Patent Publication Number: US-2023150161-A1

Title: Glass Removal Tool

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION 
     The present application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/279,517 filed on Nov. 15, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of tools. The present invention relates specifically to a tool for removing glass sealed to another object such as an automobile. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One embodiment of the invention relates to glass removal system including a glass removal tool. The glass removal tool includes a body, a motor coupled to the body, and an axle supported by the body. A spool is rotatably mounted to the axle and a cutting medium is wound around the spool. The cutting medium is configured to cut through a sealant extending around and holding a piece of glass in place. The glass removal tool further includes a transmission system coupled to and extending between the motor and the axle, a vacuum pump, an attachment mechanism, and a power source. The vacuum pump is coupled to the body and creates a vacuum force to couple the attachment mechanism to an inner surface of the piece of glass. The power source is electrically coupled to the motor and vacuum pump. The glass removal system further includes a remote control device configured to control the motor from a distance away from the glass removal tool. The cutting medium is threaded through a gap in the sealant and extended around an outer surface of the piece of glass. When the motor drives retraction of the cutting medium onto the spool, a cutting force is created allowing the cutting medium to cut through the sealant. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to glass removal tool including a body, a motor, a spool, a vacuum pump, a transmission system, and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism is coupled to a surface of a piece of glass. The vacuum pump creates a force to couple the attachment mechanism of the glass removal tool to the piece of glass. A shaft of the motor is coupled to the transmission system. The transmission system is coupled to an axle that is rotatably coupled to the spool. The spool includes a cutting medium wound around the spool. The cutting medium is configured to cut through a sealant holding the piece of glass in place. 
     Another embodiment of the invention relates to remote control device configured to control the motor of the glass removal tool from a distance away from the glass removal tool. In such embodiments, the glass removal tool includes a communication device configured to receive wireless signals from the remote control device. The remote control device includes a power button and a button or trigger that generates a command signal that acts to start the motor when received by the communication device of the glass removal tool. When an operator presses a torque control button the power of the motor can be increased. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and, in part, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary. 
     The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This application will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a glass removal system including a cord and wire glass removal tool and a remote control, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    is a front perspective view of the cord and wire glass removal tool of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a rear perspective view of the cord and wire glass removal tool of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    is a detailed plan view of a transmission system of the cord and wire glass removal tool of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the remote control of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    is a left-side perspective view of the remote control of  FIG.  5   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram showing the use of the glass removal system of  FIG.  1   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a hot knife glass removal tool, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  9    is a diagram showing the use of the glass removal tool of  FIG.  8   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  10    is a perspective view of a hot knife glass removal tool, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  11    is a right-side perspective view of a tip portion of the hot knife glass removal tool of  FIG.  10   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view from below of the tip portion of the hot knife glass removal tool of  FIG.  10   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  13    is a cross sectional view of the hot knife glass removal tool of  FIG.  10   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  14    is an exploded view of a cold knife glass removal tool, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  15    is a left-side perspective view of a cold knife glass removal tool, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  16    is a right-side perspective view of the cold knife glass removal tool of  FIG.  15   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  17    is a diagram showing the use of the glass removal tool of  FIG.  15   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  18    is a heated wire that can be utilized with a cord and wire glass removal tool, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  19    is a perspective view of a setup system that can be utilized with a cord and wire glass removal tool, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  20    is a diagram showing the use of the setup system of  FIG.  19    with a cord and wire glass removal tool, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  21    is a cord and wire glass removal tool, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  22    is the cord and wire glass removal tool of  FIG.  21    with the housing portion removed, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  23    is the cord and wire glass removal tool of  FIG.  21    with the housing portion and the spool removed, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  24    is a cord and wire glass removal tool, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  25    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a reciprocating saw that can be utilized with a cord and wire glass removal tool, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  26    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a reciprocating saw that can be utilized with a cord and wire glass removal tool, according to another exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  27    is a perspective view of a reciprocating saw, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
         FIG.  28    is a diagram showing the use of the reciprocating saw of  FIG.  27   , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a system for removing glass (e.g., a windshield) sealed to another object such as an automobile are shown. Various embodiments of the system for removing glass discussed herein allow for a single individual to remove sealant and/or adhesive (e.g., urethane) that holds the glass to the body of the automobile. As discussed herein, Applicant has developed a number of improvements to the functionality of the glass removal system. In contrast to the glass removal system discussed herein, many glass removal systems require multiple people working together to operate the glass removal tool and then to remove the windshield from its position on the body of the automobile. Applicant believes the remote control device discussed herein allows a single person to complete the glass removal process that often requires more than one person due to the unwieldy nature of a windshield. Once the removal tool has been placed on the windshield, a single user can operate the remote control device from a position outside of the automobile allowing for the user to grasp and separate the windshield from the automobile. The glass removal system may also include an arm (e.g., a boom arm) configured to grasp the windshield to further assist the user and improve the ease of removal of the windshield. 
     Further, Applicant believes the glass removal tool and remote control device described allow a single user to more quickly place the removal tool, remove the sealant between the glass and remove the windshield. Many glass removal tools require a user to operate the tool from inside the automobile. As will be discussed in greater detail, a user is able to use the remote control device from outside of the automobile to communicate with the removal tool that has already been placed on the inside of the windshield. Therefore, a user can more efficiently complete a project like a windshield replacement by themselves (i.e., less movement in and out of automobile is required). 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , various aspects of a system for removing sealed glass, shown as glass removal system  10  are shown. Glass removal system  10  includes a tool, shown as a cord and wire glass removal tool  12  and a remote control device, shown as a remote control  14 . Cord and wire glass removal tool  12  includes a body  16 , a motor  18 , a spool  20 , a vacuum pump  24 , and an attachment mechanism, a portion of the attachment mechanism is shown as a suction cup  26 . Motor  18  is coupled to body  16  of cord and wire glass removal tool  12 . In a specific embodiment, motor  18  is a stepper motor. In another specific embodiment, motor  18  is a direct current (DC) motor. 
     Vacuum pump  24  is coupled a first end  23  of body  16 . The first end  23  of body  16  is adjacent to motor  18 . A second end  25  opposes first end  23  of body  16 . Suction cup  26  is coupled to body  16  at first end  23  and positioned below motor  18  and adjacent to vacuum pump  24 . Spool  20  is positioned within body  16  at second end  25 . A cutting medium or wire  22  is wound or coiled onto spool  20 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 - 2   , various aspects of cord and wire glass removal tool  12  are shown. Body  16  further includes a plurality of connectors or legs  17  that extend between an upper portion  34  and a lower portion  36 . Each of the plurality of legs  17  receives a fastener  48  (e.g., screws, bolts etc.) to couple legs  17 , upper portion  34  and lower portion  36  of body  16  together. A space or gap  38  is defined between upper portion  34  and lower portion  36  of body  16 . Spool  20  is rotatably mounted to a shaft or axle  28  that extends between and is supported by upper portion  34  and lower portion  36 . In a specific embodiment, axle  28  is rotatably coupled to upper portion  34  and lower portion  36  such that axle  28  is allowed to rotate relative to body  16  during extension or retraction of cutting medium  22 . In a specific embodiment, axle  28  is coupled to upper portion  34  and lower portion  36  by one or more fasteners, shown as screws  32 . 
     A transmission system  30  is positioned within gap  38  between upper portion  34  and lower portion  36  of body  16 . Transmission system  30  includes a transmission belt  31 . Transmission system  30  is coupled to a shaft of motor  18  that extends downward to a position below upper portion  34 . Transmission belt  31  and transmission system  30  extend from below motor  18  at first end  23  of body  16  to above spool  20  at second end  25  of body  16 . Motor  18  is connected or electrically coupled by a plurality of motor wires  40  to a power source, shown as a battery  52  (see e.g.,  FIG.  3   ). Vacuum pump  24  is connected by vacuum pump wires  42  to a power source, shown as battery  52  (see e.g.,  FIG.  3   ). 
