Cart Patents (Class 188/19)
  • Patent number: 11590998
    Abstract: A stroller frame, comprising at least one motor, particularly an electric motor, for assisted driving of the stroller frame, a pusher bar for pushing the stroller frame and at least one force sensor device for detecting a direction and/or an amount of force and/or a force component acting on the pusher bar, and/or for detecting a value derived from said force or force component, particularly a temporal change of the force or force component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: CYBEX GmbH
    Inventors: Iain Powell, Jiri Spour
  • Patent number: 11390311
    Abstract: A child stroller apparatus includes a rear and a front leg frame respectively having a first and a second side segment, a handle frame having a grip portion and a third side segment respectively connected fixedly with a first and a second joining part that are pivotally connected with each other, a latching mechanism for locking the rear and front leg frames and the handle frame in an unfolded state, and a latch carried with the third side segment. The latch can engage and disengage the first joining part to lock and unlock the grip portion relative to the third side segment. Moreover, a linking part couples the latch to the rear leg frame or the front leg frame so that a folding rotation of the handle frame relative to the rear leg frame causes the latch to disengage from the first joining part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: WONDERLAND SWITZERLAND AG
    Inventors: Andrew J. Horst, Andrew Ma, Daniel A. Sack
  • Patent number: 10829096
    Abstract: A vehicle brake system operable to simultaneously apply an equal amount of braking pressure to a plurality of tires. The system includes a pair of brake guides, a brake bar secured to the brake guides, and a control bar secured to the brake bar. The control bar is operable to move the brake bar back and forth so that a portion of the brake bar selectively abuts the plurality of tires to apply the braking pressure. The system may be retrofitted to existing vehicles or fitted to new vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Par-Kan Company, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Keller, Michael Atchison, Kyle Bruner
  • Patent number: 10286942
    Abstract: A locking device has two locking mechanisms, a connecting mechanism, and a pedal. Each locking mechanism has a wheel base, a cap, a recoil device, and a locking assembly. The wheel base has a mounting hole having multiple guiding ribs. The recoil device has a recoil member and a recoil spring. The locking assembly is mounted in the wheel base and has a pushing rod, a pushed rod, and a pushing spring. The pushing rod has a ratcheted end. The pushed rod is selectively engaged with and disengaged from the guiding ribs and has a ratcheted end selectively engaged with and disengaged from the ratcheted end of the pushing rod. The pedal is mounted securely on the cap of one of the two locking mechanisms that is defined as a driving locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Sunnylove Baby Products Zhuhai Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Cheng-Fan Yang
  • Patent number: 10232759
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cash security system for a retail store that includes a cash cart, a base station, a key, and a cart detector. The cash cart includes a wheeled cart body, a cash box, and a cart security module. The cash cart is used to carry cash within the retail store. The cart security module includes a number of security devices and modules that track where the cash cart is in the retail store, and activates alarms if a problem is detected. The base station includes a base station security module with a number of security devices and modules that concurrently track the movement and location of the cash cart. The cart detector, the cart security module, and the base station security module each activate a security alarm if a security issue with the cash cart is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: WALMART APOLLO, LLC
    Inventor: Yurgis Mauro Bacallao
  • Patent number: 9751551
    Abstract: A pushcart configured to perform inverted pendulum control is made likely to negotiate a step. In a first control mode, a main body is maintained to have a constant posture by performing the inverted pendulum control all the time. For example, when a user operates a selector switch, the control mode is changed to a second control mode in which offset torque is added so that an amount of torque applied to a wheel driver unit becomes larger. In this case, because the pushcart moves faster than usual, even if there exists a step that is hard to negotiate in the state of usual inverted pendulum control, the pushcart is likely to negotiate that step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kenichi Shirato
  • Patent number: 9687410
    Abstract: A walking assistance device includes: a base body; a driving unit that moves the base body; a distance detection unit that detects a distance from the base body to a user; a safety distance range setting unit that set, as a safety distance range, a distance range from the base body to the user during safe walk of the user; a walking state determination unit that determines whether or not the distance detected by the distance detection unit is out of the safety distance range; and a control unit that controls the driving unit when the walking state determination unit determines that the distance is out of the safety distance range. The walking assistance device detects that the distance is narrower than a predetermined distance, wherein the driving unit is controlled when the approach determination unit detects that the distance is narrower than the predetermined distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takehide Matsumoto, Hideaki Fujita, Akikazu Ueyama, Yuuki Matsuoka
  • Patent number: 9623886
    Abstract: A steering assist system (SAS) for a cart is provided. The SAS may include an activation mechanism, a first actuation mechanism, a first support mechanism, a first linkage mechanism, a first stopping mechanism, and a first engagement mechanism. The first stopping mechanism may be configured to abut the first engagement mechanism to impede or prevent rotational movement of at least one wheel of the cart. The first actuation mechanism may be connected to the first linkage mechanism and the first linkage mechanism may be connected to the first stopping mechanism. The activation mechanism may be configured to activate the first actuation mechanism, causing the first linkage mechanism and the first stopping mechanism to move. The first stopping mechanism may be configured to move between a fully activated position and a fully deactivated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: HOWARD INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Tim Barden, Jared Huguet, Jason Neal, Tony Thornton
  • Patent number: 9561425
    Abstract: A compression board apparatus of a generally planar surface has an insert that compresses to a position that is flat or flush with a top surface of the board, when a load is applied to the top surface of the board. When the load is removed, the insert releases, thereby expanding to a released position. The insert is arranged to both extend above the top surface of the board and extend below a bottom surface of the board. The insert may be secured by at least locking mechanism and enables a user who applies a load to the top surface of the board to maintain contact with the board's surface, even in an airborne position and when the board is in a non-planar position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: David Baird
  • Patent number: 9365226
    Abstract: Aspects of a transport dolly for repositioning a drive unit are described. In one embodiment, the transport dolly includes a base frame, an elevated handgrip bar, and a wheel lock assembly that locks at least one jack wheel of the drive unit into an engaged position for manual displacement of the drive unit using the elevated handgrip bar. The transport dolly may be relied upon to assist an individual with manual movement of the drive unit, by engaging and locking one or more jack wheels of the drive unit into a position which lifts the drive unit off the drive wheels of the drive unit. Once the jack wheels are engaged and locked in position, the drive unit may be more easily repositioned manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Assignee: AMAZON TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Kunal Chheda, Scott A. Lefton
  • Patent number: 9221433
    Abstract: The present invention is a safety braking system for a hand-pushed rollator, which allows the user to engage different operation modes: a park mode, a walk mode, and a brake mode. The present invention comprises a wheel mechanism, a cable assembly, and a handlebar mechanism. The wheel mechanism allows a wheel to rotate during walk mode, to engage the wheel with a parking brake during park mode, and to engage the wheel with a friction brake during brake mode. The wheel mechanism pivots the parking brake and the friction brake on a lever in order to switch between the different operation modes. The handlebar mechanism allows the user to shift between the different operation modes and is engaged to the wheel mechanism through the cable assembly. The handlebar mechanism uses two levers that are pushed and pulled by the user in order to shift between the different operation modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas F. Dunlap
  • Patent number: 9199660
    Abstract: A false-brake prevention device includes a wheel shaft, a positioning structure, a protruding pillar, a wheel hub rotatably disposed on the wheel shaft, a brake base connected to the wheel shaft, and a brake pedal pivotally connected to the brake base and having a brake lever for engaging with a brake tooth structure of the wheel hub. The positioning structure is formed on one of the brake pedal and the brake base, and has lock and release slots and an elastic portion formed therebetween. A first return region is connected to a transition region and formed on a side surface of the elastic portion with a gradually reducing height from the transition region to the lock slot. The protruding pillar is formed on the other one of the brake pedal and the brake base for pushing the elastic portion and for engaging with the lock slot or the release slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventor: Jianhui Cheng
  • Patent number: 9016444
    Abstract: The invention relates to an immobilizer for a transport trolley, whereby a magnetic field is used for alternately activating and deactivating said immobilizer. In an embodiment of the invention, the deactivating magnetic field can be weaker than the activating magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Inventors: Horst Sonnendorfer, Franz Wieth
  • Publication number: 20150090539
    Abstract: An brake mechanism adapted to be secured to the rear wheels of a user-propelled cart, such as a grocery cart, includes a chock member for chocking wheel when brake mechanism is in the deployed, or braking position. Brake mechanism further includes a chock support member for rotatably securing the chock member to the wheel attachment members. In this regard, the chock support member rotatably secures chock member to wheel attachment member such that chock member can be selectively rotated, by a user of the cart, from an upward, or non-braking, position to a deployed, or braking position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Jonathan Degnan
  • Patent number: 8985282
    Abstract: A wheel braking apparatus includes components that inhibit the rotation of a wheel when a ball bearing is placed in a braking position between a bearing wall of a non-rotating component and a bearing barrier of a hub interface component that is at least resistively connected to a hub of the wheel. In response to a wireless signal, the ball bearing is moved from a non-braking position and allowed to travel to a braking position between a bearing barrier of one side of a bearing groove and the bearing wall of the non-rotating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Carttronics, LLC.
    Inventor: Thomas K. Khuu
  • Patent number: 8820447
    Abstract: A power generation system for wheeled objects comprises a generator mechanically coupled to one or more of the object's wheels to convert wheel rotational energy into electrical energy. The power generation system may comprise an electrical storage device configured to store the electrical power produced by the generator. Power from the generator and/or the electrical storage device can be used to provide power to other electrical systems in or on the object. In certain embodiments, the electrical storage device comprises a bank of high-capacity capacitors connected in series. Some embodiments use a control circuit, for example, to regulate the charging and discharging of the capacitor bank and to provide suitable voltages for other systems. The power generation system may be disposed within an object's wheel, such as a wheel of a shopping cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott J. Carter, Stephen E. Hannah
  • Patent number: 8602176
    Abstract: A wheel braking apparatus includes components that inhibit the rotation of a wheel when a ball bearing is placed in a braking position between a bearing wall of a non-rotating component and a bearing barrier of a hub interface component that is at least resistively connected to a hub of the wheel. In response to a wireless signal, the ball bearing is moved from a non-braking position and allowed to travel to a braking position between a bearing barrier of one side of a bearing groove and the bearing wall of the non-rotating component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Carttronics, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas K Khuu
  • Patent number: 8596421
    Abstract: Provided is a stopper apparatus for a roller wheel in which a braking force is not created by an adhesion of a push plate with respect to the surface of a roller wheel, but is generated by a stopper wheel that is connected with the roller wheel, to thereby make a rolling operation of the roller wheel stopped by a stop operation of the stopper wheel, and to thus solve a problem of a conventional braking device that is caused by a surface frictional force of the roller wheel, and a braking operation is also performed and released by a locking and unlocking operations between a locking key and the stopper wheel, to thereby enhance a braking capability, increase a convenience of use, and allow the roller wheel to be easily braked by simple manipulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Inventor: Moon Hwan Park
  • Publication number: 20130306411
    Abstract: A braking system for a cart is described herein. The braking system can include a pair of chocks positioned proximate to a wheel of a wheel assembly, where the wheel assembly is coupled to a cart frame. The braking system can also include a handle mechanically coupled to the cart frame, where the handle has an engaged position when a force is applied to the handle, and where the handle has a disengaged position when no force is applied to the handle. The braking system can also include a brake release mechanism coupled to the pair of chocks and the handle. When the handle is in the disengaged position, the pair of chocks are engaged with the wheel and the brake release mechanism is disengaged. When the handle is in the engaged position, the pair of chocks are disengaged from the wheel and the brake release mechanism is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Kamil Mohd Hussain
