SECURITY LABEL FOR A MULTI-PART CONTAINER, USE OF A SECURITY LABEL, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR APPLYING A SECURITY LABEL FOR A MULTI-PART CONTAINER

Abstract

A security label for a multi-part container includes a first section for attachment to a first container part and a second section adapted to a second container part with respect to a state of the label in that it is applied to the container, so that the label is closed in on itself along an edge line at a free end of the second section facing away from the first section. The two sections form a respective mutually adjacent part of a common material web. The label further includes a severing element between the first and second sections relative to a label longitudinal axis, so that, when the container applied with the label is opened, the label can be cut in a predetermined manner by the severing element and the second section can be removed together with the second container part from the first section and the first container part.

Claims

1. A security label (1) for a multi-part container (40) comprising: a first label section (10) adapted to be attached to a first part (41) of the container (40), a second label section (20) configured to encircle a second part (42) of the container (40) with respect to a state of the security label (1) in that it is applied to the container (40), such that the security label (1) is closed in on itself along an edge line (27) at a free end (26) of the second label section (20) facing away from the first label section (10), wherein the two label sections (10, 20) form a respective mutually adjacent part of a common material web, and a severing element (32) which is arranged between the first and second label sections (10, 20) with respect to a longitudinal axis (L) of the security label (1), so that when the container (40) applied with the security label (1) is opened, the security label (1) is predeterminedly severable by means of the severing element (32) and the second label section (20) is removable together with the second part (42) of the container (40) from the first label section (10) and the first part (41) of the container (40).

2. The security label (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second label section (20) is formed such that the security label (1) is closed along the edge line (27) in a materially sealed manner within itself with respect to a state applied to the container (40).

3. The security label (1) according to claim 2, wherein the second label section (20) has an adhesive surface at the end (26) so that the security label (1) is adhesively sealed to itself along the edge line (27) with respect to a state applied to the container (40).

4. The security label (1) according to claim 2, wherein the second label section (20) comprises a material at the end (26) such that the security label (1) is sealed to itself by welding along the edge line (27) with respect to a state applied to the container (40).

5. The security label (1) according to claim 1, comprising: an adhesive layer disposed on an underside of the first label section (10), such that the security label (1) is disposable on the container (40) by means of adhesion.

6. The security label (1) according to claim 1, wherein the security label (1) has an adhesive-free surface (30) in the region of the severing element (32).

7. The security label (1) according to claim 1, wherein the severing element (32) is formed in coordination with the container (40) in an area of the security label (1) which, with respect to an applied state of the security label (1) to the container (40), is associated with a transition between the first part (41) and the second part (42) of the container (40).

8. The security label (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 claim 1, wherein the severing element (32) comprises a perforation and/or a tear strip.

9. The security label (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 claim 1, wherein the second label section (20) comprises a thickness compensating element (34, 35) that provides size compensation with respect to different geometries of the first part (41) and the second part (42) of the container (40).

10. The security label (1) according to claim 9, wherein the thickness compensating element (34, 35) comprises a punching, a fold line and/or a print layer.

11. The security label (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 claim 1, comprising: an indicator layer disposed in the region of the severing element (32) on the first and/or second label section (10, 20) and configured to indicate removal of the second label section (20) from the first label section (10).

12. The security label (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first and/or the second label section (10, 20) are formed with respect to a respective contour such that the closed edge line (27) is formed straight or rounded with respect to a state of the security label (1) in that it is applied to the container (40).

13. A use of a security label (1) according to claim 1 for a container (40) that can be divided into several parts.

14. A system, comprising: a container (40) divisible into a plurality of parts, comprising a first part (41) and a second part (42), and a security label (1) according to claim 1, which is applied to the container (40) such that the first label section (10) is attached to the first part (41) of the container (40) and the second label section (20) surrounds the second part (42) of the container (40) all around, so that the security label (1) is closed in on itself at the free end (26) of the second label section (20) along the edge line (27).

