WO2007027802A2

WO2007027802A2 - Supporting an automotive engine and/or transmission during repair

Info

Publication number: WO2007027802A2
Application number: PCT/US2006/033904
Authority: WO
Inventors: John R. Benjamin
Original assignee: Benjamin John R
Priority date: 2005-08-31
Filing date: 2006-08-30
Publication date: 2007-03-08
Also published as: WO2007027802A3

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for supporting an engine and/or transmission in an engine compartment of a vehicle, during repair, with a support apparatus having a longitudinal beam pivotably attached to a transverse beam. The engine and/or transmission is suspended from the support apparatus with at least one suspension element, slidingly attached to one of the transverse or longitudinal beams and held in place, while supporting the engine and/or transmission, solely by the weight of the engine and/or transmission without otherwise rigidly attaching the suspension element to the beam. The support apparatus is self-storing, with the components of the support apparatus being connectable to one another for storage as an integrated unit. The self-storing support apparatus includes components configured for attachment and retention to one another, without the use of additional fasteners or retention devices.

Description

SUPPORTING AN AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE AND/OR TRANSMISSION DURING REPAIR

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to supporting a vehicle engine and/or transmission in an engine compartment of the vehicle during service and/or repair.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the manufacture of vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, and the like, the engine and transmission are typically bolted together external from the vehicle and installed as a unitary subassembly into the vehicle. When it becomes necessary to remove either the engine or transmission for repair, a great deal of extra effort is required to remove the engine and transmission as a unit from the vehicle. For example, when it is necessary to repair only the transmission, it is highly desirable to remove only the transmission, and leave the engine in place within the vehicle, so that numerous wires, hoses, air ducts, mechanical linkages, etc., connecting the engine to the vehicle can be left in place. In this manner the time and labor required for replacement or repair of the transmission can be greatly reduced. [0003] In the past, a number of approaches have been utilized for supporting an engine in the vehicle engine compartment, while the transmission is removed, or vice versa. Generally these approaches involve the use of a vehicle supported lifting bridge, frame, or hangar assembled from an assortment of individual components which are supplied in the form of a kit.

[0004] Such prior supporting or lifting apparatuses typically include at least a transverse beam, which extends crossways over the engine compartment, and one or more suspension and/or lifting elements which are operatively connected between the vehicle engine or transmission and the transverse beam, for suspending the engine or transmission from the transverse beam. The ends of the transverse beam are typically supported on portions of the vehicle structure adjacent to and on opposite sides of the engine compartment, such as the inner fenders or shock towers of the vehicle.

[0005] Some prior support/lifting apparatuses also include one or more longitudinal support beams which are supported at their aft end by the transverse beam, and at their forward end on a portion of the vehicle structure adjacent the front of the engine compartment, such as a radiator support or cowling. In prior support/lifting apparatuses, the suspension/lifting elements are sometimes attached to the longitudinal beam(s) rather than, or in addition to, the transverse beam.

[0006] Several prior support/lifting apparatuses are disclosed in United States Patents: 6,666,442, to Ploeger et al; 6,435,360, to Buchmeier; 5,782,459, to Klann; and 5,456,371 to Klann.

[0007] Experience has shown that prior support/lifting apparatuses suffer from a number of drawbacks, however. Prior lifting apparatuses have typically been constructed as assemblies of component parts that are rigidly bolted to one another, so that the apparatus will provide a rigidly connected structure over the engine compartment. Typically, the components also are constructed and rigidly connected in such a manner that the transverse and any longitudinal beams can be leveled over the engine compartment. The suspension/lifting elements of some prior support/lifting apparatuses also include screw threads and threaded adjustment knobs or levers which can be turned to lift the engine or transmission free of the vehicle. These features of prior support/lifting apparatuses, which were heretofore considered necessary, make such prior devices complex to manufacture and use, thereby driving up manufacturing cost undesirably increasing the time required to install and use them for their intended purpose.