  • Patent number: 8567570
    Abstract: A brake assembly for use with a portable generator includes a frame, a shaft, a brake surface, and an actuator. The frame is designed to be attached to the portable generator. The shaft is supported by the frame, and the brake surface is connected to an end of the shaft. The actuator includes a foot pedal, a cam, and a pivot, where the pivot is coupled to both the foot pedal and the cam and provides for rotation of the foot pedal and the cam about a portion of the frame. The cam of the actuator translates the shaft between a released position and a braked position during operation of the brake assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventors: Richard A. Junk, Ryan S. Jaskowiak, Gregory G. Wesolowski
  • Patent number: 8562003
    Abstract: A brake for a wheeled cart of the type having a container supported on at least a pair of rear wheels carried on a cart frame, that includes a brake manipulator pivotally mounted on the cart frame in, and including a handle portion and a cam portion. An elongate brake member is pivotally attached to the manipulator and extends into a position proximate the at least one. A braking element is positioned on a lower end of the brake member for being selectively moved into and out of frictional braking engagement with a tread surface of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Larry D. Reep
  • Patent number: 8528704
    Abstract: A pedal (10) is formed from a single molding and includes first and second arms (12, 14), each provided with an over molded marker (16, 18). The pedal (10) has two fittings (20, 22) for coupling with a brake actuator rod (24) and a coupling member (26) respectively. A castor (40) includes a wheel (42) which can rotate about a bushing (44) and a coupling shaft (46). Within the shaft (46) there is provided a brake mechanism for locking the wheel (42). A base frame (80) for a bed includes longitudinal and transverse struts (52, 54) arranged in a rectangular form, with four castors (40) and four associated pedal assemblies (10). Two actuator rods (24) are provided, one for each pair of opposing pedal assemblies (10), while two connecting elements (26) are provided, one for each pair of side-by-side pedal assemblies (10). All the pedals and thus all the brake mechanisms are coupled to one another through the two actuator rods (24) and two coupling elements (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Huntleigh Technology Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Hayes, Stephen Hollyoak
  • Patent number: 8474838
    Abstract: A hidden braking device installed on an adjustable walking aid has a connecting unit installed in the walking aid. The connecting unit has an upper shaft connecting to a braking grip, a lower shaft connected to a braking unit, an adjusting seat fixed to the lower shaft for the upper shaft to penetrate, a moving member slidably disposed in the adjusting seat for propelling the upper shaft, and a fastening unit disposed out of the walking aid, corresponding to the moving member. In adjusting the height of the walking aid, the fastening unit utilizes its magnetic attraction to control the moving member. The moving member is influenced to engage with one fixing slot defined on the upper shaft. The height of the walking aid and the length of the connecting unit are concurrently adjusted, which increases the operational convenience.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Inventor: Ching-Tsang Wu
  • Patent number: 8465028
    Abstract: An improved braking system for a hand cart is disclosed. The braking system has a split axle which is rotatably connected to the cart frame. Braking components are affixed to each of the split axle sections. An actuator is connected to a caliper system, which caliper system is used to push the braking components together to lock the split axle into a single axle for braking or controlling the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventors: Gene Wyse, Randy Wyse
  • Patent number: 8464843
    Abstract: The invention relates a lockable caster wheel. The lockable caster wheel can be widely used in shopping carts, luggage carts, strollers, turnover carts, stretcher cars and many other trolleys. The controlling mechanism of the lockable caster wheel comprises a controller which comprises a signal receiving device and a locking device which is controlled by the controller. The locking mechanism further comprises a revolving damper which comprises a shell having a restricting structure and a damping wheel located inside the shell. The shell, through its restricting structure, separates from or connects with the locking device to form unlocked or locked states. The damping wheel connects with the wheel assembly. The caster wheel uses a damper. Beyond the allowed area of use, the trolleys can be slowly pushed for a few of meters because of the damper effect, but it will not suddenly stop completely. Therefore it will not present danger to the users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Rocateq International B.V.
