ES2664785T3 - Foil or security document that has one or more improved watermarks - Google Patents

Abstract

Sheet or security document having one or more watermarks or improved watermark designs, comprising: a fibrous sheet material that includes one or more watermarks or watermark designs, in which each brand design of water has one or more first regions with reduced fiber densities with respect to surrounding regions of the fibrous sheet material and one or more second regions with similar or greater fiber densities with respect to surrounding regions of the sheet material, and in which each brand design of water has a top or front and a bottom or back; and means for improving the one or more watermarks or watermark designs by making them visually improved, detectable by a machine or readable by a machine, or both, said means comprising one or more safety elements as a film or foil mode covering at least partially the exposed face or the back of the one or more watermark designs, in which the one or more film-like or foil-like security elements are band-shaped, strip , streak, thread or patch; and characterized by the fact that the one or more film or sheet-like security elements is one or more micro-optical film materials each comprising an arrangement of microlenses and an arrangement of image micro icons, which they are configured so that, when the arrangement of image icons is seen through the arrangement of microlenses, one or more synthetically enlarged optical images are projected, in which the one or more micro-optical film materials each show images colored on a transparent or dyed background or each one shows color images on a translucent or substantially opaque background of a different color.

Description

Foil or security document that has one or more improved watermarks

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of US Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 997,390, filed on February 23, 2011, and claims benefit and priority of provisional US Patent Application No. 61 / 911,141, filed on December 3, 2013, provisional US patent application No. 61 / 911,831, filed on December 4, 2013, provisional American patent application No. 61 / 911,885, filed on December 4, 2013, and provisional American patent application No. 61 / 924,000, filed on January 6, 2014.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention generally relates to a security sheet or document having one or more improved watermarks.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Security papers are used for the manufacture of security documents such as banknotes, passports, postage stamps and the like. Conventionally, a variety of security features are incorporated into said security papers or arranged on their surface. Known examples of such security features include watermarks, embedded and windowed security threads, fluorescent pigments and the like.

Watermarks, which are recognizable images or patterns on paper that appear as various shades of light / dark when viewed by transmitted light or by light reflected on a dark background, have provided protection against counterfeit security documents for hundreds of years . In fact, watermarks and their attractive designs are the most recognized security feature available to the general public for the authentication of security documents such as banknotes.

Patent document WO 2013/093848 A1 describes a sheet or security document having one or more watermarks or designs of improved watermarks, comprising: a fibrous sheet material that includes one or more first areas with densities of reduced fiber with respect to surrounding areas of the fibrous sheet material and one or more second zones with similar or greater fiber densities with respect to areas around the sheet material, and in which the design of the watermark has an upper or front part and a bottom or back; and means for increasing the one or more watermarks or watermark designs by increasing them visually, detectable or readable by a machine, or both.

There is, however, a persistent need to improve the security or resistance to falsification of security documents with watermarks.

The present invention addresses this need by providing improved watermarks and, therefore, more resistant to counterfeiting on paper and paper-like materials. Specifically, the present invention has a sheet according to claim 1

In a first exemplary embodiment, the security sheet or document of the invention is a single or multi-layer paper comprising:

a first paper layer that includes one or more watermarks, each surface of the paper layer showing the top or front of the water mark (s) or its bottom or back; one or more film or sheet-like security elements that cover at least partially the top or front or the bottom or back of the one or more watermarks; and optionally a second paper layer having a reduced base weight compared to the first paper layer and optionally one or more through windows, the second paper layer covering the top or front or the bottom or back of the one or more watermarks.

The film or sheet-like security element preferably has a different color from the watermark (s) and surrounding paper thereby improving the appearance of the underlying watermark (s). (s) or overlying (s), as well as improving the contrast between the underlying water mark (s) or overlying (s) and the surrounding paper.

In one of said embodiments, the film-like or sheet-like security element (s) is (are) preferably a micro-optical security device that projects one or more synthetic images such as the micro security device -Option MOTION®, which is described, for example, in US Patent No.

7,333,268. Such devices display color images on a transparent or tinted background and, therefore, are very suitable for use in combination with underlying printed information. It has been observed that these safety devices appear to give the watermark (s) a multi-tonal appearance. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, multi-tonal watermarks present an even greater challenge to a counterfeiter.

In a preferred embodiment, the micro-optical security device is in the form of a patch applied to the surface that covers all or part (for example, half) of a watermark, the watermark containing one or more polymers or resinous materials within the first and / or the second region of the watermark, the one or more polymers or resinous materials having a refractive index or combined refraction index (final) substantially similar to that of cellulose. In one of said embodiments, the region (regions) also contains one or more characteristics selected from the group of areas of higher fiber density in the form of recognizable or discernible marks, one or more substances that impart color and a or more so-called second level security features that are detectable by a machine or readable by a machine (for example, UV, infrared, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic or magnetic security fibers, markers, planchettes, dyes, pigments).

As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the micro-optical security device may also be in the form of an elongated band, strip, grain or security thread applied to the surface, or a partially embedded, extended band, strip, grain or security thread that is present in regions with windows of a second layer of paper (ie thread with window).

Micro-optical devices, such as the MOTION® device, can be designed so that when aligned with the watermark (s), the projected synthetic images are thereby combined with the design (s) (s) of the watermark. For example, in the aforementioned embodiment, the synthetic image (s) generated by each patch can be coordinated or linked with the watermark design (s). Synthetic images can also complete the design (s) of the watermark or place them within the design (s). As will be explained in more detail below, this may be a one or two sided feature.

In another embodiment of this type, the micro-optical security device (s), which are also described, for example, in US Patent No. 7,333,268, show (n) color images (of any color, including black and white) on a translucent or substantially opaque background of a different color. In this embodiment, the micro-optical safety device (s) at least partially covers and visually camouflages the top or front of the one or more watermarks, or the bottom or posterior of the one or more watermarks. The watermark (s) are not visually discernible in the light reflected from the covered side of the paper layer, but are visually visible in light reflected from the uncovered side of the paper layer and in the transmitted light from both sides of the paper layer.

