Automotive repair tool with detachable striker

Abstract

An automotive repair tool for performing general automotive mechanic and body work, and specifically adapted for restoring old vehicles, and for repairing dents and chiseling off bolt heads and screws includes a ratchet extension having a first striker end and a second tool end, a striker detachably securable to the first striker end for receiving the hammer blows thereby avoiding damage and distortion to that end of the ratchet extension, and a plurality of auto body work tools interchangeably attachable to the second end of the ratchet extension with the ratchet extension coming in various lengths to accommodate different repair sites and areas on the automotive vehicle and the ratchet extension capable of being used as a standard ratchet mechanism when not utilized for auto body work and restoration.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to manually operable automotive hand tools, and more particularly pertains to a manually operable automotive tool having a detachable striker and interchangeable body socket tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Automotive vehicle repair and general mechanical work require a wide range of specialized tools and devices. With the increasing sophistication of automotive vehicles by the inclusion of on-board sensors, GPS navigation systems, and electrical communication and entertainment systems, electronic monitoring and testing equipment must now be used in vehicle maintenance, upkeep, and repair. However, repair, maintenance, and general work on the body of automotive vehicles still employs a range of largely manually operable hand tools ranging from dent pullers to putty knives. In addition, various types and sizes of chisels and dent removers are used to remove dents from creases and curves on the parts of the vehicle body and to shear off rusted bolts and screws. Many of the areas and surfaces to be worked on are awkward to properly reach, and so tools having different lengths and configurations have been designed with each tool having the same type of working end, i.e., a chisel or a curved top dent remover. Moreover, much auto body work requires the individual to strike the free end of the tool handle or shank repeatedly with a hammer, and such forcible striking action over time damages and distorts the free end of the tool handle or shank making it completely unusable for any other purpose. Furthermore, it is often necessary to use different types of chisels and dent removers in succession when working on a specific vehicle surface area or panel, and time is often lost when the individual has to stop and search through the toolbox for the appropriate tool. In such situations it is desirable to have a tool wherein the shank, handle, or extension can accommodate interchangeable working ends, such as the chisels and dent removers, and not have a separate tool for each specific use. Thus, the prior art discloses a number of tools having various types of working ends for automotive and auto body repair and maintenance.

For example, the Hart et al. patent (U.S. des. Pat. D 440,837 S) discloses various ornamental shapes and configurations for an impact tool.

The Maher et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,415) discloses a hammer driven chopper that includes a shaft having a flat blade mounted at one end and a slidable hammer mounted at the opposite end that slides between stops when struck in order to transmit a linear force to the end whereon the flat chopping blade is mounted.

The Liou patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,561,507) discloses a tool adapter that includes interchangeable coupling ends for receiving therein various tool bits each of which has a differently dimensioned coupling head.

The Burrola patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,624,323) discloses a multi-purpose impact hand tool kit that includes a shaft having a hammer impact end, an adapter end to which various tools are mounted, and a handgrip to hold the tool when being struck.

The Deutschenbauer et al. patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,701,083) discloses a tool holder for drilling and chiseling tools that includes a receiving sleeve having a conically-shaped internal bore for receiving the shank of the drilling or chiseling tool.

The Chung patent (U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,980) discloses an auto-hammer driver that includes a body, a removable socket member, a rotary member interconnecting the body to the socket member, and an impact member slidably received on the body.

The Su patent (U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,709) discloses an impact screwdriver that includes a tubular handle, an impact rod slidably mounted on the handle, and a driving rod mounted on top of the impact rod.

Nonetheless, despite the ingenuity of the above devices, there remains a need for an easy-to-use automotive hand tool that includes various interchangeable body sockets and a detachable striker.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprehends an automotive repair tool having a detachable striker for use in auto body repair work, and specifically by individuals that specialize in restoring old cars and trucks. The automotive repair tool is ideally useful for repairing dents in motor vehicle bodies, surfaces, and panels, for repairing other metal items, for chiseling off rusted bolt heads and screws, and for general automotive mechanic work and body work.

The automotive repair tool of the present invention includes a ratchet extension that includes a shank or elongated member, a first end and an opposite second end. The first end includes a socket extending into the body of the shank, and the second end includes a socket attachment member. The ratchet extension can come in various lengths to accommodate the numerous work situations that are encountered in auto body repair and renovation.

Detachably securable to the first end is a striker, and the striker includes a hexagonal-shaped striker head and a stem axially extending from the striker head. The stem includes locking nubbins that engage the socket, and lock the striker onto the ratchet extension. The striker head receives the hammer blows instead of the first end of the ratchet extension. Attachable to the second end of the ratchet extension are a variety of auto body work tools such as variously sized chisels and curved top dent removers. Each type of work tool is integrally attached to a socket body. Thus, the length of the tool can be changed simply by selecting a ratchet extension of a specific length, while the particular function of the tool can be varied by interchanging the various auto body work tools onto the socket attachment member at the second end of the ratchet extension. The ratchet extension can also be used by itself as part of a ratchet mechanism.

