Dent repair system and method

• US 7,104,108 B2
• Filed: 02/14/2003
• Issued: 09/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/14/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ronald W. Roche
• Original Assignee: Ronald W. Roche
• Inventors: Roche, Ronald W.
• Primary Examiner(s): TOLAN, EDWARD THOMAS
• Application Number:
  US10/367,237
• Publication Number:
  US 20040159141A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,306 Days
• Field of Search: 724/57, 724/58, 724/59, 724/78, 724/79, 724/80, 727/05
• US Class Current: 72/458
• CPC Class Codes: B21D 1/06 Removing local distortions
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 72/705 Vehicle body or frame straightener

Abstract

A dent repair system includes a hammer apparatus comprising an elongated base member with proximate and distal ends. An elongated swing member with proximate and distal ends is pivotally mounted on the base member by a hinge assembly mounted on and pivotally connecting the members at their proximate ends. A tip is mounted on the base member distal end and an impact head is mounted on the swing member distal end. The swing member is movable between a splayed position with the impact head spaced from the base member distal end and a closed position with the impact head engaging the base member distal end. A pry bar apparatus includes primary, extension and handle sections. The primary section mounts a head assembly adapted for engaging and straightening a dent. A dent repair method includes the steps of straightening a dent with the hammer apparatus and with the pry bar apparatus.

Claims

1. A system for removing dents from a vehicle panel with inner and outer surfaces, which system includes:

a hammer apparatus comprising;

an elongated base member with proximate and distal ends;

an elongated swing member with proximate and distal ends;

a hinge assembly mounted on said member proximate ends and pivotally connecting said members thereat;

a tip mounted on said base member distal end; and

an impact head mounted on said swing member distal end;

said swing member being movable between a splayed position with said impact head spaced from said base member distal end and a closed position with said impact head engaging said base member distal end;

a pry bar apparatus comprising;

an elongated bar with first and second ends;

a head assembly mounted on said second end and adapted for engaging said panel inner surface; and

a fulcrum assembly located between said ends and adapted for attachment to said vehicle;

said pry bar apparatus being adapted for pushing out a dent from the inside;

said hammer apparatus being adapted for straightening a dent inwardly from said panel outer surface;

said pry bar having a generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration with opposite first and second faces;

said head assembly including a shaft extending outwardly and forwardly from said pry bar first face;

said shaft including a bent leg with a pointed end adapted to engage said body panel; and

said head assembly including a foot mounted on said shaft and extending from said second face, said foot being adapted for engaging said body panel.

2. The system according to claim 1 wherein:

said shaft includes a transverse leg extending transversely through said pry bar second end and including a threaded end portion protruding from said pry bar second face; and

said foot includes;

a post extending from said pry bar second face and including a threaded receiver threadably receiving said shaft threaded end portion;

said post terminating at a ball; and

an elastomeric end cap with a socket pivotally receiving said ball.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein said pry bar apparatus includes:

said pry bar having a hollow, tubular configuration with a receiver located in proximity to its first end;

a pry bar handle section including an insert adapted to be telescopically received in said pry bar first end; and

a spring-loaded plunger connected to and protruding outwardly from said handle section insert, said plunger being selectively received in said pry bar receiver with said insert inserted into said pry bar first end.

4. The system according to claim 3, which includes:

a pry bar extension section including an insert adapted to be telescopically received in said pry bar first end; and

a spring-loaded plunger connected to and protruding outwardly from said extension section insert, said plunger being selectively received in said pry bar receiver with said insert inserted into said pry bar first end.

5. The system according to claim 1 wherein said fulcrum assembly comprises a ring slidably receiving said pry bar arid a hook connected to said ring and adapted for connection to the vehicle.