Optically variable device (ovd) images embedded within plastic strips

Abstract

A method for the manufacture of a polymer strip useful to secure information contained on a face of a card includes the steps of extruding a polymer resin to form an optically transparent strip and then embossing an optically variable device into a first surface of this optically transparent strip. A time from when the optically transparent strip exits an extruder until embossing is effective to prevent the optically transparent strip from cooling to a temperature below 120° C. Subsequent to embossing, the optically variable device may be entirely or partially metalized. Alternatively, or in addition, to the metallization, security features may be formed into that first surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A polymer strip useful to secure information contained on a face of a secure card or document comprising:
 an optically transparent substrate having a nominal thickness; and   an optically variable device embossed into a first surface of said optically transparent substrate.   
     
     
         2 . The strip of  claim 1  wherein said optically transparent substrate includes essentially of a thermoplastic resin. 
     
     
         3 . The strip of  claim 1  wherein a metallization layer is disposed on peaks of said optically variable device. 
     
     
         4 . The strip of  claim 1  wherein security features are formed into said first surface. 
     
     
         5 . The strip of  claim 1  wherein security features are formed into said first surface.