Vehicle straightening device

Claim 3

The structure set forth in claim 1, wherein the framework further includes a ratchet mechanism mounted on the column and collar and arranged for selectively vertically adjusting the collar.

Claim 4

The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein said lock means includes first and second releasable lock means associated with a stationary anchor point for retentively grasping the elongated flexible member to maintain the tension thereon as said pull means is returned to said extended position, and is attached to one end portion of said horizontal frame, said motive means being at the opposite end of said horizontal frame.

Claim 5

The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said pull means includes an elongated horizontal fraMe slidably mounted on said collar.

Claim 6

The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said motive means extends between said horizontal frame and said support framework for imparting movement therebetween.

Claim 7

The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said device includes a guide member attached to said collar for guiding the elongated flexible member toward said second lock means.

Claim 8

The structure set forth in claim 3 wherein said second lock means is attached to said vertical support column.

Claim 9

The structure set forth in claim 4 wherein said first lock means includes an aperture in said one end of said horizontal frame for receiving the elongated flexible member.

Claim 10

A vehicle body and frame straightening assembly comprising, in combination: a. a continuous stationary anchor track arrangeable surrounding a vehicle to be repaired; b. at least one stationary anchor member selectively fastened to said anchor track at a preselected location thereon and adapted to be fastened to a vehicle being repaired; c. a pulling device selectively fastened to said anchor track opposite of said anchor member, and an elongated flexible member connected at one portion thereof to said pulling device and adapted to be attached to another portion thereof to the vehicle being repaired, said pulling device including a base, a stationary rigid framework having a rigid vertical support column rigidly connected to said base and arranged for preventing pivoting with respect thereto and a collar slidably mounted around said support column for selective vertical adjustment relative thereto, wheel means rotatably mounted on the column for facilitating movement thereof, the base provided with means for selectively rigidly mounting the framework on the anchor track, the base extending toward the vehicle being repaired and away from the wheel means, column, and track and engaging a support surface when the base is mounted on the anchor track, pull means reciprocally mounted on said stationary framework for pulling the elongated, flexible member attached to the vehicle by movement between an extended position and a retrated position, motive means for selectively moving said pull means relative to said stationary framework between said extended and retracted positions, said pull means being slidably mounted to said collar for generally horizontal movement relative thereto under the influence of said motive means, and locking means associated with said pull means and movable therewith for retentively grasping the elongated, flexible member when said pull means moves toward said retracted position.

Claim 11

A vehicle body and frame straightening assembly comprising, in combination: a. a continuous stationary anchor track arrangeable surrounding a vehicle to be repaired; b. at least one stationary anchor member selectively fastened to said anchor track at a preselected location thereon and adapted to be fastened to a vehicle being repaired; c. a pulling device selectively fastened to said anchor track opposite of said anchor member, and an elongated flexible member connected at one portion thereof to said pulling device and adapted to be attached to another portion thereof to the vehicle being repaired, said pulling device including a base, a stationary rigid framework having a rigid vertical support column rigidly connected to said base and arranged for preventing pivoting with respect thereto and a collar slidably mounted around said support column for selective vertical adjustment relative thereto, wheel means rotatably mounted on the column for facilitating movement thereof, the base provided with means for selectively rigidly mounting the framework on the anchor track, the base extending toward the vehicle being repaired and away from the wheel means, column, and track and engaging a support surface when the base is mounted on the anchor track, pull means reciprocally mounted on said stationary framework for pulling the elongated, flexible member attached to the vehicle by movement between an extended position and a retrated position, motive means for selectively moving said pull means relative to said stationary framework between said extended and retracted positions, said pull means being slidably mounted to said collar for generally horizontal movement relative thereto under the influence of said motive means, and locking means associated with said pull means and movable therewith for retentively grasping the elongated, flexible member when said pull means moves toward said retracted position.

Claim 12

The structure set forth in claim 9, wherein the framework further includes a ratchet mechanism mounted on the column and collar and arranged for selectively vertically adjusting the collar.

Claim 13

The structure set forth in claim 9 wherein said lock means includes first and second releasable lock means associated with a stationary anchor point for retentively grasping the elongated flexible member to maintain the tension thereon as said pull means is returned to said extended position, and is attached to said horizontal frame, said motive means including a hydraulic ram attached to said horizontal frame and movable relative to said stationary framework.

Claim 14

The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said pull means includes an elongated horizontal frame slidably mounted on said collar.

Claim 15

The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said motive means extends between said horizontal frame and said collar for imparting movement therebetween.

Claim 16

The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said device includes a guide member attached to said collar for guiding the elongated, flexible member toward said second fastening means.

Claim 17

The structure set forth in claim 11 wherein said second fastening means is attached to said vertical support column.

Claim 18

The structure set forth in claim 12 wherein said first fastening means includes an aperture in one end of said horizontal frame for reCeiving the elongated, flexible member.