Abstract: A secure sticker is provided comprising a waterproof base portion including a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin, wherein the paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin, and wherein the resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a secure sticker is provided comprising a substantially waterproof base portion, a liner ply, and an adhesive interface. The substantially waterproof base portion includes a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin. The paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin. The resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. The liner ply defines a label portion and a removable portion, wherein the label portion includes variable printed matter thereon. The adhesive interface is arranged to adhere the liner ply to the base portion.

Abstract: An extended text wrap label includes a base ply and at least one top ply. The base ply has a first lengthwise dimension, a first widthwise dimension, a top surface that is capable of bearing graphic images, and a bottom surface that is capable of bearing graphic images and capable of being adhesively coupled to an object to be labeled. The at least one top ply has a second lengthwise dimension, a second widthwise dimension, a front surface that is capable of bearing graphic images, and a back surface that is also capable of bearing graphic images. The base ply and the at least one top ply are adhesively coupled, in a first portion of the label, to each other such that the top surface of the base ply and the back surface of the at least one top ply are in contiguous juxtaposition with each other along the first lengthwise dimension and the second lengthwise dimension, respectively, and along the first widthwise dimension and the second widthwise dimension, respectively.

Abstract: Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein particularly in the region of the window-like opening, the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Abstract: A multilayered volume hologram structure of the invention comprises a substrate 2 for a certificate or the like, and an adhesive layer 5, a volume hologram layer 5 and a surface protective film 7 laminated on the substrate in the described order. When a multilayer structure consisting of the volume hologram layer 5 and surface protective layer 5 is forcibly released from the substrate for the purpose of making a photograph replacement or falsifying a personal information area, the volume hologram image can break down certainly, thereby ensuring prevention of falsification. A multilayered volume hologram structure-making label is useful for making a multilayered volume hologram structure.

Abstract: An item with a surface area creating an optical effect is such that the surface area with the optical effect exhibits at least two images (12, 14) separated a distance (d) from each other by means of a transparent layer of material (10). The distance (d) between the images 12, 14) and the distance (a) between two neighboring elements (16) forming the images (12, 14) are adjusted with respect to each other such that on altering the viewing angle (&agr;) the perceived overall image formed by the overlapping of the images (12, 14) is altered. A preferred application for the item lies in forms of packaging, packaging material, an aid to packaging, bonds or entry tickets with forgery-proof surface area and/or surface areas that have to meet high demands.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security element for protecting objects which has at least one mechanically testable magnetic layer and at least one further layer consisting of a layer semitransparent in the visual spectral region. The semitransparent layer is additionally disposed over the magnetic layer so as to cover the magnetic layer. The invention further relates to a security document with such a security element.

Abstract: Variable confidential information (12) is printed over scrambling pattern (14) which is formed of thermochromatic ink. Information (12) cannot be read due to the presence of the underlying scrambling pattern. The information becomes readable when heat is applied to the thermochromatic ink and the optical properties of the thermochromatic ink are altered.

Abstract: A tamper-evident tape or label to be adhered to various items, like security envelopes, bags, packages, markings, price tags, etc. The tape or label comprising a base layer made of a pliable light transmissive plastic material, and the base layer being provided with an upper face and an opposing bottom face, such base layer being adherable to the said items by the bottom face thereof. The base layer being provided with at least one tamper-evident means revealable when an unauthorized attempt to remove said tape or label from the said items has taken place, and the said base layer being provided with a preventing means to prevent direct access to the upper face thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer label comprising at least one authenticity feature (5), which authenticity feature (5) consists of at least two parts (51, 52) positioned on different layers (1, 2) of the label. The authenticity feature (5) can be a barcode which can consist of at least two parts (51, 52) positioned on different layers (1, 2) of the label. The barcode can have m lines of which n lines are arranged on one layer (1) of the label and m-n lines are arranged on another layer (2) of the label, where m>n>0. The label can have a lower layer (2) and an upper layer (1), with the lower layer (2) having a greater surface area than the at least one layer (1) positioned on top of it. The upper side and/or lower side of at least one of the layers (1, 2) can be coated with an adhesive at least in sections and/or at least in points.

Abstract: There is described an image-recording medium and an image-reading method, which make it possible to improve reading accuracy of information by avoiding duplication of an optical variable image with the information. The image-recording medium includes a substrate, an image-receiving layer provided on the substrate and an optical variable layer provided on the substrate, wherein at least a part of the optical variable layer includes an optical variable image, and the optical variable image is formed in a manner such that the optical variable image, overlapping with an image recorded on the image-receiving layer, emerges in a first direction, while the optical variable image, overlapping with an image recorded on the image-receiving layer, does not emerge in a second direction.

Abstract: A method of forming a label for displaying information includes providing a release liner having an upper surface. A discrete patch of leaflet adhesive is applied to the upper surface of the release liner. The leaflet adhesive patch has an end edge. A leaflet is provided having a bottom panel and a top panel overlying and connected to the bottom panel along a fold line. The leaflet is applied to the release liner and the leaflet adhesive patch such that a first portion of the bottom panel overlies the leaflet adhesive patch and a second portion of the bottom panel adjacent the fold line extends beyond the end edge of the leaflet adhesive patch.

Abstract: A system and method for secured image creation. A bitmap image is processed to separate color or greyscale planes, or is used as a greyscale, single plane image. The plane(s) are each converted into microtype character layers with each layer arranged at a different angle relative to another layer. The microtype character width is modulated in width based or color or greyscale values and, if multiply colored, the layers are superimposed to form a processed image with anti-counterfeit, anti-scan and anti-copy properties.

Abstract: A business form includes a carrier sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface, and defining a die cut opening there through, with a patch of liner material mounted on the lower surface of the carrier sheet. The patch extends over the opening. The liner material has an upper surface facing the die cut opening in the carrier sheet, and carries a release coating on the upper surface. A two ply label assembly is mounted on the patch of liner material in the die cut opening. The two ply label assembly includes a transparent ply mounted on the upper surface of the patch of liner material, and a label ply mounted on the transparent ply. The form is manufactured by: a.) die cutting an opening in a piece of carrier material; b.) adhesively affixing a patch of liner material to the piece of carrier material; c.) mounting a transparent ply on the patch of liner material within the die cut opening; and d.) mounting a label ply on the transparent ply. The form is used by: a.

Abstract: A hidden image game piece and a method by which a hidden image game piece is produced and used. A first hidden image game piece is formed on a transparent or translucent substrate. A second hidden image game piece is formed electronically, and optionally printed or, alternatively, saved and distributed in electronic format. The hidden image game piece can be used to distributed either physically or electronically, and it may be used to derive demographic information from recipients, to drive them to web sites or retail outlets, and to provide a means for distributing advertising, either on the game pieces or at a game site, which may be a physical site, such as a retail outlet, or an electronic site, such as an Internet site. The methods of the present invention include the method of producing a game piece, the method of deriving demographic information from recipients of the game pieces, and the method of providing advertising to recipients of the game pieces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security device having at least one plastic layer and one specularly reflecting metal layer. An inorganic auxiliary layer is disposed between the plastic layer and the metal layer.

Abstract: A surface pattern comprises microscopically fine relief structures that diffract visible light. When the surface pattern is illuminated perpendicularly with white light, the surface pattern appears with bright and dark regions from a first viewing direction. The length and/or position and/or number of bright and dark regions changes as the viewing angle changes. Preferably, the contour of the surface pattern is selected so that the length or position of the bright regions changes markedly when the viewing angle changes.

Abstract: A planar form or structure is used to create a thin card capable of receiving and retaining printed indicia, including written signatures, on both opposing surfaces. The structure and related method allow the exposed carrier surface and the underlying release agent layer to receive and retain printed indicia, including written signatures, while retaining an extremely thin, yet tear-resistant, card structure. The release agent layer solidifies from a liquid to form a film capable of receiving and retaining printed indicia, written signatures, and the like which may be printed or written upon through the peeling away of the transparent lamina layer to expose the underlying release agent layer for receiving the indicia. The resulting structure preferably exhibits a flexibility due to its thickness lying within the range of 15-30 microns plus the thickness of the carrier.

