Over-head creeper

Abstract

An over-head creeper configured to allow a user to more easily reach into and work on an engine compartment or on other equipment and machines. The over-head creeper comprises a base section, a platform section and a support section disposed therebetween. The base section has a pair of elongated base members, a base cross-member and a plurality of wheels. The support section has a pair of generally upright support posts secured to the base section, extension members slidably disposed therein and a securing mechanism to secure the height of the extension member. A plurality of cross-members provides access to the platform section. The platform section has a frame attached to the extension members and a padded member on top of the frame. The over-head creeper can be provided with brace members, pivoting tray, hoist mechanism and side rails to improve functionality and safety thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/553,862 filed Mar. 16, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The field of the present invention relates generally to apparatuses used for repairing trucks, automobiles and other vehicles or other equipment requiring special access thereto. More particularly, this invention relates to over-head creepers configured to allow the user to work above the engine compartment of a vehicle or above other equipment while laying in a supported, lying face down position to facilitate improved access to the engine compartment or equipment. Even more particularly, this invention relates to such creepers having an adjustable, elevated platform supported above a base component configured to safely support the use of the over-head creeper.

B. Background

As is well known in the field of automobile repair, access to the engine compartment of most vehicles requires the mechanic, whether a professional mechanic or a non-professional repair person, repairing the vehicle to lean over the side of the vehicle and reach into the engine compartment. Due to the size or configuration of many vehicles, repairs in the engine compartment requires the mechanic to stand on a stool or other device to be able to have full access to the engine compartment. The size of many engine compartments also requires the mechanic to substantially reach over into the engine compartment to access various engine components. As is also well known, often the repairs made by mechanics requires removal and repair or replacement of engine components, many of which are relatively heavy to lift. Due to the nature of some repairs, the mechanic may find himself or herself leaning over the engine compartment for extended periods of time. The constant leaning, reaching and lifting/moving of engine components and tools is known to result in back and knee strain, which can be quite painful.

The problems associated with working on engine compartments is particularly evident when it is necessary for the mechanic to make repairs to the engine compartment of larger sized vehicles, such as the commonly available larger size trucks and sport utility vehicles. As is well known, the size of many of these vehicles substantially increases the difficulty for the mechanic in obtaining the proper or most beneficial positioning so as to have safe and effective access to the necessary engine components. Besides having to lean over the side of the vehicle to access the engine, the mechanic is often faced with the undesirable task of essentially laying on top of the engine to reach certain components while he or she utilizes tools to repair or remove the component. In addition to being uncomfortable, this positioning can be potentially dangerous to the mechanic and harmful to the engine components.

Creepers for assisting a mechanic's access to the engine compartment of a vehicle have been in use for many years. The typical creeper allows the mechanic to slide or roll under the vehicle to access the engine from below. These creepers provide only limited access to much of the engine compartment. More recently, creepers with an elevated platform have become available to facilitate access to a vehicle's engine compartment from above. In general, these over-head creepers have a lower section configured to allow movement of the creeper under the side or front of the vehicle and an upper section supported by the lower section and configured to allow the mechanic to lie down on the elevated platform and reach into the engine compartment. An example of such a creeper is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,392 to Hansen. This patent describes a height adjustable creeper apparatus having a moveable base, support post, extension member and an elevated platform, which is cantilevered from the extension member. In the disclosed embodiment, the apparatus utilizes a single support post and a generally rectangular platform. Another example of an over-head creeper is set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,146 to Reese. This patent describes a creeper apparatus having a moveable base, a support post connecting the base to an elevated platform and a device for extending or retracting the platform. In the described embodiment, the apparatus has a hydraulic cylinder positioned in front of the support post to move the platform. The apparatus can be provided with a platform having a body section and a chest section. Although these patents and other apparatuses generally describe creepers allowing access from above an engine compartment or other equipment, certain limitations have prevented their full acceptance. For instance, the known over-head creepers have problems with not providing a comfortably secure cantilever platform, such that it does not rock or pivot on the support post during use. In addition, some of the known over-head creepers have limited access to the vehicle engine compartment from the front or side of the vehicle due to the configuration of the base and platform support sections of the over-head creeper. Another limitation of some over-head creepers is that the platform section raises and lowers in a somewhat pivot fashion, resulting in the platform being somewhat non-parallel relative to the ground.

