SEALING FILM

Abstract

Sealing film for application to a base surface includes a carrier film and functional layers that include at least two color display layers and at least two adhesion-controlling layers. The sealing film has an adhesive layer for attachment to the base surface. The functional layers are arranged between the carrier film and the adhesive layer. The carrier film is detachable, at least partially, from the functional layers. In a second state at least one symbol is optically visible but not visible in a first state. The at least two adhesion-controlling layers separate defined regions from the at least two color display layers during carrier film detachment. The functional layers include at least one further adhesion-controlling layer, to make at least one layer behind the further adhesion-controlling layer, viewed from the carrier film toward the adhesive layer, visible in the second state, at least in certain sections, via the detachment.

Claims

1. A sealing film (1) for application to a base surface (2), comprising a carrier film (3) and multiple functional layers (4), wherein the functional layers (4) comprise at least two color display layers (5, 6) and at least two adhesion-controlling layers (8, 9), wherein the sealing film (1) has an adhesive layer (11) for attachment to the base surface (2), wherein the functional layers (4) are arranged between the carrier film (3) and the adhesive layer (11), wherein the carrier film (3) can be at least partially detached from the functional layers (4), so as to bring the sealing film (1) from a first state (13) into a second state (14), wherein in the second state at least one symbol (12) is optically visible, which symbol (12) is not visible in the first state (13), wherein the at least two adhesion-controlling layers (8, 9) are provided so as to separate defined regions out from the at least two color display layers (5, 6), and to make the at least one symbol (12) visible, during detachment of the carrier film (3), wherein the functional layers (4) comprise at least one further adhesion-controlling layer (10), so as to make at least one layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10), viewed from the carrier film (3) in the direction of the adhesive layer (11), visible in the second state (14), at least in certain sections, by means of the detachment.

2. The sealing film according to claim 1, wherein the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10) comprises at least one code (15) composed of optical characters and/or graphical symbols.

3. The sealing film (1) according to claim 2, wherein the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10) is transparent, at least in certain sections, and is encompassed by the functional layers (4), and wherein the functional layers (4) comprise at least one further color display layer (7), which further color display layer (7) is arranged between the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10) and the adhesive layer (11).

4. The sealing film (1) according to claim 3, wherein at least the following functional layers (4) are applied to the carrier film (3), one after the other, viewed in the direction of the adhesive layer (11): a first adhesion-controlling layer (8), a first color display layer (5), a second adhesion-controlling layer (9), a second color display layer (6), the further adhesion-controlling layer (10), the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10), and the further color display layer (7).

5. The sealing film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10) and the adhesive layer (11) are transparent, at least in certain sections, so as to make a code (15) visible on the base surface (2) in the second state (14).

6. The sealing film (1) according to claim 5, wherein at least the following functional layers (4) are applied to the carrier film (3), one after the other, viewed in the direction of the adhesive layer (11): a first adhesion-controlling layer (8), a first color display layer (5), a second adhesion-controlling layer (9), a second color display layer (6), the further adhesion-controlling layer (10), and the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10).

7. The sealing film (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first color display layer (5) and the second color display layer (6) are structured in at least two different colors.

8. The sealing film (1) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one symbol (12) is formed, in the second state (14), from at least one of the at least two colors.

9. The sealing film (1) according to claim 8, wherein at least one color is optically visible in the at least one symbol (12) in the second state (14), which color is not optically visible in a region (21) that surrounds the at least one symbol (12), at least in certain sections, and/or vice versa.

10. The sealing film (1) according to claim 4, wherein the adhesion-controlling layers (8, 9, 10) are release varnish layers (8, 9, 10) that reduce the adhesion capacity of the first color display layer (5) and the second color display layer (6) as compared with adjacent layers of the sealing film (1).

11. The sealing film (1) according to claim 10, wherein the release varnish layers (8, 9, 10) comprise at least one silicone and/or at least one wax.

12. The sealing film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the carrier film (3) comprises transparent plastic.

13. The sealing film (1) according to claim 1, wherein a tab (23) is provided, which is directly or indirectly connected with the carrier film (3).

14. The sealing film (1) according to claim 13, wherein the tab (23) is formed by a separate layer that is encompassed by the functional layers (4).

15. The sealing film (1) according to claim 1, wherein the carrier film (1) can be detached, at least partially, from the at least two color display layers (5, 6).

