Patent 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.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application 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,” which is hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    During the first decade of the 21st century, the popularity of tattoos have exploded, inspiring growth and refinement in the equipment used to create tattoos and the sophistication of the tattoos themselves. In order to meet the current needs of clients, a typical tattoo studio needs to have 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 are required in order to properly apply tattoos. 
         [0003]    For the most part, the furniture used by tattoo artists is 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 in 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, legs, etc. These tables were not designed with the ergonomics of a tattoo artist in mind and may not be comfortable or healthy. 
         [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 apply a professional looking tattoo, the skin needs to be stretched or else otherwise, the tattoo may be applied incorrectly, i.e., the tattoo may be disfigured. In order to compensate for this, a tattoo artist typically has to stretch the skin by hand and hold it in position while the tattoo is applied. This is uncomfortable for the tattoo artist and the client. Plus, the artist may not stretch the skin in a way that it would naturally stretch. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an apparatus that can be used to position a client in optimal positions in order to apply tattoos on any part of the body while simultaneously being comfortable for the client and the artist. Moreover, there is a need in the art to reduce the number of different pieces of furniture that an artist needs to own in order to apply tattoos. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    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, i.e., a position that is comfortable for the both the client and the tattoo artist. For example, the apparatus can be configured from a bed position, i.e., a horizontal position, into a chair position, i.e., a position where certain sections of the apparatus are articulated relative to the floor. 
         [0007]    In at least one exemplary embodiment, the 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 be made to 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. 
         [0008]    The leg sections can be attached such that each leg is independently rotatable in a direction perpendicular from a plane formed by the seat section. Or put another way, 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 90 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, 90 degrees outward from the midsagittal line of the seat section to allow a tattoo artist access to the inner leg and/or lower back portions of a client. 
         [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    In another configuration, 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. 
         [0011]    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 back section by placing his or her legs through the cuts defining leg openings. 
         [0012]    In an exemplary embodiment, the seat section can include 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. 
         [0013]    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 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a side illustration of an exemplary apparatus&#39; frame. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a quarter view of an exemplary apparatus in a bed configuration. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a side view of an exemplary apparatus in a bed configuration. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a back portion of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  illustrates a quarter view of a back portion of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  illustrates a quarter view of an exemplary frame of an apparatus in a chair configuration. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  illustrates a side view of an exemplary back section with a headrest. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of a front portion of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  illustrates a side view of an exemplary frame of an apparatus in a chair configuration. 
           [0023]      FIG. 10  illustrates a view of underneath the front portion of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0024]      FIG. 11  illustrates a quarter view of an exemplary apparatus in a chair configuration. 
           [0025]      FIG. 12  illustrates an exemplary arm assembly. 
           [0026]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of an exemplary back section including exemplary arm frame supports rotatably coupled to the back section. 
           [0027]      FIG. 14  illustrates a view from behind an exemplary back section. 
           [0028]      FIG. 15  illustrates exemplary components for rotatably coupling an arm frame support to an exemplary back section of an apparatus. 
           [0029]      FIG. 16  illustrates an over-the-head view of a front of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0030]      FIG. 17  illustrates an over-the-head view of a front of an exemplary frame of an apparatus. 
           [0031]      FIG. 18  illustrates a quarter view of an exemplary apparatus in a chair configuration with leg supports rotated about a vertical plane. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0032]    Turning now to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary frame  122  is illustrated. In an embodiment, exemplary frame  122  can include a generally flat portion that is parallel to the ground, which is also known as the transverse plane, i.e., 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. 
         [0033]    The front portion of 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, 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 a back section. As will be described in more detail below, the back section can be articulated. 
         [0034]    In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, a horizontal tubular rail  110  such as, for example, a steel rectangular or circular tube, 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 assemblies can be articulated such that each assembly can be independently linearly moved in a direction that is perpendicular to the midsagittal plane. In an exemplary embodiment, and described in more detail in the following paragraphs, the arm assemblies can also be articulated such that the arm supports are articulated about an axis parallel to the transverse plane and the midsagittal plane. 
         [0035]    Also shown by the figure, a chassis  114  is coupled to the bottom of frame  122 . Frame  122  can rotate about 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, chassis  114  can be coupled to a hydraulics assembly, which can be used to raise and lower frame  122 . That is, frame  122  can be linearly moved through the transverse plane in an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0036]    Turning now to  FIG. 2 , it illustrates the exemplary apparatus in the bed configuration. That is, 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, frame  122  is generally covered with these supporting sections. This figure more clearly illustrates 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. 
