WO2012136949A1 - Apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, and a method of producing the apparatus - Google Patents

Apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, and a method of producing the apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012136949A1
WO2012136949A1 PCT/GB2012/000261 GB2012000261W WO2012136949A1 WO 2012136949 A1 WO2012136949 A1 WO 2012136949A1 GB 2012000261 W GB2012000261 W GB 2012000261W WO 2012136949 A1 WO2012136949 A1 WO 2012136949A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
resin
sheet
layer
void
sheets
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2012/000261
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Ross William CURTIS
Original Assignee
Curtis Ross William
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Curtis Ross William filed Critical Curtis Ross William
Priority to GB1317668.0A priority Critical patent/GB2503174A/en
Publication of WO2012136949A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012136949A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44C—PRODUCING DECORATIVE EFFECTS; MOSAICS; TARSIA WORK; PAPERHANGING
    • B44C5/00—Processes for producing special ornamental bodies
    • B44C5/04—Ornamental plaques, e.g. decorative panels, decorative veneers
    • B44C5/0407—Ornamental plaques, e.g. decorative panels, decorative veneers containing glass elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10009—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the number, the constitution or treatment of glass sheets
    • B32B17/10036—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing characterized by the number, the constitution or treatment of glass sheets comprising two outer glass sheets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10165—Functional features of the laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10247—Laminated safety glass or glazing containing decorations or patterns for aesthetic reasons
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10165—Functional features of the laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10293—Edge features, e.g. inserts or holes
    • B32B17/10302—Edge sealing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B32—LAYERED PRODUCTS
    • B32B—LAYERED PRODUCTS, i.e. PRODUCTS BUILT-UP OF STRATA OF FLAT OR NON-FLAT, e.g. CELLULAR OR HONEYCOMB, FORM
    • B32B17/00—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres
    • B32B17/06—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material
    • B32B17/10—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10005—Layered products essentially comprising sheet glass, or glass, slag, or like fibres comprising glass as the main or only constituent of a layer, next to another layer of a specific material of synthetic resin laminated safety glass or glazing
    • B32B17/10807—Making laminated safety glass or glazing; Apparatus therefor
    • B32B17/10899—Making laminated safety glass or glazing; Apparatus therefor by introducing interlayers of synthetic resin
    • B32B17/10908—Making laminated safety glass or glazing; Apparatus therefor by introducing interlayers of synthetic resin in liquid form
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B44—DECORATIVE ARTS
    • B44F—SPECIAL DESIGNS OR PICTURES
    • B44F1/00—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects
    • B44F1/06—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects produced by transmitted light, e.g. transparencies, imitations of glass paintings
    • B44F1/066—Designs or pictures characterised by special or unusual light effects produced by transmitted light, e.g. transparencies, imitations of glass paintings comprising at least two transparent elements, e.g. sheets, layers
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
    • E06B3/6604—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together comprising false glazing bars or similar decorations between the panes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
    • E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
    • E06B3/663—Elements for spacing panes
    • E06B3/66309—Section members positioned at the edges of the glazing unit
    • E06B3/66376—Section members positioned at the edges of the glazing unit comprising lighting means

Definitions

  • This invention relates to apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration. This invention also relates to a method of producing the apparatus comprising the sheet material and decoration.
  • Apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration is known.
  • One type of such known apparatus comprises first and second sheets which are of a transparent material and which are spaced apart by a resin. Decorative objects are positioned between the first and second sheets of material, and they are held in position by the resin. The resin fills the space between the first and the second sheets of material.
  • the formed apparatus increases in weight, due to the presence of the resin, as the distance between the first and the second sheets of material increases.
  • the distance between the first and second sheets of material has to be kept small.
  • the known apparatus becomes unduly heavy.
  • the greater the gap between the first and the second sheets of material the greater the quantity of resin that is required, and this not only increases the weight of the apparatus as mentioned above but it also causes increased manufacturing costs. It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.
  • apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, which apparatus comprises a first sheet of material, a first layer of a resin on an inside face of the first sheet of material, at least one object which is held in position by the first layer of the resin and which provides the apparatus with a decorative appearance, a second sheet of material, spacer means which is positioned along at least one edge of the apparatus and between the inside face of the first sheet of material and an inside face of the second sheet of material, and closure means, and the apparatus being such that:
  • the void is a closed void
  • the object is viewable through at least one of the first and second sheets of material
  • the void causes the viewed object to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the object is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus.
  • the thickness of the spacer means can be chosen to give a desired distance between the first and second sheets of material.
  • the resin does not fill the entire space between the first and the second sheets of material.
  • the void importantly enables the apparatus to be both lighter and cheaper than would be the case if the entire space between the first and the second sheets of material were to be filled with the resin.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is especially advantageous in that the void causes the viewed object to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the object is viewed from the front or the sides of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus of the present invention is also especially advantageous in that the void causes the viewed object to appear to be inside a single sheet of material irrespective of whether the object is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus.
  • the presence of the void enables the apparatus of the present invention to have double-glazing properties of heat retention and sound exclusion.
  • the presence of the resin may assist the void in providing the heat retention and sound excluding properties.
  • the use of the resin enables the apparatus of the present invention to be produced as safety apparatus, for example as safety glass if the first and second sheets of material are first and second sheets of glass.
  • the object in the apparatus of the invention can be viewed through one or both sides of the apparatus in dependence upon whether one or both of the first and second sheets of material are such that they enable the object to be viewed through them.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the first and second sheets of material are of the same material. If desired however the first and second sheets of material may be of different types of material. Preferably the material of the first and second sheets is a transparent or opaque material.
  • the transparent or opaque material may be glass. Transparent or opaque material other than glass may be employed so that the transparent or opaque material may be a plastics material such for example as a polyacrylate plastics material.
  • the resin may be a clear resin.
  • the resin may be an opaque resin or a translucent resin.
  • the resin is preferably a glass-laminating resin.
  • the resin may be one in that remains pliable thereby facilitating the easy location of the object on the resin. The sealed void stops the ingress of dust and dirt that would otherwise adhere to the resin, and also the ingress of moisture that could adversely affect the objects and the resin.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the resin is an ultraviolet light cured resin and one that is also a glass-laminating resin and that remains pliable.
  • the resin is an ultraviolet light cured resin and one that is also a glass-laminating resin and that remains pliable.
  • Other types of cureable liquid resins may however be employed.
  • a presently preferred ultraviolet light cured resin and one that is also a glass- laminating resin and that remains pliable is that manufactured by the company called Cycol.
  • the resin is preferably 2mm thick.
  • the resin may be thicker or thinner than 2mm if desired.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the resin is poured onto the inside face of the first sheet of material when the first sheet of material is disposed horizontally. The resin is then able to be obtained as an even layer over the inside face of the first sheet of material.
  • the first sheet of material may be disposed in other positions if desired.
  • the first layer of resin will usually extend over the entire inside face of the first sheet of material, but it may extend only partially over the inside face of the first sheet of material if desired.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the object does not extend more than 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material.
  • the object may extend more or less than 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material if desired.
  • the closure means is a sealing means for sealing the void. If desired however the closure means may close the void but such that the void is not a sealed void.
  • the sealing means is a hot melt sealing means. Other types of sealing means and other types of closure means may be employed.
  • the hot melt sealing means is that known as Bortic - 5000 hot melt sealing means. Other types of hot melt sealing means may be employed.
  • the spacer means may be in the form of strips of edging tape as used in double-glazed windows.
  • the strips of edging tape may be secured together at their ends by an adhesive.
  • the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive.
  • the hot melt adhesive is preferably applied from a hot melt glue gun.
