Miscellaneous hardware (e.g. – bushing – carpet fastener – caster – Closure checks
Reexamination Certificate
1998-10-23
2001-01-30
Mah, Chuck Y. (Department: 3626)
Miscellaneous hardware (e.g., bushing, carpet fastener, caster,
Closure checks
C016S235000, C016S242000, C016S246000, C016S386000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06178593
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to hinges, specifically those vertically pinned where said door leaf height on the latching end is critical to proper latching function e.g. automobile door hinges.
BACKGROUND—Description of Prior Art
Modern automobile assembly line production quotas required time saving methods of construction. One such employed method is the use of removable pin door hinges to quickly remove the doors from a freshly painted automobile shell. Then traveling down separate lines the doors would be equipped with glass, hardware, and trim. The vehicle body is fitted with upholstery, seats and instruments etc. Eventually the completed doors meet again with the respected completed vehicle body, and lifted into place, the hinge pins are re-inserted. Here it is relevant that I insert a sentence found in the description of U.S. Pat. No. 5,577,295 dated November 1996 Papke-Chrysler Corporation which was issued for a three different diameter hinge pin. The new shape aided in re-inserting the pin by reducing the binding while the pin is driven in. Papke writes “a relatively tight fit between the holes and the hinge pin is required to prevent sloppiness in the subsequent opening and closing movements of the door”. Herein lies proof that the automobile industry in general is aware of how critical any free play or “sloppiness” at all in door hinge components will adversely affect smooth and safe door operating functions. The problem with this new production method, removable pin hinges, arose when General Motors Corporation back in 1988 began welding on this type of hinge which are literally non-adjustable to compensate for free play. Although an extensive search has been executed, no prior art, as to a device to correct improper door alignment by mechanically spreading the hinge halves exists. An automotive body shop can replace the door side pin bushings incorporated into the design of such welded on hinges, when wear becomes apparent if the door is difficult to open and close. Such bushing renewal would require around $160 and the inconvenience of leaving your vehicle at a body shop for the day. Sometimes this simple, usually there is no guarantee because of wear to other hinge components i.e. the hinge pin and the chassis side pin holes that the pin was driven into. The hinge pin itself is designed with a knurled head to prevent pin rotation in the chassis side holes (no renewable bushings are used here because the pin is stationary) over time through normal use, the knurling wears and this “tight fitted hinge pin” begins to rotate with the door leaf. Once the holes in the chassis portion of this hinge which the hinge pin relates to, become worn or sloppy, most commonly egg shaped, the only way to restore proper door operations is to replace the complete hinge assembly. For the “welded on” versions it becomes expensive, quotes ranged between $350 to $480 and it usually involves leaving your vehicle at a body repair shop for a couple days.
Other methods discovered include removing the door leaf and welding the chassis side pin holes closed and then re-drilling them. Complete with a new set of hinge pins, prices were around $260 granted you do not need a new latch assembly. The only method that did not require removing the door leaf was one body shop that hooked one end of a cable winch to the bottom edge of the door and the other end to the doors strike peg and literally will bend a door up from its sagging position. Because of the weight involved it soon returns to its sagging position. My invention is unique because it remedies door operating problems, due to hinge component wear, at a fraction of the cost without requiring removal of the vehicle door, in about 15 minutes. Aside of end results of other methods described, there is no prior art directly germane to my invention.
OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES
Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are;
A. To provide consumers with an inexpensive solution to an expensive problem.
B. Economically restores smooth and safe door operating functions.
C. Should eliminate replacing door latch assembly because lift strike plate has worn.
D. To provide a convenient do-it-yourself product that does not require special tools.
Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2259821 (1941-10-01), Johnson
patent: 2724144 (1955-11-01), Lohrman
patent: 2948917 (1960-08-01), Campbell et al.
patent: 5421124 (1995-06-01), Zuccaro
patent: 5524324 (1996-06-01), Kunkel
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