IE20070007A1 - Data display device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

A data display device comprising a backing sheet and a data sheet is described. The data sheet is adapted to attach to the backing sheet. The data sheet comprises a friable film layer, on which at least some data is provided. When the device is adhered to a surface by adhesive on the backing sheet and by adhesive on the friable film layer, and removal of the device is attempted, at least part of the friable film layer remains adhered to the surface.

Description

The invention relates to a data display device adapted for attachment to.a. surface, and relates particularly to a device comprising a backing sheet and a data sheet, both of which are mountable on a surface, e.g. a vehicle window. Optionally, the data sheet may carry information to identify a vehicle, for example, as being a licensed private hire vehicle.

In order to operate a taxi business, one is required to obtain a licence.

The licence has to be affixed to the window of the vehicle; this is typically done by having the licence in the form of a sticker which is attached to the inside of a window. The front of the sticker is then visible through the window and is protected by the window; however, the back of the sticker is exposed and risks becoming damaged from the inside of the vehicle.

Such a sticker can be relatively easy to remove and re-position fraudulently on an unlicensed vehicle.

It is known from GB 2,409,849 to provide a backing sheet and a data sheet for a vehicle window. A first face of the data sheet is adhered to the vehicle window and a second, opposite face of the data sheet is adhered to the backing sheet. The backing sheet is also adhered to the vehicle window. If a person tries to remove the data sheet from the window, the protective backing sheet must be removed first and the data sheet tears, a portion of the data sheet remaining adhered to the window, and a portion remaining adhered to the backing sheet.

However, in certain limited circumstances, it is possible to remove the data sheet and backing sheet, undamaged, from the vehicle window. For example, if the backing sheet and the data sheet have been applied to the vehicle window with insufficient pressure to make a good adhesive bond, IE 07 0 0 0 7 and insufficient time has elapsed to allow the adhesive to cure and harden, and a hot air gun is applied to the outside of the window, it may be just possible, with great care, to remove the data sheet and backing sheet from the vehicle window.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a data display device adapted for attachment to a surface, the device comprising a backing sheet and a data sheet carrying said data; wherein the backing sheet has adhesive on a first face thereof; wherein the data sheet comprises a base element having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being adhered to a part of the first face of the backing sheet; wherein the data sheet further comprises a friable film layer on which at least some of the data is provided, the friable film layer having a first face and a second face, the second face being attached to the first portion of the base element, directly or indirectly, and the first face having adhesive thereon; such that when the device is adhered to a surface by the adhesive on the first face of the backing sheet and by the adhesive on the first face of the friable film layer, and removal of the device is attempted, at least part of the friable film layer remains adhered to the surface.

Any attempt, from the side of the surface to which the layer is attached, to remove the remaining friable film layer from the surface, will cause the layer to break up. Any attempt, from the other side of the surface, to use a hot air gun to reduce the adhesive grip, would cause the remaining friable film layer to shrink and disintegrate. Thus, at least some of the friable film layer cannot be removed intact from the surface. Hence, it is not possible to remove the device from the surface without losing at least some of the data provided on the friable film layer.

IE 0 7 Ο ο Ο 7 Preferably, the friable film layer is transparent.

The friable film layer typically comprises a very thin film, e.g. of polythene or polyproplyene. However, any suitable material can be used.

Optionally, the friable film layer incorporates a hologram, for additional security.

Optionally, the friable film layer is directly attached to the base element. In such embodiments, when removal of the data sheet is attempted, at least some of the friable film layer will remain on the surface.

Alternatively, the data sheet also includes a release pad located between the friable film layer and the first portion of the base element. Preferably, the release pad comprises a siliconised release pad.

The release pad may be arranged such that when the device is adhered to the surface, the friable film layer is held more firmly to the surface than it is to the release pad, and the release pad is held more firmly to the base element than it is to the friable film layer.

In such embodiments, if removal of the device from the surface is attempted, at least some, but preferably substantially all, of the friable film layer detaches from the release pad.

The release pad typically comprises a clear film bed.

Typically, the friable film layer is laminated to the base element, either directly, or together with the optional release pad.

£Q70 ο07 IC070007 Optionally, the base element comprises a sheet, the first portion of the base element comprising a first face of the sheet, and the second portion of the base element comprising a second face of the sheet.

Alternatively, the base element is foldable and comprises two sheets attached together, the first portion of the base element comprising a first sheet, the friable film layer being attached to a face of the first sheet, and the second portion of the base element comprising a second sheet, the backing sheet being attached to a face of the second sheet.

