Abstract:
A Universal Stake Adapter for a Dent Repair Stud Welder that provides an economical alternative for holding and heating a stake required during thermoplastic repair operations.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention relates to an Universal Stake Adapter for a Dent Repair Stud Welder commonly used during auto repair operations. 
         [0003]    2. Prior Art 
         [0004]    Thermoplastic materials are used in any of wide variety automotive applications. Thermoplastic Automotive parts such as fenders, bumpers, mirrors, etc. are frequently damaged by an automotive collision. This damage includes rips, tears, fractures and or holes in the thermoplastic material. Numerous devices to assist in the repair thermoplastic material include; Adhesives, hot air welding, melting with a hot iron. 
         [0005]    Hot stapling thermoplastic material is the preferred method but requires purchasing an expensive device such as the Dent Fix brand part no. DF-800BR or Punto Plast brand hot stapler part no. 6201. These devices are specific and have a limited use. With the average price of approximately $500 it is hard to justify the expense. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides an economical alternative for holding and supporting a stake during thermoplastic repair operations which overcomes the problems noted above. The present invention makes use of a common Stud Welder such as Motor Guard brand Magna-Spot® 1500 part no. JO-1500 used in automotive repairs, by converting the Stud Welder in to a Hot Stake Stitcher. 
         [0007]    The present invention comprises an adapter which includes an outer electric power transfer electrode capable of connecting to the outer power head electrode of a stud welder and a inner electric power transfer electrode capable of connecting to the stud welder&#39;s inner electrode. The outer electrode of the universal stake adapter is connected to one of stake retaining electrodes and the inner electrode of the universal stake adapter is connected to the remaining stake retaining electrode. Each of the stake retaining electrodes includes a bore located at end to removably receive one of terminals of a stake, converting the stud welder into a hot stapler. A thumbscrew is used to insure a secure connection between the stud welder and the universal stake adapter. 
         [0008]    These and other objects, advantages and embodiments will become more apparent when reviewed with the accompanying figures and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]      FIG. 1  is a cross sectional view of the power head of the stud welder and the universal stake adapter assembly. 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional assembled view of the power head of the stud welder and the universal stake adapter assembly. 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the universal stake adapter&#39;s stake retaining electrodes. 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the damaged thermoplastic material repair process; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is an exploded assembly view of the new universal stake thermoplastic repair tool. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    Referring to the accompanying drawing, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts,  FIG. 1  is a cross sectional view of the power head of the stud welder  101  and the universal stake adapter assembly  104 . The power head of the stud welder  101  is shown which has an outer electrode  102  and inner electrode  103 . The universal stake adapter assembly  104  is shown which has an outer electrode  106  which is capable of contacting the outer electrode the stud welder&#39;s outer electrode  102  and inner electrode  107  which is capable of contacting the outer electrode the stud welder&#39;s inner electrode  103 . A thumb screw  105  is capable of locking the universal stake adapter assembly  104  to the power head of the stud welder  101  by moving the universal stake adapter outer electrode  106  into the stud welder&#39;s outer electrode  102 . 
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a cross sectional assembled view of the power head of the stud welder  201  and the universal stake adapter assembly  204 . The universal stake adapter  204  is affixed to the stud welder  201  by tightening the thumb screw  205  into outer electrode  206  locking it agents the stud welder&#39;s outer electrode  202 . Any electrical current from the stud welder&#39;s outer electrode  202  is now conducted through the universal stake adapter&#39;s outer electrode  206  then through one of the stake retaining electrodes  207 . Any electrical current from the stud welder&#39;s inner electrode  203  is now conducted through the universal stake adapter&#39;s inner electrode  208  then through one of the stake retaining electrodes  207 . 
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view of the universal stake adapter&#39;s stake retaining electrodes  301  which include a bore  303  within the electrode dimensioned to removably receive a stake  302 . With the stake  302  inserted into the stake retaining electrodes  301  electrical current is conducted through the stake  302 , causing the smaller diameter stake preferably  24  gauge to become a heated element  304 . 
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a cross sectional view of the damaged thermoplastic material repair process. Damaged thermoplastic materials  401  are stitched together by activating the stud welder which conducts current through the universal stake adapter&#39;s electrodes  402  heating the stake  403  then pressing a heated stake  404  partially into the damaged area then deactivating the stud welder&#39;s power and allowing the stake to cool within the thermoplastic material. Caution and expertise is required not to overheat the small metal stake beyond 300 degrees Fahrenheit possibly burning the thermoplastic material. Once the stake cools, the universal stake adapter is removed, leaving the stake permanently imbedded within the thermoplastic material. Typically the excess stake material is removed  404 . 
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is an exploded assembly view of the new universal stake thermoplastic repair tool in which the stud welder  501  which includes the power head  502  is converted into a Hot Stake Stitcher by connecting the universal stake adapter assembly  503  to the power head  502  and inserting a stake  506  into the stake retaining electrodes  504 .