Patent ID: 7182166
Filing Date: 2007-02-27
Classification: A61G,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A transporter for carrying a payload over a surface, the transporter comprising: a. a surface-contacting module for traversing the surface; b. a power base including at least one power source and at least one motor for powering the surface-contacting module, the power base pivotally coupled to the surface-contacting module about a base pivot axis, the base pivot axis substantially parallel to the surface, the base characterized by a base pivot angle with respect to the surface-contacting module; c. a support for supporting the payload, the support pivotally coupled to the power base about a support pivot axis, characterized by a support pivot angle with respect to the vertical plane; d. a mechanical linkage for maintaining the support pivot angle substantially constant as the power base pivots with respect to the surface-contacting module; and e. a rest for partial support of the payload, the rest pivotally coupled to the support about a rest pivot axis, the rest pivot axis substantially parallel to the surface and defining a rest pivot angle with respect to the vertical plane; wherein the rest pivot angle is less than a specified angle when the support pivot axis is above a specified height and wherein the rest pivot angle is greater than the specified angle when the support pivot axis is below the specified height.