EP1082256B1 - Safety envelope formed by a sleeve made in heat shrinkable material equipped with an identifying metal-coated strip - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns a safety envelope (20) formed by a sleeve (21) made of heat shrinkable plastic material, equipped on its inner surface with a tear strip (22) and a metal-coated identifying strip (23). The invention is characterised in that the metal-coated strip (23) is non-adhesive, and is sandwiched between the sleeve (21) inner surface and an adhesive surface of the tear strip (22). The tear strip (22) overlaps on the metal-coated strip (23) two sides so as to adhere to the sleeve (21) internal surface via zones located on either side of the metal-coated strip (23).

Description

The present invention relates to the field of the packaging of objects, and more particularly the packaging made by means of an envelope constituted by a sleeve in heat-shrinkable plastic intended for be retracted on the object or objects concerned.

We have been using the technique for packing one or more objects from a heat-shrinkable sleeve produced in the form of a sleeve which is slipped over the object or objects to be wrapped, then heat-shrunk on these objects.

For opening the packaging, it is known to use a tear strip fitted to the sleeve heat shrinkable on the inner side thereof, said strip being mostly arranged according to a generator of the sleeve, and much more rarely according to a circumferential direction of said sleeve. Depending on the case, it one or two lines of perforations can be provided in the vicinity of the tear strip, to facilitate tear in the sleeve wall when a pull is exercised by pulling on one end of the tear strip. The heat shrink sleeves used can be used to support inscriptions, possibly also to include a user manual (we then arrange a pocket bounded by two parallel sealing lines arranged according to generatrices of the sleeve), or to ensure the inviolability of the object, in particular in association with a object opening system (lid or cap), or still to provide anti-theft protection of the object in supporting for example a filament forming an electromagnetic antenna.

The invention relates more particularly to a security envelope of the type consisting of a sleeve heat-shrinkable plastic suitable for surrounding closely part of the object concerned, said sleeve being further equipped, on its internal face, with a band and a metallic identification strip which extends parallel to said tear strip.

To secure the tear strip to the wall of the sleeve, an adhesive bond is generally provided, as was already the case for overpack films fitted with a tear strip passing around the packaged object (see for example documents US-A-3,362 617, EP-A-0 223 498, and GB-A-2 123 376). More recently, we sought to combine several functions with the same sleeve, for example by providing a tear strip carrying a metallic filament constituting an antenna for an electronic surveillance system operating on a magnetic detection principle, as illustrated in the document EP-A-0 698 562 from the applicant. It suits moreover to observe that, in document EP-A-0 698 562 mentioned above, the metallic filament in question does not can be compared to a metallic strip identification; moreover, in the variant of FIGS. 7a and 7b, the filaments are sandwiched between the strip tear-off coated with an adhesive material and the inner wall of the sleeve. The adhesive material is provided either by a tear strip self-adhesive, either by a tear-off strip coated on a of its faces with an adhesive material. If the filament is surrounded by glue, especially between the filament and the wall of the sleeve, it is not annoying for a filament metal constituting an antenna operating on a principle of magnetic resonance but it would be if we wanted to be able to perform an optical reading by transparency through the wall of the sleeve.

It has also been proposed to produce bands tear-off including a hologram, the hologram tape being glued to the internal face of the sleeve, and perforations being provided in the tear strip and in the wall of the sleeve to facilitate opening by traction on said tear strip (see for example the document GB-A-2 273 492). Such a self-adhesive hologram tape has the disadvantage of being expensive to manufacturing. In addition, due to the presence of adhesive on the entire metallized side of the hologram strip coming into contact with the inner face of the sleeve, there is necessarily a more or less significant presence of adhesive material between this metallized face and the wall internal of the sleeve, often with more or less traces less significant varnish: these traces of glue and / or varnishes always alter the optical value that we are looking for to be obtained by transparency through the wall of the sleeve, which affects the readability of the element from the outside hologram, and therefore increases the risk of not recognize wild copies. Finally, membership in the interface between the hologram strip and the internal face of the film has a negative effect on the visual integrity of the hologram because the shrinkage of the film more or less breaks the metallization of said hologram.

Another technique is to provide a strip tamper-evident security comprising a substrate including a hologram, each surface of the substrate having an adhesive layer, and the security element being fixed to the wall of the sleeve by one of its layers adhesive (see for example GB-A-2 298 391). Such a technique with double adhesive bond, that is to say both on the face of the sleeve and on the wall of the object, naturally provides the advantage of detection reliable in the event of abnormal handling of the sleeve or object. However, this technique remains expensive and difficult to implement. In addition, we finds the serious previous disadvantages resulting from the presence of adhesive material between the hologram element and the internal face of the wall of the heat-shrinkable sleeve. The presence of glue over the entire width of the strip hologram in fact inevitably induces interference which alters the optical value linked to the readability of the hologram element. It should be noted that in the GB-A-2 298 391 cited above, the tear strip is disposed in the vicinity of, and parallel to, the strip hologram, so this tear strip is used only to fulfill the traditional function of helping tearing of the envelope, without intervening in any way in the security function which is ensured by the hologram tape.

It has also been proposed to carry out security envelopes with the sleeve on its internal face, a holographic element and a strip tearing passing behind this holographic element, in order to tear said element when opening the envelope made by pulling on the strip (see par example document FR-A-2 754 375 by the applicant). In this case, the inner wall of the sleeve carries an element holographic realized in the form of an enlarged pellet which is glued directly against the inner wall of the sleeve, this pellet comprising a layer of holographic metallization carried by a layer of transparent plastic support adhering to the inner face of the sleeve. Such a holographic element is intended to constitute a certification of origin of the product. However, such an envelope does not provide true indication of a break-in, in particular the fact that the sleeve can be removed by sliding or cutting, then replaced by another fitted envelope internally from another identical holographic element or similar to the original item. In some cases, the fraudster can even take off the holographic element original if it is very difficult to reproduce, so to put it back on a new support which is then replaced on the object.

The invention aims to design an envelope security with tear strip and metallic identification strip who is able to combine the advantages of above techniques, without having the disadvantages, being particularly economical to carry out, and above all providing a perfect optical value for readability through the wall of the heat-shrinkable sleeve.

This problem is solved in accordance with the invention, thanks to a security envelope for objects, especially for containers with a closure device, type consisting of a sleeve made of heat-shrinkable plastic able to closely surround part of the object, said sleeve being further equipped, on its face internal, tear strip and metallized strip identification by optical reading which extends parallel to said strip tear-off, said envelope being remarkable by the fact that the metallized strip is non-adhesive, and that it is sandwiched between the inner face of the sleeve and a adhesive side of the tear tape, the tear tape protruding on both sides of the metallized strip so as to adhere to the inner face of the sleeve by areas located on either side of said metallized strip.

So unlike prior techniques recalled above, the metallic strip is perfectly pressed against the inside of the heat-shrinkable sleeve without the slightest presence of varnish or glue coming alter the optical value of readability by transparency through the wall of said sleeve. Metallic strip identification, which can be a holographic tape, is perfectly held in position by the band that completely envelops it, in particular on either side of the edges of it, without having had to provide an adhesive face for the metallized strip. We can therefore use existing holographic bands, with the desired pattern of any complex two or three-dimensional type, without having to deposit adhesive material on one of their faces.

Preferably, the metallized strip has its metallized side facing the adhesive side of the strip tear.

Thanks to this characteristic, we increase considerably the fragility to destruction for the metallized part, insofar as the slightest manipulation of the tear strip has the immediate effect of cause delamination resulting in destruction at least partial of the metallized part, in particular holographic. We therefore reinforce the self-destruction effect in the event of fraudulent manipulation of the wrapped object.

We can also ensure that at least a line of micro-perforations is provided in the wall of the sleeve in the vicinity of, or also in, the strip tearing, parallel to the latter. These micro-perforations are not mandatory, but their presence can help easy opening of the envelope, even for large tear strips (this large width being the consequence of a large width to wrap the metallic identification tape used).

