Abstract:
A vehicle chassis inspection platform, or creeper, comprising a frame, a cushion layer, and several wheel assemblies is disclosed. The creeper includes a wheel assembly designed to minimize vertical clearance of the creeper wherein the wheel assembly includes a wheel platform with multiple possible positions for joining of the wheel platform to the creeper.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a moveable platform facilitating access and inspection of vehicle chassis. Specifically, the platform comprises a main body and a series of removably attached wheel supports. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     Inspection of a vehicle chassis is generally a two step process. 
     First, the space between the vehicle and the ground on which the vehicle stands must be increased, such that the vertical clearance is sufficient to allow a person to access the chassis from all angles. While through hydraulic or other means it is possible to lift the vehicle many feet off the ground, such high lifting requires specialized equipment and creates safety issues as well as other problems. For instance, while light passenger vehicles can be lifted with standard equipment, heavier passenger vehicles and commercial or industrial vehicles require complex and expensive lifting equipment in order to be raised sufficiently off the ground to allow personal inspection while standing. 
     An alternative is to jack up the vehicle by only a few feet, allowing inspection personnel to examine the car while lying on a moveable surface. The inspection of vehicle chassis while in the lying position has numerous benefits and has become the standard method of servicing vehicles. However, for safety and access reasons, the person checking the vehicle will not want to lie directly on the ground where the vehicle is parked. Instead, a support platform is employed. Such support platforms are termed vehicle creepers. 
     Support platforms must be highly mobile, contain as few elements as possible, and facilitate mobility while decreasing the amount of vertical space the creeper requires. Inasmuch as when the creeper takes more vertical space, less space is available for operating on the vehicle. A creeper that has a high vertical profile would require the car to be lifted higher. Once the car must be lifted more than a few feet, the same specialty lifting equipment must be used that would be required to lift the vehicle to the height of a standing person. As such, poorly designed creepers defeat the benefit on not requiring specialty jacking equipment. 
     Support platforms are therefore designed to be as low as possible. However, thin platform design approach results in little padding being placed on the user contact surface of the support platform. Given that some vehicle maintenance and inspection tasks require several hours, a thin platform results in considerable discomfort for the user of same. Alternatively, in order to increase the padding on the platform, some support platforms utilize wheels having minimal diameters. While this achieves a minimal vertical footprint, it results in support platforms that are difficult to maneuver over the smallest of obstacles, such as channels in concrete barriers. Small wheels also decrease mobility of the platform when a heavy load is placed thereupon. A support platform without sufficient mobility is self-defeating in most circumstances. 
     Finally, vehicle inspection support platforms are generally designed to take up as little space as possible while not in use. A narrow design is generally employed in order to minimize the amount of space required for the support platform. While this design limits the surface area of the platform, it has a detrimental effect on the stability of the platform and on the comfort of the user of same. 
     A need exists in the art for a support platform that features a sufficient amount of surface padding, that employs large casters without increasing the vertical clearance of the support platform, and that does not take up an excessive amount of space at times it is not used. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     An object of the invention is to provide a device for providing access to a vehicle chassis that overcomes many of the disadvantages of the prior art. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide access to a vehicle chassis while the vehicle is lifted only a few feet off the ground. A feature of the invention is that it allows for comfortable access to the underside of the vehicle while providing support for the body of the vehicle inspector. An advantage of the invention is that the platform provides access to the vehicle chassis without requiring extensive upward lifting of same. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a device to provide a padded surface to access a vehicle chassis. A feature of the invention is that it includes a padding layer featuring several area of reversibly deformable support. An advantage of the present invention is that the platform is used for extended periods of time without causing discomfort to the user. Another advantage of the present device is that the padding allows for comfortable use of the platform without adding separate cushions. 
     Yet another object of the current invention is to provide a platform wherein the padding on the platform will be optimized to not react with the surrounding environment. A feature of the instant invention is that in one embodiment the padding on the platform is removably attached to the platform and is selected to be nonreactive with the environment in which the platform is used. An advantage of the instant invention is that the padding will not be deteriorated by being used in a corrosive environment. A further advantage of the present system is that the padding is removed and cleaned as needed. 
