A vehicle ramp assembly as disclosed includes a ramp for supporting one or more wheels of a vehicle and providing a bridge over stepped terrain on which the wheels of the vehicle can travel. The ramp can move among a first configuration where the ramp is stowed in the ramp assembly, a second configuration where the ramp extends from the ramp assembly, and a third configuration where the ramp is supports the vehicle wheels as it travels over stepped terrain. A drive mechanism for the ramp, and a carriage coupling the drive mechanism to the ramp enable rotation of the ramp. A secondary actuation system enables linear movement of the carriage along the ramp. A control module can drive the carriage around a curvilinear loop, such that the ramp is driven in a cycle from the first configuration to the second configuration to the third configuration to the first configuration.

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 stair chair for use in transporting a patient in a seated position along stairs comprising a base, an upright coupled to the base, and a track assembly extending from the base for traversing stairs. A seat section is operatively attached to the upright and arranged for movement relative to the base between a plurality of vertical configurations including a first vertical configuration where the seat section is spaced from the base at a first distance for supporting the patient in the seated position, and a second vertical configuration where the seat section is spaced from the base at a second distance greater than the first distance. A lift mechanism is interposed between the base and the seat section to move the seat section between the plurality of vertical configurations. The lift mechanism moves the seat section to facilitate transitioning the patient to a standing position from the seated position.

A stair lift, including: a carrier portion, configured for carrying a person or an object; a lift portion, configured for moving relative to the carrier portion; and a driver mechanism, configured for inducing the relative movement. The carrier portion and the lift portion are connected and supported via a guide mechanism, and are configured for freely translating along an X-Z plane relative to each other. The driver mechanism includes a circulation moving mechanism, and the circulation moving mechanism includes a driving pin (moving member), configured for moving along a predetermined closed track under the driving of a single gear motor. The driving pin (moving member) is connected to the lift portion, such that the carrier portion and the lift portion are configured for moving relative to each other along the track, whereby enabling the stair lift to go upstairs or downstairs.

The invention is directed to a stair-climbing remote control utility wagon. The wagon provides a forward chassis arm and a rear chassis arm which are interleaved with each other, providing a broad, stable base. The forward chassis arm terminates in a forward chassis, and the rear chassis arm terminates in a rear chassis. The forward chassis and the rear chassis provide powerful, battery-powered electric motors and caterpillar tracks. The forward chassis arm and rear chassis arm are fully articulated by servomotors, providing telescoping segments which may be extended and retracted with servomotors, and the motor housing of the forward chassis arm further provides infrared sensors, which are controlled by a microprocessor to enable the wagon to climb a flight of stairs. The forward chassis arm and rear chassis arm may also be used to elevate the bed of the wagon to any height, up to 48 inches.

A wheelchair includes a frame, a seat attached to the frame, a first forward wheel on a first side of the frame and a second forward wheel on a second side of the frame, a first rearward wheel on the first side of the frame and a second rearward wheel on the second side of the frame, a first drive wheel on the first side of the frame positioned intermediate between the first forward wheel and the first rearward wheel and a second drive wheel on the second side of the frame positioned intermediate between the second forward wheel and the second rearward wheel, and actuators to independently control the vertical position of the first forward wheel relative to the frame, the vertical position of the second forward wheel relative to the frame, the vertical position of the first rearward wheel relative to the frame, the vertical position of the second rearward wheel relative to the frame, the vertical position of the first drive wheel relative to the frame and the vertical position of the second drive wheel relative to the frame.

A stair traversing device comprising a payload body for transporting a payload, a step frame, and a mechanism between the step frame and the payload body to move the step frame relative to the payload body along a cyclical path. The mechanism drives a movement of one of the payload body and the step frame along a first segment of the cyclical path from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration, and drives a movement of the other one of the payload body and the step frame along a second segment of the cyclical path back into the retracted configuration. The payload body and the step frame are configured to remain fixedly in position on a stair when the other one of the payload body and the step frame is moved. The mechanism is configured to maintain the relative orientation between the payload body and the stair.

A modular power base for a wheelchair, the modular power base includes a leg module. The leg module includes an upper leg portion comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is configured to be detachably and rotatably coupled to a seat portion of the wheelchair. The leg module also includes a lower leg portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the lower leg portion being rotatably coupled to the distal end of the upper leg portion. The leg module also includes a first wheel rotatably coupled to the distal end of the upper leg portion and to the first end of the lower leg portion and a second wheel rotatably coupled to the second end of the lower leg portion.

A stair traversing device comprising a payload body for transporting a payload, a step frame, and a mechanism between the step frame and the payload body to move the step frame relative to the payload body along a cyclical path. The mechanism drives a movement of one of the payload body and the step frame along a first segment of the cyclical path from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration, and drives a movement of the other one of the payload body and the step frame along a second segment of the cyclical path back into the retracted configuration. The payload body and the step frame are configured to remain fixedly in position on a stair when the other one of the payload body and the step frame is moved. The mechanism is configured to maintain the relative orientation between the payload body and the stair.

A vehicle ramp assembly as disclosed includes a ramp for supporting one or more wheels of a vehicle and providing a bridge over stepped terrain on which the wheels of the vehicle can travel. The ramp can move among a first configuration where the ramp is stowed in the ramp assembly, a second configuration where the ramp extends from the ramp assembly, and a third configuration where the ramp is supports the vehicle wheels as it travels over stepped terrain. A drive mechanism for the ramp, and a carriage coupling the drive mechanism to the ramp enable rotation of the ramp. A secondary actuation system enables linear movement of the carriage along the ramp. A control module can drive the carriage around a curvilinear loop, such that the ramp is driven in a cycle from the first configuration to the second configuration to the third configuration to the first configuration.