EP2747059B1 - Self-adhesive label with concealed security message - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to the field of self-adhesive labels comprising a movable multilayer assembly which is completely detachable or not relative to a multilayer fixing assembly.

The self-adhesive label according to the invention finds a particularly advantageous application for constituting a security label making it possible to ensure the inviolability, the traceability and / or the authentication of the object on which the label is affixed.

In the field of self-adhesive security labels, the state of the art has proposed numerous embodiments of such labels.

In general, a self-adhesive label comprises a detachable multilayer assembly with respect to a multilayer assembly for fixing to an object. The multilayer fastening assembly comprises a material fastening element composed of at least one front type of paper or plastic film, provided on its underside with a layer of glue carried by a support whose removal makes it possible to fix the label on any type of object to secure. The detachable multilayer assembly comprises at least one front material element, generally printed on its upper face, assembled with the fixing material element by means of a varnish-glue.

One or more so-called security printing layers are interposed between the front material element and the fixing material element. When the front material element is detached from the multilayer fixing assembly, then the multilayer fixing assembly makes appear, using the security printing layers, a message proving the act of removal or attempt label removal. The multilayer fixing assembly which comprises at least the front type paper or plastic film remains fixed on the object.

If such a self-adhesive label is satisfactory in practice, it turns out that its manufacture requires various constituent elements making its manufacturing cost not negligible. Furthermore, it turns out that the objects on which such labels remain attached, require recycling in end of their life. Also, such labels are able to increase the amount of material to be recycled from objects receiving such labels.

Furthermore, it appears that some of these self-adhesive security labels reveal the security message before any removal attempt, which has a disadvantage in certain applications.

The patent application EP 0657859 describes an adhesive closure highlighting tampering attempts for a cellulosic support of a container. This closure comprises a transparent front layer, a discontinuous layer of a deposit of a transparent barrier material bonded to the internal surface of the front layer, a colored layer firmly bonded to the front layer in regions where it does not exist. deposits of transparent barrier material. This closure also includes two layers of adhesives making it possible to vary the release force in order to ensure separation. This closure has the drawback of having a tacky appearance both at the level of the mobile assembly and of the assembly attached to the object.

The patent US 5,294,470 describes a system for indicating the opening of an object comprising a masking material having poor adhesion properties on a transparent or translucent panel. A layer of dye is placed on the inner face of the transparent panel and beyond the masking material. An adhesive is arranged to wrap the layer of dye. The disadvantage of this system is the sticky appearance presented by the mobile assembly and the assembly remaining attached to the object after opening.

The present invention aims to propose a new self-adhesive security label comprising a movable multilayer assembly with respect to a multilayer fixing assembly, such a self-adhesive label having a reduced manufacturing cost compared to known self-adhesive labels while reducing the proportion of material to be recycled. at the end of the life of the object provided with such a label, for the same printing surface, the multilayer fixing assembly and the assembly mobile multilayer that does not have a sticky or adhesive character after separation.

Another object of the invention is to propose a new self-adhesive security label designed not to cause the security message to appear, before any removal attempt.

To achieve such an objective, the invention relates to a label according to claim 1.

