US3621869A

US3621869A - Vehicle service center

Info

Publication number: US3621869A
Authority: US
Inventors: Emilio M Albarran
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-05-14
Filing date: 1970-03-20
Publication date: 1971-11-23
Anticipated expiration: 1988-11-23
Also published as: NL7004689A; GB1291173A; CA921441A; BE744768A; DE2007095B2; DE2007095A1; DE2007095C3; CH526411A; ES367257A1; FR2046091A5

Abstract

An integrated vehicle service center including an improved lift for raising a vehicle and exposing its underside, together with integral devices for servicing the vehicle.

Description

United States Patent Emilio M. Albarran Claudio Coello, 44, Madrid, Spain 21,404

Mar. 20, 1970 Nov. 23, 1971 May 14, 1969 Spain Inventor Appl. No. Filed Patented Priority VEHICLE SERVICE CENTER 12 Claims, 9 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl Int. Cl

Field oi'Search LI. 137/234.6; 269/58, 59

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 4/1920 Morris 137/234.6 X 8/1924 Martin 269/58 9/1935 Weaver.... 269/58 2/1950 Adler 137/2346 UX 10/1956 Addezio 137/2346 X 3/1967 Bellas 137/2346 Primary Examiner-Harold W. Weakley Attorney-Wolf, Greenfield and Sacks ABSTRACT: An integrated vehicle service center including an improved lift for raising a vehicle and exposing its underside, together with integral devices for servicing the vehicle.

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I sum 6 or 9 PATENTEDuuv 23 Ian SHEET 7 nr 9 1 VEHICLE SERVICE CENTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to an integrated apparatus which includes all the devices required for regular vehicular or automotive maintenance and other servicing required frequently by automobiles in order to maintain them in good condition.

In current techniques for servicing automobiles and other vehicles, the various maintenance services such as cleaning, battery charging and filling, tire care, and other types of automotive services generally are disposed in different locations about a service station or automobile garage. For example, the devices relating to or operated by compressed air are located in one place, the car lift located in yet another place, the lubricating devices are located in still another place, etc. This scattering of the various automotive servicing apparatus requires that the vehicle being serviced must be transferred from one automotive servicing location to another. Additionally, it frequently is necessary to wait for completion of service to a previous vehicle at a particular station.

One of the primary objects of this invention is to avoid the inefficiencies and time loss which result from a scattering of the automotive servicing devices within the shop, and to reduce the attendant increased expenses. These objectives are achieved by providing a device which is adapted to service a single vehicle and which contains, in an integral package, all the necessary elements for servicing the vehicle, including those parts of the vehicle which normally are hidden and are relatively inaccessible at the underside of the vehicle.

The invention needs no special excavation, supports or other specially constructed foundation and is mobile so that it may be moved readily from one location to another without difficulty. A number of such units may be installed in a garage or in a service station having unused space which normally might be wasted. Additionally, because of the compact character of the device, it may be employed by a private motorist to enable him to service his own automobile at the location where he normally garages it. Additionally, the mobility of the device is increased considerably by the inclusion of a small, independent power source which enables the device to be used in isolated areas when a main source of power may not be readily available.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In particular, the unit includes an integral base of generally rectangular configuration which rests on the ground to provide a rigid support for the unit and for the car which is supported by the unit. The rectangular base may simply rest on the ground or may be sunk into a receptive channel formed in the ground. A vertical frame is secured integrally to the base and extends upwardly from the base. The frame supports a horizontally projecting lift for vertical movement heightwise of the frame by means of rollers mounted to the frame which run in vertical channels formed on the frame. The lift is of generally rectangular configuration and fits within the rectangular base when the lift is dropped to its lowest position. The lift is intended to be engaged with the underside of the vehicle and raise the vehicle from four points beneath its chassis. Mechanical means are associated with the lift to raise or lower the car at will and with safety. The unit also includes a number of integrated servicing devices supported to and about the frame to provide compressed air for the tires and other functions, grease and oiling devices, oil-air cleaners, a battery servicing device, a device for aiding a complete engine tuneup, and a device for washing and drying the car all while the car is supported by the lift.

