Abstract:
A temporary supporting fixture for use during painting of a vehicle hood. The fixture has a first elongated beam with a first length and includes at least two adjustable length hook members extending from an engagement side for releasable attachment to the hood. A second elongated beam having a second length greater than the first length is also provided and includes at least two hook elements extending from the engagement side of the fixture and configured for releasable attachment to the hood. The second elongated beam further includes at least two adjustable extensions protruding from the engagement side of the fixture and configured for engagement with a surface of the hood. The second beam further includes an at least generally tangential projection configured to engage a striker of the hood. At least two struts extend between the first and second elongated beams. An extension beam including an adjustable length hook member configured for releasable attachment to the hood extends from the first elongated beam in a direction away from the second elongated beam.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    The present disclosure generally relates to a fixture suitable for use with a vehicle hood during the process of applying a coating, such as paint and/or primer. It is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other like applications that encounter similar problems or require similar solutions. 
         [0002]    Automobile production lines include a location where an automobile body and various body panels such as doors, engine hood, trunk lid, roof, etc. are painted or otherwise coated. Body parts may be coated separately, wherein the body panel and the automobile body use separate feed paths or may be coated while attached to the automobile body. 
         [0003]    In one example, during the first stage of a painting process, the entire vehicle body including the hood is coated with a primer during what is known as an E-coat process. The temperature of the E-coat bath is relatively high, usually in the range of about 325° to 450° F. During the E-coat process, the hood may be detached from the vehicle body or the hood may be attached to the vehicle body but in a partially open position. In either scenario, the extreme heat of the E-coat oven and the bending stress resulting from a lack of vehicle body support can warp the hood panel. 
         [0004]    As the vehicle body passes through the base and clear coat stages of the painting process, the warping which occurs during the E-coat process is enhanced by the continued stress on the hood panel and may become a visible coating defect after the smooth and glossy paint finish has been applied. The warping may also cause misalignment between the hood and the vehicle body structure. 
         [0005]    The present disclosure provides a fixture which controls the shape of the hood (also referred to as a bonnet) by locking it in place during the E-coat process and optionally during subsequent painting procedures. The fixture controls the flushness and symmetry of the hood and does not allow it to change shape. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION 
       [0006]    Various details of the present disclosure are hereinafter summarized to provide a basic understanding. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure, and is intended neither to identify certain elements of the disclosure, nor to delineate the scope thereof. Rather, the primary purpose of this summary is to present some concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form prior to the more detailed description that is presented hereinafter. 
         [0007]    According to a first embodiment, a temporary supporting fixture for painting an associated hood of a vehicle is provided. The fixture includes a first elongated beam having a first length and at least two hook members extending from an engagement side. The hook members are configured for releasable attachment to the hood. A second elongated beam having a second length greater than the first length is also provided. The second beam includes at least two hook elements extending from the engagement side and configured for releasable attachment to the hood. The second elongated beam further includes at least two adjustable extensions protruding from the engagement side of the fixture and configured for engagement with a surface of the hood. At least one strut extends between the first and second elongated beams. 
         [0008]    According to a second embodiment, a method of painting a vehicle is provided. The method includes the step of attaching the above-described fixture to a vehicle, wherein each hook element is secured in a drain hole formed in the hood to control both the symmetry and flushness of the hood and a coating is applied. 
         [0009]    According to a further embodiment, a temporary supporting fixture for painting an associated hood of a vehicle is provided. The fixture has a first elongated beam with a first length and includes at least two adjustable length hook members extending from an engagement side. The hook members are configured for releasable attachment to the hood. A second elongated beam having a second length greater than the first length is also provided. The second beam includes at least two hook elements extending from the engagement side of the fixture and configured for releasable attachment to the hood. The second elongated beam further includes at least two adjustable extensions protruding from the engagement side of the fixture and configured for engagement with a surface of the hood. The second beam further includes an at least generally tangential projection configured to engage a striker of the hood. At least two struts extend between the first and second elongated beams. An extension beam including an adjustable length hook member configured for releasable attachment to said hood extends from the first elongated beam in a direction away from the second elongated beam. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The following description and drawings set forth certain illustrative embodiments of the disclosure in detail, which are indicative of several exemplary ways in which the various principles of the disclosure may be carried out. The illustrated examples, however, are not exhaustive of the many possible embodiments of the disclosure. Other objects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will be set forth in the following detailed description of the disclosure when considered in conjunction with the drawings, in which 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a top plan view of an exemplary fixture secured to a vehicle hood; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the fixture of  FIG. 1  removed from the vehicle hood; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view illustrating an adjustable length hook element of  FIGS. 1-3  in a partially installed position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  illustrates the adjustable length hook member of  FIG. 4  in an installed condition; and 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the fixture as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , illustrating one hook element and one adjustable extension of the long beam as secured to the vehicle hood. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0017]    The description and drawings herein are merely illustrative. Various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from what is defined in the appended claims. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the structures and components illustrated in the drawings and should not be construed as limiting the claims appended hereto. Like numbers refer to like parts throughout the several views. 
