Abstract: A portable machine tool such as a table saw that can be moved from position to position and locked in place for operation is disclosed. The portable machine tool includes a supporting base and at least one pair of spaced wheels depending from the supporting base adjacent one end. The wheels are capable of being locked in a fixed position to prevent movement of the saw or release of the wheels to enable movement of the saw to a desired position. A movable handle for movement between a first and second position provides joint operation of the wheel locking and wheel releasing elements.

Abstract: A seal for a swivel caster assembly is disclosed. The seal protects the first ball bearing set of the assembly. The seal has a V-shaped cross section formed by seal legs that are joined at a bight and extend radially inward, and are in surface contact with the top plate and a notched swivel element of the assembly. The seal includes embossments that engage the notched swivel element and accept the pin of a swivel lock assembly.

Abstract: A pivoting castor having a rotating wheel able to pivot about a vertical pivot shaft. The castor includes a support bearing structure fixed to the lower end of the pivot shaft and supporting a fork joint the lower end of which supports the wheel. A locking mechanism including a spring strip member is disposed in a space between the support bearing and the wheel and is pivoted on the fork joint. The spring strip member includes a locking bolt which is able to engage in a recess provided in the support bearing structure for locking the wheel against pivoting about the pivot shaft.

Abstract: An electrically activated visual indicator for visually indicating the status of a castor of a hospital bed comprising a flashing light emitting diode (LED) contained within and visible through a foot pedal that is connected to a positioning mechanism for selectively placing at least one castor of the hospital bed into a brake, neutral or steer mode, wherein the flashing LED is activated when the castor is in either the neutral or steer mode and is deactivated when the castor is in the brake mode.

Abstract: A crib having a headboard, a foot board, and opposite side gates surrounding a horizontal mattress support platform adjustably attached to the headboard and foot board and being selectively positionable at various levels. One of the side gates is removable to facilitate placement of the child crib alongside a parents' bed such that the mattresses on the bed and the crib are disposed in adjacent, co-planar relation. An apron attached to the mattress support platform is extendable for insertion in sandwiched relation between the mattress and a mattress support of the parents' bed, effectively interconnecting the crib and bed while preventing objects such as baby bottles from falling therebetween. A wheel assembly and brake structure associated therewith may be added so that movement of the crib may be selectively accomplished while inadvertent movement or travel of the crib is prevented.

Abstract: A twin wheel caster and brake assembly including a central body with an axle mounted thereto which extends outwardly from opposite sides of the central body. A pair of wheels are rotatably mounted on each end of the axle and include a plurality of radially inwardly extending ribs with adjacent ribs defining a recess therebetween. At least one slot is formed in the central body. A locking bar associated with a brake actuating lever is located within the slot and is moveable therein between a brake locked position wherein the locking bar is located within the recesses for engagement with the ribs of the wheels and an unlocked position wherein the locking bar is located out of contact with the ribs. A pivot member is associated with the brake actuating lever and the central body to facilitate movement of the brake actuating lever and locking bar between the locked and unlocked positions.

Abstract: A caster includes a U-shaped caster horn having a top web portion and two contiguous downwardly-extending leg portions to define a unitary, U-shaped member providing a wheel accommodating space. A wheel is rotatably supported in the space such that the caster horn partially covers the wheel, The caster horn features a fouling-resistant bearing cup integrally formed thereon for receiving and retaining a bearing assembly, which secures one end of an structure-supporting stem. A swivel cap with a hole formed in the center thereof is placed over the cup while allowing an opposite end of the stem to protrude therethrough. A brake mechanism supported by the caster horn may be operated to inhibit or prevent rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A castor control mechanism for a hospital bed having a plunger type neutral/brake/steer castor comprises a linkage including a rocker arm pivotally mounted to the base of the bed, a link connected on one end to the rocker arm and being connected on its other end through a cam and follower mechanism to a shaft rotatably mounted to the base and rotatable by a foot pedal. Operation of the foot pedal moves the plunger of the castor via the rocker arm to place the castor in its steer, neutral and brake positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety device for a baby walker which has a main wheel and an auxiliary wheel. By using a main wheel lock plate and a telescopic pipe, a ratchet on the main wheel can be prevented from blocking by a lock block under normal circumstances. While moving on a slope the lock plate will block the ratchet by its own weight to control baby walker without sliding. By using an auxiliary wheel lock plate and a fixed spring, the lock can also be blocked in normal circumstances. The auxiliary wheel can be suspended in the air and the movable shaft always faces toward the motion direction. In this way, the baby walker will not fall on a hollow ground (such as stairs) and will automatically stop sliding on a slope, with the lock block blocking the auxiliary wheel ratchet and auxiliary wheel friction surface.