The cantilever lift assembly is actuated by means of an oilhydraulic cylinder, including a hollow vertical column supported at its base by the lower portion of the main frame. The hydraulic lift includes a piston rod which extends upwardly from the column and is raised and lowered by introduction of oil under pressure from a tank supported within the frame. Oil is supplied under pressure from the bottom of the oil tank to the oil cylinder by a small pump which is integrated into the unit. The various conduits associated with the oil tank, small pump and lift cylinder include an automatic safety valve arrangement and a manually controlled valve which is easily within the operator's reach. The upper end of the piston rod supports a horizontal crossbar having a grooved pulley rotatably mounted on each end. Each of the pulleys supports the bight of a cable and a chain which is wrapped over and about the pulley. One end of the cable is secured to a crossbeam formed integrally with the lift, and the other end is secured to the lower portion of the main frame. In,this arrangement, the lift travels vertically with twice the speed of the oil-operated column and piston. The controls and valves associated with the oil system permit the oil cylinder to be operated so as to extend the lift, and, therefore, the vehicle, at convenient heights as desired.

The lift is provided with a pair of racks at its lateral extremity which engage automatically pawls supported firmly to the upper portion of the main frame. The pawls are positioned on the main frame to lock the lift in an upper position. The pawls are controlled by a manually operated lever which may be used to release engagement with the racks with their associated pawls thus allowing the lift to descend by gravity. The descent of the lift is controlled by the valve arrangement which controls the flow of oil from the lower portion of the oil cylinder.

The maximum height to which the lift may be raised is limited by a pair of safety devices. One of the devices is fluid operated and is located in the oil conduit leading from the oil pump to the oil cylinder and includes a combination of valves which retain or return partially or completely the fluid to the oil tank. The other safety device includes an electric limit switch which cuts off the pump motor when the lift is raised to the maximum height desired. As soon as the pump motor is cut off, the oil no longer is pumped into the oil cylinder and its elevation terminates.

Many of the servicing functions which may be performed by this machine on an associated vehicle are performed with hoses, dispensing guns, meters, and indicators which are located in appropriate convenient places, generally on the side panels of the main frame or housing. Although adequate electric motors normally are provided for operating the air compressor, oil pump, etc., a combustion engine may replace the electric motors, particularly when the machine is to be employed in areas where no electric power supply is readily available. This supplemental engine also may be used in such places to pump water, as, for example, when washing the car.

Theunit also includes an arrangement for providing compressed air. This arrangement includes a relatively large, cylindrical tank which is disposed horizontally in the upper portions of the frame preferably above the region where the motor-compressor unit is mounted. This arrangement also includes a manometer, a pressurestat, safety valve, and several hose connections for various pneumatic services, the airhose being equipped with a standard rapid connection plug to which tire inflation fittings or cleaning and air-drying guns or similar pneumatic appliances may be connected.

Also integrated into the unit is a complete greasing device supported integrally within the frame. This device includes a large tank for storing grease which, preferably, is of prismatic rectangular design and includes a large opening equipped with a pressure lid on its upper surface to enable the grease tank to be filled. The grease tank is connected to an air-driven pump which, in turn, is connected to the air tank for pressurizing the grease and causing the grease to flow through a hose to a greasing gun. The grease pump preferably is positioned directly above the grease tank.

The unit also includes an arrangement for servicing oil reservoirs in the vehicle such as in gear boxes, differentials and the crankcase. This arrangement includes a tank similar to that employed for storage of the grease and also includes an air-driven oil pump which in turn is also connected to the air compressor.

In addition to the grease tank and oil tank, a third, similar tank is provided to store gasoline, petroleum or other desired cleaning fluids. A hose having a special spray gun at one end is connected, at its other end, to the third tank. Another hose is connected between the compressed air tank in the spray gun to cause the cleaning fluid to be dispensed, in a spray, from the gun under the operators control.

