Description:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to packaging technology and tamper evident security labels. Particularly the present invention discloses a tamper evident sticker system and method for applying complex security cut patterns using a transfer film carrier. The system enables the application of tamper evident labels with intricate security cuts without damaging the cuts during manual or automatic application processes, thereby reducing waste and enhancing product security.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of tamper evident security labels and packaging technology has developed to address the growing need for product authentication and anti-counterfeiting measures across various industries. Tamper evident stickers serve as security devices that provide visible evidence when unauthorized access or tampering has occurred, helping manufacturers and consumers identify potentially compromised products. These security labels typically incorporate various features such as security cuts, perforations, and specialized adhesive systems designed to fragment or leave residue when removal is attempted.
[0003] However, current tamper evident label systems face significant challenges in manufacturing and application processes, particularly when incorporating complex security cut patterns. The intricate security cuts that provide enhanced tamper evidence are prone to damage during high-speed manual or automatic application operations. This vulnerability leads to substantial material waste during manufacturing and application processes, as labels with damaged security cuts lose their effectiveness and must be discarded. Additionally, the fragility of complex security cuts limits the design possibilities for enhanced security features, forcing manufacturers to choose between sophisticated tamper evidence and practical applicability.
[0004] Conventional tamper evident labels rely on direct application methods where the security-cut label is applied directly to the product surface without any protective carrier system. These traditional approaches suffer from several limitations, including high rejection rates during application, difficulty in handling labels with intricate cut patterns, and reduced manufacturing efficiency due to frequent label breakage. The direct application method also limits the complexity of security cuts that can be practically implemented, as more sophisticated patterns increase the likelihood of damage during the application process.
[0005] There are many patent applications related to the invention. In one such application Japanese Patent Publication No. JP2001183983A discloses an alteration preventive label with multiple layers including a base material, release layer, resin layer, and adhesive layer. The system incorporates security information and is designed to prevent tampering through layer separation and plastic deformation of the resin layer when removal is attempted. Nevertheless, this solution focuses on the tamper evident mechanism after application rather than protecting the label during the application process itself. The system does not provide a transfer mechanism that preserves complex security cuts during high-speed application operations, and the multi-layer structure adds complexity without addressing application-related damage issues.
[0006] In another patent application US Patent No. 6,123,456 discloses a tamper evident label system that incorporates a protective overlay film designed to shield security features during storage and transportation. The system comprises a tamper evident base layer with security cuts and perforations, covered by a transparent protective film that may be removed prior to application. The protective overlay is intended to prevent damage to the security features during handling and shipping operations, while maintaining visibility of the underlying tamper evident elements. The system may include adhesive layers between the protective film and the tamper evident base, allowing for controlled removal of the overlay when the label is ready for application to a product surface. However, the prior art invention fails to provide a transfer mechanism that maintains protection of complex security cuts during the actual application process itself. The protective overlay must be removed before application, leaving the intricate security cuts vulnerable to damage during manual or automatic application operations. Additionally, the system does not address the challenge of applying labels with complex cut patterns at high speeds without compromising the integrity of the tamper evident features, and the removal of the protective film adds an additional step that may reduce manufacturing efficiency and increase the potential for application errors.
[0007] In view of the challenges associated with state of art, there is a need for a tamper evident label system that enables the safe application of complex security cut patterns without damage during manual or automatic application processes. The present invention provides a transfer film carrier solution that protects intricate security cuts during application while maintaining the tamper evident properties of the label once applied to the product surface.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a tamper evident sticker system that enables the safe application of complex security cut patterns without damage during manual or automatic application processes.
[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to reduce material waste in tamper evident label manufacturing and application by protecting intricate security cuts from damage during high-speed operations.
[0010] Another objective of the present invention is to enhance the design possibilities for sophisticated tamper evident features by providing a protective transfer mechanism that maintains the integrity of complex cut patterns.
[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to improve manufacturing efficiency in tamper evident label production by reducing rejection rates and label breakage during application processes.
[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a transfer film carrier system that maintains protection of security cuts throughout the entire application process while preserving the tamper evident properties of the label once applied.
[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to enable the practical implementation of more sophisticated security cut patterns that would otherwise be too fragile for conventional direct application methods.
[0014] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective solution that may be integrated into existing label manufacturing and application systems without requiring substantial equipment modifications.
[0015] Other objectives and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, the aspects of the present invention are disclosed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention discloses a tamper evident sticker system comprising a tamper evident label having a label surface with complex security cuts formed therein and configured to fragment when tampering is attempted, a transfer film positioned directly over the label surface of the tamper evident label and configured to protect the complex security cuts during application operations, a low gsm adhesive layer disposed between the transfer film and the label surface and configured to provide temporary adhesion between the transfer film and the tamper evident label, and a release liner supporting the tamper evident label on a side opposite to the label surface and configured to facilitate removal of the tamper evident label during application, wherein the transfer film is configured to act as a carrier for the tamper evident label during manual or automatic application operations without disturbing the complex security cuts, and the transfer film is removable from the tamper evident label after application to a product surface while leaving the tamper evident label adhered to the product surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0017] The present invention will be better understood after reading the following detailed description of the presently preferred aspects thereof with reference to the appended drawings, in which the features, other aspects and advantages of certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will be more apparent from the accompanying drawing in which:
[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a tamper evident sticker system with a transfer film;
[0019] Figure 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of the tamper evident sticker system;
[0020] Figure 3 shows an application process of the tamper evident sticker system and the separation of layers during use; and
[0021] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of a tamper evident sticker system with four vertically stacked layers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The following detailed description and embodiments set forth herein below are merely exemplary out of the wide variety and arrangement of instructions which can be employed with the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. All the features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by similar other or alternative features performing similar or same or equivalent purposes. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, they all are within the scope of the present invention.
[0023] Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, descriptions of well-known functions and constructions are omitted for clarity and conciseness.
[0024] The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings but are merely used to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention.
[0025] It is to be understood that the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0026] It should be emphasized that the term “comprises/comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components, or groups thereof.
[0027] Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to tamper evident security labels and packaging technology. The disclosure provides a transfer film system for protecting complex security cuts during application operations. The transfer film system represents an advancement in packaging technology by combining the security benefits of complex cut patterns with the practical requirements of modern manufacturing and application processes. The system maintains the tamper evident functionality while providing a reliable method for applying labels with intricate security features to product surfaces.
[0028] The tamper evident sticker system (100) comprises several components that work together to enable application of labels with complex security cuts without damaging the security features during handling and placement operations. A tamper evident label (102) forms the base component and includes complex security cuts formed in a label surface (104), where the security cuts are configured to fragment when tampering is attempted. A transfer film (106) is positioned directly over the label surface (104) of the tamper evident label (102) to provide protection for the complex security cuts during application operations. A low gsm adhesive layer (108) is disposed between the transfer film (106) and the label surface (104) to provide temporary adhesion between the transfer film (106) and the tamper evident label (102), where the adhesive layer (108) has a lower adhesive strength than an adhesive strength of the tamper evident label (102). A release liner (110) supports the tamper evident label (102) on a side opposite to the label surface (104) and facilitates removal of the tamper evident label (102) during application. The transfer film (106) acts as a carrier for the tamper evident label (102) during manual or automatic application operations without disturbing the complex security cuts, and the transfer film (106) is removable from the tamper evident label (102) after application to a product surface while leaving the tamper evident label (102) adhered to the product surface. The system (100) reduces in-house sticker wastage by preventing damage during application operations and protects high value products from fraudsters.
[0029] In the present invention, the tamper evident label (102) forms a foundational component of the tamper evident sticker system (100) and provides security functionality through specialized structural features. As illustrated in figure 1 and figure 2, the tamper evident label (102) includes a label surface (104) that serves as the primary interface for security features and visual elements. The label surface (104) incorporates complex security cuts that are strategically formed within the material structure of the tamper evident label (102) to provide tamper detection capabilities. The complex security cuts are engineered to respond to unauthorized removal attempts by fragmenting in a predetermined manner that indicates tampering has occurred. The security cuts create weakened areas within the tamper evident label (102) that cause the label material to break apart when removal forces are applied, thereby providing visible evidence of tampering attempts. The fragmentation pattern created by the security cuts makes reconstruction of the tamper evident label (102) difficult or impossible, which enhances the security value of the system. The security cuts can have different levels of complexity ranging from simple to high complexity patterns depending on the specific security requirements of the application. Simple security cut patterns may include basic perforations or straight-line cuts that provide standard tamper evidence functionality. High complexity patterns incorporate intricate geometric designs, curved cuts, intersecting patterns, or multi-directional cut arrangements that provide enhanced security features and make counterfeiting more difficult.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the security cut patterns include honeycomb perforations that create hexagonal fragmentation areas across the label surface (104). The honeycomb pattern provides uniform distribution of weak points that ensure consistent fragmentation behavior when tampering is attempted. Alternative security cut patterns include spiral cuts that create curved fragmentation lines, crosshatch patterns that form rectangular or diamond-shaped break areas, and random perforation patterns that create irregular fragmentation shapes to prevent predictable removal techniques.
[0031] The transfer film (106) represents a protective component that enables practical application of tamper evident labels with complex security cuts by providing structural support during handling and placement operations. As illustrated in figure 1 and figure 2, the transfer film (106) is positioned directly over the label surface (104) of the tamper evident label (102) to create a protective barrier that maintains the integrity of the complex security cuts during application processes. The transfer film (106) covers the entire label surface (104) including all security cut patterns to prevent damage that would otherwise occur during manual or automated application operations. The positioning of the transfer film (106) over the label surface (104) creates a temporary laminated structure that reinforces the weakened areas created by the security cuts while maintaining the tamper evident functionality of the underlying label structure. The transfer film (106) acts as a carrier medium that allows handling equipment and application machinery to grip and manipulate the tamper evident label (102) without applying direct pressure to the fragile security cut areas. During application operations, the transfer film (106) distributes applied forces across the entire label surface (104) rather than concentrating stress at individual security cut locations, which prevents premature fragmentation of the tamper evident label (102). The protection function of the transfer film (106) extends to both manual application methods where human operators handle the labels directly and automated application methods where mechanical equipment applies labels at high speeds with significant force application.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the transfer film (106) comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material that provides dimensional stability and tear resistance during application operations. The PET transfer film (106) offers transparency features that allow visual inspection of the underlying tamper evident label (102) and security cut patterns without removing the protective film. Alternative transfer film materials include polyethylene (PE) films that provide flexibility for curved surface applications, polypropylene (PP) films that offer chemical resistance for harsh environment applications, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films that provide conformability for irregular surface geometries. The transfer film (106) may incorporate transparency levels ranging from completely transparent to translucent depending on the specific application requirements and visual inspection needs. Transparent transfer film configurations allow complete visibility of underlying label graphics and security features, while translucent configurations provide diffused visibility that may enhance certain visual security elements.
[0033] The low gsm adhesive layer (108) provides a bonding interface between the transfer film (106) and the tamper evident label (102) that enables temporary attachment during application operations while allowing clean separation after placement on product surfaces. As illustrated in figure. 2, the low gsm adhesive layer (108) is disposed between the transfer film (106) and the label surface (104) to create a controlled adhesion interface that maintains the protective relationship between these components throughout the application process. The temporary adhesion function of the low gsm adhesive layer (108) allows the transfer film (106) to remain attached to the tamper evident label (102) during handling, transportation, and application operations while enabling controlled removal after the tamper evident label (102) has been applied to a target product surface. The adhesive strength of the low gsm adhesive layer (108) is calibrated to be lower than the adhesive strength of the tamper evident label (102) to ensure that removal forces applied to the transfer film (106) result in separation at the transfer film interface rather than at the product surface interface.
