The present invention relates to a spring compression apparatus for compressing a coil spring and a related method of making this apparatus. A top plate is provided that engages and supports a first end of a coil spring. A middle plate engages and supports a second end of the coil spring, so that the coil spring is supported between these two plates. A base plate is disposed on an opposite side of the middle plate from the top plate. A frame is formed that fixedly supports the top plate and the base plate. The frame also slidably supports the middle plate. A jack, which is positioned between the base plate and the middle plate. The jack urges the middle plate toward the top plate, so as to compress the coil spring.

II. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of Invention

This invention generally relates to systems for compressing a vehicle spring and damper during installation and removal. In particular, the invention relates to spring damper compression systems having a portable design.

B. Description of the Related Art

Suspension systems for motor vehicles typically include a coil spring mounted over a dampening shock absorber located at each wheel to dissipate energy and thereby provide a smoother ride while traveling over uneven terrain. When installed, the coil spring extends over the shock absorber, which dampens the energy of the spring when compressed during use. It is well known in the art to employ a spring compressor to compress the spring and thereby remove the load from the holding nut at the top of the shock absorber, so that the shock absorber can be installed or removed.

Common-type spring compressors include a type of fixture that is configured to surround and grip the coil spring during installation. The spring is compressed within the fixture to relieve tension and allow access to the shock absorber. With previous-type systems, it has been found to be difficult to compress the spring for disassembly and reassembly. Some previous-type systems use a claw-type arrangement for gripping the spring. Such systems have difficulties with gripping the spring due to the spring's curvature, and are prone to slip.

In order to overcome these difficulties, methods and apparatuses would be needed that would allow easier compression of a coil spring to relieve tension on a holding nut and thereby allow easier access to a shock absorber.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a spring compression apparatus for compressing a coil spring. A top plate is provided that engages and supports a first end of a coil spring. A middle plate engages and supports a second end of the coil spring, so that the coil spring is supported between these two plates. A base plate is disposed on an opposite side of the middle plate from the top plate. A frame is formed that fixedly supports the top plate and the base plate. The frame also slidably supports the middle plate. A jack is provided, which is positioned between the base plate and the middle plate. The jack urges the middle plate toward the top plate, so as to compress the coil spring.

Other embodiments of the invention relate to a spring compression apparatus including three plates supported in a frame. An anterior plate is provided for engaging and supporting a first end of a coil spring. An interior plate engages and supports a second end of the coil spring. The interior plate is substantially parallel to and concentric with the anterior plate along a central axis. A posterior plate is disposed on an opposite side of the interior plate from the anterior plate. The posterior plate is substantially parallel to and concentric with the anterior and interior plates along the central axis. A frame is provided comprising a plurality of mounting columns, each of which are parallel to the central axis and perpendicular to the anterior, interior, and posterior plates. The mounting columns are circumferentially arranged to fixedly engage interior portions of the anterior and posterior plates and to slidably engage interior portions of the interior plate. A jack is positioned between the interior and posterior plates, for moving the interior plate toward the anterior plate along the central axis. In this way, the spring compression apparatus compresses the coil spring.

Still other embodiments relate to methods of constructing a spring compression apparatus. A plurality of mounting columns are provided. The mounting columns are fixedly engaged to interior portions of a base plate in a circumferential arrangement, perpendicular to the base plate and parallel to a central axis. The mounting columns are slidably engaged to interior portions of a middle plate in a circumferential arrangement, perpendicular to the middle plate and parallel to the central axis, so that the middle plate is substantially parallel to the base plate and concentric with the base plate along the central axis. The mounting columns are also fixedly engaged to interior portions of a top plate in a circumferential arrangement, perpendicular to the middle plate and parallel to the central axis, so that the top plate is disposed on an opposite side of the middle plate from the base plate. In this arrangement, the top plate is substantially parallel to the base plate and the middle plate, and concentric with the base plate and middle plate along the central axis. A jack is positioned between the base plate and the middle plate, for moving the middle plate toward the top plate along the central axis, so as to compress a coil spring.

One advantage of this invention is that it easily compresses a coil spring and thereby removes the load from a holding nut, so that a shock absorber can be installed or removed.

Another advantage of this invention is that it is does not suffer from the drawbacks of claw-type arrangements that have difficulty gripping the spring due to the curvature of the spring.

Yet another advantage of this invention is that it grips the spring without being prone to slip.

Other benefits and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains upon reading and understanding of the following detailed specification.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a spring compression system and methods for making the same, so as to enable a spring damper system to be compressed and thereby facilitate installation and removal of the same.

We refer now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention only and not for purposes of limiting the same, and wherein like reference numerals are understood to refer to like components.FIGS. 1,2A, and2B generally illustrate a spring compression apparatus10and the constituent components thereof, aligned with respect to a central axis12, for compressing a coil spring14, preferably a coil spring used in conjunction with a shock absorber in a vehicle suspension system.

