US2956458A

US2956458A - Portable metal straightening device

Info

Publication number: US2956458A
Application number: US716817A
Authority: US
Inventors: Everett D Hougen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1958-02-21
Filing date: 1958-02-21
Publication date: 1960-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 1977-10-18

Description

Oct. 18, 1960 E. D. HOUGEN PORTABLE METAL STRAIGHTENING DEVICE Filed Feb. 21, 1958 fli /91577 0. #OUGf/V 22 BY 27 Hi w a mmm ATTORNEYS PORTABLE METAL STRAIGHTENING DEVICE Everett D. Hougen, Blair Equipment Company, 902 Blair St., Flint, Mich.

Filed Feb. 21, 1958, Ser. No. 716,817

19 Claims. (Cl. 81-15) This invention relates to a tool or device for use in straightening bent sheet metal panels. The tool or device of the present invention is especially adapted for use in automotive panel repair Work.

Heretofore, there have been proposed many different tools or devices for straightening bent automotive panels, but none of these have proved to be entirely successful. Ideally, such a device or tool should be portable, easy to assemble and be capable of being easily and conveniently attached to a bent sheet metal panel. From the standpoint of the ease of use, such a tool or device, which normally includes a jack either of the mechanical or hydraulic ram type with tubular members extending from each end thereof, should be capable of being readily engageable with clamps secured to the bent panel; but, at the same time, the device should be so constructed that after the force on the jack is released, the jack can be pivoted to one side without completely detaching it from both clamps so that the results of the force application can be viewed and analyzed and the jack can then be pivoted back into position if the application of further force is indicated.

Furthermore, to reduce the effort required in using the device, it should be designed so that the clamps may be first attached to the bent panel at the desired locations and then the jack with its tubular extensions can be slipped aired States Patent into engagement with one of the clamps, pivoted into alignment with the other clamp and then slipped into engagement with the other clamp. In view of the fact that most hydraulic rams used for this purpose are of the self-retracting type, the device should also be designed so as to remain in place on the panel even when pressure is not being applied to the panel. The device should be capable of applying force to a panel along a line gen erally parallel to the axis of the jack; but, at the same time, the clamps should be capable of rotating 360 while still being rigidly attached to their respective tubular members.

This latter feature is especially desirable in connection with the straightening of the edge portions of door panels because it enables moving bent edge portions back into their original position while applying a straightening force to such bent edge portions. The latter feature is also desirable because it enables moving of only one of the clamp members to a new location while the jack and the tubular members are still rigidly connected to the other clamp and then re-engagement of the tubular member with the moved clamp so as to apply a force to the panel in a second direction.

To enable the use of a single set of clamps for a variety of different straightening operations, the clamps should be designed so that they can be applied to an edge of a panel and in such position, apply a straightening force to the edge while permitting the operator to hammer or otherwise work the edge being straightened without interference from the device.

The present invention provides a device or tool embodying all of the above mentioned features.

, IQQ

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view showing two clamps made in accordance with this invention securing the ends of a jack to opposite edges of a curved surfaced work piece which is shown in dotted lines.

Fig. 2 is a plan view showing a clamp applied to adjacent edges of a Work piece which is shown in dotted lines.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of a clamp in use taken on line 33 of Fig. 4 with the jack and the work piece being shown in dotted lines.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the clamp in use taken on line 4--4 of Fig. 3.

In the drawings, a conventional hydraulic jack or ram is indicated at 4 and tubular members extending from opposite ends thereof are indicated at 3. As shown, clamps 1 are mounted on the free end portions of the tubular members 3. Referring more particularly to Figs. 3 and 4, each clamp 1 includes a sleeve 2 which is adapted to receive or telescope over a tubular member 3. A series of diametrically opposed holes or apertures 5 are provided in each sleeve 2. Holes 5 are arranged in pairs and are spaced axially along the sleeve 2 to permit a bolt 6 to be inserted therethrough. The members 3 are correspondingly provided with apertures 7 therein which are spaced axially along the members 3 so that the sleeves 2 can be adjusted along the members 3 and the bolt 6 inserted through registering apertures on the sleeve 2 and the member 3 to fix the sleeve 2 on the member 3 in a desired position of adjustment. On one side, each sleeve has a centrally located bearing 8 thereon, the bearing 8 being located at a position substantially from the apertures 5. The bearing 8 may advantageously be in the form of a nut welded to sleeve 2 and having a threaded opening 9 into which a pintle 11 in the form of a bolt or cap screw can be threaded. The head of bolt 11 is indicated at 12. It will be observed that the axis of opening 9 and pintle 11 is slightly inclined to the radial plane of sleeve 2. The amount of this inclination is preferably about 7.

The means for gripping the sheet metal comprises a pair of

jaw members

15, 22. The upper jaw member 15 comprises a fiat plate having an in-turned end portion 17, the free edge of which is serrated as at 18. The fiat face portion of jaw 15 is provided with a generally centrally located aperture 16 therein through which the shank 13 of bolt 11 may extend. Thus, as shown in Fig. 3, the sleeve 2 is supported on the upper jaw 15 so that it can rotate in a plane generally parallel to the plane of jaw 15 through 360.

Upper jaw 15 and lower jaw 22 are provided with registering openings 19, 27 through which bolts 26 extend. Lower jaw 22 comprises a flat plate turned inwardly at its opposite ends as at 23 and 25. The up standing end 25 of jaw 22 is provided with an aperture 26, the axis of which is perpendicular to the axis of aperture 13. The upstanding end 23 of lower jaw 22 is serrated along its free edge as at 24 so that the opposed

serrated surfaces

18, 24 are adapted to grip opposite faces of a sheet metal panel. In the assembled relation of the members, the plane of jaw member 15 is generally parallel to the plane of jaw member 22.

In use, when it is desired to straighten a bent body panel of an automotive vehicle such as a door illustrated at 30, the two clamps 1 are securely engaged with edge portions of the panel at the desired locations. In mounting the clamps 1 on the edge portions 31 of panel 36, the upper and lower jaws are separated so that the

serrated edge portions

18, 24 can be arranged against the opposite faces of the edge portion of the panel. Thereafter, the bolts 20 are tightened to firmly desired position to an edge 31 of panel 30, the jack-- 4 with its tubular extensions 3 is then engagedwith the clamps. This is accomplished by slipping one-of'the tubular members 3 through one of the sleeves 2, then pivoting the jack 4 and rotating the other sleeve 2 into alignment so that the jack can be shifted axially in the opposite direction'to-engage the other en'd member 3 within the other sleeve 2. Thereafter, bolts 6 are passed throughthe registering'openings in'th'e two sleeves and the two tubular members 3 so that the clamps are fixed axially with respect to the tubular members 31 When the-tool is thus mountedon the'panel'to be straightened, hydraulic pressure canbe applied to the jack 4 to apply a force in tension to the panel 30 between the two-clamps. After an initial'force in; tension is applied to the panel, the pressure'on' the jack 4- may be relieved. With the pressure relieved, the jack remainsassembled and the operator can determine whether further pressuremust be applied. In some instances, one of-the bolts 6 can be withdrawnfrorn the registering openings in one of the tubular members 3 andth'e corresponding sleeve 2; and if the jack 4 is of the selfretracting type, the loosened tubular member 3 may be retracted to an extent such that it disengages fromwithin the sleeve 2. In any event, without-removing either of the two clamps 1 from the edge of the panel, one of the tubular members 3 can be retracted from within its associated sleeve 2 and the whole assembly of the jack may be pivoted about the pintle 11 of one clamp to a position out of the way enabling the operator to observe the results'of the first force application to determine whether additional force-should be applied to the panel.

It will be observed that with this arrangement, when one of the tubular extensions Sis disengaged from its associated sleeve 2, the assembly is still' self-supporting in the sense that the jack assembly is still rigidly connected to the sleeve 2 of the other clamp. The operator may decide that the next application of force-should be applied to a slightly different location, in which'case one of the clamps may be loosened and shifted-along the edge of the panel to anew location andthenre-engaged with the corresponding tubular member 3.

In this connection, it will be noted that the axes fthe sleeves 2 are slightly inclined to the plane of the .jaws. This permits the clamps to be afiixed to the edges 31 of the panel; and since the planes of these edges are usually inclined relative to each other by reason of the curvature or crown in the panel 30, it 'is unnecessary to bend the edges of the panel in order to engagethe. tubular members 3 in the sleeves 2. It will be appreciated that if the planes of the jaws were parallel to the axes of the sleeves 2, in most instances, it'would benecessary to bend the panel in order to bring the ends of the tubular members 3 into alignment with the sleeves 2 of both clamps. This bendingor distortion, in most cases, would probably take the formof a crease at the intersection of the panel and the outer edge of the jaws as indicated at 32 in Fig. 3.

