GB2576774A

GB2576774A - Apparatus for vehicle registration plate assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2576774A
Application number: GB1814245.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nigel Daykin Adrian
Original assignee: Vps Group Ltd
Current assignee: VPS GROUP LIMITED
Priority date: 2018-09-01
Filing date: 2018-09-01
Publication date: 2020-03-04
Also published as: GB201814245D0

Abstract

An apparatus for assembling a vehicle registration plate holds one component, such as a transparent plastics panel 5, in a fixed position, and brings a second component, such as a retroreflective sheet 8, progressively into contact with the plastics panel by using a release mechanism. The first and second componenets have respective retaining means 1, 10. A compression means, such as a roller, traverses to bond the retroreflective sheet to the plastics panel. The retaining means may comprises peripheral side walls. The release mechanism may include a plurality of independently retractable rectangular tabs 7 on which the retroreflective sheet rests (figure 2). The second retaining means may include a flexible membrane with perforations, through which suction 11 is applied to hold the retroreflective sheet. Alternatively the second retaining means may include a pad 14 which adheres the retroreflective sheet in a flat position, with the pad being able to then curve to bring the sheet progressively into contact with the surface of the plastics panel (figure 4). The apparatus may additionally include a UV printer. The above apparatus may enable a license plate to be made without misalignment between its layers.

Description

Apparatus for vehicle registration plate assembly

The present invention relates to vehicle registration plates and in particular to an apparatus for the assembly of a vehicle registration plate.

Motor vehicle registration plates, sometimes known as number plates, identification plates, or licence plates are a way of identifying vehicles. Most countries regulate the properties and format of the plates, including the material of the plate as well as the size, font and colour of the characters. One type of plate conventionally comprises a transparent plastics panel bonded to a flexible retro reflective sheet. Alphanumeric characters may be applied, for example printed, onto the face of the reflective sheet, before it is bonded to the plastics panel, so the characters are visible through that transparent panel.

Flexible retroreflective sheets are commercially available and can be printed with alphanumeric characters required for registration plates. The printing must be carried by an approved registration plate supplier.

Conventionally, such registration plates are factory-manufactured in a large-scale production. However, there is an increasing demand for single registration plates to be assembled as a service provided by approved registration plate supplier. To ensure an efficient process for single registration plates, the assembly should be simple and rapid to achieve, yet provide an accurate reproduceable result.

Thus, there is a need for an apparatus to assemble a vehicle registration plate using a printed flexible retroreflective sheet to bond to a transparent plastics panel with accurate alignment and without the need for subsequent trimming of either of the components. It is also important

-2that, when bonding the retro reflective sheet to the transparent panel, air bubbles between them and wrinkling of the sheet are avoided.

It is known in the art to bond a retro reflective sheet to a transparent panel by passing them through two rollers. However, the motion of the two components towards the rollers can cause some of the alignment to be lost in a lateral direction, so that the accuracy of the resulting plate is not reproduceable.

The apparatus of this invention overcomes this disadvantage and achieves the stated objectives by moving a compression means, such as a single roller, to bring a retroreflective sheet progressively into contact with a transparent panel, keeping the panel in a fixed and stationary position.

GB2321033 describes an apparatus for the assembly of a vehicle number plate that achieves accurate connection between a reflective sheet and a clear plastics plate by free-fall dropping of the plastics plate onto the reflective sheet held in position in a jig. The bonding is completed by passing the components through two rollers. Thus, although there is alignment initially within the jig, movement through the rollers can allow some lateral misalignment.

GB2357181 describes an apparatus for the production of an identification plate, which uses a single roller to apply pressure to a carrier sheet bearing indicia to bond it to a rigid backing plate, usually made of metal. The two components, backing plate and carrier sheet, are fed into the roller mechanism from a flat bed, so that again some lateral misalignment can occur.

-3Another example of a process for making identification plates by passing a flexible film and a transparent plate through two rotating cylinders is described in EP1024011.

Although such examples describe the assembly of a single vehicle registration plate with initial alignment of a reflective sheet and a panel, none describe a means to retain that alignment accurately through the bonding process.

Accordingly, the present invention provides an apparatus for assembly of a vehicle registration plate, which plate comprises two components which are a transparent plastics panel and an flexible retro reflective sheet, the apparatus comprising a first retaining means to hold a first said component in a fixed position, a second retaining means to hold a second said component in alignment with the first component, a release mechanism to allow the second component to progressively contact the first component, and a compression means adapted to traverse in the direction of the plane of the first retaining means to bond the retro reflective sheet to the plastics panel.

The transparent plastics panel may be formed of acrylic or similar plastics material. Suitable materials include thermoplastic polymers such as polycarbonates, poly(meth)acrylates such as polymethyl methacrylate, polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylenenaphthalates, cellulose acetate, polyvinyl chloride and copolymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Preferably the panel is formed of acrylic plastics material. The transparent panel suitably has a thickness from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, for example, from 1 mm to 4 mm. Typically, the transparent panel have a thickness of from 0.5 mm to 3.3 mm. A preferred thickness is 2 mm to 3 mm.

-4Retroreflective sheets, for use in this invention, are well known in the art and have a surface that reflects light with a minimum of scattering. Retroreflection is the phenomenon of light rays striking a surface and being redirected back to the source of light. The sheets consist of retro reflective glass beads, micro-prisms, or encapsulated lenses sealed onto a plastics substrate. As with any retroreflector, the sheet appears bright when there is a small angle between the observer's eye and the light source, but appears nonreflective when viewed from other directions.

Indicia, in the form of alphanumeric characters, may be applied either to the transparent plastics panel component or to the retro reflective sheet component prior to bonding of the components in the apparatus of this invention. Preferably, the retro reflective sheet has indicia printed on, or otherwise applied to, the retro reflective surface thereof.

The bond between the retro reflective sheet component and the plastics panel component is formed by adhesive. The adhesive layer may be on either the retroreflective sheet or the plastics panel. Preferably the adhesive layer is on the plastics panel. Transparent plastics panels are available commercially having an adhesive layer thereon, covered by a removable protective film.

The first component, i.e. the component which is held in the first retaining means, may be either the plastics panel or the retroreflective sheet. Preferably, the first component is the plastics panel. For example, the plastics panel may be placed in the first retaining means, having the adhesive layer uppermost, and the protective film then removed therefrom. If the first component is the retroreflective sheet, it is preferably placed in the first retaining means with its retroreflective surface uppermost.

-5The first retaining means is suitably in the form of a rectangular frame having a base and peripheral side portions. The side portions may be integral with the base and form solid walls or may be posts or pins. Alternatively, at least one side portion may be adjustable laterally, for example by a sliding mechanism, so that the plastics panel component or the retroreflective sheet component may be placed on the base of the frame and one or two slidable side portions moved in to retain the component. The peripheral side portions may extend to at least three edges of the rectangular frame. Preferably, the peripheral side portions extend to all four edges of the frame. The frame may be positioned within the apparatus vertically, horizontally or in any intermediate position. Preferably, the frame in a horizontal position within the apparatus.

The dimensions of the frame are defined to accurately retain either a transparent plastics panel component or a flexible retroreflective sheet component in a fixed position. One advantage of the present invention is that both of the components can be the same size, because there is no trimming necessary after the bonding process. The length and width of the frame is such that the inner dimensions accommodate a standard registration plate. The length of standard plates is at least 402mm. The height of a plate may be up to 203mm. Suitably the inner dimensions of the frame are from 460 - 520 mm by 104 - 111 mm.

The second retaining means of the apparatus of this invention holds the second component to bring it into alignment with the first component. The second retaining means is associated with a release mechanism. Suitable such retaining means include a base with peripheral side walls, wherein the base or side walls retract; or a perforated membrane through which a retaining suction can be applied and wherein the suction can be removed or reduced to form the release mechanism.

-6The release mechanism must allow the second component to progressively contact the first component, suitably by allowing initial contact between the components at only one lateral line of contact, prior to application of the compression means. The initial line of contact may be achieved by means of a curvature ofthe second retaining means or by tilting of either the first or second retaining means.

One suitable such second retaining means comprises a base and peripheral side walls on at least two sides of the base. For example, the second retaining means may have two integral side walls, with a third side of the second component being held in place by the compression means. Preferably, two or three side walls are integral with the apparatus.