         [0018]    Referring in detail to the drawings,  FIGS. 1-6  illustrate a fixture apparatus  10  for use in the manufacture of vehicles such as automobiles during the application of a coating to the vehicle hood and/or the hood as attached to the vehicle body. The fixture apparatus  10  is adapted for use on a vehicle hood  12 . It is envisioned that the fixture apparatus  10  can be used with a hood constructed of metal (such as aluminum), fiberglass or other thermoplastic composite materials. 
         [0019]    Fixture  10  has a first elongated support beam  20  of an essentially rigid construction. The first support beam  20  can span a distance laterally between forward edges  22  and  24  of the vehicle hood  12 . However, it is noted that the precise positioning of beam  20  can be adjusted by the skilled practitioner. Moreover, while it may be advantageous for the beam  20  to terminate adjacent an edge of the hood, the particular point of engagement with the hood edge may be more forward (F) or more rearward (R). Adjustable length hook members  26  and  26 ′ are secured to opposite longitudinal ends of beam  20 . The hook members  26  and  26 ′ releasably attach the beam  20  to drain holes  30  and  30 ′ formed on the edge of hood  12 . 
         [0020]    An extension beam  32  is rigidly affixed at a longitudinal midpoint of beam  20  and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of beam  20 . Beam  32  can be secured to beam  20  by a method such as welding. Extension beam  32  is provided such that fixture  10  can have a peripheral shape at least generally concentric to the shape of the hood  12 , particularly in the region adjacent the forward edge. 
         [0021]    Extension beam  32  further includes a removable adjustable length hook member  26 ″ selectively received within drain hole  30 ″. Extension beam  32  is positioned to provide a cantilever support at about the midpoint of beam  20 . 
         [0022]    Although the adjustable length hook members are described herein as secured within drain holes, this selection is not limiting. Moreover, it is contemplated that holes not configured to provide drainage may be used. Alternatively, it is feasible that connection points such as tabs or ledges, as examples, may protrude from the surface of the hood. In short, any configuration suitable to provide purchase for the removable hook member is acceptable. Similarly, although desirable to provide flexibility and adjustability, the hook member are not necessarily adjustable or removable. 
         [0023]    Each of the hook members  26  is preferably constructed from steel having a thickness substantial enough to prevent deformation or bending of the hook members during use. Each of the hook members  26  has a threaded hook portion  34  terminating in hook tip  35  and extending from one end of a main hook body  36 . Each hook member  26  also has a length adjustment feature such as set screw  38  which can be loosened to allow adjustment of the distance threaded hook portion  34  extends from an internally threaded section of main body  36 . Hook tip  35  can be sized appropriately for removable insertion into drain hole(s)  30 . The end of hook member  26  opposite the hook tip  35  can include a textured surface  48  to improve gripping. 
         [0024]    With specific reference to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , hook member  26  can be received within a cutout  42  formed in beam  20 . As illustrated, the cutouts  42  are sized to receive threaded hook portion  34  and extend approximately ½ of the width of the beam  20 . Advantageously, each cutout can include a tapered flange  44  to prevent hook member  26  from catching during installation/detachment. Further, each cutout  42  can include a registration detent  46  shaped cooperatively with a mating surface  48  on the main body  36  of hook member  26 . 
         [0025]    Each hook member  26  can be attached to the fixture  10  by means of a tether  50 . Tether  50  can have a first end secured within a passage  52  in hook member  26  and a second end secured to a hole  54  formed in a beam of the fixture, such as beam  20 . 
         [0026]    Beam  20  of the fixture  10 , in conjunction with extension  32  and hook members  26 , is designed to control flushness by controlling the hemline of the bonnet. 
         [0027]    A second elongated beam  60  is preferably constructed of a rigid material. Beam  60  typically can have a length greater than beam  20  which coincides with its&#39; intended positioning more rearward (R) on the hood  12  and at a position on the hood which is generally wider. Beam  60  can be secured to hood  12  via a pair of hook elements  62  and  62 ′ received within holes  64  and  64 ′. As illustrated, hook elements  62  can be permanently attached to the beam  60 , such as by welding. However, it is considered feasible to use adjustable detachable hook members as an alternative. 
         [0028]    Tension between the fixture  10  and the hood  12  is established by adjustable bolts  70  and  70 ′. Particularly, adjustment of bolts  70  and  70 ′ into engagement with hood  12  extends fixture  10  away from the hood  12  such that hook tips  66  and  66 ′ of hook element  62  and  62 ′ become engaged within holes  64  and  64 ′. In addition to creating tension, bolts  70  and  70 ′ support the outside frame edge of the bonnet. 
         [0029]    Beam  20  further includes a pair of bolts  65  and  65 ′. Bolts  65  and  65 ′ extend from the fixture  10  in a direction opposite bolts  70  and  70 ′. Moreover, bolts  65  and  65 ′ extend away from the hood  12  when the fixture  10  is attached. Bolts  65  and  65 ′ are configured to engage the bulkhead of the vehicle during the E-coat process. In this manner, the fixture props the hood in a minor open position as the vehicle descends into the E-coat tank. As the vehicle becomes submerged in the tank, the hood is free to float upward in response to air pressure between the hood skin and the hood frame. After the vehicle is removed from the coat tank, the fixture bolts  65  and  65 ′ re-engage the bulkhead, maintaining the hood in a minor open position for a subsequent baking step. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to have bolts  65  and  65 ′ that are adjustable in length. Also, it is noted that bolts  65  and  65 ′ could readily be situated at other locations on fixture  10 . 
         [0030]    Beam  60  further includes a centrally located lateral engagement bolt  72 . Bolt  72  is adjustable lengthwise to allow engagement with a striker element  74  disposed on hood  12 . In this manner, lateral stability is provided when the fixture  10  is fully attached to the hood  12 . To take full advantage of the lateral engagement bolt  72 , it may be desirable for hook tips  35  and  66  to be oriented facing rearward (R) such that bolt  72  urges overlap of the tips with the material of the hood forming the respective hole into which each is inserted. 
         [0031]    A pair of struts  80  and  80 ′ can be welded to a sidewall  84  of beam  60 . Struts  80  extend forward (F) from beam  60  and are each welded to a base wall  86  of beam  20 . In this manner, beam  20  can be disposed in a plane relatively higher (using the hood as a reference for upward) than beam  60 . This configuration represents the general curvature of a common hood design in present day vehicles. Nonetheless, this disclosure contemplates any arrangement of the beams, including adding curvature thereto, which may be necessary to provide a fixture having a contour generally matching the curvature of the associated hood. 
         [0032]    A cross-bar  90  can be provided between struts  80  and  80 ′. The cross-bar is located between beams  20  and  60  and can run generally parallel thereto. The cross-bar  90  can be welded to the upper surfaces  91  and  91 ′ of the struts  80  and  80 ′ so that cross-bar  90  rests against the striker plate  92  (or components thereof such as nuts or bolt heads) to give leverage to the three hook members  26  located in the drain holes  30 . Cross-bar  90  may include a cut-out  94  oriented to receive the striker  74  when the fixture  10  is installed on the hood. 
         [0033]    The beams and cross-bar of the present fixture can be constructed of steel. An exemplary material is HSS-shape structural steel. However, it is noted that the specific shape and/or orientation of the beams, struts, and extensions of the subject fixture can be arranged based on the shape and contour of the hood with which it is being associated. In this regard, the configuration and construction of the beams and hook elements/members may take on any number of configurations to accommodate any particular vehicle hood shape, construction, and configuration without departing from the scope of the disclosure. 
         [0034]    To prepare fixture  10  for installation to hood  12 , hook members  26  can be removed from notches  44 . Fixture  10  can be first associated with hood  12  by inserting hook elements  62  into the associated holes  64 . Bolts  70  can be extended into engagement with the hood  12 . Hook members  26  can be inserted into the associated holes  30 , pulled away from the hood  12 , and cammed into position in notches  44 . As necessary, the length of threaded hook portion can be adjusted to reflect changes in the shape of fixture  10  over time. Thereafter, engagement bolt  72  can be extended into engagement with striker  74 . When set in place and locked down, the aluminum bonnet cannot change shape and is held to the shape to which it was designed. By controlling the shape of the vehicle bonnet through the E-coating process, symmetry and flushness are improved, resulting in reduced cost associated with repair. 
         [0035]    The first step of the paint application process for a typical automotive vehicle body is to immerse the entire body in an E-coat primer bath. In association with the present fixture, this may be performed with the hood installed on the vehicle or separately from the vehicle. If the E-coating is performed with the hood attached to the vehicle, the hood may be secured in an open position at an angle relative to the remainder of the vehicle body or to horizontal. This is to ensure that the E-coat primer covers virtually the entire bare metal surface of the hood, and yet to ensure proper flow and coverage of the primer on the hood outer surface. Fixture  10  could be designed to include a mechanism which positions the hood at a predetermined angle relative to the vehicle body. 
         [0036]    Typically, the next stage of the paint application process involves adding the base color, and, if necessary, clear coat paint. It is envisioned that the present fixture can be used similarly, but not necessarily for such subsequent steps. 
         [0037]    This written description uses examples to describe the disclosure, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims. Moreover, this disclosure is intended to seek protection for a combination of components and/or steps and a combination of claims as originally presented for examination, as well as seek potential protection for other combinations of components and/or steps and combinations of claims during prosecution.