By Or With Work-constrainer And/or Manipulated Work-forcer Patents (Class 72/457)
  • Patent number: 4949569
    Abstract: Apparatus has a forming die on a boom with the boom being positionable so that the forming die can be urged outward against the damaged wall of a container. Hammering on the outside of the container against the forming die reshapes the container wall to its original contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 21, 1990
    Inventors: Almon A. Young, William T. Martin
  • Patent number: 4916933
    Abstract: The installation includes a straightening device whose front end is mounted on feet and whose back end is associated with a lift. The back end of the straightening device is equipped with detachable ramps, as well as detachable platforms extending the ramps. On the upper face of the straightening device is mounted longitudinally movable between platforms and the front end, a carriage intended to receive the front axle assembly of the vehicle. The installation is applicable to loading and unloading of the vehicle on a straightening device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 17, 1990
    Assignee: Celette, S.A.
    Inventor: Germain Celette
  • Patent number: 4905496
    Abstract: The invention relates to a procedure in car body rectifying work. In the procedure the vehicle is driven onto the rectifying table (11) of the car body rectifying unit (10) and affixed to skirt attachments (12) provided on the rectifying table. The vehicle is raised, while it is on the rectifying table, with the lifting unit (16) of the vehicle rectifying unit to desired height for the rectifying work. Hereafter the lifting unit (16) is removed from under the vehicle and out of functional connection with the rectifying table (11) and the vehicle is left resting on supporting legs (30) connected with the rectifying table (11). The invention also relates to apparatus conforming to the procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Assignee: Autorobot Finland KY
    Inventor: Olavi Venalainen
  • Patent number: 4898018
    Abstract: An apparatus for straightening an unmounted automotive component. The apparatus has a pneumatic pull tower mounted at one end of a base and a first pulley mounted on a movable ram sleeve in the tower. A second pulley is movably mounted along the tower. A component securing device is mounted at another end of the base and can receive and hold the component. A first chain can be connected at one end to the component and at another end to the base. The chain is led along the first and second pulleys such that when the pneumatic pull tower is activated, the ram sleeve will apply a force on the chain to straighten the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Inventor: Ray Ventress
  • Patent number: 4873861
    Abstract: A lifting apparatus in a vehicle chassis straightening or aligning bench including a frame which can be raised and lowered and on which a vehicle chassis can rest. The lifting apparatus includes at least one post guide which can be removably secured to the frame and slidably receive a post therein. The lifting apparatus is positioned under the chassis such that lowering of the frame will result in the chassis bearing on upper end of the post and upon further lowering of the frame, displacement of the frame from the post so that a clamp device can be inserted between the chassis and the bench frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1989
    Assignee: Car-O-Liner Company
    Inventor: Hans R. Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 4862727
    Abstract: A vehicle hoist having four separate pivoting shafts. Each shaft is pivotally and slidingly mounted at its lower end on a transversal cylindrical beam which is fixed on a frame. The shaft is adapted to move between a horizontal and a vertical position. The frame is fixed on a base structure and adapted to longitudinally slide on it. The top of each shaft is pivotally connected to an anchoring member which is adapted to grip the rocker panel pinchwelds of the vehicle. When the vehicle is pulled horizontally, the four shafts gripping the vehicle, raise the latter. Abutting components stop and hold the shafts in their upright position. The transversal and longitudinal movements are provided to adjust to the width and the length of the different types of vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1989
    Inventor: Marcel J. Bergeron
  • Patent number: 4848130
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in the repair and realignment of body/frame portions of a vehicle having unitized body and frame construction comprising a base member for attachment to a body/frame reference point and a connector rotatably adjustable within said base member for attachment to body/frame straigtening and alignment equipment. The apparatus provides a secure attachment to the vehicle and several orthogonally related connection points for applying forces, or combinations of forces for straightening and realigning body and frame portions of a vehicle which have been damaged by collision or otherwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1989
    Inventor: Jose R. Jimenez
  • Patent number: 4845974
    Abstract: A vehicle chassis straightening bench which includes a beam-frame having chassis clamps for securing the vehicle during a chassis straightening operation. The bench also has side ramp sections detachably mounted along the two longitudinal sides of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Car-O-Liner Company
