US2998837A - Art of straightening vehicle frames - Google Patents

Art of straightening vehicle frames Download PDF

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Publication number
US2998837A
US2998837A US814428A US81442859A US2998837A US 2998837 A US2998837 A US 2998837A US 814428 A US814428 A US 814428A US 81442859 A US81442859 A US 81442859A US 2998837 A US2998837 A US 2998837A
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
frame
arm
post
straightening
secured
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US814428A
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English (en)
Inventor
Jr Alex H Luedicke
William R Chapman
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Enerpac Tool Group Corp
Original Assignee
Applied Power Industries Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Applied Power Industries Inc filed Critical Applied Power Industries Inc
Priority to US814428A priority Critical patent/US2998837A/en
Priority to BE590019A priority patent/BE590019A/fr
Priority to US94397A priority patent/US3026925A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US2998837A publication Critical patent/US2998837A/en
Priority to DE19631527241 priority patent/DE1527241A1/de
Priority to NL6414001A priority patent/NL6414001A/xx
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
    • B21D1/00—Straightening, restoring form or removing local distortions of sheet metal or specific articles made therefrom; Stretching sheet metal combined with rolling
    • B21D1/14—Straightening frame structures
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S72/00—Metal deforming
    • Y10S72/705—Vehicle body or frame straightener

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to improvements in the art of straightening structural elements, and relates more particularly to improvements in the construction and operation of vehicle frame straighteners and a method of straightening frames.
  • frame straightening apparatus for work on damaged vehicles be of a portable nature and readily adjustable for convenience in properly manipulating the tool and applying the same to the damaged frame for most effectively performing the necessary restoring work. While some of the presently commercially available frame straighteners are portable or semi-portable, they do not possess the desired degree of adjustability and flexibility of application.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide improved instrumentalities for effectively correcting vehicle frame damages of all types in a rapid and highly efficient manner and at relatively low cost.
  • Still another object of our invention is to provide an proved vehicle frame straightening device which is extremely portable, relatively compact, readily adjustable, and highly flexible in its adaptations, and which is capable of manipulation and use by a single operator.
  • An additional object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of and apparatus for removing or correcting twist damage to vehicle frames.
  • FIG. 1 is a fragmentary side view of one of our improved frame straightening devices in assembled condition for storage, parts being broken away to reveal normally hidden structure;
  • FIG. 2 is a fragmentary top view of the frame straightener with the twist correcting beam removed and with the end post swung to vertical position;
  • FIG. 3 is a transverse section through the device; take along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1; 3
  • FIG. 4 is a fragmentary side view of the extensible end section of the straightening device showing the end post in vertical position and with part of the extensible beam broken away for the sake of clarity;
  • FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section through the extensible beam taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.
  • the improved frame straightening device shown therein as embodying a twist correction beam which is the essential feature of our copending application Serial No. 94,397, filed March 8, 1961, comprises, in general, a tubular main beam 10, a beam extension 11 adapted to telescope within one end of the beam 10 and extensible to various positions of adjustment, a pivot arm 12 secured to the other end of the main beam 10, a hook 13 slidable longitudinally to different positions of adjustment along the pivot arm 12, a hydraulic power actuator 14 secured between the beam 10 and pivot arm 12, a post 15 secured to the exposed end of the extensible beam 11 and adapted to be swung. from an inactive horizontal position to vertical position, and a twist correctingbeam 16 detachably secured to the main beam 10 as by means of a U-bolt 17 and clamp 18.
  • the main beam 10 is supported by a pair of floorengaging wheels 20 while the extensible member is provided with a floor-engaging caster 21 to thus render the device readily portable and capable of proper positioning by a single operator.
  • the telescopic beam extension may be readily extended to desired positions, and upon adjustment, a lock pin 22 may be inserted through alined holes 23, 24 in the beams 10, 11 respectively to maintain the beams in extended condition.
  • the post 15 is pivotally secured medially thereof between the side walls of the extensible beam 11 by means of a pivot pin 25, the upper and lower walls of the tubular beam 11 being cut away to permit the post 15 to be readily swung from horizontal inactive position as shown in FIG. 1 to the vertical position shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, and when in vertical position, the post 15 bears against a transverse edge 26 of the upper run of the beam 11 which is reinforced by a bearing plate 27 secured to the beam as by welding or the like, the post 15 also being provided with a plurality of holes 28 for selectively receiving a locking pin 29 cooperable with the bottom of the beam 11 to positively retain the post in its vertical position while permitting vertical adjustment thereof.
  • the pivot arm 12 is secured to the beam 10 by means of a pair of lower flange plates 31 forming a bifurcated member extending on opposite sides of the beam and secured to the beam or to suitable side plates 32 thereof by a pivot pin 33 to permit swinging movement of the arm 12, and it will be noted that the swinging movement of the arm 12 is limited by the edge 31' of the bifurcated member which thus provides a safety stop, preventing pivotal movement of the arm beyond a predetermined distance as illustrated by the dot-and-dash line in FIG. 1 in the event of rupture or breakage of a force transmitting element attached between the arm 12 and a workpiece.
  • the power actuator 14 may be in the nature of a fluid motor, the head or cylinder end of which is pivotally attached to a bracket or upstanding flange 34 on the beam and the piston or plunger 35 of which is pivotally attached to a bracket or flange 36 on the arm 12.
  • the motor or power actuator 14 is of conventional type, either single or double acting, and the cylinder thereof is connected by a fluid conduit to a suitable pump for furnishing pressure fluid thereto to extend the piston 35 and thus swing the arm 12.
  • the arm 12 is also provided with hook 13 swingably carried by a strap 37 slidably embracing the arm-12, the strap 37 having suitable slide shoes 38 secured thereto and provided with set screws 39 for securing the hook assembly in any desired position of adjustment along the arm 12.
  • the twist correcting beam 16 may be conveniently secured to the main beam 10 in approximately longitudinal alignment therewith by means of the U-bolt 17 and clamping bracket 18 when the device is stored or inactive.
  • the beam 16 may be readily removed in an obvious manner by merely dismantling the bolt 17 and clamp 18.
  • the bolt 17 is loosened and the beam 16 is swung relative to the beam 10 to provide an X-shaped tool when viewed from above, the bolt 17 and clamp 18 then again being tightened.
  • the main idea is to reverse the blow that caused the damage in the first instance so that the metal returns to its normal shape. It is therefore necessary to first determine the type of damage requiring correction, and this is done with the aid of commercially available frame gages and dimension charts. After the type of damage has been determined, the improved frame straightener should be so applied to the damaged frame so as to pull the bent parts under applied pressure along substantially the same line of impact or initial bending force until the frame is restored to its original position. If several types of damage have been caused and require correction, these should be repaired one at a time, and it is generally best to start with repairs that pull the damaged parts.
  • the main beam 10 is placed under the bent frame rail in approximate longitudinal alignment therewith.
  • a hydraulic jack or the like is then positioned between the beam 10 and the bent frame rail at the center of the sag area and the beam 10 is chained to the bent frame rail at opposite ends of the bend. Pressure is then applied through the jack until the frame rail is back in alignment, and each of the bent rails should be operated upon independently.
  • the beam 10 is first positioned below and transversely of the frame and the ends of one of the frame siderails outwardly beyond the bent portion are chained to the post which has been swung to vertical position.
  • the pivot arm 12 is then chained through its hook 13 to the medial portion of the sag or bend area in the other frame siderail, and the arm 12 is swung under pressure by the fluid motor or ram 14 until the frame siderails are back in alignment, the arm 12 exerting a pulling force on the frame as it is actuated.
  • the improved device is used in much the same manner as for side sway correction.
  • the vertical post 15 is chained to one of the frame siderails at a corner of the frame, and the pivot arm 12 is chained to the other siderail at a diagonally opposed corner of the frame.
  • the arm 12 is then swung about its pivot by means of the power actuator 14, thus pulling the siderails in opposite directions until they are restored to normal corrected position.
  • the improved straightening device is positioned longitudinally under the central portion of the frame with the vertical post 15 bearing against a medial portion of the end cross-rail of the frame.
  • the pivot arm 12 is then chained to the other end of each frame siderail, and a pulling force is exerted by swinging the arm 12 by means of the actuator 14 until the bends are eliminated.
  • both the force-applying arm 12 and the force-resisting or reaction arm or post 15 are swingable in the same plane corresponding to the longitudinal plane or axis of the beam 10. It is also apparent that the caster or wheel 21 not only cooperates with the wheels 20 to facilitate transportation of the device, but also maintains the end of the beam 10 and/ or beam extension 11 out of contact with the ground to provide clearance for the post 15 when swung to vertical position as shown in FIG. 4.
  • a vehicle frame straightening device comprising. a generally horizontal main beam, and a generally upright force-applying arm attachable through a force transmitting element to a workpiece and pivotally secured to one end of said beam for swinging movement in a plane corresponding to the longitudinal axis of said beam, said arm having a stop cooperable with said beam for limiting swinging movement thereof in the event of rupture of said element.
  • a vehicle frame straightening device in which the means for pivotally securing the arm to the beam consists of a bifurcated member, the cross-piece of which provides the limit stop.
  • a vehicle frame straightening device wherein a post cooperable with another part of the workpiece is pivotally secured to said beam remote from said force applying arm for swinging movement in the same plane from a position substantially parallel to said beam to a position extending upwardly therefrom.
  • a vehicle frame straightening device according to claim 3, wherein thrust absorbing bearing means are provided for said post on opposite sides of its pivot when said post is in its upright position.
  • a vehicle frame straightening device according to claim 5, wherein thrust absorbing bearing means are provided for said post on said beam adjacent the top and bottom wall openings thereof for definitely positioning said post when in upright position.
  • ground engaging transporting wheels also support the beam intermediate the ends thereof and substantially at the center of gravity of the device.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
  • Straightening Metal Sheet-Like Bodies (AREA)
US814428A 1959-05-20 1959-05-20 Art of straightening vehicle frames Expired - Lifetime US2998837A (en)

Priority Applications (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US814428A US2998837A (en) 1959-05-20 1959-05-20 Art of straightening vehicle frames
BE590019A BE590019A (fr) 1959-05-20 1960-04-22 Dispositif de redressment des châssis de véhicules.
US94397A US3026925A (en) 1959-05-20 1961-03-08 Straightening vehicle frames or bodies
DE19631527241 DE1527241A1 (de) 1959-05-20 1963-09-24 Vorrichtung zum Richten von Fahrzeugrahmen
NL6414001A NL6414001A (US06168655-20010102-C00055.png) 1959-05-20 1964-12-02

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US814428A US2998837A (en) 1959-05-20 1959-05-20 Art of straightening vehicle frames

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US2998837A true US2998837A (en) 1961-09-05

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ID=25215028

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US814428A Expired - Lifetime US2998837A (en) 1959-05-20 1959-05-20 Art of straightening vehicle frames

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US (1) US2998837A (US06168655-20010102-C00055.png)
BE (1) BE590019A (US06168655-20010102-C00055.png)
DE (1) DE1527241A1 (US06168655-20010102-C00055.png)
NL (1) NL6414001A (US06168655-20010102-C00055.png)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3122194A (en) * 1961-09-26 1964-02-25 Kel Inc Automobile body and part straightening tool
US3131748A (en) * 1961-05-17 1964-05-05 Applied Power Ind Inc Vehicle repair device
US3149660A (en) * 1962-08-20 1964-09-22 Woodrow W Smith Methods and apparatus for automobile damage correction
US3149659A (en) * 1961-07-18 1964-09-22 Jr Walter J Bogert Automobile repair apparatus
US3276237A (en) * 1962-09-07 1966-10-04 Transue Walter Apparatus for straightening automobile bodies
US3496757A (en) * 1967-04-24 1970-02-24 Wanoda Soc Ind De Fourniture D Device for handling bulky structures
US3590623A (en) * 1968-07-15 1971-07-06 Applied Power Ind Inc Method for reforming and straightening members
US6089075A (en) * 1999-04-05 2000-07-18 Bumper Man, Inc. Hook bar tool for bumper repair

Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1548521A (en) * 1924-01-08 1925-08-04 J M Thomas Disk-wheel straightener
US1676263A (en) * 1924-10-22 1928-07-10 Percy O Hawkins Automobile frame straightener
US2140686A (en) * 1934-04-16 1938-12-20 A E Feragen Inc Frame straightener
US2142850A (en) * 1936-12-03 1939-01-03 Albert Speare Lashbrook Axle straightener
US2277489A (en) * 1939-05-24 1942-03-24 William L Harrison Radiator bending machine
US2442604A (en) * 1946-02-13 1948-06-01 John M Johnson Mechanism for straightening automobile fenders
US2547757A (en) * 1948-11-19 1951-04-03 Bee Line Co Adjustable abutment for automobile frame presses
US2597234A (en) * 1950-12-09 1952-05-20 Builders Ornamental Iron Compa Frame straightening device
US2634788A (en) * 1950-03-02 1953-04-14 Harteker Joseph Machine for straightening automobile frames
US2646101A (en) * 1949-09-02 1953-07-21 Porter Inc H K Appliance for positioning automobile body parts for repair operations thereon
US2718913A (en) * 1951-04-23 1955-09-27 Bee Line Co Motor car service mechanism
US2750983A (en) * 1956-06-19 Rogers
US2757705A (en) * 1953-06-12 1956-08-07 John M Johnson Portable manually operable tool for restoring damaged vehicle bodies or fenders to their original shapes
US2836219A (en) * 1956-05-28 1958-05-27 Harry A Pertner Jack-operated vehicle body and/or frame straightener

Patent Citations (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2750983A (en) * 1956-06-19 Rogers
US1548521A (en) * 1924-01-08 1925-08-04 J M Thomas Disk-wheel straightener
US1676263A (en) * 1924-10-22 1928-07-10 Percy O Hawkins Automobile frame straightener
US2140686A (en) * 1934-04-16 1938-12-20 A E Feragen Inc Frame straightener
US2142850A (en) * 1936-12-03 1939-01-03 Albert Speare Lashbrook Axle straightener
US2277489A (en) * 1939-05-24 1942-03-24 William L Harrison Radiator bending machine
US2442604A (en) * 1946-02-13 1948-06-01 John M Johnson Mechanism for straightening automobile fenders
US2547757A (en) * 1948-11-19 1951-04-03 Bee Line Co Adjustable abutment for automobile frame presses
US2646101A (en) * 1949-09-02 1953-07-21 Porter Inc H K Appliance for positioning automobile body parts for repair operations thereon
US2634788A (en) * 1950-03-02 1953-04-14 Harteker Joseph Machine for straightening automobile frames
US2597234A (en) * 1950-12-09 1952-05-20 Builders Ornamental Iron Compa Frame straightening device
US2718913A (en) * 1951-04-23 1955-09-27 Bee Line Co Motor car service mechanism
US2757705A (en) * 1953-06-12 1956-08-07 John M Johnson Portable manually operable tool for restoring damaged vehicle bodies or fenders to their original shapes
US2836219A (en) * 1956-05-28 1958-05-27 Harry A Pertner Jack-operated vehicle body and/or frame straightener

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3131748A (en) * 1961-05-17 1964-05-05 Applied Power Ind Inc Vehicle repair device
US3149659A (en) * 1961-07-18 1964-09-22 Jr Walter J Bogert Automobile repair apparatus
US3122194A (en) * 1961-09-26 1964-02-25 Kel Inc Automobile body and part straightening tool
US3149660A (en) * 1962-08-20 1964-09-22 Woodrow W Smith Methods and apparatus for automobile damage correction
US3276237A (en) * 1962-09-07 1966-10-04 Transue Walter Apparatus for straightening automobile bodies
US3496757A (en) * 1967-04-24 1970-02-24 Wanoda Soc Ind De Fourniture D Device for handling bulky structures
US3590623A (en) * 1968-07-15 1971-07-06 Applied Power Ind Inc Method for reforming and straightening members
US6089075A (en) * 1999-04-05 2000-07-18 Bumper Man, Inc. Hook bar tool for bumper repair

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
BE590019A (fr) 1960-08-16
NL6414001A (US06168655-20010102-C00055.png) 1965-01-25
DE1527241A1 (de) 1969-10-30

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