     Vacuum pump  24  is connected to a flexible hose or tube  44  at a first end  43  of the tube  44 . Tube  44  is another portion of the attachment mechanism and includes a second end  45  that opposes first end  43 . Second end  45  of tube  44  is connected to a suction cup insert  46  configured to be received within second end  45  of tube  44 . Suction cup  26  further includes a generally horizontal, upward facing portion  47  and an angled portion  49  that extends downward, away from upward facing portion  47  and body  16 . Suction cup insert  46  is positioned on upward facing portion  47  of suction cup  26  and extends generally upward away from generally horizontal, upward facing portion  47  of suction cup  26  toward upper portion  34  of body  16 . 
     Suction cup  26  is designed to be placed on a surface of a nonporous material such as glass and specifically a windshield (e.g., inward facing or outward facing surface). In other words, an interior surface of suction cup  26  faces and is attached to the inner surface of windshield  84  and tube  44  is coupled to and extends between vacuum pump  24  and suction cup  26 . In a specific embodiment, one large suction cup  26  is used to attach cord and wire glass removal tool  12  to the windshield. In another embodiment, a plurality of suction cups  26  may be used to attach cord and wire glass removal tool  12  to a windshield. In a specific embodiment, suction cup  26  is formed from a polymer material (e.g., rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), etc.). 
     When a user places cord and wire glass removal tool  12  on a surface (e.g., a windshield) the interior surface of suction cup  26  faces and attaches to the interior surface of the windshield. In a specific embodiment, the interior surface of suction cup  26  is a concave surface. When vacuum pump  24  is turned on, the air within suction cup  26  is evacuated creating a pressure differential between a space inside suction cup  26  and the outside environment (i.e., outside of suction cup  26 ) or atmosphere such that suction cup  26  is attached to the glass or windshield  84 . The outside pressure is greater than an internal pressure of suction cup  26 , pushes suction cup  26  and cord and wire glass removal tool  12  toward the windshield and creates a vacuum force. The vacuum force generated by the vacuum pump  24  is greater than the cutting force generated by cord are wire glass removal tool  12  cutting the sealant that was holding the windshield in place. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , a rear perspective view of the cord and wire glass removal tool  12  is shown. The power source, shown as battery  52  is positioned at least partially within gap  38 , between upper portion  34  and lower portion  36  of body  16 . More specifically, battery  52  is positioned between at least two of legs  17  of body  16 . The use of and positioning of the power source of cord and wire glass removal tool  12  allows for a compact design and easy portability for the user. In a specific embodiment, cord and wire glass removal tool  12  is powered by a 9-volt battery  52 . In other embodiments, battery  52  is a rechargeable power tool battery, such as a lithium-ion power tool battery. 
     Body  16 , and specifically upper portion  34  includes a curved section  55 . Curved section  55  extends inward toward motor  18  and defines a recess  56 . Recess  56  allows access to transmission system  30  such that transmission belt  31  (see e.g.,  FIG.  2   ) can be tensioned after installation. Upper portion  34  further includes a toggle or switch  50  to permit a user to turn cord and wire glass removal tool  12  (i.e., motor  18  and vacuum pump  24 ) on and off. In one embodiment, a communication device  51 , shown schematically is coupled to body  16  and/or motor  18  and configured to receive signals, such as wireless signals from the remote control device  14 . In another embodiment, communication device  51  may be integral with motor  18 . 
     Suction cup  26  further includes a tab  54  coupled to and extending away from angled portion  49 . Tab  54  assists a user in releasing suction cup  26  from the windshield once the vacuum pump has been turned off and cord and wire glass removal tool  12  is ready to be removed from the windshield. 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , detailed plan view of the transmission system  30  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Transmission system  30  includes a first gear  58  coupled to motor  18 , a second gear  60  positioned at second end  25  of body  16  and transmission belt  31 . Transmission belt  31  connects first gear  58  and second gear  60  transmitting power from motor  18  to axle  28  and cutting medium  22 . First gear  58  is coupled to and rotatable about a shaft of motor  18 . Second gear  60  is coupled to axle  28 . 
