromic composition changes color around a specific temperature (discoloration point), exhibiting a discolored state in a temperature range above the high-side discoloration point and a colored state in a temperature range below the low-side discoloration point; only one of these two states exists at room temperature; the other state is maintained as long as the heat or cold required to manifest that state is applied, but returns to the state it exhibits at room temperature when the application of heat or cold is removed. The term "thermal decolorization type" means that the color disappears when heated and the color develops when cooled.

[0011] The hysteresis characteristics of the color density-temperature curve of the reversible thermochromic composition will now be described. In Figure 1, the vertical axis represents color density and the horizontal axis represents temperature. Changes in color density due to temperature changes progress along the arrows. Here, A represents the density at temperature t4 (hereinafter referred to as the complete decolorization temperature) at which the material reaches a completely decolorized state, B represents the density at temperature t3 (hereinafter referred to as the decolorization onset temperature) at which decolorization begins, C represents the density at temperature t2 (hereinafter referred to as the color development onset temperature), and D represents the density at temperature t1 (hereinafter referred to as the complete color development temperature) at which the material reaches a completely colored state. The discoloration temperature range is the temperature range between the complete color development temperature t1 and the complete decolorization temperature t4, and the material can exhibit either a colored state or a decolorized state. The temperature range between the color development start temperature t2 and the decolorization start temperature t3, which is the region where the difference in color density is large, is essentially the two-phase maintenance temperature range. The length of the line segment EF is a measure of the contrast of the discoloration, and the length of the line segment HG passing through the midpoint of the line segment EF is the temperature range indicating the degree of hysteresis. This temperature range is the hysteresis width (ΔH). If the ΔH value is small, only one specific state can exist between the two states before and after the discoloration in the room temperature range. Furthermore, if the ΔH value is large, it is easier to maintain both the states before and after the discoloration. In the present invention, the reversible thermochromic material is a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment encapsulating a reversible thermochromic composition, or a reversible thermochromic resin particle in which a reversible thermochromic composition is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, and the hysteresis characteristics in the color density-temperature curve of the reversible thermochromic material are the same as the hysteresis characteristics in the color density-temperature curve of the reversible thermochromic composition.

[0012] Components (a), (b) and (c) of the reversible thermochromic composition applied to the present invention will be specifically explained below.

[0013] Component (A), that is, the electron-donating organic color-forming compound, is the component that determines the color, and is a compound that donates electrons to component (B), which is the color developer, to develop color.

[0014] Examples of the electron-donating color-forming organic compound include a phthalide compound, a fluoran compound, a styrinoquinoline compound, a diazarhodamine lactone compound, a pyridine compound, a quinazoline compound, and a bisquinazoline compound. Examples of the phthalide compound include a diphenylmethane phthalide compound, a phenylindolyl phthalide compound, an indolyl phthalide compound, a diphenylmethane azaphthalide compound, a phenylindolyl azaphthalide compound, and derivatives thereof. Among these, the phenylindolyl azaphthalide compound and derivatives thereof are preferred. Examples of fluoran compounds include aminofluoran compounds, alkoxyfluoran compounds, and derivatives thereof.

[0015] Examples of compounds that can be used as component (a) are given below. 3,3-bis(4-dimethylaminophenyl)-6-dimethylaminophthalide, 3-(4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide, 3,3-bis(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)phthalide, 3,3-bis(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(2-n-hexyloxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-[2-ethoxy-4-(N-ethylanilino)phenyl]-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, 3-(2-acetamido-4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-propyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, 3,6-bis(diphenylamino)fluoran, 3,6-bis(N-phenyl-Np-tolylamino)fluoran, 3,6-dimethoxyfluoran, 3,6-di-n-butoxyfluorane, 2-methyl-6-(N-ethyl-Np-tolylamino)fluoran, 3-chloro-6-cyclohexylaminofluoran, 2-methyl-6-cyclohexylaminofluoran, 2-chloroamino-6-di-n-butylaminofluoran, 2-(2-chloroanilino)-6-di-n-butylaminofluoran, 2-(3-trifluoromethylanilino)-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-(3-trifluoromethylanilino)-6-di-n-pentylaminofluoran, 2-dibenzylamino-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-N-methylanilino-6-(N-ethyl-Np-tolylamino)fluoran, 1,3-dimethyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-chloro-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methoxy-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-di-n-butylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methoxy-6-di-n-butylaminofluoran, 2-xylidino-3-methyl-6-diethylaminofluoran, 2-anilino-3-methyl-6-(N-ethyl-Np-tolylamino)fluoran, 6-diethylamino-1,2-benzofluoran, 6-(N-ethyl-N-isobutylamino)-1,2-benzofluoran, 6-(N-ethyl-N-isopentylamino)-1,2-benzofluoran, 2-(3-methoxy-4-dodecoxystyryl)quinoline, 2-diethylamino-8-diethylamino-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one, 2-di-n-butylamino-8-di-n-butylamino-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one, 2-di-n-butylamino-8-diethylamino-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one, 2-di-n-butylamino-8-(N-ethyl-N-isoamylamino)-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one, 2-di-n-butylamino-8-di-n-pentylamino-4-methylspiro[5H-[1]benzopyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5,1′(3′H)-isobenzofuran]-3′-one, 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-3-(4-dimethylamino-2-methoxyphenyl)-3-(1-n-butyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-3-(4-diethylamino-2-ethoxyphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-3-(4-diethylamino-2-ethoxyphenyl)-3-(1-n-pentyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, 4,5,6,7-tetrachloro-3-(4-diethylamino-2-methylphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone, 3',6'-bis[phenyl(2-methylphenyl)amino]spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthene]-3-one, 3',6'-bis[phenyl(3-methylphenyl)amino]spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthene]-3-one, 3',6'-bis[phenyl(3-ethylphenyl)amino]spiro[isobenzofuran-1(3H),9'-[9H]xanthen]-3-one, 2,6-bis(2′-ethyloxyphenyl)-4-(4′-dimethylaminophenyl)pyridine, 2,6-bis(2′,4′-diethyloxyphenyl)-4-(4′-dimethylaminophenyl)pyridine, 2,6-bis(2,4-diethyloxyphenyl)-4-[4-bis(4-methyloxyphenyl)aminophenyl]pyridine, 2-(4′-dimethylaminophenyl)-4-methoxyquinazoline, 4,4'-Ethylenedioxy-bis[2-(4-diethylaminophenyl)quinazoline]

[0016] In addition, fluorans may be compounds having a substituent on the phenyl group forming the xanthene ring, or may be compounds that have a substituent on the phenyl group forming the xanthene ring and also have a substituent on the phenyl group forming the lactone ring (for example, an alkyl group such as a methyl group, or a halogen atom such as a chlorine atom), and that exhibit a blue or black color.

[0017] Component (b), ie, the electron accepting compound, is a compound that accepts electrons from component (a) and functions as a developer for component (a). The electron-accepting compound may be selected from the group consisting of compounds having an active proton, pseudo-acidic compounds (compounds that are not acids but act as acids in the reversible thermochromic composition to cause the color of component (A)), and compounds having an electron vacancy. Among the above-mentioned component (B), compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds having an active proton are preferred.

[0018] Examples of compounds having an active proton include compounds having a phenolic hydroxy group and derivatives thereof, carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof, acidic phosphate esters and derivatives thereof, azole compounds and derivatives thereof, 1,2,3-triazole and derivatives thereof, cyclic carbosulfimides, halohydrins having 2 to 5 carbon atoms, sulfonic acids and derivatives thereof, and inorganic acids. Preferred examples of carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof include aromatic carboxylic acids and derivatives thereof, or aliphatic carboxylic acids having 2 to 5 carbon atoms and derivatives thereof. Examples of the pseudo-acidic compounds include metal salts of compounds having a phenolic hydroxy group, metal salts of carboxylic acids, metal salts of acidic phosphate esters, metal salts of sulfonic acids, aromatic carboxylic acid anhydrides, aliphatic carboxylic acid anhydrides, mixed anhydrides of aromatic carboxylic acids and sulfonic acids, cycloolefin dicarboxylic acid anhydrides, urea and its derivatives, thiourea and its derivatives, guanidine and its derivatives, and halogenated alcohols. Compounds having electron vacancies include borates, borate esters, and inorganic salts.

[0019] Among the above-mentioned components (ii), compounds having a phenolic hydroxy group are preferred because they can more effectively exhibit thermochromic properties. Compounds having a phenolic hydroxy group include a wide range of compounds, from monophenol compounds to polyphenol compounds, and also include bisphenol compounds, trisphenol compounds, phenol-aldehyde condensation resins, etc. The compound having a phenolic hydroxy group preferably has at least two benzene rings. The compound having a phenolic hydroxy group may also have a substituent such as an alkyl group, an aryl group, an acyl group, an alkoxycarbonyl group, a carboxyl group and its ester or amide group, or a halogen atom.

[0020] Examples of metals contained in metal salts of compounds having a phenolic hydroxy group include sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc, zirconium, aluminum, magnesium, nickel, cobalt, tin, copper, iron, vanadium, titanium, lead, and molybdenum.