It can also be provided that at least one of the two sides of the tear strip are printed. This printing of the inside and / or outside of the tear strip provides an additional indication effect burglary.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, the tear strip and the metallized strip extend along a generatrix of the sleeve, over the entire height of it.

Alternatively, the tear tape and the tape metallized extend circumferentially, over the entire inner periphery of the sleeve. We can then predict that the tear-off strip is made of plastic heat shrinkable, so as to have the same shrinkage transverse than the wall of the sleeve. In particular, the metallic strip can likewise be produced from a strip of heat-shrinkable plastic, so as to also present the same transverse shrinkage as the sleeve wall.

Finally, provision may be made for a detection antenna or a chip be sandwiched between the strip metallized and the adhesive side of the tear tape.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective illustrant une enveloppe de sécurité conforme à l'invention, dont la bande d'arrachage qui emprisonne la bande métallisée d'identification s'étend selon une génératrice du manchon thermorétractable, sur toute la hauteur de celui-ci;
• la figure 2 est une vue en plan de la surface intérieure développée du manchon constitutif de l'enveloppe précitée, avec en outre une impression (représentée par la lettre S) sur une face de la bande d'arrachage collée contre la paroi interne du manchon ;
• la figure 3 est une coupe selon III-III de la figure 2, à une échelle très agrandie, permettant de mieux distinguer la structure multicouche associée à la paroi du manchon thermorétractable, avec la bande métallisée non-adhésive prise en sandwich entre la face adhésive de la bande d'arrachage et la face interne du manchon ;
• la figure 4 illustre différents types d'objets, ici des récipients à dispositif de fermeture, équipés d'une enveloppe de sécurité du type précité ;
• la figure 5 est une coupe de détail permettant de mieux distinguer l'agencement de la bande d'arrachage enveloppant la bande métallisée d'identification, plaquée contre la paroi externe de l'objet emballé par la paroi du manchon thermorétractable, avec en outre une antenne de détection prise en sandwich entre la bande métallisée et la face adhésive de la bande d'arrachage ;
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective illustrant un deuxième mode d'exécution de l'invention, selon lequel la bande d'arrachage enveloppant de part et d'autre la bande métallisée d'identification est agencée selon une direction circonférentielle ;
• la figure 7 et 8 illustrent deux objets revêtus d'une enveloppe du type de celle de la figure 6, thermorétractée sur le corps de l'objet associé.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly in the light of the description which follows and of the appended drawings, concerning a particular embodiment, with reference to the figures where:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a security envelope according to the invention, the tear strip which traps the metallized identification strip extends along a generatrix of the heat-shrinkable sleeve, over the entire height of it this;
• Figure 2 is a plan view of the developed inner surface of the sleeve constituting the aforementioned envelope, further with an imprint (represented by the letter S) on one side of the tear tape stuck against the inner wall of the sleeve ;
• Figure 3 is a section on III-III of Figure 2, on a very enlarged scale, to better distinguish the multilayer structure associated with the wall of the heat-shrinkable sleeve, with the non-adhesive metallized strip sandwiched between the adhesive face of the tear strip and the internal face of the sleeve;
• FIG. 4 illustrates different types of objects, here containers with a closure device, equipped with a security envelope of the aforementioned type;
• Figure 5 is a detail section to better distinguish the arrangement of the tear tape surrounding the metallized identification tape, pressed against the outer wall of the object wrapped by the wall of the heat-shrinkable sleeve, with in addition a detection antenna sandwiched between the metallized strip and the adhesive face of the tear strip;
• Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating a second embodiment of the invention, according to which the tear strip enveloping on either side the metallized identification strip is arranged in a circumferential direction;
• FIG. 7 and 8 illustrate two objects coated with an envelope of the type of that of FIG. 6, heat-shrunk on the body of the associated object.