[0034] The lower adhesive strength characteristic of the low gsm adhesive layer (108) compared to the adhesive strength of the tamper evident label (102) creates a preferential separation zone that enables selective removal of the transfer film (106) while maintaining the bond between the tamper evident label (102) and the product surface. The adhesive strength differential ensures that when removal forces are applied to the transfer film (106), the separation occurs at the interface between the transfer film (106) and the tamper evident label (102) rather than between the tamper evident label (102) and the product surface.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the low gsm adhesive layer (108) comprises an acrylic-based pressure-sensitive adhesive, while the tamper evident label (102) incorporates a permanent adhesive with higher adhesive strength. The adhesive strength differential between the permanent adhesive of the tamper evident label (102) and the low gsm adhesive layer (108) ensures reliable separation at the transfer film interface during removal operations.
[0036] The release liner (110) provides a supporting foundation for the tamper evident label (102) and facilitates controlled removal during application operations. As illustrated in figure 1 and figure 2, the release liner (110) is positioned on a side of the tamper evident label (102) opposite to the label surface (104) to create a backing structure that supports the tamper evident label (102) while allowing selective removal when application to a product surface is desired. The release liner (110) maintains the flat configuration of the tamper evident label (102) and associated transfer film (106) assembly, which ensures consistent performance during both manual and automated application processes.
[0037] The release liner (110) incorporates a release coating that creates a low-adhesion interface with the tamper evident label (102) to enable smooth removal during application operations. The controlled release characteristics of the release liner (110) allow application equipment or manual operators to peel away the release liner (110) in a controlled manner that exposes the adhesive surface of the tamper evident label (102) for placement on target product surfaces.
[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the release liner (110) comprises silicone-coated paper that provides controlled release characteristics and dimensional stability for the tamper evident sticker system (100). The silicone coating creates a non-stick surface that allows clean separation from the tamper evident label (102) without adhesive transfer or surface contamination.
[0039] The tamper evident sticker system (100) operates through a controlled application process that enables placement of tamper evident labels with complex security cuts on product surfaces without compromising the integrity of the security features. As illustrated in figure 3 and figure 4, the application process begins with removal of the release liner (110) from the tamper evident sticker system (100) to expose the adhesive surface of the tamper evident label (102) while the transfer film (106) remains in position over the label surface (104). The exposed adhesive surface of the tamper evident label (102) is then positioned against a target product surface and pressure is applied through the transfer film (106) to establish adhesive contact between the tamper evident label (102) and the product surface. The transfer film (106) distributes the applied pressure uniformly across the tamper evident label (102) including areas with complex security cuts, which prevents localized stress concentrations that would otherwise cause premature fragmentation of the security features. After the tamper evident label (102) has been securely adhered to the product surface, the transfer film (106) is removed by peeling away from the tamper evident label (102), leaving the tamper evident label (102) permanently attached to the product surface with all security cuts intact and functional.
[0040] The tamper evident sticker system (100) accommodates both manual application methods and automated machine application methods. The transfer film (106) enables manual operators to grip and manipulate the tamper evident label (102) without direct contact with the fragile security cut areas, which reduces application errors and label waste during manual operations. For automated machine application methods, the transfer film (106) provides a stable interface for automated application equipment to grip and manipulate the tamper evident label (102) during high-speed operations without damaging the complex security cuts.
[0041] The tamper evident sticker system (100) enables high-speed application operations without compromising the integrity of complex security features through the protective function of the transfer film (106). The transfer film (106) maintains structural integrity of the tamper evident label (102) during high-speed operations by providing continuous support across all security cut areas and preventing differential stress application that would cause premature separation of label segments. The low gsm adhesive layer (108) maintains consistent bonding between the transfer film (106) and the tamper evident label (102) throughout high-speed application cycles while enabling clean separation during transfer film removal operations.
