Antifrictionally Swivelled Patents (Class 16/20)
  • Patent number: 10059394
    Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trailer is provided. The ATV trailer includes an ATV mount operable to secure to a rear end of an ATV/UTV. The ATV trailer further includes a trailer frame having a platform. The trailer frame is pivotally secured to the ATV mount. At least one wheel is secured to a bottom surface of the trailer frame. A locking mechanism is operable to lock the trailer frame in a retracted position and a deployed position. The retracted position includes the trailer frame substantially vertical and pivoted towards the ATV and the deployed position includes the trailer frame substantially horizontal and pivoted away from the ATV.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Michael P. Robarge
  • Patent number: 9862228
    Abstract: A caster structure has a screw hole formed at the middle of a carrying plate and provided for passing, screwing, and pressing a screw, and then screwing and pressing tightly with a nut, so that the installed screw has a smaller thickness to lower the center of gravity of an installed wheel in addition to giving a dual nut fixing effect. The caster has bearings which are mainly thrust bearings for bearing a relatively larger axial gravity to prevent the bearing from being damaged by gravity and the balls from falling out. The bearings are limited and positioned securely to prevent installation gaps and dusts, to maintain a flexible rotation of the caster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Frank Chen
  • Patent number: 9060578
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for a luggage item and a luggage item. The wheel assembly may include a housing for operably coupling the wheel assembly to a luggage item. The wheel assembly may also include a wheel support rotatably coupled to the housing and having a first axis of rotation. The wheel support may be coupled to a wheel member having a second axis of rotation. A friction reduction member may be positioned between the housing and the wheel support to facilitate the relative rotation therebetween. The wheel support may include an underside defining in part a conical shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S. a.r.l.
    Inventor: Reinhard Meersschaert
  • Patent number: 8914944
    Abstract: A handcart caster is provided with a bracket and a rolling wheel component disposed on a lower end of the bracket; a radial directional convex part disposed on an upper part of the bracket; a rolling bearing disposed in a cavity of the radial directional convex part, the rolling bearing including an outer ring of a bearing, an inner ring of the bearing, a plurality of steel balls disposed between the outer ring of the bearing and the inner ring of the bearing, and two-layer grooves disposed on surfaces of the outer ring of the bearing and the inner ring of the bearing facing each other wherein the steel balls are disposed in the two-layer grooves, the cage is disposed outside of the steel balls; and convex ridges for fixing the outer ring of the bearing disposed on an inner wall of the radial directional convex part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Cixi Chuangli Bearing Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bo Sun
  • Patent number: 8904598
    Abstract: A swivel caster (1) for suitcases, items of luggage, transport containers or the like has at least one wheel (8) which is rotatably received about an axis of rotation (14), and a steering axle (6) which is arranged approximately at a right angle to the axis of rotation (14) of the at least one wheel (8) and about which the at least one wheel (8) can be steered. The aim of the invention is to reduce the transmission of vibrations, running noises and jolts and bumps onto the suitcase, the item of luggage, the transport container or the like. The swivel caster (1) comprises an elastic damping element (7) which is mounted between the wheel (8) of the swivel caster (1) and a fastening element (3) of the swivel caster (1) on the suitcase side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Sudhaus GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Waitz
  • Patent number: 8573613
    Abstract: There is provided a foldable walker apparatus with a wheel fork and a frame portion having a first end facing the wheel fork, a first bore extending from the first end towards a second end opposite thereof, an exterior disposed between the first end of the frame portion and the second end of the frame portion, and a second bore disposed between the first end of the frame portion and the second end of the frame portion. The second bore extends from the exterior of the frame portion to the first bore in a direction generally perpendicular to the first bore. A shaft couples with the first bore and includes a recess facing the second bore. A bearing outer race couples to the wheel fork and a bearing inner race couples to the shaft. A securing member extends through the second bore and engages with the recess of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Evolution Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Publication number: 20130091664
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to a friction sleeve for a caster stem. In certain embodiments, the friction sleeve has a slot, comprises a polymer, and has at least one detent adapted to engage a corresponding detent of the caster stem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: Oconomowoc Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Oconomowoc Mfg. Corp.