• la première couche de séparation est séparée de la couche d'adhésif à l'aide d'une ou de plusieurs couches de protection contre l'adhésif,
• la couche de sectionnement est réalisée par le dépôt d'un mélange encre, vernis, décolorant, additifs,
• la couche de sectionnement est transparente ou translucide, colorée ou non,
• la couche d'impression est séparée de la couche de sectionnement ou de l'élément matériel frontal par l'intermédiaire d'une couche intermédiaire d'accroche,
• la face de la couche de sectionnement, tournée à l'opposé de l'élément matériel frontal ainsi que la face inférieure de l'élément matériel frontal sont pourvues d'un traitement de surface améliorant leur tension de surface,
• la première couche de séparation est déposée puis activée sur la couche d'impression, cette première couche de séparation possédant une tension de surface telle que la force de retenue la plus faible entre les couches de l'étiquette est située entre la couche d'impression et la première couche de séparation, en ce qui concerne la partie située en dehors de la couche de sectionnement, et d'un côté ou de l'autre de la couche de sectionnement, en ce qui concerne la partie située en relation avec ladite couche se sectionnement,
• la deuxième couche de séparation est déposée puis activée sur la couche d'impression, pour posséder une tension de surface déterminée, et en ce que la première couche de séparation est déposée puis activée sur la deuxième couche de séparation pour posséder une tension de surface déterminée de manière que la force de retenue la plus faible entre les couches de l'étiquette est située entre la première couche de séparation et la deuxième couche de séparation en ce qui concerne la partie située en dehors de la couche de sectionnement, et d'un côté ou de l'autre de la couche de sectionnement , en ce qui concerne la partie située en relation avec ladite couche se sectionnement,
• chaque couche de séparation activée possède une liaison d'accroche qui dépend de la tension de surface entre ladite couche de séparation et la couche sur laquelle elle est déposée ainsi que de la quantité déposée.

The self-adhesive security label according to the invention also comprises, in combination, one and / or the other of the following additional technical characteristics:

• the first separation layer is separated from the adhesive layer using one or more layers of protection against the adhesive,
• the sectioning layer is produced by depositing an ink, varnish, bleaching, additive mixture,
• the sectioning layer is transparent or translucent, colored or not,
• the printing layer is separated from the sectioning layer or from the front material element by means of an intermediate bonding layer,
• the face of the sectioning layer, facing away from the front material element as well as the underside of the front material element are provided with a surface treatment improving their surface tension,
• the first separation layer is deposited and then activated on the printing layer, this first separation layer having a surface tension such that the lowest retaining force between the layers of the label is located between the printing layer and the first separation layer, with regard to the part outside the sectioning layer, and on one side or the other of the sectioning layer , as regards the part located in relation to said sectioning layer,
• the second separation layer is deposited then activated on the printing layer, to have a determined surface tension, and in that the first separation layer is deposited then activated on the second separation layer to have a determined surface tension so that the weakest retaining force between the layers of the label is located between the first separation layer and the second separation layer with regard to the part situated outside the sectioning layer, and a on either side of the sectioning layer, with regard to the part situated in relation to said sectioning layer,
• each activated separation layer has a bonding bond which depends on the surface tension between said separation layer and the layer on which it is deposited as well as on the quantity deposited.

Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.

Various other characteristics will emerge from the description given below with reference to the appended drawings which show, by way of nonlimiting examples, embodiments of the subject of the invention.

The Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a self-adhesive label attached to an object.

The Fig. 1A is a view of the self-adhesive label illustrated in the Fig. 1 with the movable multilayer assembly raised relative to the multilayer fixing assembly.

The Fig. 2 is a sectional view of a label.

The Fig. 2A is a sectional view showing the self-adhesive label illustrated in the Fig. 2 whose movable multilayer assembly is removed relative to the multilayer fixing assembly.

The Fig. 3 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a self-adhesive label according to the invention.

The Fig. 3A is a sectional view of the self-adhesive label illustrated in the Fig. 3 with the movable multilayer assembly removed from the multilayer fixing assembly.

As can be seen from Fig. 1 , 1A , the present invention relates to a self-adhesive label 1 intended to be fixed to an object 2 of any kind with a view to ensuring the inviolability, traceability and / or authentication of the object 2 on which the label is affixed. In general, the self-adhesive label 1 comprises a multilayer assembly 3 which is movable relative to a multilayer assembly 4 for fixing to the object 2 , during the application of a release force F between the movable multilayer assembly 3 and the multilayer fixing assembly 4.

