GB2598392A

GB2598392A - Adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label

Info

Publication number: GB2598392A
Application number: GB2013689.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Mcdonagh Gareth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-01
Filing date: 2020-09-01
Publication date: 2022-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2040-09-01
Also published as: GB202013689D0; GB2598392B

Abstract

Provided is an adhesive label 1 comprising a frangible inner layer 2 with a line of weakness 12 extending between the upper 4 and lower 6 surfaces thereof; and an adhesive layer 14, 16 located on each of the upper 4 and lower 6 surfaces respectively, the adhesive layer 16 suitable for attaching the label 1 to a vehicle. Also provided is a method of producing this label 1; and a kit of parts comprising the components of this label 1. The line of weakness can comprise indentations; a scored line; or a perforated line. For a rectangular inner layer 2, the line of weakness may extend at an angle to the length of the inner layer 2; and the label may also have a plastic outer layer 18 positioned on the first adhesive layer 14.

Description

ADHESIVE TAMPER EVIDENT VEHICLE REGISTRATION LABEL

The present invention relates to an adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label, and the method for manufacturing the adhesive vehicle registration label.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Vehicle registration plates are increasingly copied or stolen from vehicles. The copied or stolen vehicle registration plates are commonly used to sell stolen cars, to disguise cars used in criminal activities (such as for example robberies or theft of fuel from a service station), or to evade speeding fines or parking fines or congestion charges. The owner of the vehicle registration plate may not realise that their vehicle registration plate has been placed on another vehicle until they receive numerous traffic offence penalty notices and charges for vehicle related incidents that they were not responsible for.

This places the owner in the difficult position of having to prove that their vehicle was not involved in these instances.

In 2003, the government introduced The Register of Number Plate suppliers to reduce the number of false number plates on vehicles. This has made it more difficult for criminals to have falsify number plates, however this has led to a sharp rise in the number of plates stolen from vehicles.

There is therefore a need for an adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label which provides a clear visible indication that the label has been removed from its original contact surface.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label comprising: a frangible inner layer comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the inner layer comprises at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surface thereof; a first adhesive layer located on the upper surface of the frangible inner layer; and a second adhesive layer located on the lower surface of the frangible inner layer and configured in use to adhere to a contact surface of a vehicle.

During the process of tampering with or unauthorised removal of the label from the contact surface, the label must be subjected to a force, for example a sheer force or tensile force, greater than the strength of the one or more lines of weakness. The vehicle registration label of the present invention is therefore configured such that unintended tampering with or removal of the label from the contact surface of a vehicle causes fragmentation and/or distortion of the frangible inner surface along one or more lines of weakness, causing the inner surface to fragment or distort into a plurality of discrete portions, providing a clear visual indication of tampering. Such fragmentations and/or distortions may provide openings, for example gaps or slits, between adjacent portions of the discontinuous inner layer. Fragmentation may be at least partial, for example fragmentation of the at least one line of weakness may occur along at least a portion of the length of the line of weakness. Partial fragmentation along at least one line of weakness may provide distortion of the frangible inner surface.

In one embodiment, the vehicle registration label is configured to be moveable between a first untampered position in which the inner layer is not fragmented or distorted, and a second tampered position in which the inner layer is fragmented and/or distorted along at least one line of weakness. In the first untampered position, the inner layer provides a continuous surface extending across the inner layer, and in the second tampered position, the inner layer provides a discontinuous surface extending across at least a portion of the inner layer.

The one or more lines of weakness may extend between adjacent inner layer portions of the inner layer.

In one embodiment, the one or more lines of weakness may comprise one or more indentations and/or scored lines and/or perforated lines, or any combination thereof extending along at least a portion of the surface. The lines of weakness may be located at any suitable position in any suitable configuration and/or at any suitable orientation on the inner layer. In one embodiment, the lines of weakness may be regularly or irregularly spaced apart from each other along the inner layer, i.e. along the length (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) of the inner layer when measured between opposed transverse edges thereof. In one embodiment, the or each line of weakness extends at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the inner layer. In one embodiment, the or each line of weakness extends substantially between opposed edges, preferably between opposed longitudinal edges, of the inner layer. The lines of weakness increase the fragility and/or brittleness and/or reduce the elastic modulus of the inner layer thereby aiding fragmentation and/or distortion of the frangible inner layer when subjected to tampering.

The first and/or second adhesive layer may be substantially continuous, for example extending continuously across the corresponding surface of the frangible inner layer between at least one opposed sides thereof (preferably between each pair of opposed sides thereof).

