The present invention relates to a laminated glazing for use in a vehicle, in particular for use as a windscreen in an automobile.

Conventional laminated glazings for automotive windscreens comprise two plies of soda-lime- silicate glass joined by a sheet of polyvinyl butyral (PVB). Typically, each glass sheet is 2.1mm thick and the PVB sheet is typically 0.76mm thick.

As is known in the art, a laminated automotive windscreen provides the driver of the vehicle with improved safety benefits. However, vehicle manufacturers are also addressing vehicle safety in the event of a forward collision with a pedestrian.

In the event of a collision with a pedestrian, the pedestrian may impact the vehicle windscreen thereby causing further injury to the pedestrian.

It is known from JP4844362B2 to use sections of interlayer material in the construction of a laminated glazing. The laminated glazing is formed by putting an intermediate film between a plurality of glass plates (an outer plate and an inner plate). The intermediate film has at least a first and a second region in a front view. The first region is a region which extends along at least one of the lower side and/or both sides of the laminated glazing. The tensile rigidity of the intermediate film at the first region is higher than the tensile rigidity of the intermediate film at the second region. The tensile rigidity is provided as the product of the modulus of elasticity of the intermediate film and the thickness of the intermediate film.

WO2012/033894A1 discloses a laminated transparency including a first ply having aNo. 1 surface and a No. 2 surface. A second ply is spaced from the first ply and has a No. 3 surface and a No. 4 surface, with the No. 2 surface facing the No. 3 surface. A polymeric interlayer is positioned between the first and second plies. At least one failure strip is incorporated into the interlayer to provide a predetermined failure orientation for the transparency.

The present invention aims to provide a vehicle windscreen that is arranged to lower the risk of serious pedestrian injury in case the vehicle collides with a pedestrian.

Accordingly, from a first aspect the present invention provides a laminated glazing for a vehicle windscreen comprising a first sheet of glazing material joined to a second sheet of glazing material by means of an intermediate film, each of the first and second sheets of glazing material having a respective first major surface and opposing second major surface, the laminated glazing being arranged so that the second major surface of the first sheet of glazing material faces the first major surface of the second sheet of glazing material and the intermediate film is between the first and second sheets of glazing material; wherein the intermediate film comprises a first section of an adhesive interlayer material and a second section of an adhesive interlayer material, the first section of the intermediate film extending over a first portion of the second major surface of the first sheet of glazing material and the second section of the intermediate film extending over a second portion of the second major surface of the first sheet of glazing material; the first and second sections of the intermediate film being arranged such that a first edge of the first section of the intermediate film faces a first edge of the second section of the intermediate film, and further wherein the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film is spaced apart from the first edge of the second section of the intermediate film.

By having at least a first space between the first edge of first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the second section of the intermediate film the laminated glazing is provided with a weakness thereby making it easier to break the laminated glazing in the region of the first space between the first edges of the first and second sections of the intermediate film because there is no adhesive intermediate film in said space.

Preferably there is a barrier positioned between the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the second section of the intermediate film.

By having a barrier between the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the second section of the intermediate film, the intermediate film does not join the first sheet of glazing material to the second sheet of glazing material in the vicinity of the barrier. This makes it easier to break the laminated glazing in the region of the barrier material.

Preferably the barrier is in the entire space between the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the second section of the intermediate film.

Preferably the barrier comprises a first wall facing the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film and a second wall facing the first edge of the second section of the intermediate film, and preferably the first wall of the barrier is spaced apart from the second wall of the barrier.

Preferably the barrier is dimensionally stable during a lamination process used to make the laminated glazing.

Preferably the barrier comprises polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polycarbonate (PC).

Preferably the barrier is compressible such that the barrier forms a seal with the second major surface of the first sheet of glazing material and/or the first major surface of the second sheet of glazing material. Preferably the barrier comprises an elastomeric material such as rubber, more preferably silicone rubber.

In some embodiments the barrier comprises a first tape covering the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film.

Preferably the first tape comprises a strip of polymer material, preferably comprising PET. Preferably the strip of polymer material comprises at least one adhesive region on at least one surface thereof.