By rotating the sleeves 2 through 180 on the jaw members about the pintles 11, a 14 variation is obtained in the angle between the axes of the sleeve 2 and the plane of the associated jaw member, thereby providing adjustment for accommodating various special conditions which might be encountered in practice. Since the tubular member 3 has a rather loose fitwithin the sleeve 2, a certain amount of play 'willnaturally result between 4. these parts and this will, in effect, increase the range of adjustment;

With some types of damage, such as a bent door panel, it is necessary to straighten the edge itself of the door. Under such circumstances, the two clamps 1 can be engaged with the bent edge of the door and the sleeves 2 can be connected with the jaws by inserting the bolts 11 through the openings 26 rather than the openings 16. In view of the fact that the sleeves 2 can rotate freely on the jaws, it will be appreciated that a force in tension can be applied to the edge of the door and this will tend to straighten the edge because the jaws are free to rotate with respect to the sleeves 2 in accordance with the straightening action that takes place. In other words, as the planes of the'two gripped edge portions of the door slowly rotate into alignment, the jaws gripping these edge portions likewise rotate relative to the sleeves 2 that are fixed on the tubular members 3 of the jack.

In addition, in an arrangement where the edge of a door is being straightened inthemanner described, it will be appreciatedthat by mounting the sleeves 2 by means of the apertures 26, the jack 4 and the tubular members3 will be'ofiset'to one side of the edge of the door. This enables the operator to hammer or otherwise work the bent edge of the door between the clamps while the edge is being-tensioned.

Thus, it will be seen thatthe present invention provides a tool for straightening sheet metal panels, and particularly automotive body panels, that incorporates all of the features referredto previously. It is light weight and portable, andthe design is suchthat it is relatively inexpensive and within the means of the ordinary collision shop. As described above, the tool of the present invention is very easilya'ssembled and disassembled and-very easily applied to a bent body panel for performing a particular straightening operation. The fact that it is self-supportingto an extent that the entire jack assembly can be supported by one of the sleeves 2 renders its use very convenient! Thus, it can be used very readily by a single person to perform-various types of straightening operations.

This application is a continuation-in-part of my copending application Serial No; 362,784, filed June 19, 1953, now abandoned.

I claim:

1. A clamp for gripping sheet metal comprising an upper jaw member, a lower jaw member, said jaw members having fixed, substantially flat sheet metal gripping portions along a pair of'ju'xtaposed edges thereof and being relatively-pivotal along a pair of juxtaposed edges opposite said first mentioned edges about an axis generally parallel to' the plane'of said gripping: portions, whereby said jaw members may be opened and closed about said pivotal axis'to separate and bring together said gripping portions, one of said jaw members having an aperture therethrough extending generally perpendicular to the plane of said gripping portionswhen-said gripping portions are closed, a stud member extending through said aperture, a sleeve adapted for connection with a force supplying member, a bearing member fixed on said sleeve, said bearing member having a hore therein inclined slightly to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said sleeve, said stud member'having an end portion in said bore and forming a pivotal connection between said one jaw member and said sleeve.

2. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein one of said jaw members has an aperture therein the axis of which is generally perpendicular to the axis of said first mentioned aperture when said jawv members are closed, said stud member being optionally receivable in either of said apertures.

3. The combination called for in claim 2' wherein the axis'of said'second'aperture lies generally in the plane of said gripping portions when the jaw members are c ose 4. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein the axis of said bore in said bearing member is inclined to a plane normal to the axis of the sleeve at an angle of about 7.

5. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein said stud member is threaded at one end and provided with a head at its opposite end, said bore of said bearing member being threadedly engaged with the threaded portion of the stud member, said stud member extending through said one jaw with the head disposed on one side of the jaw and the bearing member on the other side.

6. In a clamp structure for use with a sheet metal straightening tool of the type including a jack having cylindrical members extending from its opposite ends, the combination of means for connecting the cylindrical members to a sheet metal panel for applying a straightening force to the panel, comprising a pair of sleeves adapted to slidably receive the cylindrical members, means for interconnecting the sleeves with the cylindrical members in a plurality of fixed positions spaced axially along the cylindrical members, a pair of sheet metal clamp members, means connecting each sleeve to one of said clamp members, said last mentioned connecting means including a pivot between each clamp member and its respective sleeve which retains the sleeve rigidly on the clamp member in one plane and permits rotation of the sleeve relative to the clamp member in another plane generally perpendicular to the first mentioned plane.

7. The combination called for in claim 6 wherein the clamp members each comprises a pair of jaws and means independent of said last mentioned connecting means for actuating the jaws toward and away from one another to grip and release a sheet metal panel therebetween.

8. The combination called for in claim 7 wherein one jaw of each set has an opening therein and said pivotal connection comprises a pintle extending through said Opening and secured to said sleeve in a position generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, whereby the sleeve is free to pivot on said jaw in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of the pintle, the pintle having a sufiiciently close fit with said opening to prevent substantial axial tilting of the pintle in said opening.

9. The combination called for in claim 8 wherein the inner diameters of the sleeves generally correspond with the outer diameters of the cylindrical members and have an axial extent such that when one set of the jaws is clamped on a sheet metal panel with one of said cylindrical members engaged within the sleeve of said clamping jaws, the jack with its cylindrical members are supported in cantilever fashion for rotation in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of the pintle.

10. In a clamp structure for use with a sheet metal straightening tool of the type including a jack having cylindrical members extending from its opposite ends, the combination of means for connecting the cylindrical members to a sheet metal panel for applying a straightening force to the panel, comprising a pair of sleeves adapted to slidably receive the cylindrical members, means for interconnecting the sleeves with the cylindrical members in a plurality of fixed positions spaced axially along the cylindrical members, a pair of sheet metal clamp members, means connecting each sleeve to one of said clamp members comprising a pintle extending generally perpendicular to the axis of the sleeve, said pintle having a connection at one end with the wall of the sleeve and having a connection at its opposite end with the clamping member, one of said connections permitting rotation of the sleeve relative to the clamp member in a plane generally perpendicular to the axis of the pintle and both of said connections restricting relative movement of the sleeve and clamp member to said last mentioned rotative movement.

11. The combination called for in claim 10 wherein said clamp members each comprises a pair of separable jaws, said pintle being connected with one of said jaws and means independent of said pintle for closing and opening the jaws, whereby to grip and release a portion of a sheet metal panel therebetween.

12. The combination called for in claim 10- wherein said one pivotal connection permits rotation of the sleeve in said plane through 360*".

13. The combination called for in claim 10 wherein the pintle is inclined slightly to the radial plane of the sleeve.

14. In a clamp structure for use with a sheet metal straightening tool of the type including a jack having cylindrical members extending from its opposite ends, the combination of means for connecting the cylindrical members to a sheet metal panel for applying a straightening force to the panel, comprising a pair of sleeves adapted to slidably receive the cylindrical members, means for interconnecting the sleeves with the cylindrical members in a plurality of fixed positions spaced axially along the cylindrical members, a pair of sheet metal clamp members each comprising a pair of separable jaws having juxtaposed clamping faces, means for closing and opening the jaws to grip a portion of a sheet metal panel between said clamping faces, one of said jaws having an opening therein which is generally perpendicular to the plane of said clamping faces, a pintle extending axially through said opening and being axially rotatable therein, the end of said pintle exteriorly of said jaw being rigidly connected with said sleeve in a position generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, whereby the sleeve is rotatable on said jaw in a plane generally parallel to said clamping faces.

15. The combination called for in claim 14 wherein one jaw in each set has an opening therethrough, the axis of which is generally perpendicular to the axis of said first mentioned opening, said pintle being optionally insertable through either of said openings so that the sleeve can be mounted on the jaws for rotation in a plane which is either generally parallel to or generally perpendicular to the plane of the clamping faces.

16. The combination called for in claim 15 wherein the axis of said second mentioned opening l-ies generally in the plane of said clamping faces when the jaws are closed.

17. The combination called for in claim 16 wherein said clamping faces are disposed adjacent one end of the jaws and the jaws are 'fulcrumed relative to each other adjacent the ends thereof opposite said clamping faces, said second mentioned opening being located at said last mentioned end of said one jaw.

18. The combination called for in claim 17 wherein said first mentioned opening is located generally centrally between the opposite ends of said one jaw and the second mentioned opening is located generally centrally between the opposite side edges of said one jaw.

19. The combination called for in claim 18 wherein said pintle comprises a headed screw and the sleeve has a threaded member secured to the wall thereof in which the threaded end of the screw is adapted to be threaded.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,606,467 Deszarlais et al. Aug. 12, 1952 2,608,730 Killus Sept. 2, 1952 2,734,549 Thorley Feb. 14, 1956 2,736,359 Bowman Feb. 28, 1956