Abstract:
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a deglazing apparatus and method for use to remove glass from a frame. Embodiments further describe an apparatus with cutting, heating and prying capabilities and a method of use. Some embodiments include a deglazing apparatus carrying device to storage during portions of the glass removal process.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/348,094 filed on May 25, 2010. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to the field of deglazing equipment and methods. The invention further relates to the field of deglazing to remove glass from frames. The invention also relates to the field of installing, repairing, and/or replacing framed glass. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Glass deglazing is used in the repair and removal of framed glass in many circumstances, including commercial and residential buildings. Generally, deglazing refers to a process for removing a glass from a frame by removing or separating the seal between the glass and frame and prying the glass from the frame. Common deglazing methods utilize a number of different devices to remove glass from a frame. For example, a person may use a pry bar, putty knife, razor, and propane torch to remove the glass from a frame. In addition, a person may use a handling device, such as suction cups, to handle the glass during deglazing and removal. 
     SUMMARY 
     Organizing, carrying, and switching tools during the removal and reinstallation process can be cumbersome and potentially dangerous due to the number of sharp edges and the flammable nature of propane. In addition to the tools for removing the glass, a person may also be carrying additional tools needed for the installation of the repaired or replacement glass. All of these concerns are increased when a person is working in a confined or limited environment, such as at the top of a ladder. 
     The present invention solves these and other problems associated with glass repair and removal. 
     Accordingly, an object of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method to improve glass repair and removal. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method to increase safety during glass repair and removal. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus and method that utilizes fewer tools. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus that consolidates deglazing tools. 
     Another object of the disclosure is to provide an apparatus that is operable for multiple functions during deglazing. 
     Additional aspects, advantages and features of the present invention are included in the following description of exemplary examples thereof, which description should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals are used to describe the same feature throughout the figures. 
    
    
     
       A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top view of an embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 2  is a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a second embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of a second embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of a third embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a third embodiment of the apparatus; and 
         FIG. 7  is a top view of a securing device associated with the apparatus; 
         FIG. 8  is a top view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a first exemplary embodiment of a deglazing apparatus.  FIG. 1  depicts a top view of the first exemplary embodiment of the deglazing apparatus. The apparatus has handle  102  attached to back plate  110  and front plate  112 . In this embodiment, handle  102  is depicted with gas output  104 , gas control  106 , and gas input  108 . Handle  102  may store a combustible gas in a gas sealable chamber constructed in handle  102  or in a separate gas sealable container contained within handle  102 . Although this disclosure refers to propane as the gas stored in handle  102 , one of skill in the art will recognize that any combustible gas or combustible combination of gasses that meets the performance needs and limitations for deglazing may be utilized. For example, some gases may not meet a preferred temperature range for deglazing and some gases may increase the chances of damaging the frame and/or the glass. 
     The gas storage component in handle  102  is in operable association with gas output  104 , gas control  106 , and gas input  108 . Gas output  104  is illustrated as a nozzle to direct the output gas flow. Gas control  106  is depicted as a button on the top of handle  102  and is associated with a gas flow control mechanism (not shown) within handle  102 . In this embodiment, when gas control  106  is depressed the gas flow control mechanism (not shown) allows the flow of gas to travel from the gas storage component to gas output  104 , and when gas control  106  is not depressed the gas flow control mechanism (not shown) prevents the flow of gas. In this embodiment, gas control  106  operates an igniter (not shown) associated with gas output  104  to light the gas flow, such that gas output  104  operates as a torch head when gas control  106  is depressed. Gas input  108  is port which may be connectable to an external source of gas. Gas input  108  may be used to fill and refill the gas storage component. 
     In this embodiment, front plate  112  is shown as a wing shaped plate at the end of handle  102  having gas output  104 . In addition, handle  102  is shown attached near the center of front plate  112 . Cutting edges  116  and  118  are located along the sides of front plate  112  away from handle  102 . Front edges  120  and  122  extend between where handle  102  connects to front plate  112  cutting edges  116  and  118 . In this embodiment, front edge  120  is shown at a forward angle from the point at which handle  102  connects with front plate  112  towards cutting edge  118  making an obtuse angle between handle  102  and front edge  120 . Likewise, front edge  122  is shown at a forward angle from the point at which handle  102  connects with front plate  112  towards cutting edge  116  making an obtuse angle between handle  102  and front edge  122 . In a preferred embodiment, each angle between handle  102  and front edges  120  and  122  would be around perpendicular plus 45 degrees or 135 degrees from handle  102 . One of skill in the art will recognize that any other plate designs may be used that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
     In this embodiment, back plate  110  is shown at the end of handle  102  having gas input  108 . In addition, handle  102  is shown attached near the center and front of back plate  110 . In this embodiment, back plate  110  is shown with cutting notch  114  on one side and cutting edge  124  on the other side. Front edge  126  is shown at a forward angle from the point at which handle  102  connects towards cutting edge  124  making an obtuse angle between handle  102  and front edge  126 . In addition, pry edge  128  is located on a portion of the back edge of back plate  110 . Cutting blade  130  is depicted between pry edge  128  and cutting edge  124 . In this embodiment cutting blade  130  is shown as a retractable blade for additional safety, wherein blade control  132  may be utilized to retract and/or extend cutting blade  130 . One of skill in the art will recognize, cutting blade  130  may be attached in any number of manners which may or may not incorporate safety measures, including a fixed attachment, retractable attachment, rotatable attachment, and/or any other means of attachment. 