What is needed is an over-head creeper that solves the problems and provides the benefits described above. The preferred over-head creeper should be configured to provide a secure, stable platform for the mechanic as he or she lays above the engine compartment of a vehicle and provide the mechanic with the desired access to the engine components. The preferred over-head creeper should be adjustable in height and be configured to allow access to the vehicle engine compartment from the front and sides of the vehicle. The desired over-head creeper should also be suitably configured to allow a repair person to lean over and repair other types of equipment or machinery, such as satellites and air conditioners, where it is necessary to access part of the equipment that is hard to reach without climbing on or touching other parts of the equipment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The over-head creeper of the present invention provides the benefits and solves the problems identified above. That is to say, the present invention discloses an over-head creeper that is configured to allow a mechanic or other person to access a vehicle's engine compartment or other equipment and machinery from above while laying in substantially a horizontal position so as to increase access to the engine components or other equipment/machinery without undue strain on the mechanic's back and other body parts and without contacting the engine or equipment/machinery. The over-head creeper of the present invention is particularly configured to substantially reduce or eliminate pivoting or other movement of the platform while providing an open interior cavity to allow access to the engine compartment from either the front or side of the vehicle. The over-head creeper of the present invention is configured to allow relatively easy vertical adjustment of the elevated platform so as to allow the user to effectively and safely access the engine compartment of different sized vehicles. The over-head creeper of the present invention can also be utilized for over-head access to other equipment or machinery, including satellites and air conditioners, where access is required for repairs or other work without climbing on or otherwise contacting components of the equipment or machinery.

In one general aspect of the present invention, the over-head creeper of the present invention includes a base section, support section and platform section. The base section has a pair of elongated base members, at least one base cross-member interconnecting the base members and a plurality of wheels mounted to the base members. Preferably, the wheels are of the type that swivel and which can be locked to prevent movement of the over-head creeper. The support section has a pair of generally vertically disposed support posts, an extension member slidably disposed inside an upper end of each of the support posts, a securing means for securing the vertical position of each of the extension members relative to the support posts and one or more ladder cross-members interconnecting the support posts. The lower end of each of the support posts is connected to the base section. The extension members are configured to extend generally upwardly from the upper end of the support posts. The platform section has a platform frame with a first end and a second end. The first end of the platform frame is attached to the upper end of the extension members and the second end of the platform frame extends outwardly and generally horizontally from the support section above the base section. The platform section has a padded member that is disposed on top of the platform frame or made integral therewith. The padded member is configured to be narrower at the second end of the platform frame than at the first end of the platform frame to allow the user to more freely move his or her arms while working from the over-head creeper. A pair of convexly configured support braces member interconnect the support posts and the base members to provide additional lateral and torsional support to the over-head creeper of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the over-head creeper comprises one or more side rails that are attached to the platform frame and configured to reduce the likelihood a user will roll off the side of the platform section. The preferred embodiment also includes a resistance/lifting member that interconnects the platform section with either the support section or the base section and which is configured to generally support the platform section above the support posts when the securing means is unsecured (i.e., so that the platform section does not just drop down). The preferred embodiment also includes a tray that is pivotally attached to the second end of the platform frame and configured for supporting tools or materials thereon that may be useful for working from the over-head creeper. In one embodiment, the tray is magnetized. In another embodiment, the over-head creeper includes a hoisting mechanism that is attached at or near the first end of the platform and configured for raising and lowering heavy objects, such as engine heads and valve covers, from the second end of the platform.

