Abstract:
One transformable creeper includes three portions. The first portion has a frame, four wheels operatively coupled to the frame such that a lower edge of the frame is maintained above a lowermost point of the four wheels by no more than about two thirds the diameter of the four wheels, and a first support surface operatively coupled to the frame. The second portion has a second frame rotatably coupled to the frame and a second support surface. A lock maintains the second frame at three angles relative to the frame (generally 180°; between about 90° and 180°; and between 0° and 90°). The third portion has a third frame rotatably coupled to the second frame, two wheels, and a third support surface. A lock respectively maintains the third frame at two angles relative to the second frame (generally 180°, and between 0° and 90°).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/375,122 filed Aug. 19, 2010, and is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 29/357,731 filed Mar. 16, 2010, and U.S. Patent Application No. 29/357,738 filed Mar. 16, 2010, the disclosures of all which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention relates generally to the field of creepers. More specifically, the invention relates to the field of transformable creepers. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In one embodiment, a transformable creeper includes first, second, and third portions. The first portion has a first frame, two wheels operatively coupled to one side of the first frame, two wheels operatively coupled to an opposite side of the first frame, and a first support surface operatively coupled to the first frame. Each of the four wheels is operatively coupled to the first frame such that a lower edge of the first frame is maintained above a lowermost point of the four wheels by no more than about two thirds the diameter of the four wheels. The second portion has a second frame and a second support surface operatively coupled to the second frame. The second frame is rotatably coupled to the first frame, and a lock respectively maintains the second frame at three angles relative to the first frame. A first of the three angles is generally one hundred and eighty degrees; a second of the three angles is between about ninety and one hundred and eighty degrees; and a third of the three angles is between zero and ninety degrees. The third portion has a third frame, two wheels operatively coupled to the third frame, and a third support surface operatively coupled to the third frame. The third frame is rotatably coupled to the second frame, and a lock respectively maintains the third frame at two angles relative to the second frame. A first of the two angles is generally one hundred and eighty degrees, and a second of the two angles is between zero and ninety degrees. 
         [0004]    In another embodiment, a transformable creeper includes first, second, and third portions. The first portion has a first frame, two wheels operatively coupled to one side of the first frame, two wheels operatively coupled to an opposite side of the first frame, and a first support surface operatively coupled to the first frame. The four wheels operatively coupled to the first frame are arranged such that an imaginary straight line connecting two of the wheels on opposite sides of the first frame passes through the first frame. The second portion has a second frame and a second support surface operatively coupled to the second frame. The third portion has a third frame, two wheels operatively coupled to the third frame, and a third support surface operatively coupled to the third frame. The second frame is rotatably coupled to the first frame, and the third frame is rotatably coupled to the second frame. Means are included for respectively maintaining the second frame at three angles relative to the first frame, and means are included for respectively maintaining the third frame at two angles relative to the second frame. A first of the three angles is generally one hundred and eighty degrees; a second of the three angles is between about ninety and one hundred and eighty degrees; and a third of the three angles is between zero and ninety degrees. A first of the two angles is generally one hundred and eighty degrees, and a second of the two angles is between zero and ninety degrees. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a low profile transformable creeper  100  according to one embodiment, wherein the creeper  100  is shown in a generally horizontal configuration; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in a generally horizontal configuration; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is an opposite side view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in a generally horizontal configuration; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is an end view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in a generally horizontal configuration; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is an opposite end view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in a generally horizontal configuration; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a top view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in a generally horizontal configuration; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in a generally horizontal configuration; 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in a “L” configuration; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is an opposite side view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in the “L” configuration; 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in the “L” configuration; 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a side view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in a “Z” configuration; 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is an opposite side view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in the “Z” configuration; 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in the “Z” configuration; 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is similar to  FIG. 11 , except that caster assemblies  114  are shown folded inwards; 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is an end view of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1  in a “Z” configuration, where the caster assemblies  114  are shown folded inwards; 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  shows a first locking mechanism  130  of the creeper  100  of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 17  is another view of the first locking mechanism  130  of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an embodiment  200  of a low profile transformable creeper in a generally horizontal configuration; 
           [0024]      FIG. 19  is a side view of the creeper  200  of  FIG. 18  in a “L” configuration; and 
           [0025]      FIG. 20  is a side view of the creeper  200  of  FIG. 18  in a “Z” configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0026]    Embodiments of the present invention provide low profile transformable creepers and methods of manufacture and use. With reference to  FIG. 1 , a low profile transformable creeper  100  has a head rest or pillow  102 , a first support surface  104 , a second support surface  106 , a head rest support member  108 , a first support member  110 , side rails  111   a  and  111   b , a first locking mechanism  130 , and a second locking mechanism  150 . It should be appreciated that, while respectively shown and described as unitary elements, the head rest support member  108  and the first support member  110  may alternately include two or more separate elements. Similarly, the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  may be portions of a unitary member (e.g., forming a “H” configuration), though shown and described as separate elements. Four outwardly extending caster assemblies  112  (two on either side of the first support surface  104 ) are secured to the first support member  110 . Two hinged, outwardly extending retractable caster assemblies  114  (one on each side of the head rest  102 ) are secured to the headrest support member  108 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  shows, the transformable creeper  100  in a generally horizontal configuration. In this configuration, the first support surface  104  and the second support surface  106  are generally planar, whereas the headrest  102  is slightly raised in comparison, so as to provide an ergonomically sound platform for a user to lay down on the first and second support surfaces  104 ,  106  and the headrest  102 . The headrest  102  and the support surfaces  104 ,  106  may be constructed of foam or padded material enclosed by a durable material (e.g., vinyl) to provide an easy-to-clean surface that is also comfortable to lay on. The headrest  102  may be slightly wider than the first and second support surfaces  104 ,  106  respectively (see  FIG. 6 ), which increases the surface area for a user to sit on when the creeper  100  is in a “Z” configuration, as discussed in more detail below. 
         [0028]    The first support member  110  is U-shaped with two legs  110   a ,  110   b  and a connecting member  110   c  generally perpendicular to the legs  110   a ,  110   b  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Two of the four outwardly extending caster assemblies  112  are secured to leg  110   a , and the other two outwardly extending caster assemblies  112  are secured to leg  110   b . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional caster assemblies  112  may be included, and some embodiments may include as few as three caster assemblies  112  operatively coupled to the first support member  110 . 
         [0029]    Two transverse cross members  116   a ,  116   b  ( FIG. 7 ) extend between and are secured to the underside of legs  110   a ,  110   b  of the first support member  110 . The transverse cross members  116   a ,  116   b  may be spaced apart so as to properly distribute and support the weight of the first support surface  104 , and a user laying thereon. The cross members  116   a ,  116   b  may be welded to the legs  110   a ,  110   b  of the first support member  110 , or may be secured to the first support member legs  110   a ,  110   b  via other known methods, such as by bolts or screws. A bracket  118   a  that allows for the passage of a screw or lock therethrough may be secured to the cross member  116   b  at or near the center of the cross member  116   b . Two load bearing brackets  118   b ,  118   c  allowing for the passage of a screw or bolt therethrough may also be secured to the connecting member  110   c  of the first support member  110 , and may generally be equidistant from the bracket  118   a . The first support surface  104  rests on the cross members  116   a ,  116   b , and the brackets  118   a ,  118   b ,  118   c , and the support surface  104  is held firmly in place via bolts or screws extending through the brackets  118   a ,  118   b , and  118   c . In some embodiments, the bracket  118   a  may not exist as a separate element; instead, a hole may be present in the cross member  116   b , through which a bolt or screw can be passed to secure the first support surface  104  to the cross member  116   b . And, though not shown, the members  116   a ,  116   b  could alternately be a single member, or three or more members, and adhesive or other fasteners may secure the first support surface  104 . 
