Wheel Steering By Attendant Patents (Class 280/47.11)
  • Patent number: 11760403
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stroller comprising: a sheet portion including a sheet; a support frame including an upper support frame supporting the sheet, a lower support frame rotatably connected to the upper support frame by a hinge portion, and a frame support that maintains a fixed state between the upper support frame and the lower support frame; and a moving structure to which the support frame is detachably connected, the moving structure including a guide frame that allows the lower support layer to fold and support and is extended in the length direction, a drive frame including a rear wheel coupling portion having a front wheel coupling portion connected in a ‘¬’ shape to the front part of the guide frame and a rear wheel coupling portion having coupling shaft portions formed on both sides of the rear end of the guide frame, a front wheel supported by a support fork to be installed on the front wheel coupling portion, and a rear wheel installed on the rear wheel coupling portion through a re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Inventor: Sang Jin Yoo
  • Patent number: 11751742
    Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes an upright body mounted to a base that moves over a surface to be cleaned. A rotational coupling can be provided between the upright body and the base for coupling the upright body to the base for movement about at least one rotational axis. The rotational coupling can include at least a swivel joint. A cord rewinder can be provided above the swivel joint for storing and dispensing a power cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: BISSELL Inc.
    Inventors: Phong Hoang Tran, Todd Richard VanTongeren
  • Patent number: 11733595
    Abstract: In the case of a mobile device (P) for moving a receiving device which is arranged on a support column (46.1, 46.2) and this support column (46.1, 46.2) is assigned a base (1), the support column (46.1, 46.2) is to be held on the base (1) by a clamping device (K).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Sinectro Ltd.
    Inventor: Ilan Nani Barda
  • Patent number: 11673591
    Abstract: A collapsible children's pull wagon having four wheels and an upper loop frame pivotably attached to a lower loop frame. There is a hub to which a pull bar and a front axle is coupled to. The front axle is capable of rotating along a vertical axis of the hub in order to change the direction of travel. The pull wagon can easily collapse by releasing a support frame which directly connects the rear end of the upper loop frame to the rear end of the lower loop frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: NINGBO MATRIX TRADING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wenjie Wang, Zhengming He, Libo Song
  • Patent number: 11628107
    Abstract: A leg assembly configured to be used with a wheelchair that may be constructed of various mechanical and manual powered components to reduce the cost and unreliability of motor, electric, or otherwise non-manual powered adjustable wheelchairs. A combination wheelchair and leg assembly that may be constructed of various mechanical and manual powered components. The leg assembly disclosed may alternatively be motor powered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Inventor: Alexander Reznikov
  • Patent number: 11492028
    Abstract: A track dolly to mount a camera and accessories thereon is provided. The track dolly includes a steering mechanism to enhance directional control of the dolly when in motion. The track dolly includes a plate, at least one rail coupled to the plate and designed to permit attachment of the camera or accessories thereto, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the plate, a handle rotatably mounted to the plate, and a plurality of linkage members adjustably mounted to the bottom surface of the plate and operably connected to the handle. The linkage members are operably connected to any number of the plurality of wheels. The handle is maneuvered to permit the plurality of linkage members to rotatably adjust any number of the plurality of wheels relative to the plate, thereby adjusting the directional control of the dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Inventor: Titus Gadwin Watts
  • Patent number: 11376940
    Abstract: A robotic vehicle can include a plurality of motors coupled to a plurality of gearboxes, each gearbox of the plurality of gearboxes configured to be rotated, a plurality of nested driveshafts coupled to the plurality of gearboxes and including at least a first driveshaft and a second driveshaft, and a plurality of appendages operably coupled to the plurality of gearboxes. A particular appendage of the plurality of appendages can be configured to be rotated in response to a rotational motion of the first driveshaft. The robotic vehicle can include a plurality of wheels coupled to the plurality of appendages and configured to rotate about a plurality of wheel axles. Each wheel of the plurality of wheels can be configured to cause the robotic vehicle to be transported across a contacting surface in response to the rotational motion of the second driveshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Carl D. Crane, Shannon Ridgeway, Tim Williams