In some embodiments the barrier comprises a second tape covering the first edge of the second section of the intermediate film.

Preferably the second tape comprises a strip of polymer material, preferably comprising PET. Preferably the strip of polymer material comprises at least one adhesive region on at least one surface thereof.

In some embodiments the intermediate film comprises a third section of adhesive interlayer material, the third section of the intermediate film having a first edge, wherein the third section of the intermediate film is spaced apart from the first and second sections of the intermediate film, the first edge of the third section of the intermediate film facing the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film.

Preferably there is a barrier between the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the third section of the intermediate film.

In some embodiments the intermediate film comprises a third section of an adhesive interlayer material, the third section of the intermediate film having a first edge, wherein the third section of the intermediate film is spaced apart from the first and second section of the intermediate film, and wherein the first edge of the third section of the intermediate film faces a second edge of the first section of the intermediate film

Preferably the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the second edge of the first section of the intermediate film run along opposite sides of the first section of the intermediate film.

Preferably the first and second edges of the first section of the intermediate film intersect to form a comer portion of the first section of the intermediate film.

Preferably there is a second barrier between the second edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the third section of the intermediate film. In some embodiments the intermediate fdm comprises a third section of an adhesive interlayer material and having a first edge and a second edge; and the second section of the intermediate film has a respective second edge; wherein the third section of the intermediate film is spaced apart from the second section of the intermediate film with the second edge of the second section of the intermediate film facing the second edge of the third section of the intermediate film.

Preferably there is a third barrier between the second edge of the second section of the intermediate film and the second edge of the third section of the intermediate film.

In some embodiments the intermediate film comprises, in addition to the first and second sections, a plurality of other sections of adhesive interlayer material, each of the plurality of other sections of the intermediate film having a respective first edge and being spaced apart from the first and second sections of the intermediate film, further wherein at least one of the plurality of other sections is arranged such that the respective first edge thereof faces the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film.

Preferably the respective first edge of each of the plurality of other sections of the intermediate film faces the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film.

Preferably there is a barrier between the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the or each of the plurality of other sections of the intermediate film.

In some embodiments the intermediate film comprises, in addition to the first and second sections, a plurality of other sections of adhesive interlayer material, each of the plurality of other sections of the intermediate film having a respective first edge and being spaced apart from the first and second sections of the intermediate film, further wherein at least one of the plurality of other sections is arranged such that the respective first edge thereof faces a second edge of the first section of the intermediate film.

Preferably the respective first edge of each of the plurality of other sections of the intermediate film faces the second edge of the first section of the intermediate film.

Preferably there is a barrier between the second edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the or each of the plurality of other sections of the intermediate film.

In some embodiments the intermediate film comprises, in addition to the first and second sections, a plurality of other sections of adhesive interlayer material, each of the plurality of other sections of the intermediate film having a respective first edge and being spaced apart from the first and second sections of the intermediate film, further wherein at least one of the plurality of other sections is arranged such that the respective first edge thereof faces a second edge of the first section of the intermediate film and at least one of the plurality of other sections is arranged such that the respective first edge thereof faces a third edge of the first section of the intermediate film. Preferably there is a barrier between the second edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the or each of the plurality of other sections of the intermediate film.

Preferably there is a barrier between the third edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the or each of the plurality of other sections of the intermediate film.

In embodiments having a plurality of other sections of adhesive interlayer material of the intermediate film, preferably each section of the plurality of other sections is spaced apart from the other sections of the plurality of other sections.

In embodiments having a plurality of other sections of adhesive interlayer material of the intermediate film, preferably each section of the plurality of other sections has a respective second edge and two of the plurality of other sections are arranged such that the respective second edges thereof face each other, preferably with a barrier therebetween.

In embodiments having a plurality of other sections of adhesive interlayer material of the intermediate film, each section of the plurality of other sections comprises the same adhesive interlayer material.

Preferably each section of the plurality of other sections is the same adhesive interlayer material.

In some embodiments the first sheet of glazing material has a thickness between 1mm and 5mm, preferably between 1.3mm and 3mm

In some embodiments the second sheet of glazing material has a thickness between 1mm and 5mm, preferably between 1.3mm and 3mm.

