EP3761291B1 - Security label with concealed security code and method for its manufacture - Google Patents

Description

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

Security labels with so-called hidden codes are known in the prior art. Hidden codes are characterized by the fact that the consumer has to interact with the security label in order to reveal the initially invisible code. Various ways are known for this, for example a so-called rub-off field, in which a visible layer is scratched away, or a multi-layer label in which the upper layer is at least partially opened, thus revealing the hidden code.

The hidden code can then be used, for example, to participate in sweepstakes or bonus programs. The hidden code can be in the form of a readable number or encoded, for example as a data matrix or QR code, depending on the degree of automation or digitization offered by the use.

In the DE 10 2014 110 727 A1 discloses a security label having first and second data fields. The first data field is covered by an opaque layer when closed and the second data field is visible from the outside. After opening the label, the first data field is readable, and the second data field is destroyed due to the interrupted application of a release coating layer. The disadvantage of this is that the destroyed second data field can no longer be read after opening.

In the DE 10 2013 206 037 A1 discloses a security label having a top label portion and a bottom label portion. The upper part of the label is peeled off. This provides access to a scratchable layer that can be scratched off to reveal a second code. After the peeled-off part of the label has been placed on again, it can be seen that the label has already been opened. Disadvantageously, the construction of the label is relatively expensive.

In the DE 10 2013 110 862 A1 a security label is also disclosed in a two-part construction. First, a code that cannot be read from the outside is provided, which is covered by a layer of paint. The code is invisible. The color layer has a window through which an additional code can be recognized from the outside. The additional code is visible when the label is closed. A multi-layer structure with a void effect is provided below the code. When the label is opened, the hidden code becomes visible and parts of the void structure are removed. The void effect is separated from the codes, which disadvantageously makes the structure relatively complicated and expensive.

In most applications, a hidden code can be found on the label combined with a visible code. The visible code, for example also a QR code, takes the consumer to the competition, for example a website, and is then prompted to enter the hidden code. It is advantageous for the user if it is known beforehand which visible and hidden codes are assigned to one another, for example to be able to carry out a logical verification or also to be able to control win rates. A disadvantage of the known hidden codes is the relatively complex integration into a security label using a rub-off field or using a double-layer design.

It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a security label with a first security code and a second security code that can be produced more cost-effectively, and to provide a method with which such a security label can be produced.

The object is achieved in its first aspect by a security label with the features of claim 1 mentioned at the outset.

The invention makes use of the idea of integrating a visible code and a hidden code in a conventional security label with a void effect. Such a security label is, for example, from EP 2 717 243 B1 known.

The security label initially has a multi-layer, preferably four-layer structure in a conventional manner, which consists of a first separating lacquer layer, a first color layer, a second separating lacquer layer and a second color layer—in this order. The first and second separating lacquer layers are designed to be complementary to one another, at least in regions, that is to say that when viewed perpendicularly onto the security label, each region is covered either by the first separating lacquer layer or by the second separating lacquer layer.

The release lacquer layers and the carrier film are preferably transparent. The release coating layers reduce the respective release forces. This is why the first color layer breaks open when the tab with the carrier film is torn off the security label. The areas in which the first color layer is detached appear in the second color layer shining through the second release lacquer layer, while this first color layer appears on the areas in which the first color layer remains on the security label. When a torn-off tab is pressed on again after proof of tampering, air is trapped between the tab and the remainder of the security label on the product and the refraction behavior of the light changes as a result. The user can easily tell from the outside whether the label has already been opened or not.

According to the invention, a first security code can be read on the closed security label and a second security code can only be read after opening the proof of first opening. According to the invention, the first and the second security feature can be printed simultaneously; for this purpose, the second security code and the first security code are preferably arranged in the same layer of the layer structure. "The same layer" means areas that can be printed simultaneously in one printing step. Where "simultaneously" refers to the duration of the printing step. So areas of the same Layers that are printed in quick succession but in the same printing step are considered to be printed simultaneously here. The simultaneously printed areas of the same layer can certainly be arranged at different heights above an adhesive layer or adhesive surface, for example, in the finished printed security label.