16. The sealing film (1) according to claim 4, wherein at least the following functional layers (4) are applied to the carrier film (3), viewed in the direction of the adhesive layer (11), directly one after the other: a first adhesion-controlling layer (8), a first color display layer (5), a second adhesion-controlling layer (9), a second color display layer (6), the further adhesion-controlling layer (10), the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10), and the further color display layer (7).

17. The sealing film (1) according to claim 6, wherein at least the following functional layers (4) are applied to the carrier film (3), viewed in the direction of the adhesive layer (11), directly one after the other: a first adhesion-controlling layer (8), a first color display layer (5), a second adhesion-controlling layer (9), a second color display layer (6), the further adhesion-controlling layer (10), and the layer (17) that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer (10).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0096] The invention will now be explained in greater detail using exemplary embodiments. The drawings are examples and are intended to show the idea of the invention but by no means to restrict it or to reproduce it in conclusive manner.

[0097] In this regard, the figures show:

[0098] FIG. 1 a schematic representation of the structural structure of a first exemplary embodiment of a sealing film according to the invention, with a code within the functional layers,

[0099] FIG. 2 a schematic representation of the structural structure of a second exemplary embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention, with the code on a base surface,

[0100] FIG. 3a) a schematic representation of the first or second exemplary embodiment in a first state,

[0101] FIG. 3b) a schematic representation of a pulled-off layer of the first or second exemplary embodiment in a second state, after legitimate opening,

[0102] FIG. 3c) a schematic representation of a remnant of the first or second exemplary embodiment in the second state, on a base surface, after legitimate opening,

[0103] FIG. 3d) a schematic representation of a re-application of the pulled-off layer of the first or second exemplary embodiment glued back onto the remnant in the second state, after legitimate opening,

[0104] FIG. 4 a schematic representation of the structural structure of a third exemplary embodiment of the sealing film according to the invention, with the code within the functional layers,

[0105] FIG. 5a) a schematic representation of the third exemplary embodiment in the first state,

[0106] FIG. 5b) a schematic representation of the pulled-off layer of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state, after legitimate opening,

[0107] FIG. 5c) a schematic representation of the remnant of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state, on the base surface, after legitimate opening,

[0108] FIG. 5d) a schematic representation of the re-application of the pulled-off layer, glued back onto the remnant in the second state, after legitimate opening,

[0109] FIG. 5e) a schematic representation of the pulled-off layer of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state, after illegitimate opening,

[0110] FIG. 5f) a schematic representation of the remnant of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state, on the base surface, after illegitimate opening, and

[0111] FIG. 5g) a schematic representation of the re-application of the pulled-off layer, glued back onto the remnant in the second state, after illegitimate opening.

WAYS TO IMPLEMENT THE INVENTION

[0112] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a structural structure of a sealing film 1 according to the invention with a code 15 within functional layers 4. The sealing film 1 according to the invention shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to a first exemplary embodiment.

[0113] It should be mentioned that within the scope of this invention, black and white are also viewed as being colors.

[0114] A first layer of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, seen in a first direction 16, is a carrier film 3 that consists of a transparent plastic film, preferably of polypropylene or polyethylene or polyethylene terephthalate. The plastic film can be matte or glossy. Furthermore, it would be conceivable that the plastic film is colored but not opaque.

[0115] A rearmost layer of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, seen in the first direction 16, is an adhesive layer 11 that can adhere to a base surface 2, wherein the base surface 2 is a sheet of paper or a cardboard. In other words, the sealing film 1 according to the invention, applied to the base surface 2 by means of the adhesive layer 11, can be released from the base surface 2 only by application of force, and remains on the base surface 2, in part, even during a detachment process of the sealing film 1, which will be described below. The part of the sealing film 1 according to the invention that remains on the base surface 2 is referred to as a remnant 19. The self-adhesive function of the adhesive layer 11 can be protected by means of a film, for example, which is pulled off before applying or affixing the sealing film 1 to the base surface 2. In order to guarantee such a solid connection with the surface of a base surface 2, a correspondingly strong adhesive, for example a pressure-sensitive adhesive, must be used. The pressure-sensitive adhesive can be acrylic-based or natural-rubber-based, and it can be dispersed in water, dissolved in solvent or applied as a hot-melt glue, for example.

[0116] Alternatively, a heat-sealing adhesive could also be used for the production of a solid connection between the sealing film 1 and the surface of the base surface 2.

