Abstract: The current invention may be to provide a modular luggage system having an at least one modular bag that may be configured to be secured to a cart configured to be fully-collapsible. In this embodiment, the collapsible adjustable cart may be configured in a nested configuration such that it may be a unibody structure that may be easily collapsed and stored, preferably in one or more modular bags. In this embodiment, the cart may further include a plurality of telescoping arms coupled to a base support as well as a plurality of extendable wheels secured to the base support through at least one wheel coupler. The adjustable support surface may be expandable through the use of one or more collapsible surfaces such that it may better accommodate one or more modular bags. The invention may also provide a belt-mounted stair guide mechanism to assist a user maneuver an adjustable cart up stairs, or other irregular elevated surfaces.

Abstract: A spray gun includes a valve cartridge configured to be axially installed and removed as a single piece. The valve cartridge includes the wear components of the spray gun. A trigger of the spray gun is configured to actuate a slider of the valve cartridge to control spraying by the spray gun. The trigger includes arms that are mounted to the spray gun by a pivot mechanism. The pivot mechanism can be disengaged from the arms to allow the trigger to slide between a spray position, where the trigger prevents forward axial movement of the valve cartridge, and a repair position, where the valve cartridge can move axially forward. The trigger also includes upper and lower portions that are movable relative to each other, such that the length of the trigger can be adjusted.

Abstract: A lightweight motorized and tracked sled for attachment to a variety of stair chairs is described. A power supply or power source provides power to a motor driving a track configured to engage a set of stairs. The motor and track can lift and support the stair chair and a patient thereon up or down one or more flights of stairs. The track driven by the motor has a length sufficient to simultaneously engage the lips or edges of a pair of sequential steps, but may be otherwise limited in length to reduce the weight of the track. To ensure that the sled and attached stair chair are stably supported while ascending or descending stairs, the sled may have rails, skis, or passive tracks having a length sufficient to ensure that the rails, skis, or passive tracks are always over the edge or lip of no fewer than two steps.

Abstract: The device sometimes called a boat ramp buddy is a generally triangular device that attaches to a trailer frame. The device is used to help the trailer skid across uneven or washed out boat ramps or uneven ground so as not to damage the trailer itself or remove its wheels.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for transporting objects comprises a frame for receiving at least one object, at least one handle coupled to the frame, at least one set of wheels coupled to the frame, at least one track coupled to the frame, wherein the track allows movement of the apparatus in addition to the wheels, and at least one brake mechanism coupled to the frame.

Abstract: A lightweight motorized and tracked sled for attachment to a variety of stair chairs is described. A power supply or power source provides power to a motor driving a track configured to engage a set of stairs. The motor and track can lift and support the stair chair and a patient thereon up or down one or more flights of stairs. The track driven by the motor has a length sufficient to simultaneously engage the lips or edges of a pair of sequential steps, but may be otherwise limited in length to reduce the weight of the track. To ensure that the sled and attached stair chair are stably supported while ascending or descending stairs, the sled may have rails, skis, or passive tracks having a length sufficient to ensure that the rails, skis, or passive tracks are always over the edge or lip of no fewer than two steps.

Abstract: The mobile robot includes a chassis, a pair of drive system, a manipulator arm with a turret. The pair of drive systems is operably connected to opposed sides of the chassis. The turret is rotationally attached to the platform. The first link of the manipulator arm is attached to the turret at a first joint. The manipulator arm has at least a first link, and the first link is adapted to function as a traction device.

Abstract: A hybrid mobile robot includes a base link and a second link. The base link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and a turret. The second link is attached to the base link at a first joint. The second link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and to be deployed for manipulation. In another embodiment an invertible robot includes at least one base link and a second link. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a chassis and a track drive pulley system including a tension and suspension mechanism. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a wireless communication system.

Abstract: A hybrid mobile robot includes a base link and a second link. The base link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and a turret. The second link is attached to the base link at a first joint. The second link has a drive system and is adapted to function as a traction device and to be deployed for manipulation. In another embodiment an invertible robot includes at least one base link and a second link. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a chassis and a track drive pulley system including a tension and suspension mechanism. In another embodiment a mobile robot includes a wireless communication system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assistant apparatus for surmounting a barrier, which comprises a carrier body, an assistant mechanism, and a sensing/driving apparatus. The assistant mechanism, disposed at a side of the carrier body, having an assistant block disposed at the end thereof, functions to place the assistant block on the ground between the carrier body and the barrier so that the carrier body is capable of surmounting the barrier through the assistance of the assistant block. The sensing/driving apparatus, coupled to the assistant mechanism, functions to drive the assistant mechanism to generate the adjusting movement according to whether the barrier is detected or not. By means of the design of the present invention, the assistant block is adopted to reduce the height surmounted by the carrier each time so that the carrier is capable of surmounting the barrier section by section.

Abstract: A trailer and hitch system for a mobile robot. The trailer includes a front Ackerman steering linkage, a releasable locking mechanism for releasably positioning the Ackerman steering linkage in a turned position to arrest the trailer, a tow bar extending upwardly from the Ackerman steering linkage and terminating in a lunette ring, and spaced skid members extending downwardly and rearwardly. The mobile robot includes a hitch assembly for the lunette ring. The hitch assembly has a frame including a slot for the lunette ring and a guide portion for guiding the lunette ring into the slot, a latch pivotable with respect to the frame and biased to close the slot, and a decoupling mechanism configured to move the latch to release the lunette ring from the slot. A robot arm is maneuverable to engage the decoupling mechanism.

