Axle straightening press

Abstract

Wheels of model cars rotate upon axles. The axle straightening press has a female jaw and a male jaw each with a rectangular shape, a mating surface, and a transverse half channel. The dowels of the male jaw fit into holes in the female jaw upon a diagonal line on the mating surface. Alternatively, the press has two identical jaws, inverted, and closed upon each other. An alternate jaw has a generally rectangular shape with a mating surface, a dowel, a transverse half channel, and a hole. In both embodiments, a Cub Scout places an axle in the channel between the jaws and strikes the press with a hammer. Removing the axle from the press, the Cub Scout places a wheel on the axle, and installs the axle upon a model car.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation application of the non-provisional application Ser. No. 10 / 658,068 filed on Sep. 9, 2003 which claims priority to the provisional application Ser. No. 60 / 411,635, filed on Sep. 18, 2002, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference, and the aforesaid applications are commonly owned by the same inventor.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to an axle straightening press for use as a hand tool in connection with model cars. The axle straightening press has particular utility in connection with straightening axles. [0003] As winter loosens its grip, Cub Scouts emerge from dens across the land for a contest: the Pinewood Derby®. For the derby, Cub Scouts and their adult sponsors assemble a wooden car from a kit and then race their cars against those of fellow Cub Scouts upon a track with guideways for each car. Cub Scouts that win local races advance to tournamen...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides an improved axle straightening press and method that overcomes the disadvantages of prior art wire straighteners. The press has male and female jaws that align and confine an axle by hammer blows. It has the advantages of prior art wire straighteners and is easy to manufacture and market. It is economical and safe for use by Cub Scouts and their sponsors. It allows for a flat fit of a spinning wheel and reduces friction. It also allows for a minimal risk of injury and requires minimal adult supervision.

Problems solved by technology

However, the Broyles '918 patent does not have grooves perpendicular to the direction of the hammer blows, and has further drawbacks of jamming a nail between the wedge and the anvil and of having a solid part and a hollow part.

However, the Honeycutt '037 patent does not have alignment dowels, and cannot operate with hammer blows.

However, the Watson '293 patent does not have alignment dowels, does not hammer perpendicular to the length of the blank, and cannot operate without retaining the dies.

However, the Darling '859 patent does not operate without heating elements, and cannot compress a nail nor a wooden bat blank in a time period less than 15 minutes.

However, the Krainaker '584 patent does not straighten by hammering but rather by drawing of wire, and cannot have flat surface portions on the blocks.

However, the Bronberg '565 patent does not straighten by hammering but rather by drawing of wire across the ridges.

However, the Dilling '083 patent does not straighten by hammering but rather by pushing and rotating the tubing through a joint, and cannot be operated by hand.

However, the Evans '341 patent does not clamp round bars, and has the additional deficiency of not using hammering to straighten bars.

While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe an axle straightening press.

Further, the Watson '293 patent lacks alignment dowels and requires a restraining frame.

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