    Inventor: Hans R. Bergstrom
  • Patent number: 4823589
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for straightening the bodies and frames of automobiles and other vehicles. The apparatus includes a bench having a low profile with retractable lifts which permit the bench to be positioned substantially flat on the ground so that a vehicle can be driven over it. The vehicle can then be raised and lowered with the bench, as required. The vehicle is secured to the bench, and a puller which can be adjusted about both horizontal and vertical axes is connected to the bench and the vehicle for pulling on desired portions of the vehicle. Both the puller and the means for securing the vehicle to the bench are attached to the bench with wedges which enable them to be removed and repositioned, as required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1989
    Assignee: Whitney Equipment Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas C. Maxwell, Jr., Walter D. Whitney, deceased
  • Patent number: 4794782
    Abstract: An apparatus including a vehicle support, for receivably supporting the wheels of a vehicle which has pulling towers attached to the vehicle support for pulling on a part of a vehicle disposed on the vehicle support. An arm is pivotally attached to the tower at one end thereof and has an engagement attachment disposed on the other end of the arm for abutment with the other side of the vehicle. An intermediate portion of the arm, between the ends thereof, is operably attached to the tower for permitting the tower apparatus to selectively pivot the arm up and down and thereby cause the engagement attachment and the vehicle in engagement therewith to move up and down accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1989
    Inventors: Carl R. Field, Pichai Saichaie
  • Patent number: 4781045
    Abstract: A vehicle repair system for locating and defining predetermined points of vehicle components to ensure compliance with the vehicle specifications. The system utilizes a common base for interchangeably receiving any one of a plurality of control heads in order to enable the base portion of the system to be utilized in checking and verifying the position of vehicle components for any or a large number of vehicles. Each of the interchangeable control heads is specifically configured for use with a particular vehicle and for locating a component of that particular vehicle so that each of the specific control heads can be utilized in a standard system base eliminating the necessity of individual bases being formed as an integral portion of the position locating or verifying apparatus. In addition, the checking and verification system may be utilized to effect localized repairs or reforming of the automotive components to effect their correct positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1988
    Assignee: Celette S.A.
    Inventor: Germain Celette
  • Patent number: 4753104
    Abstract: A sheet metal working tool particularly adapted for automobile body repair comprising a slide hammer assembly attached to a suction cup from which air is drawn through the assembly. One embodiment utilizes a separate vacuum pump or ejector connected to the assembly through a vacuum hose. Another embodiment incorporates a compressed air-operated vacuum ejector functioning on the venturi principle into a stop on the end of the slide hammer assembly opposite the suction cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1988
    Assignee: Body Buddy, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Strozier
  • Patent number: 4748842
    Abstract: A sheet metal pulling apparatus in combination with a plurality of anchors disposed at spaced locations in the floor of a body shop; wherein, the sheet metal pulling apparatus comprises: a base member having a vertically extending post; a tie down plate; and a chain operatively secured to both the base member and the tie down plate; wherein the chain is selectively engaged by a removable pin which is operatively attached to the tie down plate; whereby, tension can be maintained between the base member and the tie down plate when the vertically extending post of the base member is connected to a winch which is subsequently attached to the sheet metal surface of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Inventor: Boyd W. Dingman
  • Patent number: 4720991
    Abstract: A safety tie down assembly is adapted for use with pulling apparatus of the type used in the repair of collision damage to motor vehicles. The pulling apparatus includes a post carrying a power cylinder attached to a pulling chain which passes over a guide pulley on the post and then to the vehicle so that force applied to the piston in the cylinder applies a pulling force to the vehicle through the pulling chain. The pulling force is counteracted by a primary anchor chain coupled to the post and extending to a floor anchor. The safety tie down assembly comprises a rigid anchor guide and support removably placed in the floor anchor and contacted by the primary anchor chain so that the restraining force in the primary anchor chain is evenly distributed at the edge of the floor anchor to prevent damage to the floor. A safety anchor line is connected to a separate location on the post assembly and is then connected to a ring-like cable carried on the rigid anchor guide and support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: Kuhn Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Charles J. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 4644778
    Abstract: A device for bending large radius bends or circles and small radius bends or right angles in metal plate, such as landscape edging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: William D. Newton, II
  • Patent number: 4624323
    Abstract: An improved multi-purpose impact hand tool kit for use by electricians, carpenters or similar tradesperson in the building construction industry or other similar industry in applications that require the use of an impact type of hand tool for driving fastening devices such as concrete nails, threaded or unthreaded fastener studs, pins anchor/expansion plugs or similar devices. The improved impact hand tool kit conveniently provides for the tradesperson an elongated shaft provided with a tool end having exterior threads and a threaded bore for attaching male or female threaded attachment ends provided on commercially available fastening devices. The improved hand tool kit can also be used by the tradesperson in general applications that require the use of an impact or non-impact general purpose hand tools such as chisels, punches, and screwdrivers. Such impact or non-impact general purpose hand tools are specially adapted for use with the elongated shaft of the improved impact hand tool kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1986
    Inventor: Henry G. Burrola
  • Patent number: 4608234
    Abstract: A device for tensioning a thin plate comprises at least two assemblies, each having tensioning means on one end of the plate and means for rotating the end about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the plate. When this axis does not pass through the center of the end, means for the transverse translation of the end are advantageously added to the assembly. The assemblies are arranged in such a way that the plate is in equilibrium under the tension effect. The device has particular application to the tensioning of a flat resistor for producing materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Jean-Jacques Aubert, Alain Basset, Bernard Bechevet, Claude Roulin
  • Patent number: 4607519
    Abstract: A wheel alignment device for independently suspended wheels of a motor vehicle which comprises two mutually parallel tracks with interconnecting structure upon which are mounted traveling journals which receive and support the bi-laterally projecting spindles of an upstanding wheel attachment plate. A jack is provided to bear against the plate and the parallel track structure to selectively force the plate to pivot about the axis formed by the projecting spindles or about a vertical axis of the wheel plate in order to bring the wheel back to normal from a position of excessive toe in or toe out or positive or negative camber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1986
    Inventor: Stephen R. Kinion
  • Patent number: 4592225
    Abstract: A relatively lightweight, rigid, mobile work rack for correcting and aligning misshapen vehicle frame and body portions comprises spaced, parallel beam members and a central open space for unhindered access which extends the entire length of the rack. Front and rear pairs of legs individually or in combination between pairs swing up and down to selectively lower the entire rack or to tilt either the front or the rear end. The legs are mounted so that the entire rack fully lowers to rest upon the work shop floor and raises to a handy working height. A locking arrangement permits elevation of the rack at intermediate heights. Force applying structures are also selectively mountable to the work rack at various areas about its periphery and are braced for pulls to repair damaged vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1986
    Assignee: Hein-Werner Corporation
    Inventor: Leonard F. Eck
  • Patent number: 4520649
    Abstract: A horizontal base plate structure is provided having a central opening therein and a plurality of marginal portions spaced about the central opening and disposed in a plane slightly spaced below the portions of the base plate structure defining the central opening. Upright central post structure is supported from a central portion of the base plate structure and attaching structure is carried by the upper end portion of the central post structure for attachment to a vehicle frame. Also, anchor structure is carried by the base plate structure and operative through the central opening therein for engagement with and tightly drawing the central portion of the base plate structure downwardly relative to a floor anchor over which the base plate structure may be disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1985
    Inventor: George D. Barton, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4519236
    Abstract: The clamping device comprises a vertical screw for supporting a body-clamping jaw unit. The screw extends through a horizontal slide attached to the side of the checking frame or bench jig and is supported on the slide by slidably mounted bearing-blocks and by clamping nuts. Vertical and horizontal millimeter scales are attached respectively to the screw and to the slide and the body-clamping jaw unit is detachable. The position of the clamping unit can thus be adjusted with accuracy. Detachable mounting of the clamping unit permits rapid exchange for adapting the unit to different vehicle body shapes and designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Celette, S.A.
    Inventor: Germain Celette
  • Patent number: 4510790
    Abstract: An improved motor vehicle body and frame straightener of the type usable with conventional "dozers" to pull bodies and frames into shape and alignment, and having an adjustable anchor-free rectangular rail system with slidably positionable jacking provisions and laterally adjustable body grippers provides cross-slides integrally mounting the jacking provisions and laterally adjustable body grippers for better speed in set-up and better access for "dozers", while preserving facility to move the laterally adjustable body grippers without concurrent movement of the jacking provisions; grippers of two types, jaw and stud, may be interchanged by withdrawing a gripper arm and re-inserting it rotated 180.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1982
    Date of Patent: April 16, 1985
    Inventor: Charles E. Hare
  • Patent number: 4505145
    Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment for straightening deformed vehicles or vehicle parts and includes a frame of beams on which the vehicle is fastened. One or more straightening devices can be fastened to the frame. The equipment has a U-shaped cross-section by being built-up from an upper and a lower plate and an intermediate plate, that joins them at some distance from their ends. This permits the fastening device to be brought into contact with the upper, lower and outer sides of a frame beam. Further the fastening device is provided with a blocking element which can be made to grip around the lower, inner corner of the beam and to be in contact with a lower part of the inner side of the beam and thereby lock the fastening device to the beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1985
    Assignee: AB Samefa
    Inventors: Hans R. Bergstrom, Uno Johansson
  • Patent number: 4471645
    Abstract: Arcuately curved cultivator shanks carrying ground working tools often become partially straightened or the attaching portion becomes bent due to the ground working tool engaging obstructions such as a root, rock or the like. Due to the resiliency thereof, they are difficult to re-shape to the original contours or specifications. The present device includes firstly, a vertical standard having a cross pin at the upper end thereof under which the hooked attaching end may be engaged. The distal end, which is apertured to receive the ground working tool, is engaged by a jack underneath the standard and a sliding member engages within the standard and is engaged by the distal end of the shank so that when the jack is extended, the arcuately curved portion is re-shaped to the original contours.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1984
    Inventor: Frank Dayne
  • Patent number: 4404838
    Abstract: A portable anchoring system forms a height-adjustable rectangular frame extending outwardly all around an automobile body to which holding devices adjustably mounted on it clamp, providing a self-anchoring base to which conventional "pull dozers" can be chained and apply pulling and pushing forces without need for floor anchorage; to assemble the frame, a pair of side assemblies movably supported in use-attitude on transfer-ball-equipped jack-bases provide adjustable clamps which extend inwardly for affixation to a vehicle body to be repaired, and after clamping are joined by two end rails; an adjustable cross-bar is provided for applying pushing and pulling forces beneath a vehicle body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Inventor: Charles E. Hare
  • Patent number: 4404833
    Abstract: For straightening of bent pipes a device with a base in two parts provided for spanning the bent pipe on one longitudinal side of the bend of the pipe. One base is connected to one end of a tie bar, which is pivotally fastened at the other end to a piston rod in a working cylinder. The working cylinder is pivotally fastened to a corner of a triangular straightener, another corner being pivotally fastened to one part of the other base, and the side opposite this corner bearing a thrust block or roller, which presses against the other longitudinal side of the bend of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1981
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1983
    Inventor: Torkil K. Andersen
  • Patent number: 4400969
    Abstract: An apparatus secures a damaged vehicle for straightening with a vehicle straightening device. The apparatus includes a base and a mechanism for securely attaching the base to a support in a plurality of positions such that the base is in a fixed spatial relationship with respect to the vehicle straightening device in each position and is easily transferable from position to position. A clamping mechanism securely holds the vehicle by clamping a portion of the vehicle. A vertical positioning mechanism positions the clamping mechanism along a substantially vertical axis between the base and the vehicle portion to be clamped and a preferred horizontal positioning mechanism positions the clamping mechanism along a substantially horizontal plane. The clamping mechanism is pivotable about two separate pivot axes located between the base and the clamping mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Assignee: Align-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerald A. Specktor
  • Patent number: 4400968
    Abstract: Large containers for moving cargo are frequently made of steel in which the side panels are strengthened by making them so as to have elongated alternate lands and grooves. The invention is an apparatus for reforming deformed lands and grooves and removing dents in the panels. It includes a power actuated tool for applying force against the deformed structure and a hydraulic power source connected to the tool. A four-way valve is used to supply pressurized fluid from the source to the tool. A frame connected to the hydraulic power source extends externally of the tool, of a tool holding stand, and of the deformed structure. On each side of the panels the frame has vertical members having protrusions which are adapted to move into spaced grooves formed on the outside of the panels and adjacent the deformation on one side of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 30, 1983
    Inventor: Louis C. Barbieri
  • Patent number: 4398410
    Abstract: Disclosed is automotive frame and body correcting equipment having a main bed or frame for supporting a motor vehicle while correcting operations are performed. The underside of the bed has a rectilinear track therein about which one or more correcting accessories may be selectively positioned. Such accessory, here in the form of a pulling tower, is equipped with rollers for riding over the bed, and the tower is further moved inwardly and outwardly generally crosswise of the track and is capable of being positioned at various angles about a vertical pivot. The tower has a base that follows the track and an upright tower part that is selectively adjustable among several positions angularly spaced about a horizontal axis, whereby the versatility of the equipment is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: Bee Line Company
    Inventors: Fred A. McWhorter, Samuel R. Harmon
  • Patent number: 4372145
    Abstract: For bending wiring conduits projecting up from the floor of a building under construction, the present apparatus has a padded block providing a lower abutment, a grooved block providing an upper abutment located above and behind the lower abutment, and a jaw pivotally movable from a retracted position on the opposite side of the conduits from the lower and upper abutments to an extended position toward the upper abutment to force the conduits against the padded block for forming lower bends in the conduits. The jaw has a grooved convex face which engages the conduits to form upper bends of the opposite curvature in the conduits between the lower and upper abutments. The padded block is adjustable to determine the amount the conduits are bent. The grooves in the convex face of the jaw are laterally spaced to spread the conduits apart laterally from their spacing at the floor. A manually pivoted handle actuates the jaw through a mechanical linkage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1983
    Inventors: Anthony P. Giordano, Michael G. Mauer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4353241
    Abstract: An apparatus for repairing and straightening vehicles includes upper and lower tracks supported in vertically spaced relation by a frame, each track including a pair of latterally spaced apart and longitudinally extended side members. A plurality of tower assemblies are supported on the upper and lower tracks for longitudinal movement therealong. Each tower assembly includes a flexible tension member adapted for securement to a vehicle positioned between the side members and a power source for pulling the tension member toward the tower assembly to thereby straighten the vehicle. The track supporting frame includes a superstructure above the upper track and a plurality of upper pulleys adjustably mounted on the superstructure whereby each tension member may be trained about one of the upper pulleys for exerting a pulling force on the vehicle from an elevation above the upper track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Inventor: Carl R. Field
  • Patent number: 4337636
    Abstract: A device is provided for removably and adjustably securing a vehicle to a slotted support surface of a vehicle frame straightening apparatus. The device can comprise base plate having elongated rotatable restraining members for adjustably securing the base plate to the support surface along a first axis and frame attachment means such as a clamp that is adjustable along a second perpendicular axis. The clamp is used to grip a portion of the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Inventor: Allan H. Clausen
  • Patent number: 4336705
    Abstract: Apparatus for repairing and straightening is disclosed in its preferred form for use in repairing and straightening the body and frame of a vehicle. The preferred apparatus includes a tread member including left and right track members for supporting a vehicle thereon, a tram member movable along and between the right and left track members and including two elongatable pull towers pivotally mounted thereto, and an additional elongatable pull tower mounted adjacent an end of the apparatus. A flexible connector, preferably a chain, is arranged for connection between the pull towers and the vehicle. The track members further include regularly shaped apertures which vertically pass therethrough. Locking pins are also provided which extend through an aperture of the track members and abut with a portion of the pull towers to lock the pull towers at any desired angle to the tread member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1982
    Inventor: Gerald A. Specktor
  • Patent number: 4331017
    Abstract: A method for the high reduction of metal during a forming operation includes placing the metal blank being formed under compression by applying pressure to its peripheral edge surfaces and simultaneously engaging it with a drawing horn. The apparatus employed in the method includes a draw pad and a draw horn carried by the movable member or platen of a press and a die carried by the base of the press with the platen being movable toward and away from the base. The base also carries a matrix which carries a plurality of iris plates which are arranged in a circular fashion around a central axis of the die and which are adapted to move toward and away from the vertical center axis of the die so as to be moved into engagement with the peripheral edge surfaces of the blank as the press is brought to a closed position and the draw horn engages the blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1980
    Date of Patent: May 25, 1982
    Assignee: Joseph Bulso, Jr.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Bulso, Jr., William R. Lewers
  • Patent number: 4320649
    Abstract: An apparatus for removing kinks in steel cable includes two transverse members coupled together in spaced relationship and each supported by a pair of legs. A striking member is supported by and pivotably coupled to the transverse members. Compressed air is coupled through an air valve to an air can which, when activated, forces a portion of the striking member down towards the transverse members. A damaged cable is positioned on the transverse members so as to be struck by the striking member at a desired point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1979
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1982
    Inventor: Buddy S. Putney
  • Patent number: 4315424
    Abstract: An elongated base if provided including a pair of opposite side opposing fulcrum surfaces disposed in a plane extending therebetween transversely of the base. A pair of elongated longitudinal side-by-side levers are disposed between the fulcrum surfaces and include opposite end portions projecting from opposite sides of the aforementioned plane. A first pair of end portions define opposing jaw faces for clamping an auto body portion therebetween and anchor structure is carried by the base for applying a pulling force thereon in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first end portions project.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1980
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1982
    Inventors: Davis R. Jarman, Virgil H. Hinson
  • Patent number: 4313335
    Abstract: A work rack structure for correcting and aligning misshapen vehicle frame and body portions comprises a rack structure having a vehicle supportive upper surface and a lower surface and with generally continuous front and rear end and opposite side rack portions having inner and outer marginal flanges and joined together to form a central interior opening whereby a vehicle straddles the opening for work access to the underside thereof. Front and rear supportive foot members are affixed to the rack structure for elevation above a floor surface, the rear supportive foot members being swingably mounted to the rack structure and having power fluid rams operatively connected thereto for folding the foot members and kneeling the rack structure to facilitate positioning of a vehicle thereon. A plurality of force applying members are affixed to the rack structure and are easily movable therearound so that they can be selectively positioned to exert force on substantially any part of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1979
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1982
    Assignee: Kansas Jack, Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard F. Eck
  • Patent number: 4309895
    Abstract: The invention relates to arrangements for straightening damaged vehicle bodies by means of straightening devices which pull and/or press, which is of the kind having a transportable alignment bar equipped with retractable wheels, said alignment bar during a straightening operation being lowered to rest on a floor joist and being fastened in a conventional way to this joist with bolt connections or the like, said alignment bar consisting of a baseplate and at least two upright wall elements attached thereto, which together form a substantialy U-shaped profile with a longitudinally extending guideway for at least one straightening assembly displaceably mounted in or on the alignment bar and comprising at least one upright beam for attachment of the straightening devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Assignee: Josam Lastbilteknik AB
    Inventor: Mokjas J. Samuelsson
  • Patent number: 4309894
    Abstract: Apparatus for the repair of automobiles of unitized body and frame construction comprises a shank member attached to one or more flange members, said flange members adapted for direct connection to the suspension mounting strut on the inner apron of an automobile fender. The apparatus provides a secure attachment to the suspension mounting strut, and means for applying force thereto, for use as a means of securing the automobile during work, as well as a means of correcting suspension misalignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1982
    Inventor: Marc A. Connor
  • Patent number: 4304117
    Abstract: A tool for bending rod-like articles such as bendable insulated electrical wire, said tool having a shaft with a sleeve rotatably mounted thereon; a center post of a three post bending combination at one end of said sleeve; a first, radial bar fixedly mounted on and projecting from said shaft; a first, outer post mounted on the radially outer portion of said bar in substantially parallel, substantially opposing relationship with said center post; a second, radial arm projecting from said sleeve; a second, outer post mounted on the radially outer portion of said second arm in substantially parallel, substantially opposing relationship with said center post; a manually grippable, first handle fixedly attached to said sleeve and projecting laterally from the rearward end thereof; and a manually grippable, second handle, mutually offset relative to the first handle, fixedly attached to said shaft and projecting laterally from the rearward end thereof whereby application of manually applied torque to said handles
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1981
    Inventor: Richard A. Rawson
  • Patent number: 4289016
    Abstract: An automobile body frame straightening apparatus is disclosed which includes a stationary elevated ramp to support the automobile at a desired working height, body gripping supports to attach to the undercarriage of the automobile to hold it in a fixed position, and body frame pullers for connecting to a section of the frame or body to be straightened. The body gripping supports connect to the ramp by horizontally reciprocating hydraulic cylinders and beam to move along the sides of the ramp for alignment with the undercarriage of the automobile. Each body gripping support is vertically telescopic and horizontally extendable to align with the undercarriage of the automobile. A ground mounted rail is positioned under the ramp such that a foot element extending from the body gripping support can engage the rail for stability and travel. The body frame pullers are hydraulically operated and move in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1979
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1981
    Inventor: Charles E. Hare
  • Patent number: 4281532
    Abstract: A portable apparatus for straightening automobile bodies comprising two longitudinal main beams, each telescoping in length, connected to each other by two telescoping transverse beams; two end bars slideably and telescoping attaching to the end of the main beams; a plurality of cross beams which removeably but rigidly attach to the main beams at a multitude of points; each main beam having thereon a plurality of tie downs; each cross beam being equiped with a plurality of load pads operated by hydraulic jacks; and the end bars also operated by hydraulic pads; the entire apparatus being assembled by pins for easy quick assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1980
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1981
    Assignee: Portaframe, Inc.
    Inventor: Fred D. Covington
  • Patent number: 4263802
    Abstract: Locking apparatus is disclosed in its preferred form for use in an apparatus for repairing and straightening the body and frame of a vehicle having force applying members pivotally interconnected to a tread member by connector arms. Regular shaped apertures extend vertically through the tread member. The preferred apparatus of the present invention includes an upraised channel formed on the connector arm of the force applying member and a locking pin including a body portion having a cross section of a regular shape corresponding to the apertures formed in the tread member, an inverted U-shaped handle extending beyond the circumference of the body portion to prevent the body portion from falling through the apertures of the tread member, and a square portion located on the bottommost portion of the body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1981
    Inventor: Gerald A. Specktor
  • Patent number: 4262519
    Abstract: A vehicle frame alignment apparatus comprising a pair of substantially parallel tracks upon which a vehicle may rest, at least one transversely extending beam suspended beneath the tracks, the beam being longer than the spacing between the tracks and having an upright pillar at each end thereof, the pillars being respectively on opposite sides of the pair of tracks and provided with anchorage means for attachment of straining members for applying a plurality of variously directed loads to the vehicle, the beam being suspended beneath the tracks by a pair of suspension units, each suspension unit comprising a top and bottom carriage mutually interconnected by a substantially vertical shaft so as to be relatively rotatable about the axis of the shaft, each of the tracks having fixedly associated and extending substantially parallel therewith a pair of longitudinally extending track rails spaced one from the other along which top carriage rides, the transverse beam having fixedly associated and extending substan
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1978
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1981
    Assignee: Applied Power Inc.
    Inventor: James H. Mason
  • Patent number: 4248078
    Abstract: A clamp for use in straightening automobile bodies is adapted for securement to a rocker panel and has two sets of jaws, one of which may be clamped to a top region of said rocker panel assembly and the other which may be clamped to a bottom portion of said rocker panel. Means are provided for adjusting the spacing between the two sets of jaws to accommodate different sizes of rocker panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1978
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1981
    Inventor: John F. Russo
  • Patent number: 4238951
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening damaged unibody-type vehicles whereby a lightweight rectangular frame is attached at its four corners to the longitudinal pinch weld which runs along both sides of the vehicle body. The frame members are rigidly connected to each other but telescopingly adjustable in length to accommodate different size vehicles and have pulling attachment points at the corners of the frame allowing pulling or pushing in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1978
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1980
    Assignee: Grainger Bros., Inc.
    Inventors: James D. Grainger, Harold A. Grainger
  • Patent number: 4163381
    Abstract: A metal working hand tool and a method for its use are disclosed for making a two piece, four sided, metal trophy column. The first column part is a housing formed with a first piece of sheet metal forming three sides of the column with longitudinal clasp portions at the terminating edges of the first and third of these sides. The second column part is a decorative insert formed from a second piece of sheet metal forming the fourth one of the sides of the column, having longitudinal clasp engaging portions at the terminal edges thereof which engage the clasps on the housing. The hand tool is an L shaped body with a first slot in the short segment thereof for securing a first end of the first piece of sheet metal while it is being sequentially bent over the adjacent sides of the body forming the three sided housing with its longitudinal clasp portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1978
    Date of Patent: August 7, 1979
    Inventor: Jack R. Hodshon
  • Patent number: 4158303
    Abstract: Improvement in an apparatus designed to be employed in the straightening of a damaged vehicle frame or the like wherein a vertically extending tower having pulling members mounted thereon and a rotatally mounted framework for supporting a vehicle frame to be straightened is employed and can be adjusted in a desired position whereby when a pulling force is exerted on the said frame by means of the aforesaid pulling the bent or otherwise damaged portion of the frame may be restored to it's original unbent condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1977
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1979
    Inventors: Cyrill Horn, Wayne J. Horn
  • Patent number: 4151737
    Abstract: Apparatus for repairing and straightening is disclosed in its preferred form for use in repairing and straightening the body and frame of a vehicle. The preferred apparatus includes a tread member including left and right track members for supporting a vehicle thereon, a tram member movable along and between the right and left track members and including two elongatable pull towers pivotally mounted thereto, and an additional elongatable pull tower mounted adjacent an end of the apparatus. A flexible connector, preferably a chain, is arranged for connection between the pull towers and the vehicle. The track members further include regularly shaped apertures which vertically pass therethrough. Locking pins are also provided which extend through an aperture of the track members and abut with a portion of the pull towers to lock the pull towers at any desired angle to the tread member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1974
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1979
    Inventor: Gerald A. Specktor
  • Patent number: RE30914
    Abstract: A heavy duty truck liner for working on a truck, or large trailer, where a plurality of pulling and pushing operations are required to straighten a frame, etc. A plurality of tracks in the form of a rectangle surrounding the normal position of the truck and body, is prepared and set into the concrete floor of the work room. A large inverted U-frame is set on rollers which are adapted to travel longitudinally along the long sides of the track. The frame is large enough to completely encircle the truck and body can be moved readily along the track so as to be opposite any point on the side walls of the body where pulling or pushing operations are required. A folding platform is attached in a slidable manner to the sidewalls of the frame so as to position the platform at any level on either side of the body. Hydraulic locking means are provided to lock the frame in any selected position so as to withstand any pulling and pushing forces required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Inventor: Finis L. Chisum