KR100851093B1 - Counterfeit-resistant, metal-formed images and security devices and security documents employing same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application provides an anti-counterfeiting metal image 14 for use in security certificates such as bank notes. The image 14 of the present invention is extremely difficult (but not impossible) to replicate substantially by metal ink printing, metal foil transfer or hot stamping techniques. A security device 10 utilizing one or more such metal images 14 and a security certificate and / or one or more security devices 10 having at least one metal image 14 located on a surface are at least partially embedded therein or on the surface. Onboard security certificates are also provided.

Metal wire, non-metal wire, metal image, security device, banknote, substrate, pattern.

Description

Counterfeit metal images, security devices and security certificates using them {COUNTERFEIT-RESISTANT, METAL-FORMED IMAGES AND SECURITY DEVICES AND SECURITY DOCUMENTS EMPLOYING SAME}

This invention is an application claiming priority of US Provisional Patent Application 60 / 559,583, filed April 5, 2004.

The present invention relates generally to a metal-formed image for anti-counterfeiting, for use in security documents such as banknotes. Specifically, the present invention relates to metal images which are extremely difficult (but not impossible) forgery using metal ink, metal foil transfer and hot stamping techniques. In addition, the present invention is not only a security device using one or more of the metal images, but also a security certificate or at least one security device having at least one metal image on the surface is at least partially embedded in or provided on the surface. It's about a security certificate.

In banknotes and other expensive instruments, a security thread is widely used as a visual and / or mechanical identification means to verify the authenticity of these instruments. The hidden line, which is generally composed of polyester deposited (metalized) strips measuring between 1.0 and 5.0 mm in width, is chemically etched to form easily recognizable marks in reflected and / or transmitted light. The hidden wire is completely embedded or partially embedded in the certificate. In the case of partially embedded hidden lines, these hidden lines are embedded in the paper during the manufacturing process and are exposed to the surface of the paper alternately at regular intervals. These so-called "windowed" hidden lines are found on banknotes around the world, making them counterfeit targets. Indeed, as is well known in the banknote industry, the forger applied a deposited metal foil to the forged surface to forge a "window shaped" silver wire surface portion.

This metal foil forging technique is to print the intended metal foil pattern on the forged surface using a general laser printer. In general, it is possible to achieve by applying a non-adhesive vapor deposition metal foil having excellent fineness to the pattern, by heating with a heating element such as a household iron. Upon heating, the toner of the laser printer acts as an adhesive and pulls the metal layer from the metal foil carrier substrates along the printed form. As the metal foil peels off the counterfeit surface, the silver metal surface of the metal foil remains attached only to the printing area, thereby replicating simple text and patterns and reflective appearance with typical demetallized silver wire. This counterfeit technique could further improve the ability of commercially available color-variable new films to replicate color-transformed or holographic window-shaped hidden lines.

In addition, at present, counterfeiters are well aware of how to fabricate a hot stamping die according to a required form and stamp the forged certificate with a conventional hot stamp material and method.

The present invention attempts to create counterfeit attempts to duplicate bank notes with a “window shaped” silver wire appearance, using metal ink, metal foil transfer or hot stamping techniques to form a metal image on the banknote that is extremely difficult (but not impossible) to duplicate. To frustrate or neutralize.

In addition, the present invention provides, in addition to a security document having at least one metal image located on a bill surface, an anti-counterfeiting security device using or representing one or more of said metal images, or at least partially embedded within a bill or in a bill form. It is to provide an anti-counterfeiting security device having one or more security devices located in.

More specifically, the present invention is made of a metal comprising at least one pattern of visual forms in the form of lines, dots, swirls or combinations thereof in which metal and non-metal regions are alternately present. As an image, when such metallic images are replicated by metal ink, metal foil transfer or hot stamping techniques, the respective patterned shapes are combined and / or in at least a portion of the metal area where the ink or metal foil forms the pattern of the visual form. It provides a metal image that is lost and obscures or blurs the image replica.

According to a preferred embodiment, the pattern of the visual form is a form of alternating metal and non-metal lines, the width of the non-metal line in the pattern of this form is in the range of about 0.05 to about 0.10 mm, the number of non-metal lines Is about 4 to about 14 per millimeter (ie, the number of lines in the range of about 0.07 to about 0.25 mm).

In addition, the present invention provides an anti-counterfeiting demetallization comprising a carrier substrate having opposing planar surfaces and at least one metal image as described above located on at least one surface of the substrate. It is to provide a secured device.

The present invention further provides a security certificate using at least one metal image and / or at least one anti-counterfeiting demetallized security device as described above.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, and unless stated otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein are to be understood as belonging to the present invention. Has the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of legal conflict, the present specification, together with its definitions, will serve as an adjustment. In addition, the materials, methods, and embodiments described herein are to be understood as illustrative and not restrictive.

Specific features of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings:

1 is an enlarged plan view of a preferred hologram embodiment in which a silver line according to the present invention is shown with engraved intaglio or reversed phase characters of metal lines and non-metal lines when viewed through transmitted light. 1A and 1B are partial enlarged plan views of the security hidden line of FIG. 1, showing in detail the appearance of the hidden line when viewed from different angles through the reflected light.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged plan view of another preferred embodiment when the silver line according to the present invention is seen through transmitted light or reflected light, and a letter with orthogonal parallel pattern and a metal numeral surrounded by a fine non-metallic outline appear.

Figure 3 is a graphical representation of the result of replicating the security hidden line of Figure 1 through a conventional metal foil transfer or hot stamping technique.

Most preferred way of carrying out the invention

The metal image of the present invention is improved in effectiveness without compromising the basic advantages of demetallized security devices (eg, security hidden lines) and security certificates (eg, bank notes). As a result of intensive studies of metal foil transfer and hot stamping techniques as well as metal ink printing techniques, the inventors have identified the shortcomings (ie, dimensional stop points) of these techniques and use this information to effectively balance readability and manufacturing practicality. We have designed demetallized patterns or images with precise resolution that are difficult (but not impossible) to replicate. Indeed, any attempt at copying or duplicating using metal ink, metal foil transfer, or hot stamping may be used to prevent the security device or certificate from appearing to be twisted, missing, or otherwise completely destroyed in copying. Or genuine) and easily forged (via the naked eye).

In addition, the inventors have considered that the metal image of the present invention has the property of effectively acting as an optical reflector in "window shaped" security paper or bank notes. As is known to those skilled in the art, the metal layer can act as an optical reflector in various optical variable devices (OVD and DOVD) and interference filter optics. Thus, in these applications it was considered advantageous to preserve as much metal as possible while having demetallization characteristics.

As noted above, the metallic image of the present invention is one or more visually alternating metal and non-metal regions in which lines, dots, swirls, or combinations thereof can take on patterns such as complex or simple forms. It contains form. The resolution and spacing of each element of this type is chosen such that substantial reproduction is not possible by metal ink, metal foil transfer and hot stamping techniques. More specifically, if a metal image is duplicated by the above techniques, the metal ink or metal foil will lose at least a portion of the metal region that is connected between each distinct element and / or in visual form (s). As a result, at least part of the copied image becomes obscured or blurred.

Examples of metals or metal materials suitable for use in forming anti-counterfeiting images according to the present invention include aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), gold (Au), iron (Fe). ), Nickel (Ni), silver (Ag) or alloys of two or more of these materials. According to a preferred embodiment, the metal or metal material is aluminum.

In the aspect of the anti-counterfeiting image in which the metal line and the non-metal line are alternately present, the width of the non-metal line in the pattern form ranges from about 0.05 to about 0.10 mm (preferably, about 0.06 to about 0.07 mm); The number of non-metallic lines ranges from about 0.07 to 0.25 mm (preferably between about 0.16 and about 0.17 mm).

In one such aspect, the metal image comprises an engraved or reversed phase character (eg, symbols, letters and / or numbers) having one or more patterned forms of alternating metal and non-metallic lines. In this embodiment, the number of non-metal lines (ie, <0.07 mm) that falls below the lower limit of the above-described number of non-metal lines may cause the feature or text area to exhibit gray color similar to the modulation caused by the metal ink. On the other hand, the number of non-metallic lines (i.e.,> 0.25 mm) exceeding the upper limit of the above-mentioned number range indicates that the character or text area is shown and described in conventional engraving text (US Patent 4,943,093 (Melling et al.). To facilitate copying through metal ink and metal foil transfer.

In another such aspect, the metal image comprises an embossed character formed of one or more patterns in which metal lines and non-metal lines are alternately present. In this embodiment, the number of non-metallic lines belonging to less than 0.07 mm causes the character or text area to appear as conventional embossed text (as shown and described in Timothy T. Crane), metal ink and metal foil transfer. It is more easily affected by replication, and the number of non-metallic lines exceeding 0.25mm makes it difficult to visually inspect and read characters or text areas.

In embodiments involving metal points or non-metal points, the diameter of the points present in the pattern ranges from about 0.05 to 0.10 mm, while the density (eg, the number of points per inch) does not touch the points but the metal ink, metal foil transfer And dense together enough to prevent replication by hot stamping techniques.

The anti-counterfeiting image of the present invention may be used alone or in combination with an optical mark present on the surface of any certificate or means for confirmation of banknotes or certification purposes, for example. According to one of these embodiments, an image of the present invention is formed on a release coated transfer film or sheet (typically a deposited metal foil provided on a release coated polyester retaining film) and then from the film or sheet according to conventional transfer techniques. It may also be transferred onto the surface of bank notes or other security certificates. According to another possible embodiment, the image of the present invention is an optical marker (eg, diffraction grating, hologram structure) contained on a release coated transfer film or sheet (typically a holographic metal foil immobilized on a release coated polyester retaining film). The combination formed on and produced is transferred from the film or sheet onto the surface of the security certificate.

The anti-counterfeiting image of the present invention may also be used for banknotes or other security documents after it has been unreleasably or permanently formed on a plastic retaining substrate surface (eg, a security strip or security hidden line).

Referring now to the drawings, specifically, the security device of the present invention, generally denoted by 10, is basically at least one of the object-bearing base 12 and the base 12 having a flat opposing surface. It includes one or more metallic images 14 located on one surface.

The base layer 12 is light transmissive on the order of about 12 to about 26 microns (preferably about 17 to about 21 microns). The base layer 12 is preferably prepared using one or more basically colorless polymers selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate and mixtures thereof. In a more preferred embodiment, the base layer 12 is a polyester film.

In another preferred embodiment, the base layer 12 is colored and / or luminescent, and in another preferred embodiment, the base layer 12 bears an optical marker such as a diffraction grating and / or a hologram structure.

In addition to the foregoing, the base 12 is preferably adhesive for bonding the security device 10 to or inside a security certificate such as paper.

According to one preferred aspect shown in FIG. 1, the security device 10 includes a base layer 12 having a flat opposing surface; At least one metal image (14) located on one surface of the substrate (12); And a holographic embossed pattern (not shown) formed on the opposing surface of the base layer 12 or a security hidden line. The metal image 14 here is an intaglio or inverse character comprising a pattern of alternating metal lines 16 and non-metal lines 18 as seen in transmitted light.

Looking at the security device 10 of this preferred embodiment with reflected light at different angles, two different images will appear as best shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B due to the presence of a holographic relief pattern.

According to another possible aspect (not shown), the security device 10 includes a substrate having a holographic relief pattern formed on one surface and a security strip or security hidden line containing one or more metal images formed on the holographic relief pattern. to be.

2 illustrates another preferred embodiment of the hidden line 10 that does not utilize a hologram embossed pattern. In this embodiment, the metallic image 14 observed in transmitted or reflected light consists of a letter with orthogonal parallel pattern and a metallic number surrounded by fine non-metallic outlines. Security hidden line 10 also shows that there is a series of stops or stops 20 in the metal contained on substrate 12. As described in detail in US Pat. No. 5,486,022, the shape of the metal region formed by such a stop or metal stop provides another means of confirming the authentication of the banknote or other security document containing the silver wire and a means of indicating the banknote. Clarify machine-readable code to be provided.

According to another preferred embodiment (not shown), the image 14 consists of letters and numbers formed in the form of metal dots.

The security device 10 of the present invention may comprise additional layers, coatings or devices, provided that any such additional layers, coatings or devices are visually recognized and / or authenticated for the information conveyed by the metallic image 14. It must not disturb the signal observed by the device. Possible additional layers, coatings or devices include magnetic layers, non-cylindrical lenses that act to magnify the metallic image 14 (in some cases, affecting rotation of the image, parallax shift and / or apparent visual depth). Dimensional arrangement, optically variable device, interference filter optics, outer protective layer, translucent adhesive layer on one or both sides of the device 10 to facilitate incorporation of the device 10 into or on the surface of the security certificate, and eosin, Fluorescent coatings consisting of fluorescein, fluorospa, fuchsin, quinine sulfate, calcium sulfide, neodymium salicylate, samarium gluconate, yttrium salicylate, and the like.

According to a preferred embodiment, the security device 10 uses an outer protective layer. The outer protective layer is a transmissive protective layer that can take the form of a protective film in the range of about 3.0 to about 12.0 microns (preferably about 3.0 to about 6.0 microns) or a printed coating in the range of about 1.0 to about 6.0 microns in thickness. .

More preferably, the protective layer is made of one or more basically colorless polymers selected from the group consisting of polyesters, polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polyethylene terephthalates and mixtures thereof. According to the most preferred embodiment, the protective layer is a laminated polyester film.

According to another more preferred embodiment, the protective layer is colored and / or luminescent, and in yet another more preferred embodiment the protective layer has an adhesive that bonds the security device 10 to or within the paper.

The outer protective layer can be laminated to the metal layer by the light-transmitting adhesive described above.

The security device 10 can be manufactured by conventional techniques. For example, the security hidden line shown in FIG. 1 is:

a) embossing or coating embossed patterns on one surface of a polymer (eg, polyester) film;

b) coating the opposite surface of the polymer film with a metal (eg, aluminum) layer;

c) coating said metal layer with a flame retardant except where non-metal lines 18 (each present in an intaglio or reverse phase character) should be formed; And

d) by applying a chemical to the printed metal layer such that the non-metal line 18 is a transparent area on the opaque reflective metal surface, removing the metal layer except for the point protected by the flame retardant. have.

According to another embodiment, the final hidden line if the metal image 14 contains an embossed character formed in a pattern form (e.g., a line, a dot, a vortex or a combination thereof) in which the metal and non-metal regions are alternately present. The metal layer is coated with a flame retardant so that only the metal layer of the region where the patterned metal region is to be seen is protected.

The flame retardant is preferably applied by a printing method such as flexo printing, rotogravure or silk screening.

As mentioned above, any attempt to duplicate the security device 10 of the present invention with a metal ink, metal foil transfer or hot stamping technique will result in a copy that is easily identified (with the naked eye of the untrained) with the original device. As can be seen in FIG. 3, which depicts an attempt to duplicate the security hidden line of FIG. 1 by metal foil transfer or hot stamping technology, the aesthetics of the silver line are twisted by metal connecting the fine metal lines of the pattern in each letter. You lose. This result is due to the clear loss of transcription of the metal foil.

Preferably, the security certificate according to the present invention is a security paper. The security device 10 of the present application is preferably in the form of a hidden line and is completely or partially embedded in the security paper. In the case of the partially embedded hidden line, portions of the hidden line are exposed on the surface of the sheet at a predetermined distance along the length of the line in the form of a window or a hole in the sheet.

As alluded to above, the security hidden line may be incorporated at least partially into the security paper during manufacture by techniques commonly used in the paper industry. For example, the hidden wire of the present invention may be supplied to a cylindrical mold paper machine, a cylindrical batting device or a similar device of known type to become a hidden wire that is completely or partially embedded in the body of the final security paper.

In addition to the foregoing, the security device 10 of the present invention can be placed on the surface of the security paper during or after manufacture. The mounting of the security device 10 may comprise a method of applying a pressure sensitive adhesive to the surface of the device 10 and pressing the device 10 onto the surface of the paper; And applying a thermally active adhesive to the surface of the device 10, and applying the device 10 to the surface of the paper by thermal transfer techniques.

While various aspects of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that these descriptions are illustrative only and not restrictive. In other words, the breadth and scope of the present invention are not limited by any of the illustrated embodiments.

The present invention described above claims the following scope of rights.

Claims (25)

