U.S. patent application number 15/200878 was filed with the patent office on 2016-10-27 for self-destructive irreversible security packaging film.
The applicant listed for this patent is Arrow Greentech Limited. Invention is credited to Shilpan Pravinchandra Patel, Nikita Kamlesh Thanawala.
Application Number | 20160311592 15/200878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37600888 |
Filed Date | 2016-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160311592 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Patel; Shilpan Pravinchandra ;
et al. |
October 27, 2016 |
SELF-DESTRUCTIVE IRREVERSIBLE SECURITY PACKAGING FILM
Abstract
An irreversibly self-destructive security packaging water
soluble film and method for manufacturing the same. The water
soluble packaging film is embedded with various security elements,
which will get irreversibly destroyed upon final usage as the whole
package along with its contents will dissolve in water. This
process of self-destruction will control the duplication of the
package or alteration of the product inside the package.
Inventors: |
Patel; Shilpan Pravinchandra;
(Mumbai, IN) ; Thanawala; Nikita Kamlesh; (Mumbai,
IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Arrow Greentech Limited |
Mumbai |
|
IN |
|
|
Family ID: |
37600888 |
Appl. No.: |
15/200878 |
Filed: |
July 1, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14025379 |
Sep 12, 2013 |
9421575 |
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15200878 |
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11918516 |
Oct 15, 2007 |
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PCT/IN2006/000133 |
Apr 17, 2006 |
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14025379 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B05D 5/068 20130101;
B32B 27/10 20130101; B32B 9/02 20130101; B05D 5/066 20130101; B41M
3/14 20130101; B65D 65/46 20130101; B32B 27/12 20130101; B32B 15/08
20130101; B05D 7/52 20130101; B32B 27/08 20130101; B32B 7/02
20130101; B32B 27/20 20130101; Y10T 428/24612 20150115; B32B
2439/00 20130101; B32B 2317/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 65/46 20060101
B65D065/46; B32B 27/08 20060101 B32B027/08; B05D 5/06 20060101
B05D005/06; B32B 27/20 20060101 B32B027/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 15, 2005 |
IN |
469/MUM/2005 |
Claims
1. An irreversibly self-destructive security packaging water
soluble film for packages or the like, comprising one or more
layer(s) of water soluble film and at least one inbuilt security
element embedded or entrapped or imparted in at least one layer of
the WSF forming a part of the security package which will destroy
itself irreversibly during final usage after dissolving or
dispersing in water.
2. The security packaging WSF according to claim 1, wherein more
than one security elements of similar and/or dissimilar properties
are embedded/entrapped or imparted in one or more layers of the
WSF.
3. The security packaging WSF according to claim 1, wherein the
said security element(s) is/are of overt nature or of covert
nature.
4. The security packaging WSF according to claim 1, wherein the WSF
is single layered or multi-layered made of raw materials selected
from polyvinyl alcohol copolymer ionomers, polyvinyl alcohol
homopolymer, non-ionomeric polyvinyl alcohol polymer,
polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide,
polymethacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid,
polyurethane, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
proteinaceous binders such as gelatin, modified gelatins such as
phthaloyl gelatin, polysaccharides such as starch, gum Arabic,
pullulan and dextrin, and water-soluble cellulose derivatives such
as methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl
methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl
cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose either alone or combinations
thereof.
5. The security packaging WSF according to claim 1, wherein the
said WSF is cold water soluble, warm water soluble, hot water
soluble or non-soluble depending upon the formulation.
6. The security packaging WSF according to claim 1, wherein said
security element(s) is/are selected from optically variable
pigments, multi-layer thin-film interference pigments, liquid
crystal pigments, holographic pigments, interference coated
particles, thermochromic pigments, photochromic pigments,
luminescent compounds, magnetic compounds, infrared-absorbing
compounds, UV-absorbing compounds, magnetic compounds,
micro-engraved or microtextured flake pigments, forensic marking
compounds, dyes, RFID taggants, nano-particles, nano-tracers,
security markers printed security features like barcodes,
metallized fibers, metallized/demetallized texts, active molecules,
and DNA taggants.
7. The security packaging WSF according to claim 1, wherein said
security element(s) is/are light source readable, machine readable
PCR, or otherwise readable by any mechanical, electrical or digital
device.
8. The security packaging WSF according to claim 1, wherein the
security elements are printed or embossed on WSF forming a part of
it.
9. The security packaging WSF according to claim 8 wherein the
security elements are holograms, barcodes, or
metallized/demutualized microtexts.