The first and/or second adhesive layer may be substantially continuous, and extending across a portion of the surface of the frangible inner layer. In one embodiment, at least one of the first and/or second adhesive layer is substantially continuous and is substantially centrally located on the corresponding surface of the frangible inner layer.

In one embodiment, at least one (for example each) of the first and/or second adhesive layer may be discontinuous. The first and/or second adhesive layer may comprise a plurality of spaced apart, discrete adhesive portions located on the corresponding surface of the inner layer. The plurality of spaced apart, discrete adhesive portions may be provided in any suitable configuration and/or at any suitable location on the corresponding surface of the inner layer. For example, the first and/or second adhesive layer may comprise a plurality of spaced apart, discrete adhesive portions in the form of rows or patches or areas spaced apart and extending across at least a portion of the corresponding surface of the inner layer.

In one embodiment, the first or second adhesive layer comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of spaced apart, discrete adhesive portions located on the corresponding surface of the inner layer. The plurality of discrete adhesive portions of the first adhesive layer may be spaced apart from (in at least one direction extending parallel to an axis extending between opposed sides of the inner layer) the plurality of discrete adhesive portions of the second adhesive layer.

In one embodiment, one or more adhesive portions of a corresponding adhesive layer (for example the first or second adhesive layer) may be located adjacent a corresponding inner layer portion on the corresponding surface of the inner layer.

Preferably, the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are deposited on alternate inner layer portions of the inner layer.

In one embodiment, the label further comprises a plastic outer layer located on the first adhesive layer.

In one embodiment, the adhesive strength of the first and/or second adhesive layers is sufficient such that when a force is applied to the label, for example to the inner layer or plastic outer layer, during removal of the layer from the contact surface, the frangible inner layer fragments along one or more lines of weakness, causing the frangible inner layer to break or separate into a plurality of spaced apart inner layer portions providing a clear indication of tampering.

In one embodiment, the adhesive strength of the first and/or second adhesive layers is sufficient such that when a force is applied to the label, for example to the inner layer or plastic outer layer, during removal of the layer from the contact surface, the frangible inner layer fragments along one or more lines of weakness, causing the frangible inner layer to break or separate into a plurality of spaced apart inner layer portions. After tampering, one or more inner layer portions may remain adhered to the plastic outer layer, whilst one or more inner layer portions may remain adhered to the contact surface of a vehicle, providing a clear indication of tampering.

The term "adhesive strength" is used herein to refer to the ability of an adhesive to stick to a surface and bond two surfaces together. The adhesive strength is measured by determining the maximum tensile stress needed to detach or unstick the rear adhesive surface in a direction extending perpendicular to the plane defined by the rear adhesive surface.

In one embodiment, the application of force to the label in order to detach the label from the contact surface may result in the label being stretched in a direction extending along at least one axis.

In one embodiment, stretching of the label in at least one axial direction causes the inner layer to fragment and/or distort and thereby providing a discontinuous front surface extending across the label. Such fragmentations and/or distortions may provide openings, for example gaps or slits, between adjacent portions of the discontinuous inner layer providing a clear visual indication of tampering The first adhesive layer may comprise any suitable adhesive for adhering to an upper surface. In one embodiment, the first adhesive layer comprises one or more of: a rubber adhesive, an acrylic adhesive or an acrylic blend adhesive, or any combination thereof.

The second adhesive layer may comprise any suitable adhesive for adhering to a contact surface of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the second adhesive layer comprises one or more of: a rubber adhesive, an acrylic adhesive or an acrylic blend adhesive, or any combination thereof.

The vehicle registration label may further comprise a removeable release layer configured for contact with the second adhesive layer prior to application to a contact surface on a vehicle. The removeable release layer ensures that the vehicle registration label does not come into unintended contact with a surface prior to use, and thereby ensures that the second adhesive layer retains its adhesive properties.

In one embodiment, the frangible inner layer comprises a polymeric material, such as polyester. The frangible inner layer may be imprinted, for example laser printed, with one or more images, wording and/or patterns. For example, the inner layer may comprise a plurality of spaced apart markings in the form of lettering. In one embodiment, the inner layer may be composed of a reflective material.

At least one, preferably each, of the inner layer and/or outer layer, or any combination thereof, of the label is composed of polymeric material, for example a polymeric material or a combination of polymeric materials.

In one embodiment, the outer layer of the label is composed of a first material (or a first combination of materials) and the inner layer is composed of a second material (or a second combination of materials).

