WO2009024832A2

WO2009024832A2 - Tool for vehicle fastener removal

Info

Publication number: WO2009024832A2
Application number: PCT/IB2007/004332
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel Grondin
Original assignee: Daniel Grondin
Priority date: 2007-08-22
Filing date: 2007-08-22
Publication date: 2009-02-26
Also published as: WO2009024832A3

Abstract

A tool removes an auto body fastener from an associated vehicle surface by compressing the fastener and applying an upward force to extract the fastener from the associated vehicle surface The tool is comprised of two members pivotally connected to form jaws at one end, the jaws being capable of openmg and closing around the fastener to be removed The jaws have opposing teeth which face inward and are located toward the open end of the jaws, and serve to compress the fastener away from its retainer The jaws and teeth both have upper surfaces which slope upwardly from their opposing edges, and are constructed such that the tool can engage and remove many different configurations of auto body fasteners m a way that minimizes damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface The teeth and jaws are angled relative to the handles to facilitate access to fasteners in hard-to-reach locations.

Description

TOOL FOR VEHICLE FASTENER REMOVAL

BACKGROUND

[0001] Vehicle fasteners often include two, cooperating pieces One piece generally functions as a base or retainer and is inserted, set, formed in, or otherwise associated with a vehicle surface to which something is to be fastened This retainer or base generally includes an aperture or other receiving portion defined therein The second piece of such vehicle fasteners is adapted to be received, screwed in, advanced, snapped in, or otherwise engaged with the first piece The second piece generally has a head and a stem extending from the head and is adapted to engage corresponding portions of the first piece

[0002] The two pieces of such vehicle fasteners thus generally engage each other and suitably fasten two or more vehicle components, surfaces, or the like, relative to each other

[0003] Smgle-piece fasteners for vehicles also exist for certain applications Such fasteners may be equipped with features or structures which permit them to snap m or otherwise engage one or more vehicle components or surfaces and thereby fasten other vehicle components or surfaces relative thereto

[0004] hi many vehicle applications, it is desirable for the fastener engagement to be oneway or semi-permanent This means that once the fastener is positioned and suitably installed, neither removing the fastener from the associated vehicle components, nor otherwise reversing the engagement operation of the two pieces in the case of a two-piece fastener is readily performed without noticeable damage to the vehicle fastener or the associated vehicle components So, for example, m the case of a two-piece fastener, when the second vehicle fastener piece is advanced into the base piece, one generally cannot simply pull the second piece back out or even remove the entire fastener from the associated vehicle components, because the fastener and its pieces are adapted to remain m place against such forces Some two-piece fasteners include stems which are resihently compressible or otherwise formed with inwardly compressible portions When such a two-piece fastener is installed, its stem may resiliency compress during insertion but then expand once insertion has progressed to a certain point, snap-fitting or seating the two pieces relative to each other Once installed in this manner, the two-piece fastener cannot be easily removed from its associated vehicles surface(s)

[0005] Accordingly, there are currently vaπous extractor tools, forks, or other manual prying tools available for removing auto body clips and other vehicle fasteners Forks are generally simple, one piece tools with notched, beveled ends Pliers-like tools for vehicle fastener removal also exist

[0006] These extractor tools, whether forks or pliers-like devices, suffer from various drawbacks and disadvantages For example, these extractor tools typically have difficulty getting between the bottom of the fastener head and the opposing surface Because of this difficulty, the operation of engaging the fastener head itself may damage the fastener or associated vehicle surfaces Even once the tool is engaged between the fastener head and the opposing surface, removal of the fastener may be cumbersome, inefficient, or prone to damaging the fastener and associated areas of the vehicle Removal often necessitates prying against the fastener, rocking the extractor tool, or otherwise manipulating the tool relative to the fastener and the vehicle The operations performed with current extractor tools to overcome the associated vehicle forces of the fasteners so as to remove them thus often cause undesirable damage to the fastener, the associated vehicle surfaces, or both

[0007] hi some applications, fasteners must be removed from vehicle locations which current extractor tools have difficulty accessing, such as wheel wells or fender lmers Even when it is possible to engage the fastener usmg existing extractor tools, the difficulty of using the tools in hard to reach spaces often results in damage to the fastener or the associated vehicle surface

