EP0984864B1 - Intermediate marker, method and device for preparing a document bearing variable markings - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention concerns an intermediate marker (1) for producing variable markings (8) for preparing a document, comprising a base (2), a coat (3) formed by one or several printed layer(s) of a fixing agent and/or varnish, with a free surface (5) adapted to receive variable markings (8) and comprising a first layer of a fixing agent (3a) applied on at least part of the base (2) surface (4) so as to cover it, the base (2) surface (4) and said fixing agent layer (3a) being adapted to have such adhesive power that the coat (3) can be transferred with the variable markings (8) onto a transparent film (11) to be applied on the document base sheet (13), the variable markings (8) capable of being produced according to their reading direction on the film (3).

Description

The invention relates to an intermediate plug, a method and a device for the indirect realization of variable inscriptions intended to be carried by a document, and for the preparation of a document bearing inscriptions variables. Such a document is in particular an official document such as a passport, identity card or other identification document, permit drive, vehicle registration card, diploma or other certificate administrative and / or authentication, a bank card ..., or in general, any similar document including: a basic sheet, generally provided beforehand common registrations (matrix identifying the location and nature of inscriptions, miscellaneous information, signs and inscriptions preventing reproduction and / or authentication ...); and variable inscriptions associated with the basic sheet (indication of names, first names, addresses, numbers, dates, photographs ..., and / or all other sign, text or image specific to the end use of the document, particularly its recipient), and which one wishes to protect from external aggressions, and including falsification attempts (for official documents), and / or a aggressive external environment (e.g. humidity). The invention relates to also the preparation of such a document, i.e. the production and association of variable inscriptions to this document.

We already know transparent protective films (EP 0 271 941 or US-5 232 527) transferable on a basic sheet of a document to protect registrations, common or variable, made directly on this basic sheet.

However, it is not entirely excluded that such a film protector can be separated from the base sheet for tampering, even if this is extremely difficult and unlikely. In particular, an infiltration of a film diluting agent is not impossible through the thickness of the sheet basic. Likewise, it cannot be completely excluded that moisture may seep between the film and the base sheet, especially when this base sheet is itself porous, for example made of paper.

To improve the security of these documents vis-à-vis the falsification, we have already thought of printing variable inscriptions (including photographs) not directly on the base sheet, but indirectly, on the layer of high temperature adhesive of the transparent protective film (EP-0 737 595). In this case, the variable inscriptions must be printed in window stickers (reversed, as seen in a mirror), which requires the use of a device xerographic or specific programmable printing, and in general, of a system associated IT, and excludes the realization of variable registrations so manual or typewriter, or using a dot-matrix printer.

US-4,006,050 also describes a method in which the variable inscriptions are made in vitrophanie on a transfer sheet intermediate, or on a lacquer layer of this transfer sheet. The sheet of transfer is then applied hot and under pressure on a plastic base.

WO-9632256 describes a method in which a image on an intermediate silicone sheet using a laser printer, then partially and temporarily fixes the formed image while hot, then transfers the image on a transparent film itself then applied to the base sheet of the document.

In addition, in all cases, variable registrations are ultimately find themselves applied directly to the surface of the base sheet of the document, and even if they are coated with an adhesive (EP-0 737 595) or a lacquer protective (US-4,006,050), any falsification and / or deterioration, in particular by infiltration through the document base sheet cannot be excluded.

However, there are still many cases where the inscriptions variables are not and cannot be performed by laser printing or xerographic reproduction, via a computer system. So, for many local administrations, the acquisition of specific devices expensive to issue official documents, is not economically justified. However, it is desirable to standardize the level of security of all Similar official documents. In particular, all passports, cards identity, driving license ... of the same State must present the same characteristics and the same protections.

The invention therefore aims to propose a solution to these problems. The invention thus aims to allow indirect production (that is to say on a support distinct from the document itself) variable inscriptions according to any mode of production, including manual writing, typewriter writing, printing with a dot matrix printer, by printing with a printer color laser or even black and white, or with an ink transfer printer to dry, or with an inkjet printer, or by image collage or photography .... The invention also aims to allow the preparation of a document including a base sheet, variable inscriptions associated with the sheet base, and a transparent protective film stuck on the base sheet to protect the minus variable registrations without the need for registrations variables in window stickers (backwards), or by writing, printing or collage directly in contact with the document's basic sheet.

The invention further aims to improve the security obtained by improving the protection of variable registrations against attacks exterior such as tampering and / or environments aggressive exteriors.

The invention aims in particular to allow the interposition of a protective film comprising one or more layers, in particular at least one layer of adhesive, between the basic sheet of the document and the variable inscriptions.

The invention also aims in particular to allow the insertion of variable markings in one or more layers of adhesive and / or varnish made by printing.

The invention further aims to achieve these goals of simple and economical way.

The invention aims more particularly to allow the realization indirect variable registrations of official documents, by administrations local authorities or any other organization required to issue official documents, without impose the use of printing, reproduction or computer equipment which these administrations or organizations are not always equipped with.

The invention thus aims, in particular, to propose a device ready to use and autonomous for the implementation of a process for preparing a document including variable inscriptions made indirectly.

The invention also aims in particular to propose a sheet intermediate form allowing the indirect realization of variable registrations, and in particular serving as a writing, printing or collage support receiving these variable inscriptions.

• vernis : toute composition solide durcie résultant d'une composition liquide durcissable ; ce terme englobe donc les vernis traditionnels durcissant à l'air, les encres, les laques, les peintures, les résines..., et aussi bien les compositions durcies de façon irréversible (par exemple à base de résines thermodurcissables) que les compositions durcies de façon réversible (par exemple à base de matières thermoplastiques),
• adhésif: toute composition solide ou pâteuse présentant un pouvoir d'adhérence dans des conditions prédéterminées,
• adhésif thermoréactivable : tout adhésif dont le pouvoir d'adhérence apparaít au-dessus d'une certaine température et disparaít en dessous d'une certaine température,
• autoadhésif : tout adhésif sensible à la pression à froid,
• tack : pouvoir d'adhérence instantanée initiale d'un adhésif,
• impression : tout procédé d'application d'une composition à l'état liquide durcissable (c'est-à-dire permettant d'obtenir un vernis, notamment une encre liquide) ou d'une encre à sec, sur une face d'un substrat solide ; ce terme englobe donc les procédés de l'imprimerie (sérigraphie, offset, héliographie, flexographie...) et ceux mis en oeuvre par les imprimantes,
• couche imprimée : couche solide de matière continue ou discontinue, appliquée par impression sur une face d'un substrat solide.

Throughout the text, the following terminology is adopted:

• varnish: any hardened solid composition resulting from a curable liquid composition; this term therefore includes traditional air-hardening varnishes, inks, lacquers, paints, resins ..., as well as irreversibly hardened compositions (for example based on thermosetting resins) and hardened compositions reversibly (for example based on thermoplastics),
• adhesive: any solid or pasty composition having an adhesive power under predetermined conditions,
• heat-activated adhesive: any adhesive whose adhesion power appears above a certain temperature and disappears below a certain temperature,
• self-adhesive: any adhesive that is sensitive to cold pressure,
• tack: initial instant adhesion power of an adhesive,
• printing: any process for applying a composition in the curable liquid state (that is to say making it possible to obtain a varnish, in particular a liquid ink) or a dry ink, on one side of a solid substrate; this term therefore includes the printing processes (screen printing, offset, heliography, flexography ...) and those implemented by printers,
• printed layer: solid layer of continuous or discontinuous material, applied by printing on one face of a solid substrate.

• un fond,
• une pellicule formée d'une ou plusieurs couche(s) imprimée(s) d'adhésif et/ou de vernis, présentant une face libre adaptée pour pouvoir recevoir des inscriptions variables, cette pellicule comprenant une première couche d'adhésif appliquée sur au moins une partie d'une face du fond de façon à la couvrir, la face du fond et ladite première couche d'adhésif étant adaptées pour présenter une force d'adhérence relative telle que cette pellicule peut être transférée avec les inscriptions variables sur une face d'un film protecteur transparent destiné à être appliqué sur le document, les inscriptions variables pouvant être réalisées selon leur orientation de lecture sur la face libre de la pellicule.

The invention relates to an intermediate sheet for making variable inscriptions for the preparation of a document comprising a base sheet, variable inscriptions associated with the base sheet, and a transparent protective film stuck on the base sheet. to protect at least variable registrations, this intermediate sheet including:

• a fund,
• a film formed from one or more printed layer (s) of adhesive and / or varnish, having a free face adapted to be able to receive variable inscriptions, this film comprising a first layer of adhesive applied to at least a part of a face of the bottom so as to cover it, the face of the bottom and said first layer of adhesive being adapted to have a relative adhesion force such that this film can be transferred with variable inscriptions on a face d '' a transparent protective film intended to be applied to the document, variable inscriptions being able to be produced according to their reading orientation on the free face of the film.

• on utilise une fiche intermédiaire comprenant :
  • un fond,
  • une pellicule formée d'une ou plusieurs couche(s) imprimée(s) d'adhésif et/ou de vernis, présentant une face libre adaptée pour pouvoir recevoir des inscriptions variables, cette pellicule comprenant une première couche d'adhésif appliquée sur au moins une partie d'une face du fond de façon à la couvrir, la face du fond et ladite première couche d'adhésif étant adaptées pour présenter une force d'adhérence relative telle que cette pellicule peut être transférée avec les inscriptions variables sur une face d'un film protecteur transparent destiné à être appliqué sur le document, les inscriptions variables pouvant être réalisées selon leur orientation de lecture sur la face libre de la pellicule,
• on réalise les inscriptions variables selon leur orientation de lecture sur la pellicule de la fiche intermédiaire,
• on transfère la pellicule portant les inscriptions variables sur une face d'un film protecteur transparent destinée à être appliquée sur le document,
• on applique et on colle à chaud le film protecteur transparent sur le document avec la première couche d'adhésif de la pellicule orientée du côté de la feuille de base du document.

The invention also extends to a process for preparing a document comprising a base sheet, variable inscriptions associated with the base sheet, and a transparent protective film stuck on the document to protect at least the variable inscriptions, in which :

• an intermediate file is used comprising:
  • a fund,
  • a film formed from one or more printed layer (s) of adhesive and / or varnish, having a free face adapted to be able to receive variable inscriptions, this film comprising a first layer of adhesive applied to at least a part of a face of the bottom so as to cover it, the face of the bottom and said first layer of adhesive being adapted to have a relative adhesion force such that this film can be transferred with variable inscriptions on a face d '' a transparent protective film intended to be applied to the document, variable inscriptions being able to be produced according to their reading orientation on the free face of the film,
• variable inscriptions are made according to their reading orientation on the film of the intermediate sheet,
• the film bearing the variable inscriptions is transferred onto one side of a transparent protective film intended to be applied to the document,
• the transparent protective film is applied and hot glued to the document with the first layer of adhesive of the film oriented on the side of the document base sheet.

The invention further relates to a method of preparing a document characterized in that an intermediate sheet according to the invention is used.

• un document vierge exempt d'inscriptions variables,
• au moins une fiche intermédiaire selon l'invention,
• au moins un film protecteur transparent.

The invention further extends to a device for implementing a method according to the invention. The invention thus relates to a device for the preparation of a document, this document comprising at least one base sheet, variable inscriptions associated with the base sheet, and a transparent protective film bonded to the base sheet to protect at least variable inscriptions, the device being characterized in that it comprises:

• a blank document free of variable inscriptions,
• at least one intermediate file according to the invention,
• at least one transparent protective film.

