U.S. patent application number 12/351114 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-07 for multi-position mechanic's creeper with tool tray.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALLTRADE TOOLS LLC. Invention is credited to Hector Ray Hernandez.
Application Number | 20090115150 12/351114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38948486 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090115150 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hernandez; Hector Ray |
May 7, 2009 |
MULTI-POSITION MECHANIC'S CREEPER WITH TOOL TRAY
Abstract
A multi-position creeper has multiple seating positions
including a supine configuration, an inclined seating configuration
and an upright seating configuration. The creeper includes a frame
having a first support frame, a second support frame and a third
support frame. A locking mechanism is utilized to pivotally lock
the first and second support frames together. A coupling assembly
is used to connect the second and third support frames
together.
Inventors: |
Hernandez; Hector Ray;
(Fullerton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEPTOE & JOHNSON LLP
2121 AVENUE OF THE STARS, SUITE 2800
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Assignee: |
ALLTRADE TOOLS LLC
Long Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
38948486 |
Appl. No.: |
12/351114 |
Filed: |
January 9, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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11487888 |
Jul 17, 2006 |
7481438 |
|
|
12351114 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/32.6 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25H 5/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/32.6 |
International
Class: |
B62B 11/00 20060101
B62B011/00 |
Claims
1. A multi-position creeper, comprising: a frame including a first
support frame, a second support frame pivotally connected to the
first support frame, and a third support frame coupled to the
second support frame; wheels attached to the underside of the
frame; wherein the frame is movable into a plurality of
configurations including: a supine configuration in which the
first, second and third support frames remain substantially
horizontal and in a common plane with respect to each other; an
inclined seating configuration in which the first support frame
remains substantially horizontal, and the second and third support
frames remain substantially in a common plane and are placed at an
angle of incline with respect to the first support frame; and an
upright seating configuration in which the first support frame
remains substantially horizontal, the second support frame is
placed at an angle of incline with respect to the first support
frame, and the third support frame remains substantially horizontal
and at an angle of incline with respect to the second support
frame.
2. The multi-position creeper of claim 1, wherein the second and
third support frames can be set to a plurality of angle of incline
with respect to the first support frame when the frame is placed in
the inclined seating configuration.
3. The multi-position creeper of claim 1, wherein the second and
third support frames are lockable with respect to each other when
the frame is placed in the inclined seating configuration and
upright seating configuration.
4. The multi-position creeper of claim 1, wherein the wheels are
attached to the first support frame and third support frame but not
the second support frame.
5. The multi-position creeper of claim 4, wherein the wheels
attached to the third support frame remain in a downward position
when the frame is placed in the upright seating configuration.
6. The multi-position creeper of claim 1, including a locking
mechanism associated with the first and second support frames which
holds and locks the second and third support frames in the inclined
seating configuration.
7. The multi-position creeper of claim 6, wherein the locking
mechanism allows the first and second support frames to be held at
different angles of incline with respect to each other when the
frame is in the inclined seating configuration.
8. The multi-position creeper of claim 1, further including a
coupling assembly which allows the second and third support frames
to be held in at least two different positions with respect to each
other.
9. The multi-position creeper of claim 1, wherein the third support
frame is removably coupled to the second support member.
10. The multi-position creeper of claim 8, wherein the third
support frame is removable from the coupling assembly to move the
third support frame between the inclined seating configuration and
the upright seating configuration.
11. The creeper of claim 1, wherein the first and second support
frames can be positioned to a plurality of angle of incline with
respect to each other.
12. A multi-position creeper, comprising: a frame including a first
support frame, a second support frame pivotally connected to the
first support frame and movable to a plurality of angular positions
with respect to the first support frame, and a third support frame
coupled to the second support frame and movable to a plurality of
locked positions with respect to the second support frame; a
plurality of wheels attached to the underside of the frame; wherein
the frame is movable into a plurality of configurations including:
a supine configuration in which the first, second and third support
frames remain substantially horizontal and in a common plane with
respect to each other; an inclined seating configuration in which
the first support frame remains substantially horizontal, and the
second and third support frames remain substantially in a common
plane and are placed at an incline with respect to the first
support frame; and an upright seating configuration in which the
first support frame remains substantially horizontal, the second
support frame being placed at an angle of incline with respect to
the first support frame, and the third support frame remains
substantially horizontal and at an angle of incline with respect to
the second support frame.