An inherent advantage in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention that employ a security element as a partially or totally underlying or underlying sheet or film such as the MOTION® safety device is the greater durability of each watermark. As is well known to those skilled in the art, one of the main requirements of banknotes and other security documents is that the document and its security features have to withstand the effects of circulation. These documents / features must be durable (ie, resistant to bending, damage, tears and dirt) and resistant to moisture and chemical absorption. Covering all or part of the watermark with a film, sheet, strip, strip, grain, thread or patch applied to physically protect the watermark (s) from damage during circulation and handling, thus increasing its durability

Due to the greater durability conferred on these watermarks, it has been determined that these watermarks can be made larger and that the total area within each watermark occupied by regions of reduced fiber density (i.e., first zones) can be increased and these regions can be made even thinner. Specifically, it has been found that these regions of reduced fiber density can be produced with thicknesses as low as between 10 and 15 microns, with total thicknesses ranging between about 10 and about 60 microns. The total area occupied by these regions of reduced fiber density within each watermark varies between about 5 and about 75 percent (%) of the total area of the watermark, preferably between about 20 and about a 60% In addition, the total area occupied by each watermark within a banknote that measures approximately

10,000 square millimeters (mm2) can vary between about 5 and about 25%, which

denotes an increase in size compared to conventional watermarks of approximately 5%.

The present inventors have also made the surprising discovery that micro-optical devices such as the MOTION® device can also offer a detectable / readable feature by a machine in the form of improved infrared brightness, especially when measured in transmission. The term "enhanced infrared brightness", as used herein, is intended to indicate infrared transmission levels of at least 5% greater than (preferably, more than 10% greater than) the infrared transmission levels of the paper background. The infrared transmission levels can be measured using an optical sensor with a sensitivity equal to or greater than 830 nanometers (nm) and projecting an infrared light source with a wavelength greater than 800 nm across the sample. In order to make the infrared brightness a reliable feature readable by a machine, it is preferred that the micro-optical device is manufactured using one or more infrared transparent elements (e.g., an infrared transparent ink) and does not contain (n ) infrared absorbent elements (for example, infrared absorbent inks). It is also preferred that no infrared absorbent elements are present in areas near the device on the face and the reverse side of the paper layer (s). In one such embodiment, the micro-optical device is a security thread (for example, a MOTION® security thread that does not contain infrared absorbent elements. In this embodiment, the micro-optical security thread is manufactured using an ink transparent to infrared (for example, ink comprising pigments and / or pigments that do not absorb infrared) for microprinting and areas on the face and reverse side of the paper layer (s) on at least two thirds (2 / 3) the length of the safety wire does not contain infrared absorbent elements.

In addition to the at least partially overlying or underlying micro-optical device, one or more additional safety features may be contained in or within the first and / or second region of the one or more watermarks. In one such embodiment, the water brand (s) does not contain one or more polymers or resinous materials within the first and / or second region. Additional security features are selected from the group of areas of higher fiber density in the form of recognizable or discernible marks, one or more substances that impart color and one or more second level safety features that are detectable by a machine or readable by a machine, as described above.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the security paper of the invention is a multilayer paper comprising:

a first paper layer having a reduced weight (for example, between about 10 and about 50 grams per square meter (gsm)) and includes one or more watermarks, each surface of the first paper layer showing the top or front of the one or more watermarks or the bottom or back of them; Y

a second paper layer having a reduced base weight (for example, between about 10 and about 50 gsm) and optionally one or more through windows, the second paper layer covering the surface of the first paper layer showing the top or front of the one or more watermarks or the surface showing the bottom or back of the one or more watermarks.

In one of said embodiments, the second paper layer has windows, the one or more through windows of the second paper layer are aligned with the top or front or the bottom or back of the one or more watermarks. By way of this second exemplary embodiment, the use of two layers of paper and optionally one or more overlying or underlying windows allows greater contrast between the one or more watermarks and the bottom. The one or more overlying or underlying windows act similarly to that of an electrotype, occupying paperless areas or thinner paper areas which results in areas brighter than the bottom in each paper / watermark zone.

In a third exemplary embodiment, within the first and / or second zone of the one or more watermarks there are contained one or more safety elements in the form of one or more substances that impart color. The one or more substances that impart color include both dyes and pigments (for example, ultrafine particle size pigments). In this embodiment, the security sheet or document does not include one or more security elements as a film or as a sheet. The resulting watermarks have a hue (that is, a combination of colors or range of tones) in a different color or tone from that of the mass area of the material surrounding the watermark. The watermarks of the invention serve to increase the perception and resistance to simulation of existing watermarks.

In a fourth exemplary embodiment, one or more polymers or resinous materials are contained within the first region (s) (s) and optionally the second region (s) (regions) of the one or more brands of water. As before, the security sheet or document in this example embodiment does not include one or more

security elements as a film or as a sheet. The first and / or second zone in this embodiment may also contain one or more security features selected from the group of areas of higher fiber density in the form of recognizable or discernible marks, one or more substances that impart color and a

or more second level security features that are detectable by a machine or readable by a machine, as described above.

In a fifth exemplary embodiment, the security sheet or document of the invention is a single layer paper comprising:

a layer of paper that includes one or more watermarks; and one or more transparent or translucent areas in the paper layer that surrounds each of the one or more watermarks, thereby framing and thus improving the visual perception of the watermark (s).

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent to a person skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used here have the same meaning commonly understood by a person skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, this report will prevail, including definitions. In addition, the materials, procedures / processes and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present description can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasizing, instead, in clearly illustrating the principles of the present description. Although exemplary embodiments are described in connection with the drawings, there is no intention of limiting the present description to the embodiment or embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.

