Patent Publication Number: US-7712750-B2

Title: Upholstered creeper

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   This invention relates to a mechanic&#39;s creeper. More particularly, this invention relates to an upholstered creeper having an internal frame encased in an exterior cover. 
   BACKGROUND ART 
   Typical mechanic&#39;s creepers include a frame having parallel, longitudinally extending side rails that carry casters which render the creeper mobile. The side rails are interconnected at their ends and also usually connected by a plurality of laterally extending, longitudinally spaced crossmembers to form a support frame. A pad is secured to the top of the frame to support the body of the user of the creeper. The pad is usually provided with a thickened area which serves as a headrest. 
   This exterior framework type design does have its drawbacks. First, they are not particularly comfortable for a user. Users have come to expect greater comfort in creepers, and without an altogether new approach, the exterior framework creeper&#39;s capability for increased comfort is limited. 
   Besides comfort, prior art creepers are also susceptible to damage, particularly at the area of contact between the exterior frame and the pad. This is because the pad is typically secured to the exterior frame by mechanical fasteners, which are susceptible to tearing and displacement. 
   Thus, the need exists for a creeper which eliminates the problems discussed above, which is more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and supportive. 
   DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 
   In accordance with one aspect of the present invention it is an object to provide a creeper which includes an internal support framework. 
   In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, it is an object to provide a creeper having an exterior cover encapsulating the entire creeper. 
   These and other objects of the present invention, as well as the advantages thereof over existing prior art forms, which will become apparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by the improvements hereinafter described and claimed. 
   In general, a creeper made in accordance with the present invention includes an inner frame having laterally spaced side rails interconnected by one or more cross members extending therebetween. A spanning member is secured to the inner frame. A pad is positioned on the support plate. A cover encompasses the pad and at least a portion of the inner frame therein and a plurality of caster assemblies are secured to the inner frame. 
   Another creeper made in accordance with the present invention includes an internal support structure that defines a headrest portion and a body portion adapted to support the weight of a user. A cover encompasses at least a portion of the internal support structure, and a plurality of caster assemblies are secured to the internal support structure. 
   A preferred exemplary creeper according to the concepts of the present invention is shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings without attempting to show all the various forms and modifications in which the invention might be embodied, the invention being measured by the appended claims and not by the details of the specification. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a creeper made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the creeper shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the internal frame of the creeper of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the internal frame of the creeper of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a front elevational view of the internal frame of the creeper of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the creeper shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an alternate creeper made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the creeper of  FIG. 7 . 
       FIG. 9  is an exploded view of the creeper shown in  FIG. 7 . 
   

   PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION 
   A mechanic&#39;s creeper made in accordance with the concepts of the present invention is generally indicated by the numeral  10 . Creeper  10  generally includes a body portion  12  that carries a plurality of casters  14 . Body  12  is shaped to comfortably receive a user lying on his or her back, and casters  14  allow the user to roll along the ground to enable access to the undercarriage of a vehicle. 
   Body  12  includes a top end  16  where a user places their head and a bottom end  18  where a users feet are positioned. A first pair of opposed shoulders  20  extend outwardly and upwardly from the longitudinal edge of body  12 . Shoulders  20  are adapted to provide added support to the upper torso of the user. Because shoulders  20  are raised, they act to keep the user securely positioned in the central portion of body  12 . 
   A second pair of opposed shoulders  22  extend outwardly and upwardly from the longitudinal edge of body  12 . As is evident from  FIGS. 1 and 2 , shoulders  22  are positioned proximate to bottom end  18  of body  12 . Like shoulders  20 , shoulders  22  are adapted to provide support for the legs and lower torso of the user. Because shoulders  22  are raised, they act to keep the user securely positioned in the central portion of body  12 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 3-5 , body  12  is formed with an inner framework, generally indicated by the numeral  24 . In one or more embodiments, the components of inner framework  24  may be circular or tubular metal pieces. In these or other embodiments, the components of inner framework  24  may be formed with stamped metal elements. In still other embodiments, the components of inner framework may be formed of polymeric materials. Inner framework  24  may include a pair of generally straight, opposed side rails  28 . Side rails  28  may be contiguous or may include a plurality of joined sections. Side rails  28  terminate at inwardly angled portions  30 , which in turn both terminate at, and are joined by, a laterally extending head portion  31 . It should be appreciated, however, that side rails  28  may extend all the way to laterally extending head portion  31  thereby eliminating angled portions  30 . A plurality of spaced cross-members  32  may be provided that are laterally oriented and connect and extend between opposing side rails  28 . In this manner inner frame  24  is rigid and adapted to carry the weight of a user. 
   Shoulders  20  are internally supported by support members  34 . In the present embodiment, support members  34  are coupled at one end to side rails  28  at a position generally centrally of side rails  28 . The other end of support members  34  are coupled to a location on angled portions  30 . Support members  34  may be coupled to side rails  28  by any means, for example, welding, adhesives or mechanical fasteners. 
