APPARATUS AND A PROCESS FOR ADAPTING A DEVICE TO A LAND SURFACE

An apparatus comprising an adapting component and a releasably-connecting component. A process comprising releasably connecting an apparatus and a device. The apparatus comprises an adapting component and a releasably-connecting component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an apparatus and a process for adapting a device to a land surface.

A person using a device, for example, a walker, a wheeled walker, a rollator walker, a gait trainer, a stroller, and combinations thereof, may encounter difficulty when adapting the device to a land surface, for example, dirt, mud, grass, sand, snow, and combinations thereof. The device may become hindered, or even stopped, when adapting to the land surface. Also, for example, when a person is using the device to move along a man-made surface, for example, a floor, a pavement, a sidewalk, and combinations thereof, the person may encounter difficulty when adapting the device to the land surface, transitioning the device from the man-made surface to the land surface, transitioning the device from the land surface to the man-made surface, and combinations thereof. The device may become hindered, or even stopped, when adapting, transitioning, and combinations thereof. The person using the device, and any occupants of the device, for example, when using a stroller, may have to stay on the man-made surface.

Thus, there is a need for an apparatus and a process for adapting a device to a land surface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus comprising an adapting component and a releasably-connecting component.

A process comprising releasably connecting an apparatus and a device. The apparatus comprises an adapting component and a releasably-connecting component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus of the invention may comprise an adapting component. An adapting component of the invention may comprise any adapting component that suitably provides for an adapting of an apparatus of the invention to a land surface as described herein. The adapting component may comprise any suitable shape and any suitable size that may be used in accordance with the invention. An example of a suitable adapting component comprises a discal component. A discal component of the invention may comprise any suitable shape and any suitable size that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a suitable shape of the discal component include, but are not limited to, circular, spherical, spheroid, oval, ovoid, ovaloid, elliptical, ellipsoid, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable discal component include, but are not limited to, a circular disc, a spherical disc, a spheroid disc, an oval disc, an ovoid disc, an ovaloid disc, an elliptical disc, an ellipsoid disc, and combinations thereof. When an adapting component comprises a discal component, the discal component may be generally concave providing for a concave discal component. Examples of a suitable concave discal component include, but are not limited to, a concave circular disc, a concave spherical disc, a concave spheroid disc, a concave oval disc, a concave ovoid disc, a concave ovaloid disc, a concave elliptical disc, a concave ellipsoid disc, and combinations thereof. An example of an adapting component comprises a circular disc, a spherical disc, or a spheroid disc. Another example of an adapting component comprises a concave circular disc, a concave spherical disc, or a concave spheroid disc. Another example of an adapting component comprises a concave circular disc.

An adapting component of the invention may comprise an adapting component top surface and an adapting component bottom surface that may provide for an adapting component thickness. The adapting component may comprise any adapting component thickness that may be used in accordance with the invention. The adapting component thickness may comprise a uniform thickness, a varying thickness, and combinations thereof. The adapting component top surface may be concave that may provide for a concave adapting component top surface. The adapting component bottom surface may be convex that may provide for a convex adapting component bottom surface.

An adapting component of the invention may comprise an edge component. An edge component of the invention may comprise any suitable shape and any suitable size that may be used in accordance with the invention. The edge component may comprise a generally rounded shape. Examples of a suitable shape of the edge component include, but are not limited to, circular, spherical, spheroid, oval, ovoid, ovaloid, elliptical, ellipsoid, cylindrical, cylindroid, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable shape of the edge component also include, but are not limited to, a generally partial shape comprising any part of a shape. Examples of a suitable partial shape of the edge component include, but are not limited to, a generally half shape, for example, a generally semi shape or a generally hemi shape, for example, semicircular, hemispherical, hemispheroid, semioval, semiovoid, semiovaloid, semielliptical, semiellipsoid, semicylindrical, semicylindroid, and combinations thereof.

An edge component size may be equal to the adapting component thickness, less than the adapting component thickness, more than the adapting component thickness, and combinations thereof. An example edge component size may be equal to the adapting component thickness. An edge component size that is greater than the adapting component thickness may provide for a generally bulbous-shaped edge component or a generally lip-shaped edge component.

A suitable shape of an edge component of the invention may totally encompass a perimeter of the adapting component, partially encompass a perimeter of the adapting component, and combinations thereof. An example of the edge component includes, but is not limited to, a semicircular edge component, a hemispherical edge component, or a hemispheroid edge component totally encompassing a perimeter of the adapting component. Another example of the edge component includes, but is not limited to, a semicircular edge component, a hemispherical edge component, or a hemispheroid edge component partially encompassing a perimeter of the adapting component.

An apparatus of the invention may provide for an adapting of a device to a land surface as described herein. An apparatus of the invention may provide for an ability of a person using a device to adapt the device to a land surface without interfering with the person's stride or gait. An adapting component of the invention may comprise a modified section providing for a space for a person's stride or gait. A modified section may be provided by the shape of the adapting component, by removing a section of the adapting component, and combinations thereof.

An apparatus of the invention may comprise a releasably-connecting component. A releasably-connecting component of the invention may comprise any releasably-connecting component that suitably provides for a releasably connecting of an apparatus and a device as described herein. The releasably-connecting component may comprise any suitable shape and any suitable size that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a suitable shape of the releasably-connecting component include, but are not limited to, circular, spherical, spheroid, oval, ovoid, ovaloid, elliptical, ellipsoid, square, cubical, rectangular, cuboid, cylindrical, cylindroid, conical, triangular, pyramidical, prismatic, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable shape of the releasably-connecting component also include, but are not limited to, a generally partial shape comprising any part of a shape. Examples of a suitable partial shape of the releasably-connecting component include, but are not limited to, a generally half shape, for example, a generally semi shape or a generally hemi shape, for example, semicircular, hemispherical, hemispheroid, semioval, semiovoid, semiovaloid, semielliptical, semiellipsoid, semisquare, semicubical, semirectangular, semicuboid, semicylindrical, semicylindroid, and combinations thereof. A partial-conical shape may comprise a conical shape where a section may be missing, for example, a point or a tip of the conical shape may be missing. A partial-triangular shape may comprise a triangular shape where a section may be missing, for example, a point or a tip of the triangular shape may be missing. A partial-pyramidical shape may comprise a pyramidical shape where a section may be missing, for example, a point or a tip of the pyramidical shape may be missing. A partial-prismatic shape may comprise a prismatic shape where a section may be missing, for example, a pointed ridge of the prismatic shape may be missing.

A releasably-connecting component of the invention may comprise a releasably-connecting component inner surface and a releasably-connecting component outer surface that provide for a releasably-connecting component thickness. The releasably-connecting component may comprise any releasably-connecting component thickness that may be used in accordance with the invention. The releasably-connecting component thickness may comprise a uniform thickness, a varying thickness, and combinations thereof. The releasably-connecting component may comprise a releasably-connecting component wall. A releasably-connecting component wall of the invention may comprise any releasably-connecting component wall thickness that may be used in accordance with the invention. The releasably-connecting component wall thickness may comprise a uniform thickness, a varying thickness, and combinations thereof. The releasably-connecting component wall may comprise a continuous component, separate components, and combinations thereof. The releasably-connecting component wall may comprise a wall section. Examples of a suitable wall section include, but are not limited to, a front wall section, a back wall section, a first side wall section, a second side wall section, and combinations thereof. The front wall section may be opposite the back wall section. The first side wall section may be opposite the second side wall section. The front wall section and the back wall section may be substantially parallel and may comprise substantially the same length. The first side wall section and the second side wall section may be substantially parallel and may comprise substantially the same length.

A releasably-connecting component of the invention may comprise an upper perimeter. An upper perimeter of the invention may comprise a level, more than one level, and combinations thereof. The upper perimeter may comprise an upper perimeter groove providing for a passageway for a leg, a frame, a brake component, and combinations thereof. An upper perimeter groove of the invention may comprise any suitable shape and any suitable size that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a suitable shape of the upper perimeter groove include, but are not limited to, the partial shapes described herein for a releasably-connecting component. The upper perimeter groove may be angled from an inner surface of a releasably-connecting component to an outer surface of the releasably-connecting component.

A releasably-connecting component of the invention may comprise a releasably-connecting component first section and a releasably-connecting component second section. The releasably-connecting component first section and the releasably-connecting component second section may be separated providing for a releasably-connecting component gap section.

A releasably-connecting component may comprise a receiving space. A receiving space of the invention may comprise any receiving space that suitably provides for a receiving of a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof as described herein. A receiving space of the invention may comprise any suitable shape and any suitable size that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a suitable shape of the receiving space include, but are not limited to, circular, spherical, spheroid, oval, ovoid, ovaloid, elliptical, ellipsoid, square, cubical, rectangular, cuboid, cylindrical, cylindroid, conical, triangular, pyramidical, prismatic, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable shape of the receiving space also include, but are not limited to, a generally partial shape comprising any part of a shape. Examples of a suitable partial shape of the receiving space include, but are not limited to, a generally half shape, for example, a generally semi shape or a generally hemi shape, for example, semicircular, hemispherical, hemispheroid, semioval, semiovoid, semiovaloid, semielliptical, semiellipsoid, semisquare, semicubical, semirectangular, semicuboid, semicylindrical, semicylindroid, semiconical, semitriangular, semipyramidical, semiprismatic, and combinations thereof. A partial-conical shape may comprise a conical shape where a section may be missing, for example, a point or a tip of the conical shape may be missing. A partial-triangular shape may comprise a triangular shape where a section may be missing, for example, a point or a tip of the triangular shape may be missing. A partial-pyramidical shape may comprise a pyramidical shape where a section may be missing, for example, a point or a tip of the pyramidical shape may be missing. A partial-prismatic shape may comprise a prismatic shape where a section may be missing, for example, a pointed ridge of the prismatic shape may be missing.

A receiving space of the invention may comprise a shape and a size that may be similar in shape and size as the wheel, the leg, the frame, and combinations thereof that the receiving space receives. The receiving space may comprise a shape and a size that may provide for a form fitting or a form fit of the wheel, the leg, the frame, and combinations thereof that the receiving space receives. An inner surface of the releasably-connecting component may define the receiving space.

When a device comprises a wheel, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a shape that includes, but is not limited to, circular, spherical, spheroid, oval, ovoid, ovaloid, elliptical, ellipsoid, square, cubical, rectangular, cuboid, semicircular, hemispherical, hemispheroid, semioval, semiovoid, semiovaloid, semielliptical, semiellipsoid, semisquare, semicubical, semirectangular, semicuboid, and combinations thereof that provides for a shaped receiving space that receives the wheel. In a similar manner, the additional shapes of the receiving space described herein may provide for additional shaped receiving spaces that receive the wheel.

When a device comprises a leg, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a shape that includes, but is not limited to, square, cubical, cylindrical, cylindroid, semisquare, semicubical, semicylindrical, semicylindroid, and combinations thereof that provides for a shaped receiving space that receives the leg. In a similar manner, the additional shapes of the receiving space described herein may provide for additional shaped receiving spaces that receive the leg. An end of a leg may comprise a cap component, for example, a rubber cap, a cut-open tennis ball, a glider ski, a glider coaster, and combinations thereof. The receiving space may comprise a shape that includes, but is not limited to, square, cubical, cylindrical, cylindroid, semisquare, semicubical, semicylindrical, semicylindroid, and combinations thereof that provides for a shaped receiving space that receives the leg and the cap component. In a similar manner, the additional shapes of the receiving space described herein may provide for additional shaped receiving spaces that receive the leg and the cap component.

When a device comprises a straight frame, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a shape that includes, but is not limited to, oval, ovoid, ovaloid, elliptical, ellipsoid, square, cubical, rectangular, cuboid, triangular, semioval, semiovoid, semiovaloid, semielliptical, semiellipsoid, semisquare, semicubical, semirectangular, semicuboid, semitriangular, and combinations thereof that provides for a shaped receiving space that receives the straight frame. In a similar manner, the additional shapes of the receiving space described herein may provide for additional shaped receiving spaces that receive the straight frame.

When a device comprises a curved frame, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a shape that includes, but is not limited to, oval, ovoid, ovaloid, elliptical, ellipsoid, square, cubical, rectangular, cuboid, triangular, semioval, semiovoid, semiovaloid, semielliptical, semiellipsoid, semisquare, semicubical, semirectangular, semicuboid, semitriangular, and combinations thereof that provides for a shaped receiving space that receives the curved frame. In a similar manner, the additional shapes of the receiving space described herein may provide for additional shaped receiving spaces that receive the curved frame.

A receiving space may comprise a combination of shapes. For example, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a first receiving space section, a second receiving space section, a third receiving space section, and combinations thereof comprising shapes of receiving space as described herein. The first receiving space section, the second receiving space section, the third receiving space section, and combinations thereof may be generally adjacent, generally contiguous, and combinations thereof.

When a device comprises a wheel that is connected to a leg, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a combination of shapes that includes, but is not limited to, a first receiving space section comprising a shape that receives the wheel as described herein and a second receiving space section comprising a shape that receives the leg as described herein. When a device comprises a wheel that is connected to a straight frame, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a combination of shapes that includes, but is not limited to, a first receiving space section comprising a shape that receives the wheel as described herein and a second receiving space section comprising a shape that receives the straight frame as described herein. When a device comprises a wheel that is connected to a curved frame, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a combination of shapes that includes, but is not limited to, a first receiving space section comprising a shape that receives the wheel as described herein and a second receiving space section comprising a shape that receives the curved frame as described herein.

When a device comprises a wheel that is connected to a leg, the leg may be generally similar to a straight frame. When a device comprises a wheel connected to a leg, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a first receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving the wheel as described herein and a second receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving a straight frame as described herein that includes, but is not limited to, oval, ovoid, ovaloid, elliptical, ellipsoid, square, cubical, rectangular, cuboid, triangular, semioval, semiovoid, semiovaloid, semielliptical, semiellipsoid, semisquare, semicubical, semirectangular, semicuboid, semitriangular, and combinations thereof that provides for the second receiving space section for receiving the leg.

