Thermochromic method and device for use relative to a product container

Abstract

A thermochromic device for use relative to a product container for providing a thermochromic indication of a temperature of a volume of product that is retained within an open inner volume of the container comprising a first image display and a second image display. The second image display and, possibly, the first image display could incorporate a layer of thermochromic material with an active temperature range. The active temperature range for the second image display could be above or below room temperature. The first image display can be thermochromic or non-thermochromic, and a thermochromic third image display could be provided. Where first, second, and third image displays are included, the second and third image displays could have active temperature ranges that are both above, both below, or to each side of room temperature. The image displays could be coupled to a side wall or to an upper surface of a product container. When coupled to an upper surface of a product container, the image displays can be disposed in a depression in the upper surface that dips into the product that is retained in the product container. The upper surface of the product container could be the top of a can or the lid of a cup or bowl arrangement.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.