Apparatus and method for removing dents from metal

• US 7,143,627 B2
• Filed: 05/26/2005
• Issued: 12/05/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: James M. Akins
• Original Assignee: James M. Akins
• Inventors: Akins, James M.
• Primary Examiner(s): TOLAN, EDWARD THOMAS
• Application Number:
  US11/138,057
• Publication Number:
  US 20060016239A1
• Time in Patent Office: 558 Days
• Field of Search: 72/56, 72/75, 724/30, 727/05, 727/07, 29/900.1
• US Class Current: 72/430
• CPC Class Codes: B21D 1/06 Removing local distortions
• CPC Class Codes: B21D 26/14 applying magnetic forces
• CPC Class Codes: B21D 3/14 Recontouring
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 72/705 Vehicle body or frame straightener
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 72/707 Magnetism

Abstract

A system for removing dents from metal or other materials comprising (i) a device which includes at least one magnet having a handle detachably held to a portion of the magnet by magnetic attraction and a roller detachably held to a portion of the magnet opposite the handle by the magnetic forces of the magnet; and (ii) a method which includes the steps of attaching the magnet to the handle, placing the roller inside the tubing of a dented instrument, placing the portion of the magnet opposite the handle against the exterior of the instrument, catching or acquiring the roller with the magnet such that the magnet and the roller form a magnetic assembly, wherein the roller is on the interior of the instrument and the magnet is on the exterior of the instrument, and moving, sliding, or rocking the magnetic assembly across the dents until the dents are removed from the metal.

Claims

1. A system for removing dents from metal musical instruments, comprising:

(a) a first magnetically responsive member, wherein the first magnetically responsive member further comprises at least one curved surface;

(b) a second magnetically responsive member, wherein the second magnetically responsive member further comprises;

(i) a handle further comprising at least one magnetically responsive metal; and

(ii) at least one magnet attachable to the handle; and

(c) wherein the first magnetically responsive member is placed on the inside of a metal musical instrument and the second magnetically responsive member is placed on the outside of the musical instrument opposite the first magnetically responsive member to form a magnetic assembly, and wherein the magnetic force of the magnet urges the first magnetically responsive member against the second magnetically responsive member through the metal of the instrument; and

(d) wherein a dent is removed from the musical instrument by moving, sliding, or rocking the magnetic assembly across the dent.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising:

(a) at least one protective cover for covering the portion of the magnet that contacts the exterior of the musical instrument;

(b) instructions for use of the system; and

(a) a case for storing the components of the system.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the handle is contoured to accommodate a human hand.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first magnetically responsive member comprises a steel ball bearing, wherein the magnet comprises a neodymium magnet having a rating of about 10 to 90 T, and wherein the handle comprises cold-rolled, high carbon steel.

5. A method for repairing dents in metal musical instruments, the method comprising:

(a) placing a first magnetically responsive member on the inside of a metal musical instrument, wherein the first magnetically responsive member further comprises at least one curved surface;

(b) placing a second magnetically responsive member on the outside of the musical instrument opposite the first magnetically responsive member to form a magnetic assembly, and wherein the second magnetically responsive member further comprises;

(i) a handle, wherein the material of the handle further comprises at least one magnetically responsive metal;

(ii) at least one magnet attachable to the handle;

(iii) wherein the magnetic force of the magnet urges the first magnetically responsive member against the second magnetically responsive member through the metal of the instrument; and

(c) repairing the dent by moving, sliding, or rocking the magnetic assembly across the dent.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the handle is contoured to accommodate a human hand.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the magnet further comprises a protective cover for covering the portion of the magnet that contacts the exterior of the musical instrument.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the first magnetically responsive member comprises a steel ball bearing, wherein the magnet comprises a neodymium magnet having a rating of about 10 to 90 T, and wherein the handle comprises cold-rolled, high carbon steel.