Abstract: A device for straightening a vehicle panel comprising a base which is attachable to a pulling device and at least three fingers pivotally connected to the base and movable from a retracted position designed for insertion into a drilled hole in a damaged panel. The fingers are movable to an extended position wherein a gripping portion extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal pulling force. Another aspect comprises providing the gripping portion of at least one of the fingers with a substantially flat pulling surface in order to maximize the contact area between the finger and the damaged vehicle panel.

Abstract: A device for straightening a vehicle panel comprising a base which is attachable to a pulling device and at least three fingers pivotally connected to the base and movable from a retracted position designed for insertion into a drilled hole in a damaged panel. The fingers are movable to an extended position wherein a gripping portion extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal pulling force. Another aspect comprises providing the gripping portion of at least one of the fingers with a substantially flat pulling surface in order to maximize the contact area between the finger and the damaged vehicle panel.

Abstract: Devices for straightening portions of a vehicle, particularly the unibody and/or frame of a vehicle following a collision. A device comprising a clamp which is attachable to a pulling device which exerts a pulling force in a direction P. The clamp comprises jaws which open in the general direction of pulling force P to engage a flange or other portion of a vehicle extending away from the direction of the pulling force P. This aspect is particularly useful for repairing the wheelhouse of a vehicle. Another aspect is a clamp with two openings, preferably in a single set of jaws. One opening may, for example, open proximally, i.e., in the general direction of pulling force P, while the other opening may open in a direction away from pulling force P. Another aspect of the present invention comprises providing a plurality of clamps in a single pulling device wherein the clamps are connectable, via a chain, to a single pulling arm, and where the clamps are independently positionable relative to each other.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Unibody devices that are easily assembled on a damaged vehicle. Some devices of the present invention can be positioned on a vehicle by simply jacking up the vehicle and removing one wheel. Various embodiments of the present invention advantageously comprise a sidearm which is disposed at an angle preferably close to but preferably other than 90° to a main beam. The sidearm is advantageously slidably positionable on the main beam and comprises at least one clamp for securing the sidearm to a vehicle being repaired.

Abstract: Devices and methods of releasing engine compartment hoods, designed to be used in conjunction with vehicles equipped with passenger compartment hood releases allow a hood to be released from outside the vehicle. The disclosed devices are positioned between an existing lock assembly and the protective sheath of the existing release cable.

Abstract: Devices and methods of releasing engine compartment hoods, designed to be used in conjunction with vehicles equipped with passenger compartment hood releases allow a hood to be released from outside the vehicle. The disclosed devices are positioned between an existing lock assembly and the protective sheath of the existing release cable.

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.

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.

Abstract: A device for repairing a damaged vehicle includes a generally V-shaped base having a first substantially horizontal elongated member and a second substantially horizontal elongated member which are fixedly attachable to each other at an angle less than 90 degrees. At least a pair of slidably attachable clamps on the first member attach to two locations of a vehicle, and preferably to two pinch weld locations of a unibody. A slidably attachable clamp on the second member attaches to a third location on the vehicle, and preferably to a pinch weld location on a unibody. In one embodiment, the first member and the second member are pivotally attached to one another for varying the angle therebetween.

Abstract: A device for repairing a damaged vehicle includes a generally V-shaped base having a first substantially horizontal elongated member and a second substantially horizontal elongated member, which are fixedly attachable to each other at an angle less than 90 degrees. At least a pair of slidably attachable clamps on the first member attach to two locations of a vehicle, and preferably to two pinch weld locations of a unibody. A slidably attachable clamp on the second member attaches to a third location on the vehicle, and preferably to a pinch weld location on a unibody. In one embodiment, the first member and the second member are pivotally attached to one another for varying the angle therebetween.