Title of Invention	Method and device for providing unique temper-proof codes in a packaging laminate
Abstract	A method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner and a packaging laminate obtained by the method. The codes are inkjet printed on one of the substrates of the laminate so as to lie the codes within the laminate. The printing is carried out using a battery of inkjet printer heads corresponding to the number of ons or ups across the width of the laminate and connected to inkjet print kits. The printing by the inkjet printer heads is controlled by a microprocessor programmed to generate a series of unique codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups. Also a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner. The device (1) comprises a battery of inkjet printer heads (7) corresponding to the number of one or ups (6a) across the width of the substrate of the laminate (6) to be printed with the codes and connected to inkjet print kits (8). The substrate travels from an unwinding roller (2)to a rewinding roller (3). The inkjet printer heads are located below the substrate and controlled by a micro processor (9) programmed to generate a series of unique codes in each of the ones or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups. (fig.2)

Title of Invention

Method and device for providing unique temper-proof codes in a packaging laminate

Abstract

A method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner and a packaging laminate obtained by the method. The codes are inkjet printed on one of the substrates of the laminate so as to lie the codes within the laminate. The printing is carried out using a battery of inkjet printer heads corresponding to the number of ons or ups across the width of the laminate and connected to inkjet print kits. The printing by the inkjet printer heads is controlled by a microprocessor programmed to generate a series of unique codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups. Also a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner. The device (1) comprises a battery of inkjet printer heads (7) corresponding to the number of one or ups (6a) across the width of the substrate of the laminate (6) to be printed with the codes and connected to inkjet print kits (8). The substrate travels from an unwinding roller (2)to a rewinding roller (3). The inkjet printer heads are located below the substrate and controlled by a micro processor (9) programmed to generate a series of unique codes in each of the ones or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups. (fig.2)

