EP3726506B1 - Sealing film - Google Patents

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a sealing film for application to a substrate, comprising a carrier film and a plurality of functional layers, the functional layers comprising at least two color presentation layers and at least two adhesion-controlling layers, the sealing film having an adhesive layer for attachment to the substrate, the functional layers between the carrier film and are arranged in the layer of adhesive, the carrier film being at least partially detachable from the functional layers, in particular from the at least two color representation layers, in order to bring the sealing film from a first state into a second state, with at least one symbol being optically visible in the second state, which Symbol is not visible in the first state, wherein the at least two adhesion-controlling layers are provided to define areas from the at least two color presentation Sch when detaching the carrier film and to make the at least one symbol visible.

STATE OF THE ART

In addition to protecting containers or packaging from unauthorized opening, sealing films can also be used to cover confidential information. The sensitive information can be, for example, a PIN or QR code, a hologram or an identity code. The confidential information only becomes visible to the viewer when the sealing foil is removed.

A disadvantage of conventional sealing films is that they are often easy to manipulate. In many cases it is possible to open the sealing foil attached to a substrate, for example paper or cardboard, manually or with the help of a tool such as a knife, and then to apply it back to its original position, so that the viewer is aware of the manipulation carried out previously noticing anything.

For this reason, there are a variety of sealing films that can be applied to a substrate by means of a layer of adhesive and in which the layer of adhesive prevents manual detachment or detachment with a tool, such as a knife. By preparing the separation forces or the adhesion within a multi-layer structure of the sealing film, such sealing films cannot be detached from the respective substrate without a visible change in their appearance. A graphic symbol often appears after detachment, which indicates that detachment has taken place.

In the AT 009 366 U1 a closure label is disclosed by which once a packaging element has been opened it is clearly and irreversibly indicated. The closure label has a plurality of layers which are partially connected to one another, with a top layer being partially detachable from a bottom layer. By detaching the topsheet, defined areas are one between the top layer and the bottom layer arranged coating, in particular a color layer, with the help of at least one release coating layer detachable. As a result, a graphic object previously hidden from the observer becomes optically visible on an emblem area of the closure label, as a result of which once the packaging element has been opened is clearly and irreversibly indicated.

The disadvantage of the known closure label is that when the carrier film is detached from the other layers, only a relatively low-contrast symbol is produced. This implies the risk that the carrier film will be applied back to the lower layers and the viewer will find it difficult to tell whether the closure label has already been detached, since the manipulated and non-manipulated closure label hardly differ from one another. This means that such a closure label is only suitable to a limited extent for covering confidential information, since the viewer cannot be sure whether the confidential information has previously been read by another person.

the EP 0 974 951 B1 discloses a label for covering information, in particular secret numbers, with an adhesive layer, a base layer and a color layer that can be irreversibly removed by rubbing. An authenticity feature is attached to the color layer, which is damaged or destroyed when the color layer is removed, so that you can immediately see whether the color layer was previously worked on.

A disadvantage of the known label is that an additional production step is necessary, since an extra layer of color, which is usually very thick, has to be applied to the base layer in order to adequately conceal the information.

the EP 1 278 173 A2 describes a security identification label comprising a paper strip which identification details, an adhesive layer arranged on the back of the paper strip, a strip of siliconized paper and an intermediate strip which is arranged between the paper strip and the siliconized paper and has another adhesive layer on its back. Furthermore, an intermediate message is also arranged between the intermediate strip and the further adhesive layer.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a sealing film that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and makes a code visible, with a particularly high-contrast symbol being created when a carrier film is detached, whereby a previous manipulation of the sealing film by a clear Marking of the open state is displayed and the manufacture is simple and inexpensive.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

The task set at the outset is achieved in the case of a sealing film for application to a substrate, comprising a carrier film and a plurality of functional layers, the functional layers comprising at least two color presentation layers and at least two adhesion-controlling layers, the sealing film having an adhesive layer for attachment to the substrate, the functional layers between the Carrier film and the adhesive layer are arranged, the carrier film at least partially from the functional layers, in particular from the at least two color display layers, is removable to bring the sealing film from a first state to a second state, wherein in the second state at least one symbol is optically visible, which symbol is not visible in the first state, wherein the at least two adhesion-controlling layers are provided to detaching the carrier film, separating out defined areas from the at least two color representation layers and making the at least one symbol visible, according to the invention achieved in that the functional layers comprise at least one further adhesion-controlling layer, in order to have at least one behind the further adhesion-controlling layer, viewed from the carrier film in the direction of the adhesive layer lying layer and to make a code visible at least in sections by detaching it in the second state.

The structure of the sealing film according to the invention can be summarized as follows: Several functional layers are applied between the carrier film and the adhesive layer, the functional layers comprising at least two color presentation layers and at least two adhesion-controlling layers. In the course of detaching the carrier film, at least one symbol is formed, with areas defined by the at least two adhesion-controlling layers being separated from the at least two color representation layers, which form the at least one symbol. This means that the at least one symbol remains hidden from an observer before the sealing film according to the invention is opened for the first time and is only visible to the eye once the opening has been completed.

In the second state, the sealing film according to the invention has a layer that has been peeled off and a residue that remains stuck to the substrate. The at least one symbol can be visible on the peeled-off layer and/or on the residue in the second state.

Of course, the separated defined areas of the at least one color presentation layer do not have to adhere directly to the carrier foil or the adhesive layer, but can also adhere to them indirectly via other functional layers arranged on the carrier foil or the adhesive layer.

Furthermore, the sealing film according to the invention comprises a further adhesion-controlling layer which, in the course of the detachment of the carrier film, makes a layer at least partially visible which, seen from the carrier film in the direction of the adhesive layer, is behind the other layer adhesion-controlling layer is located. This means that the layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer is not visible in the first state and only becomes at least partially visible after the carrier film has been detached, ie in the second state.

Of course, in addition to the functional layers described, the sealing film according to the invention can also have any number of further functional layers which are aimed at manufacturing advantages or optical effects, without deviating from the idea according to the invention.

