TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to clamping tools, and more particularly but not exclusively, to a tool and method for securely gripping vehicle structural members (steering linkage parts) in a fixed relationship to facilitate additional operation on the vehicle structural members.
BACKGROUND
[002] Proper front wheel alignment requires correct setting of all of interrelated suspension angles affecting the running and steering of front wheels of a vehicle. One of the factors involved in front wheel alignment is toe-in. Toe-in is measured in degrees or inches. Toe-in is the difference in the distance between the front edges and the distance between the rear edges of the tires. The toe-in of the steerable front wheels has to be set properly otherwise, poor steering and high rates of tire wear may occur. One known aligning method is lifting, locating and securing the steering linkage parts across the front of the vehicle by an operator. The operator to holds the tie rod manually by a spanner and tightens a check nut associated with the corresponding tie rod by another spanner. Thus holding of the steering linkage parts and tightening of the check nut induces fatigue to the operator. Due to fatigue, the operator may skip or tighten the check nut improperly. Thereby, resulting in inappropriate functioning of steering parts which may cause fatal accidents.

[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a tool and method for securely gripping vehicle structural members (steering linkage parts) in a fixed relationship to facilitate additional working on the vehicle structural members and eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members (steering linkage parts) in a fixed relationship to facilitate additional working on the vehicle structural members.
[006] Yet another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for securely gripping vehicle structural members (steering linkage parts) in a fixed relationship.
[007] Still another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an easy and safe method for gripping vehicle structural members (steering linkage parts) in a fixed relationship.
[008] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members which reduces fatigue and stress to an operator.

[009] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The embodiments herein are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 2 depicts another perspective view of a tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the first member of the tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart showing a method for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0018] The embodiments herein achieve a tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship. Further, the embodiments herein achieve the tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members (steering linkage parts) in a fixed relationship to facilitate additional working on the vehicle structural members. Furthermore, the embodiments herein achieve a method for securely gripping vehicle structural members (steering linkage parts) in a fixed relationship. Also, the embodiments herein achieve a tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members which reduces fatigue and stress to an operator. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1

through 6, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the tool 100 includes a first member 102, the first member 102 having a first end 102a and a second end 102b, a supporting arm 104, a head portion 106, at least one bore 108a, a slot 108b, a second member 110, second member having a lower end 110a and an upper end 110b, a receiving pocket 112, an engageable portion 114, a connecting member 116, a locking member 118 (not shown), and longitudinal groove 120 (as shown in FIG. 5) and a locking pin groove 122.
[0020] For the purpose of explanation and ease of understanding the vehicle structural members (not shown) are considered to be a steering linkage, and tie rod assemblies. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to use any other vehicle components or structures without otherwise deterring the intended function of providing structural parts held in a fixed relationship to be worked additionally as can be deduced from the description and drawings. Further, at least one additional working on the vehicle structural members includes performing tightening of check nut on the tie rod. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to perform any other type additional work on the vehicle structural member without

otherwise deterring the intended function of additional operation as can be deduced from the description and drawings.
[0021] The tool 100 includes the first member 102. The first member 102 is defined between the first end 102a, and the second end 102b as shown in FIG. 1 and 2. In an embodiment, the first member 102 is defined for a predetermined length LI. The first member 102 includes the supporting arm 104. The supporting arm 104 is defined at the first end 102a of the first member 102. The supporting arm 104 is made-up of predetermined shape. In an embodiment, the supporting arm 104 is a rectangular bar of predetermined length. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any shape for the supporting arm 104 without otherwise deterring the intended function of supporting as can be deduced from the description and drawings. In an embodiment, the supporting arm 104 is configured to grip a first portion of the vehicle structural member. For example, the supporting arm 104 may be adapted to receive a steering linkage.
[0022] Further, the first member 102 includes the head portion 106. The head portion 106 is defined towards the second end 102b of the first member 102. In an embodiment, the head portion is an L-shaped member having dimensions larger than that of the supporting arm 104. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any shape for the head

portion 106 without otherwise deterring the intended function of supporting as can be deduced from the description and drawings.
[0023] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the first member of the tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The head portion 106 further includes at least one bore 108a and a slot 108b. The bore 108a is defined for a predetermined length of the head portion 106. In an embodiment, the bore 108a is circular in shape. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any shape for the bore 108a without otherwise deterring the intended function of receiving a member as can be deduced from the description and drawings. The bore 108a is configured to receive the connecting member 116 of the second member 110. The connecting member 116 is a cylindrical member which is configured to slide within the bore 108a as shown in FIG. 4. The head portion 106 further includes the slot 108b. The slot 108b is provided to accept a connecting portion (not shown) formed between the connecting member 116 and the engageable portion 114.
[0024] The tool 100 includes the second member 110. The second member 110 is connected perpendicularly to the first member 102. The second member 110 is defined between the lower end 110a and the upper end 110b (as shown in fig. 2). In an embodiment, the second member 110 is defined for a predetermined length L2. In an embodiment, the second

