Abstract: An omni-directional transport device includes a main wheel, a plurality of auxiliary wheels, and a braking mechanism. The main wheel has a main wheel seat, a main wheel axle, and a plurality of auxiliary wheel seats. The main wheel axle connects and rotates the main wheel seat. The plurality of auxiliary wheel seats is arranged to a periphery of the main wheel seat. Each auxiliary wheel has at least one rolling wheel and an auxiliary wheel axle. The auxiliary wheel axle is rotatably arranged to the auxiliary wheel seat, and an angle is between an axis of the auxiliary wheel axle and an axis of the main wheel axle. The braking mechanism is arranged to the main wheel seat to control the rolling of the plurality of auxiliary wheels. By the assembly mentioned above, the omni-directional transport device ensures a safety by preventing an unpredictable and undesired motion.

Abstract: In a friction drive device comprising first free rollers and second free rollers contacting each other at the outer circumferential surfaces thereof to frictionally transmit power from the second free rollers to the first free rollers, in order to minimize the slippage between the first and second free rollers, minimize the power loss and cause the first free rollers to move as designed, an outer peripheral part of each first free roller defining an outer circumferential surface thereof has a different stiffness from that of an outer peripheral part of each second free roller defining an outer circumferential surface thereof.

Abstract: In a wheel for use in an omni-directional vehicle, gravel and other foreign matters are prevented from being trapped between free rollers forming the wheel, and traveling vibrations and noises are minimized at the same time. The wheel includes an annular member and a plurality of free rollers each rotatably supported by the annular member around a corresponding tangential line of the annular member, and a gap member is placed between each adjacent pair of the free rollers to fill a gap defined between the free rollers.

Abstract: A wheel assembly kit for a Mecanum wheel is provided. The kit includes a convex hub having a central axis and a perimeter. The perimeter comprises a plurality of flat spoke faces extending therearound. A spoke is releasably couplable to each spoke face. The spoke is alignable on the spoke face in a first orientation for one of left-handed and right-handed drive. When the spoke is rotated ninety degrees about its respective spoke face, the spoke is alignable in a second orientation for the other of the left-handed and the right-handed drive. A method of assembling the wheel assembly is also provided.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel includes a hub rotatable about a wheel axis and a first row of angled rollers about the hub each rotatably supported by the hub. There is at least a second row of angled rollers about the hub each also rotatably supported by the hub. The rollers of the second row are axially offset along the wheel axis from the first row, and rotationally offset from the first row about the wheel axis, and not coaxial with the rollers of the first row.

Abstract: Provided is an omni-directional drive device that does not complicate the arrangement for a power source for a drive source such as an electric motor, and achieves a high durability and an ease of maintenance. A drive force in a first direction is produced by a movement of a first moveable member (10) itself, and a drive force in a second direction is produced by the rotation of first free rollers (14) retained by the first moveable member, the rotation of the first free rollers (14) being caused by engagement with second free rollers (15) that are retained by a second moveable member (11) and rotative actuation of the second moveable member (11). Electric motors serving as drive sources may be mounted on base members (4 and 5).

Abstract: In a frictional drive device comprising a pair of drive disks (48) each rotatably supported by a frame (10) around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship and configured to be individually rotatively actuated by a pair of first actuators (45), a plurality of drive rollers (58) arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk each via a roller bracket (52) which is rotatable around a center line (B) extending in a radial direction at an angle with respect to the central axial line of the drive disks, each roller bracket rotatably supports the corresponding drive roller so as to be rotatable along a prescribed plane of rotation, and an annular main wheel (100) disposed at least approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member (102) and a plurality of driven rollers (106) supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member, eac

Abstract: A tire that is capable of moving a vehicle in both longitudinal and lateral directions has been developed. The tire is mounted on a circular hub with a center opening and a concave groove around the outer edge. The groove contains an electromagnetic drive mechanism that provides lateral drive to the tire. An axle that provides longitudinal drive to the tire is attached to the center opening. The tire further includes a surface layer that is in contact the groove of the hub, a belt layer comprising a that is connected to the interior of the surface layer and a bladder located in the interior of the belt layer that provides structural support to the tire so that the tire stays within the groove of the hub when the tire is moving laterally. The tire also includes a pair of rigid roller rings made of incrementally spaced roller bearings. Longitudinal movement of the tire is generated by rotating the axle and lateral movement of the tire is generated by the electromagnetic drive mechanism.

Abstract: An omnidirectional wheel has a hub that is rotatable around a rotational axis, and two wheel discs connected to the hub and spaced coaxially on the hub. A number of roller bodies are located between the wheel discs, evenly distributed around a circumferential edge of the wheel. The respective roller axes of the roller bodies are aligned at a diagonal angle relative to the rotational axis, and are each supported in a freely rotating manner between the wheel discs at opposite ends thereof. Each roller body is mounted in a freely rotating manner in respective modules respectively attached to the wheel discs.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel includes a hub rotatable about a wheel axis and a first row of angled rollers about the hub each rotatably supported by the hub. There is at least a second row of angled rollers about the hub each also rotatably supported by the hub. The rollers of the second row are axially offset along the wheel axis from the first row, and rotationally offset from the first row about the wheel axis, and not coaxial with the rollers of the first row.

Abstract: A wheel assembly kit for a Mecanum wheel is provided. The kit includes a convex hub having a central axis and a perimeter. The perimeter comprises a plurality of flat spoke faces extending therearound. A spoke is releasably couplable to each spoke face. The spoke is alignable on the spoke face in a first orientation for one of left-handed and right-handed drive. When the spoke is rotated ninety degrees about its respective spoke face, the spoke is alignable in a second orientation for the other of the left-handed and the right-handed drive. A method of assembling the wheel assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A main ellipsoidal drive element is provided including a buoyant internal chamber. The main ellipsoidal drive element defines a main ellipsoid axis, a minor ellipsoid plane, a first ellipsoid end portion, a second ellipsoid end portion, and an outer ellipsoid surface. A drive engagement element is mounted to the first ellipsoid end portion and selectively transfers rotational drive to the main ellipsoidal drive element around the main ellipsoid axis. A plurality of roller elements are mounted around a minor ellipsoid periphery of the main ellipsoidal element. Each of the roller elements are orientated to provide friction reduced rolling in a main ellipsoid axis direction and traction perpendicular to the main ellipsoid axis direction.

Abstract: The omni-directional drive device comprises a main wheel (2) comprising an endless annular member rotatable around a center of cross section perpendicular to a corresponding tangential line, electric motors (5R and 5L) for producing rotative forces around the rotation axis of the main wheel (2) and around the center of cross section perpendicular to a corresponding tangential line of the main wheel (2) and an arrangement (rotary members (4R and 4L) fitted with free rollers (3R and 3L)) for converting the rotational forces of the electric motors (5R and 5L) to the rotational forces around the rotation center of the main wheel (2) and around the center (C) of cross section perpendicular to a corresponding tangential line of the main wheel (2).

Abstract: A set of wheels with a system for rotation and transposition of obstacles, for bases of travel bags, trunks and similar, comprising a support whose nucleus has a central bore and from which terminals are projected, in the quantity of three or more, which, in their turn, also have bores on their ends where the wheels are attached; when the user pulls the baggage or the kind, the wheels of contact with the surface normally rotate on their shafts, by the terminals of their supports, on the sides of the base; when it finds an obstacle, with the stress offered, the supports begin to rotate on their shafts on the sides of the base, thus making the wheel or subsequent wheels of the wheels, rotate on the obstacle, and going over it easily and the user does not have to make bigger strength and can normally take the base with the bag or the kind.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to an apparatus design that minimizes fabrication and assembly costs for an omni-directional wheel.

Abstract: An omniwheel is provided, which includes an omniwheel shaft, two wheel covers fixed at two ends of the omniwheel shaft, and a plurality of roller sets. The roller sets are coupled between the two wheel covers. Each of the roller sets has a plurality of rollers and at least one coupler, and each of the rollers has a roller shaft. The roller shafts are coupled with each other via the coupler, and each of the roller sets is respectively coupled to the wheel covers via the rollers disposed at two ends of the roller set. The omniwheel shaft and the roller shaft are inclined with respect to each other at an angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a walking aid adapted for mounting a height obstacle. The walking aid comprises a frame with a front and a back, and at least two rear wheels and at least one front wheel. The front wheel is supported by a front wheel carrier which is moveably connected to the frame for supporting the at least one front wheel such that it is moveable with respect to the frame between a lower forward position for supporting the frame on the surface and a higher backward position. The walking aid further comprises at least one temporarily forward support member provided at the front of the frame for supporting the frame on the surface when the at least one front wheel is in the higher backward position, which temporarily support member is connected to the frame such that the underside of the temporarily support member is at a distance from the support surface when the frame is supported by the at least one front wheel in the forward position.

Abstract: A wheel 100 rotatable about a main axis 106a, including: (a) a frame 111 including multiple supports 114; (b) a first series 150 of rollers 140 radially spaced from the main axis and aligned with a first plane 160a normal to the main axis, the first series of rollers spaced to form a first discontinuous rim; and (c) a second series 152 of rollers radially spaced from the main axis and aligned with a second plane 160c normal to the main axis. The second series of rollers are spaced to form a second discontinuous rim. The first and second planes are aligned parallel to and spaced from one another. Each roller 140 is: (i) rotatable about an axis normal 117 to the main axis; (ii) mounted between a pair of the supports 115; and (iii) has a lateral central cross-sectional diameter greater than the diameter of its end portions.

Abstract: A wheel assembly having multiple small rotatable wheels mounted laterally thereon whereby lateral movement as well as forward and backward movement is provided. A pair of the wheel assemblies are utilized on a hand-propelled wheelchair that can be moved laterally as well as in the standard forward-reverse motion. The wheelchair comprises a frame, one or more axles, a pair of main wheels rotatable on the one or more axles, and a plurality of small rotatable outer wheels positioned laterally on the main wheels.

Abstract: A one way wheel assembly of the present invention includes a first wheel, a second wheel, and a telescoping device pivotally connected to the first wheel and the second wheel respectively. The telescoping device provides a tolerance that first wheel may move toward the second wheel and touch it. So that, when the first wheel is moved along a direction, away from the second wheel, the first wheel will draw the second wheel through the telescoping device. On the contrary, when the first wheel is moved along an opposite direction, toward the second wheel, the first wheel will touch the second wheel and cause a jam to stop both of the wheels.

Abstract: A support assembly for a surface treating appliance includes a roller having one or more tires, wherein the one or more tires are fused to the roller. The roller can include a polymer such as polypropylene and may also include a glass filled impact modified copolymer such as a 20% glass filed impact modified copolymer. The tires can include a thermoplastic elastomer such as a modified polymer including a mixture of polypropylene and an ethylene propylene diene monomer.

Abstract: A caster assembly includes a wheel bracket, a wheel attached to the wheel bracket, a shaft about which the wheel bracket is free to rotate, and a cam assembly. The caster assembly is attached to the underside of a caster board, where the shaft is fixed perpendicular to the board, and the cam assembly comprises a cam track fixed to the board with the shaft at its center and a cam follower fixed to the wheel bracket. The cam track is geometrically formed to have a number of valleys and peaks along its circumference. As the wheel bracket rotates about the shaft, the cam follower engages the cam track and causes the board and the wheel assembly to move away and towards each other. The resulting forces generate or maintain a generally forward motion in the caster board, without the need for further efforts by a rider. The caster assembly further permits the rider to travel backwards as well as forwards. The cam track is easily changeable by the rider to accommodate various user preferences and skill levels.

Abstract: A low profile roller includes a wheel mounted on a hollow hub and having a roller ball mounted within the hollow hub. The roller is configured to function in a first, low profile operating mode when the roller ball is in contact with a support surface and in a second, high profile mode when the wheel is in contact with the support surface. A base for a movable support platform includes a base frame and a pivot sleeve rotatably mounted to the base frame and non-rotatably mounted to an arm connected to the hub. The pivot sleeve is configured to rotate the low profile roller from between the first mode and the second mode. A butterfly foot pedal is operably connected to the pivot sleeve.

Abstract: A wheel is designed to overcome special ground surfaces, like stairs. A carrying device can be equipped with at least one of such wheel so that a user can haul the carrying device to pass through special ground surfaces, like stairs, with ease and smoothness.

Abstract: A multiple directional wheel includes a frame having a central hub rotatable about a main axis, a plurality of roller supports radially spaced from the central hub, and a plurality of rollers evenly spaced around the circumference of the wheel and rotatably mounted on the roller supports. The rollers are preferably rotatable about a corresponding plurality of roller axes aligned in the plane of the wheel and transverse to the main axis. Preferably, the frame is integrally formed in a first molding process and the rollers are formed in place on the wheel about the roller supports in a separate process. In another embodiment there is disclosed a multiple directional wheel including a pair of opposed, separately integrally-formed first and second frames.

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 having multiple small rotatable wheels mounted laterally thereon whereby lateral movement as well as forward and backward movement is provided. A pair of the wheel assemblies are utilized on a hand-propelled wheelchair that can be moved laterally as well as in the standard forward-reverse motion. The wheelchair comprises a frame, one or more axles, a pair of main wheels rotatable on the one or more axles, and a plurality of small rotatable outer wheels positioned laterally on the main wheels.

Abstract: Specially conceived for vehicles which have to be displaced over ferromagnetic surfaces, like the iron or steel walls of large tanks for example, it is incorporated by the combination of a hollow rim (1–1?) and a tyre (4) of an elastomer or similar material, which define a cylindrical chamber (8) inside which a magnetic annulus (9) runs, materialized in a permanent magnet of adequate strength, with the particularity that said magnetic annulus (9) has a substantially smaller diameter than that of the cited chamber (8), so that it is capable of carrying out a planetary motion inside the same, maintaining a permanently tangential condition with the tyre (4) at the point in which the latter is in contact at all times with the ferromagnetic surface over which the vehicle is displaced, achieving maximum adherence at said point.

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 self-contained toy wheel having a rim with a tire which revolves around a weighted, stationary hub assembly. The hub assembly has an off-center weight which keeps the hub assembly at the same orientation at all times regardless of rim position, speed or angle of motion.

Abstract: A wheel (1) with an integrally formed wheel frame including a central hub (2) rotatable about a main axis, a plurality of first supports in a first plane transverse to the main axis and radially spaced from the central hub (2) to form a first discontinuous rim with a first series of rollers (4) regularly spaced around the first rim, a plurality of second supports radially spaced from the hub to form a second discontinuous rim with a second series of rollers (5) regularly spaced around the second rim, each rollers having a main body wherein the lateral central cross-sectional diameter is greater then the diameter of the end portions, each roller being rotatable about an axis transverse to the main axis and when viewed from a side elevation, there being substantial overlap of each of the first series of rollers (4) with each diagonally adjacent roller of the second series of rollers (5).

Abstract: A method of designing an omni-directional wheel for an omni-directional vehicle that exhibits constant ride height, low vibration, and reduced maximum ground contact pressure is disclosed. An omni-directional wheel consists of a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the omni-directional vehicle chassis. The wheel assembly includes a hub on which free spinning rollers are rotatably mounted at an angle to the wheel axis. The method of designing achieves constant ride height and low vibration operation by configuring the rollers with an exterior profile, thickness, material properties and surface grooving to achieve constant deflection of the roller contact surface at all wheel rotation angles.

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 (1) with an integrally formed wheel frame including a central hub (2) rotatable about a main axis, a plurality of first supports in a first plane transverse to the main axis and radially spaced from the central hub (2) to form a first discontinuous rim with a first series of rollers (4) regularly spaced around the first rim, a plurality of second supports radially spaced from the hub to form a second discontinuous rim with a second series of rollers (5) regularly spaced around the second rim, each rollers having a main body wherein the lateral central cross-sectional diameter is greater then the diameter of the end portions, each roller being rotatable about an axis transverse to the main axis and when viewed from a side elevation, there being substantial overlap of each of the first series of rollers (4) with each diagonally adjacent roller of the second series of rollers (5).

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 omni-directional wheel for an omni-directional vehicle that exhibits constant ride height, low vibration, and reduced maximum ground contact pressure is disclosed. The invention consists of a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the omni-directional vehicle chassis. The wheel assembly includes a hub on which free spinning rollers are rotatably mounted at an angle to the wheel axis. Constant ride height and low vibration operation are accomplished by configuring the rollers with an exterior profile, thickness, material properties and surface grooving to achieve constant deflection of the roller contact surface at all wheel rotation angles.

Abstract: A plurality of rotating bodies rotated in the direction orthogonal to the straight-forward direction of a wheel are disposed around the wheel in the wheel having rotating bodies provided with non-turning type rotating bodies. Each rotating body is rotatably supported around the axis of rotation across the radial direction around an axle, and each rotating body is formed in a shape in which an arc of the outer circumferential circle of the wheel is formed by a circumferential surface with the diameter of a tip portion smaller than the diameter of a base end portion. As a result, generation of a space between the rotating bodies can be suppressed.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel for providing multi-directional movement is provided. The omni-directional wheel preferably includes a wheel hub formed of a plastic material, a plurality of pairs of spaced-apart wheel member mounting arms integrally formed of substantially the same plastic material as the wheel hub, and a plurality of separate and spaced-apart wheel members each formed of a plastic material including a wheel main body having a bulbous shape. Each of the plurality of wheel members are preferably connected between the wheel member mounting arms and within a respective one of the plurality of recesses so that each of the plurality of wheel members is adapted to operate independently of other ones of the plurality of wheel members and independently of the wheel hub.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel for an omni-directional vehicle that exhibits constant ride height, low vibration, and reduced maximum ground contact pressure is disclosed. The invention consists of a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the omni-directional vehicle chassis. The wheel assembly comprises a hub on which free spinning rollers are rotatably mounted at an angle to the wheel axis. Constant ride height and low vibration operation are accomplished by configuring the rollers with an exterior profile, thickness, material properties and surface grooving to achieve constant deflection of the roller contact surface at all wheel rotation angles.

Abstract: A wheel comprising (i) an axle secured to a movable body, (ii) a rotator journaled on the axle so as to be freely rotatable and having at least three apexes disposed rotationally symmetrically around the axle, and (iii) rollers, each roller being mounted on one of the apexes of the rotator so as to be freely rotatable. Each side between apexes of the rotator is provided with a guiding surface which has small frictional resistance and is slidable.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel for an omni-directional vehicle that exhibits constant ride height, low vibration, and reduced maximum ground contact pressure is disclosed. The invention consists of a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the omni-directional vehicle chassis. The wheel assembly comprises a hub on which free spinning rollers are rotatably mounted at an angle to the wheel axis. Constant ride height and low vibration operation are accomplished by configuring the rollers with an exterior profile, thickness, material properties and surface grooving to achieve constant deflection of the roller contact surface at all wheel rotation angles.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel for an omni-directional vehicle that exhibits constant ride height, low vibration, and reduced maximum ground contact pressure is disclosed. The invention consists of a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the omni-directional vehicle chassis. The wheel assembly comprises a hub on which free spinning rollers are rotatably mounted at an angle to the wheel axis. Constant ride height and low vibration operation are accomplished by configuring the rollers with an exterior profile, thickness, material properties and surface grooving to achieve constant deflection of the roller contact surface at all wheel rotation angles.

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 plurality of rotating bodies rotated in the direction orthogonal to the straight-forward direction of a wheel are disposed around the wheel in the wheel having rotating bodies provided with non-turning type rotating bodies. Each rotating body is rotatably supported around the axis of rotation across the radial direction around an axle, and each rotating body is formed in a shape in which an arc of the outer circumferential circle of the wheel is formed by a circumferential surface with the diameter of a tip portion smaller than the diameter of a base end portion. As a result, generation of a space between the rotating bodies can be suppressed.

Abstract: An omni-directional wheel for an omni-directional vehicle that exhibits constant ride height, low vibration, and reduced maximum ground contact pressure is disclosed. The invention consists of a wheel assembly rotatably connected to the omni-directional vehicle chassis. The wheel assembly comprises a hub on which free spinning rollers are rotatably mounted at an angle to the wheel axis. Constant ride height and low vibration operation are accomplished by configuring the rollers with an exterior profile, thickness, material properties and surface grooving to achieve constant deflection of the roller contact surface at all wheel rotation angles.