POLYMER SUBSTRATE FOR PRODUCING POLYMER VALUE PAPERS OR POLYMER SECURITY PAPERS

Abstract

A polymer substrate for producing polymer papers of value or polymer security papers is described. The polymer substrate may include a polymer carrier layer, at least one security element applied at least one of onto and into the polymer carrier layer, and a primer. The primer may be applied onto at least one of a first substrate side and a second substrate side of the polymer substrate. The primer may be arranged, at least in some sections, between the polymer carrier layer and the at least one security element. Additionally and/or alternatively, the primer may cover at least one of the at least one security element and the polymer carrier layer such that regions of the at least one security element covered by the primer are not as well visible as regions of the at least one security element and/or the polymer carrier layer not covered by the primer.

Claims

1. A polymer substrate for producing polymer papers of value or polymer security papers, the polymer substrate comprising: a polymer carrier layer; at least one security element applied at least one of onto and into the polymer carrier layer; and a primer applied onto at least one of a first substrate side of the polymer substrate and a second substrate side of the polymer substrate at least in some sections wherein at least one of: the primer is arranged, at least in some sections, between the polymer carrier layer and the at least one security element; and the primer covers at least one of the at least one security element and the polymer carrier layer at least in some sections, wherein regions of the at least one security element covered by the primer are not as well visible as at least one of (i) regions of the at least one security element not covered by the primer and (ii) regions of the polymer carrier layer not covered by the primer.

2. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, wherein the regions of the at least one security element covered by the primer are at least one of: not visible from a top view and are visible when looking through; and better visible when looking through than from a top view.

3. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, further comprising a cover layer, wherein: at least one of the at least one security element, the polymer carrier layer, and the primer are covered by the cover layer at least in some sections; and regions of the at least one security element covered by the cover layer are not as well visible as at least one of (i) regions of the at least one security element not covered by the cover layer, (ii) regions of the polymer carrier layer not covered by the cover layer, and (iii) regions of the primer not covered by the cover layer.

4. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, wherein the primer is applied via a printing method.

5. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, wherein the primer is printable.

6. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, wherein the primer fully covers at least one of a surface of the polymer carrier layer and a surface of the at least one security element.

7. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, wherein the primer partially covers at least one of the polymer carrier layer and the at least one security element.

8. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, wherein the primer is diffusely scattering.

9. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, wherein: the polymer carrier layer is composed of plastic; and the polymer carrier layer comprises at least one of polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) polyetherketone (PEK), polyethylene imide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinylchloride (PVC) ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-fluoropolymer (EFEP), and mixtures, copolymers and composite materials thereof.

10. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, wherein the primer has a thickness of 1 μm to 50 μm.

11. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one security element includes at least one security feature; and the at least one security feature includes at least one of: an optically variable feature; a feature that is optically discernible at least one of in transmission and upon reflection; a machine-readable features; a feature readable via a substance; and a feature that at least one of absorbs and re-emits electromagnetic waves.

12. A method for producing a polymer substrate for producing polymer papers of value or polymer security papers, comprising: providing a polymer carrier layer; providing at least one security element; applying the at least one security element at least one of onto and into the polymer carrier layer; and applying, at least in some sections, a primer onto at least one of a first substrate side of the polymer substrate and a second substrate side of the polymer substrate; wherein at least one: the primer is applied, at least in some sections, between the polymer carrier layer and the at least one security element; and the primer covers at least one of the at least one security element and the polymer carrier layer at least in some sections, wherein regions of the at least one security element covered by the primer are not as well visible as at least one of (i) regions of the at least one security element not covered by the primer and (ii) regions of the polymer carrier layer not covered by the primer.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the at least one security element is formed by a transfer film including at least one security feature and a detachable carrier film, and wherein the detachable carrier film is removed after the application of the at least one security element.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein the primer is applied via a printing process.

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising cutting the polymer substrate, prior to at least one of the application of the at least one security element and the application of the primer.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein the security element is applied at least one of: directly onto the polymer carrier layer; directly into the polymer carrier layer; and in register onto the polymer carrier layer.

