GB2104000A - Mirrors - Google Patents

Mirrors Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2104000A
GB2104000A GB08220430A GB8220430A GB2104000A GB 2104000 A GB2104000 A GB 2104000A GB 08220430 A GB08220430 A GB 08220430A GB 8220430 A GB8220430 A GB 8220430A GB 2104000 A GB2104000 A GB 2104000A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
layer
foam
bonded
mirror structure
lamina
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB08220430A
Other versions
GB2104000B (en
Inventor
Roger John Leach
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Chelsea Artisans Ltd
Original Assignee
Chelsea Artisans Ltd
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 Chelsea Artisans Ltd filed Critical Chelsea Artisans Ltd
Priority to GB08220430A priority Critical patent/GB2104000B/en
Priority to EP19820306542 priority patent/EP0099437B1/en
Priority to DE8282306542T priority patent/DE3276020D1/en
Publication of GB2104000A publication Critical patent/GB2104000A/en
Priority to US06/513,076 priority patent/US4550986A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2104000B publication Critical patent/GB2104000B/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/18—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by features of a layer of foamed material
    • 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
    • B32B27/00—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin
    • B32B27/06—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material
    • B32B27/065—Layered products comprising a layer of synthetic resin as the main or only constituent of a layer, which is next to another layer of the same or of a different material of foam
    • 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
    • B32B5/00—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts
    • B32B5/22—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed
    • B32B5/24—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer
    • B32B5/245—Layered products characterised by the non- homogeneity or physical structure, i.e. comprising a fibrous, filamentary, particulate or foam layer; Layered products characterised by having a layer differing constitutionally or physically in different parts characterised by the presence of two or more layers which are next to each other and are fibrous, filamentary, formed of particles or foamed one layer being a fibrous or filamentary layer another layer next to it being a foam layer
    • 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
    • B32B7/00—Layered products characterised by the relation between layers; Layered products characterised by the relative orientation of features between layers, or by the relative values of a measurable parameter between layers, i.e. products comprising layers having different physical, chemical or physicochemical properties; Layered products characterised by the interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/04—Interconnection of layers
    • B32B7/12—Interconnection of layers using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B7/00—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements
    • G02B7/18—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prisms; for mirrors
    • G02B7/182—Mountings, adjusting means, or light-tight connections, for optical elements for prisms; for mirrors for mirrors
    • 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
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/40—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular optical properties
    • B32B2307/412—Transparent
    • 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
    • B32B2307/00—Properties of the layers or laminate
    • B32B2307/40—Properties of the layers or laminate having particular optical properties
    • B32B2307/416—Reflective
    • 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
    • B32B2551/00—Optical elements
    • B32B2551/08—Mirrors

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Laminated Bodies (AREA)

Abstract

A shockproof mirror comprises a glass or plastics sheet or film 2 backed with a reflective layer 4 which is bonded to a flexible and resiliently compressible foam pad 8 which the whole is eventually glued to a support structure, e.g. wall or ceiling, in use, deterioration of the foam and/or of the adhesive bond between the foam and the reflective layer in use is reduced or prevented by providing a substantially impermeable skin 10 on the exposed face of the foam. Optional web 6 prevents or inhibits deformation of the foam layer 8. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Mirrors This invention relates to improvements in or relating to mirrors and especially mirrors in which the transparent face backed by the layer of reflective material is intended to be laminated to a surface, for example a wall or a substantially rigid backing board.
It has been found that, particularly in large mirrors of this kind and especially where the transparent face is provided by a sheet of glass, there is a tendency for the product to fracture when exposed to an environment in which substantial variations in temperature are encountered; for example such as when the product is used for cladding the outside of a building or is otherwise exposed to the elements and/or to direct sunlight. To overcome this defect it has been proposed to include a flexible and resiliently compressible layer of a polymeric foam which is bonded to the layer of reflective material and which in use lies between the mirror and the surface to which it is to be laminated or attached; see GBA 2048166.
This foam layer absorbs the stresses developed during heating or cooling of the mirror and the surface to which it is attached due to the different coefficients of expansion of the mirror and the surface, thereby reducing or preventing fracture of the mirror.
Further, where the transparent face is glass and this is fractured, e.g. by impact, the glass fragments tend to remain bonded to the foam layer, thereby reducing the danger of damage to property or persons by flying or falling glass.
The foam layer also provides the mirror with a valuable shock absorbance which increases its ability to withstand a blow without fracturing.
Mirrors backed with such foam layers have therefore found rapid acceptance in the market.
It has been found however that where adhesives are used to bond such mirrors to the surfaces to which they are to be attached, components of the adhesive tend to infiltrate the foam to the detriment of the foam, of the mirror itself and/or of the adhesive which may be used to bond the mirror to the foam. For example, where commonly available contact adhesives are used to adhere a foam backed mirror to a surface, solvents in the adhesive (or vapours thereof) can pass through the foam and cause the foam to delaminate from the mirror.
According to the present invention, there is provided a mirror structure of the kind comprising a transparent facing lamina backed by a layer of reflective material, said layer-backed lamina being bonded to a flexible and resiliently compressible layer of polymeric, e.g. plastics or rubber, foam and wherein the exposed face of the foam layer, i.e. the face on the opposite side to that to which the lamina is bonded, is provided with a substantially impermeable skin capable of being bonded by common adhesives.
Preferably the substantially impermeable skin is provided by laminating the foam layer with a sheet, foil or film of impervious plastics material.
In one preferred embodiment, the skin comprises a sheet, film or foil of vinyl chloride polymer, e.g. PVC, which is particularly suitable because of its imperviousness to and resistance to attack by solvents present in commonly used contact adhesives.
The impermeable skin may be laminated to the foam layer by any suitable means, for example by the use of an adhesive or by heat sealing, and in another preferred embodiment, the skin may be of a multi-layer nature, one layer providing the required degree of imperviousness and the other or another layer, which will be an external layer, the means for effecting a bond with the foam layer. Thus, for example, the skin may be formed from a polyurethane-coated vinyl chloride polymer, e.g. PVC, sheet, film or foil. Such skin may be bonded to the foam layer via the polyurethane coating by the application of heat.
An example of such a material is the polyurethane-coated PVC sheet sold under the trade name Velbex by Storey Bros., Braintree, Essex.
In yet another preferred embodiment, the skin may be an impervious film, sheet or foil of a plastics material which is inherently capable of being bonded to the foam layer by the application of heat. One suitable example is polyurethane.
It may be found desirable to provide at least one face of the foam layer with a web which is bonded to the foam and which will prevent or inhibit the foam layer from stretching or otherwise deforming during its bonding to the other components employed in the production of the mirror structure of the invention. The web, hereinafter referred to as a stabilising web, may be of any suitable material, e.g. flexible thermoplastics film or a textile e.g. of knitted or woven polyamide (nylon) or polyester.
The foam layer will normally be bonded to the reflective layer-backed lamina by a suitable adhesive. Preferably, however, there is provided between the foam layer and the adhesive a flexible moisture-impermeable microporous membrane which will permit the escape of volatiles from said adhesive while preventing, when the mirror structure is in use, any water or moisture which enters the foam layer from contacting the adhesive layer.
The microporous membrane may comprise any film which is impermeable to moisture and water but is permeable to gas or vapour; however it is preferably plastics. If a thermoplastic membrane is used, it can be bonded to the foam layer by heat, thus avoiding the need for another adhesiveapplying step. The microporous membrane need only be a few microns, e.g. 10 to 1 5 microns, in thickness.
The said microporous membrane may also act as the above-mentioned stabilising web if it is attached to the foam layer before the latter is bonded to the reflective layer and is of a suitable material. However, the web and membrane may be different, if desired.
Examples of materials suitable for the foam layer include the foams marketed by Dunlop Ltd of England as DF 113, DF 119 and, in particular, D8.
An example of an adhesive for bonding the facing lamina to the foam layer is SN 1 501 marketed by Dunlop Ltd.
A suitable thickness for the foam layer is 0.1 to 0.15 inch (about 2 to 4 mm) although larger or smaller thicknesses may be used.
The facing lamina may be of glass or plastics.
When it is plastics, it may be a sheet e.g. of acrylic or a film e.g. of polyester. The facing lamina may be tinted. The reflective layer is generally metal, e.g. silver or copper.
One example of a mirror according to the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing which is a perspective view partly cut away to illustrate more clearly the various component layers of the product. In the embodiment illustrated, the mirror comprises a 3 mm thick transparent acrylic or glass sheet 2 provided in conventional manner, e.g. by silvering and coppering, with a layer 4 of reflective material.
This is bonded by means of Dunlop adhesive SN 1 501 (not shown) to a 3 mm thick layer 8 of flexible and resiliently compressible foam, such as Dunlop DF 113, DF 119 or D8, to which a stabilising web 6 comprising a nylon scrim has previously been bonded and which lies between the foam layer and the reflective layer.
A sheet, film or foil 10 of impervious polyurethane-coated PVC is bonded to the underside of the foam layer 8.
The mirror was manufactured in the following manner. First the sheet 10 of polyurethane-coated PVC (Velbex) was laminated to one face of the plastics foam sheet 8. The bonding of the Velbex was effected by placing the sheet in contact with the foam sheet with the polyurethane-coated side contacting the foam, and then heating the composite structure to cause the polyurethane to soften and adhere to the foam.
The nylon scrim 6 was then heat bonded to the free face of the foam layer and the foam layer then glued to the silvered acrylic sheet 2 with the scrim lying between the sheet and the foam.
The mirror was attached to a wall using a conventional contact adhesive which produced a strong bond between the mirror and the wall.
Because of the impervious nature of the PVC skin the solvent of the adhesive did not permeate through to the mirror/foam interface and consequently there was no danger of the bond between the mirror and the foam being weakened.
In a modification of the above mirror assembly, the polyurethane-coated PVC sheet, film or foil 10 was replaced with a sheet, film or foil of polyurethane which was heat bonded to the foam sheet 8.
In a further modification, a sheet (not shown) of "Platinon", a flexible moisture-impermeable microporous plastics film sold by Cole Plastics of England, was bonded between the acrylic sheet and the nylon scrim-coated face of the foam.

Claims (6)

1. A mirror structure of the kind comprising a transparent facing lamina backed by a layer of reflective material, said layer-backed lamina being bonded to a flexible and resiliently compressible layer of polymeric foam and wherein the face of the foam layer on the opposite side to that to which the lamina is bonded is provided with a substantially impermeable skin capable of being bonded by common adhesives.
2. A mirror structure as claimed in claim 1 in which the substantially impermeable layer is a sheet, film or foil of vinyl chloride polymer, polyurethane-coated vinyl chloride polymer or polyurethane.
3. A mirror structure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which one face of the foam layer is provided with a stabilising web which is bonded to the foam.
4. A mirror structure as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 in which there is provided between the foam layer and the layer of adhesive employed to bond said layer to the reflective layer-backed lamina, a flexible moisture-impermeable microporous membrane.
5. A mirror structure as claimed in claim 4 in which a thermoplastic membrane is employed which is bonded to the foam layer by heat.
6. A mirror structure as claimed in claim 1, substantially as hereinbefore described with particular reference to the accompanying drawing.
GB08220430A 1981-07-28 1982-07-14 Mirrors Expired GB2104000B (en)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08220430A GB2104000B (en) 1981-07-28 1982-07-14 Mirrors
EP19820306542 EP0099437B1 (en) 1982-07-14 1982-12-08 Mirrors
DE8282306542T DE3276020D1 (en) 1982-07-14 1982-12-08 Mirrors
US06/513,076 US4550986A (en) 1982-07-14 1983-07-12 Layered mirrors including a compressible layer and a polyurethane skin

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8123253 1981-07-28
GB08220430A GB2104000B (en) 1981-07-28 1982-07-14 Mirrors

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2104000A true GB2104000A (en) 1983-03-02
GB2104000B GB2104000B (en) 1983-12-21

Family

ID=26280286

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08220430A Expired GB2104000B (en) 1981-07-28 1982-07-14 Mirrors

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2104000B (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2166385A (en) * 1984-09-20 1986-05-08 William John White Wallboard
BE1004267A3 (en) * 1990-05-18 1992-10-20 Aurinco Holdings Ltd Self-supporting mirror and manufacturing method of its.

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2166385A (en) * 1984-09-20 1986-05-08 William John White Wallboard
BE1004267A3 (en) * 1990-05-18 1992-10-20 Aurinco Holdings Ltd Self-supporting mirror and manufacturing method of its.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2104000B (en) 1983-12-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4550986A (en) Layered mirrors including a compressible layer and a polyurethane skin
CA2004482A1 (en) Laminated safety glass and polymeric laminate for use therein
US6455141B1 (en) Laminate structure and process for its production
EP0076038B1 (en) Reflective animal collar and material for forming such a collar
MX9703378A (en) Self-adhering polyvinyl chloride safety glass interlayer.
CS219328B2 (en) Layered glass pane
BR9106569A (en) LAMINATED FOR SAFETY VITRIFICATION
JPS6426434A (en) Fabric, through stretchability, multilayer type and waterproofness of which moisture is permeated
PL183440B1 (en) Laminated glass panel having ir radioation reflecting properties
US5959793A (en) Laminated safety mirror with reflective coating adjacent the bonding layer
US6468378B1 (en) Rear projection screens and light filters with conformable coating and methods of making the same
JPS5917674B2 (en) Safety film for shatter prevention windows
EP0340737A3 (en) Composite materials
GB2104000A (en) Mirrors
US5346569A (en) Process for deairing an interface region
NZ201257A (en) Mirror with a bonded foam backing:heat laminated flexible impermeable plastic skin on rear face
WO1996009928A1 (en) Cover foil with heat-activated layer
US4810583A (en) Aircraft windshield
US2352923A (en) Protective structure for mirrors
AU590877B2 (en) A laminated fabric coated plastic material
EP0313315A3 (en) Highly formable laminates
KR0154524B1 (en) Dam rubber for car window and adhered window structure
JP2003231209A (en) Curved reinforced glass bonded with transparent resin sheet
KR930701291A (en) Laminated Glass for Safety Glass
JPH1142731A (en) Adhesive sheet material

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
732 Registration of transactions, instruments or events in the register (sect. 32/1977)
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 19950714

728V Application for restoration filed (sect. 28/1977)
728Y Application for restoration allowed (sect. 28/1977)
732E Amendments to the register in respect of changes of name or changes affecting rights (sect. 32/1977)
PE20 Patent expired after termination of 20 years

Effective date: 20020713