A caster configured to be attached to an object and provide for rolling movement of the object. The caster may include a main wheel and multiple support members that contact against and support the main wheel. One or more support members include a first sphere that may contact against a top of the main wheel. One or more support members include a second sphere that may contact against the main wheel along lateral sides of the main wheel and offset from the top.

A mechanics creeper that is strapped to the user using a back pack type harness. The present technology pertains to equipment for a mechanic. Also, the type of wheels used allows it to roll through debris without obstruction. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present technology provides systems for mechanics to easily do work underneath a vehicle or machine using a mechanics creeper. Furthermore, embodiments of the present technology allow for a mechanics creeper that is easy for a user to transport and store.

A mechanics creeper that is strapped to the user using a back pack type harness. The present technology pertains to equipment for a mechanic. Also, the type of wheels used allows it to roll through debris without obstruction. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the present technology provides systems for mechanics to easily do work underneath a vehicle or machine using a mechanics creeper. Furthermore, embodiments of the present technology allow for a mechanics creeper that is easy for a user to transport and store.

An electric vehicle has a structure mounted on balls which are arranged for rolling on the ground, wherein an actuating roller is associated with each ball. The roller-supporting structure is rotatably mounted about a substantially vertical axis within a main supporting structure which is rigidly connected to the ball-supporting member. The main support structure carries a first electric motor for controlling the rotation of the roller-supporting structure about the substantially vertical axis, while the roller-supporting structure carries a second electric motor for controlling the rotation of the roller about its axis.

An electric vehicle has a structure mounted on balls which are arranged for rolling on the ground, wherein an actuating roller is associated with each ball. The roller-supporting structure is rotatably mounted about a substantially vertical axis within a main supporting structure which is rigidly connected to the ball-supporting member. The main support structure carries a first electric motor for controlling the rotation of the roller-supporting structure about the substantially vertical axis, while the roller-supporting structure carries a second electric motor for controlling the rotation of the roller about its axis.

A support assembly includes a body and a bearing assembly. The body defines a first opening. The bearing assembly is selectively repositionable within the first opening. The bearing assembly includes a housing, a socket, and a ball. The housing defines a second opening. The socket is positioned at least partly within the second opening and coupled to the housing. The ball bearing is positioned within the socket. The ball bearing is configured to rotate with respect to the housing. The bearing assembly is selectively repositionable between a first position, where the ball bearing extends from the body, and a second position, where the ball bearing does not extend from the body.

An article movement system includes an article and at least one ball wheel. The article has first and second article surfaces meeting at a first article edge. The ball wheel is located along the first article edge and includes a ball, a bearing arrangement and a shell. The ball engages a surface underlying the article, the bearing arrangement supports the ball for omni-directional rotational movement, and the shell is located along the first article edge and contains the ball and the bearing arrangement. The shell defines a non-circular ball opening through which a portion of the ball extends to contact the underlying surface. The article, the bearing arrangement and the shell are configured such that the ball wheel is able to support the article for omni-directional rolling motion over the underlying surface with either of the first and article surfaces parallel thereto, and at any orientation therebetween.

An article movement system includes an article and at least one ball wheel. The article has first and second article surfaces meeting at a first article edge. The ball wheel is located along the first article edge and includes a ball, a bearing arrangement and a shell. The ball engages a surface underlying the article, the bearing arrangement supports the ball for omni-directional rotational movement, and the shell is located along the first article edge and contains the ball and the bearing arrangement. The shell defines a non-circular ball opening through which a portion of the ball extends to contact the underlying surface. The article, the bearing arrangement and the shell are configured such that the ball wheel is able to support the article for omni-directional rolling motion over the underlying surface with either of the first and article surfaces parallel thereto, and at any orientation therebetween.

A rolling arrangement (10) and method enabling autonomously moving of a device from a first position to a second position along a surface. This is made possible by integrating the rolling arrangement (10) in the device to be moved, and arranging the following devices in the rolling arrangement (10): a wireless receiver, a control device, position acquiring means, driving means for driving a rolling element (20), and power supply providing power to the electronic devices.

A rolling arrangement (10) and method enabling autonomously moving of a device from a first position to a second position along a surface. This is made possible by integrating the rolling arrangement (10) in the device to be moved, and arranging the following devices in the rolling arrangement (10): a wireless receiver, a control device, position acquiring means, driving means for driving a rolling element (20), and power supply providing power to the electronic devices.