[0021] Examples of compounds that can be used as component (b) are given below. Phenol, o-cresol, 4-np-nonylphenol, 4-n-octylphenol, 4-n-dodecylphenol, 4-n-stearylphenol, 4-chlorophenol, 4-bromophenol, 2-phenylphenol, n-butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, n-octyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, resorcinol, 4-tert-butylcatechol, 2,4-dihydroxy-4′-tert-butylbenzophenone, dodecyl gallate, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-butane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-pentane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-hexane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-heptane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-octane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-nonane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-decane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-dodecane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-methylpropane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-methylpropane 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methylbutane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methylpentane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,3-dimethylpentane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-ethylbutane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-ethylhexane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,7-dimethyloctane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)cyclohexane, 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexane, 1-phenyl-1,1-bi bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-butane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-pentane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-hexane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-heptane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-octane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-nonane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-decane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-dodecane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl propionate, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylpentane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylhexane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propane, 2,2-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)butane, 9,9-bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)fluorene, 1,3-bis[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl) -2-propyl]benzene, bis(2-hydroxyphenyl)methane, 4,4'-dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone, 4-isopropoxy-4'-hydroxydiphenyl sulfone, bis(4-hydroxyphenyl) sulfide, 1,1,1-tris(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethane, 4,4'-[1-{4-[1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-methylethyl]phenyl}ethylidene]bisphenol, 4,4'-[4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-sec-butylidene]bis(2-methylphenol),

[0022] The component (c) of the reaction medium that reversibly induces an electron donor-acceptor reaction between the components (a) and (b) in a specific temperature range will now be described. Examples of the component (c) include alcohols, esters, ketones, ethers, and acid amides.

[0023] As the alcohol, aliphatic monohydric saturated alcohols having 10 or more carbon atoms are effective. Examples of alcohols include decyl alcohol, undecyl alcohol, dodecyl alcohol, tridecyl alcohol, tetradecyl alcohol, pentadecyl alcohol, hexadecyl alcohol, heptadecyl alcohol, octadecyl alcohol, eicosyl alcohol, and docosyl alcohol.

[0024] As the esters, esters having 10 or more carbon atoms are effective, and examples thereof include esters obtained from any combination of a monocarboxylic acid having an aliphatic and an alicyclic or aromatic ring and a monohydric alcohol having an aliphatic and an alicyclic or aromatic ring, esters obtained from any combination of a polycarboxylic acid having an aliphatic and an alicyclic or aromatic ring and a monohydric alcohol having an aliphatic and an alicyclic or aromatic ring, and esters obtained from any combination of a monocarboxylic acid having an aliphatic and an alicyclic or aromatic ring and a polyhydric alcohol having an aliphatic and an alicyclic or aromatic ring. Examples of esters include ethyl caprylate, octyl caprylate, stearyl caprylate, myristyl caprate, docosyl caprate, 2-ethylhexyl laurate, n-decyl laurate, 3-methylbutyl myristate, cetyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, neopentyl palmitate, nonyl palmitate, cyclohexyl palmitate, n-butyl stearate, 2-methylbutyl stearate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl stearate, n-undecyl stearate, pentadecyl stearate, stearyl stearate, cyclohexylmethyl stearate, isopropyl behenate, hexyl behenate, lauryl behenate, behenyl behenate, cetyl benzoate, stearyl p-tert-butylbenzoate, phenanthrene ... Examples include dimyristyl phthalate, distearyl phthalate, dimyristyl oxalate, dicetyl oxalate, dicetyl malonate, dilauryl succinate, dilauryl glutarate, diundecyl adipate, dilauryl azelate, di-(n-nonyl) sebacate, dineopentyl 1,18-octadecylmethylenedicarboxylate, ethylene glycol dimyristate, propylene glycol dilaurate, propylene glycol distearate, hexylene glycol dipalmitate, 1,5-pentanediol distearate, 1,2,6-hexanetriol trimyristate, 1,4-cyclohexanediol didecyl, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol dimyristate, xylene glycol dicaprinate, and xylene glycol distearate.

[0025] Examples of ketones include diethyl ketone, ethyl butyl ketone, methyl hexyl ketone, mesityl oxide, cyclohexanone, methylcyclohexanone, acetophenone, propiophenone, benzophenone, acetylacetone, acetonylacetone, and diacetone alcohol.

[0026] Examples of ethers include butyl ether, hexyl ether, isopropyl benzyl ether, diphenyl ether, dioxane, ethylene glycol dibutyl ether, diethylene glycol dibutyl ether, ethylene glycol diethyl ether, diethylene glycol diethyl ether, and ethylene glycol diphenyl ether.

[0027] Examples of acid amides include acetamide, propionic acid amide, butyric acid amide, caproic acid amide, caprylic acid amide, capric acid amide, lauric acid amide, myristic acid amide, palmitic acid amide, stearic acid amide, behenic acid amide, oleic acid amide, erucic acid amide, benzamide, caproic acid anilide, caprylic acid anilide, capric acid anilide, lauric acid anilide, myristic acid anilide, palmitic acid anilide, stearic acid anilide, behenic acid anilide, oleic acid anilide, erucic acid anilide, and N-methyl caproate. amide, caprylic acid N-methylamide, capric acid N-methylamide, lauric acid N-methylamide, myristic acid N-methylamide, palmitic acid N-methylamide, stearic acid N-methylamide, behenic acid N-methylamide, oleic acid N-methylamide, erucic acid N-methylamide, lauric acid N-ethylamide, myristic acid N-ethylamide, palmitic acid N-ethylamide, stearic acid N-ethylamide, oleic acid N-ethylamide, lauric acid N-butylamide, myristic acid N-butylamide, palmitic acid N-butylamide, stearate Stearic acid N-butylamide, oleic acid N-butylamide, lauric acid N-octylamide, myristic acid N-octylamide, palmitic acid N-octylamide, stearic acid N-octylamide, oleic acid N-octylamide, lauric acid N-dodecylamide, myristic acid N-dodecylamide, palmitic acid N-dodecylamide, stearic acid N-dodecylamide, oleic acid N-dodecylamide, dilauric acid amide, dimyristic acid amide, dipalmitic acid amide, distearic acid amide, dioleic acid amide, trilauric acid amide, trilauric acid amide Rimyristic acid amide, tripalmitic acid amide, tristearic acid amide, trioleic acid amide, succinic acid amide, adipic acid amide, glutaric acid amide, malonic acid amide, azelaic acid amide, maleic acid amide, succinic acid N-methylamide, adipic acid N-methylamide, glutaric acid N-methylamide, malonic acid N-methylamide, azelaic acid N-methylamide, succinic acid N-ethylamide, adipic acid N-ethylamide, glutaric acid N-ethylamide, malonic acid N-ethylamide, azelaic acid N-ethylamide, succinic acid N-butylamide,Examples include adipic acid N-butylamide, glutaric acid N-butylamide, malonic acid N-butylamide, adipic acid N-octylamide, and adipic acid N-dodecylamide.

[0028] Ester compounds exhibiting a ΔT value (melting point - cloud point) of 3°C or less (preferably 2.5°C or less) are also effective as component (c). Reversible thermochromic compositions using such ester compounds as component (c) have the properties of an extremely small hysteresis width (ΔH) and a sharp reversible change from a colored state to a discolored state. In other words, they can be made into reversible thermochromic compositions that change color with high sensitivity. Here, the smaller the difference (t2 - t1) between the color development onset temperature t2 and the complete color development temperature t1 of the reversible thermochromic composition and the smaller the difference (t4 - t3) between the complete discoloration temperature t4 and the discoloration onset temperature t3, the sharper the reversible change from the colored state to the discolored state, and the more sensitive the reversible thermochromic composition will be to change color.

[0029] Examples of ester compounds having a ΔT value of 3°C or less include esters of saturated fatty acids and branched fatty alcohols, esters of unsaturated fatty acids or branched or substituted saturated fatty acids and branched fatty alcohols or fatty alcohols having 16 or more carbon atoms, and ester compounds selected from cetyl butyrate, stearyl butyrate, and behenyl butyrate. For example, 2-ethylhexyl butyrate, 2-ethylhexyl behenate, 2-ethylhexyl myristate, 2-ethylhexyl caprate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl laurate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl palmitate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl stearate, 3,5,5-trimethylhexyl behenate, 2-methylbutyl caproate, 2-methylbutyl caprylate, 2-methylbutyl caprate, 1-ethylpropyl palmitate, 1-ethylpropyl stearate, 1-ethylbehenate Propyl, 1-ethylhexyl laurate, 1-ethylhexyl myristate, 1-ethylhexyl palmitate, 2-methylpentyl behenate, 2-methylpentyl caproate, 2-methylpentyl caprylate, 2-methylpentyl caprate, 2-methylpentyl laurate, 2-methylbutyl stearate, 3-methylbutyl stearate, 2-methylbutyl behenate, 3-methylbutyl behenate, 1-methylheptyl stearate, 1-methylheptyl behenate, 1-ethylpentyl caproate, 1-Ethylpentyl Palmitate, 1-Methylpropyl Stearate, 1-Methyloctyl Stearate, 1-Methylhexyl Stearate, 1,1-Dimethylpropyl Laurate, 1-Methylpentyl Caprate, 2-Methylhexyl Palmitate, 2-Methylhexyl Stearate, 2-Methylhexyl Behenate, 3,7-Dimethyloctyl Laurate, 3,7-Dimethyloctyl Myristate, 3,7-Dimethyloctyl Palmitate, 3,7-Dimethyloctyl Stearate, 3,7-Dimethyl Behenate Examples include octyl oleate, stearyl oleate, behenyl oleate, stearyl linoleate, behenyl linoleate, 3,7-dimethyloctyl erucate, stearyl erucate, isostearyl erucate, cetyl isostearate, stearyl isostearate, 2-methylpentyl 12-hydroxystearate, 2-ethylhexyl 18-bromostearate, isostearyl 2-ketomyristate, 2-ethylhexyl 2-fluoromyristate, cetyl butyrate, stearyl butyrate, and behenyl butyrate.