Full Text	FORM 2 THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 . (39 of 1970) As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 200S & The Patents Rules, 2003 As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2006 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10 and rule 13) TITLE OF INVENTION Method of providing unique tamper-proof codes in a packaging laminate APPLICANTS Name : The Paper Products Limited Nationality: Indian Company Address : L B Shastri Marg, Majiwade, Thane 400 601, Maharashtra, India PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION The following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed: FIELD OF INVENTION This invention relates to a method of providing unique tamper-proof codes in a packaging laminate. This invention also relates to a packaging laminate comprising unique tamper-proof codes provided therein. This invention further relates to a device for providing unique tamper-proof codes in a packaging laminate. In this specification, the term codes as used refers to numericals or alpha numericals or symbols or combinations thereof and the term pattern includes one or more images, pictures, designs, monograms, logos, graphics, trade marks or names, devices, slogans or phrases in single or multicolours or one or more colours or combinations thereof. BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Consumer products are generally packed in packages made of flexible packaging laminates which in turn are made by laminating two or more substrates using adhesive layers or extruded tie layers. To attract customers and promote sales and to create awareness of the products, incentives or gifts are sometimes distributed among selected purchasers of the products by randomly providing the packages with winning codes. The codes are known to be printed on the outer surface or on the inner outer surface of the packaging laminates after the laminates are made. The printing of the codes on the outer or inner outer surface of the packaging laminates is usually carried out by Inkjet, screen or pad printing. The codes on the outer or inner outer sur£eu:e of tte {Mickaging laminates are exposed and can be easily tampered with. Codes printed on Hw inner outer sur&ce of the packaging laminates also has the disadvantage of coming into contact with the contents of the packages. This is highly undesirable especially in the case of products like food or personal or oral products or medicines. The codes are also known to be printed at the inner surface of the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate where the desired pattern is printed. The printed substrate is laminated with the remaining substrate(s) of the laminate so as to szindwich the printed matter ie the pattern and the codes. In such a laminate, the printed codes will be visible and tansparent along with the printed pattern when viewed from the outer side of the laminate. Alternatively, the outer or outermost substrate whose inner surface is printed with the desired pattern is laminated with an intermediate substrate and the codes are printed on the intermediate substrate. The intermediate substrate is laminated with another substrate so as to sandwich the printed codes and conceal or hide the same when viewed from the outer side of the laminate. The pattern and codes are usually printed by gravure or flexoprinting, in which the pattern and codes to be printed on the respective substrates are etched or impressed upon the gravure cylinders or flexoplates, as the case may be. Because of the limited nimiber of the gravure cylinders or flexoplates corresponding to the number of ons or ups (ie packaging strips or sections) across the width of the laminates, the number of different codes that can be printed is limited and the codes are repetitive in each repeat of the ons or ups. The reduced surface area of the gravure cylinders or flexoplates also limits the size of the codes. As the number of different codes that can be printed is limited, unique codes cannot be allocated to each of the ons or ups to be formed into package for tl^ prochicts so as to identify the packages by the iies^)ective co^s OT so as to serve as security seal or stamp fa- the respective packages. The codes so provided are, however, within the laminates and are tamper proof. OBJECTS OF INVENTION An object of the invention is to provide a method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which method is simple and easy to carry out. Another object of the invention i^ to provide a method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes can serve as winning codes for selected purchasers of the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate. Another object of the invention is to provide a method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes can serve as identification codes or as security seals or stamps for the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate. Another object of the invention is to provide a method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes do not come in contact with the contents of the packages formed with the packaging laminate. Another object of the invention is to provide a packaging laminate comprising unique tamper proof codes provided therein in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes can serve as winning codes for selected purchasers of the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate. Another object of the invention is to provide a packaging laminate comprising unique tamper proof codes provided therein in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes can serve as identification codes or as security seals or stamps for the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate. Another object of the invention is to provide a packaging laminate comprising unique tamper proof codes provided therein in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes do not come in contact with the contents of the packages formed with the packaging laminate. Another object of the invention is to provide a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which device is simple in construction and easy to operate. Another object of the invention is to provide a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent maimer, which codes can serve as winning codes for selected purchasers of the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate. Another object of the invention is to provide a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes can serve as identification codes or as security seals or stamps for the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate. Another object of the invention is to provide a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes do not come into contact with the contents of the packages formed with the packaging laminate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION According to the invention there is provided a method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, the method comprising Inkjet printing the codes on one of the substrates of the laminate so as to lie the codes within the laminate, the printing being carried out using a battery of Inkjet printer heads corresponding to the number of ons or ups across the width of the laminate and coimected to Inkjet print kits, the printing by the Inkjet printer heads being controlled by a. microprocessor programmed to generate a series of unique codes in each of the ons or. ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups. According to an embodiment of the invention, the Inkjet printing of the codes is carried out at the inner surface qf the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate during gravure printing of the desired pattern at the inner surface of the outer or outeimost substrate of tlM laminate so that the codes are transparent or visible along with the desired pattern v/bea viewed &om the outer side of the lamiaate. Preferably, the inkjet printing of the codes is carried out to register with the gravure printing of the desired pattern. According to another embodiment of the invention, the inkjet printing of the codes is carried out on an intermediate substrate of the laminate after lamination of the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate printed with the desired pattern and the intermediate substrate so that the^ codes are non-transparent or concealed when viewed from the outer side of the laminate. The laminate of the invention is flexible and is preferably made by laminating two or more substrates comprising optionally metallised films of polyester (PET), bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), cast polypropylene (CPP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), oriented polyamide (OPA) or polyethylene (PE), paper, paper board or aluminium foil. According to the invention there is also provided a packaging laminate comprising unique tamper proof codes provided therein by the method described above. According to the invention there is also provided a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, the device comprising a battery of inkjet printer heads corresp>onding to the numberof ons or ups across the width of the substrate of the laminate to be printed with the co(fes and connected to inkjet print kits, the substrate traveilii^ from an unwinding roller to a rewinding roller, die inkjet jninter heads being located below the substrate and controlled by a micro processor programmed to generate a series of uniqiK codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups. According to an embodiment of the invention, the inkjet printer heads are located in a printing machine comprising gravure cylinders for printing the desired pattern on the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate. Preferably the printer heads are positioned to print the codes to register with the gravure printing of the desired pattern. Acccnding to another embodiment of the invention, the inkjet printer heads are located in a laminating or doctoring or rewinding or slitting machine below an intennediate substrate of the laminate to be printed with the codes. Tte following is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, Figs 1 and 2 are schematic front view and plan view of the device for inkjet printing of unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 1 as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises an unwinding roller 2 and a rewinding roller 3 and nip rollers 4a and 4b and idler roller 5 disposed between the unwinding roller and rewinding roller. 