Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame on which a raised platform is secured. To restrain the vehicle during the application of a restoring force, various appliances are attached at any location about the outer boundary of the platform and coupled to the motor vehicle. The appliances are adapted to be attachable to and releasable from the motor vehicle without requiring its movement. To apply the force necessary to restore the deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle, the apparatus includes pull-towers supported on and movable along a track provided by the frame. Each pull-tower includes a compact power head which can be moved vertically up or down the pull-tower. Activating the power head produces the force used in restoring the deformed, yieldable body of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A bench system for straightening automobile bodies includes a central-pedestal lift with a horizontal bed adapted to structurally interlock with a detachable straightening bench having its own casters. The bench and the floor proximate the lift are provided with a plurality of engagement devices which cooperate to secure the bench to the floor for high straightening force applications while the bench is also secured to the lift.

Abstract: A work rack structure for correcting and aligning misshapen vehicle frame and body portions having a modular structure consisting of several parts joinable and detachable to each other in a variety of combinations, including:(a) a main rack structure frame part consisting of a pair of parallel tread members connected to each other by means of at least two cross bars underlying said tread members,(b) support bars for pulling equipment, each of which is telescopically slidable in said cross bars,(c) means for locking each of said support bar in a chosen position in its related cross bar, and(d) a jack-support carriage mounted for sliding movement between said tread members and above said cross bars. A method to set up the vehicle on the rack structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An independently locatable pull tower used in association with existing vehicle body and frame straightening apparatus where the pull towers are arranged at one end of the platform which receives the damaged vehicle. Straightening is accomplished without the necessity of removing and reversing the damaged vehicle from the apparatus. The additional pull tower is readily positioned for usage, as through wedging action by mechanism on the framework and portions of the platform which receive the damaged vehicle.Body and frame straightening is accomplished through a pull chain which connects the damaged vehicle and is downwardly displaced by horizontal movement of a powered cylinder. The aforesaid downward displacement is achieved by a receiving member through which the pull chain extends and includes a constricted portion for successive pull chain engagement.The arrangement also permits vertical adjustment, i.e.

Abstract: Apparatus for straightening frames and sheet metal products including an upright post mounted on a base plate. A tubular member is adjustably mounted on the post for movement along the same. A fluid-actuated power device is secured to and extends laterally from the tubular member on the post, said power device including a piston rod extending outwardly from a fluid cylinder, the outer end of the piston rod being coupled to the adjacent ends of a pair of parallel bars which extend alongside the cylinder and in opposed directions away from the tubular member. A hook is secured to first ends of the bars and to first ends of a pair of braces so that, when the piston of the power device is moved away from the workpiece, a force will be exerted on the workpiece to tend to straighten it. During the time when the force is exerted on the workpiece, the apparatus is held down by a chain or other fastener to the floor on which the apparatus is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a new and improved design associated with the fabrication and construction of a portable self-contained intrusion device that utilizes in conjunction therewith prior art technology of expandable air bags wherein there is provided a hollow static bar member having rotatably affixed thereto a threaded collar member which is capable of receiving a threaded pressure bar member such that upon rotational movement of the threaded collar member, the pressure bar member is either extended from or retracted into the hollow static bar member thereby causing the selective positioning of the portable self-contained intrusion device across any inwardly opening door. By having wedge members affixed to to exposed ends of the static bar member and the pressure bar member respectively, there is achieved a stable method to quickly and silently place across an inwardly opening door the portable self-contained intrusion device.

Abstract: A clamp includes an elastic member which comprises a generally U-shaped tube portion, two recessed portions which separately extend from the tube portion and are curved inwardly, and two gripping portions which extend from the respective recessed portions, two opposing clamp teeth each of which is mounted on the inner face of a respective gripping portion, and a fastener which urges the two gripping portions toward each other for tightening and contracting the tube portion and at the same time driving the two clamp teeth toward each other. An elongated pipe-like member runs through the tube portion of the elastic member. A portion of a damaged automobile is positioned between the two opposing clamp teeth, and then the gripping portions are tightened by the fastener so that as the elastic member of the clamp is secured on the elongated member a portion of a vehicle is gripped tightly between the clamp teeth.

