Abstract:
An apparatus that supports a person in a variety of positions so that a tattoo artist can comfortably apply a tattoo to the skin of the supported person is herein disclosed. The apparatus can be articulated to cause a person&#39;s legs and arms to be optimally positioned and supported to receive a tattoo.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/004,837, filed on Jan. 22, 2016, and entitled “APPARATUS FOR SUPPORT DURING TATTOOING,” which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/164,035, filed on Jan. 24, 2014, and entitled “APPARATUS FOR SUPPORT DURING TATTOOING,” which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/876,953, filed on Sep. 7, 2010, and entitled “APPARATUS FOR SUPPORT DURING TATTOOING,” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The popularity of tattoos has increased and inspired refinement in tattoo equipment and the sophistication of tattoos themselves. A typical tattoo studio has a variety of tools to apply tattoos to clients. For example, a tattoo artist may have a tattoo chair, table, arm stand, foot rest, etc. All of these pieces of furniture take up space, yet may be required in order to properly apply tattoos. 
         [0003]    The furniture used by tattoo artists is often not specifically designed to be used to apply tattoos, but rather, are used for other applications, such as in medical or beauty salon applications. Thus, prolonged use of the furniture for tattooing may be uncomfortable for both the tattoo artist and the client. For example, many tattoo artists use massage tables to apply tattoos to a client&#39;s back, shoulders, or legs. Because massage tables were not designed for the ergonomic needs of a tattoo artist, they may cause discomfort or health problems for the artist. 
         [0004]    Moreover, commonly used furniture in tattooing may not be able to place the client in a position that naturally stretches the skin of the area that is going to receive the tattoo. In order to receive a high-quality tattoo, the skin needs to be stretched; otherwise, the tattoo may be applied incorrectly (e.g., the tattoo may be disfigured). In order to compensate, a tattoo artist typically manually stretches and holds the client&#39;s skin while the tattoo is applied. This is uncomfortable for the tattoo artist, the client, or both. Additionally, the artist may not stretch the skin in a way that it would naturally stretch, resulting in distortion of the tattoo. Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus that can be used to comfortably position a client for tattooing. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    An exemplary embodiment describes an apparatus for supporting a person during tattooing. The apparatus can be configured such that a client can be placed in an ergonomic position, for example, a position that is comfortable for the client, the tattoo artist, or both. For example, the apparatus can be reconfigurable to adjust between different positions, such as a bed position (e.g., a horizontal arrangement), a chair position (e.g., an arrangement for supporting the client in a sitting position by articulating certain sections of the apparatus relative to the floor), or other positions. In some embodiments, the apparatus can be manually moved between different configurations. During a tattoo session, the tattoo artist can manually move different sections of the apparatus to desired locations to facilitate applying the tattoo. In motorized embodiments, the apparatus can be electrically driven between different configurations using, for example, a controller. The controller can be operated by the client and/or tattoo artist. 
         [0006]    In at least one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus can include arm sections, leg sections, a seat section, and a back section, some of which can be coupled to a frame. Each section can comfortably support and articulate different parts of a client&#39;s body during a tattoo session. For example, the arm sections can be raised, lowered, or angled in order to place the arms of a client in positions to comfortably support the arms while one or more tattoos are applied. 
         [0007]    The leg sections can be attached such that each leg is independently movable. For example, each leg section can be rotatable in a direction perpendicular from a plane formed by the seat section. In one embodiment, each leg section can be independently rotatable about an axis parallel to a frontal plane and a transverse plane. For example, the leg sections can be rotated up to 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, or 100 degrees downward from a plane formed by the seat section, from a bed configuration to a chair configuration. In the same, or another embodiment, each leg section can also be rotated up to, for example, 70 degrees, 80 degrees, 90 degrees, or 100 degrees outward from the midsagittal line of the seat section to allow a tattoo artist access, for example, to the inner leg and/or lower back of a client. 
         [0008]    In the same, or another embodiment, the back section can be attached such that it is independently rotatable in a direction that is perpendicular from a plane formed by the seat section. A client can sit with his or her back resting against the back section of the apparatus. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the back section can be formed to include cuts defining leg openings. In this exemplary embodiment, and when the back section is articulated such that it is generally perpendicular to a plane formed by the seat section, the cuts can be formed such that the proximal end of the back section (e.g., the end closest to the seat section) is narrower in the frontal plane than the distal end of the seat section. In an exemplary embodiment, the cuts can be formed such that the back section looks like a cobra&#39;s hood. 
         [0010]    A client can sit with his or her back or chest resting against the back section of the apparatus. When a client sits with his or her chest resting against the back section of the apparatus, the client can straddle the proximal portion of the back section by placing his or her legs through the cuts defining leg openings. In some embodiments, when the client&#39;s chest rests against the back rest, the client&#39;s thighs can be received by the leg openings. This position allows the client&#39;s lower legs to dangle down on the back side of the apparatus while the tattoo artist has access to the client&#39;s back. 
         [0011]    In an exemplary embodiment, an apparatus can have a seat section with two rearwardly extending leg supporting segments that encircle the proximal portion of the back section. In this embodiment, the rearwardly extending leg supporting segments can support the thighs of a client while he or she is straddling the back section. In this exemplary embodiment, when the apparatus is in the bed configuration, the rearwardly extending leg supporting segments can form, along with the cuts defining leg openings, a generally flat surface for a client to lie on. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, an apparatus can include one or more support sections configured to move independent relative to one another and to be locked at various positions. For example, a tattoo artist can manually unlock, move, and then lock the support sections to reposition the support sections any number of times during a tattoo session. In some motorized embodiments, the apparatus can include one or more drive mechanisms for controllably positioning the support sections. The drive mechanisms can include, without limitation, one or more motors, actuators (e.g., linear actuators, rotary actuators, etc.), solenoids, servos, rail mechanisms (e.g., linear-rail mechanisms, carriage and rail mechanisms, etc.), and/or other components for providing desired motion. The motors can be, without limitation, drive motors, stepper motors, servomotors, or the like. Additionally or alternatively, apparatuses disclosed herein can include one or more electromechanical mechanisms, pneumatic mechanisms, hydraulic mechanisms, power supplies, and/or the like. 