A top plate or anterior plate20is provided that engages and supports a first end14aof the coil spring14. As shown, the top plate20is generally flat and has two substantially parallel opposing surfaces. A middle plate or interior plate22is provided that generally engages and supports a second end14bof the coil spring14. The middle plate22is also generally flat with two parallel opposing surfaces, and these surfaces are substantially parallel to and concentric with the top plate20along the central axis12.

A base plate or posterior plate24is disposed on an opposite side of the middle plate22from the top plate20. The base plate24is also generally flat with two parallel opposing surfaces. These surfaces are also substantially parallel to and concentric with the top plate20and middle plate22along the central axis12.

A frame16is provided that fixedly supports the top plate20and the base plate24so that these components form a stable assembly. The frame16slidably supports the middle plate22. As illustrated, the frame16includes a plurality (preferably three) mounting columns30a,30b,30c, each aligned parallel to the central axis12. The mounting columns30a,30b,30care aligned perpendicular to the top plate20, the middle plate22, and the base plate24. The mounting columns30a,30b,30care circumferentially arranged to fixedly engage interior portions of the top plate20and the base plate24, holding them in place against movement. The mounting columns30a,30b,30care circumferentially arranged to also slidably engage interior portions of the middle plate22, allowing free movement of the middle plate22back and forth along the direction of the central axis12.

A jack26is also provided, positioned between the base plate24and the middle plate22. The jack is used for urging or moving the middle plate22toward the top plate20along the central axis12, so as to compress the coil spring14.

As shown inFIG. 1, the frame16formed by the three mounting columns30a,30b,30care configured in a triangular arrangement extending perpendicularly from the base plate24to the top plate20. Though three mounting columns are shown in the figure, it is to be appreciated that any suitable number of mounting columns30a. . .30ncould be employed without departing from the invention. Preferably, the three mounting columns30a,30b,30care configured in an equilateral triangular arrangement. If a greater number of mounting columns are employed, they would preferably be arranged in a regular polyhedral shape corresponding to the number of mounting columns. However, as above, the invention is not to be construed as limited in this manner.

As also shown inFIG. 1, the top plate20, the middle plate22, and the base plate24are each generally triangular in shape. Preferably, the plates20,22,24have a generally equilaterally triangular shape. However, if a greater number of mounting columns are employed, these would preferably be in the corresponding shape of a regular polyhedron. The plates20,22,24are configured to perpendicularly receive a respective mounting column30a,30b,30cin or at least substantially proximate to each of the respective triangular corners.

The mounting columns30a,30b,30cengage interior portions of the top and middle plates20,22. These interior portions are preferably spaced from peripheries of each of these plates20,22, respectively. These interior portions are perpendicularly secured to respective ends of the mounting columns30a,30b,30c. As especially shown inFIGS. 1,2A, and2B, the mounting columns30a,30b,30chave threaded ends32a,32b,32c. Ones of these respective threaded ends32a,32b,32care received in respective mated threaded holes34a,34b,34clocated at the interior portions of the base plate24.

The respective others of these respective threaded ends32a,32b,32care received in respective mated non-threaded holes36a,36b,36clocated at the interior portions of the top plate20. The mated non-threaded holes36a,36b,36chave an interior diameter suitable to accommodate the outer diameter of the threaded ends32a,32b,32c. The threaded ends32a,32b,32care secured in the top plate20by respective pairs of nuts and washers38a,38b,38c, which are fastened and secured thereupon.

In order to effect the slidable engagement of the middle plate22with the mounting columns30a,30b,30c, a plurality of sleeves40a,40b,40care provided. These sleeves40a,40b,40care located at the interior portions of the middle plate22, substantially at the triangular corners of the middle plate22. The sleeves40a,40b,40cextend through each surface of the middle plate22, substantially parallel to the center axis12. Each of the sleeves40a,40b,40chas an inner diameter that slidably engages an outer diameter of a respective mounting column30a,30b,30c. In this way, smooth motion of the middle plate22is effected while maintaining the surfaces of the middle plate22parallel to the opposing surfaces of the top and base plates20,24.

As shown particularly inFIG. 1, the top plate20and the middle plate22each respectively have a central aperture42,44, located along the central axis12, for accommodating different shock mounting jigs. As particularly shown inFIG. 3, the top plate20also includes a plurality of slotted escapes46a,46b,46c,46d,46e,46f, extending radially outward from the top plate central aperture42, for engaging body studs supporting a shock absorber, so as to accommodate a variety of different body stud configurations.

As shown, the slotted escapes46a,46b,46c,46d,46e,46fextend from the central aperture42at angular positions defined by a coordinate system with the center axis12at the origin. A first slot46aextends at an angle of 0 degrees from a “y” coordinate axis at the “12 o'clock” angular position. A second slot46bextends at an angle of 80 degrees. A third slot46cextends at an angle of 120 degrees. A fourth slot46dextends at an angle of 160 degrees. A fifth slot46eextends at an angle of 240 degrees. A sixth slot46fextends at an angle of 300 degrees.

A preferred embodiment of the operation of the present spring compression apparatus10is particularly shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B, for removing a spring damper or shock absorber50from a vehicle suspension system. A bottom end52of the shock absorber50is removed, allowing the spring compression apparatus10to be inserted around the shock absorber50. The bottom end52is inserted through the top plate central aperture42, and into engagement with the middle plate central aperture44, so that the top end54of the shock absorber50extends through the top plate central aperture42. The slotted escapes46a,46b,46c,46d,46e,46fengage the body studs56on the vehicle body that support the shock absorber50.

As shown inFIG. 2A, the first end14aof the coil spring14is at the top end54and engages the top plate20while the second end14bof the coil spring14is held by the bottom end52, and thereby engaged and supported by the middle plate22. A handle on the jack26is pumped so as to lift the jack26and move the middle plate22toward the top plate20. As shown inFIG. 2B, the movement of the middle plate22results in compression of the coil spring14, which produces a displacement58of the top end54of the shock absorber50. In this way, ample room is available so that a holding nut of the shock absorber50can be removed.

FIG. 4depicts a preferred jack26to be used with the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, it is a conventional hydraulic scissor jack having a handle that is pumped in order to extend a scissor arrangement, and thereby produce lift. In the preferred embodiment, the jack26is a hydraulic scissor jack of the type sold under the part number 28985T12 by the McMaster-Carr Supply Company of Chicago, Ill. Of course, it is to be appreciated that any suitable jack, hydraulic or otherwise, could be incorporated without departing from the present invention. As shown again inFIG. 1, the base plate24includes a recess48sized and shaped to receive the jack26, which can be retained in place by machine screws or any other type of suitable fastening means.

FIG. 5illustrates a rear damper fixture60used in conjunction with the jack26. The rear damper fixture60has a generally U-shaped channel62that is received on the top of the jack26. The U-shaped channel62can be secured to the jack26through screws, a weld, or any other suitable manner that will hold it in place. The rear damper fixture60includes a circular aperture64for receiving a bottom end52of the spring damper or shock absorber50through the middle plate central aperture44. The rear damper fixture60also includes a pair of side apertures68for receiving a pin or bolt66. The bolt is also received by aperture69disposed at the bottom end52of the spring damper or shock absorber50. Accordingly, the bolt66is adapted to affix the spring damper or shock absorber50to the rear damper fixture60.

FIG. 6depicts a method70of constructing a spring compression apparatus in accordance with the invention. A step72is performed of providing a plurality of mounting columns. A step74is performed of fixedly engaging the mounting columns to interior portions of a base plate in a circumferential arrangement, perpendicular to the base plate and parallel to the central axis. A step76is performed of slidably engaging the mounting columns to interior portions of a middle plate in a circumferential arrangement, perpendicular to the middle plate and parallel to the central axis. In this way, the middle plate is substantially parallel to the base plate and concentric with the base plate along the central axis.

Another step78is performed of fixedly engaging the mounting columns to interior portions of a top plate in a circumferential arrangement, perpendicular to the middle plate and parallel to the central axis. In this manner, the top plate is disposed on an opposite side of the middle plate from the base plate. The top plate is thus substantially parallel to the base plate and the middle plate, and concentric with the base plate and middle plate along the central axis. An additional step80is performed of positioning a jack between the base plate and the middle plate, for moving the middle plate toward the top plate along the central axis, so as to compress a coil spring.

The steps74,78of fixedly engaging the mounting columns preferably include fixing three mounting columns in an equilateral triangular arrangement extending perpendicularly from the base plate to the top plate. However, if a greater number of mounting columns are employed, they would preferably be arranged in a regular polyhedral shape corresponding to the number of mounting columns. The base plate, middle plate, and top plate would preferably be in the shape of a regular polyhedron so as to accommodate the arrangement of the columns. It should be appreciated that the invention as described hereinabove is not to be construed as limited in this manner.

In the preferred embodiment, the step76of slidably engaging the mounting columns includes providing the middle plate with a plurality of sleeves so that an inner diameter of each sleeve slidably engages an outer diameter of a respective mounting column. Also, in the preferred embodiment, a preliminary step is performed of forming an aperture along the central axis within each of the top plate and the middle plate, to enable the spring compression apparatus to accommodate different shock mounting jigs.