Accordingly, the primary objective of the present invention is to provide an over-head creeper apparatus that provides the advantages discussed above and that overcomes the disadvantages and limitations associated with presently available over-head creepers.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide an effective and economic over-head creeper that allows a mechanic or other person to access an engine compartment or other equipment from above while lying in a supported, generally horizontal position.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide an over-head creeper that essentially eliminates or substantially reduces undesirable pivotal or other movement of the elevated platform during use of the over-head creeper.

It is also an important objective of the present invention to provide an over-head creeper that is configured to allow relatively easy height adjustment of the elevated platform.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an over-head creeper that is configured to allow substantial access to a vehicle's engine compartment from the front or side of the vehicle without interference with the over-head creeper.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an over-head creeper that has a generally rectangular, ladder-shaped support section that supports the platform in a cantilever fashion and that has a hoist for lifting heavy engine components, a pivotal tool tray for holding tools and side rails to reduce the likelihood of the mechanic rolling off of raised platform.

The above and other objectives of the present invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to the attached figures and the description of the preferred embodiment which follows. As set forth herein, the present invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, mode of operation and combination of processes presently described and understood by the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings which illustrate the preferred embodiments and the best modes presently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a side view of an over-head creeper configured according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in position over a vehicle;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an over-head creeper of a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a back view of the over-head creeper of a preferred embodiment of the present invention particularly illustrating the support posts and ladder components thereof;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the over-head creeper of the present invention particularly showing the platform and an optional tool and parts tray;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an over-head creeper configured according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrating use of a gas spring device to assist in raising and lowering the platform section thereof and side rails to help prevent the mechanic from rolling off the platform; and

FIG. 6 is a back view of the platform section illustrating the placement of the side rails thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to the figures where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate the reader's understanding of the present invention, and particularly with reference to the embodiments of the over-head creeper of the present invention illustrated in the figures, various preferred embodiments of the present invention are set forth below. The enclosed description and drawings are merely illustrative of preferred embodiments and represent several different ways of configuring the present invention. Although specific components, materials, configurations and uses of the present invention are illustrated and set forth in this disclosure, it should be understood that a number of variations to the components and to the configuration of those components described herein and in the accompanying figures can be made without changing the scope and function of the invention set forth herein.

An over-head creeper that is manufactured out of the components and configured pursuant to the concepts and principles of the present invention is shown generally as 10 in the figures. As shown in FIG. 1, over-head creeper 10 can be used in conjunction with a vehicle 12 to allow access to the engine compartment 14 from above without having to lean over and lay against the side or front of vehicle 12. Use of over-head creeper 10 of the present invention reduces the likelihood of incidental damage to the front end 16 of vehicle 12 or to the various components in engine compartment 14. In FIG. 1, over-head creeper 10 is shown accessing engine compartment 14 from the front end 16 of vehicle 12, shown with hood 18 raised. As set forth below, over-head creeper 10 is also configured to alternatively access engine compartment 14 from the side of vehicle 12, as may be necessary or desired by the user. Over-head creeper 10 of the present invention generally comprises moveable base section 20, adjustable support section 22 and elevated platform section 24, which are cooperatively configured to allow the user to safely and effectively access engine compartment 14 of vehicle 12 without laying on or across vehicle 12 and without undue back, knee and muscle strain.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, moveable base section 20 of over-head creeper 10 comprises elongated base members 26, comprising first base member 26a and second base member 26b each having a first end 28 and second end 30, a base cross-member 32 and four wheels 34, one at the first end 28 and second end 30 of each base member 26. In the preferred embodiment, first base member 26a and second base member 26b are configured to be substantially the same (i.e., a pair) and form a frame in which the pair of base members 26 are disposed generally parallel to each other and base cross-member 32 interconnects the pair of base members 26, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. Preferably, elongated base members 26 and base cross-member 32 are made out of metal or other generally strong and sturdy material. In one embodiment, base members 26 and base cross-member 32 are made out of a tubular steel or aluminum material. The width of base section 20 between base members 26 should be sufficient to provide a stable base so as to safely support over-head creeper 10 and fit around the biggest of tires 36 from the side of vehicle 12, yet be sized to fit between a pair of tires 36 from the front end 16 of vehicle 12. The inventor has found that an over-head creeper 10 having a base section 20 with a width of approximately forty-two inches is generally suitable for most uses. Wheels 34 are mounted onto base members 26 and are preferably of the type that allows relatively easy movement of over-head creeper 10 to and from vehicle 12. Preferably wheels 34 are of the type, such as swivel, that are configured to be locked in place when necessary or desired to immobilize over-head creeper 10 (such as when it is in use and a user will be laying on platform section 24). As known to those skilled in the art, swivel caster wheels having locking brake components capable of locking wheels 34 in place, such as four inch sized swivel, top plate caster wheels from the Colson Caster Corporation out of Jonesboro, Ark. are an example of wheels found to be suitable for use with over-head creeper 10 of the present invention. The components for base section 20, including base members 26, base cross-member 32 and wheels 34, should be sized and configured to support the desired weight of over-head creeper 10 and of a mechanic laying thereon. In one configuration of the over-head creeper 10 of the present invention, it is sized and configured to support a weight of at least 350 pounds, with an appropriate safety factor (i.e., 3 to 1).

