EP1963055A1

EP1963055A1 - Support device

Info

Publication number: EP1963055A1
Application number: EP06808483A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robert Neil Kinna
Original assignee: Kinnavations Ltd
Current assignee: Kinnavations Ltd
Priority date: 2005-12-06
Filing date: 2006-11-10
Publication date: 2008-09-03
Also published as: GB2441110A8; WO2007066067A1; GB0524824D0; GB0617482D0; GB2441110A

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting the upper body of a user, the apparatus comprising a frame having an upper and lower portion, the lower portion arranged to support the apparatus on the ground; and a support pad supported on the upper portion of the frame; wherein the frame and support pad are arranged to allow the user to rest their upper torso on the support pad and have both feet on the ground.

Description

SUPPORT DEVICE

The present invention is directed towards a support device for supporting a person during a manual task. The invention is particularly concerned with a support device designed to support a mechanic's torso above a vehicle engine whilst leaning over to work on the engine.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in relation to a mechanic working on a vehicle engine, it will be understood that the invention relates to a device that may be used in any situation where a person is required to lean over in order to carry out a task.

When working on various parts of an engine in a vehicle, such as a car, a mechanic often has to lean over the engine in order to reach components located towards the rear of the engine. This can put a strain on the mechanic's body, especially on the back. This can cause the mechanic to quickly become fatigued. Prolonged back strain can also lead to permanent damage to the back.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device to provide support to a mechanic when carrying out his daily duties. The device should not only help to avoid strain to the back, but also allow a mechanic to have both hands free in order to carry out his work.

US patent number 2,957,541 discloses an early form of support for a mechanic. The invention provides a frame, with a platform secured to it by means of a chain on which a mechanic can kneel on in order to lean over and work on a vehicle engine. The device provides no means of supporting the mechanic's back when leaning over, neither does it feature any form of sustaining base for contact with the ground to support the device when in use. US patent number 4,072,209 describes a mechanic's stand which supports the back of a mechanic when leaning over to work on a vehicle. The invention provides a frame with a chest support. The mechanic must stand on the step at the base of the frame and lean over onto the chest support. Standing on the actual frame of the device limits mobility of the mechanic when performing his duties. A mechanic would not be able to move around freely for risk of falling off the device, or toppling over. This is also the problem faced by users of the devices disclosed in US patent numbers 4,397,374 and 4,530,419. Both devices require a mechanic to stand on a base of the support device whilst leaning onto the chest pad to work on an engine. Both of these devices are also cumbersome and do not store away easily. In the latter device, the support pad extends away from the base of the support, thus making it particularly liable to topple over, which could result in serious injury to a person using such a device.

US patent number 4,727,958 concerns a mechanic's body support device of a single telescopic pole design. The mechanic is required to place his knees on the lower support and lean over and rest his chest on the upper chest support. This would be particularly uncomfortable, as the weight of the person would be supported by the knee joints. This device would not be suitable for use over a long period of time. In addition, the mobility of the user is limited when in a kneeling position.

A similar problem exists with the device of US patent number 6,926,365. A mechanic is required to kneel on a cushioned knee pad, leading to the same problems as previously discussed. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved support device, to aid a mechanic whilst leaning over and working on a vehicle. The device should support the mechanic with comfort, while at the same time providing the maximum mobility when using the device.

Accordingly the present invention provides an apparatus for supporting the upper body of a user, the apparatus comprising a frame having an upper and lower portion, the lower portion arranged to support the apparatus on the ground; and a support pad supported on the upper portion of the frame; wherein the frame and support pad are arranged to allow the user to rest their upper torso on the support pad and have both feet on the ground.

The apparatus of the present invention is advantageous in that it allows the user to rest their chest or upper torso on the support pad, while still keeping both feet on the ground. In this way, the user is not required to rest on their knees. In addition, by having the user place their feet on the ground, the device is not reliant upon the weight and position of the user to keep the device upright and in the operating position.

In the apparatus of the present invention there is provided a frame having an upper and lower portion. The lower portion is arranged so as to support the apparatus on the ground. There is also a support pad supported on the upper portion of the frame. The frame and support pad are arranged so as to allow the user to rest their upper torso on the support pad and have both feet on the ground. The frame is manufactured from a suitably strong material so as to be able to support the weight of a human being, such as metal, for example a steel or alloy, or a reinforced composite material. The frame may also be hollow so as to make the device light and easy to manoeuvre. Preferably, the lower part of the frame comprises feet members of the support device to support the apparatus on the ground. For ease of manufacture, the feet members are preferably made from the same material as the frame. The feet members may be an integral part of the frame or may be separate therefrom. The feet members, if separate, are preferably attached to the frame using at least one bracket per foot member. The bracket preferably features a flat base, which allows the feet members to pivot as required, whilst keeping the device flat on the floor. Bracket locking pins, inserted into apertures in the bracket, may be used to secure the feet into the desired position.

The upper portion of the frame is preferably substantially vertical. However, other orientations may be used, according to the work to be performed by the user, provided the device remains stable when resting on the ground and supporting the user.

The frame is preferably in the form of an inverted U-shape, having an upper portion and lower portion. Preferably at least one, more preferably a pair, of support members extend from the upper end of the frame to support the support pad. Preferably the support members are variable in length by means of comprising telescopic sections. The at least one support member may be locked in position by means of suitable locking pins.

In an alternative arrangement, the frame of the apparatus may be in the form of a single post or leg.

Portions of the frame, in particular the upper portion, may be at least partially encased with protective pads so as to prevent scratching of the vehicle being repaired.

The support pad may be fixed with respect to the upper frame portion.

However, it is most preferable that the support pad is pivotably connected to the upper frame portion. The support pad is preferably pivoted to the frame by means of a reversible ratchet, allowing the support pad to be raised upwards in increments to various horizontal or horizontally inclined positions, up to a vertical, or substantially vertical, second position. The ratchet is preferably arranged so that movement of the support pad from a horizontal or inclined position to a vertical position is unhindered. This may be achieved by using the appropriate setting for the reversible ratchet mechanism. An alternative setting of the ratchet allows the support pad to be lowered from the vertical position.

The support pad preferably comprises an internal frame. The surface of the support pad contacting the body of the user preferably comprises a soft layer, such as a layer of cushioning material or the like, to provide additional comfort for the user. The support pad preferably further comprises a wipe clean outer layer. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus also features a storage means for storing tools and the like, so the mechanic does not have to keep stretching to reach for tools, which may also cause damage to the back. Preferably the storage means is provided on the other under side of the support pad.

In a first embodiment of the present invention, there is provided:

a) a substantially planar vertical frame member having an upper and lower end;

b) a pair of feet members pivoted to and extending from the lower end of the frame member, said feet members being adapted to pivot from a first in use horizontal position to a vertical storage position adjacent the frame member; and

c) a chest pad pivoted to and extending from the upper end of the frame member on the same side of the frame member as the feet members, said chest pad being adapted to pivot from a first in use horizontal or horizontally inclined position to a vertical storage position adjacent the frame member, in use, the feet members in the first horizontal, or substantially horizontal position can be placed under the engine of a vehicle whilst supporting the frame member vertically, or substantially vertically and the support pad in the first horizontal, or substantially horizontal position can support a person's chest whilst working above an engine and when not in use, with the feet members and support pad in their second vertical, or substantially vertical, positions, said device being substantially flat for storage. According to a second embodiment of the present invention there is provided a frame having an upper and lower portion. The lower portion is arranged so as to support the apparatus on the ground. On the upper portion of the frame there is a support pad. The support pad is substantially horizontal and allows the user to lean over, with both feet securely on the floor, and rest their upper torso, or part thereof, onto the support pad, thus removing strain from the back, and preventing the mechanic from having contact with the engine, which may be dirty and/or very hot. The lower portion of the frame comprises feet members that are an integral part of the frame. The upper portion of the frame is in the form of an inverted U-shape, and is at least partially encased with protective pads so as to prevent scratching of a vehicle when the apparatus is in use.

In a third embodiment of the present invention there is provided a frame having an upper and lower portion, the lower portion is arranged to support the apparatus on the ground. The lower portion of the frame comprises feet members that are connected to the frame by means of a bracket. There is at least one bracket per foot member. The feet members are secured into the desired position by means of bracket locking pins that fit through apertures in the bracket. The support pad is connected to the upper part of the frame by means of a reversible ratchet. The reversible ratchet is of the variety commonly used amongst mechanics, thus making the deployment of the support device very simply. The support pad, by means of the reversible ratchet, may be placed in any position that is substantially horizontal so as to provide a greater deal of comfort and support for the mechanic. The upper portion of the frame is in the form of an inverted U-shape that is at least partially encased with protective pads so as to prevent scratching of a vehicle when the apparatus is in use. The use of the brackets and reversible ratchet allow the support apparatus to be folded for easy storage.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for supporting the upper body of a user, the apparatus comprising:

a frame having an upper and lower portion, the lower portion arranged to support the apparatus on the ground;

a support pad supported on the upper portion of the frame; and

a reversible ratchet assembly for adjusting the position of the support pad.

The reversible ratchet is preferably of the variety commonly used by mechanics. As noted above, the ratchet preferably has a setting that allows the support pad to be rotated from a horizontal or inclined position to a vertical position without substantial resistance. In this way, the support pad may be easily raised, for example when a vehicle is being raised on a jack or lift, without damaging either the vehicle or the support device.

The frame and support pad are preferably as hereinbefore described. The support pad is connected to the frame by means of the reversible ratchet.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, having reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus whilst in use. Figure 2 is a representation of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus whilst not in use.

The embodiments of the present invention will be described in relation to the use of the apparatus by a mechanic for leaning over vehicle engines. However, it is to be understood that the invention applies to any application where a person is required to lean over in order to carry out a task.

Referring to figure 1, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the support apparatus in use, generally indicated at 1. The apparatus comprises a substantially vertical frame member 2 having upper and lower ends. The frame member 2 is formed from an inverted U-shaped frame 3 having a base

3A and a pair of members 3B and 3C extending from the base. The members

3B and 3C feature protective pads 16A and 16B in order to prevent scratching of the vehicle when the apparatus is in use.

Attached to the lower end of inverted U-shaped frame 3 are feet members 8 and 9. Feet members 8 and 9 are each attached at one end to the frame 3 by means of triangular flat based brackets 6 and 7, and held in the desired position by bracket locking pins 6A and 7A which fit into apertures 6B and 7B formed in the brackets 6 and 7 respectively. The feet members 8 and 9 are attached so as to be pivotable about the brackets 6 and 7 in a substantially vertical plane. Attached to the upper end of frame 2 are supporting members 4A and 4B. Supporting members 4A and 4B feature locking pins 5A and 5B that fit into indexing holes in the members 4A and 4B. A support pad 10 for supporting the upper torso of the user, which may also be referred to as a chest pad when positioned to support the user's chest, comprises a frame 11 and a supporting cushion 12, is secured to the supporting members 4A and 4B by means of reversible ratchet 13. The frame 11 is pivoted to and extends from the upper ends of the support posts 4A and 4B on the same side of the frame member as the feet members 8 and 9. The support pad 10 is adapted to pivot from a first in use horizontal or horizontally inclined position to a vertical storage position. The reversible ratchet allows the support pad 10 to be raised upwards in increments to various horizontal and inclined positions. The ratchet is arranged so that, in one setting, raising the support pad 10 from the horizontal position to the vertical position is unhindered, while reverse movement is prevented, in order to support the weight of the user. Movement of the support pad from the vertical position to the horizontal position is achieved with the ratchet in the opposite setting, as will be well known to a person skilled in the art.

The body contacting side of the internal support pad frame 11 is covered by cushion 12 so as to provide a comfortable layer on which the torso of the mechanic can rest.

In use, the feet 8 and 9 can be placed under the engine of a vehicle while the frame 3 remains substantially vertical. The supporting members 4A and 4B, and the support pad 10 are adjusted so as to be of the correct height that the mechanic can assume a comfortable position for working on the vehicle engine. If the vehicle being worked on should be on a lift and be raised against the support pad 10, the support pad will pivot upwards by means of reversible ratchet 13 allowing the vehicle to clear the support pad without lifting the apparatus off the ground.

