Optical article having a multi-component structure as an anti-theft feature and a system and method for inhibiting theft of same

Abstract

A multi-component structure capable of being removably attached to a plastic element is provided. The multi-component structure includes an adhesive layer having a selectively modifiable tack strength at pre-determined locations on a first surface. The first surface is coupled to the plastic element and defining a first region. The multi-component structure further includes a backing layer coupled to the adhesive layer and defining a second region with a second surface of the adhesive layer. Upon interaction with an external stimulus the multi-component structure is configured to undergo a clean adhesive failure at the first region between the adhesive layer and the plastic element.

1 . a multi-component structure capable of being removably: attached to a plastic element, comprising: 
 an adhesive layer having a selectively modifiable tack strength at pre-determined locations on a first surface of said adhesive layer, and wherein said first surface is coupled to said plastic element and defining a first region; and    a backing layer coupled to said adhesive layer and defining a second region with a second surface of said adhesive layer;    wherein upon interaction with an external stimulus said multi-component structure is configured to undergo a clean adhesive failure at said first region between said adhesive layer and said plastic element.    
     
     
         2 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , wherein said adhesive layer comprises regions of variable tack.  
     
     
         3 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , wherein said backing layer comprises a plurality of individual layers.  
     
     
         4 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , wherein said adhesive layer comprises a colored material, which absorbs light having wavelength in a range from about 200 nm to about 900 nm.  
     
     
         5 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , wherein an adhesive bond strength reduces at said first region from a first adhesive bond strength of at least about 1 pound-force per inch to a second adhesive bond strength in a range of about 0 pound-force per to about 1 pound-force per at said first region upon activation.  
     
     
         6 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , wherein said plastic element comprises a CD, a DVD, a HD-DVD, a Blu-ray disc, a near field optical storage disc, a holographic storage medium or another like plastic optical storage medium.  
     
     
         7 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , wherein said plastic element comprises an identification card, a passport, a payment card, a driving license, or a personal information card.  
     
     
         8 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , wherein said multi-component structure alters the functionality of said plastic element upon interaction with one or more of a laser, a thermal energy, infrared rays, X-rays, gamma rays, microwaves, visible light, ultraviolet light, ultrasound waves, radio frequency waves, electrical energy, chemical energy, magnetic energy, mechanical energy, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         9 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , wherein said adhesive layer further comprises a color-shift dye, a photo-chromic material, a magnetic material, an electrochromic material, or a thermochromic material, a magneto-optical material, a photorefractive material, a light scattering material, a phase-change material, dye aggregates, nanoparticles, expandable micro-spheres, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         10 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , wherein said adhesive layer comprises a pressure sensitive adhesive.  
     
     
         11 . The multi-component structure of  claim 10 , wherein said pressure sensitive adhesive comprises a crosslinking functionality.  
     
     
         12 . The multi-component structure of  claim 11 , wherein said pressure sensitive adhesive comprises an acrylate containing polymer, an epoxy, a silicone containing polymer, combinations thereof.  
     
     
         13 . The multi-component structure of  claim 10 , wherein said pressure sensitive adhesive comprises additives selected from the group consisting of a color-shift dye, a photo-chromic material, a magnetic material, an electrochromic material, or a thermochromic material, a magneto-optical material, a photorefractive material, a light scattering material, a phase-change material, dye aggregates, nanoparticles, expandable microspheres, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         14 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , wherein said adhesive layer comprises an adhesive in which an adhesive bond strength decreases at said first region upon exposure to ultraviolet light, thermal energy, an electric current, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         15 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , further comprising radio frequency circuitry.  
     
     
         16 . The multi-component structure of  claim 15 , wherein said radio frequency circuitry is disposed in a sub-layer of said backing layer.  
     
     
         17 . The multi-component structure of  claim 15 , wherein said radio frequency circuitry is disposed adjacent said adhesive layer.  
     
     
         18 . The multi-component structure of  claim 15 , further comprising a microheater, microelectrodes, a radio frequency antenna, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         19 . The multi-component structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a packaging for said plastic element, wherein said packaging enables an external stimulus to be directed toward at least a portion of said multi-component structure.  
     
     
         20 . The multi-component structure of  claim 19 , wherein said packaging comprises a window aligned with at least a portion of said multi-component structure.  
     
     
         21 . The multi-component structure of  claim 19 , wherein said packaging comprises power source in electric communication with said multi-component structure.  
     
     
         22 . An optical article configured to transform from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality, comprising: 
 an optical data layer for storing data, wherein said data is read from said optical data layer in an activated state of functionality; and    a multi-component structure removably attached to said optical data layer, said multi-component structure comprising: 
 an adhesive layer having a first surface and a second surface, said adhesive layer having a selectively modifiable tack strength at pre-determined locations on said first surface, and wherein said first surface is coupled to said optical data device to define a first region; and  
 a backing layer coupled to said second surface of said adhesive layer and defining a second region with said second surface of said adhesive layer;  
   wherein after interaction with an external stimulus, said multi-component structure is configured to undergo a clean adhesive failure at said first region to alter the functionality of the optical article from a pre-activated state to said activated state.    
     
     
         23 . The optical article of  claim 22 , wherein said multi-component structure is configured to undergo a clean adhesive failure at said second region prior to interaction of multi-component structure with said determined external stimulus.  
     
     
         24 . The optical article of  claim 22 , wherein said multi-component structure further comprising a radio frequency circuitry in operative association with said adhesive layer and said backing layer, wherein said radio frequency circuitry is configured to interact with said external stimulus for generating a thermal response, an electrical response, or both.  
     
     
         25 . The optical article of  claim 24 , wherein said radio frequency circuitry is disposed adjacent to said adhesive layer  
     
     
         26 . The optical article of  claim 24 , wherein said radio frequency circuitry is disposed adjacent to said backing layer.  
     
     
         27 . A method for selling an optical article, comprising: 
 receiving an optical article, comprising: 
 an optical data layer configured to store data;  
 a multi-component structure coupled to the optical article, the multi-component structure being configured to enable a change of functionality of the optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state; and  
   conducting a monetary transaction at a first location.    
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising: 
 authorizing the optical article for use, comprising: 
 interacting the multi-component structure to an external stimulus, wherein said interaction renders a change in the optical article from the pre-activated state to the activated state.  
   
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising verifying the authorization of the optical article.  
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 27 , wherein the step of verifying is conducted at a second location.  
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising providing a source for the external stimulus.  
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the source comprises a thermal source, an electrical source, an ultrasound source, a light source, an X-ray source, a gamma source, microwave source, a radio frequency source, or combinations thereof.  
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 31 , wherein the source for the external stimulus is embedded in a point of sale equipment.  
     
     
         34 . A method for altering functionality of a plastic element from a pre-activated state to an activated state, comprising: 
 providing a plastic element having a multi-component structure coupled to a surface of the plastic element; and    exposing the plastic element to an external stimulus to change a locus of failure of the multi-component structure.