HINGE WITH SECURITY ELEMENT FOR A SECURE ARTICLES - Patent application

Abstract

A connection device (1) for connection to a data device (2) and for connecting the data device (2) to a secure article comprises at least one security element (4) produced by ultrasonic welding. A data carrier (3) for a secure article comprises such a connection device and at least one data device (2). The secure article comprises or consists of such a data carrier (3).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The invention relates to a connection device for connecting to a data device and for connecting a data device to a secure article according to claim 1, to a data carrier for a secure article comprising such a connection device according to claim 6, to a secure article comprising or consisting of such a data carrier according to claim 9, to a method for creating a connection device according to claim 10 and to a method for creating a data carrier for a secure article according to claim 14. [Background technology]

[0002] Connection devices such as hinges for connecting a data device such as a data page and for connecting a data device to a secure article such as a passport are an integral part of the durability and security of the data device and the entire secure article, respectively.

[0003] It is particularly difficult to produce a durable connection device for certain data devices, such as polycarbonate data pages. For example, the connection device must be thin and flexible, yet durable. In the field of passports, for example, the booklet cannot be forced open. The connection device must withstand many folds, pulls, tears, and be very difficult to separate from the rest of the data device. However, if the connection device is separated, the process ideally makes the counterfeit visible, for example by leaving a mark in the data device.

[0004] Connecting devices in the form of hinges are nowadays often made from synthetic materials, in particular from a mesh fabric made of polyester threads, the melting point of which is very high and therefore the fabric is very difficult to mold. Security elements that can be used for such materials are UV fluorescent printing and single-colored threads. These security elements can be easily manipulated, for example in counterfeit secure articles, by removing or modifying the UV fluorescent printing or by removing and reusing the colored threads. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art, in particular to provide a connection device for connecting data devices and for connecting data devices to secure objects, which offers enhanced protection against counterfeiting and which is at the same time easy to manufacture. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is achieved with a connection device according to claim 1. In particular, a connection device for connecting a data device and for connecting a data device to a secure article is provided, the connection device comprising at least one security element, the security element being produced by ultrasonic welding.

[0007] Ultrasonic welding is well known in the art and corresponds to a process using mechanical vibrations in the ultrasonic range. As is generally known, these vibrations, which are produced by a welding sonotrode, are used to act on at least a part of the connection device, in particular on at least a part of the surface of the connection device, thereby producing a security element. For this reason, as is also known in the art, it is further preferred that the connection device is placed on an anvil and that the sonotrode is pressed onto the connection device on the side opposite the anvil. That is to say, it is preferred that the lower surface of the connection device is on the anvil and the sonotrode is pressed against the opposite upper surface of the connection device.

[0008] Ultrasonic welding generally allows an industrial method of marking, even with very fine details, connecting devices made of polymers and / or plastics, such as polyester fabrics (or other similar materials), in a fast and efficient way. It is usually very difficult to produce security elements in synthetic fabrics with a high melting point. The security elements thus produced are irreversible and therefore provide high security. Moreover, ultrasonic welding does not impair the properties of the connecting device. In fact, ultrasonic welding does not require high temperatures, as is necessary, for example, in the thermoforming of polyester fabrics. The material of the connecting device therefore remains usable despite its processing. Moreover, ultrasonic welding is a widely used industrial technique and is an economical method for shaping materials, since there are no energy losses, similar to those of hot stamping methods. Moreover, ultrasonic welding allows the production of detailed security elements on the connecting device. The technique is fast and can be used at various process steps.

[0009] The security element preferably comprises or consists of at least one embossing and / or at least one debossing and / or at least one deformation and / or at least one melted area.

[0010] An embossing is understood as an element comprising protrusions and / or recesses extending away from the surface of the connection element. In other words, a security element in the form of an embossing preferably has a raised appearance. Said embossing is preferably created on the upper surface of the connection device by an anvil pressing against the lower surface of the connection device. A debossing is understood as an element comprising protrusions and / or recesses extending into the surface of the connection element. In other words, a security element in the form of a debossing is preferably created on the upper surface of the connection device by a sonotrode pressing against the upper surface of the connection device. In other words again, the security element, in particular at least one of its surfaces, preferably comprises a relief structure. The security element is therefore preferably provided on the surface of the connection device.

