Abstract: A pair of elongated clamp levers are provided and interconnected intermediate their opposite ends for substantially coplanar relative oscillation of the levers to inversely swing corresponding pairs of ends of the levers toward and away from each other. One pair of lever ends defines opposing jaw ends between which a sheet metal marginal portion may be clamped and a wedge assembly is moveably connected between the other pair of ends of the levers and includes operating structure moveable lengthwise of the levers and to which one end of an elongated pull member may be anchored.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying separate pulling forces to a structure such as a damaged vehicle body includes a post member formed of a back wall and a pair of side walls. The back wall is fastened to the ground by a supporting chain. A vehicle body is pulled by plural towing chains extending around respective first and second sprocket wheels and fixed to a swingable holding member upon extension of a hydraulic cylinder, each of which is mounted on the post member. The side walls of the post member have a plurality of apertures for receiving shafts of the first and second sprocket wheels, of ratchet wheels, of pawls and of the swingable holding member. The pawls are engaged with teeth of the ratchet wheels which are fixed to the first sprocket wheels for preventing return movement of the towing chains.

Abstract: A device for removing dents in vehicles comprises an air-impervious inflatable vessel which, in use, is accommodated in the vehicle cavity behind a dent. Air under pressure is introduced by suitable means to the vessel so that it inflates to fill the cavity and swell outwardly to restore the dented area substantially to its original form.

Abstract: A straightener for motor vehicles which includes a bench frame having a pair of spaced longitudinal beams interconnected by cross beams. Mounting plates are appropriately disposed at predetermined intervals along the length of the longitudinal beams with the mounting plates being provided with mounting holes for mounting either cross members or intermediate beams supporting the cross members such that adapters associated with the vehicle mounting points are supported on the cross members. The intermediate beams have a length which is at least essentially equal to a length of the longitudinal beams and are provided with holes corresponding to mounting holes of the mounting plates or cross members, together with additional holes arranged in a grid pattern along the length of the intermediate beams.

Abstract: This auto body dent removing puller and anchor may be inserted through a drilled hole or existing hole in the body of automobiles or other vehicles. The hole having to be only as large as the modified cylinder shaped part of the tool. It can be made in various lengths and diameters. Once inserted this uniquely modified cylinder shaped portion may be tipped by a rod attached to the outside of the tool and to the cylinder allowing a flattened V-shaped surface area to abut against the inside of the material for the purpose of pulling a damaged area out with common pulling devices or with an impacting device such as a slide hammer. Once the damaged area is pulled out it may be removed from the hole easily by the same rod it was tipped with after being inserted.

Abstract: A portable anchoring system forms a height-adjustable rectangular frame extending outwardly all around an automobile body to which holding devices adjustably mounted on it clamp, providing a self-anchoring base to which conventional "pull dozers" can be chained and apply pulling and pushing forces without need for floor anchorage; to assemble the frame, a pair of side assemblies movably supported in use-attitude on transfer-ball-equipped jack-bases provide adjustable clamps which extend inwardly for affixation to a vehicle body to be repaired, and after clamping are joined by two end rails; an adjustable cross-bar is provided for applying pushing and pulling forces beneath a vehicle body.

