CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Indian Patent Application No. 201611001790 filed in Indian Patent Office on January 18, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an anti-counterfeit security closure with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures embossed therein.

More particularly the present invention relates to anti-counterfeit security closures in the form of cap with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures embossed therein which are used for bottle and bottle like containers where caps are used for secure sealing of the containers containing valuable goods. The invention provides an anti-counterfeit security cap for bottle. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In order to protect the quality standards of packaged products or in preventing adulteration of a product sold under same package, holograms are widely used on them to differentiate them from original package. These holograms, having with their unique mark identify a quality product from other adulterated products sold under same packing as because this hologram provides a three dimensional image which is difficult to copy or reproduce. Hence, holograms have become more important in the packaging industry where they are not only used as anti-counterfeiting but also for decorative purpose.

In general, holograms of the type known as "relief or "surface relief holograms have a laminated structure including a layer of embossed material, which is generally transparent and that provides the requested relief giving the holographic effect, and a very thin metal layer that is used to enhance the holographic effect of the transparent embossed layer. Further protective layers can be provided. U.S. Patent No. 5,238,516 discloses a conventional method for embossing holograms by using thermo formable lacquer on one side of a base film and using a printing device. Hologram formed from this method are very unstable as it uses transparent glue to attach a second layer of lacquer on the first embossed lacquer layer in a super imposed way. The application of the said formed hologram is limited to identity cards and cannot be applied as a security structures on other object for anti- counterfeiting.

U.S. Patent No. 4,758,296 discloses a process of making relief holograms by applying a UV curable resin to a hologram master, applying a supporting transparent film to the resin and curing the resin on the supporting film. A final step is required in which the cured resin is covered with a substance to increase its reflectivity.

WO2001/93231 discloses micro structures of tamper evident holographic security label, which mainly consists of three layers, top layer is a holography layer and bottom layer is diffractive grated layer. Reflective layer is placed in the middle of these two layers. When the holographic layer is tampered then the diffracted grated layer visualizes a security mark, interpreting that the package was tampered. WO 2005/100186 Al discloses a closure comprised a tubular body having coating on its exterior surface, the coating consisting of a multilayer polymer film, one of the internal layers having a holographic pattern, the outer polymer layer being transparent. The multilayered film is applied on the side of a body by the help of machine.

In WO 2005/051675, a holographic diffraction grating on a substrate is disclosed. The base object or substrate is applied with a curable compound and using metallic ink in different grades on the pre defined grating of the cured polymer imparts holographic effect by using direct printing process or Gravure method of imparting metallic ink over the substrate having curable compound. The use of metallic ink with varying densities is a limiting step because the tampering / counterfeit of the substrate can only be identified through changes in the thickness of ink printed over it. U.S. 2005/0179253 discloses a security label which contains a substrate, a layer of UV curable ink and a transparent layer of film, which has holographic images embossed on it. The said security label is for Christmas card, a package, a book cover etc. Patterns are printed on the substrate using a UV curable ink in its uncured state. When a hologram film is laminated to the substrate containing the UV curable inked pattern and exposed to UV light, the portion of the hologram film in contact with the UV curable ink adheres to the substrate as part of the curing process. The remaining part of the holographic film is peeled off from the substrate. All these invented holography techniques meant for the security / anti counterfeit are complex, conventional and not economical. However, they were not able to produce a security device which is applicable to bottle cap wherein registered transparent holographic and/or non holographic micro structures are embossed on the cap surface.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the invention is to provide a novel anti-counterfeit security closure with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures.

Another object of the invention is to provide anti-counterfeit security cap with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures for bottle like containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly the present invention provides an anti-counterfeit security closure (1). The anti-counterfeit security closure (1) is a cap.

