The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 03, 2001
Filed:
Sep. 10, 1999
Donald A. Healy, Conway, AR (US);
Snap-On Incorporated, Lincolnshire, IL (US);
Abstract
An adjustment tool is provided for performing vehicle suspension alignment procedures where it is necessary to adjust the space between suspension components. Embodiments include an expanding adjustment tool with a first arm and a second arm that pivots relative to the first arm, and an adjuster, such as a wedge, for moving the first and second arms relative to each other. Both arms have detachable tips, such as spreader plates, yokes, wedges, etc. of different sizes and shapes, which tips are easily interchangeable depending on the particular application. The adjuster is rotatable to adjust the relative positions of the arms, and has an end engagable with a standard ratchet, thereby allowing extensions, swivels, etc. to be connected to the adjuster as needed to facilitate the alignment procedure in tight spaces. Thus, a single adjusting tool easily performs adjustments on a wide variety of vehicles with minimal additional cost.