EP0723501B2 - Security document with window - Google Patents

Abstract

Proposed is a value-bearing document in which the carrier is provided with a window-like opening which is closed by a cover foil which is transparent at least in a region-wise manner, wherein in particular in the region of the window-like opening the cover foil can be provided with additional security features, for example diffraction structures.

Description

The invention relates to value documents, in particular securities, such as e.g. Banknotes, checks, traveler's checks or stocks, but also not or only partly paper documents, e.g. Credit cards, identity cards etc.

Especially with regard to the possibilities offered by modern color copiers and other reproduction systems, There is an urgent need to provide value documents with special security elements that have a Complicate counterfeiting using such devices. To this end has already been a variety of ways A number of possibilities have already been proposed for this purpose.

For example, it is known value documents such as securities, cards, identity cards, etc. with security elements to be provided in the form of reflective surfaces. These reflective surfaces are usually made by a color copier reproduced as black areas. Here, however, it is possible to subsequently create a corresponding, apply metallic shiny layer.

A further improvement in the security against counterfeiting arises when security elements in the form of refractive or diffractive optical structures, so-called diffraction structures, e.g. Holograms, so-called Pixelgrame etc., to be used. However, these security elements are relatively expensive in terms of production.

It is also already known to design security elements for value documents in such a way that they are used primarily for transmitted light observation are suitable. For example, AU-PS 488,652 describes security documents consisting of several interconnected plastic webs, wherein between these tracks at least one optically variable Security element arranged and in at least one of the cover sheets in the area of this security element a transparent window is provided so that the security element is viewed through the window can be. For attachment of the security elements, for example, according to the prior art, that in a provided in the interior of the document plastic sheet a recess is generated in the the security element is inserted.

Subsequently, then the security element in the recess by both sides applied cover sheets fixed. Such a procedure has the disadvantage that the attachment of the security element considerable difficulties and in particular a full-surface lamination comparatively large areas of plastic films is required. The inclusion of the security element between the two foils often results to a significant deterioration of the brilliance and thus impairment of the recognizability of the security element especially under unfavorable lighting conditions. As a security, especially banknotes, can the known document can be used only with difficulty, because it is in terms of its surface texture and other characteristics fundamentally different from those known and commonly used in banknotes Properties of paper is different.

It is also already known from Australian banknotes to superficially print transparent carriers, that a certain area is windowed, i. transparent, is left. Again, however, that one on the Benefits of paper must be avoided. For example, it is not possible to attach a watermark. Also surrender differ tactile characteristics (lack of special grip), which the citizen are known. It also eliminates the proven working and processing and circulation properties of paper. After all it is not possible in a pure printing process, special security elements, such as diffraction structures, to generated.

From EP-A-0 013 557 a value document is known which consists of a carrier having a window hole in which a security feature is inserted, and which is laminated by outer transparent films.

It is also already known to attach security threads in security documents as security elements, wherein the Arrangement is such that the thread or a corresponding band is partially superficially exposed to additional, preferably optical effects based on optical effects on the thread, e.g. Print pattern, To be able to examine diffraction structures, etc. EP-PS 0 229 645 describes the preparation of a Security paper with a stored security element in the form of a thread or ribbon such that two separate paper layers are formed, wherein the paper layers have areas of lesser thickness or openings. The two layers of paper are brought together and during the merging is as a security element serving band introduced. In this case, the arrangement can also be chosen so that the Breakthroughs of the two paper layers (on the top or bottom of serving as a security element band) congruent overlap, so that the security element at the same point of the paper web on Both sides is exposed to allow viewing of the security element in the transmitted light. In the Practice has shown, however, that it has not been possible to produce corresponding documents. In general Rather, the arrangement has been chosen only so that the security thread or the security element respectively was exposed alternately on the top and bottom. A major shortcoming of the known procedure is in any case to be seen in the fact that the security threads, after they have to be incorporated into the paper web, may only have relatively small width, so as not to disturb the cohesion of the paper itself. However, in order for the security threads to have sufficient tensile strength despite their narrow width, it is necessary. Use security threads with correspondingly large thickness, resulting in unwanted thickening of the corresponding Paper web manufactured securities can result, whereby these thickenings with stacked securities - despite the so-called wobble technique - would always be located in a relatively narrow range, resulting in a poor flatness of the sheet and problems in processing the document leads.