The functional layers create something optically perceptible, e.g. a color or a code, or an effect is created, for example by means of adhesion-controlling layers. I.e. "functional layers" is the umbrella term for, for example, the color display layers, the adhesion-controlling layers and the layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer.

The color presentation layers, in turn, may include multiple make-up layers. That is, depending on the color of a color representation layer, the color representation layer comprises one or more composition layers. For example, a dark gray color presentation layer typically includes a white and a black build layer due to the printing process that takes place in practice.

It would be conceivable for the functional layers to be applied to one another preferably using flexographic, screen, letterpress, offset or digital printing methods.

By detaching the carrier film, a code is released or becomes visible. The code can be located directly on the packaging and / or part of the sealing film, preferably part of the functional layers between the Carrier film and the adhesive layer are arranged, and / or be part of the adhesive layer.

In order to make it hardly possible, preferably impossible, to read the code, at least one of the color representation layers can be opaque or contain an interference pattern, or the code cannot be distinguished optically for other reasons.

It would be conceivable that the at least two color representation layers have different colors.

Of course, the at least two color representation layers can also each have the same color. In this case, too, at least one symbol can be visible in the second state, since the refraction of light in those parts of the color presentation layers which have been separated out by means of the adhesion-reducing layers in the course of detachment changes.

The color display layers can be opaque, semi-opaque, translucent, or transparent.

Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the at least two color representation layers each consist of different colors in sections, which can be arranged, for example, in the form of strips or a grid or in the form of images and/or patterns.

It should be mentioned that the functional layers do not necessarily have to extend over an entire surface of the sealing film according to the invention, i.e. over the entire surface. That is, it would be conceivable that parts of the functional layers are only partially arranged on the surface of the sealing film according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention, it is provided that the layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer is at least comprises a code of optical characters and/or graphic symbols. The code is therefore also not visible in the first state and only becomes visible after the carrier film has been detached, i.e. in the second state. This means that in the first state the code is covered by the at least two color representation layers in such a way that reading the code lying under the at least two color representation layers is hardly possible, preferably impossible. For this purpose, at least one of the color representation layers can be opaque or contain an interference pattern, or the code cannot be distinguished optically for other reasons.

In this preferred embodiment, the layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer is a code representation layer.

The code typically contains confidential information. The code can be, for example, a PIN or QR code, a hologram or an identity code.

It is particularly preferred in the sealing film according to the invention that the layer behind the further adhesion-controlling layer is transparent at least in sections and is encompassed by the functional layers and that the functional layers comprise at least one further color-representation layer, which further color-representation layer is between the layer that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer and the adhesive layer is arranged. Viewed from the carrier film in the direction of the adhesive layer, the further color presentation layer is thus located behind the layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer.

In this particularly preferred embodiment, the functional layers thus at least partially include the code. Ie the code is at least partially part of the sealing film according to the invention.

On the one hand, the further color representation layer has the task of making the code readable. This means that the color of the further color representation layer and the color of the code preferably have a high contrast, as a result of which the code on the further color representation layer lying behind it, seen from the carrier film in the direction of the adhesive layer, is clearly visible.

On the other hand, the further color representation layer can serve as a privacy screen if the sealing film according to the invention, including all functional layers, is improperly removed from the substrate, for example with the aid of a tool. In other words, in such a case the code cannot be read through the further color representation layer and is covered on the back by the further color representation layer.

It would also be possible for the further color representation layer to serve as a privacy screen if the sealing film according to the invention is applied to a transparent substrate, for example to a glass bottle. In this case, too, the code cannot be read - despite the transparent background - since the further color representation layer covers it on the back.

The further color presentation layer preferably fulfills both of the above-mentioned tasks. It is conceivable that the additional color display layer is opaque. However, it would also be possible for the additional color display layer to be at least partially transparent or translucent.

• eine erste haftungssteuernde Schicht,
• eine erste Farbdarstellungsschicht,
• eine zweite haftungssteuernde Schicht,
• eine zweite Farbdarstellungsschicht,
• die weitere haftungssteuernde Schicht,
• die hinter der weiteren haftungssteuernden Schicht liegende Schicht und
• die weitere Farbdarstellungsschicht.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention, it is provided that at least the following functional layers are applied one after the other, preferably directly one after the other, to the carrier film, seen in the direction of the adhesive layer:

• a first adhesion-controlling layer,
• a first color representation layer,
• a second adhesion-controlling layer,
• a second color representation layer,
• the further adhesion-controlling layer,
• the layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer and
• the further color representation layer.

This arrangement of the functional layers applied one on top of the other has proven itself in the practical test field, on the one hand to generate a particularly strong optical contrast in the at least one symbol in the second state and on the other hand to protect the code behind the further adhesion-controlling layer as comprehensively as possible.

Of course, it is conceivable that at least one further functional layer is present in addition to the functional layers mentioned above.

It would also be conceivable that the code is located underground. In order to make the code visible on the substrate in the second state, it would be possible that the adhesive layer is not applied under the entire surface of the sealing film according to the invention, ie over the entire surface - those sections in which the code should be visible on the substrate in the second state would then be spared. In other words, in this case the adhesive layer would only be arranged in sections underneath the functional layers. As a result, the further adhesion-controlling layer can be omitted in those sections in which there is no adhesive layer. In other words, the further adhesion-controlling layer could also only be present in sections in this case. Of course, it cannot be ruled out that those behind the other Adhesion control layer lying layer could be present only in sections.

If the code is on the background and the adhesive layer is arranged in sections in order to make the code visible in the second state, the sealing film according to the invention must be arranged very precisely on the background so that it can be ensured that those sections in which there is no adhesive layer is actually present above the code on the ground. In order to have to arrange the sealing film according to the invention less precisely, it is preferably provided with the sealing film according to the invention that the layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer and the adhesive layer are transparent at least in sections in order to make a code on the substrate visible in the second state.