[0030] The reversible thermochromic composition is a compatible solution containing the above components (A), (B), and (C) as essential components. The proportions of each component depend on the concentration, discoloration temperature, discoloration form, and type of each component, but generally, the component ratios that achieve the desired properties are 1 part of component (A) to 0.1 to 100 parts of component (B), preferably 0.1 to 50 parts, more preferably 0.5 to 20 parts, and even more preferably 2 to 20 parts, and 1 to 800 parts of component (C), preferably 5 to 200 parts, more preferably 5 to 100 parts, and even more preferably 10 to 100 parts (all of the above proportions are in parts by mass).

[0031] The reversible thermochromic composition of the present invention may contain various light stabilizers, if necessary. The light stabilizer is included to prevent photodegradation of the reversible thermochromic composition consisting of components (A), (B), and (C). The component ratio that achieves the desired properties is 0.3 to 24 parts, preferably 0.3 to 16 parts, of light stabilizer per 1 part of component (A) (all ratios are in parts by mass). Among the light stabilizers, the ultraviolet absorber effectively blocks ultraviolet light contained in sunlight and prevents photodegradation caused by the excited state due to the photoreaction of component (A). Furthermore, antioxidants, singlet oxygen quenchers, superoxide anion quenchers, ozone quenchers, etc., suppress photooxidation reactions. The light stabilizers can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0032] The reversible thermochromic composition is encapsulated in microcapsules to be used as a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "microcapsule pigment"), or dispersed in a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin to be used as a reversible thermochromic resin particle (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a "resin particle"). The reversible thermochromic composition is preferably encapsulated in microcapsules to form a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment. By encapsulating the reversible thermochromic composition in microcapsules, a chemically or physically stable pigment can be formed, and the reversible thermochromic composition can maintain the same composition under various use conditions and exhibit the same effects.

[0033] Microencapsulation can be performed by known methods such as isocyanate-based interfacial polymerization, in situ polymerization such as melamine-formalin polymerization, in-liquid curing coating, phase separation from an aqueous solution, phase separation from an organic solvent, melt-dispersion cooling, air suspension coating, and spray drying, and can be selected appropriately depending on the application.

[0034] Depending on the purpose, the surface of the microcapsules may be further provided with a resin film or the like, thereby imparting durability or modifying the surface properties.

[0035] The reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment comprises a microcapsule wall (wall material) and an inclusion (including a reversible thermochromic composition) encapsulated therein, with the mass ratio of inclusion to wall being preferably 7:1 to 1:1. By having the mass ratio of inclusion to wall within the above range, it is possible to prevent a decrease in color density and clarity during color development. More preferably, the mass ratio of inclusion to wall is 6:1 to 1:1.

[0036] The average particle size of the reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment or resin particles is preferably 0.01 to 50 μm, more preferably 0.1 to 30 μm, and even more preferably 0.5 to 20 μm. If the average particle size exceeds 50 μm, dispersion stability and processability are poor when blended into ink, paint, or resin. On the other hand, if the average particle size is less than 0.01 μm, it becomes difficult to achieve high-concentration color development.

[0037] The average particle diameter was measured by determining the particle area using image analysis particle size distribution measurement software (manufactured by Mountec Co., Ltd., product name: MacView), calculating the diameter equivalent to a circle with a projected area (Heywood diameter) from the area of ​​the particle area, and measuring the average particle diameter of particles equivalent to a sphere of equal volume using this value. If the particle size of all or the majority of particles exceeds 0.2 μm, it is also possible to measure the average particle size of particles equivalent to an equal volume sphere using the Coulter method using a particle size distribution analyzer (Beckman Coulter, Inc., product name: Multisizer 4e). Furthermore, the volumetric particle size and average particle size may be measured using a calibrated laser diffraction / scattering particle size distribution analyzer (manufactured by HORIBA, Ltd., product name: LA-960V2) based on values ​​measured using the above software or a measuring device using the Coulter method.

[0038] The trading card according to the present invention has an authentication section comprising a reversible thermochromic material, and the authentication section changes color as the temperature rises when exposed to everyday heat. In contrast to the authentic trading card according to the present invention, a counterfeit trading card does not have an authentication section and does not discolor when the temperature rises. Therefore, genuine and counterfeit products can be distinguished by the presence or absence of discoloration in the authentication section, and the trading card according to the present invention has an anti-counterfeiting function.

[0039] The reversible thermochromic material used in the present invention is a material that has a complete decolorization temperature t4 of 26 to 37°C and exhibits a hysteresis width (ΔH) of 5°C or less on the color density-temperature curve. Because the reversible thermochromic material has a complete decolorization temperature t4 of 26-37°C, which is higher than room temperature but below normal human body temperature, the reversible thermochromic material is in a colored state at room temperature, and the authenticity determination unit has the reversible thermochromic material in a colored state in its initial state. When a person verifying the authenticity of a trading card touches their finger or other object to the initial authenticity determination unit, the heat (body temperature) of the finger or other object causes the reversible thermochromic material to change from a colored state to a decolored state, allowing them to determine whether the card is authentic. Furthermore, the reversible thermochromic material has a hysteresis width (ΔH) of 5°C or less in the color density-temperature curve, and it is difficult to maintain either the colored state or the decolored state selectively, so a reversible change from the colored state to the decolored state occurs easily. Therefore, when a finger or the like is removed from the authentication unit, the reversible thermochromic material in the decolored state returns to the colored state, and the card authentication unit returns to its initial state. Therefore, the authenticity of the card can be easily and repeatedly determined.

[0040] When a card is rubbed with fingers or the like during authentication, the surface of the card may be scratched or scraped. Furthermore, when a suitable heating device is used, the card may be deformed due to excessive heating. Furthermore, when a suitable cooling device is used, the card may become wet due to frost or condensation that occurs during cooling, which may cause the card to become deformed or torn. Therefore, when authenticity is determined by rubbing with fingers or the like, or by using a suitable heating or cooling device, the card may be damaged and / or deformed, resulting in a loss of value. However, the trading card of the present invention has an authentication determination section that reversibly changes color in response to heat (body temperature) from fingers, etc., and authentication can be easily performed by simply touching the authentication determination section with fingers, etc., preventing the card itself from being damaged or deformed during authentication. In other words, a reversible thermochromic material that has a complete decolorization temperature t4 of 26 to 37°C and a hysteresis width (ΔH) of 5°C or less on the color density-temperature curve is suitable for the authentication determination section of a trading card. In the present invention, "room temperature" refers to a temperature range of 15 to 25°C, which is a temperature at which people can feel comfortable, and "normal human body temperature" refers to a temperature range of 35 to 37°C.

[0041] The complete decolorization temperature t4 of the reversible thermochromic material is 26 to 37°C, which is a temperature higher than room temperature but lower than the normal human body temperature, at which the material reversibly changes from a colored state to a decolored state upon contact with a finger or the like.Since the material can be easily changed by contact with a finger or the like, the temperature is preferably 27 to 35°C, and more preferably 28 to 34°C. The hysteresis width (ΔH) of the color density-temperature curve of the reversible thermochromic material is 5°C or less, which allows the color change of the authenticity determining section to occur quickly and facilitates authenticity determination, and is therefore preferably 3°C or less, more preferably 2.5°C or less.

[0042] It is preferable that the authenticity determining portion be such that when contacted with a finger or the like, the reversible thermochromic material quickly changes color from a colored state to a discolored state, and when the finger or the like is removed, the reversible thermochromic material quickly changes color from the discolored state to a colored state, and the authenticity determining portion returns to its original state. In other words, it is preferable that the reversible thermochromic material has a sharp reversible change from a colored state to a discolored state, i.e., it changes color with high sensitivity, and therefore t2-t1 and t4-t3 are preferably 10°C or less, more preferably 6°C or less, even more preferably 5°C or less, and particularly preferably 3°C or less.

