GB2332416A

GB2332416A - Vehicle repair platform

Info

Publication number: GB2332416A
Application number: GB9826702A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Dockray
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1997-12-19
Filing date: 1998-12-07
Publication date: 1999-06-23
Anticipated expiration: 2018-12-07
Also published as: GB9826702D0; GB2332416B

Abstract

A vehicle repair platform comprises a frame 2, a number of pairs of running boards (4, Figure 1) located on the frame, and a plurality of bars 10 rotatably mounted transversely across the frame and having a pair of spaced arms 11 each carrying a vehicle clamp 15, e.g. a vehicle sill clamp. A means for imparting force to the free end of a number of the arms, e.g. a hydraulic ram 23 or a tumbuckle and pulling arm (Figure 4), is also provided and in use causes rotation of the bars attached to the number of arms and thereby, via the attached vehicle which acts as a link, rotation of all the bars and arms and thus the raising or lowering of the vehicle. Preferably an anchor chain (20, Figure 4) is also provided to secure the second end of an arm to the frame when the vehicle has been raised. Preferably the arms 11 are L shaped having a first leg 13 being attached to a bar, and a second leg 14, projecting horizontally towards the outside of the frame, along which the vehicle clamp can slide and be secured 16. Preferably the bars are rotatably mounted in brackets 12 attached to the frame and stops 22 are provided to prevent rotation of the bars through a full 180 degrees. The frame may also be reversibly adapted to form a towing trailer (Figure 1) by the provision of a vehicle winch, a towing hitch (7, Figure 1), and a number of wheeled axles (8, Figure 1). Preferably the running boards are formed in three sections (4a, 4b, 4c, Figure 1) with a removable central section (4b, Figure 1).

Description

2332416 APPARATUS FOR USE IN REPAIRING VEHICLE BODYWORK The r)resent

invention relates zo apparatus for use in reDairina and straightening vehicle bodywork.

for repairing.

Apparatus o:E this type is usual.Ly used vehicles that have been involved in accidents and have damage to their bodywork. Convent ionall y. they comprise rigid open-work structures which are mounted on one or more iacks so that a vehicle to be worked on can be pulled or Pushed into the lowered structure, which is then raised to the required height for the vehicle to be worked on. Often it is difficult to manoeuvre a badly damaged -ure owina to the vehicle into position in such a struct :or example if nature of the damage to the vehicle itself, 'L one or more of its wheels have been disabled. In addition, the manual effort required to raise the structure and 1 t-hereto to a suitable workina lherebv the vehicle secured heiaht can be considerable.

The object of the present invenzion is to provide apparatus which is of simple construction and which facilitates the manual raising of a vehicle to a convenient workina heiqht.

According to the present invention, there is provided apparatus for use in the repair of a vehicle comprising a base frame on which is located at least a pair of runnincr boards to enable a vehicle to be located on the frame; at least two vehicle support means each comprising a -he frame and a bar rotatably mounted transversely across t Pair of spaced supports arms, each support arm projecting its from but being rigid'ty attached to the bar at one of ends and comprising a clamping means adapted for zecurement to one or other side of tne vehicle at its 2 free end; and a means for imparting force to the free end of at least one of the support arms to cause rotation of the bar attached thereto and thereby via the attached vehicle which acts as a 'Link to cause a rotational movement of all the support arms from first positions wherein the support arms are substantially wi-_h tne frame into second positions wherein the support arms are upstanding with resnect to 7he frame therebv -a--.s.ng the vehicle up from the base frame.

In a first embodiment, the means for imparting force to the free end of at least one of the suDr)ort arms preferably comprises a ram means which acts between a portlon of the base frame and the free end of said at least one support arm.

Alternatively, in a second embodiment, the frame preferably additionally comprises a pulling arm pivotally mounted at one end of the frame.. and an anchor for securing the pulling arm to the frame to prevent rotation of the arm at least inwardly of the frame.: and said means for for imparting force comprises a tensionin- means secured to the other end of the pulling arm and adapted for securement to the vehicle whereby a shorteninc the tensioninq means causes rotation of the support means from the first position into the second position thus raising the vehicle from the base frame.

Preferably also, the support arms are 'Li-shaped, a first lea of which snape is disposed normally to the bar and rigidly secured thereto and a second leg of which projects towards the outside of the frame and on which the clamp means can slide transversely with respect to the 3 frame.. means beina provided for the securement of the clamping means to the second leg at an appropriate clamping position.

Preferably also, the clamping means comprise vehicle sill clamps.

Preferably also, the bars are rotatably mounted in brackets which can be secured to the frame, a stop means beincr provided to prevent rotation of the bars through a full 180'.

Preferably also, the frame can be adapted by the provision of a winch which can be used to Dull the vehicle onto the frame along the running boards.

Preferably also., the frame can he adapted to form a towing trailer by the attachment at one end of a detachablv mounted A-frame with a towina hitch and bv the attachment substantially centrally of the frame of at least one detachably mounted, wheeled axle.

Preferably also, the running boards each comprise three sections mounted along each of side bars of the frame respectively, the central sections of each of the runnina boards being detachably mounted to the side bars.

In the second embodiment, preferably one end of the pulling arm is pivotally mounted to a brace to which can be secured to the frame.

Preferably also.. the anchor comprises an anchor chain w.h.--.cn can be secured between a free end of the pull;na arm and the frame 'LO prevent roration of the arm inwardly of the '-rame.

4 The present invention will now be described by way of example with refFerence to the accompanying drawinas, in whicin:- Cr a schematic side view of apparatus -or use as a accore,inc, to trie invention when converzed f towing traiier; Fig. is a schematic side view of the apparatus 4: a shown in Fig. 1. when converted for use in the repair o. vehicle shown located thereon and with a vehicle support means of the apparatus in a iowered first position; Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but with the vehicle support means in a raised second position; and Fig. 4 is a perspective view of one end of the frame showing a pulling arm and tensioning means of a second embodiment of the invention when in use.

-ancrular base frame 1 The apparatus c.-,)mDrises a reciL L_ made u-P from ricrid box-section beams which are either welded or bolted toaether. The frame L therebv defines two parallel side bars 2 and two parallel end bars 3 and is raised off the floor by small block feet (not shown) welded to the bars 2 and 3 at regular intervals around the frame 1. Aloncr substantialIv the length of each of the side bars 2 is located a runnincr board 4. Preferably, at least three running board sections 4a. 4b, 4c are provided along each side bar 2, the two outer board sections 4a and 4c lockincr on to the frame 1 by hookincr therebeneath..

However, the central runnina board section 4b or. each side -ed ' bar 2 is removablv mounL L-hereon. In addition, the running board section 4a is provided with detachable leadup ramps 5 1--o enable a vehicle 6 -r- o' be driven pulled or pushed on to the frame 1- as shown in the drawings. To assLst in the location of the vehicle 6 on the frame 1, a winch (not shown) may be provided detachabbly connected to the end bar 3 further from the ramps 5.

Advantageously, the apparatus is adapted for conversion into a trailer primari.Ly for the transportation of the vehicle 6 from an accident site to a vehic-le body shop or garage. This arrangement iwvill save the loading and unloading of the vehicle 6 onto and from a separate transport&± Lon trailer. To this end. the frame 1 can be provided with a demountable A-frame 7 on one of its end bars 3 to which frame 7 is attached a towina hitch (not shown) Wheels 8 are attached on each side of the frame 1 via twIn-whee. axles or stub-axles (Inot shown) wh-ch are also detachably mounted substantially centrally of the side bars 12.

Once the vehicle 6 has been transported to the place where it is to be renaired, t,,-,e A-frame 7 can be detached from the frame 1 and. using a jack to support temporarily the frame 1, the wheels 8 and their associated axle or axles can also be detached from the frame 1.

When the central runnina board sections 4b have been removed from the frame 1, a vehicle support means can be attached thereto beneath the vehicle 6 and between its front and rear wheels 9a, 9b respectively. The support means comprises two separate bars 10 to each of which is attached a pair of support arms 11. The bars 10 are mounted transverse'Lv across the f--ame between the side bars 2 and rotatabily fastened thereto via brackets 12 whict boll. on to the side bars 2. The bars 10 are pcsitioned appropriately with respect to the vehicle 6 dependent cn the work to be carried oult.

6 Each support arm 11 comprises an L-shaped support with a first lea 13 disposed normally to the bar 10 and rigidly secured thereto and a second leg 14 which projects towards the outside of the frame 1 and which lies parallel to the bar 10. The legs 13 of the two arms 11 attached to each bar 10 are spaced apart by a distance which is less than the average width of vehicles 6 to be repaired on the apparatus but the legs 14 are each of a sufficient length to project outwards beyond the sides of such a vehicle 6.

Attached to each of the four legs 14 is a clamping means such as a vehicle sill clamp 15. Each clamp 15 is mounted on its respective leg 14 via a Ushaped bolt 16 in order that it can be positioned anywhere along the length of the lea 14 and then immovably secured thereto by tightening the bolt 16.

It will be appreciated that the rotation of each bar 10 will raise or lower the L-shaped support arms 11 attached thereto. In particular, the support arms 11 can be raised from a first position in which they lie in a -he frame 1 into substantially horizontal plane level with 1. a second "over-centre" position in which they lie in a plane at an obtuse angle to the first plane having been rotated through an angle of more than 90' but less than 180'. A stop means 22 is attached to each bar 10 within the brackets 12 to prevent further rotation of the bars 10 from this second position through a full 180'.

In a f irst embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figs 2 and 3, a detachable ram 23 such as a hydraulic or pneumatic ram is located between a fixed portion of the base frame 1, such as the bracket 12 at the end of one of the bars 10, the bar 10 itself, or a side bar 2 of the frame 1, and the second projecting leg 14 of the adjacent support arm 11 of the other bar 10. This leg 14 may be 7 arranged to project outwardly of the frame 1 to facilitate connection to the ram piston 24. Extension of the ram 23 will thus impart force to and cause rotation of the adjacent support arm 11 to cause rotation of the whole second bar 10. The support arms 11 of this second bar will rise from a first position wherein the support arms 11 are substantially level with the frame 1 into a second position wherein the support arms are upstanding with respect to the frame thereby raising the vehicle 6. It will be appreciated, however, that because the vehicle is clamped via the sill clamps 15 to all of the support arms 11 that the vehicle will act as a mechanical link to force rotation of both bars 10 and thereby move all of the support arms 11 into their second positions.

Alternatively or in addition, the support arms 11 can be raised using manpower rather than the hydraulic or pneumatic ram 23 if the apparatus is adapted as will now be described with reference to Fig. 4.

Attached to one of the end bars 3 of the frame I is a pulling arm 17. The arm 17 is pivotally secured to a bracket 18 which is bolted to the end bar 3. It is important in this regard to ensure that the first position of the L-shaped support arms 12 lie on the side of the bars 10 away from end bar 3 mounting the pulling arm 17 The free end of the arm 17 is attached to a securely attached part of the vehicle 6 by a tensioning means which preferably comprises a turnbuckle 19. The arm 17 is also anchored to the end bar 3 of the frame 1, preferably by the attachment of a chain 20 between the free end of the arm 17 and the bracket 18. The chain 20 is made as taut as possible in order that the arm 17 can only rotate thereafter away from the vehicle 6.

8 T t W - -, -, be appreciated that the venicle 6 aLaain now .. _L - forms a mechanical link between the pulling arm 17 and the support means comprising the bars 10 and the support. arms 11 to which the vehicle 6 is clamped. Hence, if the tensionina means such as the turnbuckle 19 is reduced in lengtin, the force exerted on the supports means via the vehicle will force the bars 10 to rotate and the vehicle 6 will rise up supported by the support arms 11. Thus, the vehicle 6 can be raised by reducing the length of the turnbuckle 19 until the bars 11.0 have rotated over-centre and the stop means 22 come into contact with the bars 2 of 1-he frame 1 which prevents further rotation. The vehicle 6 is now raised uo from the frame 1 and, by ti(zhtenina up the U-shaped bolts 16 can be retained in a secure position at whicli further bodvwork can be carried out.

Cars which have been involved in accidents typically have dented an,--, crumpLed bodywork panels which must be L - L pulled back into shape by the exertion of considerable 4:

force thereto. Hence in both embodiments of the invention further pulling arms 21 can be attached to the side bars 2 and the end bars 3 of the frame I in order that appropriate repair work can be carried out. Brackets adapted for fitment to the corners of the frame 1 can also be provided with pulling arms.

Thus, in use the apparatus is initially configured with the frame 1 provided with the wheels 8, A-frame 7 and all six running board sections 4a, 4b, 4c. The apparatus in this state comprises a trailer which can be towed to the accident site where a damaued vehicle 6 can be loaded thereon using the temporarily attached ramps 5). The vehic--,- car, then be trans vorted, back, to --he bodv snop or garage and the apparatus still. carrying the vehicle 6 loca--ed;-n the rea-u;-red Dosition at wnic, rhe bodvwcrK is to be carried out. Thereafter, by using a conventional 9 jack, the wheells 8 can be detached from the frame 1, which is lowered to the ground. The A-frame 7 is also detached from the frame alonc with the central runnina board sections 4b.

:he frame 1 can now be adapted ro lift and support the vehicle 6 by Locat-,n.:-r the supporz: means under the vehicle 6 between its front and rear wheels 9a, 9b. The bars 10 of the support means are appropriately spaced and attached to the frame 1 usina the brackets 12. As Previously stated, the L-shaped support arms 11 should initially be situated on the side of the bars 10 away from the end of the -frame I to which the pulilng arm 17 will be attached and lie parallel to the frame 1. The sill clamps 15 located on the leas 14 of the support arms 11 should then be attached to the sill of the vehicle 6. However, at this stage, the U-bolts are not fully tightened to permit a certain degree of movement of the clamps 15 along the leas.14 as the vehicle is ralsed.

In the first embodiment, the ram 23 is located 6-ween I be-, L-he bracket 12 at the end of one bar and the lea 14 of one of the support arms 11 of the other bar and extended to cause the bars 10 to rotal-e and the L-shaped support arms 11 along with the vehicle to rise and rotate into their second positions. Once the arms 11 have been -ions, the U raised into their second over-centre posit bolts 16 can be fully tightened, 1-he ram 2.1 removed and bodywork can commence on the vehicle.

However, in the second embodiment of the invention the Pulling arm 17 should now be securely attached to one of the end bars 3 of the frame I adjacent its attachment site to the vehicle 6 by the bracket 18. The turnbuckle 19 can then be made attached between the end of the arm 17 and the vehicle. At this staae, the turnbuckle 101 should comprise one of its longer lengths in order that it can be turned to a significantly reduced llength to cause rotation of the support means sufficient to raise the vehicle 6 to its working position. The anchor chain 20 should then be made taut to Drevent any rotation of the arm 17 inwardly of the frame 1.

When the turnbuckle 19 is then decreased in lenath, -- 4 ' the as the pulling arm 'J_7 is unable to pivot Lnwardly of frame 1, the vehicle 6 transmits the pulling force to the -a' support means causing the bars 110 to rot le and the ';ashaped support arms 11 along with the vehicle to rise and rotate toward-a the arm 17. The turnbuckle 19 should be decreased in lenath until the bars are prevented from retatina further 'I-jv 'Che stop means 22. The support arms have now rotated over centre and, by tightening up the Ushaped bolts 16, the vehicle is securely held in order that bodywork can be carried out thereon.

If is is desired to lower the vehicle, the U-shaped bolts 16 should be untightened and, in the first embodiment of the invention, the vehicle can be gently pushed to cause the support arms 11 to roll-ate over-centre and drop back into their initial position. thus lowering the vehicle. However.. in the second embodiment the turnbuckle 19 should be increased in lencrth until the support arms 11 reach a substantially upright positIon and to permit the anchor chain 20 to be sliackened. Unfastening of the anchor chain 20 then enables the vehicle either to be pushed as in the first embodiment or the lowering can be mnore contrclied by simply turning the turnbuckle 19 - _ -1 ' -hei.

intli --he support arms 11 are rotated back to t - first position.

11 -ion TA-us the apparatus accordina to the invent provides a means by which a vehielle can be raised to a position at which reciairs and bolo-.lvwork can be carried out that is of a much simpler construction than know arranaement., with a consequential reduction in the cost of manufacture, and which can be simply adapted for use in transporting the damaged vehicle, thus savinq time and effort as compared to conventional arrangements.

It is also possible to modify the apparatus to enable measurements to be made easily when the apparatus is in use in connection with the straightening of a vehicle's bodywork. The modification comprises a rod (not shown) -.o ' which can be clamped longitudinally t Lhe frame 1 to each of the end bars 3 beneath the vehicle. Pivotally attached to the rod is an extensible pointer which is disposed normally to the rod. Hence, if the rod is secured to the:ne wil frame so that it lies exactly in 1 11h the lonaitudinal axis of a vehicle attached to the frame 1, : bodywork t inter can be used to indicate if L..hen the J7 the car has relating to a feature on a damaged side ol been pulled into shape by the required distance by measuring the distance from the same feature on the other.. undamaaed side of the vehicle. Alignment of the rod initially is accomplished in a similar manner by using the pointer to align the rod by measuring its distance from at least two similar features on the car on either side of its lonait.-udirial axis.

12

Claims

Apparatus for use in the repair of a vehicle compr-J,s4-na a base frame on which is located at least a pair of runniner boards to enable a vehicle to be located on the frame, at least two vehicle support means each comprising a bar rotatablv mounted transversely across the frame and a pair of spaced supports arms, each support arm prcjectinQ from but being rigidly attached to the bar at one of its ends and comprising a clamping means adapted for securement to one or other side af the veh-lcle at its other free end; and a means for imparting force to the free end of at least on= of the support arms cause rotation of the bar attached thereto and thereby via the attached vehicle which acts as a link to cause a rotational movement of all the support arms from first positions wherein the support arms are substantially level with the frame into second positions wherein the support arms are upstanding with respect to the frame thereby rais.ncr the vehicle up from the base frame.
2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the means a;mDart-na force to '-he free en' olr at least one of the for i -4 L support arms comprises a ram which acts between a portion of the base frame and the free end of said at least one support arm.
3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2. wherei the frame comD.ises a pullincr arm -,ivotal.l,.., mounted at one end of the 9:

frame. anU 13 an anchor for securing the pulling arm to the frame to p.revent rotation of the arm at least inwardly of t 1-he frame, and said means for imparting force to the free end of at least one of 'Che support arms comprises a tensioning means secured to the other end of the pulling arm and adapted the for securement to the vehicle wherebv a shortenina of tensioning means causes rotation of the support means from the first position into the second posi-It-Ion thus raising the vehicle from the base frame.
4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3, wherein one end ofthe pulling arm is pivotally mounted to a brace which can be secured to the frame.
5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 or C,'aim 4, wherein anchor comprises an anchor chain which can be secured between a free end of the pulling arm and the frame to prevent rotation of the arm inwardly of the frame.
6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims I to 5, wherein the support arms are L-shaped, a first leg of which shape is disposed normally to the bar and rigidly secured thereto and a second leg of which projects towards the outside of the frame and on which the clamp means can slide transversely with respect to the frame.. means being provided for the securement of the clamping means to the second lea at an appropriate clamping position.
7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the clamping means comprise vehicle sill clamps.

14
8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the bars are rotatably mounted in brackets which can be secured, to the frame, a stoD means being provided to prevent rotation of the bars through a full 180'.
9. Apparatus as Claimed in any one of: 1 to 8, wherein the frame is provided with a winch which can be used to pull the vehicle onto the frame along the running boards.
10. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 9, -he - can be adapted to form a towing trailer wherein t frame by the attachment at one end of a detachably mounted A frame with a towinc hitch and by the attachment substantially centrally of the frame of at least one detachably mounted, wheeled axle.
11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein -the running boards each comprise three sections mounted along each of side bars of the frame respectively, the central sections of each of rhe running boards being detachably mounted to the side bars.
12. Apparatus for use in the repair of a vehice substantially as described herein with reference to any one of the accompanying draw'nQs.