Referring to figure 2, there is shown a preferred embodiment of the support apparatus whilst not in use, generally indicated as 1. The feet members 8 and 9 have been pivoted about brackets 6 and 7 so as to be substantially vertical for ease of storage. The feet members 8 and 9 can be secured in this position using bracket locking pins 6A and 7A. The support pad 10 has also been pivoted to a substantially vertical position by means of reversible ratchet 13. This again enables easy storage of the apparatus when it is not in use. The underside of support pad 10 features storage means 14 and 15 in the form of a pouch and a bracket respectively, in which to store any tools the mechanic may require whilst carrying out his duties. All the other features of the apparatus are as described in figure 1.

It will be noted in Figure 2 that the base of the brackets 6 and 7 are flat and the bases support the device on a floor, when the feet members and support pad are in the second position, with the frame members in the vertical position.

It has been found that the apparatus as described can greatly support a mechanic when carrying out his daily duties, making the work more comfortable to carry out and reducing fatigue. The support device can also help to reduce strain on the back and therefore helps to prevent any possible long-term damage to the back of a user.

Further modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for supporting the upper body of a user, the apparatus comprising:

a frame having an upper and lower portion, the lower portion arranged to support the apparatus on the ground; and

a support pad supported on the upper portion of the frame;

wherein the frame and support pad are arranged to allow the user to rest their upper torso on the support pad and have both feet on the ground.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the lower portion of the frame comprises feet members.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the feet members are an integral part of the frame.

4. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the feet members are attached to the frame by at least one bracket per foot member.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the feet members are secured into the desired position by means of bracket locking pins.

6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion of the frame is substantially vertical.

7. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion of the frame is in the form of a single post.

8. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the upper portion of the frame is in the form of an inverted U-shape.

9. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion of the frame is at least partially encased with protective pads.

10.An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the upper portion of the frame further comprises at least one support member to support the support pad.

11.An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the at least one support member is variable in height.

12.An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one support member is variable in height by means comprising telescopic sections.

13.An apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the at least one support member may be locked into position by means of locking pins.

14.An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support pad is secured to the upper frame portion by means of a reversible ratchet.

15.An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support pad comprises an internal frame.

16.An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support pad comprises a soft layer for contacting the body of the user.

17.An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support pad comprises a wipe clean outer layer.

18.An apparatus according to any preceding claim, further comprising a storage means.

19.An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the storage means is on the underside of the support pad.

20.An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the portions of the frame may be folded one against the other.

21.An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the support pad may be folded to lie within or adjacent the frame.

22.An apparatus for supporting the upper body of a user, the apparatus comprising:

a support pad supported on the upper portion of the frame; and a reversible ratchet assembly for adjusting the position of the support pad.

23.An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the lower portion of the frame comprises feet members.

24.An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the feet members are an integral part of the frame.

25.An apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the feet members are attached to the frame by at least one bracket per foot member.

26.An apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the feet members are secured into the desired position by means of bracket locking pins.

27.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 26, wherein the upper portion of the frame is substantially vertical.

28.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 26, wherein the upper portion of the frame is in the form of a single member.

29.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 27, wherein the upper portion of the frame is in the form of an inverted U-shape.

30.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 29, wherein the upper portion of the frame is at least partially encased with protective pads.

31.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 30, wherein the upper portion of the frame further comprises at least one support member to support the support pad.

32.An apparatus according to claim 31 , wherein the at least one support member is variable in height.

33.An apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the at least one support member is variable in height by means of comprising telescopic sections.

34.An apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the at least one support member may be locked into position by means of locking pins.

35.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 34, wherein the support pad is secured to the upper frame portion by means of the reversible ratchet.

36.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 35, wherein the support pad comprises an internal frame.

37.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 36, wherein the support pad comprises a soft layer for contacting the body of the user.

38.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 37, wherein the support pad comprises a wipe clean outer layer.

39.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 38, further comprising a storage means.

40.An apparatus according to claim 39, wherein the storage means is on the underside of the support pad.

41.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 40, wherein the portions of the frame may be folded one against the other.

42.An apparatus according to claims 22 to 41 , wherein the support pad may be folded to lie within or adjacent the frame.