By Or With Work-constrainer And/or Manipulated Work-forcer Patents (Class 72/457)
  • Patent number: 7343771
    Abstract: A deck leverage anchor for securing an external device has an anchor body that is positioned at least partially within an opening of the deck so that a notch receives the edge of the surface. The anchor body comprises a swivel coupler that extends outward from the opening. The swivel coupler couples to an external device. A swivel plate is disposed opposite the swivel coupler to engage and distribute a load on the surface of the deck opposite the coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Inventor: Michael Marx
  • Patent number: 7334449
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for straightening dents and irregularities in wheels including a spindle, a platen mounted on the spindle configured such that the wheel can be mounted on the spindle with the spindle projecting through the central hub hole and at least one actuator device positionable between the spindle and a section of the wheel to be straightened, the actuator exerting a straightening force on the rim of the wheel and a mobile device including the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Donald Neubauer
  • Publication number: 20080028820
    Abstract: A frame rail pulling apparatus for realigning a frame rail of a vehicle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a base, backing plate, side sway adapter, eye hook and fasteners. The base includes a platform with openings therein, cylinder, and side supports which distribute pressure equally from the cylinder to the openings in the platform. The backing plate has openings therein and is positioned adjacent to a first side of the base. The backing plate distributes pulling pressure over a greater area of the frame rail to prevent additional damage to the rail during realignment. The side sway adapter has a center opening and peripheral/end openings and is positioned adjacent to a second side of the base. The eye hook has a top portion and a shaft, wherein the shaft is positioned through the center opening of the side sway adapter and attaches to the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: February 7, 2008
    Inventor: Christopher L. Browning
  • Patent number: 7287410
    Abstract: An automobile body repair machine incorporating a quill and shaft load shouldering assembly whose quill includes lateral, medial, and oppositely lateral sections; slide stopping set screws extending through the quill sections for impingement upon the quill and shaft combination's shaft; weld seam grasping left and right anchor clamps fixedly attached to the lateral and oppositely lateral quill sections; a pull force transferring cantilevered stem; a selectively lockable and unlockable pivot joint interconnecting the stem and the medial quill section; a pivoting cantilevered foot attached to a distal end of the stem; and a foot extending hydraulic cylinder triangulating between the stem and the foot; the automobile body repairing machine further incorporating a body damage pulling tie attached to a distal end of the cantilevered foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2007
    Inventor: Jerry A. King
  • Patent number: 7269990
    Abstract: A portable frame puller is jointed to increase the number of attachment points for fixing the frame puller relative to a vehicle being repaired and/or to reach difficult to reach pulling points. In one embodiment, the frame puller includes a pivot head pivotally connected to the main beam to easily position a clamp assembly relative to the vehicle to fix the frame puller relative to the vehicle by clamping onto the vehicle, thus eliminating the need for tie downs or anchor pot. In another embodiment, a jointed support post provides flexibility to apply pulling forces to difficult to reach attachment points on the vehicle, and a clamp assembly fixes the frame puller relative to the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Michael Espinosa and King's Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Espinosa
  • Patent number: 7216524
    Abstract: A vehicle body repair apparatus comprises a platform with cross member retainers, unibody clamps, at least one pulling assembly, at least one movable cross member, a scissors lift, and a lifting assembly. The lifting assembly comprises an actuator at an angle with respect to the platform, so a toggle action exists that enables the scissors lift to raise the platform from a minimal height position from a floor surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Inventors: Clarence R. Brewer, Sr., Chad Michael Jarvis
  • Patent number: 7188509
