TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to apparatus for greatly improving the technique and methods of laminated glass damage repair, more particularly but not exclusively in the field of repair of vehicle glass, which is frequently chipped by flying stones or other material.

BACKGROUND ART

Existing apparatus and methods for repair of damaged vehicle glass involve subjecting a space around the area of damage to a partial vacuum to allow satisfactory penetration of an optically compatible resin into the area of damage, and extraction of air from the resin itself, curing the resin once the damaged area has been filled, and finishing the repair by removing excess cured resin and polishing the surface of the previously damaged area. The quality of the repair depends heavily upon the penetration of the resin into the glass chip or crack, which in turn depends upon the repair kit equipment, the training and skill of the technician, and the type and extent of the damage.

Vehicle glass repair originated in the early l970s, when laminated glass windshields including a polyvinyl butyrate (PVB) layer became widely available. Glass repair became more widespread with the innovations provided by NOVUS Inc. and the Glass Medic system. During the last 40 years, numerous vehicle glass repair kits have been patented, marketed, and sold under various trade names. Predictions are that windshield glass repair will continue to grow as insurance companies and consumers understand the cost and product benefits. Today windshield repair is an accepted product, not only in the United States, but also within almost every country around the world.

PRIOR ART

The prior art contains two references (U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,562,366 and 6,656,541) to a handheld Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) generating device for effecting a glass repair, but these employ a UHF generator wand that must be held in place by hand, is very expensive, and is largely ineffective because UHF frequencies do not effectively improve resin flow, and they greatly increase the possibility of breaking the glass substrate.

It is apparent that the prior art fails to provide any reference to a standalone, electronic, special sound frequency (ideally 50HZ to I,OOOHZ) generating glass-mounted device, that safely produces greatly improved resin flow. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The invention pertains to a standalone, easily, and safely glass-mounted vibration apparatus, comprising at least one vibration generator, designed to generate electronic frequencies in a range and repeatable pattern that optimizes the flow of resin into a glass chip or crack;

whereby (a) the vibration apparatus can be attached to any smooth surface with the attachment apparatus, (b) the vibration generator can transmit vibrations to the surface on which it is fixed, (c) any resin injector is also attached to the smooth surface, (d) the smooth surface has at least one cavity (chip or crack) to be filled with resin, (e) the resin injector is used to inject resin inside the cavity of the smooth surface, (f) the vibrations transmitted to the smooth surface by the vibration apparatus will positively influence the flow of the resin, and (g) the vibrations transmitted to the glass surface enable thicker resins to flow to every possible part of the chip or crack, thus ensuring stronger and longer lasting repairs.

The invention provides a means of greatly enhancing the quality and durability of repairing a chip or crack in the laminated glass surface. The use of sound frequencies of a particular range and pattern of sufficient power enables superior flow of the liquid resin into the chip or crack, thereby yielding a better, stronger, more visually esthetic, and longer lasting repair.

The vibrations produced by the frequency generator are ideally in the 50 HZ to 1,000 HZ range. The applied sound frequencies effect full penetration of the repair resin into the glass flaw, and effectively reduces the viscosity of the resin causing better flow to all regions of the flaw.

In operation, the invention is attached to the laminated glass surface, approximately lOcm from the location of the flaw, by use of the built-in suction cup or magnets. The apparatus is then turned on, and the repair kit is then activated to release the repair resin as per the kit manufacturer’s instructions. The invention enables a much better and deeper penetration of the resin into all parts of the flaw, resulting in a far superior repair.

The repair resin comprises a flowable, viscous, optically transparent resinous material, typically methyl methacrylate, polyester acrylic resin, and/or methacrylic acid. Once properly injected into the glass chip or crack, the resin is subjected to ultraviolet light which hardens and cures it.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

The quality of any laminated glass repair depends heavily upon the penetration of the resin into the glass chip or crack, which in turn depends upon the repair kit equipment, the training and skill of the technician, and the type and extent of the damage. In particular, a technician without much training or experience will not be capable of producing reliable and long-lasting repairs, nor will the repaired area have a smooth and clear appearance. They might also break the glass surface, necessitating a much more costly replacement.

SOLUTION TO PROBLEM

The invention pertains generally to vehicle glass repair devices, but works perfectly well on any laminated glass surface. More specifically, the invention relates to a revolutionary new standalone vibration device, that easily mounts on any vehicle windshield or glass surface via suction cup or magnets, and that in conjunction with any vehicle glass repair kit, provides an optimal pattern of unique sound frequencies proven to improve the flow of any resin into a glass chip or crack, including higher viscosity, stronger resins. The invention ensures optimal chip repair, every time, regardless of the type of chip, skill of the user, or the repair equipment being used.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

The invention possesses particular benefits and advantages over known vehicle glass repair kits. In particular, the invention provides for a much improved flow of resin than any previous repair device, which typically provide resin flow using vacuum and pressure. The improved resin flow delivered by the invention ensures a much better quality of repair, with many fewer failures. The vibrations transmitted to the glass surface allow for thicker, stronger resins to be used, and for all resins to penetrate to all possible locations of the chip or crack. Additionally, the improved resin flow results in a better visual appearance from both outside the vehicle and inside it. Because the invention is so simple to use, very little training is required, and so an inexperienced repair technician immediately becomes an expert by using the invention. Finally, the time required to complete a repair is shortened, because the invention ensures a more rapid and even flow of the resin to all areas of the chip or crack.

The invention may be used repeatedly for many thousands of times without any fear of wear or failure. The electronic components of the sound generator are of a highly robust design, with zero maintenance and very long life. The suction cup mechanism is of a highly reliable mechanical design, with long-lasting rubber components that clamp onto the glass surface. The magnetic fastening system includes a mechanically mounted round magnet that is covered with a thin layer of fabric such as felt, and placed onto the exterior glass surface, which is then held in place by another similarly shaped magnet also covered in a thin layer of fabric such as felt, which is placed directly under the apparatus on the inside surface of the glass. Magnets are extremely long-lasting and maintenance free. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view taken from the user’s overview of one embodiment of the Vibration apparatus 4 attached on a Glass 1 to be repaired and a Glass repair device 3 attached to the Glass 1 beside the Vibration apparatus 4.

FIG. 2 is a close view taken from the same user’s point of view than FIG. 1. A Glass repair device 3 used to repair a Crack 2 in the Glass 1 using polymeric resin. A Vibration apparatus 4 used to transmit a vibration to the Glass 1. The vibration transmitted facilitating the injection of resin inside the Crack 2. The vibration parameters optimized to enhance the performance of the Glass repair device 3.

FIG. 3 is a close view taken from the opposite side of the point of view of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a close overview of one embodiment of the Vibration apparatus 4. This one

embodiment being a vibration speaker used to make the surface on which it is attached vibrate by transmitting a specific range and pattern of sound waves. The Vibration apparatus 4 having an Attachment apparatus 5 and a Vibration generator 9 assembled together.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the Attachment apparatus 5. The Attachment apparatus 5 having a Suction cup 8. A Suction cup 8 used to attach the Vibration apparatus 4 to the Glass 1 by applying the Concave surface of the Suction cup 10 on the Glass 1 so it holds to the Glass 1 while transmitting vibration to the Glass 1. A mechanically mounted, fabric-covered magnet may also be used instead of the suction cup.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the Vibration generator 9. The Vibration generator 9 containing electrical, electronic, and mechanical components. Electrical components transmitting electrical power to the electronic and mechanical components. Electronic components modulating the conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy via the mechanical components. The mechanical energy being the vibration generated. The electronic components setting the vibration parameters of the Vibration generator 9. The Vibration generator 9 having a Switch 6 to activate and deactivate the device. One embodiment of the Switch 6 is shown on FIG. 4. The electrical components including a source of power. The Vibration generator 9 having a mini USB port 7 used to charge the source of power.

FIG. 5 is a close view from under the Vibration Apparatus 4.

FIG. 6 is a close view of a Crack 2 in the Glass 1.

It is understood that the various preferred embodiments are shown and described above to illustrate different possible features of the invention and the varying ways in which these features may be combined. Apart from combining the different features of the above embodiments in varying ways, other modifications are also considered to be within the scope of the invention.

First, any type of attachment mechanism may be used. An integrated suction cup 5 is illustrated, but other methods of attachment to the glass substrate 1 are possible, including magnets placed on both sides of the glass. Second, the vibration generator 9 as illustrated comprises a custom cylindrical sound speaker that uses vibration resonance instead of the typical speaker membrane. However, any other speaker could also be used, to some effect.

Third, the vibration generator 9 includes microSD playback capabilities including randomized playback (shuffle). The speaker can connect to any electronic device using a standard 3.5mm earphone plug. The speaker can also play .MP3 or .WMA files stored on a microSD card.

Alternatively, a circuit board mounted frequency generator could be used to generate the necessary frequencies, and all integrated into the speaker.

Fourth, the invention is not limited to repair devices 3 for the repair of only windshields or glass 1 The vibration apparatus 4 can be used to improve the repair of any substrate that typically is repaired with a resin or other liquid.

Fifth, the parts that are described in the preferred embodiment as being threadedly attached, but could be attached by any other method, such as screws or rivets. Alternatively, these pieces could be integral.

The invention is not intended to be limited to the preferred embodiments described above, but rather is intended to be limited only by the claims set out below. Thus, the invention

encompasses all alternate embodiments that fall literally or equivalently within the scope of these claims. It is understood that in the claims, means plus function clauses are intended to encompass the structures described above as performing their recited function, and also both structural equivalents and equivalent structures. As an example, though a nail, a screw and a rivet may not be structural equivalents insofar as a nail or rivet employs a cylindrical surface to secure parts together whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the context of fastening parts, a nail, a screw and a rivet are equivalent structures.