  • Patent number: 8387209
    Abstract: A caster assembly has a dual pivot assembly in the caster mounting that is laterally offset, whereby the caster wheels may not only pivot about a wheel pivot axis that extends through the plane of the caster wheel, but also revolve orbitally about a mounting pivot axis that is laterally offset from and parallel to the wheel axis. A transfer plate supports a pair of bearing assemblies, one of them securing a mounting post secured to the bottom of an object. The other bearing assembly supports a cylindrical head post that extends to a clevis-like bracket that supports a caster wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Inventor: Philip A. Aubin
  • Publication number: 20110232027
    Abstract: A swivel caster has a caster body, a pivot bearing and a foot that can be extended by means of an electric motor. The foot has a telescoping foot part. The electric motor is disposed below the pivot bearing, at least below a first, upper bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: TENTE GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Block, Manfred Milbredt
  • Patent number: 8015663
    Abstract: A three component swiveling and rolling glide device, of which two components comprise the mounting assembly and one is an exchangeable base. The mounting assembly is designed to accept multiple fasteners such as screws, bolts, pins or nails. The glide base is removable by finger pressure only without the need for tools enabling the easy interchangeability of the glide base and the fastener as desired. This glide also has a tandem swiveling and rolling capability and will adapt to a singular rolling function in deep carpets or whenever the glide is at maximum tilt. The hard base has a unique base design to encourage the swiveling and rolling action of the glide. The soft base can accept different materials for the specific need, such as, felt to protect hardwood or tile flooring or rubber for a non-skid function. This glide is designed to combine all the above functions, allowing it to adapt to multiple furniture and flooring styles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Inventor: Steven A. Vorpahl
  • Publication number: 20110127738
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachable roller means and a movable bag or case having said detachable roller means, said roller means comprises a roller seat (1) and a roller assembly, which are detachably connected to each other. The roller seat has a penetration opening (1-1) and a guide in which a spring-pretensioned button plate (2-10) is guided. Said button plate has a button arm (2-3), by means of which the button plate is displaceable along the guide. The roller assembly has a roller holder and a roller (3). The roller holder is provided on its upper side with a lug boss (2-5) and a shaft (2-8) projecting from the lug boss. The shaft is provided with an upper stop (2-9). In a mounting status, the lug boss is abutted against the bottom of the roller seat tightly and, viewed in the insertion direction of the shaft, the button plate is engaged behind the upper stop in a spring-pretensioned manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Qiang Lu
  • Patent number: 7891051
    Abstract: A wheel assembly has a housing, a wheel, a rotating device and a controlling device. The housing has a sleeve, an extending portion extending laterally from the sleeve, and brackets extending from opposite sides of the housing. The wheel is rotatablely mounted between the brackets of the housing via a shaft. A rotating device includes a lower pole for engaging with the sleeve of the housing, and a fixing element at bottom of the lower pole for fixing the lower pole on the sleeve in assembly. The controlling device includes a limiting element and a pressing element cooperating with each other to limit direction of the housing and rotation of the wheel simultaneously. The limiting element is mounted in the extending portion and adjacent to the wheel in assembly. The pressing element is mounted on an end of the extending portion for driving the limiting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Haion Caster Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuan-Hai Chou
  • Publication number: 20100107360
    Abstract: A caster assembly includes a caster, a fork for supporting the caster and a connecting unit for rotationally connecting the fork to a vehicle. There is provided a braking unit for stopping the rolling of the caster. There is provided a restraining for stopping the steering of the vehicle when the rolling of the caster is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Li-Huei Shih
  • Patent number: 7681702
    Abstract: A main bag (3) stands independently and moves via free swiveling caster wheels 1 at four corners. A free swiveling caster wheel (1) is provided with a wheel (6), a yoke (7) connected to the wheel in a manner allowing the wheel to rotate, a radial bearing (8) with its outer ring (8B) connected to the yoke, a swivel shaft (9) connected to the inner ring (8A) of the radial bearing, and a mount (10) which holds the upper end of the swivel shaft fixed. The rotation axis (11) of the wheel is disposed with eccentricity with respect to the swivel axis (m), which is the center of rotation of the swivel shaft, allowing the yoke to swivel. The yoke and mount have a bend prevention gap (15) established between mutually opposing surfaces in close proximity. When a bending impact load acts on the swivel shaft, the yoke and mount press against each other at the bend prevention gap to support the bending impact force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Swany Corporation
    Inventor: Etsuo Miyoshi
  • Patent number: 7578028
