CN112185236A

CN112185236A - Security tag with covered security code and method for producing the same

Info

Publication number: CN112185236A
Application number: CN202010635870.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 托拜厄斯·克雷斯
Original assignee: Tesa Scribos GmbH
Current assignee: Scribos GmbH
Priority date: 2019-07-05
Filing date: 2020-07-03
Publication date: 2021-01-05
Also published as: EP3761291A1; DE102019209913A1; EP3761291B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a security label having a multi-layered first opening certificate, having a layered structure with a first and a second color layer (105, 205, 305 and 106, 206, 306) and a first and a second separating lacquer layer (104, 204, 304 and 108, 208, 308), wherein at least one first security code (102, 202, 302) can be read when the security label (100, 200, 300) is closed, wherein a second security code (107, 207, 307) can only be read after the first opening certificate has been opened, and wherein the second security code (107, 207, 307) is arranged between the first or second separating lacquer layer (104, 204, 304 or 108, 208, 308) and the second color layer (106, 206, 306), and wherein the first security code (102, 202, 302) and the second security code (107, 207, 307) can be printed simultaneously.

Description

Security tag with covered security code and method for producing the same

The present invention relates to a security tag according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a method for producing the security tag.

Security tags with so-called covert codes are known in the art. The covert code is unique in that the consumer must interact with the security tag before the invisible code is revealed. For this purpose, various types and means are known, such as so-called scratch-off areas (in which the view-masking layer is scratched off) or multilayer labels (in which the upper layer is at least partially open and thus allows the hidden code to be viewed).

The covert code may then be used, for example, to participate in a bonus game or bonus program. The covert code can be designed as a readable number or can also be designed in an encoded manner (e.g., as a data matrix or two-dimensional code), depending on what degree of automation or digitization is provided by the application.

In most application scenarios, the hidden code on the label exists in combination with the visible code. With a visible code (e.g., also a two-dimensional code), the consumer enters a bonus game (e.g., a website) and is then required to enter a hidden code. At this point, it is advantageous for the user to know in advance which visible codes and hidden codes are relevant to each other, for example to be able to logically verify or control the bonus rate. A disadvantage of the known covert codes is that integration into the security tag by means of a scratch-off region or by means of a two-layer design is relatively costly.

The object of the invention is therefore: providing a security tag having a first security code and a second security code, which can be produced cost-effectively; and to provide a method that can be used to prepare such a security tag.

This object is achieved in a first aspect thereof by a security tag of the kind mentioned in the opening paragraph which has the features of claim 1.

The invention utilizes the following ideas: visible codes and hidden codes are integrated into a conventional security tag with a Void effect (Void-Effekt). Such a security tag is known, for example, from EP 2717243B 1.

The security tag initially has a multi-layer, preferably four-layer structure in the conventional manner, which is composed of a first separating lacquer layer, a first color layer, a second separating lacquer layer and a second color layer in this order. The first and second release lacquer layers are at least partially formed complementary to one another, i.e. each region is covered by either the first or the second release lacquer layer when viewed perpendicularly to the security tag.

These release lacquer layers and the carrier foil are preferably formed transparent. These release paint layers reduce the corresponding release force. Thus, when the tear strip is torn off from the security tag together with the carrier foil, the first color layer breaks. The area in which the first color layer is removed is shown in the second color layer through the second release coat layer, while this first color layer is not shown in the area where the first color layer remains on the security tag. Since, when the tear-off strip is printed again after the first opening is proved, air is enclosed between the tear-off strip and the security label residue remaining on the product and the refractive index of the light is thus changed, it can be easily recognized from the outside by the user whether the label has been opened.

According to the invention, the first security code can be read when the security tag is closed, and only when the first opening certificate is opened

The second security code can only be read afterwards. According to the invention, the first security code and the second security code can be printed simultaneously, for which purpose the second security code and the first security code are preferably arranged in the same layer of the layer structure. "same layer" here means an area that can be printed simultaneously in one printing step. Wherein "simultaneously" relates to the duration of the printing step. I.e. areas of the same layer, although momentarily successive to each other, but printed in the same printing step, are herein considered to be printed simultaneously. The simultaneously printed areas of the same layer can be arranged at different heights on, for example, an adhesive layer or an adhesive surface in the printed security tag.

