Labels and method of forming the same
AssigneeOptaglio Limited
InventorPhilip Hudson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The invention provides for a label such as a temper evident holographic or diffractive security label that consists of at least two separate microstructures (30, 31), one exhibiting a holographic or diffractive security image, the other a non visible non-diffractive structure which controls differential release of a reflector or semi reflector layer (27) to display a separate visual message upon removal of the label by tamper. The advantage over previous prior art devices is that both the diffractive message and the tamper evident message are encoded within the microstructure without any need for additional coating or print layers in the device.
Claims23
A layered label having at least first and second layers separated by a layer of reflective material, the first layer being arranged for securing the label, and the surface of the second layer contacting the layer of reflective material exhibiting a microstructure having surface characteristics such that, if an upper layer of the label is removed, at least a portion of the reflective material at locations corresponding to the locations of the said microstructure are removed along with the removed layer and so as to expose a visible pattern in the remaining layer of the label, wherein the microstructure comprises a second of two discrete microstructures, at least a first of the two discrete microstructures being arranged to offer a diffractive image when located on the layer of reflective material.
A layer member arranged to form part of a layered label, the layer member having a surface arranged for contact with a layer of reflective material of the label, the surface exhibiting a microstructure of a form not providing a diffractive image and exhibiting surface characteristics for controlling the selective removal of the reflective material from at least portions of the reflective material at locations corresponding to the locations of the said microstructure, wherein the microstructure comprises a second of two discrete microstructures, a first of the two discrete microstructures being arranged to offer a diffractive image when located on the layer of reflective material.
A method of forming a layered label having at least first and second layers separated by a layer of reflective material, the first layer being arranged for securing the label to a surface, comprising the steps of forming a microstructure in a surface of the second layer arranged for contact with the layer of reflective material, the microstructure exhibiting surface characteristics such that, if an upper layer of the label is removed, at least portions of the reflective material at locations corresponding to the locations of the said microstructure are removed along with the removed layer and so as to expose a visible pattern in the layer of the label remaining, wherein the microstructure is formed as a second of two discrete microstructures, at least a first of the two discrete microstructures being formed to offer a diffractive image when located on the layer of reflective material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.