Charles Thomas Russell

US Patent:

56538057, Aug 5, 1997

Filed:

Nov 9, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/556019

Inventors:

Charles T. Russell - Fair Haven MI
Gerald G. Kilgore - Algonac MI

Assignee:

PTM Corporation - Fair Haven MI

International Classification:

B05C 1300

US Classification:

118503

Abstract:

A positioning method and fixture apparatus for use in painting or coating a vehicle body panel, such as a plastic composite deck lid, when mounted on a pair of existing spring-counterbalanced arms of deck lid hinges. The method and apparatus releasably retains and positions the deck lid by forces applied directly at the hinges rather than to the deck lid. A rigid transverse main strut of the fixture laterally spans the body panel between the hinges and carries a pair of hook members rigidly affixed to its ends that releasably attach one to each associated hinge arm. A secondary strut extends rearwardly from the main strut and has a slide bolt latch to releasably engage the rear underside edge of the deck lid stationary against lid-opening counterbalancing spring forces, and to secure the fixture unitarily to the deck lid at three points. A lid manipulating arm pivotally carded on the secondary strut has spaced notch hooks to hold the deck lid in selected partially open positions for coating application. The fixture is torsionally and longitudinally rigid to prevent torsional stress being exerted by the hinges on the deck lid panel.

US Patent:

60869585, Jul 11, 2000

Filed:

Jul 14, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/892416

Inventors:

Charles T. Russell - Fair Haven MI
Gerald G Kilgore - Algonac MI

International Classification:

B05D 302
B05C 1300

US Classification:

4273855

Abstract:

A positioning method and fixture apparatus for use in such method for painting or coating a vehicle body panel, such as a plastic composite deck lid, when mounted on a pair of existing spring-counterbalanced arms of deck lid hinges. In the method, the apparatus is used to releasably retain and position the deck lid by forces applied directly at the hinges rather than to the deck lid. A rigid transverse main strut of the fixture laterally spans the body panel between the hinges and carries a pair of hook members rigidly affixed to its ends that are releasably attached one to each associated hinge arm. A secondary strut extends rearwardly from the main strut and has a slide bolt latch that is releasably engaged to the rear underside edge of the deck lid to secure the fixture unitarily to the deck lid at three points. A lid manipulating arm pivotally carried on the secondary strut has spaced vehicle-body-engaging notch hooks that are used to hold the deck lid stationary against lid-opening counterbalancing spring forces in selected partially open positions for coating application. The fixture is torsionally and longitudinally rigid to prevent torsional stress being exerted by the hinges on the deck lid panel.