    Abstract: A tool for aligning a door hinge with the edge of the door to which it is mounted comprising a bar having a wrench on each end of the bar. The faces of each jaw of the respective wench are contoured to fit around a single knuckle of the hinge. The bar has a slit arranged to permit the jaws to open or close around the surface of a knuckle of the door hinge. A screw through the bar is arranged to permit tightening the jaws onto the knuckle when it is required to apply force to the hinge or loosen the tool when it is required to slip the tool off the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Inventor: Steven M. Goldstein
  • Patent number: 7160066
    Abstract: A mounting arrangement 1 is provided in which clamping pairs comprising a clamping pad 2 and seating pads 3 are arranged about a mounting end of a component 4. Thus, the component 4 is appropriately presented to a machining device but the component 4 can slip relative to the pads 2, 3 in order to relieve residual stresses in the component due to initial forging processes. A damper 8 is provided in order to augment vibration control in association with the contact abutments between the pads 2, 3. In such circumstances accurate machining of a component 4 to a final profile 6 from an initial rough profile 5 can be achieved more efficiently without periodic release of the component 4 so that distortions are avoided in the final component as a result of retained residual stresses by previous clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Rolls-Royce plc
    Inventor: Ian J Baker
  • Patent number: 7150176
    Abstract: A vehicle frame attachment apparatus encompasses a vehicle frame and efficiently distributes the holding or pulling forces involved in aligning a vehicle frame. The frame attachment apparatus includes a vise and a containment mechanism that secures the vehicle frame within the vise. In one embodiment, the vise includes an opposable member and a set of grasping digits that conform to bends in the vehicle frame. An alignment device may be connected to the vise to exert a pulling force and thereby align the vehicle frame. The disclosed vehicle frame alignment apparatus is easy to deploy, and reduces the risk of damaging a vehicle or injuring an alignment technician.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Desmond R. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7131975
    Abstract: A straightening tool is disclosed for straightening angled tissue cutting instruments including an outer member having a proximal length portion and a pre-formed bend connecting the proximal length portion with a distal length portion extending from the bend at an angle to a distal end, and a flexible inner member movably disposed in the outer member to cut anatomical tissue. The straightening tool comprises a handle and a positioning block extending from the handle coaxial with the straightening tool. The positioning block has a longitudinal bore for receiving the distal length portion therethrough to position the distal end within a cavity of the positioning block and the bend within a longitudinal slot of the positioning block with the proximal length portion extending externally through an opening of the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Medtronic Xomed, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth Adams
  • Patent number: 7124620
    Abstract: The object of the invention is an apparatus in the straightening bench of the car body, which straightening bench includes a straightening table and a set of frame beams, attaching elements for attaching the car to the set of frame beams, at least a part of which attaching elements have been attached movably to the set of frame beams for attaching cars of various sizes to the straightening table. The apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a transfer beam to be attached movably to the frame beam of the straightening table, to which transfer beam a part of the attaching elements are attached, locking elements for attaching the transfer beam removably to the frame beam and a transfer device for transferring the transfer beam in regard to the frame beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Autorobot Finland Oy
    Inventor: Olavi Venäläinen
  • Patent number: 7073367
    Abstract: An earring wire forming apparatus including a base, a lever rotatably mounted on the base and a wire retaining member rotatably mounted on the base for holding a piece of wire of predetermined length therein and limiting the rotational movement of the lever between a first position and a second position. The lever defines a first cylindrical projection thereon having a generally crescent-shaped slot in an upper portion thereof and a second cylindrical projection of a smaller diameter spaced from the first projection. A disk-shaped forming member is removably and rotatably mounted on the second cylindrical projection on the lever and carries a depending pin movable with the forming member between a first position wherein the pin extends into the slot in the cylindrical projection on the lever and a second position adjacent the opposite side of the projection from the slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Anthony Bruce Aldridge
  • Patent number: 7055358
    Abstract: A radius pull clamp for use in pulling vehicle door frames to straighten the same comprising first and second clamp plates which are clamped onto the door frame to assist in the straightening of the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2006
    Inventor: William J. Meis
  • Patent number: 7017384
    Abstract: A vehicle frame and unibody straightening jig has eight joints, each including a socket for connecting a pulling tower assembly. A spider joint at one end of the jig includes five spaced sockets radiating within a 180° arc. Multiple pulling towers can be installed side-by-side on the same side of a vehicle. The jig also includes lateral support legs or outriggers pivotable about a 90° arc and foldable against the spine to reduce the width of the jig for storage. Clamps are mounted on the outriggers for connecting the jig to a vehicle frame or unibody, The clamps are adjustable along the length of the legs to permit connection of the jig with a wide variety of vehicle frames and unibody structures. The jig also includes a carriage assembly with wheels for easy positioning beneath a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Espinosa
  • Patent number: 6986275
    Abstract: An automotive clamp accessory that can be used with existing prior art clamps to pull on a damaged vehicle's frame. The clamp accessory can be attached to a variety of types of damaged vehicle frames and locations without first being required to remove bolted-on vehicle parts or attached glass in order for the pull clamp to properly access or grab the frame. Once the clamp accessory is attached, straightening is accomplished by pulling on the clamp accessory with an external force to return the frame back to its original shape. In the preferred embodiment, the clamp accessory includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a wall disposed between the first and second ends that forms a “stair-step” configuration. The first end portion having a pair of opposing pivot bores for mounting the prior art pull clamp thereto. The pivot bores allow the pulling clamp to be tightened in selected positions for various straightening applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Inventor: Steven G. Conner
  • Patent number: 6978652
    Abstract: Tools are described which may be secured to blocking sockets of a vehicle holding system for use with a vehicle frame straightener. Each of the tools is designed to block and hold the frame of a vehicle during the frame straightening procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Inventor: William J. Meis
  • Patent number: 6973817
    Abstract: A multi-directional pull tool has a fist-like cylindrical end section from which a elongated boxed shaped second section extends. The tool is designed to attach to the square or rectangular opening at the end of a damaged frame rail. The tool is attached directly to the sidewalls of the frame rail, allowing for a more direct pull of the infrastructure of the frame rail in the opposite direction in which it was hit, thus allowing a cleaner pull and a setting of the control points of the frame rail back in line. The elongated second section comprises a plurality of openings along the length of the section, through which pull chains, via clamps are connected. In this manner, the damaged frame rail can be pulled in the multitude of directions necessary to return the rail to the proper position without the need to change or reposition the clamps and other pulling equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2005
    Inventor: Romeo Galanti
  • Patent number: 6964186
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for deformation, in particular for restoring deformed bodywork regions, having a pulling device to which an adhesive bolt can be fastened, the adhesive bolt being fastenable by adhesion to the bodywork region to be deformed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: MV Marketing und Vertriebs-GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Strasser, Michael Gabriel
  • Patent number: 6865923
    Abstract: Frame vehicle clamp adapters which allow a frame of a frame-type vehicle to be connected to a pinch weld-type clamp. One embodiment comprises a first section having an elongated rigid protrusion extending from a base. The elongated rigid protrusion is adapted to be secured to a pinch weld clamp. A second portion of the adapter is provided with a clamp for securing a frame thereto. A preferred embodiment comprises a mechanism for adjusting the height of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Bradley R. Weschler
  • Patent number: 6845648
    Abstract: A fabrication tool (10) for fabricating flashing (200) that surrounds a chimney (100) wherein, the fabrication tool (10) comprises an elongated rectangular base plate member (20) and an elongated rectangular top plate member (40) having a longitudinal stamped recess (42) that is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the top plate member (40) wherein, the bottom surface of the recess is permanently affixed to the base plate member (20) to define different depth bending slots (71) (72) to bend strips of sheet metal flashing (200) into a desired configuration; and, wherein, the base plate member (20) includes a pair of base plate member segments (20?) (20?) and the top plate member (40) includes a pair of top plate member segments (40?) (40?) wherein, segments (20?) (40?) and (20?) (40?) are co-joined together and hingedly connected to one another by a hinge unit (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Jody English
  • Patent number: 6820456
    Abstract: A vehicle-straightening bench (20) is utilized to apply pulling forces to a damaged vehicle chassis to restore the damaged chassis to an original configuration. The bench includes a vehicle platform (22) with a carriage track (24) having a plurality of carriage assemblies (100) movably received by the carriage track (24). Each carriage assembly (100) supports a pulling assembly (200) for applying the pulling forces. A trapezoidal carriage body (102) of the carriage assembly (100) rolls in the carriage track (24), and the carriage assembly also includes a tower positioning mechanism (104) to hold the pulling assemblies (200) in place while the carriage body (102) is are rolled on the track (24). The carriage assembly (100) also includes a locking mechanism (106) to lock them in place during a vehicle a pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. McClellan, Richard H. Nagorski, Jeffrey L. Dobbins, Jeffery A. Hess, Charles A. Schulte, Nathan Adams, Robert W. Thomas, Marco Tulio Nossa Reyes
  • Patent number: 6779376
    Abstract: A vehicle frame straightening apparatus includes a substantially upright post adapted to engage a rail mounted transversely to a series of rails fixed to the floor on which the vehicle rests, and adapted to apply pressure between the floor and outward on a deformity in the frame from under the vehicle by a ram engaged therebetween. A holding assembly for holding the vehicle in position engages the vehicle frame from the outside and engages a second rail mounted transversely to the rails fixed to the floor. Preferably the post includes a substantially upright lower portion and an upper portion pivotally attached thereto in order to extend its height, wherein the lower portion does not exceed the ground clearance of the vehicle. Thus, the post may be placed into position against the deformity from beside the vehicle without requiring an increase in the vehicle's ground clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Scott Allan Linquist
  • Patent number: 6769284
    Abstract: A hinge adjusting tool includes a rigid elongated member having a first end and a second end. A tubular member is attached to the first end of the elongated member. The tubular member is orientated substantially perpendicular to the elongated member. The tubular member has an upper end and a lower end. The tubular member has a slot extending therethrough. The slot extends between and through the upper and lower ends. A hinge may be selectively positioned in the tubular member such that the hinge may be repositioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Inventor: Gerald W. Dennis
  • Patent number: 6745612
    Abstract: A vehicle clamp assembly has an upper end releasably clampable to a vehicle frame member, and a lower end releasably attachable to a support frame. The assembly is rotatable about a first axis substantially parallel to the support frame and is also rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to both the support frame and the first axis. The assembly's base can thus be levelled with respect to the support frame before the assembly is attached to the support frame. This allows the assembly to be clamped onto a vehicle frame member, irrespective of the frame member's orientation relative to the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: 668201 B.C. Ltd
    Inventor: Lon William McIlwraith
  • Patent number: 6725703
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus is a tool for adjusting a hinge. The tool comprises a head having a first jaw portion and an opposite-facing second jaw portion. The first jaw portion and the second jaw portion define an opening which has the same shape as a cross-section of the knuckles of the hinge. The apparatus further comprises a handle attached to the head. Because the tool engages the knuckles of the hinge at the back of the knuckles, there is no unsightly scratching of the hinge. A method of use of the tool is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Inventor: Richard E. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6722180
    Abstract: Frame vehicle clamp adapters which allow a frame of a frame-type vehicle to be connected to a pinch weld-type clamp. One embodiment comprises a first section having an elongated rigid protrusion extending from a base. The elongated rigid protrusion is adapted to be secured to a pinch weld clamp. A second portion of the adapter is provided with a clamp for securing a frame thereto. A preferred embodiment comprises a mechanism for adjusting the height of the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Bradley R. Weschler
  • Patent number: 6701770
    Abstract: A vehicle-straightening bench (20) is utilized to apply pulling forces to a damaged vehicle chassis to restore the damaged chassis to an original configuration. The bench includes a vehicle platform (22) with a carriage track (24) having a plurality of carriage assemblies (100) movably received by the carriage track (24). Each carriage assembly (100) supports a pulling assembly (200) for applying the pulling forces. A trapezoidal carriage body (102) of the carriage assembly (100) rolls in the carriage track (24), and the carriage assembly also includes a tower positioning mechanism (104) to hold the pulling assemblies (200) in place while the carriage body (102) is are rolled on the track (24). The carriage assembly (100) also includes a locking mechanism (106) to lock them in place during a vehicle a pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. McClellan, Richard H. Nagorski, Jeffrey L. Dobbins, Jeffrey A. Hess, Charles A. Schulte, Nathan Adams, Robert W. Thomas, Marco Tulio Nossa Reyes
  • Patent number: 6681613
    Abstract: A fabrication tool (10) for fabricating flashing (200) that surrounds a chimney (100) wherein, the fabrication tool (10) comprises an elongated rectangular base plate member (20) and an elongated rectangular top plate member (40) having a longitudinal stamped recess (42) that is laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the top plate member (40) wherein, the bottom surface of the recess is permanently affixed to the base plate member (20) to define different depth bending slots (51) (52) to bend strips of sheet metal flashing (200) into a desired configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Inventor: Jody English
  • Patent number: 6679092
    Abstract: An automobile sheet metal surface correcting equipment capable of permitting alignment between a piston of the equipment and a portion of the sheet metal surface to be corrected to be carried out from an inside of the sheet metal such as a bonnet, to thereby facilitate sheet metal working.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Star Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kiyotaka Irii
  • Patent number: 6601430
    Abstract: A lifting platform with a scissor type jack. The jack includes a plurality of inter-connected struts pivotally connected to a base forming a double X strut arrangement. A power actuator is connected to at least one strut in each X to effect extension and retraction of the jack. A safety latch is provided to prevent accidental retraction of the jack from an extended position should the power actuator fail to hold the jack in the elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel McClellan
  • Patent number: 6588249
    Abstract: The vehicle metal pulling apparatus may be mounted on a forklift for use of the hydraulic system to pull metal parts. A cross bar may be attached to the main vertical beam element of the forklift. A push bar may be attached to the cross bar to project forwardly from the forklift for placement against a vehicle to brace the vehicle while pulling on parts. A cable that may be attached at one end to a vehicle part is threaded through a pulley on the cross bar and attached to the forklift vertical lift apparatus. The forklift may then be operated to pull the cable and thereby the part to which attached. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Paul Milazzo
  • Patent number: 6568238
    Abstract: The caster angle of a unibody vehicle may be adjusted by securing a fixed frame member to the vehicle's rocker panel pinch weld to provide an anchor point for adjustment. An hydraulic porter power ram mounted between the forward end of the frame leg and the lower control arm of the steering assembly is used to push the lower control arm forward to the proper caster angle. A stabilizing bar attached to the fixed frame member minimizes twisting of the fixed frame member under hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: TLT Fabrications, Inc.
    Inventor: Terry R. Tyler
  • Patent number: 6568237
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for anchoring a vehicle with a manipulative anchoring device comprises a base configured to engage a frame removably mounted on a work surface with the base slidingly attached to the frame. An upright column is mounted in the base, with the upright column supporting an anchoring collar and a clamping platform. The anchoring collar can be rotated about the upright column and is configured to receive at least one anchoring chain. The clamping platform is configured to receive a plurality of interchangeable clamping members and can also be configured to support a force applying device, such as a fluid cylinder or a screw jack. When the vehicle manipulative anchoring device is configured with the force applying device, it is used to impart a force to the vehicle, typically to counter a force being applied to the vehicle in a different area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: James C. Graham, James G. Ballard
  • Patent number: 6526796
    Abstract: A vehicle body frame puller attachment which includes a generally triangular main member having three sides with opposite side edges extending along each of the sides. The main member comprises a first side adapted for coupling to a chain to facilitate pulling on the main member using the chain, with a generally round aperture for freely passing a portion of a chain therethrough and a pair of chain slots for positioning a link of the chain in one of the chain slots such that an adjacent link in the chain is prevented from passing through the chain slot. A second side has four door hinge slots with each of the door hinge slots being elongate and having longitudinal axes extending substantially parallel to the side edges. A third side has a plurality of bolt slots for coupling to various bolt patterns used to attach door hinges to different vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Hofseb K. Markarian
  • Patent number: 6490906
    Abstract: The carriage has a main frame supported by caster wheels. A vertical mast is connected to a mounting stud on the main frame. A tubular sleeve is slideably mounted on the vertical mast and held in fixed positions by a pin. A winch fixed to the tubular sleeve has a winch cable that extends over a roller on top of the mast and has a hook that engages the sleeve to raise and lower the sleeve. A mounting stud on the sleeve receives an accessory base or cable guide pulley accessory. The accessory base receives adjustable attachments for supporting vehicle components such as doors, hoods, bumpers and trunk lids. The cable guide pulley guides the winch cable to pull dented sheet metal vertically or horizontally. The carriage is anchored in place, when pulling dented sheet metal, by a retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Inventor: Rick H. Bailey
  • Patent number: 6490907
    Abstract: A system (20) for anchoring a vehicle frame (22) to a platform (24) utilizes a variety of securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) to secure the vehicle frame (22) from movement at desired locations while the vehicle frame (22) is being aligned with pulling forces applied by pulling towers (26). The securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) are held on cross beams (28, 30) which mount to anchoring stands (32), and the anchoring stands (32) are attached to the platform (24). The securement components include a rail vise (34), a C-channel clamp (36), a leaf spring shackle (38), L-clamps (40,41), a slide plate (42), a hole adapter (44), a tie-down ratchet assembly (46), and a turnbuckle assist (48). The rail vise has two guide channels (78, 80) which slidably receive guide pins (114) therein. The guide pins (114) extend from a front movable clamp leg (74).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Dobbins, Roger Harmon, Melvin Soyk
  • Patent number: 6484554
    Abstract: An automobile lift and straightening platform is useful for performing repairs on motor vehicles received thereon, and includes a base, a bench which includes treadways for permitting the vehicle to roll thereon and receiving anchors for coupling the vehicle body to the bench, a lifting unit for raising and lowering the bench relative to the base, and a locking unit for locking the bench in an elevated position relative to the base and thereby inhibiting undesired lowering of the vehicle. An unlocking member is provided which may be actuated by the foot of the worker. A hand held control is connected to a power unit for operating an extensible ram of the lifting unit to raise and lower the bench, thus permitting one worker to lower the bench when simultaneously actuating the control and the unlocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Assignee: Delaware Capital Formation, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin A. Soyk
  • Patent number: 6450003
    Abstract: A tool for adjusting a door hinge so that the door hangs properly. The tool is a tube with a slot extending from one end of the tube to the other end of the tube and having a bore to permit sliding the tube over the knuckles of the door hinge. In use, the tube is slid over the knucles of the hinge with the plates of the hinge extending through the slot. The door is opened sufficiently so that the swage and/or mounting plate are adjusted to where the door swings and closes properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Inventor: Eric C Pawson
  • Patent number: 6446481
    Abstract: The vehicle interchangeable repair system comprises a repair platform having a carriage mounted thereon and structured to move along the periphery of the repair platform. An accessory platform is removably coupled to the carriage and an interchangeable tool is removably mounted on the accessory platform. The vehicle interchangeable repair system allows an operator to modify the vehicle repair system to accommodate the type of vehicle and type of vehicle repair that has to be affected on such vehicle. The vehicle repair system can receive interchangeable tools as selected by an operator of the system. The carriage is structured to move along the periphery of the repair platform a full 360 degrees to a position as selected by the operator. Additional carriages can be mounted on the repair platform and support the same type of interchangeable tool or different interchangeable tools as selected and determined by the operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Ballard, Jeffrey Russell, James C. Graham
  • Publication number: 20020095971
    Abstract: A tool for adjusting a door hinge so that the door hangs properly. The tool is a tube with a slot extending from one end of the tube to the other end of the tube and having a bore to permit sliding the tube over the knuckles of the door hinge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2001
    Publication date: July 25, 2002
    Inventor: Eric C. Pawson
  • Publication number: 20020078731
    Abstract: A sheet metal dent removing device for combining a drill and a slide hammer used for removing dents. The sheet metal dent removing device includes an electric drill. The electric drill includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a peripheral wall extending between. A handle extends from the peripheral wall and is positioned generally adjacent to the proximal end. An actuating means turns the electric drill on and off. A shaft is elongate and has a first end and a second end. The first end of the shaft extends into the distal end of the body. The electric drill is adapted to rotate the shaft. A drill bit has a first end and a second end. The first end tapers to a point and the length of the drill bit is threaded. A coupling means removably couples the drill bit to the second end of the shaft. A slide hammer comprises a tubular member having an aperture extending therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Inventor: Clarence Peters
  • Patent number: 6367305
    Abstract: A system (20) for anchoring a vehicle frame (22) to a platform (24) utilizes a variety of securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) to secure the vehicle frame (22) from movement at desired locations while the vehicle frame (22) is being aligned with pulling forces applied by pulling towers (26). The securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) are held on cross beams (28, 30) which mount to anchoring stands (32), and the anchoring stands (32) are attached to the platform (24). The securement components include a rail vise (34), a C-channel clamp (36), a leaf spring shackle (38), L-clamps (40, 41), a slide plate (42), a hole adapter (44), a tie-down ratchet assembly (46), and a turnbuckle assist (48). The rail vise has two guide channels (78, 80) which slidably receive guide pins (114) therein. The guide pins (114) extend from a front movable clamp leg (74).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: Chief Automotive Systems
    Inventors: Jeff Dobbins, Roger Harmon, Melvin Soyk
  • Patent number: 6318144
    Abstract: A vehicle accident rescue tool, constructed so as to lift and pull a steering column vertically and horizontally. The rescue tool (10) includes a base (12), a base arm (14) carried by base (12) and, preferably, disposed at a substantially right angle to base (12). Base arm (14) includes a distal end (16) that carries a first actuator anchor point (18) and a stabilizer anchor point (20). Stabilizer anchor point (20) provides a point of attachment for a first detention cable (22) for securing the distal end (16) to a selected point on the vehicle frame. A lifting arm (36) is pivotally attached to base arm (14) and spaced apart from base (12) a selected distance. The distal end (38) of lifting arm (36) carries a second actuator anchor point (40) and an additional anchor point (42). In use, rescue tool (10) is placed on the vehicle with base (12) proximate the steering column and, preferably, positioned over a portion of the vehicle capable of supporting a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy E. Keeble
  • Patent number: 6276187
    Abstract: A clamping device including a housing having a base portion slideably mounted to be positionable along the width of a carriage, the carriage being slideably mounted to be positionable along the length of a guide track. The housing includes a clamping jaw pivotally mounted therein and activatable by a hydraulic cylinder. The carriage is designed to interlock with the base portion of the housing and with the guide track upon activation of the hydraulic cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Inventor: Timothy A. Hutchinson
  • Patent number: 6272898
