complementary lamellas

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a set of complementary tesserae. A sheet is disclosed, the sheet comprising: a substrate having a surface, wherein the surface comprises first indicia defining a boundary of a hollow tessera and second indicia defining a boundary of a solid tessera; wherein the first indicia and the second indicia are each independently configured to protrude from or be recessed downward from the plane of the surface; and wherein the first indicia surround the second indicia. Also disclosed is a set of complementary tesserae, and a method of manufacturing the set of complementary tesserae.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to a sheet comprising: a substrate having a surface, wherein the surface includes a first mark defining a boundary of a hollow sheet and a second mark defining a boundary of a solid sheet; wherein the first mark and the second mark are each independently configured to project from or recessed downward from a plane of the surface; and wherein the first mark surrounds the second mark. A set of complementary sheets and a method of manufacturing the set of complementary sheets are also disclosed. Background Technology

[0002] Specialty pigments have been developed for security applications, such as anti-counterfeiting devices printed on banknotes, packaging of high-value items, sealing of containers, and even direct application to goods. For example, the US $20 Federal Reserve note currently uses optically variable ink. The number "20" printed in the lower right corner of the front of the banknote changes color depending on the viewing angle. This is an overt anti-counterfeiting device. This color-changing effect cannot be reproduced by ordinary color photocopiers, and the recipient can observe whether the banknote has this color-changing anti-counterfeiting feature to determine its authenticity.

[0003] Similar measures include the use of iridescent or diffractive pigments in paints and inks applied directly to items such as stock certificates, passports, original product packaging, or seals. As counterfeiters become more sophisticated, increasingly difficult-to-forge security features are desirable.

[0004] One anti-counterfeiting method involves using microscopic symbols on multilayer color-changing pigment flakes. These symbols are formed on at least one layer of the multilayer color-changing pigment flake through localized variations in optical properties such as reflectivity. Multilayer color-changing pigment flakes generally comprise a Fabry-Perot type structure with an absorbent layer separated from the reflective layer by spacer layers. The reflective layer is typically a metallic layer, which makes the pigment flake essentially opaque. If a large portion of these types of pigment flakes is mixed with other pigments, the resulting color may be significantly different from that pigment, and if these pigment flakes are mixed with too little of other pigments, they may be difficult to detect.

[0005] Generally, bulk pigment particles, including flakes, have irregular or random shapes. That is, these pigment flakes are not designed with a specific initial configuration. Furthermore, these pigment flakes are not designed as a set of complementary flakes. These flakes cannot be distinguished based on shape, and therefore cannot provide an additional means of establishing realism.

[0006] It is desirable to use covert anti-counterfeiting devices to mark objects. Furthermore, it is desirable to continue developing new covert anti-counterfeiting devices. For example, it is desirable to provide a method for mass-producing sheets, such as producing two sheets at a time, wherein the sheets are complementary to each other. Using complementary sheets, one of which is opaque and the other is transparent, can provide additional complexity for devices coated with compositions including complementary sheets. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one aspect, a sheet is disclosed comprising: a substrate having a surface, wherein the surface includes a first mark defining a boundary of a hollow sheet and a second mark defining a boundary of a solid sheet; wherein the first mark and the second mark are each independently configured to protrude from or recess downward from a plane of the surface; and wherein the first mark surrounds the second mark.

[0008] In one aspect, the sheet also includes a coating on the surface of the substrate, wherein the coating corresponds to the surface of the substrate including the first mark and the second mark.

[0009] One aspect of the sheet material was disclosed, wherein the substrate is a foil roll.

[0010] One aspect of the sheet material is disclosed, wherein the second mark defines the wall of the solid sheet.

[0011] One aspect of the sheet is disclosed, wherein the second mark is recessed deeper from the plane of the substrate surface compared to the first mark.

[0012] One aspect of the sheet is disclosed, wherein a second mark is recessed downward from the plane of the substrate surface to the same depth as the first mark.

