DE102008016624B4 - Sealing film - Google Patents

Abstract

Sealing film comprising a single or multi-layer carrier film (5) to which any number of layers, in particular a color layer (9) having coating (8) is applied, which coating (8) is at least partially applied by means of an adhesive layer (16) a container (1), wherein in defined areas of the color layer (9) an adhesion setting layer (6) in the form of a graphic object (7) adjoins, whereby the color layer (9) in these defined areas a lower or an increased adhesion compared to the Carrier film (5) is conveyed than in those areas that are not covered by the adhesion setting layer (6), so that the defined areas can be separated from the color layer (9) in the course of the removal of the carrier film (5) from the container (1) and due to their adhesion either to the carrier film (5) or to further layers arranged thereon or to the container (1) or to the adhesive layer (16) nd, characterized in that the carrier film (5) is stretched in order to contract under heat treatment and to adapt to the surface shape of the container (1), and in that the adhesion setting layer (6) is about the adhesion of the color layer (9) Adjacent layers of the sealing film (4) reducing release lacquer layer (6), which is on both sides of the color layer (9), that is, both on the side of the color layer (9) facing the carrier film (5) and on the side of the sealing film in the position of use (4) to the container (1) or to the adhesive layer (16) facing side of the color layer (9) is arranged.

Description

The invention relates to a sealing film comprising a single or multi-layer carrier film to which any number of layers, in particular a colored layer, is applied, which coating is at least partially adherent to a container by means of an adhesive layer, in defined areas the color layer is adjoined by an adhesion setting layer in the form of a graphic object, whereby the color layer in these defined areas is given a lower or increased adhesion to the carrier film than in those areas that are not covered by the adhesion setting layer, so that in the course of peeling off the carrier film the defined areas can be separated from the colored layer of the container and, due to their adhesive properties, can be adhered either to the carrier film or to further layers arranged thereon or to the container or to the adhesive layer, according to the preamble of the claim s 1.

Various containers are used in a wide variety of forms, on the one hand to offer sufficient protection for their contents and, on the other hand, to declare the untouched status of originally packaged goods. Once a container has been opened, the user has access to its contents and can manipulate, exchange or wear it out.

Particularly in the case of containers that contain beverages, food or pharmaceuticals, a clear declaration of goods that have already been opened is therefore desirable. This makes it easier for dealers and druggists to distinguish a legitimate exchange request from customers who have purchased goods on the basis of an error and who now want to return them from the attempt to exchange goods that have already been used without authorization.

In particular, the customer should receive a guarantee of authenticity and proof of the intactness of liquids or beverages filled into bottles.

Sealing elements or sealing foils are therefore often used, which are attached in the area of a closure element of the respective container / bottle and tear or burst in the course of the opening process, so that the opening of a container is indicated. The closure element of the container or bottle can be a screw cap or a cork, for example.

The sealing film is always understood in the following in connection with the sealing purposes of containers or bottles, so it is primarily not affected by the other meaning of film elements as information carriers for product information, which for example provide information about the type of goods or the expiry date. Nevertheless, in addition to its sealing function, the sealing film can also have such product information.

The disadvantage of conventional sealing elements or sealing films, however, is that they are often easy to manipulate. In many cases it is possible to loosen the sealing film attached to the container manually or with the aid of a tool such as a knife and, after reclosing the container, to arrange it again in its original position on the container and to fasten it with an adhesive, so that an untrained viewer of the container can recognize the Manipulation does not notice anything.

Conventional sealing foils are also subject to the risk of falsification through unauthorized duplication or graphic reproduction, so that goods illegally produced without a license from the manufacturer can be provided with a container which has a copied sealing foil that is mistaken for a seal of approval by the ignorant buyer and proof of this feigns the authenticity of the purchased goods.

For this reason, there are various sealing films that can be applied to a packaging element or a container by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, which cannot be removed from the respective container without a visible change in their appearance due to a preparation of the separating forces or the adhesion within a multilayer structure of the sealing film.

Such a preparation of the sealing film coating is achieved in that an adhesion setting layer is integrated into it at defined points. The adhesion setting layer can either be a material which reduces the adhesion between adjacent layers of the sealing film or also a material which increases this adhesion.

From the U.S. 5,633,058 For example, a sealing film with a carrier film is known, on the underside of which, in the position of use, facing the container, an adhesion setting layer, also known as a “release lacquer layer”, is applied in the form of a defined pattern, e.g. in the form of letters, followed by a A layer of paint applied over the entire surface, which is fixed to the surface of the container with an adhesive layer. When the carrier film is removed, those remain underneath The areas of the color layer located in the adhesion setting layer or the release varnish layer due to their reduced adhesion to the container surface or to the layer formed by the adhesive layer, while the areas of the color layer that are not contacted by the release varnish layer are lifted together with the carrier film and thus become one forms a pattern corresponding to the application of the release lacquer layer or an obviously visible lettering. A similar structure also has one in the EP 0 491 099 B1 disclosed sealing film.