13. The multi-position creeper of claim 12, wherein the third
support frame is removable from the second support frame to move
the third support frame between locked positions.
14. The multi-position creeper of claim 12, wherein the third
support frames includes a pair of outwardly projecting ends and the
second support frame includes a plurality of sleeves forming
receiving openings, each receiving opening adapted to receive one
of the outwardly projecting ends of the third support frame.
15. The multi-position creeper of claim 12, wherein the second and
third support frames are movable between a plurality of angles of
incline with respect to the first support frame when the frame is
placed in the inclined seating configuration.
16. The multi-position creeper of claim 12, further including a
mechanism for locking the first support frame in one of the angular
positions with the second support frame.
17. The multi-position creeper of claim 12, wherein the third
support frame is disposed over the first support frame when the
frame is in the upright seating position.
18. A multi-position creeper, comprising: a frame including a first
support frame, a second support frame pivotally connected to the
first support frame and movable to a plurality of angular positions
with respect to the first support frame, and a third support frame
coupled to the second support frame and movable to a plurality of
locked positions with respect to the second support frame; a
plurality of wheels attached to the underside of the frame; the
frame being movable into a plurality of configurations including: a
supine configuration in which the first, second and third support
frames remain substantially horizontal and in a common plane with
respect to each other; an inclined seating configuration in which
the first support frame remains substantially horizontal, and the
second and third support frames remain substantially in a common
plane and are placed at an incline with respect to the first
support frame; and an upright seating configuration in which the
first support frame remains substantially horizontal, the second
support frame is placed at an incline with respect to the first
support frame, and the third support frame remains substantially
horizontal and is at an incline with respect to the second support
frame; and a mechanism for locking the first support frame in one
of the angular positions with the second support frame, the
mechanism including a plate having a plurality of staggered
openings extending there through and a locking pin which is
extendable into the openings.
19. The multi-position creeper of claim 18, wherein the plate is
attached to the second support frame and the locking pin extends
through an opening in the first support frame.
20. The multi-position creeper of claim 18, wherein one of the
third support frames includes an engaging member and the second
support frame includes a plurality of sleeves forming receiving
openings, each receiving opening adapted to receive the engaging
member.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to creepers, such as an
automotive mechanic's creeper, and more particularly, to a creeper
that is transformable between a number of seating configurations,
including a supine configuration, an inclined seating configuration
and an upright seating configuration.
[0002] In the field of automechanics, a mechanic is often required
to work on the underside of a vehicle while performing maintenance
or repair. Devices called creepers are widely used to mobilize a
mechanic while working under a vehicle. Creepers generally allow
the mechanic to move freely in a supine position and work
underneath the vehicle while allowing for a minimal clearance under
the vehicle. Creepers generally include a flat platform mounted on
wheels or casters.
[0003] Creepers have been developed which allow the flat platform
of the creeper to be transformed into a "rolling seat" for working
around the vehicle's exterior, rather than just underneath the
vehicle's chassis. These mechanic's creepers allow the mechanic to
sit on the creeper in an upright position when working on portions
of the vehicle, such as the wheels or doors. Such a mechanic's
creeper thus provides two separate work platforms for the mechanic,
instead of one, which can decrease the expense in maintaining two
separate creepers. Additionally, these mechanic's creepers are
usually foldable, thus allowing the creeper to be into collapsed
into a compact closed position which can be easily stored around
the work area.
[0004] While these transformable mechanic's creepers eliminate the
need to have two separate creepers, they generally create a raised,
upright seating position which, for some maintenance and repair
work, places the mechanic's upper torso a bit too high in relation
to the work area. Generally, the upright seating position creates a
"stool on wheels" and provides no back support for the mechanic
when performing the work. As a result, the mechanic often is
required to bend forward in a hunched position when sitting on the
creeper which can lead to backache and fatigue.
[0005] Accordingly, what is needed is a mechanic's creeper which
addresses the shortcoming of prior art creepers and which provides
the mechanic with an easily transformable mechanic's creeper that
can be moved into various seating configurations with minimal
effort. The present invention satisfies these and other needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly, and in general terms, the present invention is
directed towards a foldable mechanic's creeper which is
transformable into a number of usable seating configurations. The
multi-position creeper includes a composite frame made from a first
support frame, a second support frame and a third support frame.