Abstract: A business form is disassembled and manipulated to prepare a plurality of different labels each utilizing a different structure to attach the label to an object. The labels facilitate the correlation of a vehicle and the keys for the vehicle.

Abstract: A security stock material for use in lottery tickets or other instruments where prevention of the viewing of indicia on the lottery ticket is achieved despite tampering to make the stock material translucent by chemical or other means. A method of making the stock material by combining natural brown kraft linerboard with bleached fibers on one side and a black ink or black coating on the other side is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system comprising a series of data carriers, in particular identity cards, papers of value or the like, whereby the data carriers belonging to the system exhibit diffraction structures containing standard information and parts of the series are changed by additional measures in the area of the diffraction structures or combined with other elements and they differ from the rest of the series in optically recognizable fashion, whereby the change in the diffraction structures and/or the combination with other elements convey an esthetic overall impression and the change and/or combination with the other elements cannot be undone without destruction of the diffraction structures.

Abstract: An encoded sheet material includes a sheet of material that has a first surface, a second surface disposed opposite the first surface and an edge extending between the first and second surfaces and peripherally about the sheet of material. The edge has indicia arranged on it to form a code that identifies at least one characteristic of the sheet of material. A sheet processing apparatus uses the encoded sheet material and includes a code reader device and a processor. The code reader device reads the code. The processor communicates with the code reader device and causes the sheet processing apparatus to process the sheet of material based upon the read code. An encoded image recording medium and image recording apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: The authenticity attribute for an object to be protected is formed by an elongate profile which produces characteristic oscillations upon scanning with the edge or the tip of a scanning object.

Abstract: A data package assembly includes at least one data card having a first substrate with opposite faces, and indicia correlated with a prepaid account. A package has a second substrate separate from the first substrate, the data card being detachably connected to the second substrate. Personal identifying indicia correlated with the account are concealed by the package. In addition, first account verification indicia on the card, and second account verification indicia on the package, both different from the personal identifying indicia and both correlated with the same account, are visibly exposed, the package including an aperture visibly exposing the first account verification indicia.

Abstract: A scratch-off coating is provided on an advance admission ticket to increase the perceived value of advertising as well as to prevent counterfeiting. The ticket will include a scratch-off area which will have an anti-counterfeiting feature such as contrasting particles, optical brighteners, or an opaque ink border. This can be covered over a back-ad on a ticket to increase the perceived value of the ad.

Abstract: A security document production scheme is presented for the creation of a security document including a prismatic multi-color security image. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a security document is provided comprising a security image defined on a face of the document. The security image is defined along first and second dimensions by the superposition of a primary security image portion and a secondary security image portion. The primary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a first color. The secondary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a second color. The primary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments. The secondary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments.

Abstract: A secure sticker is provided comprising a waterproof base portion including a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin, wherein the paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin, and wherein the resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a secure sticker is provided comprising a substantially waterproof base portion, a liner ply, and an adhesive interface. The substantially waterproof base portion includes a paper ply, static printed matter, and a resin. The paper ply and the static printed matter are sealed within the resin. The resin is substantially transparent to light in the visible spectrum. The liner ply defines a label portion and a removable portion, wherein the label portion includes variable printed matter thereon. The adhesive interface is arranged to adhere the liner ply to the base portion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a plastic card comprises the steps of providing a sheet of lenticular lens material; coating the back side of the lens material with a vinyl resin base; printing the back side of the lens material with a composite lithographic image; coating the back side of the lens material with an adhesive such that it can adhere to a sheet of plastic which serves as the back of the plastic card; and laminating the sheets together.

Abstract: A method for producing a tamper evident security holographic label and overlaminate using UV casting techniques, and a security device so produced, comprising a clear protective layer; a thin layer of clear UV cured resin cast partly onto the protective layer following a designed pattern; another layer of UV cured resin bearing a cast holographic image, wherein the bond of the holographic image layer is stronger toward the surface of the protective layer than it is toward the surface of the pattern layer; a reflective layer strongly attached to the adjacent holographic layer; and an adhesive layer bonded to the reflective layer. Such a composite product when adhered to a base substrate via the adhesive layer will show no visible security feature to the unaided eye due to the thin nature of the clear security pattern.