In one embodiment the invention provides an anti-counterfeit security closure (1) comprising:

a sheet (A) forming a cap and having upper/outer surface and lower/inner surface;

a lacquer coat (C) above the upper/outer surface of sheet (A); a metallized layer (D) above the lacquer coat (C); and

- a lacquer coat (E) above the metallized layer (D); optionally, a printing layer (B) in between the upper/outer surface of sheet (A) and lacquer coat (C).

characterized in that,

the said lacquer coat (C) is an UV curable lacquer coat embossed with single or multiple holographic or non-holographic micro structures or a combination of both, present on the same horizontal plane of the lacquer coat (C);

the said metallized layer (D) is formed by Aluminium;

optionally when present, the said printing layer comprises letters, names, marks or images may be of similar or different patterns or designs printed over the entire or part of the upper/outer surface of sheet (A)

wherein, the holographic microstructures may be 2D holographic microstructures or 3D holographic microstructures or a combination of both.

Preferably the sheet (A) of the present invention is a plastic, metal, glass or alloy metal sheet forming a cap.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sheet (A) is a metal sheet. Preferably the sheet (A) is an aluminium sheet forming a metal cap.

In one embodiment the closure is an aluminium cap for bottles.

The 2D or 3D holographic image embossed in lacquer coated layer (C) is of single graphic, text or design or are of multiple graphics, texts or designs.

The lacquer coating to form a lacquer coat (C) is done by a method selected from Flexo printing process, Rotogravure process, Kiss coating process and screen printing process.

In one embodiment the lacquer coated layer (C) is embossed with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures by UV stamping method. In one embodiment the lacquer coated layer (C) is embossed with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures by laminating a film comprising holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures with lacquer coated layer (C). The security features are present on top surface of the cap or on lateral surface of the cap or on both top and lateral surfaces of the cap.

The invention thus provides an anti-counterfeit security cap for bottle or bottle like containers, wherein the security cap comprises:

a cap sheet (A) having upper/outer surface and lower/inner surface;

a lacquer coat (C) above the upper/outer surface of cap sheet (A); a metallized layer (D) above the lacquer coat (C); and

a lacquer coat (E) above the metallized layer (D);

- a printing layer (B) in between the upper/outer surface of cap sheet (A) and lacquer coat (C).

characterized in that,

the said lacquer coat (C) is an UV curable lacquer coat embossed with single or multiple holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures such as 2D and/or 3D holographic images;

the said metallized layer (D) is formed by Aluminium;

the said printing layer comprises letters, names, marks or images may be of similar or different patterns or designs printed over the entire or part of the surface of cap sheet (A).

Further provides an anti-counterfeit security cap for bottle or bottle like containers, wherein the security cap comprises:

a cap sheet (A) having upper/outer surface and lower/inner surface;

a lacquer coat (C) above the upper/outer surface of cap sheet (A); - a metallized layer (D) above the lacquer coat (C); and

a lacquer coat (E) above the metallized layer (D).

characterized in that,

the said lacquer coat (C) is an UV curable lacquer coat embossed with single or multiple holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures such as 2D and/or 3D holographic images;

the said metallized layer (D) is formed by Aluminium. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figure- 1: A cross section view of security closure (1) which shows the different layers security closure (1) with a printing layer (B).

Figure- 2: A cross section view of security closure (1) which shows the different layers security closure (1) without a printing layer (B).

Figure- 3: Top view of an anti-counterfeit security closure (1) in the form of cap showing printed text and holographic and/or non-holographic images.

Figure- 4: Top view of an anti-counterfeit security closure (1) in the form of cap showing security means holographic and/or non-holographic images.

Figure- 5: Side view of an anti-counterfeit security closure (1) in the form of cap showing security means holographic and/or non-holographic images on the lateral surface.

Figure- 6: Side view of an anti-counterfeit security closure (1) in the form of cap showing security means holographic and/or non-holographic images on both the top surface and the lateral surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION The present invention discloses a novel anti-counterfeit security closure (1) which comprises holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures.

More particularly the present invention provides an anti-counterfeit security closure in the form of cap with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures embossed therein which is used for bottle and bottle like containers where caps are used for secure sealing of the containers containing valuable goods.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an anti-counterfeit closure (1) which comprises:

- a sheet (A) forming a cap and having upper/outer surface and lower/inner surface;

a lacquer coat (C) above the upper/outer surface of sheet (A); a metallized layer (D) above the lacquer coat (C); and

a lacquer coat (E) above the metallized layer (D); optionally, a printing layer (B) in between the upper/outer surface of sheet (A) and lacquer coat (C).