  • spacer means is a warm edge system (super spacer) manufactured by Edge Tech. Other warm edge systems may be employed. Other double glazing spacer systems can also be employed, for example aluminium or plastics.
  • the spacer means may alternatively be made of glass, for example strips of glass. Other materials for the spacer means may be employed.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the void is closed, for example sealed, by the closure means, and in which the closure means is positioned on an outer edge of the spacer means, the outer edge of the spacer means being such that it extends at right angles to the first and second sheets.
  • the combined depth of the spacer means and the closure means defines the depth of a frame portion which extends around the apparatus.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the void is closed, for example sealed, by the closure means, and in which the closure means is positioned on opposite faces of the spacer means, with one of said faces being adjacent the first sheet of material, and the other of said faces being adjacent the second sheet of material.
  • the depth of the spacer means needs to define the depth of the frame portion extending around the periphery of the apparatus.
  • This frame portion constituted just by the depth of the spacer means may be thinner than the combined depth afforded by the spacer means and the sealing means when the sealing means is positioned on the outer edge of the spacer means.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the closure means is such that it closes, for example seals, the void due to the closure means being on opposite faces of the spacer means.
  • the depth of substantially just the spacer means may again determine the thickness of the apparatus, for example where the thickness of the closure means is negligible, as for example in the case of thin layers of adhesive.
  • the use of such closure means may negate the use of a frame on one or two sides of the apparatus, the remaining two sides still retaining the original sealing means and in doing so thus providing adequate strength to the apparatus. Only the remaining sides with the original sealing means will then be framed.
  • the apparatus may be one in which at least one, for example two, of its sides are defined by the combined depth of the spacer means and the closure means, and at least one, for example two, of its sides are defined just by the depth of the spacer means.
  • the spacer means extends along four sides of the apparatus and has as an edge in the same plane as edges of the first and second sheets of material.
  • the closure means for example the sealing means, may be an ultraviolet light cured adhesive applied to opposite sides of the spacer means.
  • the adhesive may be applied in a thin layer.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the object extends out of the first layer of the resin, and in which the resin extends along the side of the object in a concave manner and thereby to give a meniscus effect when the object is viewed.
  • the object when the object is viewed, the object appears thicker than it is.
  • the apparatus comprises only the first layer of the resin.
  • the apparatus comprises a second layer of a resin, the second layer of the resin being provided on the inside face of the second sheet of material.
  • the second layer of the resin may be operative to hold at least one other object in position and/or to assist the first layer of the resin holding the object in position.
  • the second layer of the resin may not be used to hold one or more of the objects, and instead may be employed on its own to provide the benefits of using a laminating resin in its own right, for example to provide safety glass properties and/or sound-deadening properties.
  • the second layer of the resin will usually extend over the entire inside face of the second sheet of material, but it may extend only partially over the inside face of the second sheet of material if desired.
  • the second layer of the resin will be the same type of resin as that used for the first layer of the resin. Different resins may be employed if desired.
  • the second layer of the resin will be of the same thickness as the first layer of the resin. Differences in thickness between the first and the second layers of the resin may be employed if desired.
  • the object may be any suitable and appropriate object for providing the required decoration.
  • the object may be made of metal or glass.
  • the object may be a leaf, a petal, a feather, a stone, part of a plant, or a fabrication.
  • the apparatus may be one in which there is a plurality of the objects. As many of the objects may be used as are required for providing the required aesthetic appearance.
  • the apparatus may be one in which the inner face of the first and/or second sheet of material is provided with a pattern.
  • the apparatus may comprise only the first and second sheets of material to be a double-glazed sealed piece of apparatus.
  • the apparatus may include a third sheet of material adjacent the outside face of the first or second sheets of material, spacer means, and at least one of the objects positioned in the void created with the third sheet of material and thereby to form a triple-glazed piece of apparatus.
  • the apparatus could employ more sheets of material and spacer means to give different types of the apparatus, for example a quadruple- glazed piece of apparatus.
  • Closure means for example sealing means, is employed as required.
  • a method of producing apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, which method comprises providing a first sheet of material, providing a first layer of a resin on an inside face of the first sheet of material, providing at least one object which is held in position by the first layer of the resin and which provides the apparatus with a decorative appearance, providing a second sheet of material, providing spacer means which is positioned along at least one edge of the apparatus and between the inside face of the first sheet of material and an inside face of the second sheet of material, and providing closure means, and the method being such that:
  • a void is formed between the first and second sheets of material and the spacer means; the void is closed by the closure means; (Hi) the object is viewable through the first and second sheets of material; and
  • the void causes the viewed object to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the object is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus.
  • the method of the present invention may be one in which the first and second sheets of material are of the same type of material. If desired, the method of the invention may be one in which the first and second sheets of material are of different types of material.
  • the material of the first and second sheets may be a transparent or opaque material.
  • the transparent or opaque material may be glass. If desired, the transparent or opaque material may be other than glass so that, for example the first and second sheets of transparent or opaque material may be of a plastics material such for example as a polyacrylate material.
  • the resin is preferably a clear resin.
  • the resin may alternatively be an opaque resin or a translucent resin.
  • the resin is preferably an ultraviolet light cured resin.
  • Other types of liquid cured resins may be employed.
  • a preferred type of ultraviolet light cured resin is that manufactured by the company known as Cycol.
  • the resin is preferably provided to be 2mm thick.
  • the resin may be provided to be thicker or thinner than 2mm thick.
  • the resin is preferably poured onto the inside face of the first sheet of material when the first sheet of material is disposed horizontally.
  • the resin is then formed as an even layer on the inside face of the first sheet of material.
  • the resin may be poured with the first sheet of material being disposed other than horizontally if desired.
  • the first layer of resin will usually extend over the entire inside face of the first sheet of material, but it may extend only partially over the inside face of the first sheet of material if desired.
  • the object may be chosen to extend not more than 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material.
  • the object may be chosen to extend more or less than the 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material.
  • the closure means is preferably a sealing means for sealing the void.
  • the sealing means is a hot melt sealing means.
  • Other types of sealing means and other types of closure means may be employed.
  • a preferred hot melt sealing means is that known as Bortic 5000 hot melt sealing means. Other types of hot melt sealing means may be employed.
  • the spacer means may be provided in the form of strips of edging tape as used in double-glazed windows.
  • the strips may be secured together at their ends by an adhesive.
  • the adhesive is preferably a hot melt adhesive. Other types of adhesive may be employed.
  • the hot melt adhesive is preferably applied from a hot melt glue gun.
  • one type of spacer means is a warm edge system (super spacer) manufactured by Edge Tech.
  • Other warm edge systems may be employed.
  • Other double glazing spacer systems can also be employed, for example aluminium or plastics.
  • the spacer means may alternatively be made of glass, for example strips of glass. Other materials for the spacer means may be employed in the method of the invention.
  • the spacer means are made of thin strips of glass.
  • the strips of glass are cut to a thickness of 8mm. Because glass is normally scored and broken, this is hard to achieve at this thickness. Therefore water jet cutting is the preferred method of cutting. Other methods of cutting can be employed.
  • the glass strips may be placed along the entire perimeter of the glass.
  • the depth of the glass normally determines the depth of the spacer means.
  • the glass strips are preferably stuck with a very strong UV curing glue.
  • a preferred glue is Permobond (Trade Mark).
  • the glass strips form an edging which is able to become a dam for the resin to be poured into.
  • the glass strips effectively become one with the sheet of material, e.g. glass, and the resin. There is an added benefit in that the colour of the sheet of material, e.g. glass, is transmitted through the resin and onto the glass strips where this further gives an illusion that the apparatus is a solid piece of glass when being viewed from the side.
  • the top sheet of material e.g.