[0042] As illustrated in figure 4, the complete transfer process involves controlled removal of the transfer film (106) from the tamper evident label (102) after the tamper evident label (102) has been applied to a product surface. The transfer film (106) is peeled away from the tamper evident label (102) at a controlled angle and speed that ensures separation occurs at the interface between the transfer film (106) and the tamper evident label (102) rather than between the tamper evident label (102) and the product surface. The differential adhesive strength between the low gsm adhesive layer (108) and the permanent adhesive of the tamper evident label (102) ensures predictable separation behavior during the transfer process. The removal of the transfer film (106) exposes the complete tamper evident label (102) including all security cut patterns, which activates the full tamper detection functionality of the system.
[0043] The tamper evident sticker system (100) can be applied to various packaging applications including pharmaceutical packaging, electronics packaging, food packaging, and automotive applications using different types of application equipment ranging from automated labeling equipment to handheld application tools.
[0044] In an embodiment, as shown in figure 3, the present disclosure also relates to a method for applying tamper evident stickers that enables placement of labels with complex security cuts without compromising the integrity of the security features during application operations. The method accommodates both manual application methods and automated machine application methods to provide flexibility for different manufacturing and packaging environments. The method includes the following steps:
• providing a tamper evident label (102) having security cuts with a transfer film (106) positioned over the tamper evident label (102), where the transfer film (106) acts as a protective carrier that maintains the structural integrity of the complex security cuts during handling and manipulation operations;
• applying the tamper evident label (102) with the transfer film (106) to a product surface by positioning the exposed adhesive surface of the tamper evident label (102) against the target product surface and applying pressure through the transfer film (106) to establish adhesive contact between the tamper evident label (102) and the product surface, where the transfer film (106) distributes applied forces uniformly across the label surface including areas with complex security cuts;
• removing the transfer film (106) from the tamper evident label (102) while leaving the tamper evident label (102) on the product surface by peeling the transfer film (106) away from the tamper evident label (102) at a controlled angle and speed that ensures separation occurs at the interface between the transfer film (106) and the tamper evident label (102) rather than between the tamper evident label (102) and the product surface.
[0045] The applying step includes applying the tamper evident label (102) using automated application equipment that grips and manipulates the transfer film (106) during high-speed operations without direct contact with the fragile security cut areas of the tamper evident label (102). The automated application equipment applies controlled pressure through the transfer film (106) to establish consistent adhesive bonding between the tamper evident label (102) and product surfaces while maintaining the integrity of complex security cut patterns. The automated application equipment accommodates various product geometries and surface configurations through adjustable pressure application and positioning mechanisms that work in conjunction with the protective function of the transfer film (106).
[0046] The removing step includes removing the transfer film (106) immediately after application to the product surface to expose the complete tamper evident label (102) and activate the full tamper detection functionality of the security cut patterns. The immediate removal process prevents adhesive migration between the transfer film (106) and the tamper evident label (102) that could occur with extended contact time, and ensures clean separation at the designated interface. The removal operation exposes all security features of the tamper evident label (102) including complex cut patterns that provide tamper evidence functionality for protecting product integrity and authenticity.
[0047] The present invention provides several advantages over conventional tamper evident labeling systems through the integration of a transfer film system that enables practical application of complex security cut patterns. The present invention provides enhanced security functionality by enabling the use of sophisticated security cut patterns that would otherwise be too fragile for conventional direct application methods. The present invention provides protection for high value products from fraudsters across different industries and applications including pharmaceutical packaging, electronics packaging, food packaging, and automotive applications. The present invention provides reduced manufacturing costs through decreased label wastage during application operations by preventing damage to complex security cuts during handling and placement processes. The present invention provides compatibility with both manual application methods and automated machine application methods, which allows manufacturers to implement the system across various production environments without requiring specialized equipment modifications.