Abstract: A rotary tool assembly and method for repairing dents in sheet metal features a self-drilling sheet metal screw held within a rotary chuck. A back plate is coupled for relative rotation and limited axial movement about an outer anchor portion of the chuck. A threaded ram secures the self-drilling sheet metal screw within the chuck. A coupling shaft portion of the ram is engaged by the chuck of a power drill. In operation, the self-drilling sheet metal screw of the rotary tool assembly is pressed against a dented portion of a sheet metal panel which is to be straightened. Rotation of the chuck causes an outer drill bit section of the self-drilling sheet metal screw to penetrate the sheet metal to form a drilled hole, back pressure is maintained, and the sheet metal is pulled outwardly. Drilling is continued until the sheet metal panel is pulled against the back plate which may be of various sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A tool for exerting tension through the automobile bumper shock absorber to pull frames and bodies into design position after a crash.

Abstract: A support assembly for stationarily securing an automobile or similar vehicle in an elevated, substantially level position on a floor surface. The assembly includes a pair of bench structures adapted for rigid positioning and spaced parallel orientation beneath a vehicle whereby each bench structure is transverse to the vehicle body and within the area defined by the forward and rear wheels of the vehicle. Each bench structure has a rigid crossbeam extending between A-frame pedestals, body clamping devices adjustably secured on the upward face of the crossbeam, and means for securement of the benches in working position.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing a deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a frame on which a raised platform is secured. To restrain the vehicle during the application of a restoring force, various appliances are attached at any location about the outer boundary of the platform and coupled to the motor vehicle. The appliances are adapted to be attachable to and releasable from the motor vehicle without requiring its movement. To apply the force necessary to restore the deformed, yieldable body of a motor vehicle, the apparatus includes pull-towers supported on and movable along a track provided by the frame. Each pull-tower includes a compact power head which can be moved vertically up or down the pull-tower. Activating the power head produces the force used in restoring the deformed, yieldable body of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A clamp support for securing an automobile body part to a ramp has a base secured to a ramp, an upwardly open socket on its base, and an upstanding post with oppositely extending arms, one higher than the other, upon either of which a clamp may be mounted. The post is insertable in the socket so as to dispose either arm beneath a vehicle supported on the ramp.

Abstract: A clamping device comprises a clamping means disposed towards an upper end of the device for clamping to a vehicle body and a securing means disposed towards a lower end of the device for releasably securing first and second transverse support members. The device is clamped to a vehicle body and supports the vehicle body in a fixed position above the transverse support members.Vehicle clamping and support apparatus includes four such clamping devices. One pair of clamping devices is clamped to opposite, rear undersides of the vehicle body. The other pair of clamping devices is clamped to opposite, front undersides of the vehicle body. First and second support members are then slideably positioned along the lateral undersides of the vehicle by slideably engaging the support members with the clamping devices clamped along each side of the vehicle. Third and fourth support members slideably engage the front and rear clamping device pairs, respectively, transversely to the first and second support members.

Abstract: A fixture assembly for use in conjunction with a vehicle frame straightening rack. The assembly is adjustable to accommodate any model of vehicle, adjustments being possible in both fore and aft as well as side to side directions and in height. An adjustable clamping fixture is incorporated into the assembly to hold the frame on the straightening rack. In use, the vehicle frame to be straightened is supported on the straightening rack. One side is aligned at the fixturing points provided in the vehicle frame by use of an alignment fixture at one end of an alignment beam. The opposite side is then similarly aligned at the opposing end of the alignment beam with a similar alignment fixture. A ruler is provided on the alignment beams to aid in the precision of placement of the alignment fixtures. Clamping fixtures are then attached and all the fixtures are locked in place. As the frame is then straightened the fixtures remain engaged with the frame and precise alignment is accomplished.