Abstract: An apparatus secures a damaged vehicle for straightening with a vehicle straightening device. The apparatus includes a base and a mechanism for securely attaching the base to a support in a plurality of positions such that the base is in a fixed spatial relationship with respect to the vehicle straightening device in each position and is easily transferable from position to position. A clamping mechanism securely holds the vehicle by clamping a portion of the vehicle. A vertical positioning mechanism positions the clamping mechanism along a substantially vertical axis between the base and the vehicle portion to be clamped and a preferred horizontal positioning mechanism positions the clamping mechanism along a substantially horizontal plane. The clamping mechanism is pivotable about two separate pivot axes located between the base and the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: Large containers for moving cargo are frequently made of steel in which the side panels are strengthened by making them so as to have elongated alternate lands and grooves. The invention is an apparatus for reforming deformed lands and grooves and removing dents in the panels. It includes a power actuated tool for applying force against the deformed structure and a hydraulic power source connected to the tool. A four-way valve is used to supply pressurized fluid from the source to the tool. A frame connected to the hydraulic power source extends externally of the tool, of a tool holding stand, and of the deformed structure. On each side of the panels the frame has vertical members having protrusions which are adapted to move into spaced grooves formed on the outside of the panels and adjacent the deformation on one side of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for aligning an associated vehicle door with the cooperating portions of an associated vehicle body includes a lever and structure for engaging a lock pin on the door jamb of the associated vehicle body carried on the lever at a first axial location. The structure for engaging an associated door lock of the associated door is carried on the lever at a second axial location which is spaced from the first axial location. The structure for engaging a lock pin may comprise a generally arcuate recess and the generally arcuate recess may be generally C-shaped, with opposed spaced sides, and include a notch in the arcuate recess disposed in opposed relationship to an opening between the opposed sides of the recess. The structure for engaging the lock pin may include a tongue having an arcuate recess extending along at least one side thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is automotive frame and body correcting equipment having a main bed or frame for supporting a motor vehicle while correcting operations are performed. The underside of the bed has a rectilinear track therein about which one or more correcting accessories may be selectively positioned. Such accessory, here in the form of a pulling tower, is equipped with rollers for riding over the bed, and the tower is further moved inwardly and outwardly generally crosswise of the track and is capable of being positioned at various angles about a vertical pivot. The tower has a base that follows the track and an upright tower part that is selectively adjustable among several positions angularly spaced about a horizontal axis, whereby the versatility of the equipment is improved.

Abstract: A pulling tower structure especially adapted for use in automotive frame-straightening equipment is improved by structure providing easy and simple vertical adjustment of a sheave over which a chain or the like is trained for attachment to a vehicle to be repaired so as to assure a straightline pulley. The tower includes an upright support of channel section having within its side walls a pair of members having semicircular notches for selectively receiving a sheave-supporting shaft. Handle structure is provided for enabling manual vertical adjustment of the sheave among selected pairs of transversely alined notches.

Abstract: A tool for recontouring metal such as dents in the body of an automobile, for use in conjunction with an electrical welding apparatus, including a shaft on which a weight reciprocates, the weight being permitted to selectively collide with structure provided by the shaft to impart a force to the shaft along the longitudinal axis thereof, a portion of the shaft being electrically conductive and electrically connected to the electrical welding apparatus, the electrically conductive portion of the shaft for contacting the metal surface to be straightened, activation of the electrical welding apparatus welding the electrically conductive portion of the shaft to the surface to be straightened so that the forces transferred to the shaft by the weight can act upon the surface to be straightened.

Abstract: An apparatus for straightening damaged automobile frames or bodies utilizing a rigid structural ramp capable of supporting a vehicle. A preferably hydraulic power source capable of imparting alternatively a compressive or a tensile force to the damaged frame or body is adjustably mounted on a wheeled post which slideably travels a continuous track circumventing the ramp. The ramp is provided with improved chain anchoring openings. A chain can be used for a applying tensile force to the frame directly or indirectly to the frame by connecting a chain first to the anchoring opening, then to the damaged frame, and then to the hydraulic power source.Using two wheeled posts on the continuous track, a rotatable, pivotal, cross bar can be attached at its respective end portions to the wheeled posts. With the power source mounted on the cross bar, repairs can be made to the roof, or interior portions of an automobile.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided which couples to one jaw of a pair of jaws of an expandable jaw power tool to remotely apply and distribute expansion power of the pair of power jaws when the jaws are actuated. A sleeve or collar is fitted over one of the jaws of the pair of power jaws, the sleeve adapted to receive and support one end of a threaded shaft, the other end of which supports a power or pressure distributing member. The threaded shaft screw-couples into a tapped hole in the sleeve and impinges upon one side of the jaw over which the sleeve is fitted, locking the sleeve on to the jaw. Thrust or expansion power, normally applied between the two jaws upon expansion, is applied between one jaw and the remote power or pressure distributing member coupled to the locked sleeve.

