Mechanic support device

Abstract

A mechanic support device includes a rigid, parallel pair of base legs having horizontal lower portions and upwardly inclined upper portions, a pair of upper arms telescopically mounted in upper ends of the upper portions of the pair of base legs, a rigid step slidably mounted to, so as to extend between for substantially vertical or inclined sliding over the upper portions of the pair of base legs, and a rigid tray having a resilient pad mounted thereon, the tray slidably mounted on the pair of upper arms. The pair of upper arms includes lower sliding sections in telescopic mounting in the upper ends of the upper portions of the pair of base legs. The pair of upper arms also includes upper cantilevered sections extending cantilevered over, and substantially vertically aligned with, the lower portions of the pair of base legs.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority from Canadian Patent Application No. 2,361,412 filed Oct. 19, 2001 entitled Mechanics Back Ease.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to the field of mechanics scaffolding for resting a torso of a mechanic over an engine compartment and in particular to an adjustable mechanics support wherein an upper supporting frame is telescopically mounted into a lower supporting frame so as to cantilever the upper end over the base in generally a C-shape, and wherein an adjustable step is mounted to the lower frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] In the automotive repair arts, it has long been recognized that mechanics or service technicians must have unobstructed access beneath the vehicular chassis or frame. A variety of wheeled “creepers” exist for enabling the serviceman to lie down and slide underneath a vehicle. Whether known as creepers, crawlers, dollies or the like, such well-known support devices also provide a convenient seat that may be readily positioned about the vehicular periphery.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 2,692,636 shows a combination automobile mechanic's or creeper and stool. The creeper and stool therein disclosed utilizes coil spring members which connect a left and right platform to a center platform. The springs collapse the left and right platforms inwardly to convert the creeper into a stool. Suitable bolts lock the device in the desired position.

[0005] It is readily apparent that unobstructed access to the engine compartment of a vehicle undergoing service is highly desirable. Vehicular engine compartments vary greatly in dimensions and volume. Most engine compartments are crowded with numerous complex and hard-to-reach parts that are compactly fitted together. With common utility vehicles and small pickup trucks most of the engine compartment is inaccessible without a ladder or some form of stool or lift. Four wheel drive trucks, and other vehicles that have high ground clearance, have engine compartments that are particularly difficult to access and service.

[0006] As a result, servicemen often use conventional step ladders or stools that were not originally designed for automotive use. It is not uncommon for the mechanic supported by inappropriate equipment to unsafely bend or reach for obscure parts. His instability may result in a fall or injurious contact with dangerous moving parts, high voltage electricity, or hot radiators or exhaust components. If the engine mechanic positions himself in an unstable disposition, tools or expensive parts will inevitably drop into the engine compartment, possibly contacting the rotating engine fan with significant violence. Worse yet, small fasteners or tools may drop into vital engine compartments if parts such as manifolds, spark plugs, or air cleaners, for example, have been removed. Of course, even minor mishaps like the dropping of tools or, parts upon the ground during service are a common, time-wasting vexation.

[0007] Without a support tool or ladder, engine technicians frequently lean over the sides or front of the vehicle. Usually a protective, resilient pad is first placed upon the fenders.

[0008] Such cushions or mats are not completely effective. Often they do not protect enough of the exposed surface area. Often they have been soiled during their previous use. Even with such precautionary measures, however, the automotive surface has a good chance of being marred, scratched or smeared with oil. Even if the technician is neat and orderly, disadvantages with the latter approach exist. For example, when the mechanic assumes an abnormal position leaning over the fenders to access obscurely positioned parts, muscle strain or other injuries can ensue.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,397,374 discloses structure aimed at providing easier access to the typical engine compartment. Therein disclosed is a support platform for standing or supporting the mechanic in a prone position.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 2,872,252 discloses an adjustable platform enabling a mechanic stand when adjacent to the motor vehicle. However the device requires frequent adjustments to the horizontal platform to achieve the desired working elevation. Moreover, the disclosed apparatus does not permit the entire mechanic's body to be supported thereon.

[0011] U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,970,668, 4,072,209 disclose a mechanic's scaffold comprising angularly extended frames. Wheeled carts are known in the prior art. More specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,761 discloses a combined article mover and worker support. The device, as illustrated, comprises a plurality of stepped horizontal platforms or steps, at least one of which is supported by vertical frame members, while an upstanding handle is usable to support and maintain the balance of a worker standing on the uppermost step.

