Hand tool alignment device and method
First Claim
1. An automobile dent removal tool alignment device for locating a visually obstructed workpiece comprising:
- a base bracket enabling releasably secure mounting to a hand tool;
a substantially longitudinal frame comprising a base frame, an extension frame being moveably secured one to another and a joint enabling at least three degrees of freedom, said substantially longitudinal frame mounted to said base bracket; and
a sight device attached to said substantially longitudinal frame on a distal end opposite to said base bracket.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An alignment device to assist a user in the functional application of a hand tool. The hand tool can take a variety of forms but is preferably a dent removal tool. The alignment device is preferably retrofitable onto existing hand tools by use of a base bracket that mounts onto the handle or shank of the tool. A sight device is mounted on the device and includes a multiple degree of freedom joint. This joint allows the user to easily and quickly align the sight device to locate the work piece. The work piece can then be placed in a desired position even positioned such that it is obscured from the sight of the user. Positioning the work piece of a dent removal tool behind the opaque surface of dented sheet metal structure is a typical application. The alignment device allows the user to quickly and accurately position the work piece, behind the surface, thereby increasing the efficiency of the user.
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Citations
23 Claims
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1. An automobile dent removal tool alignment device for locating a visually obstructed workpiece comprising:
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a base bracket enabling releasably secure mounting to a hand tool;
a substantially longitudinal frame comprising a base frame, an extension frame being moveably secured one to another and a joint enabling at least three degrees of freedom, said substantially longitudinal frame mounted to said base bracket; and
a sight device attached to said substantially longitudinal frame on a distal end opposite to said base bracket. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A retrofitable automobile dent removal tool alignment device for locating a visually obstructed workpiece comprising:
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a base bracket enabling releasably secure mounting to a hand tool;
a substantially longitudinal frame, including a linearly movable joint and a pivoting joint, which includes a friction lock, said frame mounted to said base bracket;
a mounting arm adapted to receive said pivoting joint; and
a sight device received by said mounting arm. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An automobile dent removal tool alignment device for locating a visually obstructed workpiece comprising:
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a base bracket that enables releasable mounting to a hand tool and supports a substantially longitudinal frame, the frame comprising a base frame, an extension frame being moveably secured one to another and a joint enabling at least three degrees of freedom; and
a sight means attached to said substantially longitudinal frame on a distal end opposite to said base bracket. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for locating a work piece that is visually obstructed by an opaque surface, comprising:
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providing a hand tool having a work piece located thereon;
providing an alignment device that includes;
a base bracket that mounts to said hand tool and supports a substantially longitudinal frame comprising a base frame, an extension frame being moveably secured one to another and a joint enabling at least three degrees of freedom; and
a sight device attached to said substantially longitudinal frame on a distal end opposite to said base bracket;
adjusting said alignment device such that said sight device locates said work piece; and
positioning said work piece on one side of an opaque surface with said sight device on a second side thereof, whereby said sight device identifies the position of said work piece to a user.
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Specification