US 2014/0265256 A1Published application

Systems and methods for moving people

OwnerPolly Rothstein, Chester Rothsteininventors

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Abstract

The invention generally relates to people movers fabricated from at least two frame assemblies pivotably connected, for example, in a v formation, wherein the forward end of each frame assembly is pivotably connected such that the rearward end of each frame assembly can be at a variable offset distance so the overall width of the people mover can be adjusted from a maximum (widest) overall width to a minimum (substantially narrow) overall width. Further, the frame assemblies can include forward wheel(s) and/or rearward wheel(s) that can roll in any direction and/or in a regulated range of directions such that when the people mover is at its maximum (widest) width the rearward wheels can only roll in a forward and/or inwardly direction and when the people mover is at its minimum (substantially narrow) width the rearward wheels can only roll in a substantially forward and/or substantially outwardly direction.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A system for moving people, comprising:

a first frame assembly having a forward end, a rearward end, and a vertical riser;
a second frame assembly having a forward end, a rearward end, and a vertical riser;
a forward wheel coupled to the first frame assembly;
a first rearward wheel coupled to the first frame assembly;
a second rearward wheel coupled to the second frame assembly;
a width variator pivotably coupling the forward end of the first frame assembly and the forward end of the second frame assembly such that an offset distance between the rearward ends of the first frame assembly and the second frame assembly is adjustable;
a first rearward wheel regulator regulating the swivel range of the first rearward wheel;
a second rearward wheel regulator regulating the swivel range of the second rearward wheel;
wherein during adjustment of the offset distance between the rearward ends of the first frame-assembly and the second frame assembly, the first and the second rearward wheel regulators regulate the swivel of the rearward wheels such that people mover does not substantially traverse laterally.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/795,553Filed 12 Mar 2013
Published: 18 Sep 2014
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification14 codes

A61H 3/04
Appliances for aiding patients or disabled persons to walk about: wheeled walking aids for patients or disabled persons
B62B 3/02
Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor: involving parts being adjustable,…
B62B 5/0466
Braking mechanisms; Locking devices against movement: by turning the wheels in different directions, e.g. toe-in
B62B 7/042
Having more than one wheel axis; Steering devices therefor: steering devices