Abstract: Two embodiments of fulcrum apparatus useful for easy and efficient dent pulling during automobile body repairing are provided in the invention. The apparatus works efficiently in most any position and comprises a first embodiment having dual levering arm and dual pivotal feet and a second embodiment having a single levering arm and a single foot. Both embodiments operate by pulling on a centrally aligned fixture affixed with a hook. The hook is designed for hooking attachment to a pull rod. The pull rod is passed through a series of aligned washers which are welded in the dent area of a damage auto body. When manual pull is applied to either the dual levers on the first embodiment or the single lever on the second embodiment, a controlled force is applied to the aligned washers realigning the dented area with the original surface of the damaged car body. Padded pivotal feet allows use of the apparatus in door areas and on other irregular car body surfaces.

Abstract: A rack for use with automotive bodies, has a substantially rigid frame of welded steel sections to receive an automotive body in secured relation on the rack in supported space relation above a floor surface. The rack has a series of depending flanged shear members extending beneath it, onto which a tiltable thrust plate, that forms a nose portion of an elongated trolley, can be attached. The trolley nose portion is pushed against a flange, to mount it, and bear against the respective rack shear member. The trolley forms part of a loading system, the trolley having a detachable upstanding tower portion from which a racking chain or chains can be secured to the automotive body, the tower including jacking provisions by which deforming tension forces can be applied by way of the chain between the tower and the body. The trolley has a spring-loaded rear wheel suspension, which permits it to accommodate to irregular floor surfaces.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for use in straightening unibody frame rails comprises a weld plate having at least one internally threaded sleeve projecting from a face of the weld plate. The sleeve is arranged to project into an anchor hole drilled in a metal unibody frame rail to be straightened. The face of the weld plate contacts a side wall of the frame rail in which the anchor hole is drilled so the weld plate can be permanently welded to the side wall of the frame rail with the internally threaded sleeve reinforcing the anchor hole. An anchor plate is releasably fastened to the weld plate on the frame rail. An anchoring bolt extends through an anchor hole in the anchor plate and is threaded into the reinforcing sleeve of the weld plate for releasably fastening the anchor plate to the weld plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for realigning vehicle body and frame members including a movable platform on which a vehicle may rest and a movably supported carrier member connected to such platform and carrying force-exerting means for applying force to vehicle elements at various selected angles.

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.

Abstract: A one piece improved weld washer designed for weldable attachment to dents and crevices during auto body repair work. The improved weld washer is comprised of an apertured elongated oval principal plate member in washer-like form affixed at one smaller curved end with a rectangular tab-like arm member useful for welding to dents in a car body. For best results, the tab-like arm member has a lengthwise helical bend. This helical bend positions the distal end of the tab-like arm member in a perpendicular plane to that of the principal plate member. The distal ends of the tab-like arm members can be welded into the lengthwise crevice or dent of the car body while the apertures in the principal plate members are aligned allowing simultaneous passage of one pulling rod. The pulling rod engages the lowest improved weld washer first, pulling all in sequence, until all are aligned equally and the dent removed. The improved weld washers are then easily removed from the welds by a rotational twist.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle support assembly for maintaining a vehicle in a stationary position during body straightening operations. A housing supports a horizontally extending arm and a shaft extends through and is supported by the housing. A clamping assembly within the housing includes a clamp with plural spaced-apart hooks which are located beneath a T-shaped tie down track. A lever is supported at one end of the shaft. A C-shaped cam is coupled to the clamp and the lever so that when the lever is operated the C-shaped cam raises the clamp and the spaced-apart hooks are clamped beneath the track thereby securing the vehicle support assembly to the track.

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.

Abstract: A rescue tool has a pair of arms which are opened and closed by rotating a threaded member. The arms are pivotably connected together, and are also connected to a common yoke. The yoke is connected to a piston, which is mounted within a frame. Movement of the piston along its longitudinal axis causes the arms to open and close. The piston is connected to a collar which screws onto a threaded member. Rotation of the threaded member therefore causes the piston to move back and forth along its longitudinal axis, and opens or closes the arms. The threaded member can be connected to an external source of power, such as a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric motor. Alternatively, the threaded member can be rotated by a hand-operated crank. The rescue tool can be connected to a variety of different power sources, without modifying the internal structure of the tool. Because the power source is coupled to the arms through a threaded member, the arms can be moved with great precision.