As shown in the figures, particularly FIGS. 2 and 3, support section 20 of the preferred embodiment of over-head creeper 10 of the present invention is configured in a generally rectangular ladder configuration. In the preferred embodiment, support section 22 comprises a pair of generally vertically disposed tubular support posts 38 in which support members 40 are slidably disposed through the open upper ends 42 of support posts 38. Extension members 40 are configured to extend upwardly from upper end 42 of support posts 38 to raise and lower platform section 24 as desired to provide safe and effective access to engine compartment 14 of vehicle 12. In one configuration, the height of platform section 24 of over-head creeper 10 can extend from forty-two inches to sixty-four inches. As known to those skilled in the art, a securing mechanism 43, which can comprise a pair of securing members 44, can be utilized to secure the vertical position of extension members 40 in place relative to support posts 38 so the user may safely lay himself or herself on platform section 24 while accessing engine compartment 14. Support posts 38 can comprise a support hole (not shown) and extension members 40 can comprise a plurality of cooperating extension holes 46 that are configured to receive locking members 44 therein. If desired, locking members 44 can include a pin or other securing mechanism to secure locking members 40 inside support posts 38 and extension members 40. Alternatively, locking mechanism can comprise one or more clamping members or other types of vertical locking systems. The lower ends 48 of support posts 38 are fixedly attached to base cross-member 32 and configured to extend generally upward therefrom. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, support section 22 also includes a plurality of ladder cross-members 50 that are vertically spaced apart and fixedly attached to support posts 38 to form rungs of a ladder for the user to utilize in getting to platform section 24. In one configuration, shown in the figures, over-head creeper 10 utilizes four ladder cross-members 50. Preferably, the upper surfaces of ladder cross-members 50 are formed with a non-slip texture or are coated or covered with a non-slip material to reduce the likelihood of the user slipping thereon. Support posts 38, extension members 40 and ladder cross-members 50 can be made out of metal, such as steel, aluminum or other metals, that are welded together as necessary to accomplish the objectives of the present invention. Alternatively, these components can be made out of various other materials, including composites, plastics and fiberglass, that are joined together as may be appropriate for the particular materials.

