KIT FOR REMOVING DENTS PRESENT ON A VEHICLE BODYWORK

Abstract

 A kit (1) for repairing dents present on the vehicle bodywork comprising a suction cup (2) provided with an element (23) made of metal material comprising an essentially laminar-shaped core (231) on a surface thereof first coupling means (22) extend and a lining (24) made of plastic material which covers at least such core (231). Such lining (24) defines a flat or convex support surface (21) for resting against the bodywork, wherein such support surface (21) is defined on the opposite side of the first coupling means (22). The kit (1) also provides for a slide hammer puller (3) comprising a rod (31), second coupling means (32) defined at a first end (31a) of such rod (31), an end stop element (33) defined at a second end (31b) of such rod (31) opposite to such first end (31a) and a hammer element (34) suitable to slide along such rod (31) between the second coupling means (32) and the end stop element (33). Furthermore, the kit (1) comprises an intermediate joining element (4) comprising a main body (41) with substantially longitudinal development having a first end (41a) provided with third coupling means (42) and a second end (41b) juxtaposed to such first end (41a) provided with fourth coupling means (43), in a manner such that the third coupling means (42) are configured to be coupled with the second coupling means (32) of the slide hammer puller (3) and the fourth coupling means (43) are configured to be coupled with the first coupling means (22) of the suction cup (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention regards a kit for repairing dents present on a vehicle bodywork.

[0002] Besides representing a quintessential aesthetic element for vehicles such as cars and motor vehicles, the bodywork is also the part most exposed to risks of various types, such as for example collisions with other vehicles, atmospheric agents or acts of vandalism.

[0003] Repairing the bodywork of vehicles following a collision of any kind initially requires an accurate assessment of the damage. One can opt for simple solutions that do not require the intervention of specialised personnel in case of slight damages. On the contrary, in case of heavier damages it is recommended to seek assistance from specialised body shops that use specific repair techniques.

[0004] One of the known methods for repairing dents on bodyworks is the ejection of the recessed part by means of levers and hammers.

[0005] Another known method requires using a drill and a special piston-equipped instrument, a dent puller. This method requires initially drilling a small hole at the centre of the dent using the drill, then the dent puller is inserted into the hole and it is pulled with a uniform force towards the outside trying to restore the original condition of the metal sheet. Subsequently, the inner part of the sheet is repeatedly and lightly hit using a bodywork hammer to remove the remainder of the dent. Lastly, a metallic filler is used for filling the previously drilled hole, it is smoothed using sandpaper and a paint of the same colour as the bodywork is used to cover the filled part.

[0006] However, this technique reveals various drawbacks.

[0007] A first drawback lies in the need to have to disassemble the sheet part damaged by the dent from the bodywork for the repair thereof. Disassembling the bodywork inevitably entails extremely long operating times. Furthermore, in the sheet "pulling" step, the force applied by the dent puller shall increase proportionally to the increase of the direction - along which the dent puller moves - orthogonally to the sheet.

[0008] Disadvantageously, the dent puller cannot always be introduced orthogonally to the dent due to the specific configuration of the bodywork element to be repaired. Furthermore, repeatedly hitting, even though slightly, using the hammer inside the sheet entails a damaging change of the chemical/physical characteristics of the sheet, which at times can only be solved through a subsequent treatment using an oxyhydrogen torch and cold water.

[0009] As regards dents or bumps caused by hailstorm, which usually measure between 3 and 4 cm in diameter, there is known the use of suction cups and hot glue.

[0010] Prior art suction cups comprise a surface for resting against the sheet made of plastic material integrally joined to coupling means made of plastic or metal material, including a metal ring, which directly couple the suction cup to a push rod puller. The technique consists in applying one or more suction cups onto the dent to be repaired using hot glue. Once the glue sticks on the suction cup, a push rod puller is engaged onto the ring and, by means of the sliding weight, a clean blow is exerted lifting the suction cup and thus the sheet hence removing the dent.

[0011] Advantageously, this system does not always entail having to repaint the sheet and/or use the bodywork hammer on the inner part of the sheet.