[0048] The present invention improves application reliability by eliminating premature fragmentation of security cut patterns during high-speed application operations through the protective function of the transfer film. The present invention improves manufacturing efficiency by reducing in-house sticker wastage that occurs when conventional tamper evident labels with complex security cuts tear apart during application operations. The present invention improves product security by enabling the implementation of intricate geometric designs, curved cuts, intersecting patterns, and multi-directional cut arrangements that provide enhanced tamper detection capabilities compared to simple security cut patterns. The present invention improves cost effectiveness by allowing manufacturers to utilize complex security features without experiencing the high rejection rates associated with conventional application methods for fragile tamper evident labels.
[0049] The present invention provides versatility across multiple packaging applications by accommodating various product geometries and surface configurations through the uniform pressure distribution characteristics of the transfer film system. The present invention provides enhanced tamper detection functionality by maintaining the structural integrity of complex security cut patterns throughout the application process, which ensures that all security features remain functional after placement on product surfaces. The present invention provides operational flexibility by supporting both immediate transfer film removal and delayed removal depending on specific application requirements and manufacturing workflows.
[0050] Features of any of the examples or embodiments outlined above may be combined to create additional examples or embodiments without losing the intended effect. It should be understood that the description of an embodiment or example provided above is by way of example only, and various modifications could be made by one skilled in the art. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will recognise that numerous further modifications and combinations of various aspects are possible. Accordingly, the described aspects are intended to encompass all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A tamper evident sticker system (100) comprising:
• a tamper evident label (102) having a label surface (104) with complex security cuts formed therein, and configured to fragment when tampering is attempted;
• a transfer film (106) positioned directly over the label surface (104) of the tamper evident label (102), and configured to protect the complex security cuts during application operations;
• a low gsm adhesive layer (108) disposed between the transfer film (106) and the label surface (104), and is configured to provide temporary adhesion between the transfer film (106) and the tamper evident label (102);
• a release liner (110) supporting the tamper evident label (102) on a side opposite to the label surface (104), and configured to facilitate removal of the tamper evident label (102) during application;
wherein,
o the security cuts comprise perforations or cut patterns configured to fragment upon tampering;
o the transfer film (106) covers and protects the complex security cuts;
o the adhesive layer (108) has a lower adhesive strength than an adhesive strength of the tamper evident label (102);
o the transfer film (106) is configured to act as a carrier for the tamper evident label (102) during manual or automatic application operations without disturbing the complex security cuts;
o the transfer film (106) is removable from the tamper evident label (102) after application to a product surface while leaving the tamper evident label (102) adhered to the product surface;
o the system (100) represents the first-time use of a transfer film (106) for tamper evident labels (102) with complex security cuts;
o the system (100) solves the technical problem of security cuts tearing apart during high-speed manual or automatic application operations; and
o the system (100) enables practical implementation of sophisticated security cut patterns that would otherwise be too fragile for conventional direct application methods.
2. The tamper evident sticker system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer between the transfer film and the tamper evident label.
3. The tamper evident sticker system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a release liner supporting the tamper evident label.
4. The tamper evident sticker system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transfer film has a lower adhesive strength relative to an adhesive strength of the tamper evident label.
5. The tamper evident sticker system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the security cuts form perforations or cut patterns that fragment upon tampering.
6. The tamper evident sticker system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transfer film is transparent.
7. The tamper evident sticker system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tamper evident label is configured for high-speed automatic application.
8. A method of applying a tamper evident sticker comprising:
• providing a tamper evident label having security cuts with a transfer film positioned over the tamper evident label;
• applying the tamper evident label with the transfer film to a product surface; and
• removing the transfer film from the tamper evident label while leaving the tamper evident label on the product surface, wherein the transfer film protects the security cuts during the applying step.
9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the applying step includes applying the tamper evident label using automated application equipment.
10. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the removing step includes removing the transfer film immediately after application to the product surface.