A patient support apparatus for traversing objects supported on ground surfaces. The patient support apparatus comprises a patient support deck, and a base to support the patient support deck from the ground surface. At pair of caster wheel assemblies spaced from each other are coupled to the base for pivoting movement about respective pivot axes cooperating to define a reference plane. A frame guard coupled to the base defines first and second ramp surfaces each disposed at an angle relative to the reference plane. The first ramp surface is arranged to engage objects before they contact one or more of the caster wheels when the patient support apparatus moves in a first direction. The second ramp surface is arranged to engage objects before they contact one or more of the caster wheels when the patient support apparatus moves in an opposite, second direction.

A patient support apparatus for traversing objects supported on ground surfaces. The patient support apparatus comprises a patient support deck, and a base to support the patient support deck from the ground surface. At pair of caster wheel assemblies spaced from each other are coupled to the base for pivoting movement about respective pivot axes cooperating to define a reference plane. A frame guard coupled to the base defines first and second ramp surfaces each disposed at an angle relative to the reference plane. The first ramp surface is arranged to engage objects before they contact one or more of the caster wheels when the patient support apparatus moves in a first direction. The second ramp surface is arranged to engage objects before they contact one or more of the caster wheels when the patient support apparatus moves in an opposite, second direction.

An obstacle traversing wheel assembly can include at least one primary wheel member mounted with a primary axis of rotation and capable of rolling engagement with a supporting surface, and at least one secondary wheel member mounted with a secondary axis of rotation. The secondary wheel member can have a plurality of surface engaging protrusions which enable the wheel assembly to traverse an obstacle by imparting climbing movement to the primary wheel member in response to engagement with the obstacle. The surface engaging protrusions can be defined by rolling wheel members. The obstacle traversing wheel assembly can be incorporated on a wide variety of wheel-bearing devices, such as wheelchairs, personal transportation devices, and intravenous fluid support racks.