Holographic structure and method for producing the same

Abstract

The present invention is a preprinted holographic label or printed material for use in labeling squeezable tubes or containers as well as compact discs, computer software, cosmetics, and the like. The holographic structure of the present invention provides for selectively reverse-printing a reflective coating directly onto a micro-embossed holographic film or coating which is affixed to a clear thin-film and contains the micro-embossed structure. Non-reflective coatings and support structures are also provided for protecting both the graphics and embossed holographic image from contamination.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a holographic structure containing a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 with a holographic image 14, reflective coating 16 covering the entire lower surface of micro-embossed holographic film layer 12, and base material layer 18 affixed with laminating adhesive layer 20.

FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a holographic structure containing a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 with one holographic image 14, reflective coating 16 covering the entire lower surface of micro-embossed holographic film layer 12, and base material layer 18 affixed with laminating adhesive layer 20.

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of a holographic structure containing a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 with a holographic image 14 covering all of the lower surface of micro-embossed holographic film layer 12, reflective coating 16 and non-reflective coating 22 each covering a portion of the lower surface of micro-embossed holographic film layer 12, and base material layer 18 affixed with laminating adhesive layer 20.

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of holographic structure containing a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 with one holographic image 14, reflective coating 16 covering a portion of the lower surface of micro-embossed holographic film layer 12, and non-reflective coating 24 dampening reflection from reflective coating 16, and base material layer 18 affixed with laminating adhesive layer 20.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of a holographic structure containing a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 with a holographic image 14, reflective coating 16 covering the entire lower surface of micro-embossed holographic film layer 12, and liner layer 28 affixed with pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 30.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a holographic structure containing a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 with one holographic image 14, reflective coating 16 covering the entire lower surface of micro-embossed holographic film layer 12, and liner layer 28 affixed with pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 30.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of a holographic structure containing a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 with a holographic image 14 covering all of the lower surface of micro-embossed holographic film layer 12, reflective coating 16 and non-reflective coating 22 each covering a portion of the lower surface of micro-embossed holographic film layer 12, and liner layer 28 affixed with pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 30.

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of holographic structure containing a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 with one holographic image 14, reflective coating 16 covering a portion of the lower surface of micro-embossed holographic film layer 12, non-reflective coating 24 dampening reflection from reflective coating 16, and liner layer 28 affixed with pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 30.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a holographic structure containing a base material layer 18 affixed with laminating adhesive layer 20 and a liner 28 affixed with pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 30.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a holographic structure containing a base material layer 18 and a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 affixed to clear film 26 by laminating adhesive layer 40.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a holographic structure containing a liner material layer 28 and a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 affixed to clear film 26 by laminating adhesive layer 40.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a holographic structure containing a liner 28, base material layer 18, and a micro-embossed holographic film layer 12 affixed to clear film 26 by laminating adhesive layer 40.

Claims

1. A holographic structure comprising a micro-embossed holographic film layer with a reverse-printed reflective coating on at least a portion of the lower surface of the micro-embossed holographic film layer; andi) a base material layer adhered to the lower surface of the micro-embossed holographic film layer by a laminating adhesive layer; orii) a liner material layer adhered to the lower surface of the micro-embossed holographic film layer by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

2. The holographic structure of claim 1, further comprising a non-reflective coating on at least a portion of the lower surface of the holographic film layer.

3. The holographic structure of claim 1, further comprising a liner material adhered to the base material layer by a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

4. The holographic structure of claim 1, further comprising a clear film layer affixed to the upper surface of the micro-embossed holographic film layer.

5. A method for producing the holographic structure of claim 1 comprising reverse-printing a reflective coating onto at least a portion of the lower surface of a micro-embossed holographic film layer; andi) applying a laminating adhesive and a base material to the lower surface of a micro-embossed holographic film; orii) applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive and a liner material to the lower surface of a micro-embossed holographic film

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising applying a non-reflective ink to at least a portion of the lower surface of the micro-embossed holographic film.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising applying a pressure-sensitive adhesive to the base material and adhering the base material to a liner.

8. The method of claim 5, further comprising applying a transparent film to the upper surface of the micro-embossed holographic film.