BRPI1000392A2 - durable washable label with visibly diffraction generator pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

WASHABLE DURABLE LABEL WITH DEFAULT DIFFRACTION GENERATOR VISIBLE. This invention features an unprecedented, refined, thin, malleable holographic fabric label that has durability, high holographic diffraction intensity, wash resistance, minimal alteration and degradation of fabric and label due to prolonged use, and production capacity. cost-effective bulk as described. A solid bond forms at polymer interfaces, and the reflective diffractive layer is protected within the structure, with superior durability to wash, dry and mechanical cycles, with long lasting diffractive effect and visual authentication properties.

Description

"DURABLE WASHABLE LABEL WITH VISIBLE DIFFRACTION GENERATOR PATTERN".

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates generally to visible diffraction generator pattern labels showing the effects of diffraction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to holographic label enhancements typically used to authenticate, decorate, build brand identity and / or add value to clothing and other clothing items. For example, brand licensors often require retailers to show labels or identification labels that assure consumers that the product is "officially licensed." These marks may be the names and logos of sports teams, celebrity designers, musicians, and so on. The perceived value of a branded article is higher than that of an identical but unbranded product. Higher perceived values lead to better retail prices and thus the counterfeit market comes up.

To ensure the authenticity of an "officially licensed" product, trademark owners may insist on incorporating anti-counterfeiting devices into their products. One of the widely recognized anti-counterfeiting devices is the hologram. The concept of brand protection through the application of 23 holographic labels is well known and has been used extensively by the largest manufacturers of clothing and accessory brands. Typically, holographic labels used for this purpose are applied to articles as tactile labels or pendant labels. Both of these techniques have limited effectiveness. A tactile label is typically constructed of a polymer film, PET, for example, with an embossed layer on one side. The embossing layer is brought into contact with the face of a holographic surface embosser, thus receiving an exact impression of that holographic surface embossing pattern. The printed side is then fully coated with a light reflective layer, such as aluminum, and finally a tactile adhesive layer is applied. The polymer substrate, attached to a base layer, undergoes a dry cut and is wound into a ready-made label coil. These labels are applied directly to the part or article to be protected.

Alternatively, a pendant tag is made of medium-weight cardboard and is attached to the product with a nylon thread. The pendant tag can serve as the basis for a tactile holographic tag, covering a small or large area depending on the design and functionality. Ultimately, both application methods are considered temporary and are usually discarded by the consumer upon purchase. Also, the construction of the tactile holographic label does not withstand normal wear and wash cycles of the garment. If the label was inadvertently left attached, it would soon detach or be destroyed. What is needed is a holographic label that: a) confers authenticity; b) discourage falsification; c) add visual appeal; and d) continue to perform these functions after the original purchase of the garment.

PREVIOUS ART

There is much work already done in this area, from holographic ornamentation of textiles, clothing and the like. The following is a review of the prior art. U.S. patents nos. 4,838,965, 5,281,499, 5,314,767 and 5,455,129 describe techniques for applying prefabricated holographic substrates to fabrics using an adhesive liner and various methods of sealing the tips of the holographic substrate. In one technique, thermoplastic screen printing ink is applied to the hologram receiving area to seal the tips of the holographic substrate against moisture infiltration. In another, the hologram tips are sealed regardless of application to the fabric using heat and pressure. In yet another, the hologram tips are sealed using a laser or hot iron tipped cutting tool. However, application techniques are limited in several ways. The use of multiple substrate layers (ie the hologram base substrate layer, the adhesive liner layer, the ink / adhesive layer), with the requirement that the adhesive agents be applied in sufficient quantities to exceed and Sealing the ends of the holographic substrate increases the overall thickness of the end product, undesirably increasing the volume and hardness of the fabric. The result is a poorly integrated product with a graphic that looks like a sticky or late joining. In addition, the length of the fabric is considerably altered by increasing the hardness of the fabric, which is considered detrimental to the consumer's sense of well-being. Moreover, this construction is difficult to handle and inefficient to adjust to mass production techniques.

U.S. patents nos. Nos. 4,956,040 and 5,073,222 describe a technique for laminating prefabricated holographic labels between a polyester cover sheet and a polyester adhesive backing prior to affixing the multilayer assembly to a fabric backing. In these assemblies, the durability afforded by the polyester cover and polyester lining bottom is poor. Furthermore, the overall thickness of this construction has that same detrimental effect on the fabric length span described above.

