US3786572A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gauge for use in straightening automotive frames
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1972-10-19
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Granted: 1974-01-22
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Expires: 1992-10-19
Abstract
Abstract A gauge for use in straightening automotive frames wherein an elongated bar is provided with a series of spaced holes in each end section thereof, with pairs of holes in the opposite end sections being located equal distances from the midpoint of the bar. A pair of rigid hangers have their lower end swingably anchored in selected holes in the bar, and each hanger has a hook at its upper end arranged to engage with openings in an automotive frame that is to be straightened. Moreover, a vertical sight pin is located at the midpoint of the bar. When the automotive frame has been straightened, the vertical sight pins on several gauges will coincide with the longitudinal centerline of the chassis frame, thus testing horizontal displacement of the frame members. In event that all bars of the several gauges are disposed in the same horizontal plane, there is no displacement vertically of the frame members.
Inventors
- 👤 B Larson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 06:26
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B5/00; G01B5/0025; G01B11/00; G01B11/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
254 words
In a gauge for use in straightening automotive frames: a. an elongated bar having a series of spaced holes fashioned in each end section thereof extending transversely through the bar, with pairs of the holes in the opposite end sections being located equal distances from the midpoint of the bar; b. a pair of rigid hangers having their lower ends swingably anchored in selected holes of the bar, one hanger being disposed in each end section of the bar, with the hangers extending upwardly from the bar, and each hanger having a hook projecting from its upper end; c. a vertical sight pin located at the midpoint of the bar; d. each hanger having a yoke secured to the lower end thereof, the yoke defining a pair of spaced legs arranged to straddle the bar, one of the legs being longer than the other, the longer leg having a journal pin fixed thereto for insertion through a selected hole in the bar; e. the shorter leg of each yoke overlapping the bar to prevent accidental disengagement of the journal pin from the selected hole in the bar when the hanger is inclined relative to vertical, and the shorter leg being dimensioned to clear the bar when the yoke is swung into substantially vertical position, whereby the journal pin may be disengaged from the selected hole in the bar and the hanger reversed so that its hook may selectively project toward the midportion of the bar or project toward the adjacent end of the bar.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
254 words
In a gauge for use in straightening automotive frames: a. an elongated bar having a series of spaced holes fashioned in each end section thereof extending transversely through the bar, with pairs of the holes in the opposite end sections being located equal distances from the midpoint of the bar; b. a pair of rigid hangers having their lower ends swingably anchored in selected holes of the bar, one hanger being disposed in each end section of the bar, with the hangers extending upwardly from the bar, and each hanger having a hook projecting from its upper end; c. a vertical sight pin located at the midpoint of the bar; d. each hanger having a yoke secured to the lower end thereof, the yoke defining a pair of spaced legs arranged to straddle the bar, one of the legs being longer than the other, the longer leg having a journal pin fixed thereto for insertion through a selected hole in the bar; e. the shorter leg of each yoke overlapping the bar to prevent accidental disengagement of the journal pin from the selected hole in the bar when the hanger is inclined relative to vertical, and the shorter leg being dimensioned to clear the bar when the yoke is swung into substantially vertical position, whereby the journal pin may be disengaged from the selected hole in the bar and the hanger reversed so that its hook may selectively project toward the midportion of the bar or project toward the adjacent end of the bar.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
92 words
The gauge for use in straightening automotive frames, as set forth in claim 1; f. and in which a center hole extends horizontally through the midportion of the bar, a pivot bolt being rotatably disposed in this center hole, the pivot bolt having an opening extending therethrough and the sight pin being slidably mounted in this opening, whereby the sight pin may extend vertically or it may swing into an inclined position when striking an obstruction, the sight pin being further foldable into parallel relation relative to the bar for storage purposes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
70 words
The gauge for use in straightening automotive frames, as set forth in claim 2; g. and in which the sight pin is located adjacent to one side of the bar, and this side of the bar being provided with a vertical recess into which the sight pin may be moved to hold the sight pin vertical; h. and a spring operable to yieldingly urge the sight pin into the recess.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
The gauge for use in straightening automotive frames, as set forth in claim 3; i. and in which the pivot bolt has a head disposed on the opposite side of the bar from that of the recess, and the spring being coiled around the pivot bolt and arranged between the bolt head and the bar.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3057074A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-21 | 1977-07-23 | 1978-01-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-21 | 1981-07-23 | 1982-01-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-21 | 1985-07-23 | 1986-01-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |