Lamination process and apparatus

• US 4,470,858 A
• Filed: 12/06/1982
• Issued: 09/11/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 12/06/1982
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Deltaglass SA
• Original Assignee: Deltaglass SA
• Inventors: McMaster, Dexter
• Primary Examiner(s): Gallagher, John J.
• Application Number:
  US06/446,981
• Time in Patent Office: 645 Days
• Field of Search: 156/103, 156/273.7, 156/104, 156/275.5, 156/267, 156/275.7, 156/295, 156/555, 156/312, 156/558, 156/357, 156/578, 156/379.8, 156/582, 156/99, 100/155 G, 100/176, 118/679, 427/286
• US Class Current: 156/103
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10293 Edge features, e.g. inserts or holes
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10706 being photo-polymerized
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10862 using pressing-rolls
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 17/10926 by spraying
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2038/0076 Curing, vulcanising, cross-linking
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 2310/08 by wave energy or particle radiation
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 37/12 characterised by using adhesives
• CPC Class Codes: B32B 7/12 using interposed adhesives or interposed materials with bonding properties
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 156/108 Flash, trim or excess removal

Abstract

Processes for the lamination of sheets of material including sheets of glass, with and without a substrate or interlayer and apparatus suitable for use in carrying out such processes.

Claims

1. In a process for the joining of two sheets of material together, one of which sheets being transparent, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) distributing liquid radiation curable adhesive composition on one surface of one of the sheets at least proximate one side edge across the sheet and preferably along a portion of the length of the sheet;

(b) applying the other sheet to the adhesive covered sheet;

(c) applying pressure against each of the sheets in at least a plane substantially normal to the planes of the sheets, proximate to and parallel to, the side edge, to squeeze adhesive towards the side edge filling any gap between the sheets between the position of initial pressure application and the side edge, and away from the plane of pressure application on the side of the plane of pressure application remote the side edge to form a continuous film of adhesive on the side of the plane of pressure remote the side edge across the sheets between the sheets, and thereafter, while continuing to apply pressure, moving the plane of pressure relative to the sheets away from the side edge or moving the sheets relative to the plane of pressure in the direction towards the side edge ensuring that the edge of the film remote the plane of pressure is always spaced from the plane of pressure until the sheets have passed through or been passed through the plane of pressure, to uniformly spread the adhesive between the sheets and eliminate air bubbles; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

2. In the process of claim 1, wherein the two sheets of material comprise glass and/or plastics material.

3. In the process of claim 1, wherein the two sheets of material comprises two sheets of glass.

4. In the process of claim 1, wherein the two sheets of material comprises one glass sheet of material and the other a transparent substrate or interlayer plastics material.

5. In the process of claim 4, wherein the plastics material comprises PVC, PVB or polyurethane material.

6. In the process of claim 1, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

7. In the process of claim 2, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

8. In the process of claim 3, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

9. In the process of claim 4, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

10. In the process of claim 5, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

11. In the process of claim 6,7, or 8 wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

12. In the process of claim 9 or 10, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along a least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

13. In the process of claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a ribbon of adhesive extending across the sheet proximate the side edge and a plurality of ribbons extending normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge at least for a portion of the length of the sheet of glass.

14. In the process of claim 4 or 5, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a ribbon of adhesive extending across the sheet proximate the side edge and a plurality of ribbons extending normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge at least for a portion of the length of the sheet of glass.

79. The process of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

80. The process of claim 4, 5 or 6 wherein the radiation curable adhesive is photopolymerisable.

81. The process of claim 7, 8, or 9, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

82. The process of claim 10, 15 or 16 wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

110. In the process of claim 102 or 103, or 10, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along a least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

15. In a process for the joining of two sheets of material together, one of which being transparent, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) distributing liquid radiation curable adhesive composition on one surface of one of the sheets at least proximate one side edge across the sheet and along a portion of the length of the sheet;

(b) applying the other sheet to the adhesive covered sheet;

(c) applying pressure against each of the sheets in at least a plane substantially normal to the planes of the sheets, proximate to, and parallel to, the side edge, to squeeze adhesive towards the side edge filling any gap between the sheets between the position of initial pressure application and the side edge, and away from the plane of pressure application on the side of the plane of pressure application remote the side edge to form a continuous film of adhesive on the side of the plane of pressure remote the side edge, across the sheets between the sheets, and thereafter, while continuing to apply pressure in the plane, moving the sheets relative to the plane of pressure in the direction towards the side edge ensuring that the edge of the film remote the plane of pressure is always spaced from the plane of pressure until the sheets have passed through the plane of pressure, to uniformly spread the adhesive between the sheets, and eliminate air bubbles; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

16. In the process of claim 15, wherein the two sheets of material comprise glass and/or plastics material.

17. In the process of claim 15, wherein the two sheets of material comprises two sheets of glass.

18. In the process of claim 15, wherein the two sheets of material comprises one glass sheet of material and the other a transparent substrate or interlayer plastics material.

19. In the process of claim 18, wherein the plastics material comprises PVC, PVB or polyurethane material.

20. In the process of claim 15, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

21. In the process of claim 16, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

22. In the process of claim 17, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprise a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

23. In the process of claim 18, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

24. In the process of claim 19, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

25. In the process of claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

26. In the process of claim 23 or 24, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along a least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

27. In the process of claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a ribbon of adhesive extending across the sheet proximate the side edge and a plurality of ribbons extending normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge at least for a portion of the length of the sheet of glass.

28. In the process of claim 18 or 19, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a ribbon of adhesive extending across the sheet proximate the side edge and a plurality of ribbons extending normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge at least for a portion of the length of the sheet of glass.

83. The process of claim 17, 18 or 19, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

84. The process of claim 20, 21, or 22, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

85. The process of claim 23, 24 or 29, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

29. In a process for the manufacture of laminated glass comprising sheets of glass and a liquid radiation curable adhesive composition for bonding the glass, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) distributing the liquid adhesive composition on one surface of one sheet of glass at least proximate one side edge across the sheet and along a portion of the length of the sheet;

(b) applying the other sheet of glass to the adhesive covered sheet of glass;

(c) applying pressure against each of the sheets of glass in at least a plane substantially normal to the planes of the sheets of glass, proximate to, and parallel to, the side edge, to squeeze adhesive, towards the side edge filling any gap between the sheets of glass between the position of initial pressure application and the side edge, and away from the plane of pressure application on the side of the plane of pressure application remote the side edge to form a continuous film of adhesive on the side of the plane of pressure remote the side edge, across the sheet of glass, between the sheets of glass, and thereafter, while continuing to apply pressure in the plane, moving the sheets of glass relative to the plane of pressure in the direction towards the side edge ensuring that the edge of the film remote the plane of pressure is always spaced from the plane of pressure until the sheets have passed through the plane of pressure to uniformly spread the adhesive between the sheets and eliminate air bubbles; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

30. In the process of claim 29, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

31. In the process of claim 30, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

32. In the process of claim 29, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a ribbon of adhesive extending across the sheet proximate the side edge and a plurality of ribbons extending normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge at least for a portion of the length of the sheet of glass.

86. The process of claim 30, 31 or 32, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

33. In a process for the manufacture of laminated glass comprising sheets of glass, a substrate or interlayer and a liquid radiation curable adhesive composition for bonding the glass sheets to the substrate or interlayer, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) distributing the liquid adhesive composition on one surface of the substrate or interlayer at least proximate one side edge of the sheets, across the sheet and along a portion of the length of the sheet;

(b) applying a sheet of glass to the surface of the substrate or interlayer carrying the adhesive composition;

(c) applying pressure against the outer surface of each of the substrate and glass sheet in at least a plane substantially normal to the planes of the substrate and sheet of glass proximate to, and parallel to, the side edge proximate which the adhesive was applied, to squeeze adhesive towards the side edge filling the gap between the substrate and sheet of glass between the position of the initial application of pressure to the substrate and glass sheet, and side edge, and away from the plane of pressure application on the side of the plane of pressure application, remote the side edge to form a continuous film of adhesive on the side of the plane of pressure application remote the side edge across the sheet of glass and substrate, between the sheets of glass and substrate, and thereafter, while continuing to apply pressure in the plane, moving the combination of the substrate and glass sheet relative to the plane of pressure in a direction towards the side edge through the plane in which the pressure is applied, ensuring that the edge of the film remote the plane of pressure application is always spaced from the plane until the sheets have passed through the plane of pressure application to uniformly spread adhesive between the substrate and sheet of glass as the combination is moved through the plane of the pressure application, and eliminate air bubbles; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

34. In the process of claim 33, wherein the distribution of the adhesive on the substrate is in the form of at least a ribbon of liquid adhesive extending across the sheet and a plurality of ribbons extending substantially normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge.

35. In the process of claim 33, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed in the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

36. In the process of claim 35, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

37. In the process of claim 33, 34 or 35, wherein the substrate comprises clear, transparent PVC material.

38. In the process of claim 36, wherein the substrate comprises clear, transparent PVC material.

45. In the process of claim 33, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

46. In the process of claim 34, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

47. In the process of claim 35, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

48. In the process of claim 36, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

53. In the process of claim 45, 46 or 47, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive applied with the bottom sheet of glass.

54. In the process of claim 48, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive aligned with the bottom sheet of glass.

61. In the process of claim 33, 34 or 35, wherein the pressure may be applied by spaced rollers applied to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass.

62. In the process of claim 36, 39 or 40, wherein the pressure may be applied to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass, by spaced rollers.

64. In the process of claim 46, 47 or 48, wherein the pressure may be applied by spaced rollers to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass.

87. The process of claim 33, 34 or 35, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

88. The process of claim 36, 38 or 39, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

91. The process of claim 47, 48 or 49, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

93. The process of claim 54, 55 or 56, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

39. In a process for the manufacture of laminated glass comprising sheets of glass of predetermined length and width, a substrate or interlayer of predetermined length and width greater than the length and width of the glass sheets and a liquid radiation curable adhesive composition for bonding the glass sheets to the substrate or interlayer, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) distributing the liquid adhesive composition on one surface of the substrate or interlayer at least proximate one side edge of the sheet across the sheet and along a portion of the length of the sheet;

(b) applying a sheet of glass to the surface of the substrate or interlayer carrying the adhesive composition with the edges of the substrate extending beyond the side edges of the glass sheet;

(c) applying pressure against the outer surfaces of each of the substrate and glass sheet in at least a plane substantially normal to the planes of the substrate and glass sheet towards the adhesive composition, proximate to and parallel to, the side edge of the substrate where the liquid adhesive composition has been applied to squeeze adhesive composition towards the side edge filling the gap between the glass sheet and substrate proximate the side edge and expressing liquid adhesive composition from between the substrate and glass sheet onto the substrate extending beyond the glass sheet, and away from the plane of pressure application on the side of the plane of pressure application remote the side edge, to form a continuous film of adhesive on the side of the plane of pressure application remote the side edge across the sheets of glass and substrate between the sheets of glass and substrate, and thereafter, while continuing to apply pressure in the plane normal to the plane of the glass sheet and substrate, moving the combination of the glass sheet and substrate relative to the plane of pressure in the direction towards the side edge through the plane in which the pressure was applied ensuring that the edge of the film remote the plane of pressure application is always spaced from the plane of pressure application until the sheets have passed through the plane of pressure application to uniformly spread adhesive between the substrate and sheet of glass as the combination is moved through the plane of pressure application, eliminate air bubbles and express adhesive onto the substrate; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

40. In the process of claim 39, wherein the distribution of the adhesive on the substrate is in the form of at least a ribbon of liquid adhesive extending across the sheet and a plurality of ribbons extending substantially normal to the ribbons extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge.

41. In the process of claim 39, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

42. In the process of claim 41, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

43. In the process of claim 39, 40 or 41, wherein the substrate comprises clear, transparent PVC material.

44. In the process of claim 42, wherein the substrate comprises, clear, transparent PVC material.

49. In the process of claim 39, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

50. In the process of claim 40, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

51. In the process of claim 41, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

52. In the process of claim 42, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

55. In the process of claim 49, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive aligned with the bottom sheet of glass.

56. In the process of claim 50, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive aligned with the bottom sheet of glass.

57. In the process of claim 51, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive aligned with the bottom sheet of glass.

58. In the process of claim 52 wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive aligned with the bottom sheet of glass.

59. In the process of claim 49 or 50, wherein after the second irradiation with both glass sheets now secured to the oversized substrate, the substrate is trimmed and finished.