[0043] The trading card of the present invention can be authenticated by touching it with a finger or the like, and then the authentication section can be easily returned to its initial state without using a cooling device or the like. Therefore, the complete color development temperature t1 of the reversible thermochromic material is preferably 25 to 30°C, and more preferably 26 to 29°C.

[0044] Trading cards generally have design layers on both the front and back of the base material, and a transparent protective layer that protects the design layers is provided on the entire surface of the card. The design layer on one side of the base material (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "front design layer") is made up of pictures of people, animals, vehicles, characters, etc., information related to those pictures, and information about the card itself, and the front design layer is different for each card. The design layer on the other side of the base material (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "back design layer") generally has a common picture arranged between cards. Examples of information related to the image include the name and profile of a character, person, vehicle, etc. In the case of a card for a trading card game, basic abilities such as stamina, technique name, attack power, and defense power are arranged. Examples of information about the card itself include letters, symbols, marks, or combinations thereof indicating which product the card is included in; the card's serial number; letters, symbols, marks, or combinations thereof indicating its rarity (degree of rarity); etc.

[0045] The transparent protective layer is provided on the entire surface of the design layer to protect the design layer from scratches and dirt, and by providing the transparent protective layer, it is possible to impart a glossy or matte finish to the card. The transparent protective layer can be provided by a conventional lamination process, such as dry lamination or hot melt lamination, or by interposing a heat-sealing film between the transparent protective layer and the adjacent design layer and then heat-pressing them together.

[0046] The trading card may be printed or processed in various ways on the design layer in order to enhance the design, such as appearance and luxury. Examples include processing methods that impart a three-dimensional effect by using unevenness, such as embossing / debossing and pseudo-embossing, or printing or processing methods that impart a lustrous effect, such as hologram printing, aluminum vapor deposition, or foil stamping using lustrous foil such as gold foil, silver foil, or hologram foil. These printing and processing methods are generally applied to highly valuable "rare cards." Furthermore, by providing a transparent glitter layer on the design layer, it is possible to impart a glittering appearance to the design layer.

[0047] The transparent glossy layer can be formed as a coating layer on the design layer by printing or applying a liquid composition containing a transparent metallic luster pigment onto the design layer. Examples of methods for printing or applying a liquid composition containing a transparent metallic luster pigment include printing methods such as screen printing, offset printing, gravure printing, coater printing, and transfer printing, and application methods such as brush coating, spray coating, electrostatic coating, electrodeposition coating, flow coating, roller coating, and dip coating. The coating layer is formed by drying and solidifying a liquid composition, and is formed from components other than volatile components.

[0048] The transparent glitter layer may be a single-layer transparent glitter resin film formed by melt-blending a transparent metallic luster pigment into a transparent thermoplastic resin or a transparent thermosetting resin to prepare a molding resin composition such as pellets, powder, or paste, and molding the composition into a planar form such as a sheet or film by various molding methods such as extrusion molding, calendar molding, inflation molding, etc. Alternatively, the transparent glitter layer may be a laminated transparent glitter resin film formed as a coating layer on a transparent substrate by printing or applying a liquid composition containing the transparent metallic luster pigment onto the transparent substrate.

[0049] Examples of transparent metallic luster pigments include pigments in which the surface of a core material such as natural mica, synthetic mica, glass pieces, alumina, transparent film pieces, or silicon oxide is coated with a metal oxide such as titanium oxide, and cholesteric liquid crystal pigments (e.g., the HELICONE HC series manufactured by Wacker Chemie).

[0050] The transparent glitter layer may be a transparent multilayer film exhibiting a light interference phenomenon in which 10 or more layers made of polymers with different refractive indices are provided as intermediate layers, and the multilayer film may contain a translucent dye to form a transparent glitter resin film having pearlescent properties. Examples of such transparent glitter resin films include AURORA FILM (manufactured by BASF). The film may also be a transparent photoluminescent resin film having holographic properties, which uses a relief hologram in which a transparent reflective layer is formed on the surface of a transparent hologram-forming layer having a fine uneven pattern, or a volume hologram. In addition, a transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 15 μm, in which the outermost layers on both sides are polypropylene layers and the inside is formed with 113 alternating layers of thin ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer layers and thin polystyrene layers, and which has blue reflected light and green interference light; a transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 17 μm, in which the outermost layers on both sides are polypropylene layers and the inside is formed with 113 alternating layers of thin ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer layers and thin polystyrene layers, and which has green reflected light and red interference light; a transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 17 μm, in which the outermost layers on both sides are polypropylene layers and the inside is formed with 113 alternating layers of thin ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer layers and thin polystyrene layers, and which has A transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 28 μm, which has blue reflected light and green interference light, and in which 226 layers are alternately formed; a transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 31 μm, which has red reflected light and green interference light, and in which 226 layers of thin ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and thin polystyrene layers are alternately formed inside; a transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 15 μm, which has blue reflected light and green interference light, and in which 113 layers of thin polyester and polyolefin layers are alternately formed inside; A transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 17 μm, in which 113 layers of thin polyester and thin polyolefin layers are alternately formed inside, and having red reflected light and green interference light; a transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 15 μm, in which 113 layers of thin polyolefin and thin polyester layers are alternately formed inside, and having blue reflected light and green interference light; a transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 15 μm, in which 113 layers of thin polyolefin and thin polyester layers are alternately formed inside, and having red reflected light and green interference light; A transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 17 μm, the outermost layers on both sides being acrylic resin layers with 113 layers of thin polyester and acrylic resin layers alternately formed inside; a transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 15 μm, which has blue reflected light and green interference light, the outermost layers on both sides being acrylic resin layers with 113 layers of thin polyester and acrylic resin layers alternately formed inside; a transparent multilayer film with a thickness of 17 μm, which has red reflected light and green interference light, the outermost layers on both sides being acrylic resin layers with 113 layers of thin polyester and acrylic resin layers alternately formed inside;A 30μm thick transparent multilayer film with blue reflected light and green interference light, with the outermost layers on both sides being acrylic resin layers and the interior consisting of 113 alternating layers of thin polyester and acrylic resin layers; a 34μm thick transparent multilayer film with red reflected light and green interference light, with the outermost layers on both sides being acrylic resin layers and the interior consisting of 226 alternating layers of thin polyester and acrylic resin layers; a 28μm thick transparent multilayer film with blue reflected light and green interference light, with the outermost layers on both sides being acrylic resin layers and the interior consisting of alternating layers of thin polyester and acrylic resin layers. The transparent glittering resin film may be a 31 μm thick transparent multilayer film having red reflected light and green interference light and formed of 226 layers; a 15 μm thick transparent multilayer film having blue reflected light and green interference light and formed of polyester layers as the outermost layers on both sides and 113 layers of alternating thin polyester and acrylic resin layers as the innermost layers; or a 17 μm thick transparent multilayer film having red reflected light and green interference light and formed of polyester layers as the outermost layers on both sides and 113 layers of alternating thin polyester and acrylic resin layers as the innermost layers. Examples of such transparent glittering resin films include IRIDESCENT FILM (manufactured by ENGELHARD). Alternatively, the film may be a transparent, glittering resin film having a structure in which a plurality of polyester thin films are laminated with their stretching axes shifted, and has light reflectivity. Examples of such a transparent, glittering resin film include Magical Film (Mirage Film) (manufactured by Hologram Supply Co., Ltd.).

[0051] Examples of the substrate include fine paper, coated paper, cardboard, synthetic paper, and plastic films such as polypropylene film or PET film. The substrate may also have a lustrous property such as a hologram, or a pattern changeable by using a lenticular lens. The substrate also serves as a support for the reversible thermochromic layer or non-thermochromic layer described below. Hereinafter, the reversible thermochromic layer includes a reversible thermochromic image, and the non-thermochromic layer includes a non-thermochromic image.

[0052] The shape of the substrate is generally a rectangle of approximately 88 mm x 63 mm or approximately 86 mm x 59 mm, but is not particularly limited. In this specification, the term "approximately" includes an error of 1 to 2 mm. It is preferable to round the corners of the card, as this provides excellent safety when handling the card and makes it easy to insert and remove the card from a file or case in which it is stored.

[0053] An example of a trading card according to the present invention is one in which a reversible thermochromic layer is formed by printing or applying a reversible thermochromic liquid composition, such as ink or paint, containing a reversible thermochromic material in a vehicle containing a binder resin, onto a design layer, or by printing or applying the reversible thermochromic layer onto a substrate so that it forms part of the design layer, and the reversible thermochromic layer formed on or inside the design layer functions as an authenticity determining section. Examples of methods for printing or applying the reversible thermochromic liquid composition onto a substrate or a design layer include printing methods such as screen printing, offset printing, gravure printing, coater printing, and transfer printing, and application methods such as brush coating, spray coating, electrostatic coating, electrodeposition coating, flow coating, roller coating, and dip coating.