    Abstract: A system (20) for anchoring a vehicle frame (22) to a platform (24) utilizes a variety of securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) to secure the vehicle frame (22) from movement at desired locations while the vehicle frame (22) is being aligned with pulling forces applied by pulling towers (26). The securement components (34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48) are held on cross beams (28, 30) which mount to anchoring stands (32), and the anchoring stands (32) are attached to the platform (24). The securement components include a rail vise (34), a C-channel clamp (36), a leaf spring shackle (38), L-clamps (40, 41), a slide plate (42), a hole adapter (44), a tie-down ratchet assembly (46), and a turnbuckle assist (48). The rail vise has two guide channels (78, 80) which slidably receive guide pins (114) therein. The guide pins (114) extend from a front movable clamp leg (74).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Chief Automotive Systems
    Inventor: Melvin Soyk
  • Patent number: 6269676
    Abstract: An automobile lift and straightening platform is useful for performing repairs on motor vehicles received thereon, and includes a base, a bench which includes treadways for permitting the vehicle to roll thereon and receiving anchors for coupling the vehicle body to the bench, a lifting unit for raising and lowering the bench relative to the base, and a locking unit for locking the bench in an elevated position relative to the base and thereby inhibiting undesired lowering of the vehicle. An unlocking member is provided which may be actuated by the foot of the worker. A hand held control is connected to a power unit for operating an extensible ram of the lifting unit to raise and lower the bench, thus permitting one worker to lower the bench when simultaneously actuating the control and the unlocking member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Chief Automotive Systems
    Inventor: Melvin A. Soyk
  • Patent number: 6250341
    Abstract: A wire bending tool kit which has a plate with a plurality of apertures and a plurality of pegs of different sizes which can be inserted into selected apertures in the plate. The pegs have structure for holding wire onto the pegs. In addition, the kit contains a plurality of spacers which can be placed over one or more of the pegs to produce different shapes in the wire as it is being bent. Also, one of the pegs has an aperture therein which allows an end of a wire to be inserted to produce spiral shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Inventor: Gary L. Helwig
  • Patent number: 6216524
    Abstract: A dual clamping adapter for securing a vehicle body undercarriage having both horizontal pinchwelds and vertical jack tabs to a vehicle repairing device includes a generally L-shaped clamp bracket having a generally upright upper leg and a generally horizontal lower leg, a first pair of clamps for releasably clamping a horizontal pinchweld of a vehicle body undercarriage and a second pair of clamps for releasing clamping a vertical jack tab of a vehicle body undercarriage. The first and second clamping plates are adjustably mounted on the upper and lower leg of the clamp bracket, respectively and the clamp bracket is height adjustable. A vehicle repairing device utilizing the aforementioned dual clamping adapter is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Quick Stick, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley R. Weschler
  • Patent number: 6185982
    Abstract: An apparatus for securing a vehicle to a vehicle repair system with the vehicle repair system having a work surface. The apparatus comprises a frame removably mounted on the work surface with the support base slidingly attached to the frame with the support base having a release handle and an upright column. A lock plate having a lock plate bore sized to receive the upright column is placed over the upright column of the support base and secured to the frame by a drive nut threadingly mounted to the upright column to secure the lock plate against the frame and draw the support base against the frame. A clamp support removably coupled to the upright column of the support base is coupled to a vehicle retainer. The vehicle retainer engages a vehicle securing area on a vehicle being repaired on the vehicle repair system. The frame is secured to the vehicle repair system work surface by a single bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hein Werner Corporation
    Inventors: James G. Ballard, James C. Graham
  • Patent number: 6182493
    Abstract: A dual clamping adapter for securing a vehicle body undercarriage having both horizontal pinchwelds and vertical jack tabs to a vehicle repairing device includes a generally L-shaped clamp bracket having a generally upright upper leg and a generally horizontal lower leg, a first pair of clamps for releasably clamping a horizontal pinchweld of a vehicle body undercarriage and a second pair of clamps for releasing clamping a vertical jack tab of a vehicle body undercarriage. The first and second clamping plates are adjustably mounted on the upper and lower leg of the clamp bracket, respectively and the clamp bracket is height adjustable. A vehicle repairing device utilizing the aforementioned dual clamping adapter is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Quick Stick, Inc.
    Inventor: Bradley R. Weschler