It is particularly preferred that not only the first security code but also the second security code are digital prints, which can be printed simultaneously in one printing step, preferably using a digital printer in the form of a laser printer or an inkjet printer for this purpose.

Further, the second security code is concealed and becomes visible only after the security tag is opened. In contrast, the first security code is preferably already visible before the first tamper evidence is detached.

The second secure code is also referred to as a hidden code. In a preferred embodiment, the first security code is arranged between the second color layer and the first release lacquer layer, and the second security code is arranged between the second color layer and the second release lacquer layer. Thus, upon tearing off the security tag, the first security code and also the second security code remain on the second color layer, since the separating force between the first security code and the second color layer is greater than the separating force between the first security code and the first separating lacquer layer or the separating force between the second security code and the second separating lacquer layer.

Upon tearing off the tear strip from the security tag, both the first security code and the second security code remain on the second color layer, which is preferably provided over the entire surface in this and all other embodiments with an adhesive layer with which the second color layer is bonded to the product. The second security code remains on the security tag remnant remaining on the product.

In a preferred second embodiment of the security tag, the first security code is arranged between the carrier foil and the second release lacquer layer, and the second security code is arranged between the second colour layer and the first release lacquer layer. After the first opening has been demonstrated, the first security code remains on the carrier foil and the second security code remains on the second color layer, the second security code being in direct contact with the second color layer, so that the first security code is pulled off with the tear strip and remains adhered to the carrier foil, while the second security code remains on the second color layer and thus on the security label residue remaining on the product, and the first security code and the second security code are thus separated from one another after the first opening has been demonstrated. This second embodiment of the security tag naturally makes it easier to read the security code separately (in particular to read the second security code which is covered and exposed after the first unsealing has been demonstrated), i.e. to hide the code.

In a third embodiment of the security tag, the first security code is arranged between the first and the second lacquer release layer which is formed complementary to the first lacquer release layer, and the second security code is arranged between the second colour layer and the first lacquer release layer. In this way, after the first opening verification has been separated, the second security code remains on the product, while the visible first security code is destroyed after the first opening verification, since the first security code is applied locally not only to the first release lacquer layer but also complementarily locally to the second release lacquer layer.

This object is achieved in a second aspect thereof by a method having the features of claim 6.

The method for producing a security tag is suitable for producing the above-mentioned security tags, and vice versa, each of the above-mentioned security tags can be produced by one of the following methods.

The security tag has a layer structure, wherein a first and a second color layer and a first and a second separating lacquer layer are applied to a carrier foil. Preferably, first a first separating lacquer layer, then a first colour layer, then a second separating lacquer layer and then a second colour layer are applied to the carrier foil, and the adhesive layer is applied over the entire surface of the second colour layer on the product side. The application is preferably carried out in a printing process.

It is particularly preferred to print the first security code and the second security code between the layers in one common printing step; the first security code and the second security code are preferably printed in digital printing. According to the invention, the simultaneous introduction of the first security code and the second security code in one printing step is particularly simple, since only one additional step needs to be added to a conventional printing press for printing a color layer and a lacquer layer onto a carrier foil.

The second security code can only be read after the first unsealing is verified, and the second security code is printed between the first or second layer of separated paint and the second layer of color.

In constructing a security tag that includes a void effect in its original manner, the first and second color layers and the first and second separated lacquer layers are printed in a reverse printing process (Konterdruckverfahren).

Conveniently, the second security code is obscured by the line of sight barrier and is therefore not externally visible until the first unsealing is verified.

After the first unsealing is verified, the second security code (i.e., the covert code) remains on the security tag remnant remaining on the product and can be read there.

