With Nonwheel Means For Engaging The Supporting Surface Patents (Class 280/43.14)
  • Patent number: 11946243
    Abstract: Disclosed is a work and recreation space module for a work environment, particularly for a production and/or presentation and/or outer environment, having an inner element which has at least one seat for a user, having a rolling device for rolling the inner element into different positions in the work environment; and an outer element which has two side walls and a roof wall connecting the side walls, wherein the inner element can be received in an inner space of the outer element delimited by side walls and roof wall; and a mechanical coupling device with which the inner element and the outer element can be coupled to one another, so that the outer element can also be rolled with the inner element into different positions in the work environment, in order to provide a work and/or recreation area that can be used flexibly in a work environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Andreas Schmid, Bastian Pokorni
  • Patent number: 11649923
    Abstract: A stand assembly and method of converting a stand assembly from a moveable configuration to a stationary configuration is provided. The stand assembly includes a plurality of wheel assemblies slidably engaged with a plurality of respective trivets, each wheel assembly being moveable between a stowed configuration and a deployed configuration, thereby moving each trivet between a deployed configuration and a stowed configuration, respectively. When in their respective deployed configurations, a distal end of each trivet is engaged with the floor, thereby causing the stand assembly to be in the stationary configuration. When in their respective stowed configurations, the distal end of each trivet is positioned between two wheels of the wheel assembly such that the wheel assembly prevents the trivet from engaging with objects on the floor, thereby minimizing adjustments required to obtain desired ground clearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Brunson Instrument Company
    Inventors: Isaac Gipson, Deighton Brunson, Mark Meuret, Eli Stack, Adam Warden
  • Patent number: 10711481
    Abstract: This invention provides a removable sunshade base and a sunshade including the removable sunshade base. The removable sunshade base includes a sunshade base body and a pull rod. A bottom of the sunshade base body has a sliding groove and first sliding wheels. One end of the pull rod has a second sliding wheel, and the pull rod is movably connected with the sliding groove of the sunshade base body such that the pull rod is accommodated in the sliding groove or is pulled out from the sliding groove. When the pull rod is pulled out from the sliding groove, both the first sliding wheels and the second sliding wheel contact one supporting plane to move the sunshade base body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG YOTRIO GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lei Zhu, Jianqiang Xie
  • Patent number: 10207552
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to shipping and storage containers. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to shipping and storage containers, which are traditionally stationary, converted to easily-portable containers. More specifically, the portable containers include a deployable/retractable landing/moving apparatus, a removable tow bar assembly, and leveling support systems. The portable containers can have many uses including as temporary to permanent housing, office space, and school rooms, or to house equipment for use in mobile telecommunication networks and systems, including cellular towers that can be set-up in both permanent and temporary locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Holland, L.P.
    Inventors: Anthony Brummel, Michael Murphy, Benjamin Byma, Michael Weaver
  • Patent number: 10051957
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing having first and second sides, a bottom surface, and a drawer disposed in the housing. Each of the first and second sides of the housing includes first and second wheels coupled to the housing, the first and second wheels having a first wheel position in which no portion of the first and second wheels is above the bottom surface of the housing and a second wheel position in which a portion of each of the first and second wheels is below the bottom surface of the housing. Each side also includes an arm coupled to the housing, the arm having a first arm position and a second arm position, wherein movement of the arm from the first arm position to the second arm position causes the first and second wheels to move from the first wheel position to the second wheel position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Lipper International, Inc.
