Flexible Band

Abstract

A flexible band configured to be connected to a data page and to a booklet, wherein the flexible band extends along a main direction and includes an upper side and a lower side as well as a plurality of apertures, wherein the flexible band includes at least one security element, wherein the security element is provided by at least one security print pattern; or the security element is provided by at least one security thread; or the security element is provided by at least one security print pattern in combination with at least one security thread.

Claims

1. A flexible band configured to be connected to a data page and to a booklet, wherein the flexible band extends along a main direction and comprises an upper side, a lower side, and a plurality of apertures, wherein the flexible band comprises at least one security element, wherein said at least one security element includes at least one security print pattern, at least one security thread, or the at least one security print pattern and the at least one security thread.

2. The flexible band according to claim 1, wherein said at least one element includes said at least one security print pattern, wherein the at least one security print pattern includes at least one print color that is printed on at least one of the upper side and the lower side.

3. The flexible band according to claim 2, wherein said at least one print color extends at least partly into the flexible band as seen from at least one of said upper side and said lower side.

4. The flexible band according to claim 2, wherein the at least one print color includes at least one of a specific visual appearance, a specific fluorescence behavior, a specific absorbance behavior, or any combination thereof.

5. The flexible band according to claim 4, wherein the specific visual appearance of the at least one print color under normal ambient illumination is different from the specific visual appearance of the at least one print color under illumination in the ultraviolet region.

6. The flexible band according to claim 4, wherein the specific fluorescence behavior includes excitation with wave lengths in an ultraviolet domain.

7. The flexible band according to claim 4, wherein the specific absorbance behavior includes absorbance of wave lengths in an infrared domain.

8. The flexible band according to claim 1, wherein said at least one security element includes said at least one security print pattern, wherein a shape of the at least one security print pattern includes at least one of: drawings, pictograms, illustrations, guilloche lines, alphanumeric codes, emblems, coat of arms, personalized information, or any combination thereof.

9. The flexible band according to claim 1, wherein the flexible band comprises a textile band having weft threads and warp threads, and wherein said plurality of apertures are located between said weft threads and said warp threads.

10. The flexible band according to claim 9, wherein said at least one security element includes said at least one security thread, wherein said at least one security thread replaces at least one of the following: at least one of said weft threads and at least one of said warp threads.

11. The flexible band according to claim 1, wherein said at least one security element includes said at least one security thread wherein said at least one security thread is a monofilament having one single filament, wherein said one single filament has at least one of one single specific visual appearance, one single specific fluorescence behavior, one single specific absorbance behavior, or any combination thereof; or wherein said one single filament has at least one of different specific visual appearances, different specific fluorescence behaviors, different specific absorbance behaviors, or any combination thereof, and wherein at least one of said different specific visual appearances, different specific fluorescence behaviors, different specific absorbance behaviors, or any combination thereof, changes spaced along the extension direction of the single filaments.

12. The flexible band according to claim 1, wherein said at least one security element includes said at least one security threading, wherein said at least one security thread is a multifilament with at least two single filaments that are twisted against each other or that are interwoven with each other, wherein the at least two single filaments have at least one of a same specific visual appearance, a same specific fluorescence behavior, a same specific absorbance behaviors, or any combination thereof; or wherein the at least two single filaments have at least one of different specific visual appearances, different specific fluorescence behaviors, different specific absorbance behaviors, or any combination thereof, wherein at least one of said different specific visual appearances, different specific fluorescence behaviors, different specific absorbance behaviors, or any combination thereof, are the same along an extension direction of the at least two single filaments, or wherein at least one of said different specific visual appearances, different specific fluorescence behaviors, different specific absorbance behaviors, or any combination thereof, change spaced along the extension direction of the at least two single filaments.

13. The flexible band according to claim 10, wherein a visual appearance of said at least one security thread under normal ambient illumination is different from the visual appearance under illumination in an ultraviolet region.

14. The flexible band according to claim 12, wherein the same specific fluorescence behavior and the different specific fluorescence behaviors include excitation with wave lengths in an ultraviolet domain.

15. The flexible band according to claim 12, wherein the same specific absorbance behavior and the different specific absorbance behaviors include absorbance of wave lengths in an infrared domain.

16. The flexible band according to claim 10, wherein a diameter of said at least one security thread is the same as a diameter of said weft threads or said warp threads.

17. The flexible band according to claim 1, wherein said at least one security element comprises said at least one security thread, wherein at least two of said at least one security thread are arranged adjacent and parallel to each other and form a first group of neighboring security threads, said at least two security threads have at least one of a same specific visual appearance, a same specific fluorescence behavior, a same specific absorbance behavior, or any combination thereof, wherein an additional group of adjacent security threads or a single security thread is arranged at a distance from said first group of neighboring security threads.

18. The flexible band according to claim 1, comprising a first group including a first number of the at least one security thread, and a second group including a second number of the at least one security thread arranged a distance from the first group, wherein the first number of the at least one security thread within said first group are arranged adjacent to each other, and wherein the second number of the at least one security thread within said second group are arranged adjacent to each other.

19. The flexible band according to claim 18, wherein at least one additional group of security threads is arranged at a distance to said first group and said second group, said at least one additional group comprising the same number of security threads as at least one of the first group and the second group.

20. The flexible band according to claim 1, wherein the at least one security element includes the at least one security print pattern and the at least one security thread, wherein said at least one security print pattern overlaps said at least one security thread.

21. The flexible band according to claim 1, wherein the at least one security print pattern includes a plurality of security print patterns are arranged at a spacing with regard to each other; or wherein the at least one security thread includes a plurality of security threads are arranged at a spacing with regard to each other; or wherein the at least one security print pattern includes a plurality of security print patterns and the at least one security thread includes a plurality of security threads, wherein said plurality of security print patterns spaced with regard to each other, and wherein said plurality of security threads are spaced with regard to each other.

22. The flexible band according to claim 1, wherein said at least one security element is at least one of oriented perpendicular to the main direction of the flexible band, angularly tilted to the main direction of the flexible band, in line with the main direction of the flexible band, or any combination thereof.

23. The flexible band according to claim 1, wherein the flexible band comprises plastics from a group of polycondensations plastics or from a group of polymerization plastics.

24. A data page arrangement comprising the flexible band of claim 1 and a data page, wherein said flexible band protrudes with a protruding region from the data page and with a connection region into the data page, wherein in the connection region the flexible band is substantially non-detachably connected to the data page, wherein said flexible band forms an inner layer, such that the flexible band is bound into the data page by lamination, wherein at the apertures of the flexible band connection points are formed, wherein the connection points connect the flexible band substantially non-detachably to the data page.

25. The data page arrangement according to claim 24, wherein the at least one security element extends from the protruding region into the connection region and vice-versa.

26. The flexible band according to claim 5, wherein said specific visual appearance is at least one of transparent, white, red, blue, green, yellow, or any combination thereof under normal ambient illumination and is different under illumination in an ultraviolet region.

27. The flexible band according to claim 8, wherein the shape of the security print pattern includes emblems, wherein at least one of the emblems is a national emblem, and wherein the personalized information is a name, a photograph, a serial number, or any combination thereof.

28. The flexible band according to claim 13, wherein said visual appearance is transparent, white, red, blue, green, yellow, or any combination thereof under normal ambient illumination and is different under illumination in an ultraviolet region.

29. The flexible band according to claim 23, wherein the group of polycondensations plastics includes polyesters, and wherein the group of polymerisation plastics includes polyacrylnitriles, polytetrafluorethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, or any combination thereof.

30. The flexible band according to claim 29, wherein the polyesters include polyethylene terephtalate, polyamides, polyimides, aramides, polyamidimides, polycarbonates, or any combination thereof.

31. The flexible band according to claim 10, wherein a diameter of said at least one security thread is different than a diameter of said weft threads or said warp threads.

32. The flexible band according to claim 18, wherein a third group including a third number of the at least one security thread is arranged at a distance from the first group and at a distance from the second group.

33. The flexible band according to claim 18, wherein the first group includes a same number of the at least one security thread as the second group.

34. The flexible band according to claim 18, wherein the first group includes a different number of the at least one security thread as the second group.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to the drawings, which are for the purpose of illustrating the present preferred embodiments of the invention and not for the purpose of limiting the same. In the drawings,

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a flexible band according to the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of a flexible band according to the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 3 a third embodiment of a flexible band according to the present invention with an explanatory section that is also applicable to the second embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 4 an example of a multifilament security thread to be used in the second and third embodiment;

[0052] FIG. 5 a data page with a flexible band according to one of the previous figures.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a flexible band 1 configured to be connected to a data page and to booklet. The data page serves as holder for personal data and may include visible information as well as data stored on a chip. The booklet is preferably a passport.

[0054] The flexible band 1 serves as hinge element between the data page and the booklet. Neither the data page nor the booklet is shown in FIG. 1. The flexible band 1 extends along a main direction M and comprises an upper side 3 and a lower side 4. Furthermore a plurality of apertures 5 extend through the flexible band 1 from the upper side 3 to the lower side 4. The flexible band 1 comprises at least one security element 6.

[0055] In the first embodiment according to FIG. 1 the security element 6 is provided by means of at least one security print pattern 6. The security print pattern 6 is provided on the surface of the flexible band 1 and is thereby printed onto the upper side 3 or the lower side 4. Depending on the structure of the flexible band 1 the printing pattern 6 extends at least partly into the flexible band 1. The latter applies in particular to a mesh or a textile. This means that the security print 6 is not only arranged on the upper side 3 or the lower side 4 but it can also extend into the flexible band 1 from said upper side 3 and said lower side 4.

[0056] The security print pattern 6 is preferably a color print pattern. The color print pattern will be printed on the flexible band. Preferably the color print pattern has the following properties: [0057] In a first variant the visual appearance of the print color is different under normal ambient illumination and under illumination in the ultraviolet region. Preferably said visual appearance of the print color is transparent or white or red or blue or green or yellow or a combination thereof under normal ambient illumination and under illumination in the ultraviolet region. Hence the color changes for example from red under normal ambient illumination to blue under illumination in the ultraviolet region. [0058] In a second variant the fluorescence behavior refers to excitation with wave lengths in the ultraviolet domain. Hence the appearance or color changes for example from not visible or white under normal ambient illumination to blue under illumination in the ultraviolet region. [0059] In a third variant the absorbance behavior refers to the absorbance of wave lengths in the infrared domain. Therefore, the print color can show dedicated behavior when examined in the infrared (IR) domain such being visible (IR-absorbing) or not visible (IR-transparent). To summarize: A security print pattern is not visible when viewed under normal ambient illumination but becomes visible when being inspected in the infrared domain or vice-versa.

[0060] Normal ambient illumination is to be understood as conventional illumination as it is usually present in a room or under sunlight.

[0061] The color of the security print pattern 6 that is provided with a print color is preferably white or red or blue or green or yellow. Hence, it is preferably that predetermined colors are present. Additionally it is also possible to provide a combination of the colors.

[0062] As it can be seen from FIG. 1 the shape or appearance of the security print pattern 6 can be chosen from a variety of groups. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 several first security print pattern 6 in the shape of a coat of arms 11 are present. Furthermore there are second security print patterns in the form of an alpha numeric code 10 and there are third security print patterns in the form of a guilloche line 9. National emblems are also possible.

[0063] The appearance of the alphanumeric code 10 can be different. Additionally it may also be possible that the security print pattern 6 may comprise personalized information such as a name or a photograph of the holder of the passport or a serial number of the document. This personalized information refers to the holder of the document or to the document and is to be printed for each single document. Hence, there is personalization not only of the data page but also on the flexible band 1 serving as a hinge between the data page and the booklet.

[0064] The various security print pattern 6 may overlap each other. In the present case the guilloche line 9 overlaps the alphanumeric code 10 and the coat of arms 11. Other overlapping security print patterns 6 are also possible.

[0065] Each security print pattern 6 can be arranged in a regular or irregular spacing with regard to a further security print pattern 6. With regard to the coat of arms one can clearly see that the coat of arms 11 are arranged in an irregular spacing with regard to the main direction M as well with regard to transversal direction T. The transversal direction T is transversal or perpendicular to the main direction M. The same applies to the alpha numeric codes 10. The guilloche line 9 extends as a wave-like line over the whole length of the flexible band 1 along the main direction M. Furthermore the guilloche line 9 has parts that are arranged angularly tilted with regard to the main direction M. Also the alphanumeric code 10 is angularly tilted with regard to the main direction M. As it can be seen in FIG. 1 it is preferable that the single elements of the security print pattern 6 are arranged such that they extend more or less over the full surface of the flexible band 1. This means that the security can be enhanced.

[0066] The flexible band 1 according to the first embodiment and also according to the other embodiments is preferably a textile band having weft threads 12 and warp threads 13. Apertures 5 are provided between weft threads 12 and warp threads 13.

[0067] It is preferable that according to the first embodiment only said at least one security print pattern is arranged as security element. There are no security threads.

[0068] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment according to the present invention. Same features are designated with the same reference numeral. The security element in this embodiment is provided by means of the combination of at least one security print pattern 6 and of at least one security thread 7. With regard to the description of the security print pattern 6 reference is made to the description with regard to the first embodiment. This description is applicable mutatis mutandis with regard to the second embodiment according to FIG. 2. The flexible band 1 is, as outlined above, a textile band 1 having a weft thread 12 and a warp thread 13. The security thread 7 replaces at least one of said weft thread 12 and/or at least one said warp thread 13. This means that the security thread 7 becomes a part of the textile band 1 and has not only a security purpose but serves also as a normal thread of the textile. Alternatively a security thread 7 may also be squeezed in between two neighboring weft threads 12 or two neighboring warp thread 13.

[0069] As it can be seen in FIG. 2 it is preferable that some of the security threads 7 are positioned adjacent to each other. This means that the appearance of the security thread 7 becomes thicker. The inspection personnel therefore are provided with a security element that can be easily recognized. Further explanations with regard to the adjacent positioning of the security threads will be given below with regard to FIG. 3.

[0070] The security thread 7 that can be used in the second embodiment according to FIG. 2 can be monofilament 14 which has one single filament 15. Said one single filament 15 has one single specific visual appearance and/or one single specific fluorescence behavior and/or one single specific absorbance behavior. Alternatively said one single filament 15 can have different specific visual appearances and/or different specific fluorescence behaviors and/or different specific absorbance behaviors, wherein said visual appearance and/or fluorescence behavior and/or specific absorbance behavior changes regularly or irregularly spaced along the extension direction of the single filaments. This means that the visual appearances and/or fluorescence behavior and/or absorbance behavior of the monofilament 14 changes over its length. With regard to the appearance of the color it has to be mentioned that the color may be different when viewed at ambient illumination or under illumination in the ultraviolet region. With regard to the appearance and the behavior it has to be mentioned that the appearance may be different when viewed at ambient illumination or under examination in the infrared region.

[0071] The security thread 7 can also be the multifilament 16. An example of the multifilament 16 is shown in FIG. 4. Such a multifilament has at least two single filaments 17 that are twisted against each other or that are interwoven with each other. In FIG. 4 four different single filaments 17 are twisted against each other. Generally speaking it is possible to provide the multifilament 16 with at least two single filaments. The number and the structure of the multifilament 16 can be in further versions different than as shown in FIG. 4.

[0072] The filaments 17 in said multifilament security thread 16 can have the same specific visual appearances and/or the same specific fluorescence behaviors and/or the same specific absorbance behaviors. This means for example that each of the filaments 17 has the same appearance in terms of color as the other filaments 17 in the same multifilament structure 16. In a further variant the filaments 17 may have different specific visual appearances and/or different specific fluorescence behaviors and/or different specific absorbance behaviors, wherein said visual appearance and fluorescence behavior and/or specific absorbance behavior are the same along the extension direction of the single filament 17. This means for example that some of the filaments 17 in this multifilament structure 16 have different colors from each other. Furthermore it is possible that each of the filaments 17 different specific visual appearances and/or different specific fluorescence behavior and/or different specific absorbance behavior, wherein said visual appearance and/or fluorescence behavior and/or specific absorbance behavior changes regularly or irregularly spaced along the extension direction of the single filaments (17). Hence the single filament can have a single appearance and/or behavior or its appearance and/or behavior can be variable in terms that it changes regularly or irregularly spaced along the extension direction of the filaments 17. This has the advantage that customized security threads can be provided and that a variety of colors can be used. As mentioned with the others colors used with regard to the security thread 7 the same applies to the colors used in the multifilament structure 16. Thereby the color may change its appearance when being viewed at normal ambient illumination or when being viewed at illumination in the ultraviolet region or in the infrared region.

[0073] The security thread 7, irrespective of whether it is a monofilament 14 or a multifilament 16, preferably has a diameter that is equal to the diameter of said weft thread 12 or said warp thread 13. This means that there is no haptic difference in the textile where the security thread 7 is interwoven. In an alternative version the diameter of said security thread 7 is larger or smaller than the diameter of said weft thread 12 or said warp thread 13. This can be used to provide a haptic appearance which can be recognized by the inspection personnel very easily.

[0074] FIG. 3 shows a detailed possible structure of a further arrangement of said security threads 7 that can be used in the second embodiment according to FIG. 2. There are several groups of security threads 7 arranged. A first group 19 comprises at least one security thread 7. Here the first group 19 comprises one single security thread 7. Furthermore a second group 20 of security threads 7 is arranged. The second group 20 comprises the same number of security threads 7 as the first group 19 plus at least one further security thread 7. In the present case the second group 20 comprises two security threads 7. The second group 20 is arranged at a distance with regard to the first group 19. Additionally a third group 21 of security threads 7 is arranged. The third group 21 comprises the same number of security threads 7 as the second group 20 plus at least one additional security thread 7. In this case exactly one additional security thread 7 is arranged. This means the third group 21 comprises three security threads 7 that are arranged adjacent to each other. The third group 21 is arranged at a distance from the second group 20. The distance between the third group 21 and the second group 20 is thereby larger than the distance between the first group and the second group. With regard to the security threads 7 in each group it is to be said that said security threads 7 are arranged adjacent to each other within one single group. Hence the definition of a group includes adjacent arranged security threads 7. The number of security threads 7 in each group as well as the number of groups and the distance between two neighboring groups may be variable.

[0075] The specific visual appearances and/or the specific fluorescence behavior and/or the specific absorbance behavior of the threads in one group can be different to each other. It is then possible to have a specific visual appearance or fluorescence behavior or absorbance behavior for each group. This means that every group is provided with the same visual appearance and/or fluorescence behavior and/or absorbance behavior of the other groups. Further it is possible to have a random visual appearance or fluorescence behavior or absorbance behavior for each group which leads to a random visual appearance or fluorescence behavior or absorbance behavior under the threads as well as under the groups.

[0076] The specific visual appearances and/or the specific fluorescence behavior and/or the specific absorbance behavior of the threads in one group can be identical to each other. For example: a first group can be provided with security threads having the same color and a second group can be provided with security threads having the same color. The color of the first group can be different or identical from the color of the second group.

[0077] It is also possible that the number of security threads becomes lower from one group to the other.

[0078] The distance between the security threads 7 or the group of security threads 19, 20, 21 can be, as seen along the main direction M regular or irregular. An irregular spacing is preferable as this enhances security. Furthermore it is also possible to vary the order of the groups which means that the first group may be followed by the third group and the third group may then be followed by the second group.

[0079] From FIG. 2 it becomes clear that in this second embodiment in which the security print pattern 6 and the security thread 7 are arranged the security print pattern 7 preferably overlaps at least one of the security threads 7. In the present case the guilloche line 9 extends over all of the security threads 7. Furthermore also the coat of arms 11 extends over some of the security threads 7.

[0080] It is preferable that the distance between the several security print patterns 6 is different with regard to the distance between said security threads 7. Furthermore also the distance between the single elements of the security print pattern 6 is different with regard to each other and the same applies to the security threads 7. This means that the security elements 6, 7 are arranged in a displaced manner. This enhances security as well.

[0081] In a further third embodiment, that is illustrated by means of FIG. 3 one can see that this third embodiment comprises security threads 7 as security element, but no print patterns. The security thread 7 can be arranged as it has been outlined with regard to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 or FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 respectively. The description as mentioned above can be applied mutatis mutandis to this third embodiment.

[0082] Preferably the security elements 6, 7 according to all embodiments are oriented toward the transverse T to the main direction M of the flexible band 1. Alternatively the security elements 6, 7 can also be angularly tilted to the main direction of the flexible band 1. Additionally the security elements 6, 7 can also be in line with the main direction M of the flexible band 1. As it can be seen from the figures a mixture of these orientations is also possible.

[0083] The flexible band 1 according to all the three embodiments is preferably made out of plastic chosen from the group polycondensations plastics, such as polyesters (preferably polyethylene terephtalate), polyamides, polyimides, aramides, polyamidimides or combinations thereof; or polymerisation plastics, such as polyacrylnitriles, polytetrafluorethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride or combinations thereof.

[0084] In FIG. 5 a data page arrangement comprising a flexible band 1 according to one of the described embodiments and a data page 2 is shown. The flexible band 1 and the data page 2 are in a firm and non-detachable connection with each other. Said flexible band 1 protrudes with a protruding region 22 from the data page 2 and with a connection region 23 into the data page 2, in which connection region 23 the flexible band 1 is in a substantially non-detachably manner connected to the data page 2. In one possible variant said flexible band 2 forms one inner layer that extends at least partly between two layers of the data page, such that the flexible band is bound into the data page 2 by means of lamination, wherein at the apertures 5 of the flexible band 1 connection points are formed, which connect the flexible band 1 substantially non-detachably to the data page 2.

[0085] Inside the data page 2 it is possible to arrange a chip and an antenna. Typically the data page 2 is provided with personal information regarding to holder of the document.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0086] 1 flexible band [0087] 2 data page [0088] 3 upper side [0089] 4 lower side [0090] 5 apertures [0091] 6 print pattern [0092] 7 security thread [0093] 8 pictogram [0094] 9 guilloche lines [0095] 10 alphanumeric code [0096] 11 coat of arms [0097] 12 weft threads [0098] 13 warp threads [0099] 14 monofilament [0100] 15 single filament [0101] 16 multifilament [0102] 17 single filament [0103] 18 group of neighboring security threads [0104] 19 first group [0105] 20 second group [0106] 21 third group [0107] 22 protruding region [0108] 23 connection region [0109] M main direction