     Yet another object is to provide a platform which features a minimal vertical profile. A feature of an embodiment of the presently invented system is that the wheels are removably attached to the sides of the platform. An advantage of the present system is that the wheels are positioned in such a way as to limit the heights of the platform. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a support platform capable of rolling over irregular terrain. A feature of the invention is that the wheels attached to the sides of the platform extend above the horizontal plane of the platform frame. An advantage of the present invention is that the platform incorporates wheels that are sufficiently large so as to be able to roll over rough surfaces without raising the vertical profile of the platform. 
     Still another object of the present invention is to provide a large surface area to support a vehicle chassis mechanic and tools. A feature of the present invention is that, in one embodiment, the support platform frame includes a wide section. An advantage of the present system is that the platform is used comfortably for extended periods of time and is used to hold tools and other instruments. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a support platform that is stored while occupying a minimal amount of space. A feature of the present invention is that it incorporates a transverse fold line. An advantage of the present platform is that it allows storage of the support surface in a folded configuration resulting in a lessened physical profile for same. 
     A yet further object of the present invention is to provide a support platform wherein the wheels of same are replaced depending on the application of the platform. A feature of the invention is that the wheels are attached using removable attachment means. An advantage of the present invention is that different types of wheels are be attached to the platform depending on the application of the platform. 
     The invention comprises a vehicle chassis access platform, the platform comprising: a frame assembly comprising a first subportion, a second subportion, wherein the first subportion and the second subportion are removably joined together to form the frame assembly; at least three wheel assemblies wherein each wheel assembly comprises a wheel platform; a wheel; a wheel retention bracket; wherein each wheel is connected to a retention bracket and said retention bracket is removably connected to a corresponding wheel platform wherein each wheel assembly is removably attached to the frame; and a cushion layer removably attached to the frame assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING 
       The invention together with the above and other objects and advantages will be best understood from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts the schematic of an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  depicts the wheel platform assembly of one embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 3A-B  depict the wheel assembly of one embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 4  depicts the cushion of one embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceeded with the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding plural said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having a particular property may include additional such elements not having that property. 
     The invention is a device and method of accessing a vehicle chassis while in the reclining position. As shown in  FIG. 1 , one embodiment of the invention comprises a platform  10  which incorporates a first frame subportion  12  and a second frame subportion  14 . The first frame subportion  12  and second subportion  14  form a generally oval shape in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  and are reversibly joined together to form an outer frame of the device  10 . In other embodiments, not shown, the outer frame defines a substantially rectangular shape. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  incorporates two cross bars—a first cross bar  16  and a second cross bar  18 . In one embodiment of the invention, each cross bar is removably mounted to a corresponding subportion. Specifically, the first end  46  of the first cross bar  16  is received by the first subportion  12  while the second end  56  of the first cross bar  16  is received by the second subportion  14 . Further, the first end  48  of the second cross bar  18  is received by the first subportion  12 , while the second end  58  of the second cross bar  18  is received b the second subportion  14 . 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the cross bars  16  and  18  are removably mounted on the subportions through the use of mounting means such as a hook grip, threaded screw and nut assembly, clamp, gripping pressure, and other methods. In other embodiments, the cross bars are permanently attached to the corresponding subportions through permanent attachment means, such as welding. In other embodiments, the cross bars  16  and  18  are integrally molded to the corresponding subportions  12  and  14 . 
     The first subportion  12  and second subportion  14  meet at two connection points  32  and  34 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the connection points  32  and  34  are found at opposing ends of the first subportion  12  and the second subportion  14 . In at least one embodiment, at the connection points  32  and  34 , the first subportion  12  and second subportion  14  are connected removably, through subportion connection means, such as a lock, or removable mechanical joints such as dovetail joints. In another embodiment, the first subportion  12  and second subportion  14  are in hingeable communication at connection points  32  and  34 . In this embodiment, connection points  32  and  34  incorporate hinges. In some embodiments the hinges are removably lockable through locking means such as a pin. In further embodiments, hinges at connection points  32  and  34  are allowed to move freely. However, the subportions are locked in place by the temporary placement of the first cross bar  16  and the second cross bar  18 . 
     A straight line running from the first connection point  32  to the second connection point  34  forms a transverse fold line  20  through the platform  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the first frame subportion  12  is substantially identical to the second frame subportion  14 . As such, upon joining the first frame subportion  12  to the second frame subportion  14  at connection points  32  and  34 , the resulting frame features a shape wherein each point along the first subportion  12  having a distance x from the transverse fold line  20 , has a corresponding point along the second subportion  14  having the same distance x from the transverse fold line  20 . 
     While not shown in  FIG. 1 , the frame  10  is folded along the transverse fold line  20  in some embodiments. In embodiments where the cross bars  16 ,  18  are permanently attached the first subsection  12  and the second subsection  14 , the cross bars  16 ,  18  also incorporate lockable hinges substantially at the location where the transverse fold line  20  crosses the cross bars  16 ,  18 . In embodiments where the cross bars  16 ,  18  are removably attached to the subsections  12 ,  14 , the cross bars are unbending and continuous length of substantially inflexible material, such as steel or fortified aluminum. Such inflexible cross bars  16 ,  18  are removed prior to the folding of the frame  10 . 
     In a folded configuration, the first subsection  12  and the second subsection  14  are angled together such that substantially each point on the first subsection  12  comes in contact with a corresponding point on the second subsection  14 . In one embodiment, the folding of the first subportion  12  is in the direction through the plane formed by the top surface of the first subportion  12 . In this embodiment, upon folding the top surface of the first subportion  12  meets the top surface of the second subportion  14 . In an alternative embodiment, the folding of the first subportion  12  is in the direction away from the plane formed by the top surface of the first subportion  12 . In this embodiment, upon folding the bottom surface of the first subportion  12  meets the bottom surface of the second subportion  14 . 
     In yet further embodiments, the connection points  32  and  34  do not incorporate hinges and the first subportion  12  is not in hingeable communication with the second subportion  14 . Instead, the connection points  32  and  34  include removable assembly means, such as combinations of apertures and insertion rods, pressure snaps, or other mechanisms. In this embodiment, the first subportion  12  and the second subportion  14  are removably assembled at connection  32  and  34  and so the frame is disassembled in lieu of being folded as is the case with embodiments featuring folding means. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the platform  10  incorporates a large area defined by the inner boundary  22  of the first subportion  12  and the inner boundary  24  of the second subportion  24 . The frame  10  is defined by the distance between the inner boundary  22  of the first subportion  12  and the outer boundary  26  of the first subportion  12  as removably combined with the material between the inner boundary  24  of the second subportion  14  and the outer boundary  28  of the second subportion  14 . The cross bars  16  and  18  add further bulk to the frame  10 , however, the predominant feature of the frame  10  is the absence of supporting material inside of the area defined by the inner boundaries  22  and  24 . 
     The first subportion  12  incorporates a series of first frame subportion apertures  30 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the first frame subportion apertures  30  are substantially equally spaced from one another. Further, as is depicted in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the second subportion  14  includes corresponding apertures in the area defined by the inner boundary  24  and the outer boundary  28 . 
     For both the first subportion  12  and the second subportion  14  the apertures  30  and  36  are added in such a manner as not to decrease the structural stability of the corresponding subportion. For instance, the subportion  12  remains sufficiently structurally sound, even at apertures  30 , such that it does not bend when a load is applied to the subportion  12 . Structural integrity for each subportion is assured by the careful selection of the size of each aperture  30  and  36 . The radius of each aperture is not larger than 30% of the length between a subportion inner boundary and subportion outer boundary. 
     Each aperture  30 ,  36  receives a screw, peg, or similar structure to removably connect a wheel platform, one embodiment of which is shown in  FIG. 2 . The wheel platform  60  consists of a main body  76  wherein the main body is defined by one substantially straight edge  72  and a curved edge  74 . As shown in the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2 , the shape of the wheel platform  60  is substantially triangular, with the substantially straight edge  72  defining the base of the triangle and the curved edge defining the remaining two triangle line segments. Consequently, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the curved edge  74  incorporates an turn of approximately 90 degrees in substantially the mid-section of the curved edge  74 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , in one embodiment, the turn occurs at or near the point of height h of the creeper body  76 . 
     While a substantially triangular shape for the platform body  76  has been depicted in  FIG. 2 , other shapes are envisioned. For example, while the curved edge  74  is shown to be a single curved segment in  FIG. 2 , in another embodiment, the curved edge  74  comprises individual sub-segments forming a polygonal shape defined by straight line segments wherein the line segments join together at sharp corners. 
     Traversing at or near the midline h of the main body  76  are two apertures  62 ,  64 . In one embodiment, the first aperture  62  is designated to receive the wheel assembly described in  FIG. 3A . The second aperture  64  is designed to connect to the platform main body  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the first aperture  62  and the second aperture  64  have substantially equivalent radii. Further, the frame receiving aperture  64  approximates the radius of the apertures  30 ,  36  shown in  FIG. 1 . Consequently, it is possible to use a joining member of a consistent radius to join the platform  60  to either subportion  12 ,  14  of the main device frame  10 . 
     The wheel platform  60  incorporates additional apertures, such as the secondary apertures  66  found on the sides of the platform  60 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , the secondary apertures  66  feature the same radius as wheel assembly  62  receiving aperture, or the frame receiving aperture  64 . Consequently, it is possible to attach either the wheel assembly, or the frame to either one of the secondary apertures  66 . In one configuration, multiple wheel assemblies are attached to both the wheel assembly receiving aperture as well as the secondary apertures  66 . 
     Beyond the secondary apertures  66 , the wheel platform  60  incorporates tertiary apertures  68  and quandary apertures  70 . As compared with the secondary apertures  66 , each subsequent class of apertures incorporates a smaller radius. Consequently, the tertiary and quandary apertures cannot be used interchangeably with the secondary apertures  66  and the wheel assembly receiving apertures  62  and the frame receiving aperture  64 . 
     The wheel platform  60  incorporates the wheel assembly receiving apertures  62 . One embodiment of the wheel assembly is depicted in  FIG. 3A . As shown therein, the wheel assembly  80  incorporates an outer wheel  82 . A wheel spinning pin  84  traverses the mid-point of the wheel  82 . The spinning pin  84  is in turn mounted on the wheel retension bracket  88 . The bracket  88 , in turn ends in a wheel assembly joining pin  86 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3A , the joining pin  86  is removably received in the wheel assembly receiving aperture  62 . While  FIG. 3   a  depicts the wheel as a caster, other wheels are be used in other embodiments. For example, rollers are retained by the retention bracket depicted in  FIG. 3A  in a different embodiment. 
     The type of wheel  82  that is used in the wheel assembly  80  is chosen in response to the environment in which the wheel  82  will be used. For example, in some environments, large casters made of hard rubber are employed. Such casters provide for insulation and prevent the buildup of static energy during the work on the vehicle. While desirable in some situations, such rubber wheels  82  are prone to deterioration in other environments. As such, wheels  82  are made from resilient metal or non-reactive polymers in other embodiments. Further, wheels are selected so as to be easiest to clean given the contaminants that are expected in a given work environment. 
     Given the modular nature of the wheel assembly  80 , for a given wheel platform  60 , multiple types and sizes of wheels are used and kept on an as-needed basis. 
     Finally, in other embodiments, not shown, the wheel assembly does not incorporate any wheel  82 . Instead, the wheel assembly  80  uses a support member in place of the wheel wherein the support member carries the weight of the assembled frame in place of the wheel. In order to facilitate movement, the support member includes a slick surface, or a gliding surface, such as skis. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A , the retention bracket  88  does not encapsulate the wheel, but instead is designed to keep the spinning pin  84  in place. In other embodiments, not shown, the retention bracket covers a portion of the wheel, thereby protecting the wheel from drips and other contamination. 
     Further, while not shown in  FIG. 3A , the retention bracket  88  includes a brake so as to interfere with the movement of the wheel  82 , keeping same in place when the operator of the device chooses to deploy same. In some embodiments of the invention, only one wheel assembly  80  deployed in conjunction with the creeper incorporates a braking mechanism. 
     In some embodiments of the invention, the wheel assembly joining pin  86  is adjustable in height. 
     A combination of a frame subportion, wheel platform, and wheel assembly is depicted in profile in  FIG. 3B . As shown in  FIG. 3B , a visible part of the first frame subportion  12 , incorporates an aperture  30 . While  FIG. 3B  shows a part of the first subportion  12 , the same arrangement would be used with the second subportion  14 . 
     Transversing the aperture  30  is a frame to wheel platform connection rod  90 . This connection rod  90  extends through the width of the first frame subportion  12 . Extending beyond the outer wall of the first frame subportion  12 , the connection rod  90  is capped by a first fastener  92 . The fastener  92  shown in  FIG. 3B  is a threaded cap. However, other fasteners are contemplated, such as a hex nut, wing nut, a locking pin or pins, and other possible fasteners. 
     While one end of the connection rod  90  is removably received by the fastener  92 , the opposing end of the connection rod  90  passes through the wheel platform  60 . The connection rod  90  extends through the width of the wheel platform  60  main body  76  at the wheel platform frame receiving aperture  64 . As was discussed in the description of  FIG. 2 , the rod  90  is capable of being received by secondary apertures  66  inasmuch as the secondary apertures  66  have substantially the same diameter as the frame platform receiving aperture  64 . 
     The part of the rod  90  which extends beyond the horizontal plane formed by the wheel platform  60  main body  76  is removably locked in place by rod  90  second fastener  94 . This second fastener  94  is also depicted as a threaded cap received by the end of the rod  90 . Analogous to the first fastener  92 , the second fastener  94  comprises any possible type of fastener. 
     While in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3B , the connection rod  90  is removably connected to both the frame subportion  12  and the wheel platform  60 , the rod  90  are integrally molded with either element in other embodiments. For example, in one embodiment, the wheel platform  60  does not incorporate a frame receiving aperture  64 . Instead, in the place of the aperture  64  the wheel platform incorporates an integrally molded frame receiving rod  90 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3B , the connection rod  90  has a substantially equal diameter throughout the length of the rod  90 . In other embodiments, the connection rod  90  features a variances in its diameter. 
     The wheel platform main body  76  is consequently removably attached to the frame subportion  12  through the combination of the rod  90  and the rod fasteners  92 ,  94 . In turn, the wheel assembly  80  is removably attached to the wheel platform  60  by the removable placement of the joining pin  86  through the wheel assembly receiving aperture  62 . The joining pin  86  is kept in place through the removable fastening of wheel assembly fastener  96 . As was the case with the previously-described fasteners  92 ,  94 , the wheel assembly fastener  96  may comprise any suitable fastener. 
     In alternative embodiments, the joining pin  86  is not fastened in place with a mechanical fastener. Instead, the joining pin  86  is kept in place by the force F which is applied to the surface of the first frame subportion  12  by a load placed on top of the device during use of the device. In other embodiments, in conjunction with this force, the locking pin  86  incorporates a magnetic joining means. 
     The wheel  82  is attached to the retension bracket  88 , and a joining pin  86  extends from the retention bracket  88  away from the wheel  82  towards the main body  76  of the wheel platform  60 . As such, the wheel  82  is attached to both the wheel platform  60  and in turn to the frame subportion  12 . 
     While only one wheel  82  is shown as attached in  FIG. 3B , a complete device assembly would include at least four wheels attached to the first frame subportion and the second frame subportion so as to balance the device. 
     As shown in the profile view of  FIG. 3B , the wheel  82  extends above the horizontal plane defined by the frame subportion  12 , consequently facilitating the use of large wheels without the necessity of lifting the frame subporiton  12  to the same height as the wheels. 
     Further, inasmuch as separate wheel assemblies are attached to the frame subportions, different wheels may be combined in a single creeper device. For example, in instances where the creeper is used on an uneven surface, one wheel may be larger than the remaining wheels so as to prevent the creeper from rolling around during use. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the assembled device  10  also incorporates a cushioning layer. The cushioning layer does not obscure any of the frame apertures. 
     In order to provide support for the user of the device, the cushioning layer is defined by two lateral cushions  110 . The lateral cushions, in turn comprise a padding material, such as reversibly deformable foam, and include an outer boundary  112 . The outer boundary is a sloping barrier thereby directing the user of the device away from the outer sides of the device. 
     Further, the cushioning layer shown in  FIG. 4  includes a head cushion at one end of the device. In one embodiment of the invention, the head cushion is reversibly attached to the cushioning layer through means such as snaps or hook and pile layers. In other embodiments, the head cushion is integrally molded into the cushioning layer. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 4 , the cushioning layer includes a transverse fold line  20  running through the middle of the cushioning layer. In embodiments where the head cushion  114  is integrally molded into the cushioning layer, the fold line  20  transverses the head cushion. In embodiments where the head cushion is not integrally molded into the cushioning layer, the head cushion  114  may be free of the fold line  20 . 
     The cushioning layer comprises a resilient material which does not absorb various vehicular fluids, but instead forces them to collect on the surface of the cushioning layer. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from tits scope. While the dimensions and types of materials described herein are intended to define the parameters of the invention, they are by no means limiting and are exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure