Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Multiroom or level – Multilevel
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-24
2001-02-20
Callo, Laura A. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Multiroom or level
Multilevel
C052S174000, C052S741200, C052S745010, C182S130000, C182S132000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189272
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates in general to motor vehicle repair and servicing systems, and in particular to a multi-level motor vehicle repair system that can be shipped as components and assembled on site without major building modification. The system includes integration of a parts storage and a parts delivery method to the work area so that parts storage is no longer a remote and separate function.
There is an increasing need for more efficient use of manpower and building area due to economic pressure to reduce operating costs of motor vehicle repair facilities. Economies gained by combining work operations at the vehicle repair lift and work bay have been documented by the development of other multi-level service applications which require building modification to accomplish a complete and proper installation. For example, some servicing systems require a full-depth pit, 6 or 7 feet in depth, within which the service worker stands to change oil, lubricate the automobile or perform other services at the underside of the vehicle. Others require half-depth pits which are used in conjunction with a ramp and lift system which elevate the vehicle an amount sufficient to allow work on the vehicle from in the pit.
As examples of previous vehicle servicing systems, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,054,580, 5,033,489, 4,724,875, 4,618,029, 4,284,173, 4,188,985, 3,942,297, 3,756,419, 3,599,382, 3,552,521, 2,898,641, 2,009,384, 1,722,818, 1,357,022, 835,059.
Other examples of automotive servicing systems, permitting a worker to service the vehicle from below and from other positions, include a metal framework designed to be positioned in a basement, below a vehicle-supporting floor, produced by Unilube Systems, Ltd. of Arlington, Tex.; and a half-pit vehicle lift servicing system marketed under the name Autop by Stammhaus Franz Hörnstein GmbH and Co. Kg of Heilbronn, Germany.
Prior vehicle servicing apparatus and systems have not provided a conveniently used three-level or four-level servicing facility which is on-site erected from individual transported components into a facility which is placed on a floor, not requiring a basement or pit, with the vehicle or vehicles supported on an upper level which is a part of the erected structure. The prior art also failed to provide for convenient location of parts and servicing equipment at a lowermost level at which a number of service personnel are located and can get convenient access to the parts and equipment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a multi-level motor vehicle service system for simultaneous repair processes by several technicians at a single location. The system is designed as a kit of parts with components that are pre-manufactured and then shipped to the site for assembly, erection, and installation. Objects of the invention are accomplished by assembling the various component parts on site into a freestanding, self-supporting, and fully functioning unit having four major levels where work processes are performed. The vehicle to be repaired is delivered to the individual work station by an operator driving the vehicle, workers manually pushing a disabled vehicle, manually operated power assist in contact with the vehicle, an unmanned remote controlled power transfer system, or any combination thereof.
Metal structural elements provide a framework that may be connected together at the site without welds and with bolted or other methods of connection that provide major structural integrity of the system. Other system components are attached to the structure such as stairs for moving between levels, floors for work platforms, movable work steps, areas for tool trays, special tool storage, computer terminals, technicians' lockers, technicians' tool storage, testing equipment, waste fluid collection equipment and fluid replacement equipment, lighting, electrical service, compressed air and other utilities.
In one preferred embodiment the system allows for two or more complete assemblies to be joined horizontally and stacked vertically utilizing previously underutilized building volume by providing additional work levels without major building modification.
The preferred system has four levels which can be identified from top to bottom as first to fourth level or level A to level D. The top level (first level or level A) is the level on which the vehicle sits and provides for the following tasks to be performed: Change engine oil and filter. Replace fuel filter. Service cooling system. Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires. Inspect air cleaner and intake system. Replace air filter and crankcase ventilation filters. Check throttle body mounting bolt torque and linkage. Inspect engine accessory drive belt. Inspect exhaust gas re-circulation system. Check engine timing and distributor. Inspect brake system and brake fluid level. Check windshield washer fluid level. Check hydraulic clutch fluid level. Check power steering fluid level. Check transmission fluid level. Inspect electronic vacuum regular valve. Inspect evaporative control system. Inspect shields and under hood insulation. Inspect thermostatically controlled engine cooling fan. Inspect CDRV system. Inspect exhaust pressure regulator valve. Inspect windshield wiper blades. Inspect instruments. Inspect alarms. Inspect window controls. Inspect air conditioning and heating. Inspect automatic mirrors. Inspect sun roof mechanism. Inspect seat belts and airbags. Inspect all exterior and interior lights.
From the B level (second or upper intermediate level), the following may be done: Check tire inflation and rotate wheels. Inspect brakes. Inspect fuel tank, cap, and lines. Check door looks, lubricate key lock cylinders. Lubricate body/suspension. Check starter switch. Check brake transmission shift interlock. Check steering column lock. Check parking brake and automatic transmission park mechanism. Inspect steering, suspension, and front drive axle boots and seals. Repack front wheel bearings.
From the C or third level (lower intermediate level), a worker can: Change engine oil and filter. Lubricate chassis. Lubricate body. Service cooling system. Service transmission or transaxle. Perform service on rear axle. Inspect fuel tank, cap, and lines. Inspect hydraulic clutch system. Lubricate clutch fork ball stud. Inspect steering, suspension, and front wheel driver axle boots and seals. Inspect exhaust system. Inspect shields. Inspect brake system. Check for oil leaks.
At the fourth level, which is the bottom or D level, a floor on which the apparatus rests, the facility provides for: Fast moving parts storage. Engine component repair. Engine component assembly. Transmission repair. Transmission component assembly. Suspension repair. Wheel bearing repair. Brake lathe. Parts cleaning. Core refinishing. Electrical component diagnostics and repair.
Repair technicians move between levels via a series of stairs. Stairs and rails are component parts of the apparatus and system. The stairs are attached to structural members and can act as bracing members.
The vehicle can be elevated so that its tires are several inches above level A by vehicle jacks that are integral to level A. When the vehicle is raised, the technician on level B performs repairs that require the wheel assemblies to spin free or be removed while all the other areas of the vehicle remain accessible for other tasks.
An opening in the floor system of level A directly below the vehicle allows a technician operating on level C access to the vehicle undercarriage without moving the vehicle or raising it above level A. Fold out or sliding steps and platforms from the sides of level A allow the technician to access the vehicle interior and engine compartment from level B when needed. Replacement fluids for maintenance and repair are dispensed from either side and near the engine compartment. At level A, and accessed from level C, is a fluid collection tray that moves on rollers or pivots the length of the opening in level A.
On level A, in front of the vehicle, th
Deiss H. Dieter
Nelson Kenneth W.
Callo Laura A.
Deiss H. Dieter
Frieburger Thomas M.
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