The code is preferably located on the substrate, for example on paper, cardboard or a packaging element, and is covered by the sealing film in the first state. This means that in this preferred exemplary embodiment, too, the code is not visible in the first state and only becomes visible after the carrier film has been detached, i.e. in the second state.

However, it would also be conceivable for the adhesive layer to at least partially encompass the code.

As described above, the code is preferably a PIN or QR code, a hologram or an identity code.

In order to make it almost impossible, preferably impossible, to read the code, at least one of the color representation layers can be opaque or contain an interference pattern or the underlying code cannot stand out optically for other reasons.

In this case, of course, it cannot be ruled out that at least part of the code could also be located within or on one of the functional layers, preferably on the layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer. I.e. at least part of the code is on the background and at least part of the code is within or on one of the functional layers.

• eine erste haftungssteuernde Schicht,
• eine erste Farbdarstellungsschicht,
• eine zweite haftungssteuernde Schicht,
• eine zweite Farbdarstellungsschicht,
• die weitere haftungssteuernde Schicht und
• die hinter der weiteren haftungssteuernden Schicht liegende Schicht.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention, it is provided that at least the following functional layers are applied one after the other, preferably directly one after the other, to the carrier film, seen in the direction of the adhesive layer:

• a first adhesion-controlling layer,
• a first color representation layer,
• a second adhesion-controlling layer,
• a second color representation layer,
• the further adhesion-controlling layer and
• the layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer.

This arrangement of the functional layers applied one on top of the other has proven itself in the practical test field, on the one hand to generate a particularly strong optical contrast with at least one symbol in the second state and on the other hand to protect the code on the background and/or in the adhesive layer as best as possible.

The layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer ensures the effect of the further adhesion-controlling layer, because this ensures that the adhesion-controlling layer does not come into direct contact with the layer of adhesive.

Of course, it is conceivable that at least one further functional layer is present in addition to the functional layers mentioned above.

It is preferably provided in the sealing film according to the invention that the first color representation layer and the second color representation layer are designed in at least two different colors.

The at least two different colors preferably have very high contrasts.

Black and white are also considered colors within the scope of this invention.

It would be conceivable that both the first color representation layer and the second color representation layer consist of different colors in sections, which are arranged in strips, for example.

Of course, the first color representation layer and the second color representation layer can each contain only one color, with the color of the first color representation layer being different from the color of the second color representation layer.

Furthermore--as already written above--the two color display layers can also consist of the same color.

It would also be conceivable that the first color representation layer consists of two different colors, e.g. black and white, and the second color representation layer consists of two different colors, e.g. white and black, ie there is, for example, a striped or checkered arrangement of the two different colors. The two However, the different colors of the first color representation layer are arranged differently, for example in opposite directions, than the two different colors of the second color representation layer.

In a preferred embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention, it is provided that the at least one symbol is formed from at least one of the at least two colors in the second state. The at least one symbol is thus visible in one of the at least two colors of the first and second color representation layer or in a mixed color of the at least two colors of the first and second color representation layer.

A mixed color results, for example, from two color representation layers lying one on top of the other, in which case the color representation layer on top must not be opaque. I.e., for example, a violet mixed color results when one of the two color representation layers lying one above the other is blue and another of the two color representation layers lying one above the other is red.

It is preferably provided in the sealing film according to the invention that at least one color is optically visible in the at least one symbol in the second state, which is not optically visible in an area that at least partially surrounds the at least one symbol and/or vice versa.

I.e. in the at least one symbol and in the area that at least partially surrounds the at least one symbol, different colors are optically visible in the second state.

1. a) Im mindestens einen Symbol ist im zweiten Zustand eine der mindestens einen Farbe der ersten Farbdarstellungsschicht und der mindestens einen Farbe der zweiten Farbdarstellungsschicht optisch sichtbar. Im Bereich, der das mindestens eine Symbol zumindest abschnittsweise umgibt, ist im zweiten Zustand dementsprechend eine andere Farbe der mindestens einen Farbe der ersten Farbdarstellungsschicht und der mindestens einen Farbe der zweiten Farbdarstellungsschicht optisch sichtbar.
2. b) Im mindestens einen Symbol ist im zweiten Zustand eine der mindestens einen Farbe der ersten Farbdarstellungsschicht und der mindestens einen Farbe der zweiten Farbdarstellungsschicht optisch sichtbar. Im Bereich, der das mindestens eine Symbol zumindest abschnittsweise umgibt, ist im zweiten Zustand eine Mischfarbe, die sich aus der mindestens einen Farbe der ersten Farbdarstellungsschicht und aus der mindestens einen Farbe der zweiten Farbdarstellungsschicht zusammensetzt, optisch sichtbar.
3. c) Im mindestens einen Symbol ist im zweiten Zustand die Mischfarbe optisch sichtbar. Im Bereich, der das mindestens eine Symbol zumindest abschnittsweise umgibt, ist im zweiten Zustand eine Farbe der mindestens einen Farbe der ersten Farbdarstellungsschicht und der mindestens einen Farbe der zweiten Farbdarstellungsschicht optisch sichtbar.
4. d) Das mindestens eine Symbol ist im zweiten Zustand transparent. Im Bereich, der das mindestens eine Symbol zumindest abschnittsweise umgibt, ist im zweiten Zustand die Mischfarbe oder eine Farbe der mindestens einen Farbe der ersten Farbdarstellungsschicht und der mindestens einen Farbe der zweiten Farbdarstellungsschicht optisch sichtbar.
5. e) Der Bereich, der das mindestens eine Symbol zumindest abschnittsweise umgibt, ist im zweiten Zustand transparent. Im mindestens einen Symbol ist im zweiten Zustand die Mischfarbe oder eine Farbe der mindestens einen Farbe der ersten Farbdarstellungsschicht und der mindestens einen Farbe der zweiten Farbdarstellungsschicht optisch sichtbar.