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 latterally spaced apart and longitudinally extended side members. A plurality of tower assemblies are supported on the upper and lower tracks for longitudinal movement therealong. Each tower assembly includes a flexible tension member adapted for securement to a vehicle positioned between the side members and a power source for pulling the tension member toward the tower assembly to thereby straighten the vehicle. The track supporting frame includes a superstructure above the upper track and a plurality of upper pulleys adjustably mounted on the superstructure whereby each tension member may be trained about one of the upper pulleys for exerting a pulling force on the vehicle from an elevation above the upper track.

Abstract: A pulling tool including a first pulling member which is essentially a rectangular-shaped flat bar of heavy metal having a pair of holes formed in it in spaced apart relationship. Affixed to one face of this flat bar is a pulling bar which likewise is a heavy metal material and which has a hole in it whereby a hydraulic jack or the like can be attached to the first pulling member. The pulling tool also includes a second generally U-shaped pulling member having a straight portion and a pair of legs which are spaced apart a distance corresponding to the distance between the two holes in the flat bar of the first pulling member, and a handle. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, both of the pair of legs are threaded to receive a threaded nut, with the first and second pulling members being affixed together by extending the two legs of the second pulling member through the two apertures in the first pulling member, and then threadedly affixing the nuts on the legs.

Abstract: In combination with a treadway upon which a vehicle, whose structure is to be realigned, is positioned, an improved alignment apparatus interconnecting the treadway and a selected portion of the vehicle structure. The alignment apparatus has a base assembly having a horizontal leg with a vertical member attached thereto, and a clamping assembly secured to the vertical member for attachment to the vehicle structure. The horizontal leg is adapted to rest on the treadway and is interconnected to a plurality of spaced openings in the treadway. The alignment apparatus may be rigidly secured to the treadway, or may slide across the treadway in response to a pulling force applied either to the vehicle or the alignment apparatus all while supporting the vehicle structure.

Abstract: A device is provided for removably and adjustably securing a vehicle to a slotted support surface of a vehicle frame straightening apparatus. The device can comprise base plate having elongated rotatable restraining members for adjustably securing the base plate to the support surface along a first axis and frame attachment means such as a clamp that is adjustable along a second perpendicular axis. The clamp is used to grip a portion of the vehicle frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for repairing and straightening is disclosed in its preferred form for use in repairing and straightening the body and frame of a vehicle. The preferred apparatus includes a tread member including left and right track members for supporting a vehicle thereon, a tram member movable along and between the right and left track members and including two elongatable pull towers pivotally mounted thereto, and an additional elongatable pull tower mounted adjacent an end of the apparatus. A flexible connector, preferably a chain, is arranged for connection between the pull towers and the vehicle. The track members further include regularly shaped apertures which vertically pass therethrough. Locking pins are also provided which extend through an aperture of the track members and abut with a portion of the pull towers to lock the pull towers at any desired angle to the tread member.

Abstract: A spreader tool having opposed force arms separately pivotally mounted on a base member for annular movement in opposite directions in response to axial movement of a driven piston of an associated jack wherein the inner edges of the force arms bear upon roller means mounted on the forward end of the piston. The curve of the inner edge of the force arms is preferably so constructed that the angle at which a constant axial force of the piston is applied to the force arm by the roller means is always such that the force applied to the load by the force arm is constant.

Abstract: An elongated base is provided including a pair of opposite side opposing abutment surfaces disposed in a plane extending therebetween transversely of the base. A pair of elongated longitudinal side-by-side levers are disposed between the abutment surfaces and include opposite end portions projecting from opposite sides of the aforementioned plane. A first pair of end portions define opposing jaw faces for clamping an auto body portion therebetween and anchor structure is carried by the base for applying a pulling force thereon in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first end portions project. Wedge structure is shiftably supported from the base between the second end portions of the levers and operable to selectively wedge the second end portions apart and thereby cause the levers to fulcrum on the abutment surfaces to swing the first pair of end portions toward each other.

Abstract: A straightener or guide frame for motor vehicles, with the frame including longitudinal support members connected by transverse support members. The longitudinal support members are provided with mounting or attachment holes spaced at given intervals for enabling an attachment of cross support members or intermediate supports which, in turn, carry the cross members. The cross support members are adapted to support adapting elements which are aligned with points of attachment of the motor vehicle. The intermediate support members are provided with holes which correspond to the attachment or mounting holes of the longitudinal support members as well as additional holes arranged to form a grid for enabling an attachment of the cross support members.

Abstract: An elongated base if provided including a pair of opposite side opposing fulcrum surfaces disposed in a plane extending therebetween transversely of the base. A pair of elongated longitudinal side-by-side levers are disposed between the fulcrum surfaces and include opposite end portions projecting from opposite sides of the aforementioned plane. A first pair of end portions define opposing jaw faces for clamping an auto body portion therebetween and anchor structure is carried by the base for applying a pulling force thereon in a direction opposite to the direction in which the first end portions project.

Abstract: A work rack structure for correcting and aligning misshapen vehicle frame and body portions comprises a rack structure having a vehicle supportive upper surface and a lower surface and with generally continuous front and rear end and opposite side rack portions having inner and outer marginal flanges and joined together to form a central interior opening whereby a vehicle straddles the opening for work access to the underside thereof. Front and rear supportive foot members are affixed to the rack structure for elevation above a floor surface, the rear supportive foot members being swingably mounted to the rack structure and having power fluid rams operatively connected thereto for folding the foot members and kneeling the rack structure to facilitate positioning of a vehicle thereon. A plurality of force applying members are affixed to the rack structure and are easily movable therearound so that they can be selectively positioned to exert force on substantially any part of the vehicle.

Abstract: An anchor structure for exerting a pulling force against a vehicle structural member for straightening operations utilizes a lever arm including a bar member for positioning in an upright relationship and a base member affixed thereto. The bar member has an upper end portion, an intermediate portion and a bottom end portion and is of a rigid material to resist the bending forces applied thereto. The base member is affixed to the bottom end portion and extends laterally therefrom and permits the bar member to rock forwardly and rearwardly on a supportive surface. A lower attachment hook is secured to the lever arm generally at the bottom end portion for connection to a first anchor chain extending away from the lever arm in a direction opposite to a desired direction of pull and prevents movement of the base member outwardly of the first anchor chain.

Abstract: The invention relates to arrangements for straightening damaged vehicle bodies by means of straightening devices which pull and/or press, which is of the kind having a transportable alignment bar equipped with retractable wheels, said alignment bar during a straightening operation being lowered to rest on a floor joist and being fastened in a conventional way to this joist with bolt connections or the like, said alignment bar consisting of a baseplate and at least two upright wall elements attached thereto, which together form a substantialy U-shaped profile with a longitudinally extending guideway for at least one straightening assembly displaceably mounted in or on the alignment bar and comprising at least one upright beam for attachment of the straightening devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for the repair of automobiles of unitized body and frame construction comprises a shank member attached to one or more flange members, said flange members adapted for direct connection to the suspension mounting strut on the inner apron of an automobile fender. The apparatus provides a secure attachment to the suspension mounting strut, and means for applying force thereto, for use as a means of securing the automobile during work, as well as a means of correcting suspension misalignment.

Abstract: A tool for straightening indentations in sheet metal has a pair of levers each having first and second legs disposed angularly to one another and a pivot pin for journally mounting the levers together for pivotable movement about the pin. The levers may be pivoted from a position in which the axes of the first legs are superposed upon each other for insertion of both first legs simultaneously into a hole formed in the sheet metal for receiving the legs. The levers may then be pivoted to a second position in which the first legs face in opposite directions from the pivot pin and engage the sheet metal about the hole. In one embodiment the axes of the second legs in the second position are disposed angularly to one another and a spreader member is removably secured to the legs. A clevis member being secured to the spreader member for application of a pulling force. In two other embodiments the axes of the second legs are superposed upon each other and a clevis member is directly removably secured to both legs.