Optionally, the two sheets are attached along a single fold line.

Alternatively, each of the two sheets may be attached to at least one intermediate portion along respective fold lines. Optionally, the intermediate portion is adapted to fold up between the two sheets.

Preferably, the areas of the two sheets of the base element are different, so that when folded, the first sheet overlaps the second sheet. Such embodiments have the advantage that both the second sheet and the overlapping part of the first sheet can be adhered to the backing sheet, to prevent unwanted movement of the first sheet.

Preferably, the base element is adapted to break up on attempted removal of the device, e.g. by tearing. Hence, part of the base element may remain attached to the surface with the friable film layer, whilst part of the base element remains attached to the backing sheet.

In embodiments where the base element comprises two sheets attached together along at least one fold line, the base element may be particularly fc07 ο η 07 likely to tear along the/a fold line. In embodiments without a release pad, the base element may tear instead of, or in addition to, the friable film layer breaking up. In embodiments that include a release pad, the base element may tear instead of, or in addition to releasing of the friable film layer from the pad.

Optionally, the base element comprises paper, e.g. any standard copying paper.

However, the base element may comprise anything that can accept a laser printed image.

Typically, both the base element and the friable film layer are laser printable.

Preferably, the adhesive on the backing sheet is provided with at least one protective covering which is removable to expose the adhesive.

Optionally, two protective coverings are provided for the backing sheet; one to cover a first part of the adhesive to which the data sheet will be adhered, and a second to cover the rest of the adhesive.

Optionally, the adhesive on the friable film layer of the data sheet is provided with a protective covering that can be removed to expose the adhesive.

Typically, the protective covering(s) of the backing sheet, the data sheet, or both, comprises a siliconised release liner. Optionally, the protective covering(s) comprises a film or laminated paper. · , ' e. .jiL υ / ο ύ / ΙΕ 070007 Optionally, the surface may be a transparent surface, for example, a window of a vehicle, the data on the friable film layer typically being provided on the first face of the friable film layer. In such embodiments, the data on the friable film layer can be seen through the adhesive on the friable film layer, and the transparent surface.

Optionally, the data on the data sheet relates to licence information for a private hire vehicle.

Additionally, the backing sheet may be provided with a see-through portion. The see-through portion can be advantageously provided in the region where the base element is adhered to the backing sheet, so that, when so adhered, the second portion of the base element is visible through the see-through portion. In such embodiments, the base element is typically opaque, and data may be provided on the second portion of the base element. Hence, this data is visible through the see-through portion of the backing sheet. Thus, the invention is not limited to data only being provided on the friable film layer.

Alternatively, the friable film layer, the base element, and at least the portion of the backing sheet to which the base element will be attached may all be transparent. In such embodiments, the data on the friable film layer will be visible through the backing sheet, the data sheet and the friable film layer. In such embodiments, the data on the friable film layer is typically printed back-to-front on the first face of the friable film layer, so that it will appear the correct way around when seen through the backing sheet. Alternatively, if the data is pre-printed on the friable film layer before attachment to the base element, the data could be printed on the second face of the friable film layer, using conventional, right-way-around t · /ι y d IE 070 007 printing. In such embodiments, the device may be attached to a transparent surface, or may be attached to a non-transparent surface.

Preferably, the backing sheet comprises one or more tough materials, e.g. plastic; this provides the advantage that if the backing sheet is removed from the surface, the backing sheet will not fragment and no part of the backing sheet will be left on the surface. It is possible that some of the adhesive from the backing sheet will remain, but this is relatively easy to remove. Preferably, the backing sheet is larger than the data sheet. In such embodiments, since the only parts of the device which will fragment and be left on the surface are parts of the data sheet, the area of such remaining fragments is limited to the area of the data sheet, which in some embodiments is only a small proportion of the area of the backing sheet.

Typically the backing sheet includes a recess to receive the data sheet; however, this is not essential. Optionally, the recess is defined by a cutaway portion of the backing sheet which has been punched, die cut or otherwise cut out of the backing sheet.

Optionally, the backing sheet bears printed data.

The device may comprise a licence to identify licensed hire cars. Such a device may be particularly used with a transparent surface, so that data may be viewed through the surface.

