US3796084A

US3796084A - Vehicle straightening device

Info

Publication number: US3796084A
Application number: US00256560A
Authority: US
Inventors: D Jarman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: GRABBER MANUFACTURING Co BRUNSWICK GA A GA CORP
Priority date: 1972-05-24
Filing date: 1972-05-24
Publication date: 1974-03-12
Anticipated expiration: 1991-03-12
Also published as: CA987212A

Abstract

A vehicle straightening device comprising a pull tower including a stationary support column, a horizontal pull frame reciprocally mounted to the support column for movement relative thereto between extended and retracted positions, movable locking means associated with the pull frame for grasping and pulling a chain or the like during retraction of the frame, and stationary locking means for grasping the chain and maintaining tension thereon during return of the pull frame to its extended position.

Description

United States Patent 1191 J arman 1 VEHICLE STRAIGHTENING DEVICE [76] Inventor: Davis R. Jarman, 1619 Norwich St.,

Brunswick, Ga. 31520 9/1967 Chartier 72/705 Primary ExaminerRichard J. Herbst y 24, 1972 Attorney, Agent. or FirmClarence A. OBrie'n; Har- 21 Appl. No.: 256,560 WY Jacobson,

52 11.5. CI. 72/447, 72/705 1 1 ABSTRACT [5 l Int. Cl B2ld l/l2 A vehicle Straightening device Comprising a pull tower Fleld of Search 734441441449 including a stationary support column, a horizontal 72/705; 254/1, pull frame reciprocally mounted to the support column for movement relative thereto between extended [56l References Clted and retracted positions, movable locking means asso- UNITED STATES PATENTS ciated with the pull frame for grasping and pulling 21 3,566,666 3/1971 Berendt et =11 72/444 Chain of the like during retraction of the frame, and 3,492,855 2/1970 Wylie 72/447 stationary locking means for grasping the chain and 3,583,203 6/1971 Williams.... 72/446 maintaining tension thereon during return of the pull 3,338,083 8/1967 Eck 72/305 frame to its extended position 3,566,667 3/1971 Hagerty 72/444 3,612,482 10/1971 Eck 254/1 16 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures I I ,I I /0 /2 Brown et al. 254/2 VEHICLE STRAIGHTENING DEVICE The present invention is generally related to metal deforming devices and, more particularly, to an improved vehicle body and frame straightening assembly.

In recent years, there has been a large increase in the number of vehicles on the highways, with a corresponding increase in the number of vehicle damaging accidents. Many such accidents result in serious vehicle body and frame damage, which heretofore had been extremely expensive to repair. Various frame straightening devices have been provided for making such repairs. However, these conventional constructions have been costly to manufacture and install and/or have proven to be time consuming, and often uneconomical, to operate.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a novel vehicle straightening assembly which is relatively economical to manufacture and install and which may be expeditiously operated with a minimum amount of effort.

Another object of the present invntion is to provide a unique vehicle straightening assembly which includes means for maintaining tension on a pull chain, or the like at all times, whereby the resiliency of the vehicle body and frame is overcome to prevent partial return to the damaged configuration throughout the straightening operation.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a versatile pull tower or device which includes a reciprocal pull frame together with movable and stationary locking means for grasping a pull chain, cable, or the like, whereby tension may be maintained on the chain during both the pull and return reciprocal movements of the pull frame.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a unique pull tower or device for vehicle straightening including a horizontal, reciprocal pull frame which is slidably supported by a vertical support column by way of a mounting collar, whereby the elevation of the pull frame may be selectively adjusted to the desired height by raising or lowering the mounting collar.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of the vehicle straightening assembly of the present invention connected to a typical damaged vehicle.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vehicle straightening assembly and vehicle illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pull tower associated with the present invention with a typical chain and locking means illustrated in disassembled condition.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the pull tower illustrated in FIG. 3 with the pull frame in a fully extended position and the movable locking means engaging the pull chain.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the pull tower similar to FIG. 4 but with the pull frame in a fully retracted position.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the pull tower similar to FIG. 5, but with the movable locking means disengaged from the chain and with a phantom view of the pull tower returned to the fully extended position.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along section 77 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a chain anchor associated with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a chain anchor associated with the present invention.

Referring now, more particularly, to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, the vehicle straightening assembly of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral 10 and includes a rigid anchor track 12 fastened to a concrete floor or the like by way of a plurality of bolts 14, or similar fastening means. Preferably, the anchor track is of sufficient size and configuration to surround the perimeter of a vehicle such as that indicated at 16. The assembly is provided with a plurality of stationary anchor members 18 which are removably fastened to the anchor track at selected positions to accommodate stationary anchor chains 20 which are fastened to the vehicle body or frame by hooks, or other appropriate means.

A pull tower or device, generally indicated by the numeral 22, is appropriately fastened to the anchor track at a location oppositely disposed of the stationary anchors 18. The pull tower is provided with a movable chain or the like 24 which is fastened to the vehicle by appropriate means, whereby pulling on the chain is effective to deform the metal body and/or frame of the vehicle toward its original configuration. It will be appreciated that since the anchor track surrounds the entire vehicle, the stationary anchors and pull tower may be selectively positioned at any desired locations to effect the required pulling on the damaged body or frame. It should be noted that it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the use of chains for the straightening operation, and that other conventional elongated, generally flexible members, such as cables,

- may be likewise utilized with appropriate modifications to the stationary anchors and pull tower. Once the anchor and pull chains have been fastened to the vehicle, actuation of the pull tower is effective to impart tension forces on the vehicle frame or body which tend to return it to its original configuration.

With reference to FIG. 3 of the drawings, it will be observed that the pull tower of the present invention includes a stationary, rigid support framework comprising a base 26 with a mounting flange 28 and a pair of rotatably mounted wheels 30. The support framework further includes a vertical support column 32, preferably welded to base 26 and slidably carrying a mounting collar 34 which is vertically adjustable by way of a pair of support cables 36 which extend around reels 38, operatively connected to a conventional ratchet mechanism 40 and crank handle 42. Preferably, a pair of support legs 44 extend upwardly from base 26 to a medial portion of support column 32 for reinforcement thereof. An elongated, horizontal pull frame 46, of steel or similar materials is slidably carried by mounting collar 34, such that it is reciprocally movable with respect to the vertical support column.

A hydraulic cylinder or ram 48 is mounted between one end of pull frame 46 and mounting collar 34 in order to effect horizontal movement of the pull frame.

As the pull frame is retracted, such movement is transferred to the pull chain 24 by way of a movable locking means 50 associated with the pull frame. In addition, the stationary support framework is provided with a stationary locking means 52 which coacts with the pullchain to maintain tension thereon, as hereinafter explained.

Referring now, more particularly, to FIGS. 4-6, the operation of the pull tower associated with the present invention may be more fully understood. Pull frame 46 is slidably mounted on collar 34 for reciprocation between a fully extended position, illustrated in FIG. 4, and a fully retracted position, illustrated in FIG. 5. As mentioned above, this is achieved by way of a hydraulic ram 48, of a conventional type, including an elongated piston arm or rod 54 fastened to the mounting collar 34. The hydraulic ram is actuated by conventional means, not illustrated, whereby movement of the pull frame may be controlled at all times. Initially, the pull tower is set up as illustrated in FIG. 4 with chain 24 extending through an aperture 56 in the end of the pull frame facing the vehicle. The chain is locked in position by way of movable locking member 50 which is provided with an opened slot of appropriate dimension which embraces one of the chain links. The pull chain extends from the movable locking member over a guide rod 58 associated with the mounting collar 34 and extendsdownwardly toward stationary locking member 52 and a rigid flange 60 mounted to vertical support column 34 and provided with an appropriate chainreceiving aperture 62 formed therein.

As hydraulic ram 48 is actuated, chain 34 is pulled toward the right deforming the vehicle body or frame toward its original configuration. The pull frame reaches its end of travel at the fully retracted position illustrated in FIG. 5. In this position, a considerable length of the pull chain extends through the chain receiving aperture 62 of flange 60. Prior to reversing the hydraulic ram, the stationary locking member 52 is placed in retentive engagement with the pull chain, as illustrated in FIG. 6. At the same time, movable locking member 50 is disengaged to free the chain from the pull frame. It will be appreciated, that anytension on the pull chain due to the resiliency of the vehicle body or frame will be maintained by locking member 52. With the stationary locking member 52 in position, the pull frame is returned to its original extended position, as indicated in dash line in FIG. 6. With the pull frame returned to the extended position, the movable locking member 52 is again placed in retentive engagement with pull chain 24 and stationary locking member 52 is removed.

By utilizing the pull tower in accordance with the above described procedure, the straightening assembly may be most expeditiously operated while maintaining a relatively constant tension on the pull chain. If the pull chain were freed for the return reciprocation of the pull frame, the vehicle body or frame would tend to spring back or partially return to its damaged configuration. This condition, of course, would necessitate several additional time-consuming reciprocations of the pull frame in order to straighten the body or frame to the desired configuration. Of course, it should be noted that it is not intended that the pull tower of the present invention be limited to the locking members illustrated in the drawings or to the use of a link chain for the purposes of pulling. If desired, the pull tower may be modified to provide other appropriate locking means such as clamps or bolts suitable for retentively grasping the pull chain, cable, or other elongated flexible member. Furthermore, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the use of a hydraulic ram, such as that illustrated in the drawings. It is foreseeable that other conventional motive means may be utilized for effecting movement of the pull frame relative to the stationary support framework.

With reference to FIG. 7, it will be observed that the mounting collar 34 is provided with a pair of outwardly extending, oppositely disposed

flange portions

64 and 66 which engage the lower edges of pull frame 46. This arrangement provides a sliding mounting for the pull frame, thereby permitting easy reciprocation under the influence of hydraulic ram 48. It will also be appreciated that themounting collar together with the pull frame may be easily raised to a desired position, such as that indicated in dash by operation of crank handle 42 and ratchet mechanism 40.

FIGS. 8 and 9illustrate two preferred embodiments of stationary chain anchors to be utilized with the straightening assembly of the present invention. The embodiment of FIG. 8 is comprised of a relatively flat plate 68, of steel or similar materials and provided with a mounting flange 70 at one lower corner and a chain receiving aperture 72 coextensive with a locking slot 74 of reduced dimension. The mounting flange cooperates with a corresponding flange on the anchor track 12, whereby it may be easily mounted and dismounted at desired locations around the anchor track. The corresponding anchor chain is fed through aperture 72, until snug, and the appropriate chain linkis placed in retentive engagement with a slot 74.

The anchor member 76 illustrated in FIG. 9 is also provided with a mounting flange indicated at 78.and a chain receiving aperture 80 coextensive with a slot 82. Preferably, the anchor of FIG. 9 is utilized when the anchor chain is fastened to a relatively low vehicle frame portion while the anchor of FIG. 8 is utilized at higher levels. I

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A device for straightening vehicle frames, bdies, and the like, said device comprising, in combination:

a. a stationary rigid framework, said stationary framework including a base, a rigid vertical support column rigidly connected to said base and arranged for preventing pivoting with respect thereto, and a collar'slidably mounted around said support column for selective vertical adjustment relative thereto, wheel means rotatably mounted on the colunn for facilitating movement thereof, the base provided with means for selectively rigidly mounting the framework on a continuous anchor track, the base extending toward a vehicle frame to be straightened and away from the wheel means, column, and anchor track, and engaging a support surface when the base is mounted on the anchor track;

b. an elonated, flexible member attachable to a vehicle;

c. pull means reciprocally mounted to said stationary framework for pulling the elongated, flexible member by movement between an extended position and a retracted position;

d. motive means for selectively moving said pull means relative' to said stationary framework between said extended and retracted positions, said pull means being slidably mounted to said collar for generally horizontal movement relative thereto under the influence of said motive means; and

e. selectively releasable lock means carried by said pull means for retentively grasping the elongated flexible member when said pull means moves from said extended position toward said retracted position.

2. The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein the framework further includes a ratchet mechanism mounted on the column and collar and arranged for selectively vertically adjusting the collar.

3. The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said lock means includes first and second releasable lock means associated with a stationary anchor point for retentively grasping the elongated flexible member to maintain the tension thereon as said pull means is returned to said extended position, and is attached to one end portion of said horizontal frame, said motive means being at the opposite end of said horizontal frame.

4. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said pull means includes an elongated horizontal frame slidably mounted on said collar.

5. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said motive means extends between said horizontal frame and said support framework for imparting movement therebetween.

6. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said device includes a guide member attached to said collar for guiding the elongated flexible member toward said second lock means.

7. The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said second lock means is attached to said vertical support column.

8. The'structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said first lock means includes an aperture in said one end of said horizontal frame for receiving the elongated flexible member.

9. A vehicle body and frame straightening assembly comprising, in combination: v

a. a continuous stationary anchor track arrangeable surrounding a vehicle to be repaired;

b. at least one stationary anchor member selectively fastened to said anchor track at a preselected location thereon and adapted to be fastened to a vehicle being repaired;

c. a pulling device selectively fastened to said anchor track opposite of said anchor member, and an elongated flexible member connected at one portion thereof to said pulling device and adapted to be attached to another portion thereof to the vehicle being repaired, said pulling device including a base, a stationary rigid framework. having a rigid vertical support column rigidly connected to said base and arranged for preventing pivoting with respect thereto and a collar slidably mounted around said support column for selective vertical adjustment relative thereto, wheel means rotatably mounted on the column for facilitating movement thereof, the base provided with means for selectively rigidly mounting the framework on the anchor track, the base extending toward the vehicle being repaired and away from the wheel means, column, and track and engaging a support surface when the base is mounted on the anchor track, pull means reciprocally mounted on said stationary framework for pulling the elongated, flexible member attached to the vehicle by movement between an extended position and a retrated position, motive means for selectively moving said pull means relative to said stationary framework between said extended and retracted positions, said pull means being slidably mounted to said collar for generally horizontal movement relative thereto under the influence of said motive means, and locking means associated with said pull means and movable therewith for retentively grasping the elongated, flexible member when said pull means moves toward said retracted position.

