PAINTLESS DENT REMOVAL TOOL, SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

A paintless dent removal tool for knocking down and removing a dent from a vehicle is disclosed. In some embodiments, the paintless dent removal tool includes a threaded bolt having a top end and a bottom end. The paintless dent removal tool further including an arm member having a first end and a second end. The first end of the arm member having a threaded borehole therethrough for detachably securing the threaded bolt in a position transverse to the position of the arm member. The paintless dent removal tool further including a foot member connected to the second end of the arm member. The foot member having a substantially flat lower surface configured to be placed on the outer surface of the vehicle for controlling vibration and improving accuracy when the top end of the bolt is struck by a striking tool.

Claims

1. A paintless dent removal tool for removing a dent from a vehicle, the paintless dent removal tool comprising: a threaded bolt having a top end and a bottom end, the threaded bolt for knocking down dents out of the surface of a vehicle; a substantially linear arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the arm member having an adjustable housing having a threaded borehole therethrough such that the angle of the threaded borehole is selectively adjustable from an angle of about 30 degrees to an angle of about 120 degrees, the threaded borehole for detachably securing the threaded bolt in a position transverse to the arm member, the second end of the arm member having a foot member connected thereto, the foot member having a substantially flat lower surface and a rubber cap extending over the substantially flat lower surface, the foot member configured to be placed on the outer surface of the vehicle for controlling dampening, vibration, and improving the accuracy of the paintless dent removal tool; a tip member detachably connected to the bottom end of the threaded bolt, the tip member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the tip member having a greater diameter than the second end of the tip member such that the tip member narrows from the first end towards the second end, the first end having a threaded borehole therethrough for connecting the first end of the tip member to the threaded bolt, the second end of the tip member having a substantially rounded point for knocking down dents on the surface of the vehicle; and a cap member detachably connected to the top of the end of the threaded bolt, the cap member for protecting the top end of the threaded bolt when struck by the striking tool.

2. The paintless dent removal tool of claim 1 wherein the foot member is detachably connected to the arm member by a ball, the ball configured to move, rotate and adjust so that the paintless dent removal tool may be stabilized on a variety of different angled surfaces to provide enhanced stability, guidance, positioning and accuracy for dent removal.

3. A method of removing a dent from a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: providing a paintless dent removal tool for removing the dent from the vehicle, the paintless dent removal tool comprising: a threaded bolt having a top end and a bottom end, the threaded bolt for knocking down dents out of the surface of a vehicle; a substantially linear arm member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the arm member having an adjustable housing having a threaded borehole therethrough such that the angle of the threaded borehole is selectively adjustable from an angle of about 30 degrees to an angle of about 120 degrees, the threaded borehole for detachably securing the threaded bolt in a position transverse to the arm member, the second end of the arm member having a foot member connected thereto, the foot member having a substantially flat lower surface and a rubber cap extending over the substantially flat lower surface, the foot member configured to be placed on the outer surface of the vehicle for controlling dampening, vibration, and improving the accuracy of the paintless dent removal tool; a tip member detachably connected to the bottom end of the threaded bolt, the tip member having a first end and a second end, the first end of the tip member having a greater diameter than the second end of the tip member such that the tip member narrows from the first end towards the second end, the first end having a threaded borehole therethrough for connecting the first end of the tip member to the threaded bolt, the second end of the tip member having a substantially rounded point for knocking down dents on the surface of the vehicle; and a cap member detachably connected to the top of the end of the threaded bolt, the cap member for protecting the top end of the threaded bolt when struck by the striking tool; and positioning the bottom end of the threaded bolt above the dent; and striking the cap member with the striking tool, so that the bottom end of the tip member pushes down upon the outer surface of the vehicle to substantially knock down and remove the dent.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Like reference numerals in the figures represent and refer to the same or similar element or function. Implementations of the disclosure may be better understood when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed pictorial illustrations, schematics, graphs, drawings, and appendices. In the drawings:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the paintless dent removal tool (100) according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0011] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the paintless dent removal tool (100) according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram of the method (300) of removing a dent from a vehicle, according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the inventive concepts disclosed herein in detail, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The inventive concepts disclosed herein are capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting the inventive concepts claimed herein in any way.

[0014] In the following detailed description of embodiments of the inventive concepts, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the inventive concepts. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the inventive concepts within the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the instant disclosure.

[0015] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has.” “having,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed.

[0016] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by anyone of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0017] In addition, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the inventive concepts. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0018] Finally, as used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0019] The inventive concepts disclosed herein are generally directed to a paintless dent removal tool (100) for removing a dent from a vehicle. The paintless dent removal tool (100) includes a threaded bolt (105) having a top end (110) and a bottom end (115). The threaded bolt (105) is used for pushing, i.e., “knocking down” dents out of the outer surface of a vehicle. The paintless dent removal tool (100) includes an arm member (120) having a first end (125) and a second end (130). The first end (125) of the arm member (120) having a threaded borehole (135) therethrough for detachably securing the threaded bolt (105) in a position transverse to the position of the arm member (120). The paintless dent removal tool (100) includes a foot member (140) connected to the second end (130) of the arm member (120). The foot member (140) has a substantially flat lower surface (145) that is configured to be placed on the outer surface of the vehicle for controlling vibration and improving accuracy when the top end (110) of the bolt (105) is struck by a striking tool. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the foot member (140) may be detachably connected to the second end of the arm member (120) and may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide enhanced stability for use with a variety of different sized and shaped dents and different sized and shaped surfaces.

[0020] In some embodiments, the paintless dent removal tool (100) also includes a tip member (150). The tip member (150) is detachably connected to the bottom end (115) of the bolt (105). The tip member (150) is for contacting the outer surface of the vehicle when the top end (110) of the bolt (105) is struck by a striking tool to “knock down” the dent. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the tip member (150) may be constructed from a variety of different materials and may be constructed in a variety of different sizes and shapes depending upon the size, shape and location of the dent to be “knocked down” Further, in some embodiments, the paintless dent removal tool (100) further includes a cap member (160). The cap member (160) is detachably connected to the top end (110) of the bolt (105). The cap member (160) is for protecting the top end (110) of the bolt (105) when the bolt (105) is struck by a striking tool to “knock down” the dent.

[0021] Referring now to FIG. 1, shown therein is a perspective view of a paintless dent removal tool (100) according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The paintless dent removal tool (100) includes a threaded bolt (105) having a top end (110) and a bottom end (115). The threaded bolt (105) for pushing dents out of the outer surface of a vehicle. The paintless dent removal tool (100) also includes an arm member (120) having a first end (125) and a second end (130). The first end (125) of the arm member (120) having a threaded borehole (135) therethrough for detachably securing the threaded bolt (105) in a position transverse to the position of the arm member (120). The paintless dent removal tool also includes a foot member (140) connected to the second end (130) of the arm member (120). The foot member (140) has a substantially flat lower surface (145) configured to be placed on the outer surface of the vehicle for controlling vibration and improving accuracy when the top end (110) of the bolt (105) is struck by a striking tool. As shown in FIG. 1, the foot member (140) may be detachably connected to the second end of the arm member (120) and may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide enhanced stability for use with a variety of different sized and shaped dents and different sized and shaped surfaces. As shown in FIG. 1 the foot member (140) may be connected to the second end (130) of the paintless dent removal tool (100) via a ball that is configured to rotate, swivel and otherwise move so that the foot member (140) may be adjusted in relation to the position of the arm member (120) so that the paintless dent removal tool (100) may be used on a variety of different angled surfaces to provide enhanced stability, guidance, positioning and accuracy.

[0022] The paintless dent removal tool (100) may be constructed from any material sufficiently rigid to maintain the structural integrity of the paintless dent removal tool (100) when in used. For example, the paintless dent removal tool (100) may be constructed from metals, alloys, steel, titanium, non-metals, carbon fiber, plastics, polymers, resins, ceramics, composite materials, combinations thereof and the like.

[0023] The paintless dent removal tool (100) is shown as having a substantially rectangular shape. However, it should be understood that paintless dent removal tool (100) may have any desired shape, including but not limited to, a generally circular, square, triangular or any other desired shape sufficient to permit the paintless dent removal tool (100) to be used as described and claimed herein.

[0024] The threaded bolt (105) has a top end (110) and a bottom end (115) and is threaded so as to permit the threaded bolt (105) to be secured to the arm member (120). The threaded bolt (105) is used for pushing i.e., “knocking down” dents out of the outer surface of a vehicle. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, that the threaded bolt (105) may, alternatively, be any type of connector or connecting member known in the art. For example, a pin, rod, member, screw, combinations thereof and the like. The threaded bolt (105) may be secured to the arm member (120) using any means for securing known in the art. For example, a nut, cap, lid, combinations thereof and the like.