U.S. patents nos. Nos. 5,945,201 and 6,036,810 describe holographic identification labels for use on clothing. Specifically, a holographic blade affixing technique using a hot melt adhesive applied to the rear surface of the hologram and the front surface of the fabric is detailed. This construction suffers from lack of integrity, especially on the periphery of the holographic blade. An identification tag thus constructed depends solely on the integrity of the holographic blade as there is no additional durability generated as a result of the construction process. Holographic slides have not passed standard wash and use tests. Without other protective measures, they deteriorate regardless of the technique used to affix them to the garment.

U.S. Patent No. 5,407,729 describes a multi-transfer method for applying photo-diffractive materials to fabrics in selective templates by applying a curable adhesive resin or plasticizer base (eg Plastisol, produced by International Coatings). in a selective template before coating with thermo-activated adhesive resin.This base then serves to adhere to a photo-diffractive layer of undetermined composition.The multiple transfer process recorded between base layers, fabric and cover layers certainly does not serve in itself. Well, without specifying the components of the photo-diffractive element, it is difficult to successfully create a durable product to specifications, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,510,911 and 5,626,702 describe a similar but more straightforward technique than U.S. Patent No. 5,407,729. Here too, a jig application Plastisol-type adhesive, wherein a holographic blade coated with PVC-based adhesive (preferably) is affixed with heat and pressure. Any residual blade left outside the Plastisol-molded area is removed, leaving a blade in the desired template. Also in this case, the holographic blades demonstrated little resistance to normal wear and wash cycles typical of the clothes considered. Without further protective measures, the holographic microstructure and holographic lamina substrate deteriorate with a concomitant drop in diffraction efficiency.

US patent no. No. 5,636,385 describes a technique that provides - allegedly very - adequate protection for the surface of the holographic image. A frame is provided for housing the holographic element, thereby sealing it between an optically clean front window and a rear piece that can be attached to a garment in various ways. Three disadvantages of this construction are: complexity, cost and very apparent presence in the garment. The look of the clothing is completely changed and the applications are limited due to these salient indications.

U.S. patents nos. 5,882,770 and 6,120,710 describe the direct relief of thermoplastic organic polymer fabrics. In these specifications, there is no description of the metallization process that increases the diffraction, nor any consideration of a protective topcoat or layer that prevents "exponentiation" of the holographic microstructure once permeated into the tissue. Thus, a much less efficient holographic image is perceived. The diffraction efficiency will decrease further as the microstructure becomes impregnated with everyday contaminants as normal use and natural wear distort and exfoliate unprotected diffraction grooves.

US patent no. No. 6,156,412 describes a tissue that is little more than a description of a generation of ordinary dielectric diffraction, whose performance is controlled by the width and depth of the etched grooves on the tissue face. There is no mention of materials, mounting technique or microstructure protection in the patent specification.

US patent no. No. 6,746,744 discloses a composite fabric comprising a diffractive layer behind a first textile fabric layer, the latter having a degree of permeability, either by natural voids between the threads of the fabric or by other means such as jagged slots. While such a construction can be used to create holographic fabric labeling, durability is questionable, and visual interference of the first fabric layer on the underlying holographic layer is an undesirable effect in most labeling applications where clarity and sharpness are very important. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention avoids the limitations described above in the prior art by the use of a unique holographic label assembly that offers exceptional durability, integrity and image clarity. This invention provides a novel and improved holographic device that offers durability, high holographic diffraction intensity, wash resistance, minimal change in fabric length and the possibility of cost-efficient mass production. Primarily, this invention comprises a thin, durable, inherently difficult to copy and visually appealing holographic label that can be affixed to a wide range of textiles, clothing, clothing and other consumer goods.

According to another aspect of the invention, a secure label results, namely:

■ A first layer with a built-in diffractive structure;

■ A second, direct-contact, thermo-adhesive layer bonded and consistent with the areas of the first layer containing the hologram; and

■ Characterized by the fact that the first layer and the thermoset layer have a refractive index difference of n> 0.1 so that the visible diffractive effects can be seen from the light that differs from their interface.

