Automobile Repair Or Maintenance Patents (Class 7/100)
  • Patent number: 5613412
    Abstract: A slack adjuster check tool includes a holding member formed of flanges to engage a slack adjuster and a retention hook and/or chain to hold the tool in place on a slack adjuster. The retention member is located between the holding member and the handle to allow the user to observe the slack by exerting force on the handle to determine how much freedom of movement there is in the slack adjuster. Openings are provided in the holding member to provide direct access to adjustment heads on slack adjusters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 25, 1997
    Inventor: Ronald A. Dawson
  • Patent number: 5581866
    Abstract: Devices are provided for use in lifting an automobile wheel into an automobile body. An elongated member releaseably engages an automobile wheel and pivots on the body of the automobile as the elongated member is lifted to lift the automobile wheel into the body. In addition, devices and methods are provided for mounting an automobile wheel on an automobile wheel hub assembly and removing the same therefrom. An elongated member is placed within a central aperture of an automobile wheel and the elongated member is pivoted either on an outer surface of an axially central member of an automobile wheel hub assembly or on an inner wall of an axially central member thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 10, 1996
    Inventor: Philip Barkus
  • Patent number: 5562389
    Abstract: A tool for assisting in lifting and positioning a tire and wheel assembly into position for installation on or removal from a vehicle hub comprising a pair of arcuate base members, which together form a cradle for receiving the tire. The arcuate base members terminate in a pair of pivot members with beveled points contacting the ground surface for a secure steady lift. Each of the arcuate base members is provided with a lifting member disposed on the proximal end of the arcuate base member so as to support and steady the wheel and tire assembly in a substantially vertical position as it is lifted onto the hub. Handle means for lifting of the tire and wheel assembly may be folded so as to provide a compact configuration for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventor: Frank Mitchell
  • Patent number: 5542139
    Abstract: A multi-purpose tool for cutting, prying and punching in the event of an emergency situation comprising a handle having a pair of similarly shaped handle halves each with a plurality of end apertures and a center aperture extending therethrough in axial alignment for being coupled together for operation and use; a first part formed as a blade having a cutting end and a support end; a second part formed as a punch having a housing end and a support end; a plurality of spacers between the housing halves and the adjacent parts and between the adjacent parts with apertures at ends and center for coupling the housing halves and the parts and the spacers; and a plurality of fasteners extending through the apertures of the housing halves to couple together the housing halves, spacers and parts for movement between interior inoperative positions and exterior operative positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1996
    Inventor: Gregory E. Boivin
  • Patent number: 5479692
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for use in lifting an automobile wheel into an automobile body. An elongated member releaseably engages an automobile wheel and pivots on the body of the automobile as the elongated member is lifted to lift the automobile wheel into the body. In addition, devices and methods are provided for mounting an automobile wheel on an automobile wheel hub assembly and removing the same therefrom. An elongated member is placed within a central aperture of an automobile wheel and the elongated member is pivoted either on an outer surface of an axially central member of an automobile wheel hub assembly or on an inner wall of an axially central member thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Inventor: Philip Barkus
  • Patent number: 5476154
    Abstract: Oil changing apparatus including an oil storage tank and a gasoline powered air compressor, both mounted on the bed of a trailer. An oil hose communicates with the storage tank, and connects into a motor being serviced. The drain plugs of motorized equipment serviced by the oil changing apparatus are provided with quick coupling connectors. The oil hose has a cooperating connector at its distal end, which connects to the modified drain plug. The drain plug connector includes a normally closed valve, to retain oil in the sump when the oil hose is not attached thereto. A first air hose enables the air compressor to draw air from the storage tank in the oil drain mode. Oil is removed from the serviced motor by suction. In the purge mode, accumulated old oil is rapidly purged from the tank. A second air hose conducts pressurized air from the compressor to the storage tank, which forces oil from the storage tank when emptying the same. An accessory enables purging an oil filter cartridge with the novel apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Assignee: Oil-Vac, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary H. Sage