The device may comprise a security tag. Such a device may be particularly used with a non-transparent surface, where data is viewed through the base element and backing sheet. Such tags provide security as they cannot be removed without leaving at least some of the friable film, and therefore at least some of the data, attached to the surface. -4 '/ ύ IB 0 7 0 0 0 7 According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of displaying data on a surface, comprising the steps of: providing a data sheet comprising a base element and a friable film layer; attaching a second face of the friable film layer to a first portion of the base element; providing data on the friable film layer; attaching a second portion of the base element to a first face of a backing sheet; and adhering a first face of the friable film layer and the first face of the backing sheet to the surface; such that, if removal of the device from the surface is attempted, at least a part of the friable film layer remains adhered to the surface.

Optionally, the second face of the friable film layer is attached to the first portion of the base element via a release pad.

Typically, the data sheet is created by laminating the friable film layer and optional release pad to the base element.

Optionally, the base element is formed from a cutaway portion of a piece of paper, with the friable film layer being provided on part of the cutaway portion. In this way, a single piece of paper can comprise a letter and a cutaway portion adapted to form the data sheet. The data on the data sheet can be printed at the same time as printing the letter, e.g. on a standard printer.

Optionally, the method includes the step of providing a computer program adapted to print the data onto the data sheet, inputting data into the IE 07 0 07 computer program specific to the data sheet desired and printing the data on the data sheet.

Preferably, the second portion of the base element is attached to the first face of the backing sheet in a recess formed in the backing sheet.

Preferably, the step of adhering the first face of the backing sheet to a surface includes providing adhesive on the first face of the backing sheet and providing a protective covering for that adhesive, and removing the protective covering, when desired, to expose the adhesive.

Preferably, the step of adhering the first face of the friable film layer to a surface includes providing adhesive on the first face of the friable film layer, providing a protective covering for that adhesive, and removing the protective covering, when desired, to expose the adhesive.

Optionally, the base element is foldable and comprises first and second sheets attached together and the method includes the step of folding the base element.

Optionally, the first and second sheets are attached together along a single fold line and the base element is folded only once.

Alternatively, the two sheets are attached together via at least one intermediate portion, and the base element is folded more than once. Typically, the at least one intermediate portion is folded up between the first and second sheets.

Typically, when folded, the first sheet has a larger surface area than the second sheet, and overlaps the second sheet.

J fc d 7 0 0 0 7 This ensures that when the base element is adhered to the backing sheet, an overlapping part of the first sheet will be fixed directly to the backing sheet, to prevent any unwanted movement of the first sheet of the data sheet.

In such folded data sheet embodiments, the friable film layer is typically only provided on the first sheet.

Optionally, the method includes the step of providing data on other parts of the data sheet in addition to on the friable film layer (e.g. the second portion of the base element). Optionally, the method includes the step of providing data on the backing sheet.

Typically, the method includes the steps of attaching the second face of the friable film layer to the first portion of the base element before providing data on the friable film layer. Alternatively, data may be provided on the friable film layer before attaching the second face of the friable film layer to the first portion of the base element.

Optionally, the surface may be transparent and the method includes the step of printing the data of the friable film layer on the first face of the friable film layer, so that the data on the friable film layer can be seen through the adhesive on the friable film layer, and the transparent surface.

Alternatively, the surface may be opaque whilst the friable film layer, the base element, and at least the portion of the backing sheet to which the base element will be attached are all transparent and the method includes the steps of attaching the second face of the friable film layer to the first portion of the base element before providing data on the friable film layer, L'LL ι.? / I&0 7 0007 said data being printed back-to-front on the first face of the friable film layer, so that said data will appear the correct way around when seen through the backing sheet.

Alternatively, the surface may be opaque, and data is printed on the friable film layer before attaching the second face of the friable film layer to the first portion of the base element. In such a method, the data may be printed conventionally on the second face of the friable film layer, instead of back-to-front on the first face of the friable film layer.

Typically, the method is used by vehicle licensing authorities to create data sheets to identify licensed hire cars, to allow data sheets specific to that licensing authority to be created by the licensing authority. In such cases, the surface is typically a window of a private hire vehicle.

