Spring compressor with latchable locking device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tool for compressing a helical spring of the type typically used in a MacPherson strut suspension system. The tool comprises a pair of spaced apart shoes each having a helical groove formed therein for engaging a portion of the coil of the spring. Each shoe also includes a latchable locking device extendible over the respective helical groove for maintaining the coil of the spring within the groove during the compression operation. The two shoes are maintained in a spaced apart relationship with the associated grooves in facing relationship to one another by a threaded shank member. The threaded shank member includes a separate tool engaging configuration on each end thereof and is employed to effect movement of the spaced apart shoes toward and away from one another during the operation of the tool.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A spring compressor for compressing a helical coil spring comprising: a pair of spaced apart .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.shoes each having a groove formed therein for receiving a portion of the helical coil of the spring;   .[.at least one of said shoes having said groove formed of a helical configuration, and said groove defining a spring engaging bottom wall located in a plane formed at a predetermined, non-perpendicular angle with respect to a compression axis;.].   an elongate threaded shank parallel to .[.said.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.compression axis for mounting said shoes in spaced apart relationship with said grooves in facing relationship to one another, said shank having one end thereof rotatably supported by .[.one of.]. said .[.shoes.]. .Iadd.first shoe .Iaddend.and having an opposite threaded end for threaded engagement with .[.the other one of.]. said .[.shoes.]. .Iadd.second shoe .Iaddend.whereby rotation of said shank in one direction relative to said .[.other one of said shoes.]. .Iadd.second shoe .Iaddend.causes said .[.pair of spaced apart.]. .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.shoes to move toward one another; and   a latchable locking means carried by at least one of said .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.shoes, said locking means including a .[.U-shaped member having a pair of spaced apart, generally parallel legs.]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.extending through .[.apertures.]. .Iadd.an aperture .Iaddend.formed in said .[.shoe.]. .Iadd.one of said first and second shoes .Iaddend.on .[.opposite sides.]. .Iadd.one side .Iaddend.of said elongate shank, said .[.legs.]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.having .Iadd.a .Iaddend.first .[.ends.]. .Iadd.end .Iaddend.connected .[.by a connecting member.]. .Iadd.to a gripping portion .Iaddend.and having .Iadd.a .Iaddend.second .[.ends.]. .Iadd.end .Iaddend.adapted to extend over said groove, .[.said legs being located in a plane substantially parallel to said angled spring engaging bottom wall such that each of said second ends is spaced from said bottom wall by substantially the same distance,.]. said .[.U-shaped member.]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.being movable between a retracted position wherein said .[.outer ends.]. .Iadd.second end .Iaddend.of said .[.legs are.]. .Iadd.leg is .Iaddend.positioned within said .[.shoe.]. .Iadd.one of said first and second shoes .Iaddend.and said portion of the helical coil spring can be inserted into said groove and a locked position wherein said second .[.ends.]. .Iadd.end .Iaddend.of said .[.legs extend.]. .Iadd.leg extends .Iaddend.over said groove and over said portion of the helical coil, said groove and said .[.legs.]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.cooperating to substantially surround said portion of the helical coil for maintaining said portion of the helical coil within said groove, and detent means carried by .Iadd.said .Iaddend.one of said .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.shoes and positioned to engage .[.one of.]. said .[.legs.]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.for maintaining said .[.U-shaped member .]. .Iadd.leg .Iaddend.in either the locked position or the retracted position.   
     
     
       2. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one of said .Iadd.first and second .Iaddend.shoes includes a pair of spaced apart generally arcuate sidewalls defining said coil receiving grooves, one of said sidewalls defining a first radius and adapted to face an inside portion of .Iadd.the .Iaddend.helical coil, the other one of said sidewalls defining a second radius less than said first radius and adapted to face an outer portion of the helical coil. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said elongate threaded shank includes a separate tool engaging means formed on each end thereof. .Iadd.4. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said groove in at least one of said first and second shoes is formed of a helical configuration. .Iaddend. .Iadd.5. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the other one of said first and second shoes is provided with a latchable locking means selectively movable over its associated groove for maintaining a portion of the helical coil within said groove. .Iaddend. .Iadd.6. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said locking means includes a U-shaped member having a pair of legs selectively extendable over said groove. .Iaddend.