Work holders – With ground traversing means
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-02
2001-01-16
Watson, Robert C. (Department: 3723)
Work holders
With ground traversing means
C269S069000, C269S071000, C269S051000, C269S076000, C269S296000, C269S285000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06173947
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an apparatus for use in the automotive industry. In particular, the present invention is an automotive bumper stand for securely retaining and positioning an automobile bumper for painting and repair.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Past automobile bumpers were predominantly made of steel. The automobile industry has changed over from steel bumpers to predominantly plastic bumpers.
Known racks or stands do not lend themselves for painting and repair of plastic bumpers. Known racks, stands or supporting devices include those shown in the following U.S. Patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,030 to Young (Painting Rack for Vehicle Parts); U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,491 to Radlof (Storable Work Stand); U.S. Pat. No. 4,180,252 to Cushenbery (Vehicle Door and Bumper Lift); U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,565 to Wells (Bumper Hoisting Fixture); U.S. Pat. No. 2,799,920 to Hansen (Automobile Door Tool); U.S. Pat. No. 2,793,425 to Koban (Welding Jig); U.S. Pat. No. 2,459,080 to Killius (Mechanic's Work Holding Table Furnished With Adjustable Work-Supporting Arms); and U.S. Pat. No. 783,031 to Fell (Pipe Supporting Device).
Plastic bumpers (or bumper shrouds) are very floppy and difficult to repair. With known stands, such as the rack shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,030 to Young, the plastic bumpers simply lay on the stands or hang from the stands with nothing to securely support the bumper, including the bumper ends. When a technician needs to repair or sand the bumper shroud, the bumper shroud must be held securely with one hand while sanding with the other. Since machine sanding is the best way to sand these covers and two hands are required to operate the sander, additional help is needed to securely retain the bumper during the sanding process.
Known stands do not support the bumpers in the most desirable position for repair and painting. When held in an undesirable position, it is very difficult to get even and proper paint coverage during painting of the bumper.
Further, known stands do not work well with paint baking processes. During baking, as the bumpers are heated in excess of 180° F., the plastic bumpers begin to soften. Since the known stands do not provide support along the entire bumper, as the bumpers are heated, they begin to distort and lose their original shape, giving the bumpers a wavy look. If the bumpers distort too much, they may no longer fit on the automobile and must be replaced.
It is desirable to have a bumper stand which securely retains the entire bumper for painting and repair of the bumper. Further, it is desirable to have a bumper stand which allows the bumper to be adjustably positioned for optimum repair and painting of the bumper. Additionally, it is desirable to have a bumper stand which fully supports the automobile bumper during a paint baking process, such that it will retain its original shape.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is for use in automobile bumper repair. In particular, the present invention includes an apparatus for retaining an automobile bumper/bumper shroud during painting and repair of the bumper.
In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a base support structure. A frame is coupled to the base support structure. Means are provided for securing the bumper to the frame.
The apparatus may further include means for adjusting the frame relative to the base support structure. The means for adjusting the frame may adjust the frame between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. The means for adjusting the frame relative to the base may include means for locking the frame in a desired position.
The means for securing the bumper to the frame may be adjustable. The means for securing the bumper to the frame may include an adjustable arm having a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to an end of the bumper.
In another embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for securing an automobile bumper during painting and/or repair. The apparatus may include a base support structure. A frame for supporting the bumper is coupled to the base support structure. Means are provided for rotating the frame relative to the base support structure.
The frame for supporting the bumper may include a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the rear portion is generally flat and the front portion is curved. The base support structure may include a lower end and an upper end, wherein the frame is rotatably coupled to the base support structure proximate the upper end. The means for rotating the frame relative to the base support structure may rotate the frame between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position.
The means for rotating the frame relative to the base support structure may include means for locking the frame in a desired position relative to the base support structure. In one embodiment, the means for rotating the frame relative to the base support structure further includes means for rotatably coupling the frame to the base support structure. Means are provided for releasably locking the frame in a desired position relative to the base support structure.
The means for releasably locking the frame in a desired position relative to the base support structure may further include a spring loaded detent assembly. A detent release lever is coupled to the spring loaded detent assembly.
In another embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus for securing an automobile bumper shroud during painting and/or repair. The apparatus includes a base support structure. A frame for supporting the bumper shroud is coupled to the base support structure. Means are provided for adjustably coupling the bumper shroud to the frame.
The means for adjustably coupling may include an adjustable crossbar movably coupled to the frame. The crossbar may include a first end and a second end, wherein a first adjustable extension member extends from the first end and a second adjustable extension member extends from the second end.
The apparatus may further include a first coupling arm extending from the first adjustable extension member and a second coupling arm extending from the second adjustable extension member. The first coupling arm and the second coupling arm may be generally rigid, flexible members.
The means for adjustably coupling may include an adjustable coupling arm having a first end coupled to the frame and a second end removably coupled to the bumper shroud. The coupling arm may be a generally rigid, flexible member. The frame includes a first end and second end, and may further include a bumper pad coupled to the first end.
The apparatus in accordance with the present invention securely retains the entire bumper for painting and repair of the bumper. The apparatus in accordance with the present invention allows the bumper to be adjustably positioned for optimum repair and painting of the bumper. Additionally, the apparatus in accordance with the present invention fully supports the bumper during a paint baking process, such that it will retain it's original shape.
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pate
Dicke, Billig & Czaja P.A.
Innovative Tools & Technologies, Inc.
Watson Robert C.
LandOfFree
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