[0012] A number of prior art patents are specifically aimed at reaching the engine compartment from an overhead position. U.S. Pat. No. 4,964,487 discloses a horizontal support platform upon which the mechanic may lie as he pivots into position over the engine compartment. The support is secured to a pivotal frame horizontally extending from an anchored, and immobile, post. With such arrangement a vehicle being serviced must first be properly positioned relative to the work stand. With a mobile cart it is easier to achieve the desired work position, as the vehicle may be approached from any angle, and it may be parked anywhere in the service garage or facility.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,719 discloses a wheeled support dolly that comprises a plurality of platforms disposed at different elevations. The device lacks sufficient clearance to position a mechanic directly over a vehicle engine compartment.

[0014] U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,867,273, 4,863,178, 4,397,374 and 4,727,958 illustrate similar mechanics dollies. All show a portable device having a wheeled support frame that may be thrust beneath a vehicle. Certain supports or extensions may be positioned, at least in part, above the engine compartment of a vehicle to be serviced.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,392 discloses a dolly having a wheeled, rectangular frame supporting an elevated table. The table can be positioned over an automobile motor and pivotally adjusted about a radial direction.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,419 discloses a wheeled dolly that has an angularly upwardly extending platform support. Because of the orientation of the vertical ladder, it is difficult to squarely position the support platform over an engine compartment.

[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,542,806 discloses a rigid, wheeled dolly of generally rectangular proportions. Wheeled frame members slide beneath the vehicle being serviced, and an upright vertical stanchion supports a projecting, horizontal platform above the vehicle engine compartment. Means are provide for vertically adjusting the platform. A similar support dolly is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 4,618,029.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The mechanic support device of the present invention includes a rigid, parallel pair of base legs having horizontal lower portions and upwardly inclined upper portions, a pair of upper arms telescopically mounted in upper ends of the upper portions of the pair of base legs, a rigid step slidably mounted to, so as to extend between for substantially vertical or inclined sliding over the upper portions of the pair of base legs, and a rigid tray having a resilient pad mounted thereon, the tray slidably mounted on the pair of upper arms. The pair of upper arms includes lower sliding sections in telescopic mounting in the upper ends of the upper portions of the pair of base legs. The pair of upper arms also includes upper cantilevered sections extending cantilevered over, and substantially vertically aligned with, the lower portions of the pair of base legs. The step may be the only cross-bracing support extending between the pair of base legs. The tray is slidably mounted, so as to slide cantilevered outwardly on, the upper cantilevered sections of the pair of upper arms. First releasable locking means are provided for releasably locking the step in an elevated position along the upper portions. Second releasable locking means are provided for releasably locking the pair of upper arms in a telescoped position out of the pair of base legs.

[0019] The step may include a rigid horizontal platform rigidly mounted at opposite ends thereof to a first pair of collars snugly slidably journalled over the upper portions of the pair of base legs. Each base leg of the pair of base legs may be substantially L-shaped. Each upper arm of the pair of upper arms may also be generally L-shaped and inverted when mounted in the pair of base legs. Thus the lower portions of the base legs may be substantially parallel to the upper cantilevered sections of the upper arms.

[0020] The tray may be a rigid platform extending between the pair of upper arms. The tray may include a parallel second pair of collars mounted to an underside of the platform, sized for snug sliding engagement over the upper cantilevered sections of the upper arms.

[0021] The first and second pairs of collars, the pair of upper arms and the pair of base legs may be each uniformly non-circular in cross section, for example they may be square in cross section, whereby the second pair of upper arms by reason of the snug fit of their noncircular cross section onto the uniformly non-circular cross section of the pair of upper arms provide for lateral cross-bearing of the pair of upper arms. Thus, cross bracing of the structure is simplified by merely the use of the step and the tray. The end result is that the whole structure breaks down into six basic components which may be relatively easily manufactured, stored and assembled.

[0022] The upper portions of the base legs may form an included angle of substantially eighty degrees with the lower portions of the base legs. Correspondingly, the cantilevered sections of the upper arms may form an include angle of substantially one hundred degrees with the sliding sections. Wheels may be rotatably mounted to opposite ends of the lower portion of the pair of base legs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] FIG. 1 is in perspective view the mechanics support device of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 1a is, in side elevation view, the mechanics back support of FIG. 1.