  • the spacer means is assembled onto the spacer means, and the same gluing means may be employed.
  • double glazing technology can be used as the spacer means in view of the fact that double glazing is always framed, which negates making the glass appear to be solid at the edges.
  • the method of the present invention may comprise closing the void, for example sealing the void, by positioning the closure means on an outer edge of the spacer means, the outer edge of the spacer means being such that it extends at right angles to the first and second sheets of material.
  • the method of the present invention may comprise closing the void, for example sealing the void, by positioning the closure means on opposite faces of the spacer means, with one of said faces being adjacent the first sheet of material, and the other of said faces being adjacent the second sheet of material.
  • the method of the invention may include using the spacer means and an adhesive closure means to seal the void.
  • the adhesive closure means for example an adhesive sealing means, may be provided on the spacer means.
  • the method of the invention may comprise closing the void, for example sealing the void, by providing at least one, for example two, of the sides of the apparatus with the combined depth of the spacer means and the closure means, and at least one, for example two, of the sides of the apparatus with just the single depth of the spacer means.
  • the method of the invention may comprise providing the object in the first layer of the resin such that the object extends out of the resin and such that the resin extends along the side of the object in a concave manner and thereby to give a meniscus effect when the object is viewed.
  • the method of the present invention may be one in which only the first layer of the resin is provided.
  • the method of the present invention may comprise providing a second layer of a resin, the second layer of the resin being provided on the inside face of the second sheet of material.
  • the second layer of the resin may be operative to hold at least one other object in position and/or to assist the first layer of the resin in holding the object in position.
  • the second layer of the resin may not be used to hold one or more of the objects, and instead may be employed on its own to provide the benefits of using a laminating resin in its own right, for example to provide safety glass properties and/or sound-deadening properties.
  • the second layer of the resin will usually extend over the entire inside face of the second sheet of material, but it may extend only partially over the inside face of the second sheet of material if desired.
  • the second layer of the resin is preferably of the same type of resin as that used for the first layer of the resin. Different types of resin may however be employed.
  • the second layer of the resin is preferably of the same thickness as the first thickness of the resin.
  • the first and second layers of the resin may however be of different thickness if desired.
  • the method of the present invention may be such that the provided object is any suitable and appropriate object required for the required decoration.
  • the object may be made of metal or glass.
  • the object may be a feather, leaf, a petal, a stone, a part of a plant, a metal object, or glass object, or a fabrication.
  • the method of the invention may be one in which a plurality of the objects is provided. As many objects may be provided as are required for the required aesthetic appearance.
  • the method of the present invention may include providing the inner surface of the first and/or second sheet of material to give a pattern. This may be done by, for example, pressing the pattern into the surface of the resin. Usually the pattern will be on a pattern maker which is removed after the pattern is formed in the surface of the resin.
  • the pattern maker may be flexible sheet material which is easily able to be removed from the resin.
  • the method of the present invention may be employed such that only the first and second sheets of material are provided to give a double-glazed piece of apparatus.
  • the method of the invention may be repeated to provide a third sheet of material adjacent the outside face of the first or the second sheet of material, providing spacer means, and providing at least one of the objects in the void created with the third sheet of material and thereby to form a triple-glazed piece of apparatus.
  • the method of the invention may be repeated with further sheets of material, spacer means and objects to give different types of closed, for example sealed, pieces of apparatus, for example a quadruple-glazed piece of apparatus.
  • the apparatus of the present invention may be, for example, a window, a partition, shower screen, a balustrading unit, or a decorative object in its own right.
  • Figure 1 shows initial steps in the method of the present invention to create apparatus of the present invention and, more especially, shows the provision of a first sheet of material and spacer means positioned around an edge of the first sheet of material;
  • Figure 2 illustrates providing the assembly shown in Figure 1 with a first layer of a resin on an inside face of the first sheet of material;
  • Figure 3 shows the assembly shown in Figure 1 with the first layer of resin on an inside face of the first sheet of material
  • Figure 4 shows the assembly of Figure 3 additionally provided with a plurality of objects
  • Figure 5 shows the assembly of Figure 4 additionally provided with a second sheet of material
  • Figure 6 is a first cross-section through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a second cross-section through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;
  • Figure 8 illustrates showing providing part of the apparatus shown in Figure 5 with a hot melt adhesive applied from a hot melt glue gun
  • Figure 9 is a cross-section through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 8 and illustrates how spacer means is positioned below the edge of the first and second sheets of material in order to leave a channel which is filled with hot melt adhesive or a silicon material;
  • Figure 10 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 8 and illustrates how the hot glue gun is moved anti-clockwise around the entire periphery of the apparatus;
  • Figure 11 is a perspective view from above of the apparatus of Figure 8 and additionally provided with a frame;
  • Figure 12 is a section through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 11 and illustrates how the frame covers and hides the edges of the first and second sheets of material, the spacer means and the hot melt sealing means;
  • Figure 13 is an exploded view of part of alternative apparatus of the present invention utilising third and fourth sheets of material;
  • Figure 14 is a section through part of further alternative apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 15 is a view of apparatus of the present invention and having a section as shown in Figure 14;
  • Figure 16 shows part of another alternative apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 there are shown initial stages in the preparation of apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration. More specifically, Figure 1 shows the provision of a first sheet of material 2, and spacer means 4 provided along at least one edge of the first sheet of material 2 and more specifically along four edges of the first sheet of material 2.
  • the spacer means 4 is provided on an inside face 6 of the first sheet of material 2.
  • the spacer means 4 may be 14mm high.
  • the first sheet of material 2 is a first sheet of transparent material 2. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first sheet of material 2 is a first sheet of opaque material 2.
  • Figures 2 and 3 show the provision of a layer of a resin 8 on the inside face 6 of the first sheet of material 2.
  • the resin 8 is an ultraviolet cured resin of the type manufactured by Cycol. Curing is effected in a ultraviolet oven (not shown)
  • the resin 8 is poured onto the inside face 6 of the first sheet of material 2 when the first of material 2 is disposed horizontally as shown.
  • the resin 8 is contained in a jug 10.
  • the layer of the resin 8 is 2mm thick.
  • the resin 8 is a clear resin but it may alternatively be an opaque resin or a coloured resin.
  • Figure 4 shows a plurality of objects in the form of stones 12 placed on a first layer of the resin 8 and held in position by the first layer of the resin 8.
  • FIGS. 4 - 10 illustrate how four sides of the first sheet of material 2 have now been provided with the spacer means 4.
  • Figures 11 and 12 show how the unit shown in Figures 4 - 10 is able to provided with a frame 14.
  • the frame 14 is able to be varied to suit the intended use of the finished double-glazed product.
  • the frame may be a stainless steel frame.
  • Figure 13 is an exploded section through part of alternative apparatus of the present invention and shows the apparatus of Figure 2 with a third sheet of material in the form of opaque glass 16, and a fourth sheet of material in the form of mirror glass 18.
  • the frame has been omitted for ease of illustration.
  • Figure 5 shows the use of a second sheet of material 20 on top of the spacer means 4 and objects 12.
  • the second sheet of material 20 may be the same as or different from the first sheet of material 2.
  • the objects 12 do not extend more than 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material 2.
  • the formed apparatus is closed by closure means.
  • the closure means is a sealing means in the form of a hot melt sealing means.
  • the hot melt sealing means is preferably that known as Bortic 5000, and it is applied from a glue gun 22.
  • the hot melt sealing means forms a sealed void in the apparatus of the invention.
  • the spacer means 4 is in the form of strips of edging tape which is known as Warm Edge and which is used in double-glazing.
  • the strips of edging tape are secured together at their ends by an adhesive.