In particular, the following cases are conceivable:

1. a) In the second state, the at least one symbol is one of the at least one color of the first color representation layer and the at least one color of the second color representation layer is optically visible. In the area that at least partially surrounds the at least one symbol, a different color of the at least one color of the first color representation layer and the at least one color of the second color representation layer is optically visible in the second state.
2. b) In the at least one symbol, one of the at least one color of the first color representation layer and the at least one color of the second color representation layer is optically visible in the second state. In the area that at least partially surrounds the at least one symbol, a mixed color composed of the at least one color of the first color representation layer and the at least one color of the second color representation layer is optically visible in the second state.
3. c) In the at least one symbol, the mixed color is optically visible in the second state. In the area that at least partially surrounds the at least one symbol, a color of the at least one color of the first color representation layer and the at least one color of the second color representation layer is optically visible in the second state.
4. d) The at least one symbol is transparent in the second state. In the area that at least partially surrounds the at least one symbol, the mixed color or a color of the at least one color of the first color representation layer and the at least one color of the second color representation layer is optically visible in the second state.
5. e) The area that at least partially surrounds the at least one symbol is transparent in the second state. In the second state, the mixed color or a color of the at least one color of the first color representation layer and the at least one color of the second color representation layer is optically visible in the at least one symbol.

The colors separate when the carrier film is detached in different combinations and the symbol appears, which means that it is almost impossible for the carrier film to be applied back to the underlying layers in a way that is not visually recognizable, and an amateur assessment of the sealing film also clearly shows whether the sealing film has been tampered with.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention it is provided that the adhesion-controlling layers are release lacquer layers which reduce the adhesion of the first color presentation layer and the second color presentation layer to adjacent layers of the sealing foil. The adhesion-controlling layers include the first adhesion-controlling layer, the second adhesion-controlling layer and the further adhesion-controlling layer. The term "adjacent layer" includes the functional layers and the carrier film.

For defined areas of the first color representation layer and the second color representation layer, a lower adhesion to the areas delimited by the defined areas is generated by release lacquer layers adjoining the first color representation layer and the second color representation layer, which means that the two color representation layers in those defined areas are smaller Adhesion does not permanently connect in a manner known per se to a further functional layer adjoining the release coating layer, in particular not to the carrier film, and therefore remain easily detachable. In contrast, due to this arrangement, the areas of the adjoining layers delimited by the defined areas can be permanently connected to one another.

However, it would also be conceivable for the adhesion-controlling layers to be layers that increase the adhesion of the first color display layer and the second color display layer to adjacent layers of the sealing film. The mode of action would then be exactly the opposite of what was said above.

The release lacquer layers are preferably translucent, particularly preferably transparent.

In the case of the sealing film according to the invention, it is preferably provided that the release lacquer layers comprise at least one silicone and/or at least one wax.

By means of the release lacquer layer, the adhesion of those functional layers or the carrier film or that substrate to which the release lacquer layer adjoins is reduced to a precisely measured extent in a manner known per se, so that adjoining functional layers adhere to a lesser extent are. The extent to which the adhesion is reduced can be controlled in particular via the choice of release varnish, via the layer thickness and/or via the concentration of the at least one silicone and/or the at least one wax in the release varnish layer.

In a preferred embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention, it is provided that the carrier film consists of transparent plastic. Due to the transparent design of the plastic, the at least two color representation layers arranged underneath are clearly visible at all times and it can be seen whether the at least two color representation layers are evenly distributed and thus untouched, or whether already defined areas in the form of a graphic symbol from the area of the at least one Color display layer were separated and thus a Manipulation of the sealing film according to the invention has taken place.

A flap is preferably provided in the sealing film according to the invention, which is connected directly or indirectly to the carrier film. That is, in terms of improved ease of use, the sealing film according to the invention has the tab which is also connected to the carrier film in the second state, but not to the adhesive layer.

The tab serves to hold the sealing film according to the invention.

For example, the tab is an integral part of the backing film, but may also be a separate part attached to the backing film by any suitable method such as welding or gluing.

It is also possible that the tab is an integral part of one of the functional layers or is attached to one of the functional layers by a suitable method such as welding or gluing.

It is conceivable that a reference sign is printed in the area of the tab, which indicates to the user the point at which the sealing film according to the invention is advantageously to be grasped for peeling off.

In a preferred exemplary embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention, it is provided that the tab is formed by a separate layer which is comprised of the functional layers.

The tab is arranged within the functional layers, preferably not over the entire surface. Ie the at least one symbol is formed during the transition to the inventive Sealing film from the first state to the second state preferably in an area adjacent to the tab.

It would also be conceivable for an adhesive layer, for example a laminate adhesive layer, to be part of the functional layers, which adhesive layer is not applied over the entire surface. For example, no adhesive layer can be applied in an area at a corner of the sealing film according to the invention, as a result of which the carrier film can be detached particularly well from the functional layers in this corner and thus assumes the function of a tab.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments. The drawings are exemplary and are intended to explain the idea of the invention, but in no way restrict or even conclusively reproduce it.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung des strukturellen Aufbaus eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie mit einem Code innerhalb der Funktionsschichten,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Darstellung des strukturellen Aufbaus eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie mit dem Code auf einem Untergrund,

Fig. 3a)

eine schematische Darstellung des ersten oder zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels in einem ersten Zustand,

Fig. 3b)

eine schematische Darstellung einer abgezogenen Schicht des ersten oder zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels in einem zweiten Zustand nach einer rechtmäßigen Öffnung,

Fig. 3c)

eine schematische Darstellung eines Rückstandes des ersten oder zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels im zweiten Zustand auf einem Untergrund nach der rechtmäßigen Öffnung,

Fig. 3d)

eine schematische Darstellung einer Rückapplikation der im zweiten Zustand auf den Rückstand zurückgeklebten abgezogenen Schicht des ersten oder zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels nach der rechtmäßigen Öffnung,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung des strukturellen Aufbaus eines dritten Ausführungsbeispiels der erfindungsgemäßen Versiegelungsfolie mit dem Code innerhalb der Funktionsschichten,