    Inventor: Amy Lipper McCauley
  • Patent number: 9801592
    Abstract: A mobile imaging device includes a base having at least one caster, a first drive mechanism that moves the system in a transport mode and translates an imaging component relative to the base in a scan mode, and a second drive mechanism that extends caster relative to the base to raise the base off the ground in the transport mode, and retracts the caster relative to the base to lower the base to the ground in the scan mode. A caster system for a mobile apparatus includes a base containing a housing and a caster, attached to the base, the caster having a wheel defining a wheel axis and a swivel joint defining a swivel axis and a pivot point defining a pivot axis, wherein the caster pivots on the pivot axis as the caster is retracted into the housing and extended out of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: MOBIUS IMAGING, LLC
    Inventors: Russell Stanton, Eugene Gregerson
  • Patent number: 9573011
    Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a plurality of stations and at least one harness assembly connecting the stations together. Each station includes a riser assembly having a top and a bottom, and a platform assembly coupled to the bottom of the riser assembly. Each platform assembly is adjustable between a first state, in which the platform assembly rests on a horizontal support surface, and a second state, in which the platform assembly is folded vertically against the respective riser assembly. Each riser assembly includes a lower riser and an upper riser that are coupled together such that the upper riser may be translated up and down. An exercise accessory is coupled to at least one of the riser assemblies. The apparatus is adjustable from a use state to a transport state, without disassembly, such that it may be moved from a first use location to a second use location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventor: Matthew T. Nasta
  • Patent number: 9557000
    Abstract: A movement auxiliary device for a machine stand includes a foot stand. Two sides of the lower end of the foot stand are provided with first and second side seats having vertical rail grooves, respectively. A movable lever, a pivot seat and a lifting roller assembly are provided between the two rail grooves. The foot stand is provided with a support seat. A connecting board having a pedal is pivotally connected between the support seat and the pivot seat, which can be pivoted on the pivot seat. The movable lever is pivotally connected with a pneumatic cylinder to provide a buffering function for the lifting roller assembly and the machine stand. The pedal is controlled for the connecting board and the pivot seat to generate a link pivot, such that the lifting roller assembly is descended to the ground or ascended upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: KINGSAND MACHINERY LTD.
    Inventor: Chin-Feng Chang
  • Patent number: 9271887
    Abstract: A patient support has caster devices supporting a frame for movement in relation to a supporting surface. A lift supports an auxiliary wheel in relation to the frame. A shaft may be rotatable to drive the lift to move the auxiliary wheel between a deployed position and a retracted position. The shaft may rotate to control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. A sensor may control deployment and retraction of the auxiliary wheel. An element may provide a dampening effect when the auxiliary wheel encounters a raised surface and urge the auxiliary wheel into contact with the supporting surface when the auxiliary wheel encounters a lowered surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2016
    Assignee: Linet spol s.r.o.
    Inventor: Ladislav Schejbal
  • Patent number: 8888110
    Abstract: A pallet-dolly device convertible between a pallet and a dolly has a generally rectangular deck to which a set of dolly wheels are attached at a fixed height below the deck. A set of movable pallet skids are moved by a skid displacement mechanism between a skid lowered position in which a ground contacting surface of the skid is lowered below a contact plane of the wheels to provide a pallet state of the pallet-dolly device, and a skid raised position in which the skid ground contacting surface is raised above the wheel contact plane to provide a dolly state of the pallet-dolly device. At least two pedals, accessible from two adjacent sides of the deck, are deployed to be operated by a user to activate the skid displacement mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Polymer Logistics (Israel) Ltd.
    Inventors: Dagan Sadeh, Haron Hacko, Nir Hadar
  • Patent number: 8757644
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a vehicle frame, front wheel which is formed of a universal caster, a pair of rear wheels, and a lift-up wheel which is formed of a universal caster and is provided at a lower portion of the rear end part of the vehicle frame such that the lift-up wheel is capable of being elevated between a ground-contact position and a non-ground-contact position by an elevation mechanism, the lift-up wheel being configured such that the lift-up wheel, together with the front wheel, movably supports the vehicle frame in a lowered state of the lift-up wheel at the ground-contact position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: France Bed & Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mamoru Satou
  • Patent number: 8752847
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow leg stabilizer having a slip resistant lower surface is provided. Preferably, the slip resistant lower surface includes a plurality of edges structured to engage the ground and thereby increase the starting friction. More preferably, the edges are part of a deformation in the leg stabilizer body. When the stabilizer body is constructed from a generally planar metal member, the deformations may be punched in the stabilizer body thereby creating openings adjacent the deformations. This configuration provides for both an edge that engages the ground but also a face that creates a larger contact surface with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry R. Albert, Daniel F. Marshall, Joshua O. Mullen, Michael J. Lupey
  • Patent number: 8523198
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow leg stabilizer having a slip resistant lower surface is provided. Preferably, the slip resistant lower surface includes a plurality of edges structured to engage the ground and thereby increase the starting friction. More preferably, the edges are part of a deformation in the leg stabilizer body. When the stabilizer body is constructed from a generally planar metal member, the deformations may be punched in the stabilizer body thereby creating openings adjacent the deformations. This configuration provides for both an edge that engages the ground but also a face that creates a larger contact surface with the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Ames True Temper, Inc.