[0054] The color change of the authenticity determination unit may be a reversible color change from colored to colorless, or a reversible color change from a colored to a different color. Reversible color change of the authenticity determination unit from a colored to a different color, i.e., from a first color to a second color, allows the colors displayed by the authenticity determination unit to be more diverse, facilitating authenticity determination of trading cards. Therefore, it is preferable that the authenticity determination unit reversibly change from a colored to a different color. Here, a reversible color change from a colored to a different color includes a change in color tone (e.g., from a dark color to a light color) and a change in hue (e.g., from purple to pink, or from green to yellow).

[0055] The reversible color change from colored to a different color in the authenticity determination section can be achieved, for example, by providing a reversible thermochromic layer that reversibly changes color from colored to colorless on a colored substrate so as to form part of the design layer, or by providing a reversible thermochromic layer that reversibly changes color from colored to colorless in a colored portion of the design layer. Here, the color (first color) refers to the color that the reversible thermochromic material shows when it is in a colored state, and is a mixture of the color due to the reversible thermochromic material in the colored state and the color due to the substrate or design layer.A color (second color) that is different from the color (first color) refers to the color that the reversible thermochromic material shows when it is in a colorless state, and is the color due to the substrate or design layer.

[0056] The reversible color change from one color to a different color in the authenticity determination section is achieved by providing a reversible thermochromic layer that reversibly changes color from one color to a different color, using a reversible thermochromic liquid composition such as ink or paint that combines a reversible thermochromic material and a non-thermochromic material. Here, the color (first color) refers to the color that the reversible thermochromic material shows when it is in a colored state, and is a mixture of the color of the reversible thermochromic material in the colored state and the color of the non-thermochromic material.A color (second color) that is different from the color (first color) refers to the color that the reversible thermochromic material shows when it is in a colorless state, and is the color of the non-thermochromic material.

[0057] A reversible thermochromic liquid composition that uses a combination of a reversible thermochromic material and a non-thermochromic material may be either a reversible thermochromic material that has been blended with a non-thermochromic material dispersed in a vehicle, or a reversible thermochromic material and a non-thermochromic material that have been dispersed in a vehicle. Examples of reversible thermochromic materials that contain non-thermochromic materials include reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigments that contain both a reversible thermochromic composition and a non-thermochromic material, or reversible thermochromic resin particles that contain both a reversible thermochromic composition and a non-thermochromic material dispersed in a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin. As the non-thermochromic material, at least one of a general dye and a general pigment can be used.

[0058] The reversible color change from color to a different color in the authenticity determination section can be achieved, for example, by providing a non-thermochromic layer made of a non-thermochromic liquid composition such as ink or paint using a non-thermochromic material on a substrate so as to form part of the design layer, and providing a reversible thermochromic layer that reversibly changes color from colored to colorless on the non-thermochromic layer, or by providing the above-mentioned non-thermochromic layer on the design layer and providing a reversible thermochromic layer that reversibly changes color from colored to colorless on the non-thermochromic layer.The non-thermochromic layer and the reversible thermochromic layer may be the same or different in size and shape, but it is preferable that they be the same in size and shape. Here, the color (first color) refers to the color that the reversible thermochromic material shows when it is in a colored state, and is a mixture of the color of the reversible thermochromic material in the colored state and the color of the non-thermochromic material.A color (second color) that is different from the color (first color) refers to the color that the reversible thermochromic material shows when it is in a colorless state, and is the color of the non-thermochromic material.

[0059] The reversibly thermochromic layer and the non-thermochromic layer are formed by drying and solidifying a liquid composition, and are formed from components other than volatile components. The reversible thermochromic liquid composition and the non-thermochromic liquid composition may be printed or applied once to a substrate and then dried and solidified to form a reversible thermochromic layer and a non-thermochromic layer, but the density of the reversible thermochromic layer and the non-thermochromic layer can be improved by printing or applying the ink composition multiple times.

[0060] The binder resin is not particularly limited as long as it does not affect the coloring, fading, or discoloration of reversibly thermochromic materials or the coloring, etc. of non-thermochromic materials. Examples include ionomer resins, isobutylene-maleic anhydride copolymer resins, acrylonitrile-acrylic styrene copolymer resins, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resins, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resins, acrylonitrile-chlorinated polyethylene-styrene copolymer resins, ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymer resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resins, ethylene-vinyl acetate-vinyl chloride graft copolymer resins, vinylidene chloride resins, vinyl chloride resins, chlorinated vinyl chloride resins, vinyl chloride-vinylidene chloride copolymer resins, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, high-impact polystyrene, polypropylene, polymethylstyrene, polyacrylic esters, polymethyl methacrylate, epoxy acrylate resins, alkylphenol resins, and rosin. Examples of the resin include modified phenolic resins, rosin-modified alkyd resins, phenolic resin-modified alkyd resins, epoxy resin-modified alkyd resins, styrene-modified alkyd resins, acrylic-modified alkyd resins, aminoalkyd resins, vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate resins, styrene-butadiene resins, epoxy resins, unsaturated polyesters, saturated polyesters, polyurethanes, alkyd resins, natural rubber, polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, polyvinyl alkyl ethers, rosin, rosin esters, rosin derivatives, polyterpenes, oil-soluble phenolic resins, petroleum-based hydrocarbon resins, shellac, cyclized rubbers, vinyl acetate-based emulsion resins, styrene-butadiene-based emulsion resins, acrylic acid ester-based emulsion resins, water-soluble alkyd resins, water-soluble melamine resins, water-soluble urea resins, water-soluble phenolic resins, water-soluble epoxy resins, water-soluble polybutadiene, cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, and ethyl cellulose.

[0061] The location where the authenticity determining unit is provided is not particularly limited, and it may be on either the front or back side of the card. It may also be provided on the design layer or on the substrate so as to form part of the design layer. The authenticity determination portion may be a solid pattern, but is preferably an image selected from the group consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, figures, and pictures. Since it is possible to impart an anti-counterfeiting function to the card without damaging the card design and to make it difficult for third parties to notice the presence of the authenticity determining section, it is preferable that the authenticity determining section be provided on the substrate so as to form part of the design layer. Examples of when the authenticity determining section forms part of the design layer of the card include a configuration in which a mark indicating the rarity of the card is the authenticity determining section, a configuration in which the card's serial number is the authenticity determining section, a configuration in which the name of the picture is the authenticity determining section, etc.

[0062] Furthermore, the trading card of the present invention may be configured such that a counterfeit prevention medium containing a reversible thermochromic material is attached to the substrate or design layer, and the counterfeit prevention medium functions as an authenticity determining section. In other words, the counterfeit prevention medium provides the same effects as the reversible thermochromic layer described above. Furthermore, similar to the above-described authenticity determination unit, the color change of the anti-counterfeiting medium may be a reversible color change from colored to colorless, or a reversible color change from a colored to a different color. Since the colors exhibited by the anti-counterfeiting medium can be varied and authenticity determination of trading cards can be facilitated, it is preferable that the anti-counterfeiting medium reversibly change color from a colored to a different color.

[0063] The counterfeit prevention medium can be a reversibly thermochromic molded article obtained by molding a reversibly thermochromic molding resin composition, which is obtained by melt-blending a reversibly thermochromic material into a molding resin selected from thermoplastic resins or thermosetting resins, using a general-purpose molding method such as injection molding, extrusion molding, blow molding, or cast molding. Suitable shapes include flat, sheet, and film shapes. A reversible thermochromic molded article that undergoes a reversible color change from one color to a different color can be obtained by molding a reversible thermochromic molding resin composition that contains a reversible thermochromic material and a non-thermochromic material.

[0064] As the counterfeit prevention medium, a reversible thermochromic laminate comprising a substrate and a reversible thermochromic layer containing a reversible thermochromic material provided on the substrate can be used. The reversible thermochromic laminate can be obtained by printing or applying a reversible thermochromic liquid composition, such as ink or paint, containing a reversible thermochromic material in a vehicle containing a binder resin onto a substrate that constitutes an anti-counterfeiting medium to provide a reversible thermochromic layer. A reversible thermochromic laminate that reversibly changes color from a color to a different color can be obtained by printing or applying a reversible thermochromic liquid composition containing a reversible thermochromic material and a non-thermochromic material to a substrate that constitutes a counterfeit prevention medium to form a reversible thermochromic layer that reversibly changes color from a color to a different color. Alternatively, it can be obtained by printing or applying a non-thermochromic liquid composition containing a non-thermochromic material to a substrate that constitutes a counterfeit prevention medium to form a non-thermochromic layer, and then printing or applying a reversible thermochromic liquid composition containing a reversible thermochromic material on the non-thermochromic layer to form a reversible thermochromic layer that reversibly changes color from color to colorless. Alternatively, it can be obtained by printing or applying a reversible thermochromic liquid composition containing a reversible thermochromic material to a colored substrate that constitutes a counterfeit prevention medium to form a reversible thermochromic layer that reversibly changes color from color to colorless.

[0065] Examples of substrates constituting the counterfeit prevention medium include paper, synthetic paper, fiber, fabric, synthetic leather, leather, plastic, glass, elastomer, rubber, ceramics, metal, wood, stone, etc., with paper, synthetic paper, and plastic being preferred. The substrate may also be one that has a lustrous property such as a hologram, or one that has a changeable pattern using a lenticular lens. Preferred forms are flat, sheet, and film.

