GB2554766A

GB2554766A - Glass scoring apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2554766A
Application number: GB1617204.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Franklin Hayhurst John
Original assignee: Donut Safety Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Donut Safety Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-10
Filing date: 2016-10-10
Publication date: 2018-04-11
Anticipated expiration: 2036-10-10
Also published as: GB2554766B; GB201617204D0

Abstract

A glass scoring apparatus 1 comprises a track 3 and a mounting means for securing the track to a pane of glass. Further, a carriage 4 is movably mounted to the track and a scoring means 5 is associated with the carriage. The apparatus is configured such that movement of the carriage along the track, when the track is secured to a pane of glass, causes the scoring means to score the glass, thereby describing at least part of the periphery of an aperture. The apparatus may be used for creating an aperture in the window of a building to provide an emergency escape passageway. Preferably, one of the carriage and track comprises a key and the other a keyway. The scoring means may comprise an adjustable cutting element (51, fig 2). Preferably, the mounting means comprises one or more suction devices (6, fig 3), which may each comprise a valve 62 means to release the suction device from the pane of glass. The apparatus may comprise a template 2 formed of four hinged quarter segments 20, 21, 22, 23, each segment being provided with a handle 7.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Glass scoring apparatus

Abstract Title: Glass scoring apparatus with track and mounting means (57) A glass scoring apparatus 1 comprises a track 3 and a mounting means for securing the track to a pane of glass. Further, a carriage 4 is movably mounted to the track and a scoring means 5 is associated with the carriage. The apparatus is configured such that movement of the carriage along the track, when the track is secured to a pane of glass, causes the scoring means to score the glass, thereby describing at least part of the periphery of an aperture. The apparatus may be used for creating an aperture in the window of a building to provide an emergency escape passageway. Preferably, one of the carriage and track comprises a key and the other a keyway. The scoring means may comprise an adjustable cutting element (51, fig 2). Preferably, the mounting means comprises one or more suction devices (6, fig 3), which may each comprise a valve 62 means to release the suction device from the pane of glass. The apparatus may comprise a template 2 formed of four hinged quarter segments 20, 21,22, 23, each segment being provided with a handle 7.

FIGURE 1

1/2

FIGURE 2

212

FIGURE 3

GLASS SCORING APPARATUS

This invention relates generally to glass scoring apparatus and more particularly to such apparatus for creating an aperture in a pane of glass. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a glass scoring apparatus for use in creating an aperture in the window of a building to create an emergency escape passage therethrough.

Glass scoring and cutting devices are well known and typically include a suction device with an arm rotatably connected to the suction device with a scoring or cutting element secured to the end of the arm. In use, the suction device is secured to a pane of glass and the arm is rotated about the suction device with the scoring or cutting element in contact with the pane of glass to delineate the periphery of an aperture to be created. Some such devices are arranged to cut through the glass by rotating the arm through multiple passes such that the scoring or cutting element penetrates the glass pane progressively to cut therethrough. Other such devices include a hammer or other implement to break the glass portion within the defined periphery.

CN105271685 describes such a glass cutter in which a handle and cutting element are slidable along the rotating arm to adjust the size of the aperture to be cut. The handle also includes a pressure gauge to enable the pressure applied to the cutter to be measured in order to determine whether sufficient cutting force is applied, or alternatively whether excessive force is being applied. Whilst this glass cutter may be cost effective to manufacture and simple to use, it still requires a skilled operative with significant strength to apply the requisite force. In addition, this device is limited to forming apertures having a circular shape, as is the case with other conventional designs.

It is therefore a first non-exclusive object of the invention to provide a glass scoring apparatus that overcomes, or at least mitigates the aforementioned issues. It is a further, more general non-exclusive object of the invention to provide an improved glass scoring apparatus, for example one which is simpler and/or easier to use and/or more suited to emergency situations than known designs.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a glass scoring apparatus comprising a track, mounting or attachment means for securing the track to a pane of glass, e.g. a glass pane, a carriage movably mounted to the track and scoring means associated with the carriage, wherein the apparatus is configured such that movement, in use, of the carriage along the track when the track is secured to a pane of glass causes the scoring means to score the glass thereby describing at least part of the periphery of an aperture.