Figure 1 illustrates a security envelope 20 according to the invention, said envelope being constituted by a sleeve 21 made of heat-shrinkable plastic, which is open at both ends, said sleeve being shown not perfectly cylindrical, but under form of an open sheath with two end folds, for remember that this type of sleeve is obtained by cutting of a flattened sheath unwound from a coil. In a way conventional, the sleeve 21 is made from a sheath continues itself obtained by edge-to-edge film folded in on itself, with sealing at the level of the covering, forming a flap noted 28.

The sleeve 21 is equipped, on its internal face, denoted 21.1, a tear strip 22 and a strip metallic identification 23.

In accordance with an essential characteristic of the invention, the metallized strip 23 is non-adhesive, and it is sandwiched between the internal face 21.1 of the sleeve 21 and an adhesive face of the tear strip 22, this tear strip 22 projecting from both sides of the metallized strip 23 so as to adhere to the internal face of the sleeve 21 by zones located on either side of said metallized strip. We also distinguish on the Figure 1 one end 24 for gripping the strip as well as a double row of micro-perforations 27 arranged here in the vicinity of the tear strip 22, and parallel to the latter.

When the sleeve 21 is flat, its internal face 21.1 is presented in accordance with the illustration given in Figure 2. We recognize in this figure the presence of the tear strip 22 sandwiching the metallized strip identification 23, which is non-adhesive and confined between the internal face 21.1 of the wall of the sleeve, and the adhesive side of the tear strip 22. There are also two end bands marked 28 ', 28' ', which are superimposed when the sleeve is formed, the area covering corresponding to a seal at the Aforementioned zone 28 forming said sleeve. He is interesting further note in Figure 2 the presence of a impression 25, here symbolized, by way of example only, by the letter S. It is easy to understand that the impression of at least one of the two faces of the tear strip 22 provides a break-in indicator effect extremely interesting. We then manage to combine a additional function in addition to that of the certification of origin.

The section in Figure 3 provides a better understanding the multilayer arrangement, with the sandwiching of the metallic identification strip 23, which is preferably a holographic strip, between the adhesive side denoted 22.2 of the tear strip 22, and the internal face 21.1 of the wall of the heat-shrinkable sleeve. The representation of Figure 3 is of course only a schematic representation, the bulging of the strip tear-off 22 enveloping the metallized strip 23 being in almost insignificant effect in practice, in the measure that the metallized strip has a thickness of in the range of 40 to 60 µm. Therefore, although it did not been represented so as not to overload the figure, we are ensured that adhesive from the adhesive side 22.2 of the tear strip 22 will actually be present along parallel edges of the metallic identification strip 23. The metallized strip 23 is thus perfectly pressed against the internal face 21.1 of the sleeve 21, so that, for an observer looking at the external face 21.2 of the sleeve 21, the optical value for the readability of the metallized part of the strip 23 is optimal, not being in no way disturbed by any presence of varnish or glue.

Figure 3 also makes it possible to clearly distinguish the zones 30 by which the tear strip 22 adheres to the internal face 21.1 of the sleeve 21, on either side of the metallic identification strip 23. We will also note in Figure 3 the fact that the metallized strip 23 presents its metallized face noted 23.1, facing the adhesive side 22.2 of the tear strip 22. Thus, the other face 23.2 of the metallized strip 23 remains applied, without interposition of glue or varnish, against internal face 21.1 of the sleeve 21, and the metallized face 23.1 including the holographic function of the band, is in all concerned with the adhesive on the face adhesive 22.2 of the tear tape 22. Such an arrangement considerably increases the fragility of the construction, and induces an automatic delamination in case of manipulation fraudulent.

It is important to note that the inner side 22.1 of the tear strip 22 is not adhesive, so that when retracting the sleeve over the object concerned, there is no adhesion between the outer wall of the object and the tear strip. As a result, we avoids any interference which could disturb the game holographic trapped between the tear strip and the sleeve wall.

Thus, thanks to this arrangement, we can use any type of existing holographic tape, with a complex bi or three-dimensional holographic pattern and / or integrating a reading code, without being in any way limited to a particular width of this strip. We'll have in all cases optimal optical efficiency, allowing to clearly distinguish the holographic pattern, and to read with total reliability the possible reading code integrated in the holographic band. In practice, we will use a 6-10mm wide printed tape for the metallic strip 23, in which case the tear strip will be of course of greater width, so as to overflow at least 2mm on each side of the metallic strip 23.

In addition, the absence of adhesive at the interface between the metallic strip and the wall of the sleeve preserves the visual integrity of the hologram, whatever the type of image incorporated, because we remove any interference risking metallization during sleeve retraction.

The two lines of micro-perforations 27 shown in Figures 1 and 2, but not in Figure 3, could alternatively be provided to pass into the tear strip 22 itself. In this case, the micro-perforations pass through both the wall of the sleeve 21 and the tear strip 22.

Figure 4 illustrates several types of objects, as an example, which here are containers marked 10, all covered with a security envelope 20 which is of the type previously described. In this case, containers for closing device, the heat-shrinkable sleeve 21 surrounds part of each container in the area of said closing device, to ensure inviolability.

In a), a container 10 is illustrated, the body 11 is surmounted by a cap possibly screwed 12, while in b) the container 10 is under the shape of a bottle whose body 11 is surmounted by a closure cap 12, and that in c) the container 10 is a bottle whose body is surmounted by a screw cap or clipped 12. In all cases, the container 10 is equipped a heat-shrunk security envelope 20 on its wall by tightly surrounding the part of the corresponding container to the closing device area. For the containers illustrated in b) and c), a envelope whose upper edge covers with a crown denoted 29 the upper face of the capsule or cap 12. It It goes without saying that the examples given in Figure 4 are purely illustrative, and that the invention is in no way limited to a particular type of object nor, when it is of containers, to a particular type of device closing.

In all cases, the heat-shrinkable sleeve 21 is equipped, on its internal face, with a tear strip 22 sandwiching a non-adhesive metallic strip 23. The section on a larger scale in FIG. 5 makes it possible to clearly distinguish the multilayer arrangement at the level of the tear strip 22 and metallized identification strip 23. This FIG. 5 also shows the possibility of integrating a detection antenna or a chip, between the metallic strip and the tear strip: we can see here an antenna wire 50 taken sandwich between the metallic strip 23 and the adhesive face 22.2 of the tear strip 22. The aforementioned impression 25 on at least one face of the tear strip 22 provides in this case an additional advantage by hiding the antenna or the chip thus integrated into the sleeve.

For the previous examples, the tear strip 22 and the metallic strip 23 extended in a generator of the sleeve 21, over the entire height thereof. It is however possible, as a variant, to provide that the tear strip 22 and the metallized strip 23 extend circumferentially, over the entire inner periphery of sleeve 21.

Such an alternative embodiment is illustrated on Figure 6, where we recognize, with the same references as before, the tear strip 22 taking up sandwich, on both sides of its edges, the strip metallized identification 23. This strip 23 is shown grayed out, it being understood by transparency through the wall of the sleeve 21. We also have illustrated the presence of two lines of micro-perforations 27, on either side of the tear strip 22. It should also be noted that in this case the tongue of grip 24 is not an extension of the strip tear 22, but is obtained by a cut, here substantially in an arc, denoted 31, practiced in the wall of the sleeve 21.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two objects 10 coated with a heat-shrunk safety envelope on these, whose structure corresponds to that previously described with reference to Figure 6.

Figure 7 illustrates a packaging envelope 20, enveloping an object 10 which is a diffuser of perfume, of which the body 11 is distinguished, surmounted by a cap forming pusher 13 fitted with a spray nozzle 14, the circular connection zone corresponding to a significant variation in section between the body 11 and the cap 13.

The tear strip 22 and the metallized strip 23 thus extend circumferentially, over the entire inner periphery of the sleeve 21, here at the level of the strong variation of section between the body and the cap the object. It is then interesting to predict that the strip tear-off 22 is made of heat-shrinkable plastic, so as to present the same transverse shrinkage that the wall of the sleeve 21. We can also also provide that the metallized strip 23 is also made from a strip of heat-shrinkable plastic, so as to also present the same transverse withdrawal than the wall of the sleeve 21. This allows then to keep the configuration of the sandwich constituted by the tear strip 22 enveloping the metallized strip 23 despite a very significant transverse withdrawal, in particular well in excess of 40% (for some objects, you can even reach an 80% withdrawal). It then becomes possible to preserve the tear strip concept sandwiching the metallic identification tape with a circumferential arrangement while absorbing large cross-sectional differences, as illustrated with the present fragrance diffuser.

FIG. 8 illustrates another object 10 such as a bottle for which the heat-shrunk sleeve 21 provides simultaneously a labeling function and a function inviolability. The important variations of section from the main body of the bottle to cap of it. The heat-shrinkable tear strip 22, sandwiching the metallic strip 23, can precisely be provided at the lower edge of the cap which is for example screwed onto the body of the bottle, by allowing a clean and homogeneous opening on 360 °. The labeling function is then permanently preserved by the lower portion 21.10 of the heat-shrunk sleeve which remains on the main body of the bottle, after detachment of the tear strip 22. The upper portion of the sleeve 21, relating to the area of the bottle cap, is noted 21.20. There is also a gripping tab 24 connecting to two lines of micro-perforations 27, on either side of the band adhesion zones tear-off 22 projecting from each of the parallel edges of the non-adhesive metallic strip 23.

We thus managed to make an envelope of security combining original certification functions and burglary indication, while giving value perfect optics for the legibility of the metallized part, including holographic, sandwiched tape against the inner wall of the sleeve. This structure, economical to make, allows to use any type of tape holographic existing with any complex pattern, in particular two or three-dimensional, and without depending on the band width.

The invention is not limited to the modes of realization which have just been described, but includes at on the contrary any variant taking over, with means equivalent, the essential characteristics set out upper.

Claims (10)

1. A security covering (20) for articles (10), in particular for receptacles having closure devices, the covering being of the type constituted by a sleeve (21) of heat-shrink plastics material suitable for closely surrounding a portion of the article, said sleeve also being fitted, on its inside face (21.1) with a tear strip (22) and a metallized strip (23) for identification by optical reading which extends parallel to said tear strip, the covering being characterized in that the metallized strip (23) is non-adhesive and is sandwiched between the inside face (21.1) of the sleeve (21) and an adhesive face (22.2) of the tear strip (22), the tear strip (22) projecting from both sides of the metallized strip (23) so as to adhere to the inside face of the sleeve (21) via margins (30) situated on either side of said metallized strip.
2. A security covering (20) according to claim 1, characterized in that the metallized strip (23) has its metallized face (23.1) turned towards the adhesive face (22.2) of the tear strip (22).
3. A security covering (20) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the metallized strip (23) is a holographic strip.
4. A security covering (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one line of microperforations (27) is provided through the wall of the sleeve (21) in the vicinity of, or also through, the tear strip (22), parallel thereto.
5. A security covering (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the two faces of the tear strip (22) is printed (25).
6. A security covering (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tear strip (22) and the metallized strip (23) extend along a generator line of the sleeve (21) over the entire height thereof.
7. A security covering (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the tear strip (22) and the metallized strip (23) extend circumferentially, around the entire inside periphery of the sleeve (21).
8. A security covering (20) according to claim 7, characterized in that the tear strip (22) is made of a heat-shrink plastics material, so as to shrink transversely in the same manner as the wall of the sleeve (21).
9. A security covering (20) according to claim 8, characterized in that the metallized strip (23) is likewise made from a strip of heat-shrink plastics material, so as to ensure that it too shrinks transversely in the same manner as the wall of the sleeve (21).
10. A security covering (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a detection antenna or a chip (50) is sandwiched between the metallized strip (23) and the adhesive face (22.2) of the tear strip (22).

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