    Inventors: Ying Qiu, Liming Fang, Jinyuan Xu, Jie Ma
  • Patent number: 8454034
    Abstract: There is provided a brake pad assembly for a walker apparatus. The walker apparatus has a frame and a wheel pivotally connected to the frame. The assembly includes a brake pad mechanism having a brake pad. The brake pad mechanism is spring-biased to position the brake pad spaced-apart from and adjacent to the wheel. The brake pad mechanism is configured to cause the brake pad to abut the wheel when the brake pad mechanism is actuated. The assembly includes an arch-shaped brake housing. The brake pad mechanism pivotally mounts to the arch-shaped brake housing. The arch-shaped brake housing extends completely over the brake pad mechanism for fully protecting the brake pad mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Evolution Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Patent number: 8448960
    Abstract: There is provided a walker apparatus having a brake, a braking handle, a brake wire, a brake rod, and a brake rod assembly. A gripping member connects to the brake wire. The gripping member includes a plate having a first end, a second end and an aperture near the second end. The plate connects to the brake wire near the first end and the plate slidably receives the brake rod through the aperture near the second end. The gripping member includes a clamp that engages the brake wire via a set screw. The gripping member is spring-biased to remain free of the brake rod in a non-actuated mode. When the braking handle actuates the brake wire, the plate tilts with the first end elevating relative to the second end, thereby causing the plate to engage with and abut the brake rod for thereby actuating the brake rod to brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Patent number: 8397877
    Abstract: A wheel braking mechanism 10 comprising a brake shaft 14, a brake drum 16, an engagement pedal 18 and a disengagement pedal 20. The brake shaft 14 has a plurality of first splines 22 provided around the brake shaft 14. A first alignment member 24 is provided at the end of each first spline 22 and has first and second oppositely directed chamfered alignment surface 24a, 24b. The brake drum 16 defines a brake socket around which are provided a plurality of second splines 28, which define a plurality of spline recesses 30. A second alignment member 31 is provided at the opposing end of each second spline 28. Movement of the brake shaft 14 towards the brake drum 16 causes the first alignment members 24 to travel down the respective alignment surfaces of the second alignment members 31, thereby aligning the first splines with the respective adjacent spline recess 30.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Inventors: Nicholas James Mival, Andrew Gordon Wallace
  • Publication number: 20120325593
    Abstract: A brake for a wheeled cart of the type having a container supported on at least a pair of rear wheels carried on a cart frame, that includes a brake manipulator pivotally mounted on the cart frame in, and including a handle portion and a cam portion. An elongate brake member is pivotally attached to the manipulator and extends into a position proximate the at least one. A braking element is positioned on a lower end of the brake member for being selectively moved into and out of frictional braking engagement with a tread surface of the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Larry D. Reep
  • Publication number: 20120286488
    Abstract: There is provided a brake pad assembly for a walker apparatus. The walker apparatus has a frame and a wheel pivotally connected to the frame. The assembly includes a brake pad mechanism having a brake pad. The brake pad mechanism is spring-biased to position the brake pad spaced-apart from and adjacent to the wheel. The brake pad mechanism is configured to cause the brake pad to abut the wheel when the brake pad mechanism is actuated. The assembly includes an arch-shaped brake housing. The brake pad mechanism pivotally mounts to the arch-shaped brake housing. The arch-shaped brake housing extends completely over the brake pad mechanism for fully protecting the brake pad mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Julian LIU
  • Patent number: 8267412
    Abstract: There is provided a walker apparatus having a frame, a wheel pivotally connected to the frame, and a brake pad assembly. The assembly has a brake housing configured to partially cover the wheel. The assembly has a brake pad mechanism including a brake pad lever pivotally mounted to the housing. The brake pad lever is actuated via a first end and has a second end spaced-apart therefrom. The brake pad mechanism has a brake pad connected to the brake pad lever adjacent to the second end of the brake pad lever. The brake pad lever is spring-biased to position the brake pad spaced-apart from and adjacent to the wheel. The brake pad lever is configured to cause the brake pad to abut the wheel when the lever is actuated. The brake housing extends about the brake pad mechanism for fully protecting the brake pad mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Evolution Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Patent number: 8251380
    Abstract: There is provided a walker apparatus having a brake, a braking handle, a brake wire, a brake rod, and a brake rod assembly. A gripping member connects to the brake wire. The gripping member includes a plate having a first end, a second end and an aperture near the second end. The plate connects to the brake wire near the first end and the plate slidably receives the brake rod through the aperture near the second end. The gripping member includes a clamp that engages the brake wire via a set screw. The gripping member is spring-biased to remain free of the brake rod in a non-actuated mode. When the braking handle actuates the brake wire, the plate tilts with the first end elevating relative to the second end, thereby causing the plate to engage with and abut the brake rod for thereby actuating the brake rod to brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Evolution Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Patent number: 8240437
    Abstract: A brake system for a rollator may include a brake handle, a braking device operatively coupled to the brake handle, and a gear rim mechanically coupled to at least one wheel of the rollator. The brake handle may be pivotally attached to a frame of the rollator and comprises a service-brake position and a parking-brake position while the braking device may be disposed on the frame of the rollator proximate the at least one wheel. When the brake handle is in a service-brake position, a braking member of the braking device is frictionally engaged with an inner portion of a rim of the at least one wheel thereby braking the wheel. When the handle is in a parking-brake position, the braking member of the braking device is engaged with teeth of the gear rim thereby preventing the wheel from rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Liko Research & Development AB
    Inventor: Gunnar Liljedahl
  • Patent number: 8205723
    Abstract: A brake apparatus for carts with three or more wheels such as golf bag carts, baby strollers and the like includes a hand brake control assembly fixed on the cart frame and having a body and a lug in pinned connection with the body. Brake activation can be done through a pull on the lug. On the other hand, brake release is achieved by pressing springy pushbuttons on both sides of the lug to escape the clipping pin from the indent. A brake pole set, fixed on a rear wheel axle tube, is capable of offering a buffer mechanism, which avoids potential destruction to the wheel. A brake wire enables easy operation and achieves an automatic lock during braking, which substantially prevents the lapse of releasing the brake by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Unique Product & Design Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gordon Liao
  • Patent number: 8191909
    Abstract: A patient support platform or mobile support cart is provided. The mobile support cart includes a transmission system that allows the patient and/or medical staff member to choose a stop, walk or roll mode. In the stop mode, the castor wheels are prevented from rolling across the floor by a braking mechanism. In the walking mode, the transmission causes a tracking wheel to engage the floor for providing tracked or guided motion to the mobile support cart. In a roll mode, the tracking wheel is raised and is disengaged from the floor, and the castor wheels are free to rotate. The platform is capable of supporting devices that may be attached or associated with a patient throughout their stay at a healthcare facility. The braking mechanism can include a cable and an associated brake arm, with the cable positioned to allow braking without inhibiting the ability of the castor wheel to swivel with respect to a castor mounting plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Livengood Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Livengood, Heather N. Bean, Amy L. Livengood, Philip A. Livengood, Joseph D. LoBue, Barry T. Phillips
  • Patent number: 8167095
    Abstract: Immobilizer for shopping trolleys, wherein the castor angle of the steering rollers when the immobilizer is activated is equal to zero, as a result of which the steering rollers can set themselves stochastically to an oblique or transverse position with respect to the direction of travel, making the shopping trolley much more difficult to push.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Inventors: Horst Sonnendorfer, Franz Wieth
  • Patent number: 8146928
    Abstract: A stroller with a braking mechanism that automatically configures itself in a braking position provides protection against the unattended stroller from rolling away. By applying force to a handle, the braking mechanism is released and the stroller is able to be pushed as usual. The handle and braking mechanism are biased in the braking position by a spring located near the rear wheels. The braking mechanism applies sufficient frictional force against the tire of the wheel to prevent the wheel from rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Excelligence Learning Corporation
    Inventor: James I. Geeslin
  • Publication number: 20120061931