From the WO 01/98424 A multilayer security adhesive tape for detecting the unauthorized opening of a container is known, in which an adhesion setting layer in the form of a primer adhesive layer is applied to a carrier film in the form of a primer adhesive layer which greatly increases the adhesive force of adjacent layers. Again, the adhesion setting layer is applied in the form of a graphic object, with several separating layers subsequently being applied, which are finally glued to the container over the entire area with a pressure-sensitive adhesive. As the carrier film is now peeled off, those areas of the separating layers to which the strongly adhesive adhesion setting layer has been applied are separated or torn out from those areas of the separating layers not adjoining the adhesion setting layer and therefore remaining on the substrate or on the container, so that the previously hidden areas graphic object becomes visible within the separating layers and indicates that the security adhesive tape has been detached or that the container has been opened.

The DE 10 2005 043 221 A1 relates to a self-adhesive tape comprising a carrier layer, an adhesive layer, an adhesion-enhancing primer layer and a separating layer, with which self-adhesive tape a manipulation of a packaging closed therewith can easily be determined. If the carrier layer is detached from the substrate, the separating layer in the sections that are not provided with the additional primer layer detaches from the carrier layer due to the differently set adhesive forces. The separating layer remains on the carrier layer in the areas in which the additional primer layer is applied.

A disadvantage of such sealing films is the fact that they cannot be affixed satisfactorily to an uneven surface of a container, in particular to a convex or concave surface of a container - viewed both longitudinally and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the container - without any folds forming in the respective container Sealing film results. In particular in the area of the closure element of a container, in the case of a bottle in the area in which the bottle neck is contacted by a screw cap or cork, a conventional sealing film with the described layer separation effect can only be positioned with difficulty or with the acceptance of an unprofessional appearance.

In addition, with known sealing films, in the event of detachment, it is not possible to guarantee an exact, contour-accurate image of the pattern or graphic object applied in the form of the adhesion setting layer. Instead, irregularities and a poor visual appearance must be accepted in the visible appearance of the graphic object.

The object of the present invention is therefore to avoid these disadvantages and to provide a sealing film with a graphic object hidden in its layer structure or a described layer separating effect, which adapts precisely and without creases to irregular or convex / concave container geometries. In particular, a sealing film according to the invention should be attachable in an ideal and optically perfect manner in the area of the bottle neck of a bottle, generally speaking in the area of the closure element of a container.

It is a further aim of the present invention to enable an exact, contour-accurate image of the pattern or graphic object applied in the form of the adhesion setting layer in the event that the sealing film is detached.

This object is achieved by a sealing film with the characterizing features of claim 1.

A sealing film of the generic type comprises a single or multi-layer carrier film to which any number of layers, in particular a colored layer, is applied, which coating can be at least partially adhered to a container by means of an adhesive layer. Here, in defined areas of the color layer, an adhesion setting layer in the form of a graphic object is adjacent in order to impart to the color layer in these defined areas a lower or increased adhesion to the carrier film than in those areas which are not covered by the adhesion setting layer. In this way, as the carrier film is detached from the container, the defined areas can be separated from the colored layer and, due to their adhesive properties, can be adhered either to the carrier film or to further layers arranged thereon or to the container or to the adhesive layer. According to the invention it is provided that the carrier film is stretched in order to contract under heat treatment and to adapt to the surface shape of the container.

Such a preparation or orientation of the carrier film therefore makes it possible to apply the sealing film precisely and without folds, even to irregular or convex or concave container shapes, while at the same time providing secure protection against manipulation and forgery. In particular, a sealing film according to the invention has the ability to conform to the shape of a bottle neck or a closure element of a container. The transitions between the closure elements of a container and the container body itself can thus be ideally overlapped by the sealing film. It should be noted here that a sealing film according to the invention is not only suitable for attachment to such transitions between the closure elements of a container and the container body, e.g. on a champagne bottle cork, but is also generally suitable for attachment to irregular container geometries, e.g. also on a bottle belly or on a Tin, proves beneficial.

In a preferred embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention, the adhesive layer mentioned is a heat-sealing adhesive. Here, the adhesive is “activated” with heat, adapts to the final size of the shrunk sealing film when heated or swollen, and solidifies again after cooling. The advantage over other adhesives is that the heat seal adhesive hardens completely after heating and therefore does not leave any sticky residue on the container surface. Since the adhesive layer is also activated at the same time as the heat treatment initiating the shrinking process of the sealing film positioned on the container, separate adhesive activation is therefore not necessary.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesion setting layer is a release varnish layer which reduces the adhesion of the color layer to adjacent layers of the sealing film and which is applied on both sides of the color layer, i.e. both on the side of the color layer facing the carrier film and on the is arranged in the use position of the sealing film to the container or to the adhesive layer facing side of the color layer. In this way, a precise formation of the graphic object described by the defined areas is ensured in the course of a detachment process of the sealing film. The release lacquer layers on both sides of the color layer can be arranged in any desired geometries and shapes, which create a graphic object including any background or frame patterns.

