Abstract:
A vehicle frame attachment apparatus encompasses a vehicle frame and efficiently distributes the holding or pulling forces involved in aligning a vehicle frame. The frame attachment apparatus includes a vise and a containment mechanism that secures the vehicle frame within the vise. In one embodiment, the vise includes an opposable member and a set of grasping digits that conform to bends in the vehicle frame. An alignment device may be connected to the vise to exert a pulling force and thereby align the vehicle frame. The disclosed vehicle frame alignment apparatus is easy to deploy, and reduces the risk of damaging a vehicle or injuring an alignment technician.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 60/516,227 Entitled “VEHICLE FRAME ATTACHMENT APPARATUS METHOD AND SYSTEM” filed on Oct. 31, 2003 for Desmond R. Thomas. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to the field of vehicular frame alignment devices, methods, and systems. More particularly, the invention relates to devices, methods, and systems for attaching retaining devices to structural frames of vehicles to facilitate frame alignment.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Vehicle frames are often subjected to tremendous stresses and strains, particularly during accidents and off-road excursions. As a result, vehicle frames are frequently distorted, resulting in poor driving performance and additional vehicle stress, including tire wear. In some cases, a frame may be bent to the point that the vehicle is no longer functional.  
         [0006]     To correct frame distortion, selected locations of a vehicle frame are held in place and secured from movement, while pulling forces are applied at other carefully selected locations. To anchor the vehicle frame securely, clamping devices are typically positioned on an alignment platform and engaged to secure the frame firmly to the alignment platform. Placing the vehicle on the alignment platform secures the vehicle in an effective manner and facilitates access to frame members located underneath the vehicle.  
         [0007]     Once securely positioned on the platform, pulling devices may be attached to the frame in order to apply a correctional force—generally in a lateral direction around the perimeter of the frame—in order to pull or bend the frame back into alignment. Typically, a clamp is attached to the frame and connected via a chain, or the like, to a hydraulic pulling mechanism such as a pulling tower. Upon activation of the hydraulic pulling mechanism the frame is pulled into alignment.  
         [0008]     To facilitate a proper alignment, vehicle manufacturers often provide specifications for the correct three-dimensional location of specific reference points, such as reference openings or holes. If a vehicle frame is distorted, the reference points will be located away from their normal position. Aligning a vehicle frame requires returning the vehicle reference points to their specified normal positions.  
         [0009]     Tremendous pulling forces are typically required to pull a frame into alignment. Prior art frame attachment devices such as hooks or clamps may slip or release from the frame resulting in considerable danger and risk to the operator as well as damage to the vehicle. As a result of these risks, the cost of operating alignment equipment is significantly increased.  
         [0010]     Historically, nearly all vehicles had structural frames on which vehicles including body panels were built. Repairing vehicle damage involved straightening the frame, and re-shaping or replacing body panels. Recently, however, many vehicles are being built using “unibody” construction techniques in order to lower manufacturing costs and reduce body weight and fuel consumption.  
         [0011]     With unibody vehicles, body members and panels are typically joined and welded at a perpendicular seam known as a “pinch weld.” The pinch weld increases the strength of the vehicle body and essentially functions as a frame member. Consequently, the pinch weld seams of a unibody vehicle are often referred to as a “frame” in that the pinch weld seams function as a perimeter support structure that requires alignment after being distorted as a result of the vehicle being involved in a collision or the like.  
         [0012]     With the growth of unibody vehicles, vehicle alignment platforms and devices are typically optimized for use with pinch weld frames. For example, platform clamps that are used to secure portions of a vehicle frame to the platform are typically vises that may be tightened about a pinch weld seam in order to firmly secure a portion of the frame in place during alignment.  
         [0013]     While many vehicles are manufactured with unibody construction techniques, a considerable number of vehicles, particularly trucks and sport utility vehicles, employ a separate structural frame for at least a portion of the vehicle support system. Attachment devices and methods for structural frames are currently less effective and less safe than attachment devices and methods for pinch weld frames.  
         [0014]     Additionally, due to the forces required to align vehicle frames, particularly structural vehicle frames, prior art attachment and clamping devices are often heavy and require tightening and loosening of a large number of bolts. The strain of securing and removing prior art attachment and clamping devices often wears down or injures technicians, resulting in reduced productivity, increased sick time, and shortened careers.  