Abstract: A caster for supporting an object on wheels is provided with a brake that is operable between engageable and disengageable positions. The brake alternatively restricts and permits rotation of the caster wheel relative to a moveable swivel element. The brake includes a brake pad operated by movement of an operating member located externally on the operating components of the caster. A detent system provides detents for alternatively holding the brake in both the engaged and disengaged positions.

Abstract: A brake system for roller casters includes a pair of wheels rotatably mounted to respective sides of a main unit by means of a shaft, a brake assembly mounted within the main unit. The brake assembly includes a brake lever which will extend into a gear tooth of each wheel and jams the free movement of the wheel.

Abstract: A pivoting castor comprises a main body, a cross shaft, two wheeled members, a braking member, an elastic element, and a plug cover. The main body is provided with a receiving space, and a pivoting hole having respectively under both sides thereof a recessed arcuate collar block with a first contact portion. The two wheeled members are mounted on both ends of the cross shaft pivoted in the pivoting hole of the main body. The wheeled member is provided with a second contact portion engageable with the first contact portion to incapacitate the mobility of the wheeled members. The engagement of the first and the second contact portions is actuated by the elastic element received in the receiving space of the main body.

Abstract: A caster-supporting device includes a connector which is adapted to be connected to a stroller frame, a caster-mounting member which is mounted rotatably to the connector and which is adapted to carry rotatably a caster, and a locking unit which locks releasably the caster-mounting member on the connector to set a direction of the caster. The connector extends rotatably into a first upright tube of the caster-mounting member and is formed with a retaining notch. The locking unit includes a spring-loaded control piece provided in a second upright tube of the caster-mounting member, and a lever connected pivotally to the second upright tube adjacent to a top end of the latter. The control piece is axially movable in the second upright tube and has a raised cam portion that extends normally out of an open top end of the second upright tube.

Abstract: An improved mechanism is provided for enhancing the towability of castorwheel vehicles. The mechanism leaves the castors that are proximal to the towing force to rotate, while locking the distal castors in alignment with the vehicle axis.

Abstract: A caster wherein the wheel frame and the wheel can be locked in a first axial position of a post which is installed in an upright support serving to turnably mount the frame. When the post is moved to a second axial position relative to the support, the wheel is free to turn in the frame but the frame is releasably held against turning relative to the support. However, if it should become necessary to change the orientation of the frame relative to the support, the frame is turned with a selected force to overcome the bias of a spring which tends to maintain the frame in the selected angular position. Several different angular positions of the frame can be determined by a set of balls which are mounted in a base of the post and by the sockets of a ring-shaped female coupling member which is installed in the frame and whose sockets can receive the balls. The balls are expelled from the aligned sockets to permit turning of the frame relative to the support when the bias of the spring is overcome.

Abstract: An improved shopping cart wheel having one or two friction disks which rub against the hub to cause sufficient drag to prevent shopping carts from freewheeling and causing damage or injury. In a preferred design, the amount of friction is adjustable by tightening a nut along the axle of the wheel.

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.

Abstract: In a wheel and brake device for a transportation vehicle with pivotal wheels, a particularly simple brake operation may be achieved by placing a brake activating structure at each end of the vehicle and connecting it to a brake lever. The device comprises only one pedal at opposite ends. The pedals are arranged to be activated in only one direction irrespective of whether a braking or a releasing operation is to be performed. Each pedal is connected to a swinglebar by brake levers, the swinglebar also being connected to a cam follower. The cam follower runs along a cam track defining two fixed resting positions for the cam follower. In one of the resting positions, tabs on a brake block will engage with teeth firmly connected to the wheels.

Abstract: A caster wherein the underside of the web of the wheel frame is formed with a socket for a fulcrum which is integral with and is located between two arms of a wheel brake. One arm of the brake carries a shoe which can be moved into frictional engagement with the wheel in response to downward movement of a post forming part of an actuator which is concealable in the leg of a piece of furniture or the like. The other arm of the brake is biased in a direction to move the shoe away from the wheel by a tongue of a springy plate-like member which is affixed to the underside of the web and further comprises two prongs which retain the fulcrum in the socket. The hub of the wheel is concealed behind caps which are carried by the frame, and the fulcrum as well as the plate-like member and the brake are also concealed from view.