Abstract: A relatively lightweight, rigid, mobile work rack for correcting and aligning misshapen vehicle frame and body portions comprises spaced, parallel beam members and a central open space for unhindered access which extends the entire length of the rack. Front and rear pairs of legs individually or in combination between pairs swing up and down to selectively lower the entire rack or to tilt either the front or the rear end. The legs are mounted so that the entire rack fully lowers to rest upon the work shop floor and raises to a handy working height. A locking arrangement permits elevation of the rack at intermediate heights. Force applying structures are also selectively mountable to the work rack at various areas about its periphery and are braced for pulls to repair damaged vehicles.

Abstract: A compact and portable pulling apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having a bore therein through which a plunger attached to a reciprocating bit of an attached air chisel may pass. Pivotally attached to the housing is a compact linkage mechanism which preferably has only two pairs of link elements. One end of the linkage mechanism is positioned to abut an end portion of the plunger and an opposite end is attached to a connecting yoke whereby an outward thrust of the air chisel bit causes the connecting yoke to be pulled inwardly. The connecting yoke is designed to attach any one of a number of various gripping or holding mechanisms to the pulling apparatus which may be required for any particular application. A method of applying a pulling force to an object is also disclosed.

Abstract: Unitized automobile body repair apparatus comprising an arch frame with repositioners thereon connectable to opposite McPherson strut heads or other anchor elements to move the same by three-way screwjack action in any one or more of three lines of motion in either direction so as to reposition and hold such anchor elements. Cooperating with the repositioners are body side edge, flange-engaging, repositioning and holder jacks, beam-mounted for selective positioning on a floor frame carrying the vehicle.

Abstract: An automobile body repair tool which includes aligned, spaced apart "U" shaped members having bight portions, a work engaging member spanning and attached to the spaced apart "U" shaped members so as to engage a panel member, or the like, of an automobile body having an open edge in said bight portions, and a force transmitting member spanning and attached to the "U" shaped members on the side opposite the work engaging member. When a lateral force is applied to the force transmitting member, an even, straightening force is applied along the face of the work engaging member to one side of the panel member in the bight portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchoring system and apparatus for positively anchoring a vehicle with respect to a base. The anchoring system includes three or more rigid anchoring apparatus which grasp the pinchwelds of the vehicle to support the vehicle above the base. The apparatus are provided with clamps to secure the support members to the base. The base may be an elevated platform, elevated rails or a concrete floor. The present invention further provides a novel anchoring device insertable into a concrete floor which anchors a rigid anchoring member. The anchoring device cooperates with the clamps and anchoring member to positively anchor the anchoring apparatus to the concrete floor.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for repairing and straightening vehicles includes a cage structure having upper and lower spaced apart U-shaped tracks having forward and rearward ends. A plurality of tower assemblies are supported upon the tracks for movement therealong. A hydraulic power means is attached to the exterior of the tower for exerting a downward pulling force upon a tension member trained around a series of pulleys and attached to the damaged portion of the vehicle. The apparatus includes a lifting mechanism on a support surface for level uniform raising and lowering of the entire cage structure to provide access to the underneath side of the vehicle. Various brackets allow downward forces to be applied to the vehicle while an overhead hoist allows upward forces to be applied to the vehicle. A tie down bracket assembly is provided for clamping onto the rocker panels of a unibody vehicle for holding such a vehicle in place upon the supporting surface of the apparatus.

Abstract: A powerful and versatile lightweight power post system for the repair of "unibody", or unitary body and frame type automobiles. The basic post is of relatively lightweight tubular construction and has a small base for holding it erect. An elongated power assembly which is tubular and fits over the post is movably mounted at the upper end of the post by a winch which is mounted on the power assembly. Toward the bottom of the power assembly is the main power pulley, and at the upper end of the power assembly is a pivotally mounted power arm. A powerful hydraulic ram extends from the lower end of the elongated power assembly near the main pulley outwardly from the post to a point on the pulling arm spaced well away from the main post. An additional pulley may be mounted on the upper pulling arm between the mounting point for the hydraulic ram and the post. A lower pulley is mounted on the post on a slider assembly to provide a versatile second pull.

