CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/511,071 filed on 05/25/2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

THE NAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF THE MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable. COPYRIGHT NOTICE

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention:

[001] The present invention relates to a device for removing fixed glass or panels. More particularly, the invention relates to a device for cutting through an adhesive bead around an automobile fixed glass or panel the is anchored against an automobile frame proximal to the action of a cutting element cutting thought the adhesive bead.

Description of the Related Art:

[002] One common method of removing a fixed glass or panel uses a cutting element to cut through the adhesive around the periphery of the fixed glass or panel. On one side of the fixed glass or panel, the cutting element is positioned along the entire periphery of the fixed glass or panel and anchored. The cutting element on the opposite side of the fixed glass or panel is pulled so that it cuts through the adhesive around the fixed glass or panel. This is not always easy to do and requires a large amount of force.

[003] In addition, most devices for pulling the cutting element through the adhesive bead are anchored on the fixed glass or panel itself. If a fixed glass or panel is cracked or broken, the pressure on the fixed glass or panel caused by anchoring a removal device often results in further cracking or breaking of the fixed glass or panel. This is both dangerous and messy.

[004] In addition, substantial force is often required to pull the cutting element through the adhesive bead along the entire periphery. Winding devices or pulling devices must therefore be securely anchored. Current methods usually include the use of one or more suction cups or similar mechanisms. These can be difficult and time-consuming to adjust the position of.

[005] The above-described deficiencies of today's systems are merely intended to provide an overview of some of the problems of conventional systems, and are not intended to be exhaustive. Other problems with the state of the art and corresponding benefits of some of the various non-limiting embodiments may become apparent upon review of the following detailed description.

[006] In view of the foregoing, it is desirable to provide a fixed glass or panel removing device that does not place undue pressure on a fixed glass or panel being removed. It is also desirable to provide a fixed glass or panel removing device that may be quickly and easily anchored. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] Disclosed is a fixed glass or panel removing device anchored on an adhesive bead surrounding a fixed glass or panel to be removed. The device has a flattened claw at the end of an arm that securely anchors the device but is also easily removed and reattached at different locations.

[008] In one embodiment, a fixed glass or panel removing device comprises a body having a handle and housing a motor. A winch attached to the handle and motor has a spool actuated by the motor. An elongate arm extends from the body of the device. A flattened claw has at least one prong and is located at the distal end of the arm. A pulley is positioned near the claw. A cutting cutting element is guided by the pulley and wound about the spool.

[009] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fixed glass or panel removing device that may be anchored only on the adhesive bead and is easily moved from one position along the bead to another with minimal effort.

[0010] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification and appended claims. There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A more complete understanding of the present invention, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 is a side view of a fixed glass or panel removing device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0013] Figure 2 is a side view of a fixed glass or panel removing device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0014] Figure 3 is a side view of an arm of a fixed glass or panel removing device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0015] Figure 4 is a side view of an arm of a fixed glass or panel removing device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0016] Figure 5 is a top view of an arm of a fixed glass or panel removing device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0017] Figure 6 is a side view of a fixed glass or panel removing device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0018] Figure 7 is a top view of a fixed glass or panel removing device affixed to an initial position on a fixed glass or panel in accordance with principles of the invention;

[0019] Figure 8 is a top view of a fixed glass or panel removing device affixed to a subsequent position on a fixed glass or panel in accordance with principles of the invention;

[0020] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device having interchangeable accessories in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0021] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a mounting boss of an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0022] Figure 11 is a side view of a connecting bolt of an extension arm of the alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device in accordance with the principles of the invention,

[0023] Figure 12 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device having a basic claw attached in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0024] Figure 13 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device having an extension arm and a basic claw attached in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0025] Figure 14 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device having a curved extension arm and basic claw attached in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0026] Figure 15 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device having a curved extension arm and basic claw attached in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0027] Figure 16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device having a curved extension arm and basic claw attached in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0028] Figure 17 is a side view of a basic claw of an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0029] Figure 18 is a side view of an elongate claw of an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device in accordance with principles of the invention;

[0030] Figure 19 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing device having an extension arm and a suction cup attached in accordance with the principles of the invention;

[0031] Figure 20 is a side view of a suction cup accessory for an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel device in accordance with the principles of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0033] The disclosed subject matter is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the subject disclosure. It may be evident, however, that the disclosed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the various embodiments herein.

[0034] In addition, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. Moreover, articles "a" and "an" as used in the subject specification and annexed drawings should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

[0035] This invention is designed to help pull the cutting element through the adhesive along the periphery of the fixed glass or panel. The punctured cutting element is secured onto the winch and looped through the pulley. To create leverage, the claw is dug into the adhesive. When the cutting element has been pulled in by the winch to the extent that it is almost even with the claw, the device may be repositioned. In the following description, the invention is described generally in reference to a fixed glass or panel. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention disclosed herein may be used for removing any glass panel or other large panel held in place by a peripheral bead of adhesive. For example, many fixed auto glass panels are attached to a vehicle, boat, airplane or other object using similar peripheral bead attachment mechanisms and the invention is suitable for removing such glass panels. Furthermore, other panels of fiberglass, plastic, lucite, stone or other materials may also be separated from other components to which they are attached by like mechanisms utilizing the principles of the invention. [0036] Figures 1-6 show a fixed glass or panel removing device 10 in accordance with the principles of the invention. The Winch 10 has a body 12 housing a motor, not shown. In this embodiment, the motor is an electric motor powered by a battery 14 located at the end of a handle 16. The handle 16 includes a trigger 18 for actuating the motor. The fixed glass or panel removing device 10 may also include additional control mechanisms for adjusting the speed, direction and power of the motor.

[0037] An elongate arm 20 is affixed to the device 10 at the arm's proximal end 22 and has a claw 24 at its distal end 26. In this embodiment, the elongate arm is flattened, having a height substantially greater than its width and its height defines a plane identified in this disclosure as the arm plane. The claw 24 of this embodiment has a flat, or planar, body 23 which coplanar with the elongate arm 20, lieing within the arm plane. The claw 24 has four curved prongs 25 that curve out of the arm plane along the direction away from the body. A pulley 28 is attached to the arm 20 near the distal end 26. In this embodiment, the pulley 28 also lies within the arm plane and is therefore coplanar with the elongate arm 20 and the body 23 of the claw 24. A winch 30 is actuated by the motor and is positioned at or near the proximal end 22 of the arm 20 and near the body 12. In this embodiment, the winch 30 is parallel to the arm plane, but does not lie within the arm plane. Optionally, the winch 30 may not be parallel to the plate are.

[0038] In this embodiment, the pulley 28 is positioned below the arm 20 near its distal end 26. Optionally, the pulley 28 may be positioned inside the elongate arm, but still proximal to the distal end 26. Optionally, the pulley 28 may be replaced with a curved channel so long as the cutting element within the pulley/channel has sufficiently low frictional shear force with the material from which the pulley/channel is fabricated. For example, the cutting element may extend through a channel inside the arm 20 and the distal end 26 of the arm 20 may have a curved opening similar to a trumpet or horn from which the cutting element extends. If the trumpet shaped opening and the cutting element produce relatively little friction, a pulley may be unnecessary. Optionally, the pulley 28 may be parallel to the plane arm but not lie within it. Optionally, the pulley 28 may not be parallel to the plane arm.

[0039] Both the arm 20 and the claw 24 are flattened and lie within the arm plane 21 of the device 10.

The arm 20 has a narrow width 32 and a much larger height 34, the height lying within the medial plane

21. During operation, the forces applied to the device 10 are generally along the arm plane 21 and thus primarily coplanar with the height 34 of the arm 20. Because the stress placed on the arm 20 falls consistently within the medial plane 21 of the arm 20, a narrow arm will have sufficient strength due to its thickness within the plane 36. To keep the direction of force exerted upon the arm 20 within the medial plane and coplanar with the arm 20, the pulley 28 generally has an axis of rotation 29 substantially perpendicular to the medial plane 21 and transverse to the arm 20.

[0040] In this embodiment, the winch 30 is positioned at the proximal end 22 of the arm 20 such that it is close to the motor which actuates it. Optionally, the winch 30 may be positioned at the distal end 26 of the arm 20. In such a configuration, a pulley 28 would be unnecessary. Optionally, the motor may be positioned somewhere on the arm 20 in itself, in the middle of the arm 20 or at the distal end 26. Optionally, the prongs 25 of the claw 24 may be straight, not curved and may lie in the arm plane, lie parallel but not within the arm plane, or lie at an angle relative to the arm plate. Optionally, the claw 24 may be rotatably attached to the distal end 26 of the arm 20.

[0041] Figures 7-8 show a method of using a fixed glass or panel removing device 50 in accordance with the principles of the invention. A fixed glass or panel 52 installed in an automobile is surrounded by an adhesive bead 54. To remove the fixed glass or panel, the bead 54 must be sliced through. As is appreciated by those skilled in the art, a common method for cutting through the bead is to use a strong, thin cutting cutting element 56 pulled on both opposing sides of the fixed glass or panel 52 around its periphery 58. A first end 57 of the cutting cutting element 56 is attached to an anchor 60 on a first side of the fixed glass or panel 52. The cutting cutting element 56 is then placed on the bead 54 around the entire periphery 58 to the fixed glass or panel 52. The bead 54 is then punctured and the distal end 62 of the cutting cutting element 56 is threaded through the hole 64.

[0042] Once the distal end 62 of the cutting cutting element 56 has been threaded through the hole 64, it is then pulled over the pulley 68 and affixed to the winch 70. The claw 72 is then placed so that it impinges upon the adhesive bead 54, thereby anchoring the fixed glass or panel removing device 50 at an anchor point 55. The device 50 is then actuated so that the winch 70 begins spooling, or rolling up, the cutting cutting element 56. As the cutting cutting element 56 is drawn up by the winch 70, it creates a tear 76 in the bead 54 along the periphery 58 beginning at the hole 64.

[0043] The cutting cutting element 56 is drawn in by the winch 70 until the tear 76 has extended far enough along the periphery 58 that the angle between the cutting cutting element 56 and the bead 54 is relatively small and it becomes difficult or impossible for the device 50 continue spooling the cutting cutting element 56 when anchored at its current position. At this time, the claw 72 is removed from the anchor point 55 and repositioned so that the claw 72 impinges upon the bead 54 at a new anchor point 77 closer to the distal end 80 of the tear 76. The winch 70 is again actuated to draw in the cutting cutting element 56 until the cutting cutting element 56 once again forms a small angle with the bead 54. The process is repeated until the cutting cutting element 56 has been drawn through the bead 54 around the entire periphery 58 of the fixed glass or panel 52.

[0044] Because the claw 72 is flattened and the arm 82 is positioned such that both the cutting cutting element 56 and the adhesive bead 54 are all coplanar within the medial plane of the device 50. This allows the arm 82 to be relatively narrow and require less material to manufacture. This also allows the claw 72 to be anchored by impinging only upon the bead 54. As a result, the amount of force applied to the fixed glass or panel 52 as well as the surrounding vehicle body is minimized. Thus, a cracked or broken fixed glass or panel is substantially less likely to shatter during the fixed glass or panel removal process. Because the device 50 uses a claw 72 instead of suction cups or other mechanisms, the device 50 may be securely anchored to even a relatively narrow object such as the adhesive bead 54. The use of a claw 72 also allows for easy, rapid and efficient detachment and reattachment to the bead 54. This allows the position of the device 52 change quickly and easily, and to be easily adjusted during use.

[0045] Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of a fixed glass or panel removing winch having interchangeable accessories 100. The fixed glass or panel removing winch 100 includes a body 102 housing a motor and having a handle 104, an interchangeable battery 106 and a docking sleeve 110. Several interchangeable accessory components are designed to be removably secured to the docking sleeve 110. In this embodiment, these accessories include a basic extension arm 112, an extension arm 114 including a pulley 116, a curved extension arm 118 having a pulley 120, a basic claw 122 and an elongate claw 124. The docking sleeve 110 includes a lock 126 that secures attachment of one of the accessories.

[0046] The simple extension arm 112 includes a mounting boss 128 and lock 130 at its distal end, and a mounting boss 132 at its proximal end. The extension arm 114 includes a mounting boss 134 and lock 136 at its distal end, and a connecting bolt 138 at its proximal end. The curved extension arm 118 includes a mounting boss 140 and lock 142 at its distal end, and a connecting bolt 144 at its proximal end. The basic claw 122 likewise includes a connecting bolt 146 at its proximal end, and the elongate claw 124 has a connecting bolt 148 at its distal end.