Abstract: A wheel brake for shopping carts and other wheeled equipment is disclosed. Typically, shopping carts and other wheeled equipment have a yoke depending from a lower end of a leg support, the yoke including a pair of generally parallel downwardly extending arms. A wheel is rotatably mounted on an axle extending between these downwardly extending arms. In order to provide selective braking engagement of the wheel to immobilize the shopping cart or other wheeled equipment, a brake tongue is pivotally mounted at one end to the yoke above the wheel and extends across at least a part of the wheel. A foot pedal is pivotally mounted to the yoke in spaced relationship to the brake tongue for movement between engaged and released positions relative to the wheel. The foot pedal includes a depending brake element for engaging and depressing the brake tongue into selective braking engagement with the wheel when the foot pedal is moved into engaged position by a user.

Abstract: A baby stroller front wheel frame assembly includes two front legs connected to two rear legs and holds two front wheel assemblies by two swivel wheel holders. Each front leg is made from a high-impact plastic material through the process of injection molding, having a unitary upright rail on a front end thereof, onto which a swivel wheel holder lock is mounted to lock the respective swivel wheel holder in position. A unitary, hooked, split wheel pin extends downwards from a bottom edge of the second wheel holder adjacent to the upright rail and is tightly fitted into a hole on the respective swivel wheel holder so as to hold it in place. Each swivel wheel holder is made from a high-impact plastic material through the process of injection molding, having two unitary axles aligned on two opposite sides for holding two wheels.

Abstract: A single wheel-type caster includes a frame having a body portion and a pair of parallel side walls extending downwardly from the body portion. A wheel is disposed between and rotatably supported on the pair of side walls of the frame. A mechanism for locking the wheel includes a group of engagement portions which are provided at the wheel, and are arranged on a circle having its center aligned with the axis of rotation of the wheel. This wheel lock mechanism further includes a push button and a slide member. The push button is disposed in opposed relation to the outer peripheral surface of the wheel, and is supported on the body portion of the frame so as to move radially of the wheel. The slide member has an engagement portion, and is supported on one of the side walls of the frame so as to slide radially of the wheel. The slide member is moved in response to the movement of the push button.

Abstract: A stroller comprises a seat, a fork-type handlebar interchangeable between a forward and a backward positions with respect to the seat, four wheel sets divided into two pairs, each pair consisting of a front and a rear wheel sets at respective lateral side of the seat, with related support tubes provided therein an extending wire, connecting to respective twin lock pins at opposite ends in cooperation with associated twin lock holes formed around respective vertical spindle of the wheel sets, and a pair of actuators on the support tubes at opposite sides of the seat. The front wheel sets are swivel freely while the rear wheel sets can only move fore and aft in a predetermined orientation when the handlebar is at the forward position, and vice versa when the handlebar is at the backward position.

Abstract: To prevent "shimmying", due to uncontrolled swivelling of a castor during non-engagement of its wheel or wheels with the ground, frictional resistance to swivelling is provided. An upper or lower cap or cover for the bearing between the castor body and its mounting head can thus be non-rotatably engaged with the mounting head and frictionally engaged with the body. Additionally, or instead, a spring washer around the mounting head in an aperture in the body containing the bearing can provide this friction.

Abstract: The locking device of the invention comprises a locking device mounted to pivot relative to a beam and having ends associated with an axle to lock the axle in a first position of the locking device and to release the axle by the locking device pivoting towards a second position, together with a control actuator and a set of two links for controlling the position of the locking device.

Abstract: An improved shopping cart brake for attachment to the rear leg of a shopping cart is disclosed, the brake for preventing the rotation of a non-inflatable tire on the rear leg of the shopping cart. The shopping cart brake includes a connecting arm, which is removably and adjustably attached to the rear leg of the shopping cart. The brake also includes a split yoke, which is pivotally connected to the connecting arm. The split yoke has two braking flanges which engage and apply frictional force to the sides of the non-inflatable tire to prevent the tire from rotating. An actuator is also included, the actuator being integral with the split yoke and for applying force to the split yoke to engage the braking flanges with the sides of the non-inflatable tire. The shopping cart brake also includes an adjustable tension bar between the braking flanges which may be used to increase or decrease the frictional force the braking flanges apply to the non-inflatable tire.