  • Patent number: 5471759
    Abstract: A tool for gauging and adjusting an electrode gap of a spark plug, the spark plug having a center electrode and a side electrode, the side electrode having a free end and a mounted end, with a bend between the two ends. The tool includes an elongated scale portion of substantially constant thickness, having scale indicia on at least one side thereof and an inclined gauge portion extending along at least one side of the scale portion which has a progressively increasing thickness beginning near one end with the thickness of the inclined portion being indicated by the indicia on the scale portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: A&E Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas W. Burrows, Richard J. Conway, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5421223
    Abstract: An oil filter cover has a housing with a cylindrical sidewall, an open end, and an opposing closed end. A cavity in the housing extends through the open end and is adapted to receive an oil filter canister. An annular flange circumscribes the open end of the housing and extends inward from the sidewall to partially close around and seal against the oil filter canister. A piercing member extends into the cavity from the closed end to puncture the canister. The piercing member is mounted to a plate which is located in the cavity and abuts the closed end. Further, a series of longitudinal ridges extend into the cavity from the housing sidewall and are spaced circumferentially about the cavity. Each ridge extends at least partially between the open end and the closed end of the housing with some of the ridges extending to abut and hold the piercer mounting plate against the closed end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Inventor: Timothy J. Wawrzyniak
  • Patent number: 5400512
    Abstract: A windshield molding removing knife comprising a body having a tip end and a base end; a head having a tip end and a base end formed for use as a gear; a retaining mechanism coupled to the tip end of the head for holding a knife blade therein in an extended position for cutting; a neck having a base end slidably received in the tip end of the body and a tip end pivotally coupled to the base end of the head for allowing pivotal movement of the head; and a locking mechanism having one orientation for coupling the neck to the body at a given position and another orientation for allowing the extension or retraction of the neck within the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Inventor: Jerry L. Brush
  • Patent number: 5386748
    Abstract: This tool, fitted with an ordinary oil filter socket, is slipped over an installed vehicular oil filter. Using an ordinary socket wrench attached to the base of this tool, the oil filter is unscrewed, breaking the seal between it and its' mounting fixture. Once the seal is broken, oil discharges down the outside of the oil filter, and is confined in the Oil Filter Cup. The oil filter and oil discharge remain in the Oil Filter Cup during the process of removing the filter from its mounting fixture. Once removed, the oil filter and the Oil Filter Cup can be drained into a suitable container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 7, 1995
    Inventor: Gary H. Kilgore
  • Patent number: 5367732
    Abstract: A tire handling tool for manipulating a wheel-mounted tire while installing or removing it from a vehicle comprises a single steel bar bent to form a forked, substantially planar, elongated body having a longitudinal axis bifurcated at a waist, a handle section adjacent the waist, the handle section formed by two parallel segments of the steel bar spaced apart by a plate at the waist and terminating in a transverse grip opposite the plate, the tool having a tine section adjacent the waist and extending coplanar with and opposite the handle section, the tine section formed by two divergent extensions of the steel bar segments forming the handle section, each tine having a traction means on one side for engaging a tread of a tire. The plate may have a driver stud for attaching a socket wrench extension perpendicular to the plate for tightening and loosening lug nuts. The plate may further include a spin handle opposite the driver stud to facilitate spinning the nuts onto and off of the lugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 29, 1994
    Assignee: Tire Shuttle, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Suggs, Sr.
