Patent ID: 6316938
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: G01B

Abstract:
A magnetic gauge for determining vehicle body damage for measuring the thickness of filler used to repair a damaged vehicle comprising, in combination:a circular housing having a front face, a rear face and a hollow interior, the circular housing having a stem portion extending downwardly therefrom, the stem portion having a channel formed therein, the stem portion having a lower end, the lower end having a pair of wheels coupled thereto, the front face having a measuring gauge disposed therein, the measuring gauge including a needle portion, the needle portion having an inner end, the inner end extending within the hollow interior, the inner end having a ratchet wheel disposed thereon, the ratchet wheel being defined by a plurality of circumferentially disposed teeth;a magnet slidably disposed within the channel of the stem portion of the circular housing;a shaft member slidably disposed within the hollow interior of the circular housing, the shaft member including a lower segment slidably disposed within the channel of the stem portion of the circular housing, the lower segment having a lower end secured to the magnet, the shaft member having a plurality of teeth, the plurality of teeth being engaged with the circumferentially disposed teeth of the ratchet wheel whereby upward movement of the shaft member will advance the ratchet wheel which will advance the needle with respect to the measuring gauge;a coil spring disposed within the hollow interior of the circular housing, the coil spring being coupled with the shaft member, the coil spring urging the shaft member upwardly with respect to the circular housing.