         [0013]    A controller can be used to position the support sections, such as a back section, a seat section, and/or leg sections. The controller can include input/output elements, memory, circuitry, processor(s), and other components. Input/output elements can be used to individually reposition each movable section. In some modes, the apparatus can be moved between preset configurations, which can be set and modified by a user. In other modes, the apparatus can be moved between non-preset configurations. 
         [0014]    In some further embodiments, an apparatus for positioning a subject includes a seat section, a first leg assembly, a second leg assembly, a back section, a drive mechanism, and a controller. The first leg assembly is configured to support a first leg of the subject sitting on the seat section. The first leg assembly is rotatable about a first axis of rotation to raise and lower the first leg assembly and is rotatable about a second axis of rotation to move the first leg assembly toward or away from a midsagittal plane of the apparatus and/or seat section. The second leg assembly is configured to support a second leg of the subject sitting on the seat section. The second leg assembly is rotatable about a third axis of rotation to raise and lower the second leg assembly and is rotatable about a fourth axis of rotation to move the second leg assembly toward or away from the midsagittal plane. The back section is movable relative to the seat section to move the back section between a bed position and a chair position. 
         [0015]    The controller can command one or more drive mechanisms to move at least one of the seat section, the first leg assembly, the second leg assembly, or the back section. The controller can be programmed to cause the apparatus to move between two or more preset configurations. The preset configurations can include a chair configuration, a bed configuration, and a leg assemblies configuration (e.g., an opened configuration, a widened configuration, and a spread configuration). Additionally or alternatively, portions of the apparatus can be moved between non-preset configurations to provide flexibility. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, an apparatus for positioning a subject for tattooing can include a seat section, leg assemblies, and means for moving the leg assemblies. In one embodiment, a controller can be in communication with the means for moving the leg assemblies and can be programmed to individually control movement of each leg assembly. In one embodiment, the means for moving the leg assemblies can include, without limitation, one or more motors, electrical drive mechanisms, pneumatic drive mechanisms, hydraulic drive mechanisms, rail systems, pistons, linkages, etc. Electronic drive mechanisms can include electrically driven linear actuators, electronic actuators, and other electronically articulatable devices. Pneumatic drive mechanisms can include pneumatically driven linear actuators, pneumatic actuators, and other pneumatically articulatable devices. 
         [0017]    The means for moving the leg assemblies can include one or more hinges connecting the leg assemblies to the seat section or other component. In one embodiment, one hinge connects one leg assembly to the seat section and another hinge connects another leg assembly to the seat section. Each of the hinges can define an axis of rotation. The axes of rotation can be generally parallel to one another or at another desired orientation. Other types of mounting components or arrangements can be used to provide desired motion of the leg assemblies. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, an apparatus for positioning the subject during tattooing can include a back section, a seat section, leg assemblies, and an electronic drive mechanism. The leg assemblies are movable between different positions, such as forward positions, closed positions, lateral positions, open positions, or other positions. The leg assemblies in a forward position can be positioned generally in front of the seat section to support the subject&#39;s legs while the subject sits on the seat portion and while the subject&#39;s back is against the back section. The leg assemblies in the lateral position can be located at the sides of the seat section. For example, each of the leg assemblies can be subjacent to a lateral side of the seat assembly. The electronic drive mechanism can be operable to reconfigure the apparatus between different configurations, including a chair configuration, a bed configuration, a straddling configuration (e.g., a configuration suitable for straddling by the client), or the like. 
         [0019]    The electronic drive mechanism can have an opening mode for moving the leg assemblies away from a plane (e.g., a midsagittal plane or a centerplane) of the apparatus and a closing mode for moving the leg assemblies towards the plane. When the leg assemblies are closed, they can be adjacent to one another and located on opposite sides of the plane. When the leg assemblies are opened (e.g., at a lateral position), they can be positioned generally along a frontal or coronal plane. In one embodiment, the controller can command one or more motors of the electronic drive mechanism to translate, rotate, and/or otherwise move sections, such as leg assemblies. The electronic drive mechanism can have various modes, including a raising/lowering mode for vertically moving the seat section, a back adjust mode for rotating the back section relative to the seat section, and/or an opening/closing mode for rotating one or more of the leg assemblies. 
         [0020]    The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]      FIG. 1  is a side view of an exemplary frame for an apparatus in a bed configuration. 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary apparatus in a bed configuration. 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an exemplary apparatus in a bed configuration. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a back portion of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  shows a back portion of an exemplary apparatus. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of an apparatus in a chair configuration in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  illustrates side views of an exemplary back section with a headrest in raised position and a lowered position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a front portion of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a side view of an exemplary apparatus in a chair configuration. 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  shows the underneath the front portion of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  illustrates a portion of an exemplary apparatus in a chair configuration. 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary arm assembly. 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a side view of an exemplary back section including exemplary arm frame supports rotatably coupled to the back section. 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a back view of a portion of an exemplary back section. 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of components for rotatably coupling an arm frame support to an exemplary back section of an apparatus. 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  illustrates a top view of a front portion of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  illustrates an over-the-head view of a front of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  illustrates an exemplary apparatus in a chair configuration with leg supports rotated about a vertical plane. 
           [0039]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view of an exemplary apparatus in a chair configuration in accordance with another embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 20  is a front view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 19  with lowered leg assemblies in a forward position. 
           [0041]      FIG. 21  is a rear view of the portion of an apparatus of  FIG. 20  in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 22  is a front view of a portion of the apparatus of  FIG. 19  with the lowered leg assemblies in an outward or lateral position. 
           [0043]      FIG. 23  is a rear view of the back section of an apparatus in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 24  shows a controller in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIG. 25  illustrates an exemplary apparatus with a tray assembly. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0046]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary apparatus frame  122  of an apparatus in a chair configuration for supporting a person in a sitting position.  FIG. 2  illustrates an apparatus with the frame  122  positioned in a bed configuration to support a person lying down. Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the frame  122  can include a generally flat portion that is parallel to the ground, which is also known as the transverse plane (e.g., the plane that divides the apparatus into top and bottom sections). As shown by the figure, and described in more detail below, a front portion of frame  122  can be “T” shaped to support leg assemblies  102  configured to independently rotate away from a position generally parallel to the midsagittal plane, i.e., a plane passing through the middle of the apparatus dividing it into left and right portions, to positions generally perpendicular to the midsagittal plane. The illustrated support leg assemblies  102  are in a forward position to support a client&#39;s legs when the client is in a sitting position. 
