Abstract:
An inclinable creeper including a carriaged framework supporting a bed, the bed including an inclinable portion and a mechanism for raising the inclinable portion upon actuation of a lever, for securing the inclinable portion when the lever is not actuated, and for allowing the inclinable portion to be forcibly lowered when the lever is actuated.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to mechanics creepers. More particularly, this invention relates to mechanics creepers having an inclinable headrest or upper bed for raising the head or upper torso of the mechanic. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE BACKGROUND ART 
     Presently there exist many types of mechanics creepers. Most include a low-slung carriaged framework on which is supported a headrest and a bed (upper portion for the upper torso and a lower portion for seating. During use, the mechanic lies face-up on the creeper with his torso positioned on the bed and with his head resting on the headrest. Being at a low-level, prone position on the creeper, the mechanic is allowed to underneath the vehicle, thereby gaining ready access to the underside of the vehicle to work on the same. 
     In view of the long periods of lying on the creeper and working underneath the vehicle, it has long been desirable to configure the bed and headrest to be as comfortable as possible for the mechanic. Thus, as shown in the above-referenced patents, some creepers include contoured beds or headrests. Further, in order to reduce neck strain from reaching up into the underside of the vehicle, many creepers have been designed with inclinable beds and/or headrests. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,895,380, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein, discloses one type of creeper in which bed thereof is inclinable. Unfortunately, however, the inclination mechanism of such a creeper is complex in construction and often requires the mechanic to wheel himself out from under the vehicle to reposition the inclination of the headrest or upper bed. 
     In view of the foregoing, there presently exists a need for a creeper that allows the mechanic to easily raise and lower the headrest or upper bed thereof as needed while underneath the vehicle. 
     Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvement which overcomes the aforementioned inadequacies of the prior art creepers and provides an improvement which is a significant contribution to the advancement of the mechanics creeper art. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanics creeper that allows the mechanic to easily raise and lower the headrest or upper bed thereof as needed while underneath the vehicle. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanics creeper wherein the raising of the headrest or upper bed occurs by simple operation of a lever of a gas spring or a linear actuator, that when actuated, causes the headrest or upper bed to raise automatically to the desired inclined level, whereupon the lever is then released to secure the headrest or upper bed in such an inclined position. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanics creeper wherein the lowering of the headrest or upper bed occurs by simple operation of a lever of a gas spring, such that when actuated, allows the mechanic to push backwardly onto the headrest or upper bed to force the headrest or upper bed to lower to the desired level, whereupon the lever is then released to secure the headrest or upper bed in such a reduced inclined or flat position. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a mechanics creeper wherein the lowering of the headrest or upper bed occurs by simple operation of a lever of a linear actuator, such that when actuated, lowers the headrest or upper bed to the desired level, whereupon the lever is then released to secure the headrest or upper bed in such a reduced inclined or flat position. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide an inclinable mechanics creeper that retains the normal appearance of conventional creepers, and is not otherwise bulky or complicated in structure or operation. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide an inclinable mechanics creeper that is economical to manufacture. 
     The foregoing has outlined some of the pertinent objects of the invention. These objects should be construed to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     For the purpose of summarizing this invention, this invention comprises a mechanics creeper having a bed with an inclinable portion, such as a headrest or headrest/upper bed that is inclinable by means of a gas spring or linear actuator, operated by a lever, that is pivotally interconnected between the framework of the creeper and the headrest or headrest/upper bed. 
     More particularly, the creeper of the invention comprises a pair of side frame members and a plurality of transverse cross members forming a carriage. Caster wheels are operatively connected to the carriage to allow the carriage to be rolled about on the floor. The creeper bed is connected to the transverse cross members to be supported thereby in a low profile close to the floor. 
     In the case of an inclinable headrest, the headrest is mounted to an inclinable frame and the gas spring is interconnected between the carriage frame and the inclinable frame. In the case of an inclinable headrest/upper bed, the headrest and the upper portion of the bed (corresponding to the head and upper torso of the mechanic) are formed together as a unit separate from the lower portion of the bed (on which the mechanic is seated). The headrest/upper bed portion is mounted to the inclinable frame, with the gas spring or linear actuator being interconnected between the carriage frame and the inclinable frame. 
     The inclinable creeper of the invention allows the mechanic to easily raise and lower the headrest or headrest/upper bed thereof as needed while underneath the vehicle. More particularly, the lever of the gas spring or linear actuator is positioned just underneath the headrest or headrest/upper bed portion of the creeper to be easily actuated by the mechanic by simply reaching just under his head or his lower back. 
