Abstract: A dual-stage caster is disclosed. The caster includes a horn assembly and an arm assembly pivotally coupled to the horn assembly. The caster further includes a wheel rotatably mounted to the arm assembly and a mounting plate mounted to the horn assembly and configured be mounted to a transport vehicle. When the wheel is moved along a support surface, the arm assembly is in a neutral position and the wheel is in the up position. When the wheel moves into a depression in the support surface, the wheel stage spring moves the wheel from the up position to the down position and the arm assembly remains in the neutral position. When the wheel moves over a raised portion in the support surface, the arm assembly pivots relative to the horn assembly so as to compress the main stage spring. The caster may be a swivel caster or a rigid caster.

Abstract: A dual wheel swivel caster includes a swivel assembly, a horn, a rig hub, a solid axle, at least one ring of roller bearings, first and second wheel assemblies, and at least one ring of bearings. The first wheel assembly has a first wheel axis, and includes an annular plate element. The torque limiter is configured to rotatably couple the first and second wheel assemblies with the solid axle when the torque between the annular plate element and the torque limiter is below a preset value. The torque limiter is configured to rotatably decouple the first wheel assembly from the solid axle and the second wheel assembly when the torque exceeds the preset value. The ring of bearings is configured to allow the first wheel assembly to rotate independently of the solid axle and the second wheel assembly about the rotational axis when the torque exceeds the preset value.

Abstract: A dual wheel swivel caster includes a swivel assembly, a horn, a rig hub, a solid axle, at least one ring of roller bearings, first and second wheel assemblies, and at least one ring of bearings. The first wheel assembly has a first wheel axis, and includes an annular plate element. The torque limiter is configured to rotatably couple the first and second wheel assemblies with the solid axle when the torque between the annular plate element and the torque limiter is below a preset value. The torque limiter is configured to rotatably decouple the first wheel assembly from the solid axle and the second wheel assembly when the torque exceeds the preset value. The ring of bearings is configured to allow the first wheel assembly to rotate independently of the solid axle and the second wheel assembly about the rotational axis when the torque exceeds the preset value.

Abstract: A swivel caster includes a swivel assembly having a swivel plate configured to be mounted to a vehicle and defining a swivel axis. A horn depends downwardly from the swivel assembly and a wheel is wheel coupled to the horn with a wheel axle. A slide mechanism couples the horn to the swivel assembly and enables the wheel to slide in a direction generally perpendicular to the swivel axis between first and second trailing positions. The slide mechanism swivels with the horn, the wheel, and the swivel plate about the swivel axis. A swivel limiter is operatively associated with the swivel assembly and limits a swiveling range of the wheel about the swivel axis so as to activate the slide mechanism to reposition the wheel from the first trailing position to the second trailing position when a direction of travel of the vehicle changes.

Abstract: A spring loaded caster includes a support plate adapted to be affixed to the underside of an article to be transported. Two caster legs depend downwardly from the support plate. The caster legs are spaced apart and preferably substantially parallel with each other. Each of the caster legs includes an elongated slot for receiving an axle. A pair of spring brackets is provided that are of a generally L-shaped or U-shaped configuration and are disposed on an outer surface of a corresponding caster leg. The spring bracket may include wear plates. A spring sleeves is disposed on an underside of one leg of the spring brackets. Additionally, two or more spring block including an axle receiving segment that includes a passage for receiving an axle therethrough are provided. On each spring block, a spring is held in place by a spring pin and is received in a corresponding spring sleeve.