In the molds of this invention, a high quality radiation cured holographic label is constructed directly on a single polymeric film. More specifically, an in situ radiation curable resin technique as outlined in various patents, including, for example, U.S. Pat. 4,933,120, 5,003,915, 5,083,850, 5,085,514 and 5,116,548 (all incorporated herein by reference), is used to apply a holographic layer directly onto a polymeric film. A reflective layer is applied to the relief structure of the diffractive surface for increased visibility over at least a portion of the target label. At the same time, at least part of the area is without a reflective layer where direct contact with the adhesive occurs for affixing to the fabric. A unique aspect of the present invention is the unprecedented superior encapsulation efficiency and strong adhesion between polymers that endure many wash and dry cycles. The entire assembly of the label is quite thin and conformable; In addition, it can be produced cost-efficiently, which the prior art cited above neither specifies nor introduces into a single conformation.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, a secure label results, namely:

■ A first layer with a built-in diffraction generator pattern;

■ A second, direct-contact, thermo-adhesive layer bonded and consistent with the areas of the first layer containing the diffraction-generating pattern; and

■ A reflective layer in the middle and in contact with the first and second layers, so that the reflective layer blends with at least parts of the diffraction generating pattern, and so that the reflective layer is encapsulated by the first and second layers.

A variety of materials and material combinations can be used for the conductor and the backing adhesive layer of the assembly. The use of thermoplastic materials has been found to have advantages in both label production and adhesion of the label to the fabric as described in more detail below. Thermoplastic materials will therefore have a mutually compatible softening or melting point, which will enable the upper and lower layers to adhere to the fabric without significant tissue decomposition.

The conductive materials are also considerably transparent to ultraviolet (UV) light. While most organic compounds absorb some light in the UV zone, ie from about 400 nanometers to about 190 nanometers, preferred polymers will have low or minimal absorption in all or part of this range. A wide variety of polymer conductors that we can use from non-amorphous, semi-amorphous to amorphous, which are substantially UVi transparent polymers are well known and include, for example: polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polybutyl methacrylate, silicones such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), polyamides, polymethylpentene, olefin copolymers such as norbornene ethylene copolymers (commercially available under the tradename TOPAS® 8007 from Ticona), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) (commercially available under the name Desmopan®, type DP 9650DU, DP 9659DU, DP 9662DU and DP 9665DU from Bayer Material Science AG), polystyrene, hydrogenated polystyrene, polyparaxylene (commercially available under the trade name PARYLENE C), polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP ) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), ethylene-propylene copolymers, polyester and polyester copolymers such as polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate (available in the market under the DuPont MYLAR® trade name).

The bottom polymeric adhesive film layer is preferably a hotmelt such as polyamide, polyurethane adhesive film, typically in the range of about 0.5 to about 7.0 mil thick. Selection of film gauge depends on: (1) base tissue density, fiber diameter, and chemical fiber structure; (2) intended application of the final form of the label; and (3) bonding process parameters including temperature, stop and pressure values throughout the bonding process. An example of a thermosetting film useful in this invention is polyamide, polyurethane and similar adhesive films available from Bemis Associates of Shirely, Massachusetts. Preferred polyamide adhesive films have been shown to offer superior adhesion to a wide range of natural and synthetic fabric bases. The polyamide film partially penetrates the base layer of the fabric by heat, effectively sealing the back of the holographic element and providing a high degree of hydrolysis resistance. In addition, the polyamide adhesive film adheres exceptionally well to the radiation cured holographic element. Thus, in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hydrolysis resistant polyamide film layer is used to provide superior adherent qualities and serves as at least one layer of a multilayer holographic label. In addition to polyamide, polyurethane and polyester are excellent options, depending on fabric and applications.

Preferably the cured holographic element

radiation is coated with a diffraction-enhancing layer, such as aluminum, for example. For further variations in product appearance, an aluminum diffraction enlargement layer can also be metallized in jig, as described, for example, in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,044,707, 5,128,779, 5,142,383, 5,145,212 and 5,411,296 (all incorporated herein by reference), without adverse effect on the functionality of the present invention.

Diffraction enhancing layers are not limited to aluminum and may take the form of other common materials used in the art, including other metal oxides or inorganic refractive compounds such as titanium dioxide and zinc sulfide.