[0011] Furthermore, depending on the energy level at which the ultrasonic welding is performed and / or the tool of the ultrasonic welding device, one or more melted areas and / or one or more deformations are generated in the connection device, thereby also forming the security element. That is to say, ultrasonic welding can melt or deform the material of the connection device. Indeed, by "deformation" it is meant that at least a part of the connection device is locally deformed by losing its normal shape and / or width. Furthermore, it should be noted that the generation of deformations and / or melted areas is possible without embossing or debossing.

[0012] In addition, it should be noted that the molten areas of the connection device are in a solid state. In addition, it is preferred that one or more molten areas and / or one or more deformations are created with a flat surface.

[0013] The connection device preferably further comprises at least one additional security element produced by ultrasonic welding. The additional security element is preferably provided on and / or within the security element. It is particularly preferred that the additional security element is provided on the melted area and / or deformation of the security element and / or within the melted area and / or deformation of the security element. Indeed, the additional security element is preferably provided on and / or within the surface of the melted area or deformation of the security element.

[0014] If an additional security element is created, it is preferred that the sonotrode and / or the anvil comprise additional structures which are embossed or debossed into the connection device, in particular into the security element created in the connection device.

[0015] The additional security element preferably comprises at least one embossing and / or at least one debossing and / or at least one melted area and / or at least one deformation. Generally speaking, the additional security element can be seen as a security element within a security element.

[0016] The security element and / or the additional security element preferably have the form of an image and / or an alphanumeric character. Non-exhaustive examples of images are geometric objects such as a state coat of arms, a state flag, lines, circles, etc. Non-exhaustive examples of alphanumeric characters are, for example, the birth date, name, social security number, expiration date, etc. of the holder of the secured article.

[0017] The security element and the additional security element may be the same or different from each other. For example, both the security element and the additional security element may be a state coat of arms. Or, as another example, the security element may be a state coat of arms and the additional security element may be text, etc.

[0018] The size of the additional security element is preferably smaller than the size of the security element. For example, the additional security element can be a microtext provided in the security element in the form of a state coat of arms. For this reason, and as already mentioned, the additional security element is preferably provided by ultrasonic welding as an embossing and / or debossing on a surface of the security element, this surface preferably corresponding to one or more melted areas of the security element also produced by ultrasonic welding.

[0019] Furthermore, the security element and / or the additional security element are preferably visible in sidelight and / or see-through light and / or normal light. Visible in side light means that the security element and / or the additional security element are visible by an observer when the connection device is illuminated from the side of the connection device, i.e. visible in reflected light or side light. Visible in see-through light means that the security element and / or the additional security element are visible by an observer when the connection device is illuminated from the opposite side of the security element and / or the additional security element, i.e. visible in see-through light. For example, if the (additional) security element is provided on the top side of the connection device, illumination of the opposite bottom side of the connection device makes the (additional) security element visible. Visible in normal light means that the security element and / or the additional security element are visible by an observer when the connection device is illuminated from the side on which the (additional) security element is located. For example, if the (additional) security element is located on the top side of the connection device, illumination of said top side of the connection device makes the (additional) security element visible. For this reason, the (additional) security element is preferably configured such that its visibility in side light and / or see-through light is better than its visibility in normal light, in other words, the (additional) security element is preferably configured such that it is barely visible in normal light, but clearly visible in side light and / or see-through light.

[0020] The security element is preferably an integral component of the connecting device. Furthermore, the additional security element is preferably an integral component of the security element and / or the connecting device.

[0021] In other words, the security element is preferably formed in the connection device itself. In other words again, the security element is preferably not a separate component added to the connection device, e.g. printed on the connection device. The security element therefore preferably comprises or consists of one or more of the materials from which the connection device is made.

[0022] As mentioned above, the security element is preferably produced by ultrasonic welding. The additional security element is likewise preferably produced by ultrasonic welding. The security element, and possibly also the additional security element, can therefore be seen as a structural modification of the connection element by means of an ultrasonic welding process.

[0023] The connection device preferably comprises or consists of at least one or more polymers and / or one or more plastics and / or one or more fabrics, preferably including fibers, and / or one or more layers. Additionally or alternatively, the connection device is preferably foldable and / or flexible.

