KR20200096544A - Method for surface application of security devices to paper machine manufacturing halls - Google Patents

Abstract

A sheet material 110 having a security device 112 applied over a paper machine manufacturing or'soft edge' through hole 111 and a method for making such sheet material 110 are provided. By the method of the present invention, the through-hole(s) are formed in the forming fibrous web before being sufficiently compacted, after which a security device is applied onto the fibrous web, preferably the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted to form a fully formed wet bra. When constructing a paper machine, it is applied over the through hole(s) in or near a couch roll or similar tool. Consolidation of the area beneath the device at this stage of papermaking when the security device is applied and the fibers are not displaced thereafter significantly reduces the likelihood that the through hole(s) will be obscured or blocked (unless excluded). In addition, paper produced according to the method of the present invention showed minimal damage at the paper/security device interface when the distribution simulation test was conducted. In addition, the surface-applied security device exhibited an acceptable level of intaglio ink adhesion, and the paper had a large transverse direction (CD) tensile strength and exhibited significantly less seeping on its opposite surfaces.

Description

Method for surface application of security devices to paper machine manufacturing halls

In one aspect, the present invention relates to a sheet material having a through hole in which at least one security device is coupled to the through hole. The sheet material is exemplarily used to form a security document comprising the above-mentioned through hole and a combined security device. In another aspect, the invention also relates generally to a method of making such a sheet material; How to form a secure document; And means for protecting these documents through a combination of a through hole and a security device(s). The through holes described herein include “soft edge” through holes. Accordingly, a further aspect of the invention also includes a method of forming a soft edge through hole in a sheet material, or more specifically, a security document.

Security devices that non-exclusively include various forms of strips, bands, threads, or ribbons have been widely used to protect and aesthetically represent high security and high value documents, and are used visually and for verifying the authenticity of these documents. /Or provide a machine detectable means. Such a security device may be completely or partially embedded within the document, or may be mounted on its surface.

A security device that is at least partially embedded can be applied into a forming fibrous web by introducing the security device into the fibrous web during the wet stage of the paper making process. However, the introduction of the security device into the fibrous web at this stage, although suitable for embedded and partially embedded security devices, has so far been impractical for surface-applied security devices, which is the result of sheet material or documentation. Can be sensitive to reduced durability (eg distribution durability).

During the wet stage introduction of the security device to the forming fibrous web, it has been found that when the security device is pressed into the fibrous web, a portion of the fiber is displaced as the fiber flows around the security device. These include sub-areas (i.e., areas of fibrous webs located under or under the security device) and hinge areas that sufficiently affect the interaction of the security device with the fibrous web or the resulting sheet material or the substrate of the document. ) (Area of the fibrous web located next to the edge or side of the security device) resulting in a displacement of a certain amount of fibers. The resulting concentration of fibers in the lower region and the hinge region is at least lower than the concentration of fibers in the neighboring bulk region(s). This results in weak linking interactions at the interface of the security device and the sheet material or substrate of the document, and particularly weak linking interactions at the interfacial surface and/or edges of the security device. During the use or distribution of the resulting document, these weak areas create ruptures in the sheet material or document along the interfacial edge between the security device and the substrate, or create a hinge effect (i.e., separate areas between the interfacial edges). Generate. Also, documents tend to be backside; That is, the applicable security device, when applied on one side of the fibrous web, will create a shading effect that can be observed from the opposite side of the fibrous web, any resulting fibrous sheet material or any resulting document. This often requires the use of a back cover coating to solve this problem. It has also been observed that this resulting sheet material or document exhibits a decrease in crossdirection (CD) tensile strength.

One alternative for obtaining a surface-applied security device is to apply the security device to the surface of a fully formed fibrous substrate. However, application to a fully formed fibrous substrate entails other practical limitations. For example, this limits the thickness range of security devices that can be used. Generally, surface application is limited to very thin security devices of less than 15 microns (μm). Thicker security devices are generally at least partially excluded from this application, since the resulting caliper differential on the resulting sheet material affects downstream processing. As used herein, the term “caliper car” refers to the difference in height measured from the top surface of the security device and the top surface of the bulk area of the fibrous sheet material. These caliper differences can be negative or positive. For example, if the top surface of the security device lies below the level of the top surface of the bulk area of the sheet material, the caliper difference will be negative. Conversely, if the top surface of the security device is located above the level of the top surface of the bulk area of the sheet material, the caliper difference will be negative. Alternatively, a caliper difference of zero indicates that the top surface of the security device is flushed to the top surface of the bulk area. Downstream processes such as winding, sheeting, lamination, cutting and processes via ATM are time and cost related due to the caliper difference created by the thick security devices introduced in the dry stage of the paper manufacturing process or in the post-coating process. Is affected. Importantly, laminates produced in this way cannot be pressed or printed.

In view of the foregoing, there is still a need for an improved sheet material having a surface-applied security device regardless of thickness and an improved process capable of producing such sheet material. In addition, security documents with additional authenticity features that can verify the authenticity of documents must be continuously provided to prevent unauthorized duplication.

The present invention addresses at least one of the above needs by providing a method for surface application of a security device to a sheet material, a security document, and a fibrous sheet material or document by introducing a security device to the forming fibrous web during the wet stage of paper manufacturing. do. In one embodiment, the security device is applied over one or more'soft edge' through holes formed in the fibrous web. The security device in this embodiment is made of a structural film and has a thickness of about 10 microns or more, thus providing the device with sufficient durability over the through hole(s). The term "'soft edge' through hole" as used herein refers to a through hole created during paper manufacture through which fibers in the sheet material extend into an opening surrounded by the through hole. The opening of the through hole extends from one side or surface of the web to the opposite side or surface and exhibits distinct irregularities in the edge region. The distinct irregularities arise from the lack of sharp cut edges and include irregular accumulation of fibers in the edge region and/or fibers extending into the openings. When such through openings often change and have distinct irregularities that are difficult to reproduce, these openings function as authentic features with high security value. The method of the present invention comprises introducing a security device on or within the forming fibrous web over one or more'soft edge' through holes optionally formed therein during the wet stage of the paper making process in which the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted. . In one embodiment, the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted when the fibrous web has a water or moisture content of less than 98% by weight based on the total weight of the fibrous web. Preferably, the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted when the fibrous web is on or near a couch roll of a paper machine or on a similar tool.

The invention also provides a resulting document comprising a fibrous sheet material and a fibrous sheet material produced by the method described above. In a first embodiment, the fibrous sheet material is disposed on opposite surfaces, at least one depression in one surface thereof, a fibrous subregion which is a three-dimensional volume disposed below or below the depression, and next to the depression and the subregion. A fibrous bulk region that is also three-dimensional volume; A surface-coated security device disposed in the depression; And an interface between the surface-applied security device and the bulk and sub-regions of the sheet material; The fibers within the fibrous subregion and within the fibrous bulk region are present in substantially equal amounts. The fibrous sub-region extends transversely or laterally with the surface-applied security device. That is, the three-dimensional sub-region occupies the volume of the fibrous sheet material located under the security device. The fibrous bulk region is disposed next to the depressions and subregions and occupies the remaining volume of the fibrous sheet material.

Confirmation that substantially equal amounts of fibers are present in both the sub-region and bulk region of the sheet material is the mass (weight) of the three-dimensional region of the sheet material under the security device (after the security device has been removed (e.g., Figure 11 In the area defined by the width (A), height (a) and depth dimensions (not shown)) of the sheet material adjacent to the security device having an equal width (i.e., the same width as the width of the security device). This is achieved by comparing the mass (weight) of the dimensional area (see, for example, the area defined by the width (B), height (b) and depth dimensions (not shown) in Fig. 11). The sheet under the security device In the example described below where the through hole is present in the area of the material, first the mass (weight) of this area is compared to the mass (weight) of the bulk area before comparing the mass (weight) of this area (sub area) It is adjusted by adding the mass (weight) of the area currently occupied by the through hole again.

In a second embodiment or aspect of the invention, the fibrous sheet material has an opposing surface and one or more paper machine-made or'soft edge' through holes. A surface-coated security device is applied over the through hole(s), and the shape and size thereof may be substantially the same as or different from the through hole(s). For example, the surface-applied security device may be shaped differently or larger than the through hole, or may be shaped similar to the through hole and only slightly larger. In both cases, the fibrous sheet material and documents formed therefrom are similar to those described above, except that the through hole(s) extend from the depression through the opposite surface of the fibrous sheet material. Accordingly, the fibrous sub-region having a three-dimensional volume is disposed below or below the region of the depression bordering the through hole and extends transversely therefrom to the outer periphery of the surface-coated security device. In other words, as mentioned above, the fibrous sub-region will occupy the space below the space occupied by the surface-applied security device.

Surprisingly, it has been discovered that surface-applied security devices can be introduced during wet stages in which fibrous webs are sufficiently compacted, such as, for example, fully formed wet webs. By introducing the security device in this wet stage of the paper making process, the security device can be sufficiently pressed into the fibrous web, thereby further consolidating the fibers in the sub-region without displacing the fibers in the sub-region. This, in turn, helps to provide an increased interconnected interaction between the fiber and the surface applied security device. As a result, at least one of durability, ink adhesion, transverse direction (CD) tensile strength, and backside seepage is improved. This surprising advantage eliminates the need for an additional processing step for improving ink adhesion, improving tensile strength, or concealing backside seeping. In addition, since the security device is introduced during the wet stage in which the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted, it is possible to press the security device into the fibrous web, thereby making it possible to use a thicker security device, which will substantially reduce the caliper difference. Because it can. Thereby, the resulting caliper difference has little effect on the downstream process.

By the method provided herein, Applicants have also surprisingly discovered that a surface-applied security device can be applied in register with a fibrous web, fibrous sheet material, or at least one other feature in the resulting document. In the second aspect of the present invention, the surface-applied security device is applied in conformity with the through hole(s). As will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, applying a security device to the fibrous web in accordance with another feature greatly increases the falsification resistance of the resulting sheet material or document. Further, since the security device is introduced during the wet stage of the fibrous web manufacturing process, registration can be adjusted during the paper manufacturing process. Thus, it is possible to avoid additional processing steps that may be required to correct misalignment of the security device and other features. Introducing the security device in a continuous manner also eliminates the need for a carrier substrate, since the security device can be cut/punched and introduced into the fibrous web with a single introduction device. As used herein, the term “introduction device” refers to a device used to cut/puncture a security device and also to introduce it into a fibrous web during the wet stage. Suitable introduction devices are further described herein.

Those skilled in the art will be able to distinguish other features and advantages of the present invention by the following detailed description and drawings. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill 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, the present specification, including definitions, will control. Also, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. In addition, all ranges expressly recited herein are also implicitly inclusive of all subranges.

The present disclosure may be better understood when referring to the following drawings. Elements of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and instead emphasized when clearly describing the principles of the present disclosure. Although exemplary embodiments have been disclosed in connection with the drawings, it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the embodiments or embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, it will include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents.
Particular features of the disclosed invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings:
1 is a cross-sectional side view of a fibrous sheet material produced by introducing a security device into a fibrous web during a wet stage of paper making in which the fibrous web is not sufficiently compacted.
Figure 2 is a cross-section of a fibrous sheet material produced by introducing a security device onto a fibrous web during or after the dry stage of paper production when the moisture content is too low to compress the security device into the substrate to further consolidate the fibers. Area side view.
3 is a cross-sectional view showing an exemplary embodiment of a fibrous sheet material of the present invention with a surface-applied security device thereof when the security device is introduced onto or into the fibrous web when it is sufficiently compacted. Area side view.
4 is a schematic diagram of a paper machine paper machine in which a security device in the form of a continuous web is introduced into a forming fibrous web on a wire, after a wet line and before a couch roll.
5 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a document according to the present invention, to which a plurality of discontinuous surface-applied security devices (patches and strips) have been applied.
6 is a top plan view of another exemplary embodiment of a document in accordance with the present invention having a plurality of discontinuous surface-applied security devices (patches) applied in conformance with other features in the document, such as a watermark.
Fig. 7A shows the introduction of a security device into the forming fibrous web during the wet stage of paper manufacturing when the fibrous web is not sufficiently compacted after carrying out one (1) cycle through the distribution simulation test on the fibrous sheet material or document. Is a plan view of the front side of a fibrous sheet material or document, produced by.
Fig. 7b shows, after running one (1) cycle through distribution simulation tests and shows on a fibrous sheet material or document, forming a security device during the wet stage of paper manufacturing when the fibrous web is not sufficiently compacted. A plan view of the back side of a fibrous sheet material or document, created by introducing it into the web.
Fig. 8A is by introducing a security device into the forming fibrous web during the wet stage of paper manufacturing when the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted after performing one (1) cycle through the distribution simulation test on the fibrous sheet material or document. A plan view of the front side of an exemplary embodiment of the resulting fibrous sheet material or document according to the present invention.
Figure 8b is created by introducing a security device into the fibrous web during the wet stage of paper manufacturing when the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted after performing one (1) cycle through the distribution simulation test on the fibrous sheet material or document. Is a top view of the back side of an exemplary embodiment of a fibrous sheet material or document according to the present invention.
Figure 9a shows the introduction of a security device into the forming fibrous web during the wet stage of paper manufacturing when the fibrous web is not sufficiently compacted after performing three (3) cycles through distribution simulation tests on the fibrous sheet material or document. Is a plan view of the front side of a fibrous sheet material or document, produced by.
Figure 9b shows the introduction of a security device into the forming fibrous web during the wet stage of paper manufacturing when the fibrous web is not sufficiently compacted after performing three (3) cycles through distribution simulation tests on the fibrous sheet material or document. It is a plan view of the back side of a fibrous sheet material or document, produced by.
Figure 10a is created by introducing a security device into the fibrous web during the wet stage of paper manufacturing when the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted after three (3) cycles through distribution simulation tests on a fibrous sheet material or document. Is a plan view of the front side of an exemplary embodiment of a fibrous sheet material or document according to the present invention.
Figure 10b is created by introducing a security device into the fibrous web during the wet stage of paper manufacturing when the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted after three (3) cycles through distribution simulation tests on the fibrous sheet material or document. Is a top view of the back side of an exemplary embodiment of a fibrous sheet material or document according to the present invention.
11 is a cross-sectional side view of another exemplary embodiment of a fibrous sheet material of the present invention (second aspect) manufactured by manufacturing a fibrous web and paper machine having opposing surfaces or by introducing a security device into a'soft edge' through hole . When the fiber web is sufficiently compacted, a security device is introduced into or on the fiber web.
Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram of a sheet machine paper machine, in which through holes are introduced into the formed fibrous web using patterned forming wires and then a security device in the form of a continuous web is introduced into the fibrous web after the wet line and before the couch roll. It is a drawing. The patterned forming wire is shown in Fig. 12A before the paper stock is discharged from the head box with the forming wire and the same forming wire is shown in Fig. 12B after the paper stock has been discharged onto the wire.

The invention may be further understood by the following detailed description provided as a description of certain exemplary embodiments of the claimed invention.

By the method of the present invention, a fibrous sheet material comprising a surface-coated security device is provided. In a first aspect of the invention, a method for surface coating a security device to a fibrous sheet material is provided. The method includes introducing a security device into or onto a fibrous web during paper manufacture. In a second aspect, the method comprises forming one or more'soft edge' through holes in the fibrous web during paper manufacture before the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted, followed by the one or more'soft edge' through holes if the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted. Introducing a security device into or on the fibrous web. By forming the through-holes during paper manufacture, the through-holes are thus provided with distinct edge irregularities that serve as authentic features with high security value. Further, by introducing a security device during the paper making process, known processing steps are not interrupted and additional processing steps are eliminated. Further, by introducing the security device during the wet stage of the paper manufacturing process, a thicker security device can be applied thereby than the security device that may be applied during the dry stage of the paper manufacturing process.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises consolidating the fibers within the subregion. In order to further compact the fibers within the subregions, a surface-applied security device is pressed into a sufficiently compacted (uniformly or non-uniformly) fibrous web. The fibers are densified in this area, and thus the volume of the sub-area is reduced, but a certain amount of fiber in this area is not displaced; At least it is not displaced by any significant amount. The fact that the fiber is not displaced in this area is greatly reduced unless the possibility of obscuring or clogging the through hole(s) is eliminated when the fiber is further consolidated in this area.

