Abstract:
A table suited for a stylist when styling hair of a deceased body is configured to hold the deceased body to allow hair to be styled. The table has a set of scissor-like supports with a foot-actuated control, thereby providing a means to adjustably elevate and lower the table. The table may also be angled via a pair of foot-actuated controls. A footrest at the table&#39;s base supports the deceased person along with a plurality of body securing straps. The table also comprises a separate platform for allowing the stylist to store products within and a neck support to further support the deceased body configuration resulting in optimum hairstyling.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/307,891 filed Feb. 25, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to mortician tables, and in particular, to a powered, adjustable hairstyling trolley particularly adapted for mortuary applications. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are many preparations that must take place on the body of a deceased person in order to prepare it for viewing and subsequent internment. Along with the embalming process, selection of clothes, selection of jewelry, makeup, and the like, the person&#39;s hair must be styled as well. The whole act of washing the hair, drying it, cutting it, and styling it is exceedingly difficult. Great care must be taken in order to produce a look that is both similar to the hairstyle the client had while living as well as provide a natural appearance. This hairstyling process is somewhat difficult due to the horizontal nature of the client and the fact that the mortician must manually manipulate the position of the client during the process. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide support tables or other structures for use by a mortician. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents including U.S. Pat. No. 2,090,865; U.S. Pat. No. 3,799,534; U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,900; U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,706; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,690. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention. 
     While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses do not provide a full range of positional adjustability as necessary for a hairstyling process. Also, many such apparatuses are physical difficult to manipulate. Furthermore, many such apparatuses are not easily or quickly adjustable during the hairstyling process and require the mortician to frequently pause in order to adjust the client. In addition, many such apparatuses do not provide an advantageous arrangement accommodating the various tools and other objects used by the mortician during such a process. Accordingly, there exists a need for a mortuary hairstyling trolley without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for mortuary hairstyling trolley which provides simple hands-free adjustment of a client during a hairstyling process as well as quick storage and access for associated tools and objects. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a table with features enabling a mortician to secure and adjustably position a deceased person in order to style their hair. The apparatus includes a rectangular upper platform to position the deceased person upon and a scissor mechanism which can lift or angle the upper platform to a desired position. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a neck support which supports the deceased person&#39;s neck and thereby elevates their head to facilitate hairstyling. The apparatus also includes a plurality of cushions to protect the body while on the apparatus and a plurality of straps to secure the body to the platform. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide fluid drainage from the platform into a removable tray via a plurality of vents located within the platform. The tray is housed under the platform and can be slidingly removed for cleaning. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable transport or securement of the apparatus using a plurality of lockable wheels located along a bottom surface of a lower platform. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide powered lifting and adjustment of the upper platform using the scissor mechanism. The scissor mechanism comprises a plurality of lifting arms in an “X”-shaped orientation which are operated by an electrically powered air compressor. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to securely manipulate the height of the body in a hands-free manner by utilizing a first foot control. The first foot control operates an intermediate actuator via a solenoid bank in order to provide a linear storage against an axle of the scissors mechanism and thereby raise or lower the height of the upper platform. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to securely manipulate the angle of the body in a hands-free manner by utilizing a second foot control. The second foot control operates a pair of distal actuators and devises at a head end of the upper platform, thereby raising or lowering the height of one (1) end of the upper platform and affecting its angle. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide storage and access to a desired plurality of tools or objects during hairstyling using a rotatable table which is selectively deployable at a head end of the apparatus and a storage container which can be housed on an upper surface of the lower platform. The apparatus includes a pair of stabilizing feet which provide additional support to the apparatus when it is in an angled state. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring the apparatus, transporting the apparatus to a desired location, positioning a deceased body on the upper platform and positioning the neck on the neck support, fastening the straps, depressing the first pedal to lift the apparatus to a desired height, allowing air and fluid to flow through the vents and into the tray, storing items on the lower platform or table as necessary, styling the hair to the deceased person as necessary, and depressing the second foot control to angle the apparatus as necessary. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is an environmental view of a mortuary hairstyling trolley  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the mortuary hairstyling trolley  10  depicting a removed tray  31 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is another perspective view of the mortuary hairstyling trolley  10  depicting an angled state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of the mortuary hairstyling trolley  10  depicting an angled state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a close-up perspective view of a first and a second actuator  53   a ,  53   b , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is yet another perspective view of the mortuary hairstyling trolley  10  depicting an elevated state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the mortuary hairstyling trolley  10 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a cut-away view of a rod end portion  51   d , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an opposing cut-away view of the rod end portion  51   d , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a mechanical flow diagram of the major components of the mortuary hairstyling trolley  10  depicting an angled state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a storage container  60 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 12  is a rear perspective view of the storage container  60  depicting an open state, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 10 
                 mortuary hairstyling trolley 
               
