WO2014013239A1

WO2014013239A1 - Method of manufacturing a glazing

Info

Publication number: WO2014013239A1
Application number: PCT/GB2013/051895
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giovanni Gagliardi; Ashley Carl Torr; Leandro GRASSIA
Original assignee: Pilkington Group Limited
Priority date: 2012-07-20
Filing date: 2013-07-16
Publication date: 2014-01-23
Also published as: GB201212930D0

Abstract

The invention provides a method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing having a logo. The method comprises the steps of: a)Applying a transfer to at least one surface of a vehicle glazing, the transfer comprising a logo being removably attached to a flexible substrate; b) Applying a source of heat and pressure to the transfer to cause the logo to become detachable from the flexible substrate and to locate on the glazing; and c) Bending and/or tempering the glazing at a given temperature.

Description

Method of Manufacturing a Glazing

The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a glazing having a logo. In particular, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing having a logo and a vehicle glazing produced therefrom.

Vehicle manufacturers employ great effort and expense in deriving highly distinctive logos to purvey their branding message. This is particularly important for high end vehicles where brand image often plays a crucial role towards the sale of the vehicle. The purchaser of such a vehicle is attracted by the brand and the expectation of a guarantee of quality and performance.

Typically, car showrooms display eye catching colourful advertising material to attract the purchaser. However, on the vehicle itself, the manufacturer is limited to affixing badges or emblems to the car bodywork. This has the disadvantage that the bodywork must either have holes drilled into it for screw fixing the badge, or a specific adhesive must be used for bonding. Such badges are often the target of petty thieves who have ready access to the badge because of its location on the exterior of the vehicle.

It is known for car owners to apply stickers to their vehicles windows. However, stickers are prone to wear and damage because they do not form an integral part of the glazing. Consequently, ingress of moisture causes the sticker to peel away from the glazing surface. Additionally, an outline of the sticker often remains on the glazing leaving an unsightly mark.

It is common for a vehicle glazing manufacturer to print their name, together with other limited text, on to the glazing. The printing of the text is carried out at the same time as the printing of the obscuration band by a screen printing process using black ink. Such a method is limited to printing monochromatic indicia of a particular font size. It is an object of the present invention to provide a method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing which addresses any one of the aforementioned problems.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing having a logo, the method comprising the steps of:

a) Applying a transfer to at least one surface of a vehicle glazing, the transfer comprising a logo being removably attached to a flexible substrate;

b) Applying a source of heat and pressure to the transfer to cause the logo to become detachable from the flexible substrate and to locate on the glazing; and

c) Bending and/or tempering the glazing at a given temperature. Preferably, the method further comprises a step (x) of applying an obscuration band to at least one surface of the glazing. Preferably, step (x) takes place before step (c). Most preferably, step (x) takes place before step (a). Alternatively, step (x) and step (a) occur simultaneously. Step (x) and step (b) may occur simultaneously.

Preferably, the method further comprises a step (y) of applying an electrically conducting layer to at least one surface of the glazing. Preferably, step (y) takes place before step (c). Preferably, step (y) takes place after step (b) and before step (c). The electrically conducting layer preferably comprises a silver material.

Preferably, step (b) is carried out at a temperature of between substantially 100°C and 300°C, most preferably at substantially 200°C. Preferably, in step (b), a force of between substantially 0.2tonnes-1 tonne per unit area is applied to a surface ranging between preferably substantially 50cm² and 500cm². Preferably, step (b) is carried out using a hot stamping press.

Preferably, step (c) is carried out between substantially 500°C to 750°C. Most preferably, step (c) is carried out between substantially 550°C to 700°C. Advantageously, the bending and/or tempering step (c) provides the logo with a second firing stage. This additional firing stage improves the durability of the logo in the glazing, making it less susceptible to being damaged. Preferably, the transfer comprises a roll of flexible substrate on which is provided at least one logo. Preferably, a plurality of logos are provided on said roll, preferably being spaced apart. Preferably, the transfer roll is positioned upstream of the hot stamping press. Preferably, the logo is printed on to the flexible substrate before being applied to the glazing. Advantageously, printing onto a flexible substrate allows a high definition image to be produced on the substrate. Further, any errors during the printing of the logo itself are easily remedied by simply cutting the spoiled image from the substrate. Conversely, in traditional vehicle glazing printing methods were the indicia are printed directly on to the glass, errors in printing lead to the glazing being discarded which is costly.

