Windscreen Installation Apparatus and Method

Abstract

Apparatus for use in handling windscreens for example for installation in a vehicle, includes a windscreen anchor assembly comprising a windscreen anchor device and a support arm extending away from the windscreen anchor device. A mount assembly is provided for supporting the windscreen anchor assembly. The mount assembly includes a mount structure for engaging with the support arm such that the support arm can slide bodily in its longitudinal direction with respect to the mount structure.

1 . A mount assembly for use in handling windscreens, for example for installation in a vehicle, the mount assembly comprising a vehicle anchor device for securing to the vehicle and an elongate arm extending from the anchor device, wherein the elongate arm is mounted with respect to the anchor device enabling the arm to be moved between alternative mounting configurations. 
     
     
         2 . A mount assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the arm is configured to be secured in the alternative mounting configurations, and in the alternative mounting configurations the arm extends in opposed directions from the anchor device. 
     
     
         3 . A mount assembly according to  claim 1 , wherein the arm is pivotable or rotatable about an upright rotational axis. 
     
     
         4 . A mount according to  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle anchor device comprises a side glass anchor device enabling securing of the mount assembly to the vehicle side glass. 
     
     
         5 . A mount according to  claim 1 , wherein the vehicle anchor device comprises a suction device. 
     
     
         6 . A mount according to  claim 1 , for use in combination with a windscreen anchor assembly comprising a windscreen anchor device and an elongate support arm extending away from the windscreen anchor device, wherein the mount assembly includes a mount structure for engaging with the support arm such that the support arm can slide in its longitudinal direction with respect to the mount structure. 
     
     
         7 . A mount according to  claim 6 , wherein the mount structure is supported with respect to the anchor device on a rotatable or pivotable mounting to enable the mount structure to be moved between a dropped down and a raised up position. 
     
     
         8 . A mount assembly for use in handling windscreens, the mount assembly comprising a vehicle anchor device for securing to the vehicle and a mount structure for engaging with a support arm of windscreen anchor assembly, wherein the mount structure is supported with respect to the anchor device on a rotatable or pivotable raising and lowering mounting to permit the mount structure to be moved between a dropped down and a raised up position. 
     
     
         9 . A mount assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein the axis of rotation of the mounting is substantially horizontal. 
     
     
         10 . A mount assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein an elongate arm extends from the anchor device and the axis of rotation of the mounting is substantially aligned with or parallel to the longitudinal direction of the arm. 
     
     
         11 . A mount assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein an elongate arm extends away from the raising and lowering mounting to the mount structure which is spaced from the raising and lowering mounting. 
     
     
         12 . A mount assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein the raising and lowering mounting is rotatable between a series of successively rotationally spaced positions. 
     
     
         13 . A mount assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein the raising and lowering mounting is configured to be secured in the desired position. 
     
     
         14 . A mount assembly according to  claim 8 , wherein the raising and lowering mounting comprises a meshing gear lock arrangement enabling securing engagement of gear parts in different arcuate positions. 
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for use in handling windscreens for example for installation in a vehicle, the apparatus comprising a windscreen anchor assembly comprising a windscreen anchor device and an elongate support arm extending away from the windscreen anchor device, the elongate support arm being dismantle-able into more than one piece for stowage, the anchor device and a dismantled arm part being provided with means for attaching to one another for stowage. 
     
     
         16 . Apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein, in the stowed configuration, the dismantled rod arm part attached to the windscreen anchor device and a remaining fixed arm part, are of approximately the same length. 
     
     
         17 . Apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein in the stowed configuration the dismantled arm part attached to the windscreen anchor device and a remaining fixed arm part, are arranged in substantially side by side relationship. 
     
     
         18 . Apparatus according to  claim 15 , wherein the two arm parts are provided with complementary end connections to enable connection together, and the end connection of the dismantle-able rod arm part is used to connect with a complementary connection provided on the anchor device. 
     
     
         19 . Apparatus according to  claim 18 , wherein the arrangement includes a connection actuator positioned at the end of one of the rod arm parts. 
     
     
         20 . Apparatus according to  claim 19 , wherein a connection element provided with displaceable detents is provided at an end of one of the rod arm parts for connection with the anchor device for storage.