Patent Application
20080040956
A security label constructed in accordance with a current embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the drawings and generally designated 10.
The label is applied to a container 20, which can be of any conventional design. The disclosed container 20 includes a cap 22 for sealing an open end of the container (not visible under the cap). The container also includes a sidewall 24 extending about and defining the periphery of the container. The sidewall 24 has a circumference, which is the distance around the sidewall. Although the word “circumference” is sometimes associated with a circular configuration, in the present application the word is used to refer to the distance around any closed configuration such as the square cross section (illustrated in the drawings), a circle, a triangle, an oval, or any other shape.
The current embodiment is described in conjunction with a pharmaceutical container. However, the present invention is readily extendable to containers in a wide variety of fields, and therefore is not limited to the pharmaceutical field or any other particular field.
The label 10 includes a single ply or film 32 having an adhesive 34 on its underside facing the container 20. Alternatively, the label may have two or more plies or other constructions. In the current embodiment, the label ply 32 is fabricated of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP). However, a wide variety of materials well known to those skilled in the art may be used depending upon the particular application and requirements.
The label 10 has a height H on the container 20 (
The label 10 has a length greater than the circumference of the sidewall 24. Consequently, when wrapped around the container 20, the label 10 overlaps in the overlap area 40, also referred to as the destruction zone. Consequently, the label 10 has a container portion 41 extending from the leading edge 42 to the line 44 and an overlap portion 43 extending from the line 44 to the trailing edge 46. As can be seen in
The adhesive 34 includes a container zone 34a and an overlap zone 34b. In the preferred embodiment, the adhesive 34 is the same adhesive throughout both zones. Alternatively, different adhesives and techniques can be used to vary the adhesive bonding strength in the two zones. For example, pattern printing may be used (both with a single adhesive and with multiple adhesives) to provide the two zones with different adhesive qualities. It is preferred that the adhesive zone 34a enable the label 10 to be peelable or otherwise releasable from the container 20. It is further preferred that the adhesive zone 34b provide a permanent interconnection between the overlapping label plies in the overlap zone 40.
As described, the overlap zone 40 provides an area of destruction which provides an irreversible visible indication of tampering if the label is removed from the container 20. More specifically, the adhesive zone 34b provides a bond stronger than the label ply 32. Consequently, if the overlap portion 43 is separated from the container portion 41, the label ply 32 is permanently torn, stretched, or otherwise deformed to provide the irreversible indication.
Alternative/supplementary methods of providing the indication of tampering may be used. For example, a line of weakening, such as a perforation, could be formed in the label 10. Also, a frangible material (e.g. a destructible vinyl), an adhesive, and/or printing (e.g. ink over silicon) could be included between the two plies which fractures and/or separates onto the two plies if the plies are separated.
In one embodiment, the label 10 is transparent. When such a label is applied to a transparent container 10, the contents of the container can be viewed through the label and the container.
The labels 10 are manufactured using well known techniques to be carried by a release liner, which preferably is a continuous web with a multiplicity of labels located there along. Alternatively, the release liner can be a sheet with a fixed number of labels on each liner.
During packaging of the products within the containers 20, a label 10 is applied to each container 20. More specifically, the label 10 is dispensed from the release liner and wrapped around the container 20 beginning with the leading edge 42 of the label. As the label is wound around the container 20, the container portion 41 of the label completely encircles and adheres to the sidewall 24. Then the overlap portion 43 of the label 10 overlaps and adheres to the container portion 41 of the label.
If the label 10 is incorrectly applied (for example misaligned or wrinkled) or if the label contains incorrect information, then the label is removed from the container 20 and replaced with another label. When the label 10 is removed, it is permanently deformed in the destruction zone 40 to provide an irreversible indication of tampering. However, the label 10 may be cleanly removed from the container because the combination of the label film 32 and the adhesive zone 34a enable the label to be peeled or otherwise cleanly removed from the container.
After the labeled container 20 has been released by the manufacturer, any subsequent removal of the label 10, or even tampering with the label 10 will create a permanent indication in the overlap zone 40. Consequently, the label 10 cannot be removed from the container 20 and reapplied to a different container, for example as might be attempted in a counterfeiting operation.
The present invention therefore provides a simple, inexpensive, and efficient solution to the issue of counterfeit labels, particularly in (but not limited to) the pharmaceutical industry. The labels can be easily removed and replaced during manufacture as necessary. However, the labels cannot be removed and reused after the container has been released by the manufacturer.
The above description is that of the current embodiment of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.