As used herein, the term “sufficiently compacted” will be understood by one of skill in the art to mean that the fibrous web is in a fully formed wet web state in connection with the present disclosure. In this wet web stage, the fibrous web contains less than 98% water and/or moisture. Thus, the fibrous web comprises more than 2% fibers and/or pulp. In another embodiment, the fibrous web comprises less than 95% water and/or moisture and the remaining 5% of the components are fibers and/or pulp. In a more preferred embodiment, the water and/or moisture in the fibrous web is between about 60% and less than 98%, or between about 60% and about 95%. Applicants have found that when a security device is introduced, a water and/or moisture content of more than 98% results in the displacement of the fibers. Significant displacement of the fibers, particularly within the subregions of the substrate, results in weak interactions between the fibers in the substrate and the security device. In particular, the displacement of the fibers reduces the durability and strength of the substrate and reduces the hiding effect provided within the sub-region and within the hinge region. As can be noted herein, this weak interaction, particularly at the interfacial edge of the security device, leads to the aforementioned problems. Thus, in the case where the fibrous web has less than 60% water and/or moisture, introducing a security device during the paper making process creates a depression in the security device to accommodate the thick security device while still maintaining a small caliper car. It was also found that it does not allow enough. Also, at less than 60% water and/or moisture, the fibers in the sub-regions are not further consolidating enough to fix the fibers near the interfacial edge of the security device. As used herein, the term "depressed formation" refers to a fibrous sheet material such that at least a portion of the height of the security device is depressed below the surface height of the bulk area while the top or top surface area of the security device is still exposed. Refers to pressing a security device into a fibrous web to form a relief/depression in the substrate surface.

As mentioned above, the wet stage can be adjusted at several positions along the paper making machine, and the present invention takes into account all of these possibilities. However, in a preferred embodiment, the security device constitutes a wet web in which the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted or fully formed, for example on or near a couch roll or similar tool of a paper machine (i.e., a total of fibrous webs). By weight, less than 98% by weight of the fibrous web, preferably from about 60% to less than 98% by weight of the fibrous web; or more preferably from about 60% to about 95% by weight of the fibrous web; or fibrous web The security device is applied into or onto the forming fibrous web during the wet stage of the paper making process, such as when having a moisture or water level of from about 60% to about 90% by weight. No further process adjustments are required to allow the integration of the security device into the depression at this location. For example, to minimize the burden on the dryer section of the machine, a suction box is typically placed just before the couch roll to remove as much moisture as possible before the web leaves the wet part of the machine. Similarly, when leaving the cylinder portion of the cylinder paper machine (and after the couch roll), preferably the fibrous web has from about 75% to about 95% water and/or moisture and from about 5% to about 25% pulp or fibers. Will consist of

While several stages of paper making on a paper machine are believed to provide sufficient consolidation of the fibrous web (as defined herein), in a preferred embodiment, a stage of paper making in which a security device is introduced into the fibrous web. It is placed immediately after the wet line and before the couch roll. This is the point where there is no longer clear surface water on the upper side of the fibrous web. In an alternative embodiment, the security device is introduced into the fibrous web on or before the vacuum box in the wetted part, which advantageously aids in setting the device into the web. Preferably, the security device is disposed directly on the side of the fibrous web through a transfer wheel, roller or contacting shoe.

In one embodiment, as the fibrous web proceeds to the dry part of the paper machine consisting of both a press section and a dryer section when moved through or further past the couch roll, the fibrous web is completely formed with a surface-applied security device. It becomes the state of the web.

In the pressing section of both types of paper machines, water and/or moisture is removed by compressing the wet paper between rollers and felts to reduce the water and/or moisture content to the desired level. Surprisingly, Applicants believe that, due to compression of a fully formed wet web having a surface-applied security device, the fibers in the sub-region (i.e., the region of the fibrous web under or under the introduced security device) are densified instead of being displaced. , It was found to be further consolidated. As a result, the strength properties of the resulting fibrous sheet material or the resulting document are improved, as well as the back side opacity that provides concealment of the security device to reduce see-through.

The security device of the present invention may have various thicknesses. However, it has been found that the process of the present invention advantageously allows surface application of a security device located at the end of the thicker side of the thickness range. In one embodiment, the security device has a thickness of up to 100 microns (μm). In another embodiment, the security device has a thickness in the range of 5 to 75 μm or more preferably 10 to 50 μm. The width of the security device is limited only by the width of the fibrous sheet material. In a preferred embodiment, the width is 0.25 to 20 millimeters (mm); More preferably, it has a range of 0.5 to 15 mm.

By introducing security devices during the wet stage of paper making, these security devices can be compressed into fibrous webs to create depressions in the surface of the resulting fibrous sheet material. The resulting fibrous sheet material includes a surface-applied security device, which security device has a caliper difference that does not result in the aforementioned disadvantages. In one embodiment, the caliper difference is expressed in terms of the thickness of the security device. In this embodiment, the absolute value of the caliper difference ranges from 0% to about 80% of the thickness of the security device, preferably less than 10% of the thickness of the security device.

In one embodiment, the caliper difference ranges from -10 to about 50 μm. More preferably, the caliper difference is -5 to 30㎛; Or 0 to 25 μm.

In certain embodiments, the device is thick enough such that pressing the security device into the fibrous wet web results in a negative caliper difference (i.e., the thickness or height of the security device is less than the thickness or height of the bulk area). In this embodiment, the caliper difference is best characterized by reference to the absolute value of the caliper difference to the thickness of the security device. For example, in one embodiment, the thickness of the security device is less than 25 μm, and thus, when the security device is squeezed into a fibrous web, the absolute value of the caliper difference of the surface-applied security device is zero of the thickness of the security device. % To about 50%; More preferably 0% to about 30%; Even more preferably in the range of about 0% to about 10%. In one other embodiment, the thickness of the security device is again less than 25 μm, so that the additional consolidation of the sub-regions by pressing the security device into the fibrous web is -10 to 15 μm; It produces a caliper difference preferably in the range of -5 to 10 μm.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, the thickness of the security device is greater than 25 μm, so that the further consolidation of the sub-regions by pressing the security device into the fibrous web is -10 to 50 μm; It produces a caliper difference preferably in the range of -5 to 25 μm or 0 to 15 μm. In one other embodiment where the security device also has a thickness greater than 25 μm, the absolute value of the caliper difference to the thickness of the security device ranges from 0% to about 50%. Preferably, the absolute value of the caliper difference ranges from 0% to about 20% of the thickness of the security device.

One of skill in the art would apply a “couch roll” on a sheet paper machine, placed where the paper web leaves the wire (i.e., wet portion or paper forming section) and where the wire returns to the breast roll. It may be understood as a guide or diverting roll for the wire torch. The couch roll serves the same purpose on a cylinder paper machine in which the wire part of the paper machine is replaced by a part of the cylinder. Specifically, when the web leaves the cylinder portion and moves toward the couch roll, the couch roll guides and turns the web.

Although it is also contemplated that the entire fibrous web has a uniform consistency with respect to water and/or moisture content and fiber content, it is also within the scope of the present invention that the fibrous web is unevenly and sufficiently compacted. For example, in one embodiment, the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted only at or along the point of introduction. As used herein, “point of introduction” refers to the area in or along the fibrous web where the security device is at least partially covered. In another embodiment, the fibrous web is only partially compacted sufficiently or sufficiently compacted in a gradient or matrix pattern so that at the point of introduction, the fibers are not sufficiently dispersed to cause the aforementioned disadvantages. A sufficiently compact gradient or matrix pattern can be provided, for example, by selectively applying a vacuum at a location along the forming fibrous web. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the moisture content is removed in a gradient or matrix pattern by applying a source of radiation (ie, heat) to remove top surface water at selected locations along the forming fibrous web.

Incorporating the security device into the fibrous web forms an interface between the security device and the base fibrous web, the resulting fibrous sheet material, or the resulting document. As used herein, the term “interface” may be formed by direct or indirect contact between a security device and a substrate. When the interface is direct, the security device is in direct contact with the fibers in the substrate. However, it is contemplated that the security device forms an indirect interface with the substrate along some or all of the lower and side surfaces. For example, the interface may comprise a different material between the security device and the substrate. Several materials are contemplated, but additional fibrous or polymeric materials, e.g. monocomponent and/or multicomponent fibers obtained from natural sources such as plant sources, or drawn from polymer melt compositions, or otherwise obtained, alone or in combination. Is particularly suitable. In addition, in forming an indirect interface, an adhesive material is preferred. An activatable adhesive can be used to secure or bond the security device onto or within the recessed surface of the fibrous web. Suitable adhesives are not limited and include, but are not limited to, water, heat, and/or pressure activated adhesives that are activated in the dryer section of the paper machine where the temperature reaches 100°C to 160°C. Such coatings may be applied in the form of solvent-based polymer solutions or aqueous solutions or dispersions. Suitable dispersions are 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. It is selected from the group of vinyl alcohol resin dispersions, polyester resin dispersions, and mixtures thereof. When moved through the couch roll, a fully formed wet web with a surface-applied security device is advanced to the dry part of the paper machine, which dry part consists of both a press section and a dryer section. The adhesive may alternatively form part of the security device, in this embodiment, from 5 to about 50 μm; It preferably has a thickness in the range of 5 to about 20 μm.

