Patent ID: 12194769

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Herein under is considered cases in which two invention security assembly embodiments are described. A described first security assembly embodiment is used for protecting a product or an article. A described second security assembly embodiment is well suited for being used for protecting a passport including a data page with a first pattern and a hinge with a second pattern.

However, the invention security assembly may be used in other types of articles, such as, among others, an e-passport, an ID document, a Driving License (or DL) or an ID card.

Naturally, the herein below described embodiments are only for exemplifying purposes and are not considered to reduce the scope of the invention.

The same references that are present in different figures refer to the same features.

FIG.1shows schematically a (security) assembly10.

Such an assembly10may be used for protecting an article, such as e.g., a booklet type product, that incorporates (or embeds) or is attached (or bound) to the assembly10.

The assembly10includes several substrate elements with e.g., a main substrate element11, two first substrate elements120(the top one inFIG.1) and130(the bottom one inFIG.1) and a second substrate element140.

Alternatively, i.e. instead of including several substrate elements, the assembly includes a single substrate element.

The main substrate element11may be made of one or several plastics, such as e.g., a polycarbonate(s).

The two first substrate elements120and130are incorporated respectively e.g., on the top and the bottom of the main substrate element11.

A third substrate element170may be integrated or incorporated at least in the main substrate element11between the first substrate element120and the second substrate element140.

The third substrate element170is at least in part opaque.

The first substrate element120may overlap at least in part the third substrate element170.

The third substrate element170may overlap at least in part the second substrate element140.

A fourth pattern161is associated with the third substrate element170. The fourth pattern161is at least in part opaque.

A fourth substrate element180may be integrated or incorporated at least in the main substrate element11between the first substrate element120and the second substrate element140.

The fourth substrate element180is at least in part opaque.

The second substrate element140may overlap at least in part the fourth substrate element180.

The fourth substrate element180may overlap at least in part the first substrate element130.

A fourth pattern162is associated with the fourth substrate element180. The fourth pattern162is at least in part opaque.

The second substrate element140is integrated or incorporated at least in part in e.g., the main substrate element11.

The two first substrate elements120and130(or the single substrate element) are provided e.g., each, with a corresponding first pattern121or131(not represented).

Each of the first substrate elements120and130is at least in part translucent or transparent in at least one area150where the first pattern121or131overlaps at least in part the second pattern(s)14.

The first pattern121or131may include at least in part one or several lenticular elements, like e.g., an array of lenticular structures, (not represented), as a lenticular (or embossing) pattern. The lenticular element(s) or structure(s) is superposed on the surface of the first substrate element120or130.

The lenticular pattern is preferably transparent.

The first pattern121or131is preferably embedded (or incorporated) in the first substrate element120or130at a depth that is around the focal depth of the surface lenticular element(s) or structure(s).

The lenticular element(s) or structure(s) allow(s) emphasizing one or several differences between the first pattern121or131and the second pattern14.

The first pattern121or131may include a printed pattern. The printed pattern may be in and/or on the first substrate element120or130. The printed pattern may be at least in part opaque.

The first pattern121or131and/or the second pattern14may include a printed and colored pattern. The printed and colored pattern may be in and/or on the first substrate element120or130and/or the second substrate element140.

Each first pattern121or131may include one or several dots and/or one or several of lines. The line(s) include(s) one or several straight lines and/or one or several curved lines.

Each first pattern121or131may include at least some locations or areas which are deprived of any material (or the like).

The first patterns121and131may be at least in part translucent or transparent.

The light passes through the first patterns121and131.

The first patterns121and131are, each, incorporated (or attached to) at least in part e.g., on (and/or in) its respective first substrate element120or130. The first patterns121and131are, each, associated with its respective first substrate element120or130(or the single substrate element).

A second substrate element140(or the single substrate element) is provided with one (or several) second pattern(s)14.

The second substrate element140may be (physically) dissociated or separate from each of first substrate elements120and130.

The second pattern(s)14is(are) incorporated (or attached to) at least in part e.g., in (and/or on) the second substrate element140(or the single substrate element). The second pattern(s)14is(are) associated with the second substrate element140(or the single substrate element).

The second pattern(s)14is(are) at least slightly distinct from the first pattern(s)121(and/or131). Further information is specified infra notably in relation withFIG.2.

The second pattern(s)14may include one or several dots and/or one or several of lines. The line(s) include(s) one or several straight lines and/or one or several curved lines.

The first pattern121(or131) is on a corresponding first plane while the second pattern14is on a corresponding second plane. The second plane is preferably separate from the first plane. In other words, the first pattern121(or131) is superposed on the second pattern140.

Each of the first patterns121and131is (physically) dissociated or separate from the second pattern14.

The distance between the first pattern121or131and the second pattern14is positive, i.e. non-null, and less than a maximum distance. The maximum distance represents a thickness of the assembly10(including all the substrate elements). The distance between the first pattern121or131and the second pattern14may be e.g., in a range between 50 μm and 1000 μm at least for a passport or an e-passport.

Each of the first patterns121and131overlaps at least in part the second pattern14.

The main substrate element11that is separate from the first substrate elements120and130and the second substrate element140and which is included between the first substrate elements120and130and the second substrate element140is at least in part translucent or transparent in at least one area150where the first pattern(s)121(and/or131) overlap(s) at least in part the second pattern(s)14. The area150is an area represented between dashed lines172and152.

Each of the first pattern121and131and the second pattern14may be defined by one or several materials used for making the associated first substrate element120and130.

The first substrate element120or130has a first refractive index.

The first substrate element120or130is made of a first material(s).

The first material(s) is(are) translucent or transparent. For instance, if the first substrate element120or130is made of polycarbonate, as a first material, the first refractive index is 1,5848.

The second substrate element140has a second refractive index.

The second substrate element140is made of a second material(s).

The second material(s) is(are) translucent or transparent. For instance, if the second substrate element140is made of polyethylene, as a second material, the second refractive index is 1,5192.

The second material is distinct from the first material.

The second refractive index is distinct from the first refractive index.

The difference between the first and second refractive indexes allows refracting differently a light, such as e.g., a daylight or a UV light, that passes through the first substrate element120or130and the second substrate element140.

The (or each) second pattern14may be defined by one or several second materials, such as e.g., a fabric(s), plastic(s) and/or fibre(s), that are used for making the associated second substrate element140.

According to an essential invention feature, upon viewing the assembly10, the first pattern(s)121(and/or131) and the second pattern14are adapted (or configured) to generate, at one side or both (or more) sides of the assembly10, one (or two or more) third pattern(s).

The first pattern(s)121(and/or131) deviate(s) the light that travels through the second pattern14. Such a light deviation transforms the second pattern14. Thus, the second pattern14that is seen through the first pattern(s)121(and/or131), as a visual pattern combination, allows obtaining a corresponding third pattern(s) (from the front side (or the top) and/or from the reverse side (or the bottom) of the assembly10).

Two third patterns, namely a first third pattern on the front side of the assembly10and a second third pattern on the reverse side of the assembly10, may be simultaneously present and observable.

The fourth pattern(s)161(and/or162) being at least in part opaque does not allow that the light passes through it (them) at the opaque area(s). The fourth pattern(s)161(and/or162) comprises, each, at least in part in an area between dashed lines151and172(and/or an area between dashed lines151and182) where the first pattern(s)121(and/or131) overlaps at least in part the second pattern14.

Each third pattern is visible only where the fourth pattern161(and/or162) is absent, when applicable (i.e. when there is one161or162or two fourth patterns161and162), in an area150between the dashed lines172and152(and/or in an area190between the dashed lines182and152).

Each third pattern includes an optically variable image (not represented inFIG.1).

Each third pattern includes a pattern of a Moiré interference of the second pattern14with the first pattern121or131.

The optically variable image is visible in daylight to at least one naked eye18e.g., from the top (and/or the bottom) of the assembly10.

The optically variable image varies, dynamically, by changing an angle (or an inclination) with which a person observes the second pattern14through the first pattern121or131.

The first pattern may include a first colour, such as e.g., green.

The second pattern may include a second colour, such as e.g., red.

The second colour may be or be not distinct from the first colour.

A corresponding generated third pattern includes a third colour, such as brown. The third colour is distinct from the first and the second colour.

FIG.2depicts two given examples, namely, one for each of the first pattern22and the second pattern24that may be used, so as to produce a third pattern26.

The first pattern may include a first grid22.

The first grid22is constituted by e.g., a regular array of straight lines which cross each other.

The array of the straight lines includes e.g., first parallel lines221which are inclined with respect to an horizontal line.

The first parallel lines221are e.g., equidistant with a first distance or termed pitch222.

The pitch222is a distance separating two consecutive repeating sequences, such as lines, included in a pattern.

The array of the straight lines includes e.g. second parallel lines223which are perpendicular to the first parallel lines221.

The second parallel lines223are e.g., equidistant with a second distance or pitch224. The second pitch224may be equal to or distinct from the first pitch222.

The second pattern may include a second grid24.

The second grid24is constituted by e.g., a regular array of straight lines which cross each other.

The array of the straight lines includes e.g., third parallel lines241which may be inclined with respect to an horizontal line.

The second parallel lines241are e.g., equidistant with a third distance or pitch242.

The array of the straight lines includes e.g. fourth parallel lines243which are perpendicular to the third parallel lines241.

The fourth parallel lines243are e.g., equidistant with a fourth distance or pitch244. The fourth pitch244may be equal to or distinct from the third pitch242.

The second pattern24is at least in part distinct from the first pattern22.

The second pattern24may be not completely the same than the first pattern22.

The third pattern26includes a Moiré interference pattern. The Moiré interference pattern appears as soon as the second pattern24is distinct from the first pattern22.

The Moiré interference pattern is produced by an interference of the second pattern24with the first pattern22.

The Moiré interference pattern depends on one or several parameters that have different values between the first pattern22and the second pattern24.

The parameter(s) may include a line width, a shape, an angle, a pitch, one or several lens parameters, such as e.g., a height, a width and/or a radius of one or several focus points, and/or (an)other feature(s) that belong(s) to at least one of the first pattern22and the second pattern24.

The first lines221in comparison to or with respect to the third lines241may have an angle with a value that is typically in a range between 0 degree (0 degree being excluded) and 45 degrees or that is preferably in a range between 0 degree (0 degree being excluded) and 25 degrees.

The first line221width or the third line241width may have a value that is typically in a range between 10 μm and 500 μm or that is preferably in a range between 50 μm and 400 μm.

The first pitch222or the third pitch242may have a value that is typically in a range between 10 μm and 500 μm or that is preferably in a range between 50 μm and 400 μm.

The first lines221in comparison to or with respect to the third lines241may have an angle with a value that is typically in a range between 0 degree (0 degree being excluded) and 45 degrees or that is preferably in a range between 0 degree (0 degree being excluded) and 25 degrees.

The third pattern26includes fifth lines261.

The fifth lines261in comparison to or with respect to the first lines221may have an angle with a value that is typically in a range between 1 degree and 45 degrees.

FIG.3shows a passport3that is opened and that is seen in daylight.

The passport3is positioned on a support39.

The passport3is attached to (or includes) an invention security assembly.

The passport3includes a data page30, as a multi-substrate element that includes several substrate elements.

The data page30includes at least three substrate elements.

The substrate elements include e.g., a first white substrate element that is on the top of a main substrate element. The first white substrate element terminates with a curved line302.

The main substrate element is e.g., fully transparent.

The substrate elements include e.g., a second white substrate element that is in the main substrate element.

The second white substrate element terminates with a line304that is straight in its middle and curved at its ends.

The second white substrate element overlaps more than the first white substrate element the first pattern.

Each of the first and second white substrate element is opaque and therefore prevents the light from passing through.

A first pattern32is e.g., on (top) of the data page30.

The first pattern32is on a first plane.

The passport3includes a cover31.

The passport3includes a hinge34, as a second substrate element.

The hinge34may include e.g., filaments in different directions, so as to form a grid.

The hinge34is partly incorporated (or embedded) in the data page30.

The hinge34is attached to the cover31at a folding area of the passport3.

The hinge34allows attaching the data page30to the cover31.

The hinge34is made of e.g., a fabric that defines a second pattern34.

The second pattern34is on a second plane that is separate from the first plane.

The first pattern32overlaps in part the second pattern34.

A user observes, in daylight, the assembly with the second pattern34through the first pattern32.

The first pattern32and the second pattern34are configured to generate, on the front of the data page30, at least a third pattern36including an optically variable image.

The third pattern36is located in a rectangle38that includes the hinge34and a part of the data page30.

The third pattern36is further described in relation withFIG.4.

FIG.4shows a rectangle46that borders part of the generated third pattern seen from the front side of the data page30.

The third pattern includes lines463. The lines463clearly appear. The lines463are oblique.

The lines463appear by transparency as lines464on an area where the data and second white substrate element.

The lines463appear by transparency as lines462on an area where the data in an area between the curved line302and the straight portion of the line304.

A presence of the lines463is characteristic of a presence of the Moiré interference of the first pattern32with the second pattern34.

FIG.5shows a rectangle56that borders part of another generated third pattern seen from the back side of the data page30.

The data page30has an area with a first pattern52.

The first pattern52includes parallel lines which are almost horizontal.

The hinge is associated with another second pattern54.

The second pattern54is defined by the hinge fabric, and/or other material(s) that is included in the hinge.

The first pattern52overlaps in part the second pattern54.

A corresponding generated third pattern includes lines563. The lines563clearly appear. The lines563are almost horizontal.

The lines563appear by transparency on an area where the data page30is fully transparent and where the data page30does not include any of the first and second white substrate element.

The lines563appear by transparency as lines562on an area where the data page30is semi-transparent due to the presence of the second white substrate element in an area between the line304is curved.

A presence of the lines563is characteristic of a presence of the Moiré interference of the first pattern52with the second pattern54.

FIG.6shows the generated third pattern seen under UV light from the back side of the data page30.

The hinge, when seen under UV light, is associated with another second pattern66, as a kind of grid.

The second pattern66includes one or several elements that are sensitive to an UV light.

The first pattern overlaps in part the second pattern66.

A corresponding generated third pattern is visible in the UV light through a semi-transparent or transparent area.

The third pattern includes a line662. The line662clearly appear. The line662I slightly oblique.

A presence of the line662is characteristic of a presence of the Moiré interference of the first pattern with the second pattern66.

The invention solution allows thereby improving the security of the resulting assembly.

The invention solution is simple and cheap to manufacture while avoiding to use any extra material(s).

The invention solution is applicable to manufacture notably a DL, an ID document or an e-passport.