AU2018200961A1 - Apparatus for Removal and Fitting of a Panel of a Vehicle and Associated Method of Use - Google Patents

Abstract

-12 Abstract In an aspect, there is disclosed an apparatus (10) for the removal and fitting of a panel (12) with a vehicle (14). The apparatus (10) may include a frame arrangement (16) having a ground engaging base (18) and a panel engaging arrangement (20) supported relative to the base (18) by a support (21). The frame arrangement (16) being such that the panel engaging arrangement (20) is engagable with the panel (12), when opened relative to the vehicle (14), from at least one of an end and side of the vehicle (14) with the base (18) extending at least partially beneath the at least one of the end and side of the vehicle (14) thereby allowing the removal and fitting of the panel (12). Alternative examples of the apparatus and associated methods of use are also disclosed. Fig. 1

Description

Technical Field [001] The invention relates to an apparatus for the fitting, removal, and moving of a panel of a vehicle such as a bonnet of a car and an associated method of use. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus for the fitting and removal of a car bonnet.

Background [002] Panels for vehicles are often required to be removed from the vehicle for painting and panel beating. Vehicle bonnets (also referred to as hoods) are one of the larger panels and these are currently removed from a vehicle using an overhead hoist or by hand.

[003] US 2012/0240849 Al discloses a painting stand for supporting vehicle body panels during painting. The painting stand includes a base moveable upon a plurality of rolling casters and having a vertically extending upright member which in turn supports a generally T-shaped member. The T-shaped member is pivotally joined to the upper end of the vertical upright member and includes a plurality of horizontally disposed telescoping sliders and attachment arms. The upwardly extending portion of the T-shaped member includes a moveable sleeve supporting a further attachment arm. The attachment arms engage the vehicle body panel.

[004] A problem with such a painting stand is that a hoist or persons are required to lift and position the panel, such as a vehicle bonnet, on the stand which is labour intensive and has associated safety issues. Moreover, such a stand is not suitable for fitting or removal of a vehicle panel.

[005] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

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Summary [006] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for the removal and fitting of a panel in an open condition with a vehicle, the apparatus including a frame arrangement having a ground engaging base arranged to extend at least partially beneath the vehicle and a panel engaging arrangement supported relatively above the base so as to define a space between the ground engaging base and the panel engaging arrangement in which the vehicle is at least partially receivable, the panel engaging arrangement being adapted to extend at least partially over the vehicle and between the vehicle and the panel so as to be engagable with the panel thereby allowing the removal and fitting of the panel.

[007] In an aspect, the panel support arrangement includes a lower arm adapted to extend over the vehicle between the panel and the vehicle so as to engage toward a rearward end of the panel and an upper arm adapted to engage toward a forward end of the panel.

[008] In another aspect, the lower arm is provided in the form of two laterally spaced apart arms adapted to engage with the rearward end of the panel.

[009] In yet another aspect, each of the two laterally spaced apart arms includes an upward facing hook arranged to at least partially receive and support the rearward end of the panel.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the lower arm arrangement is at least one of cantilevered and braced to the support.

[0011] In yet another aspect, the lower arm arrangement is supported by a brace between the support relatively above the lower arm arrangement and a located toward a free end of the lower arm arrangement.

[0012] In yet another aspect, wherein the brace is a chain.

-32018200961 08 Feb 2018 [0013] In yet another aspect, the lower arm arrangement is at least one of laterally and vertically adjustable relative to the support.

[0014] In yet another aspect, the upper arm includes a coupling at its free end to attach with the panel.

[0015] In yet another aspect, the coupling is an eyelet adapted to attach with a clip of the panel.

[0016] In yet another aspect, the upper arm is located so as to extend intermediate and over the lower arm arrangement.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the upper arm is at least one of vertically and angularly adjustable relative to the support.

[0018] In yet another aspect, the support is substantially vertical and is arranged toward an end of the base.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the base includes a first end is moveable under the vechicle and a second end, the support being coupled to and extending substantially vertically from the second end.

[0020] In yet another aspect, the panel support arrangement is elevated relative to the base and extends substantially parallel to the base so as to define a space between the base and the panel support arrangement into which the vehicle is received in use.

[0021] In yet another aspect, the upper arm is located above and angled upwardly relative to the lower arm arrangement.

[0022] In yet another aspect, the panel is one of a bonnet or trunk.

[0023] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for the removal and fitting of a bonnet with a car, the apparatus including a frame arrangement having a ground engaging base and a bonnet support arrangement

-42018200961 08 Feb 2018 supported relative to the base by a support, the frame arrangement being such that the bonnet support arrangement is engagable with the bonnet, when opened, from a front of the car with the base extending at least partially beneath the front of the car thereby allowing the removal and fitting of the bonnet.

[0024] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for the removal and fitting of a bonnet with a car, the apparatus including a frame arrangement having a ground engaging base and a bonnet support arrangement supported in an elevated position relative to the base, the bonnet support arrangement including at least one arm arranged to extend between the vehicle and the bonnet when open so as to be engagable with the bonnet from a front of the car with the base extending at least partially beneath the front of the car thereby allowing the removal and fitting of the bonnet.

[0025] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, a method of removing a bonnet of a vehicle using an apparatus, the method including the steps of: moving a base of the apparatus beneath a front of the vehicle with a bonnet support arrangement of the apparatus positioned between an engine bay of the vehicle and an underside of the open bonnet; engaging a lower arm of the bonnet support arrangement toward a rear end of the bonnet and engaging an upper arm of the bonnet support arrangement toward a forward end of the bonnet; and lifting the bonnet free of the vehicle with the bonnet being supported by the bonnet support arrangement.

Brief Description of the Figures [0026] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0027] Figure 1 is a perspective front view illustrating the apparatus;

[0028] Figure 2 is a perspective rear view illustrating the apparatus;

[0029] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the apparatus;

-52018200961 08 Feb 2018 [0030] Figure 4 is a top view illustrating the apparatus;

[0031] Figure 5 is a front perspective in-use view illustrating the apparatus lifting a vehicle panel; and [0032] Figure 6 is a side perspective view illustrating the vehicle panel removed from the vehicle and being supported by the apparatus.

Detailed Description [0033] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, there is shown an apparatus 10 suitable for the moving, fitting and removal of a panel 12 from a vehicle 14. In this example, the panel 12 is a bonnet 13 (also known as a “hood”) and the vehicle 14 is a car 15. However, the panel 12 may take other forms such as a trunk or boot and the vehicle 14 may also take other forms. The panel 12 in the form of the bonnet 13 is installed and removed in an open condition in which the panel 12 is opened such as being hinged open away from the vehicle 14.

[0034] The apparatus 10 includes a frame arrangement 16 having a ground engaging base 18 and a panel or bonnet support arrangement 20 supported in an elevated position relative to the base 18 by a support or vertical support member 21. The frame arrangement 16 being such that the bonnet support arrangement 20 is engagable with the bonnet 13 in the open condition from a front end 22 of the car 15 with the base 18 extending at least partially beneath the front end 22 of the car 15 thereby allowing the removal and fitting of the bonnet 13.

[0035] The bonnet support arrangement 20 includes at lower arm arrangement 24 adapted to engage toward a rearward end 26 of the bonnet 13 and an upper arm 28 adapted to engage toward a forward end 30 of the bonnet 13. The lower arm arrangement 24 is provided in the form of two laterally spaced arms 34 adapted to engage with the rearward end 26 of the bonnet 13. Each of the two laterally spaced apart arms 32 includes an upward facing hook 34 toward the free ends 35 thereof, and arranged to at least partially receive and support the rearward end 26 of the bonnet 13. The upward facing hooks 34 may include a rubber or the like covering for grip and

-62018200961 08 Feb 2018 padding. The two laterally spaced apart arms 32 are coupled to the support 21 by a first cross brace 36. The two laterally spaced apart arms 32 may also include a second cross brace 38 relatively toward the free ends 35.

[0036] The first cross brace 36 supports sleaves 40 arranged such that the two laterally spaced apart arms 34 are slidably moveable in a generally horizontal direction toward and away from the support 21. The sleaves 40 includes securing means 42 that are arranged to be hand actuated to lock or secure the laterally spaced arms 32 relative to the sleaves 40. The first cross brace 36 is itself coupled to the support 21 by a sleave 44 to allow for vertical movement relative to the support 21. The sleave 44 also including a securing means 46 to lock or secure the vertical position of the first cross brace 36. Accordingly, the lower arm arrangement 24 is vertically and horizontally adjustable.

[0037] The lower arm arrangement 24 is at least one of cantilevered and braced to the support 21. This allows the lower arm arrangement 24 to extend over the vehicle 14 to engage with and support rearward end 26 of the bonnet 13. In this example, a brace 48 in the form of a chain 49 extends between the support 21 relatively above the lower arm arrangement 24 and to a location toward a free end 35 of the arms 32. In this example, the chain 49 is coupled intermediate the second cross brace 38.

[0038] The upper arm 28 is located so as to extend intermediate and over the lower arm arrangement 24. The upper arm 28 includes a coupling 50 in the form of an eyelet 51 at its free end 52 to attach with suitable attachment point 53 such as a clip 54 of the bonnet 13. The upper arm 28 is coupled to the support 21 via a coupling 56 including a sleeve 58 and a securing means 60, 61 arranged to allow the angle of the upper arm 28 to be adjusted as well as the vertical height, respectively. Other examples may also include lateral adjustment. The upper arm 28 is located above and angled upwardly relative to the lower arm arrangement 24. It is noted that in some examples the upper arm 28 may include a rubber handle or bar like member at its free end 52 to engage with and support the bonnet 13.

[0039] The base 18 includes a generally rectangular base frame arrangement 62 having a first end 64 that is moveable under the car 15, an opposing second end 66,

-72018200961 08 Feb 2018 and opposing sides 68. The support 21 is coupled to and extends substantially vertically from the second end 66. The bonnet support arrangement 20, namely the lower arm arrangement 24, is elevated relative to the base 18 and extends substantially parallel to the base 18 so as to define a space 70 between the base 18 and the bonnet support arrangement 20 into which the front end 22 of the car 15 is received in use. The base 18 includes friction-reducing parts 71 in the form of castor wheels 72.

[0040] In use the apparatus 10 may be used to fit, remove, store and transport the panel 12, more specifically the bonnet 13. The apparatus 10, in particular, allows the lifting and supporting of the bonnet 13 over the front end 22 of the vehicle 14. Accordingly, in some examples, a method of removing the bonnet 13 of the car 15 using the apparatus 10, may include the steps of: moving the base 18 of the apparatus 10 beneath the front 22 of the vehicle 14 with the bonnet support arrangement 20 of the apparatus 10 positioned between an engine bay 23 of the vehicle 14 and an underside of the open bonnet 13; engaging a lower arm arrangement 24 of the bonnet support arrangement 20 toward a rear end 26 of the bonnet 13 and engaging the upper arm 28 of the bonnet support arrangement 20 toward a forward end 30 of the bonnet 13; and lifting the bonnet 13 free of the vehicle 14 with the bonnet 13 being supported by the bonnet support arrangement 20.

[0041] Advantages of the apparatus and method of use may include:

• Easy one man operation (2 to 3 persons normally required);

• Fast removal and replacement of bonnet or other panels;

• Fits with all makes/models of vehicle bonnets (adjustable heights and lengths/multi directional wheels);

• Cost efficient for workplace as allows one employee to complete tasks;

• Bonnets and other panels to be transported around workplace (which reduces/eliminates heavy lifting);

• Bonnets to be transferred to other stands (again reduces/eliminates lifting);

• May be easily dismantled if required for storage; and • Safety features such as a safety chain and upper catch lock on upper arm to further secure bonnet or panel.

2018200961 08 Feb 2018 [0042] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word comprise, and variations such as comprises and comprising, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0043] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0044] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0045] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

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Claims (20)

1. The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

   1. An apparatus for the removal and fitting of a panel in an open condition with a vehicle, the apparatus including a frame arrangement having a ground engaging base arranged to extend at least partially beneath the vehicle and a panel engaging arrangement supported relatively above the base so as to define a space between the ground engaging base and the panel engaging arrangement in which the vehicle is at least partially receivable, the panel engaging arrangement being adapted to extend at least partially over the vehicle and between the vehicle and the panel in the open condition so as to be engagable with the panel thereby allowing the removal and fitting of the panel.
2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the panel support arrangement includes a lower arm adapted to extend over the vehicle between the panel in the open condition and the vehicle so as to engage toward a rearward end of the panel and an upper arm adapted to engage toward a forward end of the panel.
3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the lower arm is provided in the form of two laterally spaced apart arms adapted to engage with the rearward end of the panel.
4. 4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein each of the two laterally spaced apart arms includes an upward facing hook arranged to at least partially receive and support the rearward end of the panel.
5. 5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein a support is provided between the ground engaging base and the panel engaging arrangement, and wherein the lower arm arrangement is at least one of cantilevered and braced to the support.
6. 6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the lower arm arrangement is supported by a brace between the support relatively above the lower arm arrangement and a located toward a free end of the lower arm arrangement.

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7. 7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the brace is a chain.
8. 8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the lower arm arrangement is at least one of laterally and vertically adjustable relative to the support.
9. 9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the upper arm includes a coupling at its free end to attach with the panel.
10. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the coupling is an eyelet adapted to attach with a clip of the panel.
11. 11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein the upper arm is located so as to extend intermediate and over the lower arm arrangement.
12. 12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein the upper arm is at least one of vertically and angularly adjustable relative to the support.
13. 13. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the support is substantially vertical and is arranged toward an end of the base.
14. 14. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the base includes a first end is moveable under the vechicle and a second end, the support being coupled to and extending substantially vertically from the second end.
15. 15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the panel support arrangement is elevated relative to the base and extends substantially parallel to the base so as to define the space between the base and the panel support arrangement into which the vehicle is receivable.
16. 16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the upper arm is located above and angled upwardly relative to the lower arm arrangement.
17. 17. The apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the panel is one of a bonnet or trunk.

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18. 18. An apparatus for the removal and fitting of a bonnet with a car, the apparatus including a frame arrangement having a ground engaging base and a bonnet support arrangement supported relative to the base by a support, the frame arrangement being such that the bonnet support arrangement is engagable with the bonnet, when opened, from a front of the car with the base extending at least partially beneath the front of the car thereby allowing the removal and fitting of the bonnet.
19. 19. An apparatus for the removal and fitting of a bonnet with a car, the apparatus including a frame arrangement having a ground engaging base and a bonnet support arrangement supported in an elevated position relative to the base, the bonnet support arrangement including at least one arm arranged to extend between the vehicle and the bonnet when open so as to be engagable with the bonnet from a front of the car with the base extending at least partially beneath the front of the car thereby allowing the removal and fitting of the bonnet.
20. 20. A method of removing a bonnet of a vehicle using an apparatus, the method including the steps of: moving a base of the apparatus beneath a front of the vehicle with a bonnet support arrangement of the apparatus positioned between an engine bay of the vehicle and an underside of the open bonnet; engaging a lower arm of the bonnet support arrangement toward a rear end of the bonnet and engaging an upper arm of the bonnet support arrangement toward a forward end of the bonnet; and lifting the bonnet free of the vehicle with the bonnet being supported by the bonnet support arrangement.

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