Patent attributes
A mechanic's creeper (10) includes a pad (12) supported between a plurality of side rails (14) by a plurality of crossbars (15). The side rails (14) are of tear-shaped cross section such that no sharp edges are provided adjacent to the pad (12) held between the side rails (14). The pad (12), side rails (14), and crossbars (15) are held off the ground by a plurality of caster assemblies (20). The caster assemblies (20) are connected only to the bottom surface (16) of the side rails (14) such that no protrusion is created on the top surface (17) of the side rails (14). Specifically, each of the caster assemblies (20) is connected to an associated side rail (14) by a rivet nut (54) that communicates only with the bottom surface (16) of side rail (14). The caster assemblies (20) further include rolling elements (24, 26) and bearing races (32, 34) that allow the caster assemblies (20) to rotate about the axis of a kingpin (42). The kingpin (42) retains the various elements of the caster assemblies (20) in an operative relation. Additionally, the lateral extent of side rails (14) is such that the top race (32) lies wholly within the vertical profile of its associated side rail (14). An improved wheel design for a caster assembly is also provided, wherein the wheel (140) provides a rounded radial surface (160) to lessen the amount of surface area contact between the radial surface (160) and the surface upon which the wheel (140) rests.