The provision of a track securable to a pane of glass provides greater flexibility in the shape of the aperture to be formed, for example one that is more appropriate for an individual seeking to escape therethrough. The invention can also be configured, by virtue of the track, to conveniently provide a predetermined force urging the scoring means against the glass to be maintained.

The track may describe a closed shape, for example such that a closed shape aperture periphery is described. The closed shape may comprise any suitable shape. The closed shape may comprise a curved shape, e.g. round, oval or substantially rectangular with rounded corners or any combination thereof. The track may be modular and/or may comprise two or more parts which may be movably or removably secured together, e.g. to enable adjustment of the size of the track and/or the size of the aperture to be scored.

The apparatus may comprises a body or frame. The track may extend about or adjacent the periphery of the body or frame. The track may be formed integrally with the body or frame. The track may be mounted, attached or secured to the body or frame and/or about or adjacent the periphery thereof. The track or the body or frame may be deformable, for example to accommodate non-flat or non-planar panes of glass.

The body or frame may comprise one or more parts, at least one of which may comprise a template. The body, frame or template may comprise a sheet or block and/or may be curved, domed, flat or substantially flat, e.g. planar. The body, frame or template may comprise a closed or solid structure or may comprise an open structure, such as a mesh or a solid with one or more holes or apertures, for example to reduce its weight. Additionally or alternatively, the body or frame may comprise one or more, e.g. a plurality, of frame elements, members or beams, e.g. to which the one or more solid parts may be mounted, attached or secured if present.

The body or frame may comprise two or more parts. Each part may comprise a portion of the track. The body or frame may be collapsible. The two or more body or frame parts may be connected or secured together, e.g. movably or releasably connected or secured together. At least two, e.g. only two or all, of the parts may be hinged to one another or may be connected together by a hinge. At least two, e.g. only two or all, of the parts may be releasably connected or secured together, for example by a coupling, mounting or fixing means, element or plate, one or more of which may be attached to at least one or each of the parts by a fastener. The or each fastener may comprise a screw or quick release fastener, for example a sprung projection and detent or bayonet fitting or any other suitable fastener. The or at least one of the fasteners may comprise and/or be operable by a gripper or gripping means or element, such as a knob. Each part may comprise a portion of the track, e.g. attached, secured or mounted thereto or thereon.

The track may comprise a curvilinear guide, which may have a cross-sectional shape that cooperates with the shape of the carriage to guide and/or support the carriage, e.g. as it moves therealong. The track may be configured or shaped to prevent or inhibit rotation of the carriage, for example as the scoring means engages, in use, the pane of glass.

One of the carriage and the track may comprise a key and/or the other of the carriage and the track may comprise a keyway, for example to retain, e.g. which cooperate to retain, the carriage on the track. The carriage may be removable from the track, for example when the two or more parts are moved or separated relative to or from one another. One of the carriage and the track may comprise an L-shaped or T-shaped slot and/or the other of the carriage and the track may comprise a portion having an L-shaped or T-shaped crosssection, for example a corresponding L-shaped or T-shaped cross-section, which may be received or receivable within the slot. In some embodiments, the carriage comprises the slot and the track comprises the portion receivable within the slot. In other embodiments, the track comprises the slot and the carriage comprises the portion receivable within the slot.

The scoring means may comprise a scoring or cutting element, for example a scoring or cutting member. The scoring or cutting element may be operable to cut, in use, through a pane of glass. The scoring or cutting element may comprise a carbide, e.g. tungsten carbide, or diamond cutting element or member, cutter or cutting wheel. In embodiments, the scoring means may be operable to simply score a pane of glass. Such an arrangement may be more cost effective and/or more expedient in emergency situations, for example wherein a hammer may be used to shatter the portion of the glass pane delineated by the scored aperture periphery or periphery portion.

At least part of the scoring means, e.g. the scoring or cutting element, may be adjustably or movably mounted, attached or secured to the carriage. At least part of the scoring means, e.g. the scoring or cutting element, may be adjustable, for example adjustably movable relative to the carriage. At least part of the scoring means, e.g. the scoring or cutting element, may be adjustable, in use, toward and/or away from the carriage. At least part of the scoring means, e.g. the scoring or cutting element, may be adjustable, in use, toward and/or away from a pane of glass to which the track is secured, e.g. to adjust a scoring force exerted on the pane of glass by the scoring means. Additionally or alternatively, at least part of the scoring means, e.g. the scoring or cutting element, may be adjustable, in use, toward and/or away from the track, e.g. to adjust, change, modify or alter the size of the aperture to be described.

The scoring means or scoring or cutting element may be adjustably mounted to the carriage by an arm, for example an extendable arm. The scoring or cutting element may be mounted, attached or secured to the arm, for example at or adjacent an end thereof. The arm may be releasably securable to the carriage in one of two or more, e.g. a plurality of, positions relative to the carriage. In embodiments, the arm comprises one or more slots within which one or more fastening elements extend to releasably secure the arm in one of the aforementioned positions. The or each fastening elements may comprise a fastener, for example a thumbscrew. Alternatively, the scoring means may comprise a block releasably securable to the carriage in one of a plurality of positions by a hook and eye fastening means.

The scoring or cutting element may be movably mounted to the arm, for example such that it may be adjustable toward and/or away from a pane of glass to which the track is secured. The scoring or cutting element may comprise a point or edge, for example a scorer or cutter or a scoring or cutting edge or point, which may be formed in, secured to or otherwise associated with a member which is movable relative to the arm. The member may comprise a shaft, which may be a threaded shaft received within a threaded hole in or through the arm. The member may comprise a gripping means or knob at one of its ends, for example an opposite end thereof to the pint or edge.

The apparatus, track or frame may comprise a first or mounting side, e.g. a side which faces, in use, a pane of glass to which the track is secured. The mounting or attachment means may be comprised on, mounted, attached or secured to or otherwise associated with the mounting side. The mounting or attachment means may comprise an adhesive, for example a pressure sensitive adhesive, or a mount or attachment element or member or any other suitable mounting or attachment means.

In embodiments, the mounting or attachment means comprises one or more suction elements or devices, which may be on the mounting side of the apparatus, track, body or frame. At least one or each suction element or device may comprise a valve means, which may be operable to release, in use, the suction device from the pane of glass. The scoring means or member or element may be movable toward and/or away from the first or mounting side.

The apparatus, track or frame may comprise a second or exposed or visible side, which may be opposite the first or mounting side. The valve means may be operable or accessible from the second side. The valve means may comprise one or more valves or valve devices, e.g. a release valve or valve device. The valve means may comprise an actuator, which may be accessible or operable from the second side. The actuator may be operable to unseat a valve element or member from a valve seat. The actuator may be depressable or retractable to overcome a resilient means, e.g. a resilient biasing means such as a spring or other resilient element or member, thereby to unseat the valve element or member from the valve seat. Additionally or alternatively, the actuator may be rotatable or pivotable to unseat the valve element, e.g. wherein the valve means comprises a ball valve or a stem actuated by a lever and/or threadedly engaged with a valve body.

The apparatus may comprise one or more handles, e.g. for manipulating the apparatus. At least one of the handles may be accessible or operable from or comprised on, mounted, attached or secured to or otherwise associated with the second side of the apparatus, track or frame. The apparatus may comprise a handle connected or mounted, attached or secured to or otherwise associated with each part of the body or frame. At least one of the handles may be collapsible or foldable.

