Abstract: A support apparatus 1 for supporting a user in an elevated working position above a ground surface G comprises a frame 60 for supporting a floor portion 20 of the support apparatus and a plurality of leg members 40a, 40b mounted to the frame 60 for supporting the frame above the ground surface G. Each leg member has a foot portion 42 for engaging the ground surface G. Each leg member is rotatably mounted to the frame for rotation about a rotational axis which is substantially perpendicular to the width and the length of the frame and each leg member extends from the frame in a radial direction of the rotational axis, whereby the foot portion is offset from the rotational axis.

Abstract: A wheeled board device with forward and rearward in-line wheel structures attached to a user platform. The forward wheel may have a forward tilt axle or be otherwise direction-biased to permit lean-based turning. The rear wheel may be singular or comprise two tires or the like and be motorized or not. The wheels are preferably large to more readily handle surface irregularities. A self-balancing wheelie mode is disclosed in one embodiment. Other embodiments include placement of the forward tilt axle within or without the envelope of the front wheel. The user platform is below the top of the rear wheel and preferably near the axis of the rear wheel, among other features.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a universal wheel assembly and a suitcase including the universal wheel assembly. The universal wheel assembly includes: a base structure including an upper base and a lower base which form a cavity therebetween; and a wheel bail locked in the cavity in a manner such that the wheel ball is capable of rolling in all directions, wherein a bottom of the lower base is provided with an opening enabling a part of the wheel bail to protrude out of a lower end face of the lower base to form an exposed rolling spherical surface, and an inner diameter of the opening is smaller than a diameter of the wheel ball.

Abstract: An article movement system includes an article and at least one ball wheel. The article has first and second article surfaces meeting at a first article edge. The ball wheel is located along the first article edge and includes a ball, a bearing arrangement and a shell. The ball engages a surface underlying the article, the bearing arrangement supports the ball for omni-directional rotational movement, and the shell is located along the first article edge and contains the ball and the bearing arrangement. The shell defines a non-circular ball opening through which a portion of the ball extends to contact the underlying surface. The article, the bearing arrangement and the shell are configured such that the ball wheel is able to support the article for omni-directional rolling motion over the underlying surface with either of the first and article surfaces parallel thereto, and at any orientation therebetween.

Abstract: A caster including a plurality of rollers and a base including a plurality of openings through which the plurality of rollers protrude. The caster further includes a retainer disposed over the base and the plurality of rollers. The retainer is configured to maintain the position of the rollers protruding through the openings. The caster has at least one attachment surface that includes a double-sided adhesive. The attachment surface thereby adheres the caster to an object to be moved. The ratio of a width of the caster to a height of the castor is greater than 2:1.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes a plurality of rails, a plurality of test zones and a movable test chamber. The test zones are located between the rails. The movable test chamber includes a passageway, at least one heat source and at least one pair of rolling balls. The heat source is used to heat the passageway. The pair of rolling balls is movably contained in two rails, so as to facilitate movement of the passageway to different test zones.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is a hub-less vehicle wheel consisting of a rolling brace (14) inside a spoke-less wheel rim (12) and a two-layered solid tire (10). The outer layer of the solid tire (11) being design for contact with a vehicle road and for protecting the softer inner layer (19) with both Layers being firmly attached to the rim (12). The rolling brace (14) being designed as a support structure that attaches to a standard vehicle suspension while also negating any arbitrary forces to the tire (10).

Abstract: A roller assembly includes a housing that has a top end, a bottom end and a peripheral wall extending therebetween. The top end has a first well extending downwardly therein. The bottom end has a second well extending upwardly therein. The top end has a groove extending downwardly therein. The groove extends into the first well. The first well may insertably receive a leg of a walker. The peripheral wall is convexly arcuate, giving the housing a spherical shape. A grip is positioned within the first well. The grip may engage the leg of the walker. A lock is coupled to the housing to releasably engage the leg. A roller is coupled to the housing. The roller may roll the walker along the support surface.

Abstract: An adjustable support device includes a base that includes a plurality of rolling element receiving cavities, a plurality of rolling elements that interface with the rolling element receiving cavities, and an external sleeve coupled to the base for adjustable vertical positioning of the external sleeve relative to the base. Each of the rolling element receiving cavities is positioned and oriented to interface with a rolling element disposed between the base and the support surface. The external sleeve can be placed in a first vertical position relative to the base where the rolling elements do not contact the support surface, and in a second vertical position relative to the base where the rolling elements do contact the support surface. A rimguard may be rotatively coupled with the external sleeve so that as the external sleeve is rotated to the first vertical position.

Abstract: A castor assembly structured for use in combination with or independently of a dolly or other support platform including a one piece base comprising a housing and a head integrally connected to the housing and extending radially outward from one end thereof. The housing includes an open interior and a open end structured to movably retain a surface engaging roller ball therein. A retaining portion may be formed on said base in cooperative relation with said head so as to secure a support platform to the base when in a first operative position. A second operative position comprises said head disposed in engagable and at least partially supporting relation to an object while the base is not secured to or used in combination with a dolly or other support platform.

Abstract: A ball wheel assembly including a wheel ball is provided. The assembly further includes first and second legs. The legs include a mounting portion and a ring-shaped leg cover. The legs are secured together proximate to the mounting portions. The legs further include a leg ball bearing retaining ring and leg ball bearings. The leg ball bearing retaining ring and leg ball bearings are positioned between the leg cover and the wheel ball. The assembly further includes a top housing. The top housing includes a top housing cover, a housing ball bearing retaining ring, and housing ball bearings. The top housing is secured to the legs, and the housing ball bearing retaining ring and housing ball bearings are positioned between the top housing cover and the wheel ball.

Abstract: A spring-force-adjustable and height-adjustable industrial caster wheel includes spring assembly, a mounting plate, a swivel assembly that swivels relative to the mounting plate, and a spring housing having a spring space in which the spring assembly is located. The spring force of the spring assembly is adjustable by pre-loading the spring assembly along the top-to-bottom direction along which the caster load is applied. The spring assembly includes a spring member having one or more relief areas on one or more of its side and/or end surfaces and/or internally within the spring member. These one or more relief areas allow the spring member to easily deform under the pre-load force or under increasing caster load forces without compromising the ability of the spring space to constrain lateral movements of the spring assembly or the ability of the spring member to deform elastically and/or avoid undergoing plastic deformations.

Abstract: A shelving layout concept which allows selective configuration and reconfiguration of the orientation of certain shelving systems within the central portion of a store to create a PrimeZone area including an assembly of End Caps, Center Caps, Power Sets, Corner Boards, Hot Spots and Banner Boards, the combination of which provides a solution for enabling retailers to re-invigorate their Center Store, increase their vendor promotional revenue, and increase their in-store sales due to more favorable consumer response to greater promotional activity and the continuing change of product venues in key areas of the store layout. The concept also includes novel hardware which enables the reconfiguration of the shelving layout to accommodate vendors' desire to change display schemes.

Abstract: A glider that attaches to the bottom of the legs of a walker is disclosed. The glider, preferably a ball made from wood, provides the walker with additional stability and mobility. The glider includes a hole with a rubber stopper that secures the glider to the leg of a walker. A screw is first inserted into the glider and then a design is created on the glider. The screw is removed and then a hole is drilled over the same spot, large enough to fit the leg of a walker. A rubber stopper is inserted into the hole to help secure the leg of the walker to the glider. A scribe line can be included around the opposite end of the glider to inform users of when to replace the glider.

Abstract: To provide a game system that makes players' play order comply with a predetermined rule but nevertheless allows, with appropriate measure, any delaying player to join the game, each terminal device constituting the system stores in a storage unit game's stage/delay information regarding all players including players operating other terminal devices, a stage updating unit updates the storage unit based on an operation entry accepted by an operation entry unit from an owner player as a play determining unit determines that the owner player's turn has come, and an operation entry received by an operation receiving unit from any other terminal device, and a delay updating unit updates the storage unit when an abort entry unit accepts an abort entry from the player or an abort notification is received, or updates delay information when stage information is updated.

Abstract: A ball wheel assembly including a wheel ball is provided. The assembly further includes first and second legs. The legs include a mounting portion and a ring-shaped leg cover. The legs are secured together proximate to the mounting portions. The legs further include a leg ball bearing retaining ring and leg ball bearings. The leg ball bearing retaining ring and leg ball bearings are positioned between the leg cover and the wheel ball. The assembly further includes a top housing. The top housing includes a top housing cover, a housing ball bearing retaining ring, and housing ball bearings. The top housing is secured to the legs, and the housing ball bearing retaining ring and housing ball bearings are positioned between the top housing cover and the wheel ball.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the transportation of loads. A strong and flexible platform has a plurality of ball casters attached to its underside to carry a load by dragging the platform along the ground. The plurality of ball casters on the bottom allow it roll while the flexible platform allows it to match the contour of the ground surface. The platform is outfitted with a removable rigid frame, handles, and grommets. A wagon attachment can be attached on top of the platform to transport loose loads such as leaves and other yard waste, and a rigid tub can be inserted into the wagon attachment for denser loads such as soil and sand. The platform can be pulled by hand, animal or vehicle.

Abstract: A caster and leg assembly for supporting a piece of furniture on a floor. The assembly includes a caster affixed within a recessed area formed in the bottom of a wooden or plastic furniture leg to create a strong support for the furniture as well as create a good appearance. The caster has at least one spherical roller supported within the housing to allow the furniture to be readily movable omnidirectionally. With one spherical roller, the weight of the furniture acts at the center of the spherical roller. In one embodiment, there are three spherical rollers located equidistant from the vertical center line of the assembly to support the furniture weight equally by the spherical rollers. A glide can be readily attached and detached from the bottom of the caster and, when attached, the glide cup covers the spherical rollers and presents a flat, planar bottom surface.

Abstract: A device for providing multi-directional movement comprising a housing having at least one roller located at least partially within the housing, at least one bearing means for supporting a load and configured to couple the at least one roller with the housing whereby at least one roller is able to rotate relative to the housing and a braking means for providing resistance to rotation of the at least one roller.

Abstract: A photonic crystal device having a variable bandgap includes a periodic structural body including a plurality of separate dielectric members arranged at intervals. The dielectric members are formed of a high-dielectric material. A variable-dielectric-constant material whose dielectric constant is varied by an electric field is filled in the spaces between the dielectric members. Electrodes are also provided for applying an electric field to the variable-dielectric-constant material.

Abstract: A caster assembly for supporting an article comprising a housing, a ball bearing, and a bearing retaining member, wherein the housing has a bore extending completely through a central region thereof such that a first opening and a second opening are created on opposite faces of the housing, the first opening defining an annular inner shoulder with a reduced diameter, the ball bearing having a diameter slightly less than a diameter of the bore such that the ball bearing is adapted to rotate within the bore, the diameter of the annular inner shoulder at the first opening being less than the diameter of the ball bearing to allow partial emergence of the ball bearing from the first opening yet preventing the ball bearing from completely exiting the first opening, the bearing retaining member being affixed to the housing at the second opening to retain the ball bearing within the bore.

Abstract: New photocationic photoinitiator combinations are described that consist of 2,4,6-triarylpyrylium salts with non-nucleophilic anions and electron donors, that are able rapidly to crosslink unpigmented as well as pigmented mixtures based on cycloaliphatic epoxides to form colourless layers such as lacquers and printing inks without generating interfering and toxic emissions.

Abstract: The safety support device of this invention includes a frame having a mounting section. A pair of forward legs are attached to a forward end of the mounting section and a pair of rear legs are attached to a rear end of the mounting section. Each leg has a distal end to which is attached a roller assembly that includes a roller member mounted so that with the weight of the user bearing down on the assembly the roller member is prevented from moving. In a second embodiment used to assist injured or elderly person stand erect, the legs are long and arm support members engage the arm pits of the user when the user is being supported by the device.

Abstract: An device for dust avoiding system for a caster with ball used for a supporting branch of medical equipments and the like.

Abstract: A caster assembly that can be used with furniture to support the furniture and to make the furniture mobile. The caster assembly has a housing with a stem that extends upwardly to be attached to the particular piece of furniture. Within the housing is a plurality of spherical rollers that are supported within the housing so as to be rotatable about their center points and therefore can rotate in any direction as the furniture is moved. In the preferred embodiment, there are three spherical rollers that are all equidistant from the center line or longitudinal axis of the stem so that the weight of the furniture that bears down upon the stem is supported equally by the spherical rollers contacting the floor. As a further feature, a glide cup is provided that can be readily attached and detached from the bottom of the housing and, whet attached, the glide cup covers the spherical rollers and presents a flat, planar surface that contacts the floor.

Abstract: A detachable, auxiliary car door handle comprises an intermediate grip (16) and end clips (18) adapted for selective attachment to the edge of a door to facilitate opening.

Abstract: A caster for rollably supporting a device with respect to a support surface is disclosed. The caster includes a body and a spherical member. The body has a concave surface thereof. The spherical member is rotatably contactable with at least a portion of the concave surface and rotatable with the support surface.

Abstract: A wheel device for a baby walker provided on the bottom surface of a chasis of the baby walker, it is comprised of a first semi-sphere provided with a fixing portion fixed on the bottom surface of the chasis; a second semi-sphere exactly closely covering the first semi-sphere and rotating on the ground relative to the first semi-sphere, and forming with the first semi-sphere a spherical receiving space; a stop piece provided in the receiving space, a slide way with a variable width is formed between the stop piece and the inner wall of the second semi-sphere; a roller provided on the slide way and contacting the inner wall of the second semi-sphere; thereby when the wheel is rolled and accelerated to a predetermined speed, by the friction force between the roller and the stop piece and the second semi-sphere, the roller is moved toward a narrower area of the slide way, and is limited to the area between the second semi-sphere and the stop piece, so that said wheel gets the function of speed reducing as well a

Abstract: A bearing caster for resting heavy objects thereon for permitting easy movement of the object. The inventive device includes a body with a pad provided on the top of the body. A plurality of rolling balls are rotationally mounted to the bottom (14) of the base to permit free rotation of the rolling balls.

Abstract: A flexible base web, which can be supplied from a roll, has casters distributed over one of its surfaces. The base web can be spooled and segments shorter than the overall length can be cut from the base web and affixed to heavy objects for allowing them to be rolled along a floor with lifting.

Abstract: The starting device includes a starting pinion mounted on a thrust rod and movable between a disengaged and engaged position with an internal combustion engine; a movable switching bolt located in a solenoid; a sphere mounted at an end face of the switching bolt closest to the thrust rod; a disc and a spring device arranged between the sphere and the end face of the switching bolt, the spring device being located between the disc and the end face, and a holding device for retaining the sphere on the end face of the switching bolt.

Abstract: A swimming pool cleaner which has a head mounted on wheels, a suction passage through the head, a turbine which is mounted in the suction passage, and a propellor which is driven by the turbine and which propels the head. A rudder, which is oscillated via a gear train driven by the turbine, is used to vary the direction of movement of the head.

Abstract: A ball unit (10), in particular for conveying devices (1), possesses a load ball (12), which by a part (14) of its surface can bear against a load object, a bearing unit (24), which so bears and encloses the load ball to be freely rotatable that a free part (14) of the load ball surface projects out of the bearing unit through a circular passage opening (61), and a holder (20), which for fastening of the ball unit at a carrier frame of the conveying device displays a fastening portion (31), which can be borne on the carrier frame. The bearing unit (24) is so linearly movable to and fro relative to the holder (20) that the free load ball surface in an advanced end position protrudes further beyond a surface (3) of the carrying frame than in a withdrawn end position.

Abstract: A castor comprising a socket member defined by a base portion and a cup portion extending from the base portion, the base portion being adapted to be affixed to the underside of an article, and the cup portion defining a generally dome-shaped cavity therein. A ball is engaged in the cavity in a manner to be freely rotatable in any direction in the cavity. The cup portion has six equally spaced rollers rotatably mounted to the wall of the cavity and supports the ball for rotatable movement within the cavity, the rollers being supported on bearings which in turn are supported on inwardly projecting lugs integral with the cavity walls. The rollers contact the ball at an angle of less than 45.degree. with respect to the horizontal axis of the ball.

Abstract: A caster or dolly for placement under a heavy object that is intended to be moved across a floor or other surface; the dolly including a spring-loaded, telescopic arm which at each opposite end is supported upon a rotatable roller mounted on an axle that can selectively be placed so that both axles are either parallel or else arially aligned in order that the dolly can travel in either of two directions at right angle to each other, and each roller being vertically adjustable between an operative and an inoperative position by means of a rotatable cam resting upon the opposite ends of each axle.