The invention also extends to a document obtained by a method according to the invention. The invention thus relates to a document -in particular a passport, identity card, driver's license, registration card of vehicle or other official identification and / or authentication document- including a base sheet, variable inscriptions associated with the sheet base, and a transparent protective film stuck on the document to protect at least variable inscriptions, this document being characterized in that the inscriptions variables are interposed between a printed layer of adhesive or varnish of a film and a layer of adhesive, or within a layer of adhesive, the assembly being covered by the transparent protective film.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the film is formed at least one printed layer obtained by screen printing. Nothing does not prevent the use of an intermediate plug, the film of which is produced by others printing processes. A film obtained by screen printing presents nevertheless, characteristics of thickness and mechanical strength particularly advantageous for writing variable inscriptions on the free face, transfer subsequent on the protective film then on the document to be protected, and the protection subsequent document against attempted forgery. A film obtained by screen printing can have a thickness between 5µm and 40µm -in particular of the order of 15µm-.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the bottom face and the film are suitable so that the film can be transferred by application under dry pressure on one side of a transparent protective film intended to be applied to the document.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the bottom face and said first layer of film adhesive in contact with this face of the bottom are adapted to present a relative adhesion force measured according to the FINAT test n ° 4 (FTM4) between 75 mN / 25mm and 1000 mN / 25mm.

Several variants of the film can be considered. Thus, the film can be formed from a single printed layer, constituting said first layer of adhesive capable of receiving the inscriptions variables. Nevertheless, preferably and according to the invention, the film is formed of a plurality of printed layers superimposed successively one on the others, namely said first layer of adhesive having an adhesion such as mentioned above on the bottom (to allow subsequent transfer to the film protective layer), and one or more other printed layer (s), the last layer printed with the film having said free face intended to receive the variable inscriptions and being adapted for this purpose. It should be noted in particular that the last layer having this free face is not formed of an adhesive having a tack in the conditions under which variable registrations must be able be realized.

More generally, the film is suitable for: (a) power receive variable inscriptions on its free face, which can be made according to various predetermined writing and / or printing modes; (b) can be transferred subsequently, with variable inscriptions, on a protective film; and (c) power be applied later on a document to be protected, variable inscriptions being sandwiched between a layer of the film and a layer of the protective film.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said first layer film adhesive which is in contact with a bottom face is a layer tack-free adhesive at room temperature suitable for not adhering or being deteriorated when the film was transferred to the transparent protective film. In particular, the first layer of adhesive must allow the printing of a layer subsequent (if the film is multilayer) or the realization of the inscriptions variables (if the film is formed only of this layer). This first layer formed of adhesive later allows the film to be bonded protector carrying the film, on the document to be protected. So the document preparation according to the invention can be constituted only, in addition to the blank document, an intermediate sheet and a protective film for each side of the document to be protected.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said first layer adhesive is a layer of heat-activated adhesive. Advantageously and according to the invention, this first layer of heat-activated adhesive has a melting point above 90 ° C and below or equal to 110 ° C, so that be able to be activated for pasting onto the document at a sufficiently high temperature low to avoid any deterioration of variable inscriptions and / or film protector and / or the document itself. Advantageously and according to the invention, the first layer of heat-activated adhesive is formed from an adhesive based on polyurethane acrylic copolymer in aqueous dispersion applied by screen printing to cold.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the film comprises at least one second layer, printed, superimposed on said first layer of adhesive, this second layer being formed of a material adapted to resist a temperature higher than 110 ° C. In an alternative embodiment, advantageously and according to the invention, the second layer has the free face suitable for receiving variable inscriptions and is made of a tack-free adhesive heat reactivable with a melting temperature above 110 ° C, in particular of the order of 130 ° C. In this variant, the second layer also serves as an adhesive for sticking the film on the transparent protective film, during the transfer of the film on this film, which is then a hot dry pressure transfer.

In another variant, the second layer which presents the free face adapted to receive variable inscriptions, is formed of a non-varnish adhesive. In this variant, an adhesive layer attached to the film is used. protective film, or double-sided adhesive, for transferring the film onto the film protective.

Thus, advantageously and according to the invention, a film is used transparent protector comprising a layer of adhesive, and the film is transferred of the intermediate sheet with variable inscriptions on one side of the layer adhesive of the transparent protective film, so that the variable inscriptions are trapped between said second layer of the film having the free side and the adhesive layer of the film, before the assembly is applied to the document base sheet.

The transfer of the film to the protective film can be a transfer by cold dry pressing if the adhesive of the film's adhesive layer transparent protector is a self-adhesive.

The transfer of the film onto the protective film can also be hot dry pressure transfer when the adhesive of the adhesive layer of the transparent protective film is a heat-activated adhesive or a self-adhesive and / or when said second layer is a layer of heat-activated adhesive. However, hot transfer cannot be used when the heat changes the adhesion of the film to the bottom, or when the heat is detrimental to a property of the film and / or variable inscriptions and / or film (for example if using a first layer of adhesive of the film which is of the thermosetting type). Through elsewhere, if the first layer of adhesive in the film is a layer of adhesive heat-activated and if the film is transferred to the film by hot transfer, firstly, this first layer of adhesive on the film adheres, under the effect of heat on the bottom of the plug. But after cooling, the first layer of heat-activated adhesive again loses its adhesion property, all the more that the bottom face on which it is applied is itself of a nature substantially non-stick, for example a varnish or a composition charged with non-stick material (silicone layer). The bottom of the file is nevertheless also suitable for allowing the application of the first layer of film adhesive on this background by a printing process in particular by screen printing.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the bottom comprises a support, and a layer of varnish forming said face of the bottom receiving the first adhesive layer of the film.

Furthermore, advantageously and according to the invention, the bottom has common inscriptions, and the film is translucent or transparent, so that these common inscriptions are visible and facilitate the identification for the realization of variable registrations. Advantageously and according to the invention, the common inscriptions are printed on a face of the bottom opposite to that receiving the first layer of adhesive on the film, and the bottom is translucent or transparent. Advantageously and according to the invention, the bottom of the intermediate plug has joint registrations which correspond to printed joint registrations beforehand on the document's basic sheet.

The film is associated with the background with adhesion values sufficiently weak to allow its transfer, in particular by dry pressure, to cold or hot - on the protective film, but important enough to authorize on the one hand its realization - notably by screen printing - and on the other hand the realization of variable registrations. In particular, said first layer of adhesive film adheres to the bottom more strongly than it would adhere to paper traditional non-stick silicone (the adhesion strength measured according to the standard FINAT n ° 4 (FTM4) then being less than 45mN / 25mm). In addition, this film consisting of one or more printed layer (s) of adhesive and / or varnish has a low mechanical cohesion ensuring the protection of inscriptions variables against any attempt to uproot, while isolating them from the document.

The intermediate plug according to the invention can be incorporated into the within the document, when it is in the form of a booklet, bound or not with the other pages of this document. Alternatively, the intermediate plug can be separate from the document itself. The same applies to the film transparent protector.

Thus, thanks to the invention, the variable inscriptions intended for to be carried by the document can be carried out in their normal direction of reading on the film of the intermediate sheet by any appropriate process, including manually by handwriting, by typewriter, or by printing using a dot matrix printer, or using a laser printer, even black and white or using a dry ink transfer printer (so-called "microdry" or using an inkjet printer (if the face of the film is sufficiently absorbent). It is also possible to paste a photograph or any other image on the film sheet, in the same way as if we stuck this photograph or image on the document base sheet directly.

Variable inscriptions can be formed on the film according to any mode of writing, printing or application (collage, transfer ...) compatible with the free side of the film, and this mode can be one of the modes used until now to directly carry out such variable inscriptions on the documents.

The invention also relates to an intermediate plug, a process and device for preparing documents, and a document, characterized in that they comprise, in combination, all or part of the characteristics mentioned above or below.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe transversale d'une fiche intermédiaire selon l'invention,
• les figures 2 à 5 illustrent respectivement schématiquement quatre étapes successives d'un procédé de préparation d'un document selon l'invention,
• la figure 6 représente schématiquement un dispositif de préparation d'un document selon l'invention.

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description of the examples and of an embodiment of the invention, which refer to the appended figures in which:

• FIG. 1 is a schematic view in cross section of an intermediate plug according to the invention,
• FIGS. 2 to 5 respectively diagrammatically illustrate four successive stages of a process for preparing a document according to the invention,
• FIG. 6 schematically represents a device for preparing a document according to the invention.

• un fond 2,
• une pellicule 3, de préférence transparente, formée d'une ou plusieurs couche(s) imprimée(s) d'adhésif et/ou de vernis, présentant une face libre 5 adaptée pour pouvoir recevoir des inscriptions variables 8. Cette pellicule 3 comprend une première couche d'adhésif 3a appliquée sur au moins une partie d'une face 4 du fond 2 de façon à la couvrir, la face 4 du fond 2 et ladite première couche d'adhésif 3a étant adaptées pour présenter une force d'adhérence relative telle que cette pellicule 3 peut être transférée, avec les inscriptions variables 8, sur une face 9 d'un film protecteur transparent 11 destiné à être appliqué sur le document, les inscriptions variables 8 pouvant être réalisées selon leur orientation de lecture sur la face libre 5 de la pellicule 3.

The intermediate plug 1 according to the invention represented in FIG. 1 comprises:

• a background 2,
• a film 3, preferably transparent, formed of one or more printed layer (s) of adhesive and / or varnish, having a free face 5 adapted to be able to receive variable inscriptions 8. This film 3 comprises a first layer of adhesive 3a applied to at least part of a face 4 of the bottom 2 so as to cover it, the face 4 of the bottom 2 and said first layer of adhesive 3a being adapted to have a relative adhesion force such that this film 3 can be transferred, with the variable inscriptions 8, onto one side 9 of a transparent protective film 11 intended to be applied to the document, the variable inscriptions 8 being able to be produced according to their reading orientation on the free face 5 of film 3.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the film 3 is formed at least one printed layer obtained by screen printing. The) printed layer (s) 3a, 3b forming the film are, advantageously and according to the invention, produced by successive prints directly on the bottom 2.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the face 4 of the bottom 2 and the film 3 are suitable so that film 3 can be transferred by application under dry pressure on one side 9 of a transparent protective film 11 intended to be applied to the document.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the face 4 of the bottom 2 and said first layer of adhesive 3a of the film 3 in contact with this face 4 of the bottom 2 are adapted to present a relative adhesion force measured according to the FINAT test method n ° 4 (FTM4) between 75 mN / 25mm and 1000 mN / 25mm.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said first layer of adhesive 3a of the film 3 which is in contact with a face 4 of the bottom 2 is a adhesive layer 3a without tack at room temperature suitable for not adhering or be damaged during the transfer of the film 3 onto the transparent protective film 11. Preferably, advantageously and according to the invention, said first layer adhesive 3a is a layer of heat-activated adhesive.

Variable registrations 8 can be carried out, depending on their reading orientation, on the free face 5 of the film 3, by any appropriate means, including manual or typewriter writing, printing by dot matrix printer, or laser printer, color or black and white, or dry ink transfer printer, or inkjet printer, or collage of image or photograph .... A protective sheet (not shown) can cover the free face 5 of the film 3 to protect it before use and realization of variable registrations 8.

The bottom 2 can be more or less flexible and is shaped general of thin sheet.

The bottom 2 comprises a support 2a and a layer of varnish 2b forming said face 4 of the bottom receiving the first layer of adhesive heat-activated 3a from the film 3.

The support 2a can be a paper and / or a synthetic film monolayer or multilayer capable of withstanding a temperature of at least 150 ° C. The varnish layer 2b can be formed by a screen printing of a varnish UV curing acrylic, for example varnish ref. UV BOND 391 marketed by the company SERICOL (France). This varnish is chosen so as to be compatible with support 2a, and to present when cold (i.e. ambient temperature) the adhesion force (between 75mN / 25mm and 1000mN / 25mm) desired with said first layer of adhesive 3a of the film 3. In addition, the layer of varnish 2b on the bottom 2 and the first layer of adhesive 3a on the film 3 are adapted so that their relative adhesion strength is not appreciably modified after undergoing heating (for the realization of variable inscriptions 8 or for the transfer of the film 3 onto a protective film 11).

Furthermore, the bottom 2 advantageously has and according to the invention, common inscriptions 6, and the film 3 is translucent or transparent, so that these common inscriptions 6 are visible and facilitate the marking for the realization of variable inscriptions 8. Thus, the file intermediate 1 according to the invention is a form sheet on which it is easy to make variable registrations 8.

In the variant shown and preferably, the inscriptions municipalities 6 are made in their normal reading direction, by screen printing, on a free face of the support 2a, then covered with the layer of translucent varnish 2b or transparent. They are therefore interposed between the support 2a and the layer of varnish 2b from the bottom 2.

Alternatively or in combination not shown, the common inscriptions 6 can be printed in window stickers (reverse orientation seen in a mirror) on a face 7 of the bottom 2 which is opposite to that 4 receiving the first layer of heat-activated adhesive 3a, and the bottom 2 is then also translucent or transparent to allow viewing of these inscriptions common 6 through the film 3 and the thickness of this bottom 2, at least when this bottom 2 is placed and applied on a flat support such as a table.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the inscriptions municipalities 6 printed on the bottom 2 reproduce common inscriptions 14 of the document to be produced. It should be noted that these joint inscriptions 6 are carried out on the bottom 2 in advance at the manufacturing of the intermediate plug 1 (and not during the use of intermediate sheet 1 for the preparation of the document).

It should also be noted that joint secure registrations can also be previously printed, in particular by screen printing, on the face 5 of film 3 and / or between two layers 3a, 3b of film 3, so similar to the common inscriptions 6 of the bottom 2.

The stacking of the different layers to form the bottom 2, the common inscriptions 6, and the film 3, and therefore the entire file intermediate 1, can be carried out by any known method, and in particular, by serigraphy.

Advantageously and according to the invention, the bottom 2 is also adapted to remain stable in temperature, and in particular at a temperature of at least 150 ° C. In this way, the intermediate card 1 can withstand high prints. temperature without deformation (for example for printing using a laser printer with variable inscriptions). In addition, when reactivating the first layer of heat-activatable tack-free adhesive 3a, bottom 2 does not soften not, and thus avoids any risk of irreversible permanent bonding of the first layer of heat-activatable tack-free adhesive 3a on the bottom 2.

The first layer of heat-activatable tack-free adhesive 3a advantageously and according to the invention, has a higher melting temperature Advantageously and according to the invention, this melting temperature is also less than or equal to 110 ° C, so as to be compatible with the resistance thermal of the document.

As the first layer of tack-free adhesive heat-activated 3a, any adhesive compatible with side 4 of the bottom 2, that is to say that can be coated on this face 4, in particular by printing screen printing directly on this face 4 of the bottom 2, which is heat-activated and without tack, i.e. free of cold adhesive power, to be able to itself receive a subsequent screen printing (joint inscriptions and / or other printed layer of adhesive and / or varnish on the film 3). By way of example, advantageously and according to the invention, the first layer of adhesive without heat-activatable tack 3a is formed from a copolymer-based adhesive acrylic polyurethane in aqueous dispersion applied by cold screen printing. AT as heat-activated adhesive to form the first layer 3a, it is possible to use for example the adhesive ADTH 45 sold by the company CHIMITEC (FRANCE).

The film 3 can continuously cover all or part -and preferably, most of the face 4 of the bottom 2, or on the contrary is formed in several disjoint portions on this face 4. In any case, the portion (s) of the film 3 is (are) suitable for defining locations suitable for receiving variable inscriptions 8 to be produced.

The film 3 can be formed from a single printed layer tack-free adhesive (first layer of heat-activated adhesive as mentioned above).

In another variant, advantageously and according to the invention, the film 3 is formed from a plurality of superimposed printed layers, the first printed layer of heat-activatable tack-free adhesive 3a, and at least one -in particular a single- second layer 3b printed superimposed on said first layer 3a, this second layer 3b being formed of a suitable material to withstand a temperature above 110 ° C, in particular of the order of 130 ° C. In this way, the variable inscriptions 8 can be formed on the free face 5 of this second layer 3b of film 3 using a black laser printer and white without deterioration of the film 3.

In a first variant, the second layer 3b is formed a non-tack heat-reactive adhesive with a higher melting temperature at 110 ° C., in particular of the order of 130 ° C. For example, an adhesive can be used. acrylic polyurethane copolymer base in aqueous dispersion applied by cold screen printing, such as the ADTH 20 adhesive sold by the Company CHIMITEC (FRANCE). This adhesive is tack free, is harder than the adhesive of the first layer of adhesive 3a, and is therefore particularly suitable for forming the free face 5 intended to receive variable inscriptions 8, whatever the mode employee writing.

In a second variant, the second layer 3b is formed of a varnish, for example a single-component acrylic varnish such as S1H / M51 varnish marketed by CHIMITEC (FRANCE).

The thickness of the film 3 of the sheet 1 consisting of first and second layers 3a, 3b printed by screen printing on the bottom 2, is advantageously between 5 μm and 45 μm - in particular of the order of 15 μm -.

Adherence tests were carried out with a base 2 comprising a paper support 2a and a layer 2b of UV BOND 391 varnish, and a film 3 formed from the first layer of adhesive 3a with the adhesive ADTH 45 and a second layer 3b formed either of the adhesive ADTH 20 (tests 1 and 2), or of the varnish S1H / M51 (tests 3 and 4). The tests were carried out at room temperature (tests 1 and 3) or after lamination at 140 ° C (tests 2 and 4) and on the one hand with a side 5 not printed (without variable inscriptions) and on the other hand after having underwent printing with a black and white laser printer of variable inscriptions formed by writing identifying a person and a digital photograph. The results obtained are as follows: TESTS NOT PRINTED PRINTED 1 76 mN 137 mN 2 138 mN 750 to 1000 mN 3 218 mN 112 mN 4 Hang 250 to 350 mN

These trials reflect the majority of cases corresponding to the use of intermediate sheet 1, depending on the writing methods chosen and the transfer methods used.

To prepare a document 24 using intermediate sheet 1 according to the invention, variable inscriptions 8 are produced, according to their orientation of reading, on the free side 5 of the film 3 of the intermediate sheet 1, as shown in Figure 2, guided by the common inscriptions 6, when these serve as a matrix to delimit the locations and / or define the nature information corresponding to the variable inscriptions 8 to be produced.

The intermediate sheet 1 is then applied to a face 9 of a transparent protective film 11 intended to be applied to the document. As shown in Figure 3, we apply side 5 of the film 3 receiving the inscriptions variables 8 on the free side 9 of the protective film 11, which is preferably side 9 free of an adhesive layer 10 of this film 11. Thus, the variable inscriptions 8 are trapped and sandwiched between the film 3 (the second layer 3b) and the adhesive layer 10 of the transparent protective film 11.

The film 3 is then transferred onto the protective film 11 in applying cold or hot dry pressure to the assembly by any means suitable for laminating or calendering (tray, roller ...). The process used to this transfer also depends on the nature of the adhesive layer 10 of the film transparent protector 11.

When the adhesive of this adhesive layer 10 of the film transparent protector 11 is a self-adhesive, we can transfer the film 3 from the intermediate plug 1 on the adhesive layer 10 of the transparent protective film 11 by cold transfer, or even hot transfer, as long as the self-adhesive generally accept hot transfer temperatures (which are in the range of 140 ° C on devices applying pressure and 105 ° C at the heart of materials). The advantage of using a hot transfer is that this transfer can be produced by rolling, faster than a cold transfer generally carried out by compression between plates.

When the adhesive of the adhesive layer 10 of the protective film transparent 11 is a heat-activated adhesive, the film 3 is transferred from the intermediate sheet 1 on the layer of heat-activated adhesive 10 of the film transparent protector 11 by hot transfer, and in particular by hot rolling.

During such a hot transfer, the first layer of adhesive heat reactivatable 3a has its reactivated adhesion properties. But after cooling, these disappear again, and given the fact that the bottom 2 has little cold adhesion on this first layer 3a, it can then be separated from it. After this transfer operation, the film 11 bears the variable inscriptions 8 trapped between the film 3 and the adhesive layer 10.

The transparent protective film 11 is for example a film of multilayer anti-forgery protection as described in EP-0 271 941 or US 5,232,527. For example, this transparent protective film 11 comprises two polyurethane layers 15, 16 and, interposed therebetween, an impression 17 of reasons for authentication and / or anti-photocopying and / or anti-counterfeiting. In addition, advantageously and according to the invention, the transparent protective film 11 is presented carried by a support 18, for example made of polystyrene, which does not adhere to the film 11 and which is used for its transport or for its manufacture by screen printing and during collage on the base sheet 13 of the document which is therefore carried out by transfer.

You can also use any other protective film transparent antifalsification 11, for example a film comprising at least one polyethylene layer on a polyester support 18.

It should be noted that the adhesive strength of the first layer of adhesive 3a on the bottom 2 is adapted to the nature of the protective film 11, and in particular the adhesion of this film 11 to its support 18. In particular, the film 3 must adhere to the bottom 2 less strongly than the film 11 adheres to its support 18.

In the case of a polyurethane film 11 having a force relatively weak adhesion on its support 18 of polystyrene, we choose the film 3 and bottom 2 so that they have a weak relative adhesion force, in particular of the order of 75 mN / 25mm, measured according to FINAT standard No. 4 (FTM4), as is the case with the adhesive ADTH 45 (CHIMITEC, FRANCE) on the UV BOND 391 varnish. In the case of a polyethylene film 11 on a support 18 polyester, having a much greater adhesive force, the film 3 and the bottom 2 can also adhere more strongly to each other, their relative adhesion strength, measured according to FINAT standard No. 4 (FTM4), up to 1000 mN / 25mm.

After performing the transfer from film 3 to film 11 and, if necessary, after cooling, the bottom 2 is separated from the film 3 which was associated as shown in Figure 4. The first layer of adhesive heat-activated 3a then has a free face 12 (which was the face initially in contact with the face 4 of the bottom 2) which is applied to the base sheet 13 of the document. The transparent protective film 11 is then hot glued to this sheet. base 13, with the first layer of heat-activated adhesive 3a applied to the document base sheet 13, preferably by pressing, for example by hot rolling. It should be noted that the base sheet 13 bore, prior to this collage on its face receiving the film 11, common inscriptions 14 identical or at least similar to the common inscriptions 6 printed on the bottom 2 of the intermediate sheet. In this way, the positioning of the film 11 and of the inscriptions variable 8 compared to sheet 13 is easily achieved.

As seen in Figure 5, after the hot bonding of the film 11 on the base sheet 13 of the document, the support 18 is peeled off from the film 11.

Finally, variable inscriptions 8 are associated with the base sheet 13, correctly positioned in relation to the common inscriptions 14, and are visible through the layer of heat-activated adhesive 10 and the layers polyurethane 15, 16 transparencies of the film 11. We therefore obtain a document 24 prepared, i.e. personalized or individualized with variable inscriptions 8.

According to the invention, the variable inscriptions 8 can be produced in particular according to at least one embodiment chosen from: a manual writing, writing using a typewriter, printing using a dot matrix printer, printing using a laser printer (color or black and white), printing using a transfer printer dry ink (called "microdry"), printing using a jet printer ink, a collage of images or photographs. Variable inscriptions are carried out 8 using visible ink. Variable inscriptions 8 being trapped and interposed between the film 3 and the film 11 - in particular between the second layer 3b of the film 3 and the adhesive layer 10 of the film 11-, after hot gluing, are protected from all external aggression and all attempts to forgery, including by infiltration from the side and through the base sheet 13 of the document 24.

It should also be noted that if the second layer 3b of the film 3 and the adhesive layer 10 of the transparent protective film 11 are all two of the layers of heat-activated adhesive, these two layers 3b, 10 merge during hot gluing, so that variable inscriptions 8 are found at the end incorporated into a single layer of fused adhesive.

FIG. 6 represents an embodiment of a device 25 according to the invention for the preparation of a document which is in the form a bound booklet, for example a passport. This device 25 consists of a blank document including at least one base sheet 13 free of registration variable on which common inscriptions are pre-printed 14; at least an intermediate plug 1 according to the invention; and at least one protective film transparent 11. Advantageously and according to the invention, the transparent protective film 11 is carried by its support sheet 18 so as to present said layer of adhesive 10 free (formed by a self-adhesive or a heat-activated adhesive) outwards, so that this layer of adhesive 10 can receive the film 3 of the sheet intermediate 1.

The base sheet 13, the intermediate sheet I and the film transparent protector 11 are connected together by a common binding 19. The sheet intermediate 1 is interposed between the base sheet 13 of the document and the film transparent protector 11. The face 7 of the bottom 2 of the intermediate plug 1 opposite to the film 3 of this sheet 1 is oriented towards the base sheet 13. The side 9 of the film transparent protector 11 intended to receive the film 3 of the intermediate plug 1 with variable inscriptions 8, is oriented towards film 3 of the sheet intermediate 1. This face 9 is the free face of the adhesive layer 10 of the film transparent protector 11 oriented towards plug 1.

Preferably, advantageously and according to the invention, a detachable non-stick sheet 20 is interposed between the intermediate sheet 1 and the transparent protective film 11 in order to avoid inadvertent sticking before using the adhesive layer 10 of the protective film 11 on the film 3 of the sheet intermediate 1. This sheet 20 is for example constituted by a simple sheet of silicone paper at least on the side of the film 11. In a variant not shown, the film 3 and the adhesive layer 10 can be protected by non-stick sheets separate, one for film 3 and another for adhesive layer 10.

The intermediate plug 1 is connected by its bottom 2 to the binding of the document and the transparent protective film 11 is connected by its support sheet 18 which relates to the binding of the document. Preferably, advantageously and according to the invention, the intermediate plug 1 and / or the transparent protective film 11, is connected so detachable when binding the document. In the embodiment shown and according to the invention, the bottom 2 is provided with a pre-cut line 21 near the binding 19 allowing this background 2 to be easily detached from the document, in particular for the subsequent application of the film 11 on the base sheet 13. Similarly, the sheet 20 detachable non-sticking insert has a pre-cut line 22 extending along and near the binding 19, making it possible to detach it from the document. Also, the support sheet 18 of the protective film 11 is connected to the binding 19 by means of a precut line 23 formed on this sheet support sheet 18 along and near the binding 19, so that the support sheet 18 can be detached from the document.

In a variant not shown, the intermediate sheet 1 and / or the film 11 can be supplied separate from the document to be protected.

To obtain and prepare the final personalized document 24 at from this device 25, variable inscriptions 8 are produced as shown Figure 6 on film 3 of sheet 1 by any appropriate means as indicated above. The intermediate non-stick sheet 20 is then peeled off and the sheet 1 against the transparent protective film 11, the film 3 and the layer adhesive 10 of film 11 being in contact. We transfer as indicated above the film 3 with variable inscriptions 8 on the transparent protective film 11, then detach the bottom 2 by peeling it off from the first layer of adhesive heat-activated 3a and therefore of the film 3, which is then carried by the film 11. then apply and hot glue, preferably by lamination, the protective film transparent 11 on the base sheet 13, then peel off and detach the sheet support 18 of film 11. We then obtain a personalized document 24 with variable inscriptions 8 associated with the base sheet 13. But these inscriptions variables 8 are inserted between the second layer 3b of the film 3 and the adhesive layer 10 or in a layer resulting from the fusion of layers 3b, 10. In in addition, the film 3 and the adhesive layer 10, or the layer resulting from said fusion is (are) covered with the transparent protective film 11. Such a document is example a passport or any other official identification document and / or authentication.

The invention can be the subject of numerous variants by with respect to the embodiments described and shown. In particular, the sheet intermediate 1 can be separated and presented in the form of an insert placed in the booklet or even completely independently of the document and / or film 11. The document can also be in any form other than a booklet (card in paper and / or plastic ...). It can include several base sheets 13, but an intermediate plug 1 and a transparent protective film 11 is provided for each page to receive variable inscriptions 8.

Claims (30)

1. An intermediate marker for production of variable markings (8), for the purpose of preparation of a document comprising a base sheet (13), variable markings (8) associated with the base sheet (13), and a transparent protective film (11) which is glued to the base sheet (13), in order to protect at least the variable markings (8), this intermediate marker comprising:

   a base (2) ;

   a coating (3) formed from one or more printed layer(s) of fixing agent and/or of varnish, with a free surface (5) which is designed to be able to receive variable markings (8), this coating (3) comprising a first layer of fixing agent (3a), which is applied to at least one part of one surface (4) of the base (2) such as to cover this part, the surface (4) of the base (2) and the said first layer of fixing agent (3a) being designed to have a relative adhesive strength such that this coating (3) can be transferred together with the variable markings (8), onto a surface (9) of a transparent protective film (11) which is designed to be applied to the document, the variable markings (8) being able to be produced according to their orientation of reading on the free surface (5) of the coating (3).
2. A marker as claimed in claim 1, in which the coating (3) is formed from at least one printed layer obtained by silk-screen printing.
3. A marker as claimed in one of claims 1 and 2, in which the surface (4) of the base (2) and the coating (3) are designed such that the coating (3) can be transferred by application with pressure, dry onto one surface (9) of a transparent protective film (11) which is designed to be applied to the document.
4. A marker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, in which the surface (4) of the base (2) and the said first layer of fixing agent (3a) of the coating (3) in contact with this surface (4) of the base (2) are designed to have a relative adhesive strength, measured according to the FINAT test method No. 4 (FTM 4), of between 75 mN/25 mm and 1000 mN/25 mm.
5. A marker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the said first layer of fixing agent (3a) of the coating (3), which is in contact with one surface (4) of the base (2), is a layer of fixing agent (3a) without tack at ambient temperature, which is designed not to adhere, or to deteriorate, during transfer of the coating (3) onto the transparent protective film (11).
6. A marker as claimed in claim 5, in which the said first layer of fixing agent (3a) is a thermally reactive layer of fixing agent.
7. A marker as claimed in claim 6, in which the first layer of thermally reactive fixing agent (3a) has a fusion temperature which is higher than 90°C.
8. A marker as claimed in one of claims 6 and 7, in which the first layer of thermally reactive fixing agent (3a) has a fusion temperature of 110°C or less.
9. A marker as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, in which the first layer of thermally reactive fixing agent (3a) is formed from a fixing agent based on acrylic polyurethane copolymer in aqueous dispersion applied by cold silk-screen printing.
10. A marker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, in which the coating (3) comprises at least one second printed layer (3b), which is superimposed on the said first layer of fixing agent (3a), this second layer (3b) being formed from a material which is designed to withstand a temperature higher than 110°C.
11. A marker as claimed in claim 10, in which the free surface (5) of the second layer (3b) is designed to receive the variable markings (8), and consists of a thermally reactive fixing agent without tack, the fusion temperature of which is higher than 110°C, and in particular is approximately 130°C.
12. A marker as claimed in claim 10, in which the free surface (5) of the second layer (3b) is designed to receive the variable markings (8), and is formed from a non-adhesive varnish.
13. A marker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, in which the base (2) comprises a support (2a) and a layer of varnish (2b), forming the said surface (4) of the base which receives the first layer of fixing agent (3a) of the coating (3).
14. A marker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13, in which the base (2) has common markings (6) and the coating (3) is translucent or transparent, such that these common markings (6) are visible, and facilitate location for implementation of the variable markings (8).
15. A marker as claimed in claim 14, in which the common markings (6) are printed on one surface (7) of the base (2), opposite that (4) which receives the first layer of fixing agent (3a) of the coating (3), and the base (2) is translucent or transparent.
16. A marker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, in which the base (2) is designed to remain stable at a temperature of at least 150°C.
17. A marker as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, in which the coating (3) has a thickness of between 5 µm and 40 µm.
18. A method for preparation of a document comprising a base sheet (13), variable markings (8) associated with the base sheet (13), and a transparent protective film (11) which is glued to the document in order to protect at least the variable markings (8), in which:

    an intermediate marker (1) is used which comprises:

    a base (2);

    a coating (3) formed from one or more printed layer(s) of fixing agent and/or of varnish, with a free surface (5) which is designed to be able to receive variable markings (8), this coating (3) comprising a first layer of fixing agent (3a), which is applied to at least one part of one surface (4) of the base (2), such as to cover this part, the surface (4) of the base (2) and the said first layer of fixing agent (3a) being designed to have a relative adhesive strength such that this coating (3) can be transferred together with the variable markings (8), onto a surface (9) of a transparent protective film (11) which is designed to be applied to the document, the variable markings (8) being able to be produced according to their orientation of reading on the free surface (5) of the coating (3);

    the variable markings (8) are produced according to their orientation of reading on the coating (3) of the intermediate marker (1);

    the coating (3) which contains the variable markings (8) is transferred onto one surface (9) of a transparent protective film (11) which is designed to be applied to the document; and

    the transparent protective film (11) is applied and glued onto the document together with the said first layer of fixing agent (3a) of the coating (3) oriented towards the base sheet (13) of the document.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18, in which an intermediate marker (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 is used.
20. A method as claimed in one of claims 18 and 19, in which the coating (3) which contains the variable markings (8) is transferred onto the surface (9) of the transparent protective film (11) by application under dry pressure.
21. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, in which a transparent protective film (11) comprising a layer of fixing agent (10) is used, and the coating (3) of the intermediate marker (1) which contains the variable markings (8) is transferred onto a surface (9) of the layer of fixing agent (10) of the transparent protective film (11), such that the variable markings (8) are trapped between the coating (3) and the layer of fixing agent (10) of the film (11), before the assembly is applied to the base sheet (13) of the document.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21, in which the fixing agent of the layer of fixing agent (10) of the transparent protective film (11) is a self-adhesive, in which the coating (3) of the intermediate marker (1) is transferred in cold conditions onto the layer of fixing agent (10) of the transparent protective film (11).
23. A method as claimed in claim 21, in which the fixing agent of the layer of fixing agent (10) of the transparent protective film (11) is a thermally reactive fixing agent, and in which the coating (3) of the intermediate marker (1) is transferred onto the thermally reactive layer of fixing agent (10) of the transparent protective film (11) by hot transfer.
24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 18 to.23, in which the variable markings (8) are produced according to at least one method selected from amongst:

    handwriting;

    writing with a typewriter;

    printing with a dot matrix printer;

    printing with a colour or black and white laser printer;

    printing with a dry ink transfer printer;

    printing with an ink jet printer; and

    gluing of an image or photograph.
25. A device for preparation of a document, this document comprising at least one base sheet (13), variable markings (8) which are associated with the base sheet (13), and a transparent protective film (11) which is glued to the base sheet (13), in order to protect at least the variable markings (8), the device being characterised in that it comprises:

    a blank document free from variable markings;

    at least one intermediate marker (1) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17; and

    at least one transparent protective film (11).
26. A device as claimed in claim 25, characterised in that the transparent protective film (11) comprises a layer of fixing agent (10).
27. A device as claimed in claim 26, characterised in that the fixing agent of the layer of fixing agent (10) of the transparent protective film (11) is a self-adhesive.
28. A device as claimed in claim 26, characterised in that the fixing agent of the layer of fixing agent (10) of the transparent protective film (11) is a thermally reactive fixing agent.
29. A device as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 28, characterised in that the transparent protective film (11) is supported by a support sheet (18), such that the said layer of fixing agent (10) is free towards the exterior.
30. A device as claimed in any one of claims 25 to 29, characterised in that the base (2) of the intermediate marker (1) has common markings (6) which correspond to common markings (14) pre-printed onto the base sheet (13) of the document.

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