Wheels Patents (Class 16/45)
  • Patent number: 11845612
    Abstract: A friction drive wheel for conveyor systems includes a cylindrical central disk formed of aluminum. Joined to the curved outer surface of the aluminum disk is a base layer that is cylindrical and sleeve-like and coaxial with the disk. The base layer is formed of a hard polymer (like polyurethane) material, with a hardness in the range of 75 Shore D, to eliminate torsional stress and flexure at the mechanical interface between the base layer and the central disk. A tread layer is secured about the base layer, formed of a softer polymer (like polyurethane) that is more yielding and compliant in contact with the trolley to maximize the frictional engagement. The base layer serves as a thermal insulator between the outer tread layer and the central disk, protecting the bond at the base/central disk interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Inventor: Philip Aubin
  • Patent number: 11724539
    Abstract: A rim assembly for a tire includes an outer rim having an outer annular surface and an inner surface. The rim assembly also has an inner rim with an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of the outer rim has a first plurality of axial grooves that define a first plurality of axial ridges. The outer surface of the inner rim has a second plurality of axial grooves that define a second plurality of axial ridges. The second plurality of axial grooves have a cross-sectional geometry corresponding to a cross-sectional geometry of the first plurality of axial ridges, and the second plurality of axial ridges have a cross-sectional geometry corresponding to a cross-sectional geometry of the first plurality of axial grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC
    Inventor: David G. Abdallah, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11654714
    Abstract: An omnidirectional wheel includes a hub and a number of driven wheels. The hub defines a number of mounting grooves. Each mounting groove includes an axle provided therein. Each driven wheel includes a driven roller and a cover layer. Each of two ends of the driven roller defines a fixing hole. Each of the two holes receives the axle. The cover layer is sleeved on an outer side of the driven roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2023
    Assignee: Fulian Precision Electronics (Tianjin) Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Pao-Ching Wang, Ke-Cheng Lin
  • Patent number: 11535320
    Abstract: A walking mechanism for driving a machine body includes a walking wheel group having a plurality of walking wheels attached to the machine body, with two front and two rear wheels relative to a traveling direction. The machine body has two sides with a pair of one of the front wheels and a one of the rear wheels being respectively located on each of the sides and driven to rotate synchronously. Each walking wheel includes an auto tire casing with a tread outer side having a tread pattern distributed along a circumferential direction of the auto tire casing. The tread pattern is configured as a plurality of tread ribs with a respective tread groove formed between each adjacent pair of the tread ribs, the tread pattern radiating outward from an axial center of the walking wheel. A related robot and self-walking mower are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2022
    Assignee: Suzhou Cleva Precision Machinery and Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhao Kong, Ning Guo, Jiangwei Cui, Ronghua Xu
  • Patent number: 11351817
    Abstract: A roller has a wheel, a wheel axle and a pin which protrudes upward from a housing of the roller. A sleeve sits on the pin and is spaced apart from the pin radially and axially upward by a damping material arranged between the sleeve and the pin, the damping material being arranged so that all axial and/or radial contact between the pin and the sleeve is prevented. Alternatively, an attachment damping part can be arranged on a pin of the roller in overlap with the pin, wherein the attachment damping part has an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, the inner sleeve being spaced apart radially and axially upward by a damping material arranged between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. The damping material is arranged in such a way that all axial and/or radial contact between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve is prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: TENTE GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Daniel Brischke, Wolfgang Block, Karl-Heinz Plautz
  • Patent number: 11279173
    Abstract: A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2022
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. McKay
  • Patent number: 10696115
    Abstract: An omnidirectional movement system includes a frame with a central axis extending from a first end to a second end; a support extending from the first end to the second end; a first set of Mecanum wheels connected through a first axle and connected to the frame; a second set of Mecanum wheels connected through a second axle and connected to the frame; and a flexible suspension system connecting the frame to the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Inventors: Glynn R. Bartlett, Cody E. Bressler, Cody M. Porter, Michael A. Ripperger
  • Patent number: 10384920
    Abstract: A spirit dispenser that includes a cabinet that includes a back panel facing an interior of the cabinet, and a plurality of shelves, each shelf being able to support thereon a plurality of spirit containers; at least one spirit dispenser system integrated with the cabinet; and a plurality of pumps residing on an interior surface of the pack panel of the cabinet, each pump being connected to a first tube that includes a tap connector configured for connection to a tap of a spirit container supportable on one of the shelves of the cabinet, and a second tube that is connected to the spirit dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Inventor: Raoul Henriquez
  • Patent number: 10322606
    Abstract: A wheel mechanism (10) is disclosed as including an outer wheel (12), two inner wheels (36) received in the outer wheel, and two rubber dampers (24) each separating a respective outer wheel and inner wheel, the rubber dampers being deformable between a first configuration in which the entire outer periphery (37) of the inner wheel is in contact with an inner wall (29) of a recess (28) of the rubber damper and a second configuration in which a part of the outer periphery of the inner wheel is out of contact with the inner wall of the recess of the rubber damper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: OMNIMUS COMPANY (HK) LIMITED
    Inventor: Wai Kwon Tang
  • Patent number: 10182629
    Abstract: A wheel assembly, a wheeled device and a method of manufacturing a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes a core and an outer portion coupled to the core. The core includes a body and one or more projections extending from the body. Material of the outer portion may be positioned radially between the body and a portion of the projection to limit radial movement of the outer portion relative to the core. The projection may define a bore and/or an undercut. Material of the outer portion may encompass the projection and fill the bore and/or the undercut. Engagement of the material of the outer portion and the projection(s) may limit relative movement between the core and the outer portion radially, axially, circumferentially, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
    Inventor: Matthew W. Naiva
  • Patent number: 10059148
    Abstract: A hollow wheel assembly of a luggage includes a wheel mount, two wheel members, and a hollow shaft. The wheel mount has a shaft sleeve, in which the hollow shaft is received. The wheel members are connected to opposite ends of the hollow shaft for free rotation. The hollow shaft has a vision passage, and the wheel members have a plurality of vision bores, whereby one may see through the wheel members via the vision bores and the vision passages when the wheel members are rotating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Inventor: Wei-Hung Lai
  • Patent number: 9918532
    Abstract: Interchangeable luggage perimeters are disclosed. Example interchangeable luggage perimeters may comprise an interchangeable base element adapted to securely and releasably couple with exchangeable components such as exchangeable foot pads, exchangeable wheels, or exchangeable handles. The interchangeable base element may be interchangeable by having a configuration supporting repositioning of the interchangeable base element at multiple different edges of a luggage piece, e.g., any of at least two or four edges of a luggage piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2018
    Assignee: CONTRAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Lawrence Bloom, John Spencer Bandringa
  • Patent number: 9718308
    Abstract: A castor includes a wheel support and at least one roller mounted on the wheel support. The at least one roller has a peripheral portion provided with a hollow air chamber which is provided with a plurality of hollow air columns. One of the hollow air columns is provided with an air inlet. The at least one roller is made of soft material that is made by a blow molding operation. The soft material is initially made into a tubular blank by a blow molding machine. A gas is then filled into the soft material to blow and shape the soft material in a die at a high temperature to form the at least one roller. The at least one roller is then stripped from the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventor: Wen-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 9358835
    Abstract: A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. McKay
  • Patent number: 9242510
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a rigid wheel and an airless tire. The wheel includes a cylindrical rim portion that is parallel with an axis of rotation of the wheel and includes a transversely flat outer surface corresponding to at least eighty percent of the total width of the rim portion. The tire is mounted on the rim portion of the wheel and includes a cylindrical tire body presenting a transversely flat inner surface that engages the outer surface of the wheel. A plurality of traction lugs are spaced circumferentially around the tire and extend radially outwardly from the tire body. A plurality of drive lugs are spaced circumferentially around the tire, extend radially inwardly from the tire body and engage corresponding receptacles on the rim portion of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Korus
  • Patent number: 9162527
    Abstract: A mechanically interlocked wheel assembly including a rigid core formed from aluminum integrally bound to an elastomeric infill by passing the infill material through a plurality of slots defined in the core rim during the molding process is provided. A ground-engaging tread is attached to the infill to form a structurally superior wheel assembly capable of carrying heavy loads in extreme environments for an extended period of time without the need to replace the wheel components. A method of manufacturing a mechanically interlocked wheel assembly is also included herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: White Oak Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony T. Harrelson