The second security code may be printed in the form of a two-dimensional code, a number, a numerical value or the like. The formation of a security code is to be understood very generally here, and it can be a readable code, such as a number, serial number or the like, but also an encrypted code encrypted in the form of a two-dimensional code which has to be decrypted by means of a two-dimensional code reader. Other forms are also contemplated.

Conveniently, the first security code and the second security code are printed on-line. In this context, an on-line representation pertains to a single process step. In addition to printing the two security codes, the one process step preferably additionally comprises a further printing step.

Preferably, the first security code is printed between the second colour layer and the first release lacquer layer and the second security code is printed between the second colour layer and the second release lacquer layer. In this embodiment of the method, after the application of the second release lacquer layer to the predetermined position, the first security code and the second security code are printed together in one printing step. It is preferred here that the first security code is printed at a location without the first color layer and that the second security code is printed at a location covered by the first color layer (said location preferably additionally being covered by the line of sight barrier).

In a preferred second embodiment of the method, a first security code is printed between the first color layer and the second release lacquer layer, and a second security code is printed between the second color layer and the first release lacquer layer. In such an embodiment, both the first security code and the second security code are preferably printed in areas without the first color layer, the areas of the second security code (i.e., the covert code) again being covered by the line of sight barrier.

In a second embodiment, the second security code (i.e. the covert code) remains on the security code residue remaining on the product, while the first security code is pulled off with the tear strip.

In a third embodiment, a first security code is printed between the first and second layers of separated paint, and an obscured second security code is printed between the second color layer and the first layer of separated paint. In a third embodiment, the visible first security code is destroyed and becomes unreadable when proving first unsealing.

The invention will be illustrated by means of three embodiments in twelve drawings. In the drawings:

figures 1a-1c show the security tag in a first embodiment prior to evidencing initial unsealing in figure 1a, a tear strip pulled off in figure 1b, and security tag residue remaining on the product in figure 1c,

figures 2a-2c show the security tag in a second embodiment before first unsealing is demonstrated in figure 2a, the tear strip pulled off is shown in figure 2b, and the security tag residue remaining on the product is shown in figure 2c,

figures 3a-3c show the security tag in a third embodiment before first unsealing is demonstrated in figure 3a, the tear strip pulled off is shown in figure 3b, and the security tag residue remaining on the product is shown in figure 3c,

figure 4 shows a schematic structure of the security tag of figures 1a-1c,

figure 5 shows a schematic structure of the security tag of figures 2a-2c,

fig. 6 shows a schematic structure of the security tag of fig. 3a-3 c.

The three

security tags

100, 200, 300 illustrated in fig. 1a, 2a, 3a are shown in cross-section in fig. 4-6, respectively. The

security tag

100, 200, 300 is adhered to a product. On its lower side facing the product, the security tag has a continuous

adhesive layer

101, 201, 301, respectively.

Fig. 1a, 2a, 3a show that all three embodiments of the

security tag

100, 200, 300 are identical in the closed state before the first opening certificate is detached and that the

first security code

102, 202, 302 respectively can be recognized,

fig. 4 shows the layer structure of the first security tag 100 according to fig. 1a before the detachment of the first opening certificate. The first security tag 100 comprises a carrier foil 103 formed transparent. An interrupted first release lacquer layer 104 is applied on the product side onto the carrier foil 103. A first color layer 105 is applied on the product side onto the first release lacquer layer 104. The first release lacquer layer 104 is printed in one printing method step onto the product side of the carrier foil 103. The first separating lacquer layer 104 is not formed continuously but discontinuously. On the product side, a first color layer 105 is printed onto the first release lacquer layer 104, which may likewise be interrupted. The first color layer 105 is not located only on the product side of the first release lacquer layer 104 as shown in fig. 4, but rather on the product side of the carrier foil 103 in the interrupted section. Thus, the first color layer 105 is not formed exactly straight, but rather matches the cutout of the first release lacquer layer 104. In the cutout of the first separating lacquer layer 104, the first colour layer is located on the product side of the carrier foil 103, in other cases on the product side of the first separating lacquer layer 104.