The unit also includes a distilled water tank mounted near the upper part of the frame and having a pipe which extends from the water tank downwardly through the frame. The water pipe may be attached to a hose which in turn may be employed to deliver the water to the battery of the vehicle. The pipe also is equipped with a distilled water flow valve which fits into the opening in each of the battery cells for controlling the amount of water introduced into a depleted battery cell.

The three tanks are arranged in the machine so that they define a common horizontal plane of sufficient area on which the operator may place and keep tools which should be readily available while servicing the vehicle. Additionally, space may be provided on the side panels of the machine to place elastic shock cords or storage of wrenches or other tools.

The device also includes a hose for supplying water as for washing the car, filling the radiator, and other uses. This hose is connectable to a source of water and may be associated with a water pump when the external water pressure is insufficient. All of the hoses in the machine normally are coiled or folded and hung on open racks which are exposed about the exterior of the frame. The machine also may include automatic reel for winding and storage ofthe hoses.

The machine may include a ticketing apparatus which can be used to record, on a gummed ticket or label, the total cost of all work performed on a given vehicle. The machine may also include coin-operated controls for use as a self-service commercial vehicle center. Coins may be inserted into slots for activating selected of the various services available on the unit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The various objects and advantages of the invention will be understood more fully from the following detailed description thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I shows a front view of the machine, as seen from the side where the car is lifted;

FIG. 2 shows a rear elevation of the machine as showing the accessibility of various tanks and internal mechanisms supported within the frame;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the machine with its upper cover removed;

FIG. 4 is an elevation of the interior of the machine as viewed from the plane 4-4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an elevation of the exterior of the machine on the side where the lift control lever is located;

FIG. 6 is an elevation of the exterior of the machine from the opposite side ofthat seen in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a somewhat diagrammatic representation of the tank, piping and hose assemble on the machine;

FIG. 8 is a somewhat diagrammatic arrangement of the valve arrangement associated with the oil lift cylinder; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective illustration of the machine's lift assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT As shown in the drawings, the various automotive servicing devices are integrated in the machine to provide a complete, centralized automotive service unit. These automotive servicing devices are housed within the vertically disposed housing, indicated generally at A. Side panels 4 and a top cover 5 preferably are placed above the housing to cover the internal elements. The rear face of the housing is covered by a plate or flat door which may be opened simply and quickly such as by hinges and wing nuts to enable the internal parts of the housing to be reached easily from the rear. The front base of the housing is covered by a special plate having vertical bands lined on the outside with elastic or soft material to prevent damage or scratching of the vehicle's body while serving at the same time as decoration for the unit.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 9, the machine includes a vertically disposed oil cylinder 6 which is fastened securely, at its lower end, to a housing 3a secured, in turn, to the base 3 of the machine. A piston rod 6a extends upwardly from the hollow cylinder and a crossbar 7 is secured to the upper end of the piston rod 6a. Each end of the horizontally disposed, transversely extending crossbar 7 supports rotatably a pulley 8. Each pulley is associated with a strong cable or chain 9 which is wrapped about the pulley and is connected at one end to the lift unit, indicated at B. The other end of each chain is connected securely to the base 3 as shown at 17. The lift B is intended to be placed beneath the vehicle chassis and is operated to elevate the vehicle to the desired height.

The lift B includes a movable frame defined in part by the transversely spaced brackets 34, each bracket 34 being provided with a pair of rollers 35 which are movable vertically within rails 2a built integrally into the side panels 2 on the housing. Both brackets 34 are secured to each other for vertical movement in unison by a pair of

transverse bars

33 and 33a which are spaced to permit the cylinder 6 and its piston rod 6a to project upwardly between the bars 33 and 3311. A pair of transversely spaced racks 38 are secured to the crossbeam 33 and are cooperative with pawls 39 which are mounted to the upper portion ofthe housing. The pawls 39 are secured to a transverse pivotable bar 32 which may be pivoted about its longitudinal axis by a lever 23 disposed on the exterior of the side of the machine and which is controlled by the operator to release the pawls 39 from engagement with their associated rack 38 when desired.