  • Patent number: 10518420
    Abstract: A finger of a robotic hand includes a phalanx portion including two phalanxes rotatably coupled to each other, one of the two phalanxes being rotatable about a rotation axis with respect to the other one of the two phalanxes; and a stopper structure including a first stopper member connected to the one of the two phalanxes and a second stopper member connected to the other one of the two phalanxes. The first stopper member extends around the rotation axis, and a circumferential space is defined between the first stopper member and the second stopper member and allowing the first stopper member to rotate together with the one of the two phalanxes in a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP
    Inventors: Youjun Xiong, Wenhua Yu, Qi Zhao, Kunlei Zhao, Jiawen Hu, Yangyu Pi, Jianxin Pang
  • Patent number: 10446285
    Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for handling and translating high level radioactive waste. The apparatus comprises a body for supporting the cask close to the ground so that the cask and the apparatus can pass underneath over head doors. The apparatus further comprises rollers for translating the cask. The apparatus additionally supports the storage cask during spent nuclear fuel transfer procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Inventor: Krishna P. Singh
  • Patent number: 9969417
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a stroller capable of being folded twice, comprising: side support assemblies located at two sides and at least one transverse brace connected between the side support assemblies of the two sides, the side support assembly at each side comprises a push rod, a front wheel support and a rear wheel support which are rotatably connected to each other, and in a first folded state, the push rod, the front wheel support and the rear wheel support are rotated to be in a closed state; each transverse brace has a first transverse folding rotation point and a second transverse folding rotation point. The stroller is capable of achieving not only a first folding, but also a second folding of the two side support assemblies, so as to reduce the volume occupied by the entire stroller in these states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2018
    Assignee: Goodbaby Child Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fusheng Ma
  • Patent number: 9623902
    Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system includes at least one manipulator portion for holding a surgical instrument and a steering interface. The steering interface may include at least one sensor positioned to sense turning, fore, and aft forces exerted by a user to move the cart. The steering interface may further include a coupling mechanism to removably couple the steering interface with the patient side cart. The at least one sensor may be placed in signal communication with a drive control system of the patient side cart when the steering interface is in a coupled state with the patient side cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Paul W. Mohr, Alan W. Petersen, David Robinson, Nitish Swarup, Mark W. Zimmer, Alexander Makhlin, Julio Santos-Munne, Eric Faulring, Thomas Moyer
  • Patent number: 9340937
    Abstract: A wheelbarrow conversion kit is used to convert a wheelbarrow structure to accommodate a push blade. The handles of the wheelbarrow provide, in combination with the wheels of the wheelbarrow, considerable mechanical advantage for pushing and lifting snow. The push blade assembly is removably attached to the frame of the wheelbarrow at a front edge thereof and can be removed if not required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Inventor: Giuliano Celli
  • Patent number: 9308937
    Abstract: A patient side cart for a teleoperated surgical system includes at least one manipulator portion for holding a surgical instrument and a steering interface. The steering interface may include at least one sensor positioned to sense turning, fore, and aft forces exerted by a user to move the cart. The steering interface may further include a coupling mechanism to removably couple the steering interface with the patient side cart. The at least one sensor may be placed in signal communication with a drive control system of the patient side cart when the steering interface is in a coupled state with the patient side cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul G. Griffiths, Paul W. Mohr, Alan W. Petersen, David Robinson, Nitish Swarup, Mark W. Zimmer, Alexander Makhlin, Julio Santos-Munne, Eric Faulring, Thomas Moyer
  • Patent number: 9114819
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dolly for transporting objects and a frame assembly for said dolly. The dolly includes an engagement member made of formable material and having an engaging side shaped for receiving carriers and a back side opposite to the engaging side, a load-bearing frame, to which a plurality of wheels are mounted, and an abutment between the frame and the engagement member for fastening the engagement member to the frame, whereby a single type of load-bearing frame is applicable to a variety of engagement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignee: K. HARTWALL OY AB
    Inventor: Markku Tiilikainen
  • Patent number: 9039484
    Abstract: A toy truck is described which has a steering wheel positioned behind the truck at a distance and height permitting a child to turn the wheels of the truck while standing up. The front wheels thereof are contained within a swivel assembly that enables each of the front wheels to swivel or turn to the left or right in response to force being applied on said steering wheel by an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Inventor: Samuel O. Mayson
  • Publication number: 20150137466
    Abstract: The invention provides a means of steering the front wheel of an attendant pushed wheeled vehicle by using independent levers; one lever to turn a front wheel right and one lever to turn left. The steering invention also allows for use of a fixed handle bar to efficiently propel the vehicle by an attendant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Edward Thomas Meree, Marc Lukas Leber
  • Patent number: 9010771
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting carts including a machine body, a steering control arranged on the body, a steering pedestal pivotally arranged with respect to the body, and a selection mechanism adapted to be selectively coupleable between the body and the steering pedestal providing for a caster mode and a steering mode respectively. A method of using a dual mode utility machine including depressing a first lever thereby engaging a pivoting selector into a steering pedestal engaging position and controlling the direction of the machine by rotatably manipulating a tiller, and depressing a second lever thereby disengaging the pivoting selector from a steering pedestal engaging position to a body engaging position and controlling the direction of the machine by pushing and/or pulling a machine from side to side via a fixed tiller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul David Holtan, Andrew L. Dvorak
  • Publication number: 20150054240
    Abstract: A cable reel trolley includes a main body fixed with a carrying unit, and a wheel frame and a third wheel at the bottom, with the third wheel parallel to the wheel frame. The wheel frame has two ends respectively installed with a first wheel and a second wheel. A direction-swaying member is fixed between the wheel frame and the first wheel, able to shift the axial direction of the first wheel so that the trolley can move with the first wheel and the second wheel or with the first wheel and the third wheel optionally. That is, the trolley can travel forward and backward or leftward and rightward, turning vertically in a narrow space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Hsiu-Man YU CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140303867
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a coast control system, or dead-man brake inhibitor, is associated with a tiller arm that is used for steering a vehicle. A spring acts upon the tiller arm when an operator releases a control handle attached to the tiller arm to move the tiller arm to a braking position which causes an electronically or mechanically actuated brake to be applied. Before releasing the control handle, the operator may actuate the coast control system to inhibit movement of the tiller arm towards the braking position when the control handle is released. The operator may vertically reposition the tiller arm while the coast control system remains actuated by overcoming the inhibiting force applied by the coast control system when the tiller arm is moved toward the braking position and by overcoming the spring acting on the tiller arm when the tiller arm is moved away from the braking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Robert Clay Dunigan, Jeff Monico, Alex Evans, Allen Brock, Lisa French
  • Publication number: 20140284902
    Abstract: A man-powered (e.g. manually pulled or pushed) multipurpose wheeled carrying device with ground clearance for transporting people, animals, equipment and goods over unsurfaced roads or tracks. The carrying device may include a chassis, a front dependent suspension and a rear dependent suspension, wherein each of the dependent suspensions comprises a legged solid axle, a connector, springs, and wheels. The legged solid axles of the dependent suspensions are adapted to keep the chassis at least 6 inches above the ground surface. The dependent suspensions are tiltable around a longitudinal axis of the chassis to keep the chassis leveled while all of the wheels are in contact with the ground, and to provide ground clearance during use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: NEXT GENERATION STRETCHER LTD.
    Inventor: Ilan BAR NOY
  • Publication number: 20140217705
    Abstract: A child's active transportation device comprising: a steering rod permanently or removably affixed to a wheel base, said wheel base having a platform and mechanism or device for affixing a plurality of wheels to said wheel base, and also having a plurality of wheels and associated equipment and method of use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: William Alan Sherman
  • Patent number: 8794643
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a body and a left front wheel, a right front wheel, a left rear wheel, and a right rear wheel, with each of these wheels being coupled with the body and rotatable relative to the body. The toy vehicle also includes a caster assembly that includes a swivel-type caster. The swivel-type caster is coupled with the body and includes at least one rotatable wheel. The swivel-type caster is swivelable relative to the body and is movable vertically relative to the body between a raised position and a lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: The Step2 Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Miroewski, Anthony S. Zuccaro, Donald R. Wright, Robert A. Frindt, Dale Anton Panasewicz
  • Patent number: 8684373
    Abstract: A cart moving machine including a body portion, a movement assembly positioned on the body and including a power source coupled to a drive mechanism, the movement assembly being adapted to translate the machine relative to a surface, a hitch positioned on the body and adapted to engage a cart, a mast extending from the body and including a beacon positioned thereon, and a mast positioning mechanism, the mechanism adapted to allow the mast to be selectively positionable relative to the body between a protected position and an exposed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Dane Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul David Holtan
  • Publication number: 20130300084
    Abstract: A tricycle may be operable between a first mode of operation steerable by a tricycle rider, and a second mode of operation steerable by an individual pushing the tricycle. In both such first and second modes, the frame of the tricycle is configured to rotatably support the rear wheels and configured to support the head tube at a distance from the rear wheels such that a distance between the head tube and rear wheels need not necessarily be changed even when the front wheel axis location is changed from one mode to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: SMART TRIKE MNF PTE LTD
    Inventor: Yoram Baron
  • Patent number: 8517400
    Abstract: In a steerable traveling trunk, a driving part is provided for converting a horizontal axis rotation of the handle into a vertical axis rotation at both ends of the handle and transferring the rotations as a user rotates the handle. A driving force transfer part is connected to the driving part and transfers rotational force of the driving part to a lower side of the traveling trunk body. An output part is connected to a lower side of the driving force transfer part and transfers rotational force depending on the rotation of the handle, to the wheels, thus adjusting steering angles of the wheels, and allowing the traveling directions of the trunk to be easily changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Yun-Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 8505945
    Abstract: A human-powered scooter propelled by side-to-side movement of the user. The scooter has a steering mechanism coupled to a front wheel, and two frame arms pivotably coupled to the steering mechanism and extending rearward, to which two rear wheels are respectively coupled. A novel linking piece such as a mechanical plate member coupled to the steering mechanism can releasable engage with the frame arms in order to restrict their pivoting to equal magnitude in opposite directions. The linking piece can also disengage from the frame arms to allow the frame arms to be folded up. The pivoting axes of the two frame arms are predetermined such that, when folded, the frame arms are as near as possible to being parallel to a main steering control shaft of the steering mechanism. A mechanism for directly braking at least one of the rear wheels is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 8448729
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a steering system for mobile medical equipment includes left and right steerable wheel assemblies respectively with left and right steerable wheels. A left parallelogram linkage couples to the left steerable wheel assembly to transfer a left wheel angle to the left steerable wheel assembly. A right parallelogram linkage couples to the right steerable wheel assembly to transfer a right wheel angle to the right steerable wheel assembly. A steering function generator couples to the left parallelogram linkage and the right parallelogram linkage. The steering function generator generates the left wheel angle of the left steerable wheel and the right wheel angle of the right steerable wheel. A steering tiller couples to the steering function generator and receives an input steering angle from an operator to generate the left and right wheel angles to control the direction of the mobile medical equipment around flooring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Schena, Henry B. Hazebrouck
  • Patent number: 8430412
    Abstract: A transport carriage for industrial plants comprises a bearing structure mounted on a plurality of wheel units pivoting around respective vertical axes. The wheel pivoting units are connected by means of kinematisms to a single control plate mounted articulated around a vertical axis. The control plate may be maneuvered by means of a steering unit including a steering plate which is mounted articulated around the same articulation axis of the control plate. The steering unit is provided with a vertical bar suitable to be engaged into a hole of the steering plate and into any one among the two holes of control plate (5) to join the plates integrally in the rotation around the articulation axis thereof. When the engagement member is inserted into the abovementioned first hole, the wheels of the carriage are prearranged for movement in the normal advancement direction, with the possibility of steering within a limited angular field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: CO.GE.CAR s.n.c di MONTANO & SANVIDO
    Inventors: Alessio Sanvido, Dino Sanvido, Donato Montano, Pietro Bossotto
  • Patent number: 8313118
    Abstract: A children's ride-on vehicle includes a rotatable parent steering mechanism to steer the vehicle in a desired direction, and a canopy supported by the parent steering mechanism that remains stationary as the parent steering mechanism is rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Mattel, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Aiken, Auguste Silva
  • Publication number: 20120286486
    Abstract: A container with retractable wheels. There is a base member having a perimeter shape, and a plurality of retractable wheel assemblies coupled to the base member. The wheel assemblies each have a leg that carries a wheel. The base member defines a cavity for each wheel assembly such that in a stowed position the wheel assemblies fully fit within the cavities and the legs define a portion of the perimeter shape of the base member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: Leaktite Corporation
    Inventors: James R. Varney, Bryan R. Hotaling, Rodney Garland Sparrow, John Wood Brooks, III
  • Publication number: 20120286487
    Abstract: A toy vehicle includes a body and a left front wheel, a right front wheel, a left rear wheel, and a right rear wheel, with each of these wheels being coupled with the body and rotatable relative to the body. The toy vehicle also includes a caster assembly that includes a swivel-type caster. The swivel-type caster is coupled with the body and includes at least one rotatable wheel. The swivel-type caster is swivelable relative to the body and is movable vertically relative to the body between a raised position and a lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Miroewski
  • Publication number: 20120267867
    Abstract: The steering assembly is applicable to a human-driven vehicle having a chassis (1) mounted on self-orienting wheels (2). The steering assembly comprises a steering unit (50b) with a steering wheel (4) installed on a mobile support and maintained out of contact with the ground by elastic means at an end (1b) of the chassis (1), and a control unit (50a) with a command member (7) in another end of the chassis. The units are connected by transmission devices (19, 20, 21). The command member (7) is manually operable to lower the steering wheel (4) against the force of said elastic means and to make the steering wheel (4) rotate with respect to a substantially vertical shaft when the wheel (5) is in contact with the ground to steer the vehicle. The elastic means automatically lift the steering wheel (4) when the manual operation of the command member (7) ceases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: INVENTIAS ENGINEERING, SL
    Inventor: Fernando Esteban Araya Moreno
  • Patent number: 8282213
    Abstract: An adapter for a steering handle of a camera dolly includes a first part and a second part attached to the first part in a way that allows for angular adjustment between them. This allows the steering handle to be aligned or squared up relative to the dolly chassis. The first part may be an adapter base and the second part may be a riser. The adapter base may have a flange with slotted holes alignable with holes in the riser. Fasteners, such as cap screws, extending through the slots and holes, may be loosened to allow angular movement between the adapter base and the riser. Once properly aligned, the fasteners are tightened. Grooves, openings, pins, or similar engagement features may be provided at the top end of the adapter base, to allow a steering handle to attach to, and to rotate with, the adapter base. A bore may extend through the adapter base and the riser, with a fitting on the riser adapted to engage with a steering system in the camera dolly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Chapman/Leonard Studio Equipment, Inc
    Inventor: Leonard T. Chapman
  • Publication number: 20120247842
    Abstract: A table assembly for a patient transfer device has an upper table with side plates that are differentially extended at the ends, and valve control for pneumatic tubing integrated with refraction of the side plates. During patient delivery only the delivery side plate is raised, to avoid catching linens in the nip formed between upper and lower belts. A slide assembly supporting the table assembly includes a fixed plate, an intermediate plate, and a full-motion plate which extend by means of rack-and-pinion drives. Each plate is symmetrical, and pinions are symmetrically located on opposite sides of the fixed or intermediate plate to allow hyperextension to either the left or right. Improved steerage for the device is provided by two centerline wheels which counter-rotate from a straight position to a turning position and further to a lateral position wherein the wheels are orthogonal to the longitudinal centerline of the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Richard A. Patterson, Lawrence R. Gravell
  • Publication number: 20120217711
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a base member for a portable intravenous stand. The base member includes a plurality of segments configured to facilitate the close nesting or alignment of multiple portable intravenous stands; and thus reducing the amount of space required for storing the portable intravenous stands when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: MAXTEC, LLC.
    Inventors: Darryl Zitting, Jeffrey Valjean Anderson, Carl Ross Wecker
  • Patent number: 8146926
    Abstract: Aspects of the present invention involve a steerable stroller including a rear frame assembly supporting two rear wheels and a front frame assembly, which may take the form of a boom or other frame work, pivotally coupled with the rear frame assembly and supporting a front wheel. A centering mechanism is provided that elastically couples the front frame assembly with the rear frame assembly so that the boom and front wheel are normally in a straight orientation with respect to the rear wheels, and when a user imparts a turning force the centering mechanism acts to return the boom and front wheel to the straight orientation when the force is reduced or removed. It is also possible to include a pivoting front wheel in conjunction with or separate from the pivoting boom, with pivoting wheel also including a centering mechanism. Finally, aspects of the present invention may include a removable seat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Gregory P. Durbin
  • Publication number: 20120068424
    Abstract: A hand truck allows for the transportation of containers, where each container has a passageway therethrough. The hand truck has a flat bottom member that receives and supports a vertical stack of the containers and vertical members are affixed to the bottom member. Cross members are joined to the one or more vertical members, and each cross member has a rod-receiving hole that is formed therein such that the holes are vertically spaced apart from each other. The hand truck also has a plurality of elongate support rods. A first end of each support rod is inserted through the container passageway, is inserted into a respective cross member hole, and is fastened to the cross member to prevent its withdrawal. A second end of each support rod is enlarged so as to affix the container or containers to the respective cross member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: WINDY CITY WIRE CABLE AND TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventors: Richard GALGANO, Mark K. WINKEL, Martin C. MCGUIRE, Martin J. MCGUIRE
  • Patent number: 8128109
    Abstract: A scooter device propelled by side to side movement of a user that includes a frame structure through which at least a front wheel is coupled to two direction biased rear wheels. The biased direction wheels include tilted caster and spring biased caster arrangements. The frame structure may have a rear support member or structure that extends between the two rear wheels. A user support platform of various configurations may be provided with the rear support member or structure. The scooter may have a three wheel configuration with the front wheel being larger than the rear two wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Publication number: 20120018963
    Abstract: In a steerable traveling trunk, a driving part is provided for converting a horizontal axis rotation of the handle into a vertical axis rotation at both ends of the handle and transferring the rotations as a user rotates the handle. A driving force transfer part is connected to the driving part and transfers rotational force of the driving part to a lower side of the traveling trunk body. An output part is connected to a lower side of the driving force transfer part and transfers rotational force depending on the rotation of the handle, to the wheels, thus adjusting steering angles of the wheels. Allowing the traveling directions of the trunk to be easily changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Yun-Sik Kim
  • Patent number: 8100421
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a deck, an aft running gear attached to the deck, a steering assembly, a flexible joint attaching the steering assembly to the deck, such that the steering assembly is pivotable about the flexible joint with respect to the deck between a rider-standing mode and a rider-sitting mode, and a brake assembly attached to the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Bennett
  • Patent number: 8091658
    Abstract: A wheel arrangement for a four-wheeled vehicle is comprised of a front wheel, two side wheels and a rear wheel, whereas the rear wheel is connected to the frame of the vehicle by a supporting base enabling the same to be steered freely while having a ground-touching point of the same to be biased from the axis of the supporting base by a distance, and the front wheel can be specified as a driving wheel, a free-rolling steering wheel or just a steering wheel with respect to actual requirement, and the two side wheels can be specified as a driving wheels or free-rolling wheels while enabling the axis of the two side wheels to be aligned to a straight line without sharing a same shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Yu-Yin Peng
  • Publication number: 20110285099
    Abstract: A serving wagon having a main rectangular frame pivotally coupled to left and right front support members on one side of the frame and left and right rear support members on the other side of the frame. The support members are adapted to be positioned perpendicular to the rectangular frame or adjacent to and aligned with the side of the rectangular frame. The edges of top and bottom shelves having front and rear sections separated by a seam are pivotally coupled to the main frame to be in a closed position when in a vertical position, and connecting rods are pivotally coupled to the front and rear sections of the top and bottom shelves which transfer motion of one of the sections of a shelf to the same section of the other shelf.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Aleksandr Volper
  • Patent number: 8020880
    Abstract: A children's vehicle includes a body and a cross member attached to the body. A tongue assembly features a leading portion, a central portion and a trailing portion, with the central portion pivotably connected to the cross member. A handle is pivotally attached to the leading portion of the tongue assembly. A tie rod is pivotally attached to the trailing portion of the tongue assembly. A pair of axle spindles are pivotally attached one each to opposite ends of the cross member. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted one each on the pair of axle spindles. A pair of generally S-shaped torque arms are connected one each to the axle spindles and pivotally connected one each to opposite ends of the tie rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Radio Flyer, Inc.
    Inventor: Shenwei Zhu
  • Publication number: 20110109054
    Abstract: An apparatus for transporting carts including a machine body, a steering control arranged on the body, a steering pedestal pivotally arranged with respect to the body, and a selection mechanism adapted to be selectively coupleable between the body and the steering pedestal providing for a caster mode and a steering mode respectively. A method of using a dual mode utility machine including depressing a first lever thereby engaging a pivoting selector into a steering pedestal engaging position and controlling the direction of the machine by rotatably manipulating a tiller, and depressing a second lever thereby disengaging the pivoting selector from a steering pedestal engaging position to a body engaging position and controlling the direction of the machine by pushing and/or pulling a machine from side to side via a fixed tiller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Paul David Holtan, Andrew L. Dvorak
  • Patent number: 7926825
    Abstract: A scooter device propelled by side to side movement of a user that includes a frame structure through which at least a front wheel is coupled to two direction biased rear wheels. The frame structure may have a foot placement platform that extends laterally between the two rear wheels. The platform may extend over half of the distance between the rear wheels and/or be substantially continuous for that distance. Various platform embodiments and frame structures, including rigid and flexible, are disclosed, among other aspects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 7909122
    Abstract: Methods for steering mobile medical equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes supporting medical equipment with a base above a floor over which a left steerable wheel, a right steerable wheel, and a pair of front wheels roll; receiving an input steering angle other than zero; linearly sweeping a long link in response to the input steering angle, pivoting a pair of short links in response to the linearly sweeping of the long link; pivoting a pair of cam plates in response to the pivoting of the pair of short links; transferring the pivoting of one of the pair of cam plates to a left wheel assembly to position the left steerable wheel at a left wheel angle; and transferring the pivoting of another one of the pair of cam plates to a right wheel assembly to position the right steerable wheel at a right wheel angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce M. Schena, Henry B. Hazebrouck
  • Patent number: 7862055
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a deck, an aft running gear attached to the deck, a steering assembly, a flexible joint attaching the steering assembly to the deck, such that the steering assembly is pivotable about the flexible joint with respect to the deck between a rider-standing mode and a rider-sitting mode, and a brake assembly attached to the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Joseph Bennett
  • Patent number: 7837209
    Abstract: A person rides the Tri-Axial Control Device standing on pedal assemblies. The pedal assemblies are attached to a control axial member thus forming the Tri-Axial Control Device. The control axial member on the vertical stick, can rotate fore and aft, and turns the front skis and/or wheels. Changing the angle of the vertical stick side-to-side changes the pedal angle. If the rider falls forward the front stick can rotate away. Various torsion controls rod assemblies and pedal assemblies can be utilized to create a unique tri axial device. The device can be folded, is lightweight and can be manufactured without welding. No special equipment or training is required to operate the device. In addition to its entertainment uses, the mounting device for portable electronics can also be used for added safety by adding a global positioning system or other electronic signal device, allowing safety personnel to locate the rider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Inventors: Adam Micheal Spencer, Deserai Marie Spencer
  • Patent number: 7827634
    Abstract: A system and method for a bed transport. The system may include a drive system configured to couple to a bed frame and to provide powered movement of the bed frame. The system may also include a substantially vertical control arm and a control handle coupled to the control arm. The system may also comprise a switch on the control handle, and the switch may be configured to control a function of the drive system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: KCI Licensing, Inc.
    Inventors: Glenn Stroth, Chris Niederkrom, Malcolm Thomson, Joe A. Alvarez, Kenneth Knowles, Robert Sepulveda, Martin Rodriguez, Bruce Allen, Jose Sablan, Kevin Bendele
  • Publication number: 20100230917
    Abstract: A transportable display cart includes a chassis with ground engaging wheels and an upper body removably supported by the chassis. The upper body has a first side portion and a second side portion hingedly connected in a clamshell arrangement such that the first and second side portions pivot between a closed position and an open position. Each of the first side portion and second side portion have a flat side panel such that in the open position, the first and second side portions form a flat surface. There is a transport connector on the chassis for supporting the upper body in the closed position for transport or storage. There is a display connector on the chassis for supporting the upper body in the open position or in a position intermediate the closed position and the open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Geoffrey Lambert