[0013] One aspect of the sheet is disclosed, wherein the first mark does not recess the entire height of the substrate.

[0014] One aspect of the sheet material is disclosed, wherein the first mark is continuous along the dimension of the substrate.

[0015] One aspect of the sheet material is disclosed, wherein the first mark is discontinuous along the dimension of the substrate.

[0016] One aspect of the sheet is disclosed, wherein the surface of the substrate further includes a third mark defining the boundary of the indicium. Another aspect of the sheet is disclosed, wherein the indicium is selected from symbols, numbers, words, patterns, emblems, logos, diffraction microstructures, and combinations thereof. Another aspect of the sheet is disclosed, wherein the first and second marks are each recessed deeper downwards from the plane of the substrate surface compared to the third mark. Another aspect of the sheet is disclosed, wherein the third mark is selected from a recess downwards from the plane of the substrate or a protrusion upwards from the plane of the substrate.

[0017] In another aspect, a set of complementary sheets is disclosed, comprising: a solid sheet formed by a coating and having a first configuration; and a hollow sheet having a second configuration, wherein the second configuration includes a coating in the form of a frame around areas without coating, wherein the areas without coating are in the form of the first configuration.

[0018] One aspect of the set of complementary sheets is disclosed, wherein the coating is a single layer.

[0019] One aspect of this set of complementary sheets is disclosed, wherein the coating is multilayered.

[0020] One aspect of the set of complementary sheets is disclosed, wherein at least one of the solid sheet and the hollow sheet includes a mark.

[0021] In another aspect, a coating composition is also disclosed, comprising: at least one sheet from the set of complementary flakes described herein; a special effects pigment; and a liquid medium.

[0022] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing a set of complementary sheets is also disclosed, the method comprising: providing a substrate having a surface, wherein the surface includes a first mark defining a boundary of a hollow sheet and a second mark defining a boundary of a solid sheet; wherein the first mark and the second mark are each independently configured to protrude from a plane of the surface or be recessed downward from a plane of the surface; and wherein the first mark surrounds the second mark; applying a coating to the surface of the substrate such that the coating conforms to the first mark and the second mark; removing the conforming coating from the substrate; and disrupting the conforming coating along the first mark and the second mark to form a hollow sheet and a solid sheet.

[0023] One aspect of the method is disclosed, wherein the solid sheet has a first configuration; and the hollow sheet has a second configuration, wherein the second configuration includes a coating in the form of a frame around uncoated areas, wherein the uncoated areas are in the form of the first configuration.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the various embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the various embodiments. The objects and other advantages of the various embodiments will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the description herein. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The features of this disclosure are illustrated by way of example and are not limited to the following figures(s), in which the same reference numerals indicate the same elements, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 The illustration shows a sheet according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 The illustration shows a portion of a sheet according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The illustration shows a set of complementary sheets according to one aspect of the invention, wherein Figure 3A The illustration shows a hollow sheet, and Figure 3B The illustration shows complementary solid sheets;

[0029] Figures 4A to 4C The illustration shows the fabrication of this set of complementary sheets according to aspects of the invention. Figure 4B -Hollow sheets, and Figure 4C - solid sheet) sheet material ( Figure 4A The cross-section of )

[0030] Figures 5A to 5C The illustration shows the fabrication of this set of complementary sheets according to another aspect of the invention. Figure 5B - Hollow sheets, and Figure 5C - solid thin sheet) sheet material ( Figure 5A The cross-section of )

[0031] Figures 6A to 6C The illustration shows the fabrication of this set of complementary sheets according to another aspect of the invention. Figure 6B - Hollow sheets, and Figure 6C - solid thin sheet) sheet material ( Figure 6A The cross-section of )

[0032] Figures 7A to 7C The illustration shows the fabrication of this set of complementary sheets according to another aspect of the invention. Figure 7B - Hollow sheets, and Figure 7C - solid thin sheet) sheet material ( Figure 7A The cross-section of )