10. The structure set forth in claim 9, wherein the framework further includes a ratchet mechanism mounted on the column and collar and arranged for selectively vertically adjusting the collar.

11. The structure set forth in claim 9 wherein said lock means includes first and second releasable lock means associated with a stationary anchor point for retentively grasping the elongated flexible member to maintain the tension thereon as said pull means is returned to said extended position, and is attached to said horizontal frame, said motive means including a hydraulic ram attached to said horizontal frame and movable relative to said stationary framework.

12. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said pull means includes an elongated horizontal frame slidably mounted on said collar.

13. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said motive means extends between said horizontal frame and said collar for imparting movement therebetween.

14. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said device includes a guide member attached to said collar for guiding the elongated, flexible member toward said second fastening means.

15. The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said second fastening means is attached to said vertical support column.

16. The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said first fastening means includes an aperture in one end of said horizontal frame for receiving the elongated, flexible member.

Patent No. 3,796,084 v Dat d March 1974 Inventor(s) Davis R. Jarman It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

Column 3, line 32, delete "34" insert 24 line 50,

delete "52" insert 50 Column 4, line 19 after "dash" insert lines line 51, delete "bdies" insert bodies I Column 5, line 22, delete "1" insert 4 line 30, delete "3" insert l line 44, delete "4" insert 3 Column 6, line 18, delete "retrated" insert retracted line 33, delete "9" insert l2 line 34, delete "lock" insert locking line 42, delete "ll" insert 9 line 52, delete "fastening" insert lock line 54, delete "fastening" insert lock line 56, delete "l2" insert l1 line '57, delete "fastening" insert lock Signed and sealed this 20th day of August 197A.

XSEAL) ttest:

McCOY M. GIBSON, JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents ORM PC4050 HO'BS) uscoMM-Dc wan-poo UIS. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE "I. 0-386-334

Claims

1. A device for straightening vehicle frames, bdies, and the like, said device comprising, in combination: a. a stationary rigid framework, said stationary framework including a base, a rigid vertical support column rigidly connected to said base and arranged for preventing pivoting with respect thereto, and a collar slidably mounted around said support column for selective vertical adjustment relative thereto, wheel means rotatably mounted on the colunn for facilitating movement thereof, the base provided with means for selectively rigidly mounting the framework on a continuous anchor track, the base extending toward a vehicle frame to be straightened and away from the wheel means, column, and anchor track, and engaging a support surface when the base is mounted on the anchor track; b. an elonated, flexible member attachable to a vehicle; c. pull means reciprocally mounted to said stationary framework for pulling the elongated, flexible member by movement between an extended position and a retracted position; d. motive means for selectively moving said pull means relative to said stationary framework between said extended and retracted positions, said pull means being slidably mounted to said collar for generally horizontal movement relative thereto under the influence of said motive means; and e. selectively releasable lock means carried by said pull means for retentively grasping the elongated flexible member when said pull means moves from said extended position toward said retracted position.

8. The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said first lock means includes an aperture in said one end of said horizontal frame for receiving the elongated flexible member.

9. A vehicle body and frame straightening assembly comprising, in combination: a. a continuous stationary anchor track arrangeable surrounding a vehicle to be repaired; b. at least one stationary anchor member selectively fastened to said anchor track at a preselected location thereon and adapted to be fastened to a vehicle being repaired; c. a pulling device selectively fastened to said anchor track opposite of said anchor member, and an elongated flexible member connected at one portion thereof to said pulling device and adapted to be attached to another portion thereof to the vehicle being repaired, said pulling device including a base, a stationary rigid framework having a rigid vertical support column rigidly connected to said base and arranged for preventing pivoting with respect thereto and a collar slidably mounted around said support column for selective vertical adjustment relative thereto, wheel means rotatably mounted on the column for facilitating movement thereof, the base provided with means for selectively rigidly mounting the framework on the anchor track, the base extending toward the vehicle being repaired and away from the wheel means, column, and track and engaging a support surface when the base is mounted on the anchor track, pull means reciprocally mounted on said stationary framework for pulling the elongated, flexible member attached to the vehicle by movement between an extended position and a retrated position, motive means for selectively moving said pull means relative to said stationary framework between said extended and retracted positions, said pull means being slidably mounted to said collar for generally horizontal movement relative thereto under the influence of said motive means, and locking means associated with said pull means and movable therewith for retentively grasping the elongated, flexible member when said pull means moves toward said retracted position.