Abstract: The door forcing apparatus for forcing a door set in a door jamb comprises two side rails each having a substantially L-shaped cross section engagable with a beveled edge between the door jamb and the door, a plurality of nearly flat drive wedges pivotally mounted on the side rails adjacent their vertices each having a nearly flat foot oriented parallel to the door pivotally mounted adjacent their circular-arc-shaped edge pressible against the door, two adjustable braces each of which comprise a bracing hydraulic cylinder or a turnbuckle which is pivotally attached to each of the two side rails adjacent one end of the apparatus, two U-shaped-cross-sectioned drive rods on each of which the drive wedges connected to the side rails are pivotally mounted and two driving hydraulic cylinders, each of which has a piston rod pivotally attached to an end of one of the drive rods and whose cylinder is pivotally mounted on a support bracket at one end of a side rail.

Abstract: A device for use in repairing automotive bodies which has an elongated flexible strap constructed of a tough material, such as reinforced neoprene rubber. A ring is attached to one end of the strap while at least one and preferably several elongated strips of double-sided adhesive tape is secured to one side of the strap. The other side of the adhesive tape is adhesively secured to the automotive body so that a longitudinal force imposed on the strap through the ring is transmitted through the adhesive tape into the automotive body.

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.

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.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for realigning vehicle body and frame members including a movable platform on which a vehicle may rest and a movably supported carrier member connected to such platform and carrying force-exerting means for applying force to vehicle elements at various selected angles.

Abstract: An apparatus for reblocking the panel body of a wrecked vehicle, comprising jack pads to immobilize the vehicle relative to the ground, a main upright post at a distance from the vehicle and pivoted to the ground about a vertical axis. A number of chains are mounted to the upright post and are adapted to be anchored to the panel body. A pair of vertically acting rams pull the chains anchored to the vehicle to reblock its panel body. The mounting of these chains on the upright post is characterized in that the vector of pulling force automatically adjusts to shifts in distribution of the load sustained in operation by concurrent rotation of the upright post about its vertical pivotal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a car body rectifying device (10) having a frame (11), and a rectifying table (12) disposed to be movable in vertical direction relative thereto with attachments (13) on the rectifying table (12) to which the vehicle can be secured. To the rectifying table (12) of the rectifying device or to a frame portion connected therewith and moving along therewith or to a frame portion (b 11) which is fixed with reference to the rectifying table a rectifying unit (40) has in the horizontal plane slidably been connected. The rectifying unit(40) has a frame (41) in turn having a first frame portion (42) and a second frame portion (70) slidably disposed with reference to the first frame portion. The rectifying unit (40) also has components (47,60) for performing rectifying work both on the frame beams of the car and on the body structures themselves, the rectifying forces being directable on the object to be rectified in horizontal as well as vertical direction.

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.

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.

Abstract: A floor puller to straighten a bent member such as bent portions on an auto body, which comprises a base and an upright post that supports a pulling mechanism and which can be anchored to the floor while the pulling mechanism straightens the item that has been bent. The pulling mechanism is carried on a sleeve which slides on the post to any desired height where it is then secured, and the sleeve is rotatable on the support post. The pulling mechanism includes an elongated slide member having a pulling end to which a pull chain is connected for pulling on the bent member, and an opposite operating end connected to the pressure chamber of a hydraulic cylinder. The ram of the hydraulic cylinder is connected to a coupling member on the sleeve, and when the ram is extended the slide member is forced rearwardly to pull the bent member into its original straightened position.

Abstract: The dent pulling apparatus includes a rectangular tubular pulling tool having a wheel eccentrically mounted therein. A pin, which has been welded to a dented panel is inserted into one end of the pulling tool and positioned between the wheel and the wall of the tubular member so that a pull on the pin tends to rotate the eccentric wheel in a direction to tighten the grip. A fulcrum plate is slidably carried on a tubular beam that is positioned parallel to the panel to be pulled and is both supported on the floor and anchored to the vehicle. A lever, on the side of which is carried one or more of the pulling tools, is pivoted on the fulcrum plate so that a pull on the lever pulls the dent out to its normal configuration.

Abstract: This fixing clamp for straightening the bodywork of accident-damaged automobiles, and in particular the sheet metal seats for MacPherson suspension heads, is characterized by a pin provided with threaded axial end bores for receiving eyebolts, and with an intermediate step on which there rests a flange for supporting the sheet metal which is to be repositioned and/or straightened and which comprises a hole through which the pin shank is passed, a further drilled flange then being mounted on the pin, and being clamped against the sheet metal to be straightened by the pressure exerted by a sleeve which carries a positionable transverse fixing clip and is tightened by a nut screwed onto the pin.

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.