  • the spacer means 4 may be thin strips of glass.
  • the thin strips of glass may be secured in position by thin layers of adhesive.
  • the adhesive is preferably a clear adhesive but an opaque or coloured adhesive may be used if desired.
  • FIG. 14 there is shown apparatus 22 in which similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding.
  • the first and second sheets of material 2, 20 are spaced apart by two spacer means 4 and two spacer means 29.
  • the spacer means 29 have an adhesive 26 positioned on opposite faces, with one said face being adjacent the first sheet 2 of material, and the other face being adjacent the second sheet of material 20.
  • the adhesive acts as a closure means, with the closure means more specifically being a sealing means which seals the spacer means 4, 29 in position and helps to form a sealed void.
  • the spacer means 29 is thinner than the spacer means 4 because the spacer means 4 has separate hot melt sealing means 31 to form a thicker spacing/sealing arrangement. Thus the spacer means 29 provide minimal edges.
  • the first and second sheets of material 2, 20 are preferably glass, and the first layer of resin 8 is then preferably a clear resin which remains pliable for easily receiving and holding the objects 12. Such a preferred resin is that mentioned above as manufactured by Cycol.
  • Figure 16 illustrates how the frame 14 may be provided with light emitting diodes 32 fed by a cable 34.
  • the light emitting diodes 32 may be illuminated to provide further decorative effects to the apparatus 30.
  • the light emitted from the light emitting diodes 32 may be effective to highlight the decoration provided by the objects between the first and the second sheets of material 2, 32.
  • the use of the light emitting diodes may be especially effective in dark situations. Light sources other than light emitting diodes may be employed.
  • a second layer of a resin is provided, the second layer of the resin being provided on the inner face of a second sheet of material 20.
  • the second layer of the resin (not shown) may be operative to assist the first layer of the resin in holding the object in position.
  • the second layer of resin may be used on its own, for example to serve as safety glass or for sound insulation.
  • the second layer of the resin is of the same type of resin as that used for the first layer of the resin.
  • the second layer of the resin is provided to the same thickness as the first layer of the resin.
  • the second sheet of material 20 is a second sheet of transparent material 20. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second sheet of material is a second sheet of opaque material.
  • the apparatus shown in the drawings is visually very attractive because the void causes the viewed stones 12 to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the stones 12 is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus.
  • the apparatus is also very visually attractive because the void causes the viewed object to appear to be inside a single sheet of material, for example floating, irrespective of whether the stones 12 is viewed from the front or the sides of the apparatus.
  • the advantageous properties afforded by the void are believed to be due to light refraction. Refraction occurs when light waves travel from one medium to another within the apparatus of the present invention. At the boundary of the two different types of media, the phase velocity of the light wave is altered and this normally causes a change in direction of the light waves. The wavelength of the light increases or decreases. The frequency of the light remains constant.
  • Transparent or opaque materials such for example as glass have a higher refractive index than air.
  • the first and second sheets of material are of the same material and they are in the form of glass.
  • the first and second sheets of different types of material may be employed and they may be other than glass so that they may be, for example, of a plastics material.
  • the resin 8 is a clear resin but it may alternatively be an opaque resin or a translucent resin.
  • Different types of objects to those shown may be employed.
  • the object or objects may consist of or include signage.
  • the inner surface of the first and/or the second sheets of material may be provided with a pattern.
  • the formed apparatus may be used for any suitable and appropriate purpose, for example as a window, a screen, a partition, a shower screen, a balustrading unit, or a decorative object in its own right.
  • Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Abstract

Apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, which apparatus comprises a first sheet of material (2), a first layer of a resin (8) on an inside face of the first sheet of material (2), at least one object (12) which is held in position by the first layer of the resin (8) and which provides the apparatus with a decorative appearance, a second sheet of material (20), spacer means (4) which is positioned along at least one edge of the apparatus and between the inside face (6) of the first sheet of material (2) and an inside face of the second sheet of material (20), and closure means (22), and the apparatus being such that: (i) a void is formed between the first and second sheets of material (2, 20) and the spacer means (4); (ii) the void is a closed void; (iii) the object (12) is viewable through at least one of the first and second sheets of material (2, 20); and (iv) the void causes the viewed object (12) to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the object (12) is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus (2).

Description

APPARATUS COMPRISING SHEET MATERIAL
AND DECORATION, AND A METHOD OF PRODUCING THE APPARATUS
This invention relates to apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration. This invention also relates to a method of producing the apparatus comprising the sheet material and decoration.
Apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration is known. One type of such known apparatus comprises first and second sheets which are of a transparent material and which are spaced apart by a resin. Decorative objects are positioned between the first and second sheets of material, and they are held in position by the resin. The resin fills the space between the first and the second sheets of material. Thus the formed apparatus increases in weight, due to the presence of the resin, as the distance between the first and the second sheets of material increases. In order to avoid the apparatus becoming over heavy, the distance between the first and second sheets of material has to be kept small. There may be circumstances when it is desired to have a larger distance between the first and the second sheets of material than is attainable by the known apparatus unless the known apparatus becomes unduly heavy. In addition, the greater the gap between the first and the second sheets of material, the greater the quantity of resin that is required, and this not only increases the weight of the apparatus as mentioned above but it also causes increased manufacturing costs. It is an aim of the present invention to reduce the above mentioned problems.
Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, which apparatus comprises a first sheet of material, a first layer of a resin on an inside face of the first sheet of material, at least one object which is held in position by the first layer of the resin and which provides the apparatus with a decorative appearance, a second sheet of material, spacer means which is positioned along at least one edge of the apparatus and between the inside face of the first sheet of material and an inside face of the second sheet of material, and closure means, and the apparatus being such that:
(i) a void is formed between the first and second sheets of material and the spacer means;
(ii) the void is a closed void;
(iii) the object is viewable through at least one of the first and second sheets of material; and
(iv) the void causes the viewed object to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the object is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus.
With the apparatus of the present invention, the thickness of the spacer means can be chosen to give a desired distance between the first and second sheets of material. The resin does not fill the entire space between the first and the second sheets of material. The void importantly enables the apparatus to be both lighter and cheaper than would be the case if the entire space between the first and the second sheets of material were to be filled with the resin. The apparatus of the present invention is especially advantageous in that the void causes the viewed object to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the object is viewed from the front or the sides of the apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention is also especially advantageous in that the void causes the viewed object to appear to be inside a single sheet of material irrespective of whether the object is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus. The presence of the void enables the apparatus of the present invention to have double-glazing properties of heat retention and sound exclusion. The presence of the resin may assist the void in providing the heat retention and sound excluding properties. Still further, the use of the resin enables the apparatus of the present invention to be produced as safety apparatus, for example as safety glass if the first and second sheets of material are first and second sheets of glass.
The object in the apparatus of the invention can be viewed through one or both sides of the apparatus in dependence upon whether one or both of the first and second sheets of material are such that they enable the object to be viewed through them.
The apparatus may be one in which the first and second sheets of material are of the same material. If desired however the first and second sheets of material may be of different types of material. Preferably the material of the first and second sheets is a transparent or opaque material. The transparent or opaque material may be glass. Transparent or opaque material other than glass may be employed so that the transparent or opaque material may be a plastics material such for example as a polyacrylate plastics material.
The resin may be a clear resin. Alternatively, the resin may be an opaque resin or a translucent resin. When the first and second sheets of material are glass, then the resin is preferably a glass-laminating resin. The resin may be one in that remains pliable thereby facilitating the easy location of the object on the resin. The sealed void stops the ingress of dust and dirt that would otherwise adhere to the resin, and also the ingress of moisture that could adversely affect the objects and the resin.
The apparatus may be one in which the resin is an ultraviolet light cured resin and one that is also a glass-laminating resin and that remains pliable. Other types of cureable liquid resins may however be employed. A presently preferred ultraviolet light cured resin and one that is also a glass- laminating resin and that remains pliable is that manufactured by the company called Cycol.
The resin is preferably 2mm thick. The resin may be thicker or thinner than 2mm if desired.
The apparatus may be one in which the resin is poured onto the inside face of the first sheet of material when the first sheet of material is disposed horizontally. The resin is then able to be obtained as an even layer over the inside face of the first sheet of material. The first sheet of material may be disposed in other positions if desired. The first layer of resin will usually extend over the entire inside face of the first sheet of material, but it may extend only partially over the inside face of the first sheet of material if desired.
The apparatus may be one in which the object does not extend more than 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material. The object may extend more or less than 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material if desired.
Preferably, the closure means is a sealing means for sealing the void. If desired however the closure means may close the void but such that the void is not a sealed void. Preferably, the sealing means is a hot melt sealing means. Other types of sealing means and other types of closure means may be employed. Preferably the hot melt sealing means is that known as Bortic - 5000 hot melt sealing means. Other types of hot melt sealing means may be employed.
The spacer means may be in the form of strips of edging tape as used in double-glazed windows. The strips of edging tape may be secured together at their ends by an adhesive. Preferably the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive. The hot melt adhesive is preferably applied from a hot melt glue gun.
One type of spacer means is a warm edge system (super spacer) manufactured by Edge Tech. Other warm edge systems may be employed. Other double glazing spacer systems can also be employed, for example aluminium or plastics. The spacer means may alternatively be made of glass, for example strips of glass. Other materials for the spacer means may be employed.
The apparatus may be one in which the void is closed, for example sealed, by the closure means, and in which the closure means is positioned on an outer edge of the spacer means, the outer edge of the spacer means being such that it extends at right angles to the first and second sheets. In this case, the combined depth of the spacer means and the closure means defines the depth of a frame portion which extends around the apparatus.
Alternatively, the apparatus may be one in which the void is closed, for example sealed, by the closure means, and in which the closure means is positioned on opposite faces of the spacer means, with one of said faces being adjacent the first sheet of material, and the other of said faces being adjacent the second sheet of material. In this case, only the depth of the spacer means needs to define the depth of the frame portion extending around the periphery of the apparatus. This frame portion constituted just by the depth of the spacer means may be thinner than the combined depth afforded by the spacer means and the sealing means when the sealing means is positioned on the outer edge of the spacer means.
Alternatively, the apparatus may be one in which the closure means is such that it closes, for example seals, the void due to the closure means being on opposite faces of the spacer means. In this case, the depth of substantially just the spacer means may again determine the thickness of the apparatus, for example where the thickness of the closure means is negligible, as for example in the case of thin layers of adhesive. The use of such closure means may negate the use of a frame on one or two sides of the apparatus, the remaining two sides still retaining the original sealing means and in doing so thus providing adequate strength to the apparatus. Only the remaining sides with the original sealing means will then be framed.
Alternatively, the apparatus may be one in which at least one, for example two, of its sides are defined by the combined depth of the spacer means and the closure means, and at least one, for example two, of its sides are defined just by the depth of the spacer means.
One preferred construction of the apparatus is one in which the spacer means extends along four sides of the apparatus and has as an edge in the same plane as edges of the first and second sheets of material. In this case, the closure means, for example the sealing means, may be an ultraviolet light cured adhesive applied to opposite sides of the spacer means. The adhesive may be applied in a thin layer.
In all embodiments of the invention, the apparatus may be one in which the object extends out of the first layer of the resin, and in which the resin extends along the side of the object in a concave manner and thereby to give a meniscus effect when the object is viewed. Thus, when the object is viewed, the object appears thicker than it is.
In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises only the first layer of the resin.
In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus comprises a second layer of a resin, the second layer of the resin being provided on the inside face of the second sheet of material. The second layer of the resin may be operative to hold at least one other object in position and/or to assist the first layer of the resin holding the object in position. Alternatively, the second layer of the resin may not be used to hold one or more of the objects, and instead may be employed on its own to provide the benefits of using a laminating resin in its own right, for example to provide safety glass properties and/or sound-deadening properties. The second layer of the resin will usually extend over the entire inside face of the second sheet of material, but it may extend only partially over the inside face of the second sheet of material if desired.
Usually, the second layer of the resin will be the same type of resin as that used for the first layer of the resin. Different resins may be employed if desired.
Usually, the second layer of the resin will be of the same thickness as the first layer of the resin. Differences in thickness between the first and the second layers of the resin may be employed if desired.
In all embodiments of the invention, the object may be any suitable and appropriate object for providing the required decoration. Thus, for example, the object may be made of metal or glass. The object may be a leaf, a petal, a feather, a stone, part of a plant, or a fabrication.
The apparatus may be one in which there is a plurality of the objects. As many of the objects may be used as are required for providing the required aesthetic appearance.
The apparatus may be one in which the inner face of the first and/or second sheet of material is provided with a pattern. The apparatus may comprise only the first and second sheets of material to be a double-glazed sealed piece of apparatus.
Alternatively, the apparatus may include a third sheet of material adjacent the outside face of the first or second sheets of material, spacer means, and at least one of the objects positioned in the void created with the third sheet of material and thereby to form a triple-glazed piece of apparatus. If desired, the apparatus could employ more sheets of material and spacer means to give different types of the apparatus, for example a quadruple- glazed piece of apparatus. Closure means, for example sealing means, is employed as required.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention there is provided a method of producing apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, which method comprises providing a first sheet of material, providing a first layer of a resin on an inside face of the first sheet of material, providing at least one object which is held in position by the first layer of the resin and which provides the apparatus with a decorative appearance, providing a second sheet of material, providing spacer means which is positioned along at least one edge of the apparatus and between the inside face of the first sheet of material and an inside face of the second sheet of material, and providing closure means, and the method being such that:
(i) a void is formed between the first and second sheets of material and the spacer means; the void is closed by the closure means; (Hi) the object is viewable through the first and second sheets of material; and
(iv) the void causes the viewed object to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the object is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus.
The method of the present invention may be one in which the first and second sheets of material are of the same type of material. If desired, the method of the invention may be one in which the first and second sheets of material are of different types of material. In the method of the invention, the material of the first and second sheets may be a transparent or opaque material. The transparent or opaque material may be glass. If desired, the transparent or opaque material may be other than glass so that, for example the first and second sheets of transparent or opaque material may be of a plastics material such for example as a polyacrylate material.
In the method of the present invention, the resin is preferably a clear resin. The resin may alternatively be an opaque resin or a translucent resin.
In the method of the present invention, the resin is preferably an ultraviolet light cured resin. Other types of liquid cured resins may be employed. A preferred type of ultraviolet light cured resin is that manufactured by the company known as Cycol.
The resin is preferably provided to be 2mm thick. The resin may be provided to be thicker or thinner than 2mm thick. The resin is preferably poured onto the inside face of the first sheet of material when the first sheet of material is disposed horizontally. The resin is then formed as an even layer on the inside face of the first sheet of material. The resin may be poured with the first sheet of material being disposed other than horizontally if desired. The first layer of resin will usually extend over the entire inside face of the first sheet of material, but it may extend only partially over the inside face of the first sheet of material if desired.
In the method of the present invention, the object may be chosen to extend not more than 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material. The object may be chosen to extend more or less than the 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material.
The closure means is preferably a sealing means for sealing the void. Preferably, the sealing means is a hot melt sealing means. Other types of sealing means and other types of closure means may be employed. A preferred hot melt sealing means is that known as Bortic 5000 hot melt sealing means. Other types of hot melt sealing means may be employed.
In the method of the present invention, the spacer means may be provided in the form of strips of edging tape as used in double-glazed windows. The strips may be secured together at their ends by an adhesive. The adhesive is preferably a hot melt adhesive. Other types of adhesive may be employed. The hot melt adhesive is preferably applied from a hot melt glue gun.
In the method of the present invention, one type of spacer means is a warm edge system (super spacer) manufactured by Edge Tech. Other warm edge systems may be employed. Other double glazing spacer systems can also be employed, for example aluminium or plastics.
In the method of the invention, the spacer means may alternatively be made of glass, for example strips of glass. Other materials for the spacer means may be employed in the method of the invention.
Preferably, the spacer means are made of thin strips of glass. Preferably the strips of glass are cut to a thickness of 8mm. Because glass is normally scored and broken, this is hard to achieve at this thickness. Therefore water jet cutting is the preferred method of cutting. Other methods of cutting can be employed.
The glass strips may be placed along the entire perimeter of the glass. The depth of the glass normally determines the depth of the spacer means. The glass strips are preferably stuck with a very strong UV curing glue. A preferred glue is Permobond (Trade Mark). The glass strips form an edging which is able to become a dam for the resin to be poured into. The glass strips effectively become one with the sheet of material, e.g. glass, and the resin. There is an added benefit in that the colour of the sheet of material, e.g. glass, is transmitted through the resin and onto the glass strips where this further gives an illusion that the apparatus is a solid piece of glass when being viewed from the side. The top sheet of material, e.g. glass, is assembled onto the spacer means, and the same gluing means may be employed. Alternatively double glazing technology can be used as the spacer means in view of the fact that double glazing is always framed, which negates making the glass appear to be solid at the edges. Alternatively, the method of the present invention may comprise closing the void, for example sealing the void, by positioning the closure means on an outer edge of the spacer means, the outer edge of the spacer means being such that it extends at right angles to the first and second sheets of material.
Alternatively, the method of the present invention may comprise closing the void, for example sealing the void, by positioning the closure means on opposite faces of the spacer means, with one of said faces being adjacent the first sheet of material, and the other of said faces being adjacent the second sheet of material.
Alternatively, the method of the invention may include using the spacer means and an adhesive closure means to seal the void. The adhesive closure means, for example an adhesive sealing means, may be provided on the spacer means.
Alternatively, the method of the invention may comprise closing the void, for example sealing the void, by providing at least one, for example two, of the sides of the apparatus with the combined depth of the spacer means and the closure means, and at least one, for example two, of the sides of the apparatus with just the single depth of the spacer means.
In all embodiments, the method of the invention may comprise providing the object in the first layer of the resin such that the object extends out of the resin and such that the resin extends along the side of the object in a concave manner and thereby to give a meniscus effect when the object is viewed. The method of the present invention may be one in which only the first layer of the resin is provided.
Alternatively, the method of the present invention may comprise providing a second layer of a resin, the second layer of the resin being provided on the inside face of the second sheet of material. The second layer of the resin may be operative to hold at least one other object in position and/or to assist the first layer of the resin in holding the object in position. Alternatively, the second layer of the resin may not be used to hold one or more of the objects, and instead may be employed on its own to provide the benefits of using a laminating resin in its own right, for example to provide safety glass properties and/or sound-deadening properties. The second layer of the resin will usually extend over the entire inside face of the second sheet of material, but it may extend only partially over the inside face of the second sheet of material if desired.
The second layer of the resin is preferably of the same type of resin as that used for the first layer of the resin. Different types of resin may however be employed.
In the method of the present invention, the second layer of the resin is preferably of the same thickness as the first thickness of the resin. The first and second layers of the resin may however be of different thickness if desired.
The method of the present invention may be such that the provided object is any suitable and appropriate object required for the required decoration. Thus, for example, the object may be made of metal or glass. The object may be a feather, leaf, a petal, a stone, a part of a plant, a metal object, or glass object, or a fabrication.
The method of the invention may be one in which a plurality of the objects is provided. As many objects may be provided as are required for the required aesthetic appearance.
The method of the present invention may include providing the inner surface of the first and/or second sheet of material to give a pattern. This may be done by, for example, pressing the pattern into the surface of the resin. Usually the pattern will be on a pattern maker which is removed after the pattern is formed in the surface of the resin. The pattern maker may be flexible sheet material which is easily able to be removed from the resin.
The method of the present invention may be employed such that only the first and second sheets of material are provided to give a double-glazed piece of apparatus. Alternatively, the method of the invention may be repeated to provide a third sheet of material adjacent the outside face of the first or the second sheet of material, providing spacer means, and providing at least one of the objects in the void created with the third sheet of material and thereby to form a triple-glazed piece of apparatus. Alternatively, the method of the invention may be repeated with further sheets of material, spacer means and objects to give different types of closed, for example sealed, pieces of apparatus, for example a quadruple-glazed piece of apparatus.
The apparatus of the present invention may be, for example, a window, a partition, shower screen, a balustrading unit, or a decorative object in its own right. Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows initial steps in the method of the present invention to create apparatus of the present invention and, more especially, shows the provision of a first sheet of material and spacer means positioned around an edge of the first sheet of material;
Figure 2 illustrates providing the assembly shown in Figure 1 with a first layer of a resin on an inside face of the first sheet of material;
Figure 3 shows the assembly shown in Figure 1 with the first layer of resin on an inside face of the first sheet of material;
Figure 4 shows the assembly of Figure 3 additionally provided with a plurality of objects;
Figure 5 shows the assembly of Figure 4 additionally provided with a second sheet of material;
Figure 6 is a first cross-section through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a second cross-section through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;
Figure 8 illustrates showing providing part of the apparatus shown in Figure 5 with a hot melt adhesive applied from a hot melt glue gun;
Figure 9 is a cross-section through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 8 and illustrates how spacer means is positioned below the edge of the first and second sheets of material in order to leave a channel which is filled with hot melt adhesive or a silicon material; Figure 10 is a front view of the apparatus of Figure 8 and illustrates how the hot glue gun is moved anti-clockwise around the entire periphery of the apparatus;
Figure 11 is a perspective view from above of the apparatus of Figure 8 and additionally provided with a frame;
Figure 12 is a section through part of the apparatus as shown in Figure 11 and illustrates how the frame covers and hides the edges of the first and second sheets of material, the spacer means and the hot melt sealing means;
Figure 13 is an exploded view of part of alternative apparatus of the present invention utilising third and fourth sheets of material;
Figure 14 is a section through part of further alternative apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a view of apparatus of the present invention and having a section as shown in Figure 14; and
Figure 16 shows part of another alternative apparatus of the present invention.
Referring to Figure 1 , there are shown initial stages in the preparation of apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration. More specifically, Figure 1 shows the provision of a first sheet of material 2, and spacer means 4 provided along at least one edge of the first sheet of material 2 and more specifically along four edges of the first sheet of material 2. The spacer means 4 is provided on an inside face 6 of the first sheet of material 2. The spacer means 4 may be 14mm high. The first sheet of material 2 is a first sheet of transparent material 2. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the first sheet of material 2 is a first sheet of opaque material 2.
Figures 2 and 3 show the provision of a layer of a resin 8 on the inside face 6 of the first sheet of material 2. The resin 8 is an ultraviolet cured resin of the type manufactured by Cycol. Curing is effected in a ultraviolet oven (not shown) The resin 8 is poured onto the inside face 6 of the first sheet of material 2 when the first of material 2 is disposed horizontally as shown. The resin 8 is contained in a jug 10. The layer of the resin 8 is 2mm thick. The resin 8 is a clear resin but it may alternatively be an opaque resin or a coloured resin.
Figure 4 shows a plurality of objects in the form of stones 12 placed on a first layer of the resin 8 and held in position by the first layer of the resin 8.
Figures 4 - 10 illustrate how four sides of the first sheet of material 2 have now been provided with the spacer means 4.
Figures 11 and 12 show how the unit shown in Figures 4 - 10 is able to provided with a frame 14. The frame 14 is able to be varied to suit the intended use of the finished double-glazed product. Thus, for example, the frame may be a stainless steel frame.
Figure 13 is an exploded section through part of alternative apparatus of the present invention and shows the apparatus of Figure 2 with a third sheet of material in the form of opaque glass 16, and a fourth sheet of material in the form of mirror glass 18. In Figure 13, the frame has been omitted for ease of illustration. Figure 5 shows the use of a second sheet of material 20 on top of the spacer means 4 and objects 12. The second sheet of material 20 may be the same as or different from the first sheet of material 2. The objects 12 do not extend more than 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material 2.
The formed apparatus is closed by closure means. The closure means is a sealing means in the form of a hot melt sealing means. The hot melt sealing means is preferably that known as Bortic 5000, and it is applied from a glue gun 22. The hot melt sealing means forms a sealed void in the apparatus of the invention.
The spacer means 4 is in the form of strips of edging tape which is known as Warm Edge and which is used in double-glazing. The strips of edging tape are secured together at their ends by an adhesive. In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the spacer means 4 may be thin strips of glass. The thin strips of glass may be secured in position by thin layers of adhesive. The adhesive is preferably a clear adhesive but an opaque or coloured adhesive may be used if desired.
Referring now to Figures 14 and 15, there is shown apparatus 22 in which similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. As can be seen from Figure 14, the first and second sheets of material 2, 20 are spaced apart by two spacer means 4 and two spacer means 29. The spacer means 29 have an adhesive 26 positioned on opposite faces, with one said face being adjacent the first sheet 2 of material, and the other face being adjacent the second sheet of material 20. The adhesive acts as a closure means, with the closure means more specifically being a sealing means which seals the spacer means 4, 29 in position and helps to form a sealed void. The spacer means 29 is thinner than the spacer means 4 because the spacer means 4 has separate hot melt sealing means 31 to form a thicker spacing/sealing arrangement. Thus the spacer means 29 provide minimal edges. The first and second sheets of material 2, 20 are preferably glass, and the first layer of resin 8 is then preferably a clear resin which remains pliable for easily receiving and holding the objects 12. Such a preferred resin is that mentioned above as manufactured by Cycol.
Referring now to Figure 16, there is shown in exploded view apparatus 30 of the present invention. Similar parts as in previous Figures have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. Figure 16 illustrates how the frame 14 may be provided with light emitting diodes 32 fed by a cable 34. The light emitting diodes 32 may be illuminated to provide further decorative effects to the apparatus 30. The light emitted from the light emitting diodes 32 may be effective to highlight the decoration provided by the objects between the first and the second sheets of material 2, 32. The use of the light emitting diodes may be especially effective in dark situations. Light sources other than light emitting diodes may be employed.
In a first method of the invention, just the first layer of the resin is provided. In a second method of the present invention, a second layer of a resin is provided, the second layer of the resin being provided on the inner face of a second sheet of material 20. The second layer of the resin (not shown) may be operative to assist the first layer of the resin in holding the object in position. Alternatively, the second layer of resin may be used on its own, for example to serve as safety glass or for sound insulation. The second layer of the resin is of the same type of resin as that used for the first layer of the resin. The second layer of the resin is provided to the same thickness as the first layer of the resin. The second sheet of material 20 is a second sheet of transparent material 20. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the second sheet of material is a second sheet of opaque material.
The apparatus shown in the drawings is visually very attractive because the void causes the viewed stones 12 to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the stones 12 is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus. The apparatus is also very visually attractive because the void causes the viewed object to appear to be inside a single sheet of material, for example floating, irrespective of whether the stones 12 is viewed from the front or the sides of the apparatus. The advantageous properties afforded by the void are believed to be due to light refraction. Refraction occurs when light waves travel from one medium to another within the apparatus of the present invention. At the boundary of the two different types of media, the phase velocity of the light wave is altered and this normally causes a change in direction of the light waves. The wavelength of the light increases or decreases. The frequency of the light remains constant. Transparent or opaque materials such for example as glass have a higher refractive index than air.
It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the first and second sheets of material are of the same material and they are in the form of glass. The first and second sheets of different types of material may be employed and they may be other than glass so that they may be, for example, of a plastics material. The resin 8 is a clear resin but it may alternatively be an opaque resin or a translucent resin. Different types of objects to those shown may be employed. The object or objects may consist of or include signage. The inner surface of the first and/or the second sheets of material may be provided with a pattern. The formed apparatus may be used for any suitable and appropriate purpose, for example as a window, a screen, a partition, a shower screen, a balustrading unit, or a decorative object in its own right. Individual components shown in the drawings are not limited to use in their drawings and they may be used in other drawings and in all aspects of the invention.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, which apparatus comprises a first sheet of material, a first layer of a resin on an inside face of the first sheet of material, at least one object which is held in position by the first layer of the resin and which provides the apparatus with a decorative appearance, a second sheet of material, spacer means which is positioned along at least one edge of the apparatus and between the inside face of the first sheet of material and an inside face of the second sheet of material, and closure means, and the apparatus being such that:
(i) a void is formed between the first and second sheets of material and the spacer means;
(ii) the void is a closed void;
(iii) the object is viewable through at least one of the first and second sheets of material; and
(iv) the void causes the viewed object to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the object is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the first and second sheets of material are of the same material.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the material of the first and second sheets is a transparent or opaque material.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the transparent or opaque material is glass.
5. Apparatus according any one of the preceding claims in which the resin is a clear resin.
6. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the resin is a ultraviolet cured resin.
7. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the resin is 2mm thick.
8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the resin is poured onto the inside face of the first sheet of material when the first sheet of material is disposed horizontally.
9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the object does not extend more than 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material.
10. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the closure means is a sealing means.
11. Apparatus according to claim 10 in which the sealing means is a hot melt sealing means.
12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the spacer means is in the form of strips of edging tape as used in double- glazing.
13. Apparatus according to claim 12 in which the strips are secured together at their ends by an adhesive.
14. Apparatus according to claim 13 in which the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive.
15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 11 in which the spacer means is in the form of strips of glass.
16. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the void is closed by the closure means, and in which the closure means is positioned on an outer edge of the spacer means, the outer edge of the spacer means being such that it extends at right angles to the first and second sheets of material.
17. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 15 in which the void is closed by the closure means, and in which the closure means is positioned on opposite faces of the spacer means, with one of said facers being adjacent the first sheet of material, and the other of said faces being adjacent the second sheet of material.
18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 15 in which the closure means closes the void due to the closure means being on opposite faces of the spacer means.
19. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the object extends out of the first layer of the resin, and in which the resin extends along the side of the object in a concave manner and thereby to give a meniscus effect when the object is viewed.
20. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising only the first layer of the resin.
21. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 19 and comprising a second layer of a resin, the second layer of the resin being provided on the inside face of the second sheet of material.
22. Apparatus according to claim 21 in which the second layer of the resin is the same type of resin as that used for the first layer of the resin.
23. Apparatus according to claim 21 or claim 22 in which the second layer of the resin is of the same thickness as the first layer of the resin.
24. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the object is a leaf, a petal, a feather, a stone, a part of a plant, a metal object, a glass object, or a fabrication.
25. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which there is a plurality of the objects.
26. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the inside face of the first and/or second sheet of material is provided with a pattern.
27. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the apparatus comprises only the first and second sheets of material to be a double-glazed sealed piece of apparatus.
28. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 26 and including a third sheet of material adjacent the outside face of the first or the second sheet of material, spacer means, and at least one of the objects positioned in the void created with the third sheet of material and thereby to form a triple-glazed piece of apparatus.
29. Apparatus according to claim 28 in which the third sheet of material is the same material as at least one of first and second sheets of material.
30. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and in the form of a window, a screen, a balustrading unit, or a decorative object in its own right.
31. Apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
32. A method of producing apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, which method comprises providing a first sheet of material, providing a first layer of a resin on an inside face of the first sheet of material, providing at least one object which is held in position by the first layer of the resin and which provides the apparatus with a decorative appearance, providing a second sheet of material, providing spacer means which is positioned along at least one edge of the apparatus and between the inside face of the first sheet of material and an inside face of the second sheet of material, and providing closure means, and the method being such that:
(i) a void is formed between the first and second sheets of material and the spacer means;
(ii) the void is closed by the closure means; (iii) the object is viewable through the first and second sheets of material; and
(iv) the void causes the viewed object to have a three dimensional appearance irrespective of whether the object is viewed from the front or sides of the apparatus.
33. A method according to claim 32 in which the first and second sheets of material are of the same material.
34. A method according to claim 32 or claim 33 in which the material of the first and second sheets is a transparent or opaque material.
35. A method according to claim 34 in which the transparent or opaque material is glass.
36. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 35 in which the resin is a clear resin.
37. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 36 in which the resin is an ultraviolet light cured resin.
38. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 37 in which the resin is 2mm thick.
39. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 38 in which the resin is poured onto the inside face of the first sheet of material when the first sheet of material is disposed horizontally.
40. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 39 in which the object does not extend more than 10mm from the inside face of the first sheet of material.
41. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 40 in which the closure means is a sealing means.
42. A method according to claim 41 in which the sealing means is a hot melt sealing means.
43. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 42 in which the spacer means is in the form of strips of edging tape as used in double-glazing.
44. A method according to claim 43 in which the strips are secured together at their ends by an adhesive.
45. A method according to claim 44 in which the adhesive is a hot melt adhesive.
46. A method according to claim 45 in which the hot melt adhesive is applied from a hot melt glue gun.
47. A method according to any one claims 32 - 46 and comprising closing the void by positioning the closure means on an outer edge of the spacer means, the outer edge of the spacer means being such that it extends at right angles to the first and second sheets of material.
48. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 46 and comprising closing the void by positioning the closure means on opposite faces of the spacer means, with one of said faces being adjacent the first sheet of material, and the other of said faces being adjacent the second sheet of material.
49. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 46 and including using the spacer means and an adhesive closure means to seal the void.
50. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 49 and comprising providing the object in the first layer of the resin such that the object extends out of the resin and such that the resin extends along the side of the object in a concave manner and thereby to give a meniscus effect when the object is viewed.
51. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 50 and in which only the first layer of the resin in provided.
52. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 50 and comprising providing a second layer of a resin, the second layer of the resin being provided on the inner face of the second sheet of material.
53. A method according to claim 52 in which the second layer of the resin is the same type of resin as that used for the first layer of the resin.
54. A method according to claim 52 or claim 53 in which the second layer of the resin is of the same thickness as the first layer of the resin.
55. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 54 in which the object is a leaf, a petal, a feather, a stone, a part of a plant, or fabrication.
56. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 54 in which there is a plurality of the objects.
57. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 56 in which the inner surface of the first and/or second sheet of material is provided with a pattern.
58. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 57 in which the apparatus comprises only the first and second sheets of material to give a double-glazed piece of apparatus.
59. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 57 and including providing a third sheet of material adjacent the outside face of the first or the second sheet of material, providing spacer means, providing at least one of the objects in the void created with the third sheet of material and thereby to form a triple-glazed piece of apparatus.
60. A method according to any one of claims 32 - 59 in which the apparatus is in the form of a window, a partition screen, a shower screen, a balustrading unit, or a decorative object in its own right.
61. A method of producing apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
PCT/GB2012/000261 2011-04-06 2012-03-21 Apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, and a method of producing the apparatus WO2012136949A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1317668.0A GB2503174A (en) 2011-04-06 2012-03-21 Apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration, and a method of producing the apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB1105865.8 2011-04-06
GB201105865A GB201105865D0 (en) 2011-04-06 2011-04-06 Apparatus comprising sheet material and decoration and a method of producing the apparatus

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Cited By (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014207420A1 (en) 2013-06-24 2014-12-31 Curtis Ross William Decorative panel comprising transparent sheet material
CN104847229A (en) * 2015-03-23 2015-08-19 佛山市金钢钢业有限公司 Production process for manufacturing high-grade novel environment-friendly door pattern

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DE1446858A1 (en) * 1965-03-17 1969-04-10 Johann Ring Glass picture made from assembled colored glass parts
US5139828A (en) * 1990-05-23 1992-08-18 D. Swarovski & Co. Ornamental panel
GB2319002A (en) * 1996-11-05 1998-05-13 Charles Daniel A decorative panel or tile comprising embedded particles forming a three-dimensional pattern
WO2001051751A1 (en) * 2000-01-12 2001-07-19 Gnan Karl Heinz Multiple pane comprising a spatial insert
WO2002103146A2 (en) * 2001-06-15 2002-12-27 Sashlite, Llc Integrated multipane window sash and method for fabricating integrated multipane window sash
DE20310621U1 (en) * 2003-02-14 2003-10-09 Redel Dieter Decorative etched or painted glass layer for insertion in door or window may have backing layer on rear side and protective layer on front side
WO2004033198A1 (en) * 2002-10-08 2004-04-22 New Design Product Development 'dpd' Zeller & Steindl Oeg Glass component comprising a glass carrier plate
US20060046017A1 (en) * 2004-09-01 2006-03-02 3Form Architectural glass panels with embedded objects and methods for making the same

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE1446858A1 (en) * 1965-03-17 1969-04-10 Johann Ring Glass picture made from assembled colored glass parts
US5139828A (en) * 1990-05-23 1992-08-18 D. Swarovski & Co. Ornamental panel
GB2319002A (en) * 1996-11-05 1998-05-13 Charles Daniel A decorative panel or tile comprising embedded particles forming a three-dimensional pattern
WO2001051751A1 (en) * 2000-01-12 2001-07-19 Gnan Karl Heinz Multiple pane comprising a spatial insert
WO2002103146A2 (en) * 2001-06-15 2002-12-27 Sashlite, Llc Integrated multipane window sash and method for fabricating integrated multipane window sash
WO2004033198A1 (en) * 2002-10-08 2004-04-22 New Design Product Development 'dpd' Zeller & Steindl Oeg Glass component comprising a glass carrier plate
DE20310621U1 (en) * 2003-02-14 2003-10-09 Redel Dieter Decorative etched or painted glass layer for insertion in door or window may have backing layer on rear side and protective layer on front side
US20060046017A1 (en) * 2004-09-01 2006-03-02 3Form Architectural glass panels with embedded objects and methods for making the same

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014207420A1 (en) 2013-06-24 2014-12-31 Curtis Ross William Decorative panel comprising transparent sheet material
CN104847229A (en) * 2015-03-23 2015-08-19 佛山市金钢钢业有限公司 Production process for manufacturing high-grade novel environment-friendly door pattern

Also Published As

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GB201317668D0 (en) 2013-11-20
GB2503174A (en) 2013-12-18
GB201105865D0 (en) 2011-05-18

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