  • Patent number: 5351413
    Abstract: A tool arranged to receive a rocker arm of an internal combustion engine to direct the rocker arm to displace a valve and thereby permit measuring of such linear displacement is provided. The tool is arranged to include a first wall mounting a handle, and a second wall having a rocker arm receiving surface to effect rotation of the rocker arm about its fulcrum, with an abutment rod arranged to engage the valve assembly in its displacement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 4, 1994
    Inventors: C. W. Bruner, Ingrid E. Bruner
  • Patent number: 5333342
    Abstract: A snow scraper includes transparent main body with a hand grip portion and a blade formed on one end of the hand grip portion. The blade has a front portion which is provided with an inclined shoveling edge and a plurality of claws. The snow scraper further has a pressure indicating unit, a tire tread measuring unit and a light bulb unit and a magnifying glass.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Inventor: Tien-Tsai Huang
  • Patent number: 5299714
    Abstract: The sharp end of this tool, fitted with an ordinary oil filter socket is centered against the bottom of an installed vehicular oil filter. Using an ordinary socket wrench attached to the other end of this tool, as a handle, the sharp end is pushed through the thin sheetmetal housing and interior partition of the oil filter. Once this tool has punctured the two sheetmetal surfaces, friction between: the tool and the two sheetmetal surfaces; and the ordinary oil filter socket and the exterior of the oil filter, holds the tool suspended from the oil filter. Once punctured, the oil filter drains through the hollow interior of this tool to the low end, where the flow is checked by a simple valve. To drain the oil filter and the tool, the valve is simply opened and the contents flow into a suitable container. After the flow has stopped: the valve is closed (to avoid drips); an ordinary socket wrench reattached to the tool; and the oil filter is removed in the customary fashion, less oil streaming down your arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1994
    Inventor: Gary H. Kilgore
  • Patent number: 5271299
    Abstract: A tool for removing a canister type oil filter from an engine and containing oil leaked from the filter and the engine block as the filter is removed. The tool provides a cylindrical body, defining an upwardly opening upper wrenching chamber to irrotatably fit over the lower portion of an oil filter to be removed and an oil reservoir therebelow which provides means for manual turning and for attachment of other tools to aid torquing. The inside surface of the wrenching chamber is configured to fit over and irrotatably engage the lower part of particularly configured filters and allows oil to flow toward the lower oil reservoir. A peripherally defined flexible boot extends upwardly and outwardly from the open upper end of the wrenching chamber to catch oil leakage and channel the oil into the oil reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Jake Wadsworth
  • Patent number: 5271115
    Abstract: A brake slack adjuster and tire tester tool including a main support assembly having mounted thereon a connector hook assembly and, on an outer end, an arm connector and tire tester assembly. The tool support assembly has a main handle assembly having on one end a hand gripper assembly which is operable to be grasped by the user thereof. The connector hook assembly is provided with a main hook member secured to an outer portion of the main handle member and operable to grasp onto a portion of a rocker arm assembly of an air brake assembly on a truck/trailer assembly. The arm connector and tire tester assembly is provided with a tire tester section and an arm connector section. The tire tester section is operable for impacting an outer surface of a tire member to check the condition thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1993
    Inventor: Richard A. Senters
  • Patent number: 5259426
    Abstract: A drain funnel for directing oil or transmission fluid from the oil pan or transmission of a vehicle to a collecting pan or receptacle. The drain funnel is characterized by a tapered body portion having a top rim which mounts multiple socket supports that support a socket in the center of a circle defined by the top rim. The socket is fitted with a plug receptacle or with threads for receiving a companion threaded plug receptacle for engaging an oil pan, crankcase or transmission drain plug on the vehicle and seating the drain plug in the plug receptacle or in a recessed cage in the plug receptacle to prevent the drain plug from falling through the funnel. In a preferred embodiment a funnel nipple is provided at the bottom end of the tapered funnel body and is threaded to receive a drain hose for draining the oil or transmission fluid into the collecting pan or receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1993
    Inventors: James F. Burleigh, Roger S. Burleigh
  • Patent number: 5251351
    Abstract: The combination tool, in particular for motor vehicles, has an ice scraper (2) and or a squeegee (3) for removing moisture, an emergency hammer (4) and/or a cutting element (5) and/or a sharpening element (6) for wiper blades and/or a container (7) for a slip and/or lubricating agent on a handle (1). In addition to the known functions of ice scraping and/or water removal, this combination tool allows one or several additional functions, namely the function as an emergency hammer, belt cutter, wiper blade sharpener and lubrication agent dispenser, because of which as a whole it results in the performance of a total of six different functions and is therefore usable in a versatile way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Inventor: Manfred Klotz
