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GB2243139A - Tamper-proof labels - Google Patents

Tamper-proof labels Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2243139A
GB2243139A GB9006291A GB9006291A GB2243139A GB 2243139 A GB2243139 A GB 2243139A GB 9006291 A GB9006291 A GB 9006291A GB 9006291 A GB9006291 A GB 9006291A GB 2243139 A GB2243139 A GB 2243139A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
component
label
primary
intermediate layer
label according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB9006291A
Other versions
GB9006291D0 (en
Inventor
Hylton Henderson Smith
Ian Malcolm Mclean Ross
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
HARLANDS OF HULL Ltd
Adhesive Materials Ltd
Revolutionary Adhesive Materials Ltd
Original Assignee
HARLANDS OF HULL Ltd
Adhesive Materials Ltd
Revolutionary Adhesive Materials Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by HARLANDS OF HULL Ltd, Adhesive Materials Ltd, Revolutionary Adhesive Materials Ltd filed Critical HARLANDS OF HULL Ltd
Priority to GB9006291A priority Critical patent/GB2243139A/en
Publication of GB9006291D0 publication Critical patent/GB9006291D0/en
Publication of GB2243139A publication Critical patent/GB2243139A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F3/00Labels, tag tickets, or similar identification or indication means; Seals; Postage or like stamps
    • G09F3/02Forms or constructions
    • G09F3/0291Labels or tickets undergoing a change under particular conditions, e.g. heat, radiation, passage of time
    • G09F3/0292Labels or tickets undergoing a change under particular conditions, e.g. heat, radiation, passage of time tamper indicating labels

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Credit Cards Or The Like (AREA)
  • Holo Graphy (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention provides a tamper-proof label having primary and secondary label components with an intermediate layer therebetween, the secondary component comprising a cross-linkable, flexible polymer cured in situ to secure both it and the intermediate layer to the primary component, and being adapted to allow detection of the intermediate layer and any device associated therewith, the intermediate layer and secondary component being removable from the primary component with essentially irreversible modification of the detectable intermediate layer or associated device. The primary component may carry a visual message that is detectable only on removal of the secondary component and intermediate layer. It may be transparent and it may carry pressure-sensitive adhesive. The intermediate layer may be a coating. It may carry a pattern and/or a hologram. A plurality of such layers may be terminated together.

