A portable escape device is provided for self-rescue in the case of an auto tyre being trapped in a pit. The portable escape device includes support posts, a clamping device fitted to the support posts, and a jacking device fitted to the clamping device. The support posts are fixedly mounted onto spokes. The clamping device clamps an auto tyre. The jacking device protrudes and extends out of a top face of a tyre portion. The portable escape device can release the trapped auto tyre and perform self-rescue fast and reliably, and it is convenient to carry.

A four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle for terrain exploration. The four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle has a pair of robotic tethered two-wheel vehicles that dock, lock, and drive long distances as the four-wheeled, articulated steering vehicle. Two actuated docking mechanisms attached on opposite ends of a central module of the four-wheeled vehicle enable sit/stand functionality. The sit configuration is achieved by aligning each dock mechanism parallel or nearly parallel to the surface, allowing two-wheel vehicle to detach and explore while the other remains docked and serves as a backup. While sitting, the central module rests on the ground and is outfitted with shovel-style wedges for passive anchoring. In order to stand, the exploring two-wheel vehicle reattaches, locks, and both dock mechanisms are rotated until each two-wheel vehicle's caster arm is upright and the central module is lifted off the ground. Once upright, each two-wheel vehicle rotates about a pivot point for articulated, all-wheel steering, which is accomplished by applying differential wheel torques.

A four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle for terrain exploration. The four-wheeled articulated steering vehicle has a pair of robotic tethered two-wheel vehicles that dock, lock, and drive long distances as the four-wheeled, articulated steering vehicle. Two actuated docking mechanisms attached on opposite ends of a central module of the four-wheeled vehicle enable sit/stand functionality. The sit configuration is achieved by aligning each dock mechanism parallel or nearly parallel to the surface, allowing two-wheel vehicle to detach and explore while the other remains docked and serves as a backup. While sitting, the central module rests on the ground and is outfitted with shovel-style wedges for passive anchoring. In order to stand, the exploring two-wheel vehicle reattaches, locks, and both dock mechanisms are rotated until each two-wheel vehicle's caster arm is upright and the central module is lifted off the ground. Once upright, each two-wheel vehicle rotates about a pivot point for articulated, all-wheel steering, which is accomplished by applying differential wheel torques.

A wheel set assembly having a plurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels. The sinusoidal channeled wheels having a sinusoidal channel disposed around a circular exterior surface of each of the sinusoidal channeled wheels. The wheel set assembly allows for better maneuverability and longevity in comparison to other materials handling equipment wheels because of the sinusoidal channels. The sinusoidal channels also provide heat dissipation along with the ability to push debris out of the way of the materials handling equipment.

A wheel set assembly having a plurality of sinusoidal channeled wheels. The sinusoidal channeled wheels having a sinusoidal channel disposed around a circular exterior surface of each of the sinusoidal channeled wheels. The wheel set assembly allows for better maneuverability and longevity in comparison to other materials handling equipment wheels because of the sinusoidal channels. The sinusoidal channels also provide heat dissipation along with the ability to push debris out of the way of the materials handling equipment.

A wheel assembly may include an inner rim to be coupled to the hub of the vehicle, and an outer rim surrounding the hub. The wheel assembly may also include gas springs operatively coupled between the inner rim and the outer rim to provide a gas suspension permitting relative movement between the inner rim and the outer rim. The wheel assembly may also include tread assemblies carried by the outer rim. Each tread assembly may include a tread member support coupled to the outer rim, and spaced-apart tread members carried by the tread member support and defining a tread pattern therebetween. Each tread member may include at least one rubber layer, and at least one reinforcing layer in stacked relation.

A wheel assembly may include an inner rim to be coupled to the hub of the vehicle, and an outer rim surrounding the hub. The wheel assembly may also include gas springs operatively coupled between the inner rim and the outer rim to provide a gas suspension permitting relative movement between the inner rim and the outer rim. The wheel assembly may also include tread assemblies carried by the outer rim. Each tread assembly may include a tread member support coupled to the outer rim, and spaced-apart tread members carried by the tread member support and defining a tread pattern therebetween. Each tread member may include at least one rubber layer, and at least one reinforcing layer in stacked relation.

A wall surface suction travel device includes a first travel unit, a second travel unit, a joint mechanism, and an elastic mechanism. The travel units are aligned along a travel direction and are each configured to travel on a wall surface while being suctioned on the wall surface. The joint mechanism couples the travel units together such that the travel units can pivot relative to each other on a pivot axis extending in a direction that is perpendicular to both a wall surface facing direction and the travel direction. The elastic mechanism includes a first end fixed to the first travel unit, a second end fixed to the second travel unit, and an elastic member configured to be elastically deformed when one of the travel units pivots relative to the other travel unit and a distance between the first end and the second end is shortened.

A puncture resistant wheel apparatus, and method of use, for safely climbing obstacles are disclosed herein. A plurality of wheel apparatuses is mounted on a vehicle (e.g. a wheelchair, cart, mountain bicycle, etc.) to enable it to safely traverse obstacles, such as a flight of stairs, road curbs, etc. without slipping, and while creating a smoother ride. Each wheel apparatus comprises: a tire comprising a plurality of teeth sections separated via a thin space to grip an obstacle edge between the teeth; a circular rim attachable to the tire inner surface via T-joints, and a plurality of evenly spaced spokes extending to a central hub; and two hoop rings, mounted on opposing tire sidewalls. The center of each tire tooth section further comprises an elastic unit, comprising a vertical spring and two horizontal springs that further act to dampen the vibrational and jarring forces exerted on the wheel apparatus.

A materials handling equipment has blades of a lifting fork wherein each of the blades engages a blade wheel that moves between a retracted position when the blade is lowered and an extended position when the blade is raised to lift and support a load. The blade wheels have a plurality of tires linearly aligned on a common axis, the tires each having a circular circumference and a sinusoidally varying peripheral surface. The sinusoidally varying peripheral surfaces have relative peaks and valleys uniformly spaced around the circular circumference wherein the peaks and valleys are mutually nested.