10. The security packaging film according to claim 1 wherein the
security packaging film is converted into a self-adhesive web and
further converted into a printed seal with a barcode including 2D
or 3D barcode forming self-adhesive label/seal used for securing
the openings of a package or a bottle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of co-pending application
Ser. No. 14/025,379, filed Sep. 12, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. ______,
which in turn, is a divisional of application Ser. No. 11/918,516
filed Oct. 15, 2007 (abandoned). Application Ser. No. 11/918,516 is
the US National Stage of International App. No. PCT/IN2006/000133
filed Apr. 17, 2006 (and which was amended on Mar. 22, 2007) and
which claims priority to Indian Pat. App. No. 469/MUM/2005, filed
Apr. 15, 2005. All of said applications, including the amendments
thereto, are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates to an irreversibly self-destructive
security packaging water soluble film and method for manufacturing
the same. The water soluble packaging film is embedded with various
security elements, which will get destroyed irreversibly upon final
usage as the whole package along with its contents will dissolve in
water. This process of self-destruction will control the
duplication of package or alteration of the product inside the
package.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Securing a product like pesticides, agrochemicals,
cosmetics, etc. have been in urgent need by the industry.
Simulation, alteration and duplication of genuine products have
always been rampant in today's world. No forceful solution has been
found to ensure that the security package itself gets used up every
time the end product/content is being consumed.
[0004] There have been several methods of securing a product by
means of printing security tracers, or by affixing varied OVDs like
holograms, or color shifting inks etc. But these are usually on
packages. Once the package is successfully opened, the original
product can be replaced by a duplicate and the resultant product
can be brand damaging and may lead to legal suits. Many times the
package is discarded after the contents are used and this same
package becomes a target for unlawful duplication.
[0005] There have been several attempts in the past to either
encase or laminate or package different security elements in films,
but none have proved fool proof and successful for such varied end
uses.
[0006] One such patent WO 2004048113 relates to a blister film
partially applied with security feature. The application of the
security features ensues by detaching the security feature from a
supporting substrate, which is provided with a UV-curable
separating paint that is capable of being deep-drawn.
[0007] Here, the blister film with security feature can be tampered
or a discarded package can be reused for packaging a duplicate
product.
[0008] It is a long-standing need of industry to develop efficient
and cost effective methods for the manufacture of fool proof
security packages for controlling piracy, simulation, alteration or
duplication of original products in diverse applications and
especially a unique all-encompassing packaging film that is capable
of irreversibly destroying itself. Further the need for carriers
that can selectively carry a combination of materials with
dissimilar properties such as miscible/immiscible,
hydrophobic/hydrophilic security materials continues to elude the
industry.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention relates to a security package which
has built-in embedded security elements which form a part of the
package itself. This package is not needed to be opened, and is
self-destructing. The package itself is part of the product and
delivers the security features. After the final usage of package,
the packaging material including security elements are
self-destroyed irreversibly. The security elements and genuineness
of the product/package can be verified, while it is on the shelf
for distribution as well as off the shelf. The security elements
may be traceable, if need arises, even after the security package
and its contents have been consumed or delivered to desired
location (e.g. soil, laundry) after the same has been dissolved in
water.
[0010] The invention addresses various problems and also reduces
costs and ensures that fraudsters are brought to book legally and
action taken against them. It also ensures that new products and
brands get their true value by ruling out any tampering,
duplication and alteration of the product.
[0011] The main object of the invention is to provide an
irreversibly self-destructive security packaging water soluble film
to prevent duplication, alteration and simulation of the packed
products.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to embed one or more
security elements with similar and/or dissimilar properties into
one or more layers of WSF to form a multi-layered WSF embedded with
security features.
[0013] Yet another object of the invention is to provide the method
of manufacturing an irreversibly self-destructive security
packaging water soluble film wherein one or more security elements
with similar and/or dissimilar properties are embedded into one or
more layers of WSF to form a multi-layered WSF embedded with
security elements.
[0014] As per the invention there is provided an irreversibly
self-destructive security packaging water soluble film (WSF) for
packages or the like, comprising one or more layer(s) of water
soluble film and at least one inbuilt security element embedded or
entrapped or imparted in at least one layer of the WSF forming a
part of the security package which will destroy itself irreversibly
during final usage after dissolving or dispersing in water.
[0015] As per the invention there is provided a security packaging
WSF, wherein more than one security element of similar and/or
dissimilar properties is embedded/entrapped or imparted in one or
more layers of the WSF.
[0016] The WSF is a single layered or multi-layered film made of
raw materials selected from polyvinyl alcohol copolymer ionomers,
polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, non-ionomeric polyvinyl alcohol
polymer, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide,
polymethacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid,
polyurethane, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
proteinaceous binders such as gelatin, modified gelatins such as
phthaloyl gelatin, polysaccharides such as starch, gum Arabic,
pullulan and dextrin and water-soluble cellulose derivatives such
as methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl
methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl
cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose either alone or combinations
thereof.
[0017] The WSF is cold water soluble, warm water soluble, hot water
soluble or non-soluble depending upon the formulation.
[0018] The security element(s) is/are of overt nature or of covert
nature and are selected from optically variable pigments,
multi-layer thin-film interference pigments, liquid crystal
pigments, holographic pigments, interference coated particles,
thermochromic pigments, photochromic pigments, luminescent
compounds, magnetic compounds, infrared-absorbing compounds,
UV-absorbing compounds, magnetic compounds, micro-engraved or
microtextured flake pigments, forensic marking compounds, dyes,
RFID taggants, nano-particles, nano-tracers, security markers
printed security features like barcodes, metallized fibers,
metallized/demetallized texts, active molecules, DNA taggants and
the like.
[0019] The security element(s) is/are light source readable,
machine readable PCR or otherwise readable by any mechanical,
electrical or digital device.
[0020] The security elements, like holograms, barcodes,
metallized/demetallized microtexts, are printed or embossed on the
WSF forming a part of the WSF.
[0021] The security packaging WSF can be converted into
self-adhesive web and further converted into a printed seal with a
barcode including 2D or 3D barcode forming self-adhesive label/seal
used for securing the openings of a package or a bottle.
[0022] As per the invention there is provided a method of
manufacturing self-destructive irreversible security packaging WSF
comprising following steps: [0023] a. providing a formulation of
said water soluble film, [0024] b. casting said formulation to form
a water soluble film, [0025] c. embedding/entrapping at least one
desired security element in said formulation of the water soluble
film prior to and/or after casting the water soluble film; and
[0026] d. drying the film with the embedded security elements.
[0027] As per the invention, there is also provided a method of
manufacturing an irreversibly self-destructive security packaging
WSF comprising adding the security element(s) into at least one
batch mixer containing batch solution of the WSF, mixing thoroughly
and feeding to the primary or subsequent casting heads for further
processing in a known manner to achieve security element(s)
embedded WSF.
[0028] As per the invention there is also provided a method in
which the security element(s) is/are introduced at the primary,
secondary, tertiary or subsequent sprayers to achieve security
element(s) embedded WSF.
[0029] As per the invention there is also provided a method of
manufacturing security packaging WSF comprising the following
steps: [0030] a. unwinding a liner from an unwinder of the WSF
casting machine, [0031] b. mixing security element(s) with the WSF
raw materials batch solution in a batch mixer, [0032] c. casting
WSF on the liner at the primary casting head of the casting
machine, with embedded security element(s) and metering and
smoothening the same, [0033] d. drying the WSF with embedded
security element(s) in the primary dryer section, [0034] e. casting
of another layer of WSF with or without the security element(s)
embedded therein, at secondary casting head of the casting machine,
[0035] f. drying the multilayered WSF with embedded security
element(s) in a secondary dryer section, [0036] g. guiding the film
of step (f) through hot chilled cylinder and rewinding or splitting
at the rewinder.
[0037] As per the invention there is also provided a method of
manufacturing security packaging WSF comprising the following
steps: [0038] a. unwinding a liner from an unwinder of the WSF
casting machine, [0039] b. casting of WSF on the liner with or
without the security element(s) at the primary casting head and
metering the cast film, [0040] c. spraying the security element(s)
by primary sprayer and smoothening the film, [0041] d. drying the
WSF of step (c) at the primary dryer section, [0042] e. casting
another layer of WSF with or without the security element(s) at
secondary casting head, [0043] f. drying the WSF with embedded
security element(s) at the secondary dryer section, [0044] g.
guiding the multilayered WSF with embedded security element(s) of
step (f) through hot cylinder for rewinding or splitting at a
rewinder,
[0045] As per the invention there is also provided a method of
manufacturing security packaging WSF comprising of the following
steps: [0046] a. unwinding a liner from an unwinder of a WSF
casting machine, [0047] b. casting WSF with or without security
element(s) and metering and smoothening the same, [0048] c. drying
the WSF of step (b) in the primary dryer section, [0049] d. casting
another layer of WSF with or without the security element(s) at a
secondary casting head, [0050] e. drying the WSF of step (d) in the
secondary dryer section, [0051] f. unwinding a preformed WSF with
or without liner from another unwinder and guiding it to meet the
WSF from step (e), [0052] g. entrapping security element(s) between
the semi-cured WSF of step (e) and the preformed WSF, [0053] h.
guiding the multilayered WSF with entrapped security element(s)
through hot cylinder for rewinding or splitting at a rewinder.
[0054] As per the invention there is also provided a method of
manufacturing security packaging WSF comprising the following
steps: [0055] a. unwinding two WSFs with or without the liners from
two unwinders, [0056] b. dispensing the security element(s) in
between the two WSFs; [0057] c. rewinding the multilayered WSF with
entrapped security element(s) in roll form or sheet form or
fan-fold form.
[0058] The security element(s) is/are dispensed in between the two
incoming cured, semi-cured or uncured WSFs in vertical position or
horizontal position.
[0059] The preformed WSFs used here can be water soluble films
produced by a cast process or extrusion process.
[0060] The liner used is treated or untreated and coated or
uncoated and is of paper, film, foil or fabric.
[0061] The WSF can also be cast on a conveyor instead of a
liner.
[0062] As per the invention there is also provided a method in
which WSF is cold water soluble, warm water soluble, hot water
soluble or non-soluble depending upon the formulation, the WSF
being formed from raw materials selected from polyvinyl alcohol
copolymer ionomers, polyvinyl alcohol homopolymer, non-ionomeric
polyvinyl alcohol polymer, polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol,
polyacrylamide, polymethacrylamide, polyacrylic acid,
polymethacrylic acid, polyurethane, polyethyleneglycol,
polyvinylpyrrolidone, proteinaceous binders such as gelatin,
modified gelatins such as phthaloyl gelatin, polysaccharides such
as starch, gum Arabic, pullulan and dextrin and water-soluble
cellulose derivatives such as methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl
cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl
cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose either
alone or combinations thereof.
[0063] As per the invention there is also provided a method in
which the security element(s) is/are of overt or covert nature and
is/are selected from optically variable pigments, multi-layer
thin-film interference pigments, liquid crystal pigments,
holographic pigments, interference coated particles, thermochromic
pigments, photochromic pigments, luminescent compounds, magnetic
compounds, infrared-absorbing compounds, UV-absorbing compounds,
magnetic compounds, micro-engraved or microtextured flake pigments,
forensic marking compounds, dyes, RFID taggants, nano particles,
nano tracers, security markers printed security features like
barcodes, metallized fibers, metallized/demetallized texts, active
molecules, DNA taggants.
[0064] The WSF embedded with security element(s) can be slit in
ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated
ribbons or cut sheets of any size.
[0065] The WSF embedded with security elements slit into ribbons,
tapes, etc. can be inserted into a package during the process of
making pouch. The ribbons, tapes, etc. will destroy itself
irreversibly during the final usage when the entire pouch along
with its contents will dissolve itself in water.
[0066] The WSF embedded/entrapped with security element(s) is in
sheet form or roll form or pouch form as per the end use.
[0067] As per the invention there is also provided a method of
manufacturing security packaging WSF comprising overt security
element(s) like holograms embedded into the WSF by directly
embossing a holographic plate on WSF preferably with liner which
can be detached after the process of embossing.
[0068] The holograms are imprinted/imparted on the WSF with hot
stamping foil method or by adhesive transfer method.
[0069] Other overt security element(s) like barcodes, microtexts
are embedded in the WSF by printing them on WSF itself by known
printing methods such as inkjet, flexo, gravure, web offset and the
like.
[0070] As per the invention there is also provided a method of
manufacturing security packaging WSF comprising mixing of security
element(s) in the printing ink and printing letters or graphics on
WSF with the printing ink consisting security element(s), forming a
part of WSF itself.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0071] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a method in accordance with
the present invention.
[0072] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an alternative method in
accordance with the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of another alternative method
in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0074] The invention will now be described in detail with reference
to accompanying drawings showing various embodiments:
[0075] The materials of the WSF formulation is taken in the batch
reactor and mixed intimately to ensure complete dissolution in the
desired solvent.
[0076] The raw materials used for making the water soluble film are
selected from polyvinyl alcohol copolymer ionomers, polyvinyl
alcohol homopolymer, non-ionomeric poly vinyl alcohol polymer,
polymethacrylate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyacrylamide,
polymethacrylamide, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid,
polyurethane, polyethyleneglycol, polyvinylpyrrolidone,
proteinaceous binders such as gelatin, modified gelatins such as
phthaloyl gelatin, polysaccharides such as starch, gum Arabic,
pullulan and dextrin and water-soluble cellulose derivatives such
as methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl
methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl
cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose either alone or combinations
thereof. However, these raw materials are by no means limiting. The
water soluble films can be cold water soluble, warm water soluble,
hot water soluble or non-soluble depending upon the
formulation.
[0077] The preformed WSF used in the present invention can be a
cast film or an extruded film depending upon the end
application.
[0078] The security elements to be embedded into the WSF can be
selected from optically variable pigments, multi-layer thin-film
interference pigments, liquid crystal pigments, holographic
pigments, interference coated particles, thermochromic pigments,
photochromic pigments, luminescent compounds, magnetic compounds,
infrared-absorbing compounds, UV-absorbing compounds, magnetic
compounds, micro-engraved or microtextured flake pigments, forensic
marking compounds, dyes, RFID taggants, nano particles, nano
tracers, security markers printed security features like barcodes,
metallized fibers, metallized/demetallized texts, active molecules,
DNA taggants and the like.
[0079] Some of these security elements are of overt nature or of
covert nature which can be identified on the shelf or off the shelf
depending upon the security elements embedded in the WSF.
[0080] Covert security elements are ones that are not visible and
will require a particular instrument for verifying the same, e.g.,
pigments, dyes, nano-particles, nano-tracers, active molecules DNA
taggants, and the like.
[0081] A WSF package embedded with covert security elements, such
as invisible inks or dyes, can be identified on the shelf under an
ultra violet (UV) (long wave) fluorescing light source.
[0082] A WSF package embedded with covert security elements, such
as nano-particles, can be identified on the shelf with the help of
a 100.times. magnifying glass.
[0083] Some covert security elements can be identified off the
shelf only as the package has to be taken to a laboratory having
elaborate instruments and machines so as to read the embedded
covert security elements. There may be a need to destroy the
package in some cases. E.g., certain pigments which are infra-red
light readable with an algorithm of software chain designed to read
the reflected light and confirm the presence of such
pigments/dyes/security elements or magnetic field readable pigments
embedded in nano-particles which give an audible beep when the
machine reader reaches the precise proximity etc.
[0084] Overt security elements are the ones that are visible and
can be identified on the shelf almost instantaneously without need
of an elaborate laboratory instruments or machines, e.g.,
holograms, barcodes, metallized/demetallized micro texts, RFID tags
and the like. These kind of security elements are printed or
embossed on the WSF and will form a part of WSF.
[0085] In one of the embodiments of this invention, the security
elements to be embedded in the WSF are added to the batch solution
and mixed thoroughly before feeding it to the casting head for
further processing. The materials that can be taken into the batch
mixing are selected from those that are water-soluble, sheer
insensitive, temperature resistant, like certain UV security dyes,
or machine readable pigments.
[0086] In another embodiment of this invention the security
elements to be embedded in the WSF may optionally be introduced at
the primary, secondary, tertiary and subsequent sprayers and/or at
the second or subsequent casting heads fed from second and/or
subsequent batch mixers.
[0087] In another embodiment of the present invention the security
elements to be embedded is/are dispensed in between incoming cured
or uncured WSFs.
[0088] In yet another embodiment of the present invention the
security elements of overt nature, such as holograms, barcodes, are
printed or embossed on the WSF.
[0089] Casting on the liner for manufacturing WSF embedded with
security features by Batch Mix Method shown in FIG. 1 comprising of
the following steps: [0090] i. unwinding of the liner (1) at the
unwinder (2) for the formation of a WSF. The liner can be
optionally treated or untreated and coated or uncoated. The liners
can be of paper, film, foil or fabric, preferably of film, more
preferably of polyester film. The film can be in the range of 2
microns to 500 microns, preferably in the range of 10 microns-300
microns, more preferably in the range of 12 microns-250 microns.
The film liner may be plain, embossed, gloss, matt, extrusion
coated laminated or release coated depending on the desired
characteristics of the end product. The paper liner that accepts
temperatures needed for production of WSF, may be in the range of
around 7 gms to around 500 gms, preferably a range of around 20 gm
to around 300 gms, more preferably in the range of around 60 gm to
around 180 gms. The paper liner may be plain, embossed, gloss,
matt, extrusion coated laminated or release coated depending on the
desired characteristics of the end product. The fabric liner can be
made of cotton or synthetic yarns and solution coated, plain,
embossed, gloss, matte, extrusion coated or laminated based on the
desired end product properties. [0091] ii. Optional coating of the
liner with a primer via a primer coating station (3). [0092] iii.
Casting of WSF on the liner at primary casting head (5) with
embedded security elements in the batch mix (4). The temperature of
the batch solution ranging from 10.degree. C. to 95.degree. C.,
preferably from 13.degree. C. to 90.degree. C., more preferably
from 15.degree. C. to 85.degree. C. [0093] iv. Metering of the cast
film at the primary casting head (5). [0094] v. Smoothening of the
film by passing it through smoothening rolls (7) with the embedded
security elements at primary station. [0095] vi. Drying of the WSF
from step iii in the primary dryer section (8). The temperature in
the dryer section ranging from 50.degree. C. to 250.degree. C.,
preferably from 60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., more preferably
75.degree. C. to 170.degree. C. [0096] vii. Casting of another
layer of WSF with or without the security elements to be embedded
at secondary casting head (12). [0097] viii. Drying of the WSF from
step vii in the secondary dryer section (13). The temperature in
the secondary dryer section ranging from 50.degree. C. to
200.degree. C., preferably 60.degree. C. to 160.degree. C., more
preferably 75.degree. C. to 170.degree. C. [0098] ix. The
multi-layered WSF of step viii is guided through hot/chilled
cylinder (20) for rewinding or splitting at rewinder (21).
[0099] Optionally the above steps may also be carried out on a
rolling conveyor instead of a liner.
[0100] Casting on the Liner for manufacturing WSF Embedded with
security features by Application of Spraying Method shown in FIG. 1
comprising of the following steps: [0101] i. Unwinding of the liner
(1) at unwinder (2) for the formation of WSF. Optionally a conveyor
can be used instead of a liner. [0102] ii. Optional coating of a
primer on the liner via a primer coating station (3). [0103] iii.
Casting of WSF with/without security elements to be embedded at
primary casting head (5). [0104] iv. Metering of the cast film at
primary casting head (5). [0105] v. Spraying of pre-measured
quantity of security elements to be embedded by primary sprayer
(6). [0106] vi. Smoothening of the film with the embedded security
elements at primary station by passing it through smoothening rolls
(7).
[0107] vii. Drying of the WSF of the above step v at the primary
dryer section (8). The temperature in the dryer section ranging
from 50.degree. C. to 250.degree. C., preferably from 60.degree. C.
to 200.degree. C., more preferably from 75.degree. C. to
170.degree. C. [0108] viii. Casting of WSF with or without security
elements to be embedded at secondary casting head (12). [0109] ix.
Drying of the WSF from step viii in the secondary dryer section
(13). The temperature in the secondary dryer section ranging from
50.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., preferably from 60.degree. C. to
160.degree. C., more preferably from 75.degree. C. to 170.degree.
C. [0110] x. The multi-layered WSF of step viii is guided through
hot/chilled cylinder (20) for rewinding or splitting at the
rewinder.
[0111] Similarly, one or more security elements can be embedded
into the WSF by the secondary, tertiary sprayers to form a
multi-layered WSF embedded with security elements.
[0112] Casting on the Liner for manufacturing WSF embedded with
security features by Online Entrapment Method as shown in FIG. 1
comprising of the following steps: [0113] i. Unwinding of the liner
(1) at the unwinder (2) for the formation of WSF, optionally a
conveyor can be used. [0114] ii. Optional coating of primer on the
liner via a primer coating station (3). [0115] iii. Casting of WSF
with/without security elements to be embedded at primary casting
head (5). [0116] iv. Metering of the cast film at casting head (5).
[0117] v. Smoothening of the film with/without the embedded
security elements at primary station by passing it through
smoothening rolls (7). [0118] vi. Drying of the WSF from step v in
the primary dryer section (8). The temperature in the dryers
ranging from 50.degree. C. to 250.degree. C., preferably from
60.degree. C. to 200.degree. C., more preferably from 75.degree. C.
to 170.degree. C. [0119] vii. Casting of WSF with or without the
security elements to be embedded at secondary casting head (12).
[0120] viii. Drying of the WSF from step vii in the secondary dryer
section (13). The temperature in the dryers ranging from 50.degree.
C. to 200.degree. C., preferably from 60.degree. C. to 160.degree.
C., more preferably from 75.degree. C. to 140.degree. C. [0121] ix.
Unwinding of a pre-formed WSF with or without liner from an
unwinder (18) and guiding it through the guide rolls (17) to meet
the WSF from step 8 for entrapping of security elements to be
embedded. Both the liners along with WSF film, which may be
semi-cured WSF and the entrapments, may remain in the roll form or
sheet form in its original construction, stripping from casting
liner can be done immediately or after a self-curing ageing period
ranging from around 1 hrs. to around 720 hrs., prior to splitting
the liners so as to deliver the final WSF product with entrapped
materials. The preformed WSF used here can be a WSF formed by the
extrusion process.
[0122] The preformed WSF used here can be a WSF made by a cast
process or by extrusion process. [0123] x. The multi-layered WSF of
step ix may be guided through hot/chill cylinder (20) for rewinding
or splitting at the rewinder (21). Optionally offline or online
splitting between the WSF film and the liner can be done.
[0124] Offline Vertical Entrapment Method for manufacturing WSF
embedded with security features as shown in FIG. 2 comprising of
the following steps: [0125] i. Unwinding of two preformed water
soluble films with or without liner at the unwinders (22 and 28).
The preformed WSFs used here can be WSFs formed by the extrusion
process. [0126] The preformed WSFs used here can be WSFs made by a
cast process or by extrusion process. [0127] ii. Dispensing of the
security elements (25) vertically in between the two WSFs at guide
rollers (24 and 26). [0128] iii. Affixing of the two WSFs from step
ii at the affixing rollers (23 and 27). [0129] iv. Rewinding the
multilayered WSF with security elements of step (iii) in roll form
or sheet form or fan-fold form. The casting liners can be stripped
immediately or after aging period of around 1 to around 720 hours.
or can be supplied all together and the end user may be informed to
strip the casting liner before use.
[0130] Offline Horizontal Entrapment Method for manufacturing WSF
embedded with security features as shown in FIG. 3 comprising of
the following steps: [0131] i. Unwinding of two WSF films with or
without liner at the unwinders (30 and 36). The preformed WSFs used
here can be a WSF formed by the extrusion process. [0132] ii.
Dispensing of the security elements (33) horizontally in between
two WSFs at guide rollers (32 and 34). [0133] iii. Affixing of the
two WSFs from step (ii) at the affixing rollers (31 and 35). [0134]
iv. Rewinding the WSF with security elements, of step (iii) in roll
form or sheet form or fan-fold form. The casting liners can be
stripped immediately or after aging period of around 1 hour to
around 720 hours or can be supplied all together and the end user
may be informed to strip the casting liner before use.
[0135] The WSF embedded with security elements can be slit in
ribbons, tapes, perforated sheets, perforated tapes, perforated
ribbons or cut sheets of any size.
[0136] The WSF embedded with security elements slit into ribbons,
tapes, etc. can be inserted into a package during the process of
making pouch. The ribbons, tapes, etc. will be destroyed
irreversibly during the final usage when the entire pouch along
with its contents will dissolve in water.
[0137] Such methods offer various product options such as: [0138]
1. Entrapped security elements in WSF with or without
liner/carrier. [0139] 2. Entrapped security elements in WSF in Roll
form or pouch form. [0140] 3. Entrapped security elements in WSF in
Roll form with perforations. [0141] 4. Entrapped security elements
in WSF in Sheet form with multiple pouches. [0142] 5. All above
Entrapped security elements in WSF with casting liner for the
consumer to remove after aging period of around 1 hour to around
720 hours.
[0143] The WSF film in the entrapment may be pre-embedded by means
of batch mix or sprayer method or any other method explained
above.
[0144] The above sequence may be repeated in multiple layers as per
the requirements of the end use of the multiple WSFs embedded with
security elements. Further this method also allows the manufacture
of multilayered WSFs embedded with security elements using
combinations of Cold WSFs and Hot WSFs in various sequences. It
also provides the options of using cured/uncured films of CWSFs and
HWSFs in any desired sequences.
[0145] As per one of the embodiment, the overt security elements
like holograms can be embedded into the WSF by directly embossing
from a holographic plate/cylinder/shim on WSF. The WSF used for
this purpose is preferably with a liner.
[0146] Holograms can also be embedded in the WSF with the hot
stamping foil method or by transfer method, wherein the holographic
film is coated with an adhesive and the adhesive side of the
holographic film is laminated to the WSF.
[0147] Other overt security elements such as microtexts, barcodes
can be embedded in the WSF by printing on the WSF itself. The
printing of microtexts, barcodes can be done by known printing
methods such as inkjet, gravure, flexo, web off-print and the
like.
[0148] All security elements and WSF shall irreversibly destroy
itself upon dissolution of package in water during final usage of
the packed product.
[0149] As per the methods mentioned above one or more security
elements having similar and/or dissimilar properties can be
embedded into one or more layers of WSF to form a multi-layered
WSF. Also, one or more security elements can be synthesized and can
be added in the same layer of WSF, e.g., DNA taggants can be
synthesized with florescent pigments for on-shelf checking of
presence of fluorescent pigment DNA. Actual DNA presence has to be
done off the shelf by a method of PCR readers.
[0150] Also, one or more security elements can be positioned at a
prerequisite place so as to come up in the same place in the final
package. This can be done by inserting a strip of HWSF/non-soluble
hydrophilic film embedded with security elements into the web of
WSF during the process of casting the WSF. The other way of doing
this is zone coating of a WSF batch mix embedded with security
features onto a preformed WSF.
[0151] All security elements and WSF shall irreversibly destroy
itself upon dissolution of package in water during final usage of
the packed product. Covert security features like DNA, can be
traced even after usage, for proof of usage of materials, by
checking its presence at the place where the security film was
destroyed such as soil or laundered clothes.
[0152] Security elements can also be mixed with printing inks and
then particular designs or letters can be printed on the WSF. Here,
the security elements will be present in the printed designs only
and can be identified on the shelf or off the shelf depending upon
the security elements embedded in the printing ink.
EXAMPLE 1
[0153] 10 ml of Tracetag DNA T7 TAG 1e*16 was added to 100 ml of
fluorescent UV ink and mixed thoroughly. This synthesized mixture
of security elements was then added to a 40 Itr batch-mix of WSF
made out of the raw-materials mentioned herein before and mixed
thoroughly. The batch mix comprising DNA and florescent UV ink was
then cast on a liner as per the method described herein before to
form a self-destructive irreversible security packaging WSF having
thickness 45 microns. This security film can be used for various
packaging purposes.
[0154] The presence of the fluorescent UV ink can be identified on
the shelf under a UV reading lamp, but for identifying the DNA the
package has to be carried to the laboratory and a separate process
of covert forensic PCR checking is needed. The remnants of DNA
taggants can also be checked after usage like in soil in case of
agrochemicals and on washed clothes in case of a detergent
package.
EXAMPLE 2
[0155] 100 ml of florescent UV ink was added to a 40 Itr batch-mix
of WSF made out of the raw-materials mentioned herein before and
mixed thoroughly. The batch mix comprising florescent UV ink was
then cast on a liner as per the above process to form an
irreversibly self-destructive security packaging WSF having
thickness 35 microns. The same WSF with florescent UV ink was
embossed with holograms at prerequisite places. The holograms are
visible instantaneously while the presence of the florescent UV ink
can be identified under a UV reading lamp. Hence, here both the
security features can be identified on the shelf. During the
process of final usage of the package, the same shall dissolve,
disintegrate and shall irreversibly be destroyed.
EXAMPLE 3
[0156] RFID tags were printed at prerequisite places on a hot water
soluble film. This HWSF printed with RFID tags was then accurately
cut into thin strips of 20 mm width. A strip of HWSF printed with
RFID was then positioned and inserted into a web of CWSF during the
process of casting the CWSF. This security element can be read by
RFID machine reader which has been specifically designed to read
the outcome. During the process of final usage of the package, the
same shall dissolve, disintegrate and shall irreversibly destroy
itself.
[0157] It is now clear that the self-destructive security packaging
film can be produced by methods mentioned herein before and that
the same can be used to secure various types of packages to ensure
that the rightful owner gets their earnings and the fraudsters are
dealt with properly by the legal/Judiciary systems prevailing in
respective countries.
[0158] Such security elements embedded WSFs are used for diverse
applications, such as, but not limited to, embedding such WSF into
a bed of pulp to make security paper, or to make a pouch or a web
or a slit tape or any article from such a security film to deliver
pesticides, seeds, drugs, veterinary products, agrochemicals,
perfumes, softeners, flavors, detergents, etc., so as to identify
the products while on the shelf as well as after consumption by
reading the reactions of the security elements while the package is
intact or reading the reactions of the security elements after the
package has been dissolved and traces of such security elements can
be observed on the used areas of the product which can be for
example soil in case of agrochemicals/seeds or garments in case of
detergents, softeners etc.
[0159] A security element embedded WSF can also be converted into
self-adhesive web and subsequently converted into a printed seal
with a barcode, including a 2D or 3D barcode. This self-adhesive
label/seal can be applied for example to secure the opening of a
package or a bottle with instructions to dissolve seal in water to
open the package.
* * * * *