Accessible wheel alignment system using a computer

• US 20020120365A1
• Filed: 04/05/2001
• Published: 08/29/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: James A. Mieling
• Original Assignee: James A. Mieling
• Inventors: Bokar, Charles
• Application Number:
  US09/827,259
• Publication Number:
  US 20020120365A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/279
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 2210/26 Algorithms, instructions, databases, computerized methods and graphical user interfaces employed by a user in conjunction with the wheel aligner
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 5/255 for testing wheel alignment

Abstract

A wheel alignment technique that employs 2 or 4 wheelless support stands (lower pieces) which cooperate with a corresponding pair of turntables to fully support the vehicle in place of its wheels and to facilitate easier access to the vehicle alignment adjustments for purposes of completing vehicle wheel alignment procedures. The stands incorporate a specially designed face lip that allows for a wheel sensor to be mounted therein. When properly mounted, the computer sensor transmits alignment specification data to an external computer, which will provide immediate alignment angle measurements. Computer sensors can transmit via wire or wireless.

Claims

1. A wheelless alignment apparatus comprising:

a rotor mounted fixture;

a support stand;

said rotor mounted fixture includes a lip; and

, said support stand adapted to engage and disengage said rotor mounted fixture.

2. A wheelless alignment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said support stand includes at least one stud which interengages said rotor mounted fixture.

3. A wheelless alignment apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said rotor mounted fixture includes at least one aperture therein for receiving said stud of said support stand.

4. A wheelless alignment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an adapter plate affixed to said rotor mounted fixture.

5. A wheelless alignment apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a sensor, said sensor affixed to said circumferential lip.

6. A wheelless alignment apparatus as classified in claim 5 wherein said sensor communicates with a computer and calculates adjustment angles.

7. A wheelless alignment apparatus as classified in claim 6 wherein computer continuously calculates adjustment angles whereby adjustment of said angles may be discontinued when the desired angle is met.

8. A wheelless alignment apparatus comprising a rotor mounted fixture, a support stand, and a sensor mounted to said rotor mounted fixture.

9. A wheelless alignment apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said support stand includes at least one stud, and said rotor mounted fixture includes at least one aperture and said stud inherits said aperture to support the vehicle.

10. A wheelless alignment apparatus as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a computer used in communication with said sensor.

11. A method for aligning a vehicle comprising the steps of:

supporting and lifting said vehicle off of a turntable;

removing a rim and tire from said vehicle;

attaching a fixture to the rotor of a vehicle;

connecting a sensor to said fixture;

engaging a support stand with said fixture;

lowering said vehicle onto a turntable; and

, aligning vehicle to manufacturer'"'"'s specifications using a computer implemented program.

12. A method for aligning a vehicle as claimed in claim 11 further comprising the steps of rotating said fixture;

and, inputting compensation data to a computer.

13. A method for aligning vehicle as claimed in claim 12 further comprising the steps of:

supporting and lifting said vehicle after alignment;

removing said fixture from said rotor;

attaching said rim and said tire to said rotor; and

, lowering said vehicle onto said turntable.