[0033] Figures 8A to 8C The illustration shows the fabrication of this set of complementary sheets according to another aspect of the invention. Figure 8B - Hollow sheets, and Figure 8C - Cross-section of a sheet of solid sheet with markings ( Figure 8A (with markings that appear as depressions);

[0034] Figures 9A to 9C The illustration shows the fabrication of this set of complementary sheets according to another aspect of the invention. Figure 9B - Hollow sheets with markings, and Figure 9C The cross-section of a solid sheet (a thin sheet) Figure 9A (with markings)

[0035] Figures 10A to 10C The illustration shows the fabrication of this set of complementary sheets according to another aspect of the invention. Figure 10B - Hollow sheets, and Figure 10C - Cross-section of a sheet of solid sheet with markings ( Figure 10A (with markings as protrusions);

[0036] Figures 11A to 11C The illustration shows the fabrication of this set of complementary sheets according to another aspect of the invention. Figure 11B - A hollow sheet with marked indentations, and Figure 11C - The cross-section of a sheet of material with marked protrusions (a solid sheet) Figure 11A (It has markings that can be used as protrusions and as depressions).

[0037] Figure 12 The illustration shows a hollow sheet and its associated cross-section; and

[0038] Figure 13 The illustration shows a solid sheet and its associated cross-section. Detailed Implementation

[0039] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, this disclosure is described primarily by reference to its examples. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent that this disclosure can be practiced without being limited to these specific details. In other instances, some methods and structures have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring this disclosure.

[0040] Additionally, the elements depicted in the figures may include other components, and some of those components described in the figures may be removed and / or modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the elements depicted in the figures may not be drawn to scale, and therefore, the elements may have different dimensions and / or configurations than those shown in the figures.

[0041] It should be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and are intended to provide an explanation of various embodiments of this teaching. In its wide and different embodiments, this document discloses a sheet, a set of complementary sheets, a coating composition, and a method for preparing a set of complementary sheets. A set of complementary sheets is understood to mean that the shape of one sheet in the set is complementary to the shape of another sheet in the set. In this way, when the sheets are together, a complete coating can be formed.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, sheet 26 includes a substrate 38 having a surface 28, wherein surface 28 includes a first mark 12 defining the boundary of a hollow sheet 30a and a second mark 10 defining the boundary of a solid sheet 30b, wherein the first mark 12 and the second mark 10 are each independently configured to protrude from or be recessed from the plane of surface 28; and wherein the first mark 12 surrounds the second mark 10. Figure 2 This is an atomic force microscope image of a portion of sheet 26 used to produce a set of complementary sheets, such as hollow sheet 30a and solid sheet 30b. Figure 2 As can be seen, the first mark 12 is recessed deeper downwards from the plane of the surface 28 of the substrate 38 compared to the second mark 10. In this way, the first mark 12 can define the boundary of the hollow sheet 30a, in this case, the hollow sheet is square. The second mark 10 is less deep relative to the first mark 12 and can define solid sheets 30b (e.g., multiple solid sheets), in this example, multiple letters, namely S, A, M, P, L, and E. A set of complementary sheets may include one hollow sheet 30a and multiple solid sheets 30b.

[0043] The first mark 12 may be continuous along a dimension (such as length 25 or width) of the base 38. For example, the first mark 12 may have the same recess or the same protrusion along that dimension. On the other hand, the first mark 12 may be discontinuous along a dimension of the base 38. For example, the first mark 12 may have varying recesses or varying protrusions to form a perforation along that dimension.

[0044] The substrate 38 can be any material capable of receiving the first mark 12 and the second mark 10. The substrate can have a length 25 and a height / depth 24. The height / depth 24 should be large enough that the first mark 12 and / or the second mark 10 do not recess into the entire height of the substrate 38, i.e., do not extend from the top surface 28 to the bottom surface. The substrate 38 can have a length 25 to enable the formation of multiple sets of complementary sheets.