         [0047]    The front portion of the frame  122  can be separated from a back portion by the frontal plane (i.e., a plane that divides the apparatus into front and back portions). In an exemplary embodiment, a back portion of frame  122  can be formed to include one or more rear-downward angled support members  104  and upwardly extending support sections  106  that are configured to connect to an L-hinge  108 , which can be coupled to the back section. As will be described in more detail below, the back section can be articulated. 
         [0048]    In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a horizontal tubular rail  110  (e.g., a steel rectangular tube, a circular tube, etc.) can be coupled to the bottom of frame  122  extending in a direction parallel to the transverse and frontal planes. The horizontal tubular rail  110  can be used to attach arm bar assemblies  112 . In at least one exemplary embodiment, the arm bar assemblies  112  can be articulated such that each assembly can be independently moved linearly in one or more directions (e.g., a direction that is perpendicular to the midsagittal plane). In an exemplary embodiment, the arm bar assemblies  112  can also be articulated such that the arm supports are positioned about an axis parallel to the transverse plane and the midsagittal plane. 
         [0049]      FIG. 1  shows a chassis  114  coupled to the bottom of frame  122 . Frame  122  can rotate about the chassis  114  such that it rotates about, for example, the vertical axis (i.e., an axis parallel to the midsagittal plane and the frontal plane). In at least one exemplary embodiment, the chassis  114  can be coupled to a hydraulics assembly  116 , which can be used to raise and lower the frame  122 . The frame  122  can be linearly moved through the transverse plane in an exemplary embodiment. In other embodiments, an electromechanical assembly can be used to position (e.g., raise, lower, tilt, etc.) the lower frame  122 . The electromechanical assembly can include one or more electrical drive mechanisms operable to move the lower frame  122 . 
         [0050]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , the apparatus can include supporting sections coupled to the frame  122 . The leg sections  202  and  204 , arm sections  208  and  210 , seat section  206 , back section  212 , and head rest  220  are flush with seat section  206 , together forming a generally flat surface for a client to lie on. In this exemplary embodiment, the frame  122  is generally covered with the supporting sections. In some embodiments, the frame  122  can be integrated into the sections.  FIG. 2  shows an axis parallel to both the midsagittal plane and the transverse plane  252 . This axis is formed by the midsagittal plane cutting through the apparatus and separates the right from left side. Also shown is an axis parallel to both the frontal plane and the transverse plane  250 . This axis is formed by the frontal plane cutting through the apparatus and separates the front from the back. 
         [0051]    Briefly, the seat section  206  can include top and bottom portions separated by a plane parallel to the transverse plane, forward and rearward portions separated by a plane parallel to the frontal plane, and left and right portions separated by a plane parallel to the midsagittal plane. Seat section  206  can include a bacteria-resistant fabric cushion filled with foam padding or the like. The bottom of seat section  206  can be operatively coupled to frame  122  via one or more bolts, screws, pins, buttons, nails, adhesives, etc. 
         [0052]    Back section  212  is also shown. Back section  212  can also include a bacteria-resistant fabric cushion filled with foam padding or the like. As is described in more detail below, back section  212  can be operatively coupled via one or more bolts, screws, pins, buttons, nails, adhesives, etc., to a hinge. In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge can be L-shaped. In another exemplary embodiment, back section  212  can be coupled to seat section  206  via a hinge. In this manner, back section  212  can be carried by seat section  206 . 
         [0053]    In exemplary embodiments, the back section  212  can be formed into a variety of shapes in order to support a client&#39;s back in the bed and chair configurations, and to allow a user to straddle it. In this exemplary embodiment, the proximal portion of back section  212  can be narrower than the distal portion in order to define leg openings. The leg openings can be formed by removing different types of shapes from back section  212 , such as, for example, plano-concave cuts, incurvation-shaped cuts, generally rectangular, generally circular, generally oval, or generally square cuts, or cuts defined by a tapering from the proximal end of the back section to the distal end. In at least one exemplary embodiment, the back section could be generally “T” or “Y” shaped. 
         [0054]    As stated briefly above, the back section  212  can be rotatably coupled to, for example, the rear portion of seat section  206  or a hinge coupled to frame  122 . One exemplary coupling is described in more detail in connection with  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The coupling that attaches the proximal portion of back section  212  can be used to reconfigure the apparatus from a bed position (shown in  FIG. 2 ) to a chair position (shown in  FIG. 6 ). For example, a user could rotate back section  212  from the position illustrated in  FIG. 2  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 6  by rotating back section  212  from a position in which back section  212  is flush with seat section  206  (i.e., parallel to the transverse plane) to a position in which back section  212  is generally perpendicular to seat section  206  (i.e., generally parallel to the frontal plane). 
         [0055]    Turning to leg sections  202  and  204 , these sections can also be formed from bacteria-resistant fabric cushions filled with foam padding or the like. As described in more detail below, leg sections  202  and  204  can be operatively coupled to the forward portion of seat section  206  or coupled to frame  122 . In an exemplary embodiment, leg sections  202  and  204  can be coupled to rotatable assemblies that can independently rotate the leg sections  202  and  204  about an axis parallel to the transverse and frontal planes. Or put another way, leg sections  202  and  204  can independently rotate from a position generally flush with seat section  206  (e.g., the position shown in  FIG. 2 ) to a position generally perpendicular to a plane formed by the seat section  206  (e.g., similar to the position shown in  FIG. 6 ). 
         [0056]    In at least one embodiment, leg sections  202  and  204  can also be rotated about the vertical axis (i.e., parallel to the frontal and midsagittal planes). Or put another way, in an exemplary embodiment, each leg section  202  and  204  can be independently rotated from the position shown in  FIG. 6  to the position shown in  FIG. 18 . One exemplary rotatable coupling is shown by  FIGS. 16 and 17 ; however, other couplings can be used. 
         [0057]    Continuing with the description of  FIG. 2 , the cuts that define the leg openings are shown as generally adjoined with rearwardly extending leg supports  216  and  218 . In an exemplary embodiment, the rearwardly extending leg supports  216  and  218  can have a shape similar to the shape of the openings or can be cut out of back section  212 . For example, if the openings or cuts are square-like, rearwardly extending leg supports  216  and  218  can be formed to be square-like. If the cuts are plano-concave shaped, rearwardly extending leg supports  216  and  218  can be formed to be plano-convex shaped. As shown by the figure, the rearwardly extending leg supports  216  and  218  do not need to completely fill the area made by cuts that define the leg openings. The rearwardly extending leg supports  216  and  218 , for example, may only fill enough of the openings so that a client can lie flat on the apparatus in the bed configuration. 
         [0058]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the exemplary apparatus in a bed configuration illustrating an exemplary chassis  114 . This view illustrates more clearly an axis  350  that is parallel to both the transverse plane and the frontal plane. The exemplary axis  350  separates the apparatus into top and bottom sections. As shown by the figure, in an exemplary embodiment, chassis  114  can include a support plate  302  that can lie on the floor. In this embodiment, chassis  114  can be bolted to the floor, for example. Support plate  302  can be made from any suitable material such as wood or steel. As illustrated by the figure, in at least one embodiment, support plate  302  can be constructed to increase stability and to aid in the process of applying a tattoo. For example, and as illustrated by the figure, support plate  302  can be formed with stabilizer plate sections  304  that extend in the transverse plane, perpendicular to the midsagittal plane, from the ends of support plate  302  to allow chassis  114  to support a wider or longer load. For example, the stabilizer plate sections  304  can help prevent the apparatus from flipping over when the apparatus is rotated about the vertical axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the midsagittal plane and the frontal plane). The illustrated configuration of support plate  302  can aid in the process of applying a tattoo because the tattoo artist can maneuver a chair closer to the apparatus than he or she would be able to if the support plate was wider. This configuration allows for a tattoo artist to sit in a more comfortable position while he or she is working. 
         [0059]    Continuing with the description of the figure, chassis  114  can include a frustum section  312  coupled to support plate  302 . As shown by the figure, frustum section  312  can be configured to provide clearance for the arm assemblies as they rotate about a vertical axis (e.g., an axis parallel to the midsagittal plane and the frontal plane) when seat section  206  is rotated. A hydraulics system  306  can be attached to an upper portion of frustum section  312 . Release lever  310  can be used to lower and raise shaft  308 . In an exemplary embodiment, the top of seat section  206  can be approximately  29  inches off the ground when the hydraulics system  306  is at its lowest position. When hydraulics system  306  is engaged, it can raise shaft  308  approximately  7  more inches to  36  inches. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the height of the apparatus may be adjusted to allow for the tattoo artist to orient a client in an ergonomically correct position. As one of skill in the art can appreciate, these exemplary values are for illustration purposes only and can be adjusted based on the height that hydraulics system  306  can raise the apparatus, the height of frustum section  312 , the materials used to construct the apparatus, the length of the apparatus in the bed configuration, and the width of the apparatus. 
         [0060]      FIG. 4  illustrates a view of the rear portion of frame  122  without seat section  206  attached. Back section  212  and hydraulics system  306  are illustrated in dashed lines so that the rear portion of frame  122  can be easily illustrated. In an exemplary embodiment, the back portion of back section  212  can be attached to an L-shaped hinge  402  via one or more bolts or pins. 
         [0061]    In an alternative embodiment, a generally flat plate connected to a hinge can be used instead of L-shaped hinge  402 . In this exemplary embodiment, the length of upwardly extending support sections  106  and/or the thickness of seat section  206  can be adjusted such that when back section  212  is in the bed configuration, the back section  212  is flush with seat section  206 . In another exemplary embodiment, seat section  206  can be coupled to back section  212  via a hinge (not illustrated). In this embodiment, both back section  212  and seat section  206  may be directly connected to each other. 
         [0062]    Returning to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4 , L-shaped hinge  402  can be coupled to one or more upwardly extending support sections  106  on the back of the portion of frame  122 . L-shaped hinge  402  in this example can be configured to rotate back section  212  from the bed configuration to the chair configuration. That is, L-shaped hinge  402  can rotate back section  212  about an axis parallel to the transverse and frontal planes. As can be understood from the illustration, the length that upwardly extending support sections  106  extend can be dependent on the thickness of back and seat sections ( 212  and  206 ) so that when back section  212  is parallel to the transverse plane, back section  212  is level with seat section  206 . In an exemplary embodiment, back and seat sections ( 212  and  206 ) can be approximately 4 inches thick. In this exemplary embodiment, upwardly extending support sections  106  may extend approximately 2 inches upward. 
         [0063]    Continuing with the description of  FIG. 4 , frame  122  can also include one or more rear-downward angled support members  104 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in an exemplary embodiment, each rear-downward angled support member  104  can be configured such that it intersects a plane parallel to the transverse plane at a 45 degree angle; however, the disclosure is not limited to such a configuration, and rear-downward angled support members  104  can be at any angle relative to the transverse plane. Moreover, while two rear-downward angled support members  104  are illustrated, any number of rear-downward angled support members  104  can extend from the flat portion of frame  122 . As one skilled in the art can appreciate, frame  122  can be formed to include rear-downward angled support members  104  and upwardly extending support sections  106 ; however, other embodiments are contemplated. For example, upwardly extending support sections  106  could be attached to frame  122  via one or more bolts or screws, nails, adhesives, etc., or may be welded to frame  122 . Moreover, rear-downward angled support members  104  could also be separate components that are attached to frame  122  via one or more bolts or screws, nails, adhesives, etc., or may be welded to frame  122 . 
         [0064]    In an exemplary embodiment, rear-downward angled support members  104  can be used to couple a support bar operable to lock back section  212  in one or more positions to frame  122 . For example, and as illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 5 , circular holes  403  can be drilled into the distal end of rear-downward angled support members  104 . Axles or the like can be used to rotatably couple a support bar (e.g., a square or rectangular shaped bar) to frame  122 . 
         [0065]    Turning to  FIG. 5 , support bar  502  is shown operatively coupled to frame  122  via rear-downward angled support members  104 . As shown by the figure, gear rails  508  can be coupled to the back side of back section  212 . In an alternative embodiment, gear rails  508  can be coupled to L-shaped hinge  402 . A distal end of support bar  502  can be formed to be parallel to the transverse plane and can engage the teeth of gear rails  508 . In an example, gear rails  508  can be made of a suitable material such as stainless steel and can have associated catch lock rails  510  attached in order to prevent support bar  502  from disengaging. Tension springs  512 , which are designed to absorb and store energy as well as create a force that pulls support bar  502  toward frame  122 , can attach frame  122  to support bar  502 . In exemplary embodiments, the initial tension force can be set based on the angle rear-downward angled support members  104  form with frame  122 , the weight of the support bar  502 , and the weight of back section  212 , for example. Also shown is a handle  506 , which can be used to rotate the apparatus about chassis  114  (not shown). 
         [0066]    In operation, a tattoo artist can adjust the angle that back section  212  forms with seat section  206  (not shown) by using a handle  504  to adjust which set of teeth support bar  502  engages. As one of skill in the art can appreciate, in an alternative embodiment, handle  504  can be mounted on the bar portion of support bar  502  to provide a larger torque force when the bar is moved from tooth to tooth. When support bar  502  engages the teeth of gear rails  508  closest to the proximal end of the back section  212 , back section  212  will be generally perpendicular to the transverse plane. When support bar  502  engages the teeth of gear rails  508  closest to the distal end of the back section  212 , back section  212  will be generally flush with seat section  206 . 
         [0067]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of the exemplary apparatus in a chair configuration. As shown in the figure, arm sections  208  and  210  are raised up from the position illustrated in  FIG. 2 , and seat section  206  is rotated a quarter turn counterclockwise about the vertical axis (i.e., parallel to the midsagittal and frontal planes). In the figure, back section  212  has been rotated about an axis parallel to the transverse and frontal plane approximately  60  degrees upward from a plane that is transverse to the apparatus. In this configuration, cuts  602  and  604  defining leg openings are clearly shown. In this configuration, a client could sit rearward with his or her chest resting against back section  212  and insert his or her legs into openings defined by the cuts  602  and  604 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 7  illustrates side views of an exemplary back section  212  with a headrest  220  in a raised position and a lowered position. As shown by the figure, the position of headrest  220  can be adjusted such that it is extended from back section  212  in order to support a tall client as he or she sits in the apparatus. For example, shafts  702  can be attached to headrest  220  and inserted into holes on the top of back section  212 . In at least one embodiment, headrest  220  can be removed from back section  212 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 8  shows a side view of the front portion of frame  122  with an exemplary rotatable assembly that can be used to lift leg section  202  (not shown). While the following discussion will focus on the left side of the apparatus, one of skill in the art can appreciate that the right side can have similar features. Leg support  202  can be coupled to leg frame  804 . Leg frame  804  can be made from any suitable material, such as wood or steel. In an exemplary embodiment, leg frame  804  can be rotatably coupled to leg plate  802 , which can also be made from any suitable material, such as wood or steel. As illustrated more clearly in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the proximal end of leg plate  802  can be gear-shaped and held in place by a spring pin assembly  818 . The spring pin assembly  818  can be contracted to allow leg plate  802  to rotate about axle pin  814  in a plane parallel to the transverse plane. 
         [0070]    Leg plate  802  can be coupled to the front top portion of frame  122  via axle pin  814  that can extend through frame  122  and is coupled to a top portion of circular support  812 . As described in more detail in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the circular support  812  can rotate about axle pin  814 . The top portion of rear bracket  810  can be attached to the bottom portion of circular member  812 . Hydraulics system  806  can be coupled via an axle to the rear portion of rear bracket  810 . In this configuration, and as described in more detail in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , when leg plate  802  is rotated in a plane parallel to the transverse plane, axle pin  814  can rotate rear bracket  810 , which in turn rotates hydraulics system  806 . 
         [0071]    Continuing with the description of  FIG. 8 , shaft  808  with a bracket attached to the end of shaft  808  can be configured to extend from hydraulics system  806  in order to raise leg frame  804  from the position shown in  FIG. 8  to the position shown in, for example,  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the proximal portion of shaft  808  can be operatively coupled to the hydraulics system  806 , and the distal end can be rotatably coupled to leg frame  804  via an axle. In an alternative embodiment, hydraulics system  806  can be reversed such that the shaft  808  can engage the rear bracket  810  instead of the leg frame  804 . A release lever  820  can be used to configure hydraulics system  806  to extend or contract shaft  808 . 
         [0072]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the apparatus in the chair configuration. In the exemplary embodiment, the front portion of frame  122  has an attached rotatable assembly in the same configuration as is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In operation, a tattoo artist can engage release lever  820 , which can be used to configure hydraulics system  806  to extend or contract shaft  808  (not shown) that can raise or lower leg frame  804  (thereby raising or lowering leg section  202 ) from a position generally perpendicular to the transverse plane to a position generally parallel to the transverse plane. When moved into the bed configuration, leg section  202  can be generally flush with seat section  206  (similar to leg sections  202  and  204  in  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0073]      FIG. 10  is a view from the underside of the front portion of frame  122  illustrating how exemplary arm bar assemblies  112  can be coupled to frame  122  in an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the bottom of the frame  122  can include one or more downward extending members  1002  coupled to a horizontal tubular rail  110 . On each end of the horizontal tubular rail  110 , openings can receive the proximal ends of two shafts  1004  that are part of the arm bar assemblies  112 . In the illustrated example, the horizontal tubular rail  110  can be mounted such that the two shafts  1004  can be independently extended in a direction away from the midsagittal plane of the apparatus. That is, the two shafts  1004  can be linearly extended and contracted in the transverse plane. The two shafts  1004  can include vertically extending holes that can be used to secure arm bar assemblies  112  to frame  122 . In an exemplary embodiment, screw clamps  1006  can be used to secure the position of shafts  1004 ; and in at least one embodiment, shafts  1004  can be detached completely. In an exemplary embodiment, horizontal tubular rail  110  can be cylindrical and the shafts  1004  can be rotated within the horizontal tubular rail  110  in order to adjust the position of the arm bar assemblies  112 . In this example, shafts  1004  can include a plurality of holes separated from each other not only horizontally, but also around the housing of the cylindrical horizontal shafts. In this configuration, screw clamps  1006  could be used to secure arm bar assemblies  112  from rotating about an axis parallel to the frontal and transverse planes and linearly moving in the transverse plane. For example, in this configuration arm bar assemblies  112  could be independently rotated  360  degrees within the horizontal tubular rail  110  through a plane parallel to the transverse plane of the apparatus. 
         [0074]    Continuing with the description of  FIG. 10 , the distal ends of the horizontal shafts  1004  can include support plates  1010  coupled to vertical shafts  1008  via an axle attached to tension levers  1014 , which can be used to lock the vertical shafts  1008  in position. The tension levers  1014  can be used to release the pressure holding vertical shafts  1008  such that the vertical shafts  1008  can be moved in a linear, vertical direction perpendicular to the transverse plane of the apparatus. That is, arm bar assemblies  112  can be raised or lowered by adjusting the position of the vertical shafts  1008 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 11  illustrates the left side of the apparatus in a chair configuration with the legs removed in order to illustrate the left arm assembly. As shown by the figure, arm section  208  can be coupled to vertical shaft  1008  via bracket  1102 . In an exemplary embodiment, bracket  1102  can be configured to rotate arm section  208  through a plane parallel to the transverse plane. In an exemplary embodiment, bracket  1102  can be configured to rotate  45  degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, from a position generally parallel with the transverse plane of the apparatus. Or put another way, bracket  1102  can rotate about an axis parallel to the transverse and frontal planes. In this embodiment, a hole can be drilled through shaft  1008  and an axle bolt can couple bracket  1102  to shaft  1008 . The position of arm section  208  can be secured by a tension lever  1014  coupled to a support plate  1010  via an axle bolt. When the tension lever  1014  is opened, the pressure on bracket  1102  can be released so arm section  208  can be moved. 
         [0076]    An exploded view of an exemplary arm assembly is shown in  FIG. 12 . In this embodiment, shaft  1008  is shown coupled to horizontal shaft  1004  via support plates  1010 . One support plate  1010  can be fixed to the distal end of the horizontal shaft  1004  and the other can be secured to it by bolts and tension applied by tension lever  1014 . In this example, the plates can be curved so as to define a tube for vertical shaft  1008  to be inserted. The vertical position of vertical shaft  1008  can be adjusted, and the tension lever  1014  can be used to lock vertical shaft  1008  in position. In addition, when vertical shaft  1008  is generally circular, vertical shaft  1008  can be rotated about an axis passing through the middle of vertical shaft  1008 . In this example, arm section  208  (not shown) can be rotated  360  degrees in the tube defined by support plates  1010 . 
         [0077]    Bracket  1102  can be coupled to one end of vertical shaft  1008  via an axle bolt and a tension lever  1202 . In this example, the distal end of the bracket  1102  can include a plate  1204  configured to secure arm section  208 . For example, arm section  208  could be coupled to the distal plate  1204  via a bolt. The proximal end of bracket  1102  can be curved to allow for rotational motion about the axle pin securing it to vertical shaft  1008 . In operation, a tattoo artist could release tension lever  1202 , thereby allowing bracket  1102  to rotate; could position the bracket; and could use the tension lever  1202  to lock bracket  1102  into position. 
         [0078]    Referring now to  FIG. 13 , illustrated is an alternative configuration for back section  212 . This exemplary configuration can be used when back section  212  is configured to rotate from a chair configuration to a position substantially  30  degrees from the transverse plane. Thus, back section  212  may not fully recline into the bed configuration in this embodiment. As illustrated by  FIG. 13 , in this exemplary embodiment, arm frame sections  1302  and  1304  can be rotatably coupled to back section  212 . Arm sections similar to arm sections  208  and  210  can be attached to arm frame sections  1302  and  1304 . However, in this example, the arm sections can encircle the arm frame sections  1302  and  1304  and can include cushioning for both a top side and a bottom side. As shown by the figure, arm frame sections  1302  and  1304  can be independently rotated from a first position whereby arm frame sections  1302  and  1304  can be used as supports for a person sitting with his or her back against back section  212  clockwise  180  degrees about an axis parallel to both the frontal plane and transverse plane to a second position whereby the arm sections  1302  and  1304  can be used as supports for a person straddling back section  212 . 
         [0079]    Turning to  FIG. 14 , illustrated are exemplary components for attaching arm frame section  1302  to back section  212 . For example, support plate  1402  can be secured to back section  212  via one or more screws. Circular shaft  1404  can be operatively attached to support plate  1402 ; for example, it could be welded to support plate  1402 . In this example, the proximal portion of arm frame section  1302  can be operatively coupled (e.g., welded) to a cylindrical tube  1406 . The cylindrical tube  1406  can be inserted into circular shaft  1404 . 
         [0080]      FIG. 15  is an exploded view of components for rotatably coupling an arm frame section to an exemplary back section of an apparatus. Referring to  FIG. 15 , shown is cylindrical tube  1406  detached from circular shaft  1404 . In the illustrated embodiment, the male connection of circular shaft  1404  can include hexagon-shaped rotating member  1504 . The end that is visible in  FIG. 15  can mate with a female end within cylindrical tube  1406 . Hexagon-shaped rotating end  1504  can be threaded to receive screw  1502  to secure cylindrical tube  1406  to circular shaft  1404 . The other portion of hexagon-shaped rotating member  1504  can extend within circular shaft  1404  and have a tooth that engages with a housing within circular shaft  1404  that prevents hexagon-shaped rotating end  1504  from rotating more than 180 degrees. 
         [0081]    Turning now to  FIG. 16 , illustrated is a top view of the left front portion of frame  122  and an exemplary rotatable assembly. In an embodiment, frame  122  can have a “T” shaped front portion configured to support leg plate  802 . The proximal end of leg plate  802  is shown to include a gear-like end that includes one or more gear teeth  1602 . Spring pin assembly  818  can be configured to position a pin such that it engages a space in between two teeth herein referred to as a groove. In this exemplary configuration, the pin can be used to secure the position of leg pate  802  such that it will prevent leg plate  802  from rotating. In the instance where a tattoo artist wants to adjust the position of the leg sections in order to, for example, tattoo a client&#39;s inner thigh, the tattoo artist can pull on a handle attached to the distal end of spring pin assembly  818  to disengage the axle pin  814  from a groove and pull on release lever  820  to rotate leg frame  804  from the position illustrated in  FIG. 16  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 17 . The tattoo artist can release the handle of the spring pin assembly  818 , and the spring can force the axle pin  814  to engage a groove, thereby locking leg frame  804  into position. In an exemplary embodiment, the gear-like portion of leg plate  802  can include, for example, five teeth spaced such that each groove can lock leg frame  804  in increments of 20 degrees about the vertical axis (i.e., parallel to the frontal and midsagittal planes). In an exemplary embodiment, each groove can be used to lock leg frame  804  at 15, 35, 55, 75, and 90 degrees from the midsagittal plane of the apparatus. One skilled in the art can appreciate that the number and spacing of teeth is variable and that, while one embodiment is illustrated, it is contemplated that any number of teeth and any spacing can be used. 
         [0082]    Turning now to  FIG. 17 , illustrated is the exemplary apparatus in the chair configuration with the exemplary rotatable assembly configured such that the left leg is about 75 degrees from the midsagittal plane. 
         [0083]      FIG. 18  shows the exemplary apparatus in the chair configuration with leg sections  202  and  204  rotated into a position in which they are generally perpendicular to the midsagittal plane. In this example, vertical shafts  1008  and arm sections  208  and  210  have been removed. This exemplary embodiment can be used for tattooing the lower back portion of a client. For example, the client can straddle back section  212  by placing his or her legs through the cuts that define leg openings  602  and  604 . The tattoo artist can use hydraulics system  306  to raise or lower the position of seat section  206  to place the client&#39;s lower back in a position where it is comfortable for the tattoo artist to work and comfortable for the client. In this exemplary embodiment, the client can lean forward and rest his or her chest on the padded top portion of back section  212 . This action causes the skin of the client&#39;s back to naturally stretch, thereby aiding the tattoo artist in the application of a tattoo. The tattoo artist can also rotate the apparatus into the illustrated position in order to move his or her chair closer to the client. That is, the tattoo artist can roll a chair in between stabilizer plate sections  304 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 19  is an isometric view of an exemplary apparatus  2000  in a chair configuration in accordance with another embodiment.  FIG. 20  is a front view of a lower portion of the apparatus  2000  with lowered leg assemblies in a forward position.  FIG. 21  is a rear view of the lower portion of the apparatus  2000  in accordance with one embodiment. Referring now to  FIG. 19 , the apparatus  2000  can include a control system  2010 , a chassis or base  2012 , and a support assembly  2014 . The control system  2010  can be part of or carried by the base  2012  and can include a handheld controller  2021 . The support assembly  2014  can include, without limitation, a back section  2020 , a seat section  2022 , leg assemblies or sections  2024  and  2025 , and arm sections  2028  and  2029  movable relative to one another. A tattoo artist can use the controller  2021  to conveniently reposition the back section  2020 , a seat section  2022 , leg assemblies  2024  and  2025 , and/or arm sections  2028  and  2029 . 
         [0085]      FIGS. 20 and 21  show the lowered leg sections  2024  and  2025  in a forward position. The apparatus  2000  includes a drive mechanism  2070  (shown in  FIG. 21 ) for moving the leg assemblies  2024 ,  2025 . Each of the leg assemblies  2024 ,  2025  is configured to support one of the client&#39;s legs while the forward-facing client sits on the seat section  2022 . The controller  2021  (not shown) can be used to rotate the leg assemblies  2024 ,  2025  about axes of rotation  2030 ,  2032  ( FIG. 20 ), respectively. The illustrated axes of rotation  2030 ,  2032  of  FIG. 20  are at a generally horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, one or both axes of rotation  2030 ,  2032  are generally perpendicular to the midsagittal plane  2040  ( FIG. 20 ) and/or parallel to a transverse or frontal plane of the apparatus  2000 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 19  shows rotational devices  2050 ,  2052  that can define the axes of rotation  2030 ,  2032 , respectively, and can be hinges, rotatable joints, or other components. The leg assemblies  2024 ,  2025  can be rotated about axes of rotation  2060 ,  2062 , respectively, to move away from or toward the midsagittal plane. One or both axes of rotation  2060 ,  2062  can be generally vertical and, in some embodiments, parallel to the frontal plane and/or midsagittal plane of the apparatus  2000 . The axes of rotation  2030 ,  2032 ,  2060 ,  2062  can be at other orientations, selected based on the desired motion of the leg assemblies  2024 ,  2025 . 
         [0087]      FIG. 22  shows a front view of a portion of the apparatus  2000  with the lowered leg assemblies  2024 ,  2025  at open or widened positions. Referring now to  FIGS. 21 and 22 , a drive mechanism  2070  can include one or more drive devices in the form of leg drive devices  2080 ,  2082 ,  2084  coupled to the seat section  2022 , frame, or other component, such as the base  2012 . The leg drive devices  2080 ,  2082 ,  2084  can include, without limitation, one or more actuators (e.g., linear actuators, rotary actuators, etc.), motors, rail mechanisms, and/or other components for providing desired motion. The motors can include, without limitation, drive motors, stepper motors, servomotors, or other motors. In some embodiments, the leg drive device  2080  includes an electric motor for sequentially or concurrently driving the leg assemblies  2024 ,  2025  about the axes of rotation  2060 ,  2062 , respectively. The leg drive device  2082  includes a motor  2092  and a linear actuator  2094  that can be extended or compressed to rotate the leg assembly  2024  upwardly (indicated by arrow  2095  in  FIG. 22 ) or downwardly (indicated by arrow  2096  in  FIG. 22 ) about the axis of rotation  2030  ( FIG. 20 ). 
         [0088]    The description of the leg drive device  2082  applies equally to the leg drive device  2084 . The leg drive device  2084  can include a motor  2097  and a linear actuator  2098  that can be extended or compressed to rotate the leg assembly  2025  upwardly (indicated by arrow  3002  in  FIG. 22 ) or downwardly (indicated by arrow  3004  in  FIG. 22 ) about the axis of rotation  2032  ( FIG. 20 ). The position and configuration of the leg drive devices  2080 ,  2082 ,  2084  can be selected based on the desired range of motion of the leg assemblies  2024 ,  2025 . 
         [0089]    Referring again to  FIG. 21 , a base drive device  2081  is configured to move (e.g., translate, rotate, etc.) the seat section  2022  and can include one or more motors  2102  and actuators  2104 . The actuator  2104  can extend or compress to, for example, raise or lower the seat section  2022 . The chassis or base  2012  can include one or more hinges, linear slides, joints, other components for providing desired motion of the seat section  2022 , or other component. 
         [0090]      FIG. 23  is a rear view of the back section  2020  and seat section  2022  of the apparatus of  FIG. 19 . The apparatus  2000  includes a back drive device  2112  operable to move the back section  2020  relative to the seat section  2022 . The back drive device  2112  can include one or more motors  2114  and actuators  2116 . The motor  2114  can be operated to extend or compress the actuator  2116  to rotate the back section  2020  forward or rearward. 
         [0091]      FIG. 24  illustrates the controller  2021  that can be in communication with the components of the apparatus  2000  via, for example, a direct wired connection, a wireless connection, or a network connection. For example,  FIG. 19  shows a direct wired connection provided by connector  2140  (e.g., an electrical cord) that can be housed in a retraction mechanism  2142 . The controller  2021  can be coupled to the base  2012  ( FIG. 19 ) via hook and loop fastener, a clip, or other coupling feature. The connector  2140  can be a flexible electrical cord stored in a housing of the retraction mechanism  2142  located along the base  2012 . In wireless embodiments, the controller  2021  can be a handheld electronic device, such as a tablet, smart phone, or the like, and it can include digital electronic circuitry, firmware, hardware, memory, a computer storage medium, a computer program, processor(s) (including programmed processors), or the like. The artist or client can remove the controller  2021  and use it to conveniently reconfigure the apparatus  2000 . 
         [0092]      FIG. 24  shows the controller  2021  with input elements in the form of buttons (one is identified as  2160 ) for individually controlling bed movement, back section movement, leg section movement, arm section movement, or the like. The movement can be rotation, translation, or other type of movement. By way of example, the leg sections can be raised, lowered, or moved between open and closed configurations. The number of input elements can be selected based on the number of movable components, degrees of freedom for each component, etc. In some embodiments, the controller  2021  includes a touchscreen. 
         [0093]    The control systems disclosed herein can include electrical components within the controller  2021  or other components of the apparatuses. In some embodiments, the control system  2010  of  FIG. 19  can include one or more processors, Programmable Logic Controllers, Distributed Control Systems, secure processors, memory, and the like. Secure storage may also be implemented as a secure flash memory, secure serial EEPROM, secure field programmable gate array, or secure application-specific integrated circuit. Processors can be standard central processing units or secure processors. Secure processors can be special-purpose processors (e.g., reduced instruction set processors) that can withstand sophisticated attacks that attempt to extract data or programming logic. A secure processor may not have debugging pins that enable an external debugger to monitor the secure processor&#39;s execution or registers. In other embodiments, the system may employ a secure field programmable gate array, a smartcard, or other secure devices. Other types of computing devices can also be used. 
         [0094]    Memory can include memory, such as standard memory, secure memory, or a combination of both memory types. By employing a secure processor and/or secure memory, the system can ensure that both data and instructions are highly secure. Memory can be incorporated into the other components of the controller system and can store computer-executable or processor-executable instructions, including routines executed by a programmable computing device. In some embodiments, the memory can store programs for preset configurations. For example, one input device (e.g., button) can correspond to a particular configuration, such a flat or bed configuration, leg assembly configuration (e.g., open or spread out configuration, closed configuration, etc.), back/seat configuration, or the like. By pressing a button a single time, the control system  2010  can select the executable program for controlling various drive mechanisms to reconfigure the apparatus  2000 . The stored programs can be modified by the user to provide flexibility. The tattoo artist can select and modify preset configurations of the apparatuses disclosed herein. Additionally, if an apparatus is used by multiple artists, the control system can store preset configurations for each artist. For example, when the tattoo artist initially begins a tattoo session, that tattoo artist can select his or her profile and can then select an appropriate program for configuring the apparatus. To program a preset configuration, the tattoo artist can use the buttons to adjust the position of various components of the apparatus. After the apparatus is at a desired configuration, the tattoo artist can use a preset selection button of the controller to store that preset configuration. That preset configuration can be identified by a number, client/customer name, or other identifier, and it can be selected at any time to reconfigure the apparatus to that configuration. 
         [0095]    The control systems disclosed herein can be switched between different modes, including an opening mode for moving leg assemblies between positions (e.g., from a forward position to a lateral position), a closing mode for moving the leg assemblies together (e.g., from the lateral position to the forward position), a raising/lowering mode for vertically moving the seat section, a back adjust mode for rotating the back section, and and a preset or programmed configuration mode. In some embodiments, electronic drive mechanisms of the apparatuses disclosed herein have an opening mode for moving leg assemblies between a forward position to the lateral position and a closing mode for moving the leg assemblies from the lateral position to the forward position. 
         [0096]      FIG. 25  illustrates the exemplary apparatus  2000  with arm sections  2028  and  2029  removed and an installed tray assembly  2200 . The tray assembly  2200  includes a post  2210  and a tray  2212 . The post  2210  can be a vertical shaft or other component suitable for connecting the tray  2212  to a frame of the apparatus  2000 . The tray  2212  can hold tattoo instruments, needles, ink, or other tattooing accessories. Clamps, holders, tension levers, or other coupling devices can couple the tray assembly  2200  to a frame or other component of the apparatus  2000 . Other accessories can be installed on the apparatus  2000 . 
         [0097]    The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. For example, the apparatus  2000  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 19-23  can include the frame and other features discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-18 . The arm sections  208 ,  210 ,  2028 , and  2029 , leg sections  202 ,  204 ,  2024 , and  2025 , seat sections  206  and  2022 , and/or back sections  212  and  2020  can include rigid members (e.g., frame members), cushioning members (e.g., foam members, padding, etc.), coverings (e.g., leather coverings, plastic covers, etc.), thermal elements (e.g., heating/cooling elements), or the like. For example, apparatuses  2000  can include heating or cooling elements for controlling the temperature of the sections supporting a client. The control systems  2010  can be used to adjust the temperature. 
         [0098]    Although the embodiments disclosed herein have been discussed primarily for use with tattooing, the apparatuses can be used in different applications. For example, the apparatuses discussed herein can be used in medical settings, massage therapy facilities, or for other applications in which a subject&#39;s body is positioned at different configurations. The construction and configuration of the apparatuses disclosed herein can be selected based on the desired reconfigurability. The drive mechanisms and features discussed in connection with  FIGS. 19-21  can also be incorporated into or used with the embodiments discussed in connection with  FIGS. 1-18 . Additionally, the apparatuses disclosed herein can be reconfigured pneumatically or hydraulically. For example, the apparatus  2000  discussed in connection with  FIGS. 19-21  can have pneumatic or hydraulic drive mechanisms. The electrical components disclosed herein can be powered by an AC power source or other suitable source. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, and U.S. patent applications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties. 
         [0099]    While particular aspects of the present subject matter described herein have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that, based upon the teachings herein, changes and modifications may be made without departing from the subject matter described herein and its broader aspects and, therefore, the appended claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of the subject matter described herein.