Fig. 5a)

eine schematische Darstellung des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels im ersten Zustand,

Fig. 5b)

eine schematische Darstellung der abgezogenen Schicht des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels im zweiten Zustand nach der rechtmäßigen Öffnung,

Fig. 5c)

eine schematische Darstellung des Rückstandes des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels im zweiten Zustand auf dem Untergrund nach der rechtmäßigen Öffnung,

Fig. 5d)

eine schematische Darstellung der Rückapplikation der im zweiten Zustand auf den Rückstand zurückgeklebten abgezogenen Schicht nach der rechtmäßigen Öffnung,

Fig. 5e)

eine schematische Darstellung der abgezogenen Schicht des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels im zweiten Zustand nach einer unrechtmäßigen Öffnung,

Fig. 5f)

eine schematische Darstellung des Rückstandes des dritten Ausführungsbeispiels im zweiten Zustand auf dem Untergrund nach der unrechtmäßigen Öffnung, und

Fig. 5g)

eine schematische Darstellung der Rückapplikation der im zweiten Zustand auf den Rückstand zurückgeklebten abgezogenen Schicht nach der unrechtmäßigen Öffnung.

It shows:

1

a schematic representation of the structural design of a first embodiment of a sealing film according to the invention with a code within the functional layers,

2

a schematic representation of the structural design of a second embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention with the code on a background,

Fig. 3a)

a schematic representation of the first or second embodiment in a first state,

Fig. 3b)

a schematic representation of a stripped layer of the first or second embodiment in a second state after a lawful opening,

Fig. 3c)

a schematic representation of a residue of the first or second embodiment in the second state on a substrate after lawful opening,

3d)

a schematic representation of a reverse application of the peeled-off layer of the first or second exemplary embodiment glued back to the residue in the second state after the lawful opening,

4

a schematic representation of the structural design of a third embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention with the code within the functional layers,

Fig. 5a)

a schematic representation of the third embodiment in the first state,

Fig. 5b)

a schematic representation of the peeled off layer of the third embodiment in the second state after the lawful opening,

Fig. 5c)

a schematic representation of the residue of the third embodiment in the second state on the ground after the lawful opening,

Fig. 5d)

a schematic representation of the reapplication of the peeled off layer glued back to the residue in the second state after lawful opening,

Fig. 5e)

a schematic representation of the peeled off layer of the third embodiment in the second state after an unauthorized opening,

Fig. 5f)

a schematic representation of the residue of the third embodiment in the second state on the ground after the unlawful opening, and

Fig. 5g)

a schematic representation of the re-application of the peeled-off layer glued back to the residue in the second state after the unlawful opening.

WAYS TO CARRY OUT THE INVENTION

1 shows a schematic representation of a structural composition of a sealing film 1 according to the invention with a code 15 within functional layers 4. The in 1 sealing film 1 according to the invention shown corresponds to a first embodiment.

It should be noted that black and white are also considered colors within the scope of this invention.

A first layer of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, viewed in a first direction 16, is a carrier film 3, which consists of a transparent plastic film, preferably of polypropylene or polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate. The plastic film can be matt or glossy. Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the plastic film is tinted but not opaque.

A rearmost layer of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, viewed in the first direction 16, is an adhesive layer 11 which can adhere to a substrate 2, the substrate 2 being, for example, a sheet of paper or cardboard. This means that the sealing film 1 according to the invention applied to the substrate 2 by means of the adhesive layer 11 can only be detached from the substrate 2 by the use of force and also remains in place during a detachment process described later Sealing film 1 partially on the substrate 2. The part of the sealing film 1 according to the invention that remains on the substrate 2 is referred to as residue 19. The self-adhesive function of the adhesive layer 11 can be protected, for example, by a film which is removed before the sealing film 1 is applied or attached to the substrate 2 . In order to ensure a solid connection with the surface of the substrate 2, a correspondingly strong adhesive, for example a pressure-sensitive adhesive, must be used. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can be acrylic-based or rubber-based, and it can be, for example, dispersed, dissolved in solvent, or applied as a hot melt.

Alternatively, a hot-melt adhesive could also be used to create a solid connection between the sealing film 1 and the surface of the substrate 2 .

The following functional layers 4 are arranged between the carrier film 3 and the adhesive layer 11 .

A first color display layer 5 is located behind the carrier film 3 as seen in the first direction 16 and is kept in the color white F2 in this exemplary embodiment. In principle, however, the color can be chosen arbitrarily.

A first adhesion-controlling layer 8, which in the exemplary embodiments shown is a first release lacquer layer 8 comprising at least one silicone and/or at least one wax, is arranged between the carrier film 3 and the first color representation layer 5.

It should be noted that alternative mixtures of substances can also be used as release lacquer layers 8 , 9 , 10 . It is essential, however, that the release coating layers 8, 9, 10 in the exemplary embodiments shown have suitable adhesion-reducing properties in order to Adhesion of that layer (a functional layer 4 or the carrier film 3) to which the respective release coating layer 8, 9, 10 is applied is reduced to a precisely measured extent, so that adjacent layers adhere or are less liable.

Behind the first color representation layer 5, seen in the first direction 16, there is a second color representation layer 6, which is black F4 in this exemplary embodiment. However, the color of the second color representation layer 6 can be chosen arbitrarily. The first color representation layer 5 and the second color representation layer 6 preferably consist of contrasting colors, as a result of which at least one high-contrast symbol 12 is produced in the course of the detachment process given a corresponding arrangement of the functional layers 4 .

Between the first color representation layer 5 and the second color representation layer 6 there is a second adhesion-controlling layer 9, which in the exemplary embodiments shown is a second release lacquer layer 9 comprising at least one silicone and/or at least one wax.

In the embodiments of 1 and the 2 behind the second color representation layer 6, seen in the first direction 16, is a further adhesion-controlling layer 10, which in the exemplary embodiments shown is a further release lacquer layer 10, which comprises at least one silicone and/or at least one wax, and one layer 17 lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer 10 is arranged. The layer 17 lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer 10 is transparent and includes a code 15. In the in 1 , 2 and 3c shown embodiment, the code 15 is a number combination of black characters. However, it would also be conceivable that code 15 is a QR code (cf. 4 ), a graphic symbol or similar.