     In a specific embodiment, first gear  58  is a pinion gear with a smaller diameter than second gear  60 . The gear ratio is designed such that motor  18  provides a torque large enough to cut through the sealant surrounding the windshield. In a specific embodiment, first gear  58  and second gear  60  rotate in a clockwise direction, shown by arrow  62  during cutting of the sealant. In another embodiment, first gear  58  and second gear  60  may be rotated in a counterclockwise direction during cutting of the sealant. 
     As discussed above, Applicant believes the use of a remote control device with cord and wire glass removal tool  12  allows a single user to more easily remove the sealant between glass and automobile such that the glass and/or windshield can be removed without requiring an additional person. Further, glass removal system  10  allows the user to place cord and wire glass removal tool  12  on the inside of the windshield and then operate the glass removal tool  12  from outside of the automobile, allowing a user to more efficiently complete a project like a windshield replacement. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  5 - 6   , perspective views of a remote control device, shown as remote control  14  are shown. Remote control  14  is configured to interact with cord and wire glass removal tool  12  from a distance. For example, a user selects a command on remote control  14 , and in response remote control  14  emits a command signal to be received by communication device  51  of cord and wire glass removal tool  12  providing a command to cord and wire glass removal tool  12  (e.g., start motor, increase or decrease motor power, etc.). In a specific embodiment, a trigger (e.g.,  78 ) on the remote control  14  generates a command signal to start the motor  18  or adjust a power level to the motor  18  when received by the communication device  51  of the glass removal tool  12 . In a specific embodiment, remote control  14  uses a wireless local area network (WLAN) shown as Wi-Fi  88  (see e.g.,  FIG.  7   ) to communicate with communication device  51  of cord and wire glass removal tool  12 . In other embodiments, the remote control  14  may use radiofrequency (RF), Bluetooth, or infrared communication. 
     Remote control  14  includes an upper housing portion  66  and a lower housing portion  76  that can be fastened together to form remote housing  64 . In some embodiments, remote housing  64  is a single, continuous, and/or integral part such that upper housing portion  66  and lower housing portion  76  are permanently joined and/or fabricated as a unitary part. Remote control  14  includes one or more physical interfacing components, shown as buttons (see e.g.,  68 ,  70 ,  72  etc.). A power button  68  is positioned on upper housing portion  66  allowing a user to turn remote control  14  on and off. Upper housing portion  66  further includes a direction control button  70 . Direction control button  70  allows a user to change the direction of motor  18 . For example, if the motor was rotating in a counterclockwise direction and the user pressed the right portion of direction control button  70 , motor  18  would brake, before beginning to rotate in a clockwise direction. 
