FR2844294A1 - DEVICES FOR SECURING VALUES CONSISTING OF ALL OR PART OF PLASTIC POLYMERS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for securing values constituted in whole or in part by a plastic polymer P, said device comprising a closed chamber (1) provided with means for storing said values, associated with means for generating heat capable of generating , within said enclosure, a sufficient temperature rise to induce at least partial melting of the polymer P, the temperature rise by said heat generating means being triggered by control means in the event of detection of an attempt burglary or subtraction of the enclosure (1).

Description

The present invention relates to devices for securing

  securities (banknotes, documents or bank cards, for example), to ensure secure storage and / or secure transport of securities

  made in whole or in part of a plastic polymer.

  The invention relates more particularly to a method allowing the destruction or the neutralization of values constituted in whole or in part based on plastics in case of attempted break-in of the closed enclosure (cabinet,

  safe, vehicle, armored or not) o they are transported or stored.

  In terms of storage and transport of securities, particularly bank note types, there are mainly two security channels, namely: - the "conventional" channel implementing storage and transport in unsecured bags or containers, in shielded enclosures (trunk, armored vehicle ...). In this context, the transport of 15 funds requires in France a crew of three armed persons; and - the use of so-called "alternative" systems, using secure enclosures allowing the destruction of values in case of attempted break-in. According to this second route, the regulation imposes the transport of funds in unshielded

  crew of an unarmed person.

  The currently known "alternative" devices essentially use the so-called "staining" principle, which consists in releasing on the values stored or transported compounds such as inks or dyes

  attempted break-in, which renders the values theoretically unusable.

  In this context, the "alternative" devices generally comprise containers equipped with pyrotechnic systems, which release the maculant compound contained in a tank in case of attempted burglary. However, while the devices implementing the conventional maculation method are generally well suited for securing paper-based values, they are, on the other hand, ineffective when the transported or stored values are based on plastic polymer materials. In this case

  ,., -. -. -.- -. - - .. DTD: maculation turns out to be totally inoperative, and it does not allow a

effective destruction of values.

  In this connection, it should be pointed out that, in the case of banknotes, it is obligatory as a result of current regulations that at least 20% of each face of each bill is destroyed by staining.

  However, there are currently banknotes established in

  less in part of hydrophobic polymers which render ineffective the staining of their surface by inks or dyes.

  Indeed, conventional bank notes, generally made up of% pure cellulosic cotton paper, and 5% polyvinyl alcohol, have significant disadvantages, among which we can mention: - The ease of reproduction of distinctive security features: a

  relatively easy counterfeiting of paper-based banknotes has now become relatively easy, given the modern computer graphics equipment (color copiers, scanners, inkjet printers, hologram printers ...) now available to the general public, 20 and therefore counterfeiters.

  - The need for a relatively fast recycling of paper money (a few months for smaller cuts) because of its wear during use. In France, 700 tons of paper money are destroyed and replaced each year, which represents an ecological, ecotoxicological and economic problem.

  - frequent malfunctions in cash dispensers, which require new banknotes to work properly

or in very good condition.

  Given these disadvantages, we have developed in some countries (such as Brazil, Australia, Canada ($ 5 bill), New Zealand, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Vietnam, Indonesia, Romania , Brunei, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kuwait, Western Samoa, Haiti, among others) banknotes made in whole or in part of a polymer such as

*. * * .. *

  - .. DTD: polypropylene (PP). Australia is a forerunner in this technology, where

  Polypropylene banknotes were put into circulation as early as 1988.

  It is also known to cover the bank notes with a plastic surface protection, for example polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In addition to the advantages associated with increasing the lifetime, the use of polymers such as polypropylene for the constitution of notes also offers the possibility, for example by implementing the printing of notes under high pressure. to make three dimensional dimensional characters difficult to reproduce including transparency. In addition, the

  Polypropylene banknote technology allows environmentally friendly recycling, used banknotes can be crushed, processed by separation of polypropylene and inks. The polypropylene can then be recycled as a raw material for the manufacture of various articles, the inks to be treated separately, and the residual sludge used as fertilizer.

  Also, the implementation of such polymer-based notes tends to develop. Euro banknotes (called Euros 1 by the Bank of France) will be gradually replaced within 2/4 years by banknotes called Euros 2. 20 These banknotes will incorporate additional security features, because the limits of the security signs that it is possible to integrate on paper are now reached. Also, and as will be shown hereinafter, banknotes offering surface protection made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or made of polypropylene (PP) are likely to be used in

  framework for the manufacture of the next Euros.