               
                   
                 11 
                 upper body 
               
               
                   
                 12 
                 lower body 
               
               
                   
                 15 
                 upper platform 
               
               
                   
                 20 
                 distal surface 
               
               
                   
                 21 
                 proximal surface 
               
               
                   
                 22 
                 wall 
               
               
                   
                 23 
                 platform surface 
               
               
                   
                 24 
                 neck support 
               
               
                   
                 25 
                 upper strap 
               
               
                   
                 26 
                 intermediate strap 
               
               
                   
                 27 
                 lower strap 
               
               
                   
                 28 
                 vent 
               
               
                   
                 29 
                 cushion 
               
               
                   
                 30 
                 footrest 
               
               
                   
                 31 
                 tray 
               
               
                   
                 32 
                 drainage aperture 
               
               
                   
                 33 
                 tray aperture 
               
               
                   
                 40 
                 platform support 
               
               
                   
                 41 
                 cross member 
               
               
                   
                 45 
                 table 
               
               
                   
                 46 
                 table hinge 
               
               
                   
                 50 
                 lower frame 
               
               
                   
                 51a  
                 scissor mechanism 
               
               
                   
                 51b 
                 first lifting arm 
               
               
                   
                 51c  
                 second lifting arm 
               
               
                   
                 51d  
                 rod end portion 
               
               
                   
                 51e  
                 first clearance slot 
               
               
                   
                 51g  
                 second clearance slot 
               
               
                   
                 51h 
                 roller 
               
               
                   
                 51j  
                 pin 
               
               
                   
                 51m  
                 aperture 
               
               
                   
                 52 
                 fixed vertical support 
               
               
                   
                 53a 
                 first distal actuator 
               
               
                   
                 53b  
                 second distal actuator 
               
               
                   
                 54 
                 axle 
               
               
                   
                 55 
                 lower platform 
               
               
                   
                 56 
                 wheel 
               
               
                   
                 57 
                 track 
               
               
                   
                 58 
                 clevis 
               
               
                   
                 59 
                 clevis pin 
               
               
                   
                 60 
                 storage container 
               
               
                   
                 61 
                 lid 
               
               
                   
                 62 
                 base 
               
               
                   
                 63 
                 interior portion 
               
               
                   
                 64 
                 hinge 
               
               
                   
                 65 
                 stabilizing foot 
               
               
                   
                 70 
                 mechanical enclosure 
               
               
                   
                 71 
                 compressor 
               
               
                   
                 72 
                 solenoid 
               
               
                   
                 73 
                 terminal strip 
               
               
                   
                 75 
                 intermediate actuator 
               
               
                   
                 76 
                 connection hose 
               
               
                   
                 77 
                 first foot control 
               
               
                   
                 78 
                 second foot control 
               
               
                   
                 79 
                 power plug 
               
               
                   
                 80 
                 electrical wire 
               
               
                   
                 90 
                 wheel extension 
               
               
                   
                 91 
                 wheel axle 
               
               
                   