         [0037]    Briefly, 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, an adhesive, etc. 
         [0038]    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, an adhesive, 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. 
         [0039]    In exemplary embodiments, 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 allow for a user to straddle it. In this exemplary embodiment, the proximal portion of the 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 of 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. 
         [0040]    As stated briefly above, 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  FIGS. 4 and 5 . The coupling that attaches the proximal portion of back section  212  can be used to reconfigure apparatus  100  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 whereby back section  212  is flush with seat section  206 , i.e., parallel to the traverse plane, to a position whereby back section  212  is generally perpendicular to seat section  206 , i.e., generally parallel to the frontal plane. 
         [0041]    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 about an axis parallel to the transverse and frontal planes. Or put another way, legs  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 . 
         [0042]    In at least one embodiment, leg sections  202  and  204  can also be rotated about an axis parallel to the frontal and midsagittal planes. Or put another way, in an exemplary embodiment, each leg  202  and  204  can be independently rotated from the position shown in  FIG. 6  to the position shown in  FIG. 15 . One exemplary rotatable coupling is shown by  FIGS. 13 and 14 ; however, other couplings can be used. 
         [0043]    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 can have a shape similar to the shape cut out of back section  212 . For example, if the cuts are square-like, rearwardly extending leg supports can be formed to be square-like. If the cuts are plano-concave shaped, rearwardly extending leg supports can formed to be plano-convex shaped. As shown by the figure, the rearwardly extending leg supports do not need completely fill the area made by the cuts that define the leg openings. Instead, rearwardly extending leg supports may only fill enough of the openings so that a client can lie flat on the apparatus in the bed configuration. 
         [0044]    Turning now to  FIG. 3 , it illustrates a side view of the exemplary apparatus 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 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 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. 
         [0045]    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 the 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 hydraulic system  206  is at its lowest position. When hydraulics system  206  is engaged, it can raise shaft  308  approximately 7 more inches to 36 inches. Thus, in exemplary embodiments, the height of apparatus  100  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 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. 
         [0046]      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. 
         [0047]    In another 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 plates  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. 
         [0048]    Turning back to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figure, L-shaped hinge  402  can be coupled to one or more upwardly extending plates  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 plates can extend can be dependent on the thickness of back and seat sections ( 212  and  206 ) so that when back section  212  parallel to the transverse plane back section  212  is level with seat section  206 . In an exemplary embodiment, back and seat section ( 212  and  206 ) can be approximately 4 inches thick. In this exemplary embodiment, upwardly extending plates  106  may extend approximately 2 inches upward. 
         [0049]    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 can be configured such that they intersect 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 can extend from the flat portion of frame  122 . As one skilled in the art can appreciate, frame  112  can be formed to include rear downward angled support members  602  and upwardly extending plates  106 ; however other embodiments are contemplated. For example, upwardly extending plates  106  could be attached to a frame via one or more bolts or screws, nails, an adhesive, etc., or may be welded to a frame. Moreover, rear-downward angled support members  104  could also be separate components that are attached to a frame via one or more bolts or screws, nails, an adhesive, etc., or may be welded to a frame. 
         [0050]    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 illustrated in more detail in  FIG. 5 , circular holes  402  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 . 
         [0051]    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 apparatus about chassis  114 . 
         [0052]    In operation, a tattoo artist can adjust the angle back section  212  forms with seat section  206  by using the handle  504  to adjust the 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 bar support  502  to provide a larger torque force when moving the bar 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 . 
         [0053]    Turning now to  FIG. 6 , it illustrates 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 counter clockwise about an axis 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 apparatus. In this configuration, cuts defining leg openings ( 602  and  604 ) 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 ). 
         [0054]      FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary side view of headrest  220  in two positions. As shown by the figure, the position of headrest  220  can be adjusted such that it is extended from back section  206  in order to support a tall client as he or she sits in 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 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 8  shows an example side view of front portion of frame  122  with an exemplary rotatable assembly that can be used to lift leg section  202 . 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. 13 and 14 , the proximal end of leg plate  802  can be gear-shaped and held in place by a spring pin assembly  818 . The spring pin can be contracted to allow for leg plate  802  to rotate about axle pin  814  in a plane parallel to the transverse plane. 
         [0056]    Leg plate  802  can be coupled to the front top portion of frame  122  via axle pin  814  that extends through frame  122  and is coupled to a top portion of circular support  812 . As described in more detail in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the circular support  812  can rotate about axle  814 . The top portion of rear bracket  810  can be attached to the bottom portion of circular member  812 . Hydraulic system  806  can be coupled via an axle to the rear portion of rear bracket  810 . In this configuration, and described in more detail in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , when leg plate  802  is rotated in a plane parallel to the transverse plane, axle  814  can rotate rear bracket  810 , which in turn rotates hydraulic system  806 . 
         [0057]    Continuing with the description of  FIG. 8 , shaft  808  with a bracket attached to the end  808  can be configured to extend from hydraulic 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 the figure, the proximal portion of shaft  808  can be operatively coupled to the hydraulic system and the distal end can be rotatably coupled to leg frame  804  via an axle. In an alternative embodiment, hydraulics system can be reversed such that the shaft can engage the rear bracket  810  instead of the leg frame  804 . A release lever  820  can be used to configure hydraulics assembly  806  to extend or contract shaft  808 . 
         [0058]    Turning to  FIG. 9 , it illustrates 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 it is illustrated in  FIG. 8 . In operation, a tattoo artist can engage release lever  820 , which can be used to configure hydraulics assembly  806  to extend or contract shaft  808  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 how leg sections  202  and  204  are illustrated in  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0059]    Turning to  FIG. 10 , it is a view from the underside of the front portion of frame  122  illustrating how exemplary arm 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 assemblies  112 . In the illustrated example, the tubular rail 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 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 horizontal shafts can be rotated within the tubular rail in order to adjust the position of the arm 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 claims  1006  could be used to secure arm bar assemblies 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 assemblies  112  could be independently rotated 360 degrees within the tubular rail through a plane parallel to the transverse plane of the apparatus. 
         [0060]    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 assemblies  112  can be raised or lowered by adjusting the position of the vertical shafts  1008 . 
         [0061]    Turning now to  FIG. 11 , it illustrates the left side of the apparatus with the legs removed in order to illustrate the left arm assembly. As shown by the figure, arm section  206  can be coupled to vertical shaft  1008  via bracket  1102 . In an exemplary embodiment, bracket  1102  can be configured to rotate arm section  206  through a plane parallel to the transverse plane. In an exemplary embodiment, bracket  1102  can be configured to rotate from a position generally parallel with a plane parallel to the transverse plane of the apparatus 45 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise. 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  206  can be secured by a tension lever coupled to a plate via an axle bolt. When the lever is opened, the pressure on bracket  1102  can be released so arm section  206  can be moved. 
         [0062]    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 the vertical shaft 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  can be rotated 360 degrees in the tube defined by plates  1010 . 
         [0063]    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; position the bracket; and use the tension lever  1202  to lock bracket  1102  into position. 
         [0064]    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 . 
         [0065]    Turning to  FIG. 14 , illustrated are exemplary components for attaching arm frame support  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 , e.g. it could be welded to support plate  1402 . In this example the proximal portion of arm frame support can be operatively coupled, e.g., welded, to a cylindrical tube  1406 . The cylindrical tube  1406  can be inserted into circular shaft  1404 . 
         [0066]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , shown is cylindrical tube  1406  detached from circular shaft  1404 . In the illustrated embodiment, the male connection of circular shaft 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. 
         [0067]    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 pin from a groove and pull on lever arm  820  to rotate leg frame  804  from the position illustrated in  FIG. 13  to the position illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The tattoo artist can release the handle of the spring pin assembly  818  and the spring can force the pin 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, 5 teeth spaced such that each groove can lock leg frame  804  in increments of 20 degrees about an axis 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 of teeth and the spacing of them is variable and that while one embodiment is illustrated it is contemplated that any number of teeth and any spacing can be used. 
         [0068]    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. 
         [0069]      FIG. 18  shows the exemplary apparatus in the chair configuration with leg sections  202  and  204  rotated into a position whereby they are generally perpendicular to the midsagittal plane. In this example, vertical shafts  1008  and arm sections  208  and  210  have been removed. This exemplarily embodiment can be used to tattoo 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, 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 . 
         [0070]    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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0