[0066] The counterfeit prevention medium may be transparent, and can be a reversibly thermochromic molded body using a transparent molding resin, or a reversibly thermochromic laminate using a transparent support. When the counterfeit prevention medium is transparent, the reversibly thermochromic material or non-thermochromic material is blended within a range that does not impair the transparency of the reversibly thermochromic molded body or reversibly thermochromic laminate.

[0067] If the anti-counterfeiting medium is transparent, the base material or design layer of the trading card can be seen through the anti-counterfeiting medium, and the anti-counterfeiting medium will show a variety of changes, making it easier to determine the authenticity of the trading card.

[0068] There are no particular limitations on where the counterfeit prevention medium is provided, and it may be provided on either the front or back side of the card. It may also be provided on the substrate or on the design layer. The shapes of the reversible thermochromic molded article used as a counterfeit prevention medium include letters, numbers, symbols, figures, patterns, etc., as well as shapes that resemble people, animals, plants, fruits, food products, vehicles, buildings, etc. The reversible thermochromic layer in the reversible thermochromic laminate used as an anti-counterfeiting medium may be a solid pattern, but it may also be an image (reversible thermochromic image) of letters, numbers, symbols, figures, patterns, etc., as well as images of people, animals, plants, fruits, food products, vehicles, buildings, etc.

[0069] Since the trading card according to the present invention makes it difficult to copy the card itself and improves the security of the card, it is preferable to provide a reversible thermochromic layer on the substrate so that it forms part of the design layer, or to provide a reversible thermochromic layer on the design layer so that the reversible thermochromic layer functions as an authenticity determining section, and it is more preferable to provide a reversible thermochromic layer on the substrate so that it forms part of the design layer.

[0070] The authenticity determining section may be provided with a transparent protective layer to impart durability, or with a layer containing a light stabilizer or a transparent metallic luster pigment to impart light resistance. The transparent protective layer has the role of protecting the reversible thermochromic material contained in the adjacent authenticity determining section from physical impact, and can be provided by printing or applying a solution containing resin or resin emulsion, or by attaching plastic, elastomer, rubber, etc. in the form of a flat surface, sheet, film, etc. The transparent protective layer can be provided by a conventional lamination process, such as dry lamination or hot melt lamination, or by interposing a heat-sealing film between the transparent protective layer and the adjacent authenticity determining section and then heat-pressing them together. The transparent protective layer or transparent glossy layer provided on the design layer can also be used as the transparent protective layer provided in the authenticity determining section.

[0071] Examples of the light stabilizer include an ultraviolet absorber, an antioxidant, an antiaging agent, a singlet oxygen quencher, a superoxide anion quencher, an ozone quencher, a visible light absorber, an infrared absorber, etc. As the transparent metallic luster pigment, the above-mentioned transparent metallic luster pigments can be used. By providing a layer in which a light stabilizer or a transparent metallic luster pigment is fixed in a dispersed state, light resistance can be imparted to the reversible thermochromic material contained in the adjacent authentication part.

[0072] In the present invention, transparency refers to the property of transmitting light with wavelengths in the visible light region (the wavelength region of 380 to 780 nm as defined by JIS B 7079), and the light transmittance (visible light transmittance) in the visible light region of the transparent protective layer or transparent shiny layer is preferably 5% or more, more preferably 10% or more, and even more preferably 20% or more. If the visible light transmittance is less than 5%, it becomes difficult to visually recognize the adjacent design layer or authenticity determination section. The above visible light transmittance is the midpoint between the maximum and minimum values ​​when a transparent protective layer or a transparent lustrous layer is provided on a transparent substrate that transmits light with wavelengths in the visible light region, and measured in the wavelength region from 380 nm to 780 nm using a spectrophotometer (manufactured by Hitachi, Ltd., product name: U-3210). [Example]

[0073] Examples are given below, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the examples, "parts" means "parts by mass."

[0074] Example 1 Preparation of reversible thermochromic material A (reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment A) A reversible thermochromic composition consisting of 1.5 parts of 3-(4-diethylamino-2-hexyloxyphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide as component (A), 5 parts of 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-decane as component (B), and 40 parts of 2-ethylhexyl behenate and 10 parts of n-butyl stearate as component (C) was heated and dissolved uniformly, and encapsulated in microcapsules by interfacial polymerization to prepare a microcapsule dispersion. Reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment A was obtained from the above microcapsule dispersion by centrifugation. Microcapsule pigment A had a complete color development temperature t1 of 26°C, a color development start temperature t2 of 29°C, a color disappearance start temperature t3 of 26°C, a complete disappearance temperature t4 of 31°C, t2-t1 of 3°C, t4-t3 of 5°C, and ΔH of 1°C, and reversibly changed from blue to colorless with temperature change.

[0075] Production of trading cards (see Figures 2 to 5) 30 parts of the microcapsule pigment A as a reversible thermochromic material and 70 parts of a vehicle for ultraviolet-curable offset ink were mixed to prepare an ultraviolet-curable reversible thermochromic ink for offset printing. Four different designs (including a character design (30a), a character profile (30b), a character name (30c), a mark indicating the card's rarity (30d), and a card serial number (30e)) were printed on one side (front side) of coated paper used as the substrate (20) using UV-curable non-thermochromic inks in four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, in the layout shown in Figure 3(a), forming four printed areas (A, B, C, D) on the substrate. The mark indicating the card's rarity (30d) is a pink non-thermochromic image (32). Next, in each printing area, a mark (reversible thermochromic image, 31) of the same shape and size as the mark (30d) (non-thermochromic image, 32) indicating the rarity shown in Figure 3(a) was printed using the reversible thermochromic ink as shown in Figure 3(b), and then cured with ultraviolet light to form a surface design layer. The mark indicating the rarity of the card is the authenticity determination section (50). Next, the same image (I) was printed on the opposite side of the four printed areas (the other side (back side) of the coated paper) using the above-mentioned non-thermochromic ink, and cured by ultraviolet light to form a back design layer (40), thereby obtaining a sheet (11) having four printed areas on both the front and back sides. Next, both sides of the sheet were laminated with polypropylene films to form transparent protective layers (60). Next, the sheet was divided and cut along the dashed lines shown in FIG. 2 using a slitter, and the corners of each cut printed matter were rounded to produce trading cards (10).

[0076] Because the reversible thermochromic material of the trading card is in a colored state at room temperature (temperature range of 15 to 25°C), the authenticity determination area was purple (first color) (initial state), a mixture of the blue color from the reversible thermochromic material in the reversible thermochromic image and the pink color from the non-thermochromic image. When a finger touches the authenticity determination area of ​​an initial trading card, the heat (body temperature) of the finger causes the touched area to reach the reversible thermochromic material's complete color-changing temperature t4, causing the reversible thermochromic material to enter a color-changing state, and the area touched by the authenticity determination area turns pink (second color) due to a non-thermochromic image. Furthermore, when the finger is removed from the authenticity determination area and the application of heat (body temperature) to the authenticity determination area is stopped, the reversible thermochromic material's complete color-changing temperature t1 is reached, causing the reversible thermochromic material to enter a color-changing state, and the authenticity determination area returns to its initial purple color (first color). Here, because t2-t1 and t4-t3 of the reversible thermochromic material are below 5°C and ΔH is 1°C, the color change in the authenticity determination area is sharp and highly sensitive, and the color change in the authenticity determination area is rapid. Therefore, the authenticity of trading cards can be easily and repeatedly determined. When determining authenticity, it is possible to determine authenticity by touching with fingers without the need for rubbing with fingers or the use of an appropriate heating or cooling device, so it is possible to determine authenticity without damaging and / or deforming the card. The trading cards have rounded corners, which makes them safer to handle and easier to take in and out of files or cases. This trading card has a mark (an image of the letter "C" (common)) indicating the card's rarity that serves as the authentication section, which forms part of the surface design layer. This provides the card with an anti-counterfeiting function without compromising the card's design, while also making the presence of the authentication section difficult for third parties to notice. Furthermore, the card itself is difficult for third parties to copy, as it has a non-thermochromic image and a reversible thermochromic image on the base material that function as the authentication section.

[0077] Example 2 Preparation of reversible thermochromic material B (reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment B) A reversible thermochromic composition consisting of 5 parts of 2-(2-chloroanilino)-6-di-n-butylaminofluoran as component (A), 8 parts of 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-decane as component (B), and 40 parts of stearyl decanoate, 5 parts of stearyl laurate, and 5 parts of decyl decanoate as component (C) was uniformly heated and dissolved, and the mixture was encapsulated in microcapsules by interfacial polymerization to prepare a microcapsule dispersion. Reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment B was obtained from the above microcapsule dispersion by centrifugation. Microcapsule pigment B had a complete color development temperature t1 of 28°C, a color development start temperature t2 of 30°C, a color disappearance start temperature t3 of 29°C, a complete disappearance temperature t4 of 35°C, t2-t1 of 2°C, t4-t3 of 6°C, and ΔH of 3°C, and reversibly changed from black to colorless with temperature change.