Preferably, the logo comprises at least one printed layer. For a multi-chromatic logo, preferably the logo comprises a plurality of printed layers. Preferably, each said layer is thermally treated prior to printing the next succeeding or adjacent layer.

Preferably, a background layer is provided on the logo. Preferably, the background layer comprises a first face and a second face.

Preferably, at least one logo is applied to the background layer. Preferably, a logo is applied to the first face and/or the second face of the background layer to form a mirror logo. Preferably, the mirror logo arrangement is applied to an inner surface of a laminated glazing, preferably adjacent the interlayer.

The background layer acts as a "backing sheet" to the logo. In so doing, a logo can be printed on top of the background layer. This is particularly advantageous for reverse printing. Specifically, a logo can be printed on both the first and second faces of the background layer. This enables a person to view the logo from the interior or exterior of the vehicle in the correct orientation; this prevents a mirror image of the logo being formed.

Preferably, the logo is created from a ceramic ink composition. Preferably, said ink composition further comprises a glass frit. Preferably, said composition comprises pigments for providing a colour to the composition. Preferably, the composition includes a luminescent material, and/or preferably a phosphorescent material. The composition may also comprise UV-curable inks.

The glazing may be a monolithic glazing. At least one logo may be applied to an exterior facing surface of the glazing; such surface is referred to in the art as "surface one" or "S1" of the glazing. Alternatively, at least one logo may be applied to a surface of the glazing which faces the interior of the vehicle; such surface is referred to in the art as "surface two" or "S2" of the glazing. Most preferably, said logo is applied to S2.

The glazing may be a laminated glazing comprising a first ply, a second ply and an interlayer therebetween. Preferably, at least one logo is applied to at least S1 and/or S2 and/or S3 and/or S4.

When step (c) comprises a glass press bending process, preferably, said logo is applied to S2 and/or S4.

When step (c) comprises a lehr glass bending process, preferably, said logo is applied to S1 , and/or S2, and/or S4.

Preferably, an obscuration band is applied to S1 and/or S2 and/or S3 and/or S4.

Preferably, an electrically conducting layer is applied to S1 and/or S2 and/or S3 and/or S4.

Preferably, each said step takes place at the same location. Step (y) may take place at a different location to any one of steps (a), (b), (c), (x).

Preferably, in a laminated glazing, at least one logo is applied to S1 and/or S2 and/or S3 and an obscuration band is applied to S4. The logo may be applied to S1 or S2 or S4 and the obscuration band applied to S2.

In a laminated glazing, an obscuration band may be applied to S2 and/or S4 and a logo applied to S1 and/or S3. Preferably, an obscuration band is applied to the same surface as at least one logo. Preferably, a first logo is applied to a first face of an obscuration band and a second logo is applied to a second face of an obscuration band. Advantageously, in this arrangement, a logo is presented in the correct orientation when viewed from both the exterior or interior of the vehicle. Mirror image formation is prevented.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing having a logo, the method comprising the steps of:

x) Applying an obscuration band to at least one surface of the glazing;

b) Applying a source of heat and pressure to the transfer to cause the logo to become detachable from the flexible substrate and to locate on the glazing;

y) Applying an electrically conducting layer to at least a portion of at least one surface of the glazing; and

c) Bending and/or tempering the glazing at a given temperature.

The conducting layer is preferably applied to Surface 3 in a laminated glazing. Preferably, each said step occurs at the same location. Alternatively, Step (y) may take place at a different location to any one of aforementioned steps.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a laminated vehicle glazing having a logo, the vehicle glazing manufactured according to the steps of:

(1) Printing an obscuration band on a first surface of the glazing, the obscuration band having a window therein;

(2) Applying a transfer to the window, the transfer comprising a logo being removably attached to a flexible substrate;

(3) Applying a source of heat and pressure to the transfer to cause the logo to become detachable from the flexible substrate and to locate on the window;

(4) Printing a mask on a second surface of the glazing; and

(5) Applying a source of heat and/or pressure to the glazing.

Preferably, the first surface is S1 or S2 or S3 or S4. Most preferably, the first surface is S2 or S4. Preferably, the second surface is S1 or S2 or S3 or S4. Most preferably, the second surface is S2 or S4.