Alternatively, the method may be used to create a security tag for an opaque surface; hence, many applications of the invention are possible.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, in which:Fig 1 shows a front view of an upper surface of a data sheet of a device according to the invention, the data sheet bearing printed data; Fig 2 shows an exploded perspective view from the rear of the data sheet of Fig 1; Fig 3 shows an exploded perspective view from the rear of an alternative embodiment of data sheet; ’ ' 7 It 07 0 00 7 Fig 4 shows a backing sheet with its adhesive coating exposed; Fig 5 shows the data sheet of Fig 1 being attached to the backing sheet of Fig 4; Fig 6 shows a protective film being removed from the data sheet of Fig 1; Fig 7 shows the data sheet and backing sheet ready to be adhered to a surface; Fig 8 shows a rear view of the data sheet and backing sheet of Fig 7; Fig 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the data sheet and backing sheet of Fig 8; Fig 10 shows a piece of paper comprising a letter and a cutaway portion adapted to form a data sheet; Fig 11 shows the piece of paper of Fig 10 prior to printing; Fig 12 shows a folded data sheet formed from the cutaway portion of Fig 10; and Fig 13 shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of data sheet having six fold lines.

Fig 1 shows a typical data sheet 10 of the invention. In this embodiment, the data sheet 10 is used to identify a private hire vehicle, e.g. a taxi, but the invention is not limited to such use. In particular, the data sheet 10 could be for application to any surface. ο Ί 0 ο ο 7 The data sheet 10 is in the form of a rhombus of side length 95mm and a maximum corner to corner length of 134mm. However, alternative forms could be used - for example the data sheet 10 could be in the form of a rectangle or a square.

The data sheet 10 bears printed data on the face visible in the Fig 1 view, for example to indicate the licensing authority (e.g. the London Public Carriage Office), the licence number, the number of passengers the vehicle can carry, or the expiry date of the licence. The data sheet 10 may also be provided with a hologram or other security device to make it difficult for the data sheet 10 to be copied.

On data sheet 10, several fields of printed data 500, 502, 506 are provided. Field 500 bears the printing: "licensed private hire vehicle", and also information relating to the official body which issued the data sheet 10, for example "Transport for London, Public Carriage Office". Field 502 includes further data such as the licence number and the number of passengers the vehicle is licensed to carry. Field 506 contains the expiry date of the licence. In all fields 500, 502, 506, the printing is upright in the Fig 1 view. The field 504 contains a hologram.

The following description will refer to "first and second faces of various components of the device of the invention. A first face of each component is defined as a face which, in use, will face towards the surface on which the device is to be mounted, and a "second face is a face which, in use, will face away from that surface.

An exploded view of the components of the data sheet 10 is shown in Fig 2, which is not to scale.

The data sheet 10 includes a base element 2. A first portion of the base element 2 comprises a first face 2f of the base element 2. The base element 2 may have printing 508 on a second portion of the base element 2. The second portion of the base element 2 comprises a second face 2s thereof.

The first face 2f of the base element 2 is attached to a second face 4s of a release pad 4. The release pad 4 comprises a clear film bed.

A first face 4f of the release pad 4 is attached to a second face 6s of a transparent friable film layer 6.

A first face 6f of the friable film layer 6 bears printed data; at least some of which, and optionally all of which, is the printed data shown in Fig 1.

Thus, at least some of the data shown in Fig 1 is printed on the friable film layer 6 and not on the base element 2.

Supplemental data can be added to a pre-printed standard form data sheet 10, or alternatively the data sheet 10 can be printed in a single step.

The release pad 4 and friable film layer 6 are typically laminated to the first face 2f of the base element 2. If a base element 2, having a pre-laminated release pad 4 and friable film layer 6, is supplied to a person wishing to use the invention (e.g. a vehicle licensing authority), the data sheet 10 can be produced by that person, using computer software. Using the vehicle licensing authority example, data concerning the particular vehicle licence can be printed on the friable film layer 6 using a standard laser printer, optionally using data from a licensing database. Alternatively, data specific to the particular vehicle could be printed by the licensing authority ί ί '7' 0007 Ιί η 7 on a standard-form pre-printed sheet, so that the data sheet 10 includes pre-printed information and vehicle-specific information.

Also shown in Fig 2 is a peelable protective covering 8 and an adhesive layer 7. The protective covering 8 comprises a siliconised release liner and covers one side of the adhesive layer 7. A further protective covering (not shown) has been removed from the other side of the adhesive layer 7 to expose the adhesive layer 7. The protective covering 8 is attached to the friable film 6 by the adhesive layer 7.

An alternative embodiment of data sheet 10A is shown in exploded view in Fig 3. The data sheet 10A differs from the data sheet 10 only in that it does not include the release pad 4. Instead, the friable film layer 6 is attached (e.g. laminated) directly to the first face 2f of the base element 2.

In other respects, Fig 3 is the same as Fig 2.

To protect the data sheet 10,10A from damage, a backing sheet 20 is provided to serve as a shield, as best shown in Figs 4 to 9. The backing sheet 20 and data sheet 10,10A together are one example of a data display device according to the invention.

The backing sheet 20 is larger than the data sheet 10,10A and comprises a plastic sheet 22 which has a first face 24 and a second face 26 (see Fig 9). The backing sheet 20 includes a clear (transparent) film 32 which has been permanently adhered to the second face 26 of the plastic sheet 22 by an adhesive coating 34. The clear film 32 forms an integral part of the backing sheet 20. uLs U /' ζ ψ ν ί Ιί 0 7 0 0 0 7 The plastic sheet 22 is provided with an adhesive layer 30 on its first face 24. The adhesive layer 30 has a protective covering which is removable to expose the adhesive (this covering not shown in Fig 9).

The plastic sheet 22 is formed with a cutaway recess 36R which has the same dimensions as the data sheet 10,10A.

The cutaway recess 36R can be formed by die cutting (or otherwise cutting) the outline of the data sheet 10 into the plastic sheet 22 before adhering the clear film 32 to the plastic sheet 22; then this portion can simply be removed from the rest of the plastic sheet 22, leaving the cutaway recess 36R.

The data sheet 10,10A and the backing sheet 20 are attached to a surface in the following way.

One or more protective coverings on the backing sheet 20 are removed to expose the adhesive layer 30 and the adhesive coating 34 in the cutaway recess 36R; see Fig 4.

The second face 2s of the base element 2 is then adhered in the cutaway recess 36R, as shown in Fig 5.

The protective covering 8 is removed from the data sheet 10,10A to expose the adhesive layer 7, as shown in Fig 6.

Thus, substantially the entire first faces 24, 6f of the plastic sheet 22 and the friable film layer 6 now have exposed adhesive coatings 30, 7 (see Figs 7 and 9). The backing sheet 20 and the data sheet 10,10A are now attached by these adhesive coatings 30, 7 to a surface.

IE 0 7 0 η ο 7 The backing sheet 20 protects the data sheet 10,10A from damage, and prevents the data sheet 10,10A from being directly exposed to the inside of the vehicle.

Since the clear film 32 is transparent, any data 508 printed on the second face 2s of the base element 2 will also be visible (see Fig 8). The backing sheet 20 may also have writing on its reverse face.

Any attempt to remove the data sheet 10,10A first requires the removal of the backing sheet 20. Generally, this cannot be done without tearing the base element 2, so that by this alone, the data sheet 10,10A cannot be reused.

However, in exceptional circumstances, it may be possible to remove the device from the surface without tearing the base element 2. For example, if the backing sheet 20 and the data sheet 10 have been applied to the surface with insufficient pressure to make a good adhesive bond, and insufficient time has elapsed to allow the adhesive to cure and harden, and a hot air gun is applied to the outside of the surface, it may be just possible, with great care, to remove the base element 2, intact, from the surface.

Consider embodiments which include the data sheet 10 of Fig 2. Even where the base element 2 can be successfully removed without tearing the base element 2, the friable film layer 6 will separate from the release layer 4 and the base element 2, at least part, and probably all, of the friable film layer 6 remaining stuck to the surface. Since at least some of the data is on the friable film layer 6, this data remains on the surface. It is not believed possible to then remove the friable film layer 6 from the //Κ Λι .

Ulifc 0 / u Zi c IE Ο 7 ο Ο Ο 7 surface intact, and any attempt to use a hot air gun to remove the friable film layer 6 causes the friable film layer 6 to shrink and disintegrate.

Hence, the data sheet 10 cannot be removed from the surface without destroying the printing on the data sheet 10.

Consider now embodiments including the data sheet 10A of Fig 3. In this case, when the device is removed, at least some, or all, of the friable film layer 6 will remain attached to the surface, whether or not accompanied by the entire base element 2, or part of the base element 2 if the base element 2 has torn. It is not believed possible to then remove the remaining part of the friable film layer 6 from the surface intact, and any attempt to use a hot air gun to remove that remaining part of the friable film layer 6 causes it to shrink and disintegrate. Hence, the data sheet 10A cannot be removed from the surface without destroying the printing on the data sheet 10A.

Optionally, the data sheet can be foldable, as shown in Figs 10 to 12.

Fig 10 shows a piece of paper 600, which is provided with a cutaway portion 601, which will form a data sheet 601. The cutaway portion 601 comprises a base element 602 that includes a first sheet 604 and a second sheet 606, separated by a fold line 608.

