(19)

&   
(11) EP 2 275 602 A1
(12) EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION
published in accordance with Art. 153(4) EPC

(43) Date of publication: (51) Int Cl.:

19.01.2011 Bulletin 2011/03 D21H 21/42 (2006.01) D21F 1/44 (2006.01)

(21) Application number: 09717020.3 (86) International application number:

PCT/ES2009/000122
(22) Date of filing: 06.03.2009
(87) International publication number:
WO 2009/109682 (11.09.2009 Gazette 2009/37)

(84) Designated Contracting States: (72) Inventors:

AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR • GARCIA JUEZ, Vicente
HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL 09001 Burgos (ES)
PT RO SE SI SK TR • GARCIA CUADRADO,Carlos
Designated Extension States: 09001 Burgos (ES)
AL BA RS
(74) Representative: Carpintero Lopez, Francisco
(30) Priority: 07.03.2008 ES 200800676 Herrero & Asociados, S.L.
Alcalá 35
(71) Applicant: FABRICA NACIONAL DE MONEDA Y 28014 Madrid (ES)
TIMBRE - REAL CASA DE
LA MONEDA
28009 Madrid (ES)

(54) SECURITY PAPER, PRODUCTION METHOD THEREOF AND SECURITY DOCUMENT

PRODUCED FROM SAME

(57) The invention consists in a security paper, as

well as the security document obtained with it and the
manufacturing process thereof, that combines the secu-
rity elements called windowed thread with the high con-
trast single-tone watermark technique. In order to carry
out this invention, we make use of the recesses created
to cover the thread in the areas where it is visible, which
exhibit a greater accumulation of fibres and are therefore
opaque areas in the final paper, to insert therein the elec-
trotype or high contrast single-tone watermarks.
EP 2 275 602 A1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR)

 1 EP 2 275 602 A1 2

Description manufacture a document incorporating an element called

windowed security threads where the thread embedded
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION inside the security paper is exposed at spaced locations,
thus being visible on the security document, which could
[0001] The object of the present invention relates to a 5 be a banknote, as sequence of windows through which
security paper with which to manufacture security docu- the security thread can be seen and remaining hidden in
ments and/or banknotes. the rest of the document.
[0002] Specifically, this invention uses the synergic ef- [0010] This facilitates locating such a security strip on
fect of two security measures that are incorporated into the document and therefore facilitates the verification of
this type of products in order to achieve an added security 10 the authenticity of the document as well as including the
effect. These security measures include the incorpora- possibility of incorporating graphic designs on the thread
tion into the security document of a security thread or that will highlight its presence in the document and im-
strip and the incorporation of an electrotype watermark. prove its identification by a user.
[0011] This windowed thread effect is obtained using
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 15 the metal mould paper manufacturing method by provid-
ing a series of raised portions on the drum surface on
[0003] One technique used to obtain a security paper which the security thread rests.
for the printing of security documents and/or banknotes [0012] When the security strip comes in contact with
consists in inserting a security thread or strip during the the raised portions of the formation drum, this space is
paper manufacturing process. It is well known in the man- 20 not filled with fibres, such that the security paper or se-
ufacture of security paper that the most common tech- curity document will have windows through which the se-
nique for shaping the sheet of paper is the so-called round curity thread or strip will remain visible. This product is
technique, consisting in a metal drum that filters water usually called windowed thread, since the security thread
that has cellulose fibres in suspension that thus remain or strip is shown through the windows performed on the
on the surface of the drum whilst the water penetrates 25 security paper.
inside the drum. Similarly, it is also known that for the [0013] Another security measure that can be incorpo-
thread to remain perfectly integrated into the paper, it rated to security documents are the so-called water-
must be inserted during this stage of formation of the marks, which effect is achieved by more or less opacity
paper sheet, and consists in incorporating the thread in the document in different areas according to more or
around the drum onto which the cellulose fibres are being 30 less fibres having been deposited during paper manu-
deposited, thus remaining embedded inside the fibres facture.
that are deposited on the surface of the drum. [0014] This depositing of more or less fibres is
[0004] As the water crosses the drum mesh, the fibres achieved by means of raised portions and recesses form-
weave themselves together and the security thread or ing images or fanciful drawings on the mould used to
strip is enveloped by the mesh formed by said fibres as 35 manufacture the paper. The raised portions will produce
the sheet of paper is formed. a thinner layer of fibres on the paper manufactured, thus
[0005] A second layer of paper created at the same giving rise to lighter or less opaque areas, and the re-
time on another drum can be added to this first layer so cesses on the drum will produce a greater accumulation
that they remain intimately linked together, having been of fivers leading to the formation of opaque areas that
joined during their formation, and which together will 40 will not allow the passage of light. This combination of
make up the security paper. light and dark areas on the paper is what is called a wa-
[0006] A sheet of paper manufactured in this way, with termark.
the security thread or strip inside it, will then go through [0015] One type of watermark that is also known is
the subsequent stages of the manufacturing procedure described in European Patent EP-0549384, which is the
in order to produce the security paper. 45 technique known as the high contrast single-tone water-
[0007] Although this is the most common way to man- mark. This technique allows inserting several elements,
ufacture banknote paper with embedded security called electrotypes, in the paper manufacturing mould.
threads, we shall also highlight other paper manufactur- These electrotypes prevent drainage in the areas of the
ing processes based on flat top technology instead of the paper they are placed in, that is, they prevent drainage
metal mould process. 50 of the water accompanying the fibres when they are de-
[0008] There are patents dealing with security strips posited on the surface of the paper manufacturing mould.
of relevant features, amongst which we find European By preventing drainage, in the areas where these ele-
Patent EP-0319157, relating to security threads incorpo- ments are inserted there is less deposition of fibres and
rating drawings or legends performed on a metal layer therefore areas with less opacity.
where the partial demetallisation of such layer allows ob- 55 [0016] These less opaque areas can be made more
taining such security drawings or legends that would be or less obvious depending on the relative height of said
visible to the naked eye. insertions.
[0009] British Patent GB-2,260,772 shows how to [0017] Each one of these techniques, the windowed