As can be seen more precisely from Fig. 2 and 2A illustrating an embodiment of the self-adhesive label not in accordance with the invention, the multilayer fixing assembly 4 comprises at least one layer of adhesive 6 such as glue, carried by a support 7 having a non-stick character relative to the adhesive layer 6. Thus, the support 7 is removed from the multilayer fixing assembly 4 to allow the attachment of the label 1 on the object 2. It should be noted that the different layers of the 'label 1 shown in the drawings are not to scale but are illustrated only for the understanding of the invention.

The mobile multilayer assembly 3 comprises at least one front material element 8 made of any suitable material, for example paper or plastic, transparent or opaque, colored or not. This front material element 8 is produced by one or more layers of material. For example, the front material element 8 is a polypropylene film. The front material element 8 has an upper face 9 and on the opposite, a lower face 11. The terms lower and upper are to be taken into consideration with respect to the direction of observation of the object 2 when the label is fixed to the object, with the movable multilayer assembly 3 in contact with the multilayer fixing assembly 4.

A printing layer 12 is produced on all or part of the lower face 11 of the front material element 8. The printing layer 12 is produced in any suitable manner on the lower face 11 and for example by flexography. Of course, the upper face 9 of the front material element 8 can be printed.

According to the invention, the self-adhesive label according to the invention comprises a sectioning layer 13 interposed between the front material element 8 and the printing layer 12. This sectioning layer 13 is produced in a localized manner relative to the surface of the printing layer 12 so that a portion 12a of the printing layer 12 is in a position of superposition relative to the cutting layer 13. In other words, the printing layer 12 thus comprises a part 12a situated in contact with the sectioning layer 13 and a part 12b situated outside the sectioning layer 13 , being in contact directly or indirectly with the underside 11 of the front material element 8 , like this will be explained in the following description.

The sectioning layer 13 has a retaining force such that the printing layer located in the superposition position, that is to say the part 12a of the printing layer can be separated from the front material element 8 during applying the take-off force F so as to form part of the movable multilayer assembly 3. Furthermore, the underside 11 of the front material element 8 has a retaining force which, apart from this sectioning layer 13 , is greater than the release force F so that the part 12b of the printing layer, located outside of the sectioning layer 13 remains integral with the movable multilayer assembly 3.

In the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2 , 2A and 3 , 3A , the sectioning layer 13 has, relative to the front material element 8 , a retaining force which is less than the release force F of the movable multilayer assembly 3 , so that the sectioning layer 13 is separated from the frontal material element 8 during the application of the take-off force F. Thus, the detachment of the cutting layer 13 simultaneously causes the corresponding part 12a of the printing layer 12 which separates from the part 12b of the printing layer, the latter remaining integral with the front material element 8. In other words, the cutting layer 13 acts as a cutting element of the printing layer 12 , according to a contour defined by the contour of the sectioning layer 13.

For example, the sectioning layer 13 is produced by a mixture, for example of the ink, varnish, bleaching, additive type.

This sectioning layer 13 is transparent or translucent, colored or not.

According to an embodiment illustrated in the drawings but not exclusive, the printing layer 12 is separated from the sectioning layer 13 by means of an intermediate bonding layer A. In the same direction, the layer of printing 12 can be separated from the front material element 8 by an intermediate bonding layer A. This intermediate bonding layer A can be produced for example by printing. As can be seen from the figures, this intermediate bonding layer A is interposed between, on one side the printing layer 12 and on the opposite side, the sectioning layer 13 and the underside 11 of the element front material 8. Of course, the printing layer 12 can be produced directly on the lower face 11 on which the cutting layer 13 has been previously deposited.

It should be noted that provision may be made for one or more additional printing layers 12 ' as illustrated in Fig. 3 and 3A , between the printing layer 12 and the intermediate bonding layer A.