Abstract: The direction setting device includes a first connector having a tubular member with a casing extending at an incline from the same and in communication with the tubular member, a spring biased key member which is movably provided in the casing, and a second connector. The casing has a pair of aligned elongated slots, and the key member has a through-hole and an elongated through slot. The second connector includes a tubular top portion with a control notch rotatably and slidably inserted into the lower portion of the first connector where the key member extends into the control notch of the second connector. A plate with a control groove which has two differing troughs is pivoted to the housing in such a manner that a pin passes through the through-hole of the key member, and through the elongated slot of the housing to extend into one of the troughs. Movement of the pin in the troughs can lock the second connector or permit it to rotate with respect to the first connector.

Abstract: A caster mechanism for a carriage having foot rods a, b includes a stopper mechanism 3 fixedly secured to a lower end of each foot rod. A wheel support mechanism 2 is rotatably positioned below the stopper mechanism, and includes an engagement bracket 1 extending parallel to the stopper mechanism. The engagement bracket has an engagement fitting portion 12 formed at a first end of an arm plate 11 having a predetermined length. The stopper mechanism also has an actuating lever 8 at a first end of a base plate 34 having a predetermined length, which is adapted to turn upwardly and downwardly about an end thereof. An engagement member 7 adapted to turn up and down in operative association with the actuating lever is positioned below the first end of the base plate. The engagement member and the engagement fitting portion are simultaneously engaged or disengaged.

Abstract: A caster wherein the metallic carrier for a plastic wheel frame is connected to the conductive tire of the wheel by a multi-section conductor system having a portion in the disc-shaped connector between the rim and the hub of the wheel, a portion which is connected with the outer race of an antifriction ball bearing surrounding the hub, a shaft forming part of a fulcrum for the hub of the wheel, a wire in an internal groove of one leg of the wheel frame, the devices which can be actuated to brake the wheel and to block angular movements of the frame relative to the carrier, and a spring which connects the two devices to one another. The braking and blocking devices can be actuated by a conductive plunger which is non-rotatably but axially movably installed in and contacts the carrier and can be shifted by a spring in cooperation with a rotary cam in the carrier.

Abstract: A lock indicator for a caster having a push-button engaged in a push-button mounting hole formed from the outer periphery of a frame to the interior of the frame to be freely pressed for operating a stopper for locking a wheel, wherein the push-button engaged within the push-button mounting hole has cap shape, a transparent portion formed on the top portion thereof, and an indicator having indicating portions for respectively indicating a wheel locking state and a wheel lock releasing state in such a manner that the indicating portions of the indicator correspond to the transparent portion of the push-button to be internally mounted along the inner peripheral surface from the body to the top of the push-button, and one end of the indicator is secured into the frame. Thus, the lock indicator for the caster can simply and accurately confirm the locking state and the lock releasing state of the caster without special attention by precise indicating portions associated with a push-button thereof.

Abstract: A front caster device for an infant stroller including a bulb integrally attached to distal end of a front leg, a mounting hub attached to the bottom of the bulb in a manner that the hub is axially rotatable with respect to the bulb, a locking device for selectively locking the hub in a pre-selected angle with respect to the bulb, a wheel mounting bracket hingedly attached to the hub and a cushion fitted between the hub and wheel mounting bracket for absorb vibration rendering greater comfort a baby contained in the stroller.

Abstract: A wheel lock mechanism for use in carts and the like for releasably locking an opposed pair of swivel caster wheels of such carts. The present invention includes a lever arm extending outwardly from the cart operable by the foot of an operator for moving a locking mechanism between a wheel locking position and a free wheeling position.

Abstract: A caster has two wheels with tires non-rotatably secured to a wheel center and shaped with an internal cylindrical drum surface. A brake member pivoted on the caster body has two side walls with out-turned edge portions engageable with respective drum surfaces. The engagement may be at an upper position, or opposite the ground-engaging portion of the wheels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a caster (1), in particular a steering roller having a wheel (5, 6) and a locking device, the locking device having a setting element (7) and engagement element (9) which cooperates with the setting element so as to block the travel of the wheel (5, 6) in which a linear setting movement of the setting part (7) can be transmitted via a wedge transmission (10) to the engagement element (9). In order to achieve a development which is as simple as possible from a design standpoint and also has advantageous kinematics, the invention proposes that the engagement element 9 be arranged guided for linear movement in order to effect a linear engagement movement with respect to the wheel (5, 6).

