US2569519A - Tool for reshaping deformed automobile body parts - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 2, 1951 R. E. FERGUSON TOOL FOR RESHAPING DEFORMED AUTOMQBILE BODY PARTS Filed April 5, 1949 Patented Oct. 2, 1951 Tool. FOR RESHAPING DEFORMED AUTOMOBILE BODY PARTS Ray E. Ferguson, Lynnfield Center, Mass., as-

..signor to H. K. Porter, Inc., Somerville, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts I Application April 5, 1949,. Serial No. 85,672.

1 Claim. (01. 153-32) This invention relates to tools for reshaping parts ofautomobile bodies which have been bent by collisions or other mishaps of use. The object is to provide a tool for operating on a panel which may be pressed against the same by a suitable pressure exerting mechanism, such as a hydraulic jack, and which may be adjusted after the pressure of the jack is exerted thereon, more exactly to locate it or to change the manner of its presentation to the work as the operation proceeds. The invention will be well understood by reference to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawigs wherein:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view of the interior of an automobile showing a work reshaping assembroken away; Fig. 3 is a plan view of the work-engaging member forming a part of the tool shown in Fig. 2; and

Figs. 4 and 5 are sections on the lines 4-4 and 55 of Fig. 3.

Referring to Fig. 1, there is there shown part of an automobile body having extended across the interior space thereof an assembly of repair tools, the device forming the subject matter of the invention being that element of the assembly which directly engages the panel or similar part being operated on. In that figure is shown a hydraulic jack ill operated by the pump handle l2, supported from a suitable abutment by an extension M from the base of the jack cylinder, the extension being herein shown as carrying an enlarged rubber head l6 resting against the abutment. Secured to the ram I8 of the jack, in the case illustrated directly and without the interposition of any extension device similar to the device I4, is the work-engaging tool embodying the invention which will hereinafter be more fully described.

When the jack is operated the tool 20 is pressed against the work, such as a panel of the metal body. The assembly in many instances is then self-sustaining. The tool may be used to support the part engaged while it is being operated from at the other side of the panel, as by manual hammering, or the outward movement of the jack ram may be continued to press the part engaged to another form. An assemblage as so far described, except for the novel construction and method of operation of the tool 20 and when the operating tool is during use rigidly related to the axial line of the jack, is not new.

Such an asse'mblageis rather heavy and unwieldy. Often it is necessary to position it in tight places. Therefore after the tool has taken hold of the part engaged under pressure of the jack, it may be found that the adjustment is not quite what it should be. Also, after the part f panel-engaging portion'thereofto be angularly adjusted relative to the axial line of the jack when the parts are under load. Referring now more particularly to Fig. 2, the tool shown comprises a base fitting 22 having its inner end formed as a threaded coupling 24 adapted to screw on to the end of the jack ram or to a suitable extension of the ram. Rising upwardly and laterally from one side of this member is a bearing supporting arm formed by a pair of ears 26 between which is pivoted one end of the member 28 which engages the work and which might colloquially be termed a spoon from its resemblance to the work-engaging portions of manually applied tools used in the body repair trade which are so termed. This member 28, as seen in Figs. 2 and 3, is long and relatively narrow, with an outer face gently curved longitudinally, and slightly crowned transversely (see Figs. 4 and 5). Thus sharp corners are not presented to the panel being reshaped and the various curvatures or crownings may be such as to adapt them to frequently encountered contours of the panels of automobile bodies. The member 28 extends across the axial line of the fitting and for a considerable distance beyond the same, and is supported adjustably in working position by an axially extending power screw 30 mounted on the base member 22 and engaging the member 28 between the pivot and its distal end, the member forming a lever of the third class, so called. The lower surface of the member 28 is provided with a projection or boss 32 having a rounded depression 34 therein adapted to ride on a spheroidal head 36 of the power screw.

It will be apparent from Fig. 2 that if the power screw 30 is backed off to move its head 35 outwardly from its nut the member 28 will be swung clockwise, viewing the figure. To permit this action the screw inwardly of the head is contoured to facilitate turning of the same and is herein shown as having a portion 38 of hexagon form which may be engaged by a wrench of ordinary form, or grasped by the fingers of the hand. There is also shown a radial opening 42 in this head portion of the screw in which the end of a tommy bar may be inserted for the same purpose.

Under the power of the screw swinging adjustment of the work-engaging portion of the tool may be efiectedwithout moving the assemblage from its initial. position, such as that shown in Fig. 1, and without relaxing the pressure of the jack. On the contrary, after the tool;

has taken hold the adjustment maybe effected to correct any minor misapplication Qfjjhfi; worlg engaging member 28 and as the operation continues further adjustments may be, madeytosuit the changing conditions, whilegthe. parts are;

be. hadthe appended claim toindicate those 3 principles, of the invention exemplified bythe particular embodiment. described and which I desire to secureby Letters Patent.

An appliance for use in reshaping deformed parts of automobile bodies in connection with a jack for exerting pressure thereon comprising a fitting having a coupling portion for mounting it at the extremity of a jack ram for advance linearly along the axial line of the ram, said member having a laterally-and upwardly projecting arm,.a.w0rken agin m mb r piv d at one end to said arm, said member being long and relatively narrow with contoured outer face and extending from its pivot across the said fitting handler substantial distance beyond the same,

and a power screw mounted in the end of the fitting for; movement, in, the axial line aforesaid havingza head; underlying the work-engaging member-to support the same and, when screwed ontwardly Jammie the same about its pivot in the manner of a'lev'er of the third class, the screw outwardly of the end of the fitting and inwardly of said member contoured to facilitate turning of thescrew RAY EFER USQN- REFERENCES CITED The; followingrreferencevs.are .of-record in the;

file, r this pa ent-r UNITED- STATES. PATENTS Number Name ata 1 55531 Games l Jan, 2, 14m. 311,341- E rgllficn vim-Mun". Feb- 1 .194

Images