GB1179833A - Decorative and structural material - Google Patents

Abstract

1,179,833. Producing signs &c. G. EVANS. 24 Jan., 1967 [28 Jan., 1966; 16 Feb., 1966; 31 March, 1966], Nos. 3876/66, 6736/66 and 14338/66. Heading B5A. [Also in Divisions B6 and G5] Decorative, or structural objects, signs are formed by associating adhesively and/or mechanically in the required shape a multiplicity of transparent or translucent glass fragments comprising broken " safety glass." In one embodiment a multiplicity of the glass fragments is combined in layers such that the surfaces of the fragments are parallel with the plane of the layers, and each fragment of each layer is adhesively attached by a light-transmitting adhesive to the fragments constituting the subjacent or/and superjacent layer or to an intervening lamina of a suitable transparent or translucent plastics material. In another embodiment, layers of the glass fragments are laid down within a mould and the mould filled subsequently or during the formation of the layers with a flowable and settable, transparent or translucent thermosetting synthetic resin. Alternatively the glass fragments may be filled into the mould in random disposition. In another embodiment the fragments may be closely packed and enclosed within a transparent outer casing without the fragments being individually bonded to each other. In Fig. 1 a layer of glass fragments is mounted on a backing sheet of glass or transparent plastics material by means of an epoxy resin adhesive. A source of natural or artificial light may be directed on to the rear of the sheet. In Fig. 3 (not shown), a rectilinear block is built up from a series of layers or glass fragments arranged so as to provide a through passage and which may be illuminated by an internal light source. In Fig. 4 (not shown), a transparent tube is covered with a layer of the glass fragments and illuminated by an internal source of light. In Fig. 5, the letter "A" is built up from superposed layers 18 of glass fragments which is supported upon a housing 19 containing a light source. The top 20 of said housing 18 is opaque with the exception of light transmitting areas 21 situated in register with the bottom of the legs of the character "A". In Figs. 6 and 7 (not shown), a transparent sheet with a wood frame carries a decorative layer of glass fragments attached by light transmitting adhesive. The layer is pictorial, decorative or informative. The sheet is masked in its uncovered areas by a layer of dark paint and a sheet of coloured plastics material is bonded to its rear. A light source is provided behind the assembly. The transparent nature of the fragment and the internal fractures which occur in the fragments imparts to objects constructed from them, by reason of light refraction, an attractive appearance particularly when illuminated.