    Inventors: Barry R. Albert, Daniel F. Marshall, Joshua O. Mullen, Michael J. Lupey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8511693
    Abstract: A mobile base that attaches to the stand of a table saw is disclosed. The mobile base includes wheels and casters that rotate down and lift the saw when a foot pedal is depressed. The mobile base raises the saw asymmetrically to provide clearance for the legs of an extension table attached to the table of the saw. A locking mechanism locks the wheels and casters so that they do not retract while the saw is moved, and a foot-operated lever releases the wheels and casters so that they may retract and lower the saw back to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, James F. W. Wright
  • Patent number: 8292309
    Abstract: A supporting device includes a tray, a plurality of wheel assemblies, a handle, and a handgrip. The tray is configured for supporting a payload. The wheel assemblies are secured to the tray, and each wheel assembly includes a wheel. Each wheel is capable of rotating about a first axis. The wheel assemblies are rotatable between a first position and a second position, and a distance between each wheel and the tray in the first position is smaller than a distance between each wheel and the tray in the second position. The handle is attached to the tray and configured to urge the wheel assemblies to rotate from the first position to the second position. The handgrip is attached to the tray and configured to urge the wheel assemblies to rotate from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Lu Fan, Chih-Kun Shih, Chun-Hsien Lin
  • Patent number: 8246059
    Abstract: A mobile base that supports a cabinet saw is disclosed. The mobile base includes casters that support the saw when a foot pedal is depressed. The mobile base raises the saw asymmetrically to provide clearance for the legs of an extension table attached to the table of the saw. A hydraulic jack is employed to raise the saw and hold it raised while the saw is moved, and a foot-operated release lever attached to the jack lowers the saw back to the ground at an adjustable rate of descent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: SD3, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen F. Gass, James F. W. Wright
  • Patent number: 8100416
    Abstract: A utility push cart comprising an elongated frame extending vertically behind a power lawn tool, where the power lawn tool rests against the elongated frame, a top bar attached to a top portion of the elongated frame and protruding horizontally from the elongated frame, a wheel connected to a bottom end of the elongated frame, an upper cage fastened below the top bar against the elongated frame, where the upper cage straps around a motor of the power lawn tool, a lower cage fastened below the upper cage along the elongated frame, where the lower cage straps a tube from the power lawn tool against the elongated frame, and a carrying means behind the elongated frame to support a mulch bag connected to the power lawn tool wherein the carrying means prevents a user from tripping over the mulch bag during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Russell Bloomfield
  • Patent number: 8016300
    Abstract: A mobile cart for carrying a plurality of fluid canisters. The cart includes a platform configured to support the fluid canisters. The cart also includes a base having a base body and a plurality of wheels movably connected to the base body so that the wheels can be selectively moved with respect to the base body between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the plurality of wheels extends from the base body so the cart can roll, on the plurality of wheels, over the support surface supporting the cart. In the retracted position, the plurality of wheels is retracted relative to the base body so that the cart cannot roll, on the plurality of wheels, over the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Cramer Decker Industries
    Inventors: Paul Cramer, Steven Coffman
  • Patent number: 8006985
    Abstract: A load-carrying dolly having four wheels (6, 7) adjacent the corners of its platform (1) is rendered immobile by conversion to a pallet-like condition by lowering bearers (9, 10, 11) into contact with the floor or ground (24) and then raising the platform (1) slightly to raise the wheels (6, 7) clear of the floor or ground by means of either of two pedals (25, 32), one below each end of the platform (1), with linkage (of either of two forms, not shown) to bars (23) connecting in “slave” pairs of toggle links (20, 21) by means of which the bearers are suspended through beams (33) connecting upward extensions (12, 13, 14) at the ends of the bearers (9, 10, 11), the toggle links in each pair becoming locked by mating abutments (28) coming together when the links have passed slightly beyond in-line position, the mechanical advantage of the depressed pedal (25 or 32) being amplified by that of the pairs of toggle links when passing through in-line positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Loadhog Limited