Particularly preferably, both the first and the second security code are digital prints, both of which can be printed simultaneously in one printing step; a digital printer in the form of a laser or inkjet printer is preferably used for this purpose.

Furthermore, the second security code is hidden and only becomes visible after opening the security label. The first security code, on the other hand, is preferably already visible before the first opening verification is triggered.

The second security code is also referred to as a hidden code. In a preferred embodiment, the first security code is arranged between the second color layer and the first separating lacquer layer and the second security code between the second color layer and the second separating lacquer layer. When the security label is torn open, the first security code and the second security code therefore remain on the second color layer, since the separating force between the first and second security code and the second color layer is greater than the separating force between the first security code and the first release lacquer layer or the second security code and the second release coating layer.

When the tab is torn off the security label, both the first security code and the second security code remain on the second color layer, which in this and all other embodiments is preferably provided with an adhesive layer over its entire surface, with which it is glued to the product. The second security code remains on the remnant of the security label remaining on the product.

In a second preferred embodiment of the security label, the first security code is arranged between the carrier film and the second separating lacquer layer, and the second security code is arranged between the second color layer and the first separating lacquer layer. The first security code remains on the carrier film after tamper evidence, and the second security code remains on the second ink layer with which it is in direct contact, so that the first security code is lifted with the tab and remains stuck to the carrier film, while the second Security code remains on the second color layer and thus on the residue of the security label remaining on the product and the first and second security codes are thus separated from one another after the proof of first opening. Of course, this second embodiment of the security label facilitates the separate reading in of the security codes, in particular the separate reading in of the second covert security codes, the hidden codes, released after the proof of first opening.

In a third embodiment of the security label, which is not covered by the subject matter of the claims, the first security code is arranged between the first and second separating lacquer layer formed complementary to the first, and the second security code is arranged between the second colored layer and the first separating lacquer layer. The second security code thus remains on the product after the tamper evidence has been triggered, while the visible first security code is destroyed after the tamper evidence, since it is applied in areas both to the first separating lacquer layer and complementary areas to the second separating lacquer layer.

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

The method for producing a security label is suitable for producing one of the above-mentioned security labels; conversely, each of the above-mentioned security labels can be produced using one of the following methods.

The security label has a layered structure in which a first and second color layer and a first and second release lacquer layer are applied to a carrier film. Preferably, first the first release lacquer layer, then the first colored layer, then the second release lacquer layer, and then the second colored layer is applied to the carrier film and an adhesive layer is applied over the entire surface of the second colored layer on the product side. The application preferably takes place in a printing process.

A first and a second security code are particularly preferably printed in a common printing step between the layers; the first and second security codes are preferably printed in a digital print. The simultaneous introduction of the first and second security code in a printing step is particularly simple according to the invention, since in a conventional printing press, the color and paint layers are printed onto a carrier film, only one additional step needs to be added.

A second security code becomes readable only after tamper evidence, and the second security code is printed between the first or second release lacquer layer and the second ink layer.

During the construction of the security label, which in its original form includes the void effect, the first and the second color layer and the first and second separating lacquer layer are printed on using the reverse printing process.

Favorably, the second security code is shaded from the outside by a visual blocker in front of the proof of first opening and is therefore invisible from the outside.

After the proof of first opening, the second security code, the hidden code, remains on the remainder of the security label on the product and can be read there.

The second security code can be printed in the form of a QR code or a number, a number or the like. The formation of the security codes is to be understood here in a very general manner. They can be readable codes such as numbers, serial numbers or the like, but also encrypted codes, encrypted in the form of QR codes, which are decrypted using a QR code reader must. Other shapes are also conceivable.

Conveniently, the first and second security codes are printed in-line. Inline refers to belonging to a single process step. In addition to printing the two security codes, the one process step preferably also includes further printing steps.

