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WO2002024367A2 - Outil tire-bosse avec force de traction constante regulee - Google Patents

Outil tire-bosse avec force de traction constante regulee Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002024367A2
WO2002024367A2 PCT/US2001/021896 US0121896W WO0224367A2 WO 2002024367 A2 WO2002024367 A2 WO 2002024367A2 US 0121896 W US0121896 W US 0121896W WO 0224367 A2 WO0224367 A2 WO 0224367A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tool
adapter
base
dent
foot
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2001/021896
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2002024367A3 (fr
Inventor
Robert Lowery
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to AU2001273375A priority Critical patent/AU2001273375A1/en
Publication of WO2002024367A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002024367A2/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Publication of WO2002024367A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002024367A3/fr
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D1/00—Straightening, restoring form or removing local distortions of sheet metal or specific articles made therefrom; Stretching sheet metal combined with rolling
    • B21D1/06—Removing local distortions

Definitions

  • This invention relates generally to automotive repair and more particularly to the removal of small indentations or dents from the body of a vehicle.
  • a dent removal tool capable of removing dents in the body of a vehicle that can be accurately controlled to insure that the dent is pulled precisely out to be flush with the surrounding area. Further, such a tool should not require any piercing of the body panel and should not require repainting or patching of the repaired area. Such a tool also should take advantage of the natural memory of the sheet metal to enhance the dent removal. It is to be a provision of such a dent removal tool that the present invention is primarily directed.
  • the present invention includes a non-destructive dent removal tool for pulling small dents and nicks from body panels of a vehicle such as an automobile.
  • the tool includes a cup or adapter that is adhered to the dent with high-tensile-strength adhesives.
  • an adapter with the appropriate configuration is selected.
  • the adapter may include one or more grooves formed in its bonding surface in order to improve the bond between the adhesive and the adapter.
  • the grooves may be defined as dovetail grooves, which optimize the adhesion of the adhesive to the adapter.
  • the pulling tool also may include a base that is positioned on or adjacent to the surface to be repaired in order to stabilize the tool during use.
  • the base may include one or more adjustable or floating feet that better conform to curved body panel surfaces to improve the stability of the positioned tool.
  • the pulling tool may also include an adjustment mechanism for regulating the distance the adapter and the sheet metal is moved.
  • the pulling tool is then removed from the cup and the cup removed from the surface of tie vehicle with appropriate solvents, which dissolve the adhesive.
  • the repaired dent can then simply be cleaned and buffed such that the repair is virtually unnoticeable.
  • the pulling force on the cup attached to a dent in the present invention is gradual, constant, and precisely controllable and the dent is pulled gradually back to its original position.
  • the contmuous pulling force also enables the natural memory of the sheet metal to assist in restoring the dent to its original flush configuration.
  • a dent removal tool that addresses and solves the problem of prior art dent removal tools.
  • the tool is easy to use, provides for the highly controlled and accurate application of pulling force, and does this in a continuous and gradual way so that a dent can be pulled precisely back to its original flush position.
  • Figs. 1A through IE illustrate a prior art dent removal tool with manual slide hammer pulling action and process for removing a dent.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the dent removal tool of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2a is a perspective view of the dent removal tool of Fig. 2 with certain parts removed.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the dent removal tool of the present invention with the adapter removed.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the dent removal tool of Fig. 3 with the base separated from the remainder of the dent removal tool.
  • Fig. 5 is a side view of the base of Fig. 4 showing the adjustable floating feet.
  • Fig. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the base of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the base of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adapter of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a bottom view of the adapter of Fig. 8 showing the concentric grooves thereof.
  • Fig. 10 is another perspective view of the adapter of Fig. 8.
  • Fig. 11 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of an adapter that embodies principles of the invention.
  • Fig. 12 is a side view of the adapter of Fig. 11.
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the adapter of Fig. 11.
  • Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a further alternate embodiment of an adapter according to the invention.
  • Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter of Fig. 14.
  • Fig. 16 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of an adapter embodying the principles of the invention.
  • Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view of still another alternative embodiment of an adapter according of the present invention.
  • Figs. 1A-1E illustrate a typical prior art dent removal tool and process used in the automotive repair industry.
  • a special adhesive is placed on a special cup or adapter which is then adhered to the deepest portion of the dent.
  • the adhesive may be from the polyanamide, ethylvinyl acetate or similarly appropriate polymeric groups.
  • a 710 Polyanamide Adhesive Resin from Union Camp Corp. in Jacksonville, Florida may be used in conjunction with the dent removal tool.
  • the adhesive is then allowed to dry, optionally with the aid of a heat gun, as shown in Fig. lC.
  • a manual slide hammer is attached to the adapter, as shown in Fig. ID, and repeatedly operated to impart hammer blows to the adapter.
  • Each blow of the slide hammer pulls the dent slightly out and at some point the dent is relatively flush with the surrounding surface.
  • the adapter is removed with a special solvent that dissolves the adhesive and the area is cleaned and buffed, as shown in Fig. IE.
  • the manual slide hammer is replaced by an electrically operated magnetic hammer. However, the action is the same in that repeated blows impart pulling force to a cup or other adapter attached to the dent.