When a device comprises a wheel and a straight frame where the straight frame is connected to one side of the wheel, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a first receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving the wheel as described herein and a second receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving the straight frame as described herein. When a device comprises a wheel and a straight frame where the straight frame is connected to both sides of the wheel, for example, a U-shape frame, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a first receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving the wheel as described herein, a second receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving a first section of the straight frame as described herein located on one side of the wheel, and a third receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving a second section of the straight frame as described herein located on the other side of the wheel.

When a device comprises a wheel that is connected to a curved frame, a receiving space of the invention may comprise a first receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving the wheel as described herein and a second receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving the curved frame as described herein. When a device comprises a wheel and a curved frame where the curved frame is connected to both sides of the wheel, for example, a U-shape frame, a receiving space of the invention that may comprise a first receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving the wheel as described herein, a second receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving a first section of the curved frame as described herein located on one side of the wheel, and a third receiving space section comprising a shape for receiving a second section of the curved frame as described herein located on the other side of the wheel.

An apparatus of the invention may comprise a releasably-securing component. A releasably-securing component of the invention may comprise any releasably-securing component that suitably provides for a releasably securing of an apparatus and a device as described herein. A releasably-securing of an apparatus and a device as described herein may provide for a preventing of the device from being separated from the apparatus during use. A releasably-securing component of the invention may releasably secure an apparatus as described herein to a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The releasably-securing component may be located at, near, above, below, and combinations thereof, a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The releasably-securing component may be located at or near a spoke of a wheel, at or near a spoke of a wheel and a leg, at or near a spoke of a wheel and a frame, and combinations thereof. The releasably-securing component may be located between a first spoke of a wheel and a second spoke of the wheel, between a spoke of a wheel and a leg, between a spoke of a wheel and a frame, and combinations thereof. When a device comprises a solid wheel, a hole may be provided through the solid wheel by any means known in the art, for example, drilling, to provide for a wheel passageway that may receive the releasably-securing component.

Examples of a suitable releasably-securing component of the invention include, but are not limited to, a fastener, a latch, a clamp, a wedge, a strap, a cable, a wire, a rope, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable fastener include any fastener that may be used in accordance with the invention and include, but are not limited to, a hook-and-loop fastener, a snap fastener, a screw knob fastener, a nut-bolt fastener, a U-bolt fastener, a push button fastener, a male-female screw fastener, a snap clip fastener, a carabiner clip fastener, a backpack connector, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable latch include any latch that may be used in accordance with the invention and include, but are not limited to, a toggle latch, a draw latch, a slide latch, a casement window latch, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable clamp include any clamp that may be used in accordance with the invention and include, but are not limited to, a toggle clamp, a C-clamp, a rod clamp, and combinations thereof. An example releasably-securing component may comprise a double-sided hook-and-loop fastener and a ring where a section of the double-sided hook-and-loop fastener may be passed through the ring and then reversed back to fasten.

A first releasably-securing component of the invention, for example, a fastener, a latch, a clamp, a wedge, and combinations thereof may be connected at or near a first end of a second releasably-connecting component of the invention, for example, a strap, a cable, a wire, a rope, and combinations thereof. The first releasably-securing component may be connected at or near a first end of the second releasably-securing component and at or near a second, opposite end of the second releasably-securing component. The first releasably-securing component may be connected at or near a first end of the second releasably-securing component and a second, opposite end of the second releasably-securing component may be connected to the apparatus. When referring to a releasably-securing component, examples of connected include, but are not limited to, fixedly connected, releasably connected, and combinations thereof. A releasably-securing component may be formed as a part of an apparatus of the invention during a preparing of the apparatus as described herein.

A releasably-securing component of the invention may be used in a manner including releasably securing from a first releasably-securing location of the apparatus to a second releasably-securing location of the apparatus. The adapting component, the releasably-connecting component, and combinations thereof may comprise the first releasably-securing location, the second releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof. Examples of the first releasably-securing location of the apparatus include, but are not limited to, an inner location nearer to the user of the device, an outer location farther from the user of the device, a front location, a center location, a back location, an inner front location, an inner center location, an inner back location, an outer front location, an outer center location, an outer back location, and combinations thereof. Examples of the second releasably-securing location of an apparatus include, but are not limited to, an inner location nearer to the user of the device, an outer location farther from the user of the device, a front location, a center location, a back location, an inner front location, an inner center location, an inner back location, an outer front location, an outer center location, an outer back location, and combinations thereof.

Examples of releasably securing from the first releasably-securing location of the apparatus to the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus include, but are not limited to, releasably securing from an inner location nearer to the user of the device to an outer location farther from the user of the device, releasably securing from an outer location farther from the user of the device to an inner location nearer to the user of the device, releasably securing from a front location to a back location, releasably securing from a back location to a front location, releasably securing from an inner front location to an inner back location, releasably securing from an inner back location to an inner front location, releasably securing from an outer front location to an outer back location, releasably securing from an outer back location to an outer front location, releasably securing from an inner front location to an outer back location, releasably securing from an outer back location to an inner front location, releasably securing from an outer front location to an inner back location, releasably securing from an inner back location to an outer front location, and combinations thereof. A center location, an inner center location, an outer center location, and combinations thereof may be used in addition to, or in lieu of, the inner locations, the outer locations, the front locations, the back locations, and combinations thereof described herein for releasably securing from the first releasably-securing location of the apparatus to the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus.

A releasably-securing component of the invention, for example, a fastener, may comprise a male component, a female component, and combinations thereof. The male component may be connected at or near a first end of the releasably-securing component, for example, a strap, a cable, a wire, a rope, and combinations thereof, a second, opposite end of the releasably-securing component may be connected to the first releasably-securing location of the apparatus, and the female component may be connected to the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus. Similarly, the female component may be connected at or near the first end of a releasably-securing component, for example, a strap, a cable, a wire, a rope, and combinations thereof, the second, opposite end of the releasably-securing component may be connected to the first releasably-securing location of an apparatus, and the male component may be connected to the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus.

A first male component may be connected at or near the first end of the releasably-securing component, for example, a strap, a cable, a wire, a rope, and combinations thereof, a second male component may be connected to the second, opposite end of the releasably-securing component, a first female component may be connected to the first releasably-securing location of the apparatus, and a second female component may be connected to the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus. Similarly, the first female component may be connected at or near the first end of the releasably-securing component, for example, a strap, a cable, a wire, a rope, and combinations thereof, the second female component may be connected to the second, opposite end of the releasably-securing component, the first male component may be connected to the first releasably-securing location of the apparatus, and the second male component may be connected to the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus. Similarly, the first male component may be connected at or near the first end of the releasably-securing component, for example, a strap, a cable, a wire, a rope, and combinations thereof, the first female component may be connected to the second, opposite end of the releasably-securing component, the second female component may be connected to the first releasably-securing location of an apparatus, and the second male component may be connected to the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus.

The male component may be connected at or near the first end of the first releasably-securing component, for example, a strap, a cable, a wire, a rope, and combinations thereof, the second, opposite end of the first releasably-securing component may be connected to the first releasably-securing location of the apparatus, the female component may be connected at or near the first end of the second releasably-securing component, for example, a strap, a cable, a wire, a rope, and combinations thereof, and the second, opposite end of the second releasably-securing component may be connected to the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus.

A releasably-securing component of the invention may be used in a manner including, releasably securing from an inner location to an outer location back to the inner location and back to the outer location for a first wrapping around a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The releasably-securing component may be used in a manner including, releasably securing from the outer location to the inner location back to the outer location and back to the inner location for a second wrapping around a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The releasably-securing component may be used in a manner including, releasably securing from the inner location to the outer location and back to the inner location for a third wrapping around a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The releasably-securing component may be used in a manner including, releasably securing from a first inner location to the outer location and back to a second inner location for a fourth wrapping around a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The releasably-securing component may be used in a manner including, releasably securing from the outer location to the inner location and back to the outer location providing for a fifth wrapping around a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The releasably-securing component may be used in a manner including releasably securing from a first outer location to the inner location and back to a second outer location providing for a sixth wrapping around a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof.

When the first wrapping, the second wrapping, the third wrapping, the fourth wrapping, the fifth wrapping, the sixth wrapping, and combinations thereof are utilized, a resulting crisscross or X configuration may be provided with a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof generally at the center of the resulting crisscross or X configuration. The first wrapping may be extended by repeating the inner-outer-inner-outer manner to provide for additional wrapping around a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The second wrapping may be extended by repeating the outer-inner-outer-inner manner to provide for additional wrapping around a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The third wrapping, the fourth wrapping, and combinations thereof may be extended by repeating the inner-outer-inner manner to provide for additional wrapping around a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The fifth wrapping, the sixth wrapping, and combinations thereof may be extended by repeating the outer-inner-outer manner to provide for additional wrapping around a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof.

Examples of a suitable screw knob fastener include any screw knob fastener that may be used in accordance with the invention. A screw knob fastener of the invention may comprise a screw, a knob connected at a first end of the screw, and a generally flat second end of the screw opposite the first end of the screw. The screw knob fastener may comprise a screw, a knob connected at a first end of the screw, and a contacting component connected at a second end of the screw opposite the first end of the screw. A contacting component of the invention may comprise any suitable shape and any suitable size that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a suitable shape of the contacting component include, but are not limited to, the shapes described herein for a releasably-connecting component of the invention. A contacting component may comprise a contacting component diameter that may be generally larger than the diameter of the screw, equal to the diameter of the screw, smaller than the diameter of the screw, and combinations thereof. An example of a contacting component comprises a contacting component diameter that may be generally larger than the diameter of the screw.

Turning the knob of the screw knob fastener connected at a first end of the screw in a first direction may provide for a releasably contacting of the second end of the screw or the contacting component connected at the second end of the screw with a wheel, a leg, a frame, a spoke of a wheel, the adapting component, the releasably-connecting component, and combinations thereof. Turning the knob connected at a first end of the screw in a second direction opposite of the first direction may provide for a releasably separating of the second end of the screw or the contacting component connected at the second of the screw from the wheel, the leg, the frame, the spoke of a wheel, the adapting component, the releasably-connecting component, and combinations thereof. Turning the knob of the screw knob fastener may provide for a traversing of the second end of the screw or the contacting component connected at the second end of the screw.

A knob of a screw knob fastener of the invention may be located at a first side of a first wall of the releasably-connecting component. A second end of the screw or the contacting component connected at the second of the screw may be located at a second side of the first wall of the releasably-connecting component opposite the first side of the first wall with the screw passing through a wall passageway in the first wall. A wall passageway of the releasably connecting component may comprise a groove providing for a grooved wall passageway. A contacting component diameter may be generally larger than the diameter of the screw and the diameter of the wall passageway. A generally larger contacting component diameter may provide for a preventing of the contacting component connected at the second end of the screw from entering the wall passageway of the releasably-connecting component, for example, when releasably separating the contacting component connected at the second of the screw from the wheel, the leg, the frame, the spoke of a wheel, the adapting component, the releasably-connecting component, and combinations thereof. A preventing of the contacting component connected at the second end of the screw from entering the wall passageway of the releasably-connecting component may provide for a preventing of a separating of the screw knob fastener from the wall of the releasably-connecting component.

Turning the knob of the screw knob fastener located at the first side of the first wall of the releasably-connecting component in a first direction may provide for a releasably contacting of the second end of the screw or the contacting component connected at the second end of the screw with a first side of a second wall of the releasably-connecting component opposite the first wall. Turning the knob of the screw knob fastener located at the first side of the first wall of the releasably-connecting component in a second direction opposite of the first direction may provide for a releasably separating of the second end of the screw or the contacting component connected at the second of the screw from the first side of the second wall of the releasably-connecting component opposite the first wall. The location of the releasably contacting at the first side of the second wall may comprise a wall passageway as described herein to receive the second end of the screw. The location of the releasably contacting at the first side of the second wall may comprise a wall indentation in the first side of the second wall to receive the second end of the screw or the contacting component connected at the second of the screw. The wall indentation in the first side of the second wall of the releasably-connecting component may comprise a groove providing for a grooved wall indentation.

A latch, for example, a toggle latch, a draw latch, a slide latch, a casement window latch, and combinations thereof may comprise an arm component, an arm-receiving component, and combinations thereof. The arm component, the arm-receiving component, and combinations thereof may be fixedly connected, releasably connected, and combinations thereof to an apparatus of the invention. The arm component of the latch may be located on or near the first releasably-securing location of the apparatus. The arm component of the latch may provide for a lifting over and back of the arm component, a turning of the arm component, an extending of the arm component, and combinations thereof to contact the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus opposite the first releasably-securing location. The arm-receiving component of a latch may be located on or near the second releasably-securing location opposite the first releasably-securing location to provide for a receiving of the arm component.

A lifting over and back, a turning, an extending, and combinations thereof, of the arm component of the latch may be conducted at, near, above, below, and combinations thereof, a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. A lifting over and back, a turning, an extending, and combinations thereof, of the arm component of the latch may be conducted between a first spoke of a wheel and a second spoke of the wheel, between a spoke of a wheel and a leg, between a spoke of a wheel and a frame, and combinations thereof. A lifting over and back, a turning, an extending, and combinations thereof, of the arm component of the latch may be conducted through a wheel passageway of a solid wheel as described herein. Turning of the arm component of the latch includes a clockwise turning, a counterclockwise turning, and combinations thereof.

A releasably-securing component of the invention may comprise a clamp, for example, a toggle clamp, comprising an arm component comprising an arm component end. The arm component end may comprise a covering, for example, a rubber cap. The arm component of the toggle clamp may be located on or near the first releasably-securing location of the apparatus providing for a lifting over and back of the arm component to connect the arm component end onto or near the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus opposite the first releasably-securing location. A lifting over and back of the arm component of the toggle clamp may be conducted at, near, above, below, and combinations thereof, a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. A lifting over and back of the arm component of the toggle clamp may be conducted between a first spoke of a wheel and a second spoke of the wheel, between a spoke of a wheel and a leg, between a spoke of a wheel and a frame, and combinations thereof. A lifting over and back of the arm component of the toggle clamp may be conducted through a wheel passageway of a solid wheel as described herein.