   Support plates  36  are secured to side rail  28  between the two ends of support members  34 . Support plates  36  may include an outer profile sized to match the outer profile of support members  34 . Each support plate carries a bushing  38  on the outside edge thereof. Each bushing  38  is adapted to rotatably receive and support a caster  14 . Bushings  38  extend upwardly from support plate  36  and may further be coupled to support member  34 . In this manner, support plate  36  and support member  34  provide the internal support for shoulders  20  while also providing a mounting area for bushing  38  that receives a caster  14  therein. It should be appreciated that any caster type may be employed in the present invention. In one ore more embodiments, casters  14  may include a threaded stem. In other embodiments, casters  14  may include non-threaded stems. In one or more embodiments, caster  14  may include a threaded stem and a plate, wherein the plate is secured to inner frame  24  via bolts. It should further be appreciated that, though in the present embodiment, support members  34  reside in generally the same plane as side rails  28 , support members  34  may be angularly offset so that they extend upwardly from the plane of side rails  28 . 
   Though the present embodiment discloses casters  14  being directly received in bushings  38  mounted to the inner framework  24 , it should be appreciated that other mounting techniques may be employed. For example, casters  14  may be secured to body  12  using an outrigger type arrangement. In other words, rigid extending arms may extend outwardly from body  12  and carry casters  14  on the ends thereof. 
   Shoulders  22  are internally supported by support members  40 . In the present embodiment, second members  40  are coupled at one end to a generally central portion of side rail  28 . The other end of support members  40  are coupled to side rail  28  proximate to the bottom end thereof. As is evident from  FIG. 5 , support members  40  are angularly offset from side rail  28 . In other words, support members  40  extend angularly upwardly and outwardly from side rails  28 . Whereas support members  34  include a generally continuous curve, support members  40  may include distinct portions. Each support member  40  includes a gradually curving portion  42  extending rearwardly and upwardly from a generally central area of side rail  28 . Gradually curving portion  42  terminates at a generally straight portion  46  that runs generally parallel to side rails  28 . Finally, straight portion  46  terminates at a half-circle shaped portion  50  that extends to and terminates at a position proximate the bottom end of side rail  28 . Support members  40  may be coupled to side rails  28  by any means, for example, welding, adhesives or mechanical fasteners. 
   Support plates  50  are secured to, and extend outwardly from, continuous frame  26 , at a position proximate to gradually curved portion  42 . Support plates  50  may include an outer profile sized to mirror the outer profile of gradually curving portion  42 . Support plates  50  carry a bushing  52  on the outside edge thereof. Bushings  52  are adapted to rotatably receive and support a caster  14 . Bushings  52  extend upwardly from each support plate  50  and may further be coupled to support member  40 , as at gradually curving portion  42 . 
   Additional support plates  54  are secured to, and extend outwardly from, side rail  28 , at a position proximate to half-circle shaped portion  48 . Support plates  54  may include an outer profile sized to mirror the outer profile of half-circle shaped portion  48 . Each support plate  54  carries a bushing  56  on the outside edge thereof. Bushings  56  are adapted to rotatably receive and support a caster  14 . Bushings  56  extend upwardly from support plate  54  and may further be coupled to support member  40 , as at half-circle shaped portion  48 . In this manner, support plates  50  and  54  and support member  40  provide the internal support for shoulders  22  while also providing a mounting area for the bushings  52  and  56  that receive a caster  14  therein. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a spanning member  60  may be secured to the top of inner frame  24 . In the present embodiment, spanning member  60  includes an outer profile that generally matches that of side rails  28 , however, it should be appreciated that spanning member  60  could also extend outwardly to the edges of support members  34  and  40 . In one embodiment, spanning member  60  may be made of a thin metallic material such as aluminum or stainless steel. In other embodiments, spanning member  60  may include metal webbing, heavy canvas, plastic materials, cloth or fabric materials. In one or more embodiments, spanning member  60  may be pulled taut and secured to side rails  28 . In any event, spanning member  60  is securedly attached to interior frame  24  and supports and distributes the weight of a user. 
   A pad  62  is positioned on top of, and is supported by spanning member  60 . In one or more embodiments, pad  62  may be generally rectangular. In other embodiments, pad  62  may be shaped and include an outer profile generally matching the outer profile of interior framework  24 , including a pair of opposed pad wings  64  that extend outwardly from the generally square central body  66  of pad  62 . As discussed above, shoulder  20  may be raised relative to the central portion of body  12 . This raised shoulder may be achieved by thickening the pad  62  in the area of first pad wing  64 . The raised shoulder may also be achieved by having a uniform pad thickness and instead angling support members  34  upwardly. 
   Pad  62  also includes another pair of opposed pad wings  68  that extend outwardly from central body  66  of pad  62 . As discussed above, shoulder  22  may be raised relative to the central portion of body  12 . This raised shoulder may be achieved by thickening the pad  62  in the area of pad wing  68 . The raised shoulder may also be achieved by having a uniform pad thickness and instead angling support members  40  upwardly. 
