EP1048482A2 - Document protected against forgery - Google Patents

Abstract

The document (1) has at least one security fibre (2), which is connected to adjoining areas of the document and has at least further security characteristic. The further characteristic can not be detected if the document is intact, but can be detected i the connection between the security fibre and the document is destroyed. Preferably, the fibre is embedded in a paper layer of t document or is stuck onto the paper layer. An Independent claim is included for a method for testing the authenticity of the security document.

Description

The present invention relates to a flat anti-counterfeiting Document, hereinafter referred to as security document, with at least one security thread, with adjacent areas of the security document is connected, and with at least one other associated with the security thread Security feature.

The term "security document" includes within the scope of this text especially unprinted security papers, cards, sheets, notes and the like, which are still to be processed. But it also includes documents produced therefrom for the end use, for example banknotes, Passports, ID cards, visas, driving licenses, shares, tickets, plane tickets, Vouchers, envelope papers, etc.

A security thread typically has a width of 0.5-5 mm. In the context of this text, the term "security thread" also includes relative wide security strips; more recent developments go over here Width of 5 mm and even beyond 10 mm, especially when glued on paper Security threads.

It is known that security documents, in particular security paper, to be equipped with security threads in order to achieve a high level of security against counterfeiting. A large number of variants have been proposed for Part can also be used in practice. The effect of a printed one Security document embedded security thread for example is based on the fact that it is not easily recognized in the reflected light can become dark when viewed in backlight. This Effect cannot be mimicked simply by a line or stripe appropriate width is printed on the security document.

In addition to security threads, there are a variety of other security features known for security documents, such as watermarks Metal plates, mottled fibers, planchettes, chemical reaction systems, superficially applied holograms and the like. There are also security threads known, which themselves assigned another security feature is, for example, a label on the security thread or a thermochromic coating.

From US 5 509 691 A is a security document with a security thread known, which comprises two glued carrier layers, between which there is a marking substance that protects against external influences should be protected.

From US 4,652,015 A is a security document with a security thread known, which carries printed information, for example a metallic label that can be identified under transmitted light conditions, is not visible in the reflecting light.

However, there is still a constant need for new security documents or new security features for such documents.

It was therefore the object of the present invention, a security document to indicate with a high level of security against counterfeiting, its authenticity is easy to verify. Furthermore, the security document should be everywhere can be used where a large number of security documents can be obtained in a short time must be verified manually.

This task is performed by a security document of the type mentioned at the beginning Kind solved, which is set up so that the further security feature is not verifiable if the security document is intact and verifiable can be made by combining the security thread with the adjacent areas of the intact security document destroyed, so for example by placing the security document in the area of the security thread tears (tears) or destroys its surface there.

The security documents according to the invention are, in particular, as desired suitable for applications in which they are used only once, for example in the areas of application as an admission ticket, Air ticket, voucher, envelope paper or the like.

The decisive difference to the previously known security documents is that in the security documents of the invention only by destroying the bond between the security thread and the adjacent areas of the intact security document a previously hidden additional security feature can be checked. Counterfeiters who a want to forge security document according to the invention, not only have to recognize that the security document is a hidden security feature owns, but they must also be able to imitate it.

With the usual imitation attempts based on printing and copying processes counterfeiters will not be able to obtain such a document create. The end user can usually do it easily and without any help recognize from technical aids that it is a forgery.

The destruction of the bond between the security thread and the areas adjacent to the intact security document according to the invention is typically achieved by the security document dated Edge is torn off essentially across the security thread. Reached if one tears the security thread during this tearing, it changes regularly Direction of tear, and the tear now runs along the security thread, which so (at least in places) from the adjacent areas in a simple manner of the (previously intact) security document. Doing so a cover layer is removed from the security feature.

In the security documents according to the invention there is a public one Security feature, namely the security thread as such, and another initially hidden security feature with each other in an advantageous manner combined. On the one hand, the public security feature (the Security thread as such) for the purchaser of the security document usual and easily verifiable guarantee of authenticity (e.g. for concert goers, who purchases a security admission ticket according to the invention). The initially hidden security feature that, for example, when the Security document is exposed, on the other hand, the (additional) Authenticity guarantee for the controller of the security document (e.g. the Ticket inspector at the entrance to the concert hall).

Advantageously, when using the invention Security documents a typical devaluation process, namely tearing a document in the process of verifying the authenticity of the document integrate. This means a considerable time and security advantage compared to the (separate) authenticity check of common security documents with non-public security features.

In a large number of cases, the base material for the invention Security document paper. The security thread is then preferred at least partially in the paper or a coating on the paper embedded or glued to the paper or a coating on the paper.

Instead of or in combination with paper, other base materials can also be used be used, e.g. Plastics such as polypropylene. The invention Security document can then, for example, by laminating sheets or nonwovens made of the same or different materials.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes or forms the security thread or an attached to the security thread adjacent area of the security document at least one top layer, which (a) hides the additional security feature on one side and thus one Checking the security feature from this side prevents that Security document is intact, and (b) from its concealing position can be removed by connecting the security thread with the adjacent ones Areas of the intact security document destroyed.

For example, there may be an opaque security thread one paper is stuck on and one in the area of the adhesive surface on the paper Hide printed security feature. Then you destroy the bond of the Security thread with the adjacent areas of the security document, you tear the security thread, for example, overcoming the adhesive force of the adhesive used from the printed paper without this tear, so the security feature comes to light. Again, this can be advantageous for tickets, which are often used by untrained control personnel must be validated and checked for authenticity. The The controller takes an intact ticket and presents it with one Make sure that there is a security thread (first security feature). Then he tears the security thread, of which advantageously one end is freely accessible, from the ticket, so that until then hidden additional security feature recognizable and thus verifiable.

The adhesive force with which the glued security thread on the base material of the security document is preferably large enough to prevent accidental detachment of the security thread, it is however, advantageously less than the force you have in the adhesive area would need to tear the base material. That way avoided that larger when tearing the security thread from the base material Components of the base material including the additional security feature be demolished with.

Alternatively, the security document can be a security thread comprising at least two cover layers (e.g. two Metal coatings on each of a polyester substrate) includes the further Conceal security feature on opposite sides and thus its Prevent verification if the security document is intact. The security document is then preferably designed so that at least one of the cover layers (e.g. one of said metal coatings on their Substrate) at least partially removed from its concealing position and (thus) the additional security feature is made verifiable can by connecting the security thread with the adjacent Areas of the intact security document destroyed. The security document is advantageously designed so that the removable cover layer (if necessary in combination with its substrate) more firmly on the paper base material of the security document as attached to the further security feature, if the security document is torn.

Such a security document according to the invention can, for example include a security thread between two opaque Plastic film layers (for example, two plastic film layers that impermeable to light thanks to an applied metal or lacquer coating an initially hidden, separate intermediate layer of preferably strongly colored material. For example, the security document devalued by tearing, the bond of the security thread destroyed with the adjacent areas of the intact security document and between the opaque layers of thread, the colored Intermediate layer visible to the viewer as a further security feature. This guarantees the authenticity of the security document.

A configuration in which the security thread is advantageous is also advantageous two plastic films (e.g. made of polyester), which are superimposed and are coated opaque on their respective outside. As This is the coating on the inside of at least one of the films further security feature according to the invention (e.g. a signal color) arranged. The adhesion of the plastic films to each other is less than that Each film adheres to the adjacent areas of the base material of the security document. By tearing or tearing the security document will therefore separate the non-transparent films from each other causes. Only by separating the films from each other, i.e. only when If the paper is destroyed, the (further) security feature becomes visible, that was previously hidden between the plastic films.

Polyester is preferably used as the material for the plastic films or layers of a security thread are used. Plastic films for use in a security document according to the invention typically have a Thickness between 5 and 50 microns, preferably between 10 and 20 microns.

It is often advantageous as a non-transparent top layer or Coatings to provide metal layers, for example one on one Applied plastic film and firmly adhering layer of aluminum. Such metal layers typically have a thickness between 0.3 and 1 µm. Instead, for example, non-transparent color or Paint coatings may be provided.

The above explanations regarding the nature of the (further) security feature are only to be understood as examples. Generally formulated the security feature a signal color and / or text and / or other Include information that is preferably on one or both cover layers of the Security thread applied and / or part of a between the cover layers arranged intermediate layer is.

A (further) security feature is (at least) a certain one Detection type assigned, e.g. a security text marker visual detection. A (further) security feature is intact of the security document, in particular, cannot be checked if the Information content of the security feature with the assigned (usual) Type of detection cannot be evaluated non-destructively (e.g. because the Text information not visible to the viewer or a color marking is not recognizable).

It can sometimes make sense to replace a single (possibly multi-layered) Security thread two at least partially overlapping To provide security threads, the security feature between the Security threads are arranged in their overlapping area.

The procedures for attaching the security thread to the base material or to embed the security thread in the base material the usual procedures, which are widely described in the literature.

Fig. 1

Draufsicht auf ein erfindungsgemäßes Sicherheitsdokument mit einem Sicherheitsfaden

Fig. 2

Draufsicht auf das Sicherheitsdokument gemäß Fig. 1 nach dem Entwerten

Fig. 3

Detail-Querschnittansicht des Sicherheitsfadens in dem Sicherheitadokument gemäß Fig. 1

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached figures. They represent:

Fig. 1

Top view of a security document according to the invention with a security thread

Fig. 2

Top view of the security document according to FIG. 1 after validation

Fig. 3

Detailed cross-sectional view of the security thread in the security document according to FIG. 1

The security document 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 exists essentially paper. It is flat (the paper thickness is between 80 and 200 µm) and essentially rectangular. One across the entire width in the paper embedded security thread 2 is closed as a gray stripe recognize when you look at the security document against the light.

The intact security document is shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 2 the canceled security document.

3 is the area of the security document 1 around the security thread 2 in more detail in a highly schematic cross-sectional view shown.

Embedded in the paper base material 10 of the security document 1 is the security thread 2, which consists of several layers. A The first metal layer 4 lies with its one flat side 14 on the paper 10 of the Security document 1; on the opposite flat side 15 of the Metal layer 4 is a bright red signal marker (not shown) applied very thin (thickness about 0.1 to 0.5 µm). At the way marked Flat side 15 of metal layer 4 is a transparent plastic layer 5 on.

Another is connected to the transparent plastic layer 5 transparent plastic layer 6, which is not on the plastic layer 5 or (if using a weak adhesive) only weakly adheres. The another plastic layer 6 in turn covers a second metal layer 7.

The metal layer 4 and the transparent plastic layer 5 are in Contact area of the flat side 15 firmly glued together; the metal layer 7 and the transparent plastic layer 6 are also in the area of their Contact surface glued together. Each plastic layer adheres (in the composite with the respectively assigned metal layer) on the adjacent area of the Paper.

The security thread 2 thus comprises two external ones when intact non-transparent metal layers 4 and 7, the one metal layer 4 carries a signal marking on its flat side 15. The transparent Plastic layers 5 and 6, which are only due to their common embedding in the paper of security document 1 in connection with each other stand, cause a certain spatial distance between the signal marking and the second metal layer 7.

The red one can be found in the intact security document according to FIG Do not recognize the signal color even in backlight, as it non-transparent metal layers 4 or 7 is covered; upwards through the metal layer 4, to which it is applied, down through the Metal layer 7, of which it is only through the thin transparent plastic layers 5 and 6 is separated.

FIG. 2 shows the security document according to FIG. 1 after a cancellation process shown. Security document 1 from torn from an edge in the direction of the security thread 2. At the Reaching the security thread changes the direction of tearing and the transparent one Plastic layers 5 and 6 are - each in combination with their assigned metal layers 4 and 7 - separated from each other. By the Separation of the transparent plastic layers 5 and 6 from each other Tear or tear the security document 1 the red color on the flat side 15 of the metal layer 4 made visible.

The thickness of the transparent plastic layers 5 and 6 is approximately 12 µm; the thickness of the metal layers 4 and 7 is smaller.

The plastic layers 5 and 6 are made of polyester. The metal layers 4 and 7 exist in the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 4 made of aluminium.

Instead of metal layers 4 and 7, alternatively, metal coatings are used, which are applied to the plastic layers 5 and 6 are; their thickness can be about 0.3-1.0 µm.

In addition to the red color on the flat side 15 of the metal layer 4 can also be a signal color or other security feature between the Corresponding flat side of the metal layer 7 and the plastic film 6 be arranged.

A signal color or other security feature can alternatively or additionally arranged between the plastic layers 5 and 6 his.

Claims (8)

Flat security document with at least one security thread, which is connected to adjacent areas of the security document, and with at least one further security feature assigned to the security thread, characterized in that the security document (1) is set up in such a way that the further security feature cannot be checked if the security document is intact, and can be made verifiable by destroying the bond of the security thread (2) with the adjacent areas of the intact security document. Security document according to claim 1, characterized in that the security thread (2) is at least partially embedded in a paper (10) or a paper coating or glued to a paper or a paper coating. Security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security thread (2) or an area of the security document (1) adjacent to the security thread comprises or forms at least one cover layer (4, 7) which (a) has the further security feature on one side covered and thus prevents a check of the security feature when the security document (1) is intact, and (b) can be removed from its concealing position by destroying the bond of the security thread (2) with the adjacent areas of the intact security document. Security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when intact, the security thread (2) comprises at least two cover layers (4, 7) which cover the security feature on opposite sides and thus prevent the security feature from being checked if the security document (1) is intact, at least one of the cover layers (4, 7) being removed from its concealing position at least in some areas and the security feature can thus be made verifiable by destroying the bond of the security thread (2) with the adjacent areas of the intact security document. Security document according to Claim 5, characterized in that the security feature comprises signal color and / or text and / or other information which is applied to one or both cover layers (4, 7) of the security thread and / or is part of an intermediate layer arranged between the cover layers is. Security document according to Claim 1, characterized in that two security threads overlapping at least in some areas are provided, the security feature being arranged between the security threads in their overlapping area. Method for checking the authenticity of a flat security document according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the security document (1) is subjected to a treatment in which the bond between the security thread (2) and the adjacent areas of the intact security document is destroyed and the further security feature can thereby be checked . Method according to claim 7, characterized in that the treatment comprises tearing the security document (1) in the direction of the security thread (2).

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