After diffraction enhancement processes such as metallization, the holographic element may be coated with a transparent radiation curable shell (such as an ultraviolet curable shell) or other protective layer on its front face to enhance its performance. functional, durability, and influence other qualities such as shine and softness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, by way of example, without limitation of the present invention, may be better understood if accompanied by the accompanying drawings, namely:

Figure 1 is a cross-sectional diagram of the construction of a typical graphic element;

Figure 2 is a diagram of the same graphic element with an aluminum diffraction enhancing layer applied on the microstructure side;

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a diffractive structure partially covered with a reflective layer applied over the diffraction enhancing layer;

Figure 3A is a cross-sectional diagram illustrating one of the derived structures when using the demetallization method to achieve a metal template by applying shield over metal to protect the desired area prior to caustic washing which removes the layer. reflector in areas not protected from caustic washing by the application of the protector.

Figure 4 is a diagram of the holographic element disposed on a thermoset layer and a base fabric;

Figure 4A is an illustration of the holographic element arranged on the best performing adhesive multi-layer binder between the holographic label and a particular fabric or base material; Figure 4B is the illustration shown in Figure 3A, but with the conductor removed;

Figure 4C illustrates a composition in which there is no encapsulated reflective layer and the diffraction comes from the difference in refractive index between the two layers that form the hologram;

Figure 5 is a diagram of Figure 4 containing the print element.

Figure 6 is a diagram of the assembly of Figure 5 with the addition of an RFID tag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF COMPOSITIONS

Reference is made to the illustrative figures in which similar or identical elements receive corresponding identification numbers in the various figures.

Figure 1 illustrates a cross section of a holographic element 10 typical of the present invention. An adhesive film base substrate 100 provides an essentially transparent oligomeric resin layer 110 cured when in direct contact with a holographic embossing tool 130. Layer 100 is comprised of one or more of the polymer films. Holographic Replication Tool 130 produces a holographic microstructure pattern 120 on the oligomeric resin, thereby creating a negative pattern 120 on the resin surface. Once the resin layer 110 is cured and the holographic embossing tool 130 is removed, the pattern 120 remains affixed to the upper surface of the resin.

Figure 2 illustrates the holographic element 120, characterized by the fact that a thin layer of reflective material, such as aluminum 121, has been affixed to the microstructure pattern. This serves to greatly enhance the reflective and therefore diffractive properties of the microstructure. Aluminum may be demetallized in whole or in part as described below.

Figure 3 illustrates the holographic layer 110 partially covered with the reflective layer 121, characterized in that a reflective layer is arranged over selected areas. The selected areas can be a larger region or several smaller regions. The reflective layer 121 may be in the form of a graphic template, logo or brand or lot identification text, or other indicative. In Figure 3A, the illustrated shield 160 is left on the metal surface 121 after the demetallization process.

Figure 4 illustrates the holographic element 110 disposed on a thermoset layer 170 and a base fabric 200; a portion of hologram layer 110 does not contain reflective layer 121, in direct contact with thermoplastic adhesive 170, by means of heat and pressure conductor 100, hologram layer 110 and adhesive 170 are firmly bonded, thus visually enhancing reflective layer 121 It is sealed and well protected. An expected result would be that the polyamide or other film thermal adhesive 170 and the upper surface of the base fabric 200 become entangled as a result of sufficient heating of the thermoplastic film base substrate 170 by simultaneously applying downward pressure by squeezing it. the polymer is softened against and into the base fabric 200. In Figure 4A, there may be a need for more thermoplastic adhesive 180 to achieve superior bonding depending on the substrate. Radiation curable layer 110 and conductor layer 100 are not affected by the application of heat and pressure as they are not thermoplastic materials and therefore will not flow under these conditions. Thus, the microstructure is unaffected and remains bright and highly diffractive, and can withstand several washing and drying cycles. Figure 4B is an illustration with conductor 100 removed from hologram layer 100. Removal of conductor 100 provides a thinner structure than in Figures 4 and 4A.

Figure 4C is an alternative composition of the invention. In this less preferable composition, the reflective layer is not required. The visible diffraction of the holographic layer results from the hologram layer 110 and adhesive layer 170, with a wide enough difference between their refractive index. Although a refractive index difference of Δn = N 110 - N 170> | 0.1 | sufficient for some visible diffraction, it is preferable that the materials selected for layer 110 and layer 170 have a sufficient refractive index difference for considerable visible diffraction to occur.

Examples of materials for hologram layer 110 are: poly (α-naphthyl methacrylate) n = 1.641; poly (pentabrophenyl methacrylate) n = 1.71; and polyphenylene vinylene n = 2.1 at 633 nm. It is worth remembering that the polymer refractive index can be increased or decreased by proper doping of the polymer.

Examples of adhesive layer 170 materials preferably have n values between 1.45 and 1.55. For example, typical plastics have a value of n in the range of 1.46 to 1.55. Polyamide has a refractive index of 1.53. Polyurethane has a value of n = 1.6.

In the composition illustrated in Figure 4C, the presence of a layer 100 is not required.

The holographic fabric labels of this invention may be created on a strip or sheet of fabric which is then cut into holographic labels which are then affixed to a garment or article of clothing. Alternatively, the fabric holographic labels of this invention may be directly applied, with heat and pressure, to a finished product or a portion thereof to create a permanent attachment independent label.

Figure 5 illustrates a holographic label and incorporates a print 190 inside or on top for additional brand, lot, numbering identification. Printing ink can be dyed, pigmented and / or labeled in a very specific area for safety and cost savings.

Figure 6 illustrates a holographic tag 300 of the type shown in Figure 5, with the addition of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 400. Preferably, the RFID tag is a known passive tag including an antenna and an integrated circuit. CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor). Inserting an RFID tag into the holographic tag 300 provides an added degree of security to the tag.

In one composition, hologram formation is not limited to the application of ultraviolet curable resin to the conductor prior to the application of the optical reflective layer onto the microstructure surface; The formation of the hologram is also done by embossing on a clean or metallic lacquered layer. Demetallization or metallization is incorporated into the holographic label.

The metallized layer or the demetallised layer is produced as follows. First, a metal layer is arranged over the hologram. In one composition, the metal layer may be a continuous layer deposited on the hologram surface, thin enough not to reduce the flexible properties of the holographic label. On the other hand, it is generally preferable for the metal layer to be thick enough to be visible to the naked eye. The metallized layer or the demetallised layer is produced as follows.

The metal layer has a thickness of about 20 to 2,000 decimilimons (Â), specifically from 50 to 1,000 Â, more specifically from 100 to 500 Â, and more specifically from 150 to 300 Â. The metal layer can be deposited by chemical vapor deposition (CVD), thermal expansion plasma (ETP), ion galvanization, plasma assisted chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), organic metal vapor chemical deposition (MOCVD), also called organometallic chemical vapor deposition (OMCVD), organic metal vapor phase epitax (MOVPE), physical vapor deposition processes such as particle division, reactive electron beam deposition (e-beam), and Plasma spray. Examples of processes are CVD and PECVD.

Examples of metals to be used in the metal layer are copper, aluminum, chromium and the like, or a combination containing at least one of the metals mentioned.

After the metal is deposited on the hologram, a mask is placed on a surface of the metal layer, opposite the surface in contact with the hologram. It is recommended that the mask has a positive image of the desired image on the multilayer device. In a composition, the mask may contain a dye, paint or varnish that is resistant to caustic process. Dye, ink or varnish can be applied to the metal surface with a printing apparatus.

In another composition, the mask may contain an organic polymer resistant to the caustic process. In this composition, a template generated by two or more immiscible polymer phases (such as that generated by a block copolymer) is first subjected to a caustic or degradation process to remove one of the polymer phases. The remaining phase forms a positive image of the template, which can then be used as a mask. Examples of such templates are those available in alternating block copolymers, random block copolymers, star block copolymers, and the like. Traces in the order of 20 to 200 Â are produced in the metal layer. These traits can be periodic or aperiodic.

In another composition, the mask may contain a ceramic or a caustic resistant metal. Preferably, the mask should contain a caustic resistant paint.

The caustic process may use a chemical corrosive or a radiation corrosive. Examples of suitable chemical corrosive are basic solutions with a pH of about 8 to 14. Examples of suitable basic solutions are those containing sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide or the like, or a combination containing at least one of the following. basic solutions cited.

Acid solutions with pH below 7 can also be used as corrosives. In an exemplary composition, aluminum metal may be etched with acid. Light sulfuric acid can be used to cause a copper layer deposited on a substrate.

In yet another composition, radiation based corrosives may be used. For example, an ion beam can be used to selectively cause parts of the metal layer not covered by the mask. The metal layer can be partially or completely removed during the caustic process to create a non-holographic image.

In another composition, as a way of producing a metallized or demetallized security device, the hologram is coated with aluminum metal. A mask containing a positive image of the desired non-holographic image is applied to the metal surface opposite the surface in contact with the hologram. After applying the mask, the holographic label is placed on a tray containing a basic solution such as sodium hydroxide.

Although the caustic effect is almost immediate, as soon as the base solution is applied to the metallized surface, it may be advisable to let the solution stay in contact with the metallized surface for a while so that the chemical reaction completes in the areas in contact with the solution. .

To stop the oxidizing effect of the solution, the metallized surface may be washed with mild acid or water (preferably not recycled). For example, the metallized (preprinted) surface may be passed through a scrubbing area where residual sodium hydroxide and oxidized metal (ie aluminum oxide) may be removed by scrubbing with light acid. In an exemplary composition, water will wet the entire printed area of the metallized surface. For example, fine spray can be used to cover the entire printed area. To make the washing process more efficient and to completely remove debris from the chemical process, the washing can be repeated one or more times using fresh water each time.

Before the multilayer device enters the drying season, it is advisable to remove excess water from the metallized surface to facilitate evaporation and to avoid residual water remaining. To remove water, it is recommended to use a pair of cylinders (eg rubber and metal), air cleaners, sponges and / or air sprays. Finally, the metallized device is passed through the drying unit through hot drying (e.g., heating by electrical resistance) to completely remove water from the material.

In a composition, an optically transparent protective layer (does not appear) is applied over the hologram. Typically, the optically transparent protective layer contains an organic polymer. The organic polymer used in the optically transparent protective layer can be chosen from a wide variety of thermoplastic polymers, thermoplastic polymer blends, thermocured polymers, or mixtures of thermoplastic polymers with thermocured polymers. The organic polymer may further be a mixture of polymers, copolymers, terpolymers, or combinations containing at least one of the aforementioned organic polymers. The organic polymer may further be an oligomer, a homopolymer, a copolymer, a block copolymer, an alternating block copolymer, a random polymer, a random copolymer, a random block copolymer, a grafted copolymer, a star block copolymer. , by brush, etc., or a combination containing at least one of the aforementioned organic polymers. In another composition, it is generally advisable that the organic polymer used in the optically transparent protective layer be translucent to ultraviolet light.

Examples of organic polymers include: polyacetates, polyolefins, polyacryls, polycarbonates, polystyrenes, polyesters, polyamides, polyamideimides, polyaryl sulfates, polyethersulfones, polyphenylene sulfides, polyvinyl chlorides, polysulfones, polyetheretheres, polyetheretheres, polyetheretheres -etherketones, polyetherketone ketones, polyacetates, polyvinyl ethers, polyvinyl thioethers, polyvinyl alcohols, polyvinyl halides, polyvinyl nitrides, polyvinyl esters, polysulfonates, polysulfonates, polysulfonates, polysulfonates, polysulfonates , polybutylene terephthalate, polyurethane, ethylene propylene diene (EPR) rubber, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene propylene, perfluoroalkoxyethylene, polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride and the like, or a combination containing at least one of the organic polymers cited.

Examples of thermocured polymers include polyurethane, natural rubber, phenolics, polyesters, polyamides, silicones and the like, or a combination containing at least one of the cited thermocured polymers. Thermocured polymer blends as well as thermoplastic polymer blends with thermocured polymers may be used. An example of an organic polymer that can be used as an optically transparent protective layer is polyolefin, polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate or a polyester that is translucent to ultraviolet radiation.

It is recommended that the optically transparent protective layer have an optical transmissivity greater than or equal to 30%, specifically greater than or equal to 50%, and more specifically greater than or equal to 70%, and even more specifically greater than or equal to 90%. %.

The present invention thus offers a durable holographic fabric label that can be permanently affixed to the garment. By creating this enhanced holographic label, there is appreciation on many levels: it is durable, inherently difficult to copy and visibly appealing. This invention may be used on clothing or as a stand-alone holographic device, and may make use of the space otherwise used for the manufacturer's specification label. In this last composition, the durable holographic label also serves as an informative space. Therefore, this invention offers an improved and innovative process whereby a holographic label of exceptional durability is created and permanently affixed to a valuable asset. This invention also offers an improved holographic label that is specifically suited for direct application to garments and provides a manufacturing method that allows the label to be reproduced and applied economically. In addition, the invention provides a labeling surface that accommodates a wide range of gloss values by deliberately selecting component film layer thickness.