                 92 
                 wheel fork 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 12 . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a mortuary hairstyling trolley (herein described as the “apparatus”)  10 , which provides a table with enhanced features to enable a hairstylist to style a secured deceased person&#39;s hair with ease. The apparatus  10  comprises a rectangular planar upper platform  15  to position the deceased person upon. The deceased may be lifted or angled to a desired position via a scissor mechanism  51  and internal mechanical and electrical components. The apparatus  10  enables a variety of sized deceased persons to be positioned in a desired and convenient position upon said apparatus  10  which further enables the hairstylist to create a more natural-looking hairstyle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental view of the apparatus  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises a rectangular upper platform  15  further comprising a distal surface  20  and a proximal surface  21 . An upper body  11  (head and neck portion) of the deceased person is positioned on an upper side of the distal surface  20  and a lower body  12  (legs and feet) is positioned on an upper side proximal surface  21 . The back of the deceased person is positioned superjacent to a platform surface  23  perpendicular to a footrest  30  (see below). Once the deceased person is secured onto the apparatus  10  the hairstylist may lift or angle said apparatus  10  to a desired position for common hairstyling procedures. The apparatus  10  also comprises a cuboidal storage container  60  (see  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) which is detached from the main structure enabling a hairstylist to stand or to store common items of the trade inside. The apparatus  10  is approximately eight (8) to ten (10) feet in length and fabricated from a stainless steel, enabling a deceased person weighing up to four hundred (400) pounds to be supported, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the scope of said apparatus  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting a removed tray  31 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The distal surface  20  and the proximal surface  21  are formed via a plurality of walls  22 , a platform  23 , and a footrest  30 . The platform  23  comprises a neck support means  24  on an upper side of the distal surface  20  providing a support means to the neck of the deceased person and also elevating the head for hairstyling. The neck support  24  comprises an arcuate-shape encompassing the rear and side portions of the neck. The neck support  24  is attached to the platform  23  via means such as, but not limited to: adhesive, integral molding, nuts and bolts, or the like and fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: foam, plastic, metal, or the like. The platform  23  also comprises an upper strap  25 , an intermediate strap  26 , and a lower strap  27  providing a means to secure the deceased person to the apparatus  10 . The upper strap  25  secures the upper torso region of the deceased person, the intermediate strap  26  secures the waist region of the deceased person, and the lower strap  27  secures the thigh region of the deceased person. Each strap  25 ,  26 ,  27  is comprised of a conventional adjustable slide-release buckle fabricated from a durable nylon and attached to the rear platform  23 , between the platform  23  and the walls  22  which are upwardly projecting along an outer perimeter edge of platform surface  23 . 
     The platform  23  also comprises a plurality of vents  28  providing a means for the fluids to drain into a removable tray  31 . The vents  28  are comprised of a plurality of holes through the platform  23  at appropriate diameters. The tray  31  provides a basin for fluids to collect. Access to the tray  31  is located below the footrest  30  which is perpendicular to an upper side of the proximal end  21  on the rear platform surface  23  and provides placement for the deceased person&#39;s feet as desired. The tray  21  is removably placed under the platform  23  via a tray aperture  33  located below the footrest  30 . The footrest  30  is integrally molded to the platform surface  23  and the walls  22 . The fluids are removed from the tray  31  via interconnecting an existing waste hose to a drainage aperture  32 . The hose connected to the drainage aperture  31  is routed to a sink or similar disposal device. The drainage aperture  32  is located on a front surface of the tray  31 . Positioned between the vents  28  are a plurality of cushions  29  protecting the deceased body while positioned upon the apparatus  10 . The cushions  29  are illustrated herein comprising a rectangular form, yet other forms may be provided without limiting the scope of the apparatus  10 . The cushions  29  are comprises of a padded fabric adhered to the platform surface  23 , yet other materials may be utilized. 
     The upper platform  15  is interconnected to a lower frame  50  via a pair of devises  58  which also enable the apparatus  10  to be positioned in an angled state (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Each clevis  58  is attached to an underside distal surface  20  of the upper platform  15  via fastening means such as, but not limited to: welding techniques, hinges, nuts and bolts, or the like. The upper platform  15  is detached from a proximal surface of the platform support  40  which further enables said upper platform  15  to be angled in a desired position. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an angled state,  FIG. 4 , a rear perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an angled state,  FIG. 5 , a close-up perspective view of a hinging means, and  FIG. 6 , yet another perspective view of the apparatus  10  depicting an elevated, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The lower frame  50  which enables the apparatus  10  to lift and tilt comprises a platform support  40 , and is further comprises a frame and plurality of cross-members  41  to support the upper platform  15 . The platform support  40  comprises a rectangular shape and is slightly smaller than the upper platform  15 . Attached subjacent to the platform support  40  is a scissor mechanism  51   a  which raises and lowers the upper platform  15  to a desired position. The scissor mechanism  51   a  comprises a pair of first lifting arms  51   b  and a pair of second lifting arms  51   c  which are arranged in an “X”-shaped orientation on each opposing side of the apparatus  10  and are interconnected via an intermediate axle  54  which also predetermines the distance between each pair of lifting arms  51   b ,  51   c . The lifting arms  51   b ,  51   c  travel in a horizontal direction in respective tracks  57  and within an underside portion of the platform support  40 . The lifting arms  51   b ,  51   c  are fabricated from stainless steel, yet other materials may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10  and are controlled by an intermediate actuator  75  (see herein below). The track  57  is located on the outer perimeter of a lower platform  55  and enables lower rod end portions  51   d  to ride within each opposing lateral portion. 
     An upper level surface of the lower platform  55  may be utilized as an additional storage means to the apparatus  10 . The lower platform  55  also creates an area for additional parts of the apparatus  10  to be attached such as a pair of stabilizing feet  65  and a mechanical enclosure  70  (see  FIG. 7 ). The pair of stabilizing feet  65  provides a stabilizing means to the apparatus  10  when it is positioned in an angled state. The stabilizing feet  65  are manually height adjustable via a common threading means and are located at an underside of the lower platform  55 . The stabilizing feet  65  are attached to the underside of the lower platform  55  via integral molding or similar attachment methods. 
     A pair of fixed vertical members  52  perpendicular to the lower platform  55  houses distal actuators  53   a ,  53   b  which enable the apparatus  10  to be angled to a desired position. The fixed vertical members  52  comprise a hollow rectangular shape which are attached to a distal end of the lower platform  55  via conventional welding techniques or the like and allow for internal routing of connection hoses  76  and electrical wiring  80  to each distal actuator  53   a ,  53   b.    
     The intermediate actuator  75  is attached to an intermediate portion of the axle  54  with common mechanical fasteners and provides a linear force against said axle  54  to further provide a linear stroke which raises or lowers the lifting arms  51   b ,  51   c  simultaneously. The intermediate actuator  75  is partially contained in the mechanical enclosure  70  located below the lower platform  55 . The mechanical enclosure  70  houses a compressor  71 , a solenoid bank  72 , a terminal strip  73 , and other necessary items. The hairstylist is able to control the height of the apparatus  10  via a first foot control  77  and the angle of said apparatus  10  via a second foot control  78  which are routed from the mechanical enclosure  70  to a desired location via appropriately gauged electrical wire  80  (also see  FIG. 10 ). The first foot control  77  preferably controls the intermediate actuator  75  to raise or lower the scissor mechanisms  51 . The second foot control  78  preferably controls a first distal actuator  53   a  and a second distal actuator  53   b . The foot controls  77 ,  78  are comprised of conventional hands-free foot-switches, yet other switching devices may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . 
     As abovementioned, the second foot control  78  manipulates the distal actuators  53   a ,  53   b  which are preferably comprised of conventional air actuated cylinders, yet other mechanical devices may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus  10 . The distal actuators  53   a ,  53   b  raise and lower respectively to the position of the second foot control  78  which enables the upper platform  15  to be angled to a desired position. An upper portion of each distal actuator  53   a ,  53   b  is attached to the abovementioned clevis  58  by a clevis pin  59 . As the distal actuators  53   a ,  53   b  are raised a linear force is exerted on the clevis  58  and concurrently the upper platform  15  which enables the distal surface  20  of said upper platform  15  to raise upwardly to a desired degree. 
     The wheels  56  are located subjacent to the lower platform  55  at each corner and preferably comprise a conventional locking means which prohibit said wheels  56  from rotating as desired. Each wheel  56  is attached to the underside of the lower platform  55  via a wheel extension  90  which is further attached to said underside via common welding techniques. The wheel extensions  90  are integrally molded to a wheel fork  92  which positions and secures the wheel  56  via an axle  91 . 
     A rotatable table  45  is attached to a rear portion of each fixed vertical member  52  via a table hinge  46 . The table hinge  46  preferably comprises a locking feature which would enable the table  45  to be positioned and secured in an upright manner. The table  45  enables a hairstylist to utilize said table  45  for positioning necessary items to subsequent use. The table  45  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: stainless steel, plastic, wood, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a side view of the apparatus  10 ,  FIG. 8 , a cut-away view of a rod end portion  51   d , and  FIG. 9 , an opposing cut-away view of the rod end portion  51   d , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The scissor mechanism  51   a  provides a pair of scissors-type lifting devices at opposing intermediate positions of the apparatus  10 . Each scissors-like device comprises a first lifting arm  51   b  and a second lifting arm  51   c  being arranged in a diagonal crossing pattern and joined at respective intermediate points using an axle  54 . The operable motioning of the previously described intermediate actuator  75  results in synchronous motioning with the lifting arms  51   b ,  51   c . Each first lifting arm  51   b  and each second lifting arm  51   c  further comprises a pair of opposing rod end portion  51   d  at each end portion. Each lifting arm  51   b ,  51   c  protrudes downwardly through a first clearance slot feature  51   e  comprising a rectangular opening cut into a top surface of the track  57  allowing respective rod end portions  51   d  of each arm  51   b ,  51   c  to motion laterally in a guided manner within each said track  57 . In like manner each lifting arm  51   b ,  51   c  protrudes upwardly through a second clearance slot  51   g  comprising a rectangular opening cut into a bottom surface of a respective platform support  40  allowing said rod end portions  51   d  of each arm  51   b ,  51   c  to motion laterally in a guided manner within said platform support  40 . 
     The rod end portions  51   d  located at bottom end portions each lifting arm  51   b ,  51   c  further comprise axially-mounted cylindrical rollers  51   h  via pins  51   j  inserted into a respective aperture  51   m  to allow smooth motioning of said rod end portions  51   d  within the track  57  and platform support  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a mechanical flow diagram of the major components of the apparatus  10  depicting an angled state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The apparatus  10  receives power from an existing 110-volt house hold receptacle via a power plug  79 . The power plug  79  is interconnected to a terminal strip  73  which routes the power to a common air compressor  71  and solenoid  72 . The compressor  71  creates an air flow through connection hose  76  to the solenoid  72 . The solenoid  72  is interconnected to the foot controls  77 ,  78  via appropriately gauged electrical wire  80 . The solenoid  72  is also interconnected to the actuators  53   a ,  53   b ,  75  via connection hose  76 . The solenoid  72  is preferably a three (3) position double solenoid valve, yet other devices may be utilized without limiting the scope of apparatus  10 . The intermediate actuator  75  is preferably an air-actuated cylinder which is similar to the distal actuators  53   a ,  53   b . The intermediate actuator  75  is manipulated by the first foot control  77  and the distal actuators  53   a ,  53   b  are manipulated by the second foot control  78 . The solenoid  72  dispenses air flow to a respective actuator  53   a ,  53   b ,  75  as determined by the signal sent from the respective foot control  77 ,  78 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a perspective view of the storage container  60  and  FIG. 12 , a rear perspective view of the storage container  60  depicting an open state, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, are disclosed. The apparatus  10  comprises an isolated cuboidal storage container  60  providing a platform for the hairstylist to stand on and providing a storage means to desired equipment. The storage container  60  comprises a base  62  providing an interior portion  63  for storing items. The base  62  is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: stainless steel, wood, plastic, or the like. A pair of conventional hinges  64  is attached to an upper perimeter edge of the base  62  interconnecting a lid  61  to the base  62 . The lid  61  provides a closing feature to the base  62  and also providing a stable structure for the hairstylist to stand on. The lid  61  is fabricated from similar materials as the base  62 . An outer portion of the lid  61  comprises a rubberized or padded surface which prohibits slipping or falling while a person stands on top of the storage container  60 . 
     It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
     The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus  10 ; transporting said apparatus  10  via the wheels  56  to a desired location; depressing the first pedal  77  to lower the intermediate actuator  75  and to position said apparatus  10  in a lowered horizontal state; positioning a deceased body on the upper platform  15  upon the cushions  29 ; enabling the feet of the deceased person to rest upon the footrest  30  as desired; positioning the neck of the deceased person on the neck support  24 ; fastening the straps  25 ,  26 ,  27  around the deceased person which secures the body to the upper platform  15 ; depressing the first pedal  77  to extend the intermediate actuator  75  and lift the apparatus  10  to a desired height; allowing air and fluid to flow through the vents  28  and into the tray; allowing fluid to drain from the drainage aperture  32  upon the tray  31 ; storing items on the lower platform  55  or table  45  as necessary; styling the hair to the deceased person as necessary; positioning the apparatus  10  to a lowered horizontal position when finished; removing the tray  31  as desired; unfastening the straps  25 ,  26 ,  27 ; removing the deceased person from the upper platform  15 ; utilizing the apparatus  10  as necessary; and, utilizing the apparatus  10  to style a deceased persons hair in a manner which is quick, effective, and easy. 
     The method of angling the apparatus  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: depressing the second foot control  78  send a signal to the solenoid  72  to concurrently enable air flow from the compressor  71  to be routed to the distal actuators  53   a ,  53   b ; angling the apparatus  10  to a desired position; adjusting the stabilizing feet  65  as desired; depressing the second foot control  78  again to lower the distal actuators  53   a ,  53   b  as desired; and, angling the apparatus as necessary. 
     The method of utilizing the storage container  60  may be achieved by performing the following step: placing the storage container  60  on a level desired surface; motioning the lid  61  via the hinges  64  to an open state; filling the interior portion  63  as desired; closing the lid  61 ; and, utilizing the storage container  60  as desired. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.