   Once spanning member  60  and pad  62  have been secured to inner framework  24 , a cover  70  may be provided to encapsulate the assembly. Cover  70  may be any durable material and can include canvas, leather, synthetic leather, car seat upholstery, or any other material suitable for a creeper environment. Cover  70  may be of a one-piece design, having an opening  72  at one end, so that when interior frame  24 , spanning member  60  and pad  62  are assembled, they are inserted through the open end  72  of cover  70 . In other embodiments, cover  70  may be of a two piece design, such that when interior frame  24 , spanning member  60  and pad  62  are assembled, one cover half is inserted over either end and then overlap a predetermined amount. In still other embodiments cover  70  may be of a three piece design. In still other embodiments, cover  70  may cover pad  62  and wrap around the edges of interior frame  24  in a manner such that a portion of the bottom of creeper  10  is not covered by cover  70 . In these or other embodiments, cover  70  may be composed of a resilient material such that cover  70  may be stretched, positioned on interior frame  24  and then allowed to contract onto pad  60 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an alternate creeper is disclosed and generally indicated by the numeral  80 . Creeper  80  includes an internal support structure generally indicated by the numeral  82 . Support structure  82  includes a main body portion  83 , and a head rest  84  extends outwardly and upwardly from body  83 . Though an angled head rest is shown, it should be appreciated that head rest  84  may also be co-planar with body  83 . Head rest  84  may also include one or more through holes  86  that may provide additional ventilation, reduce overall weight, and provide a gripping area to grip and carry creeper  80 . 
   A pair of opposed shoulders  88  extend outwardly and upwardly from the longitudinal edge of body  83 , proximate to head rest  84 . Shoulders  88  are adapted to provide added support to the upper torso of the user. Because shoulders  88  are raised, they act to keep the user securely positioned in the central portion of body  83 . In other embodiments, shoulders  88  may be generally co-planar with body  83 . Whether shoulder  88  is raised or not, it also provides a wider support area so that a user may shift around to achieve better access to components under a vehicle. 
   Another pair of opposed shoulders  90  extend outwardly and upwardly from the longitudinal edge of body  83 . As is evident from  FIGS. 7 and 8 , shoulders  90  are positioned generally centrally of body  83 . Like shoulders  88 , shoulders  90  are adapted to provide support for the legs and lower torso of the user. Because shoulders  90  are raised, they act to keep the user securely positioned in the central portion of body  83 . 
   An additional pair of opposed shoulders  92  extend outwardly and upwardly from the longitudinal edge of body  83 . Shoulders  92  are positioned proximate to the bottom end of body  83 , opposite head rest  84 . Because shoulders  92  are raised, they act to keep the user securely positioned in the central portion of body  83 . In other embodiments, shoulders  92  may be generally co-planar with body  83 . In any event, shoulders  92  also provide a wider support area so that a user may shift around to achieve better access to components under a vehicle. 
   Support structure  82  may be composed of a polymeric material. In one or more embodiments, support structure  82  may be blow molded, injection molded, thermoformed, or the like. Support structure  82  is preferably a single integral member, but may also include two or more members fastened together. Support structure  82  may optionally include one or more internal support pieces, such as an internal frame (not shown), for added strength. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 9 , in addition to internal support structure  82 , creeper  80  includes a cover  96 , a plurality of support plates  98 , and a plurality of casters  100 . Plates  98  are provided to support and receive casters  100  therein. In one or more embodiments, plates  98  may be integrally molded into support structure  82 . In other embodiments, plates  98  may be coupled to support structure  82  after formation thereof. As discussed above, casters  100  may be any known in the art and may include threaded or non-threaded stems. 
   Cover  96  at least partially encapsulates support structure  94 . Cover  96  may be any durable material and can include canvas, leather, synthetic leather, car seat upholstery, or any other material suitable for a creeper environment. Cover  96  may be of a one-piece design, having an opening  102  at one end, so that support structure may be inserted through the open end  102  of cover  96 . In other embodiments, cover  96  may be of a two piece design, such that one cover half is inserted over either end of support structure  94  and then overlap a predetermined amount. In still other embodiments cover  96  may be of a three piece design. In still other embodiments, cover  96  may cover only an upper portion  101  of support structure  94  and wrap around the exterior edges in a manner such that a portion of the bottom (not shown) of creeper  80  is not covered by cover  96 . In these or other embodiments, cover  96  may be composed of a resilient material such that cover  96  may be stretched, positioned over support structure  94  and then allowed to contract. 
   In all embodiments, cover  96  is configured like support structure  82 . As such, cover  96  includes a body  104   a , headrest  106  with holes  108 , and shoulders  110 ,  112 , and  114  corresponding to support structure shoulders  88 ,  90 , and  92 , respectively. 
   In embodiments where cover  70 ,  96  encapsulates substantially all of creeper  10 ,  80 , including the bottom portion, it should be appreciated that casters  100  extends through holes in cover  96 . These holes may be preformed, or may be created during installation of casters  100 . 
   In light of the foregoing, it should thus be evident that a creeper with trays constructed as described herein accomplishes the objects of the present invention and substantially improves the art.