  • Patent number: 9155392
    Abstract: A castor apparatus having a body, a first wheel, a second wheel and an impact dissipation device. The castor apparatus can be positioned at the end of an arm of a chair base. The castor apparatus includes an impact dissipation device that redirects force transmitted through the arm and the castor onto the ground. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Royal Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: James Henry Baas
  • Publication number: 20150113766
    Abstract: A roller wheel for luggage is provided. The suitcase has a main body and a plurality of wheel seats on the corners thereof. Each of the wheel seats is defined by a bottom wall and two adjacent side walls, and the wheel is mounted to the wheel seat. The wheel includes a wheel rack, a tyre assembly and a bolt. The rack has a cylindrical hub and a plurality of integrally formed spokes. The hub is rotatably connected to a bent portion formed by the two side walls. The tyre assembly is pivotally mounted to the spokes. The bolt selectively goes through the hub and the wheel seat. The wheel rack rotates about a longitudinal rotation centre of the bolt with respect to the wheel seat, and the rotation centre is proximate to the bent portion of the two side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: I-SHUN HOU
  • Publication number: 20150102573
    Abstract: A luggage article may include a plurality of walls together defining an outer structure of the luggage article, a wheel bracket attached to and extending from one of the walls, and a wheel attached to the wheel bracket. The wheel bracket may comprise first and second elongate arms extending along a common side of the wheel. The first and second arms may be vertically-spaced apart from one another over at least a portion of the length of the first and second arms. The configuration of the wheel bracket may result in higher shock absorption and reduced wheel noise comparative to conventional wheel brackets, and offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage wheel brackets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Rik Hillaert, Vivien Cheng, Wim De Vos, Jean-Claude Vandewalle
  • Publication number: 20150042135
    Abstract: A chair is mounted on ball-casters. Each leg of the chair is mounted on a caster wheel that is surrounded by a ring of small metal balls, such as ball bearings, enabling the chair to roll freely without scuffing or scratching the floor or dulling the floor polish, and making it virtually impossible for the occupant to lean back in the chair with any stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Michael Louis Larzelere
  • Publication number: 20150040346
    Abstract: A caster wheel structure contains a body and a connecting shaft. The connecting shaft includes an engaging tab arranged around a bottom end thereof, and the engaging tab has an abutting rim arranged around an upper end thereof The body is injection molded and coupled with a holder by using the connecting shaft. The body includes a hole defined therein so as to insert the connecting shaft, and the hole has a receiving chamber formed therein and communicating with the hole. The connecting shaft is inserted into the hole of the body so that the engaging tab of the connecting shaft is mounted in the receiving chamber of the body. Thereby, when the connecting shaft is coupled with the body, the abutting rim of the engaging tab contacts with a bottom periphery of the hole, such that the connecting shaft is fixed by the bottom periphery of the hole securely.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai
  • Publication number: 20150033500
    Abstract: The invention relates to a mounting plate (4) which is placeable on a fork (3) or a rotary bearing of a caster (1) and which is connectable to the fork (3) or to a part of the rotary bearing (43), the invention also relating to a caster (1) comprising a fork (3) and/or a rotary bearing (43), and also a wheel (2), and a mounting plate (4) that is disposed at the upper side of the fork (4) and/or the rotary bearing (43), as well as a caster (1) comprising a wheel (2) and a fork (3), the fork (3) being rotatable relative to a locking part (33) about a vertical axis (A), and a first spring part (21) that is fixed to the fork being provided for interacting with the locking part (33) with regard to rotational locking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: TENTE GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Block, Karl-Heinz Plautz
  • Patent number: 8863354
    Abstract: The caster is essentially characterized by the fact that it includes at least one wheel 1 including a hub 10 and a train 11 situated around the hub 10, a cover-plate 21, clip elements 22 suitable for clipping the cover-plate to the hub 10, the clip elements 22 for clipping the cover-plate to the hub 10 including at least one hole 30 made in the hub 10, at least two hooks 31, 32 mounted to project from the intermediate cover-plate 21 so that when the cover-plate 21 is clipped to the hub 10, the two hooks 31, 32 deform elastically and catch on the edge 34 of the hole 30 defining between them an inter-hook empty space 35. Application to casters used for making it easier to move items such as pieces of furniture, suitcases mounted on casters, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Tente Roulettes Polymeres—Bruandet
    Inventor: Patrick Dayt
  • Patent number: 8857774