     Remote control  14  further includes a pair of torque control buttons  72 . Torque control buttons  72  allow a user to increase or decrease the motor power as necessary during the cutting process. For example, if the user pushes the right torque control button  72 , the power to motor  18  of cord and wire glass removal tool  12  is increased and if the user pushes the left torque control button  72 , the power to motor  18  is decreased. Upper housing portion  66  further includes a torque level indicator, shown as display  74 . Display  74  gives a visual indication to a user of the current power level of cord and wire glass removal tool  12 . For example, as the power level of cord and wire glass removal tool  12  increases, the number of lights emitting a signal on display  74  will also increase. Lower housing portion  76  includes a curved portion  77  configured to receive a portion of the user&#39;s hand (i.e., fingers) as remote control  14  is held. A trigger  78  is positioned within curved portion  77  of lower housing portion  76 . When remote control  14  is powered on and the user presses trigger  78 , motor  18  is started. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , a diagram showing glass removal system  10  in use, according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. To operate glass removal system  10 , a user places cord and wire glass removal tool  12  and specifically suction cup  26  on an inner surface  82  of a piece of glass, shown schematically as windshield  80 . The user can press switch  50  to turn on vacuum pump  24  creating a vacuum force to seal suction cup  26  to inner surface  82  of windshield  80 . A sealant  84  (e.g., urethane) extends around windshield  80  to hold windshield  80  to the body of an automobile. The cutting medium  22  is threaded through a hole or gap  81  in sealant  84  and cutting medium  22  is extended around an outer surface or the outside of a perimeter of windshield  80  before being secured or anchored to a device, shown as ground or anchor device  86 . In other words, an end of the cutting medium  22  extended around the outer surface of windshield  80  is coupled to anchor  86 . The user can remain standing outside of the automobile and press power button  68  to turn on remote control  14  and press the trigger  78  to start motor  18  using wireless communication with cord and wire glass removal tool  12  using Wi-fi  88 . Motor  18  drives the retraction of cutting medium  22  onto spool  20 , creating a cutting force that allows cutting medium  22  is to cut or slice through sealant  84 , breaking the connection with windshield  80 . In some embodiments, cord and wire glass removal tool  12  may need to be repositioned on the windshield during the windshield removal process. In other embodiments, cord and wire glass removal tool  12  may be placed on the windshield a single time during the windshield removal process. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  8 - 9   , various aspects of a heated tool, shown as hot knife  112  are shown. As discussed herein, Applicant has developed a number of improvements to the functionality of the glass removal knife. In contrast to the glass removal knife discussed herein, conventional glass removal knives are not heated (i.e., cold knives) which require a user to apply a greater force to cut through a sealant, such as urethane to remove the windshield from its position on the body of the automobile. In a specific embodiment, hot knife  112  is a soldering iron with an angled knife tip  114 . In other embodiments, the hot knife may be another type of hand tool with a heating element that includes a knife tip. 
     Hot knife  112  includes a tool body  116  with a tip portion  117  configured to receive and couple to angled knife tip  114  and a base  118 . In general, hot knife  112  includes various components for generating heat (e.g., heating element) positioned within tool body  116  and/or base  118 . Base  118  includes a power cord  119 , a power button  122 , and a stand portion  120  to hold the tool body  116 . Within base  118  are control electronics (e.g., printed circuit board assembly, temperature controller, etc.). 
     Referring to  FIG.  9   , a diagram showing hot knife  112  in use, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. A user can connect power cord  119  to a power source and press power button  122  to heat up hot knife  112 . The heated angled knife tip  114  can then be used to cut through a sealant  124  (e.g., urethane), that couples a windshield  126  to the body of an automobile  128  (both shown schematically). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  10 - 13   , various aspects of a heated tool, shown as hot knife  212  are shown. Hot knife  212  is substantially the same as hot knife  112  except for the differences discussed herein. Hot knife  212  uses a rechargeable power tool battery, such as a lithium-ion power tool battery  218  that can be coupled to an end of tool body  216 . A distal end  220 , opposing the end of tool body  216  with power tool battery  218 , is coupled to a tip portion  217 . 
     An angled knife tip  214  is fastened to tip portion  217  of hot knife  212 . Tip portion  217  includes a main body  222  and a connection end  224  that is removably coupled to distal end  220  of tool body  216 . Connection end  224  includes a bore  226  to receive distal end  220 . In a specific embodiment, tip portion  217  is threadably coupled to distal end  220 . A heating element  228  extends through tool body  216  and tip portion  217  to heat angled knife tip  214 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  14   , various aspects of a cold glass removal tool, shown as cold knife  312  are shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Applicant has developed a number of improvements to the functionality of the cold knife. In contrast to the glass removal knife discussed herein, conventional glass removal knives include a depth stop to determine the depth of the cut. The cold knives discussed herein, use wheels or rollers to keep the knife generally parallel with respect to the glass during the sealant removal. 