member 110 is a rectangular plate having a rectangular pocket 112 defined at lower end 110a. The second member 110 includes the engageable portion 114 defined towards the upper end 110b. The engageable portion 114 of the second member 110 further includes the connecting member 116. The connecting member 116 extends axially from the engageable portion 114. The connecting member 116 is connected to the engageable portion 114 through the connecting portion (not shown) formed between the connecting member 116 and the engageable portion 114 s shown in FIG. 4. In an embodiment, the connecting member 116 is a cylindrical member having a predetermined length L3 (not shown). However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any shape for the connecting member 116 without otherwise deterring the intended function of sliding within the bore as can be deduced from the description and drawings.
[0025] In an embodiment, the connecting member 116 is configured to slide within the bore 108a from a first position to a second position and vice-versa. The first position of the connecting member is a position when the connecting member 116 is moved or pushed inside the bore 108a and the second position of the connecting member 116 is a position when the connecting member 116 is moved outside or away from the bore 108a (i.e. the connecting member 116 moved longitudinally away from the first member 102). Further, the receiving pocket 112 of the second member 110 includes a pair of parallelly arranged legs 112a having an interior surface.

The interior surface of the receiving pocket 112 is configured to receive a second portion of the vehicle structural member. For example the receiving pocket may be configured to receive a tie rod. Further, the connecting member 116 includes at least one longitudinal groove 120 as shown in FIG. 5. The groove 120 extends on an inner circumferential face of the connecting member 116.
[0026] FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the tool for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The tool 100 further includes the locking member 118. The locking member 118 is provided on the first member 102. In an embodiment, the locking member 118 is a locking pin. Further, the locking pin includes a crown portion (not shown) which is configured to engage within the longitudinal groove 120 defined on the connecting member 116. The locking pin locks the first member 102 with the second member 110. In an embodiment, the locking pin is of retractable type. However, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide any type of locking member without otherwise deterring the intended function of locking as can be deduced from the description and drawings. Further, the head portion 106 of the first member 102 defines a locking pin groove 122 to facilitate operating of said locking member 118. The locking pin is manually operated from the locking pin groove 122 to lock the first member 102 with the second member 110. The locking

member 118 grips the first member 102 and the second member 110 in a fixed relationship to facilitate additional working on the vehicle structural members (steering linkages and tie rod assemblies).
[0027] FIG. 6 depicts a flowchart showing a method for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. A method 200 for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, includes providing a first member 102 having a supporting arm 104 at first end 102a and a head portion 106 at second end 102b, said supporting arm 104 adapted to grip a first portion of said vehicle structural member (at step 202). The method further includes connecting a second member 110 to said first member 102, said second member 110 defining a receiving pocket 112 at one end and an engageable portion 114 at other end, said receiving pocket 112 adapted to grip a second portion of said vehicle structural member (at step 204). Furthermore, the method includes adjusting said second member 110 relative to said first member 102 to fixedly grip said vehicle structural members (at step 206). Additionally, the method includes locking said first member 102 and said second member 110 at same position by a locking member 118 (at step 208). Also, the method includes performing at least one additional operation on said vehicle structural members (at step 210).

[0028] The advantages of the embodiments described herein include proper tightening of check nut of tie rod, eliminate operator's fatigue, reduced assembly time, and proper fitment and functioning of steering linkages.
[0029] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

CLAIMS

We claims

1. A tool 100 adapted for gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, comprising:
a first member 102 having a supporting arm 104 at first end 102a and a head portion 106 at second end 102b, said head portion 106 defines at least one bore 108a and a slot 108b thereof;
a second member 110 connected to said first member 102, said second member 110 defining a receiving pocket 112 at lower end 110a and an engageable portion 114 at upper end 110b, said engageable portion 114 includes a connecting member 116 adapted to slidably engage within said bore 108a; and
a locking member 118 disposed between said first member 102 and said second member 110, wherein,
said supporting arm 104 of said first member 102 and said receiving pocket 112 of said second member 110 are adapted to grip a first portion and a second portion of said vehicle structural members respectively.
2. The tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first member 102 is connected perpendicularly to said second member 110.

3. The tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein said receiving pocket 112 includes a pair of parallelly arranged legs 112a having interior surfaces to receive said second portion of said vehicle structural member.
4. The tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting member 116 is adapted to slide within said bore 108a from a first position to a second position, said first position being said connecting member 116 moving inside said bore 108a and said second position being said connecting member 116 moving outside of said bore 108a.
5. The tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein said connecting member 116 includes at least one longitudinal groove 120 formed on an inner circumferential face of said connecting member 116.
6. The tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein said locking member 118 is a locking pin.
7. The tool as claimed in claim 6, wherein said locking pin includes a crown portion configured to engage within said longitudinal groove 120 to lock said first member 102 with said second member 110.
8. The tool as claimed in claim 1, wherein said head portion 106 defines a locking pin groove 122 to facilitate operating of said locking member 118.
9. A method 200 for securely gripping vehicle structural members in a fixed relationship, said method comprising:

providing a first member 102 having a supporting arm 104 at first end 102a and a head portion 106 at second end 102b, said supporting arm 104 adapted to grip a first portion of said vehicle structural member;
connecting a second member 110 to said first member 102, said second member 110 defining a receiving pocket 112 at one end and an engageable portion 114 at other end, said receiving pocket 112 adapted to grip a second portion of said vehicle structural member;
adjusting said second member 110 relative to said first member 102 to fixedly grip said vehicle structural members;
locking said first member 102 and said second member 110 at same position by a locking member 118; and
performing at least one additional operation on said vehicle structural members.