[0078] Creating trading cards (see Figures 6 to 9) A reversible thermochromic ink for UV-curable offset printing was prepared by mixing 30 parts of microcapsule pigment B as a reversible thermochromic material, 2 parts of a red general pigment, and 68 parts of a UV-curable offset ink vehicle. On one side (front side) of coated paper used as the substrate (20), four different designs (including a character design (30a), a character name (30c), a mark indicating the card's rarity (30d), part of the card's serial number (a slash and the denominator number, 30e), and the card's basic abilities (the name of the technique and its attack power, 30f, and its stamina, 30f')) were printed using non-thermochromic inks for UV-curable offset printing in four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, in the layout shown in Figure 7(a), forming four printing areas (A, B, C, D) on the substrate. Next, in each printing area, a portion of the card serial number (numeral number) (reversible thermochromic image, 31) was printed as the authenticity determination section (50) in the area surrounded by the dashed line shown in Figure 7(a) using the above-mentioned reversible thermochromic ink, as shown in Figure 7(b), and then cured with ultraviolet light to form a surface design layer (30). Next, the same image (I) was printed on the opposite side of the four printed areas (the other side (back side) of the coated paper) using the above-mentioned non-thermochromic ink, and cured by ultraviolet light to form a back design layer (40), thereby obtaining a sheet (11) having four printed areas on both the front and back sides. Next, aluminum was vapor-deposited on the surface of the sheet to form a transparent glossy layer (61), and then both sides of the sheet were laminated with polypropylene film to form a transparent protective layer (60). Next, the above sheet was punched along the dashed lines shown in FIG. 6 to produce trading cards (10).

[0079] Because the reversible thermochromic material of the trading card is in a colored state at room temperature (temperature range of 15 to 25°C), the authenticity determination area was black (first color) that was a mixture of the black color from the reversible thermochromic material and the red color from the general pigment (initial state). When a finger touches the authenticity determination section of a trading card in its initial state, the heat (body temperature) of the finger causes the touched area to reach the reversible thermochromic material's complete color-changing temperature t4, causing the reversible thermochromic material to enter a color-changing state, and the area of ​​the authenticity determination section that was touched turns red (second color) due to the general pigment. Furthermore, when the finger is removed from the authenticity determination section and the heat (body temperature) is no longer being applied to the authenticity determination section, the reversible thermochromic material's complete color-changing temperature t1 is reached, causing the reversible thermochromic material to enter a color-changing state, and the authenticity determination section returns to its initial black state (first color), making it possible to repeatedly verify the authenticity of trading cards. When determining authenticity, it is possible to determine authenticity by touching with fingers without the need for rubbing with fingers or the use of an appropriate heating or cooling device, so it is possible to determine authenticity without damaging and / or deforming the card. The trading cards have rounded corners, which makes them safer to handle and easier to take in and out of files or cases. This trading card has an authenticity determination section that is part of the card's serial number (the image of the number "202"), and the authenticity determination section forms part of the surface design layer. This provides the card with an anti-counterfeiting function without compromising the card's design, and also makes it difficult for third parties to notice the presence of the authenticity determination section. Furthermore, the reversible thermochromic image provided on the base material functions as the authenticity determination section, making it difficult for third parties to copy the card itself.

[0080] Example 3 Preparation of reversible thermochromic material C (reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment C) A reversible thermochromic composition consisting of 1.5 parts of 3-(4-diethylamino-2-hexyloxyphenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide as component (A), 5 parts of 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-decane as component (B), and 40 parts of 2-ethylhexyl behenate and 10 parts of 2-methylpentyl behenate as component (C) was heated and dissolved uniformly, and encapsulated in microcapsules by interfacial polymerization to prepare a microcapsule dispersion. Reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment C was obtained from the above microcapsule dispersion by centrifugation. Microcapsule pigment C had a complete color development temperature t1 of 28°C, a color development start temperature t2 of 31°C, a color disappearance start temperature t3 of 28°C, a complete disappearance temperature t4 of 33°C, t2-t1 of 3°C, t4-t3 of 5°C, and ΔH of 1°C, and reversibly changed from blue to colorless with temperature change.

[0081] Creating trading cards (see Figures 10 to 12) A reversible thermochromic ink for UV-curable offset printing was prepared by mixing 30 parts of microcapsule pigment C as a reversible thermochromic material, 2 parts of a yellow general pigment, and 68 parts of a UV-curable offset ink vehicle. On one side (front side) of coated paper used as the substrate (20), four different designs (including a character design (30a), a character name (30c), a mark indicating the card's rarity (30d), a card serial number (30e), and the card's basic abilities (attack power and defense power, 30f, and stamina, 30f')) were printed using ultraviolet-curable, non-thermochromic ink for offset printing in four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, in the layout shown in Figure 10(a).Four printing areas were formed on the substrate, and the surface design layer (30) was formed by curing with ultraviolet light. Next, the same image was printed on the opposite side of the four printed areas (the other side (back side) of the coated paper) using the above-mentioned non-thermochromic ink, and cured with ultraviolet light to form a back design layer (40), resulting in a sheet with four printed areas on both the front and back sides. Next, a solid pattern (reversible thermochromic layer, 31') was printed using the reversible thermochromic ink on the surface of a white polypropylene film having an adhesive layer as the substrate (21) opposite to the side on which the adhesive layer was provided, to produce a reversible thermochromic laminate, anti-counterfeiting medium (51). A release sheet was provided on the surface of the adhesive layer opposite to the side on which the polypropylene film was provided. Next, the release sheet of the above-mentioned anti-counterfeiting medium was removed, and the above-mentioned anti-counterfeiting medium was attached to the area surrounded by the dashed line shown in Figure 10(a) in each printing area as shown in Figure 10(b), thereby forming an authenticity determination section (50). Next, both sides of the sheet were laminated with polypropylene films to form transparent protective layers (60). Next, the sheet was divided and cut in the same manner as in Example 1, and the corners of each cut printed matter were rounded to produce trading cards 10. Note that this trading card has an anti-counterfeiting medium attached to the front design layer, which functions as an authenticity determining section.

[0082] Because the reversible thermochromic material of the trading card is in a colored state at room temperature (temperature range of 15 to 25°C), the authenticity determination area was green (first color) (initial state), a mixture of blue from the reversible thermochromic material and yellow from the general pigment. When a finger touches the authenticity determination area of ​​an initial trading card, the heat (body temperature) of the finger causes the touched area to reach the reversible thermochromic material's complete color-changing temperature t4, causing the reversible thermochromic material to enter a color-changing state, and the area touched by the authenticity determination area turns yellow (second color) due to the general pigment. Furthermore, when the finger is removed from the authenticity determination area and the application of heat (body temperature) to the authenticity determination area is stopped, the reversible thermochromic material reaches its complete color-changing temperature t1, causing the reversible thermochromic material to enter a color-changing state, and the authenticity determination area returns to its initial green color (first color). Here, because the reversible thermochromic material's t2-t1 and t4-t3 temperatures are below 5°C and ΔH is 1°C, the color change in the authenticity determination area is sharp and highly sensitive, and the color change in the authenticity determination area is rapid. Therefore, authenticity determination of trading cards can be easily and repeatedly performed. When determining authenticity, it is possible to determine authenticity by touching with fingers without the need for rubbing with fingers or the use of an appropriate heating or cooling device, so it is possible to determine authenticity without damaging and / or deforming the card. The trading cards have rounded corners, which makes them safer to handle and easier to take in and out of files or cases.

[0083] Example 4 Preparation of reversible thermochromic material D (reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment D) A reversible thermochromic composition consisting of 1 part of 6-(N-ethyl-N-isopentylamino)-1,2-benzofluoran as component (A), 5 parts of 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-ethylhexane as component (B), and 25 parts of 2-ethylhexyl behenate and 25 parts of 2-methylpentyl behenate as component (C) was heated and dissolved uniformly, and the mixture was encapsulated in microcapsules by interfacial polymerization to prepare a microcapsule dispersion. Reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment D was obtained from the above microcapsule dispersion by centrifugation. Microcapsule pigment D had a complete color development temperature t1 of 27°C, a color development start temperature t2 of 30°C, a color disappearance start temperature t3 of 29°C, a complete disappearance temperature t4 of 31°C, t2-t1 of 3°C, t4-t3 of 2°C, and ΔH of 1.5°C, and reversibly changed from pink to colorless with temperature change.

