This application relates generally to pulling tools, and more particularly, to pulling tools for the removal of a component (steering wheel, hub, gear, etc.) from a shaft.
Pulling tools are often tailored to a particular brand or type of component. For example, a steering wheel mount plate typically has a particular configuration of holes or slots located thereon. One of the slots receives a shaft to which the mounting plate is attached and the other slots receive the jaws of a steering wheel puller. During a removal operation, the jaws operate against the bottom of the plate to pull the wheel off. For the puller to work, the jaw configuration must match the slot configuration of the mounting plate
The slot configuration, however, is generally unique to the manufacturer of the steering wheel. Therefore, each steering wheel has its own unique puller. This is a burden for mechanics because they must keep a separate puller for each type of steering wheel. Accordingly, what is needed is a universal pulling tool.
Embodiments detailed herein describe a pulling tool. In one embodiment, the pulling tool includes a support member having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface includes at least one slot positioned thereon, and the second surface includes at least one recess in communication with the slot. A ledge is formed where the recess and the slot intersect. A rod is disposed in the slot and recess and includes a portion engageable with the ledge.
In an embodiment, a pulling tool includes a support member having at least one aperture. The aperture includes a through portion and a stop portion. The width of the stop portion is greater than the width of the through portion. A rod is disposable in the aperture and has an engagement portion that is shaped and dimensional to only fit in the stop portion.
In an embodiment, a pulling tool includes a means for engaging a work piece. The tool also includes a means for supporting the engaging means. The supporting means has a means for preventing motion of the engaging means with respect to the supporting means. A force-applying means is used to pull the work piece from a shaft.
Finally, in an embodiment, a method of manufacturing a pulling tool is described. At least one slot on a first surface of a support member is formed. At least one recess on a second surface of the support member is formed. The recess is formed in communication with the slot to create a ledge at the intersection of the recess and the slot. A rod is positioned in the recess and slot, and in engagement with the ledge.
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Rods 104 are disposable in the apertures 118. Each rod 104 has a first end 120 and a second end 122. First end 120 includes threaded portion 124. Second end 122 includes hook portion 126. A boss 128 is located between first end 120 and second end 122. Boss 128 fits within a stop portion 129 of each aperture 118. Sidewalls 130 define stop portion 129 and prevent boss 128 from rotating when pulling tool 100 is in use.
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Rods 104 are disposed within apertures 118 and secured to support member 102 by flanged nuts 131, which fasten each rod 104 in a desired longitudinal position within its corresponding aperture 118. Nuts 131 also prevent downward movement of rods 104 when tool 100 is in use.
Bolt 106 is positioned within opening 114. In one example, bolt 106 includes threaded portion 134, head portion 136 and tip portion 138. Threaded portion 134 engages with the threads located in hole 114. If necessary, head portion 136 is engageable with a wrench or screwdriver to aid in the rotation of bolt 106. Tip portion 138 operates against a shaft to which a wheel, hub, gear, and the like is attached. Tip portion 138, in one example, is removable from bolt 106. Alternatively, tip portion 138 could be integral with bolt 106.
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Similarly, recesses 302 can have a different shape. The shape of recesses 302 serves multiple purposes though. First, boss 128 engages with walls 130 to prevent rotational movement of each rod 104, but to permit movement longitudinally of the support member 102. Second, the shape of boss 128 and the shape of recess 302 determine the number of rotational positions that hook 126 can occupy. For example, a square shaped boss 128 and a rectangular recess provide hook 126 with four settings: 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. A hexagonal boss 128 and a rectangular recess 302 provide hook 126 with six settings: 0°, 60°, 120°, 180°, 240° and 300°. The multiple settings and the longitudinal adjustment of rods 104 make pulling tool 100 employable with work pieces of many different shapes, sizes, and configurations.
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As another alternative, which is not shown in the drawings, pulling tool 100 can be employed with nuts flanged 131 omitted. In this example, support member 102 is inverted such that recess 302 is located above slot 202. In this example, ledge 402 prevents downward motion of rods 104 and the upward motion of rods 104 is prevented by the biasing action of plate 602 on hook portions 126. The remainder of the operation of pulling tool 100 is the same as described in the previous example.
The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. While particular embodiments have been shown and described, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made without departing from the broader aspects of applicant's contribution. The actual scope of the protection sought is intended to be defined in the following claims, when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.