Security seals for containers and methods of using the same for authentication
Disclosed are self-authenticating seals for containers in which the seals include a non-visible taggant correlated to a pre-determined indicia. Containers sealed with the sealing members as well as methods of authenticating containers that have been sealed with the sealing members are disclosed.
1. A self-authenticating sealing member for a container, which comprises:
at least one layer of polymeric material adapted to seal an opening in the container;
a heat-activated adhesive disposed on one side of the at least one layer, wherein the adhesive includes a non-visible taggant for authentication, wherein the adhesive has a sufficiently low internal bond strength for delamination or shearing of the adhesive during removal of the seal thereby leaving a residue on the container to allow for authentication of the container; and
an electrically conductive, metal layer for induction heating of the heat-activated adhesive, wherein the metal is disposed on the side of the polymeric material opposite from the adhesive.
2. The sealing member of claim 1 , wherein the non-visible taggant is a light emitting taggant.
3. The sealing member of claim 2 , wherein the taggant is a fluorescent compound.
4. The sealing member of claim 2 , wherein the taggant is a phosphorescent compound.
5. The sealing member of claim 2 , wherein the taggant emits light upon exposure to a wavelength selected from the group consisting of the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum.
6. A self-authenticating container, which comprises:
container walls defining an interior volume for receipt of a product, the container having an opening at one end providing access to the interior volume; and
a sealing member disposed over the opening of the container, wherein the sealing member comprises at least one layer of polymeric material adapted to seal the container, a heat-activated adhesive disposed between the at least one layer and the opening of the container, and an electrically conductive, metal layer for induction heating of the heat-activated adhesive, wherein the metal layer is disposed on the side of the polymeric material opposite from the adhesive, and wherein the adhesive includes a non-visible taggant for authentication and the adhesive has a sufficiently low internal bond strength for delamination or shearing of the adhesive during removal of the seal thereby leaving a residue on the container to allow for authentication of the container.
7. The container of claim 6 , further comprising a product disposed in the interior volume of the container.
8. The container of claim 6 , wherein the non-visible taggant is a light emitting taggant.
9. The container of claim 8 , wherein the taggant is a fluorescent compound.
10. The container of claim 8 , wherein the taggant is a phosphorescent compound.
11. The container of claim 8 , wherein the taggant emits light upon exposure to a wavelength selected from the group consisting of the infrared spectrum or the ultraviolet spectrum.