     Cutting edges  116 ,  118  and  124  are depicted for cutting in a forward direction. In other embodiments, the direction for each of cutting edges  116 ,  118  and  124  may vary. In addition, the number of cutting edges and the placement of cutting edges may vary in alternate embodiments. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a side view of the first exemplary embodiment of the deglazing apparatus.  FIG. 2  shows handle  102  attached to back plate  110  and front plate  112 , and with gas output  104 , gas control  106 , and gas input  108 . In addition, handle  102  is depicted with grip portion  136 , which may comprise an ergonomic design for comfort and ease of use.  FIG. 2  also depicts a downward bend of pry edge  128 . One of skill in the art will recognize that the angle and direction of the bend of pry edge  128  may vary. For example, the direction and angle of pry edge  128  may depend on the type of glass and type of frame for which an embodiment is designed. 
     During the process of removing glass from a frame for repair or replacement, the apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may be used for numerous functions. For example, pry edge  128  may be used to remove a vinyl glazing bead from the perimeter of a window frame and cutting notch  114  may be used to cut vinyl which is pulled from the window frame. Gas output  104  may be used as a torch to heat a glue bed between the window frame and the glass. If the glass cannot be removed at this point with pry edge  128 , cutting edges  116 ,  118 , and  124  may be used separately and/or in conjunction with the torch at gas output  104  to cut the glass from the window frame at any areas where the glass remains stuck to the frame. Cutting blade  130  may be used as needed for any additional cutting which may be necessary and/or useful. Once the glass is not adhered to the window frame, pry edge  128  may be employed to pry the glass from the window frame. 
       FIGS. 3 and 4  illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of a deglazing apparatus.  FIG. 3  depicts a top view of the second embodiment of the deglazing apparatus. This embodiment has handle  202  attached to back plate  210  and front plate  212 . Handle  202  is depicted with gas output nozzle  204 , gas control  206 , and gas nozzle adjustment  208 . Handle  202  has cavity  214  constructed in handle  202  for removable gas container  224 . 
     Removable gas container  224  is in operable association with gas output nozzle  204 , gas control  206 , and gas nozzle adjustment  208 . As discussed for the first embodiment, gas output nozzle  204  directs the output gas flow and gas control  206  is depicted as a button on the top of handle  202 . In addition, gas control  206  operates an igniter (not shown) associated with gas output nozzle  204  to light the gas flow and create a torch when gas control  206  is depressed. Gas nozzle adjustment  208  may be used to restrict or expand gas output nozzle  204  to control gas flow through gas output nozzle  204 . In some embodiments, gas nozzle adjustment  208  may be used to adjust the direction in which gas output nozzle  204  is pointed. For example, gas output nozzle  204  may be pulled away from first plate  212  to be more parallel than gas output nozzle  204  is currently shown. 
     In this embodiment, like the first embodiment, front plate  212  is shown as a wing shaped plate attached to handle  202  near the center of front plate  212  at the end of handle  202  having gas output nozzle  204 . Cutting edges  216  and  218  are located along the sides of front plate  212  away from handle  202 . Front edges  220  and  222  extend between where handle  202  connects to front plate  212  to cutting edges  216  and  218 . Front edge  220  is shown at a forward angle from the point at which handle  202  connects with front plate  212  towards cutting edge  218  making an obtuse angle between handle  202  and front edge  220 . Likewise, front edge  222  is shown at a forward angle from the point at which handle  202  connects with front plate  212  towards cutting edge  216  making an obtuse angle between handle  202  and front edge  222 . Like the first embodiment, cutting edges  216  and  218  are depicted for cutting in a forward direction. 