    Abstract: A device for providing multi-directional movement comprising a housing having at least one roller located at least partially within the housing, at least one bearing means for supporting a load and configured to couple the at least one roller with the housing whereby at least one roller is able to rotate relative to the housing and a braking means for providing resistance to rotation of the at least one roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Robert Sellars
  • Publication number: 20080148514
    Abstract: A swivel caster assembly has a spring-loaded detent pin in a cylinder threaded into a nut mounted to the underside of the caster horn top. A lower bearing race has detent notches in an outer peripheral surface under the caster horn top and engage-able by the pin to control directional orientation of the horn relative to a load carried by it. The cylinder is adjustable by turning the cylinder in the nut, to change the amount of orientation control. The detent features are concealed under the top portion of the horn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Garry W. Hancock, Marcell D. Baker
  • Patent number: 7383611
    Abstract: A support structure for a castor, a castor provided with such a support-structure, and a castored trolley is described. The support structure comprises a first member 5, a second member 3 that is rotatable with respect to the first member about a pivot axis, and magnetic means 21, 23, 61, 63 that is operable up to a certain torque to restrain movement of the rotatable member from one angular position with respect to the first member. Preferably the magnetic means comprises at least one hair of magnetically co-operable components. Preferably one component of the at least one pair of components is a permanent magnet. In another angular positions without registration of the first and second members free rotation is possible unless and until re-registration occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Castor Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Alan Foster
  • Patent number: 7308730
    Abstract: A base member for swivel caster comprises a fixed base, a rotation base and a hollow staff. The fixed base includes a ring member, and a plurality of first raceways lathed in an inward surface of the ring member. A support cavity is defined through a center of the rotation base. Assembling holes are defined in a connecting portion and communicate with the support cavity and the second raceways. During assembly, a plurality of rolling balls are extended through the assembling holes and loaded into the first raceways and the second raceways. Then a plurality of biasing balls is loaded into the assembling holes. The staff is inserted into the support cavity and blocks the assembling holes. The rolling balls contact the biasing balls instead of fixed components whereby the rolling balls swivel and rotate smoothly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Haion Caster Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chuan-Hai Chou
  • Patent number: 6810560
    Abstract: A castor includes a castor-supporting member, a brake unit, a direction gear, a castor unit, and a threaded rod unit and an orienting system. The brake unit is combined with the castor support member by means of the threaded rod unit, involving an upper brake button placed on a lower brake unit. When the upper brake unit is pressed down, a brake plate of the brake unit is pressed down on the surface of the castor body to stop it. When the upper brake button is further pressed down a little, the brake plate is released to move up, with the brake taken off the castor body. And a disc gear formed in the front portion of the brake plate and engaging the direction gear becomes disengaged from the direction gear. When the brake plate is pressed down to stop the castor body, the disc gear is moved up to engage the direction gear, keeping the castor body immovable in its direction. The orienting system consists of position plate, a pedal and a release plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Hai-Ming Tsai
  • Publication number: 20040060149
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a wheel seat having a through hole to receive therein a bearing, multiple claws to abut the bearing, and an annular rim. The bearing has a path corresponding to the through hole. An annular cover has a central plate to abut the bearing, a passage defined to communicate with the path of the bearing and a skirt to correspond to the annular rim to securely sandwich the bearing inside the wheel seat. A positioning bolt and a wheel rotatably received in the wheel seat. Abutment of the conical head to the bottom face of the bearing and the engagement of the nut and the central plate secure the bearing in the wheel seat, and after the annular cover is mounted on top of the wheel seat, corresponding relationship between the skirt and the annular rim prevents pollutant from entering the bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: April 1, 2004
    Inventor: Chin-Lin Chang
  • Patent number: 6705622
    Abstract: A mechanic's creeper (10) includes a pad (12) supported between a plurality of side rails (14) by a plurality of crossbars (15). The side rails (14) are of tear-shaped cross section such that no sharp edges are provided adjacent to the pad (12) held between the side rails (14). The pad (12), side rails (14), and crossbars (15) are held off the ground by a plurality of caster assemblies (20). The caster assemblies (20) are connected only to the bottom surface (16) of the side rails (14) such that no protrusion is created on the top surface (17) of the side rails (14). Specifically, each of the caster assemblies (20) is connected to an associated side rail (14) by a rivet nut (54) that communicates only with the bottom surface (16) of side rail (14). The caster assemblies (20) further include rolling elements (24, 26) and bearing races (32, 34) that allow the caster assemblies (20) to rotate about the axis of a kingpin (42).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Whiteside Mfg. Co.
    Inventor: Kirt E. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 6698060
    Abstract: A caster structure comprises a small wheel, a mounting plate, a roller bearing, a wheel frame, and a locating member. The wheel is fastened pivotally with the wheel frame which is fastened with the underside of the mounting plate by the locating member in conjunction with the roller bearing. The locating member is provided with a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the locating member and the rollers of the roller bearing move to reduce friction at such time when the wheel is turned in a direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Hando Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yu Wen Lee
  • Patent number: 6625846
    Abstract: When a solid such as a utensil or a structure thing moves, stability is high, it is suitable for the indoor use, furthermore to provide the caster which can use the foot part of robot walking by the two pairs. A caster is comprised of a rocking shaft which sets up a wheel, a stably supporting leg, a slidably stabilizing plate and wheel, a drive device which rocks a rocking shaft and change an angle of a slidably stabilizing plate, the detection device which detects a change in the angle and the detection devices which detect a change in the increased weight. And stability is higher than the existent caster, the caster with sled for getting over obstacles which can brake without controlling the movement of the wheel of the existent caster and the axle which holds a wheel by the mechanism such as the brake for braking, in other words, a caster for the robot can be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Shigeo Takizawa
  • Patent number: 6463624
    Abstract: A joint structure of a wheel bearing comprises a bearing cover and a pivotal casing. The bearing cover has an outer edge being installed with a plurality of upper sheets which expand outwards; and between two upper sheets are formed with a downward extending lower sheet. The pivotal casing has a top being formed with a yoke; and the yoke is installed with a through hole with respect to the lower sheet. The lower sheet passes through the respective through hole. Thereby, the lower sheet penetrates through the respective through hole and the bottom of the upper sheet resists against the top of the yoke, then the lower sheet bends outwards to press the bottom of the yoke. Therefore, the bearing cover is steadily fixed to the yoke of the pivotal casing. No extra welding is necessary for enhancing the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Chi-Hsiang Su
  • Patent number: 6357793
    Abstract: A resilient anti-tip wheel suspension includes a wheel coupled to a first mounting bracket. A second mounting bracket is adapted to be rigidly mounted to a wheelchair. Upper and lower bars each have front and rear ends that are pivotally connected to the second mounting bracket and the first mounting bracket, respectively, so as to form a parallelogram configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.
    Inventors: Paul C. Dickie, Darryl R. Pauls
  • Patent number: 6223388
    Abstract: A castor assembly suitable for use in decks or dollies for moving freight or other heavy items includes a wheel, a carriage on which the wheel bracket is mounted for rotation about a first axis and a bearing enabling the carriage to rotate about a second axis at an angle different than the first axis, the first axis being offset from the second axis. The bearing includes an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring movable relative to one another. The inner bearing ring is secured for rotation with the carriage about the second axis. The inner bearing ring is disposed generally concentrically within the outer bearing ring and the carriage is disposed generally concentrically within the inner bearing ring. The inner and outer bearing rings and the carriage together form a substantially planar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Revvo Castor Company Limited
    Inventor: James Dey Andrew Sey
  • Patent number: 6047439
    Abstract: An inexpensive and easily replaceable caster wheel assembly is provided for use with a cart, dolly or other similar product. The caster wheel assembly includes a mounting flange, a bearing assembly comprising inner and outer bearing races disposed within an opening of the mounting flange, a yoke having a rotatable wheel, and a retention member for releasably securing the yoke to the bearing assembly. In one embodiment, the inner race of the bearing assembly has a depending extension and a snap ring secures the extension in operative relation to the yoke. In an alternative embodiment, the yoke has an upstanding connecting element and a set screw releasably secures the connecting element in operative relation to the inner bearing race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Assignee: Emerson Power Transmission Corp.
