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  Optical article having a multi-component structure as an anti-theft feature and a system and method for inhibiting theft of sameUSPTO Application #: 20070114366Title: 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. (end of abstract) Agent: General Electric Company Global Research - Niskayuna, NY, US Inventors: Marc Brian Wisnudel, Ben Purushotam Patel, Eugene Pauling Boden USPTO Applicaton #: 20070114366 - Class: 250221000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Radiant Energy, Photocells; Circuits And Apparatus, Optical Or Pre-photocell System, Controlled By Article, Person, Or Animal The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070114366. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] The present patent application is a continuation-in-part application from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/286,413, filed Nov. 21, 2005, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND [0002] The invention relates generally to optical articles. More particularly, the invention relates to a multi-component structure employed in optical articles as an anti-theft feature and methods of making same. [0003] Shoplifting is a major problem for retail venues and especially for shopping malls, where it is relatively difficult to keep an eye on each customer while he/she shops or moves around in the store. Relatively small objects, such as CDs and DVDs are easy targets as they can be easily hidden and carried out of the store without getting noticed. Stores, as well as the entertainment industry, incur monetary losses because of such instances. Due to the sensitive nature of the information stored inside, this problem become more severe if the CDs or DVDs are stolen from places like offices. [0004] Even though close circuit surveillance cameras may be located at such places, shoplifting or stealing still occurs. Consumable products sometimes are equipped with theft-deterrent packaging. For example, clothing, CDs, audio tapes, DVDs and other high-value items sometimes are packaged along with tags that set off an alarm if the item is removed from the store without being purchased. These tags are engineered to detect and alert for shoplifting. For example, tags that are commonly used to secure against shoplifting are the Sensormatic.RTM. electronic article surveillance (EAS) tags based on acousto-magnetic technology. RFID tags are also employed to trace the items in store shelves and warehouses. Other theft-deteltent technologies currently used for optical discs include special hub caps for DVD packaging that lock down the DVD and prevent it from being removed from the packaging until the DVD is purchased. Similarly, "keepers" that are attached to the outside of the DVD packaging also prevent the opening of the packaging until the DVD is purchased. In some cases, retailers have resorted to storing merchandise in locked glass display cases. In other stores, the DVD cases on the shelves are empty, and the buyer receives the actual disc when the movie is purchased. Many of these approaches are unappealing in that they add an additional inconvenience to the buyer or storeowner or they are not as effective at preventing theft as desired. Optical articles, in particular, pose an additional problem in that they are very easy to remove from their packaging and the sensor/anti-theft tags may be removed easily. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-component structure having an adhesive layer and a backing layer in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. [0006] FIGS. 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views illustrating locus of failure of the multi-component structure of FIG. 1. [0007] FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views of the multi-component structure employing a radio frequency circuitry at two different locations in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention. [0008] FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the multi-component structure employing a radio frequency circuitry and a microheater at two different locations in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the invention. [0009] FIG. 8 is a schematic flow chart illustrating the use of microheaters and radio frequency circuitry in activating a plastic element having multi-component structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. [0010] FIG. 9 is a diagrammatical representation of a method for changing a functionality of an optical article in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. [0011] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of an ID card employing a multi-component structure in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. [0012] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an optical article disposed inside a packaging in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. [0013] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an optical article disposed inside a packaging and sharing a multi-component structure with the packaging in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. [0014] FIG. 13 is a flow chart illustrating a business method for the sale of an optical article in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. SUMMARY [0015] Embodiments of the invention are directed to an optical article having an anti-theft feature and a method for inhibiting theft of the same. [0016] One exemplary embodiment of the invention is a multi-component structure capable of being removably attached to a plastic element. The multi-component structure includes an adhesive layer having a selectively modifiable tack strength at pre-determined locations on a first surface of the adhesive layer. The first surface is coupled to the plastic element to define a first region. The multi-component structure further includes a backing layer coupled to the adhesive layer to define 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. [0017] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is an optical article configured to transform from a pre-activated state of functionality to an activated state of functionality. The optical article includes an optical data device for storing data. The data is read from an optical data layer in an activated state of functionality. The optical article further includes the multi-component structure. [0018] Another exemplary embodiment of the invention is a method for selling an optical article. The method includes receiving an optical article and conducting a monetary transaction at a first location. The optical article includes an optical data layer configured to store data and a multi-component structure coupled to the optical article. The multi-component structure is configured to enable a change of functionality of the optical article from a pre-activated state to an activated state. [0019] Another embodiment of the invention is a method for altering functionality of a plastic element from a pre-activated state to an activated state. The method includes 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. [0020] These and other advantages and features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention that is provided in connection with the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Continue reading... 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