  • the present invention comprises some components similar to those of hammer-type dent removal tools. More specifically, special adapters or cups, which may be made of plastic, metal, such as aluminum, or any other appropriate material, and which may be specially shaped to match the shape of a particular dent being removed, are provided. Rather than a hammer type pulling tool, however, the present invention contemplates a screw action, ratchet action, pneumatic or hydraulic action puller that is attached to the adapter and that provides constant, controllable, and precise pulling force to the adapter and, consequently, to the dent.
  • Fig. 2 shows one embodiment of the invention including a pneumatically activated puller tool 10.
  • the puller tool 10 includes a high-pressure air-line 1 connecting the puller tool 10 to a compressor (not shown).
  • the air-line 1 feeds into an air regulator 2 that includes a fine increment air pressure gage.
  • the air regulator 2 is in fluid communication with air throttle 3 via throttle air-line 4.
  • High pressure cylinder air-lines 6 connect the air throttle 3 to a two-way air cylinder 5, shown in Fig. 2a.
  • a fine increment high pressure air gauge 7 is also in fluid communication with the air cylinder 5, which is mechanically connected to connecting rod 9.
  • a cover 11 typically is installed over the air cylinder 5.
  • Connecting rod 9 connects the adapter receiver 8 to air cylinder 5.
  • FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the invention including a pneumatically activated puller tool 10.
  • connecting rod 9 may be threaded.
  • a locking nut 19 may be threaded on connecting rod 9 and serve as an adjustment mechanism for regulating distance that the sheet metal, on which the puller tool 10 is used, is moved.
  • the locking nut 19 is set in the desired position along connecting rod 9 so as to limit the distance that adapter receiver 8 and adapter 80 may move.
  • connecting rod 9 is moved upward during operation of the puller tool 10
  • locking nut 19 will engage an upper portion of the puller tool 10, thereby preventing further upward movement of the connecting rod 9. Consequently, the sheet metal to which the adapter 80 is attached will not be deformed beyond such a pre-selected distance.
  • overextension of the sheet metal beyond its original position can be avoided by pre-selecting the distance that the adapter 80 may travel.
  • Adapter receiver 8 also may include a jaw 21, configured to grasp the head of the adapter 80.
  • the puller tool 10 is supported on a detachable base 130 that has a body 32 having an opening 34 centrally aligned therein.
  • the adapter receiver 8 is so aligned within puller tool 10 so that the adapter 80, attached thereto, may extend through opening 34.
  • Base 130 may include a non-marring material 140 bonded to a bottom surface thereof.
  • base 30 is attached to the bottom of the pneumatic puller tool 10.
  • Base 30 serves as an interface between the puller tool 10 and a dented surface (not shown) and supports the puller tool 10 thereon.
  • the puller tool 10 is positioned on a body panel to overlie a dent in the body panel to be removed.
  • the base 30 supports and serves to stabilize the dent puller tool 10 during operation.
  • the base may simply be a flat base plate 132 or 232 having a non-marring material 140 or 240, respectively, attached thereto, as found in bases 130 and 230, shown in Figs.
  • Such a flat base may include opening 34 therein through which the adapter may extend, as well as at least one threaded opening 28 to receive a threaded fastener (not shown) which affixes the base to the puller tool 10.
  • the base may be provided with at least one adjustable or floating foot 36.
  • two generally rectangular feet 36 and 38 may be adjustably or pivotally connected to body 32.
  • the bottom surface of the base 30 may include a non-marring material 140 thereon, such as, for example, felt, rubber or a polymeric material well known in the art.
  • non-marring material 40 and 42 may be provided on the bottom surfaces of the feet instead.
  • adjustable foot 36 is pivotable about at least a firstpivot point defined in Fig. 5 by a pivot joint 47, which includes a first pivot pin 50, first foot bracket 44 and first base bracket 52.
  • adjustable foot 38 pivots about a second pin joint 45, which includes second pin 48, second foot bracket 46, and second base bracket 54.
  • Two pivot joints 47 may be provided for each foot.
  • the pivot mechanism of the adjustable foot may, however, be any type of hinge or joint known in the art, such as, for example, a ball-and-socket joint.
  • the body 32 may have a first end portion 41 and a second end portion 43.
  • First foot 36 may be aligned proximally to the first end portion 41 and, likewise, second foot 38 may be proximally aligned to the second end portion 43.
  • First foot 36 is rotatable about a first axis extending through first pivot pin 50 while second foot 38 is rotatable about a second axis which extends through second pivot pin 48.
  • first and second axes are aligned parallel to body 32.
  • the base 30 may include a variable number of feet thatalso differ in their shape from the adjustable feet 36 and 38, shown in Figs. 3-5. More specifically, the base 30 may include 3 or more feet having a circular, elliptical or other convenient shape. These feet may be strategically aligned so as to provide a range of adjustable support on a variety of body panel contours.
  • the floating foot in addition to being pivotable about a point or line, may be extendably adjusted relative to the base 30.
  • foot 36 may be connected to base 30 by one or more adjustable legs (not shown), which may be adjusted to extend the foot to a position away from the base so as to provide support by contact with a surface not in proximity to the working area of a dent to be removed.
  • the legs may include the pivot joints 46 and 47 in addition to means to extend the feet away from the body, such as telescoping portions, or similar means.
  • the base 30 of the present invention having at least one adjustable foot may be used in conjunction with a known dent removal tool, in order to provide certain advantages of the invention.
  • the cup or adapter 80 In use, a cup or adapter that previously has been bonded to the dent with adhesive is secured to the distal end of the puller rod 9 for pulling the dent out of the body panel.
  • the cup or adapter 80 generally includes a head 66, a neck 62 and a body 64, although other configurations of the adapter of the present invention are contemplated.
  • the adapter is attached to the distal end of the puller rod 9 by the cooperation of head 66 with the adapter receiver 8.
  • the adapter 80 may be formed of metals, such as aluminum, high density plastics, such as high density polyethylenes and urethanes, or other suitable materials.