The brackets 34 are formed integrally with a pair of rigid, parallel cantilever arms 31 which are rigidified further at their outermost ends by a transverse bar 31a. The lift thus defined by the bar 31a and parallel arms 31 is dimensioned to fit within and be embraced by the base of the machine which is defined by the forwardly extending beams I, connected at their forward extremities by the transverse beam la. The base defined by the housing A, the forwardly extending beams 1 and transverse beam 1a forms a rectangular support which provides sufiicient rigidity for the machine and the vehicle which it supports. When the lift B is in its lowermost position it is disposed within and embraced by the base of the machine. When loading a vehicle on the machine, the arms 31 are lowered to their lowermost position and then are located transversely below the chassis of the vehicle. In order to prevent damage or scratching of the automobile and also to increase the support surface between the vehicle and the arms 31 of the lift B, a number of somewhat resilient pads (not shown) may be placed on the cantilever arms 31 where the chassis of the vehicle is to be engaged. These pads should be mounted on arms 31 so that they may be slidably moved along the arms to be registered at the location where the vehicle chassis is to be engaged. It should be noted that by locating the lift cylinder 6 outside the rectangular region defined by the lift, the complete undercarriage of the vehicle is exposed readily and there is no interference from the lift cylinder 6.

As shown in FIG. 8, the operation of the oil cylinder 6 is controlled, in part, by an oil pump 15 which is connected to the inlet at the lower end of the oil cylinder 6 to the conduit 18. The inlet to the oil pump 15 is connected to oil reservoir or tank 11 by an appropriate conduit. The oil pump 15 is driven by a small electric motor which is geared to the pump 15. Stop-start controls 20 for the pump motor are located preferably on the external side plate of the machine as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9.

The lift B is guided for vertical movement by engagement of the rollers 35 on the brackets 34 and their associated rail guides. As oil is pumped into the cylinder 6, the piston rod and pulleys 8 supported on the crossbar 7, raise the cable or chain 9 to raise the entire lift B. Because of the chain and pulley arrangement, the vertical speed of the lift B will be twice that of the piston rod 60.

The machine includes a number of safety devices to limit the maximum height to which the vertical beam may be elevated and, therefore, the maximum height to which the vehicle may be lifted. One of the safety devices is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, includes a valve 22 which includes a one-way ball valve at its inlet. The inlet for the valve 22 is connected to the outlet from the oil pump 15. The outlet from the valve 22 is connected to the pump 18 of the oil circuit and another oil return outlet leading to the tank or oil reservoir 11. The external control is associated with the valve 22 which operates a tapered needle valve which blocks the flow of oil from the inlet of the valve 22 to the oil reservoir 11. By varying the setting of the needle valve the oil is distributed partly to the column 6 and partly to the oil reservoir thus enabling the vehicle lifting force to be varied and controlled as desired. Additionally, the setting of the needle valve 22 also permits the rate of descent, under gravity, of the lift B and its supported vehicle to be controlled.

A second valve 22a is connected to the conduit 18. This valve has a port which normally is biased in a blocked configuration by a tapered valve. The tapered valve has an externally projecting valve rod which is biased by a spring to maintain the valve in a normally closed configuration, thus precluding oil from flowing from the conduit 18 through the valve 22a. The outlet from the valve 22a is connected to the return conduit 19 so that when the valve 220 is opened oil may flow from the conduit 18 back to the oil reservoir 11. The valve 22a is employed to terminate the flow of fluid to the oil cylinder 6 when the lift has been raised to its most heightwise position. This ensures that the lift cannot be raised beyond its maximum heightwise position. The valve 22a is actuated by a pivoting lever which is associated at one end to open the valve 22a and which is supported so that its other end may be engaged by the upwardly moving lift B. When engaged by the lift B, the lever will pivot to overcome the biasing effect of the spring and open the valve to permit the oil to be bypassed and returned to the oil reservoir.