[0117] The following functional layers 4 are arranged between the carrier film 3 and the adhesive layer 11.

[0118] A first color display layer 5 lies behind the carrier film 3, viewed in the first direction 16, and in this exemplary embodiment is kept in the color white F2. Fundamentally, however, the color can be selected in any desired manner.

[0119] A first adhesion-controlling layer 8, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is a first release varnish layer 8, which comprises at least one silicone and/or at least one wax, is arranged between the carrier film 3 and the first color display layer 5.

[0120] It should be noted that alternative substance mixtures can also be used as release varnish layers 8, 9, 10. However, it is essential, in this regard, that the release varnish layers 8, 9, 10 in the exemplary embodiment shown have suitable adhesion-reducing properties, so as to reduces an adhesion capacity of those layers (a functional layer 4 or the carrier film 3) to which the corresponding release varnish layer 8, 9, 10 is applied to a precisely dimensioned degree, so that adjacent layers adhere or are adhesive to a lesser degree.

[0121] A second color display layer 6 is arranged behind the first color display layer 5, viewed in the first direction 16, which layer is black F4 in this exemplary embodiment. The color of the second color display layer 6 can, however, be chosen as desired. Preferably, the first color display layer 5 and the second color display layer 6 consist of contrasting colors, and thereby at least one contrast-rich symbol 12 is formed during the course of the detachment process, if a corresponding arrangement is present.

[0122] A second adhesion-controlling layer 9, which in the exemplary embodiment shown is a second release varnish layer 9, which comprises at least one silicone and/or at least one wax, is arranged between the first color display layer 5 and the second color display layer 6.

[0123] In the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a further adhesion-controlling layer 10, which is a further release varnish layer 10 that comprises at least one silicone and/or at least one wax in the exemplary embodiment shown, is arranged behind the second color display layer 6, viewed in the first direction 16, as is a layer 17 that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer 10. The layer 17 that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer 10 is transparent and comprises a code 15. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3c, the code 15 is a numerical combination composed of black characters. However, it would also be conceivable that the code 15 is a QR code (see FIG. 4), a graphic symbol, or the like.

[0124] The code 15 is not visible in a first state 13 of the sealing film 1, and only becomes visible after detachment of the carrier film 3, in other words in a second state 14 of the sealing film 1. The transition from the first state 13 to the second state 14 thereby corresponds to the detachment process mentioned above.

[0125] A further color display layer 7 is arranged behind the layer 17 that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer 10, viewed in the first direction 16, which layer is white F2 in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1. However, a different color would also be conceivable, wherein preferably a color is selected that has great contrast to the color of the code 15. In this way it is guaranteed that the code 15 is legible even under adverse viewing conditions. In other words, on the one hand the further color display layer 7 has the task of making the code 15 legible. On the other hand, the further color display layer 7 also serves as a privacy shield for the code 15, in the event that the sealing film 1 according to the invention, including all of the functional layers 4, has been improperly removed from the base surface, for example using a tool. If the further color display layer 7 has sufficient coverage, i.e. it is not or barely transparent, the code 15 does not show through the further color display layer 7, and therefore also cannot be read through the back side, i.e. through the further color display layer 7, of the sealing film 1 according to the invention.

[0126] In this exemplary embodiment, the functional layers 4 thereby comprise, viewed in the first direction 16, the first release varnish layer 8, the first color display layer 5, the second release varnish layer 9, the second color display layer 6, the further release varnish layer 10, the layer 17 that lies behind the further release varnish layer 10, and the further color display layer 7.

[0127] A second exemplary embodiment of the sealing film 1 according to the invention is disclosed in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of the structural structure of the second exemplary embodiment of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, with the code 15 on the base surface 2.

[0128] The sealing film 1 according to the invention has the same structure in FIG. 2 as in FIG. 1, with the sole difference that the layer 17 that lies behind the further release varnish layer 10 does not contain a code 15. This is because in this exemplary embodiment the code 15 is situated on the base surface 2 and is not part of the functional layers 4. In the first state 13, the code 15 is covered by the sealing film 1 according to the invention. In other words, in this exemplary embodiment, as well, the code 15 is not visible in the first state 13, and only becomes visible after detachment of the carrier film 3, in other words in the second state 14.

[0129] Both the adhesive layer 11 and the layer 17 that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer 10 are configured to be transparent, at least in the region of the code 15, so as to make the code 15, which is situated on the base surface 2, visible in the second state 14. The further color display layer 7 is eliminated in this exemplary embodiment.