Abstract: This invention relates to a controlling structure for a handle and castors of a stroller and in particular to one utilizing a driven seat to activate a movable member which in turn pulls two strings so as to change the front castors from a freely rotatable state to a fixed-position state and the rear castors from a fixed-position state to a freely rotatable state when the handle is pushed to the other side, thereby enabling a user to control the stroller easily even when he pushes the handle to the other side so as to change the travelling direction.

Abstract: A braking and wheel-orienting mechanism for a four-wheeled trolley, which includes a brake cable divided into four strands each of which drives a braking system on one wheel so as to synchronously brake four wheels, and four additional wheel-orienting wires being applied to respectively control the orientations of four wheels.

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.

Abstract: A twin caster, in particular a steering caster, having a carrier (3), wheels, and a vertical mounting pin (22), the wheels being held via an axle (6) on the carrier (3) and the carrier (3) supporting the mounting pin (22), a brake element (32) being furthermore arranged on the carrier (3). For simplified construction, easier assembly, and a development which takes up high brake forces without damage, the carrier (3) is developed in disk shape and have an opening (39) for lateral insertion in the form of a plug/back-grip connection for the brake element which is developed as brake ram (32).

Abstract: A knockdown bed formed of a plurality of longitudinally spaced, parallel, transversely extending, U-shaped channel members detachably coupled by latch assemblies within respective ends of the U-shaped channel members engaging receiver assemblies fitted at longitudinally spaced positions on facing surfaces of opposed side boards of the bed, with the channel members having open slots on each side thereof, and receiving thin, rectangular panels to form a planar box spring and mattress support across the top of the bed, act to partially suspend drawers which are positioned beneath the planar box spring and mattress support.

Abstract: A wheel assembly having particular adaptability for use on a shopping cart and which importantly serves to prevent shopping cart movement after release by the user. Briefly, the wheel assembly includes an axle, a hub, a tire carrying rim overlying said hub, and a series of lateral grooves on the outer surface of the hub and selectively engagable by, for example, spring-loaded ball catches mounted on portions of the rim. When one of the ball catches is received within a lateral groove, wheel rotation is limited (until overcome by the user's force). The preceding serves to prevent unwanted cart movement and promotes safety in a cart location area.

Abstract: A support system comprises a cantilever for taking up objects running on roller wheels. The cantilever is formed to roll the objects onto the cantilever in a first direction up to a lock position and to remove them from the cantilever by rolling in a substantially opposite direction. The roller wheels shall be locked in a rest position and removal of the objects by rolling the roller wheels from the cantilever shall be eased. In order to achieve this object the cantilever comprises a depression formed at the lock position of the roller wheels and extending transversely to the roll-on direction. A substantially plane portion is provided at the roll-on side of the depression and a roller wheel arriving in the depression contacts said plane portion.

Abstract: The invention provides a castor wheel assembly 10 in which the swivel or castor axis 16 is locked when the wheel 11 is in the straight ahead position, but unlocked in any other position of motion, locking being caused by forward rotation of the wheel and released by backward rotation both without any braking action on the wheel. A supermarket trolley or similar vehicle equipped with a pair of such castors at the front end and conventional castors at the rear can be steered under normal circumstances by the rear castors but readily adapted to four wheel steering in confined spaced by slight reverse motion to unlock the front wheels' castor action.

Abstract: An improved skateboard is provided and consists of a deck having a tail and a nose. A pair of rear wheels fixed against swivelling are attached to underside of the deck at the tail which do not swivel. A pair of front casters are attached to underside of the deck at the nose which swivel together at forty five degrees in either direction for increased maneuverability of the skateboard. In a second embodiment the pair of front casters are replaced with one caster which can swivel three hundred and sixty degree in either direction.

Abstract: A lockable caster wheel, in particular for movable hospital beds, has a fastening pin (1) and a swivel arm (8) which is positioned in a swivel bearing (7) with respect to said fastening pin. A wheel carrier (10), which bears at least one wheel (13), can swivel at the swivel arm (8) and is braced in a flexible manner via a wheel spring (20) against said swivel arm. A locking bolt (21), which is arranged coaxially to the fastening pin (1) and can be moved in the axial direction relative to said pin against the action of a lift spring (25) bears a brake lever (33), which blocks the wheel (13), and a mechanism for locking the swivel motion of the swivel arm (8), which encloses a locking disk (38a). The flexible axle (11) of the wheel carrier (10) runs parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel (13) and intersects the longitudinal axis of the locking bolt (21). The brake lever (33) can be tilted in the wheel carrier (10) parallel to the flexible axle (11).