The first support frame is designed to be pivotally connected to
the second support frame. The second and third support frames are,
in turn, connected together. The connection of these first, second
and third support frames allows the composite frame to be folded
into a number of usable seating configurations which provide the
mechanic with different features.
[0007] The first configuration is the well-known supine
configuration in which the frame remains substantially horizontal
to allow the mechanic to lie in a supine position while working
underneath the vehicle. The support frames can be moved into a
second seating configuration, referred to as the inclined seating
configuration, in which the first support frame remains
substantially horizontal on the ground with the second and third
support members remaining substantially in a common plane and
placed at an inclined angle with respect to the first support
frame. This seating configuration creates a reclining chair for the
mechanic's use which places the mechanic's torso close to the
ground in an upright, position. In this configuration, the creeper
can be transformed into an inclined chair which allows the mechanic
to sit in a comfortable work position while providing the mechanic
with needed back support. Lastly, the mechanic's creeper of the
present invention can also be placed in an upright seating
configuration in which the first support frame remains on the
ground while the third support frame forms a small seating area for
the mechanic. In this configuration, the third support frame
remains elevated above the ground to allow the mechanic to assume a
higher and more upright position when working on various portions
of the vehicle. The second support frame acts as a supporting brace
which maintains the third support frame raised above the
ground.
[0008] In one aspect of the present invention, the multi-position
creeper can be placed in the inclined seating configuration and set
to a number of different inclined angles to allow the mechanic to
adjust the creeper so that the back support is placed at a desired
angle. A locking mechanism can be utilized which locks the first
and second support frames into the desired angle of inclination.
This locking mechanism allows the mechanic to quickly and easily
unlock the mechanism to allow the mechanic to move the support
frames into the desired angle of incline.
[0009] In another aspect of the present invention, the second and
third support frames can be attached to each other to quickly and
easily move the creeper into the upright seating configuration. In
the upright seating configuration, the third support frame
generally extends directly over the first support frame which
provides the base support on the ground. This allows the mechanic
to place all of his weight on the third support frame without the
fear of tipping. In another aspect of the present invention, the
creeper include a locking joint assembly which allows the third
support frame to be held in at least two different positions with
respect to the second support frame. This allows the mechanic to
easily move the third support frame into the horizontal position
when placing the creeper into the upright seating
configuration.
[0010] In another aspect of the present invention, this locking
joint assembly can be configured such that the third support frame
is temporarily disconnected from the second support frame when
moving the creeper between the inclined seating configuration and
the upright seating configuration. In this regard, this simple
locking structure allows the mechanic to easily remove the third
support frame from the locking joint assembly into a different
locking position on the second support frame which in turn locks
the third support frame in the upright seating configuration.
[0011] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description, taking in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principals of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, depicting a multi-position
creeper of the present invention in a horizontal supine
configuration;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, depicting the underside of the
multi-position creeper of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a top view, depicting the topside of the
multi-position creeper of FIG. 1
[0015] FIG. 4 is side elevation view, depicting the side of the
multi-position creeper of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, depicting the multi-position
creeper of FIG. 1 folded to define an inclined seat
configuration;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an elevation view, depicting a particular type of
locking mechanism used to change the angle of incline of the
creeper of FIG. 5;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a perspective view, depicting the multi-position
creeper of FIG. 1 folded to define an upright seating
configuration, with the third support frame being disposed to be
used as a seat portion; and
[0019] FIG. 8 is an perspective view, partially exploded, depicting
the removable third support frame of the multi-position creeper of
FIG. 7
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Referring now to the drawings which are provided by way of
example and not limitation, the present invention is embodied in a
multi-position mechanic's creeper. In one aspect, the creeper
includes a frame made from three (3) subframes which facilitate the
folding and unfolding of the composite frame to achieve the various
seating configurations attainable by the present invention.
[0021] With reference to FIG. 1, the multi-position mechanic's
creeper 10 of the present invention includes a composite frame 12
made from a first support frame 14, a second support frame 16 and a
third support frame 18. The first, second and third support frames
14, 16 and 18 are connected to each other to allow the creeper 10
to be folded into a number of different seating configurations.
Referring initially to FIG. 1, the creeper 10 is shown placed in
the supine configuration which allows the mechanic to work on the
underside of a vehicle. In this arrangement, the first, second and
third support frames 14, 16, 18 remain generally in a common
horizontal plane which creates a flat surface for the mechanic to
recline upon. Numerous wheels 20 are attached to the frame 12 to
allow the mechanic to roll freely about while allowing for minimal
clearance under the vehicle.