For a metal-formed image for use on the surface of a security deed, such as a bank note, or on a surface of a carrier substrate used on or within the security deed, the metal image is: (a) an engraved or inverted character defined by a solid metal boundary, consisting of one or more precise resolution visual patterns with alternating metal lines and metal free lines in the character; (b) an embossed character formed of one or more precise resolution visual patterns in which metal and non-metal lines are alternately present; And (c) from the combination, comprises a character selected from the group consisting of; The metallic image is such that, when the image is duplicated by metal ink printing, metal foil transfer, or hot stamping techniques, at least a portion of the metal lines of one or more visual patterns are connected or lost by ink or metal foil to other metal lines. An image of anti-counterfeiting metal, characterized in that it has a portion to be made, or has a portion which is connected to and is lost by ink or metal foil to another metal line. The anti-counterfeiting metal image of claim 1, wherein the non-metallic lines are within about 0.05 to about 0.10 mm in width and the number of lines is in the range of about 4 to about 14 per mm. The anti-counterfeiting metal image of claim 2, wherein the width of the non-metallic lines is within about 0.06 to about 0.07 mm and the number of lines is in the range of about 5 to about 6 per mm. The method of claim 1, wherein in the one or more fine resolution visual patterns of the metallic image, the metal region is one selected from the group consisting of aluminum, chromium, cobalt, copper, gold, iron, nickel, silver, and alloys thereof. An image of anti-counterfeiting metal, characterized in that formed by more than one metal. The anti-counterfeiting metal image according to claim 4, wherein the metal line is formed using aluminum. A substrate having a flat opposing surface; And at least one anti-counterfeiting metal image according to claim 1, positioned on at least one surface of said base layer. 7. The security device of claim 6, wherein the base layer is a light transmissive base formed of one or more basically colorless polymers selected from the group consisting of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof. . 8. A security device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said base layer is a polyester film. 8. A security device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said substrate is a colored object retaining substrate. 8. The security device of claim 7, wherein said base layer is a luminescent substrate. 8. The security device of claim 7, wherein said base layer contains one or more optical indicia. 12. The article of claim 11, further comprising: an object-bearing substrate in the form of a security strip or security hidden line and having a flat opposing surface; At least one anti-counterfeiting metal image located on one surface of the substrate; And a holographic embossed pattern formed on opposite surfaces of said base layer.  12. The device of claim 11, further comprising: an object-bearing substrate in the form of a security strip or security hidden line and having a flat opposing surface; A hologram embossed pattern formed on at least one surface of the base layer; And at least one anti-counterfeiting metal image located on the holographic embossed pattern.  12. The article of claim 11, further comprising: an object-bearing substrate in the form of a security strip or security hidden line and having a flat opposing surface; At least one anti-counterfeiting metal image located on one surface of the substrate; And a two dimensional array of microlenses positioned on opposing surfaces of the substrate.  7. The device of claim 6, further comprising: an object-bearing substrate in the form of a security strip or security hidden line having a length and width and having a flat opposing surface; A plurality of metal regions separated along the length of the strip or hidden line but separated by a non-metal region extending along the entire width of the security strip or hidden line; And at least one anti-counterfeiting metal image located within one or more metal regions and one or more non-metal regions. 7. A security device according to claim 6, further comprising at least one outer protective layer. An object-bearing substrate having a constant width and flat opposing surface, and at least one anti-counterfeiting metal image located on at least one surface of the substrate, wherein the metallic image is one or more precise alternating metal and non-metallic lines. A method of manufacturing a security device comprising a visual fringe of resolution, the method comprising: a) applying a metal layer to one surface of the base layer; b) coating a flame retardant to the metal layer, i. Wherein said at least one anti-counterfeiting metal image comprises an engraved or inverted character defined by a solid metal boundary, said character having at least one precise resolution visual pattern with alternating metal and non-metal lines therein; In this case, a flame retardant is applied to the metal layer except for the one or more fine-resolution visual non-metallic lines and optionally where the stop or metal stop that extends along the width of the base should be formed on the base. Coating, ii. Wherein the at least one anti-counterfeiting metal image comprises an embossed character formed by one or more precise resolution visual patterns in which metal lines and non-metal lines alternate, Coating a flame retardant on the metal layer only in areas where a patterned metal line should be formed on the base layer; And c) applying a chemical to the printed metal layer to remove the metal layer other than the point protected with a flame retardant. A security certificate, wherein at least one anti-counterfeiting metal image according to claim 1 is located on a surface or inside. 19. The security instrument of claim 18, wherein the security certificate has two opposite surfaces, at least one surface having one or more optical markings applied thereon, and at least one anti-counterfeiting metal image formed on the one or more optical markings. Security certificate characterized in that. 20. The security certificate of claim 19, wherein the one or more optical indicia is selected from the group consisting of diffraction gratings, hologram structures, and combinations thereof. 21. The security certificate of claim 20, wherein the one or more optical marks is a holographic metal foil. 19. The device of claim 18, comprising at least one security device at least partially embedded therein or mounted on a surface, wherein the at least one security device is located on a substrate having a flat opposing surface and on at least one surface of the substrate. A security certificate containing one or more anti-counterfeiting metal images. delete delete delete

Images