Abstract: A caster wherein an upright stub carries a swivel bearing for an inverted U-shaped frame having legs which support the shaft for a wheel. The shaft is movable sideways in elongated horizontal slots of the legs in response to depression or lifting of a pedal which is pivotably connected to the legs. The pedal has two arms which flank the legs of the frame and are provided with substantially S-shaped slots crossing the slots of the adjacent legs and receiving portions of the shaft. When the pedal is depressed, the wheel frictionally engages and displaces a plate-like brake member which is vertically movably mounted in the legs of the frame and can be moved into direct frictional engagement with that part of the bearing which is non-rotatably connected to the stub.

Abstract: A friction braking mechanism for a merchandise cart or the like for holding objects includes a frame for supporting the container, and a plurality of wheels rotatably supported on the frame. The wheels are supported for rotation relative to the frame about a rotational axis. At least one of the wheels has a thread guard associated therewith and secured against rotation therewith. An arrangement which is continuously operable during rotation of the wheel coacts between the wheel and the thread guard for frictionally retarding rotation of the wheel. An adjustment arrangement is also provided for adjusting the amount by which the rotation of the wheel is frictionally retarded.

Abstract: The legs of a hospital bed are mounted on discrete casters with brakes for the wheels and blocking devices for the wheel frames. The wheel frames can be unblocked to swivel in their carriers which are mounted in or on the respective legs, and contain cylinders for vertically movable plungers serving to engage or disengage the respective brakes as well as to activate or deactivate the blocking devices. At least two plungers are movable to three different positions in one of which the respective wheels are free to rotate and the respective frames are free to swivel, in another of which the wheels are braked and the frames are blocked, and in the third of which the wheels are free to rotate but the frames are blocked. This is achieved by the provision of a control system employing discrete cylinder and piston units for the casters and conduits which can supply metered quantities of hydraulic fluid from the cylinders of the respective units to the cylinders in the corresponding carriers or vice versa.

Abstract: A caster-supporting device for a stroller includes a caster-mounting member for extension of a caster axle therethrough, a connector secured to the bottom of the stroller body and having a cylindrical lower portion journalled on the caster-mounting member, and a control body mounted pivotally on the caster-mounting member. Normally, the connector can rotate relative to the caster-mounting member. When the control body is moved to a first position, the key of the control body is inserted into the keyway of the connector, so as to prevent rotation of the connector relative to the caster-mounting member, thereby setting the direction of the caster. When the control body is moved to a second position, the gripping rod of the control body moves to a position between two adjacent spokes of a spoke member which is secured to the caster, so as to prevent any rolling of the caster.

Abstract: A detachable front wheel assembly for a pushcart including a sleeve being engagable onto a front leg of a pushcart. A dovetail slot is formed in the sleeve, and two openings communicate with the dovetail slot. A coupling shaft has a vertical dovetail and a protuberance formed on the vertical dovetail. The coupling shaft is insertable into the sleeve with the vertical dovetail slidably engaged within the dovetail slot of the sleeve. The front leg of the pushcart is insertable through the sleeve and then into the coupling shaft so that the coupling shaft and the front leg can be fixed together. Two guides are formed on the coupling shaft. The protuberance of the coupling shaft is engagable within either opening for determining the relative positions between the coupling shaft and the sleeve. A wheel seat with a front wheel is engagable onto the coupling shaft. An annular notch is formed at an intermediate position of the wheel seat so that the guides are limited and rotatable along the annular notch.

Abstract: A wheeled carriage has a chassis with a plurality of swivel casters, and a locking assembly actuated by a foot pedal located along the front of the carriage. Pushing down on the foot pedal rotates a cam that engages a cam follower on a "T" bar frame supporting two locking rings which respectively overlie two of the caster wheels to move the rings into a locking position in engagement with the wheels to lock the wheels and the casters in any position. The cam follower surface includes a ramp portion engageable by the cam for driving the rings to their locking position and a horizontal latch portion engageable by the cam in its "overcenter" position for holding the rings in their locking position. A lifter bar is engageable by the user's foot to rotate the cam back off the follower and permit the rings to resiliently return to their release position.