According to a preferred embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, 2A and 3 , 3A , the face 13a of the sectioning layer 13, facing away from the front material element 8 is provided with a surface treatment t improving its surface tension. Likewise, the underside 11 of the front material element 8 is provided with a surface treatment t improving its surface tension. Thus, after the installation of the sectioning layer 13 on the lower face 11 of the front material element 8, then a surface treatment t is carried out on all this lower face 11 of the front material element 8. For example , a corona treatment can be carried out as a surface treatment t. Thus, such a surface treatment makes it possible to increase the surface tension between the lower face 11 of the front material element 8 and the intermediate bonding layer A, while the surface tension between the front material element 8 and the sectioning layer 13 remains lower since the surface treatment t has not been carried out between the sectioning layer 13 and the front material element 8.

According to another characteristic of the invention, the self-adhesive label 1 comprises at least a first separation layer 14 covering at least part of the layer of adhesive 6. According to a first embodiment illustrated in Fig 2 and 2A , the self-adhesive security label 1 comprises a single separation layer 14. It should be noted that the separation layer 14 is separated or not from the adhesive layer 6 using one or more protective layers against the adhesive.

This first separation layer 14 is designed so that the retaining force between the movable multilayer assembly 3 and said first separation layer 14 is less than the release force F of the movable multilayer assembly 3 exerted to ensure separation between the movable multilayer assembly 3 and the multilayer fixing assembly 4. Thus, the first separation layer 14 remains integral with the multilayer fixing assembly 4 during the application of such a release force F. In this regard, the first separation layer 14 has a force of retained with the adhesive layer 6, which is greater than the release force F.

• entre la couche d'impression 12 et la première couche de séparation 14, en ce qui concerne la partie située en dehors de la couche de sectionnement 13 et,
• d'un côté ou de l'autre de la couche de sectionnement 13, en ce qui concerne la partie située en relation de ladite couche de sectionnement 13.

This first separation layer 14 is deposited and then activated on the printing layer 12 before being brought into contact with the adhesive layer 6. This first separation layer 14 has a surface tension such that the retaining force the weakest between the different layers of the label is located:

• between the printing layer 12 and the first separation layer 14, with regard to the part situated outside the sectioning layer 13 and,
• on one side or the other of the sectioning layer 13 , as regards the part situated in relation to said sectioning layer 13.

As explained above, at the level of said sectioning layer 13 , the weakest retaining force is between the sectioning layer 13 and the front material element 8 ( Fig. 2-2A and 3-3A ). The retaining force of the cutting layer 13 with the front material element 8 is less than the retaining force of the first separation layer 14 . Thus, the part 12a of the printing layer placed in the position of superposition of the sectioning layer 13 remains integral with the multilayer fixing assembly 4 . The first activated separation layer 14 has a bonding connection as a function of the surface tension between said separation layer and the layer on which it is deposited, namely the printing layer 12 in the example illustrated.

After the lifting of the movable multilayer assembly 3 relative to the multilayer fixing assembly 4 , the multilayer fixing assembly 4 comprises as upper face, the upper face 15 of the first separation layer 14 and the sectioning layer 13 while the movable multilayer assembly 3 comprises, as the lower face, the lower face 16 of the printing layer 12 , amputated from the part 12a of the printing layer 12 superimposed on the cutting layer 13. In the example illustrated in Fig. 1A , the part 12a of the printing layer which appears on the upper face 15 through the sectioning layer 13 corresponds to the word "OPEN". Symmetrically, the underside of the movable multilayer assembly 3 lets appear in negative the word "OPEN".

According to an advantageous characteristic of embodiment, the upper face 15 of the first separation layer 14 is non-adhesive.

According to an advantageous characteristic of embodiment, the lower face 16 of the printing layer 12 is also non-adhesive.

By way of example, the first separation layer 14 can be an activatable varnish of the “peel-off” type.

According to a second alternative embodiment illustrated in particular in Fig. 3-3A , the self-adhesive label 1 comprises a first separation layer 14 but also a second separation layer 17 covering at least the printing layer 12 produced on the lower face 11 of the front material element 8. This second separation layer 17 is in contact with the first separation layer 14 since it is interposed between the printing layer 12 and the first separation layer 14. Advantageously, the two separation layers 14 and 17 are produced in a perfectly superimposed manner.

