USRE34097E - Spring compressor with latchable locking device - Google Patents

Spring compressor with latchable locking device Download PDF

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Publication number
USRE34097E
USRE34097E US07/380,838 US38083889A USRE34097E US RE34097 E USRE34097 E US RE34097E US 38083889 A US38083889 A US 38083889A US RE34097 E USRE34097 E US RE34097E
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United States
Prior art keywords
iaddend
iadd
shoes
groove
spring
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Expired - Fee Related
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US07/380,838
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Kenneth D. Kloster
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
    • B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
    • B25B27/00—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for
    • B25B27/14—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same
    • B25B27/30—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same positioning or withdrawing springs, e.g. coil or leaf springs
    • B25B27/302—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same positioning or withdrawing springs, e.g. coil or leaf springs coil springs other than torsion coil springs
    • B25B27/304—Hand tools, specially adapted for fitting together or separating parts or objects whether or not involving some deformation, not otherwise provided for for assembling objects other than by press fit or detaching same positioning or withdrawing springs, e.g. coil or leaf springs coil springs other than torsion coil springs by compressing coil springs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B45/00—Hooks; Eyes
    • F16B45/02—Hooks with pivoting or elastically bending closing member
    • F16B45/027—Hooks with pivoting or elastically bending closing member and having position-locking means for the closing member
    • F16B45/029—Hooks with pivoting or elastically bending closing member and having position-locking means for the closing member the position-locking means being slidably mounted
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60G—VEHICLE SUSPENSION ARRANGEMENTS
    • B60G2206/00—Indexing codes related to the manufacturing of suspensions: constructional features, the materials used, procedures or tools
    • B60G2206/01—Constructional features of suspension elements, e.g. arms, dampers, springs
    • B60G2206/90—Maintenance
    • B60G2206/92—Tools or equipment used for assembling
    • B60G2206/921—Coil spring compressor
    • 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
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T24/00—Buckles, buttons, clasps, etc.
    • Y10T24/45—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock]
    • Y10T24/45225—Separable-fastener or required component thereof [e.g., projection and cavity to complete interlock] including member having distinct formations and mating member selectively interlocking therewith
    • Y10T24/45272—Projection passes through cavity then moves toward noninserted portion of its member to complete interlock [e.g., snap hook]
    • Y10T24/45288—Hook type projection member
    • Y10T24/45304—Noninserted portion of projection member includes movably connected gate for closing access throat
    • Y10T24/45382—Track or way guided gate
    • Y10T24/45387—Track or way guided gate having means biasing gate
    • Y10T24/45398—Cavity in shank forms track or way
    • Y10T24/45403—Cavity in shank forms track or way with position locking-means for gate
    • 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
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T29/00—Metal working
    • Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
    • Y10T29/53613—Spring applier or remover
    • Y10T29/53622—Helical spring
    • 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
    • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
    • Y10T403/00—Joints and connections
    • Y10T403/60—Biased catch or latch
    • Y10T403/602—Biased catch or latch by separate spring
    • Y10T403/604—Radially sliding catch

Definitions

  • the MacPherson strut is an integral coil spring-shock absorber assembly which provides a lightweight, compact component of a vehicle suspension system.
  • the MacPherson strut suspension system is disclosed in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 2,624,592 to E. S. MacPherson.
  • MacPherson strut assemblies One of the problems associated with MacPherson strut assemblies is related to the replacement of a worn shock absorber unit.
  • One solution to this problem is to manufacture the MacPherson strut assembly with a construction which permits the shock absorber to be readily removed and replaced with a new shock absorber.
  • a repair procedure can be relatively time consuming, since typically the strut assembly must be removed from the vehicle.
  • the present invention relates to a tool for compressing the helical spring of the type typically utilized in a MacPherson strut suspension system.
  • the tool comprises a pair of spaced apart shoes each having a helical groove formed therein for engaging a portion of the coil of the spring.
  • Such an arrangement includes a shoe having a bearing surface in contact with the spring coil which tends to militate against any twisting or misalignment of the spring compressor during the compression operation.
  • Each shoe also includes a latchable locking means extendible over the helical groove for maintaining the coil of the spring within the groove during the compression operations. Consequently, even if the shoe would become misaligned, the latchable locking means prevents the spring compressor from becoming dislodged from the spring.
  • the pair of shoes are maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the associated grooves in facing relationship to one another by means of a threaded shank member.
  • the threaded shank member includes tool engaging means on each end thereof and is employed to effect movement of the spaced apart shoes toward and away from one another during the operation of the tool.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spring compressor embodying the features of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the lower shoe of the compressor of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the shoe shown in FIG. 3;
  • FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the upper spring shoe of the compressor of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a helical coil spring having a pair of spring compressors according to the present invention positioned thereon.
  • the compressor 10 includes an upper shoe 12 and a lower shoe 14 which are maintained in a spaced apart relationship by an elongate threaded shank 16.
  • the shank 16 is provided with an upper tool engaging portion 16a and a lower tool engaging portion 16b.
  • the shoes 12 and 14 have helical grooves 17 and 18 formed therein for receiving a portion of the coil spring to be compressed.
  • the shoes 12 and 14 also have latchable locking means 20 and 22, respectively, mounted thereon which are extendible to a locked position across the respective grooves to maintain the coil within the groove during the compression operation.
  • the locking means can be moved to a retracted position when it is desired to remove the coil from the associated groove.
  • FIGS. 2 through 6 there are shown more detailed drawings illustrating the features of the lower shoe unit 14. Except for an internally threaded bushing 24 which is centrally located within the shoe 14 to receive the one end of the threaded shank 16, the lower shoe 14 is basically identical to the upper shoe 12.
  • the upper shoe is provided with a central bore hole 12a for rotatably receiving an upper cylindrical shoulder portion 16c of the shank 16.
  • a thrust washer 15 is positioned between the shank head 16a and an upper machined surface 12b of the shoe 12. Both shoes can be, for example, aluminum castings.
  • the groove 18 is formed with a helical configuration. This type of construction provides an increased bearing surface for engagement with the coil of the spring, thereby militating against any twisting of the shoe 14 during the compression of the spring.
  • the groove 18 is defined by arcuately formed sidewalls 26 and 28 and a lower inclined surface 30.
  • the lower inclined surface 30 is formed at an angle A with respect to a plane perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the threaded shank 16. It has been found that an angle A of approximately 7° provides a medium angle which accommodates most large helical springs.
  • the arcuate sidewall 28, which is adapted to face the inside portion of a helical coil is formed of a radius R1 corresponding to the inside diameter of the largest spring (represented by coil C1) to be compressed.
  • the arcuate sidewall 26, which is adapted to face the outside portion of a helical coil is formed of a radius R2 corresponding to the outside diameter of the smallest spring (represented by coil C2) to be compressed.
  • the sidewall 26 has a greater curvature than the sidewall 28.
  • the arcuate sidewalls 26 and 28 of the groove 18 are spaced apart sufficiently so as to encompass the expected size ranges of springs.
  • the groove 17 of the upper shoe 12 is formed in a similar manner to the groove 18.
  • the latchable locking means 22 includes a U-shaped member 32 formed from a steel rod and having a pair of parallel legs 34 and 36 which extend into parallel apertures 38 and 40, respectively, formed in the shoe 14. The inner ends of the legs 34 and 36 are connected by a connecting member 35. As shown in FIG. 4, the apertures 38 and 40 are formed at the same angle A as the groove 18.
  • the U-shaped member 32 is maintained in either a locked or retracted position by means of a detent assembly 44 located in an aperture 48 formed in the shoe 14.
  • the aperture 48 is generally perpendicular to and intersects the aperture 40.
  • the detent assembly 44 includes a ball 50, a spring 52, and a locking washer 54, which are mounted within the aperture 48.
  • the spring 52 urges the ball 50 downwardly into either a locking detent 56 or a retracted detent 58 formed in the leg 36.
  • the latchable locking means 20 of the upper shoe 12 is similar to the locking means 22.
  • the U-shaped member 32 When the U-shaped member 32 is pushed inwardly, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer ends of the legs 34 and 36 will protrude from the apertures 38 and 40, respectively, and extend outwardly across the top of the groove 18. At this time, the ball 50 will be seated within the detent 56 to maintain the locking member 32 in the locked position.
  • the locking member 32 can be moved to a retracted position, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 5, by pulling outwardly on the member 32 such that the ball 50 will be momentarily moved upward and then seat within the detent 58.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates the general operational position of the spring compressing tool 10.
  • at least two spring compressors 10 are utilized to compress a single coil spring 60.
  • the locking means 20 and 22 are moved to the retracted position while the end coils of the spring 60 are seated within the grooves 17 and 18.
  • the locking means 20 and 22 are moved to the locked position in order to secure the shoes 12 and 14 of the coil.
  • a suitable wrench (not shown) can then be utilized to engage the upper tool engaging portion 16a provided at the upper end of the shanks 16 and alternately rotate the shanks 16 to cause the lower and upper shoes to move toward one another, thereby compressing the spring 60.
  • the lower tool engaging portion 16b can be used to rotate the bolt 16.
  • the helical grooves 17 and 18 tend to militate against any twisting of the compressor 10 during the compression operation, while the locking means 20 and 22 will prevent the compressor 10 from being dislodged from the spring.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tool for compressing a helical spring of the type typically used in a MacPherson strut suspension system. The tool comprises a pair of spaced apart shoes each having a helical groove formed therein for engaging a portion of the coil of the spring. Each shoe also includes a latchable locking device extendible over the respective helical groove for maintaining the coil of the spring within the groove during the compression operation. The two shoes are maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the associated grooves in facing relationship to one another by a threaded shank member. The threaded shank member includes a separate tool engaging configuration on each end thereof and is employed to effect movement of the spaced apart shoes toward and away from one another during the operation of the tool.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application is a continuation-in-part application of my copending application Ser. No. 565,137, filed Dec. 27, 1983, which application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 473,720, filed Mar. 16, 1983, which application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 242,283, filed Mar. 10, 1981, all now abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
One type of vehicle suspension system which is becoming increasingly popular is the MacPherson strut suspension system. The MacPherson strut is an integral coil spring-shock absorber assembly which provides a lightweight, compact component of a vehicle suspension system. The MacPherson strut suspension system is disclosed in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 2,624,592 to E. S. MacPherson.
One of the problems associated with MacPherson strut assemblies is related to the replacement of a worn shock absorber unit. One solution to this problem is to manufacture the MacPherson strut assembly with a construction which permits the shock absorber to be readily removed and replaced with a new shock absorber. However, such a repair procedure can be relatively time consuming, since typically the strut assembly must be removed from the vehicle.
One solution to reducing the time associated with repairing a MacPherson strut assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,034,960 to K. D. Kloster. The Kloster patent discloses a pneumatic operated spring compressor which can be utilized to repair a strut assembly while the lower portion of the assembly remains attached to the vehicle. However, the economics of such a compressor can typically only be justified by repair shops which frequently repair strut suspension systems.
Smaller repair shops typically utilize a relatively inexpensive spring compressor unit of the type manufactured by Warren, Inc. of Jonesboro, Ark. This type of spring includes a pair of spaced apart U-shaped hooks which are maintained in a facing relationship by means of an elongate bolt. In operation, typically two or three of the compressor units are circumferentially spaced about the coil spring and the bolts are alternately tightened to move the U-shaped hooks towards one another, thereby compressing the spring. However, one of the problems associated with this type of spring compressor is that the U-shaped hooks do not provide a good seating relationship with the helical coil of the spring which may lead to twisting and misalignment of the spring compressor. Such twisting or misalignment may result in the dangerous condition of causing the compressor hooks to become dislodged from the spring and inflict injury upon the operator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tool for compressing the helical spring of the type typically utilized in a MacPherson strut suspension system. The tool comprises a pair of spaced apart shoes each having a helical groove formed therein for engaging a portion of the coil of the spring. Such an arrangement includes a shoe having a bearing surface in contact with the spring coil which tends to militate against any twisting or misalignment of the spring compressor during the compression operation. Each shoe also includes a latchable locking means extendible over the helical groove for maintaining the coil of the spring within the groove during the compression operations. Consequently, even if the shoe would become misaligned, the latchable locking means prevents the spring compressor from becoming dislodged from the spring.
The pair of shoes are maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the associated grooves in facing relationship to one another by means of a threaded shank member. The threaded shank member includes tool engaging means on each end thereof and is employed to effect movement of the spaced apart shoes toward and away from one another during the operation of the tool.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a relatively economical spring compressor which can effectively and safely be employed to compress a helical coil spring.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above, as well as other objects and advantages of the invention, will become readily apparent to one skilled in the art from reading the following detailed description of the invention when considered in light of the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a spring compressor embodying the features of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a rear elevational view of the lower shoe of the compressor of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a top elevational view of the shoe shown in FIG. 3;
FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along the line 6--6 of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the upper spring shoe of the compressor of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 8 is an elevational view of a helical coil spring having a pair of spring compressors according to the present invention positioned thereon.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a spring compressor generally indicated by reference numberal 10 embodying the features of the present invention. The compressor 10 includes an upper shoe 12 and a lower shoe 14 which are maintained in a spaced apart relationship by an elongate threaded shank 16. The shank 16 is provided with an upper tool engaging portion 16a and a lower tool engaging portion 16b. The shoes 12 and 14 have helical grooves 17 and 18 formed therein for receiving a portion of the coil spring to be compressed. The shoes 12 and 14 also have latchable locking means 20 and 22, respectively, mounted thereon which are extendible to a locked position across the respective grooves to maintain the coil within the groove during the compression operation. The locking means can be moved to a retracted position when it is desired to remove the coil from the associated groove.
Referring to FIGS. 2 through 6, there are shown more detailed drawings illustrating the features of the lower shoe unit 14. Except for an internally threaded bushing 24 which is centrally located within the shoe 14 to receive the one end of the threaded shank 16, the lower shoe 14 is basically identical to the upper shoe 12. The upper shoe is provided with a central bore hole 12a for rotatably receiving an upper cylindrical shoulder portion 16c of the shank 16. A thrust washer 15 is positioned between the shank head 16a and an upper machined surface 12b of the shoe 12. Both shoes can be, for example, aluminum castings.
As previously mentioned, the groove 18 is formed with a helical configuration. This type of construction provides an increased bearing surface for engagement with the coil of the spring, thereby militating against any twisting of the shoe 14 during the compression of the spring. As shown in FIGS. 3 through 5, the groove 18 is defined by arcuately formed sidewalls 26 and 28 and a lower inclined surface 30. As shown in FIG. 4, the lower inclined surface 30 is formed at an angle A with respect to a plane perpendicular with the longitudinal axis of the threaded shank 16. It has been found that an angle A of approximately 7° provides a medium angle which accommodates most large helical springs.
As shown in FIG. 5, the arcuate sidewall 28, which is adapted to face the inside portion of a helical coil, is formed of a radius R1 corresponding to the inside diameter of the largest spring (represented by coil C1) to be compressed. On the other hand, the arcuate sidewall 26, which is adapted to face the outside portion of a helical coil, is formed of a radius R2 corresponding to the outside diameter of the smallest spring (represented by coil C2) to be compressed. Thus, the sidewall 26 has a greater curvature than the sidewall 28. The arcuate sidewalls 26 and 28 of the groove 18 are spaced apart sufficiently so as to encompass the expected size ranges of springs. The groove 17 of the upper shoe 12 is formed in a similar manner to the groove 18.
The latchable locking means 22 includes a U-shaped member 32 formed from a steel rod and having a pair of parallel legs 34 and 36 which extend into parallel apertures 38 and 40, respectively, formed in the shoe 14. The inner ends of the legs 34 and 36 are connected by a connecting member 35. As shown in FIG. 4, the apertures 38 and 40 are formed at the same angle A as the groove 18. The U-shaped member 32 is maintained in either a locked or retracted position by means of a detent assembly 44 located in an aperture 48 formed in the shoe 14. The aperture 48 is generally perpendicular to and intersects the aperture 40.
As shown in FIG. 6, the detent assembly 44 includes a ball 50, a spring 52, and a locking washer 54, which are mounted within the aperture 48. The spring 52 urges the ball 50 downwardly into either a locking detent 56 or a retracted detent 58 formed in the leg 36. The latchable locking means 20 of the upper shoe 12 is similar to the locking means 22.
When the U-shaped member 32 is pushed inwardly, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer ends of the legs 34 and 36 will protrude from the apertures 38 and 40, respectively, and extend outwardly across the top of the groove 18. At this time, the ball 50 will be seated within the detent 56 to maintain the locking member 32 in the locked position. The locking member 32 can be moved to a retracted position, as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 5, by pulling outwardly on the member 32 such that the ball 50 will be momentarily moved upward and then seat within the detent 58.
FIG. 8 illustrates the general operational position of the spring compressing tool 10. Typically, at least two spring compressors 10 are utilized to compress a single coil spring 60. In positioning the compressors 10 on the spring 60, the locking means 20 and 22 are moved to the retracted position while the end coils of the spring 60 are seated within the grooves 17 and 18. Next, the locking means 20 and 22 are moved to the locked position in order to secure the shoes 12 and 14 of the coil. A suitable wrench (not shown) can then be utilized to engage the upper tool engaging portion 16a provided at the upper end of the shanks 16 and alternately rotate the shanks 16 to cause the lower and upper shoes to move toward one another, thereby compressing the spring 60. In instances wherein the upper tool engaging portion 16a is not easily accessible (for example, when a vehicle fender provides limited access to the upper end of the associated spring compressor), the lower tool engaging portion 16b can be used to rotate the bolt 16. As previously mentioned, the helical grooves 17 and 18 tend to militate against any twisting of the compressor 10 during the compression operation, while the locking means 20 and 22 will prevent the compressor 10 from being dislodged from the spring.
In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principle and mode of operation of the invention have been explained in what is considered to represent its best embodiment. It should, however, be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated and described without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims (3)

What is claimed is:
1. A spring compressor for compressing a helical coil spring comprising:
a pair of spaced apart .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.shoes each having a groove formed therein for receiving a portion of the helical coil of the spring;
.[.at least one of said shoes having said groove formed of a helical configuration, and said groove defining a spring engaging bottom wall located in a plane formed at a predetermined, non-perpendicular angle with respect to a compression axis;.].
an elongate threaded shank parallel to .[.said.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.compression axis for mounting said shoes in spaced apart relationship with said grooves in facing relationship to one another, said shank having one end thereof rotatably supported by .[.one of.]. said .[.shoes.]. .Iadd.first shoe .Iaddend.and having an opposite threaded end for threaded engagement with .[.the other one of.]. said .[.shoes.]. .Iadd.second shoe .Iaddend.whereby rotation of said shank in one direction relative to said .[.other one of said shoes.]. .Iadd.second shoe .Iaddend.causes said .[.pair of spaced apart.]. .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.shoes to move toward one another; and
a latchable locking means carried by at least one of said .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.shoes, said locking means including a .[.U-shaped member having a pair of spaced apart, generally parallel legs.]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.extending through .[.apertures.]. .Iadd.an aperture .Iaddend.formed in said .[.shoe.]. .Iadd.one of said first and second shoes .Iaddend.on .[.opposite sides.]. .Iadd.one side .Iaddend.of said elongate shank, said .[.legs.]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.having .Iadd.a .Iaddend.first .[.ends.]. .Iadd.end .Iaddend.connected .[.by a connecting member.]. .Iadd.to a gripping portion .Iaddend.and having .Iadd.a .Iaddend.second .[.ends.]. .Iadd.end .Iaddend.adapted to extend over said groove, .[.said legs being located in a plane substantially parallel to said angled spring engaging bottom wall such that each of said second ends is spaced from said bottom wall by substantially the same distance,.]. said .[.U-shaped member.]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.being movable between a retracted position wherein said .[.outer ends.]. .Iadd.second end .Iaddend.of said .[.legs are.]. .Iadd.leg is .Iaddend.positioned within said .[.shoe.]. .Iadd.one of said first and second shoes .Iaddend.and said portion of the helical coil spring can be inserted into said groove and a locked position wherein said second .[.ends.]. .Iadd.end .Iaddend.of said .[.legs extend.]. .Iadd.leg extends .Iaddend.over said groove and over said portion of the helical coil, said groove and said .[.legs.]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.cooperating to substantially surround said portion of the helical coil for maintaining said portion of the helical coil within said groove, and detent means carried by .Iadd.said .Iaddend.one of said .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.shoes and positioned to engage .[.one of.]. said .[.legs.]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.for maintaining said .[.U-shaped member .]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.in either the locked position or the retracted position.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.shoes includes a pair of spaced apart generally arcuate sidewalls defining said coil receiving grooves, one of said sidewalls defining a first radius and adapted to face an inside portion of .Iadd.the .Iaddend.helical coil, the other one of said sidewalls defining a second radius less than said first radius and adapted to face an outer portion of the helical coil.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said elongate threaded shank includes a separate tool engaging means formed on each end thereof. .Iadd.4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said groove in at least one of said first and second shoes is formed of a helical configuration. .Iaddend. .Iadd.5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the other one of said first and second shoes is provided with a latchable locking means selectively movable over its associated groove for maintaining a portion of the helical coil within said groove. .Iaddend. .Iadd.6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said locking means includes a U-shaped member having a pair of legs selectively extendable over said groove. .Iaddend.
US07/380,838 1981-03-10 1989-07-14 Spring compressor with latchable locking device Expired - Fee Related USRE34097E (en)

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US24228381A 1981-03-10 1981-03-10
US07/380,838 USRE34097E (en) 1981-03-10 1989-07-14 Spring compressor with latchable locking device

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US06565137 Continuation-In-Part 1983-12-27
US06/646,622 Reissue US4679780A (en) 1981-03-10 1984-08-31 Spring compressor with latchable locking device

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Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5507470A (en) * 1994-12-21 1996-04-16 Amstutz; Peter Spring compressor
US6616126B1 (en) * 2002-08-06 2003-09-09 Spx Corporation Strut string compressor tool and method
US20040222578A1 (en) * 2001-04-26 2004-11-11 Lionel Bourgois Prestressed elastic device with cage and use thereof
FR2886566A1 (en) * 2005-06-03 2006-12-08 Patrick Lambert Safety cap for spring compressor, useful in mounting vehicle shock absorbers, comprises circular or helicoidal guiding section with spiral spring retaining pin
EP2045044A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-08 Allevard Rejna Autosuspensions Method of assembling a strut unit and strut unit assembled according to this method
US11472011B1 (en) * 2019-08-27 2022-10-18 Douglas Kent Vehicle suspension spring spreader

Citations (8)

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CH295177A (en) * 1951-04-21 1953-12-15 Bieri & Amez Droz Dispositivo di chiusura di sicurezza per braccialetti, collane e simili.
US3602538A (en) * 1970-06-10 1971-08-31 Gilbert Canter Padlock seal
GB1348906A (en) * 1971-10-20 1974-03-27 Girling Ltd Spring compression tools
US4034960A (en) * 1975-02-07 1977-07-12 Kloster Kenneth D Spring compressor tool
US4061308A (en) * 1976-12-30 1977-12-06 Ghent Roy B Spring manipulating device
US4219918A (en) * 1978-03-28 1980-09-02 Horst Klann Compression spring cramp

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US1198139A (en) * 1916-03-20 1916-09-12 Robert N Lyon Trip-hook.
US2385709A (en) * 1944-11-23 1945-09-25 John M Johnston Holding device
CH295177A (en) * 1951-04-21 1953-12-15 Bieri & Amez Droz Dispositivo di chiusura di sicurezza per braccialetti, collane e simili.
US3602538A (en) * 1970-06-10 1971-08-31 Gilbert Canter Padlock seal
GB1348906A (en) * 1971-10-20 1974-03-27 Girling Ltd Spring compression tools
US4034960A (en) * 1975-02-07 1977-07-12 Kloster Kenneth D Spring compressor tool
US4061308A (en) * 1976-12-30 1977-12-06 Ghent Roy B Spring manipulating device
US4219918A (en) * 1978-03-28 1980-09-02 Horst Klann Compression spring cramp

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5507470A (en) * 1994-12-21 1996-04-16 Amstutz; Peter Spring compressor
US20040222578A1 (en) * 2001-04-26 2004-11-11 Lionel Bourgois Prestressed elastic device with cage and use thereof
US6616126B1 (en) * 2002-08-06 2003-09-09 Spx Corporation Strut string compressor tool and method
FR2886566A1 (en) * 2005-06-03 2006-12-08 Patrick Lambert Safety cap for spring compressor, useful in mounting vehicle shock absorbers, comprises circular or helicoidal guiding section with spiral spring retaining pin
EP2045044A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-08 Allevard Rejna Autosuspensions Method of assembling a strut unit and strut unit assembled according to this method
FR2921864A1 (en) * 2007-10-05 2009-04-10 Allevard Rejna Autosuspensions METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING FORCE LEG AND FORCE LEG ASSEMBLED THEREBY
US11472011B1 (en) * 2019-08-27 2022-10-18 Douglas Kent Vehicle suspension spring spreader

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