It is an objective of the present invention to provide an automotive repair tool with a detachable striker that includes a variety of work tools with integral socket bodies having various shapes and sizes each of which is designed for a specific purpose.

It is another objective of the present invention to provide an automotive repair tool with a detachable striker that includes ratchet extensions of different lengths and dimensions.

It is yet another objective of the present invention to provide an automotive repair tool with a detachable striker wherein the striker receives the hammer blows and not the end of the ratchet extension.

It is still yet another objective of the present invention to provide an automotive repair tool with a detachable striker wherein the length of the repair tool is adjustable simply by interchanging the different ratchet extensions.

It is still yet a further objective of the present invention to provide an automotive repair tool with a detachable striker wherein money is saved by eliminating the need to purchase the same automotive repair tool but in different lengths.

Still another objective of the present invention is to provide an automotive repair tool with a detachable striker wherein the striker receives the hammer blows and thus obviates the damage and distortion to the end of the ratchet extension that would thereby render the end of the ratchet extension unusable.

Still yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an automotive repair tool with a detachable striker that saves space in the toolbox by having interchangeable differently sized ratchet extensions and interchangeable work tools detachably securable to the ratchet extension.

Still yet a further objective of the present invention is to provide an automotive repair tool with a detachable striker wherein the various components of the automotive repair tool are manufactured from hardened steel to provide for durability and longevity of use.

These and other objects, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a perusal of the following detailed description read in conjunction with the accompany drawing figures and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the attachment of the striker to one end of the ratchet extension and an auto body work tool in the form of a large chisel attached to the other end of the ratchet extension;

FIG. 2 is an exploded assembly view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the manner of attachment of the striker and the particular auto body work tool to the respective ends of the ratchet extension;

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the ratchet extension having a large size length;

FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the ratchet extension having an intermediate size length;

FIG. 3c is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the ratchet extension having a smaller size length;

FIG. 3d is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the ratchet extension having a smallest size length;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating one type of auto body work tool in the form of a small chisel;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating an auto body work tool in the form of a medium-sized chisel;

FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating an auto body work tool in the form of a large chisel;

FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a bottom plan view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating an auto body work tool in the form of a large curve top tool;

FIG. 14 is a front elevational view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a bottom plan view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker of the present invention illustrating an auto body work tool referred to as a small round;

FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a bottom plan view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker illustrating an auto body work tool referred to as a large round;

FIG. 20 is a front elevational view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a bottom plan view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker illustrating the auto body work tool first shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker illustrating the striker that is detachably attachable to one end of the ratchet extension;

FIG. 23 is s front elevational view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker illustrating the features of the striker including the striker head and the striker stem; and

FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the automotive repair tool with detachable striker illustrating the striker stem and locking nubbins on the end of the striker stem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrated in FIGS. 1-24 is an automotive repair tool 10 for use in general automotive mechanic and body work, and which is more specifically used in repairing, renovating, and restoring old automotive vehicles such as cars and trucks. The present invention is specifically used for repairing dents in the surfaces and panels of motor vehicle bodies or other metal items and includes interchangeable work tools for chiseling off rusted bolt heads and screws. Moreover, the present invention can be used as part of a standard ratchet mechanism when not being used in auto body work and repair.

Thus, as shown in FIGS. 1-24, the automotive repair tool 10 includes a ratchet extension 12 having a first striker end 14 and an opposite second tool attachment end 16. The ratchet extension 12 also includes a generally cylindrical shank 18 from which the first end 14 and the second end 16 are integrally formed. The shank 18 further defines a longitudinal axis 20 extending therethrough, and formed on the first striker end 14 is a socket 22 that extends a slight distance into the shank 18 while projecting from the second end 16 is a square-shaped socket attachment member 24. The socket attachment member 24 includes semi-circular locking balls 26 protruding from each of the four surfaces that comprise the socket attachment member 24. The socket 22 and the socket attachment member 24 are coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis 20 of the shank 18.