     Cold knife  312  includes angled knife tip  314 , a tool body  316 , a T-handle  318  and one or more wheels  324 . The T-handle  320  includes a grip portion  320  and a connection portion  322  oriented in a generally perpendicular direction relative to the grip portion  320  of the T-handle  318 . The connection portion  322  is coupled to the angled knife tip  314  such that when a user pulls the grip portion  320  a force is transmitted through the cold knife  312  allowing the user to cut through the sealant. The wheels  324  are coupled to the end of the tool body  316  adjacent to the angled knife tip  314 . When a user attempts to cut the glass sealant, the wheels  324  help keep the knife  312  parallel with the glass so that the cut maintains a consistent depth throughout the removal process. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  15 - 17   , various aspects of cold glass removal tool, shown as cold knife  412  are shown. Cold knife  412  is substantially the same as cold knife  312  except for the differences discussed herein. Cold knife  412  includes an angled knife tip  414 , a tool body  416 , a T-handle  418 , and one or more rollers  424 . The T-handle  420  includes a grip portion  420  and a connection portion  422  oriented in a generally perpendicular direction relative to the grip portion  420  of the T-handle  418 . The connection portion  422  is coupled to the angled knife tip  414  such that when a user pulls the grip portion  420  a force is transmitted through the cold knife  412  allowing the user to cut through the sealant. The rollers  424  are positioned on both sides of an attachment end  428  of the T-handle  410  and are coupled to the end of the tool body  416  adjacent to the angled knife tip  414 . The rollers  424 , attachment end  428  and angled knife tip  414  are connected by a fastener  426 . The T-handle  410  attachment is positioned above (orientation shown in  FIG.  17   ) so that the pulling force exerted on T-handle  410  does not rotate and/or twist angled knife tip  414  out of position during the cutting process. 
     Referring to  FIG.  17   , a diagram showing cold knife  412  in use, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. A user can position the rollers  424  against the windshield  430 , shown schematically. The angled knife tip  414  can then be used to cut through a sealant  432  (e.g., urethane), shown schematically that couples the windshield  430  to the body of an automobile  434 , shown schematically. 
     Referring to  FIG.  18   , a cutting medium, shown as a heated wire  522  is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Heated wire  522  can be utilized with a cord and wire glass removal tool like tool  12  with the addition of a heating assembly (e.g., heating element, controller etc.). In contrast to a cutting medium (e.g., cord or wire) that is not heated, a heated wire can cut through a sealant using less force to remove the windshield from an automobile. Heated wire  522  includes a first end  524  that can be coupled to the heating assembly of the cord and wire cutting tool and a second end  526  that opposes first end  524 . Second end  526  can extending through a gap in the sealant of the windshield to cut through the sealant in the same way cutting medium  22  is used (see e.g.,  FIG.  7   ). 
     Referring to  FIGS.  19 - 20   , various aspects of a setup system  610  that can be utilized with cord and wire glass removal tool  12  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The setup system  610  allows cord and wire glass removal tool  12  and remote control  14  (see e.g.,  FIG.  5   ) to be utilized for glass removal after a single placement by creating a linear relationship between the cutting force and an angle of the cutting medium. In other words, the cutting medium retainers are placed on the inner surface of windshield  680  or the glass being cut in locations such that a linear relationship between the cutting force and an angle of the cutting medium  622  is created, allowing the sealant  684  to be removed after a single placement of cord and wire glass removal tool  12 . Setup system  610  includes a plurality of cutting medium retainers  620 . Each cutting medium retainer  620  includes a suction cup portion  628  allowing for coupling to glass, a retaining portion  624  to engage and/or support the cutting medium  622 , and a body  626  that connects suction cup portion  628  to retaining portion  624 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  20   , a diagram showing setup system  610  in use is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In a specific embodiment, four cutting medium retainers  620  are placed on the inside of a windshield  680 , shown schematically with a cutting medium retainer  620  positioned in each corner of the corners of the windshield  680  or glass being removed. In other words, when there are four cutting medium retainers  620  one of the four cutting medium retainers  620  is positioned on the inner surface of the windshield  680  in each corner of the windshield  680 . A cutting medium  622  is extended through a gap in the sealant, shown as urethane  684  and wrapped around the cutting retainers  620  as shown in order to maintain the relationship between force and angle such that cord and wire cutting tool  12  only needs to be placed on the inner surface of the windshield a single time during the windshield removal process. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  21 - 23   , various aspects of a tool, shown as cord and wire glass removal tool  712 , are shown. Cord and wire glass removal tool  712  is substantially the same as cord and wire glass removal tool  12  except for the differences discussed herein. Cord and wire glass removal tool  712  includes an attachment mechanism, shown as suction cup  726 , a vacuum pump  724 , a spool  720 , and housing  716 . 
     The spool  720  is rotatable about an axle  728  and cutting medium  722  wound around spool  720 . The housing  716  encloses spool  720  and axle  728 . Vacuum pump  724  is coupled to suction cup  726  by hose or tube  744 . Cord and wire cutting tool  712  can be connected to and powered by a power tool such as a reciprocating saw (see e.g.,  FIG.  24   ). Attachment to a reciprocating saw can reduce the time it takes to remove a windshield. 
     Referring to  FIG.  24   , various aspects of a tool, shown as a cord and wire glass removal tool  812 , are shown. Cord and wire glass removal tool  812  is substantially the same as cord and wire glass removal tools  12  and  712  except for the differences discussed herein. Cord and wire glass removal tool  812  includes a suction cup  826 , a vacuum pump  824 , a rotatable connector  820 , a spring  830 , and a power tool  832 . Rotatable connector  820  is positioned above suction cup  826  and is rotatable about an axle  828 . A spring  830  is coupled to rotatable connector  820  on a first end and is coupled to a cutting medium  822  on a second end. 
     When in use, cord and wire glass removal tool  812  can be placed on an inside surface of the windshield while the cutting medium  822  is extended through the sealant to the outside of the automobile. The cutting medium  822  is then connected to a power tool, shown as a one-handed reciprocating saw  832 . The design of the reciprocating saw  832  allows a user to quickly cut through the sealant surrounding the windshield. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  25 - 26   , various aspects of a power tool that can be utilized with cord and wire cutting tools are shown according to an exemplary embodiment.  FIG.  25    shows a power tool, shown as a reciprocating saw  910  with a first stroke length D 1 , where stroke length is the distance the blade travels during the cutting motion.  FIG.  26    shows reciprocating saw  910  with a second stroke length D 2 . In a specific embodiment, D 1  is between 15 mm and 25 mm and more specifically between 20 mm and 24 mm. In such an embodiment, D 1  is about 22.5 mm (e.g., 22.5 mm±0.5 mm). In a specific embodiment, D 2  is between 5 mm and 15 mm and more specifically between 9 mm and 14 mm. In such an embodiment, D 2  is about 11.5 mm (e.g., 11.5 mm±0.5 mm). The reduced stroke length of the reciprocating saw described herein allows for increased precision during the glass removal process. Reducing the stroke length of the reciprocating saw allows a user to ensure there is no damage caused to the body of the automobile while the saw is reciprocating. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  27 - 28   , various aspects of glass removal tool, shown as reciprocating saw  950  are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Reciprocating saw  950  includes a flexible blade  952  and a blade guide  954  coupled to the blade  952 . Referring to  FIG.  29   , a diagram showing reciprocating saw  950  in use is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The blade  952  of reciprocating saw  950  extends generally parallel to the windshield  956 , shown schematically. The sealant  958  is cut by the blade  952 . The blade guide  954  prevents the blade  952  from extending beyond M, the maximum cut depth. The positioning of blade guide  954  determines M which should be chosen to ensure damage to the automobile  960  (shown schematically) is avoided. 
     It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one. As used herein, “rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. 
     Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to any combination of any of the features, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be utilized alone or in combination with any of the features, elements or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above. 
     While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above. 
     In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.