When folded, the upper face (in the Fig 10 view) of the first sheet 604 will form a first face 602f of the folded base element 602, and the upper face of the second sheet 606 will form a second face 602s of the folded base element 602. 070 007 . _ jg ' L G >' ill (Qj IE '70007 The sheet 600 bears printed information in the form of a letter 610, and printed data 604p, 606p on the first and second sheets 604, 606 of the cutaway portion 601.

Fig 11 shows the piece of paper 600, prior to printing. Most of the paper 600 is standard paper, however, the part that will provide the first face 602f of the folded base element 602 is over-laminated with a friable film layer, and optionally a release pad, as explained above with reference to Figs 2 and 3. The friable film layer is printable (e.g. laser-printable) and transparent: it is shaded in Fig 11 for ease of reference.

The data 604p on the first sheet 604 is the only data printed on the friable film layer, and the data 606p is printed directly on the base element 602 itself.

The printing of the letter 610 and the data 604p, 606p can be applied in a single print run with a standard office printer.

To assemble the data sheet 601, the cutaway portion is removed from the rest of the piece of paper 600 and folded down the fold line 608 so that the upper face of the first sheet 604 forms the first face 602f of the folded base element 602. The upper face of the second sheet 606 forms a second face 602s of the folded base element 602, which provides a second portion of the folded base element 202. In this context, upper face is defined with reference to the Fig 10 view.

The folded data sheet 601 is shown in Fig 12 (view from the rear). The first face 602f provides a first portion of the folded base element 602. The second face 602s provides a second portion of the folded base element 602. Fig 12 also shows an overlap portion OL of the first sheet 604, ii? ; Λ - 7 ' JlE -J J 7 'V d IE 0 7 o 0 0 7 IE - Ί 0 0 0 7 caused by the area of the first sheet 604 being greater than the area of the second sheet 606. Optionally, a security hologram can be applied across the fold line 608, so it would be obvious if the fold line 608 is torn.

Using this embodiment, a data sheet 601 having printing on both sides can be produced without requiring double-sided printing.

Once folded, as described above, the data sheet 601 is attached to a backing sheet 20 and to a surface as described above for the data sheets 10, 10A. On positioning the data sheet 601 in the cutaway recess 36R, the second face 602s of the base element 602 is adhered in the cutaway recess 36R. Because the second sheet 606 is smaller than the first sheet 604, the overlap part OL of the first sheet 604 also adheres in the cutaway recess 36R. Hence, both first and second sheets 604, 606 are adhered in the cutaway recess 36R, preventing unwanted movement of the first sheet 604.

Further embodiments of the data sheet may have a more complicated folding pattern than that shown in Figs 10 to 12.

For example, Fig 13 shows a perspective view of a data sheet 300. The data sheet 300 comprises a base element 301 and a friable film layer (not shown). The base element 301 includes a first sheet 302, a second sheet 304, an upper intermediate portion 306 and a lower intermediate portion 308.

The first sheet 302 is in the shape of a rhombus having the same dimensions as the data sheet 10 of Fig 1. The friable film layer is laminated to the first sheet 302 of the base element 301 and data is printed on the friable film layer.

IE 07 0 η 0 7 Optionally, the friable film layer is attached to the first sheet 302 by a release pad, as described above with reference to Fig 2. Alternatively, the friable film layer may be provided directly on the first sheet 302, as described with reference to Fig 3.

The second sheet 304 is substantially the same shape as the first sheet 302, except that the tip of the right corner of the rhombus is missing, so that the surface area of the second sheet 304 is smaller than the surface area of the first sheet 302. Hence, when folded, the first sheet 302 overlaps the second sheet 304.

The upper intermediate portion 306 has two fold lines defined by edges 320, 322, and a third fold line 326 extending vertically through the upper intermediate portion 306 to the centre of the data sheet 300. The lower intermediate portion 308 is symmetrical to the upper intermediate portion 306 and has fold lines 330, 332 and 336.

To assemble the data sheet 300, the base element 301 is folded along the fold lines 320, 322, 330, 332, in "ridge" folds, and along the lines 326, 336 in "valley" folds, so that the upper intermediate portion 306 and a lower intermediate portion 308 are folded up between the first sheet 302 and the second sheet 304.

A peelable protective covering 8 and adhesive layer 7 are then attached to the friable film layer on the first sheet 302, as explained above with reference to Fig 2. The data sheet 300 is attached to a backing sheet 20 and the data sheet 300 and backing sheet 20 are then attached to a surface using the method described above. λ ί λ Λ ή' Τί * 070 00 7 When folded, the data sheet 300 provides two sides of printed data, without requiring either double-sided printing or printing at an angle. The perforations make accurate folding very easier. Optionally, a seal may be applied to the folded data sheet 300, to prevent unfolding.

In the above embodiments, the base elements 2, 602, 301 are typically adapted to break up (e.g. tear) on attempted removal of the device from a surface. Such breaking/tearing of the base element 2, 602, 301 may occur at any part in the base element, but may be particularly likely to occur at a/the fold line in the folded embodiments. The base element in all of the above embodiments may comprise paper.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the shape, colour, and kind of printed information on the data sheet 10 are not essential features of the invention, and these may be modified if desired. Likewise, the shape and material of the backing sheet 20 are not fundamental to the invention.

The data does not necessarily relate to vehicles; optionally, the invention could be used for pub/shop licences, or any other kind of licence, and could be used to display the licence on a window of the relevant premises.

Double-sided printing may be used instead of the folded type of data sheet.

In some embodiments, the security hologram could be replaced by another type of seal (e.g. a non-hologram seal).

The data sheet could be perforated to allow the data sheet to be easily and neatly torn out of a piece of paper. c \ The adhesive layer 7 does not have to cover the entire front face of the data sheet; for example an elongate strip of adhesive, or one or more patches of adhesive would suffice.

In the Fig 13 embodiment, it is not necessary to have two intermediate portions.

In one embodiment, two protective coverings can be provided for the backing sheet; one protective covering to cover the cutaway recess 36R, and a further protective sheet to cover the plastic sheet 22, but which does not also cover the cutaway recess 36R. This gives the advantage that the adhesive coating on the surface of the plastic sheet 22 is still protected whilst the data sheet 10 is being adhered inside the recess. This prevents any part of the data sheet 10 from accidentally adhering to the adhesive coating on the plastic sheet 10, potentially resulting in the wastage of both the data sheet 10 and the backing sheet 20.

In alternative embodiments of backing sheet, the plastic sheet 22 could be bonded to the clear film 32, without the need for an intermediate adhesive layer. Instead, the backing sheet 20 can be provided with a single adhesive layer, which covers the upper faces of the plastic sheet 22 and the exposed portion of the clear film 32 in the cutaway recess 36R.

In further alternative embodiments of backing sheet, the relative positions of the plastic sheet 22 and the clear film 32 can be reversed, and the plastic sheet may have an aperture to allow the data sheet 10 to be seen through the clear film 32. Such embodiments (and other embodiments of the invention) may optionally not have a data sheet-receiving recess. to n 7 ο ο o 7 The data on the data sheet is typically printed, but the invention is not limited to this; e.g. it could be hand-written.

In the above embodiments, the base element may be opaque. In such embodiments, the first portion of the base element is visible if a transparent surface is used, and the second portion of the base element is visible, if the backing sheet is transparent at least in the area in which the data sheet is adhered.

Alternatively, the base element, the friable film layer, and at least the portion of the backing sheet to which the data sheet is adhered may all be transparent. In such embodiments, the friable film layer typically bears data printed back-to-front on its first face. Alternatively, if the data is preprinted on the friable film layer before laminating the friable film layer to the base element, the data could be printed on the second face of the friable film layer, using conventional, right-way-around printing. Such embodiments can be used on an opaque surface, because the data on the friable film layer can be seen through the friable film layer, the base element and the backing sheet.

Claims (6)

1. A data display device adapted for attachment to a surface, the device comprising a backing sheet and a data sheet carrying said data; wherein the backing sheet has adhesive on a first face thereof; wherein the data sheet comprises a base element having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion being adhered to a part of the first face of the backing sheet; wherein the data sheet further comprises a friable film layer on which at least some of the data is provided, the friable film layer having a first face and a second face, the second face being attached to the first portion of the base element, directly or indirectly, and the first face having adhesive thereon; such that when the device is adhered to a surface by the adhesive on the first face of the backing sheet and by the adhesive on the first face of the friable film layer, and removal of the device is attempted, at least part of the friable film layer remains adhered to the surface.

2. A data display device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the friable film layer is transparent.

3. A data display device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the friable film layer is directly attached to the base element.

4. A data display device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the data sheet includes a release pad located between the friable film layer and the first portion of the base element.

5. A data display device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the release pad is arranged such that when the device is adhered to the surface, the A 0 I £ 7 0 Ο ο 7 friable film layer is held more firmly to the surface than it is to the release pad, and the release pad is held more firmly to the base element than it is to the friable film layer. 5 6. A data display device as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the release pad comprises a clear film bed. 7. A data display device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the friable film layer is laminated to the base element. 8. A data display device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base element comprises a sheet, the first portion of the base element comprising a first face of the sheet, and the second portion of the base element comprising a second face of the sheet. 9. A data display device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base element is foldable and comprises two sheets attached together, the first portion of the base element comprising a first sheet, the friable film layer being attached to a face of the first sheet, and the second portion of 20 the base element comprising a second sheet, the backing sheet being attached to a face of the second sheet. 10. A data display device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the two sheets are attached along a single fold line. 11. A data display device as claimed in claim 9, wherein each of the two sheets may be attached to at least one intermediate portion along respective fold lines. ΛΕ Λ 7 ο 0 0 7 12. A data display device as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the areas of the two sheets of the base element are different, so that when folded, the first sheet overlaps the second sheet. 13. A data display device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base element is adapted to break up on attempted removal of the device. 14. A data display device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the backing sheet is provided with a see-through portion in the region where the base element is adhered to the backing sheet. 15. A data display device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the data on the friable film layer is provided on the first face of the friable film layer. 16. A data display device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the data is printed back-to-front on the first face of the friable film layer. 17. A data display device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the data on the friable film layer is printed on the second face of the friable film layer. 18. A data display device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the backing sheet is larger than the data sheet. 19. A data display device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the backing sheet includes a recess to receive the data sheet. IE 07 0 0 ο7 20. A data display device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the friable film layer incorporates a hologram. 21. A data display device as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a licence to identify licensed hire cars. 22. A data display device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 20, comprising a security tag. 23. A method of displaying data on a surface, comprising the steps of: providing a data sheet comprising a base element and a friable film layer; attaching a second face of the friable film layer to a first portion of the base element; providing data on the friable film layer; attaching a second portion of the base element to a first face of a backing sheet; and adhering a first face of the friable film layer and the first face of the backing sheet to the surface; such that, if removal of the device from the surface is attempted, at least a part of the friable film layer remains adhered to the surface. 24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the second face of the friable film layer is attached to the first portion of the base element via a release pad. 25. A method as claimed in claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the base element is formed from a cutaway portion of a piece of paper, with the friable film layer being provided on part of the cutaway portion. IE 0 7 0 0 0 7 26. A method as claimed in any of claims 23 to 25, wherein the base element comprises first and second sheets attached together and the method includes the step of folding the base element. 27. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the first sheet has a larger surface area than the second sheet and, when folded, overlaps the second sheet. 28. A method as claimed in any of claims 23 to 27, including the step of providing data on other parts of the data sheet in addition to on the friable film layer. 29. A method as claimed in any of claims 23 to 28, including the steps of attaching the second face of the friable film layer to the first portion of the base element before providing data on the friable film layer. 30. A method as claimed in any of claims 23 to 28, wherein data is provided on the friable film layer before attaching the second face of the friable film layer to the first portion of the base element. 31. A method as claimed in any of claims 23 to 30, wherein the surface is transparent and the method includes the step of printing the data of the friable film layer on the first face of the friable film layer, so that the data on the friable film layer can be seen through the adhesive on the friable film layer, and the transparent surface. 32. A method as claimed in any of claims 23 to 30, wherein the surface is opaque whilst the friable film layer, the base element, and at least the portion of the backing sheet to which the base element will be attached are all transparent and the method includes the steps of attaching the IE f< 7 0 η 0 7 second face of the friable film layer to the first portion of the base element before providing data on the friable film layer, said data being printed back-to-front on the first face of the friable film layer, so that said data will appear the correct way around when seen through the backing sheet. 33. A method as claimed in any of claims 23 to 32, used by vehicle licensing authorities to create data sheets to identify licensed hire cars. 34. A method as claimed in any of claims 23 to 32, used to create a 10 security tag. 1/6 Fig. 1 if u Z 0 0 0 7 2/6 Fig. 3 3/6 It 0 7 Ο Ο Ο 7 506 506 4/6 If 0 7 0 0 0 7 5/6 iic 9 7 0 C' ί 7 n7 QO07 Fig. 12

6. /6 ιΓ. Fig. 13