Patent ID: 6176113
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: B21D,B66F,Y10S

Abstract:
An inflatable device for removing a dent, crease, or other surface irregularity in a component of a vehicle said device comprising:(a) an accordion-like, inflatable air vessel of one-piece construction said vessel having a first planar end surface, a second planar end surface, an accordion-like middle section, and an attachment opening in the middle section adjacent said second end surface;wherein said first end surface of said vessel comprises a layer of material having sufficient strength and rigidity to press forcefully against a dent, crease, or other surface irregularity when sufficient air under pressure is introduced into said vessel, and wherein said first end surface of said vessel has a tongue formation for attaching a separate top portion;wherein said second end surface of said vessel comprises a layer of material having sufficient strength and rigidity to press forcefully against an unyielding member in said vehicle when sufficient air under pressure is introduced into said vessel;wherein said middle section, said first end surface and said second end surface of said vessel are coaxially arranged, said middle section having a plurality of flexible walls having accordion-like flexibility, each of said walls having an outer surface and an inner surface, said surfaces of each of said walls having accordion-like flexibility forming a plurality of folds, said plurality of folds having a plurality of inward creases and a plurality of outward creases, each of said inward creases having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, each of said outward creases having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, each of said walls expanding or contracting along a longitudinal axis between said first end surface of said vessel and said second end surface of said vessel;(b) means for introducing air under pressure into said vessel, said means for introducing air under pressure having a first and a second end, said first end of said means for introducing air under pressure being adapted for attaching to said attachment opening in the middle section of said vessel, said second end of said means for introducing air under pressure being adapted for attaching to an air under pressure source; and(c) means for attaching said opening of said vessel to said means for introducing air under pressure.