[0025] FIG. 2 is, in front elevation view, the mechanics support device of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 3 is, in plan view, the mechanics support device of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0027] The adjustable mechanics support of FIGS. 1, 1a, 2 and 3, includes a parallel pair of base legs 10, each having an elongate horizontal section 10a and an upwardly inclined section 10b. Upwardly inclined sections 10b are each hollow tubes sized to receive in the upper ends thereof in sliding telescopic engagement therein, upper arms 12.

[0028] Upper arms 12 include generally horizontal cantilevered sections 12a and lower telescopic sliding sections 12b. The telescopic sliding sections 12b are sized to snugly fit so as to be journalled in sliding engagement telescopically into the upper ends of upwardly inclined sections 10b of base legs 10. Apertures 14 are positioned in spaced array along inclined sections 10b, positioned in spaced array along sections 10b so as to align with corresponding apertures 16 spaced in corresponding array along sliding sections 12b so that at least one aperture 14 on each of the parallel pair of inclined sections 10b may be aligned with at least one aperture 16 on each of the parallel pair of sliding sections 12b as upper arms 12 are translated in direction A so as to adjust the height of resilient pad 18 mounted on horizontal sections 10a.

[0029] Resilient pad 18 is mounted onto the pair of parallel cantilevered sections 12a on a rigid platform 20 slidably mounted onto cantilevered sections 12a by means of sleeves 22. Sleeves 22 slide over and along cantilevered sections 12a so that resilient pad 18 and platform may also be selectively positioned in direction B.

[0030] Thus it may be seen that resilient pad 18 on which a mechanic may rest, for example, his upper torso, when leaning over the engine compartment 24 of a vehicle 26 as may be adjusted in both directions A and B to provide two dimensional adjustment of the position of pad 18 relative to base legs 10. With pad 18 positioned so that horizontal sections 10a of base legs 10 are rolled on casters or wheels 28 under engine compartment 24 so as to bring upper arms 12 into close proximity to the front of vehicle 26, the desired position of pad 18 may be releasably locked into place by inserting, for example, pins or other fasteners into aligned apertures 14 and 16, and by inserting pins or other fastening means through apertures 28 on platform 20 into engagement with apertures formed as arrays of apertures 30 along the upper surfaces of cantilevered sections 12a.

[0031] A selectively elevatable step 32 is slidably mounted onto the pair of parallel upwardly inclined sections 10b. Rigid horizontal platform 34 is rigidly mounted to so as to extend perpendicularly between a parallel pair of hollow sleeves 36. Sleeves 36 are rigidly supported on platform 34 by cross brace members 38. Sleeves 36 may be translated in direction C in snug sliding engagement along inclined sections 10b so as to vertically position step 34 for convenient use of resilient pad 18 by a mechanic once the height of pad 18 has been adjusted to suit the height of the upper opening into engine compartment 24. Thus, whether the vehicle is large or small, and no matter how tall or short the mechanic is, platform 34 may be slid to a convenient elevation and releasably locked into place by the engagement of pins 40 through apertures 42 formed in the sides of sleeves 36 so as to engage a corresponding pair of apertures 14 on upwardly inclined sections 10b.

[0032] In one particular embodiment, not intended to be limiting, base legs 10 may be constructed of thirty-two millimetre square tubing. Included angle &agr; formed between horizontal sections 10a and inclined sections 10b may be approximately eighty degrees. Upper arms 12 may be constructed of twenty-six millimetre square tubing so as to provide an easily adjustable sliding telescopic fit of upper arms 12 into the upwardly inclined sections 10b of base legs 10. Cantilevered sections 12a of upper arms 12 may extend outwardly by forty-six centimetres from the top of sliding sections 12b. Sleeves 22 may be thirty-two millimetre square tubing for an easily adjustable sliding fit over cantilevered sections 12a. Platform 20 may be of any appropriate rigid planar material so as to provide a centre support for resilient pad 18 and so as to provide tool and parts trays on either side of the resilient pad.

[0033] Of wheels 27, the rear wheels, that is, the wheels adjacent upwardly inclined sections 10b, may be releasably lockable for example in the form of conventional locking casters. Pins 40 engaging sleeves 36 with inclined sections 10b may be a pull and turn spring-loaded tension device which may include a six millimetre pin.

[0034] Tray or platform 20 may be translated outwardly along cantilevered sections 12a for example a distance of approximately ten centimetres so as to extend the effective length of the cantilevered support of resilient pad 18 from forty-six centimetres to fifty-six centimetres. Apertures 14 may be eight millimetre holes.

[0035] Horizontal sections 10a of base legs 10 may also be thirty-two millimetre square tubing, for example fourteen gauge, and may be eighty-eight centimetres long supporting eighty centimetre long inclined sections 10b.

[0036] Platform 34 may be sixteen gauge, and may be formed as a rectangle having sixty-one centimetres in length and fifteen centimetres in width. The sides of platform 34 may be downwardly bent a distance of twenty-six millimetres and each end of platform 34 may be upwardly bent a distance of fifteen centimetres. The upwardly bent ends of step 32 at the ends of platform 34 are rigidly mounted to the inner sides of the pair of parallel sleeves 36, which themselves may be thirty centimetres long and of fourteen gauge square tubing. Of note is that the step 32 assembly provides the lateral stability to the lower end of the entire structure, that is, to the pair of base legs 10. Advantageously, this embodiment provides for adjustment of platform 34 to a height of forty-five centimetres.

[0037] Cross bracing members 38 may be twelve gauge, twenty-five millimetre wide by forty-five centimetre long flat iron bars.

[0038] Upper arms 12 may also be of fourteen gauge square tubing and may include an eighty degree bend between sliding sections 12b and cantilevered sections 12a.

[0039] The height of platform 20 in this embodiment may be adjusted from a deck height of eighty-seven centimetres upwardly to a maximum deck height of one hundred thirty-eight centimetres. Sleeves 22 may be thirty centimetres long. Platform 20 may be formed as a rectangle eighty-one centimetres long by thirty centimetres wide, for example constructed of sixteen gauge sheet metal having folded ends and sides, the corners welded. Resilient pad 18 may be mounted on a rigid pad support 44 constructed of folded sixteen gauge sheet metal measuring thirty centimetres by thirty centimetres in plan form and having a top surface inclined at a six degree angle relative to platform 20 so as to support thereon a vinyl or leather covered sheet of fifty-one millimetre thick foam.

[0040] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the foregoing disclosure, many alterations and modifications are possible in the practice of this invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be construed in accordance with the substance defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A mechanic support device comprising:

a) a rigid, parallel pair of base legs having horizontal lower portions and upwardly inclined upper portions,

b) a pair of upper arms telescopically mounted in upper ends of said upper portions of said pair of base legs,

c) a rigid step slidably mounted to, so as to extend between for substantially vertical sliding over said upper portions of said pair of base legs,

d) a rigid tray having a resilient pad mounted thereon and slidably mounted on said pair of upper arms, wherein said pair of upper arms include lower sliding sections in said telescopic mounting in said upper ends of said upper portions of said pair of base legs, and upper cantilevered sections extending cantilevered over, substantially vertically aligned with, said lower portions of said pair of base legs,

wherein said tray is slidably mounted, so as to slide cantilevered outwardly on, said upper cantilevered sections of said pair of upper arms,

first releasable locking means for releasably locking said step in an elevated position along said upper portions, and second releasable locking means for releasably locking said pair of upper arms in a telescoped position out of said pair of base legs.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said step is the only cross-bracing support extending between said pair of base legs.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said step includes a rigid horizontal platform rigidly mounted at opposite ends thereof to a first pair of collars snugly slidably journalled over said upper portions of said pair of base legs.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein each base leg of said pair of base legs is substantially L-shaped.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein each upper arm of said pair of upper arms is generally L-shaped and generally an inverted L-shape when mounted in said pair of base legs.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein said lower portions are substantially parallel to said upper cantilevered sections.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein said tray has a rigid platform extending between said pair of upper arms, and wherein said tray includes a parallel second pair of collars mounted to an underside of said platform, sized for snug sliding engagement over said upper cantilevered sections.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein said first and second pairs of collars, said pair of upper arms and said pair of base legs are each uniformly non-circular in cross section whereby said second pair of upper arms by reason of the snug fit of their non-circular cross section onto the uniformly non-circular cross section of said pair of upper arms provide for lateral cross-bearing of the pair of upper arms.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein said non-circular cross section is square.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said first and second pairs of collars, said pair of upper arms and said pair of base legs are square tubing.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said upper portions form an included angle of substantially eighty degrees with said lower portions.

12. The device of claim 11 further comprising wheels rotatably mounted to opposite ends of said lower portion of said pair of base legs.