A releasably-securing component of the invention may comprise a clamp, for example, a C-clamp, a rod clamp, and combinations thereof. The clamp may comprise a generally C-shape frame, a generally O-shape frame, and combinations thereof. The clamp may comprise a first section, comprising a handle-connector component, and an opposing second section. The first section of the clamp and the opposing second section of the clamp may comprise a continuous section, separate sections, and combinations thereof. The first section of the clamp may be located at or near the first releasably-securing location of the apparatus providing for a connecting of the opposing second section of the clamp at or near the second releasably-securing location of the apparatus opposite the first releasably-securing location followed by engaging the handle-connector component. A wheel, a spoke of a wheel, a leg, a frame, the adapting component, the releasably-connecting component, and combinations thereof may be located between the first section of the clamp and the opposing second section of the clamp.

A releasably-securing component of the invention may comprise a wedge. The wedge may be located at any location that suitably provides for the wedge to be wedged between two objects. The wedge may be located, for example, between the releasably-connecting component and a wheel, between the releasably-connecting component and a spoke of a wheel, between the releasably-connecting component and a leg, between the releasably-connecting component and a frame, and combinations thereof. A location of the wedge between the releasably-connecting component and a wheel, a spoke of a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof may be located in a receiving space of the releasably-connecting component. The wedge may be located between a wheel and a leg, a wheel and a frame, a spoke of a wheel and a leg, a spoke of a wheel and a frame, and combinations thereof. The wedge may be located at, near, and combinations thereof a swivel, for example, when a device comprises a swivel wheel, two swivel wheels, and combinations thereof as described herein. The wedge located at, near, and combinations thereof a swivel may provide for a hindering, a stopping, and combinations thereof of a swiveling of a swivel wheel, two swivel wheels, and combinations thereof.

A device may comprise a wheel that rotates forward and backward around a horizontal axis and is stationary around a vertical axis. A device may comprise a swivel wheel that rotates forward and backward around a horizontal axis and swivels around a vertical axis, for example, a caster wheel. A device may comprise two swivel wheels, that rotate forward and backward around a horizontal axis and swivel around a vertical axis, for example, a double-wheel caster, also referred to as a dual-wheel caster or a twin-wheel caster. A device may comprise a wheel, a swivel wheel, two swivel wheels, and combinations thereof. A wheel, a swivel wheel, two swivel wheels, and combinations thereof may comprise a brake component. A brake component may comprise any suitable brake component that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a brake component include, but are not limited to, a hand brake component, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof. A releasably-securing component of the invention may provide for a hindering of a wheel, a swivel wheel, two swivel wheels, and combinations thereof. The releasably-securing component may provide for a hindering of a rotating of a wheel, a swivel wheel, two swivel wheels, and combinations thereof. The releasably-securing component may provide for a hindering of a swiveling of a swivel wheel, two swivel wheels, and combinations thereof.

An apparatus of the invention may comprise a sleeve component. The sleeve component may provide for a preventing of a device from being separated from the apparatus during use. The sleeve component may be located at, near, above, below, and combinations thereof, a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The sleeve component may be located at or near a spoke of a wheel, at or near a spoke of a wheel and a leg, at or near a spoke of a wheel and a frame, and combinations thereof. The sleeve component may be passed between a first spoke of a wheel and a second spoke of the wheel, between a spoke of a wheel and a leg, between a spoke of a wheel and a frame, and combinations thereof. The sleeve component may comprise any sleeve component that suitably provides for an ability to fasten the sleeve component around a wheel, a spoke of a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. The sleeve component may comprise a releasably-securing component of the invention. The sleeve component may comprise the releasably-securing component comprising a double-sided hook-and-loop fastener and a ring where a section of the double-sided hook-and-loop fastener may be passed through the ring and then reversed back to fasten. The sleeve component may comprise, for example, a releasable cable tie, a drawstring, a zipper, and combinations thereof.

An apparatus of the invention may comprise an electronic component. Examples of a suitable electronic component of the invention include any electronic component that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a suitable electronic component include, but are not limited to, a photo component, a video component, an internet component, and combinations thereof. An electronic component of the invention may comprise a wireless connection to the internet to provide for a monitoring of the apparatus from a location remote from the apparatus. When the apparatus and the device are releasably connected, the electronic component comprising a wireless connection to the internet may provide for a monitoring of the apparatus, the device, and combinations thereof from a location remote from the apparatus, the device, and combinations thereof.

An apparatus of the invention may be utilized for a device comprising a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof as described herein. A wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof may be located at or near a position of a device, at or near more than one position of a device, and combinations thereof. An apparatus of the invention may be located at or near a position of a device, at or near more than one position of a device, and combinations thereof. Examples of a position of a device include, but are not limited to, front, back, left, right, left front, center front, right front, left back, center back, right back, left center, right center, and combinations thereof. An apparatus of the invention may comprise a single unit that may be located at or near a position of a device. An apparatus of the invention may comprise more than one single unit where each single unit is located at or near a position of a device. An apparatus of the invention may comprise more than one single unit integrated to provide for an integrated unit that may be located at or near more than one position of a device. An apparatus of the invention comprising an integrated unit that may be located at or near more than one position of a device may comprise an adapting component comprising a shape as described herein that may be generally elongated to provide for a generally elongated shape. A generally elongated shape may also be referred to as a generally oblong shape. Examples of a generally elongated shape include, but are not limited to, an oval-shape configuration, a U-shape configuration, a horseshoe-shape configuration, a V-shape configuration, an O-shape configuration, and combinations thereof.

A wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof may be located, at or near a left front of the device and at or near a right front of the device. An apparatus of the invention may comprise one integrated unit comprising an oval-shape configuration that may be located at or near the front of the device and releaseably connects to the left front and to the right front. A wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof may be located, at or near a left front of the device and at or near a left back of the device. An apparatus of the invention may comprise one integrated unit comprising an oval-shape configuration that may be located at or near the left of the device and releaseably connects to the left front and to the left back. A wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof may be located at or near a right front of the device and at or near a right back of the device. An apparatus of the invention may comprise one integrated unit comprising a generally oval-shape configuration that may be located at or near the right of the device and releaseably connects to the right front and to the right back.

A wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof may be located, at or near a left front of the device, at or near a right front of the device, at or near a left back of the device, and at or near a right back of the device. An apparatus of the invention may comprise one integrated unit comprising a U-shape configuration, a horseshoe-shape configuration, and combinations thereof that may be located at or near the left of the device, at or near the front of the device, and at or near the right of the device and releaseably connects to the left front, to the right front, to the left back, and to the right back. A wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof may be located, at or near a left back of the device, at or near a center front of the device, and at or near a right back of the device. An apparatus of the invention may comprise one integrated unit comprising a U-shape configuration, a horseshoe-shape configuration, a V-shape configuration, and combinations thereof that may be located at or near the left of the device, at or near the center of the device, and at or near the right of the device and releaseably connects to the left back, to the center front, and to the right back. A wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof may be located, at or near two or more positions around the perimeter of the device, for example, when the device comprises a gait trainer. An apparatus of the invention may comprise one integrated unit comprising a U-shape configuration, an O-shape configuration, and combinations thereof that may be located at or near the two or more positions around the perimeter of the device and releasably connects to the two or more positions.

An apparatus of the invention may comprise any suitable material that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a suitable material of the invention include, but are not limited to, plastic, thermoplastic, metal, wood, biobased material, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable material of the invention include, but are not limited to, a new material, a recycled material, and combinations thereof. An apparatus of the invention may be prepared using any suitable means known in the art, for example, three-dimensional (3D) printing, molding, blow molding, injection molding, extrusion molding, rotational molding, compression molding, thermoforming, metalworking, carving, shaping, and combinations thereof.

An apparatus of the invention may comprise one integrated unit. An example of an apparatus of the invention comprises one integrated unit prepared using a means known in the art, for example, three-dimensional (3D) printing, molding, blow molding, injection molding, extrusion molding, rotational molding, compression molding, thermoforming, and combinations thereof. An apparatus of the invention may comprise more than one section that may be connected by any suitable means known in the art, for example, adhesion, welding, and combinations thereof. An apparatus of the invention may comprise separate sections that may be connected by any suitable means known in the art, for example, adhesion, welding, and combinations thereof.

An apparatus of the invention may be pre-installed on a device or included with a device for later installment. In other embodiments, an apparatus of the invention and a device may comprise one integrated unit. In lieu of releasably-connecting an apparatus and a device as described herein, an apparatus of the invention may provide for a fixedly-connecting of the apparatus and the device by any suitable means known in the art, for example, adhesion, welding, crimping, and combinations thereof.

A process of the invention may comprise releasably connecting an apparatus of the invention and a device. The process may comprise releasably connecting an apparatus and a device where the apparatus comprises an adapting component and a releasably-connecting component. A device may comprise a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof and the process may comprise releasably connecting the wheel, the leg, the frame, and combinations thereof. The process may comprise releasably disconnecting an apparatus and a device. The process may comprise releasably securing an apparatus and a device, releaseably unsecuring an apparatus and a device, and combinations thereof. The process may comprise adapting a device to a land surface.

A process of the invention may comprise lifting a device, tilting a device, and combinations thereof. The process may comprise lifting a device, tilting a device, and combinations thereof and releasably connecting an apparatus of the invention and the device. The process may comprise lifting a device, tilting a device, and combinations thereof and releasably connecting a releasably-connecting component of an apparatus of the invention and the device. The process may comprise lifting a device, tilting a device, and combinations thereof and releasably connecting a releasably-connecting component of the apparatus and a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof of the device. The process may comprise lifting a device, tilting a device, and combinations thereof and receiving a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof of the device in a receiving space of the releasably-connecting component of the apparatus. The process may comprise lifting a device, tilting a device, and combinations thereof and releasably disconnecting the apparatus and the device. The process may comprise lifting a device, tilting a device, and combinations thereof and releasably disconnecting the releasably-connecting component of the apparatus and the device. The process may comprise lifting a device, tilting a device, and combinations thereof and releasably disconnecting a releasably-connecting component of the apparatus and a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof of the device. The process may comprise lifting a device, tilting a device, and combinations thereof and releasing a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof of the device from a receiving space of the releasably-connecting component of the apparatus. Examples of a suitable tilting include any tilting that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a suitable tilting include, but are not limited to, front to back, back to front, left to right, right to left, and combinations thereof.

A process of the invention may comprise releasably securing an apparatus and a device, releasably unsecuring an apparatus and a device, and combinations thereof. The process may comprise releasably securing an apparatus and a device after releasably connecting. The process may comprise releasably unsecuring an apparatus and a device before releasably disconnecting. The process may comprise releasably connecting an apparatus and a device, releasably securing the apparatus and the device, releasably unsecuring the apparatus and the device, and releasably disconnecting the apparatus and the device. The process may comprise engaging a brake component as described herein before releasably connecting, after releasably connecting, and combinations thereof. An example process may comprise engaging a brake component as described herein before releasably connecting. The process may comprise engaging a hand brake component, engaging a foot brake component, and combinations thereof.

A releasably-connecting component may comprise a first section and a second section that may be separated providing for a releasably-connecting component gap section as described herein. The releasably-connecting component gap section may comprise any dimensions that suitably provide for a process of the invention. A process of the invention may comprise contacting a releasably-connecting component gap section and a wheel of a device, rotating the apparatus, and aligning the wheel with the first section and the second section of the releasably-connecting component. The process may comprise wheeling a device from a land surface, a man-made surface, and combinations thereof to an edge component of an adapting component, wheeling the device from an edge component to a releasably-connecting component gap section, contacting the releasably-connecting component gap section and a wheel of the device, rotating the apparatus, and aligning the wheel with a first section and a second section of the releasably-connecting component. The process may comprise rotating an apparatus, wheeling a device from a releasably-connecting component gap section to an edge component of an adapting component, wheeling the device from the edge component to a land surface, a man-made surface, and combinations thereof. Wheeling, contacting, rotating, aligning, and combinations thereof may provide for the ability to releasably connect, releasably disconnect, and combinations thereof an apparatus and a device without lifting the device, tilting the device, and combinations thereof as described herein. The process may comprise releasably securing, releasably unsecuring, and combinations thereof of the apparatus and the device as described herein. The process may comprise engaging a brake component as described herein before rotating the apparatus and aligning the wheel.

After releasably connecting an apparatus of the invention and a device as described herein, a process of the invention may comprise adapting the device to a land surface, transitioning the device from a man-made surface to a land surface, transitioning the device from a land surface to a man-made surface, and combinations thereof. After adapting the device to a land surface, transitioning the device from a man-made surface to a land surface, transitioning the device from a land surface to a man-made surface, and combinations thereof using an apparatus of the invention, the process may comprise releasably disconnecting the apparatus and the device so that, for example, the device may be used on a man-made surface. The apparatus and the device may remain releasably connected so that the apparatus and the device may be used on a man-made surface. The process may comprise releasably securing, releasably unsecuring, and combinations thereof the apparatus and the device as described herein. The process may comprise engaging a brake component as described herein before releasably connecting the apparatus and the device.

Examples of a suitable land surface include any land surface that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a land surface include, but are not limited to, dirt, mud, grass, sand, snow, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable man-made surface include any man-made surface that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a man-made surface include, but not are limited to, a floor, a pavement, a sidewalk, and combinations thereof.

An apparatus of the invention may provide for an adapting of a device to a land surface as described herein. An apparatus of the invention may provide for an adapting of a device to a land surface in a manner providing for a generally three-hundred-and-sixty-degree range of movement.

