The present invention relates generally to mortician tables, and in particular, to a powered, adjustable hairstyling trolley particularly adapted for mortuary applications.
There are many preparations that must take place on the body of a deceased person in order to prepare it for viewing and subsequent internment. Along with the embalming process, selection of clothes, selection of jewelry, makeup, and the like, the person's hair must be styled as well. The whole act of washing the hair, drying it, cutting it, and styling it is exceedingly difficult. Great care must be taken in order to produce a look that is both similar to the hairstyle the client had while living as well as provide a natural appearance. This hairstyling process is somewhat difficult due to the horizontal nature of the client and the fact that the mortician must manually manipulate the position of the client during the process.
Various attempts have been made to provide support tables or other structures for use by a mortician. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents including U.S. Pat. No. 2,090,865; U.S. Pat. No. 3,799,534; U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,900; U.S. Pat. No. 4,617,706; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,690. However, none of these designs are similar to the present invention.
While these apparatuses fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such apparatuses do not provide a full range of positional adjustability as necessary for a hairstyling process. Also, many such apparatuses are physical difficult to manipulate. Furthermore, many such apparatuses are not easily or quickly adjustable during the hairstyling process and require the mortician to frequently pause in order to adjust the client. In addition, many such apparatuses do not provide an advantageous arrangement accommodating the various tools and other objects used by the mortician during such a process. Accordingly, there exists a need for a mortuary hairstyling trolley without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need.
In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for mortuary hairstyling trolley which provides simple hands-free adjustment of a client during a hairstyling process as well as quick storage and access for associated tools and objects. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need.
To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to provide a table with features enabling a mortician to secure and adjustably position a deceased person in order to style their hair. The apparatus includes a rectangular upper platform to position the deceased person upon and a scissor mechanism which can lift or angle the upper platform to a desired position.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a neck support which supports the deceased person's neck and thereby elevates their head to facilitate hairstyling. The apparatus also includes a plurality of cushions to protect the body while on the apparatus and a plurality of straps to secure the body to the platform.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide fluid drainage from the platform into a removable tray via a plurality of vents located within the platform. The tray is housed under the platform and can be slidingly removed for cleaning.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to enable transport or securement of the apparatus using a plurality of lockable wheels located along a bottom surface of a lower platform.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide powered lifting and adjustment of the upper platform using the scissor mechanism. The scissor mechanism comprises a plurality of lifting arms in an “X”-shaped orientation which are operated by an electrically powered air compressor.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to securely manipulate the height of the body in a hands-free manner by utilizing a first foot control. The first foot control operates an intermediate actuator via a solenoid bank in order to provide a linear storage against an axle of the scissors mechanism and thereby raise or lower the height of the upper platform.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to securely manipulate the angle of the body in a hands-free manner by utilizing a second foot control. The second foot control operates a pair of distal actuators and devises at a head end of the upper platform, thereby raising or lowering the height of one (1) end of the upper platform and affecting its angle.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide storage and access to a desired plurality of tools or objects during hairstyling using a rotatable table which is selectively deployable at a head end of the apparatus and a storage container which can be housed on an upper surface of the lower platform. The apparatus includes a pair of stabilizing feet which provide additional support to the apparatus when it is in an angled state.
Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of acquiring the apparatus, transporting the apparatus to a desired location, positioning a deceased body on the upper platform and positioning the neck on the neck support, fastening the straps, depressing the first pedal to lift the apparatus to a desired height, allowing air and fluid to flow through the vents and into the tray, storing items on the lower platform or table as necessary, styling the hair to the deceased person as necessary, and depressing the second foot control to angle the apparatus as necessary.
Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.
The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:
The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within
The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
The present invention describes a mortuary hairstyling trolley (herein described as the “apparatus”) 10, which provides a table with enhanced features to enable a hairstylist to style a secured deceased person's hair with ease. The apparatus 10 comprises a rectangular planar upper platform 15 to position the deceased person upon. The deceased may be lifted or angled to a desired position via a scissor mechanism 51 and internal mechanical and electrical components. The apparatus 10 enables a variety of sized deceased persons to be positioned in a desired and convenient position upon said apparatus 10 which further enables the hairstylist to create a more natural-looking hairstyle.
Referring now to
Referring now to
The platform 23 also comprises a plurality of vents 28 providing a means for the fluids to drain into a removable tray 31. The vents 28 are comprised of a plurality of holes through the platform 23 at appropriate diameters. The tray 31 provides a basin for fluids to collect. Access to the tray 31 is located below the footrest 30 which is perpendicular to an upper side of the proximal end 21 on the rear platform surface 23 and provides placement for the deceased person's feet as desired. The tray 21 is removably placed under the platform 23 via a tray aperture 33 located below the footrest 30. The footrest 30 is integrally molded to the platform surface 23 and the walls 22. The fluids are removed from the tray 31 via interconnecting an existing waste hose to a drainage aperture 32. The hose connected to the drainage aperture 31 is routed to a sink or similar disposal device. The drainage aperture 32 is located on a front surface of the tray 31. Positioned between the vents 28 are a plurality of cushions 29 protecting the deceased body while positioned upon the apparatus 10. The cushions 29 are illustrated herein comprising a rectangular form, yet other forms may be provided without limiting the scope of the apparatus 10. The cushions 29 are comprises of a padded fabric adhered to the platform surface 23, yet other materials may be utilized.
The upper platform 15 is interconnected to a lower frame 50 via a pair of devises 58 which also enable the apparatus 10 to be positioned in an angled state (see
Referring now to
An upper level surface of the lower platform 55 may be utilized as an additional storage means to the apparatus 10. The lower platform 55 also creates an area for additional parts of the apparatus 10 to be attached such as a pair of stabilizing feet 65 and a mechanical enclosure 70 (see
A pair of fixed vertical members 52 perpendicular to the lower platform 55 houses distal actuators 53a, 53b which enable the apparatus 10 to be angled to a desired position. The fixed vertical members 52 comprise a hollow rectangular shape which are attached to a distal end of the lower platform 55 via conventional welding techniques or the like and allow for internal routing of connection hoses 76 and electrical wiring 80 to each distal actuator 53a, 53b.
The intermediate actuator 75 is attached to an intermediate portion of the axle 54 with common mechanical fasteners and provides a linear force against said axle 54 to further provide a linear stroke which raises or lowers the lifting arms 51b, 51c simultaneously. The intermediate actuator 75 is partially contained in the mechanical enclosure 70 located below the lower platform 55. The mechanical enclosure 70 houses a compressor 71, a solenoid bank 72, a terminal strip 73, and other necessary items. The hairstylist is able to control the height of the apparatus 10 via a first foot control 77 and the angle of said apparatus 10 via a second foot control 78 which are routed from the mechanical enclosure 70 to a desired location via appropriately gauged electrical wire 80 (also see
As abovementioned, the second foot control 78 manipulates the distal actuators 53a, 53b which are preferably comprised of conventional air actuated cylinders, yet other mechanical devices may be utilized without limiting the functions of the apparatus 10. The distal actuators 53a, 53b raise and lower respectively to the position of the second foot control 78 which enables the upper platform 15 to be angled to a desired position. An upper portion of each distal actuator 53a, 53b is attached to the abovementioned clevis 58 by a clevis pin 59. As the distal actuators 53a, 53b are raised a linear force is exerted on the clevis 58 and concurrently the upper platform 15 which enables the distal surface 20 of said upper platform 15 to raise upwardly to a desired degree.
The wheels 56 are located subjacent to the lower platform 55 at each corner and preferably comprise a conventional locking means which prohibit said wheels 56 from rotating as desired. Each wheel 56 is attached to the underside of the lower platform 55 via a wheel extension 90 which is further attached to said underside via common welding techniques. The wheel extensions 90 are integrally molded to a wheel fork 92 which positions and secures the wheel 56 via an axle 91.
A rotatable table 45 is attached to a rear portion of each fixed vertical member 52 via a table hinge 46. The table hinge 46 preferably comprises a locking feature which would enable the table 45 to be positioned and secured in an upright manner. The table 45 enables a hairstylist to utilize said table 45 for positioning necessary items to subsequent use. The table 45 is fabricated from materials such as, but not limited to: stainless steel, plastic, wood, or the like.
Referring now to
The rod end portions 51d located at bottom end portions each lifting arm 51b, 51c further comprise axially-mounted cylindrical rollers 51h via pins 51j inserted into a respective aperture 51m to allow smooth motioning of said rod end portions 51d within the track 57 and platform support 40.
Referring now to
Referring now to
It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. After initial purchase or acquisition of the apparatus 10, it would be installed as indicated in
The method of utilizing the apparatus 10 may be achieved by performing the following steps: acquiring the apparatus 10; transporting said apparatus 10 via the wheels 56 to a desired location; depressing the first pedal 77 to lower the intermediate actuator 75 and to position said apparatus 10 in a lowered horizontal state; positioning a deceased body on the upper platform 15 upon the cushions 29; enabling the feet of the deceased person to rest upon the footrest 30 as desired; positioning the neck of the deceased person on the neck support 24; fastening the straps 25, 26, 27 around the deceased person which secures the body to the upper platform 15; depressing the first pedal 77 to extend the intermediate actuator 75 and lift the apparatus 10 to a desired height; allowing air and fluid to flow through the vents 28 and into the tray; allowing fluid to drain from the drainage aperture 32 upon the tray 31; storing items on the lower platform 55 or table 45 as necessary; styling the hair to the deceased person as necessary; positioning the apparatus 10 to a lowered horizontal position when finished; removing the tray 31 as desired; unfastening the straps 25, 26, 27; removing the deceased person from the upper platform 15; utilizing the apparatus 10 as necessary; and, utilizing the apparatus 10 to style a deceased persons hair in a manner which is quick, effective, and easy.
The method of angling the apparatus 10 may be achieved by performing the following steps: depressing the second foot control 78 send a signal to the solenoid 72 to concurrently enable air flow from the compressor 71 to be routed to the distal actuators 53a, 53b; angling the apparatus 10 to a desired position; adjusting the stabilizing feet 65 as desired; depressing the second foot control 78 again to lower the distal actuators 53a, 53b as desired; and, angling the apparatus as necessary.
The method of utilizing the storage container 60 may be achieved by performing the following step: placing the storage container 60 on a level desired surface; motioning the lid 61 via the hinges 64 to an open state; filling the interior portion 63 as desired; closing the lid 61; and, utilizing the storage container 60 as desired.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.
The present invention was first described in and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/307,891 filed Feb. 25, 2010, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
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