[0084] Production of trading cards (see Figures 13 to 15) A reversible thermochromic ink for UV-curable offset printing was prepared by mixing 30 parts of microcapsule pigment D as a reversible thermochromic material, 2 parts of a blue general pigment, and 68 parts of a UV-curable offset ink vehicle. On one side (front side) of coated paper used as the substrate (20), four different images (including a person's photograph (30a), a person's profile (30b), a person's name (30c), and a card serial number (30e)) and a partially missing frame (30g) were printed in the arrangement shown in Figure 13(a) using ultraviolet-curable, non-thermochromic inks for offset printing consisting of four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, to form four printed areas on the substrate. Next, in each printing area, a straight line (reversible thermochromic image, 31) was printed as the authenticity determination section (50) using the above-mentioned reversible thermochromic ink in the area surrounded by the dashed line shown in Figure 13(a), as shown in Figure 13(b), and then cured with ultraviolet light to form a surface design layer (30). Next, the same image was printed on the opposite side of the four printed areas (the other side (back side) of the coated paper) using the above-mentioned non-thermochromic ink, and cured with ultraviolet light to form a back design layer (40), resulting in a sheet with four printed areas on both the front and back sides. Next, a hologram was printed on the surface of the sheet to form a transparent glossy layer (61), and both sides of the sheet were further laminated with polypropylene film to form a transparent protective layer (60). Next, the sheet was punched in the same manner as in Example 2 to produce trading cards (10).

[0085] Because the reversible thermochromic material of the trading card is in a colored state at room temperature (temperature range of 15 to 25°C), the authenticity determination area was purple (first color) (initial state), a mixture of the pink color from the reversible thermochromic material and the blue color from the general pigment. When a finger touches the authenticity determination area of ​​an initial trading card, the heat (body temperature) of the finger causes the touched area to reach the reversible thermochromic material's complete color-changing temperature t4, causing the reversible thermochromic material to enter a color-changing state, and the area touched by the authenticity determination area turns blue (second color) due to the general pigment. Furthermore, when the finger is removed from the authenticity determination area and the heat (body temperature) is no longer applied to the authenticity determination area, the reversible thermochromic material reaches its complete color-changing temperature t1, causing the reversible thermochromic material to enter a color-changing state, and the authenticity determination area returns to its initial purple color (first color). Here, because t2-t1 and t4-t3 of the reversible thermochromic material are below 3°C and ΔH is 1.5°C, the color change in the authenticity determination area is sharp and highly sensitive, and the color change in the authenticity determination area is rapid. Therefore, the authenticity of trading cards can be easily and repeatedly determined. When determining authenticity, it is possible to determine authenticity by touching with fingers without the need for rubbing with fingers or the use of an appropriate heating or cooling device, so it is possible to determine authenticity without damaging and / or deforming the card. The trading cards have rounded corners, which makes them safer to handle and easier to take in and out of files or cases. This trading card has an authenticity determination section that is part of a graphic (frame) on the card, and the authenticity determination section forms part of the surface design layer. This provides the card with an anti-counterfeiting function without compromising the card's design, while also making it difficult for third parties to notice the presence of the authenticity determination section. Furthermore, a reversible thermochromic image is provided on the base material, and this serves as the authenticity determination section, making it difficult for third parties to copy the card itself.

[0086] Example 5 Preparation of reversible thermochromic material E (reversible thermochromic microencapsulated pigment E) A reversible thermochromic composition consisting of 1 part of 3-(2-ethoxy-4-diethylaminophenyl)-3-(1-ethyl-2-methylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide as component (A), 6 parts of 1,1-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)n-decane as component (B), and 45 parts of stearyl decanoate and 5 parts of stearyl laurate as component (C) was heated and dissolved uniformly, and encapsulated in microcapsules by interfacial polymerization to prepare a microcapsule dispersion. Reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment E was obtained from the above microcapsule dispersion by centrifugation. Microcapsule pigment E had a complete color development temperature t1 of 29°C, a color development start temperature t2 of 33°C, a color disappearance start temperature t3 of 30°C, a complete disappearance temperature t4 of 36°C, t2-t1 of 4°C, t4-t3 of 6°C, and ΔH of 2°C, and reversibly changed from blue to colorless with temperature change.

[0087] Creating trading cards (see Figures 16 to 19) A reversible thermochromic ink for ultraviolet-curable offset printing was prepared by mixing 30 parts of microcapsule pigment E as a reversible thermochromic material with 70 parts of a vehicle for ultraviolet-curable offset ink. Four different designs (including illustrations of vehicles, information about the vehicles, and the names of the vehicles) were printed on one side (front side) of coated paper used as the substrate (20) using ultraviolet-curable, non-thermochromic inks for offset printing in four colors: cyan, magenta, yellow, and black, to form four printing areas on the substrate. Next, the same design (design 40a shown in Figure 17(a)) was printed using the non-thermochromic ink on the opposite side of the four printed areas (the other side (back) of the coated paper). The design (40a) was a blue non-thermochromic image. Next, in each printing area, a diamond-shaped image (reversible thermochromic image, 31) was printed as the authenticity determination section (50) using the above-mentioned reversible thermochromic ink in the area surrounded by the dashed line shown in Figure 17(a), as shown in Figure 17(b), and then cured with ultraviolet light to form a back design layer (40), resulting in a sheet (11) having four printing areas on both the front and back sides. Next, both sides of the sheet were laminated with polypropylene films to form transparent protective layers (60). Next, the sheet was divided and cut along the dashed lines shown in FIG. 16 using a slitter, and the corners of each cut printed matter were rounded to produce trading cards (10).

[0088] Since the reversible thermochromic material of the trading card is in a colored state at room temperature (temperature range of 15 to 25°C), the authenticity determination section was blue (first color) due to the reversible thermochromic material (initial state). When a finger touches the authenticity determination section of a trading card in its initial state, the heat (body temperature) of the finger causes the touched area to reach the reversible thermochromic material's complete color-changing temperature t4, causing the reversible thermochromic material to enter a color-changing state, and the area of ​​the authenticity determination section that the finger touched becomes white (second color) due to the substrate. In other words, the figure (diamond image) formed as the authenticity determination section becomes invisible. Furthermore, when the finger is removed from the authenticity determination section and the application of heat (body temperature) to the authenticity determination section is stopped, the reversible thermochromic material's complete color-changing temperature t1 is reached, causing the reversible thermochromic material to enter a color-changing state, and the authenticity determination section returns to its initial blue state (first color), making it possible to repeatedly authenticate trading cards. When determining authenticity, it is possible to determine authenticity by touching with fingers without the need for rubbing with fingers or the use of an appropriate heating or cooling device, so it is possible to determine authenticity without damaging and / or deforming the card. The trading cards have rounded corners, which makes them safer to handle and easier to take in and out of files or cases. In this trading card, part of the design on the card (a diamond-shaped image) serves as the authentication section, which forms part of the back design layer. This provides the card with anti-counterfeiting capabilities without compromising the card's design. Furthermore, the non-thermochromic design (40a) and the authentication section are both blue, and the design (40a) and the authentication section form a single back design layer, making the presence of the authentication section even more difficult for third parties to notice. Furthermore, the reversible thermochromic image provided on the base material functions as the authentication section, making it difficult for third parties to copy the card itself. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] t1 Complete color development temperature of reversible thermochromic material (reversible thermochromic composition) t2 Color development start temperature of reversible thermochromic material (reversible thermochromic composition) t3 Reversible thermochromic material (reversible thermochromic composition) discoloration starting temperature t4 Complete decolorization temperature of reversible thermochromic material (reversible thermochromic composition) ΔH Hysteresis width 10 Trading Cards 11 sheets 20 Base material 21 Substrate for anti-counterfeiting media 30 Surface design layer 31 Reversible thermochromic image 31' Reversible thermochromic layer 32 Non-thermochromic image 40 Back Design Layer 41 Reversible thermochromic image 50 Authentication Department 51 Anti-counterfeiting media 60 Transparent protective layer 61 Transparent glitter layer

Claims

1. A trading card having an authentication section comprising a reversible thermochromic material, wherein the reversible thermochromic material is a reversible thermochromic microcapsule pigment encapsulating a reversible thermochromic composition comprising at least (a) an electron-donating color-forming organic compound, (b) an electron-accepting compound, and (c) a reaction medium for controlling the color reaction of the components (a) and (b), or a reversible thermochromic resin particle in which the reversible thermochromic composition is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin or a thermosetting resin, and the material exhibits hysteresis characteristics in a color density-temperature curve, exhibiting alternation between a colored state and a decolorized state, and in the process of increasing temperature from the colored state, the material exhibits a decolorization onset temperature t ３ When the temperature reaches t ３ Higher complete bleaching temperature t ４ In the above temperature range, the color is completely lost. In the process of decreasing the temperature from the lost color state, the coloring start temperature t ２ When the temperature reaches t ２ Lower full color temperature t １ It exhibits hysteresis characteristics in which it becomes completely colored in the temperature range below, and completely fades at the temperature t ４ The trading card is a material having a color density-temperature curve of 26 to 37°C and exhibiting a hysteresis width (ΔH) of 5°C or less.

2. 2. The trading card of claim 1, wherein said authenticity determining portion is an image selected from the group consisting of letters, numbers, symbols, figures, and pictures.

3. 3. The trading card according to claim 1, wherein the authentication portion reversibly changes color from one color to a different color.

4. 4. The trading card of claim 1, wherein the reversible thermochromic material exhibits a hysteresis width (ΔH) of 3° C. or less in a color density-temperature curve.

Images