60. In the process of claim 51 or 52, wherein after the second irradiation with both glass sheets now secured to the oversized substrate, the substrate is trimmed and finished.

63. In the process of claim 41, 42 or 45, wherein the pressure may be applied to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass, by spaced rollers.

65. In the process of claim 49, 50 or 51, wherein the pressure may be applied to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass, by spaced rollers.

66. In the process of claim 52, 54 or 55, wherein the pressure may be applied to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass, by spaced rollers.

89. The process of claim 40, 41 or 42, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

90. The process of claim 44, 45 or 46, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

92. The process of claim 50, 51 or 52, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

94. The process of claim 57, 58 or 67, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

67. A process for the manufacture of laminated glass comprising sheets of glass, a substrate or interlayer and a radiation curable adhesive composition for bonding the glass sheets to the substrate or interlayer comprises the steps of:

(a) distributing the liquid adhesive composition on one of the surfaces of each of two sheets of glass proximate a side edge of each, applying substrate or interlayer material on one of the sheets of glass and sandwiching the substrate between the sheets of glass with the side edges proximate which the adhesive was applied, aligned with one another;

(b) applying pressure against the surfaces of the glass sheets remote the interlayer substantially normal to the planes of the glass sheets, proximate to, and parallel to, the side edges proximate which the adhesive was applied, to force adhesive, towards the side edge filling the gap between the substrate and glass sheets between the position of the initial application of pressure and side edges and, to the side of the position of the pressure application remote the side edges to form continuous films of adhesive on the side of the position of pressure application remote the side edges and extending across the sheets between the sheets, and thereafter, while continuing to apply the pressure at the position, moving the combination of the substrate and glass sheets through the position of pressure application ensuring that the edge of each of the films remote the position of pressure application is always spaced from the position of pressure application until the sheets have entirely passed the position of pressure application to uniformly spread the adhesive between the substrate and sheets of glass and eliminate air bubbles; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

68. In the process of claim 67, wherein the glass sheets are placed side by side in a horizontal plane with each sheet having an inner edge closer the other sheet, and an outer edge, the liquid adhesive is applied to the top surface of each sheet proximate the outer side edge, the substrate is applied to one of the sheets of glass, and the glass sheets are pivoted about their inner edges in a vertical direction for sandwiching the substrate between the glass sheets.

69. In the process of claim 68, wherein the combination is fed vertically through a series of pressure rollers oriented with their axes extending horizontally.

70. In the process of claim 68, wherein the combination is fed horizontally through a series of pressure rollers with their axes oriented in the vertical direction.

71. In the process of claim 67, wherein the distribution of the adhesive on the substrate is in the form of at least a ribbon of liquid adhesive extending across the sheet and a plurality of ribbons extending substantially normal to the ribbons extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge.

72. In the process of claim 70, wherein the distribution of the adhesive on the substrate is in the form of at least a ribbon of liquid adhesive extending across the sheet and a plurality of ribbons extending substantially normal to the ribbons extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge.

73. In the process of claim 67, wherein liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

74. In the process of claim 68, wherein liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

75. In the process of claim 69, wherein liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

76. In the process of claim 70, wherein liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

77. In the process of claims 73, 74 or 75, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

78. In the process of claim 76, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

95. The process of claim 68, 69 or 70, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

96. The process of claim 71, 72 or 73 wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

97. The process of claim 74, 75 or 76, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

98. The process of claim 78 wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

99. In a process for the joining of two sheets of material together, one of which sheets being transparent, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) distributing liquid radiation curable adhesive composition on one surface of one of the sheets at least proximate one side edge across the sheet and preferably along a portion of the length of the sheet;

(b) applying the other sheet to the adhesive covered sheet;

(c) applying pressure against each of the sheets in at least a plane of pressure normal to the planes of the sheets, the plane of pressure being incorporated in an application of pressure directed generally normal to the plane of the sheets over a narrow elongate zone extending generally parallel to, and proximate the side edge, to squeeze adhesive towards the side edge filling any gap between the sheets between the position of initial pressure application and the side edge, and away from the zone of pressure application on the side of the zone of pressure application remote the side edge to form a continuous film of adhesive on the side of the zone of pressure remote the side edge across the sheets between the sheets, and thereafter, while continuing to apply pressure, moving the zone of pressure relative to the sheets away from the side edge or moving the sheets relative to the zone of pressure in the direction towards the side edge ensuring that the edge of the film remote the zone of pressure is always spaced from the zone of pressure until the sheets have passed through or been passed through the zone of pressure, to uniformly spread the adhesive between the sheets and eliminate air bubbles; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

100. In the process of claim 99, wherein the two sheets of material comprise glass and/or plastics material.

101. In the process of claim 99, wherein the two sheets of material comprises two sheets of glass.

102. In the process of claim 99, wherein the two sheets of material comprises one glass sheet of material and the other a transparent substrate or interlayer plastics material.

103. In the process of claim 102, wherein the plastics material comprises PVC, PVB or polyurethane material.

104. In the process of claim 99, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

105. In the process of claim 100, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

106. In the process of claim 101, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

107. In the process of claim 102, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

108. In the process of claim 103, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

109. In the process of claim 99, 100 or 101, or 8 wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

111. In the process of claim 99, 100 or 101, or 3, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a ribbon of adhesive extending across the sheet proximate the side edge and a plurality of ribbons extending normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge at least for a portion of the length of the sheet of glass.

112. In the process of claim 102 or 103, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a ribbon of adhesive extending across the sheet proximate the side edge and a plurality of ribbons extending normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge at least for a portion of the length of the sheet of glass.

165. The process of claim 99, 100 or 101, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

166. The process of claim 102, 103 or 104, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

167. The process of claim 105, 106, or 107 wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

168. The process of claim 108, 113 or 114, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

113. In a process for the joining of two sheets of material together, one of which being transparent, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) distributing liquid radiation curable adhesive composition on one surface of one of the sheets at least proximate one side edge across the sheet and along a portion of the length of the sheet;

(b) applying the other sheet to the adhesive covered sheet;

(c) applying pressure against each of the sheets in at least a plane of pressure normal to the planes of the sheets, the plane of pressure being incorporated in an application of pressure directed generally normal to the plane of the sheets over a narrow elongate zone extending generally parallel to, and proximate the side edge, to squeeze adhesive towards the side edge filling any gap between the sheets between the position of initial pressure application and the side edge, and away from the zone of pressure application on the side of the zone of pressure application remote the side edge to form a continuous film of adhesive on the side of the zone of pressure remote the side edge, across the sheets between the sheets, and thereafter, while continuing to apply pressure in the zone, moving the sheets relative to the zone of pressure in the direction towards the side edge ensuring that the edge of the film remote the zone of pressure is always spaced from the zone of pressure until the sheets have passed through the zone of pressure, to uniformly spread the adhesive between the sheets, and eliminate air bubbles; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

114. In the process of claim 113, wherein the two sheets of material comprise glass and/or plastics material.

115. In the process of claim 113, wherein the two sheets of material comprises two sheets of glass.

116. In the process of claim 113, wherein the two sheets of material comprises one glass sheet of material and the other a transparent substrate or interlayer plastics material.

117. In the process of claim 116, wherein the plastics material comprises PVC, PVB or polyurethane material.

118. In the process of claim 113, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

119. In the process of claim 114, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

120. In the process of claim 115, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

121. In the process of claim 116, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

122. In the process of claim 117, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

123. In the process of claim 113, 114 or 115, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

124. In the process of claim 116 or 117, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along a least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

125. In the process of claim 113, 114, or 115, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a ribbon of adhesive extending across the sheet proximate the side edge and a plurality of ribbons extending normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge at least for a portion of the length of the sheet of glass.

126. In the process of claim 116 or 117, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a ribbon of adhesive extending across the sheet proximate the side edge and a plurality of ribbons extending normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge at least for a portion of the length of the sheet of glass.

169. The process of claim 115, 116 or 117, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

170. The process of claim 118, 119, or 120, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

171. The process of claim 121, 122, or 127, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

127. In a process for the manufacture of laminated glass comprising sheets of glass and a liquid radiation curable adhesive composition for bonding the glass, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) distributing the liquid adhesive composition on one surface of one sheet of glass at least proximate one side edge across the sheet and along a portion of the length of the sheet;

(b) applying the other sheet of glass to the adhesive covered sheet of glass;

(c) applying pressure against each of the sheets in at least a plane of pressure normal to the planes of the sheets, the plane of pressure being incorporated in an application of pressure directed generally normal to the plane of the sheets over a narrow elongate zone extending generally parallel to and proximate the side edge, to squeeze adhesive, towards the side edge filling any gap between the sheets of glass between the position of initial pressure application and the side edge, and away from the zone of pressure application on the side of the zone of pressure application remote the side edge to form a continuous film of adhesive on the side of the zone of pressure remote the side edge, across the sheet of glass, between the sheets of glass, and thereafter, while continuing to apply pressure in the zone, moving the sheets of glass relative to the zone of pressure in the direction towards the side edge ensuring that the edge of the film remote the zone of pressure is always spaced from the zone of pressure until the sheets have passed through the zone of pressure to uniformly spread the adhesive between the sheets and eliminate air bubbles; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

128. In the process of claim 127, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

129. In the process of claim 128, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

130. In the process of claim 127, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a ribbon of adhesive extending across the sheet proximate the side edge and a plurality of ribbons extending normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge at least for a portion of the length of the sheet of glass.

172. The process of claim 128, 129 or 130, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

131. In a process for the manufacture of laminated glass comprising sheets of glass, a substrate or interlayer and a liquid radiation curable adhesive composition for bonding the glass sheets to the substrate or interlayer, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) distributing the liquid adhesive composition on one surface of the substrate or interlayer at least proximate one side edge of the sheets, across the sheet and along a portion of the length of the sheet;

(b) applying a sheet of glass to the surface of the substrate or interlayer carrying the adhesive composition;

(c) applying pressure against each of the sheets in at least a plane of pressure normal to the planes of the sheets, the plane of pressure being incorporated in an application of pressure directed generally normal to the plane of the sheets over a narrow elongate zone extending generally parallel to and proximate the side edge, to squeeze adhesive towards the side edge filling the gap between the substrate and sheet of glass between the position of the initial application of pressure to the substrate and glass sheet, and side edge, and away from the plane of pressure application on the side of the plane of pressure application, remote the side edge to form a continuous film of adhesive on the side of the plane of pressure application remote the side edge across the sheet of glass and substrate, between the sheets of glass and substrate, and thereafter, while continuing to apply pressure in the plane, moving the combination of the substrate and glass sheet relative to the plane of pressure in a direction towards the side edge through the plane in which the pressure is applied, ensuring that the edge of the film remote the plane of pressure application is alway spaced from the plane until the sheets have passed through the plane of pressure application to uniformly spread adhesive between the substrate and sheet of glass as the combination is moved through the plane of the pressure application, and eliminate air bubbles; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

132. In the process of claim 131, wherein the distribution of the adhesive on the substrate is in the form of at least a ribbon of liquid adhesive extending across the sheet and a plurality of ribbons extending substantially normal to the ribbon extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge.

133. In the process of claim 131, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

134. In the process of claim 133, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

135. In the process of claim 131, 132 or 133, wherein the substrate comprises clear, transparent PVC material.

136. In the process of claim 134, wherein the substrate comprises clear, transparent PVC material.

143. In the process of claim 131, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

144. In the pocess of claim 132, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

145. In the process of claim 133, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

146. In the process of claim 134, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

151. In the process of claim 143, 144, or 145, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive applied with the bottom sheet of glass.

152. In the process of claim 146, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive aligned with the bottom sheet of glass.

159. In the process of claim 131, 132, or 133, wherein the pressure may be applied by spaced rollers applied, to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass.

160. In the process of claim 134, 137, or 138, wherein the pressure may be applied to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass, by spaced rollers.

162. In the process of claim 144, 145, or 146, wherein the pressure may be applied by spaced rollers to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass.

173. The process of claims 131, 132, or 133, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

174. The process of claim 134, 135 or 136, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

177. The process of claim 143, 144, or 145 wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

178. The process of claim 146, 147 or 148, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

179. The process of claim 152, 153, or 154, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

137. In a process for the manufacture of laminated glass comprising sheets of glass of predetermined length and width, a substrate or interlayer of predetermined length and width greater than the length and width of the glass sheets and a liquid radiation curable adhesive composition for bonding the glass sheets to the substrate or interlayer, the process comprising the steps of:

(a) distributing the liquid adhesive composition on one surface of the substrate or interlayer at least proximate one side edge of the sheet across the sheet and along a portion of the length of the sheet.

