Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/025,739, filed on Feb. 19, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,702. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a tool which simplifies the task of removing a cracked or broken windshield in an automobile. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     A conventional windshield is secured to the frame opening in the vehicle body by means of a peripheral urethane bond. When this bond cures the windshield is firmly sealed in the frame for the life of the automobile. However, due to the impact of stones and metal objects thrown up into the path of travel, windshields can be cracked or broken. Vandalism is also a problem. 
     A common practice to remove a defective windshield requires the mechanic to position himself in the vehicle with his head and shoulders pressed against the windshield to apply an outward pressure. While maintaining this pressure he must cut the urethane bond at the top and sides and pivot the partially loosened windshield about the bottom so as to cut the bottom bond without damaging any adjacent vehicle components. This procedure is dangerous and can traumatize the mechanic&#39;s neck and/or risk cuts. 
     There is a need for a tool to simplify the operation and substitute mechanical pressure against the windshield for human head and shoulder pressure. 
     The following prior art reflects the state of the art of which applicant is aware and is included herewith to discharge the applicant&#39;s acknowledged duty to disclose relevant prior art. It is stipulated, however, that none of these references teach singly nor render obvious when considered in any conceivable combination the nexus of the instant invention as disclosed in greater detail hereinafter and as particularly claimed. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 ISSUE DATE 
                 INVENTOR 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 1,863,897 
                 Jun. 21, 1932 
                 Cloppert 
               
               
                 2,014,535 
                 Sep. 17, 1935 
                 Maca 
               
               
                 2,305,995 
                 Dec. 22, 1942 
                 Roberts 
               
               
                 2,746,767 
                 May 22, 1956 
                 Evans 
               
               
                 3,116,919 
                 Jan. 7, 1964 
                 Alth 
               
               
                 3,620,524 
                 Nov. 16, 1971 
                 Czompi 
               
               
                 3,662,994 
                 May 16, 1972 
                 Johns 
               
               
                 3,770,259 
                 Nov. 6, 1973 
                 Wagreich 
               
               
                 3,804,397 
                 Apr. 16, 1974 
                 Neumann 
               
               
                 4,457,503 
                 Jul. 3, 1984 
                 Connor 
               
               
                 5,042,772 
                 Aug. 27, 1991 
                 Madjeski 
               
               
                 5,085,415 
                 Feb. 4, 1992 
                 Shaver 
               
               
                 5,087,019 
                 Feb. 11, 1992 
                 Peabody, et al. 
               
               
                 5,135,205 
                 Aug. 4, 1992 
                 Bédard 
               
               
                 5,479,689 
                 Jan. 2, 1996 
                 Schmit, et al. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     A number of tool assemblies to aid the mechanic in removing and installing automobile windshields have been invented as typified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,620,524, issued Nov. 16, 1971, to Joseph Czompi; U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,415, issued Feb. 4, 1992, to Craig Shaver; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,689, issued Jan. 2, 1996, to David Schmit, et al. The patent to Czompi shows two spaced suction cups connected to an adjustable assembly to support a windshield while it is being installed. Shaver shows a windshield support mounted on the steering wheel to space a portion of the windshield from the frame opening. Schmit, et al. Shows a hand held tool to separate a windshield from the upper frame in order to expose the bottom seal for cutting. 
     While the above-mentioned patents do teach tools to facilitate the removal and replacement of windshields, the prior art does not teach a windshield removal tool having the flexibility or attachment and precise adjustability to safely push a windshield out of a supporting frame. 
     The other prior art listed above, but not specifically described further catalog the prior art of which the applicant is aware. These references diverge even more starkly from the references specifically distinguished above. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the apparatus of the invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the invention taken along lines  3 — 3  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the invention showing alternate positions of the top portion in phantom. 
     FIG. 5 is a side view of the top portion of the invention showing alternate positions of the suction device in phantom. 
     FIG. 6 is a front view similar to FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is a front view of the invention suction cup arm showing alternate lateral position in phantom. 
     FIG. 8 is an exploded parts perspective view of the invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of the invention mounted in operative position. 
     FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of the suction cup being enabled. 
     FIG. 11 is a pictorial view showing the windshield bond being cut along the top edge. 
     FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of the windshield being pushed out after cutting the bond along side edges of the windshield. 
     FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of the windshield being removed. 
     FIG. 14 shows a self supporting stand usable with the lift of this invention. 
     FIG. 15 shows the stand of FIG. 14 supporting a windshield. 
     FIG. 16 shows a stand supported lift employed to remove a sealed side window of a vehicle. 
    
    
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     The overall object of the invention improves upon the prior art windshield removal tools by providing a telescoping lift acting between the floor and windshield to apply a controlled pushing pressure against the windshield. 
     It is a specific object of the invention to apply the pressure to the windshield by means of two spaced suction cups which are adjustable with respect to the telescoping lift so as to apply the pressure in the most desirable area. The suction cups and mounting, while attached to the windshield, may be separated from the lift to serve as a carrier to remove the damaged windshield from the vehicle. 
     It is another object of the invention to provide an adjustment mechanism to extend the telescoping lift in a precise manner so as to maintain the correct pressure against the windshield. 
     It is yet another object of the invention to provide an adjustable base for the telescoping lift as well as an adjustable support at the top of the lift to enable universal positioning of the suction cups. 
     Viewed from a first vantage point it is an object of the invention to provide a windshield lift for applying pressure on the inside surface of a windshield comprising a base member, first and second cylindrical members, said first cylindrical member telescopically supported with respect to said second cylindrical member for reciprocating motion to extend and retract said cylindrical members with respect to each other, means on an end of said second cylindrical member remote from said first cylindrical member for pivotally mounting said second cylindrical member on said base member, an end of said first cylindrical member remote from said second cylindrical member supporting a bracket, an elongated support member having first and second ends, said first end being pivotally mounted on said bracket said second end supporting means to frictionally engage said windshield inside surface, and means to extend said cylindrical members. 
     Viewed from a second vantage point it is an object of the invention to provide a windshield lift for removing a windshield from a vehicle frame by applying pressure to the inside surface comprising a base member for positioning on the floor of a vehicle, a telescoping lift comprising at least two telescoping sections, drive means to reciprocate one of the sections with respect to the other, the fixed section being pivotally mounted on said base member so as to angle the lift in the direction of the windshield, a support bracket mounted on the free end of said movable section, a T-shaped work holder  38  having the stem of the T pivotally and removably mounted on said bracket, and a suction cup mounted on each end of the crossarm of the T-shaped work holder  38 . 
     Viewed from a third vantage point it is an object of the invention to provide a method for the removal of a vehicle windshield from a vehicle frame wherein said windshield is bonded to said frame by means of a peripheral plastic seal, said method comprising the steps of: installing an adjustable lift acting to supply a force against the internal surface of the windshield; gradually increasing the force applied to the windshield until the first sign of stretching of the seal is noticed; cutting the top seal while in a stretched condition; slowly increasing the force on the window stretching to side seals; freeing the side seals; with top and side seals free continue applying force to the windshield pivoting the windshield around its bottom edge; cutting the bottom seal; and removing the windshield. 
     These and other objects will be made manifest when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the appended drawing figures. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Considering the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral  10  is directed to the windshield lift according to the present invention. 
     Referring now in general to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1 through 8, the novel windshield lift  10  of this invention comprises a main cylindrical tube  11  telescopically receiving a slidable cylindrical tube  12 . The outside surface of the tube  11  may be provided with a polished surface for decorative purposes, or alternatively, provided with a soft plastic covering to prevent damage to the automobile interior. An extension cylinder  13  is inserted within tube  11  to abut stops  14  internally secured to tube  11 . The bottom of extension cylinder  13  projecting below tube  11  is flattened to form a tail piece  15 . A base  16  having spaced legs  17  made of plastic material is provided with a channel  18  formed between a pair of upstanding walls  2  to receive the tail piece  15 . A headed pin  19  is passed through aligned holes  24  in the tail piece  15  and walls  2  of the base  16  to pivotally support the extension cylinder  13 . A nut  20  is secured to pin  19  to hold the extension cylinder  13  in position and to allow for its removal for reasons explained below. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, extension cylinder  13  is carrying main tube  11  can be rotated clockwise around pin  19  to adjust the lift  10  from a vertical position through a range of almost 90 degrees. It should be understood that extension cylinder  13  can be made in various lengths to adapt the lift  10  for different uses. To change the extension cylinder  13 , nut  20  is removed and pin  19  slid out. The extension cylinder  13  is then removed and replaced with one of a different length by inserting it in tube  11  until it strikes stop  14 . The lift  10  is then set in channel  18  and the pin  19  inserted and secured by nut  20 . 
     Slidable tube  11  is reciprocated by means of a rack and pinion gear  21 ,  22  (FIGS.  3  and  8 ). Rack gear  21  is vertically secured to the internal surface of tube  11  as seen in FIG.  3 . Pinion gear  22  is secured on shaft  23  which passes through aligned holes  24  in the main tube  11 . Shaft  23  also passes through diametrically opposed longitudinal slots  25  cut into the tube  12 . One end of shaft  23  is provided with a crank handle  26  while the other end is positioned by shaft nut  27 . Rotation of handle  26  rotates pinion  22  which drives rack gear  21  to extend or retract tube  12  with respect to main tube  11 . Tube  12  is maintained in aligned position by shaft  23  passing through longitudinal slots  25 . A conventional shaft locking mechanism is provided at  28  to retain the crank handle  26  in a set position. Rotation of threaded nut  29  causes a wedging action against shaft  23 . 
     While a rack and pinion drive is disclosed for explanatory purposes, it should be clearly understood that many other mechanical drives and linkages are available to extend tube  12  with respect to main tube  11 . For example, tube  12  may be reciprocated by means of a hydraulic or electric drive, or even a cable and pulley system. 
     A bracket  30  formed of a back wall  31  joined by two spaced curved side walls  32  is firmly secured to the top end of slidable cylindrical tube  12 . A stub tube holder  33  is mounted between the side walls  32  of the bracket  30  for a limited range of angular adjustments. For this purpose a pivot pin  34  is passed through aligned holes  24  in the side walls  32  and holder  33  and permanently staked in position. In this manner holder  33  is permanently secured in bracket  30  while capable of limited angular adjustment. In order to effect this adjustment, a series of paired holes  35  arranged in an arcuate manner around pin  34  as a center are provided in the side walls  32 . A hole  36  is drilled through holder  33  to sequentially align with arcuate holes  35  as the holder  33  is rotated around pivot  34 . At the desired location of hole registration a pin  37  with a thumb grip is inserted to pass through the holes  24  in the side walls  32  and holder  33  to secure the holder  33  in a set angular position. It should be noted that holder  33  may be positioned so as to extend axially with tube  12 , at right angles to tube  12  and a number of angular positions there between. 
     Holder  33  removably supports a generally T-shaped work holder  38 . The stem of the T shaped work holder  38  consists of a coupling rod  39  which removably seats in holder  33  and has its other end secured to a tie rod  40 . The crossarm  41  of the T is formed as a rod and passes through tie rod  40  and is secured thereto. Each arm of the cross is provided with flattened surfaces  42  on a side. 
     A suction cup  43  is adjustably secured on each arm of the cross  41  by means of a suction cup holder  44  which comprises a tubular collar  45  telescoped over each arm of the cross. A finger tightening set screw  46  is provided near one end of tube  45  to position it on arm  41 . Tightening of screw  46  against flattened surfaces  42  positions tube  45  on arm  41 . The other end of tube  45  holds a clamp  47  which is bolted to an end portion of hollow tube  45  by means of bolt and nut  48 . Clamp  47  has an opening  49  to securely receive the supporting shaft  50  of suction cup  43 . Suction cup  43  is of conventional construction and has a plunger vacuum pump  51  mounted in shaft  50 . Manual operation of pump  51  (along arrow H of FIG. 10) draws a vacuum between the suction cup  43  and its attached windshield W. Because of its attachment to tube  45  by bolt and nut  48 , clamp  47  with attached suction cup  43  is capable of an arcuate adjustment around bolt  48  acting as a pivot. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, suction cup  43  may be pivoted along arcs C and D or arcs E and F as needed. 
     While suction cups are to be preferred, it should be noted that friction pads and other attachments may be employed instead of suction cups without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     From FIGS. 4 through 7 it can be seen that the suction cups  43  can be adjustably positioned with respect to the windshield W by means of: (1) rotation around bolt  48  acting as a pivot (as described above), (2) slidable adjustment of hollow tube  45  with respect to crossarm  41  (as along double arrow G in FIG.  7 ), (3) rotation of rod  39  in holder  33  (as shown in FIG. 4 along arcs A and B) and (4) pivotal adjustment of holder  33  in bracket  30  (as described above). 
     Operation of the windshield lift  10  shown in FIGS. 1 through 8 will be explained in connection with the pictorial views shown in FIGS. 9 through 13. Referring first to FIG. 9, the lift  10  is positioned in the automobile with the base  16  supported on the floor and the lift  10  itself angled toward the windshield W. The lift  10  along with the work holder  38  and suction cups  43  are shifted and adjusted as explained above until a best fit position is found for the suction cups  43  in relation to the windshield W. The suction cups  43  are then pumped (FIG. 10) one at a time to create a vacuum to securely grip the windshield W. Handle  26  is then cranked around arcuate arrow I extending tube  11  along arrow R and exerting a force on the work holder  38  and suction cups  43  tending to outwardly push the windshield W. Sufficient force must be applied to stress the seal, but not enough to shatter the windshield W. This technique develops with experience. 
     After the seal is sufficient stressed, the technician goes outside and cuts the top seal with a sharp knife (FIG.  11 ). It has been discovered that when sufficiently stressed in tension, the seal can be cut more easily than an unstressed seal. After the top seal is cut, the side seals are cut while maintaining pressure on the seals with the crank handle. With the top and side seals cut, the handle  26  is cranked until the windshield W is pivoted out of the frame around the bottom seal which is then cut (FIG. 12) to totally free the windshield W. 
     As shown in FIG. 13, the final step in the operation is to rotate the windshield W so as to free the T-shaped work holder  38  along with its attached suction cups  43  from stub tube holder  33 , leaving the lift body to lean against the dashboard. The work holder  38 , along with the attached windshield W can then be carried off. Note the suction cup  43  holds the windshield W sufficiently to allow it to be a handle in carrying the windshield W. 
     FIG. 14 shows a modification for utilizing the disclosed lift  10  in a free standing mode of operation. Instead of the pivoted base  16  shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 14 shows a free standing base  144  having a cup shaped holder  145  supported by a pair of diverging struts  146  which are securely welded thereto. End portions of the struts  146  are welded to a pair of spaced, parallel feet  147  which engage a supporting surface. 
     The holder  145  supports the end portion of extension tube  13  including tail piece  15 . By removing pin  19  from base  16 , the same extension bar  13  can be used in the free standing base  144  by replacing pin  19  with hand screw knob  151 . When so mounted, the lift  10  operates as explained in FIGS. 1 through 8. 
     FIG. 15 shows the standing base  144  of FIG. 14 employed to hold a windshield W for inspection prior to its installation. As explained above, stub tube holder  33  may be adjusted in bracket  30  to be axially aligned. The suction cups  43  will then face upwardly to support the windshield W. 
     FIG. 16 shows the lift  10  of FIG. 10 arranged to apply pressure against the side window  148  of a van  149 . The rigid stand  144  is braced against a curb  150  or similar secure support and the lift  10  angled to secure the suction cups  43  to the side window  148 . 
     While only two applications of the lift  10  equipped with a rigid standing base  144  are shown, the uses are many. For example, the lift  10  may be used to remove the rear windshield W of a truck by bracing the stand against the wheel well. 
     Moreover, having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptions may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant invention as set forth hereinabove and as described hereinbelow by the claims.

Technology Category: 4