Preferably, the elastic modulus of the first material(s) is greater than the elastic modulus of the second material(s) (i.e. the second material(s) has less resistance to being stretched than the first material(s)). In one embodiment, the elastic modulus of the first material(s) is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, more preferably at least 25%, for example around 50% greater than the elastic modulus of the second material(s). In one embodiment, the front surface may be composed of a first material (or a first combination of materials) which are substantially inelastic.

The elastic modulus is herein defined as being a measure of an object's (for example a layer's) resistance to being deformed elastically when a stress is applied to it The vehicle may for example be a road vehicle, such as, but not limited to, a car, a van, a lorry, a truck, a moped, a motorbike, a fire engine, an ambulance, or any suitable road vehicle.

The label and each of the outer and/or inner layers may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions. In a preferred embodiment, the label and one or more of the front and/or inner surfaces may have one or more of the following shapes: square, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, oval, circular, semi-circular, or any combination thereof.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for manufacturing an adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label as herein described comprising: obtaining a frangible inner layer comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the inner layer comprises at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surface thereof; obtaining a first adhesive layer and depositing the first adhesive layer on the upper surface of the frangible inner layer; and obtaining a second adhesive layer and depositing the second adhesive layer on the lower surface of the frangible inner layer such that the second adhesive layer is configured in use to adhere to a contact surface.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises obtaining an outer layer and securing the outer layer to the first adhesive layer.

In one embodiment, the first and/or second adhesive layer may be deposited on the corresponding surface of the inner layer in any suitable configuration.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit for an adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label comprising: a frangible inner layer comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the inner layer comprises at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surface thereof; a first adhesive layer configured in use to be located on the upper surface of the frangible inner layer; and a second adhesive layer configured in use to be located on the lower surface of the frangible inner layer such that the second adhesive layer is configured in use to adhere to a contact surface.

The kit may further comprise an outer layer configured in use to be located on the first adhesive layer.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section diagram of an adhesive vehicle registration label according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-section diagram from above of the label of Figure 1; and Figure 3 is schematic cross-section diagram of an adhesive vehicle registration label according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the Figure, the adhesive vehicle registration label 1 comprises an inner layer 2 comprising a upper surface 4 and a lower surface 6. The inner layer 2 is substantially rectangular in shape. The inner layer 2 has a first pair of spaced apart, opposed tranverse edges 8a, 8b and a second pair of spaced apart, opposed longitudinal edges 10a, 10b. It is however to be understood that the inner layer 2 may have any suitable shape and/or dimensions and is not to be limited to being rectangular in shape.

The inner layer 2 is reflective and contains markings corresponding to the registration details of the vehicle.

The inner layer 2 comprises a plurality of spaced apart lines of weakness 12 extending between the upper and lower surfaces 4,6 thereof. The lines of weakness 12 divide the inner layer 2 into discrete inner layer portions 2a, 2b, 2c. The lines of weakness 12 are provided by perforations. It is however to be understood that the lines of weakness 12 may be provided by one or more indentations and/or scored lines and/or perforated lines, or any combination thereof extending along at least a portion of the surface. The lines of weakness 12 are uniformly spaced apart along the length (i.e. longitudinal axis extending between opposite edges 8a, 8b) of the inner layer 2. Each line of weakness 12 extends in a zigzag configuration between the second pair of opposed longitudinal edges 10a, lob. Each line of weakness 12 extends substantially between the second pair of opposed longitudinal edges 10a, 10b. It is however to be understood that the lines of weakness 12 may be provided in any suitable configuration, orientation and/or arrangement on the inner layer 2.

A first adhesive layer 14 comprising a rubber adhesive is deposited on the upper surface 4. A second adhesive layer 16 comprising a rubber adhesive is deposited on the lower surface 6. It is to be understood that the first and/or second adhesive layer 14, 16 may comprise any suitable adhesive.

The first adhesive layer 14 is deposited as a plurality of spaced apart adhesive portions 14a-g. Each adhesive portion 14a-g is provided as a strip of adhesive extending between the second pair of longitudinal edges 10a, 10b. Each adhesive portion 14a-g is configured to be deposited on the upper surface 4 of a separate inner layer portion 2a, 2c, 2e, 2g, 2i, 2k, 2m.

The second adhesive layer 16 is deposited as a plurality of spaced apart adhesive portions 16a-f. Each adhesive portion 16a-f is provided as a strip of adhesive extending between the second pair of longitudinal edges 10a, 10b. Each adhesive portion 16a-f is configured to be deposited on the lower surface 6 a separate inner layer portion 2b, 2d, 2f, 2h, 2j, 21.