  • Patent number: 5218730
    Abstract: A lug nut wrench for removing and replacing wheel covers, and to remove and replace lug nuts carried on vehicle axles to mount and dismount wheels or rims. The tool includes a collapsible inner and outer tubes with a sleeve carried on said outer tube, capable of being positioned at multiple locations along the tube, with a shank which detachably carries a socket which engages the lug nuts. A detend is carried by said inner tube which engages holes in said outer tube to lock said tubes at selected locations. A rod having a tapered end portion to fit between the rim and wheel cover is provided, extending from the lever at the end opposite to the sleeve, and which is also used to provide a hand hold to assist in rotating the lever to rotate or turn the lug nuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Inventor: David A. Berry
  • Patent number: 5201257
    Abstract: A folding lug wrench for removing lug nuts and for operating a jack. A hot forged stub socket is pivotally attached to a handle with a yoke which substantially distributes out the torque forces over large areas which results in an increased torque capacity for the wrench. When the wrench is not in use, it can be pivoted and stored in the handle and held by a projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Universal Tool & Stamping Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Darryl L. Engel
  • Patent number: 5197357
    Abstract: A universal tool or device for enabling persons with impaired hands to more easily open automobile doors whether they have a fixed type handle or a movable type handle. It is a six inch cylindrical solid member e.g. having at one end an inwardly and downwardly extending slot for use in opening the movable type door handle, and swingable on the body of the device there is a hook having a bight adapted to be placed over the fixed handle and utilizing an end portion of the device for simultaneously impinging upon the usual fixed handle latch opening the door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Inventor: David A. Cote
  • Patent number: 5181440
    Abstract: A compound or multi-function tool facilitates manually moving of the brake rod of a motorized land vehicle, and provides a dimensional scale integrally therewith by which the distance of travel of the brake rod between its brake-off and brake-on positions is visually observed and measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1993
    Inventor: Clarence D. Jagt
  • Patent number: 5107560
    Abstract: A knife tool comprising a handle pivotally mounting a cutting blade and an elongate feeler gauge blade with a tapered gauging section on the feeler gauge blade having measuring indicia thereon and a reinforcing section extending along the length of the tapered gauging section to reinforce the feeler gauge blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1992
    Inventor: Michael K. Hulsey
  • Patent number: 5075914
    Abstract: A tire changing assembly includes a foot pedal mechanism connected to a connection assembly that includes a coupling for a vehicle jacking device or to a lug nut device. The foot pedal assembly is operated by stepping onto a foot-engaging element and releasing that element after applying forcing that element down. An operator uses his or her weight to force the pedal down and a spring returns the pedal to a raised orientation. The pedal movement is translated into rotational movement or into reciprocating linear movement so a lug wrench or a jack device can be operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Inventor: Beatrice Green
  • Patent number: 5058327
    Abstract: A tubing and fitting stripper is provided and consists of a T shaped housing carrying three different sized wire bristle sleeves in each leg so that an end of a copper tubing of a matching size to one of the wire bristles sleeves can fit therein allowing the outer surface of the end of the copper tubing to be cleaned when the housing rotates thereabout. A cone shaped wire brush extends from the housing opposite from the center leg so that the cone shaped wire brush can fit into a recessed opening to cleaned when the housing rotates thereabout. A protective sleeve is removably attached to the housing over the cone shaped wire brush so that an end of a copper tubing can fit into the sleeve onto the cone shaped sleeve allowing the inner surface of the end of the copper tubing to be cleaned when the housing rotates thereabout while the protective sleeve is kept in place attached to said housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1991
    Inventor: John Buchanan
  • Patent number: 5044033
    Abstract: A forcible entry tool includes an elongate pry bar having at one end a cutting section comprising a gripping block and a cutting blade. The gripping block has a forward gripping pad which acts as a fulcrum point, about which the tool can pivot. The blade can be thrust towards the material to be cut to pierce through the material, or alternatively, the tool can be swung like an axe to cut through the material. In either event, after an opening is formed in the material, the cutting blade can be inserted into the opening with the gripping block above the material. Continued pumping of the pry bar about the pivot point transfers a cutting force to the cutting blade to shear the material. Alternate tool portions such as prying heads and saw blades can be installed at the opposite end of the bar for various other uses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Timothy A. Fosberg