Preferably, the first surface is S2 and the second surface is S4 of the glazing. Preferably, the mask is dimensioned to cover substantially all of the window. Preferably, the mask is an obscuration band.

Preferably, the window and the mask are arranged such that the window aligns with the mask in a laminated configuration. Advantageously, the mask provides a cover to the window. In so doing, the logo is not visible from the interior of the vehicle and therefore does not cause a distraction to the driver. Advantageously, a vehicle glazing can be manufactured having a high definition logo which is durable. Provision of a logo preformed on a transfer substrate allows for the application of highly stylised and colourful logos which can be applied in a single pass unlike conventional printing techniques.

Preferably, any one of the aforementioned methods is an automated process.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a vehicle glazing having a logo, the vehicle glazing manufactured according to the steps of: a) Applying a transfer to at least one surface of the vehicle glazing, the transfer comprising a logo being removably attached to a flexible substrate;

c) Bending and/or tempering the glazing at a given temperature.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a laminated glazing assembly having a logo, the method comprising the steps of: a) Applying a transfer to at least one assembly surface, the transfer comprising a logo; and b) Applying a source of heat and pressure to the assembly so as to cause the transfer to locate in a fixed position within the assembly. The assembly surface may be a glass ply surface. The assembly surface may be an interlayer surface.

Preferably, the transfer comprises a flexible substrate. The transfer may be an interlayer of the assembly.

Preferably, the assembly comprises a plurality of layers. Preferably, at least one layer comprises a polymeric material. Preferably, at least one layer comprises PET. Preferably, at least one layer is operable to perform as a functional coating. According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a glazing having a logo, the method comprising the steps of: a) Applying a transfer to at least one surface of a glazing, the transfer comprising a logo being removably attached to a flexible substrate; b) Applying a source of heat and pressure to the transfer to cause the logo to become detachable from the flexible substrate and to locate on the glazing; and c) Applying a further source of heat and/or pressure to the glazing. The vehicle glazing may be a monolithic glazing. The vehicle glazing may be a laminated glazing.

The glazing of the invention may be a windscreen, a sidelight (side window glazing), a backlight (rear window glazing) and/or a rooflight (roof window glazing).

All of the features described herein may be combined with any one of the above aspects, in any combination. An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic flow diagram of a method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a block flow diagram showing the method of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a schematic sectional side view of a vehicle glazing according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a schematic sectional side view of a vehicle glazing according to the invention; Figure 5 is a block flow diagram showing an alternative method according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle glazing according to the invention;

Figure 7 is a schematic sectional side view of the vehicle glazing of Figure 6;

Figures 8 show alternative embodiments of a vehicle glazing according to the invention;

Figures 9 show alternative embodiments of a vehicle glazing according to the invention; Figures 10 show alternative embodiments of a vehicle glazing according to the invention;

Figures 11 show alternative embodiments of a vehicle glazing according to the invention; and

Figures 12 show alternative embodiments of a glazing according to the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 show the steps of a method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing according to an embodiment of the invention. The method comprises three steps, "Step (a)", "Step (b)" and "Step (c)" as shown in the figures.

In Step (a) a transfer 4 is applied to a vehicle glazing 6 so that said transfer 4 lies parallel and adjacent the glazing 6 as indicated by arrow "A". The transfer 4 comprises a flexible substrate 8 on which is printed at least one image or logo 10. The ink used to print the logos is a ceramic ink comprising mineral-based pigments. The ceramic ink is combined with finely ground glass particles called glass frit to ensure the ink melts and combines with the glazing surface to form a permanent bond upon heating. A typical ink is one described in WO2005/019360. The flexible substrate 6 is manufactured from a polymeric based material and is wound into a roll 12, for example that produced by ITW Transfer Graphics.

A plurality of logos 10 are printed onto the roll 12 at spaced intervals. This enables the method to be automated, with the roll 12 being in communication with a means for causing the roll 12 to unwind to correspond with the arrival on a production line of a glazing 6 to be stamped. The transfer roll 12 is positioned upstream of a hot stamping press 14. The hot stamping press is one known as a DECOPRINT-P1000E, article #106700 by MADAG Printing Systems AG.