     In this embodiment, back plate  210  is shown at the end of handle  202  having cavity  214 . In addition, handle  202  is shown attached near the center and front of back plate  210 . In this embodiment, back plate  210  is shown with pry edge  226  located across the back edge of back plate  210 . 
       FIG. 4  depicts a side view of the second exemplary embodiment of the deglazing apparatus.  FIG. 4  shows handle  202  attached to back plate  210  and front plate  212 , and with gas output nozzle  204 , gas control  206 , and gas nozzle adjustment  208 .  FIG. 4  depicts removable gas container  224  with output end  234  connected to input end  236  of gas tube  228 . One of skill in the art will recognize that any form of connection permitting gas flow from removable gas container  224  into gas tube  228  may be utilized, including a threaded connection, a friction connection, a pressure connection, or a fitted connection. One of skill in the art will also recognize that removable gas container  224  may be any gas sealable container that may in removable connection with cavity  214  and gas tube  228 . For example, removable gas container  224  may be a portable propane gas cartridge that is refillable and quickly interchangeable. Gas tube  228  directs gas flow to gas flow control mechanism  230 . In this embodiment, when gas control  206  is depressed gas flow control mechanism  230  allows the flow of gas to travel from removable gas container  224  to gas output nozzle  204 , and when gas control  206  is not depressed the gas flow control mechanism  230  prevents the flow of gas. One of skill in the art will recognize that any mechanism that may control gas flow may be implemented, including a variety of valves. In addition, handle  202  is depicted with grip portion  236 , which may comprise an ergonomic design for comfort and ease of use.  FIG. 4  also depicts a downward bend of pry edge  226 . 
     During the process of removing glass from a frame for repair or replacement, the apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 3 and 4  may also be used for numerous functions. For example, pry edge  226  may be used to remove a vinyl glazing bead from the perimeter of a window frame and cutting edge  216  may be used to cut vinyl which is pulled from the window frame. Gas output nozzle  204  may be used as a torch to heat a glue bed between the window frame and the glass. If the glass cannot be removed at this point with pry edge  226 , cutting edges  216  and  218  may be used separately and/or in conjunction with the torch at gas output nozzle  204  to cut the glass from the window frame at any areas where the glass remains stuck to the frame. Once the glass is not adhered to the window frame, pry edge  226  may be employed to pry the glass from the window frame. In addition, a user may carry multiple removable gas containers  224  in case one runs out of gas during the process of removing glass. 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate a third exemplary embodiment of a deglazing apparatus.  FIG. 5  depicts a top view of the third embodiment of the deglazing apparatus. This embodiment has handle  302  attached to plate  310 . Handle  302  is depicted with gas output nozzle  304  and gas nozzle adjustment  308 . Handle  302  has cavity  314  constructed in handle  302  for removable gas container  324 . Removable gas container  324  is in operable association with gas output nozzle  304  and gas nozzle adjustment  308 . As discussed for the previous embodiment, gas output nozzle  304  directs the output gas flow and gas nozzle adjustment  308  may be used to restrict or expand gas output nozzle  304  to control gas flow through gas output nozzle  304 . 
     In this embodiment, plate  310  is shown attached to handle  302  near the center of plate  310  with a wing shaped front near gas output nozzle  304 . Cutting edges  316  and  318  are located along the front sides of plate  310  away from handle  302 . Front edges  320  and  322  extend between where handle  302  connects to plate  310  to cutting edges  316  and  318 . Front edge  320  is shown at a forward angle from the point at which handle  302  connects with front plate  312  towards cutting edge  318  making an obtuse angle between handle  302  and front edge  320 . Likewise, front edge  322  is shown at a forward angle from the point at which handle  302  connects with front plate  312  towards cutting edge  316  making an obtuse angle between handle  302  and front edge  322 . In this embodiment, the front sections of cutting edges  316  and  318  are depicted for cutting in a forward direction and back sections of cutting edges  316  and  318  are depicted for cutting in a backward direction. 
     In this embodiment, pry edge  326  located across the back edge of plate  310  at the end of handle  302  having cavity  314 . Plate  310  is shown with cutting notch  312  on one side and cutting blade  340  on the other side away from handle  302 . In this embodiment cutting blade  340  is shown as a rotatable blade for additional safety, wherein cutting blade  340  rotates around pivot point  342  between at least an open position (as shown) and a closed position. In a closed position, cutting blade  340  is placed in association with safety bar  344 . When cutting blade  340  is in association with safety bar  344 , the risk of accident caused by cutting blade  340  is reduced. 
     In addition, slide lock  338  is shown in this embodiment in handle  302 . In this embodiment, slide lock  338  is used as a safety lock for gas control  306  (see  FIG. 6 ). For example, gas control  306  (see  FIG. 6 ) may not operate if slide lock  338  is pushed towards cutting edge  318  (as depicted), and gas control  306  (see  FIG. 6 ) may operate if slide lock  338  is pushed towards cutting edge  316 . One of skill in the art will recognize that any safety device may be employed as an alternative or in conjunction with slide lock  338  to limit the risk of accidents and remain within the scope and spirit of the invention. 
       FIG. 6  depicts a side view of the third exemplary embodiment of the deglazing apparatus.  FIG. 6  shows handle  302  attached to plate  310  and with gas output nozzle  304 , gas control  306 , and gas nozzle adjustment  308 . Similar to the second embodiment, handle  302  is depicted with grip portion  332 , which may comprise an ergonomic design for comfort and ease of use. In addition,  FIG. 6  depicts removable gas container  324  with output end  334  connected to input end  336  of gas tube  328 . Gas tube  328  directs gas flow to gas flow control mechanism  330 . In this embodiment, gas control  306  is depicted as a trigger mechanism on the bottom of handle  302  in front of grip portion  332 . When gas control  306  is pulled gas flow control mechanism  330  allows the flow of gas to travel from the removable gas container  324  to gas output  304 , and when gas control  306  is not pulled gas flow control mechanism  330  prevents the flow of gas. In addition, gas control  306  operates igniter  309  associated with gas output nozzle  304  to light the gas flow and create a torch when gas control  306  is pulled. Igniter  309  is depicted as a pronged electric igniter associated with gas output nozzle  304 . One skilled in the art will recognize that any igniter may be used and remain within the scope and spirit of the invention. Slide lock  338  may operate to either allow or prevent gas flow output in any variety of ways. For example, slide lock  338  may be associated with gas control  306  to allow or prevent gas control  306  from being pulled, thus preventing gas flow control mechanism  330  from opening to allow a gas flow output. For another example, slide lock  338  may be associated with gas flow control mechanism  330  to allow or prevent a change in gas flow control mechanism  330 , thus preventing gas flow control mechanism  330  from opening to allow a gas flow output despite gas control  306  being pulled.  FIG. 6  also depicts an upward bend of pry edge  326 . 
     During the process of removing glass from a frame for repair or replacement, the apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 5 and 6  may also be used for numerous functions. For example, pry edge  326  may be used to remove a vinyl glazing bead from the perimeter of a window frame and cutting notch  312  may be used to cut vinyl which is pulled from the window frame. Gas output nozzle  304  may be used as a torch to heat a glue bed between the window frame and the glass. If the glass cannot be removed at this point with pry edge  326 , cutting edges  316  and  318  may be used separately and/or in conjunction with the torch at gas output nozzle  304  to cut the glass from the window frame at any areas where the glass remains stuck to the frame. In addition, cutting blade  130  may be rotated into an open position (as shown) and used as needed for any additional cutting which may be necessary and/or useful. Once the glass is not adhered to the window frame, pry edge  326  may be employed to pry the glass from the window frame. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a user carrying device for a deglazing apparatus. Apparatus carrying plate  402  is shown as a flat magnetic plate with user connection  404  and tool carrier attachment  406 . User connection  404  may be any mechanism or construction that provided capability to attach apparatus carrying plate to a user or a structure associate with a user, such as a ladder. For example, user connection  404  is shown as a hole which may be attached to a user&#39;s belt or a hook on a ladder. Tool carrier attachment  406  may be any mechanism which provides the capability to attach additional tools to apparatus carrying plate  402 . For example, tool carrier attachment  406  is shown as a hole which may be used to attach suction cups used to hold panes of glass during removal and installation via hooks on the suction cups. A user of a deglazing apparatus having a metal portion may place the metal portion in magnetic association with apparatus carrying plate  402  such that a deglazing apparatus stays in association with apparatus carrying plate  402  until a user removes the apparatus from the magnetic association. For example, if front plate  112  of the first embodiment of a deglazing apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  is metal, a user may place front plate  112  against apparatus carrying plate  402  to hold the apparatus shown in  FIG. 1  while the user applies suction cups to the glass. 
       FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate a fourth exemplary embodiment of a deglazing apparatus.  FIG. 8  depicts a top view of the fourth embodiment of the deglazing apparatus. This embodiment has handle  502  attached to back plate  510  and front plate  512 . On top of handle  502  is removable gas container  534  removably attached to handle  502  by strap  536 . One skilled in the art will recognize that other means of removably or permanently attaching gas tank  534  to handle  502  may be used and remain within the scope and spirit of the disclosure. Gas tank  534  has a tapered front  538  which attaches to gas control cap  504 . Gas control cap  504  includes gas output nozzle  540  (shown in  FIG. 9 ), gas control  506 , and gas nozzle adjustment  508 . Handle  202  has a concave top for removable gas container  534  to sit in while attached. 