Of course, with the sealing film according to the invention it is still possible to provide an adhesion setting layer or release lacquer layer only on one side of the color layer, i.e. either on its side facing the carrier film of the sealing film or on its side facing the adhesive layer or the container. In any case, a lower level of adhesion is generated for defined areas of the color layer compared to the areas delimited by the defined areas in that suitable release varnish layers adjoin the color layer, whereby the color layer in those defined areas of lower adhesion due to a reduced surface tension does not remain with a the further layer adjoining the release lacquer layer, in particular not with the adhesive layer or the carrier layer, and therefore remains easily removable. In contrast, due to this arrangement, the areas of the adjoining layers of the coating that are delimited by the defined areas can permanently connect to one another.

The separated, defined areas of the color layer do not have to adhere directly to the carrier layer or to the adhesive layer, but can also adhere them indirectly via further layers arranged on the carrier layer or to the adhesive layer.

The graphic object, which is preferably a lettering, for example “VOID”, remains hidden from a viewer before the container is opened for the first time and is only visually visible after it has been opened.

In order to enable an optimized design of the graphic object in the course of the removal process of the sealing film, in a further preferred embodiment of the present invention the release lacquer layers arranged on both sides of the color layer are on one side as a positive form of the graphic object and on the other side as Negative shape of the graphic object formed. In this case, both the graphic objects formed in the positive form and in the negative form are preferably arranged in an approximately congruent position within an emblem area of the sealing film. In this way, a precise detachment of the areas of the color layer, precisely defined by the positive form and negative form of the release lacquer layers, from the container or from the adhesive layer is possible and there is a risk of blurring Appearance or a frayed optics of the graphic object formed largely prevented.

In addition to the layers described, the coating can also have any number of further layers which are aimed at manufacturing advantages or optical effects without deviating from the inventive idea.

In order to reduce the adhesion of the defined areas of the at least one colored layer in a suitable manner, silicone-containing lacquer is preferably used as the release lacquer layer. As a result of the aversive properties of the silicone-containing lacquer that lower the surface tension, the layers of the coating adjoining the silicone-containing lacquer layer, in particular the color layer, adhere easily and detachably. A function according to the invention is guaranteed by silicone-containing paint even under high or low temperature use and under the influence of damp or dry climates. The preferably transparent nature of the silicone-containing lacquer layer makes it invisible to a viewer while providing a likewise transparent carrier layer of the sealing film and thus does not reveal the outlines or defined areas of the graphic object, since the viewer only looks at the color layer, which has a uniform appearance falls.

• eine Negativform oder Positivform des graphischen Objekts aus einer Release-Lackschicht, vorzugsweise aus silikonhaltigem Lack
• vorzugsweise eine Zwischenschicht
• eine Farbschicht aus vorzugsweise UV-härtendem Lack
• eine Positivform oder Negativform des graphischen Objekts aus einer Release-Lackschicht, vorzugsweise aus silikonhaltigem Lack
• sowie eine die Verbindung zum Behälter ausbildende Klebemittelschicht.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention, the following layers are applied to the carrier film:

• a negative form or positive form of the graphic object from a release lacquer layer, preferably from silicone-containing lacquer
• preferably an intermediate layer
• a color layer of preferably UV-curing lacquer
• a positive form or negative form of the graphic object from a release lacquer layer, preferably from silicone-containing lacquer
• and an adhesive layer forming the connection to the container.

This arrangement of the layers, which are preferably applied to one another using flexographic, screen printing, letterpress or offset printing processes, has proven particularly useful in practical tests, with the intermediate layer in front of the colored layer only serving to outline the shape of the graphic object that may be visible from the carrier film cover up.

The arrangement of positive form and negative form on both sides of the ink layer is understood to be alternating, i.e. if a positive form was arranged on the side of the ink layer facing the adhesive layer or the container, then a negative form is arranged on the side of the ink layer facing the carrier film and vice versa.

At the same time, the specific, difficult-to-reproduce multilayer structure of the sealing film largely prevents unauthorized duplication by unauthorized third parties, so that a sealing film according to the invention applied to a container also guarantees the authenticity of the packaged goods.

In a preferred embodiment variant, the carrier film of the sealing film is made of transparent plastic. Due to the transparent design of the plastic, the color layer arranged underneath is clearly visible to a viewer at all times and shows whether the color layer is still homogeneous and thus untouched, or whether already defined areas in the form of the graphic object have been separated from the surface of the color layer and thus the container has been opened.

In order to provide a suitable and inexpensive material for the carrier film of the sealing film, it is preferably made of polyester, polystyrene or PVC.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the graphic object is positioned at a precisely registered position of the sealing film or the carrier film. This ensures that the graphic object always appears in the same place in each individual sealing film produced. Brand logos and lettering can thus be reliably accommodated and centered in an emblem area of the sealing film without the risk of edge areas being outside the emblem area, as would be the case in the case of scattered printing.

In the interests of improved ease of use, in a preferred embodiment the carrier film has a tab or a tear strip that is cut out from the application of the adhesive layer. The tab or the tear strip are preferably an integral part of the carrier layer, but can also each be a separate part that is adjusted to the carrier layer by a suitable method such as welding or gluing.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie versehenen Behälters bei intaktem Zustand der Versiegelungsfolie
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie versehenen Behälters mit abgelöster Versiegelungsfolie
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung eines mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie versehenen Behälters
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung eines mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie versehenen alternativen Behälters
• 5 eine schematische Darstellung eines mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie versehenen alternativen Behälters
• 6 eine schematische Gliederung einer erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung des Querschnitts einer erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung des strukturellen Aufbaus einer Beschichtung der erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie

The invention will now be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment. It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a container provided with a sealing film according to the invention with the sealing film intact
• 2 a schematic representation of a container provided with a sealing film according to the invention with a peeled sealing film
• 3rd a schematic representation of a container provided with a sealing film according to the invention
• 4th a schematic representation of an alternative container provided with a sealing film according to the invention
• 5 a schematic representation of an alternative container provided with a sealing film according to the invention
• 6th a schematic structure of a sealing film according to the invention
• 7th a schematic representation of the cross section of a sealing film according to the invention
• 8th a schematic representation of the structural design of a coating of the sealing film according to the invention

In 1 is in a schematic manner a container designed as a liquor bottle 1 shown at the neck of the bottle 2 a sealing film according to the invention 4th is appropriate.

The sealing film 4th has several layers, in particular a carrier film made of polyester, polystyrene or PVC 5 including a coating 8th on and is covered with an adhesive layer 16 on the surface of the container 1 attachable. At the adhesive layer 16 it is preferably a heat-sealing adhesive which can only be activated under the action of heat and which is attached to the sealing film in the position of use 4th the layer of the coating closest to the container surface 8th is applied.

According to 6th has the sealing film 4th an emblem area 18th on, in which between the carrier film 5 and the adhesive layer 16 an already mentioned coating 8th is provided, which in turn is subdivided into several layers. In the emblem area 18th is a graphic object 7th arranged, which due to a structure of the coating described in more detail below 8th in the intact or not yet tampered state of the sealing film 4th Invisible to a viewer, when the sealing film is detached 4th however, it is visually recognizable and thus a manipulation of the sealing film has taken place 4th or opening the container 1 clearly and irreversibly indicated (see 2 ).

According to the invention it is provided that the carrier film 5 is stretched to contract under heat treatment and to the surface shape of the container 1 adapt.

To the carrier film 5 to stretch, stretching or tensioning devices known per se are used. This is where the carrier film 5 For example, held in a so-called stretching frame by means of tension clamps, around the structure of the carrier film 5 to be oriented by means of appropriate clamping or profiling techniques in such a way that they ultimately have the desired shrinkage properties. This is where the carrier film 5 heated with precise temperature control, for example by passing through a tempering furnace or by heating individual transport rollers of the stretching device. After exiting the stretching device, the carrier film cools 5 in a controlled manner by passing it over a series of chill rolls. Then the carrier film 5 wound or cut to their final size or punched.

Is a sealing film prepared in this way 4th Delivered by the manufacturer, this can be done (manually or automatically) in a simple manner at any point on the bottle or container 1 be positioned in order to then be subjected to a heat treatment in this position. In order to achieve a suitable heat or heat effect, various radiant heaters can be used, which are electrically operated, for example. Such a heat treatment is applied in the case of a bottle neck 2 or bottle cap attached sealing film 4th mostly done automatically, for example by transporting bottles on a conveyor, ideally rotating around their vertical axis 1 be guided along a heating wall or by placing a corresponding heating hood over the bottle necks for a short time 2 or bottle caps lowers. A heat treatment described can also be carried out by means of a superheated steam device.

The sealing film 4th can be glued in advance to a tube over the bottle 1 or their closure element 3rd , parallel to its axis. Or the sealing film 4th can be looped around in the form of a band across the axis of the bottle and only glued to a tube on the bottle.

Such a heat effect has the consequence that the stretched carrier film 5 contracts according to their structural orientation and ideally to the surface shape of the bottle 1 hugs. The one on the carrier film 5 adhering layers or the coating 8th follow this change in shape of the carrier film 5 due to their elastic properties and also compress gradually. Also irregular surface shapes or convex or concave curvatures of the bottle or the container 1 can in this way from the sealing film 4th wrinkle-free and without air pockets.

Was used as an adhesive layer 16 If a so-called hot-melt adhesive is used, the described heat treatment activates the adhesive layer at the same time 16 and thus a non-detachable connection to the bottle or container after it has hardened 1 hand in hand. One to the coating 8th the carrier film 5 adjacent heat seal adhesive layer 16 makes it possible to use the sealing film according to the invention 4th at the designated location on the container 1 to position without the sealing film 4th sticks to the container surface even before the heat treatment or the shrinking process to be carried out and this results in the risk of unfavorable stresses or wrinkles during the heat treatment or the shrinking process. Those attached to the coating 8th adjacent heat-seal adhesive layer that is essentially solid or non-tacky at room temperature 16 only changes to a liquid or viscous state when heated and adapts itself together with the carrier film 5 and their coating 8th to the surface shape of the respective container 1 or its closure element 3rd at.

In principle, however, it is also conceivable as an adhesive layer 16 Provide a glue seal that can be activated by contact with water or other solvent or reaction adhesives. It should be noted at this point that the adhesive layer 16 not an integral part of the sealing film 4th must be, but possibly also shortly before the sealing film is applied 4th either on the surface of the container 1 or on the container 1 facing underside of the sealing film 4th can be applied or painted on.

In any case, it is essential that the sealing film has the best possible adhesion 4th on the respective adhesive substrate of the container, for example made of glass or plastic 1 is achieved.

With the adhesive 16 it can also be a contact adhesive, in which case an adhesive component is on the coating 8th the carrier film 5 and another adhesive component on the container 1 or its closure element 3rd is applied.

In the 3rd to 5 are different here with a sealing film according to the invention 4th provided container shapes shown in a schematic manner. The in 3rd illustrated container 1 For example, it can be a bottle made of glass with a closure element designed as a screw cap 3rd act. As can be seen from this figure, all of the sealing film 4th contacted areas or bulges of the bottle neck 2 as well as the closure element 3rd from the sealing film 4th encased exactly.

Similarly, an in 4th shown, with a closure element designed as a cork 3rd sealed bottle 1 with a sealing film according to the invention 4th equipped. According to this exemplary embodiment, the sealing film is 4th Cap-shaped and can in such a way in a simple manner on the closure element 3rd to be put on in the sequence on the bottle neck 2 and the closure element 3rd to be shrunk on by means of heat treatment. To a suitable detachment of the once on the bottle 1 glued sealing film 4th or their carrier film 5 to enable the carrier film 5 in this case be slotted or punched along its circumference, so that in the event of the sealing film becoming detached 4th that according to 4th at the top of the closure element 3rd Lid area that comes to rest 4a or the carrier film arranged thereon 5 on the closure element 3rd remains, while the rest, along the circumference of the closure element 3rd or the bottle neck 2 running section of the sealing film 4th or the carrier film arranged thereon 5 can be peeled off.

That about bottles 1 described application principle of the sealing film according to the invention 4th can of course, as for example in 5 shown, also on any other container 1 , e.g. use medicine or beverage or food cans in order to seal them in a reliable manner.

It should also be noted that the sealing film according to the invention 4th in the present exemplary embodiments, it is always on both sections of the container 1 or the bottle neck 2 as well as sections of the closure element 3rd overlapping position are shown, but it may also be sufficient, the sealing film 4th apart from the closure element 3rd , e.g. exclusively on the bottle neck 2 or on the belly of the bottle, or even exclusively on the closure element 3rd , i.e. without the actual body of the container 1 to contact, to arrange.

The 6th and 7th show schematically the structure of the aforementioned, between carrier film 5 and the surface of the container 1 or the Adhesive layer 16 located coating 8th . The illustrated proportions of the layer thicknesses do not correspond to the real conditions in practice, but only serve to better illustrate the structural build-up of the coating 8th .

A layer of paint, preferably composed of UV-curing, pigment-containing lacquer, can be seen here 9 which with their top on a negative mold 11 and with its underside on a positive form 12th of the graphic object 7th adjoins. The positive and negative forms 11 , 12th of the graphic object 7th are applied by means of a layer of a so-called release lacquer, preferably a transparent silicone-containing lacquer. The outline of the graphic object 7th must with regard to their positioning on the emblem area 18th be precisely defined in order to be filled with the release varnish.

It should be noted that as a release varnish layer 6th alternative materials or material mixtures can also be used, for example oily pastes of organic or synthetic origin. What is essential here, however, is that the release lacquer layer 6th has suitable aversive, adhesion-reducing properties. By means of the release varnish layer 6th the surface tension of that layer or that substrate to which it is applied is thus reduced to a precisely measured extent, so that adjacent layers of the coating 8th are only liable to a lesser extent, e.g. roll off. The extent to which that surface tension is reduced can be determined by the choice of the concentration of the silicone content in the release lacquer layer 6th or can be precisely controlled via the weighting of the amount of paint. In the specific case, this ratio is set so that one on the release lacquer layer 6th adjacent layer of the coating 8th barely adheres to that, but still has the lowest possible degree of adhesion.

Between the negative form 11 of the graphic object 7th or that of the negative form 11 uncovered area of the carrier film 5 and the paint layer 9 is optionally an intermediate layer 10 transparent-white lacquer arranged, which is preferably also UV-curing. Instead of a UV-curing lacquer, you can use a layer of color 9 as well as an intermediate layer 10 Of course, water- or alcohol-based colors can also be used.

The paint layer 9 as well as the intermediate layer 10 be at least over the area of the emblem area 18th applied, but can also cover the entire neck of the bottle in the position of use 2 surrounding area of the sealing film 4th be applied.

This means that the paint layer 9 as well as the intermediate layer 10 inextricably linked to that area of the adhesive layer 16 connect which is not of which the positive form 12th of the graphic object 7th forming release lacquer layer 6th is covered. In that through the positive form 12th The paint layer remains in the defined area covered with silicone-containing paint 9 as well as the intermediate layer 10 according to the aversive properties of the release varnish layer 6th but stick easily detachable.

The one on the opposite, the carrier film 5 facing side of the paint layer 9 arranged negative form 11 points in one with the surface of the positive form 12th essentially congruent area a recess 19th on paint (see 8th ).

Those the positive form 12th and the negative form 11 forming layers release varnish of the coating 8th' thus cover clearly defined areas of the paint layer 9 which, however, can be seen by a viewer when the container is still unopened 1 due to the transparent properties of positive form 12th and negative form 11 can't see it, so it's just an emblem area 18th perceives which one in a uniform shade of the paint layer 9 , for example, is kept white.

It is also possible to use the positive form 12th and the negative form 11 to arrange the release lacquer layer in the reverse order as described, so that the negative form 11 Release lacquer layer to the adhesive layer 16 adjoins, while the actual expression of the graphic object 7th defining positive form 12th Release lacquer layer between the subsequent layer of paint 9 and the carrier film 10 is arranged.

Between the positive form 12th and the adhesive layer 16 a background color layer (not shown) is applied, which can be made either completely opaque or also transparent or semi-transparent. The provision of the background color layer is optional and can optionally be omitted, since it fulfills purely optical purposes and the visualization of the hidden graphic object 7th in the event that the sealing film is peeled off 4th supported.

In addition to or in combination with the aforementioned background color layer, a further intermediate layer, e.g. in transparent white, can be provided at this point.

If the provision of the background color layer was dispensed with, the adhesive layer is adjacent 16 directly to the positive form 12th Release varnish layer on. Because it's the negative form 11 Release lacquer layer forming layer silicone-containing lacquer a recess 19th has which essentially the positive form 12th corresponds to and is congruent with this, it comes exactly in the area of this recess 19th to a strong bond between the paint layer 9 and the carrier film 5 . In contrast, the remaining emblem area is created 18th according to the aversive properties of the negative form 11 silicone-containing lacquer that forms an easily detachable connection between the carrier film 5 and paint layer 9 and a strong bond between paint layer 9 and adhesive layer 16 (or the background color layer) or the surface of the container 1 .

Of course, instead of the in 8th illustrated recess 19th also other defined areas of the paint layer 9 through the negative form 11 be limited, for example, to a specified tolerance of the graphic object 7th to guarantee.

All layers of the coating 8th are preferably applied to one another using flexographic, screen printing, letterpress or offset printing.

In the described structure of the coating 8th thus form the paint layer 9 as well as the intermediate layer 10 those layers to which the overlying and underlying layers adhere in the event of the sealing film being peeled off 4th separate from each other, with parts of the paint layer 9 separate and henceforth either on the adhesive layer 16 , the background color layer or the container surface or on the carrier film 5 or remain on further layers arranged on them.

On the sealing film 4th can open aids in the form of tear strips 17th or tabs be attached so that the consumer himself is encouraged, the effect of the visualization of the graphic element 7th to check. In other cases it may be sufficient if this prevents a potential forger from using a sealing film that has already been peeled off 4th re-use in an unlawful manner.

At one end area or at an in 1 as 6th opening edge shown 13th the sealing film 4th is for this purpose in the present embodiment an in the carrier film 5 integrated tear strip 17th provided, which a reliable detachment of the carrier film 5 including the assigned layers of the coating 8th is used and consists, for example, of aluminum or plastic.

The sections of the sealing film 4th , which is the graphic element 7th after peeling off the sealing film 4th or the carrier film 5 should be released according to 6th from a semi-easily openable area 14th be limited, which serves to peel off the sealing film 4th or their carrier film 5 to oppose a noticeable, but not too strong resistance, so that a user or transporter of the container 1 cannot accidentally open it. Optionally on the side of the emblem area 18th , i.e. on one or both of the shorter side edges of the in 6th represented rectangular emblem area 18th another semi-easily openable area 20th be provided to the user of the sealing film 4th to offer continuous resistance in the event of peeling and smooth peeling of the sealing film 4th or the carrier film 5 to enable.

The semi-easily reveal areas 14th , 20th as well as the semi-easily revealed area described below 15th can come about by putting in these areas of the sealing film 4th on the adhesive layer 16 one across from an emblem area 18th stronger adhesive effect of the coating 8th is provided. Preferably the semi-easily revealable areas are 14th , 20th and 15th however formed by applying the layer of release lacquer 6th in those semi-easily openable areas 14th , 20th and 15th not over the entire surface, but only partially, for example in the form of a graffiti-like or net-like texture. Such a partial layer application of the release varnish 6th is shown in accordance with 8th shown purely by way of example and can use the graphic symbol 7th or the emblem area 18th same as the representation in 6th of course also encompass all sides, ie not only, as shown, in the area of the semi-easily openable areas 20th , but also in the semi-easily openable areas 14th and 15th .

Should now the sealing film 4th be peeled off, the user must remove the sealing film 4th on the tear strip 17th or take hold of the tab and point it in the direction of the emblem area 18th pull.

Because the tear strip 17th or a tab is only part of the carrier film 5 are but not permanent with the adhesive layer 16 are connected, an accompanying detachment of the carrier film is in this way 5 from the adhesive layer 16 or from the surface of the container 1 causes. In the course of this detachment, defined areas of the carrier film separate 5 and adhesive layer 16 arranged coating 8th , especially the paint layer 9 as well as the intermediate layer 10 as either of the adhesive layer 16 or the container 1 or the carrier film 5 inextricably attached.

The design of positive form 12th as well as negative form 11 so decide which defined areas of the paint layer 9 as well as the intermediate layer 10 from the adhesive layer 16 or the container 1 be detached and which defined areas of the paint layer 9 as well as the intermediate layer 10 henceforth on the carrier film 5 or to that of the carrier film 5 now assigned further layers remain adhering.

In the area of the positive form 12th of the release varnish finds the color layer 9 or the intermediate layer 10 less adhesion than to the carrier film 5 . Im the positive form 12th The paint layer adheres to the area surrounding the release varnish 9 or the intermediate layer 10 better on the background color layer than on the negative form 11 of the release varnish. On the carrier film 5 the graphic object is formed 7th in the color of the paint layer 9 from.

Was the sealing film according to the invention 4th Once detached in the manner described, it is no longer possible to undo this process, since even if an illegitimate attempt is made to reattach the removed carrier film 5 to the container 1 the graphic object 7th by the sticking of the paint layer 9 on the carrier film 5 on the one hand and the adhesive layer 16 on the other hand, or the resulting air gap and the changed refraction of light remain clearly contrasted with one another and such an attempt to “cover up” the opening of the container 1 thus remains unsuccessful.

The graphic object is expediently 7th be designed in the form of a meaningful lettering or symbol, for example in the form of the English word "VOID" or "OPEN". Even for an amateur assessment, it is clearly indicated whether the container 1 has already been opened or is still in its original packaging and contains intact goods.

That in the described embodiment by means of one or more release lacquer layers 6th configured graphic object 7th can also be formed in other ways, for example by merely applying a partial layer of adhesive 16 in the form of the respective graphic object 7th or by adding a partially to the coating 8th integrated, in particular to the carrier layer 5 adjacent and particularly strongly adhesive additional adhesive, as mentioned in the introduction WO 01/98425 described.

Generally speaking, the one prepared for a heat treatment, according to the invention by means of a stretched carrier film, is suitable 5 constituted sealing film 4th to be provided with all conceivable coating variations that occur when the carrier film is peeled off 5 produce a splitting effect and a predefined graphic object 7th to reveal. In this sense, instead of the release varnish layer 6th also a suitable adhesion control layer 6th be provided which of the coating 8th or the paint layer 9 In defined areas, there is less or even increased adhesion to the carrier film 5 conveyed than in those areas not covered by the adhesion adjustment layer 6th are covered.

By controlling the adhesive properties of the adhesive layer accordingly 16 as well as the adhesion setting layer 6th it is also conceivable that the graphic object 7th after the sealing film has been removed 4th only on the carrier film 5 or only on the container surface or the adhesive layer 16 remains, i.e. no inverse shape of the graphic object in the respective opposite area 7th is visible.

To increase the proof of authenticity you can use the sealing film 4th other overt, covert and forensic features can be added, such as a hologram tear strip 17th , a random number, a security color or a marking material. This corresponds to the usual practice of adding counterfeit-proof features in the case of bank notes and ID documents.

The graphic object 7th is preferably at a precisely defined position of the sealing film 4th positioned. This results in a print of the graphic object that is in register 7th realized to ensure that the graphic object 7th in every single sealing film produced 4th always appears in the same place. In contrast to a scatter printing technique, in which the graphic object 7th each at an arbitrary, random position of the individual sealing film 4th comes to rest because the image of the graphic object 7th quasi in a matrix-like "endless loop" in the form of graphical objects fixed at a distance from one another 7th repeated schematically, in the case of a printing technique that is in register, it is guaranteed that brand logos and lettering are always reliably in a predetermined position in the emblem area 18th the sealing film 4th can be accommodated without the edge areas thereof outside the emblem area 18th come to rest and be cut off. The sealing film according to the invention can of course 4th however, it can also be produced using conventional scatter printing technology.

If in the manner indicated above, positive form 12th and negative form 11 were arranged in the opposite way to that proposed in the exemplary embodiment, the opposite case now occurs, ie the graphic object 7th will be in the color of the paint layer 9 on the adhesive layer 16 visible and on the carrier film 5 inversely from the color of the paint layer 9 surround.

The described structure of the coating 8th can be varied according to practice and, if necessary, also include additional layers consisting of any color, varnish or plastic components. The structural design of the coating 8th may be greatly simplified and one or more of the layers mentioned are omitted.

As already mentioned, it is also possible to apply a release varnish layer 6th only on one side of the paint layer 9 , so either on their to the carrier film 5 the sealing film 4th facing side or on its to the adhesive layer 16 or to the container 1 pointing side to be provided. Such can be done in defined areas of the adhesive layer 16 a layer of silicone-containing paint and one of these following layers of paint 9 adjoin. The adhesive effect between the paint layer 9 and carrier film 5 must now be weighted so that the adhesive strength of the paint layer 9 sufficient to cover the area of the paint layer 9 from the adhesive layer 16 or to be detached from the container surface, which is congruent over the defined area of the layer of silicone-containing lacquer, i.e. over the shape of the graphic object 7th is located, while the adhesive effect is, however, at the same time dimensioned in such a way that the area of the paint layer not encompassed by the defined area adheres 9 on the adhesive layer 16 is allowed.

The reverse order of arrangement is also possible, namely by placing a layer of silicone-containing lacquer only on the one facing the carrier film 5 the sealing film 4th facing side of the paint layer 9 is arranged. The adhesive force between the paint layer 9 and the carrier film 5 is again weighted in such a way that that area of the paint layer is in the course of the detachment process 9 from the adhesive layer 16 or is detached from the container surface, which does not depend on the shape of the graphic object 7th corresponding layer of silicone-containing paint is covered.

It is left to the person skilled in the art to add further layers within the coating in addition to the layers described 8th to be provided, for example in order to achieve special optical effects, contrasting or manufacturing advantages without deviating from the inventive idea.

Claims (9)

Sealing film comprising a single or multi-layer carrier film (5) on which any number of layers, in particular a color layer (9) having a coating (8) is applied, which coating (8) is at least partially applied by means of an adhesive layer (16) a container (1), wherein in defined areas of the color layer (9) an adhesion setting layer (6) in the form of a graphic object (7) adjoins, whereby the color layer (9) in these defined areas a lower or an increased adhesion compared to the Carrier film (5) is conveyed than in those areas that are not covered by the adhesion setting layer (6), so that the defined areas can be separated from the color layer (9) in the course of the removal of the carrier film (5) from the container (1) and due to their adhesion either to the carrier film (5) or to further layers arranged thereon or to the container (1) or to the adhesive layer (16) si nd, characterized in that the carrier film (5) is stretched in order to contract under heat treatment and to adapt to the surface shape of the container (1), and in that the adhesion setting layer (6) is about the adhesion of the color layer (9) Adjacent layers of the sealing film (4) reducing release lacquer layer (6), which is on both sides of the color layer (9), that is, both on the side of the color layer (9) facing the carrier film (5) and on the side of the sealing film in the position of use (4) to the container (1) or to the adhesive layer (16) facing side of the color layer (9) is arranged. Sealing film after Claim 1 , characterized in that the adhesive layer (16) is a heat seal adhesive. Sealing film according to one of the Claims 1 to 2 , characterized in that the release lacquer layers (6) arranged on both sides of the color layer (9) have the positive form (12) of the graphic object (7) on one side and the negative form (11) of the graphic object (11) on the other side. 7), both the graphic object (7) formed by the positive mold (12) and the graphic object (7) formed by the negative mold (11) being arranged in an approximately congruent position. Sealing film according to one of the Claims 1 to 3rd , characterized in that the at least one release lacquer layer (6) is a layer of silicone-containing lacquer, which is preferably transparent. Sealing film after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the following layers are applied to the carrier film (5): - a negative form (11) or positive form (12) of the graphic object (7) from a release lacquer layer, preferably from silicone-containing lacquer - preferably an intermediate layer (10) - a color layer (9) made of preferably UV-curing lacquer - a positive form (12) or negative form (11) of the graphic object (7) made of a release lacquer layer, preferably made of silicone-containing lacquer - an adhesive layer (16) Sealing film according to one of the Claims 1 to 5 , characterized in that the carrier film (5) is made of transparent plastic. Sealing film according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th , characterized in that the carrier film (5) is made of polyester, polystyrene or PVC. Sealing film according to one of the Claims 1 to 7th , characterized in that the graphic object (7) is positioned at a precisely registered position of the sealing film (4). Sealing film according to one of the Claims 1 to 8th , characterized in that the carrier film (5) has a tab or a tear strip (17) cut out from the application of the adhesive layer (16).

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