    Inventor: Shawn Stearn
  • Patent number: 5813090
    Abstract: A caster with a stem generally cylindrical over most of its external circumference, but provided with at least one flat face cut through the cylinder external circumference so as to provide the cylinder with a slight "D" shaped cross section. The stem is designed to seat in a corresponding "D" shaped bore hole of a mobile platform, the shapes cooperating to secure the stem against rotation. The stem is internally threaded, and can fit into either cylindrical or "D" shaped bore holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: United Auto Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph J. Miles
  • Patent number: 5655259
    Abstract: An improved caster assembly for moving heavy loads upon a caster platform. This caster assembly is less prone to breakage than conventional caster assemblies, and additionally incorporates a safety lid for reducing the risk if injury to workers. This caster assembly is comprised of a box frame member within which a caster wheel is rotatably mounted. The box frame member is coupled in an offset position to a rotatable platform, which allows the caster assembly to rotate with the direction of force applied to a load moving across a caster platform in which it is mounted. This caster assembly is designed to couple into cavities present in existing caster platforms. The safety lid serves to close any gaps present in these platform cavities, thereby reducing the likelihood of a worker's foot or hand becoming caught in the cavity and injured by an approaching heavy load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Dick J. Look
  • Patent number: 5568671
    Abstract: An all-plastic, swivel caster assembly has horn and stem molded as a homogeneous unit of plastic. A wheel of molded plastic or plastic-rubber combination, supports the assembly. In one version, the horn sidewalls have fingers forming keyhole-shaped slots receiving grooved end portions of a plastic axle borne by the wheel. The axle retaining fingers normally secure the axle in the horn, but are sufficiently resilient to enable intentional removal of the wheel and axle assembly from the horn without tools, for cleaning. In another version, the horn sidewalls have apertures receiving a plastic axle which has a head on one end and a circumferential groove at the other end. An axle cap located at the outside face of one horn sidewall has a slot received on the axle groove, and retains the axle in assembly. The cap has a detent boss received in a detent recess in the horn sidewall to keep the cap, and thereby the axle, in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Assignee: FKI, Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles A. Harris, Robert J. Simonsen
  • Patent number: 5400469
    Abstract: The legs of a swivel caster assembly horn are mounted to a pair of horizontally-spaced beam plates which are pivoted to the legs ahead of the swivel axis. The caster wheel is mounted on an axle behind the swivel axis. A pair of urethane springs is mounted to the horn legs ahead of the pivot axis. A bolt across the front ends of the beams receives collars, each collar having a threaded transverse aperture which is screwed onto threads on the lower ends of bolts whose upper ends have heads with flanges which bear downward on a spring cap plate bearing downward on the tops of the springs, whereby the load on the caster horn is applied by lever action to the springs which are pre-loaded by the collars screwed onto the bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: FKI Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert J. Simonsen
  • Patent number: 5390394
    Abstract: A front wheel assembly for a stroller includes a frame attaching member and a wheel attaching member. The frame attaching member includes a sleeve adapted to be securely attached to a front leg of a stroller and defining a through hole with upper and lower ends. A pair of diametrically opposed flexible tongues are formed on the upper end of the through hole with their distal ends radially extending over the through hole. The wheel attaching member includes a wheel seat adapted to mount a pair of front wheels of the stroller and a snapping member projecting upwardly from the wheel seat for releasably engaging with the flexible tongues. A number of flanges are formed around an outer periphery of the snapping member and are in rotational contact with the inner periphery of the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 21, 1995
    Inventor: Ming T. Huang
  • Patent number: 5361454
    Abstract: A modular wheel assembly for use with apparatus having a weight-bearing frame, such as a baby stroller, includes a mounting unit consisting of a cylindrical tubular member having an open upper end and a closed lower end wall. The tubular member is dimensioned to receive the lower end of a tubular frame member of the apparatus. A wheel supporting unit includes a cylindrical sleeve portion dimensioned to receive the tubular member of the mounting unit in close tolerance, freely rotating fashion. The sleeve portion and mounting unit are dimensioned so that the weight supported by the frame member is transferred through the bearing flange of the mounting unit to the cylindrical sleeve portion of the wheel supporting unit. An axle tube extends perpendicularly through lower end portions of the web members to be supported thereby. The axle tube is adapted to receive an axle therethrough, with a pair of wheels secured to opposed ends of the axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 8, 1994
    Assignee: Century Products Company
    Inventors: Daniel P. Sumser, Michael P. Green
  • Patent number: 5287594
    Abstract: An improved swivel yoke assembly for use on shopping carts. The yoke assembly is of the type having a steel yolk with forks which support a wheel. The yolk is permitted to swivel because it is supported between an upper and a lower set of ball bearings. The improvement comprises a polymeric bearing race below the upper set of ball bearings and a second polymeric bearing race above the lower set of ball bearings. The upper ball bearing race has a compound curve. The metal bearing races do not have to be heat treated and, thus, can be more accurately dimensioned. The assembly is better able to withstand the loss of lubricant in shopping cart washing operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Inventor: Jimmy L. Hicks
  • Patent number: 5263226
    Abstract: A swivelling wheel assembly containing a wheel whose swivelling action around a vertical axle may be locked or unlocked by rotating the wheel in one direction or the other. A curved double control lever is housed in a space between the thrust bearing and the tread of the wheel in the area of the lateral extensions of the fork joint. A lower lever arm holds a friction device engaging the tread of the wheel. An upper lever arm contains a locking means which can be received in a locking slot constructed in a housing component which is fixed relative to the pivot axle. A circular cover of the fork joint contains a tracking groove to guide the upper lever arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1993
    Assignee: Guitel-Etienne Mobilor
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Roy, Jean Hrabina
  • Patent number: 5237721
    Abstract: An improved caster assembly is provided having a load-bearing bushing rotationally disposed in a caster body and including at least one grooved recess about its perimeter wall. As the bushing rotates relative to the caster body, the grooved recess acts to dislodge dirt and particulate matter disposed between the outer surface of the perimeter wall of the bushing and the inner surface of the bore in the caster body. Rotation dislodges the particulate matter where gravity causes it to fall downwardly away from the bushing where it is displaced from the caster assembly through an open end of the caster body or suitable debris outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1993
    Assignee: Century Products Company
    Inventor: John J. Andrisin, III
  • Patent number: 5199131
    Abstract: A caster assembly has a stem and ball bearing retainer made of a single homogeneous unit of reinforced plastic, a horn made of a single piece of reinforced plastic, a bottom bearing retainer made of a single piece of reinforced plastic, an upper set of ball bearings between the horn and the upper retainer, a lower set of ball bearings between the horn and the bottom retainer, with the bottom retainer being ultrasonically welded to the unitary stem and retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1993
    Assignee: Babcock Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles A. Harris
  • Patent number: 5103530
    Abstract: A hub and wheel assembly for light load vehicle including baby carriages, infant strollers, wheelchairs and the like, the assembly having tandem wheels and a shock absorbing member in a trailing link suspension configuration. The assembly includes a wheel locking mechanism to lock one or both wheels into a secured position preventing the wheels from rolling about the axle. The wheel assembly incorporating a thrust bearing system to provide smooth and controlled swiveling relative to the vehicle body or frame and eliminates creeping and wobble. A swivel lock mechanism is also provided to allow the user to lock the tandem wheel assembly in a angular position relative to the vehicle body thereby preventing swiveling about the longitudinal axis of the swivel base housing. Each wheel is mounted to the axle in tandem using two low friction bearings and having a low-profile tire mounted to a rim with a reflective area for increasing safety in low elimination environments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Century Products Company
    Inventors: John J. Andrisin, III, Thomas Wiatrak, C. William Lauro
  • Patent number: 5097565
    Abstract: A caster bearing assembly attachable to a surface for facilitating the movement of a body along a roller plane located above the surface. The caster bearing assembly (10) includes a base part (16) mounted to the surface, a top part (18), bearings (20), and a roller assembly (22). The bearings fit within a bearing raceway (24) formed by an outer race (42) in the base part and an inner race (56) in the top part, thereby allowing the top part to fully and freely move relative to the base part. The bearings are inserted into the bearing raceway through an opening (58) extending from an exposed surface (54) of the top part to the bearing raceway. The opening is then sealed with a plug (60) having an inner surface (62) substantially matching the inner race at which the opening terminates. The roller assembly is fixedly attached to the top part so that the orientation of its rollers (26) may be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1992
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas H. Shorey
  • Patent number: 4897895
    Abstract: A front caster device for facilitating directing an infant stroller which comprises a bracket for mounting an axle along a transverse axis for rotatably mounting a ground supporting wheel thereto having a socket having an inner flange and a bushing adapted to be rotatably fitted and engaged in the socket by means of at least a flexible detent extending outwardly and upwardly from periphery of the bushing which is attached to a distal end of a front leg of an infant stroller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Assignee: Sunshon Molding Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kai-San Wang
  • Patent number: 4765021
    Abstract: A heavy duty caster for use on machines, heavy conveyances and the like has a plate the underside of which has a circular socket for a disc-shaped first thrust bearing element which is rotatably held in the socket against appreciable axial movement by a ring-shaped second bearing element bolted to the support. The first bearing element is integral with a downwardly extending shank which is bolted to the web of the inverted U-shaped frame for the wheel or wheels of the caster. A sealing ring is interposed between the ring-shaped bearing and the shank, and the support has a lubricant-admitting hole which communicates with the socket and is normally sealed by a plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Albert Schulte Sohne GmbH. & Co.