[0025] The arm member (120) has a first end (125) and a second end (130). The first end (125) of the arm member (120) has a threaded borehole (135) therethrough for detachably securing the threaded bolt (105) in a position transverse to the position of the arm member (120). The arm member (120) may be constructed from any material sufficiently rigid to maintain the structural integrity of the paintless dent removal tool (100) when in used. For example, the arm member (120) may be constructed from metals, alloys, steel, titanium, non-metals, carbon fiber, plastics, polymers, resins, ceramics, composite materials, combinations thereof and the like.

[0026] The arm member (120) is shown as having a substantially rectangular shape. However, it should be understood that the arm member (120) may have any desired shape, including but not limited to, a generally circular, square, triangular or any other desired shape sufficient to permit the arm member (120) to be used as described and claimed herein.

[0027] The first end of the arm member (120) has a threaded borehole (135) therethrough for detachably securing the threaded bolt (105) in a position transverse to the position of the arm member (120). The threaded borehole (135) is sized and configured to accept and secure the threaded bolt (105) thereto. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, that the threaded borehole (135) may, alternatively, be any type of opening, whether having a smooth or rigid surface, sufficient to connect and secure the threaded bolt (105) or any known pin, bolt, member or connector known in the art. For example, a pin, rod, member, screw, combinations thereof and the like. The threaded bolt (105) may be secured within the threaded borehole (135) of the arm member (120) using any means for securing known in the art. For example, a nut, cap, lid, combinations thereof and the like.

[0028] While the threaded borehole (135) is shown and generally described as being circular, it should be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the threaded borehole (135), may, alternatively, be configured in a variety of shapes sufficient to fit a particular bolt, pin or member. For example, the opening may be rectangular, square, triangular or any other shape sufficient to carry out the inventive concepts described herein. For example, the opening may be rectangular in shape so as to fit a rectangular shaped bolt, pin or securing member.

[0029] The foot member (140) is connected to the second end (130) of the arm member (120). The foot member (140) has a substantially flat lower surface (145) configured to be placed on the outer surface of the vehicle for controlling vibration and improving accuracy when the top end (110) of the bolt (105) is struck by a striking tool. The foot member (140) may be constructed from any material sufficiently rigid to maintain the structural integrity of the paintless dent removal tool (100) when in use. For example, the foot member (140) may be constructed from metals, alloys, steel, titanium, non-metals, carbon fiber, plastics, polymers, resins, ceramics, composite materials, combinations thereof and the like.

[0030] The foot member (140) is shown as having a substantially circular or square shape. However, it should be understood that the foot member (140) may have any desired shape, including but not limited to, a generally rectangular, triangular or any other desired shape sufficient to permit the foot member (140) to be used as described and claimed herein. In some embodiments, the foot member (140) includes a rubber cap configured to secure the foot member (140) to a vehicle body when in use and to prevent slippage. The foot member (140) is configured to control vibration of the vehicle body surface when the paintless dent removal tool (100) is struck with a striking tool, such as a mallet, for example. As shown in FIG. 1, the foot member (140) may be detachably connected to the second end of the arm member (120) and may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide enhanced stability for use with a variety of different sized and shaped dents and different sized and shaped surfaces. As shown in FIG. 1 the foot member (140) may be connected to the second end (130) of the paintless dent removal tool (100) via a ball that is configured to rotate, swivel and otherwise move so that the foot member (140) may be adjusted in relation to the position of the arm member (120) so that the paintless dent removal tool (100) may be used on a variety of different angled surfaces to provide enhanced stability, guidance, positioning and accuracy.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 2, shown therein is an exploded perspective view of a paintless dent removal tool (100) according to the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The paintless dent removal tool (100) includes a threaded bolt (105) having a top end (110) and a bottom end (115). The threaded bolt (105) for pushing dents out of the outer surface of a vehicle. The paintless dent removal tool (100) also includes an arm member (120) having a first end (125) and a second end (130). The first end (125) of the arm member (120) having a threaded borehole (135) therethrough for detachably securing the threaded bolt (105) in a position transverse to the position of the arm member (120). The paintless dent removal tool also includes a foot member (140) connected to the second end (130) of the arm member (120). The foot member (140) has a substantially flat lower surface (145) configured to be placed on the outer surface of the vehicle for controlling vibration and improving accuracy when the top end (110) of the bolt (105) is struck by a striking tool. As shown in FIG. 2, the foot member (140) may be detachably connected to the second end of the arm member (120) and may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide enhanced stability for use with a variety of different sized and shaped dents and different sized and shaped surfaces.

[0032] The paintless dent removal tool (100) may be constructed from any material sufficiently rigid to maintain the structural integrity of the paintless dent removal tool (100) when in used. For example, the paintless dent removal tool (100) may be constructed from metals, alloys, steel, titanium, non-metals, carbon fiber, plastics, polymers, resins, ceramics, composite materials, combinations thereof and the like.

[0033] The paintless dent removal tool (100) is shown as having a substantially rectangular shape. However, it should be understood that paintless dent removal tool (100) may have any desired shape, including but not limited to, a generally circular, square, triangular or any other desired shape sufficient to permit the paintless dent removal tool (100) to be used as described and claimed herein.

[0034] The threaded bolt (105) has a top end (110) and a bottom end (115) and is threaded so as to permit the threaded bolt (105) to be secured to the arm member (120). The threaded bolt (105) is used for pushing i.e. “knocking down” dents out of the outer surface of a vehicle. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, that the threaded bolt (105) may, alternatively, be any type of connector or connecting member known in the art. For example, a pin, rod, member, screw, combinations thereof and the like. The threaded bolt (105) may be secured to the arm member (120) using any means for securing known in the art. For example, a nut, cap, lid, combinations thereof and the like.

[0035] The arm member (120) has a first end (125) and a second end (130). The first end (125) of the arm member (120) has a threaded borehole (135) therethrough for detachably securing the threaded bolt (105) in a position transverse to the position of the arm member (120). The arm member (120) may be constructed from any material sufficiently rigid to maintain the structural integrity of the paintless dent removal tool (100) when in used. For example, the arm member (120) may be constructed from metals, alloys, steel, titanium, non-metals, carbon fiber, plastics, polymers, resins, ceramics, composite materials, combinations thereof and the like.

[0036] The arm member (120) is shown as having a substantially rectangular shape. However, it should be understood that the arm member (120) may have any desired shape, including but not limited to, a generally circular, square, triangular or any other desired shape sufficient to permit the arm member (120) to be used as described and claimed herein.

[0037] The first end of the arm member (120) has a threaded borehole (135) therethrough for detachably securing the threaded bolt (105) in a position transverse to the position of the arm member (120). The threaded borehole (135) is sized and configured to accept and secure the threaded bolt (105) thereto. It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, that the threaded borehole (135) may, alternatively, be any type of opening, whether having a smooth or rigid surface, sufficient to connect and secure the threaded bolt (105) or any known pin, bolt, member or connector known in the art. For example, a pin, rod, member, screw, combinations thereof and the like. The threaded bolt (105) may be secured within the threaded borehole (135) of the arm member (120) using any means for securing known in the art. For example, a nut, cap, lid, combinations thereof and the like.

[0038] While the threaded borehole (135) is shown and generally described as being circular, it should be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the threaded borehole (135), may, alternatively, be configured in a variety of shapes sufficient to fit a particular bolt, pin or member. For example, the opening may be rectangular, square, triangular or any other shape sufficient to carry out the inventive concepts described herein. For example, the opening may be rectangular in shape so as to fit a rectangular shaped bolt, pin or securing member.

[0039] The foot member (140) is connected to the second end (130) of the arm member (120). As shown in FIG. 2, the foot member (140) may be detachably connected to the second end of the arm member (120) and may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide enhanced stability for use with a variety of different sized and shaped dents and different sized and shaped surfaces. As shown in FIG. 2 the foot member (140) may be connected to the second end (130) of the paintless dent removal tool (100) via a ball that that is configured to rotate, swivel and otherwise move so that the foot member (140) may be adjusted in relation to the position of the arm member (120) so that the paintless dent removal tool (100) may be used on a variety of different angled surfaces to provide enhanced stability, guidance, positioning and accuracy. The foot member (140) has a substantially flat lower surface (145) configured to be placed on the outer surface of the vehicle for controlling vibration and improving accuracy when the top end (110) of the bolt (105) is struck by a striking tool. The foot member (140) may be constructed from any material sufficiently rigid to maintain the structural integrity of the paintless dent removal tool (100) when in use. For example, the foot member (140) may be constructed from metals, alloys, steel, titanium, non-metals, carbon fiber, plastics, polymers, resins, ceramics, composite materials, combinations thereof and the like.

[0040] The foot member (140) is shown as having a substantially circular or square shape. However, it should be understood that the foot member (140) may have any desired shape, including but not limited to, a generally rectangular, triangular or any other desired shape sufficient to permit the foot member (140) to be used as described and claimed herein. In some embodiments, the foot member (140) includes a rubber cap configured to secure the foot member (140) to a vehicle body when in use and to prevent slippage. The foot member (140) is configured to control vibration of the vehicle body surface when the paintless dent removal tool (100) is struck with a striking tool, such as a mallet, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the foot member (140) may be detachably connected to the second end of the arm member (120) and may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide enhanced stability for use with a variety of different sized and shaped dents and different sized and shaped surfaces. As shown in FIG. 2 the foot member (140) may be connected to the second end (130) of the paintless dent removal tool (100) via a ball that that is configured to rotate, swivel and otherwise move so that the foot member (140) may be adjusted in relation to the position of the arm member (120) so that the paintless dent removal tool (100) may be used on a variety of different angled surfaces to provide enhanced stability, guidance, positioning and accuracy.

[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3, shown therein is an exemplary embodiment of a method (300) of removing a dent from a vehicle. The method includes the step of providing (310) a paintless dent removal tool (100) for removing a dent from a vehicle. The paintless dent removal tool including a threaded bolt (105) having a top end (110) and a bottom end (115). The threaded bolt (105) for pushing dents out of the outer surface of a vehicle. The paintless dent removal tool (100) includes an arm member (120) having a first end (125) and a second end (130). The first end (125) of the arm member (120) having a threaded borehole (135) therethrough for detachably securing the threaded bolt (105) in a position transverse to the position of the arm member (120). The paintless dent removal tool (100) includes a foot member (140) connected to the second end (130) of the arm member (120). The foot member (140) having a substantially flat lower surface (145) configured to be placed on the outer surface of the vehicle for controlling vibration and improving accuracy when the top end (110) of the bolt (105) is struck by a striking tool. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the foot member (140) may be detachably connected to the second end of the arm member (120) and may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide enhanced stability for use with a variety of different sized and shaped dents and different sized and shaped surfaces. The method (300) including the step of positioning (320) the bottom end of the threaded bolt (105) above the dent. The method (300) further including the step of striking (330) the top end (110) of the threaded bolt (105) with a striking tool, so that the bottom end (115) of the threaded bolt (105) pushes down upon the outer surface of the vehicle to substantially remove the dent.

[0042] In operation, the paintless dent removal tool (100) is used as follows: the paintless dent removal tool (100) is typically held in a user's non-dominant hand, while a striking tool, such as a mallet or hammer for example, is held in the user's dominant hand. The striking tool can be pressed, tapped or struck firmly upon the top end (110) of the threaded bolt (105) so as to apply the desired amount of force to the bottom end (115) of the threaded bolt (105) upon the dent to “knock down” the dent. For example, for a small dent, the top end (110) of the threaded bolt (105) could be struck with a relatively small amount of force to achieve the desired effect; while, for a larger dent, the to end (110) of the threaded bolt (105), may need be struck with a greater amount of force to achieve the desired effect.

[0043] The threaded borehole (135) of the arm member (120) guides the threaded bolt (105) downward at a desired angle. It should be understood that the angle may be adjusted to accommodate certain types of dents or hard to reach dent locations. For example, the angle may be adjusted to one hundred twenty degrees (120°), sixty degrees (60°), thirty degrees (30°) or any other desired angle. The arm member (120) guides the angle of the threaded bolt (105) and provides a user with added stability and a more precise and accurate mechanism for removal of dents. Further, the foot member (140) is used for controlling and dampening vibration when the dent removal tool (100) is struck by a striking tool, thus improving stability and accuracy. As shown in FIGS. 1-2, the foot member (140) may be detachably connected to the second end of the arm member (120) and may be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide enhanced stability for use with a variety of different sized and shaped dents and different sized and shaped surfaces. As shown in FIGS. 1-2 the foot member (140) may be connected to the second end (130) of the paintless dent removal tool (100) via a ball that that is configured to rotate, swivel and otherwise move so that the foot member (140) may be adjusted in relation to the position of the arm member (120) so that the paintless dent removal tool (100) may be used on a variety of different angled surfaces to provide enhanced stability, guidance, positioning and accuracy.

[0044] It is to be appreciated that embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein may be shipped fully or partially assembled, or fully or partially disassembled in the form of a kit, as will be readily appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the instant disclosure.

[0045] From the above description, it is clear that the inventive concepts disclosed herein are adapted to carry out the objects and to attain the advantages mentioned herein as well as those inherent in the inventive concepts disclosed herein. While exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts disclosed herein have been described for purposes of this disclosure, it will be understood that numerous changes may be made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art and which are accomplished within the broad scope of the inventive concepts disclosed herein and defined by the appended claims.