Abstract: A tamper resistant lottery ticket for preventing payoff of invalid tickets comprises a ticket body and a plurality of game fields which are choosable by a lottery player. At least one winning symbol for the ticket is positioned in a game field, and a scratch-off material covers the game fields to hide contents of the game fields and therefore hide the at least one winning symbol. The scratch-off material is removable by a lottery player to reveal the contents of a game field when the game field is chosen. A readable security code is printed in each of the game fields, and the security code is covered by a scratch-off material with the at least one winning symbol and is revealed when the content of the game field is chosen and the scratch-off material is removed. A magnetic strip is utilized to contain the serial number of the lottery ticket and any other information necessary for identifying the ticket or playing the particular lottery game.

Abstract: A security document production scheme is presented for the creation of a security document including a prismatic multi-color security image. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a security document is provided comprising a security image defined on a face of the document. The security image is defined along first and second dimensions by the superposition of a primary security image portion and a secondary security image portion. The primary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a first color. The secondary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a second color. The primary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments. The secondary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that produces shaped and laminate articles and recovers the excess material or flash as a part of the manufacturing process. The apparatus uses a combination of rotary die and anvil roller assemblies in successive multiple stations to cut and separate each raw material into final product portions and recyclable flash portions as each raw material enters the apparatus. The apparatus separately reclaims each raw material flash portion and delivers the flash of each material in a recyclable form to an auxiliary recycling operation. In recovering the flash, the apparatus does not adversely affect the speed or quality of production of the final shaped or laminated product. To ease removal of the flash, the apparatus applies lubricant to the blades of the rotary die. To avoid damage to web material, the apparatus uses vacuum belts to convey the web material and web product through the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a security envelope (20) for an article, the envelope being constituted by a sleeve (21) of heat-shrinkable plastics material that is fitted on its inside face with a holographic element (30) and with a tear strip (22) passing behind said holographic element (30). According to the invention, the holographic element (30) is organized to be transferable onto the facing wall (13) of the article and to adhere to said wall via zones situated on either side of the tear strip (22) so as to hold a portion of said tear strip captive, such that any fraudulent manipulation of the envelope heat-shrunk onto the article has the effect of displacing the tear strip (22) and consequently of automatically and visibly destroying the transferred holographic element (30).

Abstract: A method for marking articles or documents by placing on a substrate (1) a multi-layer optical complex consisting of an identifying portion (2, 7) such as bar codes, a photograph or characters, and an authenticating portion consisting of a diffracting optical mark, said portions being arranged one on top of the other in such a way that they cannot be separated without destroying the authenticating portion. A protected document is also disclosed which comprises an indivisible stack consisting of a printed portion (2, 7) forming an identifier read by reflection in a first wavelength band, and coated with a lacquer (5) that is opaque in the visible spectrum and has a transmission window including said first wavelength band, as well as a transparent reflective layer (4) forming a diffracting optical mark. A marking system for carrying out the method, and a device for checking said article or document, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a lottery ticket composed of two ticket portions, each having a rear surface and a front surface. The front surfaces include promotional graphics and lottery information whereas the rear surfaces include lottery indicia, some of which are covered with a scratch-off layer. The lottery ticket is formed by connecting the rear surfaces together such that the lottery indicia are facing one another and are not visible without separating the lottery ticket into its two portions. The ticket assembly thus forms in effect a pouch enveloping the lottery indicia but without the wastefulness of a separate pouch material.

Abstract: A tamper-evident form for securely carrying information includes a scrambling pattern (4) which underlies the printed information such that the printed information cannot be read. Separation of the printed information and scrambling pattern, or other disabling of the scrambling pattern, is tamper-evident and renders the information readable. In preferred embodiments the information is printed on a lamina (6) which overlies the scrambling pattern (4). The information can be printed by conventional printers and no post-processing of the form is required to render the information secure.