17. A polymer paper of value or a polymer security paper, comprising the polymer substrate according to claim 1.

18. The polymer paper of value or the polymer security paper according to claim 17, further comprising a cover layer, wherein: at least one of the at least one security element, the polymer carrier layer, and the primer are covered by the cover layer at least in some sections; and regions of the at least one security element covered by the cover layer are less well visible than at least one of (i) regions of the at least one security element not covered by the cover layer, (ii) regions of the polymer carrier layer not covered by the cover layer, and (iii) regions of the primer not covered by the cover layer.

19. The polymer substrate according to claim 1, wherein the polymer carrier layer is composed of a translucent plastic.

20. A polymer substrate for producing polymer papers of value or polymer security papers, the polymer substrate comprising: a polymer carrier layer; a security element applied to the polymer carrier layer; and a primer applied onto at least one of a first substrate side of the polymer substrate and a second substrate side of the polymer substrate; wherein the primer is arranged between the polymer carrier layer the security element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] These show in a respectively very simplified schematic representation:

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a first embodiment of a polymer substrate with three fully covered security features;

[0043] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a second embodiment of a polymer substrate with two partially covered security features;

[0044] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a third embodiment of a polymer substrate with three fully covered security features;

[0045] FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of a fourth embodiment of a polymer substrate with two partially covered and one fully covered security feature;

[0046] FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of a fifth embodiment of a polymer substrate with security features applied on both sides;

[0047] FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of a sixth embodiment of a polymer substrate;

[0048] FIG. 7 shows a top view of a seventh embodiment of a polymer substrate;

[0049] FIGS. 7a to 7d each show a cross-section of the seventh embodiment according to FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] First of all, it is to be noted that in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations, where the disclosures contained in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure and in case of a change of position, these specifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0051] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a polymer substrate 1 in the cross-section with three fully covered security elements 5 and/or security features 11, which are formed in a security element 5. This first embodiment also shows a polymer paper of value 2 or a polymer security paper 3, which was made from the polymer substrate 1. For example, a banknote printing layer 13 was applied, as shown, onto a substrate side 7, 8 and/or onto a primer 6. This further processing step may take place, particularly, in a banknote or value paper print shop. The banknote printing layer 13 may be formed for pictographically representing images, numbers, and the like, but may also have and/or comprise further security features 11 or further security elements 5. It is also possible that the banknote printing layer 13, as sketched in FIG. 6, is formed as a cover layer 9. This may be advantageous, particularly when the primer 6 is arranged between the polymer carrier layer 4 and the security feature 11 and/or the security element 5.

[0052] FIGS. 1 to 7 show possibly independent embodiments of the polymer substrate 1 and/or of the polymer substrate 1 produced according to the production method described in the claims, wherein equal reference numbers and/or component designations are used for equal parts as in the preceding FIG. 1. Subsequently, the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 7 are described jointly in order to avoid repetitions.

[0053] FIGS. 1 to 7 show, by way of example, seven conceivable embodiments of polymer substrates 1. FIGS. 1 to 6 additionally also show exemplary embodiments of polymer papers of value 2 or polymer security papers 3. It should be explicitly pointed out that a plurality of further embodiment variants is conceivable, and the embodiments shown are only to be interpreted as examples. If, in the following, security elements 5 are mentioned, security elements 5 having one or also multiple identical or different security features 11 are referred to. For the sake of readability, however, most times only security elements 5 will be mentioned.

[0054] FIGS. 1 to 7 show differently formed polymer substrates 1 comprising a polymer carrier layer 4 and at least one security element 5. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows three security elements 5 of the same width 12 but with different heights 14. FIG. 2 shows a polymer substrate 1 with two security elements 5 of different widths 12. In FIGS. 3 and 4, three security elements 5 of different widths 12 and heights 14 are illustrated. The security elements 5 and also security features 11 are, in this regard, shown with a rectangular cross-section in all figures. However, it is of course also possible that security elements 5 and also security features 11 may have different geometries. FIGS. 1 to 5 additionally show that the security element(s) 5 are applied onto (FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6) and/or into (FIG. 5) the polymer carrier layer 4. An application of security features 11 into the polymer carrier layer 4 may take place in cutouts intended for this purpose in the polymer carrier layer 4 and/or may take place with the application of pressure and/or temperature. It is also conceivable that the polymer carrier layer 4 has a lower thickness at those points at which security elements 5 are to be applied, so that the security element 5 can be accommodated therein completely or approximately completely. This way, as even a final polymer substrate 1 as possible can be realized. Generally, alternative embodiments are also conceivable, but not pictured, in which security elements 5 are formed both in and on the polymer carrier layer 4. Furthermore, it is possible and possibly useful of security elements 5 are applied not only on one side of the polymer carrier layer 4, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, but also on both sides of the polymer carrier layer 4, as it is shown by FIG. 5. In FIGS. 1 to 4, it is shown that a primer 6 is applied onto a first substrate side 7 of the polymer substrate 1 at least in some sections. If security elements 5 are applied on both sides of the polymer carrier layer 4, it may also be useful if the primer 6 is applied onto the first substrate side 7 and additionally on a second substrate side 8. This may take place, for example, on the basis of FIG. 5. FIG. 6 shows that it is also conceivable that the primer 6 is applied between the polymer carrier layer 4 and the security elements 5. The three security elements 5 shown are arranged on the primer 6 in this example. However, it could also be that the security elements 5 are at least partially embedded into the primer 6.

[0055] In FIGS. 1 to 5, the primer 6 covers at least the security elements 5 at least in some sections, wherein the regions of the security elements 5 covered by the primer 6 are not as well visible as the regions of the security element 5 not covered by the primer 6 and/or as the regions of the polymer carrier layer 4 not covered by the primer 6. Preferably, the regions of the security elements 5 covered by the primer 6 may not be as well visible in a top view as the regions of the polymer carrier layer not covered by the primer 6. In FIGS. 1 and 3, the security elements 5 are completely covered by the primer 6 and can thus not be seen by a user observing the polymer substrate 1 from a top view or are less visible and/or perceptible compared to uncovered regions. In FIG. 2, the security elements 5 are each covered only in part and/or partially by the primer 6. These non-covered regions or sections are perceived as so-called windows 15 by an observer looking at them from above. As these windows 15 are only on one side of the polymer substrate 1, they are also referred to as half windows. FIG. 4 shows a security element 5 without an overlying primer 6, as well as a partially covered security element 5 and a fully covered security element 5. In this regard, the non-covered and the partially covered security element 5 are each identifiable and/or observable by means of half windows. FIG. 5 shows that the primer 6 may also be applied on the second substrate side 8 at least in some sections, that is partially. If the regions not covered by the primer 6 are opposite one another, the windows 15 formed thereby are referred to as full windows. FIG. 5 thus shows—as described from left to right—a full window, a half window, and a fully covered security element 5. In FIG. 6, the primer 6 is applied over the full surface of the first substrate side 7, wherein the three security elements 5 are arranged on the primer 6. A cover layer 9, which may be a banknote printing layer 13, is applied partially onto the first substrate side 7. In this regard, the cover layer 9 may cover the security elements 5 completely or partially and thus form windows. As shown, however, it is also conceivable that the cover layer 9 does not cover the security elements 5.

[0056] It is also possible that one or also multiple security elements 5 comprising a transfer film are formed. The transfer film may have the security feature(s) 11 and a detachable carrier film, wherein the transfer film is limited at its outer side by the detachable carrier film. Here, it is possible that the detachable carrier film is removed in the course of producing the polymer substrate 1, after the application or after the optional connection of the security feature 11 and/or the security element 5 to the polymer carrier film 4.

[0057] The regions of the security element 5 covered by the primer 6 may not be visible or only barely visible from a top view and visible when looking through. Alternatively, the regions of the security element 5 covered by the primer 6 may show better visibility when looking through than from a top view. For example, a user may hold the polymer substrate 1 against the light and thus optically perceive and/or see the sections of the security elements 5 covered by the primer 6.

[0058] Additionally, it may be useful if the primer 6 is applied by means of a printing method. Additionally, the primer 6 may be formed to be printable. The primer 6 may additionally be formed to be diffusely scattering. In particular, it is possible that the primer 6 creates a white color impression for a user in natural or also artificial light incidence. The primer 6 may have a thickness 10 of between 1 μm and 50 μm, preferably between 5 μm and 30 μm, particularly preferably between 7 μm and 25 μm, in particular between 10 μm and 20 μm.