[0012] Disadvantageously, the coupling system between the suction cup and the prior art puller is not a rigid coupling and thus the pulling force that is exerted on the metal ring does not always follow a direction orthogonal to the dent. Such drawback entails that the operator must exert a force greater than the one actually required to obtain the desired result. Furthermore, the use of the suction cups is limited to dents of small diameter, for example bumps due to hailstorm, whereas it is not useful for large dents.

[0013] A further characteristic of this system lies in that each suction cup can be coupled to only one type of puller which is proportional to the dimension of the suction cup itself. Thus, when repairing a sheet comprising bumps of different dimensions, the operator is forced to use a number of pullers equivalent to the number of suction cup units of equal dimensions, thus implying extending the time required to perform the operation.

[0014] The aim of the present invention is to overcome all the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0015] In particular, one of the objects of the invention is to provide a kit for repairing dents of the bodywork of vehicles suitable to be used on both large and small dents.

[0016] Furthermore, another object of the invention is to provide a kit for repairing dents of the bodywork of vehicles present on areas of the sheet that are inaccessible through prior art techniques.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to provide a kit for repairing dents on the bodywork of vehicles capable of enabling to choose the pulling force to be exerted on the bodywork to lift the dent irrespective of the dimension of the suction cup.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to provide a kit for repairing dents that is easy to use, requires less operating times and enables reducing the consumption materials such as filler, abrasives, solvents and welding gas, with respect to the prior art.

[0019] A further object of the invention is to provide a kit for repairing dents that does not require a step for repainting the area subject of repair.

[0020] The aforementioned objects are attained by providing a kit for repairing dents present on the bodywork of the vehicles according to the main claim.

[0021] Further characteristics of the kit of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0022] The aforementioned objects and advantages to be outlined hereinafter will be apparent from the description of some preferred embodiments of the invention provided by way of non-limiting example with reference to the attached drawings wherein:

• fig. 1 shows an exploded axonometric view of the kit of the invention;
• figs. 2a, 2b and 2c respectively show an assembled axonometric view of the kit of the invention, the coupling detail between the slide hammer puller and the intermediate joining element, and the coupling detail between the intermediate joining element and the suction cup;
• fig. 3 shows a cross-section of the suction cup of the kit according to the invention;
• fig. 4 shows - in exploded axonometric view - the intermediate joining element and the element made of metal material of the suction cup according to the invention;
• fig. 5 shows - in exploded axonometric view - a second embodiment of the kit of the invention;
• fig. 6 shows - in exploded axonometric view - a third embodiment of the kit of the invention.

[0023] The kit of the invention for repairing dents on the bodywork of vehicles, according to a first preferred embodiment, is shown in fig. 1, where it is indicated in its entirety with 1.

[0024] As observable in the aforementioned figure, the kit 1 comprises:

a) a suction cup 2 provided with a flat or convex support surface 21 for resting against the bodywork and first coupling means 22 defined on the opposite side of such support surface;

b) a slide hammer puller 3, also referred to as "push rod puller", comprising a rod 31, second coupling means 32 defined at a first end 31a of such rod 31, an end stop element 33 defined at a second end 31b of the rod 31 opposite to the first end 31a and a hammer element 34 suitable to slide along such rod 31 between the second coupling means 32 and such end stop element 33;

c) an intermediate joining element 4 comprising a main body 41 with substantially longitudinal development and having a first end 41a provided with third coupling means 42 and a second end 41b juxtaposed to such first end 41a provided with fourth coupling means 43.

[0025] In particular, as observable in fig. 2b, such third coupling means 42 are configured to be coupled with said second coupling means 32 of such slide hammer puller 3 and, as observable in fig. 2c, such fourth coupling means 43 are configured to be coupled with such first coupling means 22 of the aforementioned suction cup 2 and wherein both couplings are of the quick and reversible type.

[0026] As concerns the aforementioned suction cup 2, represented in fig. 3 in a cross-sectional lateral view, it comprises a support surface 21 whose shape is preferably chosen from among circular, rectangular or oval.

[0027] However, it cannot be ruled out that, according to different embodiments of the invention, such support surface 21 be shaped differently with respect to what has been described above.

[0028] Furthermore, such suction cup 2 comprises the aforementioned first coupling means 22 with substantially longitudinal development on the opposite side of the support surface 21, and with substantially orthogonal development with respect to the plane defined by the support surface 21. According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, shown in fig. 4, the first coupling means 22 comprise a female thread, preferably a holder nut 221, configured to be coupled with the intermediate joining element 4 through the aforementioned fourth coupling means 43, wherein the fourth coupling means, as described in detail hereinafter, comprise a male thread, preferably a screw 422. However, it cannot be ruled out that, according to different embodiments of the invention, such first coupling means 22 and such fourth coupling means 43 do not have a screw-holder nut system as described previously.

[0029] As observable in fig. 3, according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the suction cup 2 is provided with:

• an element 23, made of metal material, comprising an essentially laminar-shaped core 231 on whose surface the aforementioned first coupling means 22 extend;
• a lining 24 made of plastic material, particularly preferably nylon, which covers at least such core 231 and defines such support surface 21 on the opposite side of the aforementioned first coupling means 22.

[0030] The term laminar is used to indicate a geometric element in which the height is considerably lower than the length and/or width. However, it cannot be ruled out that the core 231 be not laminar-shaped and not have a height with dimensions greater than or equal to the length and/or width. Advantageously, the core 231 is a metal strip with shape selected from among circular, rectangular or oval. Preferably, such core 231 has a shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the support surface 21 defined by the lining 24. In particular, according to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the core 231 has a corresponding shape and smaller dimensions with respect to the aforementioned support surface 21. However, it cannot be ruled out that the core 231 has substantially the same dimensions and/or a different shape with respect to the aforementioned support surface 21.

[0031] As concerns the aforementioned element 23 made of metal material, it comprises a surface on which the first coupling means 22 extend. Such first coupling means 22 extend in a substantially longitudinal direction, preferably orthogonal, with respect to the aforementioned core 231, as observable in fig. 4.

[0032] According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, such first coupling means 22 of the element 23 made of metal material comprise a female thread, preferably a holder nut 221. Such holder nut 221 is a holder nut selected from among those known in the prior art. In particular, such holder nut 221 can be externally cylindrical, square, hexagonal, square parallelepiped shaped, etc.

[0033] Such holder nut 221 is configured to be coupled with the aforementioned fourth coupling means 43 of the intermediate joining element 4 by means of a quick and reversible coupling.

[0034] Advantageously, such element 23 made of metal material confers rigidity to the suction cup 2 of the present invention and enables obtaining a strong and stable engagement with respect to the intermediate joining element 4 and according to a substantially orthogonal direction with respect to the plane defined by the support surface 21 of the suction cup 2.

[0035] Preferably, such metal material is selected from among steel or a steel alloy. However, it cannot be ruled out that, according to different embodiments of the invention, such metal material does not comprise steel. Furthermore, it cannot be ruled out that, in different embodiments, such metal material be selected from among bronze, copper, bronze-aluminium or an alloy of such metals.

[0036] Advantageously, according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the core 231 comprises at least one through hole 231a. Preferably, such through hole 231a extends along a direction orthogonal to the surface defined by the core 231. However, it cannot be ruled out that, in different embodiments of the invention, such through hole 231a extends along a horizontal direction with respect to the core 231.

[0037] According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, such core 231 has at least two through holes 231a, preferably at least four, even more preferably at least six, such through holes 231a passing through according to the orthogonal direction with respect to the aforementioned core 231, as observable in fig. 4.

[0038] It cannot be ruled out that, in different embodiments, such core 231 does not have any through hole 231a.

[0039] According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the core 231 is covered by the lining 24 made of plastic material by means of a moulding process. Furthermore, according to the first preferred embodiment, such moulding process is an injection moulding process.

[0040] Advantageously, the presence of such through holes 231a in the core 231 enables the plastic material, during the process for producing the aforementioned lining 24, to pass internally through the core 231 and thus the lining 24 and the core 231 will be integrally joined to each other once such plastic material solidifies.

[0041] According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the lining made of plastic material 24 covers the entire outer surface of the element 23 made of metal material.

[0042] Still advantageously, given that the aforementioned first coupling means 22 are integrally defined in the element 23 made of metal material, there is obtained a rigid and substantially orthogonal engagement between the intermediate joining element 4 and the support surface 21 of the suction cup 2, through the coupling between the aforementioned fourth coupling means 43 with the first coupling means 22.

[0043] However, it cannot be ruled out that, according to different embodiments of the invention, such core 231 can be covered by a lining made of plastic material differently from the description outlined above.

[0044] In particular, it is not ruled out that such lining 24 made of plastic material be obtained through a moulding process selected from an injection process with reaction, an injection compression moulding, a blow moulding, a rotational moulding, a transfer moulding with sintering or thermoforming.

[0045] According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, such plastic material is selected from among ethylene polymers, preferably medium-density polyethylene. However, it cannot be ruled out that, according to different embodiments of the invention, such plastic material be a polymer different from ethylene.

[0046] As regards the slide hammer puller 3, as observable in fig. 1, it comprises a rod 31, second coupling means 32 defined at a first end 31a of such rod 31, an end stop element 33 defined at a second end 31b of such rod 31 opposite to such first end 31a, and a hammer element 34 with substantially tubular development suitable to slide along the rod 31 according to the development axis X1 of the latter between the second coupling means 32 and the end stop element 33.

[0047] Preferably but not necessarily, the hammer element 34 is provided with locking means, not represented in the figures, defined at the end thereof facing towards the second coupling means 32 of the slide hammer puller 3. As a matter of fact, such locking means enable the engagement between the hammer element 34 and the second coupling means 32 so as to enable performing a particular function described in detail hereinafter.

[0048] Preferably but not necessarily, on the lateral surface of such hammer element 34, there are present some anti-slip elements made of plastic material, not shown in the figures. Advantageously, such anti-slip elements improve the grip and grasp of the operator's hand on the hammer element 34.

[0049] It cannot be ruled out that, in different embodiments of the invention, such hammer element 34 has - on the lateral surface - at least one groove and that such groove be at least partly covered by a layer of plastic material, preferably a layer of natural or synthetic rubber.

[0050] Advantageously, such grooves enable enhanced grasp and ergonomics for the operator when using the hammer element 34.

[0051] Still preferably but not necessarily, the hammer element 34 comprises a recirculating linear ball bearing, not represented in the figures. Such recirculating linear bearing is arranged inside the puller element 34 at contact with the rod 31 of the aforementioned slide hammer puller 3.

[0052] Advantageously, such recirculating linear bearing facilitates the sliding of the hammer element 34 thus reducing friction between the latter and the rod 31 during dent pulling operations.

[0053] It cannot be ruled out that, according to different embodiments of the invention, such linear bearing be absent.

[0054] As regards the end stop element 33, it preferably but not necessarily comprises a nut and a counter-nut reversibly associated at the second end 31b.

[0055] However, it cannot be ruled out that, in different embodiments of the invention, such end stop element 33 has a shape different from the one described above and/or be fixedly associated to the aforementioned end 31b.

[0056] According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the end stop element 33 comprises a ring 331 arranged facing the rod 31, as observable in fig. 1, and such ring 331 being made of plastic material preferably selected from among vinyl chloride polymers.

[0057] Advantageously, when the hammer element 34 is made to slide along the rod 31, such ring 331 enables damping the impact between the hammer element 34 and the end stop element 33.

[0058] As regards the slide hammer puller 3, it comprises the second coupling means 32 defined at the first end 31a of the rod 31. Such second coupling means 32 comprise, preferably but not necessarily, a fitting 321 with a T-shaped cavity configured to be engaged with the third coupling means 42 of the intermediate joining element 4, as observable in the detail of fig. 2b.

[0059] As regards the intermediate joining element 4, the aforementioned third coupling means 42 preferably comprise a coupling head 421 configured to be inserted into the fitting 321 with a T-shaped cavity according to the substantially orthogonal direction with respect to the development axis X1 of the rod 31, as observable in fig. 2b.

[0060] Furthermore, such intermediate joining element 4 comprises a substantially prism-shaped main body 41, in which the width of such main body 41 is smaller than the width of the aforementioned coupling head 421. More specifically, the term width is used to indicate one of the dimensions of the orthogonal object with respect to the development axis of the main body 41. Preferably, the main body 41 has a substantially cylindrical shape in which the diameter thereof is smaller than the width of the coupling head 421. According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention the coupling head 421 is cylindrical-shaped too.

[0061] However, it cannot be ruled out that, in different embodiments of the invention, such head 421 has a shape different from the one described previously or that such shape be selected from among a cubic, spherical or polyhedric shape. Advantageously, the coupling head 421 is inserted into the fitting 321 with a T-shaped cavity thus enabling a rigid engagement, according to the development axis X1 of the rod 31 of the slide hammer puller 3, with the intermediate joining element 4.

[0062] Preferably, according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the kit 1 comprises a locking hook, not represented in the figures, configured to be arranged at least partly closing the lateral opening of the fitting 321 with a T-shaped cavity so as to lock the coupling head 421 of the intermediate joining element 4 in the aforementioned cavity following the coupling between the second coupling means 32 and the third coupling means 42 for using the kit 1 of the invention according to a method described in detail hereinafter.

[0063] Advantageously, the aforementioned locking hook prevents the intermediate joining element 4 from inadvertently slipping off when using the slide hammer puller 3.

[0064] It cannot be ruled out that, according to variant embodiments of the aforementioned invention, the locking hook be absent.

[0065] Furthermore, as regards the main body 41 of the intermediate joining element 4, according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises the aforementioned fourth coupling means 43 defined at a second end 41b thereof opposite to the first end 41a in which such coupling head 421 is defined.

[0066] According to such preferred embodiment of the invention, the fourth coupling means 43 comprise a male thread system, preferably a screw 422, configured to be coupled with the first coupling means of the suction cup 2 according to the invention, as observable in fig. 2c.

[0067] Advantageously, the system for coupling the intermediate joining element 4 with the suction cup 2 enables the main body 41 of the intermediate joining element 4 to be positioned along an axis X2 substantially orthogonal with respect to the support surface 21 of the aforementioned suction cup 2.

[0068] However, it cannot be ruled out that, according to different embodiments of the invention, such fourth coupling means 43 do not comprise a screw. However, in this case the fourth coupling means 43 have to be configured so as to enable coupling with the first coupling means 22 of the suction cup 2.

[0069] According to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the coupling head 421 of the intermediate joining element 4 comprises a prism-shaped damping ring 423, preferably cylindrical-shaped, even more preferably with shape substantially corresponding to the shape of the coupling head 421, arranged facing the main body 41, as observable in fig. 4. Preferably, such damping ring 423 is made of plastic material.

[0070] Even more preferably, the aforementioned damping ring 423 is made of rigid plastic material, so as to advantageously damp the impact between the coupling head 421 and the fitting 321 with a T-shaped cavity and facilitate a stable coupling between the intermediate joining element 4 and the slide hammer puller 3 when using the kit 1 according to the method of the invention, as described in detail hereinafter.

[0071] Still advantageously, both such damping ring 423 and the ring 331, described above, enable slowing the pulling time, thus enabling the glue yet to be crystallised to further damp the pulling operations. As a matter of fact, the glue yet to be fully crystallised heats the damaged metal surface making it more malleable.

[0072] However, it cannot be ruled out that, in alternative embodiments of the invention, such damping ring be absent and/or be shaped differently and be made of different material with respect to the description above.

[0073] Advantageously, according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention, the kit 1 comprises at least one spray gun for hot glue, hot glue, preferably selected from among ethylene-vinyl acetate-based glue, reactive polyurethane-based glue or polyolefin-based glue, at least one awl, preferably a polytetrafluoroethylene awl, and at least one hammer, more preferably two hammers, wherein at least a first hammer has a head made of metal material and a second hammer has a polytetrafluoroethylene head.

[0074] However, it cannot be ruled out that, in different embodiments of the invention, the components described above be absent or just a few of such components be present.

[0075] A second preferred embodiment of the kit 1 of the invention, alternative to the aforementioned first preferred embodiment shown in fig. 5, comprises:

i) two suction cups 2a, 2b wherein the first suction cup 2a and the second suction cup 2b have at least the support surface 21a, 21b and the first coupling means 22a, 22b of different dimensions;

ii) a slide hammer puller 3;

iii) two intermediate joining elements 4a, 4b wherein the first intermediate joining element 4a is suitable to be coupled - through the third coupling means 42 - with the second coupling means 32 of the puller 3 and

• through the fourth coupling means 43 - with the first coupling means 22 of the aforementioned first suction cup 2a, and wherein the second 4b of such two intermediate joining elements 4a and 4b is suitable to be coupled
• through the aforementioned third coupling means 42 - with the second coupling means 32 of such puller 3 and - through the aforementioned fourth coupling means 43 - with the aforementioned first coupling means 22 of the aforementioned second suction cup 2b.

[0076] According to such preferred embodiment of the invention, the suction cups 2a and 2b, the slide hammer puller 3 and the intermediate joining elements 4a and 4b have the same technical features provided for the first preferred embodiment of the invention described above, including the variant embodiments.

[0077] Preferably, the support surface 21a and the support surface 21b have a different area. Still, the aforementioned first coupling means 22a and the aforementioned first coupling means 22b have different widths. Preferably, such first coupling means 21a and 21b comprise a holder nut system 221 suitable to be coupled with the aforementioned fourth coupling means 43 of the intermediate joining elements 4a and 4b, wherein such fourth coupling means 43 comprise a screw system 422. In particular, according to the latter embodiment of the invention, the aforementioned holder nuts 221 of the suction cups 2a and 2b have a different diameter. Clearly, it is necessary that suction cups of different dimensions comprise first coupling means of different dimensions and suitable for the dimensions of the support surface of said suction cups, in that the latter first coupling means must be capable of bearing the stress due to the method of use of the invention, as explained hereinafter. Advantageously, having different dimensions, the aforementioned suction cups 2, enable the operator to select the most appropriate suction cup depending on the size of the dent.

[0078] A third preferred embodiment of the kit 1 of the invention, as shown in fig. 6, comprises, with respect to the aforementioned second embodiment:

i) a suction cup 2;

ii) two slide hammer pullers 3a, 3b wherein the first puller 3a and the second puller 3b have at least the aforementioned hammer element 34a and 34b and at least the aforementioned second coupling means 32a and 32b of different dimensions and/or mass;

iii) two intermediate joining elements 4a, 4b wherein a first intermediate joining element 4a is suitable to be coupled - through the aforementioned third coupling means 42 - with such second coupling means 32a of the aforementioned first puller 3a and - through the aforementioned fourth coupling means 43 - with the aforementioned first coupling means 22 of the aforementioned suction cup 2, and wherein a second intermediate joining element 4b is suitable to be coupled - through such third coupling means 42 - with such second coupling means 32b of the aforementioned second puller 3b and - through such fourth coupling means 43 - with such first coupling means 22 of the aforementioned suction cup 2.

[0079] According to such preferred embodiment of the invention, the suction cup 2, the slide hammer pullers 3a and 3b and the intermediate joining elements 4a and 4b have the same technical features provided for the first preferred embodiment of the invention described above, including the variant embodiments.

[0080] Preferably, the slide hammer pullers 3a and 3b have different dimensions, in particular the hammer elements 34a and 34b have different mass.

[0081] Advantageously, having different dimensions and/or mass, the aforementioned pullers 3a and 3b enable the operator to select the most appropriate instrument based on the size of the dent and the force to be imparted required to repair the dent.

[0082] According to a fourth preferred embodiment of the kit 1 of the invention, it comprises:

i) an M plurality of said suction cups 2, with M≥2;

ii) an N plurality of said slide hammer pullers 3, with N≥2;

iii) an MxN plurality of said intermediate joining elements 4 wherein each of the intermediate joining elements 4 is suitable to be coupled - through the aforementioned third coupling means 42 - with the aforementioned second coupling means 32 of one of such N pullers 3 and - through the aforementioned fourth coupling means 43 - with such first coupling means 22 of one of such M suction cups 2.

[0083] Preferably but not necessarily, each of the aforementioned M suction cups 2 has different dimensions, in particular each of the aforementioned M suction cups 2 has the support surface with a different area and the width of the aforementioned first coupling means 22 being different.

[0084] Still preferably but not necessarily, the aforementioned N slide hammer pullers 3 each have dimensions and mass different from each other.

[0085] Another aspect of the invention regards a method for repairing dents present on the bodywork of vehicles, using the kit 1 according to the invention.

[0086] A method for repairing dents of the bodywork comprises the following operations:

(a) choosing the suction cup 2 comprising shape and dimension suitable for the dent to be repaired and applying a sufficient amount of hot glue on the support surface 21 of such suction cup 2 and positioning the support surface 21 at the centre of the dent;

(b) waiting until the glue cools and hardens;

(c) choosing the slide hammer puller 3 comprising the dimensions and mass suitable for the force to be applied on the dent to be repaired;

(d) engaging such suction cup 2 with such slide hammer puller 3 through an intermediate joining element 4 comprising:

• third coupling means 42 suitable to be coupled with the aforementioned second coupling means 32 of such slide hammer puller 3 according to the development axis X1 of the aforementioned rod 31;
• fourth coupling means 43 suitable to be coupled with the aforementioned first coupling means 22 of the aforementioned suction cup 2 according to a direction corresponding to the development axis X1 and substantially orthogonal to the support surface 21;

(e) sliding the hammer element 34 of such slide hammer puller 3 along the rod 31 between such second coupling means 32 and the aforementioned end stop element 33 according to the development axis X1 and in the opposite direction with respect to the support surface 21 of the suction cup 2, so that the hammer element 34 impacts on the end stop element 33 and produces a force that is transmitted to the rod 31 and to the suction cup 2 exerting a pulling force on the sheet according to the development axis X1 such to cause the lifting of the dent;

(f) repeating the operation (e) until the dent is substantially aligned with the original profile of the surface of the sheet.

[0087] Preferably but not necessarily, prior to performing the operation (a), it is advantageous to thoroughly clean the area around the dent to be repaired using a degreasing detergent.

[0088] Still preferably but not necessarily, after performing the operation (d), it is advantageous to arrange the locking hook, described previously, to at least partly close the opening of the fitting 321 with a T-shaped cavity, so as to prevent the intermediate joining element 4 arranged therein from inadvertently slipping off, during the subsequent operations.

[0089] Optionally, subsequently to the operation (f), the following operations can be carried out:

(g) locking the hammer element 34 of the slide hammer puller 3 at the second coupling means 32 by means of the previously defined locking means;

(h) hitting the hammer using one hand on the areas of the damaged sheet which, during operations (e) and (f), may have been lifted exceeding the original profile of the sheet maintaining, with the other hand, a pulling force on the surface of the bodywork attached to the suction cup 2 until the dent is aligned with the original profile.

[0090] Advantageously, the latter operations (g, h) enable countering the wave that could be formed on the sheet on the area surrounding the suction cup 2 when the fulcrum of the dent is removed by means of operations (e) and (f).

[0091] The kit 1, according to any one of the second, third or fourth embodiment of the invention, enables the user to choose, depending on the dents to be repaired, the suction cup 2 most appropriate for use from among several suction cups of different dimensions and shapes.

[0092] Still, depending on the size of the dents to be repaired, the operator may freely choose a slide hammer puller 3 with dimensions and mass suitable to exert a force sufficient to repair the dent.

[0093] Even more advantageously, the operator can use the slide hammer puller 3 on suction cups of different dimensions through intermediate joining elements 4 suitable to couple such slide hammer puller 3 with the suction cups 2 positioned on the damaged sheet.

[0094] According to a variant of the invention, a plurality of suction cups 2 could be associated to hydraulic jacks on a car bench so as to stretch the bodywork of a vehicle and straighten it.

[0095] Thus, in light of the above, the kit for repairing dents subject of the invention attains all pre-set objects.

[0096] In particular, the object of providing a kit for repairing dents that is suitable to be used on dents of different dimensions and on areas of the sheet that cannot be repaired due to the fact that they are inaccessible when using the instruments of the prior art, is attained.

[0097] Providing a kit for repairing dents capable of enabling to choose the pulling force to be exerted on the bodywork to lift the dent irrespective of the dimension of the suction cup, is another object attained by the invention.

[0098] Providing a kit for repairing dents that is easy to use, requires lesser working times and enables reducing the consumption material with respect to the prior art, thus limiting the release of harmful substances into the environment and thus reducing the environmental impact of such materials, is a further object attained by the invention.

[0099] Furthermore, a further object attained by the invention is to provide a kit for repairing dents that does not require drilling the damaged sheet and thus filling and repainting the repaired area.

Claims

1. Kit (1) for repairing dents present on the vehicle bodywork, characterised in that it comprises:

a) at least a suction cup (2) provided with

- an element (23) made of metal material comprising an essentially laminar-shaped core (231) on a surface thereof first coupling means (22) extend;

- a lining (24) made of plastic material covering at least said core (231), said lining (24) defining a flat or convex support surface (21) for resting against said bodywork, said support surface (21) being defined on the opposite side of said first coupling means (22);

b) at least a slide hammer puller (3) comprising a rod (31), second coupling means (32) defined at a first end (31a) of said rod (31), an end stop element (33) defined at a second end (31b) of said rod (31) opposite to said first end (31a) and a hammer element (34) suitable to slide along said rod (31) between said second coupling means (32) and said end stop element (33);

c) at least an intermediate joining element (4) comprising a main body (41) with substantially longitudinal development having a first end (41a) provided with third coupling means (42) and a second end (41b) juxtaposed to said first end (41a) provided with fourth coupling means (43), said third coupling means (42) being configured to be coupled with said second coupling means (32) of said slide hammer puller (3) and said fourth coupling means (43) being configured to be coupled with said first coupling means (22) of said suction cup (2).

2. Kit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterised in that said second coupling means (32) of said slide hammer puller (3) comprise a fitting (321) with a T-shaped cavity and said third coupling means (42) of said intermediate joining element (4) comprise a coupling head (421) having the width greater than the width of said main body (41), said coupling head (421) being configured to be inserted into said fitting (321) with a T-shaped cavity of said second coupling means (32) according to a substantially orthogonal direction with respect to the main development axis (X1) of said rod (31).

3. Kit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said fourth coupling means (42) of said intermediate joining element (4) comprise a screw system (422) and said first coupling means (22) of said suction cup (2) comprise a holder nut (221) which extends substantially in the orthogonal direction with respect to said support surface (21), said holder nut (221) being configured to be coupled with said screw (422).

4. Kit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said core (231) comprises at least one through hole (231a).

5. Kit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said metal material is steel or a steel alloy.

6. Kit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said core (231) is covered by said lining (24) made of plastic material by means of a moulding process.

7. Kit (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that said moulding process is an injection moulding process.

8. Kit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that said plastic material is selected from among ethylene polymers, preferably medium-density polyethylene.

9. Kit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises:

i) at least two of said suction cups (2a, 2b), wherein at least one first suction cup (2a) and one second suction cup (2b) have at least the support surface (21a, 21b) and said first coupling means (22a, 22b) of different dimensions;

ii) at least one of said slide hammer pullers (3);

iii) at least two of said intermediate joining elements (4a, 4b) wherein a first intermediate joining element (4a) is suitable to be coupled - through said third coupling means (42) - with said second coupling means (32) of said puller (3) and - through said fourth coupling means (43) - with said first coupling means (22a) of said first suction cup (2a), and wherein the second intermediate joining element (4b) of said at least two intermediate joining elements (4a, 4b) is suitable to be coupled - through said third coupling means (42) - with said second coupling means (32) of said puller (3) and - through said fourth coupling means (43) - with said first coupling means (22b) of said second suction cup (2b).

10. Kit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it comprises:

i) at least one of said suction cups (2);

ii) at least two of said slide hammer pullers (3a, 3b), wherein at least one first puller (3a) and one second puller (3b) have at least said hammer element (34a, 34b) and at least said second coupling means (32a, 32b) of different dimensions;

iii) at least two of said intermediate joining elements (4a, 4b) wherein a first intermediate joining element (4a) is suitable to be coupled - through said third coupling means (42) - with said second coupling means (32a) of said first puller (3a) and - through said fourth coupling means (43) - with said first coupling means (22) of said suction cup (2), and wherein a second intermediate joining element (4b) is suitable to be coupled - through said third coupling means (42) - with said second coupling means (32b) of said second puller (3b) and - through said fourth coupling means (43) - with said first coupling means (22) of said suction cup (2).

11. Kit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises:

i) an M plurality of said suction cups (2), with M≥2;

ii) an N plurality of said slide hammer pullers (3), with N≥2;

iii) an MxN plurality of said intermediate joining elements (4) wherein each of said intermediate joining elements (4) is suitable to be coupled - through said third coupling means (42) - with said second coupling means (32) of one of said N pullers (3) and - through said fourth coupling means (43) - with said first coupling means (22) of one of said M suction cups (2).

Drawing