    Inventors: Hugh David Facey, Derek Boaler, John Makin, Brian Edward Shawcross, Leigh Jowett
  • Publication number: 20110095497
    Abstract: A supporting device includes a tray, a plurality of wheel assemblies, a handle, and a handgrip. The tray is configured for supporting a payload. The wheel assemblies are secured to the tray, and each wheel assembly includes a wheel. Each wheel is capable of rotating about a first axis. The wheel assemblies are rotatable between a first position and a second position, and a distance between each wheel and the tray in the first position is smaller than a distance between each wheel and the tray in the second position. The handle is attached to the tray and configured to urge the wheel assemblies to rotate from the first position to the second position. The handgrip is attached to the tray and configured to urge the wheel assemblies to rotate from the second position to the first position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: CHEN-LU FAN, CHIH-KUN SHIH, CHUN-HSIEN LIN
  • Patent number: 7891675
    Abstract: Apparatus for transporting products including a body having ground wheels (22, 122) and support structure (30, 130) for one or more crates or other containers holding products to be carried by the apparatus. At least one ground engageable member (40, 140) fixed to said support structure forms an assembly with the support structure that is mounted to the body for relative movement between a retracted position in which the apparatus is freely moveable on a ground surface by means of the ground wheels and a relatively downwardly extended position in which the ground engageable member engages an underlying ground surface at a predetermined location to stabilize the apparatus against movement from that location on the ground wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Checkmate International Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Boris Dobra, John Clifton Leahy
  • Patent number: 7748723
    Abstract: A device for stabilizing and supporting wheelbarrows which maintains the balance and increases the resistance of a system (wheelbarrow) including an angled monolithic body which is made up of two arms which define a triangular shape, whose ends have holes for the insertion of affixing means to affix to the leg of a wheelbarrow. In one embodiment, one of said arms makes up an arched area along most of its length which generates two points of support, a first point of support defined on the end of the joint affixing with the leg of the wheelbarrow and a second point of support defined in the area near where the two arms meet to define that angle. The arched area of the arm, positioned substantially horizontally and defining the two points of support, absorbs deformation, and also absorbs the load applied to the element, bringing more stability to the wheelbarrow on flat or irregular surfaces, providing a stabilizer comprised by each leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Truper Herramientas, S.A. DE C.V.
    Inventor: Salvador Iturbide Jiménez
  • Patent number: 7740251
    Abstract: The hand truck for appliances is a device for moving a water heater and other appliances. The hand truck includes a main frame having a pair of wheels mounted on a lower end rearward of the main frame, and a support plate also mounted on the lower end and projecting forward from the main frame. The support plate has a front edge and a rear edge, with the rear edge being contoured to be received within a water heater drain pan, with the rear edge being positioned adjacent and contiguous to the inner wall of the water heater drain pan. This allows the water heater to be carried on the hand truck for appliances, supported by the support plate, in order to be placed directly into the water heater drain pan.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Edward J. Simmons
  • Patent number: 7419167
    Abstract: A sled device for permitting transportation of a person and cargo over a variety of surfaces includes a sled including a bottom wall and a perimeter wall that extends upwardly from the bottom wall to define a receiving space of the sled to receive the person and cargo. The bottom wall is slidable along a soft support surface. A front wheel assembly is rotatably coupled to the sled and is rotatable between a deployed position and a stowed position. The front wheel assembly engages and rolls along a hard support surface when the front wheel assembly is in the deployed position. A plurality of rear wheel assemblies is pivotally coupled to the sled and each is pivotable between a lowered position and a raised position. The rear wheel assemblies engage and roll along the hard support surface when the rear wheel assemblies are in the lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Inventor: Thien V. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 7407187
    Abstract: A chassis braking system for braking a chassis includes a braking unit including a braking surface biased toward a road surface on which the chassis runs and having a first state where movement of the braking surface toward the road surface is locked and a second state where the braking surface abuts against the road surface. A control unit releases the lock of the braking unit and shifts the braking unit from the first state to the second state when predetermined conditions are met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takekazu Kakinuma, Hiroaki Morikawa
  • Patent number: 6824147
    Abstract: Universal wheel unit for mounting one or more wheels on the ski of a snowmobile. The wheel unit is a separate assembly that is detachably mountable on the ski or is an integral component of the ski. When retrofitting skis, the wheel unit is mountable on the kingping, on the side wall, or on the saddle. Wheels are readily deployable or retractable as ground surface conditions require, and allow the snowmobile to be driven over gravel, dirt, and hardtop surfaces, while maintaining steerability with the handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2004
    Inventor: Michael J. Ouellette
  • Patent number: 6561528
    Abstract: Wheeled device with at least one running wheel, a frame and connecting parts on the frame, the connecting parts engaging at least one coiled, collapsed, folded or differently shortened elongated, flexible, preferably string- or tube-like object, such as wire or cable (e.g. electricity guiding) or tube (as for guiding a hydraulic or pneumatic fluid), wherein the object is preferably suspended from the connecting parts, and with at least one container on the frame to contain at least one appliance preferably loose laying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Bootsman Holding B.V.
    Inventor: G. Bootsman
  • Patent number: 6527282
    Abstract: Wheel unit to be semi-permanently mounted on the ski of a snowmobile. Wheels are readily deployable or retractable as conditions require. The wheel unit allows the snowmobile to be driven over gravel, dirt, and hardtop surfaces, without losing its ability to be steered with the handlebars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Michael J. Ouellette
  • Patent number: 6473921
    Abstract: A bed resting on a floor includes a base frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the base frame and configured to engage the floor, a first brake coupled to the base frame, a foot pedal actuator movable between a first position and a second position, and a second brake coupled to the base frame. A linkage is configured to couple the second brake to the first brake so that when the foot pedal actuator is moved to the second position, the first and second brakes both move to a braking position and when the foot pedal actuator is moved to the first position the first and second brakes both move to a releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Brooke, Michael J. Mutka, William S. Larisey, Jr., Reza Hakamiun, James F. Thomas, Kendall O. Shows
  • Patent number: 6273435
    Abstract: A trailer for use in transporting a load from one area to another area has a frame and a bed operatively mounted to the frame which is capable of being moved from a first or lowered position to a second or elevated position in a substantially vertical manner or nontilting manner. At least one lifting mechanism is operatively connected to the bed, which applies the greatest force for lifting the bed from the lowered position to the elevated position at the beginning of the lift, rather than at an end or midpoint of the lift. At least one over-center latching mechanism secures the bed to the frame when the bed is in the elevated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: bil-jax, inc.
    Inventor: Matthew D. Stringer
  • Patent number: 6227553
    Abstract: An attachment assembly provides a secure attachment point for the fall arrest tether lines of safety harnesses of workers on flat roofs, the assembly being movable over the roof as required. The assembly can be used alone, but usually is mounted on a wheeled utility cart as employed by roofers to move materials on the roof, or may be an integral part of such a cart. The assembly has a base frame that is spaced from the roof edge over which the worker may fall. An attachment member for tether lines is mounted on the base frame together with at least two longitudinally spaced surface engaging arm, the arms being located at the frame side nearer to the roof edge. When the assembly is in operative position each arm has its lower end, which usually has teeth, close to the roof surface. A counterweight is mounted on the opposite side of the base frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Inventor: Theodore R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 6217044
    Abstract: Wheel assemblies for attachment to a carriage or a vehicle. The wheel assemblies can be configured for four wheel steering, locked in predetermined directions, or free pivoting. The wheel assemblies further include an apparatus for retracting and extending the wheels of the carriage to support the carriage on fixed length supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Beeche Systems, Corp.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Beeche, Roy Scrafford