At Step (b), the hot stamping press 14 operates to apply heat and pressure to the transfer 4. This causes the logo 10 to detach from the substrate 8 and fix to a surface 9 of the glazing 6. Specifically, said press 14 operates to apply a temperature of 100°C to 300°C to the transfer 4 from 1 to 10 seconds. A force in the range 0.2-1 tonne per unit area is simultaneously applied to the transfer for 1 to 5 seconds in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 16 of the glazing 6, as indicated by arrow "B", to release the logo 10 onto the surface of the glazing 6. Once the logo 10 has been applied to the glazing 6, the substrate 8 is directed away to be discarded.

The press 14 may be fitted with an automatic indexer so as to apply the logo 10 at capacities of up to 6 to 60 logos per minute.

It will be understood by the reader that the invention is not limited to a vertically mounted hot stamping press. For example, a pressure may be applied across the surface of the transfer 4 by a force moving parallel to the axis 16, for example, by a moving roller.

At step (c), the glazing 6 having the logo 10 is then subjected to bending and/or tempering to produce a vehicle window, for example, a windshield 18 as shown in Figure 1. In a bending process, the glazing 6 is heated from 550°C to 700°C and curved to the desired shape. In a tempering process, heat is applied to toughen the glazing 6 at temperatures from 600°C to 750°C. Step (c) acts as an additional firing stage for the ceramic based logo 10. Consequently, the logo becomes substantially irremovable from the glazing and is highly durable, meeting all vehicle manufacturers chemical and mechanical tests, e.g. Taber test, citric acid test, hydrochloric acid test, sulphuric acid test, sodium chloride test .

The logo 10 may be applied to a number of locations on a particular type of glazing. In Figure 3, the logo 10 is applied to a monolithic glazing 20. The glazing comprises a surface on the exterior of a vehicle, commonly referred to as "surface 1" (S1), and a surface facing the interior of a vehicle, commonly referred to as "surface 2" (S2). The logo is shown applied to surface 1 but equally could be applied to surface 2, or to both surface 1 and surface 2.

Figure 4 shows a laminated glazing 30. The laminated glazing 30 comprises a first ply 32, a second ply 34 and an interlayer 36 therebetween. Each surface of the glazing 30 is labelled sequentially, S1 , S2, S3 and S4, with S1 being the surface on the exterior of the vehicle, and S4 facing the interior of the vehicle. During manufacture, the logo 10 is applied to S2 of the first ply 32 as described previously in relation to Figures 1 and 2. The interlayer 36 is then placed on to the first ply 32, over the logo 10.

The second ply 34 is then placed adjacent the interlayer 36 and heat and pressure is applied to the glazing 30. The following process comprises the prelamination (nip-roll or bag-furnace process) and then the autoclaving process. It will be appreciated by the skilled reader that the logo may also be applied to S1 or S3 or S4 in any number of combinations. More than one logo may be applied to each or all said surfaces. Further examples are described below in relation to Figures 8 to 1 1. Figure 5 shows a further method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing. The method comprises steps (a) to (c) as hereinbefore described. In addition, said method includes a step (x) and a step (y). Step (x) comprises printing an obscuration band on to a surface of the glazing. The obscuration band is printed around the periphery of the glazing using printing techniques such as, for example, screen printing or ink jet digital printing. Step (a) follows step (x), either after curing the print of the obscuration band, or advantageously, step (a) can take place simultaneously of step (x). This is because the hot stamping press head is sufficiently small, from a few mm to 140mmX230mm, so as not to obstruct band printing. Furthermore, because the logo is pre-formed on to the substrate and not printed directly onto the glazing, the risk of ink bleeding from the logo to the obscuration band is minimised. Step (b) takes place after step (a) to fuse the logo to the glazing.

In Figure 5 at step (y), an electrically conducting coating, for example, a silver coating, is bonded to the glazing. Step (y) takes place after step (b). Once said coating has been applied, the glazing proceeds to step (c) for bending/tempering. Said coating is preferably applied to S3 in a laminated glazing.