In the preferred embodiment, shown in the figures, support section 22 also includes a pair of support brace members 52, each of which interconnect one of support posts 38 and one of base members 26, to provide additional lateral and torsional support for over-head creeper 10 of the present invention. Preferably, support brace members 52 are convexly configured so as to slightly to somewhat bow outward toward base members 26, as best shown in FIG. 3, so that they will not interfere with positioning over-head creeper 10 around tires 36 of vehicle 12. Also in the preferred embodiment, over-head creeper 10 comprises one or more resistance/lifting members 53, such as the gas spring shown in FIG. 5, having a top end 53a and a bottom end 53b. In this configuration, resistance member 53 interconnects platform section 24 with either of said support section 22 or said base section 20. Alternatively, although not shown, one or more gas springs 53 can be positioned inside support posts 38 and be configured to cooperatively engage extension members 40 so as to support most of the load of extension members 40 and platform section 24 while adjusting the height of platform section 24. Preferably, gas springs 53 are configured to support extension members 40 and platform section 24 when securing mechanism 43 is unsecured (i.e., locking members 44 are removed) such that platform section 24 will remain substantially in the same horizontal position (i.e., so as to not lower due to the force of gravity). In this manner, the user can adjust the height of platform section 24 without requiring substantial effort on his or her part to raise or lower platform section 24. Although the foregoing primarily references the use of a gas spring mechanism, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that a variety of different types of resistance mechanisms can be utilized, including mechanical spring, pneumatic and hydraulic devices.

As shown in the figures, platform section 24 is connected to the upper end of extension members 40 and extends in a generally outwardly or cantilever configuration from extension members 40 so the user may lay in a generally horizontal, laying face down position above engine compartment 14. In one configuration, shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, platform section 24 comprises a platform frame 54 having elongated frame members 56 supported by platform brace members 58. In this configuration, platform frame 54 has a cap member 60 at first end 62 that is configured to receive the upper end of extension members 40. Preferably, cap member 60 is fixedly attached, such as by bolting, welding or other means, to extension members 40. In a preferred configuration, shown in FIG. 5, platform section 24 has a platform frame member 56 sufficiently sized and configured such that platform brace members 58 are not required. In this configuration, the first end 62 of platform frame 54 is configured with an insert portion 63 in which the upper ends of extension members 40 are received and securely attached using one or more connectors, such as screws, bolts or rivets, by welding or other appropriate connection mechanism. In either configuration, platform frame 54 can be manufactured out of a variety of metal or other materials, including steel or aluminum, that are or can be configured to safely support the weight of the typical user of over-head creeper 10.

To make over-head creeper 10 more comfortable, and therefore more effective, platform section 24 includes a padded member 64 which is fixedly attached to platform frame 54, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and extends generally from first end 62 to second end 66 of support section 24. As known to those skilled in the art, padded member 64 can be made out of a variety of materials, including leather, plastic, cloth and the like, that is either sufficiently padded itself or which covers other padded materials. In addition, padded member 64 can be made integral with platform frame 54. In a preferred embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 2, the distal end of padded member 64 extends beyond the end of platform frame 54. To facilitate the user's utilization of over-head creeper 10, it is preferred that the second end 66 of platform section 24 be configured to be narrower than the first end 62 thereof, as best shown in FIG. 4. In this type of configuration, the majority of the user's body rests on the wide section of the padded member 64 and the user's upper chest area rests on the narrow section of padded member 64 so the user's arms can move more freely to reach and manipulate components inside engine compartment 14. In one configuration, the wider body section is eighteen inches wide and the narrow chest section is nine inches wide.