As shown in FIGS. 3a-3d, the ratchet extension 12 can come in various lengths for accommodating a variety of work situations and conditions. Thus, when working in a very small area or on a very small section of panel, the ratchet extension 28 having the length shown in FIG. 3d may be most useful while the ratchet extension 30 having the length shown in FIG. 3a may be most useful when working on large unobstructed surface areas or panels. FIGS. 3b and 3c illustrate ratchet extensions 32 and 34 of intermediate length.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 23, and 24, the automotive repair tool 10 includes a striker 36 that is manually struck by a hammer as part of the process of auto body repair and renovation. The striker 36 is detachably securable to the first striker end 14 of the ratchet extension 12, and more specifically to the socket 22 formed at the first striker end 14. The striker 36 includes a hexagonal-shaped striker head 38 having an upper slightly curved or cambered striker surface 40 and a stem 42 centrally located on the underside 43 of the striker head 38 and projecting opposite of the upper cambered striker surface 40. The stem 42 is square-shaped and includes four locking nubbins 44 with one locking nubbin 44 partially extending or projecting past each flat surface that comprises the stem 42. The locking nubbins 44 seat within corresponding pockets (not shown) of the socket 22 when the stem 42 is inserted into the socket 22 at the first end 14 of the ratchet extension 12.

Removably attachable to the second tool end 16 of the ratchet extension 12 are a plurality of auto body work tools each of which is designed for a specific function and purpose. A wide range of auto body work tools are used in auto body restoration, a sample of which are shown in FIGS. 4-21, and which are all interchangeably attachable to, and detachable from, the second end 16 of the ratchet extension 12.

Thus, FIGS. 4-6 illustrate an auto body work tool in the form of a small-sized chisel 46. The small chisel 46 is preferably 3 and ¼ inches tall, has a blade 48 that is at least ⅜ inches wide and includes a plurality of square, sharp edges. The small chisel 46 is used for shearing off rusted bolts and screws that may protrude out from a panel surface or that are used to secure various panel portions together.

Illustrated in FIGS. 7-9 is an auto body work tool in the form of a medium-sized chisel 50. The medium chisel 50 is 3 and ¼ inches tall, has a blade 52 that is at least ⅝ of an inch wide, and also includes a plurality of square, sharp edges. The medium chisel 50 is used for shearing off rusted bolts and screws similar to the use for the small chisel of FIGS. 4-6.

FIGS. 10-12 illustrate an auto body work tool in the form of a large chisel 54. The large chisel 54 is at least 5 inches tall and 2 and ¾ inches wide, and has a continuous curved dull edge 56 and rounded corners. The large chisel 54 is used to remove dents out of creases in areas or portions of the auto body exterior that have been bent, deformed, and damaged.

FIGS. 13-15 illustrate an auto body work tool in the form of a large curve top tool 58 that is used for removing dents on curved objects such as metal panels and fenders. The large curve top tool 58 is at least 3 and ¼ inches tall and has a width of at least ¾ of an inch. The large curve top tool 58 is hexagonal-shaped and has a slightly arched or curved top or working end 60.

FIGS. 16-18 illustrate an auto body work tool in the form of a small round tool 62, and FIGS. 19-21 illustrate an auto body work tool in the form of a large round tool 64. All of the aforementioned auto body work tools 46, 50, 54, 58, 62, and 64 include an interior socket cavity 66, as shown in FIGS. 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 21, with the socket cavities 66 being sized at either ⅜ of an inch, ½ of an inch, or ¾ of an inch to fit onto the correspondingly dimensioned socket attachment member 24 of the ratchet extension 12 and 28-34 as shown in FIGS. 2-3d.

It should also be noted that any length of the ratchet extensions 12, as shown in FIGS. 3a-3d, can be used as part of a standard ratchet mechanism with the ratchet mechanism attached to the socket 22 at the first end 14 of the ratchet extension 12, and the desired socket mounted to the socket attachment member 24 at the second end 16 of the ratchet extension.

With several preferred embodiments of this invention thus explained, it is apparent that numerous modifications, alterations, and variations are possible and practicable to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, and that it is intended that this invention be limited only as indicated in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automotive repair tool for performing auto body work on an automotive vehicle, comprising:

a ratchet extension having a first striker end, an elongated shank and a second tool attachment end;

the shank further defining a longitudinal axis that extends through the shank from the first striker end to the second tool attachment end;

the first striker end having a socket;

a socket attachment member mounted to the second tool attachment end and projecting therefrom;

the socket and the socket attachment member being in coaxial alignment with the longitudinal axis;

a striker detachably securable to the first striker end of the ratchet extension;

the striker including a striker head having an upper cambered striker surface and an opposite underside;

a stem mounted to the underside of the striker head and capable of removable insertion within the socket at the first striker end; and

an auto body work tool removably securable to the second tool attachment end of the ratchet extension for performing auto body repair work on the automotive vehicle.

2. The automotive repair tool of claim 1 wherein the striker head has a hexagonal-shaped configuration.

3. The automotive repair tool of claim 2 wherein the ratchet extension can come in various lengths.

4. The automotive repair tool of claim 3 wherein the ratchet extension can be used with a ratchet mechanism.

5. The automotive repair tool of claim 4 wherein the striker head of the striker is adapted to receive the blows from a hammer instead of the first striker end of the ratchet extension when the striker is secured to the first striker end of the ratchet extension.