Dent Removal Method and Apparatus

Abstract

The dent removal assembly of the present application is configured to apply a gradual distributed pressure to a hardened material for the purpose of removing dents. The assembly is operable with any vehicle or other tool or panel where a dent may be present. The assembly is configured to regulate the flow of air into and out of the assembly in a controlled manner to cause a desired effect. Air is selectively inserted into an airbag to expand. The expansion presses against a dent and uniformly applies pressure to the dent so as to push it out to a desired position. The method may include the use of one or more braces or the use of a plurality of stacked airbags side to side.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dent removal assembly, comprising:
 a pump;   an airbag in communication with the pump;   a valve to regulate air pressure within the airbag;   
     
     
         2 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the pump is manually actuated. 
     
     
         3 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the pump is mechanically driven. 
     
     
         4 . The assembly of  claim 1 , wherein the airbag is a multi-walled body. 
     
     
         5 . The assembly of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a flexible tube coupling between the pump and the airbag, the tube housing a portion of the valve.   
     
     
         6 . A method of removing a dent from an object, comprising:
 situating a first airbag adjacent a first surface of the dent, the first surface being a side of the object where the dent protruded, the first airbag having a first side and a second side, the first side adjacent the dent;   bracing the second side of the first airbag opposite the first surface;   regulating air pressure within the first airbag to increase the volume of the first airbag such that expansion of the first airbag pushes outward on the dent; and   releasing pressure within the first airbag to permit removal from the object.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein a pump is used to provide air to pressurize the airbag. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the pressure is released by actuating a valve. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , further comprising:
 inserting a second airbag between a brace and the airbag.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein air pressure is regulated in both the first airbag and the second airbag to apply pressure to the dent. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein a single pump is used to regulate air pressure in both the first airbag and the second airbag.