In some embodiments the second sheet of glazing material is thinner than the first sheet of glazing material.

In some embodiments the first major surface of the first sheet of glazing material is a convex surface and the second major surface of the second sheet of glazing material is a convex surface.

In some embodiments the first and/or second sheet of glazing material comprises one or more weak points or lines arranged to further weaken the laminated glazing in the event of an impact therewith.

Preferably the weak points or lines are on a major surface of the first and/or second sheet of glazing material.

Preferably the weak points or lines are aligned with the first edge of the first or second section of the intermediate film. Preferably in plan view, the weak points or lines are arranged in the space between the first edge of the first section and the first edge of the second section.

Preferably the weak point or lines are made by mechanical means or thermal means such as localised heating, preferably with a laser. In some embodiments the laminated glazing comprises an obscuration band on at least a portion of the first and/or second major surface of the first and/or second sheet of glazing material.

Preferably the obscuration band covers at least a portion of the first edge of the first and/or second section.

When there is a barrier between the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first edge of the second section of the intermediate film, preferably at least a portion of the barrier between the first edges of the first and second sections of the intermediate film is covered at least a portion of the obscuration band.

In some embodiments the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film is spaced apart from the first edge of the second section of the intermediate film by a barrier comprising a first wall and a first void, the first wall being between the first edge of the first section of the intermediate film and the first void.

Preferably the barrier comprises a second wall and the second wall is between the first edge of the second section of the intermediate film and the first void, the first void being between the first and second walls of the barrier. Preferably the first void is an air space.

The laminated glazing has other preferable features.

Preferably the first section is a central section.

Preferably the second section is a lower section, such that in use, the second section is below the first section. Preferably the laminated glazing is curved in at least one direction. Preferably the radius of curvature in the at least one direction is between 500mm and 20000mm, more preferably between 1000mm and 8000mm.

Preferably the adhesive interlayer material used for the first and/or second section of the intermediate film comprises polyvinyl butyral (PVB), acoustic modified PVB, a copolymer of ethylene such as ethvlcne vin ] acetate (EVA). nolvurcthane (PIJ). nolv vinvl chloride (PVC). a pqnolvmer of ethylene and methacrylic acid (EMA) or Uvekol (a liquid curable resin). Preferably the adhesive interlayer material used for the first section of the intermediate film is the same as the adhesive interlayer material used for the second section of the intermediate film.

Preferably the intermediate film has a thickness between 0.3mm and 2.3mm, more preferably between 0.3mm and 1.6mm, most preferably between 0.3 and 0.8mm. Preferably the first section of the intermediate film has a thickness between 0.3mm and 2.3mm, more preferably between 0.3mm and 1.6mm, most preferably between 0.3 and 0.8mm.

Preferably the second section of the intermediate film has a thickness between 0.3mm and 2.3mm, more preferably between 0.3mm and 1.6mm, most preferably between 0.3 and 0.8mm.

Preferably the first and/or second sheet of glazing material has a thickness between 1mm and 3mm.

Preferably the first and/or second sheet of glazing material has a thickness between 1.4mm and 2.8mm, more preferably between 1.6mm and 2.3mm.

Preferably the first and/or second sheet of glazing material is a sheet of soda-lime-silicate glass. Soda-lime-silicate glass is often referred to as soda-lime-silica glass, or simply a sheet “soda-lime” glass Preferably the first and/or second sheet of glazing material is a sheet of soda-lime-silicate glass, in particular a sheet of float glass.

Preferably the first and/or second sheet of glazing material is a sheet of alkali aluminosilicate glass.

Preferably the first and/or second sheet of glazing material comprises at least about 6wt% (percent by weight) aluminium oxide (AI2O3).

Preferably the first and/or second sheet of glazing material is chemically strengthened i.e. chemically strengthened glass. When the first and/or second sheet of glazing material is chemically strengthened, preferably the first and/or second sheet of glazing material has a thickness less than 1 2mm, more preferably between 0.3mm and 1mm, even more preferably between 0.4mm and 0.9mm. Preferably the laminated glazing is a vehicle windscreen.

The present invention also provides from a second aspect use of a laminated glazing according to the first aspect of the present invention as a windscreen in a vehicle for reducing the potential for injury to a person involved in a collision with the vehicle.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the following figures (not to scale) in which: Figure 1 is a plan view of a laminated glazing according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the laminated glazing shown in figure 1 along the line A-

A ’;

Figure 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another laminated glazing similar to that shown in figure 1 along the line A -A

Figure 4 is a schematic exploded cross-sectional view of another laminated glazing similar to that shown in figure 1 along the line A -A

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a section of adhesive interlayer material and a tape for forming a barrier; Figure 6 is the view from inside a vehicle that has a windscreen in accordance with the present invention installed therein;

Figure 7 is a schematic view of the intermediate film used in the windscreen in the vehicle shown in figure 6;

Figure 8 is a close-up view of a comer of the intermediate film shown in figure 7; and Figure 9 is a schematic used to illustrate a method of making a laminated glazing according to the present invention.

Figure 1 is a plan view of a laminated glazing 1 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment the laminated glazing 1 is a vehicle windscreen of the type used in an automobile.

With reference to figures 1 and 2, the laminated glazing 1 has a first sheet of glass 3. The glass may have a soda-lime-silicate composition such as clear float glass, and the glass may contain a level of iron oxide as a tinting agent to provide the laminated glazing with some form of solar control. The first sheet of glass 3 has a thickness of 2.3mm although the thickness may be in the range 1 4mm to 2.5mm or in the range 1.6mm to 2.3mm.

The laminated glazing 1 also has a second sheet of glass 5 having a thickness of 1 6mm, but the second sheet may have a thickness may be in the range 1.4mm to 2.5mm. The second sheet of glass 5 may be the same thickness as the first sheet of glass 3. Preferably the second sheet of glass is not as thick as the first sheet of glass 3.

A typical soda-lime-silicate glass composition is (by weight), S1O269 - 74 %; AI2O3 0 - 3 %; Na ₂ 0 10 - 16 %; K ₂ 00 - 5 %; MgO 0 - 6 %; CaO 5 - 14 %; S03 0 - 2 %; Fe ₂ 0 ₃ 0.005 - 2 %. The _ . slass comnosition mav also contain other additives for cxamnlc. rcfinine aids which would normallv be present in an amount of up to 2 %. The soda-lime-silicate glass composition may contain other colouring agents such as C03O4, NiO and Se to impart to the glass a desired colour when viewed in transmitted light. The transmitted glass colour may be measured in terms of a recognised standard such as BS EN410.

Other glass composition may be used, and the first and/or second sheet of glass may be chemically strengthened. When using chemically strengthened glass sheets, preferably the thickness of such glass sheets may be less than 1mm, more preferably in the range 0.4mm to 0.9mm.

The first sheet of glass 3 is joined to the second sheet of glass 5 by an intermediate film comprising a first section 7 of adhesive interlayer material and a second section 9 of adhesive interlayer material. The first and second sections 7, 9 each have a thickness of 0.76mm and in this example are sheets of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) such that the intermediate film has a thickness of 0.76mm. The first and second sections 7, 9 are both cut from the same roll of PVB and prior to being laminated the first and second sections 7, 9 are in sheet form.

The intermediate film may have a thickness between 0.3mm and 1.8mm.

Other suitable adhesive interlayer material includes acoustic modified PVB, a copolymer of ethylene such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), poly vinyl chloride (PVC), a copolymer of ethylene and methacrylic acid (EMA) or Uvekol (a liquid curable resin).

The laminated glazing 1 may be curved in one or more directions. The radius of curvature in one of the one or more directions may be between 1000mm and 8000mm.

When the laminated glazing is curved in two directions, suitably each direction of curvature is orthogonal to the other. Suitably the radius of curvature in one or both directions of curvature may be between 1000mm and 8000mm.

The first and second sections of PVB 7, 9 are spaced apart by a barrier 11. With reference to figure 2, the lower edge 9a of the second section of PVB 9 faces the upper edge 7a of the first section of PVB 7 and is spaced apart therefrom by the barrier 11.

Using a barrier is a convenient way to ensure the first section of PVB 7 remains spaced apart from the second section of PVB 9 following a suitable lamination process to join the first sheet of glass 3 to the second sheet of glass 5 by the intermediate film. During such a lamination process, which uses suitably high temperature and pressure, the first and/or second sections of PVB 7, 9 may flow such that the edges thereof may at least partially or entirely fuse together so they are no longer spaced apart. The barrier 11 helps prevent this from occurring, although it is within the scope of the present invention to have no barrier providing following lamination, the first and second sections of the intermediate film are spaced apart by at least a first space. In figure 2 the barrier 11 is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and is between the first edge 7a of the first section of PVB 7 and the first edge 9a of the second section of PVB 9. During a suitable lamination process the barrier 11 is forms a seal between the opposing inner facing major surfaces of the first and second sheets of glass thereby preventing the first and second sections of PVB 7, 9 from becoming joined together.

The laminated glazing 1 has a lower region la, an upper region lb and a central region lc. The central region is typically a through vision region, whereas the lower region la may comprise an obscuration band in the region below line 12. Provision of an obscuration band that extends over the barrier 11 in plan view (see figure 1, barrier 11 is beneath the region delimited by line 12) may be used to hide the barrier 11 from view.

When installed in a vehicle, peripheral edges of the upper and lower regions la, lb are usually bonded into an aperture in the vehicle bodywork in a manner known in the art.

Upon an impact in the direction of arrow 13, the barrier 11 provides the laminated glazing 1 with a line of weakness because the intermediate film does not bond the first and second sheets of glass 3, 5 together in the region of the barrier because the barrier is not a holt melt adhesive. In the region of the barrier 11, the first and second sheets of glass 3, 5 do not behave as if they are in a laminated glazing, rather they behave like two spaced apart panes of glass. Consequently, the laminated glazing 1 may break more easily in the region of the barrier 11.

As is evident from figure 2, the first section of PVB 7 is coplanar with the second section of

PVB 9.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another laminated glazing 21 having essentially the same plan view as the laminated glazing 1 shown in figure 1.

In figure 3, a different barrier 31 is used to space apart the first and second sections of PVB 7, 9 that are used to join the first and second sheets of glass 3, 5 together. A portion of figure 3 has been magnified for clarity.

In figure 3, the barrier 31 has a double-wall construction such that a first wall 3 la of the barrier faces the first edge 7a of the first section of PVB 7 and a second wall 3 lb of the barrier faces the first edge 9a of the second section of PVB 9. The first and second walls 3 la, 3 lb of the barrier are spaced apart by a void 3 lc such as an air space and the first wall 3 la may be connected to the second wall 3 lb by one or more membrane sections in the void 31c.

As is evident from figure 3, the first section of PVB 7 is coplanar with the second section of

PVB 9. In the event of an impact in the direction of arrow 13, the laminated glazing 21 is easier to break in the region of the barrier 31 because the void 3 lc and/or the first and second walls 3 la, 3 lb cause the laminated glazing 21 in the region of the barrier 31 to essentially behave as two spaced apart sheets of glass 3, 5, and not a laminated glazing.

Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of another laminated glazing 41 having essentially the same plan view as the laminated glazing 1 shown in figure 1.

In figure 4, a different barrier 51 is used to space apart the first and second sections of PVB 7, 9 that are used to join the first and second sheets of glass 3, 5 together.

Figure 4 has been provided in exploded form for clarity. As such, figure 4 also shows that the first sheet of glass 3 has a first major surface 3a and an opposing major surface 3b and the second sheet of glass 5 has a first major surface 5a and an opposing second major surface 5b. The intermediate film (labelled 10) comprises first and second sections of PVB 7, 9 between the first and second sheets of glass 3, 5. The intermediate film 10 has a first major surface facing the second major surface 3b of the first sheet of glass 3 and an opposing second major surface facing the first major surface 5a of the second sheet of glass 5.

The first sheet of glass 3 is an outer sheet of glass and the second sheet of glass is an inner sheet of glass.