The particular features of the described invention are illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is an image of a watermark (shield with the number 30) with overlying MOTION® security patch or inside an example security paper seen in daylight (reflected spectrum light visible) and under infrared transmitted light from the front or front side of the security paper, with the watermark and patch shown on an enlarged scale for clarity; Figure 2a is another image of the watermark of Figure 1 with overlying security patch that is again seen in daylight (light reflected in the visible spectrum) and under infrared transmitted light from the face of the paper. security, the image enlarged but to a lesser extent than Figure 1, while Figures 2b-d are enlarged images of the same watermark with the overlying security patch shown in infrared transmitted light from the back side of the security paper (figure 2b), in infrared reflected light from the face of the security paper (figure 2c), and in infrared reflected light from the back of the security paper (figure 2d); Figure 3a is another image of the watermark of Figure 1 with an overlying security patch that is seen in daylight (visible light reflected in the spectrum) from the side of the face seen from the security paper, the enlarged image but to a lesser extent than Figure 1, while Figures 3b-d are enlarged images of the same watermark with the overlying security patch shown in the light reflected from the visible spectrum from the back side of the security paper ( figure 3b), in transmitted light of visible spectrum from the side of the face seen from the security paper (figure 3c), and in transmitted light of visible spectrum from the rear side of the security paper (figure 3d); Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a Fourdrinier or double-filament modified papermaking machine by which watermarks are incorporated along the machine direction of a forming paper web through a roller cylinder pressure, and by means of which a safety element in the form of an elongated safety thread is applied to a surface of the watermarked paper web before the wet pressing section of the machine. The machine uses means for alignment in the machine direction of the watermarks and the elongated safety thread in the paper web. This process for manufacturing the sheet material of the invention does not displace the fiber distribution, resulting in a higher fiber distribution with a higher density and stiffness of the substrate that resists deformation, distortion and bending of the security thread; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of another Fourdrinier or double-filament modified papermaking machine through which an elongated safety thread is introduced over a surface of the fibrous web at the same time or just before it is incorporated ( n) the watermark (s) and before the pressing section

wet machine. The machine uses means for alignment in the machine direction of the elongated safety thread and the water mark (s) in the fibrous web. This process for manufacturing the fibrous sheet material of the present invention results in the fiber flowing around the yarn, resulting in a lower density fiber distribution with reduced density and stiffness under yarn applied to the surface; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a papermaking machine composed of two cylinder paper machines connected to each other by a collector felt, where an elongated safety thread makes contact with a watermarked paper web formed by a Cylinder paper machine before joining a second paper strip formed by the other cylinder paper machine. This machine also employs means for alignment in the machine direction of the elongated safety thread and the water mark (s) to the first paper web; Figure 7 provides, in a side-by-side comparison, enlarged images of a prior art watermark and an exemplary embodiment of the improved watermark of the invention, which has a strikingly bright or intense appearance; Figure 8 provides, in a side-by-side comparison, enlarged images of an exemplary embodiment of the watermark of the invention employing a second level safety feature excitable by UV rays both in transmitted light and under UV light. ; Figures 9a, b are schematic drawings depicting a method for manufacturing an exemplary embodiment of the paper security document of the present invention; Figure 10 is an enlarged image of a wet fiber mat or sheet in a papermaking machine (seen in light reflected on a dark background) with paper removed in selected areas of the sheet with a resulting reduction in density of the fiber in those selected areas. The selected areas are circular in shape and are shown in two different sizes, the larger selection areas also contain a circular area of higher fiber density; and Figure 11a, b are enlarged images of the surrounded selection area shown in Figure 10 (views in transmitted light) after treatment with one or more polymers or resinous materials having a combined refractive index or refractive index substantially similar to of cellulose. The first enlarged image (figure 11a) shows the circular area within the selection area that has a color similar to that of the surrounding fiber mat or sheet, while the second enlarged image (figure 11b) demonstrates that the printed material seen under this An exemplary embodiment of the security element of the invention is clearly legible.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By the present invention, watermarks formed on or within a security sheet or document are improved, making the security sheet or document more resistant to counterfeiting.

The sheet or document of the invention, as indicated above, comprises: a fibrous sheet material that includes one or more watermarks; and means for improving the one or more watermarks making them visually enhanced, detectable / readable by a machine, or both.

Fibrous sheet materials suitable for use in the present invention are paper or paper-like sheet materials. These sheet materials, which are single-layer or multi-layer materials, can be made from a range of fiber types that include synthetic or natural fibers or a mixture of both. For example, these sheet materials can be made of fibers such as abaca, cotton, linen, wood pulp and mixtures thereof. As is well known to those skilled in the art, cotton and cotton / linen or cotton / synthetic fiber blends are preferred for banknotes, while wood pulp is commonly used in non-bank security documents.

Watermarks can be formed on the fibrous sheet material using known procedures and techniques. For example, the watermarked sheet material can be manufactured in a papermaking machine with a cylinder mold (using a patterned metallic cloth, or applying a thin piece of metal to the metal cloth, generally in the form of an image or letter) , or is a Fourdrinier papermaking machine (using a pressure roller).

Next, exemplary embodiments of the security sheet or document of the invention will be described in which various means are used to improve the watermark (s), and their respective manufacturing processes.

In a first exemplary embodiment, the security sheet or document of the invention is a single or multi-layered paper comprising (a) a first paper layer that includes one or more watermarks, each surface showing the layer of paper the top or face of the watermark (s) or its bottom or back, (b) one or more security elements as a film or as a sheet that have a different color from the (s) water mark (s) covering at least partially the top or face side or the back of the water mark (s), and optionally (c) a second layer of paper which has a basis weight

reduced compared to the first paper layer (for example, between about 10 and about 50 gsm) and optionally one or more through windows, the second paper layer covering the top or front or bottom or back of the (s) ) watermarks.

The safety element (s) as a film or as a sheet used in the practice of the present invention is limited only by its structure as a film or as a sheet, with contemplated structures having total thicknesses ranging between about 15 and about 100 microns (preferably, between about 15 and about 50 microns). Film-like or sheet-like structures can take any form, including, but are not limited to, bands, strips, streaks, threads or patches. They can display or project information that is humanly perceptible either directly or with the help of a device and / or incorporate information that is detectable / readable by a machine. The structures can be segmented into regions, showing or projecting or otherwise the information being contained in some or all of these regions that are the same or different.

Suitable security elements by way of film or sheet can use one or more of the following: regions or layers demetallized or selectively metallized, magnetic, magnetic and metal combined, or stamped (eg blind embossing), coatings that change from Color made of color changing, iridescent, liquid crystal, photochromic and / or thermochromic materials, luminescent and / or magnetic material coatings, holographic and / or diffractive safety features and micro-optical safety features.

In a preferred embodiment, the security element (s) is (are) a micro-optical structure. As indicated above, such structures project one or more synthetically enlarged optical images, and generally comprise: (a) a light transmitting polymer substrate; (b) an arrangement of micro image icons located on or within the polymeric substrate; and (c) an arrangement of microlenses. The arrangements of icons and microlenses are configured so that, when the arrangement of icons is seen through the arrangement of microlenses, one or more synthetically enlarged optical images are projected. These projected images can show a number of different optical effects. Such structures are described in US Patent No. 7,333,268 to Steenblik et al., US Patent No. 7,468,842 to Steenblik et al., US Patent No. 7,738,175 to Steenblik et al., International Patent Publication No. WO 2005 / 106601 A2 by Commander et al., And international patent publication number WO 2007/076952 A2 by Kaule et al. In one such embodiment, a micro-optical structure is employed as described in US Patent No.

7,333,268 to Steenblik et al. (For example, the MOTION® micro-optical security device), the structure being formed from a polymeric substrate prepared using one or more essentially colorless polymers selected from the group including, among others, polyester , polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinyl carbonate, polyvinylidene chloride and combinations thereof.

In a more preferred embodiment, the micro-optical security device is in the form of a patch applied to the surface that covers all or part (for example, half) of a watermark, the watermark containing one or more polymers or materials resinous within the first and / or second region thereof, the one or more polymers or resinous materials having a refractive index or combined refractive index (final) substantially similar to that of cellulose. The first and / or second region of the watermark may also contain one or more characteristics selected from the group of areas of higher fiber density in the form of recognizable or discernible marks, one or more substances that impart color and one or more second Second level security features that are detectable by a machine or readable by a machine, as described above.

In another more preferred embodiment, the micro-optical security device is in the form of an elongated strip or thread applied to the surface, or a partially embedded elongated security strip or thread that is present in regions with windows of a second paper layer (it is say, thread with windows). The strip or thread in this embodiment covers all or part of the watermark (s).

In an even more preferred embodiment, the micro-optical security device (for example, the MOTION® device) is designed such that, when aligned with the watermark, the synthetic images projected in this way are combined with the design. of the watermark. For example, in the aforementioned embodiments, the synthetic images generated by each patch or thread can be coordinated or joined with the watermark design. Synthetic images can also complete the design (s) of the watermark or be placed within the design (s). This can be a one or two sided feature. In other words, the complete information intended to be transmitted to the viewer is not only provided by the watermark or synthetic image (s), but requires that both be viewed simultaneously. In one of these examples, when viewed at the optimal viewing angle (perpendicular) using transmitted light of visible spectrum, the MOTION® patch projects a synthetic image in the form of a coating that overlaps (aligns) the design of the watermark on shield shape. When the viewing angle moves misaligned, the image

synthetic and the design of the watermark are no longer aligned with each other, and the design of the watermark (shield and number 30) would be seen inside the patch and the synthetic image would pass or change from the layer to, for example, An array of numbers.

An inherent benefit in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention employing a sheet-like or partially or totally overlying or underlying film security element, such as the MOTION® micro-optical security device, is the increased durability of Each watermark. Covering all or part of the watermark with a film, sheet, strip, strip, grain, thread or patch applied to physically protect the watermark (s) from damage during circulation and handling, increasing This way its durability.

Due to the greater durability conferred on these watermarks, it has been determined that these watermarks can be made larger and that the total area within each watermark occupied by regions of reduced fiber density (i.e., first regions) can be increased and these regions can become thinner. Specifically, it has been found that these regions of reduced fiber density can be made with thicknesses as low as between 10 and 15 microns, with total thicknesses ranging between about 10 and about 60 microns. The total area occupied by these regions of reduced fiber density within each watermark varies between about 5 and about 75 percent (%) of the total area of the watermark, preferably between about 20 and about 60 %. In addition, the total area occupied by each watermark within a banknote that measures approximately

10,000 mm2 can vary between about 5 and about 25%, which indicates an increase in size compared to conventional watermarks of about 5%.

The present inventors have also made the surprising discovery that micro-optical devices such as the MOTION® device can also offer a detectable / readable feature by a machine in the form of infrared enhanced brightness, especially when measured in transmission. To make infrared brightness a reliable feature readable by a machine, it is preferred that the micro-optical device is manufactured using one or more infrared transparent elements (e.g., infrared transparent ink) and does not contain absorbent elements. infrared (for example, infrared absorbent inks). It is also preferred that infrared absorbent elements are not present in areas close to the device on the exposed face and the back of the paper layer (s).

Referring now to Figure 1, one of said embodiments of the security sheet or document of the invention is shown and indicated by reference number 10). The micro-optical device is a MOTION® 12 security patch that does not contain infrared absorbent elements. The patch 12 is placed on a shield-shaped watermark 14 in which dark regions formed by fibers deposited more densely than the normal base fiber density (i.e., second regions) 16 occupy the outer perimeter, regions clear formed by fibers deposited less densely than the normal base fiber density (ie, first regions) 18 occupy the area within the shield design with the region occupied by the number 30 formed by even lighter or less dense regions. The watermark 14 with the overlying MOTION® security patch 12 of Figure 1 is shown in daylight and under infrared transmitted light, with the watermark and patch illustrated on an enlarged scale for clarity.

As will be readily apparent from the display of Figure 1, the number 30 is very bright as a result of the overlapping patch. Here, the infrared brightness correlates with the intensity of the infrared signal which, as indicated above, is measured in transmission using an optical sensor with a sensitivity equal to or greater than 830 nm and projecting an infrared light source with a wavelength greater than 800 nm across the sample. The infrared brightness can be controlled by the infrared properties of the ink used for microprinting the security patch 12. Microprinting in the form of micro icons of images located on or within a polymeric substrate is performed using a printing procedure (for example, inkjet, laser, typography, flexography, engraving, chalcography and ink sublimation printing procedures), or using a microstructure approach. In the latter case, the image icons would be made as holes or cavities in the substrate (for example, cavities that measure, for example, between about 0.5 and about 8 microns in total depth), or as elevated structures with respect to the substrate (for example, elevated structures (with color or colorless) measuring, for example, between about 0.5 and about 8 microns in total height). A transparent infrared material (for example, ink comprising pigments and / or pigments that do not absorb infrared) would be used to form the icons, for example, by printing, coating or partially or completely filling the cavities or areas surrounding elevated structures, or forming elevated structures (with color or colorless). It is preferred that the areas on the visible and reverse side of the paper layer (s) at a distance of approximately 5 millimeters from an outer edge of the patch do not contain infrared absorbent elements.

Regarding the appearance of the embodiment of Figure 1, and as shown in Figures 2a-d and 3a-d:

(to)

In infrared transmission or infrared transmitted light from the front or face of the document, the watermark (shield and number 30) and a faint patch overlay (see Figure 2a) would be seen;

(b)

In the infrared transmission from the back of the document, the watermark (shield and number 30) would be seen in reverse and a darker patch overlay (see Figure 2b);

(C)

In the light reflected by infrared from the face of the document, you would see the watermark (contour only) and a faint overlap of the patch (see Figure 2c);

(d)

In the light reflected by infrared from the back of the document, neither the watermark nor the patch overlay would be seen (see Figure 2d);

(and)

In the light reflected in the visible spectrum, from the face of the document, one or more synthetic images would be seen, but not the watermark (or only a faint outline of the watermark) (see Figure 3a);

(F)

In the light reflected in the visible spectrum, from the back of the document, the watermark would be seen as dark (see Figure 3b);

(g)

In transmitted light of visible spectrum, from the face of the document, the combined image of the watermark and the one or more synthetic images would be seen (see Figure 3c); Y

(h)

In the transmitted light of visible spectrum, from the back of the document, the watermark (shield and number 30) would be seen in reverse with a patch color overlay, but not the projected synthetic images (see 3d figure) .

As mentioned above, in addition to the at least partially overlying or underlying micro-optical device, one or more additional safety features may be contained in the first and / or second region of the one or more watermarks or within the same). In one of said embodiments, the water brand (s) does not contain one or more polymers or resinous materials within the first and / or second region. Additional security features are selected from the group of areas of highest fiber density in the form of recognizable or discernible signs, one or more substances that impart color and one or more second level safety features that are detectable by a machine or readable by a machine, as described above.

Reference is now made to procedures or techniques for producing the first exemplary embodiment in which a fibrous sheet material with a film or sheet-like security element is aligned in the machine direction (MD) with respect to one or more watermarks contained or formed in the sheet material.

The film or sheet-like security elements may be embedded (when they are in the form of, for example, security strip or thread) in a second paper layer, or applied to a surface of the marked paper layer of water or second layer of paper (when it is in the form of, for example, thread or patch) using known procedures and techniques. For example, the security elements (with one or more adhesive layers) can be transferred to a surface of the watermarked paper layer or second layer as a transfer film using techniques that include mechanical, chemical, thermal and thermal separation techniques. photoinduced The concept of separation of the desired components of a support substrate is known in the art of holographic sheet transfer, whereby a film with a removable coating (i.e., a removable coating) is provided with coatings (e.g., optical) and adhesives, so that coatings and adhesives can be transferred to a final substrate with application of heat and pressure. This approach is particularly useful in applications that require films with very thin cross-sectional thicknesses.

Activable adhesives can be used to anchor or bond the security elements as a film or as a sheet on or within a surface of the fibrous sheet material. Suitable adhesives are not limited and include, but are not limited to, water, heat and / or pressure activation adhesives that are activated in the secondary drying section of the papermaking machine, where temperatures range from 100 ° C and 160 ° C. These coatings can be applied in the form of solvent-based polymer solutions or aqueous solutions or dispersions. Suitable dispersions are selected from the group of acrylic resin dispersions, epoxy resin dispersions, natural latex dispersions, polyurethane resin dispersions, polyvinyl acetate resin dispersions, polyvinyl alcohol resin dispersions, urea formaldehyde resin dispersions , vinyl acetate resin dispersions, ethylene vinyl acetate resin dispersions, ethylene vinyl alcohol resin dispersions, polyester resin dispersions and mixtures thereof.

The alignment in the machine direction of safety patches to watermarks contained or formed in the sheet material can be achieved by indexing the relative position of the watermark (s) in the equipment used to produce the (s) watermark (s) on the paper sheet. The position of the watermarks is transmitted continuously to the equipment used to apply the security patches to the paper surface. The previously applied marks or indexes on the support film used to transport the patch (s) are used to

control the speed of the carrier film and, therefore, the patch (s), thereby ensuring the alignment of the watermark (s) with the patch (s) .

The alignment in the machine direction of a safety thread with watermarks contained or formed in the sheet material will now be described together with Figures 4 to 6.

In Figure 4, a Fourdrinier process is shown to produce a single layer embodiment of the fibrous sheet material of the present invention. In this process, a security thread 20 coated with adhesive (oriented so that the exposed face of the security thread and not the rear face coated with adhesive is an upper layer) is guided along a tube 22 with a device variable speed advance 24 (for example, a servo drive with servo drive) and is pushed towards a surface of a fibrous web 26 that advances partially consolidated (for example, a fibrous suspension containing between about 1 and about 10% in weight of starting material and between about 99 and about 90% by weight of water) to the wet end 28 of the papermaking machine after a watermark has been incorporated into the web 26 by a cylinder of pressure roller 30. Here, the security thread 20 can be partially or completely placed on the watermark (i.e. layered safety features) on the surface of the ba nda 26. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the pressure roller cylinder 30 may be provided with raised and / or lowered areas on its surface, which may overlap completely

or partially the surface area of the band 26 that will be occupied by the thread 20.

It is noted that this embodiment of the process of the invention does not alter the distribution of fibers around the security thread applied to the surface, resulting in a distribution of higher density fibers with a higher density and stiffness of the substrate that resists deformation, distortion and folded the security thread.

As the water continues to drain from the band 26, the fibers are formed around the thread 20 holding it in place on a front or upper surface of the band 26. When the wet end 28 leaves, the fibrous band 26 passes through The pressing, main and secondary drying and calendering sections of the papermaking machine. While in the secondary drying section of the papermaking machine, the web 26 is exposed to temperatures and / or pressures sufficient to activate the adhesive coating of the security thread, causing it to firmly join the thread in the material. Fibrous laminar, with the security thread continuously exposed on a front or upper surface of the laminar material partially or totally covering the water mark (s) formed, while being hidden from view on a posterior or inferior surface of the sheet material.

The directional alignment of the machine of the safety thread 20 with the water mark (s) formed is achieved using conventional techniques commonly employed in the art. For example, and as best shown in Figure 4, an automatic alignment control system is used for a papermaking machine, which includes the variable speed safety thread advancement device 24, optical sensors 32a , 32b to follow alignment marks on the pressure roller cylinder 30 and the security thread 20, and a coding wheel 34 to control the speed of the paper being formed in the machine.

When the forming band 26 moves through the wet end 28 of the papermaking machine, the alignment marks located on the pressure roller cylinder 30 and on the safety wire 20 are continuously controlled by the optical sensors 32a, 32b, continuously determining / monitoring the position of the safety thread 20 that is introduced through the tube 22 and the feed device 24 and the position of the watermark with respect to an edge of the forming band 26, while the speed of paper formation is controlled by the coding wheel 34. From the position and speed determinations, signals are produced. and the speed and position of the feed device 24 are regulated based on these signals so that the safety thread 20 and the watermark are aligned along the machine direction of the band 26.

In another embodiment of the process of the invention, shown in Figure 5, the security thread 20 coated with adhesive (again oriented so that the security thread and not the adhesive coating is a top layer) is guided through the variable speed advance device 24 and by the optical sensor 32b and then pushed to a surface of the partially consolidated fibrous forming band 26 by the pressure roller 30 at the wet end 28 of the papermaking machine, incorporating the roller of pressure 30 a watermark simultaneously or subsequently to the band 26. It is observed that, by means of this embodiment of the process of the invention, the fiber flows around the security thread, resulting in a density fiber distribution lower with reduced substrate density and stiffness under the wire.

Similar to that indicated above, when the forming band 26 moves through the wet end 28 of the papermaking machine, the alignment marks placed on the pressure roller cylinder 30 and on the security thread 20 are continuously controlled by the optical sensors 32a, 32b, thus continuously determining / controlling the position of the watermark (s) and the position of the thread of

security 20 applied to a surface of the band 26 with respect to an edge of the forming band 26, while the speed of the paper being formed is controlled by the coding wheel 34. From the position and speed determinations, they produce signals, and the speed and position of the advancing device 24 are regulated based on those signals so that the safety thread 20 and the water mark (s) are aligned along machine address 26.

A molding process with cylinders for making a two-layer embodiment of the fibrous sheet material of the present invention is shown in Figure 6. In this process, which employs two paper machines of cylinders 36a, 36b, connected to each other by a collection felt 38, two paper bands 40, 42 are formed simultaneously, compressed together in the area of roller 44 and then introduced seals in the pressing, drying and calendering sections of the papermaking machine. The resulting fibrous sheet material has the same physical characteristics as those indicated above for sheet materials manufactured using a Fourdrinier process. As those skilled in the art will readily appreciate, although Figure 6 shows wet-type cylinder paper machines, dry-type cylinder paper machines can also be used to make the fibrous web of the present invention. .

The two-layer paper web 46, formed by the cylinder paper machines shown in Figure 6, has a security thread coated with embedded adhesive 20 and one or more watermarks formed on a surface thereof, with the thread Safety 20 and the water mark (s) fully visible from this surface. The water mark (s) are formed on the paper web 40 by the forming cylinder 48 and then the security thread 20 is integrated into the paper web by directing the thread through the variable speed advance device 24 and passing the optical sensor 32b and then between the roller 50 and a surface of the paper web leaving the cylinder paper machine 36a. Here, the security thread 20 can be partially or completely placed on the watermark or marks on the surface of the paper web. The paper web 40 with the security thread 20 applied to the surface and the water mark (s) is then directed between the roller 44 and a surface of the second paper web 42 leaving the paper machine of cylinders 36b, where the two paper bands compress each other. The second paper band 42 is homogeneous and serves to hide any irregularities in the formation of paper on a rear or bottom surface of the first paper band 40 that may have been caused by the presence of the thread 20.

As mentioned above, the forming cylinder 48 may be provided with raised and / or lowered areas on its surface, which may overlap all or part of the area contacted by the wire 20 during manufacturing.

As in previous embodiments, the directional alignment of the machine between the security thread 20, the watermark or marks and the paper band 40 is achieved by means of the variable speed safety thread advancement device 24, optical sensors 32a , 32b to follow alignment marks on the forming cylinder 48 and the security thread 20, and a coding wheel 34 for tracking the speed of the paper being formed in the cylinder paper machine 36a.

Upon exiting the calendering section of any of the papermaking machines mentioned above, the fibrous sheet material of the invention can be wound and stored or introduced directly into another machine (for example, a printing machine) for further processing.

In a second exemplary embodiment, the security paper of the invention is a multilayer paper comprising:

a first paper layer having a reduced base weight (for example, between about 10 and about 50 gsm) and includes one or more watermarks, each surface of the first paper layer showing the top or front of the one or more watermarks or the bottom or back of it; and a second paper layer having a reduced base weight (for example, between about 10 and about 50 gsm) and optionally one or more through windows, the second paper layer covering the surface of the first paper layer showing the top or front of the one or more watermarks or the surface showing the bottom or back of the one or more watermarks.

In one of said embodiments, the second paper layer is with windows, the one or more through windows in the second paper layer being aligned with the one or more watermarks. By way of this second exemplary embodiment, the use of two layers of paper and, optionally, one or more overlapping through windows allows a greater contrast between the one or more watermarks and the bottom.

In a third exemplary embodiment, one or more security elements in the form of one or more substances that impart color are contained within the first and / or the second region of the one or more watermarks. The nail

or more substances that impart color include both dyes and pigments (for example, pigments with a

ultrafine particle size). As indicated above, in this embodiment, the security sheet or document does not include one or more security elements as a film or as a sheet. The resulting watermarks have a hue (that is, a combination of colors or range of tones) in a different color or tone from the mass region of the material surrounding the watermarks, which serves to increase their perception and resistance to the simulation.

Watermarks have traditionally been the same color as the paper substrate on which it is supported or inside it. These marks are formed by a localized variation in the thickness of the paper that varies the opacity of the paper, making the watermark visible in transmitted light or in light reflected on a dark background.

A standard or prior art watermark is shown in Figure 7 against the same colored paper substrate. Here, only a marginal contrast between the light and dark areas of the watermark is evident, making the watermark more difficult to detect. By way of comparison, as also shown in Figure 7, the improved watermark of the present invention, which includes one or more substances that impart color in the form of one or more visible (colored) pigments (i.e., blue), has an improved quality in which the contrast between light and dark areas in the watermark is significantly higher. Therefore, public attention is more easily focused on the watermark of the invention that increases the effectiveness of this safety feature.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 8. Here, the watermark of the invention contains a second level safety feature in the form of UV excitable substance in addition to one or more substances that impart color. The watermark of the invention not only shows a marked contrast between the light and dark areas in the transmitted light, but also contains a substance that can be excited by UV radiation, it also demonstrates a tonality of UV response that is difficult to reproduce, which makes watermark realization even more resistant to counterfeiting.

Referring now to Figure 9, in an exemplary embodiment in which the security sheet or document is a security document on paper, the method of the invention for manufacturing the security document involves making a continuous roll of paper with marking. of water 52 in a papermaking machine 54 (figure 9a), watermarks or regions of watermark 56 that are repeated along the paper (figure 9b), each presenting areas of less weight (ie that is to say, first regions) and areas of greater weight (ie, second regions), to provide lighter and darker areas in the watermark regions 56, the procedure comprising:

applying a color solution 58 comprising substances that impart color to the plurality of watermark regions 56 on one side of the continuous paper roll while vacuum is applied to an opposite side of the paper to throw the color solution applied to the paper, wherein the upper grammage areas of the watermark regions 56 contain more substances that impart color while the lower grammage areas contain fewer substances that impart color, thus providing the hue of the watermark regions in one color or shadow different from that of the mass regions of the paper surrounding the plurality of watermark regions that are repeated along their length.

As indicated above, watermarks are formed by well known techniques, for example, in a cylinder mold papermaking machine or a Fourdrinier papermaking machine (using a pressure roller). A variety of types of fiber can be used to make the paper, including synthetic or natural fibers or a mixture of both.

The "color solution" used to impart hue to the watermarks of the present invention comprises the one or more color-imparting substances mentioned above, including both dyes and pigments (eg, ultrafine particle size pigments).

After forming watermarks on the paper machine 54, the color solution 58 is applied locally to the watermark regions 56 of the paper while the paper is still wet and on a forming wire and before any pressing occurs. damp. The color solution can be applied to the continuous roll of watermarked paper 52 using a low volume intermittent shower with nozzles 60 aligned with the watermark regions of the paper. The color solution is introduced into the paper web using one or more vacuum boxes 62. Although two vacuum boxes are shown in Figure 9b, one or more vacuum boxes can be used when practicing the process of the invention.

In a fourth exemplary embodiment, which will be referred to as "transparent" watermark realization, one or more polymers or resinous materials are contained within the first region (s) region (regions) and optionally the (s)

second (s) zone (s) of one or more watermarks. As indicated above, the sheet or security document in this exemplary embodiment does not include one or more film-like or sheet-like security elements. The first and / or the second region in this embodiment may also contain one or more security features selected from the group of areas of higher fiber density in the form of recognizable or discernible marks, one or more substances that impart color and one or more characteristics second level security that are detectable by a machine or readable by a machine, as described above.

The transparent watermark embodiment of the present invention provides an easily recognizable public security feature for first level authentication. The water brand (s) of the invention, which may be a feature on paper, allows authentication for its transmission properties. The inclusion of said translucent or transparent region within a security document (for example, banknote) cannot be replicated with subsequent scanning, image analysis and digital reproduction techniques.