The code 15 is not visible in a first state 13 of the sealing film 1 and only becomes visible after the carrier film 3 has been detached, i.e. in a second state 14 of the sealing film 1. The transition from the first state 13 to the second state 14 thus corresponds to the previously mentioned detachment process.

Behind the layer 17 lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer 10, seen in the first direction 16, a further color display layer 7 is arranged, which in the exemplary embodiment of FIG 1 white F2 is. However, a different color would also be conceivable, with a color preferably being selected which has a high contrast to the color of the code 15 . This ensures that Code 15 can be read even in poor visibility. That is, on the one hand, the further color representation layer 7 has the task of making the code 15 readable. On the other hand, the further color representation layer 7 also serves as a visual protection for the code 15 if the sealing film 1 according to the invention, including all functional layers 4, is improperly removed from the substrate 2, for example with the aid of a tool. If the further color representation layer 7 is sufficiently opaque, ie not or hardly transparent, the code 15 does not shine through the further color representation layer 7 and can therefore not be read through the back, ie through the further color representation layer 7, of the sealing film 1 according to the invention.

In this exemplary embodiment, the functional layers 4 therefore comprise the first release lacquer layer 8, the first, seen in the first direction 16 Color representation layer 5, the second release lacquer layer 9, the second color representation layer 6, the further release lacquer layer 10, the layer 17 lying behind the further release lacquer layer 10 and the further color representation layer 7.

A second exemplary embodiment of the sealing film 1 according to the invention is 2 disclosed. 2 shows a schematic representation of the structural design of the second embodiment of the sealing film 1 according to the invention with the code 15 on the substrate 2.

The sealing film 1 according to the invention is in 2 built the same as in 1 with the only difference that the layer 17 lying behind the further release lacquer layer 10 contains no code 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the code 15 is located on the substrate 2 and is not part of the functional layers 4. In the first state 13, the code 15 is covered by the sealing film 1 according to the invention. In other words, in this exemplary embodiment as well, the code 15 is not visible in the first state 13 and only becomes visible after the carrier film 3 has been detached, ie in the second state 14 .

Both the adhesive layer 11 and the layer 17 behind the further adhesion-controlling layer 10 are transparent, at least in the region of the code 15, in order to make the code 15, which is on the substrate 2, visible in the second state 14. The additional color display layer 7 is omitted in this exemplary embodiment.

In this exemplary embodiment, the layer 17 lying behind the further release lacquer layer 10 ensures the effect of the further release lacquer layer 10, because the layer 17 lying behind the further release lacquer layer 10 ensures that the further release lacquer layer 10 is not directly Contact with the adhesive layer 11 comes. Furthermore, in the two exemplary embodiments shown (cf. 1 and 2 ) conceivable that the sealing film 1 according to the invention has a tab (not shown) which is connected to the carrier film 3. Said tab makes it easier for a user to pull off the carrier film 3 or to transfer the sealing film 1 according to the invention from the first state 13 to the second state 14.

Figure 3a ) to d) show an example of the sealing film 1 according to the invention in the first state 13 ( Figure 3a )) and in the second state 14 after a lawful opening ( 3b) to 3d)). Figure 3a ) to d) cover both the first exemplary embodiment 1 as well as the second embodiment 2 away. Ie it makes for the representations in Figure 3a ) to d) makes no difference whether the code 15 is located on the layer 17 lying behind the further release lacquer layer 10 and is therefore part of the functional layers 4, or whether the code 15 is arranged on the substrate 2.

Figure 3a ) shows a schematic representation of the sealing film 1 according to the invention in the first state 13. The sealing film 1 according to the invention is glued to the, for example, white F2 background 2 with the aid of the adhesive layer 11 and is closed, ie it has not been manipulated beforehand. In the first state 13, the entire sealing film 1 according to the invention is, for example, dark gray F1. In the example shown, the dark gray color F1 results from intimate contact between the first color representation layer 5, which is white F2, and the second color representation layer 6, which is black F4.

Of course, it would be conceivable for the sealing film 1 according to the invention to be in the first state 13 and also in the second state 14 has other colors and color combinations.

Figure 3b ) discloses a schematic representation of a stripped layer 18 in the second state 14 after lawful opening. The peeled off layer 18 is the carrier film 3 including the color representation layers 5, 6 adhering to the carrier film 3.

3c ) shows a schematic representation of the residue 19 in the second state 14 on the substrate 2 after the lawful opening. The residue 19 is the parts of the functional layers 4 remaining on the substrate 2.

In the second state 14, two symbols 12 are now optically visible in two outer, opposite areas 20, with the two symbols 12 separating the defined areas from the two color representation layers 5, 6 when the carrier film 3 is detached by the release lacquer layers 8, 9 , develop.

The first release lacquer layer 8 ensures that the color representation layers 5, 6 remain on the residue 19 in those areas 21 which surround the two symbols 12. Accordingly, the two areas 21 surrounding the symbols 12 are dark gray F1 on the residue 19 and transparent F3 on the peeled-off layer 18.

The second release lacquer layer 9 separates the first color representation layer 5 and the second color representation layer 6 and ensures that the two symbols 12 are colored. The symbols 12 on the peeled-off layer 18 are therefore white F2 and on the residue black F4.

The symbols 12 are in the embodiments of 1 , 2 , 3 and the 4 including in the form of an "X". However, it would of course be possible for the symbols 12 to have any desired shape.

The further release lacquer layer 10 is responsible for the code 15 becoming visible. As already written above, it is not relevant for the visualization of Code 15 whether Code 15 according to 1 is arranged on the layer 17 lying behind the further release lacquer layer 10 or whether the code 15 according to 2 is arranged on the substrate 2 below the adhesive layer 11.