Using conventional nomenclature, the first major surface 3a of the first sheet of glass 3 is “surface one” (or SI) of the laminated glazing 41. The second major surface 3b of the first sheet of glass 3 is “surface two” (or S2) of the laminated glazing 41. The first major surface 5a is “surface three” (or S3) of the laminated glazing 41. The second major surface 5b of the second sheet of glass 5 is “surface four” (or S4) of the laminated glazing 41. This same nomenclature applies to the laminated glazings 1 and 21 previously described.

As illustrated in figure 4, in the laminated glazing 41 a first portion of the second major surface 3b of the first sheet of glass 3 is covered by the first section of PVB 7 and a second portion of the second major surface 3b of the first sheet of glass 3 is covered by the second section of PVB 9.

As is readily apparent from figure 4, a first portion of the first major surface 5a of the second sheet of glass 5 is also covered by the first section of PVB 7 and a second portion of the first major surface 5a of the second sheet of glass 5 is also covered by the second section of PVB 9.

In the laminated glazing shown in figure 4, the barrier 51 also has a double-wall construction so is similar to the barrier 31 of laminated glazing 21. The barrier 51 comprises a first tape 53 that covers the first edge 7a of the first section of PVB 7. The first tape 53 comprises a non-adhesive polymer strip such as PET having on one surface adhesive sections 53a, 53b running along opposing edges.

The barrier 51 also comprises a second tape 55 that covers the first edge 9a of the second section of PVB 9. The second tape 55 comprises a non-adhesive polymer strip having on one surface adhesive sections 55a, 55b running along opposing edges. Conveniently the first tape 53 is the same type as the second tape 55 and may be cut from the same roll. Suitable tape 53, 55 includes riveters tape such as Riveters Tape 695 available from 3M™.

Although tape having no adhesive regions may be used to cover the edges 7a, 9a of the first and second sections of PVB 7, 9, the provision of adhesive regions 53a, 53b on the tape 53 (and adhesive regions 55a, 55b on the tape 55) simplifies the assembly of the layers prior to lamination. This is described hereinafter with reference to figure 5.

With reference to figures 4 and 5, prior to lamination the first tape 53 is used to cover the first edge 7a of the first section of PVB 7. The first tape 53 is positioned over the edge 7a and then folded downwards in the direction of arrow 56 to cover the edge 7a such that a portion of the tape 53 contacts the first major surface 7b of the first section of PVB 7. The adhesive section 53a then faces outwards (i.e. away from the first major surface 7b) and may be used to create a seal with the second major surface 3b of the first sheet of glass 3 when the first section of PVB 7 is laid on the first sheet of glass 3.

Similarly, the tape 53 is folded downwards in the direction of arrow 58 such that a portion of the tape 53 contacts the second major surface 7c of the first section of PVB 7. The adhesive section 53b then faces outwards and may be used to create a seal with the first major surface 5a of the second sheet of glass 5 when the second sheet of glass 5 is laid on the intermediate film 10 prior to lamination.

The second tape 55 is applied to the cover the edge 9a of the second section of PVB 9 in a similar manner.

As is readily apparent from figure 5, the first edge 7a of the first section of PVB 7 includes the minor surface between the first and second major surfaces 7b, 7c of the first section of PVB 7 and the intersection of the minor surface with the first and second major surfaces 7b, 7c of the first section of PVB 7. Within the context of the present invention, an edge is defined accordingly.

Between the adhesive regions 53a, 53b of the first tape 53 is an adhesive-free region 53c. The second tape 55 is configured in the same way. The adhesive-free regions of the tapes 53, 55 are arranged to face each other in the laminated glazing 41 so that they do not adhere to each other. When arranged in the laminated glazing 41 there may be a space between the adhesive-free regions of each tape 53, 55. In an alternative embodiment, instead of an adhesive-free region 53c, the first tape 53 has a single adhesive region that extends over the upper surface thereof.

The first tape 53 and/or second tape 55 may also be provided with an adhesive region on the surface of the tape that faces the first section of PVB 7 when folded and one example of this is shown in phantom as layer 53d in figure 5. The layer 53d may be split into two adhesive regions in a similar way to the adhesive regions 53, 53b.

There may be an obscuration band on any of the major surfaces 3a, 3b, 5a, 5b to obscure from view the barrier 51 when the laminated glazing is viewed in the direction of arrow 43 or 45. The arrow 43 is normal to the first major surface 3a and the arrow 45 is normal to the second major surface 5b. It is preferred that an obscuration band be on the second major surface 3b and/or the second major surface 5b.

As is evident from figure 4, the first section of PVB 7 is coplanar with the second section of

PVB 9.

Figure 6 shows a schematic view from the inside of a vehicle that has a windscreen 100 according to the present invention installed therein and comprises a first (outer) and second (inner) sheet of glass joined together by an intermediate film 110 made of multiple spaced apart sections. It is preferred that the multiple spaced apart sections all lie in the same plane i.e. are coplanar.

The windscreen 100 is similar to that illustrated in figures 1 and 2, except that instead of the intermediate film that joins the first and second sheets of glass together having two sections, the intermediate films has twelve spaced apart sections of adhesive interlayer material, which in this example is PVB. The intermediate film in the windscreen 100 has a first section 101 of PVB that covers a central region of the windscreen. Outboard of the first section 101 and around the periphery thereof are eleven smaller sections 103a- 103k, each of PVB.

Each of the sections 101, 103a- 103k are spaced apart from each other and separated by a barrier, for example of the type previously described with reference to figures 2, 3 and 4. When viewed from inside the vehicle, the sections of PVB 103a, 103b are in a left-hand portion of the windscreen 100.

Also, the sections of PVB 103j, 103k are in a right-hand portion of the windscreen 100 and the sections of PVB 103c, 103d, 103e, 103f, 103g, 103h, 103i are in a lower portion of the windscreen 100.

Although not shown in figure 6, the windscreen 100 may comprise an obscuration band to hide the barriers between any or all of the sections of PVB. jfigure 7 shows the arrangement of the first section 101 and the eleven sections 103a- 103k of the intermediate film 110 that is between the inner and outer glass sheets of the windscreen 100. In this example all the sections 101 and 103a- 103k lie in the same plane. Figure 8 is a close-up view of the left- hand side of figure 7.

With reference to figures 7 and 8, the first section of PVB 101 has a first edge 10 G along the left- hand side and a second edge 101” along the lower side. The section of PVB 103a has a first edge 103a’ and a second edge 103a”.

The section of PVB 103b has a first edge 103b’, a second edge 103b” and a third edge 103b”’.

In the laminated glazing 100, the first edge 10 G of the first section 101 faces the first edge 103a’ of section 103a and the first edge 103b’ of section 103b.

The first edge 10 G is spaced apart from the first edge 103a’ by at least a first space such that there is a first space between the first edge 10 G and the first edge 103a’. Preferably the first space runs along the entire first edge 103a’.

Due to the difficulties in maintaining the first space between the first edge 10 G and the first edge 103a’ (i.e. during lamination the adhesive interlayer may flow into each other as previously discussed), it is preferred to have a barrier in between the first edge 10 G and the first edge 103a’ such that the barrier is at least partially in the first space. During a suitable lamination process the barrier prevents PVB from the first section 101 and/or the section 103a from flowing to become fused, thereby retaining the individual sections in the laminated glazing. Due to the flow of PVB during lamination, the first edges 10 G and 103a’ are usually in direct contact with the barrier.

As figure 8 shows, the second edge 103a” of the section 103a faces the second edge 103b” of the section 103b and is spaced apart therefrom. As discussed above, it is preferred that there is a barrier in between the second edges 103a” and 103b”.

Figure 8 also shows that the third edge 103b’” of section 103b faces the first edge 103c’ of the section 103c. A portion to the first edge 103c’ of section 103c also faces a portion of the second edge 101” ofthe section 101. The first edge 103d’ of section 103d faces the second edge 101” of section 101. The second edge

103c” of section 103c faces the second edge 103d” ofthe section 103d.

As discussed, all edges are spaced apart, preferably by a barrier.