[0045] For economic reasons, in order to simultaneously mass-produce multiple sets of complementary sheets 30a and 30b, the substrate 38 can be a foil roll, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram, the substrate 38 may be imprinted with microstructures (such as the first mark 12 and / or the second mark 10) that facilitate the breaking of the applied coating 36 into multiple sets of complementary flakes 30a, 30b with a specific design shape. The substrate 38 may also be imprinted with microstructures (such as the third mark 14) that, instead of facilitating the breaking of the applied coating in a specifically designed shape, define the outline of an image. In this way, the third mark 14 can provide an additional means for providing article authentication.

[0046] The sheet 26 may also include a coating 36 applied to a surface 28 of the substrate 38, wherein the coating 36 corresponds to the surface 28 of the substrate 38 and includes a first mark 12 and a second mark 10, and optionally a third mark 14, if present. The coating 26 may be in contact with the surface 28 of the substrate 38. The coating 36 may be a single layer of a single material, multiple layers of a single material, or multiple layers of multiple materials.

[0047] In one aspect, the coating may include a material and / or a layer of material that is responsive to or influenced by an electric or magnetic field. In this way, the set of complementary sheets 30a, 30b formed by the coating can be oriented when placed in a suitable field.

[0048] A set of complementary sheets is disclosed, including a hollow sheet 30a and a solid sheet 30b. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Together they form a set of complementary thin sheets. Figure 3A The illustration shows a hollow sheet 30a in this set of complementary sheets. The hollow sheet 30a may have a second configuration, which may include a coating in the form of a frame surrounding the uncoated portion. Figure 3B As shown, the absence of coating can be in the same form as the solid sheet 30b. In this respect, the second configuration is a square shape with a void area (without coating) in the shape of a European symbol. Figure 3B As shown, the solid sheet 30b can be formed by a coating and can have a first configuration. In this respect, the first configuration is the shape of the euro symbol. The first configuration and the second configuration can be different but complementary. The first configuration and / or the second configuration can be used to authenticate articles. The first configuration and / or the second configuration can be specially designed and / or associated with the manufacturing facility, the date of manufacture, or aspects particularly relevant to the article (such as the euro symbol on banknotes). At least one of the solid sheet 30b and the hollow sheet 30a can include a mark.

[0049] Figure 4A The illustration shows the sheet materials used to produce this set of complementary sheets (such as, e.g.) Figure 4B The hollow sheet 30a shown and as Figure 4C A cross-section of a portion of the sheet 26 of the solid sheet 30b shown. For clarity, the coating 26 that will be applied to the substrate 38, compliant, removed, and broken to form the set of complementary sheets 30a, 30b is not shown. A first mark 12 is recessed downwards from the plane of the surface 28 of the substrate 38 to the same depth as the second mark 10. The first mark 12 may surround the second mark 10, thereby forming a frame. The second mark 10 may be a wall defining the solid sheet 30b. Figure 4B As shown, the first mark 12 can define the boundary (e.g., outer boundary) of the hollow sheet 30a. Figure 4CAs shown, the second mark 10 can define the boundary (e.g., outer boundary) of the solid sheet 30b. The second mark 10 can also define the boundary around the void region (uncoated region) in the hollow sheet 30a.

[0050] Figure 5A The illustration shows the sheet materials used to produce this set of complementary sheets (such as, e.g.) Figure 5B The hollow sheet 30a shown and as Figure 5C The cross-section of a portion of the sheet 26 of the solid sheet 30b shown. The second mark 10 is recessed deeper downwards from the plane of the surface 28 of the substrate 38 compared to the first mark 12. In one aspect, the second mark 10 can be a wall defining the solid sheet 30b. The defining wall can be deeper than the frame of the hollow sheet 30a (second mark 12). This is useful in the case of this set of complementary sheets of smaller size, because the smaller the size of the sheets, the more difficult it is to break them into their corresponding shapes. As an example, Figure 5C The dimensions of the solid sheet 30b can be Figure 4C The solid sheet 30b is half or smaller. Therefore, having a deeper second mark 10 facilitates more precise separation of the solid sheet 30b from the hollow sheet 30a.

[0051] Figure 6A The illustration shows the sheet materials used to produce this set of complementary sheets (such as, e.g.) Figure 6B The hollow sheet 30a shown and as Figure 6C A cross-section of a portion of sheet 26 of the solid sheet 30b shown. Figures 4A to 4C As shown, the first mark 12 is recessed downward from the plane of the surface 28 of the base 38 to the same depth as the second mark 10. The first mark 12 can be a frame, and the second mark 10 can also be a frame.

[0052] Figure 7A The illustration shows the sheet materials used to produce this set of complementary sheets (such as, e.g.) Figure 7B The hollow sheet 30a shown and as Figure 7C The cross-section of a portion of the sheet 26 of the solid sheet 30b shown. The second mark 10 is recessed deeper downwards from the plane of the surface 28 of the substrate 38 compared to the first mark 12. The first mark 12 can be a frame, and the second mark 10 can also be a frame.

[0053] The surface 28 of the substrate 38 may also include a third mark 14 defining the boundary of the mark. The mark may be selected from symbols, numbers, words, patterns, emblems, images, diffraction microstructures, and combinations thereof. The mark can be seen under a microscope. The mark may be used for personalization or to provide an alternative method of verifying an article containing the set of complementary flakes.

[0054] The third mark 14 can be formed by a process selected from stamping, embossing, mechanical etching, chemical etching, and laser processing. The third mark 14 can be present on the surface of the hollow sheet 30a, the solid sheet 30b, or both. The third mark 14 can be selected from a depression downward from the plane of the substrate 38, a protrusion upward from the plane of the substrate 38, and combinations thereof.

[0055] Figure 8A The illustration shows a set of complementary sheets (such as, e.g.) Figure 8B The hollow sheet 30a shown and as Figure 8C The cross-section of a portion of the sheet 26 of the solid sheet 30b shown is illustrated. Compared to the third mark 14, the first mark 12 and the second mark 10 are each recessed deeper downwards from the plane of the surface 28 of the substrate 38. Each of the first mark 12 and the second mark 10 is a frame. Compared to both the first mark 12 and the third mark 14, the second mark 10 is recessed deeper downwards from the plane of the surface 28 of the substrate 38. The third mark 14 may be recessed to an insufficient depth in the substrate 38, making it inconvenient to disrupt the applied coating with a specially designed shape, but rather defining the outline of the mark. In one aspect, the third mark 14 may be surrounded by the second mark 10. The third mark 14 may be formed on the solid sheet 30b. In this case, a set of complementary sheets may include: a hollow sheet 30a, on which there is no mark; and a solid sheet 30b, on which the mark is present.

[0056] Figure 9A The illustration shows a set of complementary sheets (such as, e.g.) Figure 9B The hollow sheet 30a shown and as Figure 9C The cross-section of a portion of the sheet 26 of the solid sheet 30b shown. Figure 9A Similar to Figure 8A However, the position of the third mark 14 relative to the first mark 12 and the second mark 10 has changed. In one aspect, the third mark 14 may be surrounded by the first mark 12. The third mark 14 may be formed on the hollow sheet 30a. In this case, a set of complementary sheets may include: a solid sheet 30b, on which there is no mark; and a hollow sheet 30a, on which there is a mark.

[0057] Figure 10A The illustration shows the sheet materials used to produce this set of complementary sheets (such as, e.g.) Figure 10B The hollow sheet 30a shown and as Figure 10CThe cross-section of a portion of the sheet 26 of the solid sheet 30b shown is illustrated. The second mark 10 may be pressed deeper into the substrate 38 compared to the first mark 12. In one aspect, the first mark 12 may be a frame, and the second mark 10 may be a wall defining the solid sheet 30b. A third mark 14 may be surrounded by the second mark 10. The third mark 14 may be a projection upward from the plane of the substrate 38. In one aspect, the third mark 14 may be present on the solid sheet 30b.

[0058] Figure 11A The illustration shows a set of complementary sheets (such as, e.g.) Figure 11B The hollow sheet 30a shown and as Figure 11C The cross-section of a portion of the sheet 26 of the solid sheet 30b shown. Figure 11A Similar to Figure 10A In addition to having multiple third marks 14, the third marks 14 may also exist on the hollow sheet 30a, in addition to being present on the solid sheet 30b. A first mark 12 may surround a first example of the third mark 14, and a second mark 10 may surround a second example of the third mark 14. A first example of the third mark 14 may be a recess downward from the plane of the substrate 38. A second example of the third mark 14 may be a protrusion upward from the plane of the substrate 38.

[0059] Figure 12 The illustration shows a hollow sheet 30a and its associated cross-section. The hollow sheet 30a may be without markings. In one aspect, the hollow sheet 30a may include a portion of a second mark 10 that was not completely destroyed during the formation of the hollow sheet 30a and the solid sheet 30b. In another aspect, the solid sheet 30a does not include a portion of the second mark 10. Diagonal lines may be a first mark 12, horizontal stripes may be the second mark 10, and dashed segments may be uncoated.

[0060] Figure 13 The illustration shows a solid sheet 30b and its associated cross-section. The solid sheet 30b may include markings. In one aspect, the solid sheet 30b may include a portion of a second mark 10 that was not completely destroyed during the formation of the solid sheet 30b. In another aspect, the solid sheet 30b does not include a portion of the second mark 10. Diagonal hashes may be, for example, third marks 14 forming the letters “SECURE,” while horizontal stripes (on the left) may be the second mark 10 left from the frame, which forms the solid sheet from the hollow sheet. The horizontal stripes (between and / or within the third mark 14) may be a coating.

[0061] A coating composition is also disclosed, comprising at least one flake from complementary flakes 30a and 30b of the group; a special effects pigment; and a liquid medium. The special effects pigment is a color-changing pigment that changes from magenta to green upon changing the viewing angle.

[0062] The composition may include a liquid medium, such as a varnish matrix, paint carrier, or ink carrier. Non-limiting examples of suitable liquid media include polyvinyl alcohol; polyvinyl acetate polyvinylpyrrolidone; poly(ethoxyethylene); poly(methoxyethylene); poly(acrylic acid); poly(acrylamide); poly(ethylene oxide); poly(maleic anhydride); hydroxyethyl cellulose; cellulose acetate; polysaccharides, such as gum arabic and pectin; poly(acetal), such as polyvinyl butyral; poly(haloethylene), such as polyvinyl chloride; poly(diene), such as polybutadiene; poly(olefin), such as polyethylene; poly(acrylate), such as polyacrylic acid. Methyl esters; poly(methacrylates), such as polymethyl methacrylate; poly(carbonates), such as poly(oxycarbonyloxyhexamethylene); poly(esters), such as polyethylene terephthalate; poly(urethanes); poly(siloxanes); poly(sulfides); poly(sulfones); poly(vinyl nitrile); poly(acrylonitrile); poly(styrene); poly(phenylene), such as poly(2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-phenyleneethylene); poly(amides); natural rubber; formaldehyde resins; other polymers and polymer mixtures; solvents; and polymers containing solvents.

[0063] At least one of the complementary flakes in this group can be dispersed in a liquid medium at a diluted concentration, making the flake difficult to detect by casual observation. In one aspect, the flakes may be present in the composition in an amount from about 0.5 wt.% to about 30 wt.% relative to the total weight of the composition; for example, from about 1 wt.% to about 20 wt.%; as another example, from about 5 wt.% to about 15 wt.%.

[0064] The composition may also include special effect pigments. Special effect pigments may have random shapes, i.e., shapes not specifically designed as part of the manufacturing process for producing the special effect pigment. Non-limiting examples of suitable special effect pigments include optically variable pigments (OVP), magnetic OVP, pearlescent pigments, thin-film interference pigments, diffractive pigments, and combinations thereof.

[0065] The complementary thin sheets cannot be identified by human vision alone, but can be seen at magnifications of approximately 50x to 300x.

[0066] This composition can be coated onto a substrate, such as paper or plastic, to form an article. The article can be anything that requires verification of its authenticity. Non-limiting examples of articles include stock certificates, passports, original product packaging, banknotes, etc.

[0067] A method of manufacturing a set of complementary sheets may include providing a substrate 38 having a surface 28, wherein the surface 28 includes a first mark 12 defining a boundary of a hollow sheet 30a and a second mark 10 defining a boundary of a solid sheet 30b, wherein the first mark 12 and the second mark 10 are each independently configured to protrude from or recess downward from a plane of the surface 28, and wherein the first mark 12 surrounds the second mark 10.

[0068] The method may also include applying a coating to the surface 28 of the substrate 38 such that the coating conforms to the first mark 12 and the second mark 10. The coating has already been discussed above.

[0069] The method may include removing a compliant coating from a substrate 38; and breaking the compliant coating along a first mark 12 and a second mark 10 to accordingly form a hollow sheet 30a and a solid sheet 30b. In this way, the breaking step can be limited or reduced in a controlled or predictable manner at locations intended for the hollow sheet 30a and / or the solid sheet 30b. The method may also include grinding the broken coating to further define the shape of the sheets.

[0070] Although sheets can be mass-produced by cutting the substrate into sheets using a mechanical cutter, it is less costly and less labor-intensive to break the coating along predetermined lines (such as the first mark and / or the second mark) to form the sheets.

[0071] The substrate 38 can be imprinted using a single technique or a combination of techniques. Non-limiting examples of imprinting techniques include laser writing, electron beam writing, diamond scribing, masking, etc. The nickel pads can be electroformed from the initially imprinted substrate, and the nickel pads can be reassembled to produce the desired final size. The reassembled nickel pads can be used in a variety of high-resolution replication techniques, such as hot stamping-imprinting, hot roll imprinting, injection molding, UV casting, etc. In some replication techniques, UV-cured pads can be produced and used instead of nickel pads.

[0072] Example

[0073] Made Figures 3A to 3B A set of complementary thin sheets is shown in the figure. Figure 3A The hollow sheet 30a is a 24×24 micrometer square with a void region in the shape of a European symbol. Figure 3B It's the euro symbol. Similar to... Figure 6AThe sheet 26 shown is coated with a multilayer coating. The multilayer coating is prepared by vacuum deposition of three layers corresponding to the following: 400 nm MgF2 / 100 nm Al / 400 nm MgF2. The multilayer coating conforms to the sheet such that the coating includes a first mark 12 and a second mark 10. The conforming coating breaks down along the first mark 12 to form... Figure 3A The hollow sheet 30a, and broken along the second mark 10 to form Figure 3B Solid sheet 30b.

[0074] From the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that this teaching can be implemented in various forms. Therefore, although these teachings have been described in conjunction with specific embodiments and examples thereof, the true scope of this teaching should not be so limited. Various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the teachings herein.

[0075] The scope of this disclosure will be interpreted broadly. This disclosure is intended to disclose equivalents, means, systems, and methods for implementing the devices, activities, and mechanical actions disclosed herein. For each device, article, method, means, mechanical element, or mechanism disclosed, this disclosure is intended to also cover and teach equivalents, means, systems, and methods for practicing the many aspects, mechanisms, and devices disclosed herein. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to articles and many aspects, features, and elements thereof. Such articles can be dynamic in their use and operation, and this disclosure is intended to cover equivalents, means, systems, and methods using manufactured devices and / or optical devices, as well as many aspects consistent with the description and spirit of the operation and function disclosed herein. The claims of this application should also be interpreted broadly. The description of many embodiments of the invention herein is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore, variations without departing from the spirit of the invention are also within the scope of the invention. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A sheet for manufacturing a set of complementary sheets, comprising: Substrate, having a surface The surface includes a first mark defining the boundary of a hollow sheet in a set of complementary sheets and a second mark defining the boundary of a solid sheet in a set of complementary sheets, the shape of the hollow sheet in the set of complementary sheets being complementary to the shape of the solid sheet in the set of complementary sheets; The first mark and the second mark are each independently configured to protrude from the plane of the surface or to be recessed downward from the plane of the surface; and The first mark surrounds the second mark.

2. The sheet of claim 1, further comprising a coating on the surface of the substrate, wherein the coating corresponds to the surface of the substrate including the first mark and the second mark.

3. The sheet according to claim 1, wherein the substrate is a foil roll.

4. The sheet according to claim 1, wherein the second mark is a wall defining the solid sheet.

5. The sheet of claim 1, wherein the second mark is recessed deeper downward from the plane of the surface of the substrate compared to the first mark.

6. The sheet of claim 1, wherein the second mark is recessed downward from the plane of the surface of the substrate to the same depth as the first mark.

7. The sheet of claim 1, wherein the first mark does not recess downwards along the entire height of the substrate.

8. The sheet of claim 1, wherein the first mark is continuous along the dimension of the substrate.

9. The sheet of claim 1, wherein the first mark is discontinuous along the dimension of the substrate.

10. The sheet of claim 1, wherein the surface of the substrate further includes a third mark defining the marking boundary.

11. The sheet according to claim 10, wherein the mark is selected from symbols, numbers, words, patterns, emblems, images, diffractive microstructures, and combinations thereof.

12. The sheet of claim 10, wherein the first mark and the second mark are each recessed deeper downward from the plane of the surface of the substrate compared to the third mark.

13. The sheet of claim 10, wherein the third mark is selected from a recess downward from the plane of the substrate or a protrusion upward from the plane of the substrate.

14. A set of complementary thin plates, comprising: A solid sheet, formed by a coating and having a first configuration; as well as A hollow sheet having a second configuration, wherein the shape of the hollow sheet in a set of complementary sheets is complementary to the shape of the solid sheet in the set of complementary sheets, the second configuration including a frame-like coating around uncoated areas, wherein the uncoated areas are in the form of the first configuration.

15. The set of complementary sheets according to claim 14, wherein the coating is a single layer.

16. The set of complementary sheets according to claim 14, wherein the coating is multilayered.

17. The set of complementary sheets according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the solid sheet and the hollow sheet includes a marking.

18. A method for manufacturing a set of complementary thin films, comprising: Provide a substrate with a surface. The surface includes a first mark defining the boundary of the hollow sheet and a second mark defining the boundary of the solid sheet, wherein the shape of the hollow sheet in the set of complementary sheets is complementary to the shape of the solid sheet in the set of complementary sheets. The first mark and the second mark are each independently configured to protrude from the plane of the surface or to be recessed downward from the plane of the surface, and Wherein the first mark surrounds the second mark; The coating is applied to the surface of the substrate such that the coating conforms to the first mark and the second mark; Remove the compliant coating from the substrate; as well as The conforming coating is broken along the first and second marks to form hollow sheets and solid sheets.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the solid sheet has a first configuration; and The hollow sheet has a second configuration, wherein the second configuration includes a coating in the form of a frame around areas without coating, wherein the areas without coating are in the form of the first configuration.

20. A coating composition comprising: At least one sheet from the set of complementary sheets as described in claim 14; Special effects pigments; as well as Liquid medium.

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