A device may comprise a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable wheel, a suitable leg, a suitable frame, and combinations thereof include any wheel, any leg, any frame, and any combinations thereof that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a suitable device include any device that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a device include, but are not limited to, a walker, a wheeled walker, a rollator walker, a gait trainer, a stroller, and combinations thereof. Examples of a device as described herein include, but are not limited to, devices that may be utilized by a person of any age including, but not limited to, adult devices, children's devices, and combinations thereof.

A device may comprise a wheel, a swivel wheel, for example, a caster wheel, two swivel wheels, for example, a double-wheel caster, also referred to as a dual-wheel caster or a twin-wheel caster, and combinations thereof as described herein. A device may comprise a wheel comprising a spoke, a solid wheel that does not comprise a spoke, and combinations thereof. A device may comprise more than one wheel. A device may comprise a multi-wheel configuration where a position of the device comprising a single wheel comprises two or more wheels. A device may comprise a wheel that may be connected to a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof.

A wheel may be connected to a device, a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable wheel include any wheel that may be used in accordance with the invention.

Examples of a suitable leg include any leg that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a leg include, but are not limited to, a post, a pole, a bar, and combinations thereof. A leg may be connected to a device, a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof.

Examples of a suitable frame include any frame that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a frame include, but are not limited to, a straight frame, a curved frame, and combinations thereof. A frame may be located on a side of a wheel, on both sides of a wheel, for example, a generally U-shape frame, and combinations thereof. A frame may be stationary around a vertical axis, swiveling around a vertical axis, and combinations thereof. A frame may be connected to a device, a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof. A frame may comprise a first frame section, a second frame section, and combinations thereof as described herein.

Examples of a suitable walker include any walker that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a walker include those that are generally commercially available. An example walker comprises a four-leg walker, also generally referred to as a standard walker, comprising four legs and no wheels. Each leg may comprise a terminal end comprising a cap component as described herein.

Examples of a suitable wheeled walker include any wheeled walker that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a wheeled walker include those that are generally commercially available. Examples of a wheeled walker include, but are not limited to, a two-wheel walker, a four-wheel walker, and combinations thereof. An example two-wheel walker comprises four legs and two wheels where each wheel is connected at or near the terminal end of each front leg and stationary around a vertical axis and the two back legs each have a terminal end that may comprise a cap component. An example four-wheel walker comprises four legs and four wheels where two wheels are connected at or near the terminal end of each front leg and stationary around a vertical axis and the two back legs each have a terminal end that may comprise a cap component.

Examples of a suitable rollator walker include any rollator walker that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a rollator walker include those that are generally commercially available. An example rollator walker may comprise a wheel that rotates forward and backward around a horizontal axis and is stationary around a vertical axis, a swiveling wheel that rotates forward and backward around a horizontal axis and swivels around a vertical axis, for example, a caster wheel, two swiveling wheels that rotate forward and backward around a horizontal axis and swivel around a vertical axis, for example, a double-wheel caster, and combinations thereof. An example rollator walker may comprise four legs and four wheels where a swiveling wheel, for example, a caster wheel, is connected at or near the terminal end of each front leg and a wheel that is stationary around a vertical axis is connected at or near the terminal end of each back leg. An example rollator walker may comprise four legs and six wheels where two swiveling wheels, for example, a double-wheel caster, are connected at or near the terminal end of each front leg and a wheel that is stationary around a vertical axis is connected at or near the terminal end of each back leg. An example rollator walker may comprise four legs and two swiveling wheels where a swiveling wheel, for example, a caster wheel, is connected at or near the terminal end of each front leg and the two back legs each have a terminal end that may comprise a cap component. An example rollator walker may comprise four legs and four wheels where two swiveling wheels, for example, a double-wheel caster, are connected at or near the terminal end of each front leg and the two back legs each have a terminal end that may comprise a cap component.

An example rollator walker may comprise three legs and three wheels where a swiveling wheel, for example, a caster wheel, is connected at or near the terminal end of the center front leg and a wheel that is stationary around a vertical axis is connected at or near the terminal end of each back leg. An example rollator walker may comprise, from an overhead view of a user using the rollator walker, three legs and four wheels where two swiveling wheels, for example, a double-wheel caster, are connected at or near the terminal end of the center front leg and a wheel that is stationary around a vertical axis is connected at or near the terminal end of each back leg. An example rollator walker may comprise three legs and one wheel where a swiveling wheel, for example, a caster wheel, is connected at or near the terminal end of the center front leg and the two back legs each have a terminal end that may comprise a cap component. An example rollator walker may comprise three legs and two wheels where two swiveling wheels, for example, a double-wheel caster, are connected at or near the terminal end of the center front leg and the two back legs each have a terminal end that may comprise a cap component. An example rollator walker may comprise a handle, a seat, a brake component, for example, a hand brake component, and combinations thereof.

Examples of a suitable gait trainer include any gait trainer that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a gait trainer include those that are generally commercially available. An example gait trainer is generally used to assist persons learning to walk or improving gait as well as assisting persons with special needs, for example, cerebral palsy. An example gait trainer may comprise a stationary wheel that rotates forward and backward around a horizontal axis and is stationary around a vertical axis, a swiveling wheel that rotates forward and backward around a horizontal axis and swivels around a vertical axis, for example, a caster wheel, two swiveling wheels that rotate forward and backward around a horizontal axis and swivel around a vertical axis, for example, a double-wheel caster, and combinations thereof. An example gait trainer may comprise a wheel and leg configuration similar to the wheel and leg configurations described herein for a rollator walker comprising wheels and four legs. An example gait trainer may comprise a strap, a support, a positioner, a brake component, for example, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof.

Examples of a suitable stroller include any stroller that may be used in accordance with the invention. Examples of a stroller include those that are generally commercially available. An example stroller may comprise a wheel that rotates forward and backward around a horizontal axis and is stationary around a vertical axis, two wheels that rotate forward and backward around a horizontal axis and are stationary around a vertical axis, for example, a double-wheel, a swiveling wheel that rotates forward and backward around a horizontal axis and swivels around a vertical axis, for example, a caster wheel, two swiveling wheels that rotate forward and backward around a horizontal axis and swivel around a vertical axis, for example, a double-wheel caster, and combinations thereof. An example stroller may comprise a handle, a seat, and combinations thereof. A three-wheel stroller may comprise three wheels. A three-wheel stroller may comprise, in lieu of a single wheel at each single-wheel location, more than a single wheel, for example, two wheels, for example, a double-wheel or a double-wheel caster, at each single-wheel location providing for a six-wheel stroller. A three-wheel stroller may comprise, in lieu of a single wheel at the center front single-wheel location, more than a single wheel, for example, two wheels, for example, a double-wheel or a double-wheel caster, at the center front single-wheel location providing for a four-wheel stroller. A four-wheel stroller may comprise four wheels. A four-wheel stroller may comprise, in lieu of a single wheel at each single-wheel location, more than a single wheel, for example, two wheels, for example, for example, a double-wheel or a double-wheel caster, at each single-wheel location providing for an eight-wheel stroller. An example stroller may comprise a handle, a seat, and combinations thereof. Examples of a suitable stroller include, but are not limited to, a baby stroller, an animal stroller, a stroller wagon, and combinations thereof.

For example, when a person is using a device, for example, a walker, a wheeled walker, a rollator walker, a gait trainer, or a stroller, to move along a man-made surface, for example, a floor of a building or along a pavement or a sidewalk, the person may encounter difficulty when adapting the device to a land surface, transitioning the device from the man-made surface to the land surface, transitioning the device from the land surface to the man-made surface, and combinations thereof. The device may become hindered, or even stopped. The person may not be able to go outside of the building or onto the land surface adjacent to the pavement or the sidewalk, and may have to stay on the floor, on the pavement, or on the sidewalk. The person may have to stay inside or near the building. When an apparatus of the invention is utilized, the device may be adapted to the land surface so that the person may go onto the land surface.

Also, for example, when a child is using a device, for example, a walker, a wheeled walker, a rollator walker, or a gait trainer, to move along a man-made surface, for example, a floor of a building or along a pavement or a sidewalk, the child may encounter difficulty adapting the device to a land surface, transitioning the device from the man-made surface to the land surface, transitioning the device from the land surface to the man-made surface, and combinations thereof. The device may become hindered, or even stopped. For example, during school, the child may move the device along a school floor or along a pavement or a sidewalk adjacent to the school. The child may encounter difficulty when it is time to transition to a land surface, for example, by going onto an outside playground comprising the land surface. The child may have to stay inside or near the school building. When an apparatus of the invention is utilized, the device may be adapted to the land surface so that the child may go onto the outside playground.

Also, for example, when a person is using a device, for example, a stroller, to move along a man-made surface, for example, a floor of a building or along a pavement or a sidewalk, the person may encounter difficulty when adapting the device to a land surface, transitioning the device from the man-made surface to the land surface, transitioning the device from the land surface to the man-made surface, and combinations thereof. The stroller may become hindered, or even stopped. For example, a person may move the stroller along a floor of a building or along a pavement or a sidewalk. The person may encounter difficulty when transitioning to a land surface, for example, by going outside of the building or onto the land surface adjacent to the pavement or the sidewalk. The person, and any occupants of the stroller, may have to stay on the floor, on the pavement, or on the sidewalk. The person may have to stay inside or near the building. When an apparatus of the invention is utilized, the stroller may be adapted to the land surface so that the person, and any occupants of the stroller, may go onto the land surface.

An apparatus of the invention may be used to adapt a device including, for example, a cane, a crutch, a wheelchair, a medical stretcher, a knee walker, an animal walker, a skateboard, a scooter, a bicycle, a tricycle, a food grill, and combinations thereof that may comprise a wheel, a leg, a frame, and combinations thereof to a land surface, for example, dirt, mud, grass, sand, snow, and combinations thereof.

First apparatus600, second apparatus600, first apparatus700, and second apparatus700as described herein were three-dimensionally (3D) printed using an Ender-3 3D printer with 100% infill using a 1.0 millimeter nozzle. The material was polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG). A first leg-wheel attachment at the front right of a wheeled walker and a second leg-wheel attachment at the front left of the wheeled walker were removed. Releasably-connecting component304of first apparatus600was attached and releasably secured to the first leg-wheel attachment and releasably-connecting component304of second apparatus600was attached and releasably secured to the second leg-wheel attachment (see, for example,FIGS.18,21, and27). A first leg attachment at the back right of the wheeled walker and a second leg attachment at the back left of the wheeled walker were removed. Releasably-connecting component404and releasably-securing component406of first apparatus700was attached and releasably secured to the first leg attachment and releasably-connecting component404and releasably-securing component406of second apparatus700was attached and releasably secured to the second leg attachment (see, for example,FIGS.23and27). First leg-wheel attachment, second leg-wheel attachment, first leg attachment, and second leg attachment were then reattached to the wheeled walker using the push button height adjustments of the wheeled walker to provide for a modified wheeled walker comprising the releasably-connecting components.

The following procedure was used to compare the functionality of the modified wheeled walker comprising the releasably-connecting components before releasably connecting the four adapting components, i.e., the modified wheeled walker without the four adapting components, compared to the modified wheeled walker after releasably connecting the four adapting components, i.e., the modified wheeled walker with the four adapting components. Six participants of various height and weight were each taught how to use the modified wheeled walker before releasably connecting the four adapting components, how to releasably-connect and releasably-disconnect the four adapting components, and how to use the modified wheeled walker after releasably connecting the four adapting components. A short outdoor course comprising a sidewalk pavement, grass, and sand was prepared and marked. Each participant used the modified wheeled walker before releasably connecting the four adapting components to complete the course one time. Each participant then used the modified wheeled walker after releasably connecting the four adapting components to complete the course one more additional time. Each participant then releasably-connected and releasably-disconnected the four adapting components.

Each participant then completed a survey rating the performance of the modified wheeled walker before and after releasably connecting the four adapting components on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 indicating the lowest performance rating and 5 indicating the highest performance rating. Regarding performance on sidewalk pavement, the modified wheeled walker scored an average of 4.33 before releasably connecting the four adapting components compared to an average of 2.67 after releasably connecting the four adapting components providing for a 1.66 decrease in functionality after releasably connecting the four adapting components. Regarding performance on grass, the modified wheeled walker scored an average of 2.83 before releasably connecting the four adapting components compared to an average of 3.67 after releasably connecting the four adapting components providing for a 0.84 improvement after releasably connecting the four adapting components. Regarding performance on sand, the modified wheeled walker scored an average of 2.00 before releasably connecting the four adapting components compared to an average of 3.50 after releasably connecting the four adapting components providing for a 1.50 improvement after releasably connecting the four adapting components. Regarding ease of changing directions, the modified wheeled walker scored an average of 2.83 before releasably connecting the four adapting components compared to an average of 3.00 after releasably connecting the four adapting components providing for a 0.17 improvement after releasably connecting the four adapting components. The participants also rated the ease of releasably connecting and releasably disconnecting the four adapting components as an average of 4.33. Generally observed results indicated that the modified wheeled walker was often hindered by the grass both before and after releasably connecting the four adapting components, but more so before releasably connecting the four adapting components. The modified wheeled walker before releasably connecting the four adapting components sunk into the sand, particularly when more weight was applied to the modified wheeled walker. After releasably connecting the four adapting components, the four adapting components helped to keep the modified wheeled walker higher in the sand, i.e., helped to prevent the modified wheeled walker from sinking into the sand. The modified wheeled walker generally functioned the same on the sidewalk pavement before releasably connecting the four adapting components compared to before releasably connecting the front two adapting components and after releasably connecting the back two adapting components. One participant removed the two front adapting components easily and unprompted upon reaching the sidewalk pavement. On both grass and sand, there was an improvement of the performance of the modified wheeled walker after releasably connecting the four adapting components. The testing also indicated an ease of transitioning between using the modified wheeled walker before releasably connecting the four adapting components, and using the modified wheeled walker after releasably connecting the four adapting components.

Referring toFIG.1, an example embodiment of an apparatus100comprises an adapting component4and a releasably-connecting component6. Adapting component4and releasably-connecting component6are shown as comprising one continuous component prepared by any suitable means as described herein. Adapting component4comprises a concave adapting component top surface8. Adapting component4further comprises a convex adapting component bottom surface9providing for an adapting component thickness10(not shown, seeFIG.3). Adapting component4further comprises an edge component11comprising a generally hemispherical shape totally encompassing a perimeter of adapting component4. Releasably-connecting component6comprises a generally cuboid shape. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises a releasably-connecting component inner surface12and a releasably-connecting component outer surface14providing for a releasably-connecting component thickness16. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises a releasably-connecting component wall18comprising a front wall section19, a back wall section20(not shown, seeFIG.2), a first side wall section21, and a second side wall section23(not shown, seeFIG.2). Front wall section19and back wall section21are shown as substantially parallel and comprising substantially the same length. First side wall section21and second side wall section23are shown as substantially parallel and comprising substantially the same length. Releasably-connecting component wall18is shown as comprising one continuous component. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises a receiving space22comprising a receiving space first section24and a receiving space second section26. Receiving space first section24comprises a generally ellipsoid shape to receive, for example, a wheel attached to a leg of a device (see, for example,FIG.12). Receiving space second section26comprises a generally semiellipsoid shape to receive, for example, the leg attached to the wheel of the device (see, for example,FIG.12). Receiving space second section26is shown as vertically angled and may, for example, be vertically straight. Receiving space22may further comprise a receiving space third section opposite of, and comprising a shape similar to, receiving space second section26(see, for example, receiving space third section46shown inFIG.7andFIG.8). Releasably-connecting component6further comprises an upper perimeter27. Upper perimeter27is shown as comprising one level. Upper perimeter27may comprise more than one level. Upper perimeter27may comprise an upper perimeter passageway (not shown) providing for a passageway for a feature of a device for example, a leg, a frame, a brake component, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.1, apparatus100further comprises a first releasably-securing component28comprising a first hook-and-loop fastener located at a first releasably-securing location. First hook-and-loop fastener comprises a first part29and a corresponding second part and is shown after partially fastening first part29and a corresponding second part30. First part29is connected to a first end of a first strap31. First releasably-securing component28further comprises a second hook-and-loop fastener (not shown, seeFIG.2andFIG.3) located at a second releasably-securing location. Second hook-and-loop fastener comprises a first part32and a corresponding second part33(not shown, seeFIG.2andFIG.3) and is shown before fastening first part32and corresponding second part33. Apparatus100further comprises a second releasably-securing component35comprising a third hook-and-loop fastener located at a third releasably-securing location. Third hook-and-loop fastener comprises a first part36and a corresponding second part37and is shown after partially fastening first part36and the corresponding second part37. First part36is connected to a first end of a second strap38. Second releasably-securing component35further comprises a fourth hook-and-loop fastener (not shown, seeFIG.2) located at a fourth releasably-securing location. Fourth hook-and-loop fastener comprises a first part39and a corresponding second part40and is shown before fastening first part39and the corresponding second part40. A first part of a hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a hook and a second part of the hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a loop. Conversely, a first part of a hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a loop and a second part of the hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a hook. In lieu of first hook-and-loop fastener, second hook-and-loop fastener, third hook-and-loop fastener, fourth hook-and-loop fastener, and combinations thereof, first end of first strap31, second end of first strap31, first end of second strap38, second end of second strap38, and combinations thereof may be fixedly connected to releasably-connecting component6as described herein. The first parts and the corresponding second parts of the hook-and-loop fasteners are shown as generally small and square shaped. The first parts and the corresponding second parts of the hook-and-loop fasteners may comprise a generally larger and more elongated shape that may provide for a larger hook-and-loop fastener34, and combinations thereof may be optional. In lieu of, or in addition to, first releasably-securing component28, second releasably-securing component35, and combinations thereof, a releasably-securing component as described herein may be utilized. The first releasably-securing location, the second releasably-securing location, the third releasably-securing location, the fourth releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof may be located at any location on adapting component4, releasably-connecting component6, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.1, an optional cut line41is shown where the height of the releasably-connecting component6may be reduced. For example, upper perimeter27may be above a top of a wheel of a device when apparatus100is utilized. When the size of a wheel is larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6may need to be reduced to help provide for a reduction of the overall size of releasably-connecting component6. For example, when the size of a wheel is larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27may be reduced to where upper perimeter27is below the top of the wheel. Also, for example, when the size of a wheel is even larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27may be reduced to cut line41where upper perimeter27is further below the top of the wheel, for example, about half-way down from the top of the wheel. Also, for example, when the size of a wheel is even larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27may be reduced to where upper perimeter27is even further below the top of the wheel, for example, about three-quarters of the way down from the top of the wheel. Examples of other various optional cut lines are shown inFIG.7andFIG.8.

Referring toFIG.2, an example embodiment of apparatus100is shown.FIG.2also shows back wall section20and second side wall section23.FIG.2also shows second hook-and-loop fastener at the second releasably-securing location comprising first part32and corresponding second part33before fastening first part32and corresponding second part33.FIG.2also shows fourth hook-and-loop fastener at the fourth releasably-securing location comprising first part39and corresponding second part40before fastening first part39and corresponding second part40.

Referring toFIG.3, apparatus100shown inFIG.1is shown in cross-section.FIG.3also3also shows second hook-and-loop fastener comprising first part32and corresponding second part33after fastening first part32and corresponding second part33.

Referring toFIG.4, an example embodiment of an apparatus200comprises adapting component4and releasably-connecting component6. Adapting component4and releasably-connecting component6are shown as comprising one continuous component prepared by any suitable means as described herein. Adapting component4comprises concave adapting component top surface8. Adapting component4further comprises convex adapting component bottom surface9providing for adapting component thickness10(not shown, seeFIG.6). Adapting component4further comprises an edge component11comprising a generally hemispherical shape totally encompassing a perimeter of adapting component4. Releasably-connecting component6comprises a generally cuboid shape. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises releasably-connecting component inner surface12and releasably-connecting component outer surface14providing for releasably-connecting component thickness16. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises releasably-connecting component wall18comprising front wall section19(not shown, seeFIG.5), back wall section20, first side wall section21, and second side wall section23(not shown, seeFIG.5). Front wall section19and back wall section21are shown as substantially parallel and comprising substantially the same length. First side wall section21and second side wall section23are shown as substantially parallel and comprising substantially the same length. Releasably-connecting component wall18is shown as comprising one continuous component. Also, for example, releasably-connecting component wall18may comprise separate components. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises receiving space22comprising receiving space first section24and receiving space second section26. Receiving space first section24comprises a generally ellipsoid shape to receive, for example, a wheel attached to a leg of a device (see, for example,FIG.12). Receiving space second section26comprises a generally semiellipsoid shape to receive, for example, the leg attached to the wheel of the device (see, for example,FIG.12). Receiving space second section26is shown as vertically angled and may, for example, be vertically straight. Receiving space22may further comprise a receiving space third section opposite of, and comprising a shape similar to, receiving space second section26(see, for example, receiving space third section46shown inFIG.7andFIG.8). Releasably-connecting component6further comprises upper perimeter27. Upper perimeter27is shown comprising one level. Upper perimeter27may comprise more than one level. Upper perimeter27may comprise an upper perimeter passageway (not shown) providing for a passageway for a feature of a device for example, a leg, a frame, a brake component, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.4, apparatus200further comprises a first releasably-securing component28comprising a first hook-and-loop fastener located at a first releasably-securing location. First hook-and-loop fastener comprises a first part29and a corresponding second part and is shown after partially fastening first part29and the corresponding second part30. First part29is connected to a first end of a first strap31. First releasably-securing component28further comprises a second hook-and-loop fastener (not shown, seeFIG.5andFIG.6) located at a second releasably-securing location. Second hook-and-loop fastener comprises a first part32and a corresponding second part33(not shown, seeFIG.5andFIG.6) and is shown before fastening first part32and corresponding second part33. Apparatus100further comprises a second releasably-securing component35comprising a third hook-and-loop fastener located at a third releasably-securing location. Third hook-and-loop fastener comprises a first part36and a corresponding second part37and is shown after partially fastening first part36and the corresponding second part37. First part36is connected to a first end of a second strap38. Second releasably-securing component35further comprises a fourth hook-and-loop fastener (not shown, seeFIG.5) located at a fourth releasably-securing location. Fourth hook-and-loop fastener comprises a first part39and a corresponding second part40and is shown before fastening first part39and the corresponding second part40. A first part of a hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a hook and a second part of the hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a loop. Conversely, a first part of a hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a loop and a second part of the hook-and-loop fastener may comprise a hook. In lieu of first hook-and-loop fastener, second hook-and-loop fastener, third hook-and-loop fastener, fourth hook-and-loop fastener, and combinations thereof, first end of first strap31, second end of first strap31, first end of second strap38, second end of second strap38, and combinations thereof may be fixedly connected to releasably-connecting component6as described herein. The first parts and the corresponding second parts of the hook-and-loop fasteners are shown as generally small and square shaped. The first parts and the corresponding second parts of the hook-and-loop fasteners may comprise a generally larger and more elongated shape that may provide for a larger hook-and-loop fastener34, and combinations thereof may be optional. In lieu of, or in addition to, first releasably-securing component28, second releasably-securing component35, and combinations thereof, a releasably-securing component as described herein may be utilized. The first releasably-securing location, the second releasably-securing location, the third releasably-securing location, the fourth releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof may be located at any location on adapting component4, releasably-connecting component6, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.4, an optional cut line41is shown where the height of the releasably-connecting component6may be reduced. For example, upper perimeter27may be above a top of a wheel of a device when apparatus200is utilized. When the size of a wheel is larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6may need to be reduced to help provide for a reduction of the overall size of releasably-connecting component6. For example, when the size of a wheel is larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27may be reduced to where upper perimeter27is below the top of the wheel. Also, for example, when the size of a wheel is even larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27may be reduced to cut line41where upper perimeter27is further below the top of the wheel, for example, about half-way down from the top of the wheel. Also, for example, when the size of a wheel is even larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27may be reduced to where upper perimeter27is even further below the top of the wheel, for example, about three-quarters of the way down from the top of the wheel. Examples of other various optional cut lines are shown inFIG.7andFIG.8.

Referring toFIG.5, an example embodiment of apparatus200is shown.FIG.5also shows front wall section19and second side wall section23.FIG.5also shows second hook-and-loop fastener at the second releasably-securing location comprising first part32and corresponding second part33before fastening first part32and corresponding second part33.FIG.5also shows fourth hook-and-loop fastener at the fourth releasably-securing location comprising first part39and corresponding second part40before fastening first part39and corresponding second part40.

Referring toFIG.6, apparatus200shown inFIG.4is shown in cross-section.FIG.6also6also shows second hook-and-loop fastener comprising first part32and corresponding second part33after fastening first part32and corresponding second part33.

When receiving space second section26comprises a vertically straight shape, apparatus200shown inFIG.4may be provided, for example, by rotating apparatus100shown inFIG.1one-hundred and eighty (180) degrees. Also, vice versa, when receiving space second section26comprises a vertically straight shape, apparatus100shown inFIG.1can be provided, for example, by rotating apparatus200shown inFIG.4one-hundred and eighty (180) degrees.

Referring toFIG.7andFIG.8, an example embodiment of an apparatus300comprises adapting component4and releasably-connecting component6. Adapting component4and releasably-connecting component6are shown as comprising one continuous component prepared by any suitable means as described herein. Adapting component4comprises concave adapting component top surface8. Adapting component4further comprises convex adapting component bottom surface9and adapting component thickness10(not shown, seeFIG.9). Adapting component4further comprises edge component11comprising a generally hemispherical shape totally encompassing a perimeter of adapting component4. Releasably-connecting component6comprises a generally cuboid shape. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises releasably-connecting component inner surface12and releasably-connecting component outer surface14providing for releasably-connecting component thickness16. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises releasably-connecting component wall18comprising a front wall section19, a back wall section20, a first side wall section21, and a second side wall section23. Front wall section19and back wall section21are shown as substantially parallel and comprising substantially the same length. First side wall section21and second side wall section23are shown as substantially parallel and comprising substantially the same length. Releasably-connecting component wall18is shown as comprising one continuous component. Also, for example, releasably-connecting component wall18may comprise separate components. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises receiving space22comprising receiving space first section24, receiving space second section26, and a receiving space third section46. Receiving space first section24comprises a generally ellipsoid shape to receive, for example, a wheel attached to a frame of a device (see, for example,FIG.14,FIG.15, andFIG.17). Receiving space second section26comprises a generally semiellipsoid shape to receive, for example, a first section of the frame attached to the wheel of the device (see, for example,FIG.14,FIG.15, andFIG.17). Receiving space third section46comprises a generally semiellipsoid shape to receive, for example, a second section of the frame attached to the wheel of the device (see, for example,FIG.14,FIG.15, andFIG.17). While receiving space second section26and receiving space third section46are shown comprising shapes that are angled in a back direction towards back wall section20, the shapes may be angled in a forward direction towards front wall section19by rotating apparatus300shown inFIG.7one-hundred and eighty (180) degrees. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises upper perimeter27. Upper perimeter27is shown comprising one level. Upper perimeter27may comprise more than one level. Upper perimeter27may comprise an upper perimeter passageway (not shown) providing for a passageway for a feature of a device for example, a leg, a frame, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.7andFIG.8, apparatus300further comprises a releasably-securing component, at a first releasably-securing location, comprising a first screw knob fastener48comprising a first knob50, a first screw52, and a first contacting component54. First screw52passes through a first grooved passageway55(not shown, seeFIG.9). Apparatus300further comprises a releasably-securing component, at a second releasably-securing location, comprising a second screw knob fastener56comprising a second knob58, a second screw60, and a second contacting component62. Apparatus300further comprises a releasably-securing component, at a third releasably-securing location, comprising a third screw knob fastener64comprising a third knob66, a third screw68, and a third contacting component70. Apparatus300further comprises a releasably-securing component, at a fourth releasably-securing location, comprising a fourth screw knob fastener72comprising a fourth knob74, a fourth screw76, and a fourth contacting component78. Fourth screw76passes through a second grooved passageway79(not shown, seeFIG.9). Apparatus300further comprises a releasably-securing component, at a fifth releasably-securing location, comprising a fifth screw knob fastener80comprising a fifth knob82, a fifth screw84, and a fifth contacting component86. Apparatus300further comprises a releasably-securing component, at a sixth releasably-securing location, comprising a sixth screw knob fastener88comprising a sixth knob90, a sixth screw92, and a sixth contacting component94. Second screw60, third screw68, fifth screw84, and sixth screw92each pass through a respective grooved passageway (not shown) similar to first grooved passageway55and second grooved passageway79. For example, first contacting component54and fourth contacting component78may contact a frame of a caster wheel, a frame of a double-wheel caster, and combinations thereof. Also, for example, second contacting component62, third contacting component70, fifth contacting component86, and sixth contacting component94may contact a caster wheel, a wheel of a double-wheel caster, and combinations thereof. Screw knob fasteners48,56,64,72,80,88, and combinations thereof may be optional. In lieu of, or in addition to, screw knob fasteners48,56,64,72,80,88, and combinations thereof, a releasably-securing component as described herein may be utilized. The first releasably-securing location, the second releasably-securing location, the third releasably-securing location, the fourth releasably-securing location, the fifth releasably-securing location, the sixth releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof may be located at any location on releasably-connecting component6. Turning a knob of a screw knob fastener may provide for a releasably contacting, a releasably separating, a traversing, and combinations thereof of an end of a screw or a contacting component connected at an end of a screw as described herein.

Still referring toFIG.7andFIG.8, while not shown, for example, a screw and, when present, a contacting component, of a screw knob fastener may be located above a wheel, between a first spoke of a wheel and a second spoke of a wheel, and combinations thereof. While not shown, a screw, and generally without a contacting component, of a screw knob fastener may be located at or near a frame passageway of a frame of a device. A frame passageway may be provided by any means known in the art, for example, by drilling. A frame passageway may pass through the frame, partially through the frame, and combinations thereof. For example, first screw52and generally without first contacting component54may contact a frame passageway. Similarly, fourth screw76and generally without fourth contacting component78may contact a frame passageway. For example, first screw52and generally without first contacting component54may traverse the frame passageway, releasably contact fourth screw76and generally without fourth contacting component78, releasably separate from fourth screw76, and combinations thereof. Similarly, for example, fourth screw76and generally without fourth contacting component78may traverse the frame passageway, releasably contact first screw52and generally without first contacting component54, releasably separate from first screw52, and combinations thereof. Also, for example, first screw52and generally without first contacting component54, and in lieu of fourth screw knob fastener72, may traverse the frame passageway, releasably contact the second side wall section23at the fourth releasably-securing location, releasably separate from the second side wall section23at the fourth releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof. Also, for example, fourth screw76and generally without fourth contacting component78, and in lieu of first screw knob fastener48, may traverse the frame passageway, releasably contact the first side wall section21at the first releasably-securing location, releasably separate from the first side wall section21at the first releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.7andFIG.8, while not shown, for example, second screw60and second contacting component62may traverse, releasably contact fifth screw84and fifth contacting component86, releasably separate from fifth screw84and fifth contacting component86, and combinations thereof. Similarly, for example, fifth screw84and fifth contacting component86may traverse, releasably contact second screw60and second contacting component62, releasably separate from second screw60and second contacting component62, and combinations thereof. Also, for example, third screw68and third contacting component70may traverse, releasably contact sixth screw92and sixth contacting component94, releasably separate from sixth screw92and sixth contacting component94, and combinations thereof. Similarly, for example, sixth screw92and sixth contacting component94may traverse, releasably contact third screw68and third contacting component70, releasably separate from third screw68and third contacting component70, and combinations thereof. Also, for example, second screw60and second contacting component62, and in lieu of fifth screw knob fastener80, may traverse, releasably contact the second side wall section23at the fifth releasably-securing location, releasably separate from the second side wall section23at the fifth releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof. Similarly, for example, third screw68and third contacting component70, and in lieu of sixth screw knob fastener88, may traverse, releasably contact the second side wall section23at the sixth releasably-securing location, releasably separate from the second side wall section23at the sixth releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof. Similarly, while not shown, for example, fifth screw84and fifth contacting component86, and in lieu of second screw knob fastener56, may traverse, releasably contact the first side wall section21at the second releasably-securing location, releasably separate from the first side wall section21at the second releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof. Similarly, while not shown, for example, sixth screw92and sixth contacting component94, and in lieu of third screw knob fastener64, may traverse, releasably contact the first side wall section21at the third releasably-securing location, releasably separate from the first side wall section21at the third releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof. The first releasably-securing location, the second releasably-securing location, the third releasably-securing location, the fourth releasably-securing location, the fifth releasably-securing location, the sixth releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof may each comprise a wall section, a wall indentation as described herein, a wall passageway (generally when the screw knob fastener does not comprise the contacting component) as described herein, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.7andFIG.8, optional cut lines96,98, and101are shown where the height of releasably-connecting component6may be reduced. For example, upper perimeter27may be above a top of a wheel of a device when apparatus300is utilized. When the size of a wheel is larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6may need to be reduced to help provide for a reduction of the overall size of releasably-connecting component6. For example, when the size of a wheel is larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27may be reduced to cut line96where upper perimeter27is below the top of the wheel. Also, for example, when the size of a wheel is even larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27may be reduced to cut line98where upper perimeter27is further below the top of the wheel, for example, about half-way down from the top of the wheel. Also, for example, when the size of a wheel is even larger, the height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27may be reduced to cut line101where upper perimeter27is even further below the top of the wheel, for example, about three-quarters of the way down from the top of the wheel.

Referring toFIG.9, apparatus300shown inFIG.7is shown in cross-section.FIG.9also shows convex adapting component bottom surface9and adapting component thickness10.FIG.9also shows first grooved wall passageway55and second grooved wall passageway79.

Referring toFIG.10, an example embodiment of apparatus400comprises adapting component4and releasably-connecting component6. Adapting component4and releasably-connecting component6are shown as comprising one continuous component prepared by any suitable means as described herein. Adapting component4comprises concave adapting component top surface8. Adapting component4further comprises convex adapting component bottom surface9and adapting component thickness10(not shown,FIG.11). Adapting component4further comprises edge component11comprising a generally hemispherical shape totally encompassing a perimeter of adapting component4. Releasably-connecting component6comprises a generally cylindrical shape. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises releasably-connecting component inner surface12and releasably-connecting component outer surface14providing for releasably-connecting component thickness16. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises releasably-connecting component wall18comprising front wall section19, back wall section20, first side wall section21, and second side wall section23(not shown, seeFIG.11). Front wall section19and back wall section21are shown as substantially parallel and comprising substantially the same length. First side wall section21and second side wall section23are shown as substantially parallel and comprising substantially the same length. Releasably-connecting component wall18is shown as comprising one continuous component. Also, for example, releasably-connecting component wall18may comprise separate components. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises receiving space22. Receiving space22comprises a generally cylindroid shape to receive, for example, a leg of a device (see, for example,FIG.12andFIG.13). Releasably-connecting component6comprising receiving space22is shown as vertically straight and may, for example, be vertically angled. For example, releasably-connecting component6comprising receiving space22may be vertically angled generally in a direction towards front wall section19, back wall section20, first sidewall section21, or second sidewall section23. Releasably-connecting component6further comprises upper perimeter27. Upper perimeter27is shown comprising one level. Upper perimeter27may comprise more than one level. Upper perimeter27may comprise an upper perimeter passageway (not shown) providing for a passageway for a feature of a device for example, a leg, a frame, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.10, apparatus400further comprises a releasably-securing component, at a first releasably-securing location, comprising a seventh screw knob fastener102comprising a seventh knob104, a seventh screw106, and a seventh contacting component108. Seventh screw106passes through a third grooved passageway109(not shown, seeFIG.11). Apparatus400further comprises a releasably-securing component, at a second releasably-securing location, comprising an eighth screw knob fastener110comprising an eighth knob112, an eighth screw114, and an eighth contacting component116. Eighth screw114passes through a fourth grooved passageway117(not shown, seeFIG.11). Apparatus400further comprises a releasably-securing component, at a third releasably-securing location, comprising a ninth screw knob fastener118comprising a ninth knob119, a ninth screw120, and a ninth contacting component121. Apparatus400further comprises a releasably-securing component, at a fourth releasably-securing location, comprising a tenth screw knob fastener122comprising a tenth knob123, a tenth screw124, and a tenth contacting component125. Ninth screw120and tenth screw124each pass through a respective grooved passageway (not shown) similar to third grooved passageway109and fourth grooved passageway117. Screw knob fasteners102,110,118,122, and combinations thereof may be optional. In lieu of, or in addition to, screw knob fasteners102,110,118,122, and combinations thereof, a releasably-securing component as described herein may be utilized. The first releasably-securing location, the second releasably-securing location, the third releasably-securing location, the fourth releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof may be located at any location on releasably-connecting component6. Turning a knob of a screw knob fastener may provide for a releasably contacting, a releasably separating, a traversing, and combinations thereof of an end of a screw or a contacting component connected at an end of a screw as described herein.

Still referring toFIG.10, while not shown, for example, a screw and generally without a contacting component, of a screw knob fastener may be located at or near a leg passageway of a leg of a device. A leg passageway may be provided by any means known in the art, for example, by drilling. A leg passageway may pass through the leg, partially through the leg, and combinations thereof. For example, while not shown, seventh screw106and generally without seventh contacting component108may contact a leg passageway. Similarly, while not shown, eighth screw114and generally without eighth contacting component116may contact a leg passageway. For example, seventh screw106and generally without seventh contacting component108may traverse the leg passageway, releasably contact eighth screw114and generally without eighth contacting component116, releasably separate from eighth screw114, and combinations thereof. Similarly, for example, eight screw114and generally without eighth contacting component116may traverse the leg passageway, releasably contact seventh screw106and generally without seventh contacting component108, releasably separate from seventh screw106, and combinations thereof. Also, for example, while not shown, ninth screw120and generally without ninth contacting component121may contact a leg passageway. Similarly, while not shown, tenth screw124and generally without tenth contacting component125may contact a leg passageway. For example, ninth screw120and generally without ninth contacting component121may traverse the leg passageway, releasably contact tenth screw124and generally without tenth contacting component125, releasably separate from tenth screw124, and combinations thereof. Similarly, for example, tenth screw124and generally without tenth contacting component125may traverse the leg passageway, releasably contact ninth screw120and generally without ninth contacting component121, releasably separate from ninth screw120, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.10, while not shown, for example, seventh screw106and generally without seventh contacting component108, and in lieu of eighth screw knob fastener110, may traverse the leg passageway, releasably contact the second side wall section23at the second releasably-securing location, releasably separate the second side wall section23at the second releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof. Also, for example, eighth screw114and generally without eighth contacting component116, and in lieu of seventh screw knob fastener102, may traverse the leg passageway, releasably contact the first side wall section21at the first releasably-securing location, releasably separate from the first side wall section21at the first releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof. Similarly, while not shown, ninth screw120and generally without ninth contacting component121may contact a leg passageway. Also, for example, ninth screw120and generally without ninth contacting component121, and in lieu of tenth screw knob fastener122, may traverse the leg passageway, releasably contact the back wall section20at the fourth releasably-securing location, releasably separate from the back wall section20at the fourth releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof. Similarly, while not shown, tenth screw124and generally without tenth contacting component125may contact a leg passageway. Also, for example, tenth screw124and generally without tenth contacting component125, and in lieu of ninth screw knob fastener118, may traverse the leg passageway, releasably contact the front wall section19at the third releasably-securing location, releasably separate from the front wall section19at the third releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof. The first releasably-securing location, the second releasably-securing location, the third releasably-securing location, the fourth releasably-securing location, and combinations thereof may each comprise a wall section, a wall indentation as described herein, a wall passageway (generally when the screw knob fastener does not comprise the contacting component) as described herein, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.10, optional cut line126is shown where the height of releasably-connecting component6may be reduced. For example, the height of releasably-connecting component6may need to be reduced to help provide for a reduction of the overall size of releasably-connecting component6. For example, the height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27may be reduced to cut line126. Examples of other various optional cut lines are shown inFIG.7andFIG.8.

Referring toFIG.11, apparatus400shown inFIG.10is shown in cross-section.FIG.11also shows convex adapting component bottom surface9and adapting component thickness10.FIG.11also shows second side wall section23.FIG.11also shows third grooved wall passageway109and fourth grooved wall passageway117.

Referring toFIG.12, example embodiments of an apparatus of the invention are shown being utilized on a device comprising a wheeled walker127. Wheeled walker127comprises a first wheel128attached to a first leg130. A first apparatus100is shown after releasably connecting to first wheel128and first leg130and releasably securing. Wheeled walker127further comprises a second wheel132attached to a second leg134. A first apparatus200is shown after releasably connecting to second wheel132and second leg134and releasably securing. Wheeled walker127further comprises a third leg136. A first apparatus400is shown after releasably connecting to third leg136and releasably securing. Wheeled walker127further comprises a fourth leg138. A second apparatus400is shown after releasably connecting to fourth leg138and releasably securing. First wheel128, second wheel132, and combinations thereof may comprise solid wheels, spoked wheels, and combinations thereof. One or more of the releasably-securing components may contact a leg, a wheel, a spoke of a wheel, pass between a spoke of a wheel and an adjacent spoke of the wheel, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.12, first leg130and second leg134are shown as attached to an inside of first wheel128and an inside of second wheel132, respectively. First leg130and second leg134may be attached to an outside of first wheel128and an outside of second wheel132, respectively. When first leg130and second leg134are attached to the outside of first wheel128and the outside of second wheel132, respectively, first apparatus100and first apparatus200may be switched so that first apparatus100may releasably connect to second wheel132and second leg134and releasably secure and first apparatus200may releasably connect to first wheel128and first leg130and releasably secure. Apparatus300shown inFIG.7may be utilized in lieu of first apparatus100, second apparatus200, and combinations thereof.

Referring toFIG.13, example embodiments of an apparatus of the invention are shown being utilized on a device comprising a walker129. Walker129comprises first leg130. A third apparatus400is shown after releasably connecting to first leg130and releasably securing. Walker129further comprises second leg134. A fourth apparatus400is shown after releasably connecting to second leg134and releasably securing. Walker129further comprises third leg136. A fifth apparatus400is shown after releasably connecting to third leg136and releasably securing. Walker129further comprises fourth leg138. A sixth apparatus400is shown after releasably connecting to fourth leg138and releasably securing.

Referring toFIG.14, example embodiments of an apparatus of the invention are shown being utilized on a device comprising a rollator walker140. Rollator walker140comprises a first caster wheel142attached to a first frame144comprising a first frame section143and a second frame section145. A first apparatus300is shown after releasably connecting to first caster wheel142and first frame144and releasably securing. Rollator walker140further comprises a second caster wheel146attached to a second frame148comprising a third frame section147and a fourth frame section149. A second apparatus300is shown after releasably connecting to second caster wheel146and second frame148and releasably securing. Rollator walker140further comprises a third wheel150attached to a fifth leg152. A second apparatus200is shown after releasably connecting to third wheel150and fifth leg152and releasably securing. Second apparatus200may be provided by rotating apparatus200shown inFIG.4one-hundred and eighty (180) degrees. Rollator walker140further comprises a fourth wheel154attached to a sixth leg156. A second apparatus100is shown after releasably connecting to fourth wheel154and sixth leg156and releasably securing. Second apparatus100may be provided by rotating apparatus100shown inFIG.1one-hundred and eighty (180) degrees. While not shown, first caster wheel142, second caster wheel146, third wheel150, fourth wheel154, and combinations thereof may further comprise a brake component, for example, a hand brake component, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof where the brake component has been engaged. First caster wheel142, second caster wheel146, third wheel150, fourth wheel154, and combinations thereof may comprise solid wheels, spoked wheels, and combinations thereof. One or more of the releasably-securing components may contact a wheel, a spoke of a wheel, pass between a spoke of a wheel and an adjacent spoke of the wheel, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.14, fifth leg152and sixth leg156are shown as attached to an inside of third wheel150and an inside of fourth wheel154, respectively. Fifth leg152and sixth leg156may be attached to an outside of third wheel150and an outside of fourth wheel154, respectively. When fifth leg152and sixth leg156are attached to the outside of third wheel150and the outside of fourth wheel154, respectively, second apparatus200and second apparatus100may be switched so that second apparatus100may releasably connect to third wheel150and fifth leg152and releasably secure and second apparatus200may releasably connect to fourth wheel154and sixth leg156and releasably secure. Apparatus300shown inFIG.7may be utilized in lieu of second apparatus100, second apparatus200, and combinations thereof. In lieu of rollator walker140, a device, for example, a gait trainer or a stroller, comprising a configuration of caster wheels, frames, wheels, and legs as described herein for rollator walker140, may be utilized.

Referring toFIG.15, example embodiments of an apparatus of the invention are shown being utilized on a device comprising a gait trainer158. Gait trainer158comprises a third caster wheel160attached to a third frame162comprising a fifth frame section161and a sixth frame section163. A third apparatus300is shown after releasably connecting to third caster wheel160and third frame162and releasably securing. Gait trainer158further comprises a fourth caster wheel164attached to a fourth frame166comprising a seventh frame section165and an eighth frame section167. A fourth apparatus300is shown after releasably connecting to fourth caster wheel164and fourth frame166and releasably securing. Gait trainer158further comprises a fifth caster wheel168attached to a fifth frame170comprising a ninth frame section169and a tenth frame section171. A fifth apparatus300is shown after releasably connecting to fifth caster wheel168and fifth frame170and releasably securing. Gait trainer158further comprises a sixth caster wheel172attached to a sixth frame174comprising an eleventh frame section173and a twelfth frame section175. A sixth apparatus300is shown after releasably connecting to sixth caster wheel172and sixth frame174and releasably securing. While not shown, third caster wheel160, fourth caster wheel164, fifth caster wheel168, sixth caster wheel172, and combinations thereof may further comprise a brake component, for example, a hand brake component, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof where the brake component has been engaged. Third caster wheel160, fourth caster wheel164, fifth caster wheel168, sixth caster wheel172, and combinations thereof may comprise solid wheels, spoked wheels, and combinations thereof. One or more of the releasably-securing components may contact a wheel, a spoke of a wheel, pass between a spoke of a wheel and an adjacent spoke of the wheel, and combinations thereof.

Referring toFIG.16, example embodiments of an apparatus of the invention are shown being utilized on a device comprising a first stroller176. First stroller176comprises a first double-wheel caster178attached to a seventh leg180. A first apparatus500is shown after releasably connecting to first double-wheel caster178and seventh leg180and releasably securing. First stroller176further comprises a second double-wheel caster182attached to an eighth leg184. A second apparatus500is shown after releasably connecting to second double-wheel caster182and eighth leg184and releasably securing. First stroller176further comprises a first double-wheel186attached to a ninth leg188. A third apparatus500is shown after releasably connecting to first double-wheel186and ninth leg188and releasably securing. First stroller176further comprises a second double-wheel190attached to a tenth leg192. A fourth apparatus500is shown after releasably connecting to second double-wheel190and tenth leg192and releasably securing. First apparatus500, second apparatus500, third apparatus500, and fourth apparatus500are shown as example embodiments of a modified apparatus100shown inFIG.1comprising dimensions of receiving space22and receiving space first section24for receiving first double-wheel caster178, second double-wheel caster182, first double-wheel186, and second double-wheel190, respectively. First apparatus500, second apparatus500, third apparatus500, and fourth apparatus500shown as example embodiments of a modified apparatus100shown inFIG.1would generally not comprise receiving space second section26of apparatus100.

Still referring toFIG.16, one or more frames shown inFIG.14andFIG.15utilized for a caster wheel may be utilized in lieu of, or in addition to, seventh leg180, eighth leg184, ninth leg188, tenth leg192, and combinations thereof. One or more frames shown inFIG.14andFIG.15may comprise dimensions for accommodating the extra wheel of the double-wheel caster or the double-wheel. When one or more frames shown inFIG.14andFIG.15are utilized in lieu of, or in addition to, seventh leg180, eighth leg184, ninth leg188, tenth leg192, and combinations thereof, then first apparatus500, second apparatus500, third apparatus500, fourth apparatus500, and combinations thereof may be example embodiments of a modified apparatus300shown inFIG.7comprising dimensions of receiving space22, receiving space first section24, receiving space second section26, and receiving space third section46for receiving the one or more frames and first double-wheel caster178, second double-wheel caster182, first double-wheel186, and second double-wheel190. While not shown, first double-wheel caster178, second double-wheel caster182, first double-wheel186, second double-wheel190, and combinations thereof may further comprise a brake component, for example, a hand brake component, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof where the brake component has been engaged. First double-wheel caster178, second double-wheel caster182, first double-wheel186, second double-wheel190, and combinations thereof may comprise solid wheels, spoked wheels, and combinations thereof. One or more of the releasably-securing components may contact a wheel, a spoke of a wheel, pass between a spoke of a wheel and an adjacent spoke of the wheel, and combinations thereof.

Referring toFIG.17, example embodiments of an apparatus of the invention are shown being utilized on a device comprising a second stroller194. Second stroller194comprises a seventh caster wheel196attached to a seventh frame198comprising a thirteenth frame section197and a fourteenth frame section199. A seventh apparatus300is shown after releasably connecting to seventh caster wheel196and seventh frame198and releasably securing. Seventh apparatus300is shown comprising a height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27that has been reduced to optional cut line98where upper perimeter27is generally about half-way down from the top of seventh caster wheel196. Second stroller194further comprises a fifth wheel202attached to an eleventh leg204. A third apparatus200is shown after releasably connecting to fifth wheel202and eleventh leg204and releasably securing. Third apparatus200may be provided by rotating apparatus200shown inFIG.4one-hundred and eighty (180) degrees. Second stroller194further comprises a sixth wheel206attached to a twelfth leg208. A third apparatus100is shown after releasably connecting to sixth wheel206and twelfth leg208and releasably securing. Third apparatus100may be provided by rotating apparatus100shown inFIG.1one-hundred and eighty (180) degrees. While not shown, seventh caster wheel196, fifth wheel202, sixth wheel206, and combinations thereof may further comprise a brake component, for example, a hand brake component, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof where the brake component has been engaged. Seventh caster wheel196, fifth wheel202, and sixth wheel206are shown as spoked wheels. In lieu of spoked wheels, seventh caster wheel196, fifth wheel202, sixth wheel206, and combinations thereof may comprise solid wheels, spoked wheels, and combinations thereof. One or more of the releasably-securing components may contact a wheel, a spoke of a wheel, pass between a spoke of a wheel and an adjacent spoke of the wheel, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.17, third apparatus200is shown comprising a height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27that has been reduced to optional cut line41where upper perimeter27is generally about half-way down from the top of fifth wheel202. Third apparatus100is shown comprising a height of releasably-connecting component6and upper perimeter27that has been reduced to optional cut line41where upper perimeter27is generally about half-way down from the top of sixth wheel206. Third apparatus200is shown comprising, in lieu of first releasably-securing component28and second releasably-securing component34, releasably-securing components comprising an eleventh screw knob fastener210, a twelfth screw knob fastener212, a thirteenth screw knob fastener214, a fourteenth screw knob fastener216, a fifteenth screw knob fastener218, and a sixteenth screw knob fastener220at a first releasably-securing location, a second releasably-securing location, a third releasably-securing location, a fourth releasably-securing location, a fifth releasably-securing location, and a sixth releasably-securing location, respectively. Screw knob fasteners210,212,214,216,218, and220comprise knobs, screws, and contacting components as described herein, for example, as described herein forFIGS.7-9. Screw knob fasteners210,212,214,216,218, and220each pass through a respective grooved passageway (not shown) as described herein, for example, as described herein forFIG.9. Third apparatus100is shown comprising, in lieu of first releasably-securing component28and second releasably-securing component34, releasably-securing components comprising a seventeenth screw knob fastener222, an eighteenth screw knob fastener224, a nineteenth screw knob fastener226, a twentieth screw knob fastener228(not shown, similar to screw knob fastener218), a twenty-first screw knob fastener230(not shown, similar to screw knob fastener216), and a twenty-second screw knob fastener232at a first releasably-securing location, a second releasably-securing location, a third releasably-securing location, a fourth releasably-securing location, a fifth releasably-securing location, and a sixth releasably-securing location, respectively. Screw knob fasteners222,224,226,228,230, and232comprise knobs, screws, and contacting components as described herein, for example, as described herein forFIGS.7-9. Screw knob fasteners222,224,226,228,230, and232each pass through a respective grooved passageway (not shown) as described herein, for example, as described herein forFIG.9.

Still referring toFIG.17, eleventh leg204and twelfth leg208are shown as attached to an inside of fifth wheel202and an inside of sixth wheel206, respectively. Eleventh leg204and twelfth leg208may be attached to an outside of fifth wheel202and an outside of sixth wheel206, respectively. When eleventh leg204and twelfth leg208are attached to the outside of fifth wheel202and the outside of sixth wheel206, respectively, third apparatus200and third apparatus100may be switched so that third apparatus100may releasably connect to fifth wheel202and eleventh leg204and releasably secure and third apparatus200may releasably connect to sixth wheel206and twelfth leg208and releasably secure. Apparatus300shown inFIG.7may be utilized in lieu of third apparatus100, third apparatus200, and combinations thereof. In lieu of second stroller194, a device, for example, a rollator walker, comprising a configuration of caster wheels, frames, wheels, and legs as described herein for second stroller194, may be utilized.

Referring toFIG.18, an example embodiment of an apparatus600comprises an adapting component302and a releasably-connecting component304. Adapting component302and releasably-connecting component304are shown as comprising two separate components prepared by any suitable means as described herein. Adapting component302comprises a generally circular shape. Adapting component302further comprises a concave adapting component top surface306. Adapting component302further comprises convex adapting component bottom surface308providing for an adapting component thickness310(not shown, seeFIG.20). Adapting component302further comprises a centerline311. Convex adapting component bottom surface308comprises a generally flat section312. Adapting component302further comprises an edge component314comprising a generally hemispherical shape totally encompassing a perimeter of adapting component302. Adapting component302further comprises an elevated, generally rectangular, solid component316generally located at the middle of adapting component302. An upper perimeter318of solid component316is generally located about one-third of the distance between an upper perimeter320of adapting component302and a lowest point322(generally located at the middle of flat section312) (not shown, seeFIG.20) of convex adapting component bottom surface308. Solid component316comprises a recessed section324comprising a bottom surface326. Recessed section324further comprises a first set of eight neodymium magnets328each comprising a diameter of 8 millimeters and a thickness of 3 millimeters. Bottom surface326of recessed section324is generally located about one-half of the distance from upper perimeter318of solid component316to lowest point322(generally located at the middle of flat section312) (not shown, seeFIG.20) of convex adapting component bottom surface308. First set of eight magnets328are attached to bottom surface326by adhesion and may be attached by any suitable means.