     Removable gas container  534  is in operable association with gas output nozzle  540 , gas control  506 , and gas nozzle adjustment  508  via gas control cap  504 . As discussed for the first embodiment, gas output nozzle  540  directs the output gas flow and gas control  506  is depicted as a button on the side of gas control cap  504 . In addition, gas control  506  operates an igniter (not shown) associated with gas output nozzle  540  to light the gas flow and create a torch when gas control  506  is depressed. Gas nozzle adjustment  508 , depicted as a knob on gas control cap  504 , may be used to control gas flow through gas output nozzle  540 . 
     In this embodiment, like the first embodiment, front plate  512  is shown as a wing shaped plate attached to handle  502  near the center of front plate  512  at the end of handle  502  having gas control cap  504 . Cutting edges  516  and  518  are located along the sides of front plate  512  away from handle  502 . Front edges  520  and  522  extend between where handle  502  connects to front plate  512  to cutting edges  516  and  518 . Front edge  520  is shown at a forward angle from the point at which handle  502  connects with front plate  512  towards cutting edge  518  making an obtuse angle between handle  502  and front edge  520 . Likewise, front edge  522  is shown at a forward angle from the point at which handle  502  connects with front plate  512  towards cutting edge  516  making an obtuse angle between handle  502  and front edge  522 . Like the first embodiment, cutting edges  516  and  518  are depicted for cutting in a forward direction. 
     In this embodiment, like the first embodiment, back plate  510  is shown at the end of handle  502  opposite from gas control cap  504 . Handle  502  is shown attached near the center and front of back plate  510 . In this embodiment, back plate  510  is shown with cutting notch  514  on one side and cutting edge  524  on the other side. Front edge  526  is shown at a forward angle from the point at which handle  502  connects towards cutting edge  524  making an obtuse angle between handle  502  and front edge  526 . In addition, pry edge  528  is located on a portion of the back edge of back plate  510 . Cutting blade  530  is depicted between pry edge  528  and cutting edge  524 . In this embodiment cutting blade  530  is shown as a retractable blade for additional safety, wherein blade control  532  may be utilized to retract and/or extend cutting blade  530 . Like the first embodiment, cutting edges  516 ,  518  and  524  are depicted for cutting in a forward direction. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a side view of the fourth exemplary embodiment of the deglazing apparatus.  FIG. 9  shows handle  502  attached to back plate  510  and front plate  512 .  FIG. 9  depicts removable gas container  534  with tapered front  538  attached to gas control cap  504  having gas output nozzle  540 , gas control  506 , and gas nozzle adjustment  508 . One of skill in the art will recognize that any form of connection permitting gas flow from removable gas container  534  into gas control cap  504  may be utilized, including a threaded connection, a friction connection, a pressure connection, or a fitted connection. In addition, handle  502  is depicted with concave design in which removable gas container  534  may rest. One of skill in the art will recognize that handle  502  may also comprise an ergonomic design for further comfort and ease of use. Removable gas container  534  is shown attached to handle  502  by strap  536 . Strap  536  may be placed around removable gas container  534  and attached to handle  502  by attachment mechanism  542 . One skilled in the art will recognize that attachment mechanism  542  may be a threaded connection, a friction connection, a pressure connection, a fitted connection or any other connection allowing strap  536  to secure removable container  534  to handle  502 .  FIG. 9  also depicts a downward bend of pry edge  226 . 
     During the process of removing glass from a frame for repair or replacement, the apparatus depicted in  FIGS. 8 and 9  may be used for numerous functions. For example, pry edge  528  may be used to remove a vinyl glazing bead from the perimeter of a window frame and cutting notch  514  may be used to cut vinyl which is pulled from the window frame. Gas output nozzle  540  may be used as a torch to heat a glue bed between the window frame and the glass. If the glass cannot be removed at this point with pry edge  528 , cutting edges  516 ,  518 , and  524  may be used separately and/or in conjunction with the torch at gas output nozzle  540  to cut the glass from the window frame at any areas where the glass remains stuck to the frame. Cutting blade  530  may be used as needed for any additional cutting which may be necessary and/or useful. Once the glass is not adhered to the window frame, pry edge  528  may be employed to pry the glass from the window frame. 
     The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the system or method described.