At least part or all of the track may be formed of a metal, for example steel, stainless steel, titanium or aluminium or any suitable metal or alloy. At least part or all of the track may be formed of a plastics material, for example a rigid and/or engineering plastics material, or composite material, such as glass or fibre reinforced plastics material. The track and/or carriage may be manufactured from and/or coated with a low friction material to ease movement e.g. phenolics, acetols, aliphatic or semi-aromatic polyamides or polytetrafluoroethylene. In some embodiments there are a plurality of carriages with scoring means mounted to the track.

The body or frame or at least one part thereof may comprise a metallic material, such as aluminium or even a steel material, but it is preferably formed of or at least comprises a plastics material, which may comprise a monomer, polymer or composite material, such as glass or fibre reinforced plastics material. The body or frame and/or the track may comprise a fibreglass or aramid fibre material.

Another aspect of the invention provides a safety kit comprising a glass scoring apparatus, e.g. as described above. The kit may comprise one or more of a striking device, a length or roll of edging and a descent device. The striking device may comprise a hammer or any other suitable implement. The safety kit may comprise a container or bag, for example within which one or more or all of the aforementioned elements may be received.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of scoring at least a portion of the periphery of an aperture in a pane of glass. Yet another aspect of the invention provides a method of forming an aperture in a pane of glass. Either of the aforementioned methods may comprise securing a track to a pane of glass and moving a carriage along the track to cause scoring means associated with the carriage to score the glass thereby describing at least part of the periphery of an aperture.

The track may be secured to the pane of glass by applying a force or pressure to one or more suction devices attached to or associated with the track. The method may comprise applying a force or pressure to the scoring means as the carriage is moved along or about the track.

The method may comprise moving the carriage along the track to describe a closed shape periphery of an aperture. The method may comprise moving the carriage along the track multiple times or through multiple passes. The method may comprise adjusting the position of the scoring means relative to the pane of glass after each pass, for example thereby to gradually increase the level of penetration of the scoring means into the pane.

The method may comprise striking, e.g. with a hammer, the pane of glass, for example to remove or dissociate the portion thereof delineated by the scored aperture periphery or periphery portion. The track may be mounted, attached or secured about or adjacent the periphery of a body or frame. The method may comprise striking, e.g. with a hammer, the body or frame, for example to remove or dissociate the portion of the pane of glass delineated by the scored aperture periphery or periphery portion.

The method comprise moving the carriage along the track to cause the scoring means, for example a cutting element thereof, to cut the glass, e.g. thereby describing at least part of the periphery of an aperture.

The pane of glass may comprise a first pane, e.g. of a double pane glass window. The method may comprise removing or dissociating the track from the scored or removed or dissociated pane of glass. The method may comprise moving the scoring means relative to the carriage, for example to a position closer to the track. The method may comprise inserting the track into the aperture formed in the first pane. The method may comprise securing the track to a second pane of the window. The method may comprise moving the carriage along the track to cause scoring means associated with the carriage to score the second pane thereby describing at least part of the periphery of an aperture.

The method may comprise removing or dissociating the portion of the second pane delineated by the scored aperture periphery or periphery portion. The method may comprise engaging a strip of edging along and/or about the periphery of the aperture in one or each of the first and/or second panes of glass. The method may further comprise attaching a decent device on one side of the window and/or passing a portion of the decent device through the apertures in the first and second panes.

For the avoidance of doubt, any of the features described herein apply equally to any aspect of the invention. For example, the kit may comprise any one or more features of the apparatus relevant thereto or vice versa. Similarly, the method may comprise any one or more features or steps relevant to one or more features of the apparatus or kit.

Another aspect of the invention provides a computer program element comprising and/or describing and/or defining a three-dimensional design for use with a simulation means or a three-dimensional additive or subtractive manufacturing means or device, e.g. a threedimensional printer or CNC machine, the three-dimensional design comprising an embodiment of one or more of components of the apparatus described above.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “may”, “and/or”, “e.g.”, “for example” and any similar term as used herein should be interpreted as non-limiting such that any feature so-described need not be present. Indeed, any combination of optional features is expressly envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention, whether or not these are expressly claimed. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a top view of a glass scoring apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view along line A-A of Figure 1; and

Figure 3 is a bottom view of the glass scoring apparatus of Figures 1 and 2.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 3, there is shown a glass scoring apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the apparatus 1 includes a template 2 with a track 3 extending about its periphery, a carriage 4 mounted to the track 3 and movable therealong and a scoring assembly 5 movably mounted to the carriage 4. The apparatus 1 also includes mounting means in the form of suction devices 6 for securing the template 2 to a pane of glass. The template 2 has a top or visible side 2a, shown in Figure 1, and a bottom or mounting side 2b, shown in Figure 3, on which the suction devices 6 are mounted.

In this embodiment, the template 2 is elliptical in plan and formed in four quarter segments 20, 21, 22, 23 each of which includes a curved edge 20a, 21a, 22a, 23a, a long straight edge 20b, 21b, 22b, 23b and a short straight edge 20c, 21c, 22c, 23c. The four segments 20, 21,22, 23 are hingedly couped to one another by hinges 24, 25, 26, 27 mounted to the mounting side 2b of the template 2 and secured thereto by respective screw fasteners 24a, 25a, 26a, 27a. A first segment 20 is hinged to a second segment 21 along their short straight edges 20c, 21c by a first hinge 24 such that their curved edges 20a, 21a are aligned. A third segment 22 is hinged to the second segment 21 along their long straight edges 21 b, 22b by a second hinge 25 such that their curved edges 21a, 22a are aligned.

The third segment 22 is also hinged to a fourth segment 23 along their short straight edges 22c, 23c by a hinge 26 such that their curved edges 22a, 23a are aligned. The fourth segment 23 is also hinged to the first segment 20 along their long straight edges 23c, 20c by a hinge 27 such that their curved edges 23a, 20a are aligned. The straight edges 20b, 20c, 21b, 21c, 22b, 22c all include overlapping butt edges, which register to ensure proper alignment of between the segments 20, 21, 22, 23 in the use condition shown in the drawings. The segments 20, 21, 22, 23 are foldable relative to one another such that both pairs can be stacked and stored in a storage bag (not shown). It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the first and third hinges 24, 26 or the second and fourth hinges 25, 27 may be of an articulated design to enable the apparatus, when partially-folded, to be folded on itself such that it is fully collapsible. Alternatively, one of the hinges 24, 25, 26, 27 between a first pair of the segments 20, 21, 22, 23 may be located on the top side 2a and the hinge 24, 25, 26, 27 between the second pair of segments 20, 21, 22, 23 may have an articulated design to enable the apparatus 1 to be fully collapsible.

The track 3 describes an elliptical path and is formed in four segments 30, 31, 32, 33 each correspondingly shaped and secured to the periphery of a respective one of the template segments 20, 21, 22, 23. In this embodiment, each track segment 30, 31, 32, 33 is formed integrally, such as by moulding, with a respective one of the template segments 20, 21,22,

23. As illustrated in Figure 2, the track 3 in this embodiment has a guide portion 34 extending from the top side 2a of the template 2 and having a T-shaped cross-section. The track 3 also includes a bracing portion 35 extending from the mounting side 2b to delineate a pocket 36 on the mounting side 2b to accommodate the suction devices 6 and hinges 24, 25, 26, 27.

The carriage 4 is in the form of a rectangular block 40 with a T-shaped slot 41, which receives the guide portion 34 of the track 3. The slot 41 is slightly wider than the head of the guide portion 34 to allow the carriage 4 to slide along the curved track 3 without jamming.

The scoring assembly 5 includes a rectangular arm 50 mounted to and extending outwardly from the carriage 4 and a scoring element 51 extending from the arm 50 adjacent its free end and toward the glass pane (not shown). The arm 50 includes a pair of slots 52 through its thickness and extending along its length. The scoring assembly also includes a pair of thumbscrews 53 each of which extends through a respective one of the slots 52 and is received within and threadedly engaged with a threaded hole (not shown) in the carriage 4. Thus, the position of the scoring element 51 relative to the carriage 4, and consequently relative to the track 3, can be adjusted by loosening the thumbscrews 53, sliding the arm 50 relative to the carriage 4 and retightening the thumbscrews 53.

In this embodiment, the scoring element 51 includes a threaded shaft 51a having a gripping knob 51b at its upper end and a tungsten carbide scoring tip 51c at its lower end. The threaded shaft 51a is received within and threadedly engaged with a threaded hole (not shown) through the arm 50 such that the knob 51b is on the upper side of the arm 50 and the scoring tip 51c is on the lower side of the arm 50. The position of the scoring tip 51c may be adjusted by turning the knob 51b to move the scoring tip 51c toward or away from the pane of glass, for example to adjust the scoring force applied thereto.

Each suction device 6 is mounted to the mounting side 2b of a respective one of the template segments 20, 21,22, 23 and includes a dome-shaped suction cup 60 with a hole 61 extending from the concave inner surface of the suction cup 60 to the top side 2a of the template 2. Each suction cup 60 is operable to secure the template segment 20, 21, 22, 23 to a pane of glass when urged thereagainst, thereby causing the suction cup 60 to deform and evacuate the air within the suction cup 60. In this embodiment, each hole 61 includes a release valve 62 that is operable to relieve a vacuum within the suction cup 60 to release it from the pane of glass (not shown).

The apparatus in this embodiment also includes a handle 7 attached to each of the template segments 20, 21, 22, 23 in a central region of its upper surface on the top side 2a of the template 2. In this embodiment, the handles 7 are of a flexible, collapsible configuration. However, the handles 7 may be provided by a length of material or fabric, for example a strap, secured at each of its ends such that it is able to lie flat against the template segment 20, 21,22, 23.

In use and in order to create an aperture in a window of a building (not shown) the template segments 20, 21, 22, 23 are assembled as described above and the template 2 is secured to the window (not shown) using the suction devices 6 as described above. The scoring tip 51c is positioned both laterally and against the window as required using the adjustment mechanisms described above. The carriage 4 is then moved along the track 3 to cause scoring tip 51c to score the window, thereby describing the periphery of an aperture. If time is crucial, the template 2 may be removed by operating the release valves 62 and the portion of glass delineated by the scored periphery may be struck using an implement (not shown), such as a hammer, to break the delineated portion of glass. The broken periphery may then be covered using a length or roll of edging (not shown) prior to exiting the building to prevent injury.

Preferably, however, the carriage 4 should be moved along the track 3 for multiple passes, each time adjusting the position of the scoring tip 51c relative to the window to progressively penetrate further into the glass, eventually cutting through it. The portion of glass delineated by the cut periphery may then be removed by striking the template 2 with the implement, thereby releasing it from the surrounding window. The cut periphery may then be covered using the length or roll of edging (not shown).

In the case of a window having multiple panes, the arm 50 may be adjusted as described above to position the scoring tip 51c in an outermost position, i.e. the furthest position possible from the track 3, prior to creating the aperture as described above. After the aperture is created, the arm 50 may then be readjusted as described above to position the scoring tip 51c closer to the track 3 to enable the apparatus 1 to be inserted through the aperture and secured to the next pane of the window (not shown) and to create an aperture in the next pane of glass. The process described above may be repeated to create a second and any subsequent apertures.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations to the aforementioned embodiments are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the scoring tip 51c may be replaced with a scoring wheel and/or one or more features of the scoring assembly 5 may be replaced with other suitable means. Whilst preferable, the position of the scoring tip 51c need not be adjustable. The scoring tip 51c may be urged against the pane of glass manually, rather than relying on the rigidity of the track 3 as described above.