15. A method of applying a security label (1) to a multi-part container (40) according to claim 1, comprising: attaching the first label section (10) to a first part (41) of the container (40), attaching the second label section (20) to a second part (42) of the container (40) such that the second label section (20) surrounds the second part (42) of the container (40), and closing in the free end (26) of the second label section (20) on itself along the edge line (27) and thereby sealing the second label section (20).

Description

[0066] Examples of embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to schematic drawings. They show:

[0067] FIGS. 1A-1E an embodiment of a security label for a multi-part container,

[0068] FIGS. 2A-2F a further embodiment of a security label for a multi-part container,

[0069] FIGS. 3A-3B a further embodiment of a security label for a multi-part container,

[0070] FIGS. 4A-4B a further embodiment of a security label for a multi-part container,

[0071] FIGS. 5A-5B a further embodiment of a security label for a multi-part container,

[0072] FIG. 6 a further embodiment of a security label for a multi-part container,

[0073] FIG. 7 a flow chart for a method of applying a security label for a multi-part container,

[0074] FIGS. 8A-8B a further embodiment of a security label for a multi-part container.

[0075] Elements of the same design and function are identified with the same reference signs throughout the figures. For reasons of clarity, not all elements shown in the figures are identified with the corresponding reference signs, possibly.

[0076] FIGS. 1A-1E schematically show an embodiment of a security label 1 for a multi-part container using the example of a syringe 40 in various views. The security label 1 has a first label section 10, which is adapted to be attached to a first part of the container, the syringe body 41, and a second label section 20, which is adapted, in a state of the security label 1 applied to the syringe 40, to attach a second part of the container, the syringe head or syringe cap 42, so that the security label 1 is closed in on itself along an edge line 27 at a free end 26 of the second label section 20 facing away from the first label section 10 (see FIGS. 1B-1E).

[0077] The two label sections 10, 20 thereby form a respective mutually adjacent part of a common material web. The security label 1 further comprises a perforation 32 as a severing element, which is arranged between the first and the second label sections 10, 20 with respect to a longitudinal axis L of the security label 1, so that when the syringe 40 applied with the security label 1 is opened, the security label 1 can be severed in a predetermined manner by means of the perforation 32 and the second label section 20 can be removed together with the syringe cap 42 from the first label section 10 and the syringe body 41.

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment of the security label 1, the perforation 32 is provided as a severing element. Alternatively or additionally, a tear strip may also be implemented as a separating element or comprise such an element in order to enable a controlled separation of the second label section 20 from the first label section 10. The perforation 32 may have a special geometry and is not necessarily arranged parallel to an outer edge of the security label 1.

[0079] According to another preferred embodiment of the security label 1, it has an adhesive-free area 30 in the region of the perforation 32, as shown in FIG. 1A. In this way, easy severing of the security label 1 and removal of the second label section 20 from the first label section 10 can be made possible. A force required to separate the two label sections 10, 20 is thus reduced compared to a fully adhesive security label 1 and an opening dynamic of the syringe 40 applied with the security label 1 is improved.

[0080] In addition, the security label 1 may also be completely covered with an adhesive layer on an underside to allow easy adhesive attachment of the security label 1 to an outer wall of the syringe 40. However, according to an alternative embodiment, the security label 1 may be completely covered with an adhesive layer on an underside and may not have an adhesive-free region.

[0081] Alternatively, the security label 1 has an adhesive layer on the underside of the first label section 10 and spaced therefrom on an underside at the upper end 26 of the second label section 20. The two label sections 10, 20 are substantially bounded by the perforation 32. The adhesive-free area 30 may extend toward the first and/or second label sections 10, 20.

[0082] In this context, terms such as “upper”, “lower”, “above” and “below” refer to the illustrated figures and an operational arrangement or use of the security label 1 and the syringe 40, wherein the upper, second label section 20 is associated with the upper, second part of the container or syringe cap 42 which is removed to open the syringe 40.