Figures 6 and 7 show an embodiment of a glazing 100 according to the invention. The glazing 100 is a vehicle windshield comprising a first ply 132, a second ply 134 and an interlayer 136 therebetween. The surfaces of the glazing 100 are labelled S1 to S4 as previously described. The glazing 100 is manufactured according to the following steps: (1) an obscuration band 138 is printed on S2 of the first ply 132, the obscuration band 138 having a void or window 140 therein; the window 140 is left unprinted as shown in Figure 6; (2) a transfer is applied to the window 140 on S2 according to the method as previously described "Step (a)"; (3) a mask 142 is printed on S4 of the second ply 134; the mask 142 being a print area of substantially the same dimensions as the window 140. The mask 142 may be an obscuration band extending the periphery of the surface. The window 140 and the mask 142 are arranged such that when the plies 132, 134 are laminated together, the window 140 aligns with the mask 142 to provide a cover or backing to the window 140. In so doing, the logo 1 10 is substantially invisible from the interior of the vehicle, the mask 142 blending with the obscuration band 138 as shown in Figure 7. A light source may be incorporated into the laminate structure. For example, LEDs may be located in the interlayer. In so doing, the logo can be illuminated, adding to the aesthetic appeal. Figures 8 to 11 show example alternative embodiments of the invention.

Figures 8 show arrangements in which a logo 210 is applied to a surface of the glazing such that said logo 210 can be viewed from the exterior of the vehicle (in a direction indicated by the "eye and arrow" in the figures). Specifically, in Figure 8A, the logo 210 is applied to S1 and the obscuration band 242 is applied to S4. The obscuration band 242 ensures that the logo 210 is substantially invisible from inside the vehicle. In Figure 8B, the logo 210 is applied to S2 and the obscuration band 242 is applied to S4. The logo 210 is on an inner surface of the laminate and thus is not readily accessible to vandals. Said band 242 provides a mask to the logo 210 when viewed from inside the vehicle. Figure 8C shows the logo 210 on S3 and the obscuration band 242 on S4; said band acting as a mask to the logo. Figure 8D shows an alternative arrangement wherein the logo is on S1 and the obscuration band on S2. Figures 9 show embodiments of arrangements in which a logo 310 is located so as to be viewed from the interior of the vehicle. Figure 9A shows the logo 310 applied to S3 and the obscuration band 342 on S2; the obscuration band 342 providing a mask to substantially prevent the logo 310 being made visible from the exterior of the vehicle. In Figure 9B, the logo 310 is applied to S4 and the obscuration band 342 is applied to S2.

Figures 10 show embodiments wherein the logo 410 is applied to a window 440 in an obscuration band 442. The combination may be applied to S4, as shown in Figure 10A, or to S2 as shown in Figure 10B.

Figures 11 show embodiments of glazings having logos 510 which can be viewed from both the inside and outside of a vehicle in the correct orientation. These arrangements prevent mirror images occurring. In Figure 1 1A, a logo 510 is applied to both S1 and S3. An obscuration band 542 is applied to S2. The obscuration band 542 acts as a background or "blank", allowing the logo 510 to be clearly seen in the correct orientation from either the interior or exterior of the vehicle.

Figure 11 B shows an alternative arrangement to prevent mirror image formation. Specifically, a logo 510 is printed on to a background layer 590 on the transfer substrate. The background layer 590 acts as a backing sheet to the logo 510. A logo 510 is printed on both a first and second face of the background layer 590 such that when steps (a) and (b) occur, a logo is produced having an image, in the correct orientation, on both faces.

Figures 12 show further alternative embodiments of a vehicle glazing. In Figure 12A, a cut-out 637 is provided in an interlayer 636. A logo 610 is applied in the cut-out 637.

In Figure 12B, a transfer 704 having a logo 710 is placed within the laminate assembly 732,734. In this arrangement, heat and/or pressure from a lamination process alone causes the transfer 704 to fix in position within the assembly. In such an application, the transfer 704 is pre-cut into sheets so as to fit within the assembly. The transfer substrate remains within the assembly.

In Figure 12C, a plurality of layers 873,875,877,879 is provided within the laminated assembly. Each said layer may be one of more of a PVB interlayer, a PET interlayer, or similar. The logo 810 is shown applied to layer 879 but it will be appreciated that the logo 810 may be applied to any one or each said layer.