[0024] The one or more polymers and / or the one or more plastics are preferably thermoplastics and / or amorphous polymers, particularly preferably polyesters and / or polyester-based polymers and / or polyolefin-based polymers and / or thermoplastic elastomers.

[0025] As mentioned above, the security element is preferably an integral component of the connection device. Thus, as mentioned above and as further explained below, the security element preferably comprises or consists of one or more polymers and / or plastics, preferably one or more thermoplastics and / or amorphous polymers, particularly preferably polyesters and / or polyester-based polymers and / or polyolefin-based polymers and / or thermoplastic elastomers.

[0026] The connection device can be transparent or translucent or opaque. Transparent connection devices preferably comprise one or more transparent polymers and / or plastics.

[0027] The one or more fibers are preferably one or more yarns and / or one or more threads.

[0028] The connection device can preferably include or consist of a fabric that includes one or more polymer and / or plastic fibers. Additionally or alternatively, the connection device can include one or more layers. A layer is understood as an element that does not have missing parts, as opposed to a fabric that is, for example, composed of threads and includes holes or openings. For example, the connection device can be provided by a fabric, and in addition, by one or more sheets, the fabric and the sheets being provided in the form of layers.

[0029] The connection device can be of various designs. For example, the connection device can be provided in the form of a fabric, such as a non-woven or woven or knitted fabric. It is further preferred that said fabric is provided by one or more fibers. The fibers then preferably correspond to one or more polymers and / or one or more plastics, as described above. It is thus preferred that the connection device corresponds to a fabric formed by polymer fibers and / or plastic fibers, preferably a fabric formed by fibers of one or more thermoplastics, particularly preferably a fabric formed by fibers of polyester and / or polypropylene and / or polyurethane and / or polyester-based polymers and / or polypropylene-based polymers and / or polyurethane-based polymers. The fibers can be monofilament or multifilament. The diameter of the fibers is preferably between 1 micrometer and 500 micrometers, more preferably between 10 micrometers and 100 micrometers, such as between 70 micrometers and 80 micrometers. It is further preferred that the connection device in the form of a fabric is provided with openings, i.e. mesh openings. The size of the mesh openings is preferably between 10 micrometers and 1000 micrometers, more preferably between 50 micrometers and 500 micrometers, particularly preferably about 100 micrometers. Furthermore, the mesh cut of the connection device in the form of a fabric is preferably between 10 threads per centimeter and 100 threads per centimeter, such as between 50 threads per centimeter and 60 threads per centimeter, for example 57 threads per centimeter.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the connection device may comprise one or more layers, which preferably correspond to one or more layers of polymers and / or one or more plastics as described above, preferably one or more layers of thermoplastics, particularly preferably one or more layers of polyesters and / or polyester-based polymers and / or polyolefin-based polymers and / or thermoplastic elastomers.

[0031] The two or more layers of the connection device are preferably connected to one another by lamination, however manufacturing methods other than lamination are contemplated as well.

[0032] Additionally, it should be noted that the connection device may include one or more layers different from those just described. For example, there may be metal layers, color layers, etc., as known in the art.

[0033] In a further aspect, a data carrier for a secure article, preferably a multi-page article such as a passport, a bankbook, a chequebook, a ticket book or an identification booklet, is provided. The data carrier comprises at least one connection device as described above and at least one data device, the connection device being connected to the data device. The connection device is particularly preferably a hinge and / or the data device is particularly preferably a data page.

[0034] Any description made herein with respect to a connection device per se applies equally to a data carrier comprising said connection device, and vice versa.

[0035] The security element is preferably provided only on the connection device. In other words, the data device is preferably devoid of a security element. Additionally or alternatively, it is conceivable that at least a part of the security element and / or additional security element is located on and / or within the data device. Indeed, as will be explained in more detail below, at least a part of the connection device can be arranged on and / or within the data device. Said part of the connection device overlaps with the data device and may be referred to as an overlapping area of ​​the connection device. Conversely, a part of the connection device that does not overlap with the data device may be referred to as a protruding area of ​​the connection device and may extend from the data device. The security element is advantageously provided at least on the protruding area of ​​the connection device. If said overlapping area of ​​the connection device comprises at least a part of the security element, said part of the security element is located on and / or within the data device. For example, if at least a part of the connection device is stacked within the data device, at least a part of the security element can be located within the data device. It is also conceivable that the entire security element is located within the data device or that no security element is located within the data device at all. Said "positioning" refers to spatial arrangement, and thus it is preferred that neither the data device nor the secure article comprises security and / or additional security elements, i.e. the material or materials that make up the data device and / or the secure article are preferably devoid of security and / or additional security elements.