SUMMARY

[0008] A pliers-like extractor tool removes auto body clips and other vehicle fasteners from therr associated vehicle surfaces while minimizing damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface The extractor tool can remove both two-piece and single-piece fasteners The extractor tool is capable of removing fasteners from various associated vehicle surfaces, including metal surfaces, and is particularly useful in removing fasteners located in tight spaces or hard to reach locations m a way that minimizes damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface

[0009] In one preferred embodiment, the extractor tool is pliers-like and includes two members pivotally connected to form jaws at one end, the jaws being capable of opening and closing around the fastener to be removed The jaws have opposmg edges and upper jaw surfaces which slope upwardly from the opposing edges The lower jaw surfaces are either straight or curved The dimensions of the jaws are selected such that the upper jaw surfaces engage the heads of many configurations of fasteners The engagement of the fastener head by the upper jaw surfaces allows for removal of the fastener without prying, and minimizes damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface

[0010] Two teeth are located opposite each other on the jaws, extending inwardly and located toward the open end of the jaws Like the jaws generally, the teeth have surfaces which slope upwardly from their opposmg edges, m some implementations at a greater slope than the jaw surfaces The dimensions of the teeth are selected so that they can engage and compress the fastener, such that the fastener is no longer engaged with its retainer

[0011] The jaws and teeth are angled relative to the handles to facilitate the removal of fasteners m tight spaces or hard to reach locations, such as the removal of fasteners from vehicle body surfaces mside of automobiles In one embodiment, the teeth and jaws are angled relative to the handles at approximately a 28 degree angle

[0012] The extractor tool removes fasteners from their associated vehicle surfaces by simultaneously compressing the stem of the fastener and exerting an upward force to remove the fastener For two-piece fasteners, compression of the stem unseats the fastener from its retainer For such fasteners, compression of the stem allows the fastener to be removed m a way that minimizes damage to the fastener and its associated vehicle surface

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG 1 is an isometric view of one possible implementation of an extractor tool,

[0014] FIG 2 is an isometric view of the extractor tool of FIG 1, presenting the structure of the jaws and teeth,

[0015] FIG 3 is an isometric view of the extractor tool of FIG 1 m an open position, demonstrating engagement with a two-piece fastener,

[0016] FIG 4 is an isometric view of the extractor tool of FIG 1 m a closed position, demonstrating engagement with a two-piece fastener,

[0017] FIG 5 is a cross-sectional view of the extractor tool taken along line 5-5 of FIG 4,

[0018] FIG 6 is an isometric view of the extractor tool of FIG 1 in a closed position, demonstrating engagement with a single-piece fastener,

[0019] FIG 7 is a perspective view of the extractor tool of FIG 1, demonstrating removal of a single-piece fastener

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] FIGS 1-7 show one implementation of an extractor tool, generally at 21 The tool 21 can be used with a variety of fastener shapes, sizes, and configurations, and m conjunction with a variety of vehicle surfaces, including metal, upholstery, plastic, or any other material used m the interior or exterior of automotive vehicles Extractor tool 21 is used for removing auto body clips and other vehicle fasteners from their associated vehicle surfaces m a way that minimizes damage to the fastener and the surface

[0021] Extractor tool 21 is generally pliers-shaped and mcludes two members 23, 25 pivo tally connected with a pin 27 The members 23, 25 include proximal ends 29 and distal ends 31 The proximal ends 29 of the members 23, 25 serve as handles 30 for gripping the extractor tool 21 The distal ends 31 of the members 23, 25 form jaws 33 that can open and close around the fastener to be removed [0022] FIG 2 presents the structure of the jaws 33 The jaws 33 have opposing edges 35, each with an upper jaw surface 37 sloping upwardly from one of the corresponding opposing edges 35 In this implementation, upper jaw surfaces 37 terminate in respective, outer edges 32, from which top jaw surfaces 38 extend Top jaw surfaces 38 in this implementation have either no upward slope or a lesser upward slope than that of upper jaw surfaces 37

[0023] Lower jaw surfaces 39 extend from opposmg edges 35 at the bottom of jaws 33 Lower jaw surfaces 39 include an offset or detent 40 formed therein, a configuration which decreases the contact between the bottom of the jaws 33 and the associated vehicle surface below the tool 21 during operations, thereby minimizing the risk of damage to the associated vehicle surface

[0024] Teeth 41 are located opposite each other on the jaws 33, extending inwardly and located toward the open end of the jaws 33 In the illustrated implementation, the teeth 41 are located on the most distal portion of the jaws 33, and are approximately 5 1 millimeters in width The teeth 41 have opposmg edges 43, and have surfaces 45 which slope upwardly from their opposmg edges 43 In the illustrated implementation, the teeth 41 have surfaces 45 which slope upwardly at a steeper angle than the slope of the upper jaw surfaces 37 In the illustrated implementation, when the jaws 33 are fully pivoted to the closed position, a distance remains between the opposmg teeth 41 A distance of approximately 3 55 millimeters has been found suitable for many applications

[0038] Generally, m some implementations the teeth 41 have been beveled and dimensioned to maneuver between a fastener head and the surrounding surface with minimal destructive force or contact The teeth 41 have further been designed to have opposing edges 43 engage a fastener stem During the process of engaging a fastener stem, either the teeth 41, the jaws 33, or both the teeth 41 and jaws 33 exert an upward force against the fastener head Such an upward force as produced by closing the jaws 33 may itself be sufficient to extract the fastener, or additional manual force may be required Depending upon the fastener, the teeth 41 may compress the fastener stem during the closure of the jaws 33 and cause the stem to unseat from its corresponding associated vehicle surface(s) [0025] The jaws 33 and teeth 41 are angled relative to the handles 30 (FIG 1) An angle between about 2 degrees and about 88 degrees may be useful in many applications, and an angle of about 28 degrees has been used in the illustrated implementation Angling the jaws 33 and teeth 41 relative to the handles 30 allows the extractor tool 21 to remove fasteners in tight spaces and hard to reach locations, while minimizing damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface

[0026] FIGS 3-5 show the operation of the extractor tool 21 when used to remove one type of two-piece fastener 47 FIG 3 shows the extractor tool 21 in the open position, prior to engaging two-piece fastener 47 Two-piece fastener 47 comprises a grooved retamer or outer piece 49 and an inner piece 51 The inner piece 51 includes a head 52 and a stem 54, extending generally through an aperture in the outer piece 49 Again, any of a variety of single-piece or two-piece fasteners may be operated on by tool 21

[0027] Referring to FIG 4, the extractor tool 21 engages the two-piece fastener 47 by pivoting the jaws 33 toward the closed position The teeth 41 engage the head 52 of the inner piece 51 via the grooves m the outer piece 49 Referring to FIG 5, the teeth 41 engage the stem 54 as the jaws are closed Further closmg the jaws 33 causes the teeth 41 to compress the stem 54 As such, the inner piece 51 of the fastener 47 is no longer engaged with the outer piece 49 of the fastener and may be readily separated therefrom The outer piece 49 of fastener 47 is then able to be extracted m a way that minimizes damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface

[0028] Depending on the configurations of jaws 33, teeth 41, or the fasteners to be removed, it is possible to operate tool 21 so that the closmg of jaws 33 both grips the fastener stem and also exerts an upward force on the fastener head Referring to Fig 5 as an example of this application, at some points during removal of the fastener 47, opposing edges 43 of teeth 41 are engaging the stem 54 at the same time that the upper teeth surfaces 45 are bearing against the head 52 As such, while the jaws 33 are being closed around inner piece 51, there are peπods of tune when jaws 33 simultaneously exert both an engaging, mward force on stem 54 and an upward force on head 52 of fastener 47, which assists m separating it from outer piece 49 of fastener 47 Agam depending on the geometries involved, not only may there be simultaneous upward and compressive forces, but there may also be moments during operation of the tool 21 when just upward or just compressive forces are being exerted by closing jaws 33

[0029] The dimensions of the various features of jaws 33 are selected so that this desirable, simultaneous generation of forces occurs in a variety of fastener applications It is also recognized that certain fastener or jaw configurations may not allow for both forces to be exerted, they may be exerted sequentially, or, as mentioned above, there may be one or more periods when the forces occur simultaneously, and another period or peπods where just compressive or just upward forces are being exerted In other words, the exact timing and interplay of the upward forces applied to the head and the engagement forces applied to the stem may vary, occurring sequentially, overlapping, and the like

[0030] It is also possible that, depending on the application upper surfaces 37, the top surfaces 38 may exert upwardly directed forces on portions of the fastener as the jaws are closed All such variations are likewise within the scope of this disclosure

[0031] Still further, extractor tool 21 can also be used to remove a variety of two-piece fasteners, and it is not necessary for such fasteners to be configured like the one in FIGS 3-5, nor is it necessary for such fasteners to include notches therein as illustrated In general, the extractor tool 21 can remove two-piece fasteners by closing the jaws and engaging the edge of the fastener head, urging the head upwardly by further closure, then eventually engaging the stem, exerting suitable compressive and upward forces to disengage the two pieces from each other, leading ultimately to the separation of the fastener from the associated vehicle surface(s)

[0032] Whatever the exact interplay of forces generated by tool 21, the configuration of the jaws 33 and teeth 41 descπbed herem permits a variety of fasteners to be extracted in a way that minimizes damage to either the fastener or the associated vehicle surface

[0033] FIGS 6-7 show the operation of the extractor tool 21 when used to remove one type of single-piece fastener 153 Referring to FIG 6, the extractor tool 21 engages single-piece fastener 153 by pivoting the jaws toward the closed position The teeth 41 are maneuvered underneath the fastener head 157 to engage the fastener stem 155 The beveled edges of the jaws 33 and teeth 41 allow the extractor tool 21 to access the fastener stem 155 beneath the head 157 Teeth 41 and jaws 33 include curved lower surfaces 39 which allow for little contact with the surrounding vehicle surface as the jaws 33 are closed (FIG 7)

[0034] Referring to FIG 7, single-piece fastener 153 is extracted m a way that minimizes damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface by using the extractor tool 21 to compress the stem 155 of fastener 153 while simultaneously exerting an upward force to remove fastener 153 The beveled edges of the jaws 33 and teeth 41, as well as the curved lower jaw surfaces 39, also helps to minimize damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface by reducing the amount of contact between the tool 21 and the surrounding surface during fastener 153 removal

[0035] It is recognized that the extractor tool 21 is operable for removal of many types of vehicle fasteners, including but not limited to single-piece and two-piece fasteners Fasteners may be formed from plastic, rubber, metal, or other materials, may take on a wide variety of shapes and sizes, and may be referred to as clips, rivets, screws, and the like, the intention being that all such variations and applications are subsumed under the general term fastener used herein

[0036] Although certain configurations have been shown in the illustrated implementation, it will be appreciated that there are still other variations to the illustrated configurations which are likewise suitable and likewise within the scope of the present disclosure Such alternative implementations and vaπations are thus also contemplated herein and are withm the scope of the following claims

[0037] It will likewise be appreciated that the engaging, compressing, and upward forces exerted during operation of the extractor tool 21 will vary depending upon any number of factors, including the particular application, fastener configuration, and the dimensions and angles of the jaws 33 and its various surfaces Such variations are likewise contemplated within this disclosure

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 An extractor tool for engaging and removing a fastener, the fastener having a fastener head, said tool comprising two members pivotally connected to form jaws at one end and handles at the other end, wherein the jaws have opposing edges and upper jaw surfaces which slope upwardly from the opposing edges, the upper jaw surfaces engaging the fastener head when the jaws are brought close together, two teeth on the opposing edges of the jaws, the teeth extending inwardly and located toward the open end of the jaws, said teeth having surfaces which slope upwardly from the opposing edges, wherein the teeth have opposing edges configured such that the teeth engage the fastener when the jaws are brought close together, and wherein the teeth and jaws are angled relative to the handles

2 The extractor tool of claim 1 wherein said tool is configured to engage and remove a fastener from an associated vehicle surface with reduced contact between the tool and the metal associated vehicle surface

3 The extractor tool of claim 2, wherein the jaws include lower jaw surfaces extending between lateral sides of the jaws, the lower jaw surfaces sufficiently curved to minimize contact with the associated vehicle surface and thereby minimize potential damage to the surface

4 The extractor tool of claim 2 wherein said tool is adapted to engage and remove a fastener from vehicle body surfaces

5 The extractor tool of claim 1, wherein the teeth are approximately 5 1 millimeters in width

6 The extractor tool of claim 1, wherein a distance of approximately 3 55 millimeters exists between the opposing edges of the teeth when the jaws are fully closed

7 The extractor tool of claim 1, wherein the teeth and jaws are angled relative to the handles at an angle between about 2 degrees and about 88 degrees 8 The extractor tool of claim 7, wherein the teeth and jaws are angled at approximately a 28 degree angle relative to the handles

9 An extractor tool for engaging and removing a fastener from a metal surface, the fastener having a fastener head, said tool comprising two members pivotally connected to form jaws at one end and handles at the other end, wherein the jaws have opposing edges and upper jaw surfaces which slope upwardly from the opposing edges, the upper jaw surfaces engaging the fastener head when the jaws are brought close together, wherein the jaws include lower jaw surfaces extending between lateral sides of the jaws, the lower jaw surfaces sufficiently curved to minimize contact with the metal surface and thereby minimize potential damage to the surface, two teeth on the opposing edges of the jaws, approximately 5 1 millimeters in width, the teeth extending inwardly and located toward the open end of the jaws, said teeth having surfaces which slope upwardly from the opposing edges, the slope of the surfaces of the teeth being greater than the slope of the surfaces of the jaws, wherein the opposmg edges of the teeth are approximately 3 55 millimeters apart when the jaws are fully closed, such that the opposmg edges of the teeth engage the fastener when the jaws are brought close together, and wherein the teeth and jaws are angled at approximately a 28 degree angle relative to the handles, whereby said extractor tool minimizes damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface

10 The extractor tool of claim 9 wherein said tool is adapted to engage and remove a fastener from vehicle body surfaces

11 An extractor tool which engages and removes a two-piece fastener, the fastener having a fastener head and a fastener stem, said tool compπsmg two members pivotally connected to form jaws at one end and handles at the other end, wherein the jaws have opposing edges and upper jaw surfaces which slope upwardly from the opposing edges, the upper jaw surfaces engaging the fastener head when the jaws are brought close together, two teeth located on the opposing edges of the jaws, the teeth extending inwardly and located toward the open end of the jaws, said teeth having surfaces which slope upwardly from their opposmg edges, wherein the teeth have opposing edges configured such that the opposing edges of the teeth engage the fastener stem when the jaws are brought close together, wherein there is at least one period of time during engagement of the fastener by the tool that the tool simultaneously applies an upward force and a compressive force to the fastener, and wherein the teeth and jaws are angled relative to the handles, whereby said extractor tool minimizes damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface

12 The extractor tool of claim 11 wherein said tool is configured to engage and remove the two-piece fastener from an associated vehicle surface including metal with reduced contact between the tool and the associated vehicle surface

13 The extractor tool of claim 12, wherein the jaws include lower jaw surfaces extending between lateral sides of the jaws, the lower jaw surfaces sufficiently curved to minimize contact with the associated vehicle surface and thereby minimize potential damage thereto

14 The extractor tool of claim 12 wherein said tool is adapted to engage and remove a two-piece fastener from vehicle body surfaces

15 The extractor tool of claim 11, wherein the teeth are approximately 5 1 millimeters m width

16 The extractor tool of claim 11, wherein a distance of approximately 3 55 millimeters exists between the opposing edges of the teeth when the jaws are fully closed

17 The extractor tool of claim 11, wherein the teeth and jaws are angled relative to the handles at an angle between about 2 degrees and about 88 degrees

18 The extractor tool of claim 17, wherein the teeth and jaws are angled at approximately a 28 degree angle relative to the handles 19 A method of using an extractor tool to remove an auto body fastener while minimizing damage to the fastener and an associated vehicle surface, comprising the steps of closing the jaws of the extractor tool onto the fastener such that the teeth maneuver underneath the fastener head and the upper jaw surfaces engage the fastener head, engaging and compressing the fastener, and applying an upward force to extract the fastener from the associated vehicle surface m a way that minimizes damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface

20 The method of claim 19 wherein a fastener is removed from metal vehicle surfaces

21 The method of claim 20 wherem a fastener is removed from automotive vehicle body surfaces

22 A method of using an extractor tool to remove a two-piece auto body fastener while minimizing damage to the fastener and an associated vehicle surface, comprising the steps of closing the jaws of the extractor tool onto the fastener such that the surfaces of the teeth engage the stem of the fastener, engaging and compressing the stem of the fastener, such that the fastener is no longer engaging the retainer into which it has been placed, and simultaneously unseating the fastener from its retainer and applying an upward force to extract the fastener from the associated vehicle surface in a way that minimizes damage to the fastener and the associated vehicle surface

23 The method of claim 22 wherein a fastener is removed from metal vehicle surfaces

24 The method of claim 23 wherem a fastener is removed from automotive vehicle body surfaces