Shape restoration metal rolling tool and method

Abstract

A metal shaping tool assembly, e.g., for auto body repair, includes shaper having a roller mounted between opposite legs in a yoke member. The central member has a recess for receiving an end of a manipulator, which is used as a handle. The manipulator may comprise a tool such as a tire iron. In a method, shaper is operated so that the roller engages the surface being worked to shape to restore the metal to a desired.

1 . A shape restoration metal rolling tool comprising:
 a shaper comprising first and second legs displaced in a transverse dimension in a longitudinal dimension;   a roller having a transverse axis and mounted to said first and second legs and comprising a body having a cylindrical envelope and having an axis extending in a transverse direction, the body having a surface contour in a plane intersecting the axis;   the surface having a central section, the central section comprising a curve having a lesser curvature than that of a circle having a reference origin which is circle is tangent to the central section;   first and second outer sections of the surface located between the central section of the surface and first and second transverse ends of the roller, the curvature of first and second other ends being greater than the curvature of the central section; and   the dimensions of said roller and said legs being proportioned such that when a portion of the surface contour is tangent to a preselected contour, the legs are displaced from the plane.   
     
     
         2 . A shape restoration metal rolling tool according to  claim 1  comprising a yoke having a distal end in a longitudinal direction and comprising said first and second legs, and adding a proximal end for securing to a tool manipulator. 
     
     
         3 . A shape restoration metal rolling tool according to  claim 2  wherein said tool manipulator is unitary with said yoke. 
     
     
         4 . A shape restoration metal rolling tool according to  claim 2  wherein said shaper comprises a lateral surface at a proximal end thereof and wherein a longitudinally extending recess is formed, the recess intersecting the lateral surface to define an aperture, the recess being proportioned for receiving an end of a tool manipulator. 
     
     
         5 . A shape restoration metal rolling tool according to  claim 4  wherein said yoke comprises releasable securing means for securing said yoke to a tool manipulator. 
     
     
         6 . A shape restoration metal rolling tool according to  claim 4  wherein a recess is tapered and shaped to receive an end of a tool manipulator, said recess further being shaped to facilitate a press fit between said yoke and the end of the tool manipulator. 
     
     
         7 . A shape restoration metal rolling tool according to  claim 6  further comprising the tool manipulator. 
     
     
         8 . A shape restoration metal rolling tool according to  claim 7  wherein the tool manipulator comprises a tire iron. 
     
     
         9 . A roller for mounting in a shape restoration metal rolling tool comprising:
 a body having an outer surface defining a cylindrical envelope and having an axis extending in a transverse direction, the body having a surface contour in a plane intersecting the axis;   the surface having a central section, the central section comprising a curve having a lesser curvature than a circle tangent to a transverse center of the surface contour;   first and second outer sections of the surface located between the central section of the surface and first and second transverse ends of the roller, the curvature of first and second other ends being greater than the curvature of the central section.   
     
     
         10 . A roller according to  claim 9  wherein the body comprises a solid of rotation. 
     
     
         11 . A roller according to  claim 10  wherein each opposite transverse side of the body has a radially extending surface intersecting surface contour. 
     
     
         12 . A method for shape restoration of a metal panel having a preselected contour and having a dent therein, said dent comprising at least one deformation wherein an area is displaced from the contour, comprising:
 heating the metal to a repair temperature that is a function of the metal's composition;   applying to the metal a roller comprising a body having an outer surface defining a cylindrical envelope and having an axis extending in a transverse direction, the body having a surface contour in a plane intersecting the axis;   the surface having a central section, the central section comprising a curve having a lesser curvature than a circle tangent to a transverse center of the surface contour;   first and second outer sections of the surface located between the central section of the surface and first and second transverse ends of the roller, the curvature of first and second other ends being greater than the curvature of the central section of the surface contour;   working the metal with said roller to reduce displacement of selected portions of the area from contour by applying force from the roller to the dent as the roller is moved to rotate about the axis.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising, prior to applying the roller to the dent, reducing the deformation by impacting the area with hammer strokes utilizing an instrument with a padded cover. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12  wherein the dent comprises a peak and a crown on opposite sides of the contour respectively further comprising working the peak and the chrome separately.