The machine also includes a third pressure safety valve 2212, the inlet of which is connected to the conduit 18 and which has an outlet connected to the oil return conduit 19. This third safety valve is normally biased in a closed position by an internal spring. The valve includes an external pressure adjustment for varying the oil pressure at which the valve will open. Thus, if the oil pressure within the system exceeds the maximum setting of the spring valve 22b, that valve will open and permit the Oil to be bypassed and returned to the oil reservoir 11.

A further safety device to limit the upward movement of the lift B may include a limit switch which is responsive to raising of the lift B to a maximum position, the limit switch being operatively associated with the electric motor for driving the pump to shut the motor and pump 15 off.

Also included as an integrated portion of the machine is an arrangement for providing compressed air which usually is indispensable when servicing automotive vehicles. As shown on the drawings, the machine includes a compressed air storage cylinder 12 which is mounted along a horizontal axis and which is associated with a motor and compressor 16 which are disposed above the air tank. The pneumatic circuit also includes a manometer 30, a safety valve, a pressurestat and various outlets for pneumatic hose connections. For example, one of the more prominent uses of compressed air is to inflate the vehicles tires. For this purpose, a hose 24, shown in FIG. 5, is provided with a conventional air gun at its free end. Compressed air is also directed through this hose or air drying of the vehicle body and underside after washing the vehicle. Additionally, by employing special devices suited for the purpose, compressed air may be employed to extract used, old oil and oil residue from the crankcase as well as to aid in cleaning of the motor. Additionally, special lubricating motor oil containers of various densities may be included in the machine. The containers may be emptied into the appropriate reservoirs in the vehicle through one of the machines pumps and meters, thus eliminating the practice of unmeasured pouring through a funnel.

Housing A also includes, in its lower regions, three large rectangular tanks of substantially equal height which are installed and aligned one against the other. The tanks are not connected to each other so that they may be removed easily and individually. The tanks are intended to store grease, oil and solvents or other equivalent liquid, and the like. The tank 40 has a pressure flow pump 14 mounted on its upper region to direct oil within the tank through a meter 2] and hose 25 and thence through appropriate fitting to the gearbox or differential in and of the vehicle. The grease storage tank 42 also has its own pressure pump 13 to dispense grease under pressure through a hose 28 and to a grease gun to various parts of the vehicle which require such grease. Both pumps 13 and 14 operate under compressed air from the air tank 12. The third tank 31 holds either petroleum or gas-oil or other cleaning fluid. This tank includes a hose 26 which directs the liquid to a special spray gun which is operated by a second hose 26a connected to the source of compressed air. The liquid from the tank 21 is siphoned and sprayed by this arrangement.

The machine also includes a tank 10 for distilled water to service depleted cells of the electric storage battery in the vehicle. The water tank 10 preferably is placed in a relatively high position on the frame to provide an increased pressure head for gravity flow of the distilled water through a hose 29 having a small spout at its end which is adapted to fit into the hole in each battery cell.

A further accessory for the machine includes a standard hose 27 of sufiicient length which is equipped with a water hydrant attachment on one end and an interchangeable fitting on the other end for connection to various appliances for washing the vehicle. A supplemental water pump may be included in the machine to pump the water in the event that the available water pressure is insufficient.

Each of the hoses preferably is coiled and is hung on its own separate hose rack. The racks are arched and are open at their top. They are mounted to the side surfaces of the exterior of the housing as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7.

Among the advantages of the machine is its capability to perform a number of vehicle services on the vehicle which is mounted on the machine. For example, while the undercarriage of the vehicle is being inspected, joints may be lubricated, parts may be cleaned and oiled or may be dried by an air pressure blast. These functions could not easily be performed simultaneously in conventional service stations. Thus, the machine provides advantages of efficiency and reduce time for performing a number of vehicle maintenance services.

