Metal working – Method of mechanical manufacture – With testing or indicating
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-28
2003-01-21
Vidovich, Gregory M. (Department: 3726)
Metal working
Method of mechanical manufacture
With testing or indicating
C033S203180, C033S203190, C033S371000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06507988
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to an apparatus for use in aligning the wheels of an automobile or other vehicle, and, in particular, to a unique tool for quickly and easily setting camber to a position identical to that just prior to the repair. The invention also relates to a method for aligning automotive wheels.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
As is generally known, camber refers to the outward or inward tilt of an automobile wheel at the top, caster refers to the angle, in degrees, of the steering axis relative to a standard vertical axis, and toe represents the extent to which a leading edge of the wheel is biased inwardly (toe-in) or outwardly (toe-out) expressed in degrees, inches, or millimeters. Wheel alignment involves measuring these initial readings, comparing them to the specifications established by the vehicle's manufacturer, and then applying appropriate adjustment techniques until the actual readings correspond to the manufacturer's recommended specifications. In many vehicles it is necessary to remove the entire wheel assembly in order to perform the alignment. This is especially true with cars that require four-wheel alignment.
In a conventional alignment technique, the existing camber, caster and toe readings are determined by a conventional alignment machine. The vehicle is then raised on a jack or other lift. The wheel assembly, brake drum and/or rotor are then removed permitting access to remove the bolts that secure the spindle/hub assembly to the axles. Alignment implements, such as shims, are then inserted between the axle and spindle/hub assembly to correct camber and/or toe misalignment. The wheel assembly is then reinstalled, and measurements taken again. This procedure may be repeated several times until proper alignment is achieved.
In many vehicles, the original camber setting (prior to a repair or alignment procedure) matches manufacturer specifications. Unfortunately, loosening of a wheel strut and other vehicle repairs alters the camber setting. What is needed, then, is a simple tool that makes a relative (as opposed to quantitative) measurement of camber prior to a repair or alignment procedure, and can then be used to quickly and easily take a second relative measurement so that the camber can be reset to match the initial setting. It is not necessary that a tool of this type make actual measurements in degrees. Only relative “before” and “after” measurements are required. In other words, it is only necessary to set the camber after repair and/or alignment to equal the camber before alignment—without even knowing quantitatively what the camber setting is.
Many different methods and apparatus for wheel alignment are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,632 (Rimlinger, Jr.) discloses a wheel alignment method and apparatus that enables duplication of predetermined camber, caster and toe readings. The simple yet sophisticated tool of this invention makes actual camber measurements in fractions of degrees (measurements that are not always necessary). It also enables measurement of toe in inches. The patented device is arranged to be secured to all five lugs of a conventional wheel assembly.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,179,784 (Kowis) discloses a wheel alignment tool for adjusting caster, camber and toe, especially for large truck or bus wheels. The device includes a frame, a plurality of abutment members fastened to the frame and extending transversely outwardly therefrom, a bubble level fastened to the frame so as to provide an indication of the inclination of the frame relative to vertical, and an indicator device so as to provide a positive indication of the degree of inclination. The device is affixed to the wheel assembly by several wing nuts.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,283 (Spainhour et al.) discloses a relatively complex device for precisely measuring camber and caster quantitatively.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,548 (Bullock, Sr.) also discloses a device for quantitative measurement of camber and caster. This device includes an adaptor for mounting the caster-camber gauge to the wheel in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel. U.S. Pat. No. 2,831,265 (Weaver) also discloses a gauge-attaching clamp for automotive wheels.
Many other methods and devices for wheel alignment are known in the art. Most of these known devices, however, are designed for quantitative, rather than relative (before and after) measurement of camber, caster and/or toe. What is needed, then, is a simple device and procedure for measuring relative camber prior to and after a vehicle repair or alignment operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention broadly comprises a method and apparatus for use in aligning automotive wheels. The apparatus of the invention includes a body having a first end and a second end, and including an aperture at the first end arranged to receive a wheel assembly lug; an adjustable camber liquid level arranged longitudinally within the body; and, a horizontal liquid level arranged perpendicularly to the adjustable camber liquid level. The method of the invention includes the steps of measuring camber of an automotive wheel with the tool of the invention affixed to a single lug of the wheel assembly, where the tool comprises a liquid level having a horizontal liquid level and a camber liquid level, and the measuring consists of zeroing the horizontal liquid level and the camber liquid level prior to aligning the wheel assembly; removing the tool from the single lug; performing a repair or alignment of the automotive wheel assembly; re-affixing the tool to the single lug; and, adjusting the camber of the wheel assembly such that the horizontal liquid level and the camber liquid level are re-zeroed.
A general object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for aligning automotive wheel assemblies which does not require quantitative measurement of camber.
Another object of the invention is to provide an automotive wheel alignment tool that need only be secured to a single wheel lug during use.
A further object of the invention is to provide a simple means of measuring relative camber before and after an automotive repair or alignment procedure, such that the camber setting immediately after a repair or alignment is the same as the camber setting immediately prior to the repair or alignment.
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention can be determined from the following description of preferred embodiments according to the invention and the accompanying drawings and claims.
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Omgba Essama
Positive Marketing Inc.
Simpson & Simpson PLLC
Vidovich Gregory M.
LandOfFree
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