Preferably, the first security code is printed between the second layer of ink and the first layer of release lacquer and the second security code is printed between the second layer of ink and the second layer of release lacquer. In this embodiment of the method, the first security code and the second security code are printed together in one printing step after the application of the second layer of separating lacquer at the predetermined location. In this case, the first security code is preferably printed at a point freed from the first color layer and the second security code at a point area covered by the first layer of paint, which is preferably additionally covered by a view blocker.

In a second preferred embodiment of the method, the first security code is printed between the first color layer and the second release lacquer layer and the second security code is printed between the second color layer and the first release lacquer layer. In this embodiment, both the first and the second security code are preferably printed in areas that are free of the first ink layer, the area of the second security code, the hidden code, is also in turn covered by a view blocker.

In the second embodiment, the second security code, the hidden code, remains on the residue of the security label remaining on the product, while the first security code is lifted off with the tab.

In a third embodiment, which is not the subject of the claims, the visible first security code is printed between the first and second layers of release lacquer and the covert second security code is printed between the second layer of ink and the first layer of release lacquer. In the third embodiment, the visible first security code is destroyed and unreadable upon first opening verification.

Fig. 1a - 1c

das Sicherheitsetikett in einer ersten Ausführungsform vor dem Erstöffnungsnachweis in Fig. 1a, die abgezogene Lasche in Fig. 1b und den auf dem Produkt verbleibenden Sicherheitsetikettenrest in Fig. 1c,

Fig. 2a - 2c

das Sicherheitsetikett in einer zweiten Ausführungsform, in Fig. 2a vor dem Erstöffnungsnachweis, in Fig. 2b die abgezogene Lasche, in Fig. 2c der auf dem Produkt verbleibende Sicherheitsetikettrest,

Fig. 3a-3c

das Sicherheitsetikett in einer dritten Ausführungsform, in Fig. 3a vor dem Erstöffnungsnachweis, in Fig. 3b die abgezogene Lasche, in Fig. 3c der auf dem Produkt verbleibende Sicherheitsetikettrest,

Fig. 4

den schematischen Aufbau des Sicherheitsetikettes der Fig. 1a - 1c,

Fig. 5

den schematischen Aufbau des Sicherheitsetikettes der Fig. 2a - 2c,

Fig. 6

den schematischen Aufbau des Sicherheitsetikettes der Fig. 3a - 3c.

The invention is described using three exemplary embodiments in twelve figures. show:

Figures 1a - 1c

the security label in a first embodiment before the proof of first opening in Fig. 1a , the pulled tab in Fig. 1b and the remainder of the security label remaining on the product in 1c ,

Figures 2a - 2c

the security label in a second embodiment, in Figure 2a before the proof of initial opening, in Figure 2b the pulled tab, in Figure 2c the remainder of the security label remaining on the product,

Figures 3a-3c

the security label in a third embodiment, in Figure 3a before the proof of initial opening, in Figure 3b the pulled tab, in 3c the remainder of the security label remaining on the product,

4

the schematic structure of the security label Figures 1a - 1c ,

figure 5

the schematic structure of the security label Figures 2a - 2c ,

6

the schematic structure of the security label Figures 3a - 3c .

Three in the Fig. 1a , 2a , 3a illustrated security labels 100, 200, 300 are in the Figures 4 - 6 each shown in section. The security labels 100, 200, 300 are stuck onto a product. The security labels each have a continuous adhesive layer 101, 201, 301 on their underside facing the product.

Fig.1a . 2a , 3a show that all three embodiments of the security label 100, 200, 300 look the same from the outside in the closed state before a proof of first opening is triggered and that a first security code 102, 202, 302 can be recognized in each case,

4 shows the layer structure of the first security label 100 before the triggering of the proof of first opening, according to FIG Fig. 1a . The first security label 100 includes a carrier film 103 which is transparent. An interrupted first release lacquer layer 104 is applied to the carrier film 103 on the product side. A first color layer 105 is applied on the product side to the first release lacquer layer 104 . The first release lacquer layer 104 is printed onto the product side of the carrier film 103 in a printing process step. The first separating lacquer layer 104 is not continuous, but rather interrupted. A first color layer 105, which can also be interrupted, is printed onto the first release lacquer layer 104 on the product side. The first color layer 105 is not exclusively like 4 shows, on the product side of the first release lacquer layer 104, but in the interrupted sections it lies on the product side of the carrier film 103. The first color layer 105 is therefore strictly speaking is not completely straight, but adapts to the gaps in the first separating lacquer layer 104 . In the recesses of the first release lacquer layer 104 it rests on the product side of the carrier film 103, otherwise it rests on the product side of the first release lacquer layer 104.

A second release lacquer layer 108 is printed onto the product side of the first color layer 105 . The second separating lacquer layer 108 is also discontinuous. It is essentially formed in a manner that is preferably completely complementary to the first release lacquer layer 104, such as 4 indicates.

After the second separating lacquer layer 108 has been printed on, a first and second security code 102, 107 are printed on at predetermined points using a digital printing process. In particular, a UV inkjet printing process can be used as the digital printing process. The first security code 102 is arranged at the point where the first colored layer 105 is interrupted and the first security code 102 can be seen from the outside through the transparent carrier film 103 and through the transparent first separating lacquer layer 104 . The second security code 107 is printed on the second release lacquer layer 108 , on the product side of the first color layer 105 and on the product side of a sight blocker 109 that is additionally applied to the carrier film 103 and covers the second security code 107 . The second security code 107 is not visible from the outside. In order to recognize the second security code 107, the observer would have to look through the carrier film 103 and the first colored layer 105, the first colored layer 105 being dark and thus seeing through is at least more difficult. However, it has been shown that due to the thickness of the first color layer 105 it is difficult to completely shadow the second security code 107, so that the additional view blocker 109 is printed on the outside of the carrier film 103 above the second security code 107. In principle, the view blocker 109 can also be applied using the reverse printing process.

A separating force between the first security code 102 and a second color layer 106 is greater than between the first security code 102 and the first release lacquer layer 104 and a separating force between the second security code 107 and the second color layer 106 is greater than between the second security code 107 and the second release lacquer layer 108

the 4 is also in terms of the arrangement of the first security code 102 and the second security code 107 to be understood that they are not exactly on a are arranged horizontally, but are simultaneously printed in a common process step in a digital printing process. The first security code 102 is printed on the product side of the first release coating layer 104 and the second security code 107 is printed on the product side of the second release coating layer 108, so that the first and second security code 102, 107 could be applied at slightly different heights above the carrier film 103.

The horizontal layers in Figures 4 to 6 represent one printing step each.

The second color layer 106 is printed over the two security codes 102, 107 on the product side. On the product side of the second colored layer 106, the adhesive layer 101 is applied, with which the entire security label 100 can be glued to the product.

When the carrier film 103 is pulled off, the security label 100 breaks open between one of the release lacquer layers 104, 108 and the color layers 105, 106. In the area of the first security code 102, the security label 100 breaks open between the second color layer 106 and the first release lacquer layer 104, with the first security code 102 remaining on the second color layer 106.

In the area of the second security code 107, the security label 100 breaks open between the second color layer 106 and the second release lacquer layer 108, with the security label 100 remaining on the second color layer 106. In the other areas in 4 to the right of the second security code 107, the security label 100 breaks open in the usual way as proof of first opening with a void effect, i.e. the second color layer 106 comes off at the points to the first separating lacquer layer 104 on the product side of the first color layer 105 and at the contact points to the second separating lacquer layer 108 product side of the second release lacquer layer 108, so that the second color layer 106 breaks up when the carrier film 103 is removed. At the points at which the first color layer 105 is also torn off, the second color layer 106 shines through the second release lacquer layer 108, and the security label 100 appears there in the second color layer 106. At the points at which the first color layer 105 is not torn off as well , this can be seen from the outside after removing the tab that encloses the carrier film.

In particular, the two security codes 102, 107 are arranged on a security label remnant 160 remaining on the product after a tab 150 has been pulled off.

The structure of the security label 200 of the second embodiment according to figure 5 differs in the area of the first and second security code 202, 207 from that of the security label 100 in 4 . The actual void detection in the in figure 5 right area of the security label 200 has the same structure as in FIG 4 .

