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.

Implementations relate to a brake mechanism for a spherical wheel. In some implementations, a wheel mechanism includes a spherical wheel and a base coupled to the spherical wheel via a rotary bearing contacting a surface of the spherical wheel, where the rotary bearing is configured to allow the spherical wheel to rotate. The wheel mechanism includes a brake ring coupled to the base and configured to selectively engage and disengage the surface of the spherical wheel, where the brake ring provides friction opposing rotation of the spherical wheel when engaged.

Implementations relate to a spherical wheel drive and mounting. In some implementations, a wheel mechanism includes a spherical wheel, a base, and a rotary bearing coupled to the base and contacting a surface of the spherical wheel, where the rotary bearing configured to allow the spherical wheel to rotate. The wheel mechanism includes an omni wheel coupled to the base and engaged with a surface of the spherical wheel, and an actuator coupled to the base and to the omni wheel, where the actuator configured to rotate the omni wheel to cause rotation of the spherical wheel.

An apparatus, system and method capable of providing a stabilizing drive system for a robotic vehicle. The apparatus, system and method may include at least a robot body base; at least two drive wheels within the robot body base; a processing system having non-transitory computing code associated therewith which, when executed by the processing system, causes to be driven the at least two drive wheels; and a plurality of ball casters within the robot body base, wherein the ball caster are positioned relative to the robot base and to the at least two drive wheels so as to lower a center of gravity of the robot and provide stabilization of the driving.

An apparatus, system and method capable of providing a stabilizing drive system for a robotic vehicle. The apparatus, system and method may include at least a robot body base; at least two drive wheels within the robot body base; a processing system having non-transitory computing code associated therewith which, when executed by the processing system, causes to be driven the at least two drive wheels; and a plurality of ball casters within the robot body base, wherein the ball caster are positioned relative to the robot base and to the at least two drive wheels so as to lower a center of gravity of the robot and provide stabilization of the driving.

An example article of furniture includes a number of furniture legs having mechanically coupled thereto a respective furniture caster having a rolling component. The furniture casters are movable between (i) an extended position in which their rolling components at least partially extend below bottom surfaces of the furniture legs and (ii) a retracted position in which their rolling components are positioned entirely above the bottom surfaces of the furniture legs. Push-pull cables are mechanically coupled to the furniture casters, and at least one actuator is mechanically coupled to the push-pull cables. When actuated, the actuator applies a pushing force to the push-pull cables, thereby causing the furniture casters to transition from the retracted position to the extended position. When the actuator is not actuated, the pushing force is removed from the push-pull cables, thereby causing the furniture casters to transition from the extended position to the retracted position.

An all-terrain load transport system including a cylindrical first base member and at least three pairs of arms is provided. A handle is removably attached to an attachment member disposed on the cylindrical first base member. The cylindrical first base member defines a space for receiving at least one piece of accessory equipment. Each pair of the three pairs of arms defines a wheel support assembly at an end of each pair distal from an outer periphery of the cylindrical first base member. The three pairs of arms are detachably attached to the outer periphery of the cylindrical first base member. The wheel support assembly includes a cylindrical second base member defining a space for receiving a spherical wheel. The spherical wheel moves omnidirectionally within the defined space. Roller bearings positioned along an inner periphery of the cylindrical second base member facilitate the omnidirectional movement of the spherical wheel.

An all-terrain load transport system including a cylindrical first base member and at least three pairs of arms is provided. A handle is removably attached to an attachment member disposed on the cylindrical first base member. The cylindrical first base member defines a space for receiving at least one piece of accessory equipment. Each pair of the three pairs of arms defines a wheel support assembly at an end of each pair distal from an outer periphery of the cylindrical first base member. The three pairs of arms are detachably attached to the outer periphery of the cylindrical first base member. The wheel support assembly includes a cylindrical second base member defining a space for receiving a spherical wheel. The spherical wheel moves omnidirectionally within the defined space. Roller bearings positioned along an inner periphery of the cylindrical second base member facilitate the omnidirectional movement of the spherical wheel.

A personal mobility apparatus includes ergonomic handrails that are specially configured for standing and sitting operations. The apparatus also includes a base with compression casters to provide a stable platform during use, yet facilitate easy movement of the apparatus when not in use.