In an exemplary embodiment, the transparent water brand (s) of the invention is obtained as part of the papermaking process during sheet formation in the wet state. For example, a paper web is produced continuously in a Fourdrinier papermaking machine. The paper is deposited from a head box in a wire mesh in continuous motion. Water from the paper is drained through the wire mesh that comes out of a wet fiber mat without water.

The transparent water brand (s) of the invention is formed by first forming paper material from selected areas of the fiber mat with a resulting reduction in fiber density (see Figure 10). ). This can be done using conventional techniques, such as pressure roller technology (or cylinder tank). Selected areas with lower fiber density (i.e. the first regions) have a reduced opacity compared to other areas of the watermarks (i.e. the second regions) and other areas of the fiber mat (i.e. the base sheet), although not transparent. Next, the first and optionally the second region of the watermark (s) are treated with one or more polymers or resinous materials selected for a final refractive index that closely matches the cellulose (eg, curable by UV rays, curable by electronic beam or polymer or heat curable resinous material).

The first and second regions can be treated with the one or more polymers or resinous materials in the papermaking machine, in an off-line web process, such as rewinding or winding, in a dedicated off-line web process before of the cut of the sheet, or in individual sheets.

The one or more polymers or resinous materials, which saturate the paper in the first and optionally in the second region of the water brand (s) (replacing the air of the interstices between the fibers), can optionally (n) applied in a pattern over these areas, and can (n) cure additionally through radiation, thermal / catalytic or oxidation media.

As best shown in Figures 11a, b, the transmission of visible light through the resulting translucent or transparent water mark (s) is now possible. As a result, the printed material seen under the transparent water mark (s) is clearly legible.

The choice of a polymer or resinous material (s) of appropriate module can also allow stamping applications to be made in the translucent or transparent areas, for example, before printing, or during a chalcography printing process.

The transparent water brand (s) of the invention may also include one or more features within its perimeter selected from the group of areas of higher fiber density in the form of recognizable or discernible marks, a or more substances that impart color and one or more second level safety features that are detectable by a machine or readable by a machine, as described above.

These features in the form of, for example, fibers or planchettes can be added by random addition to the papermaking composition, or selectively placed in line at the position of the transparent security element. Additionally, or alternatively, such inclusions could be concentrated in specific transverse direction areas of the paper.

In a fifth exemplary embodiment, the security sheet or document of the invention is a single layer paper comprising:

a layer of paper that includes one or more watermarks; and one or more transparent or translucent areas in the paper layer that surrounds each of the one or more watermarks, thus framing and thus improving the visual perception of the watermark (s).

Such raster areas can be formed in the watermarked paper layer by treating the areas surrounding each watermark with one or more transparent polymers or resinous materials, such as a polymer.

or resinous material UV curable, electronically curable or thermally curable.

5 These raster areas can be treated with the transparent material (s) in the papermaking machine, in an off-line web process such as rewinding or winding, in an out-of-band process of dedicated line before the cutting of the sheet, or in individual sheets.

10 Transparent materials saturate the paper in the applied areas by replacing the air in the interstices between the fibers. This (these) material (s) may be curable (s) or not curable (s). The treated areas of the watermarked paper layer allow the transmission of visible light, framing and improving the visual perception of watermark (s).

Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments.

The claimed invention is defined by the appended claims. twenty

Claims (6)

1. Security sheet or document that has one or more watermarks or improved watermark designs, comprising: a fibrous sheet material that includes one or more watermarks or watermark designs, in which each watermark design has one or more first regions with reduced fiber densities relative to surrounding regions of the fibrous sheet material and one or more second regions with similar or greater fiber densities with respect to surrounding regions of the sheet material, and in which each watermark design has a top or front part and a bottom or back part; Y means for improving the one or more watermarks or watermark designs by making them visually improved, detectable by a machine or readable by a machine, or both, said means comprising one or more safety elements by way of film or by way of of foil covering at least partially the exposed face or the back of the one or more watermark designs, in which the one or more film-like or foil-like safety elements are in the form of a band, strip, streak, thread or patch; and characterized by the fact that the one or more film or sheet-like security elements is one or more micro-optical film materials each comprising an arrangement of microlenses and an arrangement of image micro icons, which they are configured so that, when the arrangement of image icons is seen through the arrangement of microlenses, one or more synthetically enlarged optical images are projected, in which the one or more micro-optical film materials each show images colored on a transparent or dyed background or each one shows color images on a translucent or substantially opaque background of a different color.

2.

Security sheet or document according to claim 1, in which the one or more first regions with reduced fiber densities of the one or more watermark designs have a thickness as low as between 10 and 15 microns and a total area within each watermark design that varies between approximately 5 and approximately 75 percent of the total watermark design area, in which the total area of each watermark design within a bill Bank measuring approximately 10,000 square millimeters varies between approximately 5 and approximately 25%.

3.

Security sheet or document according to claim 1, in which the one or more synthetically enlarged optical images are coordinated or attached to the one or more watermark designs.

Four.

Security sheet or document according to claim 1, wherein (one) one or more micro-optical film materials are made using only infrared transparent materials, wherein the security sheet or document shows an infrared brightness improved, especially when measured in transmission.

5.

Security sheet or document according to claim 1, in which the one or more micro-optical film materials is in the form of a patch or thread covering all or part of the one or more watermarks or designs of watermark, in which one or more watermark designs contain one or more polymers or resinous materials within one or both of the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions thereof, presenting the one or more polymers or resinous materials a combined refractive index or refractive index substantially similar to that of cellulose.

6.

Security sheet or document according to claim 5, in which the one or more first regions and the one or more second regions of the one or more watermark designs also contain one or more features selected from the group that it consists of areas of higher fiber density in the form of recognizable or discernible marks, one or more substances that impart color, and one or more second level safety features that are detectable by a machine or readable by a machine in the form of fibers of Safety reactive to ultraviolet or infrared rays, luminescent, thermochromic, photochromic, electrochromic, metallic or magnetic, markers, planchettes, dyes, pigments.