Abstract:
A tool and corresponding methods for installing a bushing within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile include the tool having a first arm movably connected to a second arm. The first arm includes a first handle portion and a first end portion, which is configured to hold a bushing during installation within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile. Further, the second arm includes a second handle portion and an opposing second end portion, wherein the second end portion operable to transfer force to the bushing suitable to install the bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile when the first handle and the second handle of the first arm and the second arm are movably operated. The tool has a predetermined length sized to enable the tool to reach the installation position, for example, without having to remove portions of the automobile.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C. § 120  
       [0001]     The present application for patent is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/631,788 entitled “Pliers” filed Aug. 1, 2003, pending, and hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to tools used to perform installation of parts within an automobile. More particularly, the present invention relates to pliers (also referred to as “pairs of pliers”) that now may be used to install bushings within drive selector assemblies of automobiles.  
         [0003]     Hand tools are highly desirable devices that aid in the performance of innumerable tasks. The types and designs of hand tools are as diverse as the range of tasks that they are used to perform. One common hand tool used is pliers, which is also referred to as a pair of pliers. Pliers are a gripping hand tool formed from a pair of pivotally mounted arms that commonly have serrated jaws formed at one end. These serrated jaws are typically used to grip and apply force to mechanical components such as nuts, bolt heads, shafts, and the like. Depending upon the task at hand, pliers are used for practically any gripping task imaginable.  
         [0004]     One area where the use of pliers is common is in the field of automobile maintenance and repair. Performing maintenance on an automobile commonly requires the use of a pair of pliers to grip, position, and apply force to various components. Depending upon the make and model of an automobile, the systems and components that need maintenance can require varying degrees of effort. It is easy to gain access to many automobile systems and components. However, some systems and components require considerable time and effort to reach and repair.  
         [0005]     In order to perform maintenance on certain systems and components within an automobile, especially the engine and drive system, it is commonly needed to remove various parts of the engine to provide access. This process can prove time consuming and labor intensive. And, unfortunately, some hard to reach parts may be repaired or replaced very quickly only after a very long delay resulting from the need to temporarily remove other structures such as exhaust systems, etc that may otherwise be in the way. And, when done by a commercial mechanic, this process can prove unprofitable and expensive. One example of such a difficult-to-reach component is a bushing positioned within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile. During the lifetime of an automobile, the bushing may wear out and require replacement. Installation of such a replacement bushing can require the removal of several automobile components, requiring substantial labor and time.  
         [0006]     There are many individuals who enjoy putting large amounts of time and labor into their automobiles. However, having quick and easy access to as much of a car as possible enables professional automobile mechanics to provide economical and profitable maintenance service to their customers. Improved hand tool designs that are able to reach those difficult to access engine components are one method of reducing labor times and costs. It is therefore highly desirable to provide improved hand tool designs to facilitate greater and easier access to more components within automobiles. More specifically, it is highly desirable to develop a novel hand tool that can install bushing positioned within the drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile without removal of any automobile components to provide access.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0007]     The described aspects relate to a tool and corresponding methods used to perform installation of mechanical components within an automobile or other similar structure. More particularly, the described aspects include a tool and methods used to grip and install thick annular components, such as installing a bushing within a drive selector assembly of an automobile.  
         [0008]     In an aspect, a tool for installing a bushing within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile comprises a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a first handle portion and a first end portion, wherein the first end portion configured to hold a bushing during installation within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile. Further, the first arm has a first predetermined length. The second arm is movably connected to the first arm and has a second handle portion and an opposing second end portion. The second arm is operable to transfer force to the bushing suitable to install the bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile when the first handle and the second handle of the first arm and the second arm are movably operated. Further, the second arm comprises a second predetermined length. Additionally, the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length are sized to enable the tool to reach an installation position to install the bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile.  
         [0009]     In another aspect, a tool for installing a bushing within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile comprises a first arm and a second arm. The first arm includes a first handle portion and a first end portion, wherein the first end portion configured to hold a bushing during installation within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile. The first end portion further comprises a gripping surface operable to increase an ability of the first end portion to hold the bushing. Further, the first arm has a first predetermined length. The second arm is movably connected to the first arm and has a second handle portion and an opposing second end portion. The second arm is operable to transfer force to the bushing suitable to install the bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile when the first handle and the second handle of the first arm and the second arm are movably operated. Further, the second arm comprises a second predetermined length. The tool also includes a joint about which the first arm and the second arm movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the joint is located at a position along the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length that allows the tool to reach the installation position without having to remove portions of the automobile. Additionally, the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length are sized to enable the tool to reach an installation position to install the bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile.  
         [0010]     In a further aspect, a tool for installing a bushing within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile includes means for holding a bushing during installation within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile, wherein the means for holding comprises a first predetermined length. The tool further includes means for transferring force to the bushing suitable to install the bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile, wherein the means for transferring force is connected to the means for holding, wherein the means for transferring force comprises a second predetermined length. Additionally, the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length are sized to enable the tool to reach an installation position to install the bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile.  
         [0011]     In another aspect, a method of installing a bushing within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile comprises positioning a bushing on a first end portion of a first arm of a tool having the first arm movably mounted to a second arm. The first arm includes a first handle portion opposing the first end portion, and the second arm comprises a second handle portion and an opposing second end portion. Further, the first arm comprises a first predetermined length and the second arm comprises a second predetermined length, wherein the first predetermined length and the second predetermined length are sized to enable the tool to reach an installation position to install the bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile. The method further includes moving the tool with the bushing into the installation position. Additionally, the method includes moving the first arm and the second arm relative to one another so as to transfer force to the bushing suitable to install the bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES  
       [0012]     The present invention is discussed in detail below with regard to the attached drawing figures, of which:  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open position;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a closed position;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open position;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom view of a holder portion in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  illustrates a sectional view of a holder and gripping portion in a closed position supporting a bushing in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention along section  1 - 1  depicted in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of the invention holding a bushing; and  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open position holding a bushing. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0023]     The present invention is now described with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the attached drawing figures which were briefly described above. Like parts are referred to with like reference numerals.  
         [0024]     Referring now to the Figures,  FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open position. A pair of pliers  2  disposed in the open position is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Pliers  2  are primarily used to hold and install automotive parts such as bushings within an automobile such as within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile (e.g., a Mercedes Benz automobile, etc.). In addition, pliers  2  are also able to support and install bushings, thick washers, ball bearing assemblies, and a variety of other thick annular components and other parts on various shafts, rods, and the like in automobiles and in other structures.  
         [0025]     A first arm  4  is pivotally mounted to a second arm  6 . A pivot joint  8  pivotally couples first arm  4  to second arm  6 . First arm  4  includes a first handle portion  10  on one end and a holder portion  12  at an opposite end. Second arm  6  includes a second handle portion  14  on one end and a gripping portion  16  at an opposite end. A strip  18  is coupled to second arm  6 . Arms  4  and  6  are have extended handles  10  and  14  to enable pliers  2  to reach a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile. For purposes of example only, to reach a bushing installation location on a drive selector assembly within a Mercedes-Benz E-class automobile, extended handles  10  and  14  should be at least 12-15 inches in length. Of course, particular applications for pliers  2  may dictate that extended handles  10  and  14  be of particular length suitable to install parts within a structure such as an automobile, and the present invention certainly contemplates changes in handle lengths to suit particular applications.  
         [0026]     Together, holder portion  12  and gripping portion  16  function to support a thick annular component such as a bushing. Holder portion  12  is formed having a recess  20  to enable pliers  2  to grip, to hold, and to support thick annular components like bushings when pliers  2  are in a closed position. A thick annular component such as a bushing rests within recess  20  of holder portion  12 . Holder portion  12  is formed in the shape of an annular cup but may be formed or structured to correspond to holding needs of a parts to be installed within a structure such as an automobile.  
         [0027]     As shown, there is a first hole  22  formed in holder portion  12  and a second hole  24  formed in gripping portion  16 . When in a closed position, hole  22  and hole  24  are aligned such that a shaft or rod could pass through holder portion  12  and gripping portion  16 . In this way a bushing or other similar part may be installed in a very tight space (e.g., such as above an exhaust system, etc.) and within a linkage assembly and on a rod or other similar structure without having to remove other automotive structures to gain access to tight spaces.  
         [0028]     Strip  18  provides a force against first and second arms  4  and  6  when pliers  2  are in a closed position. When pliers  2  are in a closed position, strip  18  is placed in a state of compression by first and second arms  4  and  6 . When a user releases their hand from holding arms  4  and  6  in a closed position, strip  18  pushes first and second arms  4  and  6  back into an open position.  
         [0029]     First and second handle portions  10  and  14  are gripped by a user to hold and operate pliers  2 . First and second handle portions may be coated with a high friction coating  26  to provide a desirable gripping surface for users in a preferred embodiment. Coating  26  may be formed from a high-friction polymer or rubber. Alternatively, first and second handle portions  10  and  14  can be instead formed to provide a textured gripping surface without the use of a coating  26 , such as by forming a series of grooves, a grid of bumps, or some other textured pattern in first and second handles  10  and  14  that improves the gripping surface.  
         [0030]     When pliers  2  are in the open positioned depicted in  FIG. 1 , the user can place a thick annular component between holder portion  12  and gripping portion  16 .  
         [0031]      FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in a closed position. In this Figure, first arm  4  and second arm  6  are pivoted about joint  8  into a closed position. When pliers  2  are in this closed position, holder portion  12  is brought into proximity with gripping portion  16 . Holder portion  12  and gripping portion  16  form the two surfaces that hold the thick annular component in position like the bushing. When holder portion  12  and gripping portion  16  are in a closed position, holder portion  12  and gripping portion  16  define a cavity formed by recess  20  in which the bushing is contained. Providing recess  20  enables first and second arms  4  and  6  of pliers  2  to come into a closed position while holding the thick annular component.  
         [0032]     When in this closed position, strip  18  is deformed such that it creates a force that pushes outward against first and second arms  4  and  6 . This outward force is insufficient to prevent easy closure of pliers  2  by the user, but is sufficient to pivot first and second arms  4  and  6  into an open position when first and second handle portions  10  and  14  are released from a closed position.  
         [0033]     First and second arms  4  and  6  are given a long length to enable pliers to reach a bushing positioned within a drive selector linkage assembly of an automobile. As a result, pliers  2  can grip and apply force to these bushings within the drive selector linkage with holder portion  12  and gripping portion  16 . Holder portion  12  is configured with recess  20  to independently hold the bushing to be installed within the drive selector linkage assembly. Gripping portion  16  is configured to apply a force to the bushing suitable to install the bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile when first and second handles  10  and  14  of first and second arms  4  and  6  are pivotally operated.  
         [0034]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. First and second arms  4  and  6 , together with gripping portion  16  and holding portion  12  form a “jaw” portion of pliers  2  that holds and grips a thick annular component such as a bushing. First and second arms  4  and  6  pivot between open and closed positions about pivot joint  8 . In this Figure, a gripping surface  17  of gripping portion  16  is depicted. Gripping surface  17  grips and holds bushings or other thick annular components in position against holder portion  12  when pliers  2  are in a closed position.  
         [0035]     Grooves, ridges, or a grid of bumps may be formed into gripping surface  17  in order to increase the ability of gripping surface  17  to grip and hold bushings or other thick annular components in a fixed position against holder portion  12 . Additionally, a magnetic material may be formed over gripping surface  17  in order to magnetize gripping surface  17 , thereby enabling gripping surface  17  to hold magnetic metal components in position through magnetic force. Alternatively, a high friction polymer or rubber coating can be formed over gripping surface  17  in order to increase the gripping ability of gripping surface  16 .  
         [0036]     Also visible in  FIG. 3  are holes  22  and  24  that allow a shaft, rod, or similar component to pass through holder portion  12  and gripping portion  16 .  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Holder portion  12  is secured to second arm  6  Second arm  6  is pivotally mounted to first arm  4 , which is secured to gripping surface  16 . Hole  22  formed in holder portion  12  allows rods, shafts and the like to pass through holder portion  12 . Holder  12  having hole  22  is a shaped annulus.  
         [0038]      FIG. 5  illustrates a bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Gripping portion  16  is secured to first arm  4 . First arm and second arm are pivotally coupled by pivot joint  8 . Hole  24  formed in gripping surface  16  allows rods, shafts and the like to pass through gripping surface  16 . Gripping surface  16  having hole  24  is a planar annulus.  
         [0039]      FIG. 6  illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open position. Recess  20  formed in holder portion  12  enables pliers  2  to close over bushings and other thick annular components. Recess  20  is defined by the shape of holder portion  12  that includes side walls  21 . Side walls  21  provide additional mechanical support to bushings and other thick annular components that are held between gripping portion  16  and holder portion  12 . Side walls  21  restrict the lateral movement of bushings and the like across gripping portion  16  and holder portion  12 , thereby improving the ability of pliers  2  to hold and apply force to thick annular components such as bushings. Holder portion  12  is formed in the shape of an annular cup having side walls  21 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom view of holder portion  12  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Holder portion  12  is formed to define recess  20  with side walls  21 . Hole  22  is formed in holder portion  12  to enable rods, shafts and the like to pass through holder portion  12 . When pliers  2  are in a closed position where holder portion  12  is in proximity with gripping portion  16 , holes  22  and  24  are aligned such that rods, shafts, and the like can pass through pliers  2 .  
         [0041]      FIG. 8  illustrates a sectional view of holder  12  and gripping portion  16  in a closed position supporting bushing  28  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention along section  1 - 1  depicted in  FIG. 1 . Holder portion  12  is formed as a part of first arm  4 . Gripping portion  16  is formed as a portion of second arm  6 . Holder portion  12  is formed having side walls  21  to define a recess  20 . Holder portion is provided with hole  22  that is aligned with hole  24  formed in gripping portion  16  when pliers  2  are in a closed position. Bushing  28  is illustrated being held in position between holder portion  12  and gripping portion  16 . Gripping portion  16  presses bushing  28  up and against holder portion  12 . Holes  22  and  24  align with the hole defined by bushing  28 , or other thick annular components. In this configuration, rods, shafts and the like can pass both through pliers  2  and through bushing  28 . In particular, this configuration of holder portion  12  and gripping portion  16  enables pliers  2  to grip and place bushing  28  within the drive selector linkage assembly of automobiles.  
         [0042]      FIG. 9  illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of the invention holding a bushing. Bushing  28  is held by pliers in between gripping portion  16  and holder portion  12 . Holes  22  and  24  align with bushing  28  to enable placement of bushing  28  within the drive selector linkage assembly of automobiles. Furthermore, the length of first and second arms  4  and  6  enable pliers to reach the position where bushing  28  is installed  28  within the drive selector linkage assembly of automobiles. Grips  26  on first and second handle portions  10  and  12  aid in the reach of pliers  2  toward the drive selector linkage. As a result, it is possible to reach and install bushings  28  within the drive selector linkage assembly of automobiles without having to remove portions of the automobile. Holder portion  12  is configured with recess  20  to independently hold the bushing to be installed within the drive selector linkage assembly. Gripping portion  16  is configured to apply a force to the bushing suitable to install said bushing within the drive selector linkage assembly of the automobile when first and second handles  10  and  14  of first and second arms  4  and  6  are pivotally operated.  
         [0043]      FIG. 10  illustrates an end view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention in an open position holding bushing  28 . Bushing  28  is resting within recess  30  of holder portion  12 . Bushing  28  is held by pliers  2  when first and second arms  4  and  6  are pivoted into a closed positioned, thereby bringing gripping portion  16  into position against brushing  28 .  
         [0044]     Having fully described the invention with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the attached drawing figures, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the essence of the invention and without being included within the spirit and scope of the invention as is defined by the appended claims.