[0130] In this exemplary embodiment, the layer 17 that lies behind the further release varnish layer 10 guarantees the effect of the further release varnish layer 10, because it is ensured by the layer 17 that lies behind the further release varnish layer 10 that the further release varnish layer 10 does not come into direct contact with the adhesive layer 11.

[0131] Furthermore, it would be conceivable, in the case of the two exemplary embodiments shown (see FIG. 1 and FIG. 2), that the sealing film 1 according to the invention has a tab (not shown), which is connected with the carrier film 3. The said tab facilitates pulling off the carrier film 3 for the user, i.e. facilitates the transition of the sealing film 1 according to the invention from the first state 13 to the second state 14.

[0132] FIG. 3a) to d) show, as examples, the sealing film 1 according to the invention in the first state 13 (FIG. 3a)) and in the second state 14 after legitimate opening (FIG. 3b) to FIG. 3d)). In this regard, FIG. 3a) to d) cover both the first exemplary embodiment from FIG. 1 and the second exemplary embodiment from FIG. 2. In other words, it makes no difference for the representations in FIG. 3a) to d) whether the code 15 is situated on the layer 17 that lies behind the further release varnish layer 10 and is therefore part of the functional layers 4, or whether the code 15 is arranged on the base surface 2.

[0133] FIG. 3a) shows a schematic representation of the sealing film 1 according to the invention in the first state 13. The sealing film 1 according to the invention is glued onto the base surface 2, which is white F2, for example, using the adhesive layer 11, and it is cohesive, i.e. it was not previously manipulated. In the first state 13, the entire sealing film 1 according to the invention is dark-gray F1, for example. In the example shown, the dark-gray color F1 results from intimate contact of the first color display layer 5, which is white F2, and the second color display layer 6, which is black F4.

[0134] Of course, it would be conceivable that the sealing film 1 according to the invention has different colors and color combinations in the first state 13 and also in the second state 14.

[0135] FIG. 3b) discloses a schematic representation of a pulled-off layer 18 in the second state 14, after legitimate opening. The pulled-off layer 18 is the carrier film 3 including the color display layers 5, 6 that adhere to the carrier film 3.

[0136] FIG. 3c) shows a schematic representation of the remnant 19 in the second state 14, on the base surface 2, after legitimate opening. The remnant 19 is the parts of the functional layers 4 that remain on the base surface 2.

[0137] In the second state 14, two symbols 12 are now optically visible in two outer regions 20 that lie opposite one another, wherein the two symbols 12 occur during detachment of the carrier film 3, by means of the release varnish layers 8, 9, which remove defined regions from the two color display layers 5, 6.

[0138] The first release varnish layer 8 ensures that the color display layers 5, 6 remain on the remnant 19 in those regions 21 that surround the two symbols 12. Accordingly, the regions 21 that surround the symbols 12 are dark-gray F1 on the remnant 19 and transparent F3 on the pulled-off layer 18.

[0139] The second release varnish layer 9 separates the first color display layer 5 and the second color display layer 6 and ensures the color configuration of the two symbols 12. Thereby the symbols 12 are white F2 on the pulled-off layer 18 and black F4 on the remnant.

[0140] In the exemplary embodiments of FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 4 and others, the symbols 12 are structured in the form of an “X”. However, it would also be possible, of course, that the symbols 12 have any desired shape.

[0141] The further release varnish layer 10 is responsible for the fact that the code 15 becomes visible. As has already been described above, it is not relevant for making the code 15 visible whether the code 15 is arranged on the layer 17 that lies behind the further release varnish layer 10, according to FIG. 1, or whether the code 15 is arranged on the base surface 2 underneath the adhesive layer 11, according to FIG. 2.

[0142] All of the layers that lie in front of the further release varnish layer 10, viewed in the first direction 16, are pulled off from the further release varnish layer 10 in those regions in which the further release varnish layer 10 is applied, using the carrier film 3. As a result, the code 15, which is situated in the center region of the sealing film 1 according to the invention in these exemplary embodiments, becomes visible on the remnant 19. A strong contract occurs between the code 15, the characters of which are typically structured in black F4, and the further color display layer 7 or the base surface 2, due to the white F2 configuration of the further color display layer 7 or the base surface 2, and thereby the code 15 is well legible. Accordingly, this center region is dark-gray F1 on the pulled-off layer 18.