Abstract: A horizontally elongated lifting and anchoring assembly (to be used in pairs) for transverse disposition beneath a vehicle body to be engaged and lifted relative to a floor surface, the assembly being floor mounted for lateral shifting relative thereto. The assembly includes an upper elongated longitudinally extending lift member supported at its longitudinal mid-portion through the utilization of an air bag assembly and each end of the lift member includes a stand slidable therealong and provided with a clamp assembly for clamp engaging a corresponding vehicle body side pinch weld area. Also, floor stands are provided for each end of the lift member and are slidably engageable therewith and anchorable relative to floor anchored rails between which the lift assembly extends.

Abstract: A clamping device with a support having a seat for receiving an object to be clamped and at least one clamping chain for abutment with the object to hold the object on the support. The chain is received in a pocket on the support and releasably secured therein by a clamp. A tensioner draws the chain into firm engagement with the object to secure it to the support.

Abstract: Apparatus for straightening automotive bodies and frames. The device includes a base and a hollow column within which an hydraulic cylinder is positioned. A top cap is applied to the column and includes a rotatable guide pulley about which a main tension chain passes for connection with an end of the hydraulic cylinder. A movable pulley housing is slidably carried along the column and includes a second guide pulley and a chain guide to guide a chain in a substantially horizontal direction outwardly from the movable pulley housing. A pair of outwardly extending arms are carried on another movable housing and include floating links on each lateral bar to permit the separate application of pulling forces independent of the main tension chain and along a line that does not pass through the column axis. The lateral arms can also be provided on the movable pulley housing.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for determining the positions of a set of points on a body and comparing those points to a set of reference points. The system includes a data acquisition apparatus comprised of emitters, receivers, and microprocessor controls. The emitters are mounted at various predetermined positions on the body, for example a vehicle body or frame, and are triggered in an optimal fashion by the microprocessors. Triggering generates a single acoustic burst signal from an emitter. An array of microphones acts as the receiver. After generation of the signal, the microprocessor initializes an external clock which measures the travel time of the signal from the emitter to the receivers. By repeating this process a number of times, data is acquired which yields the three-dimensional coordinates of a given point when processed by a microprocessor.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in the repair of vehicles, including a horizontal beam that extends beneath the vehicle and having an anchor joined thereto for securing the beam to the underside of the vehicle for locating the horizontal beam in a fixed position relative to the vehicle, a vertical beam being fixed to the horizontal beam and having a bracket mounted in adjustable position thereon, a pulling chain extending through the bracket and having an end that is attached to the part of the vehicle to be repaired, the other end thereof being fixed to the vertical beam, an hydraulic cylinder being located for pivotal movement in the bracket and having a piston that is secured to the chain, and a control device that is operative to cause outward movement of the piston which exerts a pulling action on the chain, wherein the part to be repaired is pulled outwardly for the straightening thereof.

Abstract: A vehicle repair and alignment rack for correcting and aligning misshapened vehicle frame and body portions comprises a rack structure having a vehicle supportive upper surface and a lower surface with opposite side rack portions having inner and outer flanges joined together to form a central opening, whereby a vehicle straddles the opening for work access to the vehicle underside. Front and rear supportive legs are affixed to the rack structure for elevation above a floor surface and have power fluid rams operatively connected thereto for folding the legs and lowering the rack structure to the floor to facilitate positioning a vehicle on the rack. Force supplying members are affixed to the rack structure and are easily movable therearound so that they can be selectively positioned to exert pulls on substantially any part of the vehicle.

Abstract: An installation for the repair and the checking of vehicle bodies includes a bench having a rectangular frame made of tubular elements, and a pulling tower the forward end of which is equipped with a coupling device for detachably securing the pulling tower to the bench, the rectangular frame having a flange extending inwardly of the frame along the inner bottom edge thereof, the pulling tower having a base portion adapted to be received beneath the frame and having a stirrup constructed and arranged to engage on the flange and a shoe member carried by an axially movable rod for movement into engagement with the external surface of the tubular element and cooperating with the stirrup and flange to lock the pulling tower to the bench.

Abstract: A forcible entry tool apparatus is provided for use by firemen and the like for forcible entry into vehicles or structures to assist in rescue operations. The tool has a base with a prying foot movably attached to the base with a pin acting as a fulcrum point for movement of the prying foot. The handle is attached to the prying foot for moving the prying foot on the lever pin on the base and a stabilizing arm is removably attachable to the foot for bracing the foot while the handle is being operated to move the prying foot on the fulcrum pin. Both the handle and the stabilizing arm are telescoping members. The stabilizing arm has a bracing foot attached to one end and is attached to the base with a positioning bracket. The prying foot can have the fulcrum pin positioned at different points for different operations and the handle can be positioned in different positions relative to the foot for proper leverage for prying open doors and the like.