A second release lacquer layer 108 is printed onto the product side of the first colour layer 105. The second release lacquer layer 108 is likewise formed interrupted. The second release lacquer layer is preferably formed substantially completely complementary to the first release lacquer layer 104, as shown in fig. 4.

After printing the second release lacquer layer 108, the first security code 102 and the second security code 107 are printed at predetermined positions in a digital printing method. In particular, a UV inkjet printing method can be used as the digital printing method. The first security code 102 is arranged here at the following locations: at said location, the first color layer 105 is interrupted and the first security code 102 can be seen from the outside through the transparent carrier foil 103 and through the transparent first release lacquer layer 104. The second security code 107 is printed onto the second release lacquer layer 108, onto the product side of the first colour layer 105 and onto the product side of a line of sight barrier 109 additionally applied to the carrier foil 103, which line of sight barrier covers the second security code 107. The second security code 107 is not visible from the outside. In order to identify the second security code 107, the observer must look through the carrier foil 103 and the first color layer 105, wherein the first color layer 105 is dark-colored and thus makes it difficult to look at least through it. It has however been shown that due to the thickness of the first color layer 105, a complete occlusion of the second security code 107 is difficult to achieve, so that an additional line of sight barrier 109 is printed externally onto the carrier foil 103 above the second security code 107. In theory, the line of sight barrier 109 could also be printed with a reverse printing method.

The separation force between the first security code 102 and the second color layer 106 is greater than the separation force between the first security code 102 and the first release lacquer layer 104, and the separation force between the second security code 107 and the second color layer 106 is greater than the separation force between the second security code 107 and the second release lacquer layer 108.

In terms of the arrangement of first security code 102 and second security code 107, fig. 4 may also be understood as follows: these security codes are not arranged exactly at a level but are printed simultaneously in a common method step in a digital printing method. The first security code 102 is printed here on the product side of the first release lacquer layer 104 and the second security code 107 is printed on the product side of the second release lacquer layer 108, so that the first security code 102 and the second security code 107 can be applied at slightly different heights above the carrier foil 103.

The horizontal layers in fig. 4 to 6 each reflect a printing step.

On the product side, a second color layer 106 is applied over the two

security codes

102, 107. Adhesive layer 101 is applied to the product side of second color layer 106, by which the entire security tag 100 may be adhered to a product.

When the carrier foil 103 is peeled off, one of these

release lacquer layers

104, 108 is disconnected from the security tag 100 between the colour layers 105, 106. In the region of the first security code 102, the security tag 100 is disconnected between the second color layer 106 and the first release lacquer layer 104, wherein the first security code 102 remains on the second color layer 106.

In the region of the second security code 107, the security tag 100 is disconnected between the second color layer 106 and the second release lacquer layer 108, wherein the security tag 100 remains on the second color layer 106. In the other region on the right in fig. 4, which is adjacent to the second security code 107, the security tag 100 is broken in the usual manner as a first opening verification with a void effect, i.e. the second color layer 106 is separated at the location on the product side of the first color layer 105, which leads to the first release lacquer layer 104, and at the location of the contact with the second release lacquer layer 108, the product side of the second release lacquer layer 108 is separated, so that the second color layer 106 is broken when the carrier foil 103 is removed. Where first color layer 105 is simultaneously torn away, second color layer 106 is revealed through second release lacquer layer 108, and security label 100 is revealed here in second color layer 106. At a position where the first color layer 105 is not simultaneously torn off, the first color layer can be distinguished from the outside after removing the tear tape including the carrier foil.

In particular, the two

security codes

102, 107 are disposed on the security tag residue 160 that remains on the product after the tear strip 150 is peeled off.

The structure of the security tag 200 according to the second embodiment of fig. 5 differs from the structure of the security tag 100 in fig. 4 in the region of the first security code 202 and the second security code 207. The actual void evidence of the security tag 200 in the region to the right in fig. 5 is constructed identically to that in fig. 4.