This second separation layer 17 is designed so that the retaining force between the two separation layers 14 and 17 is less than the release force F of the movable multilayer assembly 3 , so that the second separation layer 17 remains integral with the movable multilayer assembly 3 while the first separation layer 14 remains integral with the multilayer fixing assembly 4. It should be noted that the second separation layer 17 has a retaining force with the printing layer 12 , which is greater than the take-off force F.

• entre la première couche de séparation 14 et la deuxième couche de séparation 17 en ce qui concerne la partie située en dehors de la couche de sectionnement 13 et,
• d'un côté ou de l'autre de la couche de sectionnement 13, en ce qui concerne la partie située en relation de ladite couche de sectionnement 13.

The second separation layer 17 is deposited and then activated on the printing layer 12 to have a determined surface tension. Furthermore, the first separation layer 14 is deposited and then activated. on the second separation layer 17 , before being brought into contact with the adhesive layer 6. The second separation layer 17 has a surface tension determined so that the weakest retaining force between the different layers of the label is located:

• between the first separation layer 14 and the second separation layer 17 as regards the part situated outside of the sectioning layer 13 and,
• on one side or the other of the sectioning layer 13 , as regards the part situated in relation to said sectioning layer 13.

As explained above, at the level of said sectioning layer 13 , the weakest retaining force is between the sectioning layer 13 and the front material element 8 ( Fig. 3 and 3A ). The retaining force of the sectioning layer 13 with the front material element 8 or with the printing layer 12 or even the intermediate bonding layer A is less than the retaining force of the separation layers 14 and 17. Thus, the part 12a of the printing layer placed in the position of superposition of the sectioning layer 13 remains integral with the multilayer fixing assembly 4.

Each activated separation layer 14 and 17 has a bonding connection as a function of the surface tension between said separation layer and the layer on which it is deposited as well as the quantity deposited. Control of the quantity deposited makes it possible to vary the separation force of the mobile assembly relative to the fixed assembly according to the need or the object on which the label will be deposited. This ease of adjustment makes it possible to adapt very quickly and easily to the constraints intrinsic to bonding on various objects.

After the lifting of the movable multilayer assembly 3 relative to the multilayer fixing assembly 4 , the multilayer fixing assembly 4 comprises as upper face, the upper face 15 of the first separation layer 14 and the sectioning layer 13 (( Fig. 3A ) while that the movable multilayer assembly 3 comprises, as the lower face, the lower face 19 of the second separation layer 17 amputated from its part placed in the position of superposition with the cutting layer 13 , the upper face 20 of the second separation layer 17 being in contact with the printing layer 12. As explained above in relation to Fig. 2-2A , the lower face of the movable multilayer assembly 3 lets appear in negative, a pattern similar to that presented by the upper face of the multilayer fixing assembly 4.

According to an advantageous characteristic of embodiment, the lower face 19 of the second separation layer 17, and consequently of the mobile multilayer assembly 3, is non-adhesive. Likewise, as indicated above, the upper face 15 of the first separation layer 14 is also non-adhesive.

For example, the first separation layer 14 can be an activatable varnish of the release type while the second separation layer 17 can be an activatable varnish of the "peel-off" type.

It appears from the foregoing description that the self-adhesive label 1 according to the invention comprises a single material element, namely, the front material element 8. Thus, the multilayer fixing assembly 4 which is fixed to the object 2 does not have a physical element.

The self-adhesive label 1 according to the invention has the advantage of being able to be adapted or configured in different ways, so as to produce a security label with a view to ensuring the inviolability, authentication and traceability of objects 2 on which such a label is intended to be attached.

The invention is not limited to the examples described and shown since various modifications can be made thereto without departing from its scope.