To improve the functionality of over-head creeper 10, it preferably includes a tool and component tray 68 that is pivotally attached to platform frame 54 by tray support member 70, as shown in FIG. 4. In the preferred embodiment, tool and component tray 68 is shaped and configured to hold various tools and components that may be needed in the repair of the vehicle's engine for which access to engine compartment 14 is desired. Also in the preferred embodiment, tool and component tray 68 attaches near first end 62 of platform section 24. During use, the user of over-head creeper 10 can pivot tool and compartment tray 68 from one side of platform section 24 to the other side for the user's convenience. In a preferred embodiment, tool and component tray 68 is at least partially magnetized to reduce the likelihood that tools and other materials (i.e., screws, bolts and etc.) will fall off of tray 68 into the engine compartment 14 where such materials could damage the engine. To further improve the functionality of over-head creeper 10, the preferred embodiment includes a hoist or winch mechanism 72 located at or near first end 62 that is configured for raising and lowering heavy objects, such as engine heads and manifolds, from the second end 66 above engine compartment 14 so as to further reduce the possibility of muscle strain to the user. Hoist mechanism 72 is operated by handle 74 that is configured to raise and lower the distal end of hoist cable 76. A hoist support member 78, shown in FIG. 3, provides support for hoist mechanism 72. As known to those skilled in the art, hoist mechanism 72 can be positioned elsewhere on over-head creeper 10 and be electrically, pneumatically or hydraulically controlled instead of the manual system shown. In addition, hoist mechanism 72 can be configured for remote operation. To improve the safety of over-head creeper 10 of the present invention, the platform section 24 includes a side rail 80 on both sides of platform frame 54, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The side rails 80 are configured to reduce the likelihood that the user may roll off the outside edges of platform frame 54 or padded member 64. In one configuration, shown in FIG. 6, a side rail 80 is used on each side of platform section 24 and a portion of the side rail 80 is disposed between padded member 64 and platform frame 54. The remaining portion of the side rail 80 extends in a generally upward direction above padded member 64.

In use, over-head creeper 10 is pushed on wheels 34 so that it is positioned at the front end 16 or side of vehicle 12 as desired by the user to facilitate safe and effective access to engine compartment 14. Naturally, if the engine compartment 14 is located at the rear of vehicle 12, then over-head creeper 10 will be utilized at the rear of vehicle 12. From the side, the elongated base members 26 of base section 20 are spaced sufficiently apart that they can straddle either side of tires 36, but narrow enough to fit between the tires 36 from the front end 16 or rear end (not shown) of vehicle 12. The height of raised platform section 24 is adjusted to the desired level by raising extension members 40 inside support posts 38 and over-head creeper 10 is pushed up near vehicle 10 so the platform section 24 is properly placed over engine compartment 14. The substantially open interior cavity formed by the various components of the present invention allows the user to more advantageously get above engine compartment 14 and reach the components located therein. The user then ascends ladder cross-members 50 to place himself or herself on top of padded member 64 so that he or she may lay in a generally horizontal position above engine compartment 14 and reach the components therein as necessary. The use of a pair of vertical support posts 38 and extension members 40 in a somewhat ladder configuration reduces the likelihood of rotational motion about the axis of support section 22 and makes the over-head creeper 10 of the present invention more stable than prior art apparatuses. With the narrower second end 66 of platform section 24, the user can more freely move his or her arms and have improved access to engine compartment 14. As known to those skilled in the art, the components of over-head creeper 10 should be chosen to be substantially corrosion resistant and resistant to materials (such as oil and the like) commonly utilized by vehicle 12 and which may be present during repair operations. Alternatively, the various components of over-head creeper 10 can be selectively coated with appropriate coating materials, such as powder coating, protective coverings, paints and the like, to prevent or reduce the likelihood of corrosion.

While there are shown and described herein certain specific alternative forms of the invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention is not so limited, but is susceptible to various modifications and rearrangements in design and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, it should be noted that the present invention is subject to modification with regard to the dimensional relationships set forth herein and modifications in assembly, materials, size, shape, and use. For instance, there are numerous components described herein that can be replaced with equivalent functioning components to accomplish the objectives of the present invention.

Claims

1. An over-head creeper, comprising:

a base section having two or more elongated base members, a base cross-member interconnecting said base members and a plurality of wheels mounted to said base members;

a support section having two vertically disposed support posts, an extension member slidably disposed inside an upper end of each of said support posts, a securing means for securing the vertical position of each of said extension members relative to said support posts, and one or more ladder cross-members interconnecting said support posts, a lower end of each of said support posts connected to said base section, said extension members configured to extend generally upwardly from said upper end of said support posts; and

a platform section having a platform frame with a first end and a second end, said first end of said platform frame attached to an upper end of said extension members, said platform frame extending generally horizontally outward from said support section above said base section.

2. The over-head creeper according to claim 1, wherein said wheels are configured to swivel when moved and be locked in place when said over-head creeper is in use.

3. The over-head creeper according to claim 1 further comprising at least one convexly configured support brace member interconnecting one of said support posts and one of said base members.

4. The over-head creeper according to claim 1, wherein said platform section further comprises one or more side rails attached to said platform frame.

5. The over-head creeper according to claim 1 further comprising a resistance member interconnecting said platform section with either of said support section or said base section, said resistance member configured to generally support said platform section above said support posts when said securing means is unsecured.

6. The over-head creeper according to claim 1 further comprising a padded member disposed on top of said platform frame.

7. The over-head creeper according to claim 6, wherein said padded member is configured to be narrower at said second end of said platform frame than at said first end of said platform frame.

8. The over-head creeper according to claim 1 further comprising a cap member at said first end of said platform frame, said cap member configured to received said upper end of said extension member therein and attached thereto.

9. The over-head creeper according to claim 1 further comprising a tray pivotally attached to said second end of said platform frame.

10. The over-head creeper according to claim 1 further comprising a hoist means attached at or near said second end of said platform frame for raising and lowering heavy objects.

11. An over-head creeper, comprising:

a base section having a pair of elongated base members, a base cross-member interconnecting said base members and a plurality of wheels mounted to said base members;

a support section having a pair of vertically disposed support posts, an extension member slidably disposed inside an upper end of each of said support posts, a securing means for securing the vertical position of each of said extension members relative to said support posts, and one or more ladder cross-members interconnecting said support posts, a lower end of each of said support posts connected to said base section, said extension members configured to extend generally upwardly from said upper end of said support posts;

a platform section having a platform frame with a first end and a second end, said first end of said platform frame attached to an upper end of said extension members, said platform frame extending generally horizontally outward from said support section above said base section; and

a padded member disposed on top of said platform frame.

12. The over-head creeper according to claim 11 further comprising at least one convexly configured support brace member interconnecting one of said support posts and one of said base members.

13. The over-head creeper according to claim 12, wherein said platform section further comprises one or more side rails attached to said platform frame.

14. The over-head creeper according to claim 11 further comprising a resistance member interconnecting said platform section with either of said support section or said base section said resistance member configured to generally support said platform section above said support posts when said securing means is unsecured.

15. The over-head creeper according to claim 11, wherein said padded member is configured to be narrower at said second end of said platform frame than at said first end of said platform frame.

16. The over-head creeper according to claim 11 further comprising a tray pivotally attached to said second end of said platform frame.

17. The over-head creeper according to claim 11 further comprising a hoist means attached at or near said second end of said platform frame for raising and lowering heavy objects.

18. An over-head creeper, comprising:

a base section having a pair of elongated base members, a base cross-member interconnecting said base members and a plurality of wheels mounted to said base members;

a support section having a pair of vertically disposed support posts, an extension member slidably disposed inside an upper end of each of said support posts, a securing means for securing the vertical position of each of said extension members relative to said support posts, and one or more ladder cross-members interconnecting said support posts, a lower end of each of said support posts connected to said base section, said extension members configured to extend generally upwardly from said upper end of said support posts;

a platform section having a platform frame with a first end and a second end, said first end of said platform frame attached to an upper end of said extension members, said platform frame extending generally horizontally outward from said support section above said base section;

a padded member disposed on top of said platform frame, said padded member is configured to be narrower at said second end of said platform frame than at said first end of said platform frame;

at least one generally convexly configured support brace member interconnecting one of said support posts and one of said base members; and

a tray pivotally attached to said second end of said platform frame.

19. The over-head creeper according to claim 18 further comprising a resistance member interconnecting said platform section with either of said support section or said base section said resistance member configured to generally support said platform section above said support posts when said securing means is unsecured.

20. The over-head creeper according to claim 18 further comprising a hoist means attached at or near said second end of said platform frame for raising and lowering heavy objects.