[0083] FIGS. 1B and 1C each show a schematic side view of the security label 1 applied to the syringe 40, which has a shape similar to a sugar bag at the upper, sealed end 26. In the fully applied state, the security label 1 simultaneously forms a body label and a sealing label with an intrinsically sealed label cap which hermetically encloses the syringe cap 42, for example. In this way, a particularly reliable and secure tamper protection for the syringe 40 or other multi-part container can be realized and, in addition, a protective function for an ingredient can be provided against radiation and moisture effects and other influences. The security label 1 can also have a multilayer design and further layers, among other things for increased protection or due to documentation purposes.

[0084] The security label 1 is sealed above the syringe cap 42 along the edge line 27, for example by the end 26 being glued and/or welded into itself after wrapping around the syringe cap 42. FIG. 1C shows a side view of the security label 1 rotated substantially 90° compared to FIG. 1B.

[0085] The perforation 32 is preferably formed in an area of the security label 1 which, in an applied state on the syringe 40, corresponds to the area between the syringe cap 42 and the syringe body 41. A geometry of the security label 1, in particular a width and length of the respective label sections 10, 20 is preferably designed to match the geometry of the syringe 40, so that the security label 1 realizes, for example, a all-around or an overlap wrap-around label.

[0086] FIGS. 1D and 1E show respective schematic side views of the upper end 26 of the sealed security label 1, which has a rounded edge line 27 in comparison with the illustrations according to FIGS. 1B and 1C. Such a design, or any other design, of the sealed edge line 27 can be processed and customized by means of special tools during sealing or also subsequently after sealing, in order to form a useful and/or recognizable sealed end of the security label 1.

[0087] The security label 1 combines the functions of a body label with those of a seal label in the form of one common label. Access to the container closure or syringe cap 42 is not possible or at least difficult without destroying the security label 1.

[0088] FIGS. 2A to 2F show in various schematic views a further embodiment of the security label 1 and a formation of a sealed end 26. Such a closure of the second label section 20 along the edge line 27 can be achieved by a simultaneous folding in from opposite sides by means of pressing tines (indicated by arrows in FIG. 2C) and result in a space-saving sealed closure at the upper end 26 of the second label section 20. Such a self-folded closure may also have a high recognition value and further offers the possibility of keeping a width along the edge line 27 smaller than a diameter of the syringe cap 42. Such a design of the sealed end 26 of the security label 1 may be particularly advantageous with respect to storage and transport in an associated blister for syringes 40 or other multi-part containers.

[0089] FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate another embodiment of the security label 1 which, compared to the previously described embodiments, has a widened area 30 which has a plurality of introduced openings in the form of v-shaped punchings 34. In this way, a certain stretchability of the security label 1 is provided in the area 30, which can have a beneficial effect on adapting to different geometries of the syringe body 41 to the syringe cap 42. The punchings 34 thus realize a thickness compensation element and enable a simple and cost-effective variant of adapting the security label 1 to different radius ratios, if, for example, as shown in FIG. 3B, the tip cap 42 is larger in diameter than the syringe body 41. The syringe 40 is usually rotationally symmetrical or cylindrical in shape.

[0090] FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a further embodiment of the security label 1 which, in comparison with the embodiment according to FIGS. 3A and 3B, has a plurality of introduced openings in the form of linear incisions or punchings 34 which, like gills, provide a certain flexibility of the security label 1 in the area of the syringe cap 42. The embodiments of the security label 1 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4B are particularly suitable for syringes 40, which comprise the syringe cap 42 designed to be larger than the syringe body 41 with respect to a diameter. The security label 1 then realizes a kind of half-open closure around the syringe cap 42, which provides reliable and safe tamper protection and also radial adaptability.

[0091] The embodiments of the security label 1 shown in FIGS. 3A-3B and 4A-4B are particularly suitable for syringes 40 whose syringe cap 42 is configured to be larger in diameter than the syringe body 41.