Claims (9)

1. A self-adhesive security label including a movable multilayer assembly (3) relative to a multilayer attachment assembly (4) on an object (2) during the application of a detachment force, the movable multilayer assembly (3) including a transparent or translucent front material element (8) and a printing layer (12) located on at least part of the lower face (11) of the front material element (8), the multilayer attachment assembly (4) including an adhesive layer (6) carried by a support (7) from which it is removable, including:

   - a sectioning layer (13) interposed between the front material element (8) and the printing layer (12), in a localized manner and in a superimposed position relative to a portion of the printing layer (12), the sectioning layer (13) having, relative to the front material element (8), a retaining force which is smaller than the detachment force of the movable multilayer assembly so that the sectioning layer (13) and the printing layer (12a) located in the superimposed position can be separated from the movable multilayer assembly (3) upon the application of the detachment force while the lower face (11) of the front material element (8) has a retaining force which, outside of this sectioning layer (13), is greater than the detachment force,

   - at least a first separation layer (14) covering the adhesive layer (6), this separation layer (14) being designed such that the retaining force between the movable multilayer assembly (3) and said separation layer (14) is smaller than the detachment force of the movable multilayer assembly (3) so that the first separation layer (14) remains secured to the multilayer attachment assembly (4), this retaining force being greater than the retaining force of the sectioning layer (13) so that, upon the application of such a detachment force, the portion (12a) of the printing layer (12) placed in the superimposed position of the sectioning layer (13) remains secured to the multilayer attachment assembly (4),

   - the label comprising a second separation layer (17) covering at least the printing layer (12), in contact with the first separation layer (14) by being interposed between the printing layer (12) and the first separation layer (14), the second separation layer (17) being designed such that the retaining force between the two separation layers (14, 17) is smaller than the detachment force of the movable multilayer assembly (3) and such that the second separation layer (17) has a retaining force with the printing layer (12) which is greater than the detachment force (F) so that the second separation layer (17) remains secured to the movable multilayer assembly (3), except for a portion placed in the superimposed position of the sectioning layer (13) which remains secured to the multilayer attachment assembly (4), while the first separation layer (14) remains secured to the multilayer attachment assembly (4).
2. The self-adhesive label according to claim 1, characterized in that the first separation layer (14) is separated from the adhesive layer using one or several layers for protection against the adhesive.
3. The self-adhesive label according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the sectioning layer (13) is made by the deposition of a mixture of ink, varnish, bleaching, additives.
4. The self-adhesive label according to any of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the sectioning layer (13) is transparent or translucent, colored or not.
5. The self-adhesive label according to claim 1, characterized in that the printing layer (12) is separated from the sectioning layer (13) or from the front material element (8) by means of an intermediate adhesion layer (A).
6. The self-adhesive label according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the face of the sectioning layer (13) facing away from the front material element (8) as well as the lower face (11) of the front material element (8) are provided with a corona treatment.
7. The self-adhesive label according to claim 1, characterized in that the first separation layer (14) is deposited and then activated on the printing layer (12), this first separation layer (14) having a surface tension such that the smallest retaining force between the layers of the label is located between the printing layer (12) and the first separation layer (14), as regards the portion located outside the sectioning layer (13), and on one or the other side of the sectioning layer (13), as regards the portion located in relation to said sectioning layer (13).
8. The self-adhesive label according to claim 1, characterized in that the second separation layer (17) is deposited and then activated on the printing layer (12), to have a determined surface tension, and in that the first separation layer (14) is deposited then activated on the second separation layer (17) to have a determined surface tension such that the smallest retaining force between the layers of the label is located between the first separation layer (14) and the second separation layer (17) as regards the portion located outside the sectioning layer (13), and on one or the other side of the sectioning layer (13), as regards the portion located in relation to said sectioning layer (13).
9. The self-adhesive label according to claim 8, characterized in that each activated separation layer (14, 17) has an adhesion connection that depends on the surface tension between said separation layer and the layer on which it is deposited as well as on the deposited amount.

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