         [0030]    Two transverse cross members  116   c ,  116   d  may similarly extend between and are secured to the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  ( FIG. 7 ). Cross member  116   c  may have one (or more) bracket  118   d , and cross member  116   d  may have two holes  120   a ,  120   b . The bracket  118   d  and holes  120   a ,  120   b  allow for the passage of bolts or screws so as to secure the second support surface  106  to the cross members  116   c ,  116   d . Adhesive or other fasteners may alternately, or additionally, be used to secure the second support surface  106  to the cross members  116   c ,  116   d . The cross members  116   c , and  116   d  may be spaced apart so as to properly distribute and support the weight of the second support surface  106  and a user laying thereon, and the distance between bracket  118   d  and hole  120   a , and bracket  118   d  and hole  120   b  may be generally the same. While not shown, the transverse cross members  116   c ,  116   d  could alternately be a single member, or three or more members. A slight gap  122  ( FIG. 6 ) may be between the first support surface  104  and the second support surface  106  to allow the creeper  100  to be transformed into “L” and “Z” configurations, as discussed in more detail below. 
         [0031]    Similar to the first support member  110 , the headrest support member  108  may also be U-shaped, with two legs  108   a ,  108   b  and a connecting member  108   c , although the headrest support member  108  may generally be smaller in size than the first support member  110  ( FIG. 7 ). A transverse cross member  116   e  may extend between the legs  108   a ,  108   b  of the headrest support member  108 , and have two holes  120   c ,  120   d  that allow for the headrest  102  to be secured to the cross member  116   e  via screws, bolts, et cetera. Additionally, two load bearing brackets  118   e ,  118   f  may be secured (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) to the legs  108   a ,  108   b  of the headrest support member  108 , and have holes through which screws or bolts can be inserted to further secure the headrest  102  to the headrest support member  108 . Three corresponding edges of headrest  102  may be placed, and rest on the legs  108   a ,  108   b , and the connecting member  108   c  of the headrest support member  108 ; thus, the weight of the headrest  102  and a user laying thereon may be supported by the cross member  116   e , the brackets  118   e ,  118   f , the legs  108   a ,  108   b , and the connecting member  108   c . Akin to gap  122 , there may be a slight gap  124  between the headrest  102  and the second support member  106 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . 
         [0032]    It is often desirable for a user of creepers to be able to maneuver while being as low to the ground as possible (e.g., when doing vehicle wheel alignments). Generally, however, creepers have wheels that extend directly underneath the creeper&#39;s frame and increase the required clearing distance of the creeper&#39;s frame with respect to the ground. But the four outwardly extending caster assemblies  112  associated with the first supporting member  110 , instead of extending underneath the first supporting member  110 , may instead extend outward from the first supporting member  110 . In the embodiment of caster assembly  112  shown throughout the drawings, each caster assembly  112  has a connecting portion  112   a , an outwardly extending portion  112   b , and a wheel  112   e  (see  FIG. 1 ). The connecting and outwardly extending portions  112   a ,  112   b  may individually and collectively have various aesthetic configurations, but allowing the caster assembly  112  to attach to structure (e.g., the first supporting member  110 ) beside—instead of above—the wheel  112   e  may allow the attached structure (e.g., the first supporting member  110 ) to be maintained lower to a ground surface than would otherwise generally be feasible. 
         [0033]    The connecting portions  112   a  of two caster assemblies  112  are secured to the leg  110   a  such that the outwardly extending portions  112   b  of those caster assemblies  112  extend away from the leg  110   b  (see  FIG. 7 ). Similarly, the connection portions  112   a  of two other caster assemblies  112  are secured to the leg  110   b  such that the outwardly extending portions  112   b  of those caster assemblies  112  extend away from the leg  110   a . The spacing between the two caster assemblies  112  on leg  110   a  may be generally the same as the spacing between the two caster assemblies  112  on leg  110   b , and such configuration may allow for even distribution of weight and desirable maneuverability of the creeper  100 . 
         [0034]    The outwardly extending portions  112   b  of the caster assemblies  112  may each have a hole, through which a bolt  112   c  or other structural member can be passed through, so as to secure a wheel mounting bracket  112   d  to each outwardly extending portion  112   b . A respective wheel  112   e  is secured to the wheel mounting bracket  112   d  of each of the four caster assemblies  112 . The wheels  112   e  can rotate within their respective mounting brackets  112   d  about an axis and allow a user of the creeper  100  to conveniently move and reposition the creeper  100 . Moreover, the wheel mounting brackets  112   d  may themselves be movable (e.g., rotatable about the bolts  112   c ), and can align themselves at different angles depending on the direction in which a user wants to move the creeper  100 . By virtue of the caster assemblies  112 , (and  114  as discussed in more detail below), a user may maneuver the creeper  100  relatively close to a ground surface and maintain a desirably low clearance from the ground. 
         [0035]    In addition to the generally horizontal configuration depicted in  FIGS. 1-7 , the creeper  100  can also be transformed into an “L” configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 8-10 . The “L” configuration provides a comfortable but easily maneuverable chair; more specifically, a user may sit on the first support surface  104 , rest his/her back against the second support surface  106 , and rest his/her back or head against the headrest  102 . In the “L” configuration, it may be desirable for an angle A 1  between the leg  110   b  of the first supporting member  110  and the side rail  111   b  to be slightly greater than 90 degrees, so as to provide for an ergonomically-sound back support for the user. 
         [0036]    To effectuate the transformation from the horizontal configuration to the “L” configuration, a user may alter the interaction of the first locking mechanism  130  ( FIGS. 8 ,  11 ,  16  and  17 ) from a first locked position to a second locked position. With reference to  FIG. 8 , one embodiment of the first locking mechanism  130  has a spring pin  132 , which may for example be generally cylindrical, passing through a hole  136  in the leg  110   b  of the first support member  110 . And at one end, the spring pin  132  may have a hollow ring  132   a  ( FIG. 16 ) to allow the spring pin  132  to be pulled with a user&#39;s finger. The side rail  111   b  has a hole  134  ( FIG. 16 ) through which the spring pin  132  can pass when at the first locked position, and the spring pin  132  passes through the hole  134  when the creeper  100  is at the generally horizontal configuration ( FIGS. 1-7 ). By passing through the hole  134 , the spring pin  132  locks the side rail  111   b  to the leg  110   b  of the first supporting member  110 , such that the side rails  111   a  and  111   b  generally cannot be moved with respect to the first supporting member  110 , and the creeper  100  is fixed in the horizontal configuration. 
         [0037]    An extension (e.g., semi-circular locking member  138 ) may be secured to the side rail  111   b  ( FIGS. 2 and 8 ), or the side rail  111   b  may be dimensioned such that an extension is not necessary. The locking member  138  of the embodiment  100  has at least two holes  138   a ,  138   b  ( FIG. 16 ) which are configured for the passage of the spring pin  132  therethrough. As discussed above, to lock the creeper  100  in the horizontal configuration, the spring pin  132  is passed through the hole  134  in the side rail  111   b  (or the hole  134  may be formed in the locking member  138 ). To change from the horizontal configuration ( FIGS. 1 through 7 ) to the “L” configuration ( FIGS. 8 through 10 ), the spring pin  132  is disengaged from the side rail  111   b  at the hole  134 . With the spring pin  132  disengaged, the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  may be freely rotated in unison with respect to the first supporting member  110 ; each side rail  111   a ,  111   b  may pivot along bolts, etc. that secure the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  to the first supporting member legs  110   a ,  110   b . As the side rails  111   a  and  111   b  are rotated such that they move away from the ground and the first supporting member  110 , the locking member  138  also rotates. This movement of the locking member  138  causes the hole  138   a , which was previously underneath the pin  132  ( FIG. 2 ), to align with and correspond to the pin  132 ; more specifically, when the angle between the side rail  111   b  and the leg  110   b  of the first support member  110  is A 1  ( FIG. 8 ), the pin  132  corresponds with—and passes through—the hole  138   a  of the locking member  138 . By passing through the hole  138   a , the spring pin  132  locks the creeper  100  in the “L” configuration. 
         [0038]    As the user sits on the creeper  100  in the “L” configuration, the movement of the user&#39;s arms/elbows may be impeded by the two hinged, outwardly extending retractable caster assemblies  114  that are secured to the headrest support member  108 . To eliminate this potential impediment, both of the caster assemblies  114  can be retracted such that they fold underneath the headrest  102  (see  FIG. 15 , wherein the caster assemblies  114  are retracted, albeit when the creeper  100  is in a “Z” configuration, as discussed below). More specifically, each retractable caster assembly  114  has a hinge  114   a  ( FIG. 2 ), an outwardly extending portion  114   b  ( FIG. 1 ), and a wheel  114   e  that can rotate within a bracket  114   c  that is secured to the outwardly extending portion  114   b . Much like the four wheels  112   e , the two wheels  114   e , in addition to rotating within (and relative to) the bracket  114   c , can rotate along with the bracket  114   c  to allow the creeper  100  to be easily maneuvered. But, when the creeper  100  is in the “L” or the “Z” configuration (i.e., when the wheels  114   e  are not in contact with the ground or other such surface), each caster assembly  114  can be pivoted on the respective hinge  114   a  and rotated inward, such that the outwardly extending portions  114   b  and the wheel  114   e  rest below the headrest  102  and out of the way of a user. 
         [0039]    In addition to maintaining generally horizontal and “L” configurations, the creeper  100  may also be configured to provide a seat that is raised in a “Z” configuration. To transform the creeper  100  from the horizontal or the “L” configuration into the “Z” configuration, the spring pin  132  may be pulled outward (i.e., away from the side rail  111   b ), which allows the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  to respectively pivot along the bolts (or other members) that secure the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  to the legs  110   a ,  110   b . Thus, akin to when the creeper  100  is being transformed from the horizontal configuration to the “L” configuration, the side rail  111   b  is rotated upwardly away from the leg  110   b  of the first supporting member  110 . But here, the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  are rotated past the angle A 1  ( FIG. 8 ) to an angle A 2  ( FIG. 16 ); the angle A 2  between the leg  110   b  of the first support surface and the side rail  111   b  is generally less than 90 degrees. When the angle A 2  is formed, the hole  138   b  is aligned with the spring pin  132 , and the spring pin  132  passes through the hole  138   b  to lock the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  at the angle A 2  (and the “Z” configuration). 
         [0040]    To further ensure that the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  are securely locked at the angle A 2 , the legs  110   a ,  110   b  of the first support member  110  may each have a protruding stop  140   a ,  140   b  respectively ( FIGS. 1 and 17 ). The stops  140   a ,  140   b  are strategically secured (e.g., welded, bolted, etc.) to the respective legs  110   a ,  110   b  such that they do not interfere when the creeper  100  is in the horizontal configuration, nor obstruct the transformation of the creeper  100  from the horizontal configuration to the “L” configuration (see  FIG. 1  showing the stops  140   a ,  140   b  being some distance away from the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  in the horizontal configuration; see  FIG. 10  showing the stops  140   a ,  140   b  being some distance away from the side rail  111   a ,  111   b  in the “L” configuration). In the “Z” configuration, however, the stops  140   a ,  140   b  may stop (and support) the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  respectively, and prevent the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  from forming an angle smaller than A 2 . 
         [0041]    Once the side rails  111   a ,  111   b  are locked (via the spring pin  132  and the stops  140   a ,  140   b ) at the angle A 2 , the creeper  100  is maintained in an “intermediate-Z” position. Instead of the “L” configuration, where the headrest  102  and the second support member  106  are generally planar and the angle A 1  is formed between the leg  110   b  and side rail  111   b , in the “intermediate-Z” configuration, the headrest  102  and the second support member  106  remain planar, but now the angle A 2  is formed between the leg  110   b  and the side rail  111   b . To finish the transformation from the “intermediate-Z” position to the “Z” configuration, the second locking mechanism  150  ( FIG. 1 ) is utilized. 
         [0042]    The second locking mechanism  150  may include a spring pin  152  passing through a hole  162  at the end of the side rail  111   b  adjacent the leg  108   b . And, akin to the locking member  138 , an extension (e.g., locking member  158 ) may be operatively coupled to the leg  108   b  of the headrest support member  108  (or the support member  108  may be dimensioned such that the extension  158  is unnecessary). Although the view of the locking member  158  is often obstructed by the side rail  111   b  in the figures, it will be appreciated that the locking member  158  (or the support member  108 ) has two holes  158   a ,  158   b  which are configured to receive the spring pin  152  ( FIG. 11 ). 
         [0043]    In the “intermediate-Z” position, the “L” configuration, or the horizontal configuration, the headrest support member  108  is held in place by the spring pin  152 , which is locked within the hole  158   b  in the leg  108   b  of the headrest support member  108 . To transform the creeper  100  into the “Z” configuration, after moving the creeper  100  to the “intermediate-Z” position, the spring pin  152  is pulled out of hole  158   b  and the headrest  102  is pushed downward such that it generally becomes parallel to the ground or other such surface (and generally parallel to the first support surface  104 ). 
         [0044]    At this position (i.e., the “Z” configuration), the spring pin  152  passes through the holes  158   a , thereby locking the headrest  102  in a position where it is generally parallel to the first support member  104  ( FIG. 11 ). In addition to being locked into place by the spring pin  152 , the headrest support member  108  may rest on the transverse cross members  116   b  to provide additional and adequate support for a user to safely sit on the headrest  102 . As noted above, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that instead of including the locking member  158 , the leg  108   b  of the headrest support member  108  may itself have two openings or holes which serve the same purpose as the holes  158   a ,  158   b  of the locking member  158 . 
         [0045]    As with the “L” configuration, the outwardly extending caster assemblies  114  can be retracted and set underneath the headrest support member  108  by pivoting the outwardly extending portions  114   b  along the hinges  114   a . This is shown in  FIGS. 14 and 15  and may prevent the caster assemblies  114  from obstructing a user&#39;s movements. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 18-20  show another embodiment  200  of the creeper that is substantially similar to embodiment  100 , except as specifically noted and/or shown, or as would be inherent. For uniformity and brevity, corresponding reference numbers may be used to indicate corresponding parts, though with any noted deviations. The major difference between embodiments  100 ,  200  is that embodiment  200  does not have two retractable caster assemblies  114  that extend outward from the headrest support member  108 ; instead, the embodiment  200  has two caster assemblies  214  which are fixed underneath the headrest support member  108 , as shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 . Wheels  214   e  of caster assemblies  214  may be smaller than the wheels  112   e  of caster assemblies  112  in embodiment  200  (see  FIG. 20 ), allowing the creeper  200  to remain low to the ground in the horizontal and the “L” configurations. Nevertheless, the larger wheels  112   e  may still be used in the caster assemblies  112 , allowing some advantages of the larger wheels to be achieved. By eliminating the retractable caster assemblies  114  and hinges  114   a , it may be possible to manufacture the embodiment  200  in a more cost-effective manner than the embodiment  100 , though the objective of keeping the caster assemblies and wheels out of a user&#39;s way may be met in both embodiments  100 ,  200 . The transformation of the creeper  200  between the horizontal configuration and the “L” and “Z” configurations may be accomplished in generally the same manner as the transformations of the creeper  100 . 
         [0047]    Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims.