Abstract: A modular and lightweight Stair Climber for Caskets is provided. The Stair Climber for Caskets is uniquely designed and configured with a trolley frame and four sets of wheels arranged and affixed at the four ends of the trolley frame respectively. In the depicted embodiment, each set of wheels comprises three wheels spaced an equal distance from each other that rotate together about a horizontal axis for easy navigation. The Stair Climber for Caskets further comprises wheel plates attached to the set of wheels. The Stair Climber for Caskets is designed ergonomically with the right configuration for ensuring easy movement up and down stairs of different heights and inclinations.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention disclose a foldable kick scooter, including a frontally positioned assembly, a deck assembly, and a folding mechanism. The deck assembly includes a deck support, and the folding mechanism includes a button and a folding support with a steering tube and two supporting plates, the two supporting plates being positioned opposite each other and both fixed to the steering tube. A connecting end of the deck support is rotatably connected between the two supporting plates, on which a positioning slot is provided. The button is slidably connected to the connecting end, and there are two positioning pins on the button that cooperate in a positioning manner, respectively, with the positioning slots on the two supporting plates. The folding is achieved by the cooperation by rotation between the two supporting plates and the connecting end, the structure is simple and the structural strength is ensured.

Abstract: A wheelchair assembly including a control device, a power base, and a plurality of leg modules coupled to the power base is disclosed. Each of a first, a second, and a third leg module may include an upper leg assembly and a lower leg assembly. Each lower leg assembly may include a knee joint and a foot joint and each lower leg assembly may rotatably couple to each upper leg assembly at the knee joint. A knee wheel located at the knee joint of each lower leg assembly, may include an omni-directional wheel, and may be selectively drivable. A foot wheel located at the foot joint of each lower leg assembly may be selectively drivable. The control device, based on a selectable mode of operation, may selectively position at least one of the knee wheel or the foot wheel associated with each respective leg module relative to a surface.

Abstract: A cart is configured to allow a user to gain mechanical advantage in moving a load up or down a step, a curb, a flight of stairs or other obstruction while at the same time allowing them to employ a conventional lifting motion in an improved ergonomic position.

Abstract: An obstacle traversing wheel assembly can include at least one primary wheel member mounted with a primary axis of rotation and capable of rolling engagement with a supporting surface, and at least one secondary wheel member mounted with a secondary axis of rotation. The secondary wheel member can have a plurality of surface engaging protrusions which enable the wheel assembly to traverse an obstacle by imparting climbing movement to the primary wheel member in response to engagement with the obstacle. The surface engaging protrusions can be defined by rolling wheel members. The obstacle traversing wheel assembly can be incorporated on a wide variety of wheel-bearing devices, such as wheelchairs, personal transportation devices, and intravenous fluid support racks.

Abstract: A stair climbing wheel and vehicles are described. The stair climbing wheel has a rolling wheel and a plurality of deployable protrusions that allow the wheel to climb stairs. The deployable protrusions can be deployed from or retracted into the rolling wheel. In the retracted position, the stair climbing wheel functions as a traditional circular wheel. These stair climbing wheels can be incorporated on a wide variety of vehicles, such as hand trucks, wheelchairs, and personal transports to allow these vehicles to climb stairs.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a slab dolly for moving slabs of material includes a body adapted to support a slab of material, wheels that support the body, handles that extend to a rear of the body, and a leg that is pivotally connected to the body, the leg being adapted to drop down from the body and engage a floor surface or stair steps to act as a pivot member about which the dolly can be pivoted to assist a user in moving the dolly up a flight of stairs.

Abstract: A passively transformable wheel includes a wheel base including a centrally positioned transmitter rotation shaft and one or more passive leg rotation shafts positioned in the outer periphery; a force transmitter rotatably coupled to an end of the transmitter rotation shaft, the force transmitter including a trigger slide and one or more passive leg joints spaced apart from one another; a trigger leg arranged between the wheel base and the force transmitter and rotatably coupled to the trigger leg rotation shaft, the trigger leg including a trigger joint fitted to the trigger slide; and one or more passive legs arranged between the wheel base and the force transmitter so as not to interfere with the trigger leg and rotatably coupled to the passive leg rotation shafts, the passive legs including one or more passive leg slides engaging with the passive leg joints of the force transmitter.

Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.

Abstract: A cart is configured to allow a user to gain mechanical advantage in moving a load up or down a step, a curb, a flight of stairs or other obstruction while at the same time allowing them to employ a conventional lifting motion in an improved ergonomic position.

Abstract: A driving system that can allow a vehicle to go over or ascend obstacles or stairs through a step driving manner is provided. The driving system includes a power transmission unit connected to a main shaft connected to a power generation unit installed on the wheel frame, a plurality of driven units engaged with the power transmission unit and supporting the rotation of wheels by rotational force from the power transmission unit, and a carrier to which the power transmission unit and each of the driven units are operationally fixed and which goes over the obstacles by rotating when the driven units are stopped by the obstacles.

Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transporting a payload over a surface is provided. A vehicle supports a payload with a support partially enclosed by an enclosure. Two laterally disposed ground-contacting elements are coupled to at least one of the enclosure or support. A motorized drive is coupled to the ground-contacting elements. A controller coupled to the drive governs the operation of the drive at least in response to the position of the center of gravity of the vehicle to dynamically control balancing of the vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-legged walking device includes a crankshaft, a plurality of linkage bar mechanisms, a support member, and a driving device. The crankshaft includes a plurality of main journals and crankpin journals. The plurality of linkage bar mechanisms is spaced from and substantially parallel to each other. The linkage bar mechanisms include a plurality of frames. Each frame is rotatably connected to one of the plurality of main journals. Each linkage bar mechanism includes a connecting bar, a first rocker, a second rocker, and a leg. Two ends of the connecting bar are rotatably connected to one of the crankpin journals and the leg. Two ends of the first rocker are rotatably connected to one of the plurality of frames and the leg. Two ends of the second rocker are rotatably connected to one of the plurality of frames and the connecting bar. The support member is fixed to the frames.

Abstract: A steerable walking machine is described which comprises a leg mechanism that provides a means for locomotion of the machine across a surface and a head rotatably mounted upon the leg mechanism. The rotational position of the head upon the leg mechanism acts to defines a direction of locomotion of the machine across the surface. The steerable walking machine can therefore walk in any direction without requiring the leg mechanism to turn and so can manoeuvre in more confined spaces than those devices known in the art. A first motor is employed to control the leg mechanism while a second motor controls the rotation of the head upon the leg mechanism. The functionality of the steerable walking machine is therefore achieved through the employment of only two motors thus significantly reducing the manufacturing costs involved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheel suspension for mounting on a frame (3) of a vehicle, which, in its direction of propulsion, is arranged to be able to scale an obstacle (7), the wheel suspension (1) comprises a link element (9) arranged rotatably about a rotation point (R), to which rotation point (R), via the frame (3), can be applied a force (Gx) for propulsion, the link element (9) comprises a first and a second wheel axle (11, 13), the second wheel axle (13) serves as a moment axis (X) about which the link element (9) tends to rotate when a force (F) is applied to the first wheel axle (11) in the direction opposite to the direction of travel. The link element (9) acts as a lever arm by virtue of the rotation point (R) being situated at a distance from an imaginary straight line (L) intersecting the first and the second wheel axle (11, 13) and in a plane transversely to the extent of the moment axis (X).

Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a barrier-overpassing transporter, which comprises: a support frame carrying a rider or another load; a sensing/adjusting module detecting a tilting state of the support frame and maintaining the support frame in a horizontal state; a ground contact module arranged below the support frame supporting an effective load and lifting the support frame to overpass a surface of a barrier; and a wireless transceiver module collecting and transmitting information to enable adjustments and activities responding to interior states of the transporter. Thereby, the present invention can provide a safe, stable, reliable, comfortable, convenient and low-cost barrier-overpassing transporter.

Abstract: A collapsible spider wheel assembly on a towing device enables storage of the device into a standard rectangular space. Once collapsed, the collapsible spider assembly is protected within the body of the towing device. Furthermore, actuation of the folding and unfolding may be accomplished through the usual telescoping of the carrying handle of such a device, such as in a suitcase embodiment. While the spider wheels are in the open position, the carrying apparatus may exert a drive force to climb up stairs and braking force to descend stairs. The unit operates as a normal wheeled carrying apparatus while traversing a horizontal surface.

Abstract: Twinned circular, parallel arrays of spoke-like second-class levers (10, 12) enclosing a centered cargo cradle for towing 2½ ton stone blocks (26) up a stepped structure of stone courses (34) by rotation of the whole.

Abstract: Configurations are provided for vehicular robots or other vehicles to provide shifting of their centers of gravity for enhanced obstacle navigation. Various head and neck morphologies are provided to allow positioning for various poses such as a stowed pose, observation poses, and inspection poses. Neck extension and actuator module designs are provided to implement various head and neck morphologies. Robot control network circuitry is also provided.

Abstract: A towing device comprising a power-assisted spider wheel assembly for ascending and descending stairwells is capable of avoiding unintentional back turning hazards that may result while descending shallower stairwells by applying torque alternatively in the climb-down and climb-up direction to the spider assembly responsive to the angle formed between the spider assembly and lower stair riser. This ensures that the unit will not suddenly fall to a lower tread, which results if the lower-leaning wheel is not first pinned against the lower inside riser and rolls forward instead. The torque exerting means may also lock said spider assembly in a fixed arbitrary orientation during ascent and descent to allow the spider assembly to achieve a safe orientation before stopping mid-stairwell increasing safety.

Abstract: A wheeled attachment system for efficiently attaching to a spine board to allow the spine board to be easily maneuvered over various surfaces (e.g. flat surfaces, stairs, etc.). The wheeled attachment system generally includes a front support, a pair of wheel assemblies extending from opposing sides of the front support, a pair of side supports extending from the front support adjacent the pair of wheel assemblies and at least one strap extending from the pair of side supports. The side supports and the front support define a cavity adapted to receive an end of a spine board, wherein the strap is adapted to secure the pair of wheel assemblies about the spine board. A pair of extension members interconnect the pair of wheel assemblies with the front support so that a center rotational axis of the pair of wheel assemblies is vertically offset with the front support.

Abstract: A wheeled attachment system for efficiently attaching to a spine board to allow the spine board to be easily maneuvered over various surfaces (e.g. flat surfaces, stairs, etc.). The wheeled attachment system generally includes a support structure including a shaft, a plurality of wheels and at least one support, wherein at least three of the plurality of wheels are rotatably attached at each opposing end of the shaft and wherein the plurality of wheels form a tri-wheeled structure upon each of the opposing ends of the shaft. The support extends outwardly from the shaft between the opposing ends of the shaft, wherein the support stabilizes the support structure upon an object positioned adjacent the support structure. An attachment structure extends from the support structure, wherein the attachment structure removably secures the attachment structure and the support structure to the object.

Abstract: A wheeled attachment system for efficiently attaching to a spine board to allow the spine board to be easily maneuvered over various surfaces (e.g. flat surfaces, stairs, etc.). The wheeled attachment system generally includes an end support, a pair of wheel assemblies extending from opposing sides of the end support, a pair of side supports extending from the end support adjacent the pair of wheel assemblies and at least one strap extending from the pair of side supports. The side supports and the end support define a cavity adapted to receive an end of a spine board, wherein the strap is adapted to secure the pair of wheel assemblies about the spine board.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wheelchair suspension that includes a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly includes at least two linkages. The pivoting assembly is structured so that the drive assists the wheelchair in traversing obstacles.

Abstract: A collapseable spider wheel assembly on a towing device enables storage of the device into a standard rectangular space. Once collapsed, the collapsible spider assembly is protected within the body of the towing device. Furthermore, actuation of the folding and unfolding may be accomplished through the usual telescoping of the carrying handle of such a device, such as in a suitcase embodiment. While the spider wheels are in the open position, the carrying apparatus may exert a drive force to climb up stairs and braking force to descend stairs. The unit operates as a normal wheeled carrying apparatus while traversing a horizontal surface.

Abstract: A vehicle is adaptable to various terrains. The vehicle includes a frame and two rolling sets connected to the frame. Each of the rolling sets includes two legs pivotally connected to the frame, two casters, a pin and a wheel. Each of the legs defines a slot. Each of the casters is connected to one of the legs. The pin is carried by the frame and extends through the slots so that the motor is moved when the legs are pivoted. The wheel is operably connected to the motor so that the casters and the wheel always grip the ground firmly regardless of whether the casters are up or down.

Abstract: A driving system allows an invalid chair having a seating structure, wheels on both sides of the seating structure and at least one front stabilizing wheel, to pass obstacles. The driving system has arms secured to both sides of the seating structure and on which shafts of the wheels are arranged slidingly within two extreme positions. Cranks are on both sides of the seating structure and rotary cross engagement members are at the rear and on both sides of the seating structure and have arms which are terminated with adhesive end pieces. Each crank is connected to a respective rotary cross engagement member through a geared transmission for transmission of rotary movement of the crank to the rotary cross engagement member, and the geared transmission is provided with a flap for preventing reverse rotating of the crank.

Abstract: The Stepping Wheels Concept is the conception of dividing the existing wheel into several smaller wheels, which are peripheral to the main axis, in this case four of them which have their own rotation. Peripheral wheels are connected with each other by the “shoulders”. The point of intersection of the shoulders is the central axis of the wheel. The Stepping Wheels Hand Truck and its modifications are build on the basis of that concept and mostly designed for moving heavy items and cargo upstairs and downstairs in the buildings without elevators—mostly two or three leveled buildings and can be used by moving professionals as part of their equipment.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for supporting a load bearing platform includes a primary wheel and at least four secondary wheels that are of equal size. The primary wheel includes at least one planar member having an even number of axles at fixed locations extending perpendicularly therefrom with one secondary wheel mounted on each axle. The fixed locations are angularly equidistant apart and also equidistant from the central axis of the primary wheel. The diameter of each secondary wheel is greater than is the distance between locations, and adjacent secondary wheels are arranged to roll in separate, parallel paths.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for supporting a load bearing platform includes a primary wheel and at least four secondary wheels that are of equal size. The primary wheel includes at least one planar member having an even number of axles at fixed locations extending perpendicularly therefrom with one secondary wheel mounted on each axle. The fixed locations are angularly equidistant apart and also equidistant from the central axis of the primary wheel. The diameter of each secondary wheel is greater than is the distance between locations, and adjacent secondary wheels are arranged to roll in separate, parallel paths.

Abstract: A stroller assembly includes a seat and a frame attached to the seat. A rear axle and a front axle is each mounted on the frame. A plurality of back wheels is rotatably attached to the rear axle. Each of a pair of hubs is rotatably coupled to one of a pair of free ends of the front axle. A plurality of arms is attached to and radially extends outwardly from each of the hubs. The arms on each of the hubs are positioned equidistant from each other. Each of a plurality of rods is attached to one of the arms such that each of the rods is orientated substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of an associated one of the arms and parallel to a longitudinal axis of the front axle. At least one of a plurality of front wheels is rotatably coupled to each one of the rods.

Abstract: A wall-climbing robot or mobility platform able to ascend and descend various horizontal and vertical surfaces having a chassis, a rotor rotatable with respect to the chassis, one or more prominences on the rotor, and means for adhering to a surface attached to the prominences. The robot is able to make a transition from horizontal travel to vertical travel. In certain embodiments, the means for adhering to a wall is a pressure sensitive adhesive. In addition, multiple rotor configurations and radio-control are used for remote operation.

Abstract: This device is a trailer hitched to an atv or off road vehicle to haul cargo over an uneven or rough terrain. The trailer has a frame of steel tubing, a main axle, low pressure tires, trailer cargo box. The axle is comprised of a plurality of wheels rotatable about an axes that are fixed with respect to a cluster arm where cluster arm itself is rotated about an axis so that the wheels will rotate or climb over uneven terrain. The cargo box is constructed of a plastic composite material.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for supporting a load bearing platform includes a primary wheel and at least four secondary wheels that are of equal size. The primary wheel includes at least one planar member having an even number of axles at fixed locations extending perpendicularly therefrom with one secondary wheel mounted on each axle. The fixed locations are angularly equidistant apart and also equidistant from the central axis of the primary wheel. The diameter of each secondary wheel is greater than is the distance between locations, and adjacent secondary wheels are arranged to roll in separate, parallel paths.

Abstract: A stair chair is provided and includes a seat 30, a backrest 34, a foot rest 32, upper handles 84 and lower handles 82. Three wheels 62 are mounted at each side of the chair. The wheels are pivotal about their own axis and also a common axis. Rotation about the common axis can be braked or locked. The chair can be lowered downstairs with a person pulling on the upper handle 84 and another person pushing on the lower handles 82 in order to slow movement of the chair down the stairs.

Abstract: A walker includes a frame with downwardly extending front and rear legs. An obstacle traversing wheel assembly is disposed at the lower end of each front leg, and a wheel having a brake that is engaged by a downward force on the walker frame is disposed at the lower end of each rear leg. The obstacle traversing wheel assembly is arranged with a primary wheel that is rotatable about a central axis. At least four secondary wheels of equal diameter, but smaller than the primary wheel, are arranged at fixed locations around the circumference of the primary wheel. The secondary wheels are arranged to freely rotate independently of each other and of the primary wheel.

Abstract: A mechanical walker comprises six legs extending from a sphere, the legs organized in a X-Y-Z axial configuration. The sphere and legs support a bearing member. A shell holds the sphere and legs to the bearing member. Movement is accomplished by applying downward force to one of three high legs to walk it over two anchor legs moving the device in the horizontal inclination of the selected high leg. The invention is capable of horizontal movement in six directions offset from each other by sixty degrees. Preferably downward force is applied to the selected high leg using a retractable actuating rod. Slots in the shell, and a groove and prominences in a bottom portion of the actuating rod, prevent the high leg from drifting horizontally. At least three mechanical walkers can support a platform or other conveyance means.

Abstract: A stair chair is provided and includes a seat 30, a backrest 34, a foot rest 32, upper handles 84 and lower handles 82. Three wheels 62 are mounted at each side of the chair. The wheels are pivotal about their own axis and also a common axis. Rotation about the common axis can be braked or locked. The chair can be lowered downstairs with a person pulling on the upper handle 84 and another person pushing on the lower handles 82 in order to slow movement of the chair down the stairs.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a payload over a surface that may be irregular and may include stairs. The vehicle has a support for supporting the payload and a ground contacting element movable with respect to a local axis, where the local axis can be moved with respect to some second axis that has a defined relation with respect to the support. The vehicle also has a motorized drive arrangement for permitting controllable motion of the ground contacting element so as to operate in an operating condition that is unstable with respect to tipping in at least a fore-aft plane when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered. The vehicle also has an input device for receiving an indication from an assistant who is not disposed on the vehicle of a direction of desired motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A stair chair is provided and includes a seat 30, a backrest 34, a foot rest 32, upper handles 84 and lower handles 82. Three wheels 62 are mounted at each side of the chair. The wheels are pivotal about their own axis and also a common axis. Rotation about the common axis can be braked or locked. The chair can be lowered downstairs with a person pulling on the upper handle 84 and another person pushing on the lower handles 82 in order to slow movement of the chair down the stairs.

Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a payload over a surface that may be irregular and may include stairs. The vehicle has a support for supporting the payload and a ground contacting element movable with respect to a local axis, where the local axis can be moved with respect to some second axis that has a defined relation with respect to the support. The vehicle also has a motorized drive arrangement for permitting controllable motion of the ground contacting element so as to operate in an operating condition that is unstable with respect to tipping in at least a fore-aft plane when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered. The vehicle also has an input device for receiving an indication from an assistant who is not disposed on the vehicle of a direction of desired motion of the vehicle.

Abstract: A walker includes a frame with downwardly extending front and rear legs. An obstacle traversing wheel assembly is disposed at the lower end of each front leg, and a wheel having a brake that is engaged by a downward force on the walker frame is disposed at the lower end of each rear leg. The obstacle traversing wheel assembly is arranged with a primary wheel that is rotatable about a central axis. At least four secondary wheels of equal diameter, but smaller than the primary wheel, are arranged at fixed locations around the circumference of the primary wheel. The secondary wheels are arranged to freely rotate independently of each other and of the primary wheel.

Abstract: An obstacle traversing wheel assembly that rolls easily without dragging over electrical cords, trash and debris includes a primary wheel that is journaled on an axle which is attached to a load carrying frame. At least four independently rotatable secondary wheels are mounted around the circumference of the primary wheel at locations equidistant from each other and from the primary wheel axle. The secondary wheels are all of the same diameter and are spaced apart on the primary wheel at a distance that is less than the diameter of a secondary wheel. The wheel assembly finds use as the wheel members on luggage, as the leading wheel of an in-line skate board, and for supporting any other load carrying module that is rolled across a debris-strewn surface.

Abstract: A scooter including a footboard, a rear wheel, a front wheel rod fastened to the front end of the footboard in conjunction with a folding member, a handlebar fastened to the top end of the front wheel rod, a wheel frame fastened to the bottom end of the front wheel rod, and a front wheel member fastened pivotally to the wheel frame and formed of three front wheels to stabilize the scooter in motion. Two of the three front wheels are in contact with the ground surface, with the remaining one front wheel being pivoted over the two front wheels such that the remaining one front wheel is capable of swiveling to come in contact with the ground surface at the time when one of the two front wheels encounters an obstacle. The folding member enables the front wheel rod to swivel toward the footboard so as to facilitate the storage or transportation of the scooter.

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).

Abstract: The present invention configures a pushcart, in particular a baggage cart such as is used in airports, for ease of maneuverability in negotiating an escalator stairway. The cart is fitted with a front wheel assembly and pivotable rear wheel assemblies, as well as with drop-attenuating mechanisms fitted to each wheel assembly. The rear wheel assemblies each include a reverse-releasable, pivoting-lock mechanism. The drop attenuating mechanisms function when the pivotable wheel assemblies are locked in the pushcart advancing direction, and include damped-swing traction members for establishing adhesive friction in contacting the treads of a sloping escalator stairway. The traction members bear the pushcart through a damped swing if the wheel assemblies are not riding on the treads of the escalator steps.