All layers in front of the further release lacquer layer 10 seen in the first direction 16 are pulled off the further release lacquer layer 10 in those areas in which the further release lacquer layer 10 is applied, with the aid of the carrier film 3 . As a result, the code 15, which in these exemplary embodiments is located in the middle area of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, becomes visible on the residue 19. The white F2 design of the further color representation layer 7 or the background 2 results in a strong contrast between the code 15, whose characters are typically executed in black F4, and the further color representation layer 7 or the background 2, making the code 15 easy to read is. Accordingly, that middle area on the peeled off layer 18 is dark gray F1.

3d ) shows a schematic representation of a reverse application 22 of the peeled-off layer 18 glued back to the residue 19 in the second state 14 after the lawful opening. It can be seen that the symbols 12 are also visible after the reverse application 22 of the peeled-off layer 18 to the residue 19 . Ie the rear application 22 preceding manipulation of The sealing film 1 according to the invention is indicated by a clear identification of the open state, in that the symbols 12 are also visible after the reverse application 22.

The areas that are located one above the other after the reverse application 22 do not result in strong mixed colors since there is no intimate contact between the color representation layers 5, 6 in the reverse application 22. The detachment of the carrier film 3, including the color representation layers 5, 6 adhering to the carrier film 3, creates rough surfaces between the peeled-off layer 18 and the residue 19. In the reverse application 22, as described above, no intimate contact between the peeled-off layer 18 and the residue 19 are produced. This means that the different color pigments no longer bond as strongly. In addition, in the course of the reverse application 22, air collects between the peeled-off layer 18 and the residue 19, which can no longer escape completely after the reverse application 22, as a result of which the mixed colors are also impaired.

After the reverse application 22 of the peeled-off layer 18 to the residue 19, the symbols 12 are still white F2, since the symbols 12 on the peeled-off layer 18 are white F2 and, in the reverse application 22, cover the black color F4 of the symbols 12 on the residue 19.

Since the dark gray F1 areas 21 of the residue 19 are covered by the transparent F3 areas 21 of the peeled-off layer 18, the dark gray F1 areas 21 of the residue 18 lighten slightly, as a result of which the areas 21 appear gray F5 after the reverse application 22.

After the reverse application 22, the central area in which the code 15 is arranged appears dark gray F1, since the dark gray color F1 of the stripped layer 18 completely covers the code 15.

Because the two symbols 12 are also visible after the reverse application 22, an observer immediately recognizes that the sealing film 1 according to the invention has already been opened and the code 15 may have been read by someone else.

4 shows a schematic representation of the structural design of a third embodiment of the sealing film 1 according to the invention with the code 15 within the functional layers 4.

A first layer of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, seen in the first direction 16, is a covering paint 24, which is used to mark an area of the code 15 and an area of a tab 23 and to additionally cover the code 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the carrier film 3 lies behind the covering paint 24 as seen in the first direction 16 and consists of a transparent plastic film.

A rearmost layer of the sealing film according to the invention, viewed in the first direction 16 , is the adhesive layer 11 , which can adhere to the substrate 2 . The following functional layers 4 are arranged between the carrier film 3 and the adhesive layer 11 .

A laminate adhesive layer 25 is located directly behind the carrier film 3 as seen in the first direction 16 and, in this exemplary embodiment, serves to leave out the tab 23 in order to enable easy removal. The laminate adhesive layer 25 is not applied over the entire area—no laminate adhesive layer 25 is applied to one corner of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, as a result of which the carrier film 3 can be detached particularly well there.

The first color representation layer 5 is seen in the first direction 16 behind the carrier film 3. Between the carrier film 3 and the first color representation layer 5 is the first release lacquer layer 8, which comprises at least one silicone and/or at least one wax.

A second carrier film 3 is arranged behind the first color representation layer 5 seen in the first direction 16 . The second release lacquer layer 9 is arranged between the first color representation layer 5 and the second carrier film 3 .

With the help of those functional layers 4, which are arranged between the carrier film 3 and the second carrier film 3, two symbols 12 in the form of two "X" become visible after the lawful opening in the second state 14 (cf. 5b), 5c) and 5d )).

The further release lacquer layer 10 and the layer 17 lying behind the further release lacquer layer 10 are arranged behind the second carrier film 3 as seen in the first direction 16 . The layer 17 lying behind the further release lacquer layer 10 is transparent and includes the code 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the code 15 is a QR code.

The second color representation layer 6 is arranged directly behind the layer 17 lying behind the further release lacquer layer 10 as seen in the first direction 16 .

An additional release lacquer layer 10 is arranged directly behind the second color representation layer 6 seen in the first direction 16 .

The further color representation layer 7 is arranged behind the additional release lacquer layer 10 .

Due to the functional layers 4 between the second carrier film 3 and the adhesive layer 11, two symbols 12' - in the illustrated embodiment in the form of two "call signs" - become visible in the second state even after unlawful opening (cf. 5e), 5f) and 5g )). This means that if the sealing film 1 according to the invention was removed from the substrate unlawfully, for example with the aid of a tool, two symbols 12' are visible in this exemplary embodiment—just as after lawful opening.

Figure 5a ) shows a schematic representation of the third exemplary embodiment in the first state 13. The sealing film 1 according to the invention is glued to the substrate 2 with the aid of the adhesive layer 11 and closed. It has not been manipulated before, which is why no symbols 12 are visible.

Figure 5b ) shows a schematic representation of the peeled-off layer 18 of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state 14 after legitimate opening. The peeled-off layer 18 is the carrier film 3, including the covering color 24 adhering to the carrier film 3 and adhering parts of the first color representation layer 5.

Figure 5c ) shows a schematic representation of the residue 19 of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state 14 on the substrate 2 after the lawful opening. The residue 19 is the parts of the functional layers 4 remaining on the substrate 2, including the adhesive layer 11.

In the second state 14, two symbols 12 in the form of two "X's" are optically visible after the lawful opening.

Figure 5d ) shows a schematic representation of the reverse application 22 of the peeled-off layer 18 glued back to the residue 19 in the second state 14 after the lawful opening. It can be seen that the symbols 12 are also visible after the reverse application 22 of the peeled-off layer 18 to the residue 19 . This means that the manipulation of the sealing film 1 according to the invention prior to the reverse application 22 is indicated by a clear identification of the open state, in that the symbols 12 are also visible after the reverse application 22 .

Figure 5e ) shows a schematic representation of the peeled-off layer 18 of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state 14 after an unauthorized opening. In this exemplary embodiment, the peeled-off layer 18 is the carrier film 3, including the covering ink 24 adhering to the carrier film 3, as well as functional layers 4, which are arranged between the carrier film 3 and the second carrier film 3, and parts of the second color representation layer 6.

In the second state 14, two symbols 12' in the form of two "call signs" are optically visible after the unauthorized opening. As already mentioned above, an unauthorized opening of the sealing film 1 according to the invention is immediately recognizable to the observer in this exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 5f ) shows a schematic representation of the residue 19 of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state 14 on the substrate 2 after the unlawful opening. The residue 19 is the parts of the functional layers 4 remaining on the substrate 2, including the adhesive layer 11.

Fig. 5g ) shows a schematic representation of the reverse application 22 of the peeled-off layer 18 glued back to the residue 19 in the second state 14 after the unlawful opening. It can be seen that the symbols 12' also remain after the reverse application 22 of the peeled-off layer 18 on the residue 19 are visible. This means that in this embodiment the manipulation of the sealing film 1 according to the invention prior to the reverse application 22 is indicated by a clear identification of the unlawfully opened state, in that the symbols 12 ′ are also visible after the reverse application 22 .

REFERENCE LIST

1

sealing foil

2

underground

3

carrier film

4

functional layers

5

First color presentation layer

6

Second color display layer

7

Another color presentation layer

8th

First adhesion-controlling layer or first release lacquer layer

9

Second adhesion-controlling layer or second release lacquer layer

10

Further adhesion-controlling layer or further release lacquer layer

11

adhesive layer

12,12'

symbol

13

First state

14

second state

15

code

16

First direction

17

Layer lying behind the further adhesion-controlling layer or layer lying behind the further release lacquer layer

18

Peeled layer

19

Residue

20

outer area

21

An area surrounding the icon

22

back application

23

tab

24

cover color

25

laminate adhesive layer

F1

dark grey

F2

White

F3

Transparent

F4

Black

F5

Gray

Claims (14)

1. Sealing film (1) for application to a base surface (2), comprising a carrier film (3) and multiple functional layers (4), wherein the functional layers (4) comprise at least two color display layers (5, 6) and at least two adhesion-controlling layers (8, 9), wherein the sealing film (1) has an adhesive layer (11) for attachment to the base surface (2), wherein the functional layers (4) are arranged between the carrier film (3) and the adhesive layer (11), wherein the carrier film (3) can be at least partially detached from the functional layers (4), in particular from the at least two color display layers (5, 6), so as to bring the sealing film (1) from a first state (13) into a second state (14), wherein in the second state at least one symbol (12) is optically visible, which symbol (12) is not visible in the first state (13), wherein the at least two adhesion-controlling layers (8, 9) are provided for removing defined regions from the at least two color display layers (5, 6) and making visible the at least one symbol (12) during detachment of the carrier film (3), characterized in that the functional layers (4) comprise at least one further adhesion-controlling layer (10), so as to make at least one layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10), viewed from the carrier film (3) in the direction of the adhesive layer (11), and a code (15) visible in the second state (14), at least in certain sections, by means of the detachment.
2. Sealing film according to claim 1, characterized in that the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10) comprises at least one code (15) composed of optical characters and/or graphical symbols.
3. Sealing film (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10) is transparent, at least in certain sections, and is encompassed by the functional layers (4), and that the functional layers (4) comprise at least one further color display layer (7), which further color display layer (7) is arranged between the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10) and the adhesive layer (11).
4. Sealing film (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least the following functional layers (4) are applied to the carrier film (3), one after the other, preferably directly one after the other, viewed in the direction of the adhesive layer (11):

   - a first adhesion-controlling layer (8),

   - a first color display layer (5),

   - a second adhesion-controlling layer (9),

   - a second color display layer (6),

   - the further adhesion-controlling layer (10),

   - the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10), and

   - the further color display layer (7).
5. Sealing film (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10) and the adhesive layer (11) are transparent, at least in certain sections, so as to make a code (15) visible on the base surface (2) in the second state (14).
6. Sealing film (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that at least the following functional layers (4) are applied to the carrier film (3), one after the other, preferably directly one after the other, viewed in the direction of the adhesive layer (11):

   - a first adhesion-controlling layer (8),

   - a first color display layer (5),

   - a second adhesion-controlling layer (9),

   - a second color display layer (6),

   - the further adhesion-controlling layer (10), and

   - the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10).
7. Sealing film (1) according to one of claims 4 or 6, characterized in that the first color display layer (5) and the second color display layer (6) are implemented in at least two different colors.
8. Sealing film (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the at least one symbol (12) is formed, in the second state (14), from at least one of the at least two colors.
9. Sealing film (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one color is optically visible in the at least one symbol (12) in the second state (14), which color is not optically visible in a region (21) that surrounds the at least one symbol (12), at least in certain sections, and/or vice versa.
10. Sealing film (1) according to one of claims 4 or 6, characterized in that the adhesion-controlling layers (8, 9, 10) are release varnish layers (8, 9, 10) that reduce the adhesion capacity of the first color display layer (5) and the second color display layer (6) as compared with adjacent layers of the sealing film (1).
11. Sealing film (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the release varnish layers (8, 9, 10) comprise at least one silicone and/or at least one wax.
12. Sealing film (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the carrier film (3) consists of transparent plastic.
13. Sealing film (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that a tab (23) is provided, which is directly or indirectly connected with the carrier film (3) .
14. Sealing film (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the tab (23) is formed by a separate layer that is encompassed by the functional layers (4).

Images