The base, as shown in FIG. 3, formed by the beams l and 1a and the housing base define the supporting rectangular base of the machine which permits the machine to be employed without any special foundations or anchorages in the ground. This provides mobility for the device and renders it highly versatile either in a commercial or noncommercial environment. For example, one or more of these machines may be installed at trade fairs and markets of periodical occurrence such as in rural areas at shows where several hundred vehicles may be congregated for several days. Additionally, the machines may be installed in areas of vehicle concentration such as parking lots for sports stadiums, resorts, shopping centers and the like. Its location is not fixed permanently as is the case in conventional vehicle maintenance and service centers.

It should be understood that the foregoing description of the invention is intended merely to be illustrative thereof and that other embodiments and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from its spirit.

Having thus described the invention, what I desire to claim and secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An integrated apparatus for automotive maintenance comprising:

a main frame defining, in part, a vertically oriented housing, said frame having at least two transversely spaced, generally parallel beams projecting outwardly from the bottom of said frame;

a transverse beam secured to the free ends of said parallel beams to connect said parallel beams together and to define a rectangular base adapted to support said frame firmly on the ground;

a horizontal crossbeam disposed transversely within said frame;

roller means rotatably mounted to the transverse end of said horizontal crossbeam;

rail means mounted to the sides of said housing in a vertical position, said rail means being receptive to said roller means for guiding said crossbeam for vertical movement within said parallel rail means;

a pair of horizontally projecting cantilever arms secured to said crossbeam for vertical movement in unison therewith, said horizontal cantilever arm being spaced transversely so that they may be embraced within said parallel beams of said base when said cantilever arms and crossbeam are in their lowermost position;

said cantilever arms being adapted to engage the underside of said vehicle at at least four locations;

means for elevating said crossbeam and said cantilever beams to raise said vehicle;

drive means associated with said horizontal crossbeam for effecting said vertical movement thereof;

control means for limiting and controlling the extent of vertical movement of said horizontal crossbeam and cantilever arms; and

a plurality of automotive maintenance devices supported within and about said housing for servicing said vehicle when said vehicle is supported by said cantilever arms.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said drive means for effecting vertical movement of said horizontal crossbeam comprises:

an oil cylinder disposed in a generally vertical orientation and being secured at its lower end to said housing, said oil cylinder having an upwardly extending piston rod, said oil cylinder being mounted in said machine to be disposed outwardly ofthe region defined by said vehicle cantilever supporting arms;

an oil reservoir mounted within said housing;

means for pumping foil from said reservoir into said oil cylinder to actuate said piston rod;

valve means operably connected with said pumping means to control the flow of oil between said oil cylinder and said oil reservoir;

means mounted to the upper end of said piston rod for supporting a pair oftransversely spaced pulleys;

a cable associated with each of said pulleys, each of said cables being secured at one end to the lower portion of said frame and being wrapped over and about their associated pulleys, the other end of each ofsaid cables being secured to said horizontal crossbeam;

safety means for limiting the extent of upward vertical movement of said lift and for locking said lift in an elevated position, said safety means including rack means associated with each cantilever arm and a pawl mounted to the upper end of said housing for locking engagement with its associated rack means when said rack is in an elevated position;

means mounting said pawl to a horizontal bar pivotable along its transverse axis, said bar including a lever exposed exteriorly of the housing to enable the operator to pivot said bar and disengage said pawls with their associated racks;

said safety means including valve means associated with said means for pumping said oil to said oil cylinder, said valve means being normally closed and having an outlet which, when opened, is in communication with said oil reservoir;

means responsive to vertical movement of said lift to a predetermined height for opening said valve means to 10 said oil to said oil cylinder, said pressure relief valve having an outlet connected to said oil reservoir, said pressure relief valve being normally closed and being adapted to redirect oil from said pumping means directly back to said oil reservoir when the pressure within said oil is raised to a maximum, predetermined level.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said safety means further comprises:

a limit switch mounted to said housing and being operable in response to vertical movement of said lift to said maximum heightwise position thereof; and

means responsive to actuation of said limit switch to deenergize the electric motor for said oil pump 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said means within said housing for servicing said vehicle at least com prises:

means for providing compressed air services located in the upper region and within said housing, said means including a compressed air tank, a compressor mounted on top of said tank, gauge means for permitting the pressure within said tank to be monitored, a safety valve, means for connecting said tank to a fitting for filling the vehicles tires, pneumatic means for removing oil from the various oil reservoirs within said vehicle.

35 5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said plurality of vehicle servicing units at least comprises:

a plurality of tanks to store a plurality of fluid, individually in each of said tanks;

means mounting said tank within said housing so that they may be changed individually, said tanks being mounted further so that their upper surfaces thereof are disposed at substantially the same level to provide a working surface for storage and placement oftools and the like;

each of said tanks including separate pump means adapted to be driven by compressed air, each of said pump means having a metering device;

hose means associated with each of said tanks, each of said hose means including a dispensing gun for controlling the dispensing of its associated material from its associated tank.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein at least one of said dispensing guns is constructed to dispense its associated liquid in a spray; and

means connecting said spray gun to said source of compressed air to effect said spraying ofsaid liquid.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said automotive servicing units comprises:

a distilled water tank mounted to the upper portion of said vehicle, and having a conduit means extending from the lower portion of said tank, said conduit being adapted to deliver said distilled water to said storage battery in said vehicle.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7 further comprising:

a hose including a fitting to enable said hose to be connected to an external source of water under pressure, said hose being adapted to fill the radiator of said vehicle and to be employed in washing said vehicle; and

a supplementary water pump operatively connected to said hose and to be employed to supplement the available water pressure.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

panel means associated with said housing and being adapted to enclose said housing and the elements contained therein, said panels being detachably secured to said housing;

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

a means mounting said apparatus on wheels to provide mobility therefor.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising:

coin-operated means associated with each of said automotive servicing units, said coin-operated means being adapted to maintain its associated automotive service inoperable until an appropriate coin has been inserted thereto.

i l k

Claims

1. An integrated apparatus for automotive maintenance comprising: a main frame defining, in part, a vertically oriented housing, said frame having at least two transversely spaced, generally parallel beams projecting outwardly from the bottom of said frame; a transverse beam secured to the free ends of said parallel beams to connect said parallel beams together and to define a rectangular base adapted to support said frame firmly on the ground; a horizontal crossbeam disposed transversely within said frame; roller means rotatably mounted to the transverse end of said horizontal crossbeam; rail means mounted to the sides of said housing in a vertical position, said rail means being receptive to said roller means for guiding said crossbeam for vertical movement within said parallel rail means; a pair of horizontally projecting cantilever arms secured to said crossbeam for vertical movement in unison therewith, said horizontal cantilever arm being spaced transversely so that they may be embraced within said parallel beams of said base when said cantilever arms and crossbeam are in their lowermost position; said cantilever arms being adapted to engage the underside of said vehicle at at least four locations; means for elevating said crossbeam and said cantilever beams to raise said vehicle; drive means associated with said horizontal crossbeam for effecting said vertical movement thereof; control means for limiting and controlling the extent of vertical movement of said horizontal crossbeam and cantilever arms; and a plurality of automotive maintenance devices supported within and about said housing for servicing said vehicle when said vehicle is supported by said cantilever arms.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said drive means for effecting vertical movement of said horizontal crossbeam comprises: an oil cylinder disposed in a generally vertical orientation and being secured at its lower end to said housing, said oil cylinder having an upwardly extending piston rod, said oil cylinder being mounted in said machine to be disposed outwardly of the region defined by said vehicle cantilever supporting arms; an oil reservoir mounted within said housing; means for pumping oil from said reservoir into said oil cylinder to actuate said piston rod; valve means operably connected with said pumping means to control the flow of oil between said oil cylinder and said oil reservoir; means mounted to the upper end of said piston rod for supporting a pair of transversely spaced pulleys; a cable associated with each of said pulleys, each of said cables being secured at one end to the lower portion of said frame and being wrapped over and about their associated pulleys, the other end of each of said cables being secured to said horizontal crossbeam; safety means for limiting the extent of upward vertical movement of said lift and for locking said lift in an elevated position, said safety means including rack means associated with each cantilever arm and a pawl mounted to the upper end of said housing for locking engagement with its associated rack means when said rack is in an elevated position; means mounting said pawl to a horizontal bar pivotable along its transverse axis, said bar including a lever exposed exteriorly of the housing to enable the operator to pivot said bar and disengage said pawls with their associated racks; said safety means including valve means associated with said means for pumping said oil to said oil cylinder, said valve means being normally closed and having an outlet which, when opened, is in communication with said oil reservoir; means responsive to vertical movement of said lift to a predetermined height for opening said valve means to return the pumped oil to said oil reservoir and to preclude further pumping of said oil to said oil cylinder, said means including a lever pivotable intermediate at its ends and having one end thereof engagable with said lift when said lift is raised to said maximum heightwise position, the other end of said lever being effective to open said valve; a pressure relief valve connected to said means for pumping said oil to said oil cylinder, said pressure relief valve having an outlet connected to said oil reservoir, said pressure relief valve being normally closed and being adapted to redirect oil from said pumping means directly back to said oil reservoir when the pressure within said oil is raised to a maximum, predetermined level.