Description

TAMPER-PROOF LABELS The present invention relates to anti-fraud security labels which are essentially impossible to alter without detection.
With the rapid proliferation of credit cards, identity cards and other mas-producible convenience cards and products of increasing value, it is becoming more and more necessary to ensure that such cards are only for use by the individual concerned. The technology of tamper-proof labels has come a long way in a short time, but is still unsatisfactory, and is open to abuse and forgery.
Essentially, it is desirable to produce a form of security label which cannot be tampered with without such tampering being detectable. One suitable method for doing this would be to provide a primary label covered with a secondary component, which secondary component could be removed only with concomitant removal of an intermediate layer. However, it is extremely difficult to produce controlled differential adhesion in essentially non-tacky films or coatings.
The invention essentially consists of a tamper-proof label having a primary label component and a secondary label component at least partially covering the primary component with an intermediate layer being located therebetween, the secondary component comprising a cross able, flexible polymer cured in situ to thereby secure both secondary component and intermediate layer to the primary component, the secondary component additionally being adapted to allow detection of the intermediate layer and any device associated therewith, the intermediate layer and secondary component being removable from the primary component with essentially irreversible modification of the detectable intermediate layer or associated device.
The primary label component is preferably separate from the article to be protected. This primary component will generally comprise a visual device which may, for example, identify the manufacturer. This may be built into the card (for example), or may be affixed to the card in a separate operation. The exact nature of the primary label component is not critical and may be any that is known in the art, provided that it is suitable for the fixation thereto of the secondary component. In general, and for the greatest degree of security, the primary label component is secured to the substrate in such a fashion as either to be non-removable, or only removable with destruction of either the component or the substrate.
Any visual message encoded in the primary component should preferably be such as to be inaccessible and/or unalterable, even in the absence of the intermediate and secondary layers.
Where the term "card" is used herein, it should be understood that referenc is had to any suitable article or substrate to which the label may be applied.
The intermediate layer may consist of anything capable of being disrupted in a detectable fashion. The only restrictions on this are that the layer'should be capable of being applied to the primary label component before application of the secondary component, and that the uncured polymer must be able to permeate through the intermediate layer sufficiently that the secondary layer becomes bound to the primary layer on cross-linking.
Whilst it is possible to essentially provide holes in the intermediate layer to allow permeation of the secondary layer so as to reach the primary layer, unless the intermediate layer allows some degree of infusion of the secondary layer, it is unlikely that a sufficient degree of differential adhesion will be provided, giving rise to an inferior product.
The intermediate layer may be a layer onto which, for example, a hologram, is applied, or may consist essentially of a detectable device. The only limitation is that, when the intermediate layer is removed, partially or completely, together with the secondary layer, a detectable modification occurs, which modification should be essentially irreversible.
At one extreme, the intact complete label offers no detectable message or device but, on removal of the secondary and intermediate layers, disruption of the intermediate layer occurs. The modification of the intermediate layer may be such that the intermediate layer itself can be detected, or that a message encrypted in the primary layer becomes detectable.
The nature of the material used for the secondary component should be such that a flexible layer is provided after curing. The layer may be applied as a liquid, or semi-liquid, which may already be partially cross-linked, and then cured. If necessary, the secondary component may be allowed to stand for a time in order to enhance permeation into and through the intermediate layer. At any suitable time, the secondary component is cross-linked to complete the label. The degree of cross-linking may also be controlled in order to control the final qualities of the secondary component. Such cross-linking may be controlled either by the dose of radiation applied, or by the presence of cross-linking inhibitors or cross-linkers. Such technology is well known in the art.
Particularly preferred for use in the provision of the secondary component is the range of polymers available under the name of Dynacoll A obtainable from Huls AG.
The applications of the invention are considerable. For example, it may be possible to provide a writing surface on the secondary component to allow a signature to be inscribed thereon. Any such writing surface should allow indelible inscription of the signature, but should also allow detection of the intermediate layer as provided such that, if an attempt is made to remove the secondary layer, thereby removing the signature, the attempt will be immediately detectable.
Alternatively, the message encrypted in the primary layer may vary from individual to individual, and any tampering is prevented, or detectable, by the label of the invention.
For fixing the label to the substrate, a number of adhesive devices may be employed. However, because of the need for automatic dispensing of the label in many applications, a pressure sensitive adhesive is preferred. Such an adhesive should provide a strong bond to the substrate (which can be anything from paper to enamellised metal, for example) but not necessarily a destructive bond. The adhesive should not discolour or stain the substrate, and should have high temperature resistance. Accordingly, thermoplastic hot melts and solvent rubber based products are not generally suitable. High performance solvent acrylics and radiation curable pressure sensitive adhesives are most preferred, especially the latter because of the absence of residual solvent. Suitable examples of such materials are:- 1. Solvent based Acronal (Trade Mark) series from BASF; 2.Radiation curable Dynacoll A (Trade Mark) series from HULS; and 3. Cross-linking Acrylic series from PYV 633 UCB range.
A visual and/or encrypted message or device in the label which is altered by tampering and detectable visually and/or via detection equipment (e.g. IR, W etc. ) may take many forms. It is preferred that at least one detectable component is protected from secondary tampering. This may be done by sandwiching it between the adhesive and the substrate side of the primary component. Therefore the primary component of the label should be highly resistant to abrasives, solvents, and temperature, as well as being transparent to the detection system in order to allow the message to be read. A transparent material is preferred so that the eye, or optical instrumentation, can be one of the detection media.
On the opposite side of the primary component to the substrate, there is provided the intermediate layer masking any message provided by the primary component.
This intermediate layer is essentially impossible to remove as an individual isolated layer, but is capable of being removed as part of the secondary layer, either in total or in a pre-ordained pattern.
Thus, the primary label component should be a tough, inert, transparent film which allows release of a very thin (+5 Fm) intermediate coating by special interaction of a fluid layer (secondary label component). Such primary label components include: 1. Untreated Melinex (Trade Mark) film + 36m ICI; 2. Untreated Captan (Trade Mark) jelin + 40pm Dupont; and 3. Untreated Mylar (Trade Mark) jelin + 36pm Dupont Apart from those aspects described above, the intermediate layer has other important uses. Even in a thin layer, it should have sufficient reflectance to obscure any visual message viewed (in reverse) from the adhesive side before the label is applied.It should have highly reproducible release characteristics from the primary label component and highly reproducible adhesion to the secondary label component. It is preferred that all of the intermediate layer is capable of transfer if required, to provide a controlled, not random, fracture of the layer.
For security applications, it should not be possible to reaffix the secondary and intermediate layers in place without being detectable, so the intermediate layer should not offer adhesion capability for a second time to the primary label component without showing a distorted image. The intermediate layer itself is important, but the retention capability of the secondary label component is of equal or greater significance. If the intermediate layer is very thin (not supportable as an individual layer) but highly patterned, then any break and re-join will be detectable, because it will not fit together again in an exact fashion. This is preferably achieved with a holographic image system, where the polyester is pretreated with wax prior to the hologram application, by techniques well-known in the art.
The secondary component and intermediate layer ideally serve a number of functions. They should be capable of carrying the same message as the visual one on the primary label or a different message. They should be able to cover all previous images (including the hologram). They should be able to produce a temporary but significant adhesion to the primary layer, which at any time in the product life is capable of release from that primary layer with a minimal tampering force, and leave either no intermediate layer or only predetermined parts applied to the primary layer.
Furthermore, the elements of intermediate layer transferred to the secondary component on tampering should not be capable of being removed from the now detached secondary label component. For example, means of separation such as temperature, solvent and adhesive tapes, should either have no effect, or should break down the secondary label component as well. The preferred means of doing this is via a hot applied secondary label medium. This gives a heat shock, but not prolonged enough to distort the holographic pattern. This is then radiation cured to change the syrup into a cross-linked film. The material is then no longer thermoplastic, is non-tacky, and the holographic image has become an integral part of the lower surface.
It is particularly preferred that the cured secondary label component is adapted to come off as a whole label and not as a fragment. If the hologram is required to come off in patterns, it should be treated prior to application of the secondary label component with a patterned release agent (such as silicone) which will give an easier release between the secondary label component and the hologram, than exists between the hologram and the primary label component. A suitable example for the secondary label component is Dynacoll A (Huls).
The ability of Dynacoll 'A' to give releasable adhesion to many substrates (including holograms and polyester film) without the use of another "release" agent makes it a preferred ingredient. Heat sealing techniques would not work and conventional radiation cured lacquers are too brittle to exploit the small process window required for complete removal of the holograms.
It will be appreciated that the labels of the invention may be layered on one another to provide additional security. Again, differential adhesion is required, with the primary label component of the second or subsequent label being essentially non-detachably secured to the secondary component of the preceding label. In any such system, succeeding labels may be the same or different, and may be transparent to allow detection or sight of preceding labels or may be opaque or translucent, and may carry their own message, the same, similar or different to any other label of the laminate.
Laminates may also be formed which correspond to those described above, but wherein subsequent labels have no primary component, so that the laminate consists essentially of a primary component upon which layers of intermediate and secondary components are based.
Otherwise the variability may be as defined above. In addition, it may also be desired to provide another variety of laminate between the two and which lacks one or more primary components.

Claims (19)

1. A tamper-proof label having a primary label component and a secondary label component at least partially covering the primary component with an intermediate layer being located therebetween, the secondary component comprising a cross-linkable, flexible polymer cured in situ to thereby secure both secondary component and intermediate layer to the primary component, the secondary component additionally being adapted to allow detection of the intermediate layer and any device associated therewith, the intermediate layer and secondary component being removable from the primary component with essentially irreversible modification of the detectable intermediate layer or associated device.
2. A label according to claim 1, wherein the primary label component is formed separately from the article to be protected.
3. A label according to claims 1 or 2, wherein the primary component comprises a visual device.
4. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the primary label component is secured to the substrate in such a fashion as either to be non-removable, or only removable with destruction of either the component or the substrate.
5. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein any visual message encoded in the primary component is such as to be inaccessible and/or unalterable, even in the absence of the intermediate and secondary layers.
6. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the intact complete label offers no detectable message or device but, on removal of the secondary and intermediate layers, disruption of the intermediate layer occurs such that either a) the intermediate layer becomes detectable, or b) a message encrypted in the primary layer becomes detectable.
7. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the secondary component comprises Dynacoll A (trade mark).
8. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein a writing surface is provided on the secondary component to allow a signature to be inscribed thereon.
9. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein a pressure sensitive adhesive is provided to secure the primary component.
10. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein a detectable component is protected from secondary tampering by sandwiching it between the adhesive and the substrate side of the primary component.
11. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the primary component comprises a transparent material.
12. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the intermediate layer is not supportable as an individual layer, and is highly patterned.
13. A label according to claim 12, wherein the intermediate layer is a polyester pretreated with wax prior to hologram application.
14. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein the secondary label component is adapted to come off as a whole label and not as a fragment.
15. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein any hologram is adapted to come off in patterns.
16. A label according to claim 15, wherein patterned release is enabled by treatment prior to application of the secondary label component with a patterned release agent to give an easier release between the secondary label component and the hologram, than between the hologram and the primary label component.
17. A label according to any preceding claim, wherein a plurality of labels is provided, layered on one another.
18. A laminate as defined inclaim 17, wherein subsequent labels have no primary component.
19. A label according to claim 1, substantially as described hereinbefore.
GB9006291A 1990-03-21 1990-03-21 Tamper-proof labels Withdrawn GB2243139A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9006291A GB2243139A (en) 1990-03-21 1990-03-21 Tamper-proof labels

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB9006291A GB2243139A (en) 1990-03-21 1990-03-21 Tamper-proof labels

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB9006291D0 GB9006291D0 (en) 1990-05-16
GB2243139A true GB2243139A (en) 1991-10-23

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Cited By (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2278098A (en) * 1993-05-21 1994-11-23 William Alexander Courtney Anti-theft labels
US5452930A (en) * 1993-10-07 1995-09-26 Morgan; Brian R. Tamper evident security device
US5551729A (en) * 1994-11-07 1996-09-03 Morgan; Brian R. Tamper indication device
US5560657A (en) * 1995-03-08 1996-10-01 Morgan; Brian R. Tamper-indicating label
US5568951A (en) * 1993-10-07 1996-10-29 Morgan; Brian R. Tamper evident security device
US5873607A (en) * 1996-05-24 1999-02-23 The Standard Register Company Construction for a laminated window label
RU2147660C1 (en) * 1999-01-19 2000-04-20 Открытое акционерное общество "Концерн "Российские защитные технологии" Lead-sealing device
WO2001093231A1 (en) * 2000-06-01 2001-12-06 Optaglio Limited Label and method of forming the same
US6765704B2 (en) 2000-07-03 2004-07-20 Optaglio Limited Optical device
US6876473B2 (en) 2000-07-03 2005-04-05 Optaglio Limited Device with anti-counterfeiting diffractive structure
US7199911B2 (en) 2000-07-03 2007-04-03 Optaglio Ltd. Optical structure
US7387249B2 (en) 2000-06-05 2008-06-17 Optaglio Limited Product verification and authentication system and method
RU2575423C2 (en) * 2010-08-13 2016-02-20 Хуек Фолиен Гез.М.Б.Х. Protective label or adhesive tape with manipulation indication
RU2576371C2 (en) * 2010-08-13 2016-02-27 Хуек Фолиен Гез.М.Б.Х. Protective label or adhesive tape with indication of extraneous interference
US9996787B2 (en) 2013-04-02 2018-06-12 Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG Layered structure with conductive polymer for recognition of manipulation and process for the production thereof

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1200021A (en) * 1967-01-12 1970-07-29 Addressograph Multigraph Identification device
GB1568510A (en) * 1977-03-04 1980-05-29 Racal Zonal Ltd Information-storage media

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1200021A (en) * 1967-01-12 1970-07-29 Addressograph Multigraph Identification device
GB1568510A (en) * 1977-03-04 1980-05-29 Racal Zonal Ltd Information-storage media

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2278098A (en) * 1993-05-21 1994-11-23 William Alexander Courtney Anti-theft labels
US5452930A (en) * 1993-10-07 1995-09-26 Morgan; Brian R. Tamper evident security device
US5568951A (en) * 1993-10-07 1996-10-29 Morgan; Brian R. Tamper evident security device
US5551729A (en) * 1994-11-07 1996-09-03 Morgan; Brian R. Tamper indication device
US5560657A (en) * 1995-03-08 1996-10-01 Morgan; Brian R. Tamper-indicating label
US5873607A (en) * 1996-05-24 1999-02-23 The Standard Register Company Construction for a laminated window label
RU2147660C1 (en) * 1999-01-19 2000-04-20 Открытое акционерное общество "Концерн "Российские защитные технологии" Lead-sealing device
US7246824B2 (en) * 2000-06-01 2007-07-24 Optaglio Limited Labels and method of forming the same
WO2001093231A1 (en) * 2000-06-01 2001-12-06 Optaglio Limited Label and method of forming the same
US7387249B2 (en) 2000-06-05 2008-06-17 Optaglio Limited Product verification and authentication system and method
US7199911B2 (en) 2000-07-03 2007-04-03 Optaglio Ltd. Optical structure
US6876473B2 (en) 2000-07-03 2005-04-05 Optaglio Limited Device with anti-counterfeiting diffractive structure
US6765704B2 (en) 2000-07-03 2004-07-20 Optaglio Limited Optical device
RU2575423C2 (en) * 2010-08-13 2016-02-20 Хуек Фолиен Гез.М.Б.Х. Protective label or adhesive tape with manipulation indication
RU2576371C2 (en) * 2010-08-13 2016-02-27 Хуек Фолиен Гез.М.Б.Х. Protective label or adhesive tape with indication of extraneous interference
US9996787B2 (en) 2013-04-02 2018-06-12 Heraeus Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG Layered structure with conductive polymer for recognition of manipulation and process for the production thereof

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Publication number Publication date
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