[0143] FIG. 3d) shows a schematic representation of a re-application 22 of the pulled-off layer 18 glued back onto the remnant 19 in the second state 14, after legitimate opening. It is evident that the symbols 12 are visible on the remnant 19 even after the re-application 22 of the pulled-off layer 18 onto the remnant 19. In other words the manipulation of the sealing film 1 according to the invention that took place previously is indicated by a clear identification of the opened state, in that the symbols 12 are visible even after the re-application 22.

[0144] The regions that are situated one on top of the other after the re-application 22 do not yield any strong mixed colors, since no intimate contact occurs between the color display layers 5, 6 during the re-application 22. Due to the detachment of the carrier film 3 including the color display layers 5, 6 that adhere to the carrier film 3, rough surfaces occur between the pulled-off layer 18 and the remnant 19. During the re-application 22, intimate contact between the pulled-off layer 18 and the remnant 19 cannot be produced, as has been described above. In other words the different color pigments no longer bind to one another as strongly. In addition, air collects between the pulled-off layer 18 and the residue 19 during the course of the re-application 22, and this air can no longer fully escape after the re-application 22, and thereby the mixed colors are also impaired.

[0145] After the re-application 22 of the pulled-off layer 18 to the remnant 19, the symbols 12 continue to be white F2, since the symbols 12 are white F2 on the pulled-off layer 18, and during the re-application 22 they cover the black color F4 of the symbols 12 on the remnant 19.

[0146] Since the dark-gray F1 regions 21 of the remnant 19 are covered by the transparent F3 regions 21 of the pulled-off layer 18, slight brightening of the dark-gray F1 regions 21 of the remnant 18 comes about, and thereby the regions 21 appear gray F5 after the re-application 22.

[0147] After the re-application 22, the center region, in which the code 15 is arranged, appears dark-gray F1, since the dark-gray color F1 of the pulled-off layer 18 completely covers the code 15.

[0148] Because of the fact that the two symbols 12 are visible even after the re-application 22, an observer immediately recognizes that the sealing film 1 according to the invention has already been opened previously, and that the code 15 was possibly read by someone else.

[0149] FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of the structural structure of a third exemplary embodiment of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, with the code 15 within the functional layers 4.

[0150] A first layer of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, viewed in the first direction 16, is a cover color 24, which serves to characterize a region of the code 15 and a region of a tab 23, and to additionally cover the code 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the carrier film 3 lies behind the cover color 24, viewed in the first direction 16, and consists of a transparent plastic film.

[0151] A rearmost layer of the sealing film according to the invention, seen in the first direction 16, is the adhesive layer 11, which can adhere to the base surface 2. Subsequent functional layers 4 are arranged between the carrier film 3 and the adhesive layer 11.

[0152] A laminate adhesive layer 25 lies directly behind the carrier film 3, viewed in the first direction 16, and serves, in this exemplary embodiment, for excluding the tab 23, so as to make easy pulling-off possible. The laminate adhesive layer 25 is not applied over the full area—no laminate adhesive layer 25 is applied at a corner of the sealing film 1 according to the invention, and thereby the carrier film 1 can be detached particularly easily there.

[0153] The first color display layer 5 lies behind the carrier film 3, viewed in the first direction 16. The first release varnish layer 8, which comprises at least one silicone and/or at least one wax, is arranged between the carrier film 3 and the first color display layer 5.

[0154] A second carrier film 3 is arranged behind the first color display layer 5, viewed in the first direction 16. The second release varnish layer 9 is arranged between the first color display layer 5 and the second carrier film 3.

[0155] Using those functional layers 4 that are arranged between the carrier film 3 and the second carrier film 3, two symbols 12 in the form of two “X”s become visible in the second state 14 after legitimate opening (see FIG. 5b), FIG. 5c), and FIG. 5d)).

[0156] The further release varnish layer 10, as well as the layer 17 that lies behind the further release varnish layer 10 are arranged behind the second carrier film 3, viewed in the first direction 16. The layer 17 that lies behind the further release varnish layer 10 is transparent and comprises the code 15. In this exemplary embodiment, the code 15 is a QR code.

[0157] The second color display layer 6 is arranged directly behind the layer 17 that lies behind the further release varnish layer 10, viewed in the first direction 16.