Abstract: An adjustable frame assembly to hold auto bodies of unit body construction for straightening of bent and damaged portions thereof. The frame is comprised of telescoping bar assemblies for each side and each end, including a tubular bar member and an insert bar member received therein movable inwardly and outwardly to adjust the frame both longitudinally and laterally to fit whatever auto the frame is to be used with. The frame has projections at each corner for anchor members to receive and bolt to the floor. As an alternative, eye or ring members are provided for connection of chains to anchor the frame in that manner. In that case, lock bolts are provided to hold the insert bar members in fixed position relative to their corresponding tubular bar members.

Abstract: An anchor stand supports a vehicle above a floor surface and connects to an anchor pot device installed in a floor. The anchor stand includes an anchor bolt and nut to longitudinally draw the bolt and securely attach the stand to the anchor pot. An adjustable clamp is mounted on an uppermost portion of the stand for selectively attaching the anchor stand to a vehicle frame. Various frame straightening tools are then used to correct damage or misalignment of body and frame members.

Abstract: A motor vehicle body repair bench comprising a standard support for body repairing jigs, made of a bracket having a horizontal cross-shaped slide supporting a vertically slidable rod provided with an upper member of inverted U-shape. The standard support is mounted on a crossbeam and has three degrees of freedom of movement within its structure so that the upper member of inverted U-shape will reproduce adjacent the motor vehicle body a portion of the crossbeam. The universality of the standard support permits the use of body repairing jigs of reduced dimensions, which are mounted on the member of inverted U-shape, and permits positive repairing operations to be carried out in any position on the motor vehicle body.

Abstract: Apparatus for straightening structural parts, such as vehicle parts which can be removed from a vehicle and straightened after being bent out of shape due to a collision with another object. The apparatus includes a table on which the structural part can be mounted. The table has first and second center bars in adjacent horizontal planes, the center bars being movable relative to the table into any one of a number of operative positions. At least one outer end of each center bar is provided with means for adjustably mounting a fluid actuated power device, each power device being coupled to an upright post, whereby a chain, cable or rod can be coupled between the post and a structural part for applying a pulling force to the structural part for returning the structural part to its normal operative shape. The apparatus is substantially self-contained in that the power sources for operating the power devices can be foot or hand actuated compressors for applying pressurized fluid to the power devices.

Abstract: An adjustable height beam support (11, 12) is fastened to a frame (1) mounted on wheels (6 to 9); a vertically moveable sliding carriage (14) carries a rotatably mounted pressure beam (13). By means of double-acting hydraulic cylinders, two pressure arms (13a, 13b) slidingly mounted on the pressure beam (13) can press outwards against the container side walls or--with the pressure beam set vertically--against the bottom and the top of the container. Deformations of the container walls can, in this manner, be corrected without large expenditure of time and money. A mobile hydraulic cylinder (23) can be applied to both the frame (1) for moving the equipment into the container and to the pressure beam (13).

Abstract: Disclosed are a screw body jack which can correct the deformation of a metallic structure with the force derived from screw mechanism and a body jack assembly which makes use of a plurality of body jack elements extending radially from a central bracket piece over an angle of either in excess of 180 degrees or no more than 180 degrees. In the latter case, at least one of the body jack elements is utilized in tension while the others are in compression. The screw body jack may be advantageously utilized in the body jack assembly because of its functionality and simplicity.

Abstract: An apparatus for repairing and straightening vehicles includes upper and lower tracks supported in vertically spaced relation by a frame, each track including a pair of laterally spaced apart and longitudinally extending side members. A plurality of tower assemblies are supported on the upper and lower tracks for longitudinal movement therealong. A pit is provided in which cross members support rails positioned directly under side bars of a truck vehicle for a tie-down to extend around the rails and to the vehicle side bars. A longitudinally moveable beam is provided between adjacent lower tracks and the pair of rails and is limited against vertical movement by horizontal flanges facing each other on the tracks and pair of rails. A pulley on the moveable beam engages a tension member extending from the tower to the vehicle to provide a downward pull on the vehicle between the track members and the rails. The structure of the tower assembly allows for pulling on the vehicle frame only at a 90.degree.