Otherwise, reference numerals increased by one hundred indicate the same features as in fig. 4.

In the second embodiment according to fig. 5, a first release lacquer layer 204 with predetermined interruptions is first printed onto the product side of the carrier foil 203. A first color layer 205, which is likewise interrupted, is applied to first release lacquer layer 204. The first color layer 205 leaves free one or more areas on the first security code 202 and the second security code 207 on the carrier foil side. After the first color layer 205, a first security code 202 and a second security code 207 are printed on the product side of the layer structure in a digital printing process. Here, a first security code 202 is printed on the product side of the carrier foil 203 and a second security code 207 is printed on the product side of the first release lacquer layer 204.

A second release lacquer layer 208 is printed onto the

security code

202, 207 and in turn a second colour layer 206 is printed onto the second release lacquer layer, which is provided with a full-face adhesive layer 201 on the product side.

A second release lacquer layer 208 is printed on the first security code 202 on the product side. But the second release paint layer leaves the product side of the second security code 207 empty. Upon tearing the tear strip 250 from the security tag 200, the carrier foil 203 is removed and the first security code 202 is removed along with the tear strip 250, while the second security code 207 remains on the second color layer 206 and thus on the security tag residue 260 remaining on the product. The first security code 202 remains on the tear strip 250.

Theoretically, the separation force between the carrier foil 203 and the first security code 202 is greater than the separation force between the first security code 202 and the second layer of separation lacquer 208. Furthermore, the separation force between the second color layer 206 and the second security code 207 is greater than the separation force between the second security code 207 and the first release lacquer layer 204. The tearing behavior shown in fig. 2a, 2b, 2c, which proves the first opening, then occurs.

Fig. 3 shows a third embodiment of a security tag 300 of the present invention. The horizontal arrangement also shows the layers applied in the combined printing step, since after printing the layers, they can slide in the vertical direction towards one another.

The actual void effect is again formed exactly as in fig. 4 and 5, the second security code 307 being formed as in fig. 5, the second security code 307 being applied to the product side of the first release lacquer layer 304. However, since the separation force between the second security code 307 and the second color layer 306 is greater than the separation force between the second security code 307 and the first release lacquer layer 304, the second security code 307 remains on the tear-off strip 350 after the first opening has been demonstrated.

In fig. 6, the first security code 302 is printed on the first release lacquer layer 304, but instead of the first security code 302 being located on the first release lacquer layer 304 in its entirety as in fig. 4, the release lacquer layer 304 is interrupted in the region of the first security code 302, so that the first security code 302 is located partly on the product side of the carrier foil 303 and partly on the product side of the first release lacquer layer 304. A second release lacquer layer 308 is then applied over the product side of the first security code 302 and the second security code 207, which is formed complementary to the first release lacquer layer 304 and on which a second colour layer 306 is then applied, which is provided with the adhesive layer 301 on the product side.

Upon removal of the tear strip 350 from the security tag 300, these portions of the first security code 302 remain on the second color layer 306 (directly over the first security code), respectively, and the other complementary portions of the first security code 302 remain on the second color layer 306, such that the first security code 302 according to fig. 3b and 3c is destroyed upon release of the first opening proof.

List of reference numerals

100 security tag

101 adhesive layer

102 first security code

103 carrier foil

104 first separating lacquer layer

105 first color layer

106 second color layer

107 second security code

108 second separating lacquer layer

109 line of sight barrier

150 tear strip

160 security tag residue remaining on the product

200 security tag

201 adhesive layer

202 first security code

203 carrier foil

204 first separating lacquer layer

205 first color layer

206 second color layer

207 second security code

208 second separating lacquer layer

250 tear strip

260 remains on the product

300 Security tag

301 adhesive layer

302 first security code

303 carrier foil

304 first separating lacquer layer

305 first color layer

306 second color layer

307 second security code

308 second separating lacquer layer

350 tear strip

360 security tag residue remaining on the product

Claims

1. A security tag having a multi-layer first-time tamper evidence, said security tag having

With a layer structure of a first and a second color layer (105, 205, 305 and 106, 206, 306) and a first and a second separate lacquer layer (104, 204, 304 and 108, 208, 308),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