  • Patent number: 5033140
    Abstract: A multi-purpose combination tool which resembles a pair of pliers and is capable of performing a number of diverse functions commonly encountered at home and/or in the shop. A tire repair kit incorporated in one of the plier-like handles includes dual punchers, a needle file, a steel rod and a sample piece of rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1991
    Inventors: Andy Chen, Alan Tsao
  • Patent number: 4991634
    Abstract: A replacement assembly for an oil filler cap for motor vehicles. The assembly includes a spring tensioned lid and a cylindrical tube having a downwardly taped lower portion surrounded by washer means and a pair of holes on diametrically opposite sides of the inwardly tapered lower portion of the tube. The cutter blade has an upwardly extended pointed end in spaced relationship to the inner wall of the tube and has a pair of downwardly extending, diametrically opposite flexible strips, each having an ear terminating with a semi-circular flat portion projecting outwardly through the holes for supporting the washer means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 12, 1991
    Inventor: Arthur L. Tudek
  • Patent number: 4960016
    Abstract: A multipurpose automotive tool kit is provided in a housing which is also a handle. A variety of sockets and other useful tools are stored in the housing and used individually or attached to the housing used as handle. As a handle, the housing acts as both a levering device and as a viable tool having inherent useful sockets immediately available in the surface structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Inventor: Robert L. Seals
  • Patent number: 4951721
    Abstract: A funnel of a type having a cup and a hollow stem extending from the bottom thereof whereby a plurality of struts support a member that extends upwardly from the center of the cup and is shaped so that it drivingly engages the driven end of a socket wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Inventors: Arnold P. Moore, Nobel Linn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4930377
    Abstract: There is disclosed in the specification a tire repair device and kit for inserting plugging material typically in the form of rubber coated twisted strands into a tire puncture. The device and kit is provided with one or more interchangeable tools such as a strand inserting needle, an awl, a knife, and screwdriver, said tools being interchangeably joinable with the handle of said device. In operation the awl is first joined with said handle and used to enlarge the puncture, if necessary. The inserting needle tool is then joined to the handle. The plug material is threaded into the open eye of the needle and inserted into the puncture. The inserting motion is limited by a stop bushing captive on said needle tool so that the ends of the strands are not drawn into the puncture. The stop also limits the withdrawal of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 5, 1990
    Inventor: Mark Lester
  • Patent number: 4920592
    Abstract: Combination hood support for supporting the hood of an automotive vehicle includes a lug wrench and wheel cover/hub cap pry tool portion and a hood support rod portion which may be secured together for use as a jack crank. The apparatus is normally stowed or stored beneath the hood of the vehicle and the rod portion pivots into its hood support functional position. The two portions are removed from their stowed or stored location(s) for use as a jack crank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Inventor: Robert S. Scott
  • Patent number: 4905731
    Abstract: A brake bleeder wrench is provided with a transparent bleeder tube having a magnifying lens along upper portion thereof to improve visibility of air bubbles leaving the bleeder valve when the wrench opens the bleeder valve. In a modified form the head of the wrench contains an interchangeable drive hex socket to compensate for different types of bleeder valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 6, 1990
    Inventors: Kenneth K. Tamashiro, George Spector
  • Patent number: 4899409
    Abstract: A manual tool for preparing tube ends and/or pipe ends for jointure is provided, to perform the functions of scraping for cleaning, scarifying, deburring and abrading to remove grit and foreign matter such as solder, solder drops, chemical substances, or other debris on the outer and/or inner surfaces of the ends of tubing, pipe fittings and the like, prior to connection of said tubing, pipe and fittings by welding, soldering, etc. A plurality of tool units are detachably connected to a manual tool comprising a tool body adapted to fit readily and confortably in the hand of a user, said tool body having a generally circular shape. The tool units may comprise: external brush units, internal brush units, external sharpened blade units, internal metal blades or ribs having sharpened edges and the like or other desirable tool units having sharpened edges, abrasive surfaces, and the like to perform the desired cleaning, scarifying, scraping, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Inventor: David W. Cox, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4872230