Abstract: Unauthorized alteration of a document can be avoided in a secure document that includes a substrate (10) defining the body of the document. Indicia (24, 26, 30, 32, 36 and 40) located on the substrate (10) designate an area (42) to receive variable information by an impression. The variable information is that whose alteration is to be avoided. A chemical, carbonless imaging system (44) is disposed on the substrate (10) at the area (42) and is operative to form a visible image upon receipt of an impression and a transparent film (46) is located on the substrate (10) to cover the area (42). As a consequence of the construction, any attempt to alter an image appearing on the film (46) will be apparent from the original imaging of the chemical carbonless imaging system (44) or by smudging thereof indicating an alteration attempt.

Abstract: An adhesive composition that includes the reaction product of (a) a polyester-based polyurethane; (b) an epoxy resin; (c) an epoxy-functional silane; and (d) an isocyanate-functional compound, and multilayer laminates in which this adhesive composition is used to bond two polymeric substrates together where at least one of the substrates has an ink-bearing surface.

Abstract: A method for producing a tamper evident security holographic label and overlaminate using UV casting techniques, and a security device so produced, comprising a clear protective layer; a thin layer of clear UV cured resin cast partly onto the protective layer following a designed pattern; another layer of UV cured resin bearing a cast holographic image, wherein the bond of the holographic image layer is stronger toward the surface of the protective layer than it is toward the surface of the pattern layer; a reflective layer strongly attached to the adjacent holographic layer; and an adhesive layer bonded to the reflective layer. Such a composite product when adhered to a base substrate via the adhesive layer will show no visible security feature to the unaided eye due to the thin nature of the clear security pattern.

Abstract: A security document production scheme is presented for the creation of a security document including a prismatic multi-color security image. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a security document is provided comprising a security image defined on a face of the document. The security image is defined along first and second dimensions by the superposition of a primary security image portion and a secondary security image portion. The primary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a first color. The secondary security image portion is defined by security image elements of a second color. The primary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments. The secondary security image portion is arranged to include first, second, and third types of security image segments.

Abstract: A data carrier with an optically variable element. The optically variable element includes a first structured print which is overlaid with a second print, at least in partial areas. The second print is applied to a document with an ink which contains an optically variable pigment having little or no body color of its own.

Abstract: A security document or token such as a banknote is provided which has a transparent portion of plastics material which includes a security device. The region surrounding the transparent portion and preferably all the remaining part of the banknote is printed with indicia. The security device includes regions of embossed lines extending at different angles to each other defining different shapes that are visible to a greater or lesser extent upon transmission and reflection of light as the note is tilted, rotated or viewed from different angles relative to the light source. The embossed lines in some of the regions are finer than coarser and deeper and more widely spaced lines in the other regions. The coarser, deeper lines are of such a thickness and width as to be detectable by touch in addition to being visible by the naked eye.

Abstract: A decal organization tool for products needing large numbers of decals utilizes a single large sheet on which all product decals for a specific product or product model are carried. The invention includes a means by which the previously unavoidable irregular margins surrounding the decals are effectively hidden from the eye and allows large sheet printing of decals with an aesthetically satisfactory overall appearance. An irregularly zone is added to the edge of each decal, and along with an ultraviolet responsive additive placed in the decal adhesive, allows the decal to form an indelible footprint on the product to which it is applied. The footprint, invisible to the eye, becomes visible under ultraviolet light, allowing identification of a specific decal and proof of its application to a product, even when the decal is no longer on the product.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coloring mechanism in which hidden letters (including numbers), figures, symbols, images etc. appear by rubbing the surface with metal such as coins etc., and to a recording material provided with this mechanism. In the coloring mechanism of the invention, letters etc. are indicated on a recording face by an ink etc. containing an inorganic pigment with a Mohs hardness of 2 or more, so as to have the same color as or a similar color to the recording face, and the letters etc. are colored to be readable by rubbing with metal the recording face containing the letters etc.

Abstract: Described herein is a break-open lottery ticket and a method of producing same. The lottery ticket includes variable imaged lottery indicia printed directly onto the ticket, meaning that bar codes and other similar features can be added for increased security and facilitated redemption. The indicia are covered by a break open window allowing the indicia to be exposed for playing the game. The indicia are printed onto a white lily pad in two or more colors allowing a high quality graphic image to be provided to attract the player.

Abstract: A label useful in delivering packages and articles via many different mailing services. The label is adapted to indicate thereon mailing and address information relating to the mailing, shipping or handling of packages or articles. The label is constructed as a laminate having at least a primary layer and a secondary layer wherein each layer has a surface confronting and adjoined to the other layer. The label has an exposed front side defined on the primary layer and an exposed back side defined on the secondary layer. Pertinent mailing information is included on the exposed front side and may include a plurality of printed instructions and information and also include spaces for receiving additional mailing information thereon. The label has a tear line provided on the primary layer which defines a removable receipt flap on the label. The receipt flap contains a portion of the mailing information and is also adapted to receive thereon additional information as well.

Abstract: An archival medium, such as a compact disc, is made of a metal such as aluminum which is mechanically gained with particulate material under conditions that embed particulate material into the surface of the medium and visibly imageable by selective exposure to infrared laser radiation. A mechanically grained aluminum medium can also be anodically oxidized under conditions that do not impair the ability of the substrate to be laser imaged. The archival medium can be coated with opaque and transparent polymer coatings before or after imaging for security and/or protection. The coating can be a laser ablatable coating to provide a tamper-proof medium.

Abstract: A writing and display device for producing luminescent images upon application of pressure thereon which can be readily erased and repeatedly used having a protective layer to prevent damage to the writing surface thereof. The device includes a backing member with a smooth surface over which a translucent or transparent sheet containing a luminescent dye or pigment and an opaque pliable plastic sheet are disposed. At least one of the sheets is formed of a pliable plastic with its interface surface tending to adhere to the interfacing surface of the other sheet when a pressure is applied thereto to produce luminescent images. A pliable, transparent protective sheet is disposed adjacent to and coextensive with the translucent or transparent luminescent sheet. Upon application of pressure onto the protective sheet, which pressure is transmitted to the luminescent sheet by virtue of the pliability of the protective sheet, the interfacing surfaces adhere to each other to thereby produce a luminescent image.

Abstract: A security card comprising a backing, a cover film, and a security image, the security image being located between the backing and the cover film, the backing and the cover film being laminated together without an intermediate adhesive layer, wherein the backing comprises an amorphous copolyester or polyvinyl chloride, and the cover film comprises the other of polyvinyl chloride or an amorphous copolyester. Also, a method for making such security cards.

Abstract: A method and system for creating game cards incorporates a removable scratch-off coating to hide printed symbols. The card is constructed so that the scratch-off coating is selectively retained by the card, in the form of symbols, when the scratch-off coating is removed. The selective retention of scratch-off coating material to the card is accomplished by incorporating into the card, between the substrate and the scratch-off coating, a clear release coat laser-engraved to form symbols. A laser creates the desired symbols in the release coat. The laser may be manually controlled or computer-controlled using software and drivers for the laser assembly. When the scratch-off coating material is applied to the card during construction, it adheres directly to the substrate in the form of symbols. When a player rubs the scratch-off coating material, it releases from the release coat and remains adhered to the substrate to create the symbols.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a card structure which is a multiple layered card which expands the areas that can be used to provide printed information and protects that information while maintaining a designated finished card size. The primary or top sheet has a front side having an area onto which is printable. The back side of the sheet also can be printed upon and has a coated layer of adhesive and or a release agent as desired. The information printed can be static or variable or a combination thereof for each finished card. The secondary or bottom sheet also has a front and rear side that have printable areas located thereon and a layer of adhesive and of release agent can be coated as necessary on the front of the secondary sheet depending upon the nature of the coating on the back of the primary or top sheet. A small slit can be made in the top or bottom sheet to allow the user to more easily separate the multiple layered card the card.