Abstract: An alignment system for non-adjustable motor vehicle front end suspension systems, such as those employing McPherson struts, includes anchors for mounting, by appropriate adaptors, to the opposite side forward sheet metal portions of the vehicle to which the upper ends of associated McPherson struts are secured. An elongated adjustable length thrust member is operatively connected between the anchors and a support assembly is provided anchorable relative to one side of the associated vehicle. The support assembly includes an upper portion to which the adjacent alignment system anchor may be connected by means of an adjustable length anchor member and the support further includes an adjustable support member to which the adjacent wheel hub may be releasably anchored.

Abstract: Accessory is disclosed, in its preferred form, for use in conjunction with an apparatus for repairing and straightening vehicles having a support surface for supporting vehicles thereon. The support surface includes an array of regularly shaped apertures which extend vertically therethrough. A unibody clamp is disclosed including adjustable jaws for removably gripping the pinch weld of a unibody frame. A first connector member is further provided on the clamp for allowing the use of a down pull member including a chain directed to the clamp by a rotatably mounted pulley. The down pull member is removably attached to the support surface by an attachment member which extends into a selected support surface aperture and allows self-alignment thereof in the support surface.

Abstract: A horizontally disposed support adapted to support a damaged vehicle and formed so as to facilitate certain pulling and pushing operations on the vehicle body and its frame. The support is provided with an articulated mount at one end to permit said one end to be lowered to a loading position to facilitate placing a vehicle on the support. The articulated mount may then be actuated to raise said one end so that the support is exactly horizontal. The support is also provided with relatively heavy strength members formed to provide longitudinally extending and transversely extending slots in communication with each other thereby forming a passageway permitting an anchor member to be moved to any point on the support to resist relative heavy pulling forces in any desired direction.

Abstract: A tool for straightening metal of automobile bodies and the like or lifting metal sheets has a heavy ring carrying a pair of arms with looped ends about the ring and L-shaped outer ends for insertion through one or more apertures formed in metal to be straightened whereby pulling of the ring automatically turns the outer ends of the arms into desired alignment.

Abstract: An automobile body frame straightening apparatus is disclosed which includes a stationary elevated ramp to support the automobile at a desired working height, body gripping supports to attach to the undercarriage of the automobile to hold it in a fixed position, and body frame pullers for connecting to a section of the frame or body to be straightened. The body gripping supports connect to the ramp by horizontally reciprocating hydraulic cylinders and beam to move along the sides of the ramp for alignment with the undercarriage of the automobile. Each body gripping support is vertically telescopic and horizontally extendable to align with the undercarriage of the automobile. A ground mounted rail is positioned under the ramp such that a foot element extending from the body gripping support can engage the rail for stability and travel. The body frame pullers are hydraulically operated and move in both the horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: Height extender for use in an apparatus for repairing and straightening is disclosed in its preferred form for use in connection with apparatus for repairing and straightening the body and frame of a vehicle, most preferably a high ground clearance vehicle. The apparatus for repairing and straightening includes a tread member allowing placement of the vehicle thereon and having a plurality of apertures passing vertically therethrough. Bolsters, well known in the prior art, are removably held in the tread apertures by a locking member. The height extender includes a sleeve member, a plate attached to the sleeve member having an abutting portion and an elongated bar portion, and first and second bracing members attached to the elongated bar portion and the sleeve member. The sleeve member is received and slidable on the bolster. The height extender can then be positioned on the bolster at multilevel positions by a pin which passes through apertures formed in the bracing members.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for straightening automobile bodies comprising two longitudinal main beams, each telescoping in length, connected to each other by two telescoping transverse beams; two end bars slideably and telescoping attaching to the end of the main beams; a plurality of cross beams which removeably but rigidly attach to the main beams at a multitude of points; each main beam having thereon a plurality of tie downs; each cross beam being equiped with a plurality of load pads operated by hydraulic jacks; and the end bars also operated by hydraulic pads; the entire apparatus being assembled by pins for easy quick assembly and disassembly.

Abstract: Each jaw of a pair of jaws of an expandable jaw power tool are individually modified so as to accept a shaft supported in one jaw while passing through the other jaw of the same pair. The shaft includes an adjustable power distributing member which makes the depth of the jaws adjustable and makes greater use of the power stroke of the jaws, distributes the power or pressure output of the jaws over a wider area and makes an improved power tool, adjustable at the point of application of power stroke.