[0092] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a further embodiment of the security label 1 with a further possibility to provide a certain stretchability or flexibility with respect to syringes 40 of different sizes or widths. The security label 1 presents a fan structure with a plurality of fold lines 35, which allows the security label 1 to be unfolded where a correspondingly larger circumference is provided due to larger radius ratios.

[0093] The fold lines 35 according to FIGS. 5A and 5B, as well as the linear punchings 34 according to FIGS. 4A and 4B, can also be formed obliquely and are not necessarily to be formed parallel to outer edges of the security label 1.

[0094] FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the security label 1, which has an edge offset 21 along a leading edge 11 in the transition of the first label section 10 to the second label section 20 to contribute to a beneficial and secure adhesion of the security label 1 to the multi-part container or syringe 40. Furthermore, the second label section 20 has a tapered shape towards the upper end 26 with tapered edges 23, 24 along the leading edge 11 and a trailing edge 12. Such a configuration of the security label 1 enables particularly precise attachment to a syringe 40 having different radius geometries, and prevents corners of the second label section 20 from undesirably protruding after wrapping around the syringe cap 42. Moreover, in this embodiment example, the adhesive-free area 30 is completely arranged in the second label section 20 and has a plurality of incisions or punchings 34.

[0095] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a flowchart for applying the security label 1 to the multi-part container. For example, in an application process to a syringe 40 having a smaller diameter at the syringe cap 42 than at the syringe body 41, the following steps are performed:

[0096] In a step S1, the syringe 40 and the security label 1 are provided with the two label sections 10 and 20 made from one material web and a perforation 32 disposed therebetween.

[0097] In a further step S3, for example, a rotatably mounted sleeve is provided and pushed over a cap region of the syringe 40 to form a cylindrical overall body of approximately constant diameter, which can be labeled in a simple manner. Contact with the cap portion of the syringe 40 can be prevented in this manner.

[0098] In a further step S5, the security label 1 is attached to the syringe body 41 with its adhesive bottom side in the first label section 10.

[0099] In a further step S7, the second label section 20 is attached to the syringe cap 42 by wrapping the syringe cap 42 with the second label section 20 having an adhesive neutralized underside. The second label section 20 now surrounds the syringe cap 42 and is adhered to itself in an overlap region as an overlap wrap-around label.

[0100] Steps S5 and S7 can be carried out one after the other, as described above, or alternatively simultaneously.

[0101] In a further step S9, the inserted auxiliary in the form of the sleeve can now simply be pulled out of the enclosure of the applied security label 1 again.

[0102] In a further step S11, the free end 26 of the second label section 20 is closed in on itself along the edge line 27 so that the upper end 26 of the second label section 20 is sealed above the syringe cap 42. The label sleeve formed by means of enveloping the second label section 20 can be securely closed and reliably sealed by means of bonding and/or welding.

[0103] According to the described method, an application of the security label 1 to the syringe 40 can be made beyond the syringe cap 42 without touching the needle area.

[0104] FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate in schematic views a security label 100 for a multi-part container 400, which may be, for example, a syringe or an injection vial. The security label 100 has a first label section 110 configured to be attached to a first part 410 of the container 400, and a second label section 200 configured to encircle a second part 420 of the container 400 with respect to a state of the security label 100 applied to the container 400, so that the security label 100 forms a label sleeve along an edge line at a free end 260 of the second label section 200 facing away from the first label section 100, the label sleeve being closed in itself but open upwardly with respect to a longitudinal axis LO of the security label 100.

[0105] The two label sections 110 and 200 thereby form a respective mutually adjacent part of a common material web. The security label 100 further comprises a perforation 320 as a severing element, which is arranged between the first and the second label sections 110, 200 with respect to the longitudinal axis LO of the security label 100, so that when the container 400 applied with the security label 100 is opened, the security label 100 can be severed in a predetermined manner by means of the perforation 320 and the second label section 200 can be removed together with the second part 420 of the container 400 from the first label section 110 and the first part 410 of the container 400.