[0022] Referring now to FIG. 5, the creeper 10 is shown with the
first support frame 14 maintained on the ground and acting as a
chair support with the second and third support frames 16, 18 moved
into an inclined relationship with the first support frame 14 to
form a backrest. FIG. 5 shows the creeper 10 in the inclined
seating position which allows the mechanic to sit at a very low
position on the ground while providing back support via the second
and third support frames 16, 18. Since the first support frame 14
rests directly on the ground, the torso of the mechanic will remain
quite low but will provide the mechanic with needed back support
while working on the vehicle. This particular configuration is
particularly advantageous when the mechanic is working on the
wheels or brakes of the vehicle. The inclined seating configuration
shown in FIG. 5 can be varied to a number of different incline
angles between the first support frame 14 and the composite back
support created by the second and third support frames 16, 18. In
this regard, a locking mechanism 22 is used to maintain the
particular angle of inclination between the first support frame 14
and the second and third support frames 16, 18. This locking
mechanism 22 allows the creeper to achieve a number of different
angular settings which allows the back support (the second and
third support frames) to be moved, for example, an upright position
in which the second and third support frames are substantially at a
90.degree. angle with the first support frame to a slight incline
in which the back support is slightly elevated above the ground.
The locking mechanism 22 can be manufactured to allow the back
support to be tilted to a number of different positions to allow
the mechanic to obtain the desired angle of inclination.
[0023] FIG. 8 shows the raised upright seating configuration
achieved by the present invention in which the third support frame
is utilized as a seat portion that is elevated above the ground,
directly above the first support frame 14. In this configuration,
the second support frame 16 acts as a supporting structure in
supporting the third support frame 18 in the substantially
horizontal position shown in FIG. 8. In this manner, the mechanic
can sit on the third support frame 18 in an elevated, raised
position to allow the mechanic to work on other portions of the
vehicle. The structure of the first support frame 14 provides the
base support needed to allow the creeper 10 to be rolled while the
mechanics sits on the third support frame, which now forms the seat
portion of the creeper.
[0024] The first support frame 14, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2,
comprises a pair of longitudinal frame members 24, 26 and lateral
connecting rail members 28, 30, 32 that connect the longitudinal
rail members 24, 26 together. The longitudinal rail members 24, 26
each have inner ends 24a, 26a and outer ends 24b, 26b,
respectively. The cross section of the longitudinal rail members
24, 26 is typically rectangular, but may include other shapes, such
as, circular, oval and square.
[0025] Each of the lateral rail members 28, 30, 32 includes a pair
of ends 28a, 28b, 30a, 30b and 32a and 32b, respectively. As can be
seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lateral rail member 28 can be made as an
integral piece with the longitudinal rail members 24, 26 or can be
created as a separate piece, as is shown with the other lateral
rail members 30,32, which is welded or otherwise fastened to the
longitudinal rail members 24,26. Again, the cross-section of the
lateral rail members is typically rectangular, but may be other
shapes, such as, circular, oval and square. The placement of the
lateral rail members on the longitudinal rail members creates a
channel in which a cushion 34 can be placed. In this regard, as can
be seen in FIG. 4, the cushion 34 will be substantially flush with
the tops of the longitudinal rail members 24, 26. A pair of flanges
36 can also be placed on the underside of the lateral rail member
28 to provide additional support in holding the cushion 34 in
place. Additional flanges could be placed along the longitudinal
rail members 24, 26 to provide additional supporting structure to
the first support frame. A pair of wheels 20 are attached near the
inner and outer ends of each of the longitudinal rail members 24,
26.
[0026] The second support frame 24 also comprises a pair of outer
longitudinal rail members 38, 40 and a pair of lateral connecting
rail members 42, 44. Again, each of the longitudinal rail members
38, 40 have an inner end 38a, 40a and outer end 38b, 40b,
respectively. Each of the lateral rail members 42, 44 include a
pair of ends 42a, 42b and 44a and 44b, as well. As with the first
support frame 14, the second support frame 16 is constructed such
that a cushion 46 sits within a channel formed by the longitudinal
rail members and lateral rail members. The cross-section of the
longitudinal rail members 38,40 and lateral rail members 42, 44 of
the second frame support can also be rectangular, but may include
other shapes, such as, circular, oval and square.