    Abstract: A fender brake assembly for a rear wheel of a scooter includes a bracket having a top plate adapted to be removably secured to a scooter deck plate proximate the rear wheel, and a pair of opposite side plates extending transversely therefrom, with the side plates each being adapted to support respective ends of a hinge pin to extend between the side plates and forward of the front edge of the top plate. A fender brake is pivotably mounted on the hinge pin, and a biasing member, such as a torsion spring, biases the fender brake toward a rest position, such as one in which an engagement surface thereof is spaced from a rear wheel surface. The fender brake assembly may be removably secured, as a unit, to the deck plate. A resilient riser may be disposed between the bracket and the deck plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas Floyd, Andrew Broussard
  • Patent number: 7934731
    Abstract: A control unit is slidably mounted on a top corner of a playard and connected to the slider inside the seat through a linking unit passing through a standing post of the playard. When the control unit pulls the slider to move relative to the seat along a first direction, a braking pin slides relative to the seat along a second direction and disengages from the hub to release a wheel. When the control unit is pushed to lock the wheel, the bias force from springs moves the slider and the braking pin to slide along the opposite direction, leading the braking pin to engage with the hub to brake the wheel. The wheel can be operated to brake or release by a remote control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-Bin Xu, Xiao-Hong Xiao
  • Patent number: 7926145
    Abstract: A selectively lockable caster with total locking (wheel brake and swivel lock) as well as directional locking (tracking) functions. A separate lock tooth for each locking function is adapted to engage certain differently configured lock recesses. Specifically, a total lock tooth, which is part of a mechanism that also applies a brake to the wheel, is configured to engage any of the total lock recesses and any of the directional lock recesses to lock the wheel against pivotal movement about the swivel axis in any of a plurality of total lock positions. A directional lock tooth is configured to engage only the directional lock recesses to lock the yoke against pivotal movement about the swivel axis in at least one directional lock (tracking) position while allowing the wheel to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Chaokuo Liao
  • Patent number: 7891478
    Abstract: A moveable coin bin assembly for holding a plurality of coins is disclosed. The moveable coin bin includes a coin bin housing (121) for receiving coins, the coin bin housing being disposed on wheels (124, 126) for movement, a handle assembly (228) including an elongated handle (232, 234) having an upper end for gripping (230) and a lower end for coupling and de-coupling to the coin bin housing. The handle assembly (228) further includes a latching and retaining mechanism (240) for coupling to the coin bin housing in a motion along a floor, wherein said latching and retaining mechanism is releasable by a user to de-couple the handle assembly from the coin bin housing. The coin bin (122) includes a brake system that can be selectively applied by a detachable handle (228). The bin (122) can be used with a coin collecting machine (10) includes a motorized funnel system (63) for funneling coins to a plurality of coin collecting apertures (170, 172) in the bin for even distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Talaris, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Gunst, Myron W. Spoehr, Joseph P. Hanus, Jason R. Parpart
  • Patent number: 7857108
    Abstract: A cart having a frame for conveying cargo. The cart includes at least one brake assembly mounted within the frame of the cart. The brake assembly is configured to provide braking by engaging and disengaging a rear wheel axle. The cart further includes a control mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage the brake assembly by rotation of a cart handle. In addition, the cart includes a brake release device configured to disengage the brake assembly when carts are nested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Smarte Carte, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Louis Amdahl, Dan L. Otterson
  • Patent number: 7802659
    Abstract: A brake control device has a handle, a controlling lever, a driving member and a swing lever. The controlling lever is designed for manipulating by hand and fingers that can be shifted between a braked position, a temporary braked position, and a released position. The swing lever has one end pivotally connected to the handle, and another end pivotally connected with the controlling lever and the driving member. The driving member has a portion slidably abutting an upper wall formed within the handle, and drives braking mechanism by pulling a connecting element via a rotation while the controlling lever moves the driving member either downwardly or upwardly. Preferably, the controlling lever is formed with a stop or protrusion at the lower edge thereof for self-keeping in the braked position for parking the wheeled walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Link Treasure Limited
    Inventor: Pao Shan Huang
  • Patent number: 7740114
    Abstract: A braking member for rotatable mounting on a wheel axle of a hand-driven wheeled vehicle such as a shopping cart has a first part having an opening for mounting on a wheel axle, and a second part releasably secured to the first part and having a braking surface adapted to engage the ground when the braking member is in an operative position. When the braking member becomes worn, the entire member does not have to be removed from the wheel or caster, but instead the second part is released from the first part while the first part remains on the wheel. The second part can only be released using a special tool which is provided to store personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Carttronics, LLC
    Inventors: Jay S. Means, Joseph F. Nebolon
  • Patent number: 7708119
    Abstract: A brake device for a pushcart includes a main movable member disposed movably within a main seat, an auxiliary movable member disposed movably within an auxiliary seat, and a connecting member interconnecting the main and auxiliary movable members. The main movable member is biased to an upper limit position, and is movable to a lower limit position so as to engage a main brake pin with a groove in a main pin-engaging member that is connected fixedly to one wheel. Hence, the connecting member moves the auxiliary movable member from a first position to a second position so as to engage an auxiliary brake pin with a groove in an auxiliary pin-engaging member that is connected fixedly to another wheel. As a result, the wheels are locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shun-Min Chen
  • Patent number: 7708120
    Abstract: An improved electronic braking system for walkers that incorporates one or more electrically-operated brakes controlled by an electronic controller is disclosed. The controller is responsive to touch-sensitive switches for easy operation, and is adjustable and responsive to operator patterns of use to provide individualized control of the brake operation. The controller may also be responsive to environmental conditions such as the slope of the ground over which the walker is moving, to its rate of motion, or to the distance between the walker frame and the user, and may be adjusted to accommodate for the weight of the user or to set limits to the speed at which it can move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Eli Einbinder
  • Publication number: 20100012438
    Abstract: Immobilizer for shopping trolleys, wherein the castor angle of the steering rollers when the immobilizer is activated is equal to zero, as a result of which the steering rollers can set themselves stochastically to an oblique or transverse position with respect to the direction of travel, making the shopping trolley much more difficult to push.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Inventors: Horst Sonnendorfer, Franz Wieth
  • Publication number: 20090283370
    Abstract: Immobilizer for shopping trolleys which is activated and deactivated by means of magnetic forces, in which lower forces are required to deactivate the immobilizer than to activate it. This makes it possible for the immobilizer to be deactivated both by a “strong” magnetic strip, such as is used for activation, and by a “weak” magnetic strip. The “strong” magnetic strip is located at the boundary of the permissible region, and one or more “weak” magnetic strips are located within the permissible region in order to activate immobilizers which are located within the permissible region and are still activated for some reason or another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2007
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Horst Sonnendorfer, Franz Wieth
  • Patent number: 7584827
    Abstract: A brake system for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels and a frame comprising a mechanically actuated braking assembly operably coupled with at least one of the wheels and being operable between braking and non-braking conditions, a handle coupled to the braking assembly and being mounted to the frame for pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal axis between first and second positions in each of which the braking assembly is in the braking condition, and an actuating mechanism responsive to movement of the handle from either of the first and second positions for actuating the braking assembly into the non-braking condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: David A. Doerflinger, Daniel Guptail
  • Patent number: 7559098
    Abstract: A motion control apparatus for a hospital bed includes an axial shaft passing through two wheel modules. Three pedals capable of swinging upwardly and downwardly are pivotally disposed on the chassis in parallel. Driving components are fixedly disposed in opposite directions on the axial shaft corresponding to the pedals on two sides. A coupler is disposed between each driving component and pedal. When one of the two pedals on the two sides is stepped on downwardly, the axial shaft is driven to turn and results in braking of the wheel modules. When the middle pedal is stepped on downwardly, the other pedals gathered together swing downwardly at the same time, and the pedals on the two sides come to lean on the middle pedal at the same time and stop, resulting in disabling of the braking or orientation function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Sigma-Care Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tsai-Tien He