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thread and the high contrast or electrotype watermark, multiple types such as natural fibres, synthetic fibres or
have been used separately within a security paper or a combination of both.
security document in order to offer a certain degree of [0026] Similarly, the security thread or strip can be of
safety to the document that includes them. any of the types commonly known in this industry, com-
5 prising a flexible and waterproof substrate such as poly-
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ester, cellophane, etc. or a flexible and permeable sub-
strate formed from fibres that can be natural fibres, syn-
[0018] It is the object of the present invention to thetic fibres or a combination of both, such that this se-
achieve a security paper that is suited to provide a secu- curity thread or strip can be of a similar or different nature
rity document, especially a document for the printing of 10 to that of the fibres used to manufacture the security pa-
banknotes that incorporates more effective security per itself.
measures, more effective since they are more easily rec- [0027] The security thread or strip may incorporate a
ognised by the public and also more difficult to copy by legend or ornamental motif that can be visible to the na-
forgers. ked eye or using simple means of optical magnification,
[0019] It is also object of the invention that such secu- 15 such legend or motif being achieved by the continuous
rity measures do not notably affect the final cost of the or discontinuous metallisation of its surface and the de-
security document to be obtained. metallisation of such security thread or strip, or from print-
[0020] This invention focuses its features on the ade- ing on its surface.
quate and non-obvious combination of the security ele- [0028] The security thread or strip may incorporate
ments described above, the windowed thread and the 20 dyes or fluorescent, phosphorescent, iridescent, mag-
high contrast watermark technique. In order to carry out netic materials, etc. in order to increase document secu-
this invention, we make use of the recesses created to rity and prevent forgery.
cover the thread in the areas where it is visible, which [0029] The object of the invention, as mentioned
exhibit a greater accumulation of fibres and are therefore above, is not only the security paper manufactured in this
opaque areas in the final paper, to insert therein the elec- 25 way, but also the security document and/or the banknote
trotype or high contrast single-tone watermarks. that can be obtained using this security paper.
[0021] The invention brilliantly solves this problem that [0030] Finally, the object of the invention is also the
is technically highly complex by the joint application, ar- process for manufacturing this security paper and the
tificially, of the areas of maximum and minimum paper relevant security document, a procedure comprising:
opacity, which increases the visual impact of both, and 30
located accurately within the document. - inserting a security thread or strip using the win-
[0022] The final result will be a security paper with a dowed thread technique
windowed thread or strip that will be visible at spaced - inserting electrotype watermarks in the recesses of
locations and having high contrast patterns in the areas the watermarks created to cover the windowed
where the security thread or strip is hidden, which pat- 35 thread
terns will be more pronounced since they are performed - depositing the fibres forming the base of the paper
on the most opaque area of the document. on the mould surface
[0023] Since these security measures are included on - extracting water through the mould in order to man-
the same area of the paper, as the high contrast single- ufacture the sheet of paper
tone watermarks are located beside the security thread 40 - drying the sheet of paper formed in this manner, with
or strip exactly in the hidden areas of these threads or the electrotype watermark and the security thread or
strips, the same space of the security document can be strip inside, in the subsequent processes of paper
used to include other alternative security measures in- manufacture
stead of occupying a large surface of the document with
these measures. 45 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] An unused area of the document, such as the
area covering the security thread or strip, is therefore [0031] In order to complete the description that is being
transformed into a security area that is easily recognized made and with the object of aiding towards a better un-
by the public based on a high contrast single-tone wa- derstanding of the features of the invention, attached to
termark. Since these techniques are commonly known 50 the present specification and as an integral part thereof
when used separately, in a security document they shall is a set of drawings in which the following has been rep-
be pleasantly perceived by the public using such security resented with an illustrative and non-limiting nature:
documents as elements of high security. Moreover, the
difficulty of superimposing both security measures in a Figure 1 shows the section of a mould superimposing
document leads to greater difficulty in the forging of such 55 the security measures of the invention.
documents.
[0025] The security paper obtained with this technique Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a figure similar
has no limitations regarding the fibres, which may be of to Figure 1.

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Figure 3 shows a finished document with the two 7. A security paper according to claims 1 and 4 to 6,
security elements visible in the document. characterised in that the legend or ornamental mo-
tif is formed on the security thread or strip by the
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF continuous or discontinuous metallisation and de-
THE INVENTION 5 metallisation of said security thread or strip.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a section of a mould (4) where 8. A security paper according to claims 1 and 4 to 6,
raised portions (5) and recesses (6) have been created, characterised in that the legend or ornamental mo-
and how the electrotypes (2) are introduced between the tif is printed on the security thread or strip.
raised portions (5) and are retained inside these spaces. 10
This same figure shows the security thread or strip (1) 9. A security paper according to claims 1 and 4 to 8,
that will rest on the raised portions (5) forming the win- characterised in that the security thread or strip
dows through which the security thread or strip will be incorporates fluorescent pigments or materials.
visible when the paper is formed, since they shall remain
exposed. 15 10. A security paper according to claims 1 and 4 to 8,
[0033] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the ele- characterised in that the security thread or strip
ments shown in Figure 1. This figure shows how the elec- incorporates phosphorescent pigments or materials.
trotypes are introduced between the raised portions (5)
and how the security strip or thread (1) lies adjacent to 11. A security paper according to claims 1 and 4 to 8,
the electrotypes placed. 20 characterised in that the security thread or strip
[0034] Finally, Figure 3 shows how the security docu- incorporates magnetic pigments or materials.
ment (7) incorporates the windowed thread or strip that
is visible in certain areas and hidden in other intermediate 12. A security paper according to claims 1 and 4 to 8,
areas, hence the name "windowed", and how in the areas characterised in that the security thread or strip
where the thread is hidden there are dark areas (8) where 25 incorporates iridescent pigments or materials.
electrotype watermarks (2) are placed adjacent to the
security thread or strip (1). 13. A security paper according to claims 1 and 4 to 8,
characterised in that the security thread or strip
incorporates optically variable pigments or materi-
Claims 30 als.

1. A security paper inside of which are introduced em- 14. A security paper according to Claim 1, character-
bedded elements that provide security and prevent ised in that the electrotype watermark incorporates
the forgery of the document, comprising the joint in- a legend or ornamental motif that is visible to the
corporation of a security thread or strip as a win- 35 naked eye or with simple means of optical magnifi-
dowed thread and an electrotype watermark in the cation.
areas of greatest accumulation of fibres created to
cover said windowed thread. 15. A security document comprising a security paper ac-
cording to claims 1 to 14.
2. A security paper according to Claim 1, character- 40
ised in that the base of the security paper are fibres. 16. A banknote comprising a security paper according
to claims 1 to 14.
3. A security paper according to Claim 2, character-
ised in that the fibres are natural fibres, synthetic 17. A process for the manufacture of a security paper
fibres or a combination of both. 45 on a mould on which raised portions and recesses
have been created in order to create watermarks due
4. A security paper according to Claim 1, character- to the accumulation of more or less fibres on said
ised in that the security thread or strip comprises a mould, comprising:
flexible and waterproof substrate.
50 - inserting a security thread or strip using the
5. A security paper according to Claim 1, character- windowed thread technique
ised in that the security thread or strip comprises a - inserting electrotype watermarks in the recess-
flexible and permeable substrate formed by fibres. es of the watermarks created to cover the win-
dowed thread
6. A security paper according to claims 1, 4 and 5, char- 55 - depositing the fibres forming the base of the
acterised in that the security thread or strip incor- paper on the mould surface.
porates a legend or ornamental motif that is visible - extracting water through the mould in order to
to the naked eye. manufacture the sheet of paper

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- drying the sheet of paper formed in this manner,

with the electrotype watermark and the security
thread or strip inside, in the subsequent proc-
esses of paper manufacture.
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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European
patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be
excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• EP 0319157 A [0008] • EP 0549384 A [0015]

• GB 2260772 A [0009]

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