Abstract:
The invention provides moveable supports for machine parts such as automotive body components during repair, painting, assembly, alignment, and other processes. The provision of multiple, spaced frame and support members of suitable length, spacing, and orientation, enables workers to access all surfaces of supported components; and support members having angled flange portions enable access to portions of supported components engaged by the support members. Supports according to the invention can be employed as jigs to support parts during, for example, assembly, disassembly, and/or alignment of components. The provision of wheels, brackets, lugs, hooks, and other devices enable easy and safe transportation for support devices and supported components.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/444,166, entitled Support for Automotive Parts and filed 31 Jan. 2003; and priority from Canadian Patent Application Serial No. 2,418,028, entitled Support for Automotive Parts and filed 31 Jan. 2003. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The invention relates to moveable support devices for machine parts such as automotive components, including for example truck or tractor hoods and other automobile body parts. The support is useful in processes such as painting, repairing, assembling, aligning and transporting parts.  
           [0003]    Supports for automotive components are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 1,603,595 to Hansen; U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,030 to Young; U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,637 to Dodge; U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,817 to Taylor; and others.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0004]    The invention provides moveable support devices for machine parts such as automotive body components. Devices according to the invention provide support for parts during repair, painting, assembly, alignment, and other processes, while providing improved access by workers to surfaces of supported components, thus reducing or eliminating, for example, the need for the worker to move or reset the component to obtain access to each of its surfaces for repair or other work.  
           [0005]    In supporting components comprising multiple subcomponent parts, supports according to the invention can be employed as jigs to support the parts securely and precisely in place during, for example, assembly, disassembly, and/or alignment of components. This can reduce or eliminate the need for separate jigs and can improve efficiency and worker safety in the workshop, and reduce the risk of damage to the automotive body component.  
           [0006]    Supports according to the invention provide improved access to surfaces of supported components in several ways. For example, the provision of multiple, spaced frame and support members, of suitable length and orientation, enables workers to access all surfaces, both upper and lower, inner and outer, etc, of supported components. As a further example, the use of channel shaped support members having angled flange portions enables access to even those portions of supported components engaged by the support members.  
           [0007]    By being provided with wheels, brackets for engaging forklifts, lugs, hooks, and other devices for engaging lift equipment, and/or other means for moving, support devices according to the invention facilitate easy and safe transportation for machine components, including parts that are large, heavy or unwieldy, thus reducing or eliminating the need for forklifts or other lifting equipment to transport supported components.  
           [0008]    Among other advantages, support devices according to the invention provide increased efficiency and safety in the workshop.  
           [0009]    In one embodiment, a moveable support according to the invention comprises a frame or base that includes a plurality of support members, or holders. At least one of the holders or support members includes a support attached to the frame configured to receive and at least constrain an edge of an automotive body part, for example through provision of a channel-shaped portion, or a bracket, that comprises a pad or saddle, or other support surface; while the same or another member or holder provides an attachment such as a pin and lug adapted to releasably engage a mounting feature such as a hood hinge attachment provided on the automotive body part. The plurality of support members are long enough, and sufficiently spaced from each other, and suitably oriented, to permit access to substantially an entire surface—that is, substantially all of all surfaces, upper, lower, inner, outer, etc.—of the automotive body part, by a worker disposed on a work surface, such as a shop floor, upon which the moveable support is positioned. For example, the support members or holders can extend generally upward from the frame to facilitate access by workers to a supported part.  
           [0010]    Support frames according to the invention may include three or more support members. Provision of three or more support members, suitably configured and spaced in relation to the configuration of the supported component, can provide increased stability for supported parts while reducing loads induced in the supported parts by the support. For example, a three- or more point support can provide brackets for supporting one or more edges of the body part by gravity, and one or more attachments for mating with one or more pre-existing mounting features of the supported component.  
           [0011]    In one aspect the invention can provide a moveable support device for an automotive body part, the device comprising a movable frame; at least one support extending at least generally upwardly from the frame having a holder configured to receive and at least constrain an edge of the automotive body part; and at least one other support extending at least generally upwardly from the frame having a holder configured to releasably engage structure on the automotive body part used to secure the automotive part to a vehicle. The at least one holder and the at least one other holder are positioned so that the respective holders support the automotive body part while permitting access by a worker to substantially an entire under surface, relative to the automotive body part as supported by the support device, of the automotive body part.  
           [0012]    In another aspect the invention can provide a support device for an automotive body part, the moveable support device comprising a frame including a plurality of support members. The plurality of support members extend at least generally upward from the frame, relative to a work surface upon which the support device is located. At least one of the support members is configured or otherwise adapted to support an edge of an automotive body part, and at least one of the support members includes an attachment to engage a mounting feature of the automotive body part. The support members long enough, and sufficiently spaced from each other, to permit access to substantially an entire surface of the automotive body part by a worker disposed on the work surface.  
           [0013]    As will occur to those familiar with the applicable arts, upon reviewing this specification, a great many configurations of support devices according to the invention are possible and will serve to accomplish the purposes described herein. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES  
       [0014]    The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, and in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a device for supporting automotive parts according to the invention.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a device for supporting automotive parts according to the invention.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b  are partial perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a holder or support member of a device for automotive parts according to the invention.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  are partial perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a holder or support member of a device for supporting automotive parts according to the invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a holder or support member of a device for supporting automotive parts according to the invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0020]    Preferred embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatus according to the invention are described through reference to the Figures.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 1 and 2 provide perspective views of a preferred embodiment of a device for supporting automotive parts according to the invention. Moveable support device  100  comprises frame or base  101 , which includes a plurality of holders or support members  102 ,  109 ,  119 . Holders/support members  109  comprise saddles or support surfaces  110  for constraining or otherwise supporting edges of automotive or other machine parts, and holders/support members  119  comprise attachments for engaging mounting features of such parts. Members  102  are, as shown in FIG. 2, long enough, and sufficiently spaced from each other and from other portions of frame  101 , to permit access to substantially the entire surface of a part supported by the members by a worker disposed on work surface  300  upon which the moveable support is positioned. Moreover, holders  102  are at least generally upwardly extending from base or frame  101 . For example, lengths  170 ,  171  of, and spacings  175 ,  176 ,  177  between, support members  102 , and spacings  178 ,  179  between other portions of frame  101  are sufficient, when taken in conjunction with the configuration of a supported part  200  (FIG. 2), as for example depth  235  of part  200 , to permit access by worker  301  to underside and/or interior surfaces  251  of part  200 , while worker  302  is enabled to access upper and/or exterior surfaces  250  of the part. Lengths  170 ,  171 , and spacings  175 ,  176 ,  177 ,  178 , and  179  can be sufficient, for example, to enable worker  301  to enter and stand, crouch and/or sit beneath part  200  and inside frame  101 , while accessing part surfaces  250 ,  251 . Particular dimensions suitable for frame and support members in facilitating access by workers can be determined by a number of factors or methods, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art of designing such supports. Such dimensions can be determined, for example, by the type and nature of the parts to be supported, including their configuration, by the type of work to be performed on the parts, and by the size and abilities of the workers by whom the work is expected to be performed. For example, parts such as automotive hoods can comprise large arched or concave areas which can be taken into account in designing their supports, and typical anticipated worker design can be determined by measuring or otherwise assessing one or more workers.  
         [0022]    To say that a holder or support member  102  is at least generally upwardly extending means, for example, that a portion of the support intended to constrain or otherwise support a portion of an automotive or other machine part is substantially higher, or further from a work surface  300 , than other portions of the holder or support member.  
         [0023]    The provision and proper configuration of three or more support members  102  on frame  101  can be used to provide stable, low-stress support for supported parts. For example, support members  102  can be spaced such that the center of gravity of the supported component  200  lies well within the footprint of base or frame  101 , so that tipping of support  100  is rendered more difficult, or impossible, with consequent reduction of the risk of damage to component  200  and injury to workers  301 ,  302 . Moreover, the provision of three or more supports  102  facilitates the support of component  102  without induced bending moments in the supported part. For example, component  200  may be supported on one or several support surfaces  110  and/or attachments  119 , primarily under the influence of gravity, as opposed to clamping or gripping, as is commonly required in supports comprising fewer than three support points, thus without introducing bending or other forces such as can result from the use of clamps without spread support.  
         [0024]    Supports according to the invention can be used, when suitably configured, to support multi-component parts in jig position, as for example during fabrication, assembly, or repair. For example, support  100  of FIG. 2 can be used to hold components  201 ,  202 ,  203 ,  204 , individually or as assemblies or subassemblies, in a jig position while an automotive part such as a hood or other assembly is assembled, as for example by bonding, or while one or more of components  201 ,  202 ,  203 ,  204  are repaired or replaced. For example, the hood assembly shown in FIG. 2 can be assembled by placing cross-bar component  204  in brackets or channel-shaped portions  109  on support members  102 ; bonding the cross-bar component  204  to grill enclosure  205  to form a subassembly; placing bonding side parts  202 , which comprise hood attachments  220 , on attachments  119  and bonding them to the cross-bar and grill enclosure subassembly; bonding fenders  203  to side parts  202 ; and bonding hood  201  to the resultant assembly. Support members  102 , comprising channel-shaped portions  109  and attachments  119 , hold the individual components together so that the bonding process may be carried out.  
         [0025]    Support members  102 ,  109  can be adapted to support machine parts by providing support surfaces, or saddles,  110  to support one or more edges or other portions of the part, and one or more flanges  111  to form a bracket or channel-shaped portion for constraining the part and preventing it from falling off or otherwise losing the restraint of the support member. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3 a  and  3   b , edge  205  or another portion of part  200  can be set upon saddle or support surface  110 , between flanges  111 , to both hold the part up and prevent slippage or other-movement of the part in the direction of arrows  144 . Configuring flanges  111  at one or more angles  140 ,  142  from the plane of the saddle or support surface  110  allows part  200  to be supported by the member without compromising or substantially or unreasonably restricting access to the part for work such as bonding, painting, straightening, or other maintenance. For example, flanges  111  can be configured at angles  140 ,  142  of less than 90 degrees to allow freer access to supported portions of the part  200  by tool  402  and other instruments, including hands or fingers of workers  301 ,  302 , via region  403 .  
         [0026]    Support members  102  can provide attachments  119  for engaging mounting or other features of supported parts  200 . For example, as shown in FIGS. 4 a ,  4   b , attachments  119  can comprise pins  120  for engaging holes or other features  210  provided on part(s)  200  for mounting them on other assemblies, or for other purposes. In the example shown in FIGS. 4 a ,  4   b , part  200  comprises a hole feature  210  and is placed on support member  102  such that feature  210  aligns with holes  127  in flanges  188 ,  189  of structure  121 . Pin  120  is then placed through holes  127  to engage feature  210  (for example, a hood attachment for securing a hood to an automobile frame) and secure part  200  in place. Bracket  122  can be provided to hold pin  120  in place to secure part  200  in the supported position.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a support member  102  comprising saddle or support surface  110  and angled flanges  111 . Support member  102  of FIG.  5  further comprises side plates  500  with holes  502  for receiving and constraining pin  120 , and hole  501 , for engaging support features of a supported part  200 . Plates  500 , pin  120 , and features and/or additional pins  120  engaged by hole  501  can engage various features of the supported part  200 . As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, a great variety of features such as plates  500 , pin  120 , holes  501 , flanges  110 , and support surfaces  110  can be used, alone or in various combinations, to support parts  200 . A wide variety of additional features and/or devices, such as lugs, hooks, bolts, magnets, etc., can also be employed.  
         [0028]    The precision with which part  200  is supported in a desired position can be-controlled by further measures, such as for example the provision of shims or other features  190 . Such features can be used, for example, in controlling the position of part  200  so that part  200  can be held in a jig position, as described herein.  
         [0029]    Supports according to the invention can comprise means  130  for moving the supports, for example for use in transporting supported parts or in positioning such parts for work. Such means can comprise, for example, wheels  131 , optionally swivel-mounted, for rolling the support on a work surface such as a garage, workshop, or factory floor or parking lot; brackets  132  for receiving forks of a fork lift; lugs, hooks, or other structures for engagement by hooks or other lift equipment; and devices for lifting and/or moving the support and any attached structures by other manual or mechanical means.  
         [0030]    The selection of suitable dimensions for various frame and support members of frame  100  will be determined by the dimensions of the components to be supported and by access requirements by workers  301 ,  302 , and will be well within the skill of those of ordinary skill in such design arts, once they have been made familiar with this disclosure. For example, support  100  according to the invention may be fabricated according to the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 in order to support a hood assembly for a 25-foot GMC moving truck selected, for example, from the C-, T-, or W-series of GMC trucks. Frame  101  comprises cross members  704 ,  705 ,  706 , side members  707 ,  708 . Frame members  704 ,  705 ,  706 ,  707 ,  708  and support members  102  are fabricated from steel tube, 3 inches×1.5 inches by {fraction (1/8)} inch thick. Alternatively, some or all such members are fabricated from 2-inch square tube with {fraction (1/8)} inch thick walls, and/or 2-inch angle iron, or similar structural steel. Cross members  704 ,  705 ,  706  are of length suitable for making dimension  176  between flanges  711  of pin support brackets  710  approximately 60.25 inches and dimension  177  between support surfaces  110  approximately  39{fraction (1/4)} inches. Support members 701 are  10.5 inches long; support members  702  are long enough to make dimension  171  between cross member  706  and centerline of pin  120  23⅜ inches. Side members  707 ,  708  are long enough to make dimension  175  between pins  120  and support surfaces  110  approximately  55{fraction (3/4)} inches. Cross members 704 and 705, and 705 and 706, are spaced by approximately  30 inches each. Brackets  132  for receiving fork lift blades are 7.5 inches wide and 3 inches deep, fabricated from ¼ inch steel plate. Flanges  111  are configured such that angles  140 ,  142  are between approximately 40 and approximately 95 degrees. Pins  120  are fabricated from ½ inch diameter steel rod, with pin lengths of approximately 8 inches.  
         [0031]    To facilitate the support of multiple components, such as hoods for more than one model automobile or truck, one or more of frame members  704 ,  705 ,  706 ,  707 ,  708  and support members  102  may be made extendible between various lengths, as for example by using telescoping tubes for frame and/or support members, and locking pins for setting member lengths at desired, predetermined lengths suitable for supporting various components.  
         [0032]    While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity and understanding, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, from a reading of the disclosure, that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the true scope of the invention in the appended claims.