Otherwise, the reference numerals increased by a hundred mean the same features as in FIG 4 .

According to the second embodiment figure 5 first the first release lacquer layer 204 is printed with predetermined interruptions on the product side of the carrier film 203 . The first color layer 205, which is also interrupted, is applied to the first release lacquer layer 204. The first color layer 205 leaves the area or areas on the first and second security code 202, 207 free on the carrier foil side. After the first color layer 205, the first and the second security code 202, 207 are printed onto the product side of the layer structure in a digital printing process. In this case, the first security code 202 is printed on the product side of the carrier film 203 and the second security code 207 is printed on the product side of the first release lacquer layer 204 .

The second separating lacquer layer 208 is printed onto the security codes 202, 207 and the second color layer 206, which is provided with the full-area adhesive layer 201 on the product side, is then printed onto this.

The second separating lacquer layer 208 is printed onto the first security code 202 on the product side. However, it omits the product side of the second security code 207. When the tab 250 is torn off the security label 200, the carrier film 203 is detached, while the first security code 202 is detached together with the tab 250, while the second security code 207 remains on the second color layer 206 and thus on the remainder of the security label 260 on the product. The first security code 202 remains on the tab 250.

In principle, the separating force between the carrier film 203 and the first security code 202 is greater than that between the first security code 202 and the second separating lacquer layer 208. Furthermore, the separating force is between the second colored layer 206 and the second security code 207 greater than between the second security code 207 and the first release lacquer layer 204. This is how the in the Figures 2a, 2b, 2c illustrated tearing behavior for proof of first opening.

3 shows the third embodiment of the security label 300 according to the invention. Here, too, the horizontal arrangements represent the layer applied in a coherent printing step, because after the layers have been printed on, they can slip into one another in the vertical direction.

The actual void effect is again identical to the 4 and 5 formed, the second security code 307 is as in figure 5 formed, the second security code 307 is applied to the product side of the first separating lacquer layer 304 . However, since the separating force between the second security code 307 and the second color layer 306 is greater than the separating force between the second security code 307 and the first separating lacquer layer 304, the second security code 307 remains on the torn-off flap 350 after the proof of first opening.

In 6 is the first security code 302 printed on the first release coating layer 304, but the first security code 302 is not as in the 4 over the entire surface of the first release lacquer layer 304, but rather the release lacquer layer 304 is interrupted in the area of the first security code 302, so that the first security code 302 rests partly on the product side of the carrier film 303 and partly on the product side of the first release lacquer layer 304. The second separating lacquer layer 308, which is designed to complement the first separating lacquer layer 304, is then applied over the product side of the first and second security code 302, 207, and the second color layer 306 is then applied to this, which is provided with the adhesive layer 301 on the product side.

When the tab 350 is detached from the security label 300, the parts of the first security code 302 each remain on the second ink layer 306, on which they lie directly, and other, complementary parts of the first security code 302 remain on the second ink layer 306, so that the first security code 302 according to Figures 3b and 3c is destroyed when the proof of first opening is triggered.

Reference List

100

security label

101

adhesive layer

102

first security code

103

carrier film

104

first release coat

105

first layer of paint

106

second layer of paint

107

second security code

108

second release coat

109

vision blocker

150

tab

160

security label remnant remaining on the product

200

security label

201

adhesive layer

202

first security code

203

carrier film

204

first release coat

205

first layer of paint

206

second layer of paint

207

second security code

208

second release coat

250

tab

260

security label remnant remaining on the product

300

security label

301

adhesive layer

302

first security code

303

carrier film

304

first release coat

305

first layer of paint

306

second layer of paint

307

second security code

308

second release coat

350

tab

360

security label remnant remaining on the product

Claims (13)

1. Security label having a multi-layered initial opening indicator having a layered structure with a carrier film (103) and having a first and second ink layer (105, 205 and 106, 206) and a first and second separative coating layer (104, 204 and 108, 208),

   having at least one first security code (102, 202), which is legible on the sealed security label (100, 200),

   a second security code (107, 207), which is only legible after the initial opening indicator has been opened,

   characterised in that, arranged on the carrier film (103) on the product side are initially the first separative coating layer (104, 204) and, thereon, the first ink layer (105, 205) and, thereon, the second separative coating layer (108, 208) and, thereon, the second ink layer (106, 206),

   and the second security code (107, 207) is arranged between the first or the second separative coating layer (104, 204 or 108, 208) and the second ink layer (106, 206), and, after opening, the first security code (102, 202) either remains on the second ink layer (106, 206) or is peeled off along with a tab (250), and the first security code (102, 202) and the second security code (107, 207) are printed simultaneously in a common printing step and are arranged in the same layer.
2. Security label according to claim 1,
   characterised in that both the first security code (102, 202) and the second security code (107, 207) are digital prints.
3. Security label according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that the first security code (102, 202) is arranged between the second ink layer (106, 206) and the first separative coating layer (104, 204), and the second security code (107, 207) is arranged between the second ink layer (106, 206) and the second separative coating layer (108, 208).
4. Security label according to claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that the first security code (102, 202) is arranged between the carrier film (103, 203) and the second separative coating layer (108, 208), and the second security code (107, 207) is arranged between the second ink layer (106, 206) and the first separative coating layer (104, 204).
5. Security label according to claim 1 or 2,

   characterised in that the first security code (102, 202) is arranged between the first and the second separative coating layer (104, 204 and 108, 208), and

   the second security code (107, 207) is arranged between the second ink layer (106, 206) and the first separative coating layer (104, 204).
6. Method for manufacturing a security label (100, 200) according to claim 1,

   in which

   a layered structure made of a first and second ink layer (105, 205 and 106, 206) and a first and second separative coating layer (104, 204 and 108, 208) is imprinted onto a carrier film (103, 203), characterised in that imprinted onto the carrier film (103) on the product side are initially the first separative coating layer (104, 204) and, thereon, the first ink layer (105, 205) and, thereon, the second separative coating layer (108, 208) and, thereon, the second ink layer (106, 206), and a first security code (102, 202) and a second security code (107, 207) are printed in a common printing step between two layers and, after opening, the first security code (102, 202) either remains on the second ink layer (106, 206) or is peeled off along with a tab (250), and the second security code (107, 207) only becomes legible after the opening of an initial opening indicator, and the second security code (107, 207) is printed between the first or the second separative coating layer (104, 204 or 108, 208) and the second ink layer (106, 206).
7. Method according to claim 6,
   characterised in that the two security codes (102, 202, 107, 207) are digitally printed in one printing step.
8. Method according to claim 6,
   characterised in that the two security codes (102, 202, 107, 207) are printed between two printing steps for applying the separative coating layers (104, 204, 108, 208) and/or ink layers (105, 205, 106, 206).
9. Method according to claim 6, 7 or 8,
   characterised in that the first security code (102, 202) is printed between the second ink layer (106, 206) and the first separative coating layer (104, 204), and the second security code (107, 207) is printed between the second ink layer (106, 206) and the second separative coating layer (108, 208).
10. Method according to claim 6, 7 or 8,

    characterised in that the first security code (102, 202) is printed between the carrier film (103, 203) and the second separative coating layer (108, 208), and

    the second security code (107, 207) is printed between the second ink layer (106, 206) and the first separative coating layer (104, 204).
11. Method according to claim 6, 7 or 8,

    characterised in that the first security code (102, 202) is printed between the first and the second separative coating layer (104, 204 and 108, 208), and

    the second security code (107, 207) is printed between the second ink layer (105, 205) and the first separative coating layer (104, 204).
12. Method according to one of claims 6 to 11,
    characterised in that a visual blocker (109) is imprinted onto the carrier film (103, 203), which blocks out the second security code (107, 207) from the initial opening indicator.
13. Method according to one of claims 6 to 12,
    characterised in that the first security code (102, 202) and the second security code (107, 207) are printed in line with other printing steps.

Images