3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said safety means further comprises: a limit switch mounted to said housing and being operable in response to vertical movement of said lift to said maximum heightwise position thereof; and means responsive to actuation of said limit switch to deenergize the electric motor for said oil pump.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said means within said housing for servicing said vehicle at least comprises: means for providing compressed air services located in the upper region and within said housing, said means including a compressed air tank, a compressor mounted on top of said tank, gauge means for permitting the pressure within said tank to be monitored, a safety valve, means for connecting said tank to a fitting for filling the vehicle''s tires, pneumatic means for removing oil from the various oil reservoirs within said vehicle.

5. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said plurality of vehicle servicing units at least comprises: a plurality of tanks to store a plurality of fluid, individually in each of said tanks; means mounting said tank within said housing so that they may be changed individually, said tanks being mounted further so that their upper surfaces thereof are disposed at substantially the same level to provide a working surface for storage and placement of tools and the like; each of said tanks including separate pump meAns adapted to be driven by compressed air, each of said pump means having a metering device; hose means associated with each of said tanks, each of said hose means including a dispensing gun for controlling the dispensing of its associated material from its associated tank.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein at least one of said dispensing guns is constructed to dispense its associated liquid in a spray; and means connecting said spray gun to said source of compressed air to effect said spraying of said liquid.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein one of said automotive servicing units comprises: a distilled water tank mounted to the upper portion of said housing and having a conduit means extending from the lower portion of said tank, said conduit being adapted to deliver said distilled water to said storage battery in said vehicle.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 7 further comprising: a hose including a fitting to enable said hose to be connected to an external source of water under pressure, said hose being adapted to fill the radiator of said vehicle and to be employed in washing said vehicle; and a supplementary water pump operatively connected to said hose and to be employed to supplement the available water pressure.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising: panel means associated with said housing and being adapted to enclose said housing and the elements contained therein, said panels being detachably secured to said housing; said panels including a front panel adapted to face the support vehicle, said front panel including vertical bands covered on the outside by relatively thick, soft material in order to prevent said vehicle from becoming scratched while on said apparatus.

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 9 further comprising said rear panel being formed from a pair of doors pivoted on hinges to said housing and including means for locking said pivotable doors in closed relation on said housing; and means mounted to the external surface of said panels for supporting said hoses in a coiled configuration.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising: a means mounting said apparatus on wheels to provide mobility therefor.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising: coin-operated means associated with each of said automotive servicing units, said coin-operated means being adapted to maintain its associated automotive service inoperable until an appropriate coin has been inserted thereto.