It is to be understood that the first and/or second adhesive layers 14, 16 may be provided in any suitable configuration and/or arrangement on the corresponding upper and lower surfaces 4,6 and is not to be limited to the arrangement illustrated in the Figures. Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the first and second adhesive layers 14, 16 are provided as a continuous layer between opposing edges 8a, 8b of the inner layer.

An outer layer 18 is secured to the first adhesive layer 14. A removable release layer 20 is releasably secured to the second adhesive layer 16.

In use, the removable release layer 20 is removed from the second adhesive layer 16. The adhesive label 1 is aligned with the contact surface of the vehicle. The second adhesive layer 16 contacts and adheres to (by the application of pressure) the contact surface of the vehicle.

A third party may attempt to remove the adhesive label 1 from the vehicle without authorisation.

During removal of the adhesive label 1 the label may be subjected to a force or tensile stress greater than the strength of the lines of weakness 12 of the inner layer 2. During application of tensile stress to the label 1, the frangible inner layer 2 fragments and/or distorts along one or more lines of weakness 12 and thereby providing a discontinuous upper surface 4 extending across the inner layer 2. The label 1 of the present invention may therefore be used to provide a label which provides clear, visible indications when the label has been tampered.

During excessive application of tensile stress to the label 1, the lines of weakness 12 may separate completely thereby fragmenting the inner layer 2. The outer layer 18, the first adhesive layer 14, and one or more inner layers portions 2a-c may separate from one or more separate inner layer portions 2a-c and the second adhesive layer 16 thereby ensuring that only part of the label 1 is removed from the contact surface of the vehicle and ensuring a portion of the label 1 remains on the contact surface of the vehicle. The label 1 of the present invention therefore makes it difficult, if not impossible, to remove a complete inner layer 2 of the label 1 from a contact surface of a vehicle thereby ensuring the label 1 cannot be transferred and reused on a different vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label comprising: a frangible inner layer comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the inner layer comprises at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surface thereof; a first adhesive layer located on the upper surface of the frangible inner layer; and a second adhesive layer located on the lower surface of the frangible inner layer and configured in use to adhere to a contact surface of a vehicle.
2. A label as claimed in claim 1, in which the one or more lines of weakness extend between adjacent inner layer portions of the inner layer.
3. A label as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, in which the one or more lines of weakness comprise one or more indentations and/or scored lines and/or perforated lines, or any combination thereof extending along at least a portion of the surface.
4. A label as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the one or more lines of weakness are regularly or irregularly spaced apart from each other along the inner layer.
5. A label as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the inner layer is longitudinal in shape, and in which the or each line of weakness extend at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the inner layer.
6. A label as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and/or second adhesive layer extend continuously across the corresponding surface of the frangible inner layer between at least one opposed sides thereof.
7. A label as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, in which at least one the first and/or second adhesive layer comprise a plurality of spaced apart, discrete adhesive portions located on the corresponding surface of the inner layer.
8 A label as claimed in claim 7, in which the plurality of discrete adhesive portions of the first adhesive layer are spaced apart from the plurality of discrete adhesive portions of the second adhesive layer.
9. A label as claimed in either of claims 7 and 8, in which the one or more lines of weakness extend between adjacent inner layer portions of the inner layer, and in which the first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer are deposited on alternate inner layer portions of the inner layer.
10. A label as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the label further comprises a plastic outer layer located on the first adhesive layer.
11. A label as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a removeable release layer configured for contact with the second adhesive layer prior to application to a contact surface on a vehicle.
12. A method for manufacturing an adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label as herein described comprising: obtaining a frangible inner layer comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the inner layer comprises at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surface thereof; obtaining a first adhesive layer and depositing the first adhesive layer on the upper surface of the frangible inner layer; and obtaining a second adhesive layer and depositing the second adhesive layer on the lower surface of the frangible inner layer such that the second adhesive layer is configured in use to adhere to a contact surface.
13. A kit for an adhesive tamper evident vehicle registration label comprising: a frangible inner layer comprising an upper surface and an opposed lower surface, in which the inner layer comprises at least one line of weakness extending between the upper and lower surface thereof; a first adhesive layer configured in use to be located on the upper surface of the frangible inner layer; and a second adhesive layer configured in use to be located on the lower surface of the frangible inner layer such that the second adhesive layer is configured in use to adhere to a contact surface.