Security devices suitable for the present invention include those commonly used in the art by those skilled in the art to provide security against theft or counterfeiting. In a second aspect of the present invention, the security device is preferably formed of a structural film (e.g., a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film) and has a caliper or thickness of about 10-15 microns or more, which means that the through hole(s) Provides the device with sufficient durability so that it spans. The term “structural film” as used herein is intended to mean a film having structural integrity that is an integral part of the construction of a security device, for example, not a transfer foil or a removable carrier film commonly used on the transfer foil itself. The security device may alternatively or additionally be one suitable for applying aesthetic properties to the substrate. Appropriate security devices may display human-recognizable information either directly or with the aid of the device, or may additionally or alternatively display information that can be recognized by a machine. The security device may include one or more of the following features: demetallized or selectively metallized, magnetic, combined magnetic and metallic, or embossed areas or layers, color shift, angle. Iridescent, liquid crystal, color-changing coatings made of photochromic and/or thermochromic materials, coatings of luminescent and/or magnetic materials, holographic and/or diffractive security features, and micro-optics Security features. In a preferred embodiment, a security device provides security so that a secure document or a high value document can be easily authenticated. In one embodiment, the security device comprises an array of focusing elements and an array of image icons, the array of focusing elements and the array of image icons arranged such that one or more composite images are projected by the security device. The focusing element used in the present invention serves to emphasize, magnify, illuminate or highlight small points in the image icon array, and includes, but is not limited to, lenticular lenses and non-cylindrical lenses (i.e., micro lenses). Does not. The synthetic imaging mentioned above is a form of integral imaging because the image recognized by the viewer is synthesized from hundreds or thousands of individual image fragments that are magnified by a lens (e.g., a micro lens) and projected toward the viewer's eye.

In an exemplary embodiment, the security device is a micro lens-based security device. Such devices generally comprise (a) a light-transmitting polymeric substrate, (b) an array of micro-sized image icons positioned on or within a polymeric substrate, and (c) a focusing element (e.g., microlens). Includes an array. The image icon array and the focusing element array are configured such that when the array of image icons is viewed through the array of focusing elements, one or more composite images are projected. These projected images can show a large number of different optical effects. The material composition capable of providing such an effect is U.S. Patent No. 7,333,268 to Steenblik et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,468,842 to Steenblik et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,738,175 to Steenblik et al., U.S. Patent No. 7,830,627 to Commander et al. Patent No. 8,149,511; US Patent No. 8,878,844 to Kaule et al.; US Patent No. 8,786,521 to Kaule et al.; European Patent No. 2162294 to Kaule et al.; And in Kaule's European Patent Application No. 08759342.2 (or European Publication No. 2164713). Such references are incorporated herein in their entirety.

In a preferred embodiment, the surface-coated security device by the method of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the MOTION™ micro-optical security device, RAPID™ micro-optical security device, holographic, as described in, for example, US Pat. No. 7,333,268. Security devices (eg, metallized holographic devices). Such a device is available from Crane Currency US, LLC of Massachusetts, USA. Other suitable, non-limiting devices include optically variable devices (OVDs) such as the KINEGRAM™ optical data carrier, and color transfer security devices.

Although the security device can be provided in various forms for introduction into fibrous webs, it has been found that it is most advantageous to provide the security device in the form of a continuous web. It has been discovered that by providing the security device in the form of a continuous web, the security device can be introduced into the fibrous web in a continuous manner. Subsequently, the continuous web is fragmented or divided into a plurality of discontinuous security devices. Fragmenting a continuous web into a discontinuous security device can be accomplished by various cutting and/or punching methods. In a preferred embodiment, the method is a process of in-line application of a plurality of discrete security devices to the fibrous web during manufacture on a paper machine without using a carrier membrane. This method includes providing a security device in the form of a continuous web; Cutting or punching the continuous web in a continuous manner to form a discontinuous security device each having a desired shape and size; And then applying the discontinuous security device onto the fibrous web in a continuous manner during paper manufacture.

It will be conceived herein that additional security devices can be applied to the fibrous sheet material by surface application, partial embedding or total embedding. For example, in one embodiment, an additional security device is applied to the surface of the fibrous sheet material. The additional device may be introduced into the fibrous web before the surface-applied security device is introduced, or may be applied after the surface-applied security device is introduced. The additional security device may be different or similar to the surface applied security device. For example, in one embodiment, when one of the discontinuous security devices has a thickness of 25 μm or less, the moisture content is less than 60%; It is contemplated to incorporate such a security device into the fibrous web when preferably in the range of about 90% to 0% by weight. For example, when a fibrous web is moved through a paper machine between a first dryer section and a size press and is optionally rewet to increase the water and/or moisture content from about 4% to about 7%, the security device is fibrous. It is introduced into the web.

Security devices can have various sizes, shapes, or colors. For example, it is contemplated that the security device has a non-limiting form of a strip, band, thread, ribbon, or patch, in the form of a discontinuous security device. Such devices may have an overall width of about 2 to about 25 millimeters (mm) (preferably about 6 to about 12 mm), and an overall thickness of about 10 to about 50 microns (preferably about 20 to about 40 microns). have. In a preferred embodiment, the security device is a strip or patch. As used herein, a “band” refers to a security device having a longitudinal length dimension that is substantially longer than a transverse width dimension. In contrast, "patches" can have substantially the same longitudinal and transverse lengths, and can have a uniform shape or various non-uniform shapes. Various shapes and sizes of bands and patches are contemplated herein. However, although the strip or patch may extend to the edge of the fibrous sheet material or the resulting document, in a preferred embodiment, the strip or patch is located within the periphery of the fibrous sheet material or document and does not extend to the edge of the sheet material or document. Does not.

As noted, security devices of various sizes are believed to be suitable for the method and fibrous sheet material of the present invention. In one embodiment, the size is an overall length of about 5 to about 75 millimeters (mm), preferably about 15 mm to about 40 mm; And an overall width of about 2 mm to about 50 mm, preferably about 6 mm to about 25 mm; And a total thickness of about 10 to about 50 microns, preferably about 15 microns to about 40 microns. All ranges noted herein are inclusive of all subranges, including integers and fractions. As noted, in the second aspect of the present invention, the security device is preferably formed of a structural film (e.g., a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film) and has a caliper or thickness of about 10-15 microns or more, which It provides the device with sufficient durability to span the through hole(s).

As noted, various shapes; For example, patches, strips, or threads, geometric shapes such as star shapes, parallelograms, polygons (e.g. hexagons, octagons, etc.) shapes, numbers, letters and various symbols are also considered for security devices. do. Simple and complex non-geometric patterns are also considered suitable. These shapes and patterns can be cut in a rotary die process.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, a security device is introduced into the forming fibrous web such that the security device mate with at least one other feature on or within a fibrous web, fibrous sheet material, or substrate of the resulting document. In certain embodiments, a security device is introduced such that a particular feature in the security device matches the fibrous web, the resulting fibrous sheet material, or other features in the document. At least one other feature can be changed as needed in connection with the application. For example, the at least one other feature is a non-needle pattern, a printed image, a relief structure, another security device, or a feature of the paper itself. In a second embodiment of the invention, a security device is introduced such that the security device is preferably mated with one or more'soft edge' through holes. In the introduction of a security device into a fibrous web so as to be matched, an equipment or system (herein introduced, the security device first provided in the form of a continuous web) can be used to cut/puncture the continuous web into a discontinuous security device. (Referred to as a device). It is possible to use a separate device for cutting the security device and then apply it to the fibrous web, but the system used to form a discontinuous security device is also used to apply the security device in or on the fibrous web. desirable. In a single device, it is possible to apply the security device more precisely to match, as this requires less moving parts.

In a preferred embodiment in which the continuous web is cut into a discontinuous security device and then the discontinuous security device is introduced onto or into the fibrous web by the same introduction device, misaligned (at least one other feature and misalignment). It is also contemplated that the arrangement of the security device can be adjusted by the introduction device so that the security device can be matched in a continuous manner. By using a single introduction device for cutting, dispensing, and registration adjustments in the paper manufacturing process site, additional processing to adjust the batch becomes unnecessary. For example, matched application and adjustment during the paper manufacturing process eliminates the need to secondaryly process the resulting sheet material or document prior to printing.

Suitable introduction devices will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present disclosure. However, in a preferred embodiment, the introduction device is a system that uses an optical sensor or fiber density sensor that verifies registration between the security device and the fibrous web, fibrous material, or at least one other feature in the resulting document. The placement of the security device is adjusted using the introduction device, taking into account the identified or calculated position of the security device or the relative positions of the security device and at least one other feature. To make this adjustment, the introductory device is equipped with a variable speed advancing device (e.g., an electric servo mechanism having a servo drive) that controls the tension of the continuous web so that the discontinuous security device can be matched and applied as desired. Use. Thereby, the entry point of the security device is continuously adjusted by adjusting the tension on the continuous web. Alternatively, the introduction device may be a rotary die cutting and conveying device, such as used in the label industry for registration application of labels.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for forming one or more'soft edge' through holes in the forming fibrous web and thereafter for surface application of a security device over the through hole(s). In this second aspect, the method forms one or more'soft edge' through holes in the forming fibrous web during paper manufacture, followed by one or more'soft edge' through holes if the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted (uniformly or non-uniformly) thereafter. And introducing a security device into or on the fibrous web over.

While the second aspect of the invention is described as being positioned over the through hole(s), the security device and through hole(s) may be registered in different ways or not registered at all. For example, the security device and the through hole(s) can be registered in a parallel configuration with the security device located next to the through hole(s) on/in the fibrous web.

In one embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method further comprises consolidating the fibers within a subregion of the fibrous sheet material. In order to further compact the fibers within the subregion, a surface-applied security device is pressed into a sufficiently compact fibrous web. The fibers are densified within this area (enclosing the through hole(s)), so that the volume of the sub-area is reduced, but a certain amount of fiber in this area is not displaced; At least it is not displaced by any significant amount. As noted, the fact that the fiber is not displaced in this area is greatly reduced unless the possibility of obscuring or clogging the through hole(s) is eliminated when the fiber is further consolidated in this area.

The through hole(s) are created during the wet web stage of paper making before the forming fibrous web is "sufficiently consolidated". In other words, the fibrous web is not in a fully formed wet web state. Thus, the fibrous web comprises a water and/or moisture content of greater than 98% by weight of the fibrous web. In order to enable this production through the opening, the screen of the boil machine must be provided with at least one water impermeable element, which prevents sheet formation in this area. The papermaking screen may be a continuous moving forming wire of a cylinder of a paper machine boiling machine or a cylinder mold paper machine.

The through hole may adopt any suitable size and shape or outline contour. For example, the through hole may have a circular shape, an oval shape, or a star shape, and may be formed in a parallelogram (eg, square, rectangular) or trapezoidal shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the hole has at least one cross dimension that is about 1 millimeter (mm) narrower/smaller than the security device disposed thereon. The cross dimension refers to the line between two points of a hole that intersect at least a portion of the security device. Thus, if the diameter of the hole is 5 mm, the device should have a minimum dimension of at least about 6 mm. If the hole is irregular (eg star-shaped), the narrowest edge of the device is about 1 mm away from the widest edge of the hole. The shape or outline of the through hole(s) may match or be adjusted with the image displayed or projected by the security device and/or the shape or outline of the security device.

After the through hole(s) have been formed and the fibrous web has been sufficiently compacted, a security device is applied over the through hole(s). As noted, in a preferred embodiment, the security device constitutes a sufficiently compacted or fully formed wet web, e.g., in or near a couch roll or similar tool of a paper machine (i.e. Of less than 98% by weight of the fibrous web, preferably from about 60% to less than 98% by weight of the fibrous web, or more preferably from about 60% to about 95% by weight of the fibrous web, based on the total weight of the web; Or, the security device is applied into or onto the forming fibrous web during the wet stage of the paper making process, such as when having a moisture or water level of about 60% to about 90% by weight of the fibrous web.

The surface-applied security device may be of the same or different shape as the through hole(s) and may be significantly larger or slightly larger than the through hole(s). As noted, the security device can take on a non-limiting form of a strip, band, thread, ribbon or patch, while the through hole can be round, oval, star shaped and parallelogram (e.g., square, rectangular). Or it may be formed like a trapezoid. In one exemplary embodiment, the surface-applied security device is made of a width or fibrous web in the range of about 5 to about 20 mm (preferably about 8 to about 12 mm) extending along all or part of the entire length or width. It is an elongated security thread having a width of fibrous sheet material. In another exemplary embodiment, the through hole has a circular shape with a maximum diameter in the range of 5 to 15 mm (preferably about 7 to about 10 mm), and the surface-applied security device has a length and width that is at least 2 mm longer than the hole. And have a complementary or contrasting shape.

In another aspect of the present invention, a fibrous sheet material is provided. The fibrous sheet material as described herein results from further processing the fibrous web after introducing the security device. Such additional processing optionally includes a drying step applied before or after pressing the security device into the fibrous web. Compressing the security device into the fibrous web produces a fibrous sheet material having fibrous bulk regions and fibrous sub-regions.

In a first aspect, the resulting fibrous sheet material having opposing surfaces and a depression in one opposing surface comprises: a surface-applied security device disposed within the depression; A fibrous sub-region disposed below the depression; A fibrous bulk area disposed next to the security device (disposed within the depression) and the sub-area; And an interface between the security device and at least one surface of the fibrous sheet material. In a second aspect, the resulting fibrous sheet material has one or more'soft edge' through holes extending from the depressions in the opposite surface of the fibrous sheet material. As used herein, reference to a bulk area located next to the security device indicates in the cross-sectional view that the bulk area is a three-dimensional area adjacent to the security device along the x axis. As used herein, reference to a sub-region located below the security device indicates that in the cross-sectional view the sub-region is a three-dimensional region along the y axis that covers at least a portion of the security device. The sub-region has a thickness less than the thickness of the bulk region such that the surface-applied security device has a caliper difference that is less than 80% of the thickness of the security device or within the specified range and implied sub-range as described above.

In one embodiment, the fibers in the subregion are more compact, so that the amount of fibers in the subregion is at least substantially equal to the fibers in the immediately adjacent bulk region. In one other embodiment, the amount of fibers in the subregion is substantially equal to the amount of fibers in the bulk region. As used herein, the term “substantially equal” when referred to the amount of fibers in the bulk and subregions, as characterized in grams per square meter of fiber (gsm), the fibers in each region. The amount of 80% to 100% of the amount in the other area; It means preferably within 90% to 100%. In a preferred embodiment, the amount of fiber in the subregion is of the bulk region; In particular equal to an amount ranging from 80% to about 100% of the immediately adjacent bulk area.

As noted herein, various thicknesses can be attributed to suitable security devices. As a result, various caliper differences are also considered. In one embodiment of the fibrous sheet material, the security device has a thickness in the range of about 10 to about 75 microns. Caliper teas range from about -10 to about 30 microns; Preferably from 0 to about 25 microns; It is preferably in the range of about 0 to about 15 μm.

In one embodiment of the first and second aspects of the invention, the fibrous sheet material comprises (1) improved durability, (2) acceptable ink adhesion, (3) large transverse (CD) tensile strength, or (4) Indicate at least one of the reduced backside reflections. As used herein, the improved durability is at least one of (a) minimal or reduced damage at the interface as compared to the sheet material produced when the fibrous web was not sufficiently compacted, or (b) little hinge effect. It features one. These effects can be quantified or qualitated by known industrial techniques that simulate the distribution effect of documents. For example, circulation of banknotes can be simulated with durability tests. One such suitable durability test is the “distribution simulation” test (CST). This is a wear and tear test designed to approximate the mechanical and optical damage that occurs in banknotes throughout the circulation life cycle. These tests consisted of attaching a rubber grommet weighing 7.5 grams each to the four corners of a bank note, followed by a bank note with a weight per minute for a fixed duration of 30 minutes (one (1) cycle). It is carried out by placing in a rock tumbler speed-adjusted to 60 revolutions (RPM). The tumbling action applied to the weighted banknote causes mechanical and optical damage. Controlled amounts of liquid and solid contaminants (eg, soybean oil and clay) are then added to the lock tumbler to simulate the effects of oils and dusts that banknotes may typically come into contact with during their lifetime. Banknotes have forms of mechanical deterioration (e.g., holes, ruptures, cuts, hinges, separate parts and tattered uneven edges, and loss of tensile strength, folding durability, rupture resistance, and puncture resistance). Surface and edge damage), optical degradation (eg, degradation of printing ink color properties), and contamination before and after each round of simulated damage. Hinge effects and rupture at the interface are examples of mechanical damage particularly suitable for such durability testing.

Tests for acceptable ink adhesion are known to those skilled in the art. For example, in a stacked formation of a plurality of fibrous sheet materials or documents, ink set off, which is the amount of ink transferred from one sheet to another, can be quantitatively determined by methods known to those skilled in the art. Can be measured. Similarly, tensile strength and backside seepage can be quantified by methods known to those skilled in the art. For example, seepage can be quantified by known light reflectivity or transmittance tests. For example, INSTRON ^® in a tensile tester, or using a pull tester, and a CD tensile strength test as shown in the following Table 2, typical of a security device for the paper is fully formed fibrous web made in accordance with the present invention Compared to the phosphorus cylindrical application, it exhibited increased CD tensile strength, with tested properties having increased values ranging from about 90% to about 100%.

The fibrous sheet material, as noted, has a fibrous subregion under the security device and a fibrous bulk region next to the security device and subregions. Because the security device was introduced when the fibrous web was sufficiently compacted, the fibers in the region of the fibrous web corresponding to the subregions in the sheet material were not displaced in an amount resulting in the identified disadvantage. Thus, the amount of fibers in the fibrous subregion is at least substantially equal to the amount of fibers in the immediately adjacent bulk region. As used herein, the term “immediately adjacent bulk area” refers to an area within the bulk area that borders the sub-area and the recessed portion of the security device. This immediately adjacent bulk region extends radially from the recessed portion and the sub-region, to a distance along the x-axis with a cross-sectional area equal to the x-axis length of the sub-region. Considering the volume difference between the immediately adjacent bulk region and the lower region, the density of the fibers in the lower region is higher than the density of the fibers within the immediately adjacent bulk region. If the amount of fibers in the immediately adjacent bulk region and in the sub region are substantially the same, and thus given the volume difference between the two regions, the density in the sub region is higher than the density in the immediately adjacent bulk region. In one exemplary embodiment, the amount of fibers in the bulk region ranges from 88.55 gsm to 90.15 gsm, while the amount of fibers in the sub region ranges from 87.26 gsm to 90.69 gsm. As used herein, “density” refers to the average amount of fibers in a volume.

In a second aspect of the invention, a fibrous sheet material having opposite surfaces, at least one'soft edge' through hole and a depression over the at least one through hole comprises: a surface-applied security device disposed within the depression; A fibrous subregion disposed below the depression representing the through hole(s); A fibrous bulk area disposed next to the security device (disposed within the depression) and the sub-area; And an interface between the security device and the fibrous sub-region and bulk region of the fibrous sheet material. The fibrous subregion extends along the area defined by the outer periphery of the through hole(s) and the outer boundary(s) of the security device.

As can be noted herein, there are a large number of security devices suitable for the present invention. However, in one embodiment, the fibrous sheet material comprises a security device having an array of cylindrical and/or non-cylindrical focusing elements and an array of image icons that optically interact with the focusing element to create at least one composite image. . In a preferred embodiment, the focusing element, alone, is a cylindrical lens or a non-cylindrical lens (eg micro lens). However, it is contemplated herein that the array of lenses includes a mixture of both in varying proportions.

As noted herein, the security device may be in the form of a strip or patch or other shape or geometry. In one embodiment, the security device is within the sheet material in mating with at least one other feature in the sheet material. Other suitable features are described herein.

In another aspect, the invention is a document comprising a fibrous sheet material. Various documents are contemplated by the present invention. For example, suitable documents include, but are not limited to, banknotes, bonds, checks, traveler's checks, identification cards, lotteries, passports, stamps, stock certificates, as well as stationery items and labels, and items used for aesthetic purposes. Includes such non-secure documents. A plurality of security devices may be introduced into the fibrous web, and as a result, a plurality of security devices applied to the fibrous sheet material and any resulting document may be found. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the document includes at least one surface-applied security device and at least one other security device, such as an embedded or partially embedded security device or security feature. The surface-applied security device may be mated with other security devices or other features of the document, such as security features or decorative features.

A fibrous sheet material suitable for use in the present invention is a paper or paper-like sheet material. These sheet materials, either single or multi ply sheet materials, can be made from a range of fiber types including synthetic or natural fibers or mixtures of both. For example, such 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 mixtures are preferred for banknotes, while wood pulp is commonly used in non-banknote security documents.

As noted above, security devices contemplated for use with the present invention include, but are not limited to, bands, bands, threads, ribbons, or patches (e.g., micro lens-based, holographic and/or color transfer security Thread) can take a number of different forms.

The following description of the drawings representing exemplary embodiments may assist in further understanding of the claimed invention.

A typical technique is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In general, as shown in Fig. 1, in order to manufacture the security device 11 embedded in the fibrous sheet material or document 10, the security device 11 is introduced in the wet stage of paper manufacturing. When this method is used for surface application of a security device, the resulting fibrous sheet material has the problems of low flow durability, poor CD tensile strength, and large backside seepage. As mentioned elsewhere herein, it has been found that this is due in part to the displacement of the fibers 15 from the sub-region 12 when the security device 11 is introduced into the forming fibrous web. As can be seen, the amount of fibers in the hinge area 14 is significantly reduced. This results in a weak interaction at the interface 17 between the security device and the substrate 18 of the fibrous sheet material or document 10. This is particularly evident at the interfacial edge 17a.

Disadvantages are also found in the conventional embodiment shown in Fig. 2, in which the security device 21 is introduced in the dry stage of paper making or after paper making in which the paper is completely compacted. Here, the fibers 25 in the lower region 22 are also completely compacted, so that the security device 21 cannot be pressed into the substrate 28. As a result, the caliper difference is large. Large caliper differences have been associated with poor ink application to the sheet material or document 20. As a result, in the case of embodiments where the security device is added in the dry stage, the security device must be very thin in order to have a suitable caliper difference.

At least one of these drawbacks is solved by the present invention. 3 shows an embodiment of the present invention. Here, unlike Figs. 1 and 2, the security device 31 is introduced into the wet stage when the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted, whereby the security device is pressed into the substrate 38 of the fibrous sheet material 30. When applied, a significant amount of fiber 35 is not displaced from the lower region 32. Rather, the fibers 35 are more compacted or densified under the security device 31 and within the hinge area 34. This results in a strong fiber interaction at the interface 37 and in particular at the interfacial edge 37a. Further, since the security device 31 is introduced during the wet stage, the security device can be squeezed into the substrate 38 to provide a small caliper car.

The security device 41 can be introduced into the fibrous web 49 using a variety of methods and techniques. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 4, the security device 41 is provided in the form of a continuous web, immediately after the wet line 42 and before the couch roll 44, and the fibrous web 49 of the security device. ), between the vacuum boxes 45a, 45b, which aid in setting in), the forming fibrous web 49 on the paper machine 40 is continuously applied.

5 and 6 show a fibrous sheet material or resulting document 50, 60 of the claimed invention having a plurality of surface-applied security devices 52a, 52b, 53, 63a, 63b. The devices 52a, 52b, 53, 63a, 63b are provided here in the form of patches 53, 63a, 63b and strips 52a, 52b of various sizes and shapes. Although not limited as follows with respect to the placement of the security devices 52a, 52b, 53, 63a, 63b, in one embodiment of the present invention, the security device is a fibrous web, fibrous sheet material, or the resulting document 60 ), a security device (e.g., 53, 63a, 63b) is cut or cut by an introduction device (not shown) during paper manufacture to match at least one other feature (e.g., non-needle pattern 61) within It is punched and applied to the fibrous web 55. 6 shows an embodiment in which a plurality of security devices applied as patches 63a and 63b are applied in matching with the non-needle pattern 61. The first patch 63a is applied by being aligned with the non-needle pattern 61 in the transverse direction, while the second patch 63b is applied while being aligned with the non-needle pattern 61 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the security device 63a, such that at least one feature (not shown) in the patches 63a, 63b is matched with the non-needle pattern 61 or other feature in the fibrous web, fibrous sheet material or resulting document 60. , 63b) is considered to be aligned with the non-needle pattern 61. Documents 50, 60 have edges 59, 69, such edges may also be depicted in other shapes with different angles, although depicted here as sides of a parallelogram. The security devices 52a, 52b, 53, 63a, 63b are applied to a fibrous web, fibrous sheet material or document so as not to extend beyond the edges 59, 69 of the documents 50, 60. In a preferred embodiment, the security device is disposed on the surface such that the security device is located away from the edge and does not come into contact with the edge.

Examples

Comparative Example 1: Single cycle durability test of a surface-applied security device when the fibrous web is not sufficiently compacted

In the first comparative example, a fibrous sheet material is produced according to a conventional wet stage process in which a security device is introduced into the fibrous web during a paper making process in which the water and/or moisture content of the fibrous web is greater than 98%. As a result of fiber displacement, the fibers in the hinge area 74 and in the sub-area are displaced, resulting in a reduced interaction of the security device 71 with the fibrous substrate 78 of the fibrous sheet material 70 within that area. . A fibrous sheet material 70 formed according to this process, after a single cycle (30 minutes) through the distribution simulation test, is shown in FIG. 7A. As a result of this single cycle, the fibrous sheet material 70 exhibited poor durability, as defined by the development of the hinge effect, at least as seen within the hinge region 74. The security device 71 was detached from the substrate 78 of the fibrous sheet material 70 at a point along the interfacial edge 77a.

In addition, the surface-coated security device showed backside reflection. Five (5) panelists (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) were asked to evaluate the degree of back-side reflection of 1 to 5, where 5 corresponds to the largest reflection and 1 corresponds to the smallest reflection. Panelists (P1 and P4) rated the backside see-through as 4; The panelists (P2, P3, and P5) rated the backside reflection as 5. Fig. 7B shows a fibrous sheet material 70 showing back through. This may require some kind of backside concealment coating to solve such a problem.

Lateral (CD) tensile strength of the fibrous sheet material was also measured by an INSTRON ^® tensile tester, model 5965. The paper sample was cut to dimensions 125 mm wide by 15 mm high, with the thread extending vertically through the center of the sample. The sample was then placed within the jaw of an Instron (model 5965) tensile tester, with the jaws set at a 40 mm gap between them and the yarn centered within that gap. The sample was then stretched at a rate of 38 mm/min, until the sample was broken. This process was repeated 5 times, and the average of the 5 values was reported as the result of the test. Such results show that the CD tensile strength ranges from 5.4 to 6.3 kg.

Inventive Example 1: Single cycle durability test of a surface-coated security device when the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted

In a first example of the invention, a fibrous sheet material 80 is made according to the invention disclosed herein in which the security device 81 is introduced into the fibrous web during the paper making process when the moisture content of the fibrous web is less than 98%. As a result of the reduced fiber displacement from the hinge region and increased fiber consolidation in the sub-region, there is sufficient interaction of the security device 81 with the substrate 88 of the fibrous sheet material 80. A fibrous sheet material 80 formed according to this process, after a single cycle through the distribution simulation test, is shown in FIG. 8A. As is clear, the fibrous sheet material 80 has improved durability compared to the fibrous sheet material produced in Comparative Example 1. Here, the fibrous sheet material 80 does not exhibit a hinge effect and does not exhibit damage or separation along the interfacial edge 87a of the security device 81 and the substrate 88 of the fibrous sheet material 80. The fibrous sheet material 80 is kept intact, exhibiting improved durability.

In addition, compared with Comparative Example 1, the surface-coating type security device 81 showed a small backside reflection. Five (5) panelists (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) were asked to evaluate the degree of back-side reflection of 1 to 5, where 5 corresponds to the largest reflection and 1 corresponds to the smallest reflection. The panelist (P2) rated the backside reflection as 1; The panelists (P1, P3, P4, and P5) evaluated the backside reflection as 2. Fig. 8B shows a fibrous sheet material showing backside seeping. Alternatively, backside shine was characterized by measurement of cross thread grayscale density. Paper samples were scanned on an Epson V750 fully flat scanner calibrated using an IT8 reference target. The paper was scanned at 600 dpi as a grayscale image in the reflected light with a black background behind the sample. Once the scan was captured, a selected area density profile was created. With this function, you select an area covered by the thread, the software captures the grayscale values for all pixels in the selected area, and in this particular test, the thread extends vertically through the center of the selected area, and the software Average the vertical pixels within the region and report the vertical average data points for all horizontal pixels (e.g., if the region is 20 pixels high x 200 pixels wide, for each horizontal position, the corresponding vertical pixel value Will be averaged and will result in an output of 200 data points) The resulting data is then plotted in a graph to show any significant displacement of the grayscale values within the sampled area. The results of the density measurement are provided in Table 1. The results of the example of the present invention are provided by the upper line, while the results of the comparative example are provided by the lower line, indicating a substantial drop in fiber density measurement when the measuring device crosses the opposite side of the security device. A low value indicates a large backside reflection. As can be seen, in the method of the present invention (<90% water and/or moisture), the density value across the fibrous sheet material remains relatively constant, whereas the comparative example (>98% water and/or moisture) In the case of, the density value can be recognized and represents a substantial decrease in value. The average cross yarn grayscale density for the comparative example (>98% water) was 214; The average cross yarn grayscale density for the inventive example (<90% water) is 226.

Lateral (CD) tensile strength of the fibrous sheet material (80) was also measured using a INSTRON ^® tensile tester, model 5965. The same process as described above was repeated here. The results show that the CD tensile strength was better than that shown in Comparative Example 1. The results of the comparative example are shown as the first bar (>98% water) in Table 2, while the results of the example of the invention (<90% water) are shown as the second bar in Table 2.

Table 1

Table 2

Comparative Example 2: Three cycle durability test of a surface-coated security device when the fibrous web is not sufficiently compacted

In the second comparative example, the fibrous sheet material 90 is produced according to a conventional wet stage process in which a security device is introduced into the fibrous web during the paper making process when the moisture content of the fibrous web is more than 98%. As a result of the fiber displacement, the fibers in the hinge area and in the sub-area are displaced during the introduction of the security device 91, resulting in a reduced interaction of the security device 91 and the substrate 98 of the fibrous sheet material 90 within that area. Effect. A fibrous sheet material 90 formed according to this process, after three cycles through the distribution simulation test, is shown in Fig. 9A. As a result of these three cycles, the fibrous sheet material 90 exhibited poor durability, at least as defined by the development of a rupture in the sheet material along the interfacial edge 97a. The fibrous sheet material 90 was ruptured in two portions along the interfacial edge 97a.

In addition, the surface-coated security device 91 showed backside reflection. Five (5) panelists (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) were asked to evaluate the degree of back-side reflection of 1 to 5, where 5 corresponds to the largest reflection and 1 corresponds to the smallest reflection. Panelists (P1 and P5) rated the backside see-through as 5; The panelists (P2, P3, and P4) rated the backside reflection as 4. 9B shows a fibrous sheet material 90 showing rupture and backing. This may require some kind of backside concealment coating to solve such a problem.

Example 2 of the present invention: 3 cycle durability test of a surface-coated security device when the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted

In a second example of the invention, the fibrous sheet material 100 is produced according to the invention disclosed herein in which the security device 101 is introduced into the fibrous web during the paper making process when the moisture content of the fibrous web is less than 98%. As a result of reduced fiber displacement from the hinge region and increased fiber consolidation in the sub-region, there is sufficient interaction of the security device and the substrate 108 of the fibrous sheet material 100 compared to the result of Comparative Example 1. A fibrous sheet material 100 formed according to this process, after three cycles through the distribution simulation test, is shown in FIG. 10A. As is clear, the fibrous sheet material 100 has improved durability compared to the fibrous sheet material produced in Comparative Example 2. Here, the fibrous sheet material 100 exhibits little or no hinge effect or damage along the interfacial edge 107a of the security device 101 and the substrate 108 of the fibrous sheet material 100. The fibrous sheet material 100 remains intact, exhibiting improved durability.

In addition, compared with Comparative Example 2, the surface-coating type security device 101 showed a small backside reflection. Five (5) panelists (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5) were asked to evaluate the degree of back-side reflection of 1 to 5, where 5 corresponds to the largest reflection and 1 corresponds to the smallest reflection. The panelist (P1) rated the backside reflection as 2; Panelists (P2, P4, and P5) rated the backside see-through as 1; The panelist (P3) evaluated the reflection of the back as 3. 10B shows a fibrous sheet material showing improved backside seeping.

11 shows an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. Here, the fibrous sheet material is indicated by reference numeral 110. A'soft edge' through hole 111 is formed into the fibrous sheet material 110 in the wet stage of paper making before the fibrous sheet material 110 is sufficiently compacted. Subsequently, when the fibrous sheet material is sufficiently compacted, a significant amount of fibers 113 are introduced over the through holes 111 so that when the security device 112 is squeezed into the substrate 115 of the fibrous sheet material 110, a significant amount of the fibers 113 are transferred to the sub-regions ( 114) is not displaced. Rather, the fibers 113 are further consolidated or densified under the security device 112 within the hinge region 116 and in the subregion 114 representing the through hole 111. This results in strong fiber interactions at the interface 117, particularly at the interface edge 117a. Also, since the security device 112 is introduced during the wet phase, it can be pressed into the substrate 115 to provide a low caliper difference. In addition, since the fibers are not displaced in this state, the additional consolidation in the lower region 114 greatly reduces the likelihood that the through hole 111 is obscured or clogged (if not excluded).

As noted, the through hole 111 and the security device 112 can be introduced into the fibrous sheet material 110 using various methods and techniques. In particular, the screen of the paper machine may be a continuous moving forming wire of a cylinder of a paper machine or a cylinder mold paper machine. In the preferred embodiment shown in Figs. 12, 12A, 12B, the through hole 111 is a patterned forming wire on a paper machine paper machine 119 provided with at least one water impermeable element 120. 118), which prevents sheet formation in this area. Patterned forming wire 118 is shown before (Fig. 12A) and after (Fig. 12B) paper stock is discharged from the head box to the forming wire. As shown in Fig. 12B, sheet formation in the area of the water impermeable element 120 is prevented. After the through hole 111 is formed and the fibrous sheet material 110 is sufficiently consolidated, the security device 112 is provided in the form of a continuous web, between the vacuum boxes 124a and 124b and the couch roll 123 It is applied continuously to the forming fibrous sheet material 110 before and immediately after the wet line 122, which helps to set the security device to the fibrous sheet material 110.

While several embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be understood that such embodiments have been presented by way of example only and are not limiting. Accordingly, the scope and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any exemplary embodiments.

Claims (24)

A fibrous sheet material 110 having opposing surfaces, a depression in one opposing surface, and one or more through holes 111 extending from the depression through the opposing surface of the fibrous sheet material, wherein the at least one through hole is'soft Edge' through hole, sheet material:
A fibrous sub-region 114 surrounding one or more through holes and arranged under the depression and the immediately adjacent bulk region arranged next to the sub-region and the depression,
A surface-applied security device 112 arranged in the depression over one or more through holes, and
A fibrous sheet material comprising a fibrous subregion and an interface 117 between the bulk region and the surface-applied security device. The fibrous sheet material of claim 1, wherein the fibers in the sub-region are further consolidated such that the amount of fibers in the sub-region is substantially equal to the amount of fibers in at least an immediately adjacent bulk region. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one'soft edge' through hole has distinct irregularities in the edge region, a maximum diameter or width in the range of about 4 to about 15 microns, and a circular, elliptical, star-shaped, parallelogram and trapezoidal shape, or A fibrous sheet material having a shape or outline contour selected from the group of combinations. The fibrous sheet material according to claim 3, wherein the shape or outline contour of the one or more'soft edge' through holes matches or adjusts the shape or outline contour of the security device, the image displayed or projected by the security device, or both. . The fibrous sheet material of claim 1 wherein the security device has a thickness of at least about 10 microns and is formed from a structural film. The fibrous sheet material of claim 1, wherein the security device has a thickness in the range of about 10 to about 75 microns, or the surface applied security device has a caliper difference in the range of about -10 to about 25 microns. The improved durability of claim 1, wherein the fibrous sheet material is characterized by at least one of (a) minimal damage or little hinge effect at the interface when subjected to at least one durability test cycle, or (b) A fibrous sheet material exhibiting at least one of acceptable ink adhesion, or (c) improved CD tensile strength, or (d) minimal or no seepage. The method of claim 1, wherein the amount of fibers in the fibrous subregion is substantially equal to the amount of fibers in the bulk region disposed next to the depression and the subregion, or the density of the fibers in the fibrous subregion is at least the fibers in the immediately adjacent bulk region. A fibrous sheet material greater than the density of the. The fibrous sheet material of claim 1, wherein the security device comprises an array of cylindrical or non-cylindrical focusing elements, and an array of image icons that optically interact with the focusing element to create at least one composite image. The fibrous sheet material of claim 1, wherein the security device is in the form of a strip or patch. The fibrous sheet material of claim 1, wherein the security device is mated with at least one other feature in or on the fibrous sheet material. 12. The fibrous sheet material of claim 11, wherein at least one other feature in or on the fibrous sheet material is selected from the group of non-needle patterns, printed images, relief structures, fibers or sets of fibers, other security devices, or combinations thereof. A security document or a high-value document comprising the fibrous sheet material of claim 1. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein a security device is introduced to match at least one other feature on or in the document, and optionally, at least one other feature on or in the document is a non-needle pattern, a printed image, a relief structure, a fiber. , Or a security document or high-value document selected from the group consisting of other security devices, or wherein the security document or high-value document is a passport, or the security document or high-value document is a bank note. The image icon of claim 1, wherein the fibrous sheet material is a banknote, and the surface-applied security device comprises an array of cylindrical and/or non-cylindrical focusing elements, and an image icon that optically interacts with the focusing element to create at least one composite image. Including an array of, the thickness of the fibrous sub-region is thinner than that of the fibrous bulk region, whereby a depression having a sidewall is formed in the surface of the sheet material, a surface-applied security device is placed in the depression, and the surface-applied The security device has a thickness in the range of about 10 to about 40 microns and a caliper difference in the range of about 0 to about 15 microns, and the security device is a band or patch exposed on at least one side of the bank note. As a method for surface-coating the surface-coated security device 112 on the fibrous sheet material 110,
During paper manufacturing, forming one or more'soft edge' through holes 111 in the fibrous sheet material,
During paper manufacture, at the point of introduction, introducing a security device into or onto the forming fibrous web over one or more through holes, and
A method comprising the step of further consolidating the fibers in the subregion 114 of the fibrous sheet material such that the amount of fibers in the subregion is at least substantially equal to the amount of fibers in the immediately adjacent bulk region of the fibrous web. The fibrous sheet of claim 16, wherein the at least one'soft edge' through hole during paper manufacture prior to sufficiently compacting the fibrous sheet material such that the water and/or moisture level is greater than about 98% by weight based on the total weight of the fibrous web. The method of being formed in the material. The method of claim 16, wherein the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted at least at the point of introduction such that the water and/or moisture level is less than about 98% by weight based on the total weight of the fibrous web when the surface-applied security device is introduced. The method of claim 16 wherein the fibrous web is sufficiently compacted such that the water and/or moisture level is less than about 95% by weight based on the total weight of the fibrous web. The method of claim 16, wherein the security device is first provided as a continuous web, and then the continuous web is cut and placed in or on the fibrous web, or the security device introduced into or onto the fibrous web is in the form of a strip or patch. , Or a security device is introduced such that the security device matches the fibrous sheet material or at least one other feature on or in the document comprising the fibrous sheet material, and optionally, the fibrous sheet material or at least one other feature on or in the document. The feature is selected from the group consisting of non-needle patterns, printed images, relief structures, fibers, or other security devices. The method of claim 16,
Providing the security device in the form of a continuous web,
Further comprising cutting or punching the continuous web in a continuous manner to form a patch or strip,
The application of the security device is a continuous patch or strip of a fibrous web over one or more'soft edge' through holes such that a negative relief having a fibrous bulk region, fibrous sub-region, and sidewall is formed in the fibrous web. Includes introducing, and
A method in which the application of a security device further consolidates the fibers within the subregion such that the amount of fibers in the subregion is substantially equal to the amount of fibers in the immediately adjacent bulk region. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the point of entry of the security device is continuously adjusted by adjusting the tension on the continuous web. A fibrous sheet material or document produced according to the method of claim 16, wherein the fibrous sheet material comprises a surface-coated security device. 24. The document of claim 23, wherein the document is characterized by (a) at least one of minimal or no hinge effect at the interface when subjected to at least one durability test cycle, or (b) an acceptable A document exhibiting at least one of ink adhesion, or (c) improved CD tensile strength, or (d) minimal or no seepage.

Images