    Inventors: Dieter Mellwig, Wilfried Kurbjuhn
  • Patent number: 4653139
    Abstract: A caster wherein the web of the bifurcated frame for the wheel and the carrier for the frame define a plain thrust bearing which allows the frame to swivel relative to the carrier about an axis extending at right angles to the axis of the wheel. The frame and the carrier have abutting surfaces and are held against axial movement away from each other by a ring-shaped coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1987
    Assignee: Albert Schulte Sohne GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Fritz Vollberg, Lothar Steinhaus
  • Patent number: 4645230
    Abstract: The collapsible trailer described herein has a top adapted to mate with the upper edges of removable end and side wall panels. When the trailer is collapsed, the top mates directly with the bed of the trailer, thus forming a storage container for the wall panels. In addition, a readily removable wheel assembly is provided. The wheel normally is pivotable, but can be locked against pivoting when desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Inventor: Robert E. Hammons
  • Patent number: 4254532
    Abstract: A caster apparatus of the type having a caster bracket mounted on a mounting base for swivel motion about an upright swivel axis and a caster wheel mounted on the caster bracket, in which the mounting base has a downwardly facing annular trackway spaced outwardly from the swivel axis, a roller is mounted on the caster bracket for rotation about an axis extending generally radially of the caster axis and in rolling engagement with the annular trackway, and pads are mounted on the caster bracket at a location to engage the annular trackway adjacent the roller to wipe the trackway in advance of the roller when the caster bracket swivels and to also dampen swivelling of the caster bracket about the caster axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1978
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1981
    Assignee: Modern Suspension Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Clarence H. Hager
  • Patent number: 4107817
    Abstract: An improved swivel assembly for a shopping cart, stroller or the like. The swivel assembly comprises a yoke having a vertically extending opening therethrough into which an end of a cart leg or the like is journaled for rotation of the swivel assembly around the leg. The yoke further has a horizontal opening laterally spaced from the vertical opening for supporting a shaft on which one or more wheels are mounted for rotation. A collar is rigidly secured to the shaft for preventing disengagement of the cart leg from the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1976
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1978
    Assignee: Cross River Products, Inc.
    Inventors: James L. Sloan, Greg W. Meeker
  • Patent number: 4085983
    Abstract: A "centerless" swivel bearing for chairs and the like in which the two facing, relatively rotatable members are each in sliding contact with an interposed lubricating liner on a ring of substantial diameter defining a central opening in the bearing. One of the two members is necked through the opening of the other and then turned radially outwardly to maintain the assembly of the three constituent parts against loading tending to separate the two members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1978
    Assignee: Pontiac Furniture Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl B. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4076346
    Abstract: A pair of relatively rotatable face-to-face metal swivel plates centrally secured together adjacent the common center axis and arranged along their respective margins for respective securement to an article and the base. A continuous circular V-shaped bearing race is formed in one metal plate to extend concentrically about the center axis and spaced a substantial distance therefrom. A frictionless plastic bearing material is not only interposed between the metal plates with its opposite sides engaging opposite plates for bearing and spacing purposes but is also curved arcuately to conform to the circular curvature of the race. One side of that material is V-shaped to extend into and conform to the V-shape of said race sufficiently along the length of the race for centering one plate. The opposite side of that same material and the other metal plate mutually cooperate to provide complementary centering means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1976
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1978
    Assignees: Roy F. McMahan, Jr., William L. McMahan
    Inventor: Roy F. McMahan, Sr.
  • Patent number: 4054964
    Abstract: A detachable luggage caster roller for suitcases, luggage and the like is comprised of a roller support bracket formed of synthetic resin and including a cylindrical male member and a base plate adapted to be secured directly or indirectly through a seat member to the luggage and formed of synthetic resin, said base plate including a cylindrical female member adapted to be slidably engaged, directly or indirectly with said cylindrical male member of said roller support bracket through point and line contact. The roller is formed of different kinds of synthetic resin and comprised of a tread reinforced by a bridge-shaped rib embedded therein and a sleeve bearing formed of synthetic resin impregnated with lubricating oil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1975
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1977
    Assignee: Maruwa Echo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsuyoshi Kaneko