Abstract: This bench device is primarily for use in auto body shops, for decreasing the time consumed in performing bodywork. It consists of a lift support assembly attached to a main frame, elevatable to any desired height. It further consists of brackets which receive adjustable clamp assemblies for holding the automobile, and it also has mounting provisions for an hydraulic pulling arm assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a structure for use in automotive collision repair comprising a support frame of peripheral support beams and at least one work beam extending across and moveable transversely of the peripheral support beams. The work beam is slideably mounted at one end to one of the support beams with the other end of the work beam being slideably supported at an opposing support beam. The work beam is additionally adjustable to different working angles relative to the support beams. The structure further includes a work beam adjustment for adjusting movement of the work beam with the work beam adjustment also being mounted on the one support beam in a manner such that the work beam adjustment is correspondingly slideable and moveable to the different working angles.

Abstract: The apparatus for mounting a damaged vehicle body on a checking frame comprises two cross-members carried by vertical end-plates and rigidly fixed to two mounting-plates. The first cross-member is intended to be fixed directly in holes of the longitudinal members of the checking frame. The second cross-member is mounted in an adjustable position on the longitudinal members by means of two sole-plates. Four vehicle body supports are slidably mounted on the cross-members and capable of receiving detachable positioning elements which are specific to each type of vehicle body. The two cross-members are raised to a sufficient height to permit positioning of the horizontal frame of a measuring device beneath the cross-members. The measuring device can thus rest on the longitudinal members of the checking frame so as to permit all the necessary checking operations.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for vehicle frame and chassis repair having a vehicle bed with horizontal portions for fixedly anchoring a damaged vehicle preparatory to repair and particularly straightening of the vehicle. The bed tilts toward the ground for mounting and removal of the vehicle. A plurality of pull tower assemblies are movably mounted with respect to the bed. Each pull tower assembly includes an upright tower column and a pivot arm connected to the bed. A power head assembly rotatably mounted on the top of the column includes a frame and a hydraulic actuator with a first portion fixed to the frame and a second portion horizontally movable with respect to the frame. A flexible tension member has a first end connected to the frame and a second end connectable to the vehicle at a remote location for exertion of a pulling force.

Abstract: A rescue device for achieving emergency access to automobiles or buildings or the like has a pair of pivotally connected lever arms is designed to be hydraulically operated by a tool connected between the two arms to power them to open prying jaws at the free ends of the lever arms. Manual actuation for the hydraulic operation is part of the device.

Abstract: A horizontal base plate structure is provided having a central opening therein and a plurality of marginal portions spaced about the central opening and disposed in a plane slightly spaced below the portions of the base plate structure defining the central opening. Upright central post structure is supported from a central portion of the base plate structure and attaching structure is carried by the upper end portion of the central post structure for attachment to a vehicle frame. Also, anchor structure is carried by the base plate structure and operative through the central opening therein for engagement with and tightly drawing the central portion of the base plate structure downwardly relative to a floor anchor over which the base plate structure may be disposed.

Abstract: The clamping device comprises a vertical screw for supporting a body-clamping jaw unit. The screw extends through a horizontal slide attached to the side of the checking frame or bench jig and is supported on the slide by slidably mounted bearing-blocks and by clamping nuts. Vertical and horizontal millimeter scales are attached respectively to the screw and to the slide and the body-clamping jaw unit is detachable. The position of the clamping unit can thus be adjusted with accuracy. Detachable mounting of the clamping unit permits rapid exchange for adapting the unit to different vehicle body shapes and designs.

Abstract: An apparatus for reliably engaging and supporting a motor vehicle frame for use in vehicle frame and body straightening. The illustrated apparatus includes a plurality of frame engaging clamping heads which each comprise a pair of relatively movable jaw supports, biasing springs interposed between the supports for biasing the supports in a jaw opening position, clamping bolts extending through said supports for selectively moving the jaw supports into clamping position against the biasing force of the interposed springs, and clamping jaws carried by said supports with a floating mounting that permits limited pivotal jaw movement relative to the supports during clamping for enhancing reliable engagement of the jaws with a vehicle frame regardless of surface irregularities.

Abstract: An improved motor vehicle body and frame straightener of the type usable with conventional "dozers" to pull bodies and frames into shape and alignment, and having an adjustable anchor-free rectangular rail system with slidably positionable jacking provisions and laterally adjustable body grippers provides cross-slides integrally mounting the jacking provisions and laterally adjustable body grippers for better speed in set-up and better access for "dozers", while preserving facility to move the laterally adjustable body grippers without concurrent movement of the jacking provisions; grippers of two types, jaw and stud, may be interchanged by withdrawing a gripper arm and re-inserting it rotated 180.degree..

Abstract: Apparatus is described which includes force-producing and force-transmitting means. The force-transmitting means comprises resilient plastic. The apparatus of the invention is especially useful in the straightening or shaping of metal, e.g., vehicle bodies and frames.

Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment for straightening deformed vehicles or vehicle parts and includes a frame of beams on which the vehicle is fastened. One or more straightening devices can be fastened to the frame. The equipment has a U-shaped cross-section by being built-up from an upper and a lower plate and an intermediate plate, that joins them at some distance from their ends. This permits the fastening device to be brought into contact with the upper, lower and outer sides of a frame beam. Further the fastening device is provided with a blocking element which can be made to grip around the lower, inner corner of the beam and to be in contact with a lower part of the inner side of the beam and thereby lock the fastening device to the beam.

Abstract: A panel straightening apparatus includes a first dent engaging member having a pointed-tip spike portion to be driven through the dent in an automotive body panel. A second leverage member is then engaged with the first member and leverage is applied to move the dented area into substantial alignment with the panel surface. The second member includes a lever arm curved to permit engagement with the first member at various heights above the panel. The first member includes a handhold for use without the lever arm.

Abstract: An improved tool is described having particular utility as a dent pulling tool for removing dents from automobile bodies and the like. The tool includes a cylinder mounted on a shank. The cylinder may be oriented parallel to the shank to permit it to be inserted through a hole in the metal to be straightened. Then the cylinder is tilted perpendicular to the shank by means of a rod. A sheath is slidably mounted on the shank below the cylinder and it is adapted to prevent the hole from closing around the shank as the metal is pulled outward.

Abstract: In a device for straightening vehicle bodies, a long-stroke traction jack is mounted vertically within a vertical column, the jack body being attached to the lower end of the column. The column is carried by a movable base and can be attached to the ground by means of retaining chains. One end of a traction chain passed over a guide pulley and engaged within the interior of the column is attached to the free end of the jack operating rod.

Abstract: A device for use with a hydraulic cylinder or like for straightening frame members, which converts the extension stroke of the cylinder to a pulling action. The device has a pair of interengaging outer members which are formed to define an elongate cage. The interengaging members are slidably connected to one another for relative movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the cage. Retaining means are mounted on the interengaging outer members, which are adapted to removably retain a hydraulic cylinder within the cage aligned along the central longitudinal axis, so that extension of the cylinder causes a contraction of the interengaging member along the direction of the longitudinal axis. The interengaging members are adapted at opposite ends for connection to a frame member to be straightened.

Abstract: Disclosed is a pneumatic puller which can be used to pull dents from automobile bodies and for similar applications. The pneumatic puller has a threaded point which engages the material to be pulled. A pneumatic motor rotates the point so that the threads engage the sheet metal or other material being straightened. The puller also includes a piston which is driven rearwardly against a rear cap by the pressure of compressed gas. The hammering action of the piston against the rear cap forces the dented material to be pulled back into shape. A spring is used to return the piston within the tool. A piston control valve is used to control the supply of compressed gas to the piston. A pressure adjustment valve is used to adjust the pressure of the compressed gas applied to the piston thereby controlling the force of the pneumatic puller.

Abstract: A tool for straightening indentations in sheet metal has a pair of substantially L-shaped rods, one leg of one of the rods being mounted concentrically within a corresponding leg of the other of the rods for movement axially along and rotatable about the common axis. The second leg of the outer rod has a recess shaped for receiving the corresponding second leg of the inner rod so that in a first position the second leg of the inner rod may be nestled within the second leg of the outer rod to provide a cross-sectional profile less than the composite of the two rods and both may be inserted and removed as a unit into and from a hole formed in the sheet metal. The inner rod may thereafter be rotated 180 degrees about the common axis and locked in position for applying a pulling force against the sheet metal. A spring detent locking pin secures the rods in the pulling disposition and also in the insertion/removal disposition of the rods.

Abstract: An upstanding post is provided having a follower guidingly mounted thereon for adjustable positioning therealong. A pull lever is pivotally supported at one end from the follower for limited oscillation about a horizontal axis transverse to the lever and the lever is disposed in position generally paralleling the post. The other end of the lever is notched for engagement with successive links of a pull chain and an elongated longitudinally extendable thrust member has one end anchored relative to the follower and the other end engaged with the lever at a point spaced from its axis of oscillation for angularly displacing the lever away from the first end of the thrust member. The follower includes anchor structure disposed in the plane of swinging movement of the lever and spaced horizontally from the latter in the direction opposite to the direction in which the thrust member is operative to displace the lever.

Abstract: A straightening apparatus for use in straightening the bent portions of vehicles including a support frame in which the vehicle is positionable; a pusher unit adjustably mounted on the support frame and adapted to engage the bent portion of the vehicle and applying a straightening force thereto in a first direction; and a backup unit adjustably mounted on the support frame and adapted to engage the vehicle in the vicinity of and in opposition to the pusher unit and apply backup forces to the vehicle oriented generally parallel to the straightening force and in a second direction opposite to the first direction so that the bent portion of the vehicle can be straightened back to its original shape without deformation of the unbent portions of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for the positioning of an automobile vehicle bodywork on an inspection and/or repair gauge block of the type comprising two parallel longitudinal members having an I-section. The apparatus comprises two cross members for disposition beneath the longitudinal members the cross members being mounted for movement along the longitudinal members by means of rollers rolling on the lower flanges of the longitudinal members. The extremities of these cross members each carry, outside the gauge block, a lateral bracket containing a sliding vertical arm the upper extremity of which carries an element adapted to support the base of a vehicle body. This element is movably mounted in the transverse direction while mechanical control structure is provided permitting sliding the vertical arm in order to adjust the position of this support element in the vertical direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for converting the pushing action of a hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly to a pulling action. First and second substantially parallel rails are connected together adjacent to first ends thereof, and the rails are attached to a stationary reference object. First and second substantially parallel bars are connected together by guide means, and the guide means are in operative relationship with the bars and the rails for slidably positioning and guiding the first rail and the first bar in face-to-face relationship with respect to each other and for slidably positioning and guiding the second rail and the second bar in face-to-face relationship with respect to each other. Piston-cylinder assembly receiving means are in operative relationship with the rails and the bars for receiving and supporting a conventional piston-cylinder assembly and for enabling the rails and bars to move relative to one another to shorten the combined length of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided to apply pulling forces from any direction from any elevation around a vehicle being repaired and/or serviced. The apparatus is arranged so personnel using it are concerned with minimal physical lifting movements and minimal setup arrangements of the apparatus. Each embodiment of the apparatus utilizes at least one tower assembly equipped with an elongating subassembly to move a tension member, through directional change devices, as it remains secured to some portion of a vehicle, thereby undergoing at least one repositioning pull in a direction opposite to at least one prior force that previously caused some of the damage and/or misalignment. Depending on the magnitude of the restoring force required, the tower, other towers, and/or other structures may be secured together and/or to the vehicle as well, to create a firm basis for anchoring the apparatus and/or the vehicle as one or more reactive forces are controllably created.