Still referring toFIG.18, a releasably-connecting component304comprises a generally hemi-spherical upper section332and a generally rectangular lower section334. Releasably-connecting component304may comprise a leg336and a wheel338providing for a leg-wheel replacement for a walker or wheeled walker (see, for example,FIG.21andFIG.27). Wheel338is shown as a spoked wheel and may comprise a solid wheel, a spoked wheel, and combinations thereof. Upper section332comprises dimensions to provide for a receiving space340to receive leg336. Receiving space340comprises a generally hemi-spherical space to receive leg336(see also, for example,FIG.21). Receiving space340may provide for a generally form-fit of leg336. Receiving space340is shown as vertically straight and may, for example, be vertically angled. A bottom surface342of upper section332comprises a descending ring shape344. Lower section334comprises a bottom surface346. Bottom surface346comprises a length and a width that are generally slightly smaller than the length and width of recessed section324of solid component316providing for bottom surface346to fit slightly below upper perimeter318after releasably connecting. Bottom surface346comprises a second set of eight neodymium magnets348(not shown, seeFIG.22) each comprising a diameter of 8 millimeters and a thickness of 3 millimeters having an opposite charge to first set of eight magnets328of recessed section324providing for a releasably connecting and releasably disconnecting of adapting component302and releasably-connecting component304and further providing for a releasably connecting and releasably disconnecting of adapting component304and leg336and wheel338. Second set of magnets348are attached to bottom surface346by adhesion and may be attached by any suitable means. Dotted arrow line350shows a general direction of releasably connecting and releasably disconnecting adapting component302and releasably-connecting component304. After releasably connecting, wheel338may be slightly above the convex adapting component top surface306and may freely rotate.

Still referring toFIG.18, releasably-connecting component304further comprises a releasably-connecting component inner surface352and a releasably-connecting component outer surface354providing for a releasably-connecting component thickness356. Releasably-connecting component inner surface352may comprise an adhesive or other adhesion means to provide for a more permanent connecting of releasably-connecting component304and leg336. Releasably-connecting component304further comprises a releasably-connecting component wall358comprising a generally hemi-spherical shape. Releasably-connecting component wall358comprises an edge360comprising a generally hemi-spherical shape. Releasably-connecting component wall358is shown as comprising one continuous component. Releasably-connecting component304further comprises an upper perimeter361comprising a generally hemi-spherical shape. Upper perimeter361is shown comprising one level. Upper perimeter361may comprise more than one level. Upper perimeter361may comprise an upper perimeter passageway (not shown) providing for a passageway for a feature of a device for example, a leg, a frame, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof.

Still referring toFIG.18, apparatus600further comprises a releasably-securing component362(not shown, seeFIG.21), at a first releasably-securing location comprising a circular, slightly recessed section364(not shown, seeFIG.21) of releasably-connecting component304, comprising a knob366(not shown, seeFIG.21) and a shaft368(not shown, seeFIG.21). Shaft368passes through a passageway370and continues through the center of wheel338providing for an axle372of wheel338and comprising an end comprising a nut component374(see alsoFIG.21). Recessed section364and passageway370may provide for a passageway form-fit of knob366and shaft368providing for knob366and shaft368to be stationary in passageway370while wheel338may rotate around axle372. In addition to, or in lieu of, the passageway form-fit, knob366and shaft368may be connected by adhesion means, lock-nut means, and combinations thereof to releasably-connecting component304providing for knob366and shaft368to be stationary in passageway370while wheel338may rotate around axle372.

Referring toFIG.19, concave adapting component top surface306, centerline311, edge component314, generally rectangular, solid component316, recessed section324, bottom surface326, and first set of eight magnets328are shown.

Referring toFIG.20, adapting component302shown inFIGS.18and19is shown in cross-section.FIG.20also shows concave adapting component top surface306, convex adapting component bottom surface308, adapting component thickness310, generally flat section312, and elevated, generally rectangular, solid component316.FIG.20also shows upper perimeter318of solid component316, upper perimeter320, lowest point322(generally located at the middle of flat section312) of convex adapting component bottom surface308, recessed section324, bottom surface326, and first set of magnets328.

Referring toFIG.22, bottom surface346of releasably-connecting component304ofFIG.18is shown comprising second set of eight magnets348.

Referring toFIG.23, an example embodiment of an apparatus700comprises an adapting component402, a releasably-connecting component404, and a releasably-securing component406. Adapting component402, releasably-connecting component404, and releasably-securing component406are shown as comprising three separate components prepared by any suitable means as described herein. Adapting component402comprises a generally ellipsoid shape. Adapting component402further comprises a concave adapting component top surface408. Adapting component402further comprises a convex adapting component bottom surface410providing for an adapting component thickness411(not shown, seeFIG.25). Adapting component402further comprises a centerline412. Convex adapting component bottom surface410comprises a generally flat section413. Adapting component402further comprises an edge component414comprising a generally hemispherical shape totally encompassing a perimeter of adapting component402. Adapting component402further comprises an elevated, generally circular, solid component416generally located at the middle of adapting component402. An upper perimeter418(not shown, seeFIG.25) of solid component416is generally located one-third of the distance between an upper perimeter420of adapting component402and a lowest point422(generally at the middle of flat section413) (not shown, seeFIG.25) of convex adapting component bottom surface410. Solid component416comprises dimensions to provide for a receiving space423. Receiving space423comprises a generally circular shape to receive a leg (see, for example,FIG.27). Receiving space423provides for a generally form-fit of a leg. Solid component416further comprises a first upper section424comprising a first set of five neodymium magnets426each comprising a diameter of 8 millimeters and a thickness of 3 millimeters and a first recessed section428comprising a first set of seven neodymium magnets430each comprising a diameter of 8 millimeters and a thickness of 3 millimeters. First upper section424comprises a bottom surface432. Bottom surface432of first upper section424is generally located about one-third of the distance from upper perimeter420of adapting component402to lowest point422(generally located at the middle of flat section413) (not shown, seeFIG.25) of convex adapting component bottom surface410. First recessed section428comprises a bottom surface434. Bottom surface434of first recessed section428is generally located about one-half of the distance from upper perimeter418of solid component416to lowest point422(generally located at the middle of flat section413) (not shown, see FIG. of convex adapting component bottom surface410. First set of five magnets426and first set of seven magnets430are attached to bottom surface432and bottom surface434, respectively, by adhesion and may be attached by any suitable means.

Still referring toFIG.23, releasably-connecting component404comprises a generally hemi-spherical upper section436and a generally circular lower section438. Upper section436and lower section438are shown as one continuous component and may comprise separate components connected by any suitable means. Releasably-connecting component404may comprise a leg440providing for a leg replacement for a walker or wheeled walker (see, for example,FIG.27). Upper section436comprises dimensions to provide for a receiving space442to receive leg440. Receiving space442comprises a generally hemi-spherical shape to receive leg440(see also, for example,FIG.27). Receiving space442provides for a generally form-fit of leg440. Receiving space442is shown as vertically straight and may, for example, be vertically angled. Lower section438comprises a first recessed section444comprising a second set of five neodymium magnets446(not shown, seeFIG.26) each comprising a diameter of 8 millimeters and a thickness of 3 millimeters. Lower section438further comprises a second lower section448comprising a second set of seven neodymium magnets450(not shown, seeFIG.26) each comprising a diameter of 8 millimeters and a thickness of 3 millimeters. Lower section438further comprises a first bottom surface452(not shown, seeFIG.26) and a second bottom surface453(not shown, seeFIG.26). Second set of five magnets446and second set of seven magnets450are attached to first bottom surface452and second bottom surface453, respectively, by adhesion and may be attached by any suitable means. Second set of five magnets446and second set of seven magnets450of releasably-connecting component404comprise an opposite charge to first set of five magnets426and first set of seven magnets430of adapting component402providing for a releasably connecting and releasably disconnecting of adapting component402and releasably-connecting component404and further providing for a releasably connecting and releasably disconnecting of adapting component402and leg440. Dotted arrow line454shows a general direction of releasably connecting and releasably disconnecting adapting component402and releasably-connecting component404. Upper section424and recessed section428of adapting component402provide for a lip-lock function with recessed section444and lower section448of releasably-connecting component404after releasably connecting adapting component402and releasably-connecting component404. After releasably connecting, the terminal end of leg440may be slightly above the convex adapting component top surface408.

Still referring toFIG.23, upper section436of releasably-connecting component404comprises an upper section inner surface456and an upper section outer surface458providing for an upper section thickness460. Upper section436further comprises an upper section wall462comprising a generally hemi-spherical shape. Upper section wall462comprises a first edge464comprising a generally hemi-spherical shape and a second edge466comprising a generally flat shape. Upper section wall462is shown as comprising one continuous component. Upper section inner surface456may comprise an adhesive or other adhesion means to provide for a more permanent connecting of releasably-connecting component404and leg440. Lower section438of releasably-connecting component404comprises a lower section inner surface468and a lower section outer surface470providing for a lower section thickness472. Lower section438further comprises a lower section wall474comprising a generally circular shape. Lower section wall474comprises an upper edge476comprising a generally hemi-spherical shape and a lower edge477comprising a generally flat shape. Lower section wall474is shown as comprising one continuous component. Lower section438comprises dimensions to provide for a receiving space478to receive leg440. Receiving space478comprises a generally circular shape to receive leg440(see also, for example,FIG.27). Receiving space478may provide for a generally form-fit of leg440. Receiving space478is shown as vertically straight and may, for example, be vertically angled. Lower section inner surface468may comprise an adhesive or other adhesion means to provide for more permanent connecting of releasably-connecting component404and leg440.

Still referring toFIG.23, upper section436further comprises an upper section perimeter480. Upper section perimeter480is shown comprising one level. Upper section perimeter480may comprise more than one level. Upper section perimeter480may comprise an upper section perimeter passageway (not shown) providing for a passageway for a feature of a device for example, a leg, a frame, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof. Lower section438further comprises a lower section perimeter482(not shown, seeFIG.26) comprising two levels. Lower section perimeter482may comprise one level or more than one level. Lower section perimeter482may comprise a lower section perimeter passageway (not shown) providing for a passageway for a feature of a device for example, a leg, a frame, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof. Upper section wall462is shown as less than slightly flush with lower section wall474and may be flush. Upper section436further comprises a first set of six generally circular passageways484that align with a second set of six generally circular passageways of releasably-securing component406as described herein.

Still referring toFIG.23, releasably-securing component406comprises a releasably-securing component inner surface486and a releasably-securing component outer surface488providing for a releasably-securing component thickness490. Releasably-securing component406further comprises a releasably-securing component wall492comprising a generally hemi-spherical shape. Releasably-securing component wall492comprises a first edge494comprising a generally hemi-spherical shape and a second edge495comprising a generally flat shape. Releasably-securing component wall492is shown as comprising one continuous component. Releasably-securing component406comprises dimensions to provide for a receiving space496to receive leg440. Receiving space496comprises a generally hemi-spherical shape to receive leg440(see also, for example,FIG.27). Receiving space496may provide for a generally form-fit of leg440. Receiving space496is shown as vertically straight and may, for example, be vertically angled. Releasably-securing component inner surface486may comprise an adhesive or other adhesion means to provide for more permanent securing of releasably-securing component404and leg440. Releasably-securing component404further comprises an upper perimeter498. Upper perimeter498is shown comprising one level. Upper perimeter498may comprise more than one level. Upper perimeter498may comprise an upper perimeter passageway (not shown) providing for a passageway for a feature of a device for example, a leg, a frame, a foot brake component, and combinations thereof. Releasably-securing component406further comprises a second set of six generally circular passageways500that align with first set of six generally circular passageways484of upper section436of releasably-connecting component404. Dotted arrow line502shows a general direction of releasably securing and releasably unsecuring releasably-connecting component404and releasably-securing component406. A set of six screws (not shown), for example, six self-tapping screws, may each be passed through the first set of passageways484and second set passageways500providing for a releasably securing of releasably-connecting component404and releasably-securing component406. The screws may be tightened down utilizing screw nuts. Releasably-securing component406further comprises a generally circular passageway504and a generally semi-circular passageway506that may provide for a passing of various height adjustment buttons or screws of leg440.

Referring toFIG.24, elevated, generally circular, solid component416, generally circular receiving space423, first upper section424, first set of five magnets426, first recessed section428, and first set of seven magnets430of adapting component402are shown.

Referring toFIG.25, adapting component402shown inFIGS.23and24is shown in cross-section.FIG.25also shows concave adapting component top surface408, convex adapting component bottom surface410, adapting component thickness411, and generally flat section413.FIG.25also shows elevated, generally circular, solid component416generally located at the middle of adapting component402.FIG.25also shows upper perimeter418of solid component416, upper perimeter420of adapting component402, and lowest point422(generally located at the middle of flat section413) of convex adapting component bottom surface410.FIG.25also shows generally circular receiving space423.FIG.25also shows first upper section424comprising first set of five magnets426and first recessed section428comprising first set of seven magnets430.

Referring toFIG.26, first recessed section444, second set of five magnets446, first lower section448, second set of seven magnets450, first bottom surface452, second bottom surface453, and perimeter482of releasably-connecting component404are shown.

Referring toFIG.27, example embodiments of an apparatus of the invention are shown being utilized on a device comprising wheeled walker127. Wheeled walker127comprises first wheel128attached to first leg130. A first apparatus600is shown after releasably connecting to first wheel128and first leg130. Wheeled walker127further comprises second wheel132attached to second leg134. A second apparatus600is shown after releasably connecting to second wheel132and second leg134. Wheeled walker127further comprises third leg136. A first apparatus700is shown after releasably connecting to third leg136. Wheeled walker127further comprises fourth leg138. A second apparatus700is shown after releasably connecting to fourth leg138. First wheel128, second wheel132, and combinations thereof may comprise solid wheels, spoked wheels, and combinations thereof. One or more of the releasably-securing components may contact a leg, a wheel, a spoke of a wheel, pass between a spoke of a wheel and an adjacent spoke of the wheel, and combinations thereof. First leg130and second leg134are shown as attached to an inside of first wheel128and an inside of second wheel132, respectively. First leg130and second leg134may be attached to an outside of first wheel128and an outside of second wheel132, respectively. When first leg130and second leg134are attached to the outside of first wheel128and the outside of second wheel132, respectively, releaseably-connecting component304of first apparatus600and releasably-connecting component304of second apparatus600may be located outside of first wheel128and outside of second wheel132, respectively.

The foregoing description is intended as a means of illustration and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Those skilled in the art will recognize many variations that may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed invention.