U.S. patent application number 10/555691 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for method and a device for removing vehicle windows.
Invention is credited to Rolf Ericson.
Application Number | 20070000361 10/555691 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33476138 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070000361 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ericson; Rolf |
January 4, 2007 |
Method and a device for removing vehicle windows
Abstract
A method for the non-destructive removal of very small fixed
window elements (40) from vehicles uses a cutting wire that is
threaded through the adhesive bonding a window element to a
vehicle, that is placed in a loop around the perimeter of the
window element and that is pulled by wire wind-up elements (3) of a
window element removal device. The device (1) is fitted to a window
element frame (41), is expanded into firm clamping engagement with
the window element frame (41) and is locked in the position firmly
engaging the window element frame (41). The wire wind-up elements
(3) are then operated until the wire cuts through the adhesive at
the edge of the side window element around the entire perimeter
thereof.
Inventors: |
Ericson; Rolf; (Falun,
SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
YOUNG & THOMPSON
745 SOUTH 23RD STREET
2ND FLOOR
ARLINGTON
VA
22202
US
|
Family ID: |
33476138 |
Appl. No.: |
10/555691 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
May 21, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/SE04/00800 |
371 Date: |
August 7, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
83/13 ; 83/200.1;
83/651 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49821 20150115;
Y02W 30/56 20150501; Y10S 269/909 20130101; B26B 27/002 20130101;
Y10T 83/424 20150401; B26D 1/547 20130101; B25B 11/007 20130101;
Y10T 83/04 20150401; B62D 67/00 20130101; Y10T 29/49998 20150115;
Y10T 83/929 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
083/013 ;
083/200.1; 083/651 |
International
Class: |
B26D 1/00 20060101
B26D001/00; B26D 1/48 20060101 B26D001/48 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 21, 2003 |
WO |
PCT/SE03/00818 |
Claims
1. A method of removing a fixed side window element (40; 140; 340)
from a vehicle, said side window element having a first side and a
second side and having an edge area (40A) being bonded to a
receiving frame (41; 141; 341) of the vehicle with an adhesive, by
means of a device(1;101;201;301;401) having wire wind-up means (3)
for pulling a cutting wire (42) through said adhesive and
attachment means (5; 305; 405,6; 106; 206) for fixing said device
relative to the window element, characterized by; fitting said
device (1;101;201;301;401) to the window element frame(41);
expanding the device(l; 101; 201; 301; 401) to place the attachment
means (5; 305; 405,6; 106; 206) in firm engagement with the window
element frame (41; 141; 341); locking the device in said position
firmly engaging the window element frame (41; 141; 341); and
arranging a cutting wire (42) in a loop around the window element
(40; 140; 340) and pulling the wire (42) by means of the wire
wind-up means (3) until the wire cuts through the adhesive at the
edge of the side window element around the entire perimeter
thereof.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized by; inserting first
and second ends (42A, 42D) of the wire (42) from the first side of
the side window element (40; 140; 340) through the adhesive to the
second side of the side window element to form a loop of the wire
on said first side thereof, and applying the loop of the wire along
the edge of the side window element between the side window element
and the frame (41; 141; 341); attaching the first end (42A) of the
wire to a first wire wind-up mechanism (7) of the tool (1; 101;
201; 301; 401) secured to the window element frame (41; 141; 341)
and pulling the first end of the wire (42) with the first wire
wind-up mechanism (7) to tension the wire; attaching the second end
(42D) of the wire to a second wire wind-up mechanism (8) of said
tool; and pulling the first and second ends of the wire until the
wire cuts through the adhesive at the edge of the side window
element (40; 140; 340) around the entire perimeter thereof.
3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the tool
(1;101;201;301;401) is maintained in its initial position on the
window element frame (41; 141; 341) during the entire process of
cutting loose the window element (40; 140; 340) from the frame (41;
141; 341).
4. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the first
and second ends (42A, 42D) of the wire are pulled one at a time by
the associated wind-up mechanisms (7,8) until associated wire
sections (42B-C, 42E-F) reach a meeting point (MP) where the wire
(42) has cut through the adhesive at the edge (40A) of the side
window element (40; 140; 340) around the entire perimeter
thereof.
5. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the first
end (42A) of the wire (42) is pulled by its associated wind-up
mechanism (7) until a corresponding section (42B, 42C) of the wire
has cut through the adhesive at the edge (40A) of the side window
element (40; 140; 340) up to a meeting point(MP), before the second
end (42D) of the wire is pulled by its associated wind-up mechanism
(8).
6. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the first
and second ends (42A, 42D) of the wire arealternatingly pulled by
the associated wind-up mechanisms (7,8) until associated wire
sections (42B-C, 42E-F) reach a meeting point (MP) where the wire
(42) has cut through the adhesive at the edge (40A) of the side
window element (40; 140; 340) around the entire perimeter
thereof.
7. A device (1; 101; 201; 301; 401) for removing a side window
element (40; 140; 340) fixed to a window element frame (41; 141;
341) of a vehicle, having wire wind-up means (3) and spaced first
and second attachment means (5; 305; 405, and 6; 106; 206
respectively) that are supported at respective ends (2A and 2B,
respectively) of a common handle (2; 402), characterized in that
said first and second attachment means (5; 305; 405, and 6; 106;
206 respectively) each comprise at least one engagement member (12;
and 13,14; 12; 214 respectively) for engaging the window element
frame and by adjustment means (16,17; 416,417) for allowing
adjustment of the mutual distance between the engagement members of
the first and second attachment means and for locking the
attachment means in a position engaging said window element frame
to thereby mechanically clamp the device to the frame.
8. A device (1; 101; 201; 301; 401) according to claim 7,
characterized in that the engagement member or members (12) of said
first attachment means (5; 305; 405) is/are provided with a
circumferential channel (15) for receiving a section of the window
element frame (41; 141; 341).
9. A device(1; 101; 201; 301; 401) according to claim 7,
characterized in that the engagement member or members (12) of at
least said first attachment means (5; 305; 405) is/are provided
with a rotating wire guide member (19) having an outer
circumferential guide groove (20) for receiving a cutting wire
(42).
10. A device (1; 101; 201; 301; 401) according to claim 9,
characterized by a recess (18) formed in a bottom surface of the
engagement member (12), in that the wire guide member (19) is
accommodated in said recess and is maintained therein by a biasing
force and in that the wire guide member is axially displaceable out
from the recess, against the biasing force, to expose said wire
guide groove (20).
11. A device (1;101;201;301; 401) according to claim 7,
characterized in that the engagement member or members (13,14; 12;
214) of said second attachment means (6; 106; 206) is/are each
provided with a circumferential channel (35; 15) for receiving a
section of the window element frame (41; 141; 341).
12. A device (1;101;201;301;401) according to claim 11,
characterized in that the frame receiving channel (35; 15) of the
engagement member or members (13,14; 12; 214) of said second
attachment means (6; 106; 206) has a width sufficient for receiving
not only the window element frame (41; 141; 341) but also a cutting
wire (42).
13. A device(1; 401) according to claim 7, specifically intended
for side window elements (40) having a generally triangular shape,
characterized in that the first attachment means (5; 405) comprises
one single first engagement member (12) and in that the second
attachment means (6) comprises two second engagement members
(13,14).
14. A device (1) according to claim 7, characterized by two wire
wind-up mechanisms (7,8) supported by the handle (2) at a distance
from each other.
15. A device(1; 101; 201; 301; 401) according to claim 8,
characterized in that the engagement member or members (12) of at
least said first attachment means (5; 305; 405) is/are provided
with a rotating wire guide member (19) having an outer
circumferential guide groove (20) for receiving a cutting wire
(42).
16. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the tool
(1;101;201;301;401) is maintained in its initial position on the
window element frame (41; 141; 341) during the entire process of
cutting loose the window element (40; 140; 340) from the frame (41;
141; 341).
17. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first
and second ends (42A, 42D) of the wire are pulled one at a time by
the associated wind-up mechanisms (7,8) until associated wire
sections (42B-C, 42E-F) reach a meeting point (MP) where the wire
(42) has cut through the adhesive at the edge (40A) of the side
window element (40; 140; 340) around the entire perimeter
thereof.