Sheet (A):

The sheet (A) is used as a base object. Sheet (A) forms a cap. Other than cap, the sheet (A) may be paper, film or metal sheets. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention the base object used is a cap providing the cap sheet (A). The sheet (A) is a cap to be engaged with a bottle having valuable goods. The cap may be made up of any type of material generally used for the manufacture cap. Preferably the sheet (A) of the present invention is a plastic, metal, glass or alloy metal sheet forming a cap.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sheet (A) is a metal sheet. Preferably the sheet (A) is an aluminium sheet forming a metal cap.

In one embodiment the closure is an aluminium cap for bottles.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sheet (A) is a plastic sheet forming plastic cap for bottles.

The sheet (A) comprises two surfaces such as "upper surface and lower surface", "top surface and bottom surface", "front surface and back surface" or "inner surface and outer surface". Usually the lower/bottom/back/inner surface of the cap is provided with suitable means (threaded groove) which engages in the complementary threaded neck of a bottle.

In one embodiment the sheet (A) is a cap with a hollow groove present on the lower surface of a cap. The hollow groove of a cap is the lower part of a cap when viewed from the top of the cap, provided with suitable means (thread) in the inner side of the groove, which engages in the complementary threaded neck of a bottle, while the lateral outer surface of the groove is visible outside. Thus the sheet (A) may be the lateral outer side surface of a cap, simply the "lateral surface".

On the "upper/top/front surface" the sheet (A) and/or on the outer "lateral surface" of sheet (A), security features are provided which comprises different layers such as lacquer coat layer (C), metallized layer (D) and lacquer coat layer (E) within which security means such as holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures are embossed therein in one of the layer. Optionally, a printing layer (B) in between the upper surface/outer surface/lateral surface of sheet (A) and lacquer coat (C) is present.

In one embodiment a printing layer (B) in between the upper surface/outer surface/lateral surface of sheet (A) and lacquer coat (C) is present. In one embodiment the printing layer (B) in between the upper surface/outer surface/lateral surface of sheet (A) and lacquer coat (C) is absent.

The security features of anti-counterfeit security closure (1) may be present on top surface of the cap or lateral surface of the cap or on both the top and lateral surfaces of the cap.

In one embodiment, the security features of anti-counterfeit security closure (1) are present on top surface of the cap. In one embodiment, the security features of anti-counterfeit security closure (1) are present on lateral surface of the cap.

In one embodiment, the security features of anti-counterfeit security closure (1) are present on top and lateral surfaces of the cap.

The combination of sheet (A) along with the above said layers (C), (D) and (E) provides an anti-counterfeit security closure (1) as shown in Figure-2.

The combination of sheet (A) along with the above said layers (B), (C), (D) and (E) provides an anti-counterfeit security closure (1) as shown in Figure- 1.

In another embodiment, when the base object is paper, film or metal sheets, the anti- counterfeit device is not a closure device. Printing Layer (B):

The printing layer (B) is an optional layer. Thus this printing layer may be present or absent above the first upper surface of the sheet (A). When present, a printing layer (B) is present in between the upper surface/outer surface/lateral surface of sheet (A) and lacquer coat (C).

When a printing layer (B) is present in closure (1), it forms the first layer over the sheet (A). When a printing layer (B) is absent in closure (1), the lacquer coat (C) layer forms the first layer over the sheet (A).

The printing layer is a layer where simple letters, names, marks or images are printed. These letters, names, marks or images may be of similar or different patterns or designs. A combination of letters, names, marks or images can be used. In one embodiment of the invention, the printing layer comprises a single letter, name, mark or image. In another embodiment, the printing layer comprises multiple similar or different letters, names, marks or images.