[0047] Figure 10 shows the body 102 in more detail. In this embodiment, the docking sleeve 110 is a docking sleeve. It is keyed by having a square cross-section, which ensures that an accessory is properly aligned when it is attached. The docking sleeve 110 is located at a distal end of a truncated shaft 150. Figure 11 shows the mounting boss 132 of the basic extension arm 112. The mounting boss 132 includes a notch 152 that engages the lock 126 of the shaft 150, thereby securing the extension arm 112 in place during use. All of the connecting bolts of the accessories are configured to engage the mounting bosses of the accessories and the shaft 150. As a result they are interchangeable and may also be connected in tandem.

[0048] Figure 12 shows the basic claw 122 connected directly to the shaft 150 by inserting its connecting bolt 146 into the docking sleeve 110. This combination may be desirable when the device is positioned in a relatively small work area providing limited access. Figure 13 shows the extension arm 114 attached to the docking sleeve 110 and the basic claw 122 attached to the mounting boss 134 of the extension arm 114. This provides a configuration similar to the fixed glass or panel removing winch device 10 shown in Figures 1 - 6.

[0049] Figures 14 - 16 show the fixed glass or panel removing winch device 100 having the curved extension arm 118 connected to the docking sleeve 110 at its proximal end and connected to the basic claw 122 at its proximal end. The curved extension arm 118 includes a channel 154. In use, the cutting element used to cut the adhesive bead is fed from the pulley 120 into and through the channel 154 along the curved extension arm 118 to the winch 108. This allows the curved extension arm 118 to be used without the cutting cutting element impinging on any surfaces or objects that the curved extension arm 118 is used to avoid.

[0050] Figures 17 shows the basic claw 122 in more detail. The body 156 of the basic claw 122 is substantially planar and has prongs 158 at its distal end 160. The connecting bolt 146 has a square cross- section and includes a notch 162 for engaging any of the locks 126, 130, 136 and 142.

[0051] Figure 18 shows the elongate claw 124 in more detail. The elongate claw 124 has an elongate body 164 with a plurality of prongs 166 at its distal end 168. The connecting bolt 148 has a square cross- section and includes a notch 174 engaging any of the locks. Both claws 122 and 124 include a plurality of curved prongs. Because the bolts and mounting bosses are keyed with symmetric, square cross- sections, the claws 122 and 124 may be inserted into the mounting bosses in multiple orientations. The directions of the claws and the orientation of the horizontal bodies may be rotated with respect to the shaft 150.

[0052] Figures 19 and 20 show the fixed glass or panel removing device 100 with another alternative accessory, an anchor 180. In this embodiment, the anchor 180 includes a suction cup 182 at its distal end and a connecting bolt 184 at its proximal end. The suction cup 182 includes a release switch 186 that releases the suction cup to whatever surface it has been affixed to.

[0053] The fixed glass or panel removing winch device 100 is utilized in substantially the same way as the device shown in Figures 1 - 6. However, it allows an operator to modify the arm of the device by changing its length, shape and mechanism for anchoring itself in position while a cutting element is being collected on the spool of the winch. The various accessories shown in this embodiment are connected to the device and each other by means of a docking sleeve female connector and a bolt mail connector. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these mechanisms may be inverted. For example, the shaft 150 may include a connecting bolt instead of a docking sleeve, and the accessories may all have docking sleeves at their proximal ends and connecting bolt at their distal ends. Furthermore, the docking sleeves and connecting bolts may be replaced using any suitable mechanism for connecting and interchanging accessory tool heads. The locks of this embodiment utilize detents configured to engage grooves in the connecting bolt. Optionally, other locking mechanisms may be utilized. In addition, the connections may be keyed and methods different from providing a square cross-section for the docking sleeves and connecting bolts. It may be desirable to utilize a spline or other connector mechanism that prevents rotation of the components of the device during use. Other anchors besides claws and suction cups may also be used at the distal end of the arm. It may also be desirable to utilize several pulleys instead of just one. It may also be desirable to utilize telescoping arms or articulated arms that may or may not be locked into a predetermined position.

[0054] Whereas, the present invention has been described in relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention. Descriptions of the embodiments shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting or defining the ordinary and plain meanings of the terms of the claims unless such is explicitly indicated.

[0055] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.