Abstract: The inertial hammer of the invention includes a spherical mass and a handlebar. The bar runs along a diameter of the spherical mass and extends a predetermined distance from each side of the mass so that an operator may grasp one end of the bar in each hand. The mass and bar comprise what is herein referred to as inertia producing means. A loop or eye is attached to the spherical mass. A first flexible connector is attached between the eye and an object to be repaired. A second flexible connector is attached between the inertia producing means and an anchor. The second flexible connector is of a predetermined length so that when the hammer is operating and the first flexible connector is fully extended, the second flexible connector is in a slack condition. The connectors are attached to the damaged part and anchor by an attachment device. The second flexible connector acts as a safety connection to stop the motion of the mass in the event the first flexible connector breaks free of the object.

Abstract: A device for force-opening doors, comprises an anchoring member including two sections relatively movable from a retracted position permitting the anchoring member to be applied between the doorframe posts on opposite sides of the door, to an extended position bringing the opposite ends of the anchoring member into firm engagement with the doorframe posts to firmly anchor the anchoring member transversely across the door; and a ram member carried by the anchoring member for engagement with the door when the anchoring member is anchored to the doorframe transversely across the door. The ram member includes a hydraulic device for producing a large force against the door to force-open it; and the anchoring member also includes a hydraulic device for moving the two sections of the anchoring member into firm engagement with the doorframe posts.

Abstract: A power tool for auto body repair in accordance with this invention, including several species or embodiments of this invention, comprises a small hydraulic ram which may be as small as two inches or less in height, width and length with a reciprocating piston or ram having a travel of less than an inch between its extended position and its retracted position. One embodiment of the tool includes an iron to press out wrinkles in metal auto body parts, comprising a pair of pivotally joined levers each having a press plate at the working end, pivotal between an open position to receive a wrinkled auto body part and a closed position to iron or press out the wrinkles, the small hydraulic ram being positioned between the opposite or power end of the levers to force the working end to its closed pressing position when the hydraulic piston or ram is moved toward its extended position.

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.

Abstract: A pulling clamp which can engage an automotive frame member at two points. The pulling clamp includes two elongated bow shaped members (12, 14) each of which is provided with at least one elongated slot (18) for the reception of a bolt (66) which is passed through suitable apertures in the frame member (56) to be pulled the bolt being held in place by a nut (68). The bow shaped members are spread apart by a threaded spreading member (34) to firmly clamp opposed side walls of the frame member between the head of the bolt, the nut, and the outer surfaces (20) of the pulling clamp. In one embodiment a second elongated slot (90) is provided inwardly of the first elongated slot (28) so that box sections of smaller width may be engaged by passing a bolt through a second set of elongated slots. In another embodiment threaded apertures (30, 42) are disposed inwardly of the elongated slots (28), which threaded apertures may receive additional gripping means (72).

Abstract: An apparatus for applying straightening forces to vehicle members. A relatively light adjustable rectangular cradle is equipped with clamps for clamping the cradle to the frame or pinch weld of a vehicle to be repaired. A transversely adjustable journal mounted on one of the beams of the cradle acts as a pivot point for a relatively long power beam which rests on the floor under the cradle and the vehicle. A hydraulically driven pivoted arm at the distal end of the power beam provides the straightening forces.

Abstract: The opener consists of two hydraulic actuators which are adapted to act along in two different directions in an horizontal plane, one of said directions being parallel or substantially parallel to the surface of the closed and locked door which is to be opened and the other direction being normal to said door surface. Jamb-engaging elements are associated with a first of the actuators, operation of said actuator causing the elements to engage the door jambs very firmly; operation of the second of the actuators pushes the closed/locked door inwardly out of the door frame.

Abstract: A tool useful for restoring a damaged door lock opening associated with a transportation vehicle comprises: a first die having a hole located therethrough and an outwardly extending projection; a second die having a hole located therethrough and an inwardly extending indent sized to be capable of receiving at least a portion of the projection, provided that at least one of the above-noted holes is threaded; and a threaded bolt adapted and sized to be capable of passing into at least a portion of both of the holes simultaneously, the bolt including threads which are engagable with the threads in the hole or holes as the bolt passes into the holes.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a unibody vehicle for straightening and alignment purposes has a pair of crossbars clamped to the pinch welds on the underside of the vehicle body and at the ends of each crossbar there is affixed a vertical tower. Each vertical tower is pivotably connected to a wheel assembly and each vertical tower attached to a selected one of several heights with respect to the wheel assembly. A bench frame is positioned beneath the attached crossbars and attached thereto. The tilting of the crossbars on the wheel assembly and the vertical positioning of the crossbars with respect to the wheel assemblies facilitates loading of the vehicle onto the apparatus and enables the loaded vehicle to be positioned at a desired work height.There is also disclosed a tower device which is movable independently of the apparatus for application of a force to a part of a vehicle supported on the apparatus.

