Dent removal tool using rare earth magnets on probe tip to help locate tool tip

• US 20090049885A1
• Filed: 11/20/2006
• Published: 02/26/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Nerrit Scott Postma
• Original Assignee: Nerrit Scott Postma
• Inventors: Postma, Nerrit Scott
• Application Number:
  US11/601,703
• Publication Number:
  US 20090049885A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 72/379.200
• CPC Class Codes: B21D 1/06 Removing local distortions

Abstract

“The dent removal industry utilizes specialized tools and techniques to remove automobile dents. This invention is unique because it uses strong magnet(s) attached to the tool tip introducing a magnetic field thru sheet metal. The magnetic material can be neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), samarium cobalt (SmCo), or other strong magnetic material. A magnetic dust applied on the painted surface of the sheet metal near the dent indicates the tips position. Sliding the tip on the underside of the sheet metal near the dust and dent collects the material at the tip'"'"'s position. Identification of the tip'"'"'s location reduces the number of pressure flexes, eliminates the need for specialized lighting, frees the technician'"'"'s posture, and does not require extensive and costly training. This invention and technique greatly improves the ease, accuracy, and speed of removing dents. Untrained individuals can thus remove dents.”

Claims

1. Method of removing-dents from sheet-metal parts, in particular from painted parts of an automobile body using a tool with a magnetic tip to determine the tip'"'"'s location and orientation. This invention has a magnetic material attached, on, in, or as the tip. The magnetic material can be either Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB), or Samarium Cobalt (SmCo) or other strong magnetic material. The tool tip maximizes the magnetic field (magnetic flux density) to the tip of the tool.

2. The user can easily locate the exact position of the tool tip by placing a small amount of magnetically active dust particles at or near the tips location but on the finished observable side of the sheet metal. The dust particles are magnetically-attracted to the closest attainable location of the tool tip. The dust particles can move with the movement of the tool. Once the exact location of the tool tip is identified and the tip is placed for optimal dent removal, the tool can be used in the customary fashion to remove the dent. Ordinarily, the act of placement of the tool tip is cumbersome and significant experience is necessary to place the tool tip at the desired point. The dust particles can be size range of 0.001 microns to 5 millimeters. This location technique allows the user to improve the ease of finding the tip.

3. The tips can be, but does not need to be, interchangeable from the tool, tool shaft, and/or tool handle. The magnetic tool tip can thus be removable and replaceable. The tips can have any number of attachment configurations. For example, female internal threads at the end opposite of the tip allows for the removal of the tip. The tool handle would then have male external threads to accept the different tips. A screw would allow the user to secure the tip at any of an infinite number of positions on the tool handle. The tips, having different l shapes, can perform the task of dent removal slightly differently. Some shapes work better for certain dent shapes. Interchangeability of the tips increases the tools versatility.

4-12. -12. (canceled)