The letters, names, marks or images are printed on the entire or part of the upper surface of the sheet (A).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the letters, names, marks or images are printed on the entire upper surface/lateral surface of the sheet (A). In one embodiment of the present invention, the letters, names, marks or images are printed on part of the upper surface/lateral surface of the sheet (A).

In one embodiment of the present invention, the letters, names, marks or images are of similar patterns or designs.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the letters, names, marks or images are of different pattern or design.

Any combination of letters, names, marks or images can be used. Lacquer Coat (C):

The security closure (1) comprises a lacquer coat (C) layer above the sheet (A). Optionally when a printing layer (B) is present, the lacquer coat (C) layer is present above the printing layer (B).

The lacquer coat (C) is an ultra-violet (UV) lacquer coat. The UV lacquer used for the coating is a chemical compound, more particularly a resin, which can only be dried or cured by ultra-violet rays. The UV lacquer hardens when exposed to ultraviolet light.

The UV lacquer coating on base object (cap sheet) is done by a method selected from Flexo printing process, Rotogravure process, Kiss coating process and screen printing process. These coating methods are conventional methods generally used for coating and the procedural aspects of coating of these methods are well known in the art.

In one embodiment of the invention, the UV lacquer coating is done by Flexo printing process wherein a Poly urethane sheet is etched and pasted on a cylinder with a double sided tape to hold the liquid chemical and deposit on the base object as per the desired design.

In another embodiment of the invention, the UV lacquer coating is done by Rotogravure process wherein an etched cylinder is used to transfer the liquid chemical on the base object as per the design.

In another embodiment of the invention, the UV lacquer coating is done by Kiss coating process wherein three separate rolls are used for transferring the liquid chemicals on each other to give an even and controlled deposit on the base object. In another embodiment of the invention, the UV lacquer coating is done by Screen printing process.

In one embodiment the lacquer coating is applied over the entire surface of the sheet (A) or part of the surface of the sheet (A) in desired pattern of graphics, texts or designs wherein desired graphics, texts or designs are imprinted over the entire surface/part of the sheet (A) (base object) or the pattern of the UV coating may be decided as required and desired holographic design.

In one embodiment when a printing layer (B) is present, the lacquer coating is applied over the entire surface of the printed sheet (A) or part of the surface of the cap printed sheet (A) in desired pattern of graphics, texts or designs wherein desired graphics, texts or designs are imprinted over the entire surface/part of the printed sheet (A) (base object) or the pattern of the UV coating may be decided as required and desired holographic design.

Further the lacquer coating layer (C) comprises holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures.

The holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures comprise single or multiple 2D and/or 3D holographic/non-holographic images of single or multiple graphics, texts or designs. These holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures are embossed over the lacquer coated (C) surface of the sheet (A).

In one embodiment of the invention the lacquer coat (C) layer is embossed with both holographic and non-holographic micro structures.

In one embodiment of the invention the lacquer coat (C) layer is embossed with holographic or non-holographic micro structures. Any combination of two or more than two holographic/non-holographic images can be used.

In one embodiment of the invention, the holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures are embossed on the same horizontal plane surface of lacquer coating layer (C).

Single or multiple holographic or non-holographic micro structures or a combination of both are present on the same horizontal plane of the lacquer coat (C). The holographic microstructures may be 2D holographic microstructures or 3D holographic microstructures or a combination of both. In one embodiment, the 2D or 3D holographic image embossed in lacquer coated layer (C) is of single graphic, text or design.

In one embodiment, the 2D or 3D holographic images embossed in lacquer coated layer (C) are of multiple graphics, texts or designs.

Any conventional methods can be used for embossing the holographic images over the lacquer coated layer (C) of the sheet (A). In one embodiment of the invention, the holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures are embossed over the surface of lacquer coated layer (C) by UV stamping method and thus produces a sheet (A) with a lacquer coating layer (C) embossed with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures. In the UV stamping method the desired holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures are registered on the predetermined spots on the UV lacquer coated sheet (A). Then the stamped sheet (A) is cured with UV light which in result provides a sheet with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures registered on predetermined spots on the surface of lacquer coated sheet (A).

Then a layer of metal is metallized (layer D) over the holographic and/or non- holographic micro structures embossed sheet (A) and then a further lacquer coat (layer E) is applied by conventional methods as described above and then dried to obtain the security closure (1).

In another embodiment of the invention, the holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures are embossed over lacquer coated layer (C) by laminating the lacquer coated sheet (A) with a holographic and/or non-holographic film. The lacquer coated layer (C) of sheet (A) may or may not be embossed with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures.

The lacquer coated sheet (A) with or without embossed holographic and/or non- holographic micro structures, is then laminated with a holographic and/or non- holographic micro structures embossed film, wherein after UV curing and further de- lamination of the base object (cap sheet) rewinding the film, the holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures of the film are transferred on to the lacquer coated surface of the sheet (A) and thus produces the security closure (1).

The holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures embossed film is prepared specifically with features, which comprises holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures which easily transfer on to a contacting surface i.e. the lacquer coated surface of the sheet (A). Further in this case the holographic film comprises a metallized layer and a lacquer coating layer which after laminating the film with the lacquer coated sheet (A), respectively forms the metallized layer (D) and lacquer coat (E) of the final security closure (1).

Any conventional UV source / lamp used in printing industry can be used as UV source. Ultraviolet rays of wavelength in between 90 nanometer to 400 nanometer can be used. The frequency and intensity of the UV light used in the process vary as per the quantity and area of deposition on UV lacquer on the base object/cap sheet (A). Preferably, the UV light of the wavelength between 190 nanometer to 400 nanometer is used.

Metallized Layer (D):

Next to the lacquer coated layer (C) embossed holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures, the security cap (1) comprises a metallized layer (D). The metal used for metallization is Aluminium. The Aluminium used in the present invention is preferably has purity of not less than 99.9% by weight, more preferably not less than 99.99% by weight. The Aluminium metallization over the holographic and/or non- holographic micro structure images embossed layer (C) of sheet (A) produces a sheet embossed holographic and/or non-holographic micro structure wherein the metal layer has high refractive index.

The metallization can be done by using any conventional method including vacuum vapour deposition method, ion-planting method, plasma method or beam method.

Preferably the metallization is performed by vacuum-deposition method. Lacquer Coat (E):

Above the metallized layer (D), a further layer of lacquer coat (E) is present. Apply of lacquer coat (E) over the metallized layer (D) of the sheet (A) can be done by any conventional methods known in the art. The lacquer coat is applied by a method selected from Flexo printing process, Rotogravure process, Kiss coating process, screen printing process and spray coating process. These coating methods are conventional methods generally used for coating and the procedural aspects of coating of these methods are well known in the art.

The lacquer coat (E) is transparent. The lacquer coat (E) is the outer most layer present over the sheet (A) which provides anti-scratch action and thus protects the security means. The final coat can also be an UV lacquer which could be cured by exposing to UV light.

After applying the lacquer coat (E), the sheet (A) is dried to finally produce the anti- counterfeit security closure (1).

When the security closure (1) of the invention is prepared by laminating the lacquer coated sheet (A) and the holographic and/or non-holographic embossed film, in this case the metallized layer (D) and the top most lacquer coat (E) are formed in the final security closure (1) by the film wherein these layers (D) and (E) are previously formed in that film.

The above said printed lacquer coated sheet (A) is prepared by first printing letters, names, marks or images of similar or different patterns or designs, optionally in combination over the entire or part of the upper surface of the base sheet (A), and then further coating the entire or part of the printed surface with a UV lacquer coat by any conventional method selected from Flexo printing process, Rotogravure process, Kiss coating process and screen printing process. The above said lacquer coated sheet (A) without printing layer is prepared by coating the entire or part of the surface with a UV lacquer coat by any conventional method selected from Flexo printing process, Rotogravure process, Kiss coating process and screen printing process. The film material selected for holographic/non holographic film may be selected from polyester film, Bi-axially oriented polypropylene, cast polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, extruded polypropylene, polyethylene andpolycarbonate. The holographic and/or non-holographic film consists of a transparent polyster or bi- axially oriented polypropylene film comprising holographic and/or non-holographic images embossed in layer (D) and a lacquer coat layer (E).

