A step-climbing attachment for a wheeled chair, the attachment comprising a first wheel having at least a hub and a rim spaced from the hub, the hub and rim defining an inner region, a second wheel having a different diameter than the first wheel, and the second wheel being rotatably mounted to an extending arm, the extending arm being movable relative to the first wheel between a first position and at least one second position by a controllable mechanism, wherein the controllable mechanism is housed at least partially within the inner region of the first wheel, wherein the second wheel is driven by rotation of the first wheel.

The invention mainly concerns a mobility assistance vehicle (1) designed to negotiate obstacles (33, 35) while keeping the attitude of same horizontal, comprising a mechanical structure (2) supporting at least one seat (3), control means (19), at least four articulated legs (6a, 6b, 6c, 6d) and equipped with motorised wheels, characterised in that: i. each first segment (7a-7d) is mounted on one of the lateral sides (200) of the mechanical structure (2) by a motorised articulation (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), each opposing lateral side (200) being linked to at least two legs (6a-6d), and in that, ii. the control means (19) are capable of controlling the motorised articulations (9a -9d, 10-10d) of the legs (6a-6d) separately from each other, in particular when said legs (6a-6d) are raised successively in order to negotiate an obstacle (33, 35) in a permanently stable situation.

A load-carrying system for ascending and descending an obstacle and for connection to a load-carrying device is disclosed. A computer system, with means for receiving data from an obstacle warning system of sensors on the exterior surfaces of an obstacle riser, stores the data in data storage system and signals said device to proceed with ascending or descending the obstacle. The risers follow the up, down or angular movements of a climbing base while a hydraulic beam permits longitudinal movement in combination with the riser.

A multi-leg independent mobile carrier device, comprising: a base (1), a traveling mechanism (2), and a posture adjustment mechanism (3). The base (1) is used for carrying a human being or an object. The traveling mechanism (2) comprises a driving unit (21) connected to the base (1) and a connecting rod unit (22) rotatably connected to the driving unit. The traveling mechanism (2) is used for driving the base (1) to travel and get over any obstacles. The posture adjustment mechanism (3) is connected to the base (1) and used for keeping the human being or object balanced. The multi-leg independent mobile carrier device integrates a traveling mechanism and a posture adjustment mechanism. The posture adjustment mechanism is used for keeping the base balanced all the time and the traveling mechanism is used for driving the entire device to travel and turn around more flexibly. Therefore, the technical problem of a carrier device being unable to satisfy requirements of good obstacle performance, comfortable riding experience, and flexible traveling is effectively solved. The obstacle crossing ability of the multi-leg independent mobile carrier device is enhanced, and user experience is improved.

A wheelchair lift apparatus includes a vertical lift rail attached to a front frame of the wheelchair, a support plate slidably engaged with the lift rail and extending horizontally forward, and an actuator for moving the support plate along the lift rail. The wheelchair lift apparatus enables a person to move from sitting on the ground to sitting on the wheelchair, and vice versa, without using his/her legs and without assistance from another person. With the support plate lowered onto or near the ground, a person can maneuver, without using his/her legs, between sitting on the ground or on the support plate. With the support plate raised to flush with the wheelchair seat, the person can maneuver, without using his/her legs, between sitting on the wheelchair seat or on the support plate. The support plate can be positioned along the lift rail to act as a footrest.

A system for use with a mobile device includes at least one sensor to sense a variable related to tilting of the mobile device and at least one activatable system in operative connection with the sensor. The at least one activatable system increases stability of the mobile device upon actuation/change in state thereof on the basis of data measured by the at least one sensor. A variable related to tilting includes variables that indicate concurrent, actual tilting as described herein as well as variables predictive of imminent tilting. Activatable systems hereof change state upon actuation or activation to increase stability of the mobile device by reducing, eliminating or preventing tilting.

A drive assembly is provided and includes a rotatable housing, a motor disposed within and to rotate with the housing, the motor including a drive element and first and second drive shafts, which are independently rotatably drivable by the drive element, a first drivable element coupled to the first drive shaft such that rotation thereof is transmitted to the first drivable element and configured to propel the housing in a first direction during first drive shaft rotation and a second drivable element coupled to the second drive shaft such that rotation thereof is transmitted to the second drivable element and configured to propel the motor in a second direction, which is transversely oriented relative to the first direction, relative to the housing during second drive shaft rotation.

A drive assembly is provided and includes a rotatable housing, a motor disposed within and to rotate with the housing, the motor including a drive element and first and second drive shafts, which are independently rotatably drivable by the drive element, a first drivable element coupled to the first drive shaft such that rotation thereof is transmitted to the first drivable element and configured to propel the housing in a first direction during first drive shaft rotation and a second drivable element coupled to the second drive shaft such that rotation thereof is transmitted to the second drivable element and configured to propel the motor in a second direction, which is transversely oriented relative to the first direction, relative to the housing during second drive shaft rotation.

A supporting structure includes two pairs of legs and four wheels each arranged at a lower end of a respective one of the legs. Each leg includes an upper segment and a lower segment, and optionally a retractable leg extension segment for contacting ground instead of the corresponding wheel. Such supporting structure is adapted for producing a lowering motion while keeping the legs crossed on both lateral sides. Such supporting structure may be adapted for assisting a disabled person in travelling on the ground, and also possibly in climbing stairs.

The travelling apparatus according to exemplary embodiments includes front wheels, which are driving wheels, an upper frame, first linear motion mechanisms configured to be extendable and retractable and couple the front wheels to the upper frame, middle wheels configured to be disposed at a back of the front wheels, second linear motion mechanisms configured to be extendable and retractable and couple a riding part to the middle wheels, rear wheels configured to be disposed at a back of the middle wheels, lower links configured to couple the middle wheels to the rear wheels, respectively, rear links configured to couple the lower links to the upper frame, and a third linear motion mechanism configured to change an angle between the upper frame and the rear links.