  • the adapter must be hard enough to resist shearing when in use, but soft enough to allow the adhesive to adequately bond to thereto. For example, a urethane with a hardness of between about 75 and about 85 durometers on the D scale provides sufficient strength and bonding properties to the adapter.
  • the contact surface 65 of the adapter 80 which is adhesively bonded to the dent surface, preferably is formed with at least one groove or slot 50.
  • These grooves 50 which in one embodiment have an inwardly flared or dovetail shape, help to maintain the adhesion between the adapter 80 and the dent surface. This is because the dovetail grooves 50 provide increased surface area for bonding and because adhesive tends to squeeze into the dovetail grooves, which mechanically capture and hold the adhesive.
  • the dovetail grooves 50 may be aligned in any appropriate configuration and may be curved or straight.
  • dovetail grooves 50 may be circular in formation and concentrically arranged on the contact surface.
  • an adapter 180 includes a head 66 and neck 62 similar to those of adapter 80. However, unlike adapter 80, adapter 180 has an elongated body 64 having a generally rectangular contact surface 165.
  • the dovetail grooves 150 of adapter 180 are straight and extend in parallel relationships along the length of contact surface 165. As shown in Figs. 12 and 13, dovetail grooves 150 are formed by the mortises 155 formed in the body 164.
  • the mortises 155 have a dovetail shape that provides both mechanical grasping surfaces and increased surface area to facilitate the adhesion of the adhesive to the adapter 180.
  • adapter 280 Like adapter 80, adapter 280 includes a circular bonding surface 265 having dovetail- shaped grooves 250 thereon. However, body 264 does not flare to the extent that body 64 of adapter 80 does. In other words, the diameter of the bonding surface 265 is smaller than that illustrated in Fig. 8. Adapter 280 may be more advantageously used on dents having smaller cross-sections.
  • a further possible embodiment of the adapter is shown in cross-section in Fig. 16. A full mortise having a dovetail configuration is not provided herein. Rather, the dovetail groove 350 is formed from an inwardly extending under cut 355, thereby providing a partial dovetail shape to the groove. In this embodiment, the neck 362 and the body 364 are generally coextensive, thereby providing a contact surface with a minimized cross-section or diameter.
  • the adapter of the present invention may include additional surface characteristics that provide similar advantage.
  • the adapter may include a dimpled, textured, striated or similarly marked contact surface that increases the area of contact with the adhesive and may also provide mechanical retaining surfaces that further optimize the adhesion.
  • the adapter having dovetail grooves or cutouts formed therein also may be used in conjunction with prior art dent removal tools to provide some advantages of the present invention.
  • a technician adheres the high-density plastic or metal adapter of the proper size and shape (depending on the size and shape of the dent) to the dent, using a specialized hot industrial strength glue or adhesive.
  • the adapter is adhered to the deepest part of the dent, but this is not always the case.
  • the adhesive is formulated such that this process does not harm the painted surface of the vehicle.
  • the ratchet or screw or pneumatic or hydraulic action dent puller tool is attached to the adapter by placing it over the head end of the adapter adhered to the dent.
  • the puller tool possesses a receiver end that mates precisely with the head of the adapter providing a positive link of the two components.
  • the technician next applies gradual, constant and increasing pulling force to the adapter.
  • the force is applied in different ways depending upon the nature of the puller. For example, in a ratchet action puller, the force is applied by activating a ratchet action handle in small increments. For a screw action puller, the force is applied by gradually turning the screw of the tool. Finally, in a pneumatically or hydraulically operated pulling tool, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure is applied gradually to produce the pulling force. In any event, the sheet metal in the region of the dent is pulled and stretched back to its original shape, aided by the appropriate sized and shaped adapter. Unlike prior art dent removal tools, the pulling force and, thus, the stretching and bending of the dent is gradual, constant, and highly controllable.
  • the tool of the present invention allows for unattended application of a constant tension on the indented sheet metal for any desired length of time, thus eliminating operator fatigue.
  • the sustaining of a constant pulling force on the dent for an indefinite period of time simply is not possible with prior art hammer type dent removal tools.
  • the dent removal tool of the present invention has distinct advantages over current means and methods that use a slide hammer or other hammering motion to extract dents from the sheet metal surface of motor vehicles.
  • the tool of the present invention allows the dent removal technician to apply constant, steady, incremental, pulling tensile stress to the affected sheet metal rather than uncontrollable, less precise, jerky action experienced with a hammer-activated device.
  • the more controlled action of the puller of this invention encourages the sheet metal to remember its original configuration, as mentioned above.
  • the interchangeable adapters or cups serve to prevent the sheet metal from being stretched beyond its original flush configuration, a common problem with slide hammer or other hammer activated dent removal tools.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
  • Hooks, Suction Cups, And Attachment By Adhesive Means (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention se rapporte à un outil tire-bosse servant à redresser les bosses à la surface de panneaux en tôle de carrosseries de véhicules. Cet outil comprend un adaptateur ou une ventouse de forme spéciale, qui est collé à la bosse par un adhésif. Cet adaptateur comporte au moins une rainure ou une formation similaire sur sa surface de contact, pour optimiser l'adhérence. Cet outil comprend également une base amovible sur laquelle est collé un matériau qui n'égratigne pas. La base peut comporter un ou plusieurs pieds réglables destinés à stabiliser l'outil pendant son utilisation. Cet outil tire-bosse est fixé à l'adaptateur et une force de traction régulée continue est appliquée à l'adaptateur pour redresser la bosse. Cet outil tire-bosse peut être actionné par rochet, par vis ou par moteur pneumatique ou hydraulique.
PCT/US2001/021896 2000-09-22 2001-07-12 Outil tire-bosse avec force de traction constante regulee Ceased WO2002024367A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001273375A AU2001273375A1 (en) 2000-09-22 2001-07-12 Dent removal tool with controlled constant pulling force