         [0015]     What is needed are devices and methods for working with structural frame members in a safe, efficient, cost-effective manner. In particular, what is needed are devices and methods for attaching to structural frame members in a manner that a selected portion of a structural frame may be safely and effectively anchored to a platform, or attached to a pulling device and moved, in order to align a vehicle frame without straining or injuring a technician or operator.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0016]     The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available vehicle frame attachment devices and methods. Accordingly, the present invention provides an improved apparatus, method, and system for aligning vehicular structural frames that overcomes many or all of the above-discussed shortcomings in the art.  
         [0017]     In one aspect of the present invention, a frame attachment apparatus includes a vise that clamps onto a portion of a vehicle frame member, a containment mechanism that secures the vehicle frame member within the vise, and a connection member fixably attached to the vise. The vise provides lateral stability to a portion of a structural frame, while the containment mechanism provides vertical stability to the portion of the frame within the vise. Together, the vise and containment mechanism hold the structural frame more firmly than prior art devices. As a result, the frame attachment apparatus is safer and more effective than currently available devices.  
         [0018]     The connection member may receive an alignment device, such as a chain assembly, cable, strap, or the like. The connection member may be a hook, hole, or other feature useful for connecting to the attachment apparatus. Connecting an alignment device via the connection member facilitates holding or pulling a portion of the structural frame to which the apparatus is attached. In one embodiment, the alignment device is a hook that receives a chain assembly attached to a pulling tower. The pulling tower exerts a pulling force on the chain assembly, thereby pulling the vise and straightening the portion of the structural frame within the vise.  
         [0019]     The frame attachment apparatus may include elements that facilitate increased holding rigidity of the portion of the frame within the vise. In certain embodiments, the vise includes a plurality of grasping digits. The grasping digits are adjustable so that the vise can effectively grasp frame portions of various shapes. In one embodiment, each grasping digit comprises a jaw, and tightening a grasping digit closes the jaw of the digit until contact is made with the frame. The grasping digits may be interchangeable frame-specific digits that may be removed and replaced to match specific frame types. For example, specific digits may have a size and/or contour selected to match a specific frame design.  
         [0020]     The jaws of the grasping digits and the vise may include one or more engagement projections that increase the vise&#39;s holding pressure on the frame. The frame attachment apparatus may also include a base that secures the vise to an alignment platform, adding further stability to the portion of the frame within the vise.  
         [0021]     The containment mechanism may include a strap and ratcheting mechanism that tightens the strap around the portion of the frame. In one embodiment, the ratcheting mechanism is attached to a collar that may be fitted over a post associated with a standard base commonly used in frame alignment systems.  
         [0022]     A frame attachment method of the present invention is also presented. The method includes clamping a vise onto a portion of a vehicle frame member and tightening a containment mechanism to secure the vehicle frame member within the vise. This method is more efficient than prior art methods because it requires tightening and loosening of fewer bolts and other fasteners. Increased safety also results because workers operate fewer mechanisms and thus have fewer chances to make mistakes.  
         [0023]     Clamping the vise onto a portion of a vehicle frame member may include adjusting grasping digits on the vise to conform to the vehicle frame. Adjusting grasping digits in this manner enables the vise to securely grasp frame portions of various shapes. Other embodiments of the method include attaching an alignment device to the vise and pulling the alignment device to straighten the vehicle frame member. The method may further include removing the alignment device and removing the vise.  
         [0024]     In another aspect of the present invention, a frame alignment system includes an alignment platform configured to support a vehicle having a vehicle frame, a vise connected to the alignment platform, the vise having a plurality of grasping digits and the ability to clamp onto a portion of a vehicle frame member, and a containment mechanism that secures the vehicle frame member within the vise. The system may also include a connection member affixed to the vise that receives an alignment device. The various elements of the system work together to enable alignment of a vehicle frame in a fast, safe, and efficient manner.  
         [0025]     Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.  
         [0026]     Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.  
         [0027]     These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0028]     In order that the advantages of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0029]      FIG. 1  is an enlarged perspective view illustration depicting one embodiment of a frame alignment system of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 2  is a front view perspective illustration depicting one embodiment of a frame attachment apparatus of the present invention;  
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is a rear view perspective illustration further depicting the frame attachment apparatus of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0032]      FIG. 4  is a side cutaway view illustration depicting one embodiment of the frame attachment apparatus of  FIG. 2 ;  
         [0033]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a frame alignment method of the present invention;  
         [0034]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart depicting another embodiment of the frame alignment method of the present invention;  
         [0035]      FIG. 7  is a front perspective view depicting another embodiment of the frame attachment apparatus of the present invention;  
         [0036]      FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view further depicting the frame attachment apparatus of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 9  is a front perspective view depicting portions of the frame attachment apparatus of  FIG. 7 ;  
         [0038]      FIG. 10  is a side view depicting a grasping assembly of the present invention; and  
         [0039]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view depicting one embodiment of the grasping assembly of  FIG. 10 .  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0040]     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment”, or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.  
         [0041]     Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of fasteners, materials, shapes, sizes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.  
         [0042]     Referring to the illustrations,  FIG. 1  depicts one embodiment of a frame alignment system  100  of the present invention. The frame alignment system  100  includes at least one frame attachment apparatus  110 , one or more bases  120 , an alignment platform  130 , a pulling tower  140 , a chain assembly  150 , and a structural frame  160 . The frame alignment system  100  facilitates aligning automotive structural frames in a safe, efficient manner.  
         [0043]     Each frame attachment apparatus  110  attaches to the structural frame  160  at a selected location in order to facilitate alignment. Each frame attachment apparatus  110  may be configured to receive an alignment device such as a chain via a connection member. In this manner the frame attachment apparatus  110  distributes holding or pulling forces from the alignment device to the structural frame  160  more effectively than current art devices.  
         [0044]     In the depicted frame alignment system  100 , two specific embodiments of the frame attachment apparatus  110  are shown, namely a frame holding apparatus  110   a  and a frame pulling apparatus  110   b . As depicted, each frame holding apparatus  110   a  connects to the alignment platform  130  via the bases  120 , while the depicted frame pulling apparatus ll 0   b  is coupled to the pulling tower  140  via the chain assembly  150 .  
         [0045]     The frame holding apparatus  110   a  holds the structural frame  160  in place while the frame pulling apparatus  110   b  facilitates moving a portion of the structural frame  160  into place. As depicted, the frame pulling apparatus  110   b  may be moved to any portion of the structural frame  160  that needs alignment. In the depicted embodiment, the frame pulling apparatus  110   b  transmits alignment forces from the pulling tower  140  to a selected portion of the structural frame  160 .  
         [0046]     Because the frame attachment apparatus  110  securely attaches to the structural frame  160 , slippage of the frame alignment system  100  is less likely to occur than in currently available frame alignment systems. Consequently, the frame alignment system  100  is safer and more reliable than current alignment systems.  
         [0047]      FIGS. 2 through 4  are illustrations depicting one embodiment of a frame attachment apparatus  200  of the present invention.  FIG. 2  depicts a front perspective view,  FIG. 3  depicts a rear perspective view, and  FIG. 4  depicts a side cutaway view of the frame attachment apparatus  200 .  
         [0048]     The depicted frame attachment apparatus  200  includes a vise  210 , a containment mechanism  220 , one or more engagement projections  230 , an anchor  240 , connection members  250 , a stem sleeve  260 , a latch pin  262 , adjustment holes  264 , adjustment holes  266 , a stub  270 , and a vise stem  280 . The vise  210  further includes an opposable member  210   a  and grasping digits  210   b . In the depicted embodiment, the containment mechanism  220  further includes a strap  220   a , a chain  220   b , and a ratcheting mechanism  220   c.    
         [0049]     Within the vise  210 , the opposable member  210   a  and the grasping digits  210   b  work together to grasp the structural frame  160  (not shown). While the opposable member  210   a  stays in a fixed position, the grasping digits  210   b  may be adjusted to conform to bends in the structural frame  160 . In one embodiment, each grasping digit  210   b  comprises a jaw. Tightening the nut  202  pulls the bolt  204  and closes the jaw of the digit until contact is made with the frame. The nut  202  and the bolt  204  may be adjusted quickly using an air wrench or the like. The grasping digits  210   b  may be interchangeable frame-specific digits that may be removed and replaced to match specific frame types. For example, specific digits may have a size and/or contour selected to match a specific frame design.  
         [0050]     The opposable member  210   a  and each grasping digit  210   b  may include one or more engagement projections  230 . In the depicted embodiment, the engagement projections  230  are essentially pointed protrusions that improve the gripping surface of the vise  210 . The engagement projections  230  may be fashioned from a durable material such as steel, hardened rubber, or the like. Likewise, the vise  210  may be fashioned out of a material able to withstand strong pulling forces, such as tempered steel.  
         [0051]     The containment mechanism  220  may be used to partially encompass and contain the structural frame  160  (not shown) and thereby strengthen the grip of the frame attachment apparatus  200  on the structural frame  160 . The containment mechanism  220  may include a strap, a chain, a cable, or the like, or any combination thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the containment mechanism  220  includes a strap  220   a  attached to a chain  220   b  as well as a ratcheting mechanism for tightening the strap  220   b . The chain  220   b  attaches to the anchor  240 , and the ratcheting mechanism  220   c  tightens the strap  220   a  and chain  220   b  around the structural frame  160 .  
         [0052]     The connection members  250  facilitate receiving an alignment device such as the chain assembly  150 . The connection members  250  may be hooks, latches, holes, protrusions, or the like capable of receiving an alignment device. The depicted connection members  250  are hooks affixed to each end of the vise. Either one or both of the hooks may receive a chain assembly  150 , depending on which direction the structural frame  160  needs to be pulled.  
         [0053]     The cutaway view of  FIG. 4  illustrates the depicted connection between the vise stem  280  and the stem sleeve or collar  260 . The vise stem  280  is welded, bolted, or otherwise attached to the vise  210 , and the vise stem  280  includes several adjustment holes  264 . When the latch pin  262  is inserted in an adjustment hole  264 , the vise stem  280  remains in a rigid position with respect to the stem sleeve  260 . When the latch pin  262  is removed from the adjustment hole  264 , the vise stem  280  may move vertically within the stem sleeve  260 . Thus, the height of the vise stem  280  may adjust to accommodate structural frames  160  of substantially any size.  
         [0054]     In the depicted embodiment, the stub  270  is attached to the stem sleeve  260 . In another embodiment, the stem sleeve  260  is a collar that is not attached to the stub  270 , and the stem sleeve  260  may fit over a standard post associated with a standard frame alignment clamp such as a pinch-weld vise. In the depicted arrangement, the stub  270  may be inserted into the base  120  (not shown) and may be held fast by a second latch pin (not shown) inserted through the adjustment hole  266 .  
         [0055]     With the stub  270  attached to the base, the frame attachment apparatus  200  functions as the frame holding apparatus  110   a  of  FIG. 1 . Alternatively, the frame attachment apparatus  200  may not include the stub  270  or may not attach to the base  120 . Without the stub  270  or the base  120 , the frame attachment apparatus  200  functions as the frame pulling apparatus  110   b  of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0056]     As depicted, the frame attachment apparatus  200  completely encompasses the vehicle structural frame, providing a more secure attachment than current art devices. The frame attachment apparatus  200  is also easy to install and remove, distributes holding or pulling forces effectively, and utilizes existing alignment equipment such as pulling towers, chain assemblies, and the like.  
         [0057]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of a frame alignment method  300  of the present invention. The depicted frame alignment method  300  includes a clamp vise onto frame step  310 , an adjust grasping digits step  320 , an attach alignment device step  330 , and an align frame step  340 . The frame alignment method  300  facilitates rapid, safe alignment of a structural frame.  
         [0058]     The method  300  starts when a vise  210  is clamped onto a structural frame  160 . Grasping digits  210   b  may be adjusted  320  to conform to any bend in the structural frame  160 . Once the vise  210  is secured to the structural frame  160 , an alignment device such as the chain assembly  150  is attached  330  to the vise  210 . A pulling tower  140  or other similar device exerts force on the chain assembly  120 , which in turn pulls the vise  210  and thereby aligns  340  the structural frame  160 .  
         [0059]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart depicting another embodiment of a frame alignment method  400  of the present invention. The depicted frame alignment method  400  includes a clamp vise onto frame step  410 , a tighten containment mechanism step  420 , an attach alignment device step  430 , an align frame step  440 , a remove alignment device step  450 , and a remove vise step  460 .  
         [0060]     The method  400  begins when a vise  210  is clamped  410  onto a structural frame  160 . A strap  220   a  or the like attached to the vise  210  is tightened  420  around the structural frame  160  by a ratcheting mechanism  220   c  or other similar device. Once the strap  220   a  is tightened  420 , an alignment device such as a chain assembly  150  is attached  330  to the vise  210 . A pulling tower  140  or other similar device exerts force on the chain assembly  120 , which in turn pulls the vise  210  and thereby aligns  340  the structural frame  160 . The chain assembly  120  is then removed from the vise  210 , and the vise  210  is removed from the structural frame  160 .  
         [0061]      FIGS. 7 and 8  are perspective illustrations depicting another embodiment of the frame attachment apparatus of the present invention, namely the frame attachment apparatus  500 .  FIG. 7  depicts a front perspective view of the frame attachment apparatus  500 , while  FIG. 8  depicts a rear perspective view of the frame attachment apparatus  500 . The depicted frame attachment apparatus  500  includes nuts  202 , bolts  204 , engagement projections  230 , connection members  250 , adjustment holes  264 , a vise  510 , and a vise stem  580 .  
         [0062]     The vise  510  in the frame attachment apparatus  500  includes fewer grasping digits  510   b  than the vise  210  depicted in  FIGS. 2-4 . Including fewer grasping digits  510   b  decreases the weight and cost of the frame apparatus  500 , though the two grasping digits  501   b  may still grasp frames of various shapes. Additionally, the frame attachment apparatus  500  does not include a containment mechanism  220 . The lack of a containment mechanism  220  also contributes to a lighter, cost-effective frame attachment apparatus  500 , though the containment mechanism  220  may be added to the frame attachment apparatus  500  if desired.  
         [0063]     The functions of the nuts  202 , bolts  204 , vise  510 , engagement projections  230 , and connection members  250  are substantially the same as in previous Figures. However, the adjustment holes  264  in the depicted embodiment are in two directions for increased stability of the vise stem  580  within the stem sleeve  260  (not shown).  
         [0064]      FIG. 9  is a front view perspective illustration depicting selected portions of the frame attachment apparatus  500  of  FIG. 7 . The depicted frame attachment apparatus  600  includes an engagement projection  230 , connection members  250 , adjustment holes  264 , an opposable member  510   a , a vise stem  580 , and bolt slots  602 . The functions of the engagement projection  230 , the connection members  250 , the adjustment holes  264 , the opposable member  510   a , and the vise stem  580  are substantially the same as previously described. Thus,  FIG. 9  essentially depicts one embodiment of the frame attachment apparatus  500  of  FIG. 7  without the nuts  202 , bolts  204 , and grasping digits  510   b . With these elements removed, the bolt slots  602  are plainly visible.  
         [0065]     Each bolt slot  602  may receive a bolt  204  (not shown) attached to a grasping digit  510   b  (not shown). In the depicted embodiment, the bolt slots  602  are square. This square design accommodates bolts  204  with partially square shanks that do not turn within the bolt slots  602 . By restricting the bolts  204  from turning, the grasping digits  510   b  attached to the bolts remain rigid against the structural frame  160 . Consequently, adjusting the grasping digits  210   b  is facilitated by tightening or loosening the nuts  202  rather than turning the bolts  204 . Those familiar with the art will appreciate that many different types of nuts  202 , bolts  204 , and bolt slots  602  may be used to achieve similar results.  
         [0066]      FIGS. 10 and 11  depict a grasping assembly  600  of the present invention. The depicted grasping assembly  600  includes a bolt  204 , a grasping digit  210   b , and an engagement projection  230 .  FIG. 10  depicts a particular embodiment of the grasping assembly  600 , namely a claw grasping assembly  600   a , wherein the grasping assembly  600  further includes a claw  602 . Likewise,  FIG. 11  depicts a particular embodiment of the grasping assembly  600 , namely the non-claw grasping assembly  600   b , wherein the grasping assembly  600  does not include a claw.  
         [0067]     The addition of the claw  602  to the claw grasping assembly  600   a  adds another point of grip on structural frames  160  having a lip (not shown). The claw  602 , grasping digit  210   b , and bolt  204  may be made of tempered steel or other similar material having enough strength to withstand heavy pulling forces.  
         [0068]     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.