Alternatively, the logo may be printed onto a single interlayer within a laminate. Advantageously, the invention provides methods of manufacturing a glazing having a high definition logo which is also durable. Provision of a logo which is preformed on a transfer substrate allows for the application of highly stylised and colourful logos which can be applied in a single pass, unlike conventional printing techniques. The manufacturing steps are readily automated, allowing for a high volume throughput of vehicle glazing.

The vehicle glazing produced by said methods is aesthetically pleasing to the purchaser of the vehicle. Further, the logo is durable and tamper resistant unlike conventional branding techniques for vehicles.

Provision of such a logo on glazing allows the manufacturer to display a distinctive, typically highly colourful, brand image on their product with minimal risk of the logo being damaged. Consequently, the logo will remain substantially intact throughout the lifetime of the glazing.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A method of manufacturing a vehicle glazing having a logo, the method comprising the steps of:

c) Bending and/or tempering the glazing at a given temperature.

2. A method as claimed in Claim 1 further comprising a step (x) of applying an obscuration band to at least one surface of the glazing.

3. A method as claimed in Claim 2, wherein step (x) takes place before step

(a) .

4. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a step (y) of applying an electrically conducting layer to at least one surface of the glazing.

5. A method as claimed in Claim 4, wherein step (y) takes place after step

(b) and before step (c).

6. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein step (b) is carried out at a temperature of between substantially 100°C and 300°C.

7. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein in step (b), a force of between substantially 0.2tonne-1tonnne per unit area is applied to a surface ranging between preferably substantially 50cm² and 500cm².

8. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein step (b) is carried out using a hot stamping press.

9. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein step (c) is carried out between substantially 500°C to 750°C.

10. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transfer comprises a roll of flexible substrate on which is provided at least one logo.

1 1. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the logo is printed on to the flexible substrate before being applied to the glazing, the logo comprising at least one printed layer.

12. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a background layer is provided on the logo, the background layer comprising a first face and a second face, and at least one logo is applied to the first face and/or the second face.

13. A method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein when step (c) comprises a glass press bending process, said logo is applied to S2 and/or S4.

14. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12, wherein when step (c) comprises a lehr glass bending process, said logo is applied to S1 , and/or S2, and/or S4.

15. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 14, wherein the obscuration band is applied to S1 and/or S2 and/or S3 and/or S4.

16. A method as claimed in any one of Claims 4 to 15, wherein an electrically conducting layer is applied to S1 and/or S2 and/or S3 and/or S4.

17. A method of manufacturing a laminated vehicle glazing having a logo, the vehicle glazing manufactured according to the steps of: (1) Printing an obscuration band on a first surface, the obscuration band having a window therein; (2) Applying a transfer to the window, the transfer comprising a logo being removably attached to a flexible substrate; (3) Applying a source of heat and pressure to the transfer to cause the logo to become detachable from the flexible substrate and to locate on the window; (4) Printing a mask on a second surface of the glazing; and (5) Applying a source of heat and/or pressure to the glazing.

18. A method as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the first surface is S2 and the second surface is S4 of the glazing.

19. A method as claimed in Claims 17 or 18, wherein the mask is dimensioned to cover substantially all of the window.

20. A vehicle glazing having a logo, the vehicle glazing manufactured according to the steps of: a) Applying a transfer to at least one surface of a vehicle glazing, the transfer comprising a logo being removably attached to a flexible substrate; b) Applying a source of heat and pressure to the transfer to cause the logo to become detachable from the flexible substrate and to locate on the glazing; and c) Bending and/or tempering the glazing at a given temperature.

21. A vehicle glazing as claimed in Claim 20, wherein said glazing is a monolithic glazing.

22. A vehicle glazing as claimed in Claim 20, wherein said glazing is a laminated glazing.

23. A vehicle glazing substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

24. A method of manufacturing a laminated glazing assembly having a logo, the method comprising the steps of: a) Applying a transfer to at least one surface of the assembly, the transfer comprising a logo; and b) Applying a source of heat and pressure to the assembly so as to cause the transfer to locate in a fixed position within the assembly.

25. A method of manufacturing a glazing having a logo, the method comprising the steps of: a) Applying a transfer to at least one surface of a glazing, the transfer comprising a logo being removably attached to a flexible substrate; b) Applying a source of heat and pressure to the transfer to cause the logo to become detachable from the flexible substrate and to locate on the glazing; and c) Applying a further source of heat and/or pressure to the glazing.