Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
218 words
A foldable creeper device for supporting a person near a supporting surface comprising: (a) a first portion defining a first upper surface and a first lower surface; (b) first caster means attached to the first lower surface to allow the first portion to be easily moved over the supporting surface; (c) a second portion defining a second upper surface and a second lower surface; (d) second caster means attached to the second lower surface; (e) hinge means pivotally attaching the second portion to the first portion such that in a first, extended position the second portion is adjacent to the first portion, such that the first and second upper surfaces are generally coplanar and form a surface for supporting the person, and in a second, folded position one portion is above the other portion such that the first and second upper surfaces face each other; (f) a headrest attached to the second upper surface of the second portion; (g) a seat; and, (h) attachment means attaching the seat to the second lower surface of the second portion such that the seat is normally in a folded position when the first and second portions are in their first extended positions and is movable to an extended position when the first and second portions are in their second, folded position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
218 words
A foldable creeper device for supporting a person near a supporting surface comprising: (a) a first portion defining a first upper surface and a first lower surface; (b) first caster means attached to the first lower surface to allow the first portion to be easily moved over the supporting surface; (c) a second portion defining a second upper surface and a second lower surface; (d) second caster means attached to the second lower surface; (e) hinge means pivotally attaching the second portion to the first portion such that in a first, extended position the second portion is adjacent to the first portion, such that the first and second upper surfaces are generally coplanar and form a surface for supporting the person, and in a second, folded position one portion is above the other portion such that the first and second upper surfaces face each other; (f) a headrest attached to the second upper surface of the second portion; (g) a seat; and, (h) attachment means attaching the seat to the second lower surface of the second portion such that the seat is normally in a folded position when the first and second portions are in their first extended positions and is movable to an extended position when the first and second portions are in their second, folded position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 1 wherein the hinge means defines a pivot axis that extends laterally across the creeper.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
61 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 2 wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of parallel links, each link having one end pivotally attrached to the lower surface of the second portion and the other end pivotally attached to the seat such that the seat remains generally parallel to the second portion throughout its movement between the folded and extended positions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 3 further comprising locking means to lock the first and second portions in the first, extended position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 4 wherein the first and second portions define coaxially aligned holes and wherein the locking means comprises a pin insertable into the holes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 4 further comprising latching means to latch the first and second portions in their second, folded positions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 6 further comprising handle means to facilitate carrying the device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 2 wherein the first and second upper surfaces are concavely curved about a longitudinal axis of the device.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
61 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 8 wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of parallel links, each link having one end pivotally attached to the lower surface of the second portion and the other end pivotally attached to the seat such that the seat remains generally parallel to the second portion throughout its movement between the folded and extended positions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 9 further comprising locking means to lock the first and second portions in the first, extended position.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 10 wherein the first and second portions define coaxially aligned holes and wherein the locking means comprises a pin insertable into the holes.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
23 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 10 further comprising latching means to latch the first and second portions in their second, folded positions.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 12 further comprising handle means to facilitate carrying the device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 2 wherein the first and second upper surfaces each lie in a flat plane.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
61 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 14 wherein the attachment means comprises a plurality of parallel links, each link having one end pivotally attached to the lower surface of the second portion and the other end pivotally attached to the seat such that the seat remains generally parallel to the second portion throughout its movement between the folded and extended positions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 15 further comprising locking means to lock the first and second portions in the first, extended position.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 16 wherein the first and second portions define coaxially aligned holes and wherein the locking means comprises a pin insertable into the holes.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 17 further comprising latching means to latch the first and second portions in their second, folded positions.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The foldable creeper device of claim 18 further comprising handle means to facilitate carrying the device.