  At present, the only known "alternative" processes are not effective in securing values based on plastic polymer materials such as plastics-based banknotes. Indeed, these

  materials do not allow final maculation by inks.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a simple and effective device for safe storage and / or secure transport of banknotes treated on the surface with polymers such as PTFE, or constituted in whole or in part by a polymer. such as polypropylene, or even ABS, PET, PETE, polyacrylates, polyesters, polystyrenes and other plastic polymers, for which methods of neutralization or destruction by staining can not be used. More generally, the invention aims to provide a device for storing and / or transporting values based on plastic polymers (banknotes, bank cards, documents ...) and render these values unusable in case of attempted break-in or subtraction. More specifically, the subject of the invention is a device for securing values constituted in whole or in part by a plastic polymer P, said device comprising a closed enclosure provided with means for storing said values, associated with heat generating means capable of To generate, within said enclosure, a rise in temperature sufficient to induce at least partial melting of the polymer P, the temperature rise by said heat generating means being triggered by control means in the event of detection an attempted break-in or

subtraction of the enclosure.

  "Securing device" means a device allowing

  in particular to perform the storage and / or transport of objects by preventing theft of these objects. Thus, the security device according to the invention can for example take the form of a secure cabinet, a safe or a shielded vehicle.

  "Values made in whole or in part of a plastic polymer

  P "is meant, in the sense of the present description, objects likely to stir up lust, and comprising at least one constituent part based on a plastic polymer P, said valuable object can thus notably be a ticket,

  a bank card, or a document. Thus, in particular, the term "values formed in whole or in part by a plastic polymer P" can in particular designate: - objects covered at least partially (or totally) by said polymer P, this polymer may for example provide a protective role (banknotes or paper documents surface-treated with the polymer P for example, in this context, the polymer P is preferably a PTFE); objects comprising constituent parts consisting essentially of the polymer P (bank cards, or notes based on the polymer P, in particular, in this context, the polymer P can be for example a polypropylene). In general, the plastic polymer P included in or constituting values that can be secured according to the invention is preferably a polymer of hydrophobic nature, which may be chosen in particular from polypropylenes, PTFE, ABS, PET , PETEs, polyacrylates,

  polyesters, and polystyrenes, and PVCs.

  In a particularly preferred manner, the "values constituted in whole or in part by a plastic polymer" likely to be secured by the device of the invention are bank notes, bank cards or documents at least partially covered (and preferably completely) by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or banknotes, bank cards, or documents wholly or partly made of polypropylene, ABS, PET, PETE, polyacrylate, polyester, polystyrene, or PVC. In the device of the invention, the temperature rise generated within the enclosure is, typically, sufficient to induce at least partial melting of the polymer P, whereby stored or transported values are rendered unusable. by an irreversible modification of their physical state (destruction in whole or part, total or partial fusion, irreversible deformation, agglomeration of values between them ...), in case

burglary or subtraction.

  In this context, it is generally preferable that the temperature reached within the chamber following the triggering of the heat generating means is at least equal to 1500C, this temperature preferably being at least equal to 2000C; and advantageously at least equal to 2500C. However, this temperature may vary according to the nature of the polymer P. Thus, when the polymer P denotes polypropylene, it is preferred that the temperature reached within the enclosure following the triggering of the

  heat generation means is at least of the order of 1 80 ° C to 220 ° C.

  In order to ensure optimum security, it is understood that it is desirable that the destruction or the irreversible deformation of the values takes place as quickly as possible. To do this, it is necessary that the rise in temperature within the chamber takes place with the least possible thermal inertia. In this context, it is thus preferred that the means for generating heat are means capable of generating the required temperature rise within the enclosure in a period corresponding to an "immediacy" required by the law, preferably less than or equal to 2 seconds, and preferably

  a duration less than or equal to 1 second.

  Therefore, most often, the means for generating heat used in the device of the present invention are heat generating means implementing a chemical reaction of a nature

  exothermic, which preferably has the highest possible kinetics.

  According to a particularly advantageous embodiment, the means 20 of heat generation implemented in the device of the present invention implement an addition of two reagents R1 and R2, it being understood that it is preferred that at least one of reagents R1 and / or R2 is a reagent in the liquid or gaseous state before the addition of the two reagents. Thus, the means for generating heat used in the device of the present invention can in particular implement the addition of two liquid reagents, preferably in the spraying state; the addition of a liquid (eg water), preferably in powder form, to a solid reagent; or else the reaction of a liquid reagent, preferably sprayed, and a gas (air for example). If necessary, the reactants R1 and R2 in the liquid state are generally contained in reservoirs whose opening is triggered by the control means in the event of attempted burglary, the compounds used in the gaseous state. other than air that may also be contained in such tanks. Solid reagents are generally present in the storage means in which the values are located. Thus, in case of attempted break-in, the

  device of the invention can in particular release two reagents in the liquid state, which react with each other, or even a single reagent in the liquid state, which reacts with a second reagent which is either in the form of a gas (air or gas released from a reservoir controlled by the control means) or in the form of a solid, this solid then being generally present initially in the storage means, for example in the form of a coating walls.