Abstract: A portable hydraulically operated rescue tool has a pair of force arms supported for pivotal movement adjacent inner ends and an hydraulic piston-cylinder assembly for pivoting the arms to move the outer end portions of the arms generally toward and away from each other between adjacent and spread apart positions. Spreader plate assemblies are releasably connected to the outer ends of the force arms. Each plate assembly includes a spreader plate connected to an associated force arm to pivot about an axis which extends transversely of the longitudinal axis of the arm and which is spaced longitudinally inwardly from the outer end of the arm. Each plate may be further supported to swivel about a central axis normal to its pivotal axis. One of the plates may have an arcuately concave contour for gripping engagement with a cylindrical member, such as the steering column of a motor vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatus for pivotally interconnecting a force applying member to an apparatus for repairing and straightening is disclosed in its preferred form for use in repairing and straightening the body and frame of a vehicle. The disclosed apparatus includes a small cylindrical pivot member mounted in a first stationary position located adjacent the front of an apparatus for repairing and straightening and second and third small cylindrical pivot members mounted to a tram movable within the apparatus for repairing and straightening. A force applying member in the form of an elongatable pull tower is shown together with a connector arm which extends from the pull tower to a point adjacent to the pivot member. A clamp member and a ring sleeve type bearing are provided according to the present invention to pivotally mount the connector arm to one of the pivot members.

Abstract: Locking apparatus is disclosed in its preferred form for use in an apparatus for repairing and straightening the body and frame of a vehicle having force applying members pivotally interconnected to a tread member by connector arms. Regular shaped apertures extend vertically through the tread member. The preferred apparatus of the present invention includes an upraised channel formed on the connector arm of the force applying member and a locking pin including a body portion having a cross section of a regular shape corresponding to the apertures formed in the tread member, an inverted U-shaped handle extending beyond the circumference of the body portion to prevent the body portion from falling through the apertures of the tread member, and a square portion located on the bottommost portion of the body portion.

Abstract: A vehicle frame alignment apparatus comprising a pair of substantially parallel tracks upon which a vehicle may rest, at least one transversely extending beam suspended beneath the tracks, the beam being longer than the spacing between the tracks and having an upright pillar at each end thereof, the pillars being respectively on opposite sides of the pair of tracks and provided with anchorage means for attachment of straining members for applying a plurality of variously directed loads to the vehicle, the beam being suspended beneath the tracks by a pair of suspension units, each suspension unit comprising a top and bottom carriage mutually interconnected by a substantially vertical shaft so as to be relatively rotatable about the axis of the shaft, each of the tracks having fixedly associated and extending substantially parallel therewith a pair of longitudinally extending track rails spaced one from the other along which top carriage rides, the transverse beam having fixedly associated and extending substan

Abstract: Portable apparatus for repairing deformed yieldable structures comprising an upright guide frame for cables and cable tensioning apparatus. The upright guide frame is adaptable to be removably disposed in a suitable post hole and includes a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally disposed supports for receiving therebetween cables, cable tensioning apparatus and the like. At the bottom of the upright guide frame is a horizontal base that seats on a supporting surface. A guide frame for cables and cable tensioning apparatus is optionally pivotally connected to the upright guide frame, pivotally connected to the base adjacent to the upright guide frame, or detachably secured to the upright guide frame. Cables and cable tensioning apparatus are selectively removably attached to guide frames for attaching cables to a deformed yieldable structure for repairing the deformity.

Abstract: An electromagnetic device for straightening dents in automotive vehicle bodies and the like comprises a carriage on which is mounted a boom means for positioning an electromagnetic head at selected positions about the sides and top of a vehicle body. Control and power apparatus including electric power and a hydraulic fluid supply are mounted on the carriage, and quickly adjustable brace means are provided to engage the vehicle body adjacent a damaged area for bracing the body against the pull of the magnet.

Abstract: Clamping apparatus for transmitting a traction force to a metallic workpiece, such as an automobile body or the like, for deforming the same includes a frame including a clamping head housing portion having a cylindrical cavity formed therein, a clamping head assembly including a clamping head body having a cylindrical section and a pair of jaw portions, the cylindrical section portion of the clamping head body having a circumferentially extending groove formed therein with which is aligned the shank portion of a set screw which extends through the clamping head housing portion to fix the clamping head assembly, which is otherwise rotatable within the housing, with respect to the frame. The frame is provided with three appropriately formed areas for attaching a pulling bridle thereto for selectively applying a traction force either in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the clamping jaw portions, parallel to the plane thereof or in a direction 45.degree. to the plane thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a straightening jig for vehicle bodies, particularly for the cabs of trucks, of the kind comprising a stand for fastening to a floor or other foundation, and being equipped with a number of bearing fixings in which a number of bearing components on a vehicle body are intended to fit and be fixed when the vehicle body is located on the jig.

Abstract: A clamp for use in straightening automobile bodies is adapted for securement to a rocker panel and has two sets of jaws, one of which may be clamped to a top region of said rocker panel assembly and the other which may be clamped to a bottom portion of said rocker panel. Means are provided for adjusting the spacing between the two sets of jaws to accommodate different sizes of rocker panel.

Abstract: A tram is disclosed, in its preferred form, for use in an apparatus for repairing and straightening. In the preferred embodiment, the tram includes a tram carrier member including first and second side walls. The tram is mounted between right and left track members by a shaft which extends through U-shaped apertures in the side walls and has a first end which engages a portion of the right track and a second end which engages a portion of the left track. The tram is moved by rotating the shaft by the use of an electric motor. Further, sprockets are provided on the first and second ends of the shaft which engages first and second stationary, elongated gear members located on the right and left track members forming a rack and pinion gear arrangement to allow movement of the tram. A steel roller is further provided on the shaft adjacent the sprockets to reduce the amount of weight carried by the sprockets and to allow the sprockets to mesh with the elongated gear members.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for straightening damaged unibody-type vehicles whereby a lightweight rectangular frame is attached at its four corners to the longitudinal pinch weld which runs along both sides of the vehicle body. The frame members are rigidly connected to each other but telescopingly adjustable in length to accommodate different size vehicles and have pulling attachment points at the corners of the frame allowing pulling or pushing in any direction.

Abstract: Vehicle anchoring apparatus is disclosed, in its preferred form, for use in conjunction with an apparatus for repairing and straightening vehicles having a support surface for supporting vehicles thereon. The support surface includes an array of regularly shaped apertures which extend vertically therethrough. A unibody clamp is disclosed including adjustable jaws for removably gripping the pinch weld of a unibody frame. Abutment wings are further provided on the clamp for abutting with a stop member which accepts, substantially in line, the counterforce from the clamp. The stop member is removably attached to the support surface by an attachment member which extends into a selected support surface aperture and allows self-alignment thereof in the support surface.

Abstract: This invention consists of a tool for use in repairing or refinishing dented material, the tool having a shaft with an interchangeable weighted head, a slidable weight or hammer, and a handle. A small hole, slightly larger than the size of the cross-sectional dimension of the interchangeable weighted head, is drilled in the dented material and the weighted head is inserted therethrough. The weighted end will rotate the head when it has passed through and cleared the hole, and the head thus forms an "inboard" anvil for applying a pulling force on the dent in the material.

Abstract: A heavy duty truck liner for working on a truck, or large trailer, where a plurality of pulling and pushing operations are required to straighten a frame, etc. A plurality of tracks in the form of a rectangle surrounding the normal position of the truck and body, is prepared and set into the concrete floor of the work room. A large inverted U-frame is set on rollers which are adapted to travel longitudinally along the long sides of the track. The frame is large enough to completely encircle the truck and body can be moved readily along the track so as to be opposite any point on the side walls of the body where pulling or pushing operations are required. A folding platform is attached in a slidable manner to the sidewalls of the frame so as to position the platform at any level on either side of the body. Hydraulic locking means are provided to lock the frame in any selected position so as to withstand any pulling and pushing forces required.