From the article "Optical Interference Coatings for Inhibiting of Counterfeiting" by J.A. Dobrowolski et al. in "Optica Acta", 1973, Vol. 20, no. 12, pages 925 to 937 is a value document with at least one security element known, wherein the document of value at least one window-like, in one Carrier has provided opening, by means of a translucent, the opening towering on all sides and on one Surface of the wearer is fully sealed cover sheet is closed. The Cover film serves as a carrier for an optical thin-film arrangement, whose color changes depending on the angle of incidence of the light. By the Arrangement of the cover over the window-like opening of the carrier should be achieved that the coating is also viewed with transmitted light can be. The cover film with the coating is translucent, However, because the coating over the entire surface of the cover is provided, not completely transparent.

In EP-A-0 440 045 there are securities with optically variable Security element described, the surface of the Security element receiving data carrier in the field of optically variable element is made smoother than in the remaining area. to Smoothing the surface is also described the possibility that as Carrier for the security element serving paper in the to be smoothed Areas exposed to high pressure, causing the paper fibers pressed together and the surface roughness of the paper is reduced. In this case, the paper substrate is compressed and it forms a depression in the paper, in which then the security element is arranged, these Deepening has the advantage that a lying in her optical element in possibly subsequent processing steps, such as Printing the paper, protected from contact and damage.

Finally, in January 1988, an Australian $ 10 mark went into circulation brought out of a double-sided, completely transparent film duration. As a security feature, this banknote had an unprinted one and thus completely transparent area, in which approximately centric diffractive optical effective security element was provided, with order This metallized security element around a clear, complete transparent area was obtained.

The invention is based on the object, a value document with a window-like, suitable for transmitted light To propose security element that easily and without affecting the visibility of the security element can be produced, but not in the production of security papers with the production Embedded security thread known problems are expected. However, it should be ensured that a Falsification of the security element by pure printing or color copying is impossible, but at the same time a Variety of different design options for the security element exist.

This object is achieved by a value document with the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, therefore, no longer attempts to store a security element in the carrier. Rather, the opening is deliberately retrofitted in the carrier and then this opening is closed again by means of an at least partially completely transparent cover, wherein as a result of the full-surface attachment of the covering on the surface of the support a detachment of the cover, which may be an example on optical effects based safety feature is virtually impossible without damaging the wearer. Due to the arrangement according to the invention, it is readily possible, a cover with comparatively large dimensions
use, which means that you can work with cover foils of small thickness. At the same time, an approach according to the invention also offers the possibility of providing windows of relatively large dimensions, whereas in the known windows produced during papermaking only very small dimensions could be achieved. Since the windows can be large, even if additional security elements are present, it is easily possible to keep a sufficiently large area of the cover film completely transparent. In this case, when creating a copy with a color copier or other reproduction device in the area of the window, the background will shine through, so that the reproduction of the background at this point appears. In this way, counterfeits can be easily detected in general. Furthermore, the authenticity of the document of value of the user can also easily be ascertained, since the presence or absence of a completely transparent region of the document of value can also be readily ascertained with the unaided eye. The covering of the opening of the carrier by means of the covering film on the one hand offers the advantage that despite the presence of one or more perforations, the stability of the document of value does not suffer.

On the other hand, the use of a cover provides further design options for the security element Variations of the security element are further due to different shape of the window-like Opening or variation in the positioning of the opening or attachment of several, possibly different designed openings possible.

In order to ensure both undisturbed stacking of value documents, in particular of securities such as Banknotes, too allow as well as the removal of the cover sheet largely complicate and in particular an unintentional To avoid loosening the cover sheet as far as possible, the cover is in a window-like Opening including recess of the carrier surface arranged, with particular advantage of the carrier is compressed to form the recess. By compression, the surface of the wearer becomes simultaneously smoothed, which may be favorable for certain security features. For example, in the application of Security features in a hot stamping process on paper whose optical efficiency by the relatively reduced rough surface of the paper, which avoided with appropriate smoothing serving as a carrier paper surface can be.

In a simple way according to the invention, the opening by means of a punching or cutting process be generated, in which case the usual punching process and mentioned as cutting process especially laser cutting should be.

It is basically possible to produce the recess and the aperture in separate operations. to Avoidance of special adjustments and a good alignment of the opening in comparison to the recess to reach, one expediently such that the opening together with the recess in an operation is created, which is e.g. by using appropriate tools, such as special embossing and Punching rollers can be achieved.

The attachment of the recess and the application of the cover is then simplified when the cover extends across the entire width or length of the document of value, i. a recess from edge to edge is provided. In such a case, that is conveniently done so that the cover under simultaneous training of the depression applied by pressure on the carrier of the document of value, preferably laminated in a rolling process on the carrier.

When using a lamination process for applying the cover to the document of value can be achieve a particularly favorable manufacturing method. It can namely in a pass through an appropriate Machine first, the window-like opening, possibly even several openings, are attached, whereupon then in a further step, the cover sheet is laminated.

To further improve the security against counterfeiting, it is provided according to the invention that at least one Side of the carrier, the cover and at least the subsequent surface area of the document of value with a cohesive pattern are overprinted. In such an embodiment, any manipulation of the Masking film immediately visible, because a pressure can be readily provided, in which even the slightest shifts clearly appear.

In order to facilitate overprinting of the cover, this may conveniently be at least on their free, do not wear an adhesion promoter (primer) layer on the value document or the side attached to this forming support.

Further possibilities for improving the security against counterfeiting of a value document then arise, according to the invention, the cover film is a laminating film consisting of a completely transparent carrier film and a this adherent decorative layer, wherein the decorative layer, preferably at least one lacquer layer includes, at least in a portion of the opening is also completely transparent. The decorative layer can be in different, known per se methods are specially designed graphically, so additional detection capabilities to create an original document of value. However, it is always important that the decorative layer in the area of Aperture is at least partially completely transparent, because only then primarily sought with the invention effect preserved.

It may also be expedient that the cover film with at least one particular, preferably on provided security effects based on optical effects and at least a portion of the area of the Opening is completely transparent, with advantageously at least one security feature of a refractive and / or diffraction-optically effective diffraction structure and / or thin-film arrangement is formed. In addition to such diffraction structures or thin-film arrangements as a security feature, the cover film can, for example also reflective surfaces, special imprints, e.g. in the form of micro-typeface etc. That's it expedient if at least one of the security features is arranged in the area of the opening, because it can then be, for example, such a security feature that only in transmitted light terms Authenticity can be tested, with straight through transmitted light methods when using automatic testers advantages.

When using a laminating film as a cover, which a decorative layer and at least one diffraction structure As a security feature, the decorative layer is expediently constructed so that they - starting from the carrier film - a surface on their surface remote from the carrier film with the as a security feature serving base diffuser layer, at least in the region of the diffraction structure a reflective layer, and at least in the region of the opening a transparent protective lacquer layer includes. In this respect, the construction of the decorative layer in the laminating film according to the invention is in principle correct the per se of hot stamping foils for security purposes with diffraction structure known, e.g. EP 0 559 069 A1 to be taken decor layer structure match. It can also be used to apply the various layers of lacquer, for incorporation the diffraction structure as well as to generate the possibly only partial metallization in the In connection with the hot stamping foil production principle known methods are used, which is why on these procedures will not be discussed here. Of course, it would also be conceivable to have a diffraction structure directly into the carrier film to bring, so to dispense with a special base coat, if a suitable carrier film is used.

Is, as further provided according to the invention, the cover attached in such a way on the support that their decorative layer points to the surface of the carrier, one obtains on the one hand the advantage that the surface carrying the decorative layer the cover sheet quasi recessed and thus protected to some extent against mechanical stress is arranged. In addition, may be due to a special adhesive layer for attaching the Masking be omitted on the document of value, namely, if the decorative layer, and that at least whose transparent protective lacquer layer already has sufficiently adhesive properties.

Another possibility according to the invention is that the decorative layer on the opposite side of the carrier film Side carries a layer of a curable adhesive, e.g. Reaction glue can be used the first under appropriate heat or radiation, e.g. from IR or UV radiation, completely react and harden with it. The use of such adhesives has the advantage that a detachment of the cover film, if the adhesive has cured, without damaging the value document itself is excluded.

Finally, it can be advantageous if the carrier is in the area which serves to fasten the covering film has an adhesive application, it may be sufficient to provide only this adhesive application on the carrier, it However, it may also be expedient if, in spite of the application of adhesive on the support, the covering film also has a cover corresponding adhesive layer is provided. If only the carrier is provided with the adhesive order, one reaches the Advantage that any Kleververschleppungen can be avoided in the field of breakthrough.

Figur 1

eine schematische Ansicht eines Wertpapieres in der Ausgestaltung gemäss der Erfindung,

Figur 2

einen Teil-Querschnitt durch das Wertpapier der Figur 1 nach Linie II-II in Figur 1, und

Figur 3

einen Schnitt nach Linie III-III in Figur 1 durch ein Ausführungsbeispiel einer Abdeckfolie, wobei der Anschaulichkeit halber der Papierträger des Wertpapieres weggelassen ist.

Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of an inventively designed security with reference to the drawing, in which show:

FIG. 1

a schematic view of a security in the embodiment according to the invention,

FIG. 2

a partial cross-section through the security of Figure 1 along line II-II in Figure 1, and

FIG. 3

a section along line III-III in Figure 1 by an embodiment of a cover, wherein the sake of clarity of the paper support of the security is omitted.

With regard to its basic design (in the sense of FIG the invention) for all kinds of value printed matter, e.g. Banknotes, checks, traveler's checks, shares etc. can be used, with no further details shown in the drawing and except the essential to the invention Security elements on otherwise possible security measures has not been discussed in more detail. Furthermore, a basically the same structure for other value documents, e.g. Credit cards, identity cards or the like. intended.

The security according to FIG. 1 consists of a paper carrier 2, for example in the form of banknotes known manner with a watermark, with special imprints and other security elements, such as one For example, at 3 schematically indicated, may be provided. The security element 3 can, for example have the form of a special micro-pressure. But it can also be a specific imprint, a reflective imprint, etc. be. The paper carrier 2 is normally 1 part of a paper web when manufacturing the security a paper sheet from which the security 1 is cut after completion. For other documents of value as securities is another suitable, possibly already having safety element carrier, e.g. a Plastic card or foil used.

According to FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrier 2 has at least one window-like opening 4, which by means of a Covering film 5 is closed, wherein the cover sheet 5 on the one surface 6 of the support 2 is fixed over the entire surface, preferably glued on, that they the window-like opening 4, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, on all sides surmounted so that around the opening 4 in the areas 7 (Figure 2), the cover 5 firmly on the Surface 6 of the carrier 2 adheres.

In particular from FIG. 2, it can be seen that the cover film is in a recess 8 of the surface 6 of the carrier 2 is arranged so that the cover film in the finished security 1 to no significant increase in thickness of the value document, which is especially important if a large number of documents of value is to be stacked. The previously known in securities security threads are relatively narrow and therefore must be made of mechanical Reasons to be comparatively thick. But they are then far ahead of the security surface and lead when stacking value documents in the field of security threads to an undesirable and possibly the production and automatic handling of the securities aggravating thickening of the pile.

The recess 8 is produced in that the paper carrier 2 is compressed in the region of the recess 8. This can in a simple manner simultaneously with the application of the cover 5 on the surface 6 of the carrier 2, namely by the application of the cover 5 on the surface 6 of the carrier 2, a correspondingly high pressure is exercised, which leads to a permanent compression of the carrier 2.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, the recess 8 for the covering film 5 extends over the entire width of the carrier 2 from its lower edge 9 to the upper edge 10. This design has the advantage that both the application of the Covering film 5 and the formation of the recess 8 in a rolling process by means of corresponding rolls or Rolls, which offers the possibility of the security 1 in a continuous process with the Cover film 5 to be provided, wherein in one of the application of the cover 5 previous step, the window-like Opening by punching, which can also be done in a rolling process, can be generated. Of the Punching process can, if the tool is designed accordingly, with the compression process in one Operation can be combined.

FIG. 1 shows that the cover film 5 is only in a partial region of the window-like opening 4, namely the outer region 11 is completely transparent, while in the inner region of the opening 4 an additional, e.g. on optical Effects based security feature 12, e.g. in the form of a transmission effective diffraction structure, is provided. The additional security feature 12 in the window-like opening 4 but not only from a refractive and / or diffractive optically effective diffraction structure, for example a hologram, Pixelgram etc., to be formed. It would also be conceivable, as an additional security feature 12, for example, a reflective surface, a special micro-pressure, a thin-film arrangement or other design, the it is difficult to imitate.

Furthermore, the cover sheet, as indicated in Figure 1, outside of the window-like opening corresponding Area with at least one additional, e.g. based on optical effects security feature Be provided 13, this security feature 13 also depends on the material of the cover, their possible coating, etc. can be designed in a variety of ways.

An undesired release of the cover 5 from the surface 6 of the carrier 2 according to the invention continues complicates that the cover 5 and the subsequent areas of the surface 6 of the carrier 2 with a continuous pattern 14 are overprinted. This imprint of the pattern 14 can also be found in the already mentioned, continuous process in one of the application of the cover 5 downstream process step respectively.

From the above it follows that a value document, e.g. a security 1 according to the invention compared the previously known value documents a variety of other ways to develop security features offers, but always must be ensured that in the region of at least one window-like opening 4 - of course, several openings could be provided - the cover 5 at least partially completely transparent, because only a slight check with the naked eye is possible and only in such a case in the attempt of duplication by means of color copying or printing in the transparent Area within the aperture 4 an optical distortion occurs. You get this falsification completely regardless of which color is selected for background when copying, because in each case the corresponding Area is not transparent.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a laminating foil, as it serves as cover foil 5 for the security 1 of FIGS and 2 can be used.

This covering film 5 of Figure 3 consists of a transparent carrier film 15. This is on its decorative layer 16 facing away surface with a thin adhesive layer 17, which is to ensure that the printed Pattern 14 on the carrier film 15 adheres well, provided.

Also, the opposite surface of the carrier film 15 is provided with a primer layer 18, a to ensure sufficient adhesion of the decorative layer 16 on the carrier film 15.

In the embodiment of Figure 3, the decorative layer 16 - as shown in Figure 1 - with provided different security features 12, 13, which are diffraction structures in both cases as explained above.

For this purpose, the decorative layer 16 has a thermoplastically deformable basecoat layer 19. In this Base coat layer 19 are different diffraction structures in the areas corresponding to the security features 12, 13 20 and 21, wherein these diffraction structures 20, 21 by corresponding embossing of thermoplastically deformable basecoat layer 19 are produced after their application to the carrier film 15.

Of course, the diffraction structures 20, 21 are only visible in the covering film 5, if the diffraction structures 20, 21 enclosing layers correspondingly have different optical properties. This will be for example in the diffraction structure 20 of the security feature 12 achieved in that in the field of Diffraction structure 20, a reflective metal coating 22 is provided, wherein it is in the metal layer 22nd e.g. around a vacuum-deposited aluminum layer or a suitably applied layer of a Other, known as suitable material can act.

Another possibility for visualizing the diffraction structures 20, 21 is that a suitable dielectric, for example TiO ₂ or TnS, is applied in the region of the diffraction structures 20, 21.

The diffraction structure is then covered by the cover film 5 by means of a transparent protective lacquer layer 23, which in turn can carry a bonding agent layer 24, at least in the region of the opening 4, wherein the adhesion promoter layer 24 mainly has the task, the adhesion of the cover 5 on the surface 6 of the carrier 2 to favor. In addition, it can also be a possibly - with correspondingly thin value documents or large Openings - subsequent printing on the surface 6 of the carrier 2 facing away from the cover sheet in the area of the opening (s) 4 favor.

While the protective lacquer layer 23 usually - to facilitate the identification of the security element - is colorless, it may well be provided that the second security feature 13 in addition to its diffraction effect characterized by a special coloring. This is the case of the film of Figure 3, for example achieved that the diffraction structure 21 of the security feature 13 before application of the protective lacquer layer 23 with a transparent, but colored lacquer layer 25 is covered.

In detail, a covering film 5 according to FIG. 3 could be constructed as follows:

Adhesive layers 17, 18 and 24 -:

These layers have a thickness of 0.2 to 2, preferably 0.5 to 1.2 microns. On the primer layers 17 and 24 may possibly, especially if a subsequent overprinting of the cover film out of the question is drawn, be waived.

The adhesion promoter layers are applied in a printing process known per se, wherein they can be composed as follows: Parts by weight methyl ethyl ketone 400 toluene 250 cyclohexanone 50 Hydroxyl-containing vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate terpolymer (Tg = 79 ° C., MW approx. 23,000) 210 Vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer (MW approx. 4,000) 90

Carrier film 15 -:

This is an optically clear, i. perfectly transparent, suitable film, if possible should be thin, in order not to apply to the security, on the other hand, however, must have sufficient strength. When suitable have polyester (PET) or polycarbonate (PC) films have a thickness between 6 and 12 microns.

Thermoplastic deformable base coat layer 19 -:

This layer has a thickness of usually 0.8 to 2 microns, wherein the layer thickness depends on the nature of the structure to be introduced. The basecoat layer 19 is applied in a printing process and may be composed approximately as follows: Parts by weight ethyl acetate 350 toluene 200 butylacetate 130 Polymethylmethacrylate (softening point approx. 170 ° C) 270 Styrene copolymer (softening point approx. 100 ° C) 50

Diffraction structures 20, 21 - :

These structures are known per se and are embossed by means of appropriate matrices in the base coat layer 19. The metallization 22 consists, for example, of aluminum, chromium, gold or silver applied in a vacuum, wherein, depending on the material used, the comminution can be carried out by suitable methods, for example by evaporation, sputtering, etc. Instead of the metal layer, it is also possible to apply a suitable dielectric, for example TiO ₂ or ZnS. A metallization is expediently applied over the entire, correspondingly shaped surface of the thermoplastic basecoat film 19 and then partially removed in a known process. There are different methods, in particular those methods are used in which prior to the application of the metal layer, the structured surface of the thermoplastic basecoat layer 19 is provided in the non-structured areas, for example by corresponding register-based printing, with a releasable layer. After metallization, this detachable layer and thus in the region of the releasable layer, the metallization is removed again. The thickness of the metallization or the dielectric layer is eg 60 to 20 à.

Transparent protective lacquer layer 23 -:

This layer has a thickness of 1 to 5 microns, preferably from 2 to 3 microns, wherein in the areas where the additional Paint layer 25 is provided, the thickness may be thinner than in the areas without such additional Paint layer. Moreover, the thickness of the protective lacquer layer 23 depends on the respective mechanical requirements, these are usually not too high, because on the one hand limits the size of the opening 4 and on the other hand, the covering film 5 is preferably mounted on the surface 6 of the support 2, that the decorative layer 16 to the surface 6 of the support 2 indicates, thus the strong mechanical stress on the Side of the carrier film 15 takes place.

The transparent protective lacquer layer can be composed approximately as follows: Parts by weight methyl ethyl ketone 300 ethyl acetate 170 cyclohexanone 100 Hydrofunctional acrylate (60% in xylene / EPA, OH number 140) 200 Cellulose nitrate (low viscosity, 65% in alcohol) 80 Aromatic isocyanate (50% in ethyl acetate, NCO content 8%) 150

Also, the protective lacquer layer 23 and possibly the additional lacquer layer 25 are normally in a printing process applied, wherein the additional lacquer layer 25 is to be printed before the protective lacquer layer 23. Regarding the composition of the additional, transparent lacquer layer 25 is to note that this substantially as the protective lacquer layer 23 may be composed, but additionally contains a transparent dye.

In the manufacture of a value document, e.g. of a security 1 according to the invention is thus first the Covering film 5, for example in a manner basically known from the production of hot stamping foils, However, the difference between the cover 5 and a hot stamping foil is that at the cover sheet 5 is taken care that the decorative layer 16 adheres firmly to the carrier film 15 while the The nature of a hot stamping foil is to be seen in the fact that the decorative layer is easily detached from the carrier film can be.

The cover film is then preferably in a continuous unrolling process on the carrier 2 of the value document, e.g. Wertpapieres 1 applied, expediently in a first operation, the window-like opening 4, e.g. by punching, is generated. Subsequently or simultaneously, the carrier 2 is used to generate the Well 8 is compressed, which is e.g. can be done by means of rollers using correspondingly high pressures. Now, the cover sheet 5 is applied to the surface 6 of the carrier 2 by rolling. The determination of Cover film 5 on the carrier 2 can either be done by the protective lacquer layer 23 or the adhesive layer 24 of the decorative layer 16 of the cover 5 have corresponding adhesive properties or additionally the Decorative layer 16 of the cover 5 provided with a curing, not shown in the drawing adhesive layer is. Another possibility is the surface 6 of the carrier 2 before applying the cover 5 in Area of the recess 8 to be provided with an adhesive, by means of which then the cover 5 to the carrier. 2 is determined. Which of the two measures is taken depends on the type or composition of the wearer 2, the decorative layer 16 of the cover 5 and the respective intended use, which is also conceivable adhesive to provide both on the cover 5 and on the support 2.

After the attachment of the cover 5, the surface 6 and possibly also the underside of the carrier 2 then nor to further enhance security with the cohesive pattern 14 in a conventional printing process be overprinted. Finally, when securities are issued, the individual securities 1 are issued the multiple carrier 2 forming paper composite (web, sheet) cut out.

In the described embodiment of the value document is a security. The idea of the invention However, it may equally apply to documents of value consisting of materials other than paper. e.g. Credit cards, ID cards, etc. find application.

Claims (18)

1. Security document (1) having at least one security element, the security document comprising at least one window-like aperture (4) being provided in a substrate (2) and closed by means of a translucent covering film (5) which projects on all sides beyond the aperture (4) and is fastened over its entire area on a surface (6) of the substrate (2), characterized in that the aperture (4) is subsequently produced in the finished substrate (2) which is used to manufacture the security document (1) and is closed by means of an at least regionwise completely transparent covering film (5), the said film being arranged in a depression (8) in the substrate surface (6) which encloses the window-like aperture (4).
2. Security document according to Claim 1, characterized in that the substrate (2) of the security document (1) is compressed in order to form the depression (8).
3. Security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the aperture (4) is produced by means of a stamping or cutting procedure.
4. Security document according to one of Claims 2 and 3, characterized in that the aperture (4) is produced jointly with the depression (8) in one operation.
5. Security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering film (5) extends transversely over the entire width or length of the substrate (2).
6. Security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering film (5) is applied to the substrate (2) by means of pressure, the depression (8) being made at the same time.
7. Security document according to Claim 5 and 6, characterized in that the covering film (5) is laminated onto the substrate (2) in an unwinding process.
8. Security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, at least on one side (6) of the substrate (2), the covering film (5) and at least the adjacent surface area of the security document (1) are overprinted with a coherent pattern (14).
9. Security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering film (5), at least on its free side which is not fastened to the substrate (2), bears an adhesion promoter (primer) layer (17).
10. Security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering film (5) is a laminated film which comprises a completely transparent support film (15) and a decorative layer (16) which adheres firmly to the former, the decorative layer (16) being likewise completely transparent, at least in a part-area of the aperture (4).
11. Security document according to Claim 10, characterized in that the decorative layer (16) comprises at least one lacquer layer (19, 23, 25).
12. Security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering film (5) is provided with at least one security feature (12, 13), preferably based on optical effects, and a part-area of the area of the aperture (4) is left completely transparent.
13. Security document according to Claim 12, characterized in that at least one security feature (12) is arranged in the area of the aperture (4).
14. Security document according to Claim 12 or 13, characterized in that at least one security feature (12, 13) is formed by a diffraction structure and/or thin-layer arrangement which is optically active in refraction and/or diffraction.
15. Security document according to Claim 10 to 14, characterized in that the decorative layer (16) - starting from the support film (15) - comprises a base lacquer layer (19) which is provided in some areas on its surface remote from the support film (15) with the diffraction structure (20, 21) serving as security feature (12, 13), a reflective layer (22), at least in the region of the diffraction structure (20, 21), and a transparent protective lacquer layer (23), at least in the region of the aperture (4).
16. Security document according to one of Claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the covering film (5) is fastened to the substrate (2) in such a way that its decorative layer (16) points towards the surface (6) of the paper substrate (2).
17. Security document according to one of Claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the decorative layer (16) bears, on the side opposite the support film (15), a layer of a curable adhesive.
18. Security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substrate (2) has, in the region serving for fastening the covering film (5), an application of adhesive.

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