    Abstract: A portable automatic automobile jack includes an electrically powered automobile tire nut remover. The jack is powered through a cigarette lighter type plug by the automobile battery, and has an outlet for receipt and powering of a tire nut remover or other equipment. In another embodiment, the nut remover, powered by the auto battery, drives the jack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Inventor: Anthony Levine
  • Patent number: 4867017
    Abstract: A tool for use when changing the oil filter of an engine and refilling or putting oil into the engine. The tool is generally funnel shaped, having an internal surface which frictionally engages the oil filter after its seal has been broken. The tool has an extended portion of a greater diameter than the filter to catch any oil which escapes as the filter is removed. The escaping oil is channeled to the outlet portion of the funnel, to which a plastic tubing may be positioned to remove the escaping oil. The tool may then be used as a funnel to fill the engine and complete the oil changing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1989
    Inventor: Mark A. Holman
  • Patent number: 4864900
    Abstract: Conventionally, air brake cam clearance is difficult to check due to inaccessibility and the force necessary to rotate the cam to check for the required clearance. The present device engages around the end of the cam lever both front and back and gives sufficient leverage to rotate the cam without any danger of slippage occurring. A wrench is formed on the opposite end of the tool and may be used for adjusting the clearance if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventors: Laurent Kreikle, Alfred A. Eason
  • Patent number: 4836066
    Abstract: A multiple-tool device has a multiplicity of tools pivotally connected to a tray, the tools having a use and a storage position with respect to the tray. A cover is connected to the tray, the cover having an open and a closed position. In the open position, tools may be rotated between use and storage position; in the closed position, tools are secured in either their use or storage position. With the cover in the closed position, the magazine and cover assembly acts as a handle for any selected tools secured in their use position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: GLI Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles H. Graham, George A. Matthews
  • Patent number: 4833746
    Abstract: A portable multifunctional device for motor vehicles which includes a motor driven by an electric power source from the cigarette light socket of a motor vehicle. The motor has a high-speed revolution shaft for being operatively connected to a vacuum cleaner or the like, a low-speed revolution shaft having a reduction gear for being operatively connected to a jack or the like, and a cap for covering at least one shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Chung Yang Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Chin S. Yong
  • Patent number: 4819523
    Abstract: A lug nut wrench has a half inch driver for receiving a lug nut socket. The driver is connected to one end of a five inch length of half-inch pipe. The other end of the pipe is welded to a one by two by three-eighths inch plate at a position near one end of the plate. One-half inch studs project from an opposite side of the plate. A solid leverage bar has a sharpened end for lifting off hub caps. Radially mounted on the bar, are holes, nuts or rings which fit over the studs. The 18 inch rod is used to increase leverage. Leverage and torque are varied by extending the bar from either the short or long end of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Inventor: Alejandro Y. Souza
  • Patent number: 4811440
    Abstract: Combination hood support for supporting the hood of an automotive vehicle, jack crank, lug wrench, and wheel cover/hub cap pry tool includes a relatively long rod portion and a relatively short rod portion disposed at a predetermined angle to the relatively long rod portion, and the angle is preferably about 90 degrees. The apparatus is normally stowed beneath the hood of the vehicle and pivots into its hood support functional position and is removable for its jack crank function. The apparatus is also separable so that a portion may be used as a lug wrench and as a pry bar for hub caps and wheel covers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 14, 1989
    Inventor: Robert S. Scott
  • Patent number: 4800933
    Abstract: A funnel of a type having a cup and a hollow stem extending from the bottom thereof whereby a plurality of struts support a member that extends upwardly from the center of the cup and is shaped so that it drivingly engages the driven end of a socket wrench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventors: Arnold P. Moore, Nobel Linn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4765009
    Abstract: A multi-functional bar for a manual operated jack comprising a connecting section and a handle section; said connecting section made from a hard metallic pipe at one end formed in a shape adapted to fit in an operable portion of the jack and having another pipe end to connect to an end portion of said handle section; said handle section made from a solid metal having one end integrally formed with a screw-driver receivable in the pipe end of the connecting section and having another end integrally form with a socket mount; said socket mount having a center opening as that which can firmly receive a socket, said handle section received said socket as an independent socket wrench; said socket having a center recess of enclosure in a modified hexagonal configuration that the distance of one pair of opposite laterals of the enclosure is elongated, an insert in a direction along said distance variable in the enclosure so as to grip even a smallest regular hexagonal screw-nut or bolt-head firmly in the enclosure wh