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US23487000P 2000-09-22 2000-09-22
US60/234,870 2000-09-22
US87980101A 2001-06-11 2001-06-11
US09/879,801 2001-06-11

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002024367A2 true WO2002024367A2 (fr) 2002-03-28
WO2002024367A3 WO2002024367A3 (fr) 2003-09-04

Family

ID=26928350

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/021896 Ceased WO2002024367A2 (fr) 2000-09-22 2001-07-12 Outil tire-bosse avec force de traction constante regulee

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU2001273375A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002024367A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITBS20090089A1 (it) * 2009-05-15 2010-11-16 Omar Perani Estrattore per elementi per riparare danni a carrozzerie di veicoli
EP3231559A1 (fr) * 2016-04-15 2017-10-18 Wera - Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG Mandrins comprenant une butée de profondeur réglable

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3503245A (en) * 1967-10-04 1970-03-31 Ben Brandl Method and apparatus for removing defects from sheet metal
US3801772A (en) * 1973-08-27 1974-04-02 Gen Motors Corp In-ding repair tool
US4289017A (en) * 1979-08-27 1981-09-15 Guidry Joseph L Body puller
DE20003647U1 (de) * 1999-11-09 2000-05-18 Gabriel, Michael, 73553 Alfdorf Dellenausziehgerät DA62000

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITBS20090089A1 (it) * 2009-05-15 2010-11-16 Omar Perani Estrattore per elementi per riparare danni a carrozzerie di veicoli
EP3231559A1 (fr) * 2016-04-15 2017-10-18 Wera - Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG Mandrins comprenant une butée de profondeur réglable

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2002024367A3 (fr) 2003-09-04
AU2001273375A1 (en) 2002-04-02

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