[0059] The polymer carrier layer 4 may be made from plastic, in particular a translucent plastic. The polymer carrier layer 4 may preferably comprise at least one of the materials from the group of polyimide (PI), polypropylene (PP), monoaxially oriented polypropylene (MOPP), biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone, (PEEK) polyetherketone (PEK), polyethylene imide (PEI), polysulfone (PSU), polyaryletherketone (PAEK), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), liquid crystalline polymers (LCP), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyimide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), cycloolefin copolymers (COC), polyoxymethylene (POM), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyvinylchloride (PVC) ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene-fluoropolymer (EFEP) and/or mixtures and/or copolymers and/or composite materials of these materials or can be made of at least one of these materials.

[0060] The security element(s) 5 may be formed having at least one security element 11, which may be formed, for example, by means of optically variable features, features which are optically discernible in transmission or upon reflection, machine-readable features and/or by means of substances and/or features absorbing or re-emitting electromagnetic waves.

[0061] During the production of the polymer substrates 1 according to FIGS. 1 to 5, it may be useful if the polymer substrate 1 is cut, in particular cut into sheets, prior to the application of the at least one security element 5 and/or prior to the application of the primer 6. Furthermore, the security element 5 may be applied directly onto and/or into the polymer carrier layer 4, or be applied in register onto the polymer carrier layer 4. The application in register and/or while carrying out a register set-up may be useful particularly if the primer 6 is applied partially and thus, windows 15 are formed. Here, it is important if the primer 6 covers the intended windows 15 due to a register set-up that is not dimensionally accurate.

[0062] FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a polymer substrate 1 and/or a sheet of a polymer substrate 1 in a top view. In this regard, the polymer substrate 1 is divided into zones by means of finely dashed lines, which zones mark the regions for polymer papers of value 2 and/or polymer security papers 3 that can be tailored from the polymer substrate 1 and/or from the processed polymer substrate 1. The column on the far left of FIG. 7 comprises—merely by way of example—six of such zones. In this regard, this left column is formed with a security element 5 embodied as a security thread, wherein the security element 5 is covered in some sections with a primer 6. In a top view onto the polymer substrate 1, an observer can identify the regions covered by the primer 6 better than the regions of the security element 5 not covered by the primer.

[0063] The second column from the left shown in FIG. 7 also comprises six of such zones. In this regard, this second column from the left is formed with a security element 5 embodied as a security thread, wherein, however, the security element 5 is covered completely with a primer 6. In this regard, the regions of the security element 5 covered by the primer 6 may not be visible from a top view and visible when looking through it, and/or the regions of the security element 5 covered by the primer 6 may be better visible when looking through than from a top view. The effectively masking effect is shown in the second column from the left by means of roughly dashed lines, wherein these lines adumbrate that the security element 5 formed as a thread is arranged below.

[0064] FIGS. 7a to 7d each show sectional views of the embodiment according to FIG. 7 in a cross-section. The sectioning positions of the respective cross-sections according to FIGS. 7a to 7d are sketched in FIG. 7 and indicated by means of corresponding letters and position arrows. FIGS. 7a to 7c each show sections through the length of the security element 5 and/or the security thread. FIGS. 7b and 7d show sections across the security element 5 and/or the thread.

[0065] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, and it should be noted in this respect that the disclosure is not restricted to these particular illustrated embodiment variants of it, but that rather also various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are possible and that this possibility of variation owing to the technical teaching provided by the present disclosure lies within the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field.

[0066] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. Nevertheless, the description and drawings are to be used for construing the claims. Individual features or feature combinations from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventive solutions may be gathered from the description.

[0067] All indications regarding ranges of values in the present description are to be understood such that these also comprise random and all partial ranges from it, for example, the indication 1 to 10 is to be understood such that it comprises all partial ranges based on the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e. all partial ranges start with a lower limit of 1 or larger and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 through 1.7, or 3.2 through 8.1, or 5.5 through 10.

[0068] Finally, as a matter of form, it should be noted that for ease of understanding of the structure, elements are partially not depicted to scale and/or are enlarged and/or are reduced in size.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0069] 1 Polymer substrate [0070] 2 Polymer paper of value [0071] 3 Polymer security papers [0072] 4 Polymer carrier layer [0073] Security element [0074] 6 Primer [0075] 7 Substrate side [0076] 8 Substrate side [0077] 9 Cover layer [0078] Thickness [0079] 11 Security feature [0080] 12 Width [0081] 13 Banknote printing layer [0082] 14 Height [0083] 15 Window