  By way of non-limiting example of the exothermic reactions that can be used according to the invention, mention may in particular be made of the following addition reactions of reagents R1 + R2: - water + phosphorus pentoxide - water + calcium oxide - water + calcium orthophosphate - water + orthophosphoric acid - sulfuric acid + soda lye 15 - water + barium oxide - water + hydrogen peroxide - water + sodium peroxide

- water + sodium sulphide.

  In general, whatever the means of heat generation implemented, the control means may in particular be

  type of those described in the application FR 01 02750.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended FIG. 1, which shows:

  FIG. 1A: sectional view of a device for securing values according to one embodiment of the invention;

  - Figure 1B: elevation of part of the device of Figure 1 A; - Figure 1C: Sectional view of the part of the device shown in Figure lB.

  FIG. 1A shows, by way of example of the invention, a security device comprising bricks or bundles of values made in whole or in part of a plastic polymer P (groups of bricks of banknotes, bank cards or plastic or plastic coated documents in a container). The enclosure or the container (1) containing the immobilizing chemical contains the values according to FIG. 1C, to allow the dispersion of the destructive products by simple gravity. According to the pattern during the attack by the perpetrators, the notes are placed under the tank and the

  solution pours on the notes; o the tank breaks and the notes fall into the tank. The device, confined in a transport container, makes it possible to avoid any evacuation outside the said container of toxic or ecotoxic emanations. The shape of the container is such that it is not possible to store it vertically, for example, it is oblong.

  The triggering of the dispersion of the chemical can be automatically triggered during an attack of the vehicle and which is detected by the sensors (shock, overturn, change of the normal trajectory, etc.) usually installed on the vehicle, either generated by a command external to the vehicle from a monitoring and remote monitoring center

  armored vehicles or manually.

  The triggering by the automated system of the system allows diffusion by capillarity and by the blast effect that separates the notes. Exothermic causes melting, melting or irreversible deformation of polypropylene notes. The irreversible deformation of banknotes is governed by the Law 0 of thermodynamics. The container (1) comprises one or more tanks (2). These reservoirs are preferably formed of effecting capsules (safety type glass or tempered glass or shockproof ABS for example), in order to allow good

  dispersion of the product generating the exotherm.

  Figures 1 B and 1 C show a part of the device according to the invention.

  One or more pyrotechnic trigger (s) (3) for generating a blast effect and breaking the tank (s), which is connected to a micro-programmed system (4), itself connected to a Radio Frequency circuit (5), integrating a Radio Frequency antenna. The Radio Frequency circuit operates at the frequency authorized by the ART in France and authorized by the organizations

  similar in other European countries.

  The micro-programmed circuit (4), powered by one or more cells or batteries (8) is formed of a micro-programmed card based on a microcontroller for example PIC 16C type or a similar industrial micro-controller, which control the trigger (s) pyrotechnic (s) (3) and devices

security (6) and (7).

  An additional set of security devices for triggering in case of intrusion into the container comprising a flexible printed circuit mesh (6) and an opening detector (7) are connected to the system

  control - micro-programmed control (4).

  The security device forms a target device for receiving activation signals from a control and control device (not shown in the diagram) which defines a security perimeter within which the periodic signals that it transmits. and whose period is configurable, activate the safety device, but outside which, the safety device no longer receives the activation signals via the Radio Frequency circuit (5), which causes the actuation by the micro system -programmed (4) and the actuation of the

pyrotechnic trigger (3).

  The control and control device is for example of the type described in the French patent application No. 01 02 750 filed February 28

2001 by the plaintiff.

  In the example just described, the security device according to the invention is considered to be applied to the transport of ticket packets.

  banking, securities, bank cards o plastic or plastic-coated documents.

  It will be understood, however, that this device can also be used to ensure the security of the storage of documents or values in a

  storage cabinet located in the security perimeter defined by the aforementioned control and control device, security devices according to the invention being associated with packages of documents or values stored in said furniture.

  Thus, an attempt to exit unauthorized, a package of banknotes, securities, bank cards or documents of plastic or plastic covered, outside the security perimeter defined by the control device and control immediately causes the destruction of the contents of said packet.

  It will be understood that the security device according to the invention can also be applied to one or more packets of notes stored in a bin intended for supplying an ATM.

Claims (5)

  1. Device for securing securities constituted in whole or in part   by a plastic polymer P, said device comprising a closed enclosure (1) 5 provided with means for storing said values, associated with heat generating means capable of generating, within said enclosure, a temperature rise sufficient to induce an at least partial melting of the polymer P, the temperature rise by said heat generating means being triggered by control means in the event of detecting an attempted break-in or subtraction of the enclosure (1).   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat generating means are capable of generating the required temperature rise within the enclosure in a time less than or equal to 2 seconds. 15 3. Device according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the heat generating means are heat generating means implementing a chemical reaction of exothermic nature. 4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the values are bank notes, bank cards or documents covered at least partially by a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).   5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,   characterized in that the values are banknotes, bank cards, or documents wholly or partly made of polypropylene, ABS, PET, PETE, polyacrylate, polyester, polystyrene, or PVC. .