(b) applying a sheet of glass to the surface of the substrate or interlayer carrying the adhesive composition with the edges of the substrate extending beyond the side edges of the glass sheet;

(c) applying pressure against the outer surfaces of each of the substrate and glass sheet in at least a plane of pressure normal to the planes of the substrate and glass sheet towards the adhesive composition, the plane of pressure being incorporated in an application of pressure directed generally normal to the plane of the substrate and glass sheet over a narrow elongate zone extending generally parallel to, and proximate to the side edges of the substrate where the liquid adhesive composition has been applied to squeeze adhesive towards the side edge filling the gap between the glass sheet and substrate proximate the side edge and expressing liquid adhesive composition from between the substrate and glass sheet onto the substrate extending beyond the glass sheet, and away from the plane of pressure application on the side of the plane of pressure application remote the side edge, to form a continuous film of adhesive on the side of the plane of pressure application remote the side edge across the sheets of glass and substrate between the sheets of glass and substrate, and thereafter, while continuing to apply pressure in the plane normal to the plane of the glass sheet and substrate, moving the combination of the glass sheet and substrate relative to the plane of pressure in the direction towards the side edge through the plane in which the pressure was applied ensuring that the edge of the film remote the plane of pressure application is always spaced from the plane of pressure application until the sheets have passed through the plane of pressure application to uniformly spread adhesive between the substrate and sheet of glass as the combination is moved through the plane of pressure application, eliminate air bubbles and express adhesive onto the substrate; and

(d) thereafter, curing the liquid adhesive composition by irradiation.

138. In the process of claim 137, wherein the distribution of the adhesive on the substrate is in the form of at least a ribbon of liquid adhesive extending across the sheet and a plurality of ribbons extending substantially normal to the ribbons extending across the sheet in a direction away from the side edge.

139. In the process of claim 137, wherein the liquid adhesive composition distributed on the surface of one of the sheets comprises a plurality of ribbons of liquid adhesive spaced across the sheet, each ribbon extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet.

140. In the process of claim 139, wherein each ribbon of adhesive extending along at least a portion of the length of the sheet has a greater amount of adhesive per unit length of ribbon in the form of a puddle proximate the end of the ribbon nearest the side edge.

141. In the process of claim 137, 138 or 139, wherein the substrate comprises clear, transparent PVC material.

142. In the process of claim 140, wherein the substrate comprises, clear, transparent PVC material.

147. In the process of claim 137, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

148. In the process of claim 138, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

149. In the process of claim 139, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

150. In the process of claim 140, wherein the substrate and glass sheet are disposed in a horizontal plane, the substrate is carried on a carrier and the glass sheet is placed on the top of the substrate.

153. In the process of claim 147, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive aligned with the bottom sheet of glass.

154. In the process of claim 148, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive aligned with the bottom sheet of glass.

155. In the process of claim 149, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive aligned with the bottom sheet of glass.

156. In the process of claim 150, wherein after the irradiation of the adhesive film between the glass sheet and substrate, the combination is turned over and the process steps repeated with the application of a second sheet of glass on top of the substrate carrying adhesive aligned with the bottom sheet of glass.

157. In the process of claim 147 or 148, wherein after the second irradiation with both glass sheets now secured to the oversized substrate, the substrate is trimmed and finished.

158. In the process of claim 149 or 150, wherein after the second irradiation with both glass sheets now secured to the oversized substrate, the substrate is trimmed and finished.

161. In the process of claim 139, 140 or 143, wherein the pressure may be applied to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass, by spaced rollers.

163. In the process of claim 147, 148 or 149, wherein the pressure may be applied to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass, by spaced rollers.

164. In the process of claim 150, 152 or 153, wherein the pressure may be applied to the surface of the glass remote from the substrate and the surface of the substrate remote from the glass, by spaced rollers.

175. The process of claim 137, 138, or 139, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

176. The process of claim 140, 141 or 142, wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.

180. The process of claim 155 or 156 wherein the radiation curable adhesive composition is photopolymerisable.