In this embodiment, the base or a side wall of the second retaining means may retract to form the release mechanism. The second retaining means tilts to allow the second component to make an initial line of contact with the first component. Preferably the base comprises a plurality of independently retractable elongate rectangular tabs on which the second component rests. The tabs can retract in turn to allow the progressive contact.

Also in this embodiment, the compression means comprises a roller which traverses over the second component, starting from the initial line of contact. As the base or tabs of the second retaining means retract, the roller progressively presses the second component onto the adhesive on the first component, thereby bonding the two together.

The tilting of the first or second retaining means could be lengthways or widthways, so that the line of contact where the roller starts may be on the short edge of the rectangular components, or may be on the long edge. The tilt should be in the direction in which the roller traverses.

-7Alternatively, the second retaining means of the apparatus comprises a membrane containing perforations, through which suction can be applied. This suction creates a vacuum which holds the second component onto the outer surface of the membrane. In this case, the membrane may tilt to create the initial line of contact along the edge of the first component. The membrane may be split into two sections that can move independently. Preferably, the membrane is flexible and can curve to bring the second component into an initial line of contact at a non-edge position of the first component, such as in the centre or intermediate position thereof. If the second component is the transparent plastics panel, the curvature will be less than the curvature when the second component is the flexible retro reflective plate, which can be up to semicircular. The release mechanism is formed by the successive release of suction from the membrane, or by predetermining the strength of the suction to be less than the strength of the bonding between the components.

The compression means may be provided by a pressure from the rear of the membrane, for example by a piston. The piston may conform the membrane into a curve which is rolled back and forth to bond the components. Alternatively, the compression means may be a roller on the inner surface of the membrane, or the two may be integral, so that the membrane is merely represented by the surface of the roller.

In a further embodiment, the second retaining means of the apparatus comprises a pad which can adhere to the second component by means of a gel with less strength of bonding than the strength of bonding between the components.

-8In each of these embodiments, the positioning of the second component onto the second retaining means is accurately defined, to provide precise alignment with the first component held in a fixed position in the first retaining means.

The bonding process in each of the embodiments of this invention ensures that no air bubbles are trapped between the retroreflective sheet and the plastics panel. It also provides an accurate alignment of the retroreflective sheet onto the plastics panel, so that there is no trimming necessary in assembling the registration plate and therefore no wastage.

The apparatus of this invention may also incorporate a printer to apply indicia to the surface of the retroreflective sheet. Indicia are applied to the retroreflective sheet as required by national regulations. The indicia usually comprise alphanumeric characters, namely an arrangement of letters and/or numbers conforming to the required format of the appropriate national regulations, it is also possible to apply further indicia, as allowed by, or required by, relevant government regulations. For example, the UK regulations require that each vehicle registration plate is marked with: the British Standard number; the name of the manufacturer or supplier; and the name of the supplying outlet. In addition, the indicia applied may include a country designation, useful when the vehicle is taken abroad.

The characters are printed onto the retroreflective sheet, for example by thermal transfer printing, silk screen printing, by inkjet printing, or by laser printing. Preferably, the characters are applied by inkjet printing. It is further preferred that printer is a UV printer, i.e. a printer in which the ink is ultra-violet curable.

-9If a printer is incorporated into the apparatus of this invention, the printed retroreflective sheet may be automatically transferred to the second retaining means within the apparatus. However, it is preferred to manually inspect the printed retroreflective sheet to check for errors before it is bonded to the transparent plastics panel. In this way, there would be less wastage in the event of a printing error, or if an incorrect number was entered into the printer. Preferably, therefore, the printer portion of the apparatus is provided with a separate output tray. The printed retroreflective sheet may be inspected and then manually placed into the second retaining means.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig 1 is a schematic representation of a transparent plastic panel and a first retaining means in accordance with one embodiment of this invention;

Fig 2 is an exploded view of the components of one embodiment of this invention;

Fig 3 illustrates the first and second retaining means of second embodiment of this invention;

Fig 4 illustrates the second retaining means for a further embodiment of this invention;

Fig 5 is an overall perspective view of an apparatus of this invention incorporating a printer.

Referring to Fig 1, a first retaining means for a transparent plastics panel component consists of a frame 1 comprising a flat base 2 and four upstanding walls 3 integral therewith. The frame 1 is provided with a handle 4 to enable a user to move the frame 1 out of and into the apparatus. A transparent acrylic panel 5 has an adhesive layer represented by dotted lines 6 covering the upper surface of the panel. A

-10protective film (not shown), covering the adhesive, is removed therefrom and the panel 5 is placed into the frame 1, for which it is an accurate fit. The frame 1 is then inserted into the apparatus, using the handle 4, ready for the next step in the process.

In Fig 2, the frame 1 contains the acrylic panel 5. Situated above the frame 1, when it is inserted into the apparatus, is a second retaining means in the form of a plurality of elongate tabs 7. A flexible retro reflective sheet 8, carrying indicia on the underside thereof, is lowered onto the tabs 7 and is held in position by the walls of the apparatus (not shown). In operation, the series of tabs 7 tilt down at the end of the frame 1 closest to a compression roller 9, making an initial line of contact between the end of the sheet 8 with the end of the panel 5. The compression roller 9 then moves across the surface of the sheet 8, from left to right. As the roller traverses, each tab 7 retracts in turn to allow the roller 9 to press the flexible sheet 8 progressively onto the panel 5 and bond thereto.

In the embodiment shown in Fig 3, the second retaining means is formed of a circular membrane 10, having perforations therein, fixed over the surface of a hollow roller 12. Suction is applied inwardly in the direction of the arrows 11. A flexible retro reflective sheet component 8 is applied to the surface of the membrane 10 and is held thereon by means of the suction. In operation, the membrane, together with the retro reflective sheet 8, is lowered onto the surface of a transparent acrylic panel 5 held in a fixed position in a frame 1. As the sheet 8 comes into contact with the panel 5, it is bonded along the initial line of contact. The membrane then moves from left to right, then from right to left. As it does so, suction is progressively removed from within the membrane, thus progressively releasing the sheet 8 which is pressed onto the panel 5, by means of the roller 12, to complete the bonding.

- Ilin Fig 4, a jointed retainer 13 is attached to a perforated pad 14 through slots 15. While the pad 14 is in a flat orientation, it is adhered through suction to a flexible retro reflective sheet 8, also in a flat orientation. The retainer 13 then draws together the ends of the pad to bring the sheet 8 into a curved orientation. The retainer 13 is then moved from left to right, then from right to left, while progressively releasing the suction, to allow the sheet 8 to bond to an acrylic panel (not shown).

Referring to Fig 5, a flexible retroreflective sheet is introduced into the feed tray 16 of a printer housing 17. The printed retroreflective sheet 8 is ejected onto the exit area 18. The sheet 8 is manually checked and placed face down onto the tabs 7. Using the handle 4, the frame 1 is drawn out of the apparatus and an acrylic panel 5, with adhesive uppermost, is inserted into the frame 1. The frame is then reinserted into the apparatus and the mechanism is activated, by means of a button 19, to bond the sheet 8 to the acrylic panel 5. The completed registration plate is removed from the frame 1.

Claims

Claims

1. An apparatus for assembly of a vehicle registration plate, which plate comprises two components which are a transparent plastics panel and an flexible retro reflective sheet, the apparatus comprising a first retaining means to hold a first said component in a fixed position, a second retaining means to hold a second said component in alignment with the first component, a release mechanism to allow the second component to progressively contact the first component, and a compression means adapted to traverse in the direction ofthe plane of the first retaining means to bond the retro reflective sheet to the plastics panel.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first component is the transparent plastics sheet, and the second component is the flexible retro reflective sheet.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first retaining means is a frame having peripheral side walls.
4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the frame is fixed in a horizontal position within the apparatus.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the second retaining means comprises a base and three peripheral side walls integral with the apparatus.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the base comprises a plurality of independently retractable elongate rectangular tabs on which the retroreflective sheet rests.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the second retaining means comprises a flexible membrane containing perforations, through which suction is applied to hold the retro reflective sheet onto the surface of the membrane.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the second retaining means of the apparatus comprises a pad which adheres to the flexible retroreflective sheet in a flat position, which pad can then curve to bring the retroreflective sheet progressively into

10 contact with the surface of the plastics panel.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, which further comprises a printer to apply indicia to the surface of the retroreflective sheet.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein the printer is a UV printer.