     The raising of the headrest or upper bed may occur by simple operation of the lever by the mechanic coupled with the mechanic lifting-up his head and upper torso to take the weight off the headrest or upper bed (i.e., by performing a slight sit-up). When so actuated, the headrest or upper bed rises automatically to the desired inclined level. The mechanic may then release the lever to secure the headrest or upper bed in such an inclined position. 
     Conversely, the lowering of the headrest or headrest/upper bed may occur by simple operation of the lever. In the case of the gas spring embodiment, operation of the lever coupled with a backward pushing on the headrest or headrest/upper bed by the mechanic&#39;s head or head &amp; upper back, forces the headrest or headrest/upper bed to lower to the desired level, whereupon the lever may then released to secure the headrest or headrest/upper bed in such a reduced inclined or flat position. In the case of the linear actuator embodiment, actuation of the lever causes the headrest or headrest/upper bed to lower to the desired level, whereupon the lever may then released to secure the headrest or headrest/upper bed in such a reduced inclined or flat position. 
     As the gas spring or linear actuator is installed underneath the headrest or upper bed, it is concealed from view. Thus, the creeper retains the normal appearance of conventional creepers, and is not otherwise bulky or complicated in structure or operation. Further, it is economical to manufacture. 
     The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent and important features of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood so that the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1A is a perspective view of mechanics creeper having the inclinable headrest of the invention incorporated therein and illustrating the opposing side frame members, the caster wheels, and the headrest and bed of the creeper; 
     FIG. 1B is a perspective view of mechanics creeper having the inclinable headrest/upper bed of the invention incorporated therein and illustrating the opposing side frame members, the caster wheels, and the headrest and bed of the creeper; 
     FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the underside of the mechanics creeper having the inclinable headrest of the invention incorporated therein and illustrating the gas spring positioned between one of the transverse cross members and the headrest for raising the headrest; 
     FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the underside of the mechanics creeper having the inclinable headrest/upper bed of the invention incorporated therein and illustrating the gas spring positioned between one of the transverse cross members and the headrest/upper bed for raising the headrest/upper bed; 
     FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of the underside of the mechanics creeper having the inclinable headrest of the invention incorporated therein and with headrest having been inclined to a raised position; 
     FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the underside of the mechanics creeper having the inclinable headrest/upper bed of the invention incorporated therein and with headrest/upper bed having been inclined to a raised position; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial cut-away view of a conventional gas spring; 
     FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective underside view of another embodiment of the mechanics creeper; 
     FIG. 6 is a perspective underside view of the mechanics creeper of the invention employing a linear actuator; and 
     FIG. 7 is a side view of the preferred embodiment of a conventional linear actuator. 
    
    
     Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     A mechanics creeper  10  according to the present invention generally comprises a generally rectangular carriage framework  12  including pair of opposing tubular side frame members  12 S and a plurality of transverse cross members  12 T (e.g., head-end cross member  12 TH, middle cross member  12 TM and foot-end cross member  12 TF). A plurality of caster wheels  14  are connected to the framework  12  to form a low slung carriage. A bed, generally indicated by numeral  20 , is secured to the framework  12 . 
     An inclinable framework  16  is provided for inclining a portion of the bed  20 . In the first embodiment of the inclinable mechanic creeper  10 A, the inclinable portion of the bed  20  comprises an inclinable headrest  20 H as shown in FIGS. 1A,  2 A &amp;  3 A whereas in the second embodiment the inclinable portion of the bed  20  comprises an inclinable headrest/upper bed  20 UB as shown in FIGS. 1B,  2 B and  3 B. In both embodiments, the inclinable framework  16  comprises a fixed frame  18 FF rigidly connected between the head-end cross member  12 TH and the middle cross member  12 TM and a inclinable frame  181 F pivotally connected to the fixed frame  18 FF by means of a pivot pin  19  that allows the inclinable frame  18 IF to be inclined upwardly to an included position. 
     More particularly, in the first embodiment of the inclinable creeper  10 A as shown in FIGS. 1A,  2 A &amp;  3 A, bed  20  comprises a headrest  20 H and an upper and lower bed portion  20 UB &amp;  20 LB. The upper and lower bed portions  20 UB &amp;  20 LB are integrally formed of a rigid material  22  such as plywood that is then covered with a soft cushion  24  such foam-padded vinyl. The upper and lower bed portions  20 UB &amp;  20 LB are then affixed to the middle and foot-end transverse cross members  12 TM &amp;  12 TF such as by fasteners  26  that are positioned through holes in the cross members  12 T and are threaded into the underside of the rigid material  22 . In the case of the rigid material  22  comprising plywood, the cushion  24  may be wrapped around and affixed to the plywood by staples and the fasteners  26  may simply comprise wood screws. 
     In the first embodiment of the inclinable creeper  10 A as shown in FIGS. 1A,  2 A &amp;  3 A, the headrest  20 H comprises a similar rigid material  28  such as plywood on which is positioned a foam pillow  30  wrapped with vinyl and secured to the underside of the rigid material  28  such as by staples. The headrest  20 H is rigidly connected to the inclinable frame  18 IF such as by fasteners  34  that are positioned through holes in the pivotal fame  18 IF and are threaded into the underside of the rigid material  28 . 
     In the second embodiment of the inclinable creeper  10 A as shown in FIGS. 1B,  2 B &amp;  3 B, only the lower bed  20 LB, formed of a rigid material  22  that is then covered with a soft cushion  24 , is affixed to the middle and foot-end transverse cross members  12 TM &amp;  12 TF by the fasteners  26 . The rigid material  28  constitutes the upper bed portion  20 UB and the headrest  20 H and is respectively covered with the cushion  22  &amp; foam pillow  30 . The headrest  20 H and upper bed  20 UB is rigidly connected to the inclinable frame  18 IF such as by fasteners  34  that are positioned through holes in the inclinable fame  18 IF and are threaded into the underside of the rigid material  28 . 
     The inclinable frame  18 IF preferably comprises a pair of parallel, spaced-apart members that are rigidly secured to the rigid material  28 . Likewise, the fixed frame  18 FF preferably comprises a pair of parallel, spaced-apart members that are rigidly secured between the head-end cross member  12 TH and middle cross member  12 TM of the carriage framework  12 . Also preferably, the paired parallel, spaced-apart members of the fixed frame  18 FF are spaced far enough apart such that the pair of parallel, spaced-apart members of inclinable frame  18 IF can pivot between them by means of the pivot pin  19 . It is noted that in lieu of the inclinable frame  18 IF being pivotally connected to the fixed frame  18 FF, the upper bed portion  20 UB and the headrest  20 H may be pivotally connected directly to the lower bed  20 LB such as by leaf hinges fixed to the rigid material  22  or directly to the transverse cross member  12 TM such as by a piano hinge. 
     In both embodiments, a gas spring  40  (as shown in FIGS. 1-5) or a linear actuator  80  (as shown in FIG. 6) is connected between the inclinable frame  18 IF and the fixed frame  18 FF by respective pivot pins  181 P and  18 FP connected to the cylinder shackle  40 CS and the rod end shackle  4 ORS. In this regard it is noted that the spaced-apart, parallel positioning of the fixed and inclinable frame members allows room for the gas spring  40  or linear actuator  80  to lay between them when the headrest  20 H is completely horizontal (i.e., not inclined). It is noted that in lieu of the inclinable frame  18 IF and/or in lieu of the fixed frame  18 FF, the gas spring  40  or linear actuator  80  may simply be pivotally connected to the underside of the inclinable portion of the bed  20  and to the carriaged framework  12  by means of brackets. It is further noted that, as shown in FIG. 5, the gas spring  40  or linear actuator  80  may be pivotally connected in reverse to that illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and with the rod end shackle  4 ORS being positioned closer to the lower bed  20 LB and with the cylinder shackle  40 CS end extending forwardly to be pivotally connected to the underside of the inclinable portion of the bed  20 . 
     The preferred embodiment of the gas spring  40 , as shown in FIG. 4, comprises a gas cylinder  40 C including two chambers filled with compressed gas, with flow between the chambers being controlled by means of a valve. An extensible rod  40 R is connected to a piston positioned in one of the chambers. A lever  46  is connected to the end of the extensible rod  40 R and is operatively connected to the valve by means of an actuator pin  46 P. The valve is normally biased to a non-actuated (closed) position. Actuation (i.e., movement) of the lever  46  causes the actuator pin  46 P to be moved inwardly within the rod  40 R and actuation (i.e., an opening) of the valve. Preferably, the degree of opening of the valve, and hence the speed of extension of the rod  40 R, is controlled by the degree of actuation of the lever  46  that actuates the actuator pin  46 P. 
     Upon actuation of the lever  46 , the actuator pin  46 P moved inwardly to cause actuation of the valve whereupon gas from one chamber is allowed to flow into the other chamber containing the piston thereby causing the extensible rod  40 R to be forced outwardly to an extended position. Upon release of the lever  46 , the actuator pin  46 P returns to its original position to close the valve. While the valve is closed, the piston and thus the extensible rod  40 R are held into position to prevent from any further extension or retraction of the rod  40 R. 
     The extensible rod  40 R may be retracted by actuating the lever  46  causing the actuator pin  46 P to move inwardly of the rod  40 R and actuate the valve to an opened position thereby allowing the forceful retraction of the extensible rod  40 R whereupon the gas in the chamber containing the piston is forced back into the other chamber. Upon release of the lever  46 , the actuator pin  46 P moves outwardly to cause the valve to close. The rod  40 R is thus held in its retracted position. 
     A more complete description of a typical gas spring  40  is found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,993,522, and the patents cited therein, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Preferably, the gas spring  40  employed is the TM “Bloc-O-Lift” gas spring (Model 731994) manufactured by Stabilus of Gastonia, N.C. 
     The preferred embodiment of the linear actuator  80  comprises an electrical device having a motor and gear arrangement contained within a cylinder  80 C wherein when direct-current electrical energy is provided to the motor in one polarity, forcible rotation of the threaded rod  80 R in one direction occurs and when the electrical energy is provide to the motor in the opposite polarity, forcible rotation of the threaded rod  80 R occurs in the opposite direction, there causing the threaded boss  18 B connected to pivot pin  18 FP to travel along the length thereof. The electrical energy may be supplied by a rechargeable battery  80 Y or the like. The lever  46  may simply comprise the lever of a double-pole, double throw momentary switch that is wired to the battery  80 Y and the motor such that upon actuation of the lever  46  in one direction, the electrical energy flows to the motor in one polarity and upon actuation in the reverse direction, electrical energy flows to the motor is the reverse polarity. Preferably, the linear actuator  80  employed is the TM “VERSALIFT” linear actuator system manufactured by Suspa, Inc. USA of Grand Rapids, Mich. 
     Importantly, in all embodiments, the gas spring  40  or linear actuator  80  is interconnected between the inclinable frame  18 IF and the fixed frame  18 FF at an angle, such that the longitudinal axis of the gas spring  40  or linear actuator  80  is not ever parallel to the members of both the fixed and inclinable frames  18 FF &amp;  18 IF even when both the fixed and inclinable frames  18 FF &amp;  18 IF are parallel themselves as when the inclinable frame  18 IF is not inclined. This may be accomplished by positioning the pivot pins  42  and  44  in the respective members of both the fixed and inclinable frames  18 FF &amp;  18 IF to assure that they are not ever in the same horizontal plane. 
     The angular positioning of the gas spring  40  or linear actuator  80  allows the gas spring  40  or linear actuator  80  to operate properly to raise the headrest  20 H or headrest/upper bed  20 UB. Specifically, if the gas spring  40  or linear actuator  80  were to be positioned parallel with the members of both the fixed and inclinable frames  18 FF &amp;  18 IF, the headrest  20 H or headrest/upper bed  20 UB would tend to bind and remain horizontal without rising. Therefore, as should be appreciated, it is the angular force exerted by the gas spring  40  or linear actuator  80  that is required to start the raising of the headrest  20 H or headrest/upper bed  20 UB. 
     In the case of the gas spring  40 , the raising of the headrest  20 H or headrest/upper bed  20 UB may occur by simple operation of the lever  46  by the mechanic coupled with the mechanic lifting-up his head and upper torso to take the weight off the headrest or upper bed (i.e., by performing a slight sit-up), whereupon headrest  20 H or headrest/upper bed  20 UB rises automatically to the desired inclined level. The mechanic may then release the lever  46  to secure the headrest or upper bed in such an inclined position. In the case of the or linear actuator  80 , the procedure is the same; however, there is less of a need to take the weight off of the headrest  20 H or headrest/upper bed  20 UB due to increased force created by the or linear actuator  80 . 
     Conversely, in the case of the gas spring  40 , the lowering of the headrest  20 H or headrest/upper bed  20 UB may occur by simple operation of the lever  46  by the mechanic, coupled with a backward pushing on the headrest  20 H or headrest/upper bed  20 UB by the mechanic&#39;s head or head &amp; upper back, to force the headrest  20 H or headrest/upper bed  20 UB to lower to the desired level, whereupon the lever  46  may then released to secure the headrest  20 H or headrest/upper bed  20 UB in such a reduced inclined or flat position. In the case of the linear actuator  80 , backward pushing is not required as the linear actuator  80  positively retracts upon reverse actuation of the lever  46 . 
     The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims, as well as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     Now that the invention has been described,