[0036] The data device preferably comprises or consists of one or more polymers and / or plastics, preferably one or more thermoplastics and / or amorphous polymers, particularly preferably polycarbonate and / or polycarbonate blends and / or polycarbonate coextrudates. Additionally or alternatively, the data device preferably comprises one or more layers and / or is rigidly constructed.

[0037] The connection device and the data device are preferably of different materials, indeed it is particularly preferred that the connection device comprises or consists of polyester and / or polyester-based polymers and the data device comprises or consists of polycarbonate and / or polycarbonate blends and / or polycarbonate coextrusions.

[0038] The data device may be transparent or translucent. Transparent data devices preferably comprise one or more transparent polymers and / or plastics.

[0039] The data carrier preferably comprises one or more layers and / or is rigidly constructed.

[0040] In addition, it is conceivable that the data device comprises one or more layers, which preferably correspond to one or more layers of polymers and / or one or more plastics, as described above, preferably thermoplastics and / or amorphous polymers, particularly preferably polycarbonates and / or polycarbonate blends and / or polycarbonate coextrudates.

[0041] The two or more layers of the data device are preferably connected to each other by lamination.

[0042] The connection device is preferably at least partially embedded in the data device. In this configuration, a portion of the connection device, called the overlap area, is within the data device. This configuration is particularly advantageous since the overlap area of ​​the connection device embedded in the data device is not visible on the surface of said data device. The appearance of the surface of the data device is therefore improved. In addition, it is more difficult for a counterfeiter to separate the connection device from the data device, since the tips of the portions of the connection device embedded in the data device are not visible. Furthermore, this configuration allows the use of different techniques for creating the security element and for connecting the connection device to the data device. In particular, it is possible to use ultrasonic welding to create the security element in the connection device and lamination to connect the connection device to the data device. Furthermore, this configuration also allows the addition of additional security features to the data device in the area of ​​the data device that overlaps with the connection device. For example, during the lamination process, a surface embossing of the data device in said area can be created by lamination.

[0043] As mentioned above, the connection device and the data device preferably comprise or consist of one or more polymers and / or plastics. The data device further preferably comprises one or more layers. A preferred connection of the connection device with the data device can be achieved by laminating at least a part of the connection device between the layers of the data device. Again, another possible connection is lamination of at least a part of the connection device to a surface of the data device, in particular to a surface of a layer of the data device. However, other connections are also possible. For example, the connection device can be sewn, glued or attached in another way, for example by ultrasonic welding or lamination, to the data device.

[0044] Additionally, it should be noted that the data device may include one or more layers different from those just described. For example, metal layers, color layers, etc., may also be present as known in the art.

[0045] It is preferred in any case that only a part of the connection device is connected to the data device, and another part of the connection device is not connected to the data device. Said non-connected part, or at least a part thereof, preferably serves the purpose of connecting the connection device, and thus the data device, to a secure article such as a passport, for example to the cover of the passport. For this reason, the non-connected part of the connection device preferably protrudes from the data device. Said non-connected part of the connection device may be referred to as a protruding area. A security element is advantageously provided at least in the protruding area of ​​the connection device.

[0046] Depending on the data device, the connection device can be visible or invisible to the observer in the area of ​​its connection to the data device. For example, if the data device is transparent, for example because it is made of transparent layers of thermoplastic, a connection device embedded between the layers or attached to one of these layers will be visible. However, if the data device is non-transparent, at least in the area of ​​its connection to the connection device, the embedded connection device will not be visible to the observer. Non-transparent data devices can be provided, for example, by colored layers of polymers and / or plastics, such as white polycarbonate.

[0047] In another aspect, there is provided a secure article comprising or consisting of at least one data carrier as described above. The secure article is preferably a multi-page article such as a passport, a bankbook, a chequebook, a ticket book or an identity booklet. Any explanation given herein with respect to the connection device per se, the data carrier per se, applies equally to the secure article and vice versa.

[0048] In another aspect, a method of creating a connection device for connecting to a data device and for connecting a data device to a secure article is provided, the method comprising the steps of i) providing at least one connection device, and ii) creating at least one security element in the connection device by ultrasonic welding.

[0049] The connection device is preferably a connection device as described above, and therefore any description made herein with respect to the connection device per se applies equally to the method of producing the connection device, and vice versa.

[0050] The ultrasonic welding is preferably performed using an ultrasonic welding device as known in the art. The method therefore preferably further comprises the step of providing at least one ultrasonic welding device. Said ultrasonic welding device preferably comprises a sonotrode and / or anvil. It is further preferred that the sonotrode and / or anvil comprise structures that are embossed and / or debossed into the connection device, thereby generating a security element.

[0051] Thus, the method preferably further comprises the step of providing at least one sonotrode comprising at least one structure to be embossed and / or debossed into the connecting device, whereby a security element is generated, and / or the method further comprises the step of providing at least one anvil comprising at least one structure to be embossed and / or debossed into the connecting device, whereby a security element is generated.

[0052] It is further preferred that during the step of creating at least one security element in the connection device by ultrasonic welding, the connection device abuts and / or comes into direct contact with both the sonotrode and the anvil. In this way, no other material is needed than the connection device to create at least one security element in the connection device by ultrasonic welding. This means that the step of creating at least one security element in the connection device can be carried out only on the connection device, without the need for a data device, and said connection device with at least one security element can be later mounted in and / or on the data device in a subsequent step.

[0053] It is preferable to use a commercially available ultrasonic welding device, and more preferably said ultrasonic welding device is operated at standard settings. In practice, the security element is preferably created by applying vibrations. The frequency of the vibrations is preferably in the range of 1 kHz to 100 kHz, more preferably in the range of 20 kHz to 70 kHz. Additionally or alternatively, the amplitude of the vibrations is preferably in the range of 1 micrometer to 100 micrometers, more preferably in the range of 50 micrometers to 50 micrometers. The welding time is preferably in the range of 0.05 seconds to 1 second, more preferably in the range of 0.1 seconds to 0.5 seconds.

[0054] The method preferably further comprises the step of producing at least one additional security element by ultrasonic welding. The additional security element is preferably produced on and / or in the security element as already explained above. The settings of the ultrasonic welding device used to produce the additional security element preferably correspond to the settings used to produce the security element. Furthermore, the security element and the additional security element are preferably produced simultaneously and / or by means of a common sonotrode and / or a common anvil.

[0055] In a further aspect, there is provided a method of producing a data carrier for a secure article, such as a multi-page article, the method comprising the steps of i) providing at least one connection device, ii) providing at least one data device, and iii) producing at least one security element on the connection device by ultrasonic welding.

[0056] The data carrier preferably corresponds to a data carrier as described above. Any description made herein with respect to the connection device per se, the data carrier per se and the secure article per se applies equally to the method of producing the connection device and / or the data carrier and / or the secure article and vice versa.

[0057] The method preferably further comprises the step of connecting the connection device to the data device, the security element being generated on the connection device before or after the connection device is connected to the data device.

[0058] If an additional security element is created, it is preferred that said additional security element is created before and / or after the connection device is likewise connected to a data device.

[0059] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, these drawings are for the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0060] [Figure 1a] Photograph of a connection device equipped with a security element according to the invention. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b shows an enlarged view of a portion of the security element according to FIG. 1a. [Figure 1c] FIG. 1b shows another enlarged view of a part of the security element according to FIG. 1a. [Figure 2a] 1 is a schematic top view of a connection device equipped with a security element according to the invention; [Figure 2b] 2 is another schematic top view of a connection device equipped with a security element according to the invention; FIG. [Figure 2c] 2 is another schematic top view of a connection device equipped with a security element according to the invention; FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic top view of a data carrier comprising a data device and a connection device equipped with a security element according to the invention; [Figure 4] 4 shows another schematic top view of a data carrier comprising a data device and a connection device with a security element according to the invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic partial top view of a connection device with a security element and an additional security element; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0061] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the figures. In particular, figures 1a to 2c show a connection device 1 in the form of a hinge with a security element 4 according to the invention. Figures 3 and 4 show a data carrier 3 with a data device 2 in the form of a data page connected to a connection device 1 in the form of a hinge, the hinge being equipped with a security element 4 according to the invention. Figure 5 shows a part of a connection device 1 in the form of a hinge with a security element 4 according to the invention and an additional security element 5.