For each section 101, 103a- 103k the barrier that is provided may have a configuration as discussed in relation to figures 2, 3 and 4. A method of marina a laminated elazins accorclina to the nresent invention shall now be described. With reference to figures 2 and 9, a first sheet of glass 3 is provided and laid out flat onto a horizontal table 120. Next, a first section of PVB 7 provided and is positioned on the first sheet of glass 3 (in the direction of arrow 121) to cover a first portion of the upwardly facing major surface of the first sheet of glass 3. Next, a barrier 11 is provided and the barrier 11 is positioned adjacent the first edge 7a of the first section of PVB 7.

Next, a second section of PVB 9 is provided and the second section of PVB 9 is positioned on the upwardly facing major surface of the first sheet of glass 3 to cover a second portion thereof. The first edge 9a of the second section of PVB 9 is positioned adjacent to the barrier 11. The first section of PVB 7 is coplanar with the second section of PVB 9.

Next, a second sheet of glass 5 is provided and positioned on the first and second sections of PVB 7, 9 and barrier 11 to form an unlaminated stack.

The unlaminated stack is laminated at suitably high temperature and pressure to join the first sheet of glass 3 to the second sheet of glass by means of the first and second sections of PVB 7, 9. As will be readily apparent, in an alternative to the method described above, the first and second sections of PVB 7, 9 may first be positioned on the first sheet of glass with the edges 7a, 9a spaced apart, and then the barrier 11 may be positioned in the space between the edges 7a, 9a.

The barrier 11 is made from a material that is able to prevent the sections of PVB 7, 9 from becoming fused together during the lamination process. A suitable material is PET. The barrier may be compressible such that during the lamination process the barrier becomes compressed between the first and second sheets of glass 3, 5 thereby forming a seal therewith to prevent the flow of PVB from section 7 to section 9 (and/or from section 9 to section 7). Suitable compressible material for the barrier includes elastomeric polymers and elastomers including rubber, such as silicone rubber.

In an alternative method, the first and/or second section 7, 9 may be made from a liquid resin that subsequently cures.

In such an alternative method, a suitable barrier may be provided around the periphery of the first sheet of glass 3. Next, the or each barrier may be positioned on the first sheet of glass to divide the major surface thereof into the desired number of sections.

Next, a suitable liquid resin is poured into each empty section. Finally, the second sheet of glass 5 is positioned on top. The liquid resin in the sections bounded bv the barriers cures to provide the sections of the intermediate film to join the first sheet of glass 3 to the second sheet of glass 5. A suitable pourable liquid resin is UVEKOL®. It is preferred however to use sections of adhesive interlayer material that are in sheet form prior to lamination.

The present invention provides a laminated glazing having in a preferred embodiment two sheets of glass joined by an intermediate fdm comprising at least two sections. The sections are spaced apart in the laminated glazing and at least a first edge of a first section of the intermediate film faces at least a first edge of a second section of the intermediate film such that there is at least a first space between the first edges of the first and second sections. The first space may be at least partially filled by a barrier, the barrier preventing the first and second sections from becoming joined together during a suitable lamination process used to make the laminated glazing. In contrast to using an intermediate film that is a single sheet of adhesive interlayer material to join the first and second sheets of glass together, first and second spaced apart sections of the intermediate film are used instead. The spaced apart region between the first and second sections of the intermediate film provides the laminated glazing with a weakness, such that upon an impact with the laminated glazing, particularly in vicinity of the weakness, the laminated glazing may break more easily compared to using a single sheet of adhesive interlayer material to join the first and second sheets of glass together, the single sheet of adhesive interlayer material being coextensive with the first and second sheets of glass.

Also, as in known from US2005/0175844A1 and US2006/0138798A1, a glass sheet in a laminated glazing may be provided with one or more weak points to weaken the laminated glazing in the event of an impact therewith. Such weak points may be provided to a laminated glazing in accordance with the present invention and may be positioned to coincide with the barrier(s) i.e. to be in the vicinity or aligned with the region of the or each glass pane directly opposite the barrier.

The present invention finds particular application as a windscreen for a vehicle such as an automobile, lorry, truck or bus.