6 is the outer or outermost substrate of the packaging laminate to be gravure printed with the desired pattern on the inner sui£u:e tlKieof Alternatively 6 is an intermediate substrate of tiie packaging hminale to be iidcjet {Hinted widi the codes. A battray of Inkjet jmnter Iwads 7 are located below the substrate 6 and connected to Inkjet print kits 8. The number of Inkjet printer heads and associated Inkjet print kits corresponds to the numbers of ons and ups (ie packaging strips or sections) across the width of the substrate marked 6a. The Inkjet printer heads are connected to a microprocessor 9 programmed to generate a series of unique codes. As the substrate travels from the unwinding roller to the rewinding roller unique codes are printed on the imderside of the substrate by the inkjet printer heads controlled by the microprocessor which is programmed to generate limitless number of unique codes and print the codes randomly or in a predetermined manner in the respective ons or ups across the width of the substrate. The codes printed across a given set of ons or ups are distinctly different and unique so also the codes printed in the repeats of the ons or ups. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is incorporated in a printing machine comprising gravure cylinders (not shown) in which case the codes are printed at the imderside of the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate during gravure printing of the desired pattern in the ons or ups. In this case the codes will be visible or transparent along with the desired gravure printed pattern when viewed from the outer side of the laminate. The printer head are preferably positioned to print the codes to register with the gravure printing of the desired pattern so as to improve the aesthetic appeal of the packaging. In another embodiment of the invention the device is incorporated in a laminating or doctoring or rewinding or slitting machine (not shown) in which case the codes are inkjet printed on an intermediate substrate of the laminate. The intermediate substrate is then laminated with another substrate to form the laminate so as to sandwich the codes m± the ffitotbor s^jjrtrate. In this case tiie codes will be concealed or myn^lnmpaxxAvAtsa vkeweA from the outer a^ of the laminate mi it will be ne(%^aiy to ofjen ibs packages formed with the laminate so as to see the codes. In both the instances of Inkjet printing of the codes at the inner surface of the outer or outermost substrate and Inkjet printing of the codes on the intermediate substrate, the codes are not exposed and cannot be tampered with. The codes can serve us winning codes for selected purchasers of the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate. As the codes he within the laminate, the contents of the packages formed with the packaging laminate do not come into contact with the codes and the contents are not contaminated by the codes. This is highly advantageous in the case of products like food or personal or oral care products or medicines. As the codes are unique and are not repeated, they can be very useful to identify the respective pnxfa^ or packages or to serve as security seal or stamp for the respective packages. The method of the invention is very simple and easy to carry out. The device of the mvention is also simple in construction and easy to operate. The nip rollers are for tensioning the substrate travelling between the vmwinding toad rewimiii^ rollers. The idler roller ensures smooth travel of the substrate between the unwinding and rewinding rollers. It is to be understood that the number of nip rollers and idler roller can vary. The number of Inkjet printer heads and corresponding number of Inkjet print kits can also vary depending upon the number of ons or ups across the width of the laminate. The invention is essentially in providing unique codes randomly or in a predetermined manner within a flexible packaging laminate in a tamper proof and visible or concealed manner. Variations in the method and device of the invention to achieve this objective are to be construed and undostood to be witiun tlM scope of the invention. 10 We claim: 1. A method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, the method comprising Inkjet printing the codes on one of the substrates of the laminate so as to lie the codes within the laminate, the printing being carried out using a battery of Inkjet printer heads corresponding to the nimiber of ons or ups across the width of the laminate and coimected to Inkjet print kits, the printing by the Inkjet printer heads being controlled by a microprocessor programmed to generate a series of imique codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups. 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Inkjet printing of the codes is carried out at the inner surface of the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate during gravure printing of the desired pattern at the inner surface of the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate so that the codes are transparent or visible along with the desired pattern when viewed from the outer side of the laminate. 3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the Inkjet printing of the codes is carried out to register with the grawire printing of the desired pattern. 4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inkjet printing of the codes is carried out on an inteimediate substrate of the laminate after lamination of die outer or outmnost substnto of the laminate printed witii Ae desired 11 pattern and the intermediate substrate so that the codes are non-transparent or concealed vfhen viewed fiom the outerside of the laminate. 5. A method as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein the laminate is made by laminating two or more substrates comprising optionally metallised films of polyester (PET), bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), cast polypropylene (CPP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), oriented polyamide (OPA) or polyethylene (PE), paper, paper board or aluminium foil. 6. A packaging laminate comprising imique tamper proof codes provided therein by the method as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5. 7. A device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, the device comprising a battery of Inkjet printer heads corresponding to the number of ons or ups across the width of the substrate of the laminate to be printed with the codes and connected to Inkjet print kits, the substrate travelling from an unwinding roller to a rewinding roller, the Inkjet printer heads being located below the substrate and controlled by a micro processor programmed to generate a series of imique codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups. 12 8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inkjet printer heads are located in a printing machine comprising gravure cylinders for printing the desired pattern on the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate. 9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the printer heads are positioned to print the codes to register with the gravure printing of the desired pattern. 10. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inkjet printer heads are located in a laminating or doctoring or rewinding or slitting machine below an intermediate substrate of the laminate to be printed with the codes. (Prita Madan) ofKhaitan&Co Agent for the Applicants Dated this 29* day of December 2006 13 ABSTRACT A method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner and a packaging laminate obtained by the method. The codes are inkjet printed on one of the substrates of the laminate so as to lie the codes within the laminate. The printing is carried out using a battery of inkjet printer heads corresponding to the number of ons or ups across the width of the laminate and connected to inkjet print kits. The printing by the inkjet printer heads is controlled by a microprocessor programmed to generate a series of unique codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups. Also a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner. The device (1) comprises a battery of inkjet printer heads (7) corresponding to the number of ons or ups (6a) across the width of the substrate of the laminate (6) to be printed with the codes and connected to inkjet print kits (8). The substrate travels from an unwinding roller (2) to a rewinding roller (3). The inkjet printer heads are located below the substrate and controlled by a micro processor (9) programmed to generate a series of unique codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups (Fig 2).

Full Text

FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970 . (39 of 1970)
As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Act, 200S
&
The Patents Rules, 2003 As amended by the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2006
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (See section 10 and rule 13)
TITLE OF INVENTION
Method of providing unique tamper-proof codes in a packaging laminate
APPLICANTS
Name : The Paper Products Limited
Nationality: Indian Company
Address : L B Shastri Marg, Majiwade, Thane 400 601, Maharashtra, India
PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
The following specification particularly describes the nature of this invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:

FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a method of providing unique tamper-proof codes in a
packaging laminate.
This invention also relates to a packaging laminate comprising unique tamper-proof codes provided therein. This invention further relates to a device for providing unique tamper-proof codes in a packaging laminate.
In this specification, the term codes as used refers to numericals or alpha numericals or symbols or combinations thereof and the term pattern includes one or more images, pictures, designs, monograms, logos, graphics, trade marks or names, devices, slogans or phrases in single or multicolours or one or more colours or combinations thereof.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Consumer products are generally packed in packages made of flexible packaging laminates which in turn are made by laminating two or more substrates using adhesive layers or extruded tie layers. To attract customers and promote sales and to create awareness of the products, incentives or gifts are sometimes distributed among
selected purchasers of the products by randomly providing the packages with winning codes. The codes are known to be printed on the outer surface or on the inner outer surface of the packaging laminates after the laminates are made. The printing of the codes on the outer or inner outer surface of the packaging laminates is usually carried out by Inkjet, screen or pad printing. The codes on the outer or
inner outer sur£eu:e of tte {Mickaging laminates are exposed and can be easily tampered with. Codes printed on Hw inner outer sur&ce of the packaging laminates

also has the disadvantage of coming into contact with the contents of the packages. This is highly undesirable especially in the case of products like food or personal or oral products or medicines.
The codes are also known to be printed at the inner surface of the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate where the desired pattern is printed. The printed substrate is laminated with the remaining substrate(s) of the laminate so as to szindwich the printed matter ie the pattern and the codes. In such a laminate, the printed codes will be visible and tansparent along with the printed pattern when viewed from the outer side of the laminate. Alternatively, the outer or outermost substrate whose inner surface is printed with the desired pattern is laminated with an intermediate substrate and the codes are printed on the intermediate substrate. The intermediate substrate is laminated with another substrate so as to sandwich the printed codes and conceal or hide the same when viewed from the outer side of the laminate. The pattern and codes are usually printed by gravure or flexoprinting, in which the pattern and codes to be printed on the respective substrates are etched or impressed upon the gravure cylinders or flexoplates, as the case may be. Because of the limited nimiber of the gravure cylinders or flexoplates corresponding to the number of ons or ups (ie packaging strips or sections) across the width of the laminates, the number of different codes that can be printed is limited and the codes are repetitive in each repeat of the ons or ups. The reduced surface area of the gravure cylinders or flexoplates also limits the size of the codes. As the number of different codes that can be printed is limited, unique codes cannot be allocated to each of the ons or ups to be formed into package for tl^ prochicts so as to identify the packages by the iies^)ective co^s OT so as to serve as security seal or stamp fa- the respective

packages. The codes so provided are, however, within the laminates and are tamper proof.
OBJECTS OF INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide a method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which method is simple and easy to carry out.
Another object of the invention i^ to provide a method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes can serve as winning codes for selected purchasers of the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes can serve as identification codes or as security seals or stamps for the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate.
Another object of the invention is to provide a method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes do not come in contact with the contents of the packages formed with the packaging laminate.

Another object of the invention is to provide a packaging laminate comprising unique tamper proof codes provided therein in a transparent or non-transparent
manner, which codes can serve as winning codes for selected purchasers of the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate.
Another object of the invention is to provide a packaging laminate comprising unique tamper proof codes provided therein in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes can serve as identification codes or as security seals or stamps for the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate.
Another object of the invention is to provide a packaging laminate comprising unique tamper proof codes provided therein in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes do not come in contact with the contents of the packages formed with the packaging laminate.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which device is simple in construction and easy to operate.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent maimer, which codes can serve as winning codes for selected purchasers of the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes can serve as identification codes or as security seals or stamps for the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate.
Another object of the invention is to provide a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, which codes do not come into contact with the contents of the packages formed with the packaging laminate.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, the method comprising Inkjet printing the codes on one of the substrates of the laminate so as to lie the codes within the laminate, the printing being carried out using a battery of Inkjet printer heads corresponding to the number of ons or ups across the width of the laminate and coimected to Inkjet print kits, the printing by the Inkjet printer heads being controlled by a. microprocessor programmed to generate a series of unique codes in each of the ons or. ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the Inkjet printing of the codes is carried out at the inner surface qf the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate during gravure printing of the desired pattern at the inner surface of the outer or outeimost substrate of tlM laminate so that the codes are transparent or visible along with the desired pattern v/bea viewed &om the outer side of the lamiaate.

Preferably, the inkjet printing of the codes is carried out to register with the gravure printing of the desired pattern.
According to another embodiment of the invention, the inkjet printing of the codes is carried out on an intermediate substrate of the laminate after lamination of the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate printed with the desired pattern and the intermediate substrate so that the^ codes are non-transparent or concealed when viewed from the outer side of the laminate.
The laminate of the invention is flexible and is preferably made by laminating two or more substrates comprising optionally metallised films of polyester (PET), bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), cast polypropylene (CPP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), oriented polyamide (OPA) or polyethylene (PE), paper, paper board or aluminium foil.
According to the invention there is also provided a packaging laminate comprising unique tamper proof codes provided therein by the method described above.
According to the invention there is also provided a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, the device comprising a battery of inkjet printer heads corresp>onding to the numberof ons or ups across the width of the substrate of the laminate to be printed
with the co(fes and connected to inkjet print kits, the substrate traveilii^ from an unwinding roller to a rewinding roller, die inkjet jninter heads being located below

the substrate and controlled by a micro processor programmed to generate a series of uniqiK codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups.
According to an embodiment of the invention, the inkjet printer heads are located in a printing machine comprising gravure cylinders for printing the desired pattern on the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate.
Preferably the printer heads are positioned to print the codes to register with the gravure printing of the desired pattern.
Acccnding to another embodiment of the invention, the inkjet printer heads are located in a laminating or doctoring or rewinding or slitting machine below an intennediate substrate of the laminate to be printed with the codes.
Tte following is a detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which, Figs 1 and 2 are schematic front view and plan view of the device for inkjet printing of unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate according to an embodiment of the invention. The device 1 as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises an unwinding roller 2 and a rewinding roller 3 and nip rollers 4a and 4b and idler roller 5 disposed between the unwinding roller and rewinding roller. 6 is the outer or outermost substrate of the packaging laminate to be gravure printed with the desired pattern on the inner sui£u:e tlKieof Alternatively 6 is an intermediate substrate of tiie packaging hminale to be iidcjet {Hinted widi the codes. A battray of Inkjet jmnter Iwads 7 are

located below the substrate 6 and connected to Inkjet print kits 8. The number of Inkjet printer heads and associated Inkjet print kits corresponds to the numbers of ons and ups (ie packaging strips or sections) across the width of the substrate marked 6a. The Inkjet printer heads are connected to a microprocessor 9 programmed to generate a series of unique codes. As the substrate travels from the unwinding roller to the rewinding roller unique codes are printed on the imderside of the substrate by the inkjet printer heads controlled by the microprocessor which is programmed to generate limitless number of unique codes and print the codes randomly or in a predetermined manner in the respective ons or ups across the width of the substrate. The codes printed across a given set of ons or ups are distinctly different and unique so also the codes printed in the repeats of the ons or ups. In one embodiment of the invention, the device is incorporated in a printing machine comprising gravure cylinders (not shown) in which case the codes are printed at the imderside of the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate during gravure printing of the desired pattern in the ons or ups. In this case the codes will be visible or transparent along with the desired gravure printed pattern when viewed from the outer side of the laminate. The printer head are preferably positioned to print the codes to register with the gravure printing of the desired pattern so as to improve the aesthetic appeal of the packaging. In another embodiment of the invention the device is incorporated in a laminating or doctoring or rewinding or slitting machine (not shown) in which case the codes are inkjet printed on an intermediate substrate of the laminate. The intermediate substrate is then laminated with another substrate to form the laminate so as to sandwich the codes m± the
ffitotbor s^jjrtrate. In this case tiie codes will be concealed or myn^lnmpaxxAvAtsa vkeweA from the outer a^ of the laminate mi it will be ne(%^aiy to ofjen ibs

packages formed with the laminate so as to see the codes. In both the instances of Inkjet printing of the codes at the inner surface of the outer or outermost substrate and Inkjet printing of the codes on the intermediate substrate, the codes are
not exposed and cannot be tampered with. The codes can serve us winning codes for selected purchasers of the products packed in packages formed with the packaging laminate. As the codes he within the laminate, the contents of the packages formed with the packaging laminate do not come into contact with the codes and the contents are not contaminated by the codes. This is highly advantageous in the case of
products like food or personal or oral care products or medicines. As the codes are unique and are not repeated, they can be very useful to identify the respective
pnxfa^ or packages or to serve as security seal or stamp for the respective
packages. The method of the invention is very simple and easy to carry out. The
device of the mvention is also simple in construction and easy to operate.
The nip rollers are for tensioning the substrate travelling between the vmwinding toad rewimiii^ rollers. The idler roller ensures smooth travel of the substrate between the unwinding and rewinding rollers. It is to be understood that the number of nip rollers and idler roller can vary. The number of Inkjet printer heads and corresponding number of Inkjet print kits can also vary depending upon the number of ons or ups across the width of the laminate. The invention is essentially in providing unique codes randomly or in a predetermined manner within a flexible packaging laminate in a tamper proof and visible or concealed manner. Variations in the method and device of the invention to achieve this objective are to be construed and undostood to be witiun tlM scope of the invention.
10

We claim:
1. A method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, the method
comprising Inkjet printing the codes on one of the substrates of the laminate so as to lie the codes within the laminate, the printing being carried out using a battery of Inkjet printer heads corresponding to the nimiber of ons or ups across the width of the laminate and coimected to Inkjet print kits, the printing by the Inkjet printer heads being controlled by a microprocessor programmed to generate a series of imique codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups.
2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Inkjet printing of the codes is carried out at the inner surface of the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate during gravure printing of the desired pattern at the inner surface of the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate so that the codes are transparent or visible along with the desired pattern when viewed from the outer side of the laminate.
3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the Inkjet printing of the codes is carried out to register with the grawire printing of the desired pattern.
4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inkjet printing of the codes is carried out on an inteimediate substrate of the laminate after lamination of die outer or outmnost substnto of the laminate printed witii Ae desired
11

pattern and the intermediate substrate so that the codes are non-transparent or concealed vfhen viewed fiom the outerside of the laminate.
5. A method as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4, wherein the laminate is made by laminating two or more substrates comprising optionally metallised films of polyester (PET), bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), cast polypropylene (CPP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), oriented polyamide (OPA) or polyethylene (PE), paper, paper board or aluminium foil.
6. A packaging laminate comprising imique tamper proof codes provided therein by the method as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 5.
7. A device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner, the device comprising a battery of Inkjet printer heads corresponding to the number of ons or ups across the width of the substrate of the laminate to be printed with the codes and connected to Inkjet print kits, the substrate travelling from an unwinding roller to a rewinding roller, the Inkjet printer heads being located below the substrate and controlled by a micro processor programmed to generate a series of imique codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups.
12

8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inkjet printer heads are located
in a printing machine comprising gravure cylinders for printing the
desired pattern on the outer or outermost substrate of the laminate.
9. A device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the printer heads are positioned to print the codes to register with the gravure printing of the desired pattern.
10. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the inkjet printer heads are located in a laminating or doctoring or rewinding or slitting machine below an intermediate substrate of the laminate to be printed with the codes.

(Prita Madan)
ofKhaitan&Co
Agent for the Applicants
Dated this 29* day of December 2006
13

ABSTRACT A method of providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner and a packaging laminate obtained by the
method. The codes are inkjet printed on one of the substrates of the laminate so as to lie the codes within the laminate. The printing is carried out using a battery of
inkjet printer heads corresponding to the number of ons or ups across the width of the laminate and connected to inkjet print kits. The printing by the inkjet printer heads is controlled by a microprocessor programmed to generate a series of unique codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups. Also a device for providing unique tamper proof codes in a packaging laminate in a transparent or non-transparent manner. The device (1) comprises a battery of inkjet printer heads (7) corresponding to the number of ons or ups (6a) across the width of the substrate of the laminate (6) to be printed with the codes and connected to inkjet print kits (8). The substrate travels from an unwinding roller (2) to a rewinding roller (3). The inkjet printer heads are located below the substrate and controlled by a micro processor (9) programmed to generate a series of unique codes in each of the ons or ups in each of the repeats of the ons or ups (Fig 2).

Method and device for providing unique temper-proof codes in a packaging laminate

Documents:

Inventors:

PCT Conventions: