Abstract: A thermochromic ink display applied to a beverage container comprises a stepped sequence of images each applied over a separate thermochromic ink layer which is opaque at room temperature. The ink layers have different transition temperatures from opaque to transparent that reveal the images in a stepped time delay sequence when a hot drink is poured into the container. The images are applied over the thermochromic ink layers by sublimation techniques and can produce an animation effect, if desired.

Abstract: A beverage container holder has a dual-function graphics pattern. The holder comprises a tubular liner having at least a first opening for receiving a beverage container, the liner having an inside surface and an outside surface, a layer of insulating material on the inside surface of the liner, a graphics pattern applied to the outer surface of the liner, and a thermochromic ink composition on the outer surface of the liner forming at least a portion of the graphics pattern. The thermochromic ink composition has (1) a first state that matches or masks a portion of the graphics pattern at room temperature, (2) a second state that reacts to thermal change at a temperature above room temperature from a hot medium disposed in the container to reveal a first phase of the graphics pattern, and (3) a third state that reacts to a thermal change at a temperature below room temperature from a cold medium disposed in the container to reveal a second phase of the graphics pattern.

Abstract: A beverage container has a wall with a thickness that progresses from relatively thinner to relatively thicker in a selected direction that travels around the container. A permanent graphics pattern is applied to the outer surface of the wall to progress in the same direction across the container. A layer of thermochromic ink is applied to the outer surface of the container wall to initially mask the graphics pattern (or at least portions thereof) progressing across the container wall. The thermochromic ink layer is of a composition that reacts to heat or cold and changes from opaque to transparent when the temperature transferred to it through the wall of the container changes to a relatively higher or relatively lower transition temperature.