The holographic label need not be used solely as a label. It can be made in a wide, flat, wide web format that can be used on clothing, bags, accessories and the like. It can also be used as advertising or decorative material.

While this invention and its advantages have been described in detail, it is to be understood that various changes, substitutions and changes may be made therein, without departing from the scope or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. As well, the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to the particular compositions of the process, machinery, production, components, media, methods and procedures described in the specifications. As may be understood from the disclosure of the present invention, existing or tomorrow-conceived processes, machines, production, components, means, methods and procedures which perform substantially the same functions or achieve substantially the same results as the respective compositions described herein may be used in accordance with the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are inclusive in scope such as processes, machines, productions, components, means, methods and procedures.

Claims (19)

1. "DURABLE WASHABLE LABEL WITH VISIBLE DIFFRACTION GENERATOR PATTERN" means a security label comprising: ■ A first layer with a built-in diffraction generator pattern; ■ A second, direct-contact, thermo-adhesive layer bonded and consistent with the areas of the first layer containing the diffraction-generating pattern; and ■ A reflective layer in the middle and in contact with the first and second layers, so that the reflective layer beats at least parts of the diffraction generating pattern, and so that the reflective layer is encapsulated by the first and second layers. "A SAFETY LABEL" as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the bond between the first and second layers is stronger than the bond between the reflective layer and the first or second layer. "A SAFETY LABEL" as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the first layer is a radiation curable material. "A SAFETY LABEL" as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the diffraction generating pattern is a hologram and the first layer is substantially light transmitting. "A SAFETY LABEL" as defined in claim 3, characterized in that the reflective layer is a molded layer containing areas of material encapsulated by the first and second layers, where the outer facing surface of the first layer is planar and the outer facing face of the second layer is planar, and at least regions of the inner facing faces of the first and second layers are non-planar, taking the form of the diffraction generating pattern. "A SAFETY LABEL" as defined in claim 5, containing a polymer-based conductor, substantially translucent to ultraviolet light, to support the first layer, and characterized in that a second thermo-adhesive layer is a layer of thermoplastic suitable for affixing to fabrics. "A SAFETY LABEL" as defined in claim 5, characterized in that the first layer containing the diffraction generating pattern formed is composed of oligomeric resin. "A SAFETY LABEL" as defined in claim 5, characterized in that the reflective template layer is in the form of text or logo. "A SAFETY LABEL" as defined in claim 6, characterized in that the polymer-based conductor is a layer of one of the following substances: polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, silicones, polymethylpentene, olefin copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, polystyrene, hydrogenated polystyrene, polypaxaxylene, polyolefins, ethylene propylene copolymers, polyester and polyester copolymers, and mixtures thereof. "A SAFETY LABEL" as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the thermoplastic adhesive layer contains polyamide, polyurethane or polyester. "A SAFETY LABEL" as defined in claim 10, characterized in that the thickness of the thermoplastic adhesive layer is about 0.5 to 7.0 mils. The security label of claim 1, characterized in that the thermoplastic adhesive layer is bonded under heat and pressure to a textile layer, so that the label is partially notched in said textile layer. "SAFETY LABEL" according to claim -1, characterized in that it contains a color-changing pigment within or on one of the layers. "SAFETY LABEL" according to claim -1, characterized in that it contains a covert taggent. 15. "SECURITY LABEL" according to claim -1, characterized in that it contains an RFID inside or above. 16.A SAFETY LABEL "according to claim -1, characterized in that it is affixed to clothing, bags, safety compartments, clothing, shoes or specialties. 17. A SAFETY LABEL "according to claim -4, characterized in that the hologram is notched in the first layer. 18. A "SAFETY LABEL" containing: A first layer with a built-in diffractive structure; A second, direct contact, heat-adhesive layer bonded to and in accordance with the areas of the first layer containing the hologram; and Characterized by the fact that the first layer is The hotmelt layer has a refractive index difference of η> 0.1 so that the visible diffractive effects can be seen from the light that differs from its interface. 19. A SAFETY LABEL "according to the label described in claim 18, characterized in that it also contains a reflective layer disposed between and encapsulated between the first and second layers.