at least one first security code (102, 202, 302) can be read when the security tag (100, 200, 300) is closed,

the second security code (107, 207, 307) can only be read after the first opening certificate has been opened and the second security code (107, 207, 307) is arranged between the first or second release lacquer layer (104, 204, 304 or 108, 208, 308) and the second colour layer (106, 206, 306), and the first security code (102, 202, 302) and the second security code (107, 207, 307) can be printed simultaneously.

2. The security tag of claim 1, wherein said security tag,

characterized in that the first security code (102, 202, 302) and the second security code (107, 207, 307) are both digital prints.

3. The security tag according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that the first security code (102, 202, 302) is arranged between the second color layer (106, 206, 306) and the first release lacquer layer (104, 204, 304) and the second security code (107, 207, 307) is arranged between the second color layer (106, 206, 306) and the second release lacquer layer (108, 208, 308).

4. The security tag according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that the first security code (102, 202, 302) is arranged between a carrier foil (103, 203, 303) and the second release lacquer layer (108, 208, 308) and the second security code (107, 207, 307) is arranged between the second color layer (106, 206, 306) and the first release lacquer layer (104, 204, 304).

5. The security tag according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that the first security code (102, 202, 302) is arranged between the first and second separated lacquer layers (104, 204, 304 and 108, 208, 308) and the second security code (107, 207, 307) is arranged between the second colour layer (106, 206, 306) and the first separated lacquer layer (104, 204, 304).

6. A method for preparing a security tag (100, 200, 300), wherein

Printing a layer structure of a first and a second color layer (105, 205, 305 and 106, 206, 306) and a first and a second separate lacquer layer (104, 204, 304 and 108, 208, 308) onto a carrier foil (103, 203, 303), characterized in that a first security code (102, 202, 302) and a second security code (107, 207, 307) are printed between the two layers in one common printing step, the second security code (107, 207, 307) being readable only after opening a first opening certificate and a second security code (107, 207, 307) being printed between the first or the second separate lacquer layer (104, 204, 304 or 108, 208, 308) and the second color layer (106, 206, 306).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

characterized in that the two security codes (102, 202, 302, 107, 207, 307) are digitally printed in one printing step.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the first and second light sources are selected from the group consisting of,

characterized in that the two security codes (102, 202, 302, 107, 207, 307) are printed between two printing steps for applying the release lacquer layer (104, 204, 304, 108, 208, 308) and/or the color layer (105, 205, 305, 106, 206, 306).

9. The method of claim 6, 7 or 8,

characterized in that the first security code (102, 202, 302) is printed between the second color layer (106, 206, 306) and the first separate lacquer layer (104, 204, 304) and the second security code (107, 207, 307) is printed between the second color layer (106, 206, 306) and the second separate lacquer layer (108, 208, 308).

10. The method of claim 6, 7 or 8,

characterized in that the first security code (102, 202, 302) is printed between the carrier foil (103, 203, 303) and the second layer of release lacquer (108, 208, 308) and the second security code (107, 207, 307) is printed between the second color layer (106, 206, 306) and the first layer of release lacquer (104, 204, 304).

11. The method of claim 6, 7 or 8,

characterized in that the first security code (102, 202, 302) is printed between the first and second separated lacquer layers (104, 204, 304 and 108, 208, 308) and the second security code (107, 207, 307) is printed between the second colour layer (105, 205, 305) and the first separated lacquer layer (104, 204, 304).

12. The method according to one of claims 6 to 11,

characterized in that a line of sight barrier (109) is printed onto the carrier foil (103, 203, 303), which blocks the second security code (107, 207, 307) before the first unsealing of the proof item.

13. The method according to one of claims 6 to 12,

characterized in that said first security code (102, 202, 302) and said second security code (107, 207, 307) are printed in-line with other printing steps.