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Inventor: Michael Hung
  • Patent number: 4739861
    Abstract: An oil filler adapter comprising a container for holding oil, a piercing tube which punctures the can of oil and a flow tube which connects with the oil inlet part of fill tube of an engine. The piercing tube acts as a seal with the container when the oil is initially disposed in the container. When the tube is rotated by inserting a cap into a slot in the tube, the seal is broken.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Inventor: Warren Desjardins
  • Patent number: 4733583
    Abstract: A lug wrench for loosening and tightening lug nuts on a vehicle wheel having a shaft with a socket at one end and yoke radially extending from the shaft pivotally connected to a moment arm bar such that the shaft can be rotated between a first position at an midpoint of the moment arm bar and the second position substantially at an extremity of the moment arm bar, a remote end of the moment arm bar away from the shaft having a multiplier bar pivotally connected thereto adapted to fold over on to the moment arm bar and attached thereto by means of a retaining clip. When both bars are linearly extended there is mechanical advantage when loosening the lug nut. When the bars are folded upon each other, overtightening is precluded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 29, 1988
    Inventor: Robert W. Lewis
  • Patent number: 4714138
    Abstract: A device for draining an engine sump of the type having a threaded drain plug comprises a cup-like container having a flexible flange surrounding the open end thereof. The flange is provided with a gasket for forming a fluid tight seal between the sump and the container and with magnet means for adhering the container to the sump. A shaft carrying a socket on one end extends into the container and is sealably movable with respect thereto. Once the container is placed in position over a drain plug, the plug can be engaged and removed by manually turning a handle provided on the other end of the shaft. After removal of the plug, oil from the sump drains from a tube at the bottom of the container whereby contact with the oil by the service person is completely avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 22, 1987
    Inventor: Samuel G. Zaccone
  • Patent number: 4709432
    Abstract: An apparatus for aiding in the mounting of tire chains having a flat base and two upward projecting angle members positioned parallel is disclosed. The angle members have first and second apices respectively positioned relative to one another and the road surface such that an encroaching tire is first engaged across its width by a first apex. The tire is supported on both apices, sized and positioned such that a cross-link of a tire chain positioned therebeneath remains movable, so that a snug and uniform fit of a tire chain is achievable. The apparatus is also useful as a support base for a jack and as a wheel chock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1987
    Inventor: Fred A. Barrick
  • Patent number: 4706937
    Abstract: An automatic compressor-jack device which comprises an air compressor, a hydraulic jack and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism, which is driven by a motor through a reduction gear, comprises an eccentrically disposed pin to connect to the piston rods of the cylinders of the compressor and the jack. Therefore, when the motor rotates, the transmission mechanism drives the air compressor and jack at the same time. That is, this one device allows the user two tire repair functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Assignee: Richard Lee
    Inventor: Yo C. Chung
  • Patent number: 4697480
    Abstract: A tool useful in facilitating the safe twist-off of an automotive radiator cap. The novel tool comprises a wrench element having an elongated handle with a radiator cap receiving socket at the lower end of the handle, and a shield element having a tubular grip with a hood skirt affixed at the lower end of the grip tube. The shield element is open at both its ends and the elongated wrench handle is both rotatable and axially slideable within the shield grip. In an operative assembled condition of the tool the wrench element is axially inserted into the shield element so as to shroud the cap wrench socket within the hood for deflecting hot liquid or stem ejected from a radiator, the hot fluid being diverted by the hood away from the person operating the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1986
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventor: Terry Robideau
  • Patent number: 4697628
    Abstract: A traction device for use in extracting mired dual wheeled vehicles from a mired condition comprising a block assembly having a plurality of tower members for attachment to and between the wheels of the mired vehicle and a plate assembly for operative engagement by a rotating block assembly to move the mired vehicle to a freed location. The tower assemblies can be quickly dismantled to a transportable size, and readily assembled and installed for needed operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1987
    Inventor: Robert R. Brown