[0158] An additional release varnish layer 10 is arranged directly behind the second color display layer 6, viewed in the first direction 16.

[0159] The further color display layer 7 is arranged behind the additional release varnish layer 10.

[0160] As the result of the functional layers 4 between the second carrier film 3 and the adhesive layer 11, two symbols 12′—in the exemplary embodiment shown, in the form of two “exclamation marks”—become visible in the second state, even after illegitimate opening (see FIG. 5e), FIG. 5f), and FIG. 5g)). In other words, if the sealing film 1 according to the invention was illegitimately removed from the base surface, for example using a tool, two symbols 12′ are visible in this exemplary embodiment—in precisely the same way as after legitimate opening.

[0161] FIG. 5a) shows a schematic representation of the third exemplary embodiment in the first state 13. The sealing film 1 according to the invention is glued onto the base surface 2 using the adhesive layer 11, and is cohesive. It was not manipulated previously, and therefore no symbols 12 are visible.

[0162] FIG. 5b) shows a schematic representation of the pulled-off layer 18 of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state 14, after legitimate opening. The pulled-off layer 18 is the carrier film 3 including the cover color 24 adhering to the carrier film 3, as well as adhering parts of the first color display layer 5.

[0163] FIG. 5c) shows a schematic representation of the remnant 19 of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state 14, on the base surface 2, after legitimate opening. The remnant 19 is the parts of the functional layers 4 that remained on the base surface 2, including the adhesive layer 11.

[0164] In the second state 14, two symbols 12 in the form of two “X”s are optically visible after legitimate opening.

[0165] FIG. 5d) shows a schematic representation of the re-application 22 of the pulled-off layer 18, glued back onto the remnant 19 in the second state 14, after legitimate opening. It is evident that the symbols 12 are visible on the remnant 19 even after the re-application 22 of the pulled-off layer 18. In other words the manipulation of the sealing film 1 according to the invention that preceded the re-application 22 is indicated by means of clear identification of the open state, in that the symbols 12 are visible even after the re-application 22.

[0166] FIG. 5e) shows a schematic representation of the pulled-off layer 18 of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state 14, after illegitimate opening. In this exemplary embodiment the pulled-off layer 18 is the carrier film 3 including the cover color 24 that adheres to the carrier film 3, as well as functional layers 4 that are arranged between the carrier film 3 and the second carrier film 3, and part of the second color display layer 6.

[0167] In the second state 14, two symbols 12′ in the form of two “exclamation marks” are optically visible after illegitimate opening. As has already been mentioned above, in this exemplary embodiment illegitimate opening of the sealing film 1 according to the invention is also directly evident to the observer.

[0168] FIG. 5f) shows a schematic representation of the remnant 19 of the third exemplary embodiment in the second state 14, on the base surface 2, after illegitimate opening. The remnant 19 is the parts of the functional layers 4 remaining on the base surface 2, including the adhesive layer 11.

[0169] FIG. 5g) shows a schematic representation of the re-application 22 of the pulled-off layer 18, glued back onto the remnant 19 in the second state 14, after illegitimate opening. It is evident that the symbols 12′ are visible on the remnant 19 even after the re-application 22 of the pulled-off layer 18. In other words, in this exemplary embodiment the manipulation of the sealing film 1 according to the invention that preceded the re-application 22 is indicated by means of clear identification of the illegitimately opened state, in that the symbols 12′ are visible even after the re-application 22.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

[0170] 1 sealing film [0171] 2 base surface [0172] 3 carrier film [0173] 4 functional layers [0174] 5 first color display layer [0175] 6 second color display layer [0176] 7 further color display layer [0177] 8 first adhesion-controlling layer or first release varnish layer [0178] 9 second adhesion-controlling layer or second release varnish layer [0179] 10 further adhesion-controlling layer or further release varnish layer [0180] 11 adhesive layer [0181] 12, 12′ symbol [0182] 13 first state [0183] 14 second state [0184] 15 code [0185] 16 first direction [0186] 17 layer that lies behind the further adhesion-controlling layer or layer that lies behind the further release varnish layer [0187] 18 pulled-off layer [0188] 19 remnant [0189] 20 outer region [0190] 21 a region that surrounds the symbol [0191] 22 re-application [0192] 23 tab [0193] 24 cover color [0194] 25 laminate adhesive layer [0195] F1 dark-gray [0196] F2 white [0197] F3 transparent [0198] F4 black [0199] F5 gray