[0008] In addition, in order to allow use of prior apparatuses on a wide range of vehicles, it has been necessary that prior apparatuses be supplied in the form of a kit, having a series of parts which can be alternatively selected for assembly in such a manner that the resulting version of the support/lifting apparatus will fit a particular vehicle. Considerable time can be wasted, during assembly of the apparatus, through trial and error, in trying to put together a grouping of parts that will fit a particular vehicle. Even where charts, part lists, or diagrams of the components required for a particular vehicle are provided, considerable time may be wasted in gathering together and assembling the parts, assuming that the required parts have not been misplaced, considering that individual parts are prone to becoming lost, even where a storage box or rack is provided with the kit.

[0009] In a commercial transmission repair shop, for example, the time required for setting up and properly adjusting prior support/lifting apparatuses is typically on the order of 15 minutes, or more, with the time required for removal, disassembly and re-stowage of the components of the apparatus being substantially the same, once the job is completed. This undesirably adds approximately half an hour, or more, of non-productive time to the process of removing and replacing a transmission in the vehicle. [0010] It is desirable, therefore, to provide an improved method and apparatus for supporting an engine and/or a transmission in the vehicle engine compartment during repair and replacement of the transmission and/or engine.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The invention provides an improved apparatus and method for supporting an engine and/or transmission in an engine compartment of a vehicle, during repair, by supporting the engine and/or transmission in the engine compartment with a support apparatus having a longitudinal beam pivotally attached to a transverse beam. A method or apparatus, according to the invention, may further include suspending the engine and/or transmission with at least one suspension element that is slidingly attached to one of the transverse or longitudinal beams and held in place thereon while supporting the engine and/or transmission solely by the weight of the engine and/or transmission, without otherwise rigidly attaching the suspension element to the beam.

[0012] In conceiving of, and reducing the invention to practice, the inventor of the present invention recognized that, through practice of the invention, the need for assembling many components into a rigid, leveled, support apparatus of the type used in prior approaches, could be dispensed with, to thereby provide a support apparatus which is elegantly simple to manufacture and use. Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the invention provides significant improvement over prior support apparatuses, through use of novel features of the invention, including pivotable attachment of a longitudinal beam to the transverse beam, of a support apparatus according to the invention, and utilizing the weight of the engine and/or transmission, rather than mechanical fasteners, for holding suspension elements of the support apparatus in place.

[0013] In one form of the invention, a support apparatus includes a transverse beam, and a longitudinal beam for supporting an engine and/or transmission within an engine compartment of a vehicle, where the engine compartment defines opposite transversely spaced sides thereof and a longitudinal end thereof. The transverse beam defines an axis thereof, and first and second ends thereof adapted to be respectively operatively supported on the vehicle adjacent the opposite transversely spaced sides of the engine compartment, to thereby support the transverse beam above the engine compartment. The longitudinal beam is pivotably attached to the transverse beam. [0014] The longitudinal beam may include first and second ends thereof, with the first end being adapted for pivotable attachment to the transverse beam, in a manner allowing the longitudinal beam to pivot about the axis of the transverse beam, with the transverse beam supporting the first end of the longitudinal beam. The second end of the longitudinal beam may be adapted to be operatively supported on the vehicle adjacent the longitudinal end of the engine compartment, to thereby support the second end of the longitudinal beam. The first end of the longitudinal beam may include a substantially C-shaped portion thereof, having an inner surface thereof adapted for resting upon the transverse beam, to thereby form the pivotable attachment to the transverse beam when the inner surface of the C-shaped portion is resting upon the transverse beam.

[0015] In a support apparatus, according to the invention, the transverse beam may include first and second telescoping sections thereof which engage one another in a sliding fit. The first and second telescoping sections may have circular cross sections, to thereby allow the first and second telescoping sections of the transverse beam to rotate relative to one another about the axis of the transverse beam, to facilitate solid support of the transverse beam on the vehicle without resorting to complex adjustment components or devices of the type required in prior support/lifting apparatuses for accommodating angular misalignments between the vehicle structure on opposite sides of the engine compartment. [0016] According to another aspect of the invention, the second end of the longitudinal beam may be operatively supported by a longitudinal beam support configured for slidingly receiving the second end of the longitudinal beam.

[0017] A support apparatus, according to the invention, may further include at least one suspension element slidingly disposed about the longitudinal beam, with the suspension element having a close tolerance sliding fit to the longitudinal beam.

[0018] .Some forms of the invention include one or more adjustable suspension elements for attaching an engine and/or a transmission to either the longitudinal or transverse beam, to be supported thereby, without having the suspension element rigidly attached to its respective one or the other of the transverse and longitudinal beams. The suspension element may be adapted for sliding movement along its respective transverse or longitudinal beam, to position the suspension element prior to supporting the engine and/or transmission thereupon, and for holding a desired position of the suspension unit while supporting the engine and/or transmission. [0019] The invention may also be practiced in the form of a method for supporting an engine and/or transmission in an engine compartment of a vehicle, during repair. A method, according to the invention, may include supporting the engine and/or transmission in the engine compartment with a support apparatus having a longitudinal beam pivotably attached to a transverse beam. A method, according to the invention, may further include suspending the engine and/or transmission from the support apparatus with at least one suspension element slidingly attached to one of the transverse or longitudinal beams, and held in place while supporting the engine and/or transmission solely by the weight of the engine and/or transmission without otherwise rigidly attaching the suspension element to the beam. [0020] The invention may also include providing a support apparatus, in accordance with the invention, which is self-storing, with the majority of the components of the support apparatus being connectable to one another for storage as an integrated unit. Such a self- storing support apparatus, according to the invention, may include components configured for attachment and retention to one another, without the use of additional fasteners or retainers. [0021] The invention may also take the form of a method for constructing a support apparatus, in accordance with the invention.

[0022] Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings, and attachments, incorporated into and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention, hi the drawings: [0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a support apparatus, according to the invention, supporting an engine in the engine compartment of a vehicle;

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective illustration of the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus of FIG. 1, illustrated in a deployed position, but removed from the vehicle; [0026] FIG. 3 is a perspective illustration of the manner in which the components of the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus of FIGS. 1 and 2 maybe connected together in a self-stowing position of the exemplary embodiment of this support apparatus; [0027] FIG. 4 is an orthographic illustration of a transverse beam of the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3, illustrating construction details of the transverse beam; and

[0028] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional illustration of a suspension element, of the exemplary embodiment, attached to a longitudinal beam of the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus shown in FIGS. 1-3.

[0029] While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a support apparatus 10 for supporting an engine 12 within an engine compartment 14 of a vehicle 16. The engine compartment 14 defines opposite transversely spaced sides 18, 20 thereof, and a longitudinal end 22 thereof. [0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus 10 includes: a transverse beam 24; a longitudinal beam 26; two suspension elements 28, 30; and a longitudinal beam support 32.

[0032] The transverse beam 24, of the exemplary support apparatus 10, defines an axis 34 of the transverse beam 24, and first and second ends 36, 38 of the transverse beam 24, which are adapted to the respectively operatively supported on the vehicle 16 adjacent the opposite transversely spaced sides 18, 20 of the engine compartment 14, to thereby support the transverse beam 24 above the engine compartment 14.

[0033] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the transverse beam 24, of the exemplary embodiment, includes first and second telescoping sections 40, 42 thereof, which engage one another in a sliding fit, so that the overall width of the transverse beam 24 can be adjusted to fit various makes and models of vehicles 16. Portions of the first and second telescoping sections 40, 42 have complimentary circular cross-sections, so that the first and second telescoping sections 40, 42 may be rotated about the axis 34 of the transverse beam 24, with respect to one another, to thereby facilitate orienting the first and second ends 36, 38 of the transverse beam 24 on the vehicle 16, on the opposite sides 18, 20 of the engine compartment 14, in order to achieve solid resting of the transverse beam 24 on the vehicle 16. [0034] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first and second ends 36, 38 of the transverse beam 24 include integrally attached, substantially A-shaped support plates 44, 46 having lower edges thereof configured for resting upon the vehicle 16 adjacent the first and second sides 18, 20 of the engine compartment 14. As shown in FIG. 4, the A-shaped support plates 44, 46 are attached to the first and second telescoping sections 40, 42 of the transverse beam 24 at an angle, with the lower ends of the support plates 44, 46 spaced farther apart then the upper end of the support plates 44, 46, to thereby provide improved stability of the telescoping transverse beam 24 on the vehicle 16, without resorting to additional clamps, fasteners, etc., of the type that were used in prior support/lifting apparatuses. [0035] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the longitudinal beam 26 includes first and second ends 48, 50 thereof, with the first end 48 of the longitudinal beam 26 being adapted for pivotable attachment to the transverse beam 24 in a manner allowing the longitudinal beam 26 to pivot about the axis 34 of the transverse beam 24, while the transverse beam 24 is supporting the first end 48 of the longitudinal beam 26. The second end 50 of the longitudinal beam 26 is adapted to be operatively supported on the vehicle 16 adjacent the longitudinal end 22 of the engine compartment 14, by the longitudinal beam support 32.

[0036] Specifically, the first end 48 of the longitudinal beam 26, of the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus 10, includes a substantially C-shaped portion 52 thereof having an inner surface 54 thereof adapted for resting upon the transverse beam 24, to thereby form a pivotable attachment 56 with the transverse beam 24, when the inter-surface 54 of the C-shaped portion 52 is resting upon the transverse beam 24. hi the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus 10, the C-shaped portion 52 of the longitudinal beam 26 is a segment of a circular cylinder, and the outer periphery of the transverse beam 24 is likewise a cylindrical shape, hi other embodiments of the invention, however, the C-shaped portion 52 and outer periphery of the transverse beam 24 may have other shapes, so long as the required function of providing a pivotable joint 56 is achieved. [0037] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the second end 50 of the longitudinal beam 26 is also cylindrically shaped, to slidably be received within a tubular portion 58 of the longitudinal beam support 32. By virtue of this arrangement, the longitudinal beam support 32 may be slidably moved along the longitudinal beam 26 to facilitate installation of the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus 10 on different makes and models of vehicles 16. [0038] Having the second end 50 of the longitudinal beam 26 and the tubular portion 58 of the longitudinal beam support 32 configured as cylindrical surfaces, also allows the longitudinal beam support 32 to be pivoted about the longitudinal beam 26 for achieving a solid support of the longitudinal beam support 32 on the vehicle 16. The tubular portion 58 of the longitudinal beam support 32, of the exemplary embodiment, is elongated to preclude tipping of the longitudinal beam support 32 with respect to the longitudinal beam 26, when slidingly connected thereto.

[0039] It will be noted, however, that although both the tubular portion 58 of the longitudinal beam support 32, and the first end 50 of the longitudinal beam 26 have been configured to have substantially circular mating surfaces in the exemplary embodiment, in other embodiments of the invention, other shapes maybe utilized for achieving some or all of the adjustability and stability provided by the components of the exemplary embodiment. [0040] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the suspension elements 28, 30 of the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus 10 are adapted for sliding movement along the longitudinal beam 26, to thereby facilitate positioning the suspension elements 28, 30 prior to having the weight of the engine 12 applied to the support apparatus 10. The suspension elements 28, 30 of the exemplary embodiment are identical, but this need not be the case in other embodiments of the invention. It is also noted that in the exemplary embodiment of the invention, suspension elements 28, 30 are only attached to the longitudinal beam 26, but it will be understood that in alternate embodiments of the invention, or in alternate set-ups utilizing the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus 10, one or more of the suspension elements 28, 30 may alternatively be attached to the transverse beam 24. Alternate embodiments of the invention may also include fewer or more suspension elements then are utilized in the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus 10. [0041] As shown in FIG. 5, each of the suspension elements 28, 30 of the exemplary embodiment includes an elongated tubular collar 60, and a length of chain 62 affixed to the elongated tubular collar 60 in an appropriate manner, such as by welding one end of the chain 62 to the collar 60 as illustrated in FIG. 5. In the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus 10, the longitudinal beam 26 defines an outer periphery 64 thereof and the elongated tubular collar 60 defines an inner periphery 66 thereof which together provide a close-tolerance, sliding fit between the inner periphery 66 of the elongated tubular collar 60 and the outer periphery 64 of the longitudinal beam 26. It is anticipated that an appropriate close-tolerance fit between the elongated tubular collar 60 and the longitudinal beam 26 of the exemplary embodiment would result in a total diametral clearance between the outer periphery 64 of the longitudinal beam 26 and the inner periphery 66 of the elongated tubular collar 60 in the range of .010 to .015 inches. By virtue of the close-tolerance fit between the elongated tubular collar 60 and the longitudinal beam 26, together with the tubular collar 60 being elongated, it has been shown that the elongated tubular collar 60 will remain positioned at a desired point along the longitudinal beam 26 solely as a result of the weight of the engine 12 being applied thereto, without the need for resorting to additional clamps or fasteners of the type that were required in prior support apparatuses.

[0042] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the opposite ends of the chain 62 of the suspension elements 30, 32 include a removable clevis 38, which may be moved up or down on the chain 62 to adjust the length of the suspension elements 28, 30 and provide a secure attachment to lifting lugs on the engine 12, as illustrated in FIG. 1. It is understood, however, that the clevis 68 may be replaced with other appropriate fasteners for making attachments to an engine and/or transmission to be supported by a support apparatus, according to the invention. In some applications of the invention, for example, it maybe advantageous to remove the clevis 68 from one or both of the suspension elements 28, 30 and attach one of the links of the chain 62 to the engine and/or transmission bypassing a bolt through an appropriate one of the chain links 62, and securing the bolt in a threaded bolt hole on the engine and/or transmission. [0043] From the foregoing description, those having skill in the art will recognize that the invention provides a method and apparatus for supporting an engine and/or transmission within the engine compartment of a vehicle, during service, which is substantially simpler, more efficient, and more effective than previously known methods and apparatuses for providing such support for an engine and/or transmission. Specifically, it will be appreciated that the invention provides a method and/or apparatus for supporting an engine and/or transmission in the engine compartment of a vehicle, during servicing, in a manner that is readily adaptable to many makes and models of vehicles, without resorting to the necessity for rigidly attaching together and leveling a group of components specifically selected from a kit of parts which can be bolted together to provide a support apparatus fitting a particular make and model of vehicle.

[0044] It will be especially appreciated, that utilization of the pivotable joint 56 for connecting the longitudinal beam 26 to the transverse beam 24, in a support apparatus according to the invention, eliminates the need for carefully aligning and attaching together the transverse beam and longitudinal beam in a manner that results in the longitudinal beam being held level to the floor of the workshop, as was thought to be necessary in the use of prior support/lifting apparatuses. Furthermore, the close-tolerance fit between the elongated tubular collar 60 of the suspension elements 28, 30 and the longitudinal beam 26 have been shown to provide a highly stable and rigid support of the engine and/or transmission during use of a support apparatus, according to the invention, without the use of fasteners or clamps for fixedly attaching the suspension elements 28, 30 at a particular location along the longitudinal beam 26. This is true, even where the shape of the front end of a given vehicle is such that the longitudinal beam 26 slopes downward or upward with respect to the floor of the shop and which the repair is being affected.

[0045] It has also been shown that the support apparatus and method, according to the invention, can be utilized for supporting an engine and/or transmission in the engine compartment, during servicing, of both front-wheel and rear- wheel drive vehicles. It will be further appreciated, by those having skill in the art, that although the invention has been illustrated herein with regard to supporting an engine in an engine compartment located at the front-end of a vehicle, the apparatus and method of the invention may be utilized in vehicles having engines mounted in the rear, amid-ship, or in other locations within the vehicle. It will be yet further appreciated that the invention may be utilized to support an engine and/or transmission in non-wheeled vehicles, such as boats, or track-type vehicles, or in non- vehicular applications. An apparatus and method, according to the invention, may also be used for supporting items other than an engine and/or transmission. [0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus 10 is self-storing, with all of the components of the support apparatus 10 being connectable to one another for storage as an integrated unit, hi the exemplary embodiment of the self-storing support apparatus 10, the components are configured for attachment and retention to one another without the use of additional fasteners or retention devices. As a result of the elegantly simple construction, and self-storing aspects, as demonstrated by the exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a method and apparatus for supporting an engine and/or transmission in the engine compartment of a vehicle in a manner that is far simpler to install, use, and re-stow than prior support apparatuses and methods.

[0047] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the A-shaped support plate 46 at the second end 38 of the transverse beam 24 includes a storage stub 70 configured to fit within a recess in the second end 50 of the longitudinal beam 26. The A-shaped support plate 44 on the first end 36 of the transverse beam 24 includes a slot 72 configured for receiving and retaining therein the C-shaped portion 52 at the first end 48 of the longitudinal beam 26. In the exemplary embodiment, the longitudinal beam 26 is formed primarily from a right-circular-cylindrical- shaped pipe with the inner surface of the pipe defining the recess for receiving the storage stub 70. When it is desired to store the exemplary embodiment of the support apparatus 10, the first end of the longitudinal beam 26 is positioned over the storage stub 70, and the C- shaped portion at the first end 48 of the longitudinal beam 26 is guided into the slot 72 in the A-shaped support plate at the first end of the transverse beam 24, as the first telescoping section 40 of the transverse beam 24 is guided toward the second telescoping section 42 of the transverse beam 24.

[0048] The longitudinal beam support 32 of the exemplary embodiment is configured to include a pair of hooks 74, 76 by which the longitudinal beam support 32 may be hung upside down on the transverse beam 24 for stowage. The hooks 74, 76 on the longitudinal beam support may be formed in different ways on various embodiments of the invention. For example, in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3, the hooks 74, 76 are formed integrally with the lower end of the longitudinal beam support 32, whereas in another embodiment, the hooks are formed as separate parts and then welded onto the remainder of the longitudinal beam support 32.

[0049] In the exemplary embodiment, the distance between the hooks 74, 76 and the tubular portion 58 of the longitudinal beam support 32 is also selected such that when the longitudinal beam 32 is hanging from the transverse beam 24, for stowage, the tubular portion 58 of the longitudinal beam support 32 extends below the longitudinal beam 26, to thereby lock the longitudinal beam support 32 onto the stowed support apparatus 10. If desired, the chain 62 extending from the suspension elements 28, 30 of the exemplary embodiment may be wrapped around the transverse and longitudinal beams 24, 26 when the support apparatus 10 is in the stowed position.

[0050] All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

[0051] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0052] Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventor for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for supporting an engine and/or transmission within an engine compartment of a vehicle, the engine compartment defining opposite transversely spaced sides thereof and a longitudinal end thereof, the apparatus comprising: a transverse beam, defining an axis thereof, and first and second ends thereof adapted to be respectively operatively supported on the vehicle adjacent the opposite transversely spaced sides of the engine compartment, to thereby support the transverse beam above the engine compartment; and a longitudinal beam pivotably attached to the transverse beam for pivotable movement of the longitudinal beam about the transverse beam.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the longitudinal beam includes first and second ends thereof; the first end of the longitudinal beam being adapted for pivotable attachment to the transverse beam in a manner allowing the longitudinal beam to pivot about the axis of the transverse beam with the transverse beam supporting the first end of the longitudinal beam; and the second end thereof adapted to be operatively supported on the vehicle adjacent the longitudinal end of the engine compartment, to thereby support the second end of the longitudinal beam.

3. The support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first end of the longitudinal beam includes a substantially C-shaped portion thereof having an inner surface thereof adapted for resting upon the transverse beam, to thereby form the pivotable attachment to the transverse beam when the inner surface of the C-shaped portion is resting upon the transverse beam.

4. The support apparatus of claim 2, further including at least one suspension element slidingly disposed about the longitudinal beam, the suspension element having a close tolerance sliding fit to the longitudinal beam.

5. The support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the transverse beam includes first and second telescoping sections thereof which engage one another in a sliding fit.

6. The support apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first and second telescoping sections have circular cross-sections.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further including at least one suspension element for attaching an engine and/or a transmission to a respective one of either the longitudinal or transverse beams to be supported thereby, without having the suspension element rigidly attached to its respective one of the transverse or longitudinal beams.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the suspension element is adapted for sliding movement along its respective one of the transverse or longitudinal beams, to position the suspension element prior to supporting the engine and/or transmission thereupon, and for holding a desired position of the suspension element while supporting the engine and/or transmission.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the longitudinal beam defines an outer periphery thereof, and the suspension element includes a tubular section thereof having an inner periphery thereof configured to provide a close-to leranced, sliding fit on the outer periphery of the longitudinal beam.

10. The support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first end of the longitudinal beam includes a substantially C-shaped portion thereof having an inner surface thereof adapted for resting upon the transverse beam, to thereby form the pivotable attachment to the transverse beam when the inner surface of the C-shaped portion is resting upon the transverse beam.

11. The support apparatus of claim 10, further including at least one suspension element slidingly disposed about the longitudinal beam, the suspension element having a close tolerance fit to the longitudinal beam.

12. The support apparatus of claim 10, wherein the transverse beam includes first and second telescoping sections thereof which engage one another in a sliding fit.

13. The support apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first and second telescoping sections have circular cross-sections.

14. A method for supporting an engine and/or transmission in an engine compartment of a vehicle, during repair, the method comprising, supporting the engine and/or transmission in the engine compartment with a support apparatus having a longitudinal beam pivotably attached to a transverse beam in a manner allowing the longitudinal beam to pivot about the transverse beam.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising, suspending the engine and/or transmission from the support apparatus with at least one suspension element slidingly attached to one of the transverse or longitudinal beams and held in place while supporting the engine and/or transmission solely by the weight of the engine and/or transmission without otherwise rigidly attaching the suspension element to the beam.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the longitudinal and transverse beams are cooperatively configured for operative attachment to one another without the use of fasteners or retainers.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the longitudinal and transverse beams are retained in operative attachment to one another solely by gravitational force.

18. An apparatus for supporting an engine and/or transmission within an engine compartment of a vehicle, the engine compartment defining opposite transversely spaced sides thereof and a longitudinal end thereof, the apparatus comprising: two or more component parts cooperatively configured for operative attachment to one another without the use of fasteners or retainers.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the component parts are retained in operative attachment to one another solely by gravitational force.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the component parts comprise: a transverse beam, a longitudinal beam, a longitudinal beam support, and one or more suspension elements; the transverse beam, defining an axis thereof, and first and second ends thereof adapted to be respectively operatively supported on the vehicle adjacent the opposite transversely spaced sides of the engine compartment, to thereby support the transverse beam above the engine compartment; the transverse beam having first and second telescoping sections thereof which engage one another in a sliding fit, with the first and second telescoping sections have circular cross-sections; the longitudinal beam having first and second ends thereof; the first end of the longitudinal beam being adapted for pivotable attachment to the transverse beam in a manner allowing the longitudinal beam to pivot about the axis of the transverse beam with the transverse beam supporting the first end of the longitudinal beam; the first end of the longitudinal beam further including a substantially (T-shaped portion thereof having an inner surface thereof adapted for resting upon the transverse beam, to thereby form the pivotable attachment to the transverse beam when the inner surface of the C-shaped portion is resting upon the transverse beam; the second end of the longitudinal beam being adapted to be operatively supported by the longitudinal beam support on the vehicle adjacent the longitudinal end of the engine compartment; the second end of the longitudinal beam being adapted for sliding rotatable insertion into and retention within a tubular portion of the longitudinal beam support; the at least one suspension element being adapted to be slidingly disposed about the longitudinal beam, with the suspension element having a close tolerance fit to the longitudinal beam.

21 The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the components of the support apparatus are configured for self-storing attachment and retention to one another, without the use of additional fasteners or retainers.