The above said film is produced by selecting a transparent polyster or bi-axially oriented polypropylene film, first coating the one surface of the film with a lacquer coat and then embossing holographic and/or non-holographic images over the surface to form the holographic and/or non-holographic images embossed film.

Then the laminate is treated with ultra violet light for curing the UV lacquer. After curing with the UV light, the sheet (A) is delaminated rewinding the film whereby the desired holographic and/or non-holographic images are transferred to the lacquer coated surface (C) of the sheet (A) resulting into anti-counterfeit closure (1).

The lamination and de-lamination of the laminate may be performed by any conventional method.

In the process of UV curing, exposure to ultraviolet light causes the coated lacquer to be cured. During curing, the lacquer sets up and hardens into its final form. There are several different ways in which the curing process can work. All involve some sort of chemical reaction and cross linking of liquid chemical deposit which is triggered by exposure to light in the ultraviolet area of the spectrum.

Thus in one embodiment, the present invention provides an anti-counterfeit closure (1) which is a security cap comprising: a cap sheet (A) having upper/outer surface and lower/inner surface;

a lacquer coat (C) above the upper/outer surface of cap sheet (A);

a metallized layer (D) above the lacquer coat (C); and

a lacquer coat (E) above the metallized layer (D); a printing layer (B) in between the upper/outer surface of cap sheet (A) and lacquer coat (C).

characterized in that,

the said lacquer coat (C) is an UV curable lacquer coat embossed with single or multiple holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures such as 2D and/or 3D holographic images;

the said metallized layer (D) is formed by Aluminium;

the said printing layer comprises letters, names, marks or images may be of similar or different patterns or designs printed over the entire or part of the surface of cap sheet (A).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides an anti-counterfeit closure (1) which is a security cap comprising:

a cap sheet (A) having upper/outer surface and lower/inner surface;

a lacquer coat (C) above the upper/outer surface of cap sheet (A); a metallized layer (D) above the lacquer coat (C); and

a lacquer coat (E) above the metallized layer (D).

characterized in that,

the said lacquer coat (C) is an UV curable lacquer coat embossed with single or multiple holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures such as 2D and/or 3D holographic images;

the said metallized layer (D) is formed by Aluminium.

In one embodiment of the invention, printing layer (B) is present. Figure- 1 is a cross section view of security closure (1) which shows the different layers of the above said security closure (1) with a printing layer (B). A printing layer (B) present in between the upper/outer surface of the cap sheet (A) and lacquer coat layer (C).

In one embodiment of the invention, printing layer (B) is absent. Figure-2 is a cross section view of security closure (1) which shows the different layers of the above said security closure (1) without a printing layer (B). A lacquer coat layer (C) embossed with holographic and/or non-holographic micro structures forms the first layer over the cap sheet (A). In one embodiment of the invention, the cap sheet (A) is the top/upper surface of a cap when viewed from top of a cap and thus the security means/features are provided on the top/upper surface of the cap. Figure-3 shows the top view of an anti- counterfeit security closure (1) in the form of cap. The top/upper surface of the cap is showing security means/features such as printed text and holographic and/or non- holographic images.

Figure-4 shows the top view of an anti-counterfeit security closure (1) in the form of cap. The top/upper surface of the cap is showing security means/features such as holographic and/or non-holographic images. Here printing layer (B) is absent.

In one embodiment the security means/features are provided on the side upper surface/lateral surface of a cap. Figure-5 shows the side view of an anti-counterfeit security closure (1) in the form of cap. The lateral surface of the side groove of a cap is showing security means/features such as holographic and/or non-holographic images.

In one embodiment the security means/features are provided on both the top surface and the side upper surface/lateral surface of a cap. Figure-6 shows the side view of an anti-counterfeit security closure (1) in the form of cap. The lateral surface of the side groove of a cap is showing security means/features such as holographic and/or non-holographic images.