The apparatus 1 need not include a body 2 or the body 2 may be replaced with an open frame having frame members defining a periphery about which the track 3 is secured. Additionally or alternatively, the body 2 or frame may have a different shape, such as io substantially square or rectangular with rounded edges or a combination of rounded corners and part-circular or part-elliptical shaped portions. The mounting means need not be in the form of suction devices 6 and may, for example, include an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive, or any other suitable arrangement or attachment mechanism. The apparatus 1 may include no, fewer or more handles 7.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A glass scoring apparatus comprising a track, mounting means for securing the track to a pane of glass, a carriage movably mounted to the track and scoring means

5 associated with the carriage, wherein the apparatus is configured such that movement, in use, of the carriage along the track when the track is secured to a pane of glass causes the scoring means to score the glass thereby describing at least part of the periphery of an aperture.

io

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the track describes a closed shape such that a closed shape aperture periphery is described.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 comprising a body or frame, wherein the track is mounted about or adjacent the periphery of the body or frame.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the body or frame comprises two or more parts movably or releasably connected together each part comprising a portion of the track.

20 5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein one of the carriage and the track comprises a key and the other of the carriage and the track comprises a keyway to retain the carriage on the track, the carriage being removable from the track when the two or more parts are moved or separated relative to one another.

25 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the scoring means comprises a scoring or cutting element movably mounted to the carriage and adjustable, in use, toward and/or away from a pane of glass to which the track is secured.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the scoring or cutting element is adjustable,

30 in use, toward and/or away from the track to adjust the size of the aperture to be described.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the mounting means comprises one or more suction devices on a mounting side of the body or frame.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the or each suction device comprises a valve means operable to release, in use, the suction device from the pane of glass.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the scoring means comprises

5 a cutting element operable to cut, in use, through a pane of glass.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the cutting element comprises a carbide or diamond cutter or cutting wheel.

io 12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim comprising one or more handles for manipulating the apparatus.

13. A safety kit comprising a glass scoring apparatus according to any preceding claim and one or more of a hammer, a length or roll of edging and a descent device.

14. A method of forming an aperture in a pane of glass, the method comprising securing a track to a pane of glass and moving a carriage along the track to cause scoring means associated with the carriage to score the glass thereby describing at least part of the periphery of an aperture.

15. Method according to claim 14 comprising moving the carriage along the track to describe a closed shape periphery of an aperture.

16. Method according to claim 14 or claim 15 comprising striking the pane of glass to

25 remove the portion thereof delineated by the scored aperture periphery or periphery portion.

17. Method according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the track is mounted about or adjacent the periphery of a body or frame, the method comprising striking the body

30 or frame to remove the portion of the pane of glass delineated by the scored aperture periphery or periphery portion.

18. Method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the scoring means comprises a cutting element, the method comprising moving the carriage along the track to cause the cutting element to cut the glass thereby describing at least part of the periphery of an aperture.

19. Method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the pane of glass comprises

5 a first pane of a multiple pane glass window, the method comprising removing the track from the scored or removed pane of glass, moving the scoring means relative to the carriage to a position closer to the track, inserting the track into the aperture formed in the first pane, securing the track to a second pane of the window and moving the carriage along the track to cause the scoring means to score the second io pane thereby describing at least part of the periphery of an aperture.

20. Method according to claim 19 comprising removing the portion of the second pane delineated by the scored aperture periphery or periphery portion.

15 21. Method according to claim 20 comprising removing the track from the second pane, moving the scoring means relative to the carriage to a position closer to the track, inserting the track into the aperture formed in the second pane, securing the track to a subsequent pane of the window and moving the carriage along the track to cause the scoring means to score the subsequent pane thereby describing at least part of

20 the periphery of an aperture and removing the portion of the subsequent pane delineated by the scored aperture periphery or periphery portion.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1617204.1 Examiner: Gareth Prothero