[0027] Attached between the pair of lateral rail members 42, 44 is
a second pair of inner longitudinal rail members 48, 50 which
create a recess which can be used to house an item, such as a
storage box 52, which can be used to hold such items as tools,
fasteners and the like. It should be appreciated that other
structures beside a storage box 52 could be placed within the
recess formed by the inner longitudinal members 48, 50 and the
lateral rail members 42, 44.
[0028] The third support frame 18 also includes a pair of outer
longitudinal rail members 54, 56 and a pair of lateral connecting
rail members 58, 60. Each of the longitudinal rail members includes
an inner end 54a, 56a and an outer end 54b, 56b, respectively. Each
of the lateral rail members 54, 60 include a pair of ends 58a, 58b
and 60a, 60b, respectively. The ends of the lateral rail members
are connected to the longitudinal rail members 54, 56 to create the
composite third support frame 18. As with the first support frame
14, this third support frame 18 can be constructed such that the
longitudinal frame members 54, 56 are formed as a single piece with
one of the lateral rail members 58. The other lateral rail member
60 can be welded, fastened or bonded to the each of the
longitudinal rail members 54, 56 to create a support for a cushion
62 which, as shown in FIG. 4, extends above the tops of the
longitudinal rail members 54, 56 to create a headrest for the
mechanic. It should be appreciated that any one of the cushions 34,
46 and 62 could be raised above the top surface of the rail
members, if desired. Additionally, the cushion could simply take
the form of a panel (without padding) if desired.
[0029] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate the connectors 64, 66 that connect
the first support frame of 14 to the second support frame 16. These
connectors 64, 66 can simply be a nut and bolt assembly which
extends through lateral openings in the longitudinal rail members
of the first and second support frames 14, 16. In this manner, the
first and second support frames 14, 16 will be pivotally connected
to each other.
[0030] One particular embodiment of a locking mechanism 22 which
locks the first support frame 14 relative to the second support
frame 16 is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In this regard, the locking
mechanism easily locks the second support frame 16 at an angle with
respect to the first support frame 14 and allows the mechanic to
easily move the two support frames 14, 16 to the desired angle of
incline. FIG. 7 illustrates a simple plate member 68 which is
attached to the longitudinal frame member 38 of the second frame
member 16. This plate member 68 may take on a substantial crescent
shape, as is shown in FIG. 2, or any functional shape that will
perform the function. The plate member 68 includes a plurality of
openings 70 located near the outer radius of the plate member 68.
These openings 70 are set at desired locations on the plate member
68 in order to achieve different angular angles of incline between
the first and second support frames 14, 16. In this regard, as the
second frame 16 is pivotally rotated about the connector 64, the
various openings 70 will align with a lateral opening 72 formed on
the longitudinal rail member 24 of the first support frame 14. This
lateral opening 72 on the longitudinal rail member 24 is designed
to receive a movable pin 74 which extends through the opening 72
and engages one of the openings 70 found on the plate member 68.
The positioning of the openings 70 on the plate member 68 should
allow the two openings to align with the opening 72 formed on the
rail member 24. This pin 74 may include a spring loaded mechanism
(not shown) which keeps the pin 74 biased towards the openings 70
so that the end of the pin 74 will remain engaged within the
opening 70. When the mechanic wishes to move the second support
frame 16 to a different angular position, he merely needs to grasp
the ring 76 attached to the pin 74 and pull the pin 74 out of
engagement with the opening 70. Thereafter, the mechanic can simply
move the second support frame 16 to a different angular position
and the pin 74 should now engage a different opening 70 found on
the plate member 68.
[0031] Although only one locking mechanism 22 is shown attached to
the first and second support frames 14, 16, it should be
appreciated that another locking mechanism could be easily
installed on the other side of these two support frames to bring
additional locking stability to the creeper. Additionally, it
should be appreciated to those skilled in the art that this locking
mechanism 22 is just one of a number of different locking
mechanisms that can be utilized to position and lock the second
support frame 16 with respect to the first support frame 14 to
obtain the desired angle of incline.
[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6, the coupling assembly used to
lock the third support frame 18 to the second support frame 16 is
shown. Each of the ends 38b, 40b of the longitudinal rail members
38, 40 of the second frame member 16 includes a coupling assembly
designed to hold and lock the third support frame 18 in place. In
the embodiment 78 disclosed in FIGS. 1, 6 and 8, the coupling
assembly includes a pair of offset sleeves 77, 78 having openings
80, 82 formed at the ends 38b, 40b of the longitudinal rail members
38, 40. These openings 80, 82 of the offset sleeves 77, 78 are
designed to receive the ends 54b, 56b of the longitudinal rail
members 54, 56 of the third support member. In this manner, the
sleeves 77, 78 and openings 80, 82 are sized to receive a
corresponding end 54b, 56b of the longitudinal rail members 54, 56.
By mating the ends with the corresponding sleeves, the third
support frame 18 will remain coupled to the second support frame
16. Each of the sleeves 77, 78 are offset from each other to allow
the third support frame 18 to be placed in a different position
relative to the second support frame 16.
[0033] As can be best seen in FIG. 6, the longitudinal rail members
54, 56 of the third support frame 18 include exposed ends 54b, 56b
which form an elongate post or engaging element that is adapted to
fit within the openings 80, 82 formed on the sleeves 77, 78. Each
of the ends 54b, 58b of the longitudinal rail members fit within an
opening 80, 82 which has substantially the same cross-sectional
dimension as the ends 54b, 56b. The ends 54b, 56b are formed to
create a snug fit within the openings 80, 82 and provide the needed
support when the third support frame is placed in the upright
seating configuration, as is shown in FIG. 8. The structure of the
sleeve 77 formed on the second support frame can be simply created
from the stock used to manufacture the rail members of the frames.
The ends 54b, 56b of the rails 54, 56 are shown placed in sleeve 77
when the creeper is placed in the supine position and inclined
position as is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The ends 54b, 56b of the rails
54, 56 are shown placed in sleeve 78 when the creeper is placed in
the upright seating position as is shown in FIGS. 6 and 8. Since it
is possible that there will be heavy loads placed on this coupling
assembly 78, some reinforcing material may be needed to increase
the overall strength of the sleeves 77, 78.
[0034] The ends 54b, 56b of the longitudinal rails of the third
support frame 18 may include simple locking mechanisms, such as
detents 84, which are adapted to extend within small openings 86
formed on the ends of the longitudinal rail members of the second
support frame 16. FIG. 8 shows how the detents 84 extend within the
detent openings 86 formed on the frame. Other detent openings 86
can be formed on the longitudinal rails to accept the detents 84
when the ends 54b, 56b are placed in opening 80. As can be seen in
FIG. 1, this opening 80 receives the ends of the third support
frame and maintains it in the supine configuration depicted in FIG.
1. The detents 84 allows the mechanic to quickly remove the third
support frame 18 from its locked position, as shown in FIG. 1, so
that it can be placed into the second locked position shown in FIG.
8. It should be appreciated that this particular mechanism is just
one of the many ways in which the third support frame can be
connected to the second support frame 16. Those skilled in the art
will recognize that other holding and coupling devices could be
utilized which achieve the same function. Additionally, a locking
mechanism, such as the plate member 68 and pin 74 described above,
could be utilized to connect the third support frame to the second
support frame. Also, although the coupling assembly is shown as
part of the second support frame, it could just as easily be placed
on the end of the rails of the third support frame.
[0035] The second support frame 16 provides the support structure
in maintaining the third support frame 18 in the upright seating
position as is shown in FIG. 8. The second support structure 16
must bear and support the weight of the mechanic as well. In this
regard, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the ends 38a, 40a of the
longitudinal rail members 38, 40 are design to contact and bear
against the lateral rail member 32 of the first support member 14
when the creeper is in the upright seating position. Therefore,
much of the weight will be distributed between the first and second
support frames 14, 16. This arrangement of frames also helps to
prevent the creeper from tipping in the upright seating
position.
[0036] The longitudinal rail members and lateral rail members
making up the first, second and third support frames can be made
from anyone of a number of different materials including steel,
aluminum, metals alloys and other suitable metal well known in the
art. The various longitudinal rail members and lateral rail members
forming the support frames can be connected together utilizing
known techniques in the art, such as welding, fasteners such as
nuts and bolts, adhesives, and the like.
[0037] Thus, it will be apparent from the foregoing that, while
particular forms of the invention have been illustrated and
described, various modifications can be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *