US 2017/0291626 A1Published application

Weight activated wheel brake apparatus and system

OwnerVan Lewellyn Albertinventor

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Abstract

An apparatus and system for facilitating the controlled ascent and descent of stepped or irregular inclines, such as a set or flight of stairs. In an embodiment, the invention comprises an apparatus and system that allows an operator to safely transport a heavy load up or down a flight of stairs. The invention may be utilized with, attached to or incorporated within a transporting carrier, such as a hand truck or hand cart, for transporting heavy cargo up or down stepped or irregular inclines. In an embodiment, the invention allows a wheel to rotate freely in one direction while regulating the rotation of said wheel in the opposite direction such that a braking force in said opposite direction is proportional to the apparent weight and angle of inclination of said carrier. In operation, a gravitationally induced increase in an apparent weight activates the invention's braking system, thereby providing a braking force to the carrier wheel.

A weight activated wheel brake apparatus, comprising:

a suspension assembly, comprising a suspension body, a suspension coil spring comprising a first end and a second end, and a mounting arm for non-rotatable detachable attachment of a mounting spindle, wherein said first end of the suspension coil is securely attached to a first end of the suspension body and the second end of the suspension coil is securely attached to the mounting arm,
a brake hub assembly, comprising a brake hub and a brake hub body, wherein the brake hub body is further comprised of an inner portion for rotatable attachment to a mounting spindle and at least one recessed area on an outer surface thereof wherein said recessed area houses a ratchet pawl,
a free wheel assembly, comprising a free wheel hub connected to and in substantial alignment with a ratchet extension hub, wherein the free wheel assembly is further comprised of an inner portion for rotatable attachment to a mounting spindle and wherein an inner portion of the ratchet extension hub is comprised of a plurality of ratchet teeth for engagement with the at least one ratchet pawl of the brake hub assembly portion,
a brake actuator, comprising a brake pad and a mounting element thereof, and
a mounting spindle, comprising a first end and a second end,
wherein the first end of the mounting spindle is detachably attached to the mounting arm of the suspension assembly;
the brake hub assembly is mounted on the mounting spindle and freely rotates about it;
the free wheel assembly is mounted on the mounting spindle and freely rotates about it, wherein said free wheel assembly is further mounted thereon such that at least a portion of the outer surface of the brake hub body is enclosed within at least a portion of the inner portion of the ratchet extension hub whereby the at least one ratchet pawl of the brake hub assembly may engage the plurality of ratchet teeth in the inner portion of the ratchet extension hub;
and
the brake actuator is mounted on the suspension assembly whereby the brake pad thereof is aligned with a surface of the brake hub.

7 more elements

Facts

Application

15/481,735Filed 7 Apr 2017

Priority

8 Apr 2016

Published

12 Oct 2017

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification7 codes

B62B 5/02
Accessories or details specially adapted for hand carts: providing for travelling up or down a flight of stairs
A61G 5/1005
Parts, details or accessories: wheelchairs having brakes
B62B 5/026
Providing for travelling up or down a flight of stairs: with spiders or adapted wheels
B62B 5/0404
Braking mechanisms; Locking devices against movement: automatic

Abstract

Claims1