18. A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the first
end (42A) of the wire (42) is pulled by its associated wind-up
mechanism (7) until a corresponding section (42B, 42C) of the wire
has cut through the adhesive at the edge (40A) of the side window
element (40; 140; 340) up to a meeting point(MP), before the second
end (42D) of the wire is pulled by its associated wind-up mechanism
(8).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates in general to fixed window
elements of vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to a
method and a device for removing a fixed side window from a
vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The removal of fixed vehicle glazing in one piece for
replacement or salvage purposes involves penetrating and cutting
through the adhesive seal bonding a window element to an associated
frame of a vehicle. Throughout the years, various methods for the
removal of mainly vehicle windshields and rear windows have been
suggested and practiced. Among such known methods are those where a
knife or similar tool is used to cut through the adhesive bond and
an outward pressure is simultaneously applied to the windshield,
see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,702. Other methods make use of a wire
that is threaded through the adhesive bond and that is moved back
and forth to cut through the seal all around the perimeter of the
windshield, see e.g. U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,153 and U.S. Pat. No.
5,629,093. All of the described methods are comparatively
time-consuming and cumbersome and involve an apparent risk of
damaging both the actual window element and interior or exterior
parts of the vehicle.
[0003] An improved method for the removal of vehicle windshields is
described in my pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 326,763.
This method is based on the combined use of two separate tools that
at spaced locations are secured to the windshield by means of
suction cups and that each comprise means for winding up one end of
the wire threaded through the adhesive bond of the windshield. Due
to the considerable space required for the two separate hand tools
and their re-positioning during the cutting operation, this method
is specifically designed for the removal of windshields.
[0004] Recently, there has been an increased interest in the
non-destructive removal of fixed side window elements from
vehicles. One of the main reasons for this is that insurance
companies are becoming more and more reluctant to pay for the
replacement of fixed side windows that are undamaged after an
accident but that will have to be removed in order to perform high
quality body repair and paint work. In such situations, it has up
to the present day been common practice to crush the window
element, with the resulting cleaning and additional cost of a new
window element. The only remaining options are to use one of the
above described time-consuming, cumbersome and possibly damaging
methods employing a knife or a manually operated wire.
Additionally, such methods often cause damages also to the actual
window element, so that the window element will have to be replaced
anyway.
[0005] A specific problem in this respect arises for the very small
and at present, mostly generally triangular, fixed side windows
(sometimes referred to as "quarter lights") that are becoming more
and more frequent on modern automobiles. For such small side
windows the use of the above mentioned pair of suction cup tools is
quite out of the question, since the dimensions of said windows are
often such that they would at best allow the application of a
single suction cup. Therefore, there is a specific demand for a
tool that would permit the efficient removal of such small side
window elements from a vehicle frame.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The invention provides a solution overcoming the above
discussed problems experienced with the prior known techniques for
removing very small fixed window elements from vehicles.
[0007] It is a basic object of the invention to provide an improved
method for the effective non-destructive removal of very small
fixed side window elements from a vehicle.
[0008] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
improved device for performing the method of the invention, for the
effective non-destructive removal of very small side window
elements.
[0009] Briefly, the invention provides a method for removing very
small fixed vehicle side windows using a cutting wire that is
threaded through the window element adhesive, that is placed in a
loop around the perimeter of the window element and that is forced
to cut through the adhesive around the entire window element by
being pulled by means of wire wind-up means of a window element
removal device that is fixed relative to the window. According to
the invention said device is fitted to a window element frame, is
expanded into firm clamping engagement with the window element
frame and is locked in said position firmly engaging the window
element frame. The wire wind-up means are then operated until the
wire cuts through the adhesive at the edge of the side window
element around the entire perimeter thereof. The suggested method
permits the use of a very compact device, both with regard to the
actual space occupied thereby and with regard to the operation
thereof. Therefore, said method provides a unique possibility for
secure and effective non-destructive removal of very small fixed
side window elements from vehicles.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, the
invention provides a window element removal device for use in
performing the method of the invention, said means having cutting
wire wind-up means and spaced attachment means supported by a
common handle. According to the invention said attachment means
each comprise at least one engagement member for engaging a window
element frame and by means for allowing adjustment of the mutual
distance between the first and second attachment means and for
locking the attachment means in a position engaging said window
element frame, to thereby mechanically clamp the device to the
frame. The suggested tool is very compact and may be fitted to very
small fixed side window elements.
[0011] These and further objects of the invention are met by the
invention as defined in the appended patent claims.
[0012] Advantages offered by the present invention, in addition to
those described above, will be readily appreciated upon reading the
below detailed description of embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention and further objects, features and
advantages thereof will be more fully understood by reference to
the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention
when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where:
[0014] FIG. 1A is a top elevational view of a first embodiment of a
device of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 1B is a side elevational view of the device illustrated
in FIG. 1A;
[0016] FIG. 2A is a partially schematic cross section along line
A-A through a first attachment means of the device illustrated in
FIG. 1A;
[0017] FIG. 2B is a partial view from below of the first attachment
means of the device illustrated in FIG. 1A;
[0018] FIG. 3A is a partial top plan view of a second attachment
means of the device illustrated in FIG. 1A;
[0019] FIG. 3B is a side view of an engagement member of the second
attachment means illustrated in FIG. 3A;
[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates the first embodiment of the device of the
invention attached to the frame surrounding a small side window
element of a vehicle;
[0021] FIGS. 5A-C illustrate the sequence of operations for
removing a small side window element using a device of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of the device of the
invention, attached to the frame surrounding a small side window
element of a vehicle;
[0023] FIG. 7. illustrates a third embodiment of the device of the
invention attached to the frame surrounding a small side window
element of a vehicle;
[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates a forth embodiment of the device of the
invention attached to the frame surrounding a small side window
element of a vehicle; and
[0025] FIG. 9 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the device of the
invention, having a modified adjustment means for expanding the
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0026] An exemplary illustrative embodiment of the device or tool 1
according to the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B, 2A-B and
3A-3B. The basic design of this tool 1 is based on that of a hand
tool that is presently used in the inventors own system "Roll out
2000.RTM." for cutting the sealant/adhesive bonding a vehicle
windshield to the vehicle body and thus for removing such a
windshield. In said basic design, the tool 1 has an elongate handle
2 connected to a wire wind-up means 3 and first and second tool
attachment means 5,6 that are supported by each end section 2A, 2B
of the handle 2.
[0027] In contrast to the above mentioned, known tool the wire
wind-up means 3 of the tool 1 of the present invention is
preferably provided with two winch mechanisms 7,8. Said winch
mechanisms 7,8 are supported on a bracket 4 that is attached to the
tool 1, generally at a mid-portion of the handle 2. In this
embodiment the pair of winch mechanisms 7,8 are provided side by
side, at a distance from each other, along a line being
approximately parallel to a centre axis C of the handle 2. Said two
winch mechanisms 7,8 on the tool 1 may be of the same general kind
as the single one of the presently used hand tool. More
particularly, such a winch mechanism 7,8 has a roller 9 for
receiving and winding up a cutting wire 42 (indicated in FIG. 2 and
in FIGS. 5A-C). The wire 42 may be inserted into an eccentrically
positioned opening 10 for holding the wire 42 to the roller 9
during winding-up rotation of the roller 9. The winding-up roller 9
is rotatable in a winding-up direction WU(see FIG. 5B) and is
provided with an internal locking mechanisms (not specifically
illustrated) that normally prevents rotation of the roller 9 in the
opposite direction. Each winch mechanism 7,8 has a release button
11 for releasing the locking mechanism so that the roller 9 may
also be rotated in an opposite direction UW (FIG. 5B) to unwind the
wire 42.
[0028] Furthermore, in the tool 1 of the present invention, the
first and second tool attachment means 5,6 each consist of frame
engagement members 12 and 13, 14, respectively, for engaging a
receiving frame 41 of a small fixed side window element 40. In
other words, here the engagement members 12-14 replace the suction
cups of the known tool. The mutual distance between the tool
attachment means 5,6 and thereby the overall length L of the tool
1, see specifically FIG. 1B, is adjustable, so that the tool 1 is
adaptable to the dimensions of the frame 41 of the window element
40 to be removed. The adjustability preferably provides a stepless
adjustment of the overall length of the tool, the application of a
separating force between the first and second attachment means 5,6
and the fixing of a mounted tool in the adjusted position, as will
be described further below.
[0029] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention said
adjustability is provided by slidably receiving a rod-like carrier
16 of the first attachment means 5 in a central channel 2C of the
handle 2. In this basic embodiment the separating force is applied
simply by forcing, apart the first and second attachment means 5,6
by hand. The adjusted position of the carrier 16 and thereby of the
overall length L of the tool 1 is then fixed by means of a locking
means 17 consisting of a locking lever 17A, preferably spring
biased, that is mounted on the handle 2 and that in an inner end
(not shown), extendable into the central bore 2C of the handle,
carries a stop means, such as a stop screw or stop pin, that by
manipulation of the lever 17A is brought into locking engagement
with the carrier 16. Although the details of the locking means 17
are not illustrated in detail, various types of such locking, means
for fixing a rod in a selected position in a tabular channel, are
well known to the man skilled in the art. Likewise, it shall be
emphasized that the simple locking means 17 of the exemplifying
embodiment is only used for illustrative purposes and 2A of the
handle 2, such as schematically indicated at 17' in FIG. 1A.
[0030] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, and with
specific reference to FIGS. 2A-B, the first tool attachment means 5
comprises the above discussed carrier rod 16 that it an outer free
end thereof carries one single, comparatively large engagement
member 12 having a general disc shape. Said engagement member 12
has an outer circumferential window frame receiving channel 15
formed at its outer circumference, and in a bottom surface thereof
is formed a recess 18 accommodating a further, generally disc
shaped wire guide member 19. The wire guide member 19 is provided
with an outer circumferential cutting wire guide groove 20 and
carries a shaft 21 by means of which it is rotatably and axially
displaceably journalled in a sleeve 22 attached to an upper side of
the first attachment means 12.
[0031] With regard to the axial displacement of the wire guide
member 19 it is biased by a compression spring 23 that is
positioned around the shaft 21, at a position between the sleeve 22
and an operating knob 24 attached to an upper free end of the shaft
21, so that the guide member is biased into a position where it is
accommodated in the recess 18 of the engagement member 12. By
pushing the knob 24 the guide member 19 will be displaced from the
recess 18 to expose the wire guide groove 20 and to allow the
introduction of a cutting wire 42 into said groove 42. By virtue of
the biasing of the guide member 19, the cutting wire 42 will then
be "trapped" in the groove 20 as the knob is released. FIG. 2B
illustrates a cutout 26 that is formed at the outer circumference
of the recess 18 of the engagement member 12 and that serves to
maintain the wire 42 in the guide member during installation of the
tool 1, as will be described further below. Likewise, a layer 25 of
relatively soft protective material is preferably glued to the
bottom surface of the guide member 19, to avoid that the rotating
guide member 19 damages the window element 40 during attachment and
operation of the tool 1.
[0032] A second attachment means 6, see especially FIGS. 3A-B, is
connected to the handle 2 at the opposite end section 2B thereof
and consists of a base plate 30 that has a general triangular shape
and that is releasably connected to the handle 2 by means of a
connector 31. The connector 31 is secured to the base plate 30 at
one of its corners and carries a spring biased pin 32 that may be
brought into engagement with a bore 37 (schematically indicated in
FIG. 3A) in the handle 2 end section 2B, to thereby releasably
secure the attachment means 6 to the handle 2. In the illustrated
embodiment the second attachment means 6 comprises two second
engagement members 13, 14 that are secured to the base plate 30 at
the respective remaining corners thereof by means of bolts 33. The
respective engagement members 13, 14 consist of a body 34 having a
circumferential window frame receiving channel 35 formed adjacent a
lower free end thereof.
[0033] The frame receiving channel 35 is preferably formed with
such a width that even with the window frame 41 received therein it
will still be able to accommodate also the cutting wire 42 for
guiding purposes, as will be described below. Alternatively a
separate wire guide groove (not illustrated) is formed in the body
34, above the frame receiving channel 35. The body 34 of the
respective engagement member 13, 14 is carried by an arm 36 that at
one end is connected to the area of the upper end of the body 34
and that at its other end is secured to the base plate 30 by means
of the above mentioned bolt 33. By loosening the bolts 33 the
engagement members 13, 14 may be rotated individually, as
illustrated in FIG. 3A, to a position that fits a specific window
element that is to be removed.
[0034] Rotation of the respective winding-up roller 9 of the
wind-up means 3 is performed by means of a wrench-like handle 43
(see FIG. 5B), such as a ratchet wrench or other similar means,
engaging a socket 44 provided at an upper end of each roller 9. The
two adjacent winch mechanisms 7,8 of the tool 3 are preferably each
rotatable in the same directions WU and UW, respectively, for the
winding-up and unwinding of the cutting wire 42. It is perceived by
the user to be most practical to wind up the two wire ends by
rotating the associated winches in the same direction and in
particular in combination with the use of a ratchet wrench that
would otherwise have to be re-adjusted whenever it is moved from
one winch to the other.
[0035] The operation of the above described device/tool 1 in
performing the method of the invention will now be explained with
specific reference to FIGS. 4 and 5A-C. Initially, a cutting wire
42 is inserted through the adhesive normally bonding a fixed
vehicle side window element 40 to a schematically indicated
receiving frame 41, see especially FIG. 4, of a vehicle that is not
specifically illustrated. A length of the cutting wire 42 is
inserted through the adhesive bonding between a side edge 40A of
the window element 40 and the frame 41 by means of a commonly used
hollow needle, not illustrated. The length of the wire 42 is
adapted to the size of the window element 40, as will be clarified
below. In particular, at an insertion point IP, both ends 42A, 42D
of the wire 42 are inserted from a first side of the window 40,
normally an outside thereof, to a second side of the window 40,
which is normally the inside thereof, so that said free ends 42A,
42D are disposed inside the vehicle.
[0036] For the best performance, the insertion point IP is chosen
to be close to and to one side of the most pointed corner 40B (see
FIG. 4) of the window element 40 that may be referred to as the
"difficult corner" of the window element. The wire end section 42A,
42B on the inside is significantly longer than the other wire end
section 42D, 42E on the inside. The portion 42C, 42F of the wire 42
that is on the first side/outside of the window 40 is arranged in a
closed loop around the perimeter of the window 40, as will be seen
in FIG. 5A. The user may pull a bit on both ends on the inside so
that the wire 42 is snugly applied around the edge 40A of the
window element 1 on the outside thereof, as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0037] Next, the tool 1 is brought to the vicinity of the window
element 40, where the guide member 19 of the first attachment means
5 is displaced from the recess 18 by pushing the knob 24. This will
expose the wire guide groove 20 and allow the introduction of the
long end section 42A, 42B of the cutting wire 42 into said groove
42. In order to securely maintain the wire section 42A, 42B in the
glude member 19 groove 20 during installation of the tool 1, the
wire is positioned in the cutout 26 of the engagement member 12,
and then the knob is released so that the guide member is moved
back into the recess 18 by virtue of the biasing of the guide
member 19 and so that the cutting wire 42 will then be "trapped" in
the groove 20.
[0038] The tool 1 is now fitted to the window element frame 41 with
the first attachment means 5 positioned at a second corner 40C of
the window element 40 that is approximately opposite to the
"difficult corner 40B. The locking means 17 is released and the
first and second attachment means 5 and 6 of the tool 1 are moved
apart so that the engagement member 12 of the first attachment
means 5 securely engages the window element frame 41 at or in the
vicinity of said second corner 40C and that the engagement members
13, 14 of the second attachment means 6 firmly engage side edges of
the frame 41 converging towards the first, "difficult corner" 40B
of the window element 40. Installation of the tool 1 is then
completed by applying an expansion force to firmly clamp the tool 1
to the frame and by finally engaging the locking means 17 again.
The first wire end 42A, and specifically its further adjacent
inside wire section 42B is now guided around the rotating wire
guide member 19, in its associated groove 14. The wire end 42A is
attached to the roller 9 of one of the winch mechanisms 7, as
described above. In particular, the first wire end 42A is attached
to the winch mechanism roller 9 that is most distant from the first
attachment means 5 guiding this wire end section 42A, 42B, for
reasons to be described further below. Operating the wrench 43
activates the winch mechanism 7, so that the wire is pulled and the
tension thereof is increased. As the tension in the wire 42A-42C is
further increased, the wire 42 will start cutting through the
adhesive between the window element 40 and the frame 41 in a
direction towards the "difficult corner" 40B. Depending upon the
dimensions of the window element 40 the inside wire section 42B
will, during this initial cutting operation be guided by the
engagement member 13 of the second attachment means 6 or not.
[0039] This initial operation, tensioning the first wire section
42A-C serves an important purpose in addition to the cutting
action, since it is used to establish that the wire ends are not
crossed at the insertion point IP. In case the wire ends were
crossed at the insertion point. IP the tensioning of the first wire
section 42A-C would inevitably have the effect that the crossed,
loose wire section 42D-F would be brought along in the cutting
movement of the tensioned wire section. As soon as it has been
established that the wire sections are not crossed, the second end
42D of the wire 42 may be attached to its associated winch
mechanism S. At this stage it is optional whether to complete the
operation of the first winch mechanism 7 or to alternatingly
operate the two winches 7,8 until their associated wire sections
42A-C, 42D-F reach a meeting point P (see FIG. 2C), where the two
wire section will meet to complete the cutting-loose of the window
40 from the frame 41. Similarly to what was mentioned above, the
other inside wire section 42E may, during the corresponding cutting
action, be guided by the other engagement member 14 of the second
attachment means 6 or not.
[0040] In the first case, the wire section 42A-C is wound tip on
the roller 9 of the first winch mechanism 7 and the cutting point
moves from the insertion point IP and all the way up to the meeting
point MP, until operation of the second winch mechanism 8 is
initiated. In said first case it is not necessary to attach the
second, loose wire end 42D during the operation of the first winch
7, since the wire 42 is prevented from sliding along the outer
edges of the window 40 by the friction between the adhesive and the
Wire 42. However, in the latter case, the second end 42D of the
wire is attached to the winch mechanism. 8 as soon as it has been
established that the wire sections do not cross, and the two winch
mechanisms are operated alternatingly, until both wire sections
42A-C and 42D-F meet at the meeting point MP.
[0041] By arranging the wire ends 42A, 42D so that they are
attached to the respective winch mechanism roller 9 being most
distant from the associated engagement means 5,6 and so that the
wire ends cross in the area of the winch mechanisms, a favorable
cutting angle is maintained during the fill cutting operation for
both wire sections 42A-C, 15D-F. This means that effective cutting
is achieved all around the perimeter of the window 40 without
requiring any adjustment of the position of the single tool 1.
[0042] The method and device of the present invention are unique in
that they permit secure non-destructive removal of very small fixed
side windows from vehicles, since the tool is clamped directly to
the window element frame and therefore eliminates the need for the
relatively large suction cups that may only be secured to a window
of certain minimum size.
[0043] FIGS. 6-8 illustrate examples of possible modified
arrangements of attachment means by the tool of the invention.
Thus, FIG. 6 illustrates a tool 101 of the invention secured to a
window element frame 141 of a generally diamond shape window
element 140. Here, the tool 101 differs from that of the first
embodiment in that the second attachment means 106 comprises a
single engagement member 12 that is identical to the one of the
first attachment means 5, except that it is non-adjustably secured
to the handle 2. This second attachment means 106 likewise engages
the window element frame 141 adjacent a sharp "difficult corner"
140B of the diamond shape window element 140.
[0044] FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the tool 201 of
the invention that is likewise secured to the diamond shape window
element 140 of FIG. 6. In this case the second attachment means 206
consists of a modified base plate 230 that in addition to the
engagement members 13, 14 of the first embodiment carries a further
engagement member 214 that fits directly onto the frame 141 at a
corner 140B of the window element 140.
[0045] FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of the inventive
tool 301 secured to the, window element frame 341 of a window
element 340 having the shape of a triangle with two equal sides. In
this case the second attachment means 6 corresponds to that of the
first embodiment whereas the first attachment means 305 consists of
two engagement members 12 that are adjustably attached to a common
base 335, which is in turn supported by an adjustable rod-like
carrier 16 like that of the first embodiment. The engagement
members 12 are thereby adjustable so that they engage the window
element frame 341 at the corners of the base of the triangle.
Finally, FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the inventive tool 401
where the adjustability of the overall tool length for adaption to
a specific window element and die application of the separating
force that secures the tool 401 to a window element frame (not
illustrated) is achieve by means of a modified adjustment means
417, consisting of a rack 416 that forms the carrier of the first
attachment means 405 and that cooperates with a rotatably
journalled nut member 417A at the corresponding end section of the
handle 402. With such a means a stepless adjustment of the tool
length may be performed and a controlled separating force may be
applied to secure the tool 401 in position.
[0046] The invention has been described in connection with what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiments, but it is to be understood that the invention is not
to be limited to tie disclosed embodiments. Thus the invention is
not restricted to configurations where adjustment of the tool
length and the application of the tool expanding and clamping force
is performed manually or with purely mechanical means, but also
covers embodiments where said adjustment and force application is
performed by means of pressurized fluid, such as by a pneumatic
cylinder provided in or constituting the handle, or by means of an
electric motor. In another variant, both of the first and second
attachment means may be adjustable in position for adapting the
overall length of the device 1. Also, the tool has been disclosed
in preferred embodiments where two winches are provided side by
side on the handle to provide easy cutting operation. However, this
does not preclude the use of a tool having the inventive
characteristics but having only one single winch. With such an
embodiment, a window element would be removed just as securely, but
the operation would more inefficient and time consuming.
[0047] The invention is therefore intended to cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims.
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