[0062] The connection device 1 in all figures corresponds to a flexible, foldable hinge in the form of a fabric, which is then made of woven polyester threads, and the security element 4 and the additional security element 5 are in each case produced in the hinge by ultrasonic welding.

[0063] For this reason, Figures 1a to 1c show photographs of a polyester fabric hinge, in which the security element 4 created by ultrasonic welding corresponds to a debossing 4a generated on the upper surface 6 of the hinge 1. As can be further seen from these figures, the debossing 4a comprises a protrusion that extends into the surface 6 of the connection element 1 so as to have a raised appearance. Here, said debossing 4a has the shape of an alphanumeric character such as "700029989". As can be easily seen from these photographs, the hinge 1 does not lose its processing characteristics despite the security element 4. The strength of the hinge does not decrease with the height of the security element 4, so that said security element 4 does not constitute a breaking point of the hinge. As can be best seen in Figure 1c, the security element 4, 4a in the form of a debossed alphanumeric character also comprises areas 4b, 4c that are flattened and to some extent fused together. In fact, the polyester threads are flattened and to some extent fused together. These areas are referred to herein as fused areas 4c and deformations 4b.

[0064] As can be easily understood, the security element 4 according to the invention corresponds to an irreversible change in the material of the connection element. Indeed, the ultrasonic welding device used to create the security element 4 and the additional security element 5 allows the generation of local energy clusters by ultrasound. The vibrations created by ultrasound, together with pressure, can permanently change the shape of the material being treated. Each material has a specific way of reacting to ultrasound. In the present invention, the reticulated hinge material is reshaped to create visually distinguishable smooth areas 4b, 4c. The smooth areas 4b, 4c can contain very fine details depending on the tool used in the ultrasonic welding device, i.e. sonotrode and / or anvil. Furthermore, the tool affects the visual appearance of the security element 4 and the additional security element 5, such as smooth areas, high points, etc. Moreover, as can be seen from these photographs, the security element 4 is visible to the naked eye. However, depending on the size of the security element 4 and the additional security element 5, visualization aids such as a magnifying glass or a microscope may be required to see them.

[0065] Figures 2a to 2c show that the security element 4 can be produced in different designs. Indeed, these figures show the security element 4 in different orientations relative to the connection device 1, with figure 2a showing a horizontal arrangement of the security element 4, figure 2b showing a vertical arrangement of the security element 4 and figure 2c showing an oblique arrangement of the security element 4.

[0066] Various configurations of the connection device 1 on the data carrier 3 and various designs of the data carrier 3 are also conceivable. For example, Fig. 3 shows a data carrier 3 with a data device 2 in the form of a data page and a connection device 1 in the form of a hinge, the data page corresponding to a data page of polycarbonate and non-transparent plastic. The hinge 1 is partially embedded in the data page 2. In other words, part of the hinge 1 is inside the data page 2 and therefore not visible.

[0067] 4 also shows a data carrier 3 comprising a data device 2 in the form of a data page and a connection device 1 in the form of a hinge. Here, the data page 2 comprises a part 2b made of non-transparent plastic, such as non-transparent polycarbonate, but also a part 2a which is a transparent window and made of transparent plastic. Thus, the part 1a of the hinge 1, also called the overlap area of ​​the connection device, which is embedded in the data page 1 and lies in the region of the transparent window 2a, is visible.

[0068] Figure 5 shows a part of a connecting device 1 in the form of a fabric hinge, comprising a security element 4 in the form of the letter "L" and an additional security element 5 in the form of the letter "microtext" located entirely above the letter "L". As can be easily seen from this figure, the size of the additional security element 5 is much smaller than the size of the security element 4.

[0069] It can therefore be easily seen from the figure that the security element 4 and the additional security element 5 are created only in the material of the hinge. Moreover, since ultrasonic welding does not require any heat but only creates heat locally at the welding point, the hinge material remains intact for other process steps. Nevertheless, as a result of ultrasonic welding the security element 4 and the additional security element 5 are permanent, moreover, in fact any shape of security element 4 and additional security element 5 is possible, such as images, letters, numbers, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 Connected Devices 1a Connected Device Part 2 Data Devices 2a Data device section 2b Data device part 3 Data Carrier 4. Security Elements 4a Debossing 4b Deformation part 4c Melting area 5. Additional Security Elements 6 surface

Claims

1. A connection device (1) for connecting to a data device (2) and for connecting the data device (2) to a secure item, The connected device (1) is equipped with at least one security element (4), A connecting device (1) characterized in that the security element (4) is created by ultrasonic welding.