Abstract: A tool and method for removing dents from automobile bodies or the like. An outer tool unit comprising an electromagnet having an inner face which engages the outer surface of a body panel on at least one side of the dent. The outer tool unit is rigidly mounted from an external frame or its inner face must span the dent. The electromagnet is actuated at low amperage and then an inner tool unit positioned inside the body panel against the dent's inner surface. The inner tool unit may be simply a ferrous alloy material or it may be an electromagnet itself. The electromagnet is then actuated at a higher amperage, i.e., full operating power. In either event, the inner tool unit is rocked or "ironed" on the dent's inner surface and cooperates with the outer unit to progressively and uniformly remove the dent.

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.

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.

Abstract: A post frame machine for applying pulling forces to a damaged automobile comprises two vertical support posts fixedly mounted on a base frame, a hydraulically operated cylinder disposed in each of the posts, and a load chain and pulley arrangement for exerting the pulling force. The cylinders are independently operable to allow different forces to be applied at closely adjacent location on the automobile. The apparatus further includes chain locks for securing the load chains.

Abstract: Apparatus for repairing and straightening a vehicle frame of an automobile including a rigid base frame having cantilevered beams to receive vehicle clamps adjustable thereon, the base frame being expansible and compressible within the wheel base and tread of a vehicle to be repaired and the beams extending beyond the sides of such vehicle--a jack adaptor, clamp modifiers and a link chain shortener being cooperable with the cantilevered beams.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a mechanical force actuator which is light weight and manipulatable and utilizes linear motion for push or pull forces while maintaining a constant overall length.The mechanical force producing mechanism comprises a linear actuator mechanism (22,23) and a linear motion shaft (11) mounted parallel to one another. The linear motion shaft (11) is connected to a stationary or fixed housing (12) and to a movable housing (26) where the movable housing (26) is mechanically actuated through actuator mechanism (22,26) by either manual means (21) or motor means (20). The housings (12,26) are adapted to releasably receive a variety of jaw or pulling elements (28) adapted for clamping or prying action. The stationary housing (12) is adapted to be pivotally mounted to permit an angular position of the housing to allow the tool to adapt to skewed interfaces. The actuator mechanisms (22,23) is operated by through a gear train (19) to obtain linear motion of the actuator mechanism.

Abstract: An accident rescue tool adapted for use in aiding removal of an occupant from a wrecked vehicle which has been badly damaged, or is in a position rendering use of known rescue tools difficult, the tool of the present invention preferably being so designed and operable for conjunctive use with known rescue tools which comprise coactive pivotal arms contactible with components of a wrecked vehicle and having activating means to apply forces to the arms for movement and relative displacement of portions of the vehicle to facilitate access to, and removal of, trapped and/or injured occupants of the vehicle, the present tool more specifically is operable for removing and bending a vehicle steering column to permit removal of a vehicle accident victim in a minimum time interval, the tool which can also be referred to as a rescue roller, consisting of telescopic arms, a roller on a free end of one arm and a fixed roller on the free end of the other arm, the bar combination being rigid in use, adapted for placement i

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.

Abstract: A pair of generally parallel, laterally spaced and registered plates are provided including corresponding opposite margins having projections supported therefrom and spaced therealong projecting toward and engageable with the corresponding margin of the opposing plate. The projections on corresponding margins of the opposing plates are staggered relative to each other and clamp fastener structure is secured through the mid-portions of the plates for forcibly drawing the plates toward each other and clamping sheet metal portions between one pair of corresponding projection equipped margins thereof. At least one marginal edge of one of the plates includes anchor structure supported therefrom, to which a pull member may be removably anchored.

Abstract: An elongated horizontal base is provided including inner and outer ends and a depending foot assembly is carried by the outer end and supported therefrom for angular displacement relative to the base about an upstanding axis. The foot assembly is adapted for anchoring in a stationary position relative to a floor area above which a vehicle having a body, subframe or frame portion to be straightened may be stationarily positioned and an upright projects upwardly from the base outer end and has a horizontally elongated pull arm pivotally supported therefrom for angular displacement about a horizontal axis extending transversely of the upright, base and pull arm. The axis is centrally spaced between the opposite ends of the pull arm and the latter is mounted for guided longitudinal shifting relative to the axis.