Abstract: A gap-clearing mechanism for attachment to a wheelchair is disclosed. The gap-clearing mechanism has a lower member for attachment to the wheelchair, and an upper member spaced from and parallel to the lower member and being moveable relative thereto. The upper member has at least one support column securely attached thereto and depending therefrom. The at least one support column is slideably mounted relative to the lower member. There is a wheel assembly at a lower end of the at least one support column. The wheel assembly is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. A wheelchair fitted with two such gap-clearing mechanisms is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for climbing stairs for a wheelchair having a chassis (1) having a lifting device (3) and having receivers (17, 18) for the running wheels (16) of the wheelchair on arms running transversely to the wheel axles laterally next to the chassis (1) is described. In order to provide advantageous construction conditions, it is suggested that the arms each form at least one bow (10), which is mounted so it is pivotable around a transverse axis (11) positioned in a frame (7) from a stop-delimited pivoted-out position into a positioned pivoted in against the frame (7), and the frame (7), which is linked laterally to the chassis (1) around a longitudinal axis (8), may be folded up from a stop-delimited, folded-down operating position into a rest position.

Abstract: A wheelchair or a vehicle for sand or loose soil comprises one or more skids, each equipped with a spring-loaded roller or roller plate. Examples of the vehicle include a wheelchair and a planetary rover. Preferably, a beach, shower or pool wheelchair comprises two front skids in place of front wheels. The skids provide a resistance-free, broad footprint in the sand and a low-resistance narrow footprint when used on hard, e.g. boardwalk, surfaces. A wheelchair may further comprise a lightweight, easy to fold frame, which closes like a pair of eyeglasses. Still further, a wheelchair may provide a removable and reclining lounge chair seat to allow the user to exit the wheelchair to enter the water or sit and recline on the sand. In addition, dog bone or dumbbell shaped wheels provide the wheelchair strong, lightweight support and a wide footprint and can be equipped with grip notches for user self-propulsion.

Abstract: A rescue device (20) having a sled body (22), back support member (24), safety belts (26, 28, 30), and a lowering strap (32) is utilized to lower incapacitated individuals down inclined terrain such as stairs. The sled body (22) includes a plurality of reinforcing corrugations (46, 64, 72, 88, 98) and a plurality of integral components such as a U-shaped perimeter edge (44) and hand holds (92) which make the sled body (22) more rigid, so that the entire device weighs only twenty-one pounds. A hanging apparatus (128) is provided in combination with the device (20) and includes hanging arms (132) which extend through handle openings (96) of the sled body (22) to store the device (20).

Abstract: A collapsible chair for transporting people up and down stairs, comprising a main frame, a seating assembly, and a rail assembly. The seating assembly is provided to form a set for a person, and this assembly is pivotally connected to the main frame for pivotal movement between open and closed positions. The rail assembly is used to support the chair for movement down steps, and this assembly is also pivotally connected to the main frame for pivotal movement between open and closed positions. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, the chair is provided with uniquely designed gripping bars that may be used to help carry the chair upstairs. Also, the chair is provided with a set of wheels that are uniquely located to help stabilize the chair.

Abstract: A carrier includes a base, a number of wheels attached to the base, and a spring biasing device for engaging with the stairs and for biasing the base while the base is moved relative to stairs, in order to facilitate the base of the carrier upstairs or downstairs. One or more posts are secured to the base, and one or more barrels are slidably engaged on the posts for engaging with the stairs. The spring biasing device includes a number of springs engaged with the barrels for for applying biasing forces against the barrels when the barrels are engaged with the stairs.

Abstract: Chair Lift for Stairs with a light weight metal chair frame mounted to a pair of metal slidable sled rails, the chair frame supporting a fabric seat and back, a set of wheels mounted to the base of the rails, a thigh retaining sling mounted below the chair frame, an electric winch type mechanism mounted between the sled rails, the winch mechanism having a pulling cable located near the center line of the chair frame, the chair frame also containing a rechargeable battery to be used as a power source for said winch, said chair frame also having a manual pull strap attached to the top cross rail of said chair frame, said chair frame being collapsible for easy transport, and said chair frame also includes a retractable third wheel that can be deployed at the bottom rear center of said chair so that said chair can act as an emergency wheel chair.

Abstract: A safety device for stairway elevator systems (10) used for transporting apparatus and goods, especially wheelchairs (9) with persons who are unable to walk. The device is characterized in that the stairway elevator (10) or wheelchair (9) is fitted with a mounting device (20) equipped with a rotation pin (21). A support bracket (30) is mounted on the rotation pin (21) and a braking and blocking device (40) is attached to both the support bracket (30) and mounting device (20). A sensor (70) controls the braking and blocking device (40) in such a way that it blocks the support bracket (30) as soon as the stairway elevator (10) is at risk of tipping over and down the stairs (1) and releases the support bracket (30) when the stairway elevator (10) is placed at a correct angle to the stairs(1).