2. The connecting device (1) according to claim 1, further including a protruding area extending from a data device (2), wherein a security element (4) is provided at least on the protruding area of ​​the connecting device.

3. The connection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the security element (4) includes or comprises at least one embossing and / or at least one debossing (4a) and / or at least one deformation (4b) and / or at least one melting area (4c).

4. The system further comprises at least one additional security element (5) created by ultrasonic welding, wherein the additional security element (5) is provided on and / or within the security element (4). The connecting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein an additional security element (5) is preferably provided on and / or on the molten area of ​​the security element (4) and / or within the molten area of ​​the security element (4) and / or within the deformed area.

5. The security element (4) is an integrated component of the connected device (1), The connection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the additional security element (5) is preferably an integrated component of the security element (4) and / or the connection device (1).

6. The connecting device (1) comprises or consists of at least one of one of one or more polymers, one or more plastics, preferably one or more cloths containing fibers, and / or one or more layers, The connecting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting device (1) is bendable and / or flexible.

7. A data carrier (3) for secure articles, preferably multi-page articles such as passports, bankbooks, checkbooks, ticketbooks, or identification booklets, - At least one connection device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, - At least one data device (2) and Equipped with, A data carrier (3) to which a connecting device (1) is connected to a data device (2).

8. The data carrier (3) according to claim 7, wherein the connecting device (1) is at least partially embedded in the data device (2).

9. The security element (4) is provided only on the connected device (1), and / or The data carrier (3) according to claim 7, wherein at least a portion of the security element (4) and / or additional security element (5) is located on and / or within the data device (2).

10. The data device (2) comprises or consists of one or more polymers and / or plastics, preferably one or more thermoplastics and / or amorphous polymers, particularly preferably polycarbonate and / or polycarbonate blends and / or polycarbonate co-extrudeds, and / or The data carrier (3) according to claim 7, wherein the data device (2) comprises one or more layers and / or is rigidly constructed.

11. A secure article comprising or consisting of at least one data carrier (3) as described in claim 7, wherein the secure article is preferably a multi-page article such as a passport, bank passbook, checkbook, ticket book, or identification booklet.

12. A method for creating a connection device (1) for connecting to a data device (2) and for connecting the data device (2) to a secure article, wherein the connection device (1) is preferably the connection device (1) described in claim 1, and the method is - The steps include preparing at least one connecting device (1), - A step of creating at least one security element (4) on the connecting device (1) by ultrasonic welding. Methods that include...

13. A step of providing at least one sonotrode having at least one structure to be embossed and / or debossed within a connecting device (1), further comprising the step of generating a security element (4), and / or The method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of providing at least one anvil having at least one structure to be embossed and / or debossed within a connecting device (1), thereby generating a security element (4).

14. The security element (4) is created by applying vibrations having frequencies in the range of 1 kHz to 100 kHz, preferably in the range of 20 kHz to 70 kHz, and / or The security element (4) is created by applying vibrations having an amplitude in the range of 1 micrometer to 100 micrometers, preferably in the range of 5 micrometers to 50 micrometers, and / or The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the security element (4) is produced during a welding time in the range of 0.05 seconds to 1 second, preferably in the range of 0.1 seconds to 0.5 seconds.

15. The process further includes the step of creating at least one additional security element (5) by ultrasonic welding, An additional security element (5) is generated on and / or within security element (4), The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the security element (4) and the additional security element (5) are preferably generated simultaneously and / or by a common sonotrode and / or anvil.

16. A method for creating a data carrier (3) for a secure article such as a multi-page article, wherein the data carrier (3) preferably corresponds to the data carrier (3) described in claim 7, and the method is - The steps include preparing at least one connecting device (1), - A step of creating at least one security element (4) on the connecting device (1) by ultrasonic welding, - Steps include preparing at least one data device (2) and Includes, A method in which a security element (4) is generated on the connected device (1) before the connected device (1) is connected to the data device (2).

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