[0106] According to a preferred embodiment of the security label 100, the perforation 320. Alternatively or additionally, the severing element may also comprise a tear strip to enable controlled separation of the second label section 200 from the first label section 110. The perforation 320 may have a special geometry and is not necessarily arranged parallel to an outer edge of the security label 100.

[0107] According to another preferred embodiment of the security label 100, as shown in FIG. 1A, the security label 100 has an adhesive-free area 300 in the region of the perforation 320. In this way, easy severing of the security label 100 and removal of the second label section 200 from the first label section 110 can be made possible. A force required to separate the two label sections 110, 200 is thus reduced compared to a fully adhesive security label 100 and an opening dynamic of the container 400 applied with the security label 100 is improved.

[0108] In addition, the security label 100 may also be fully covered with an adhesive layer on an underside to allow for easy adhesive attachment of the security label 100 to an outer wall of the container 400. Alternatively, the security label 100 has an adhesive layer on the underside of the first label section 110 and spaced therefrom on an underside at the upper end 260 of the second label section 200. Basically, the perforation 320 forms a type of boundary on a respective side of the two label sections 110, 200. The adhesive-free region 300 may extend toward the first and/or second label sections 110, 200.

[0109] Terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “above” and “below” refer to illustrated FIGS. 8A and 8B and an operational arrangement or use of the security label 100 and the container 400, wherein the top, second label section 200 is associated with the top, second part 420 of the container 400 which is removed to open the container 400.

[0110] In the fully applied state, the security label 100 simultaneously forms a body label and a seal label which reliably and securely encloses the openable second part 420 of the container 400. In this way, a particularly effective tamper protection for the container 400 can be realized and, in addition, a protective function for an ingredient against the effects of radiation, moisture and other influences can be provided. The security label 100 can also be designed with multiple layers for the protective purpose, among other things.

[0111] The perforation 320 is preferably formed in an area of the security label 100 which, with respect to an applied state on the container 400, corresponds to the area between the second part 420 and the first part 410. A geometry of the security label 100, in particular a width and length of the respective label sections 110, 200 is preferably formed to match the geometry of the container 400 so that the security label 100 realizes, for example, an all-around or an overlap wrap-around label.

[0112] In particular, the security label 100 may have a predetermined printing layer to reduce or close a gap between the second part 420 of the container 400 and the wrapped second label section 200 such that manual access to the openable second part 420 of the container is not possible or hardly possible without damaging the security label 100. Such a printed layer is therefore preferably applied to an underside of the second label section 200 in an area which, in a state applied to the container 400, faces the second part 420 and fills the gap between the security label 100 and the container 400.

[0113] In addition, such a printed layer enables a function as a thickness compensation element and enables a potential compensation of different radii of the first and second part 410, 420 of the container 400. Such a relatively thick printed layer can be applied, for example, by means of a matrix technique in a screen printing process.

[0114] The security label 100 combines the functions of a body label with those of a seal label in the form of one common label. Access to the container closure or to the openable, second part 420 of the container 400 is not possible or only possible with difficulty without damage to the security label 100.

[0115] Application of the security label 100 can be carried out analogously to the previously described application process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, omitting a sealing step analogous to step S11.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0116] 1, 100 Security label

[0117] 10, 110 first label section

[0118] 11 leading edge of the security label

[0119] 12 following edge of the security label

[0120] 20, 200 second label section

[0121] 21 edge offset

[0122] 23 tapered edge of the second label section

[0123] 24 tapered edge of the second label section

[0124] 26, 260 upper end of second label section

[0125] 27 upper edge line of the second label section

[0126] 30, 300 adhesive-free area

[0127] 32 perforation

[0128] 34 punching

[0129] 35 folding line

[0130] 40, 400 container/syringe

[0131] 41, 410 first part of the container/syringe body

[0132] 42, 420 second part of the container/syringe cap

[0133] L, L0 longitudinal axis

[0134] S(i) steps of a method for producing the security label