    Abstract: A leg-portion attachment structure (100) includes: a support member (110) having a substantially quadrilateral outer periphery and an upper surface on which an apparatus main body (1a) is mounted; two attachment plates (140) provided at two opposite sides on a lower surface of the support member (110). Each of the attachment plates (140) includes caster attachment portions (141) formed respectively on both end sides in a side direction so that casters (130) are firmly attached, first bent portions (142) formed by bending of outer edges in the side direction of the caster attachment portions (141) at predetermined angles, and first coupling portions (143) that are formed by further outward bending of edges of the first bent portions (142) and are firmly attached to the support member (110).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Aoyama
  • Publication number: 20140290001
    Abstract: A heavy duty carriage cart is provided, which is used when moving a heavy object. The heavy object can safely be moved without being influenced by factors which obstruct the traveling of the carriage cart, such as distortions or joints of flooring material on a floor surface. In a lower part of a carriage cart main body, front rollers are pivotally supported by a front shaft, rear rollers are pivotally supported by a rear shaft, and intermediate rollers are pivotally supported by an intermediate shaft at a wheel base of the rollers. A load receiving platform, having a planar portion which is freely movable while contacting with the bottom of the heavy object, is placed on an upper part of the carriage cart main body. Four heavy duty carriage carts are used to move the heavy object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Mitsuo HASEGAWA
  • Publication number: 20140262661
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for luggage, a method of mounting the wheel assembly and a luggage are provided. The wheel assembly comprises a housing rotatably mountable to the wheel mount, a wheel rotatably mounted to the housing, and post connected to the housing. The method involves inserting a post into an opening of the wheel mount and securing the post to the wheel mount. The luggage includes a compartment for receiving articles, a chassis supporting the compartment and a wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: TRAVELPRO INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: David L. Mathieu, James T. Sener
  • Publication number: 20140250739
    Abstract: A height adjustable auger shroud for a snow blower is provided. The shroud comprises a pair of wheels secured to a lower portion of the opposing sides of the shroud. The wheels are secured to the shroud by a pair of levers. Each lever comprises a first and second plate. The first plate is positioned against the shroud, and includes an upper arcuate perimeter having a series of notches along the upper perimeter line. The second plate is rotatably connected to the first plate, and includes a lever arm on one vertical half of the plate, and a wheel attachment on the opposing half of the plate. Actuation of the lever arm in relation to the first plate raises or lowers the wheel in relation to the shroud, thereby altering the distance between the shroud and the ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventor: James Distefanis, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140250627
    Abstract: A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. McKay
  • Patent number: 8807848
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system including a receptacle component configured to detachably couple with an elongate member, and a support member configured to detachably couple with the receptacle component, the support member configured such that an upper portion of the support member detachably couples with an opening of the receptacle component. The present disclosure also includes a system including a plate comprising a plurality of first support members, a plurality of arms, at least one of the plurality of first support members disposed upon at least one of the plurality of arms. The system also includes a plurality of second support members, the second support members configured to removably couple with the first support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Cinetics of Texas, LLC
    Inventor: Justin Jensen
  • Publication number: 20140201942
    Abstract: An arrangement for supporting a wheel for rotation about an axis, comprising a wheel carrier part having an at least partially annular carrier formation extending therefrom generally in the direction of the axis, a wheel encircling at least part of the carrier formation and a retaining member releasably engaging the carrier part and affording a bearing surface with which a complementary bearing surface of the wheel co-operates to support the wheel for said rotation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Mohammed Irfan, David Cottrell
  • Publication number: 20140123435
    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: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: CIXI CHUANGLI BEARING CO. LTD.
    Inventor: Bo Sun
  • Patent number: 8678677
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recording images and providing a selected movement or position to a recording device include use of attachment members having a receptacle that receives and is engageable with the distal end of an elongate member of a device for mounting a camera or similar apparatus. As such, the camera may be rolled providing movement suitable for video capture or capture of other types of images that require camera movement, or otherwise positioned as needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Cinetics of Texas, LLC
    Inventor: Justin Jensen
  • Patent number: 8678404
    Abstract: A stroller chassis includes a frame and a wheel that are connected to each other by a hinge defining a pivoting axis extending perpendicularly to the wheel's axis. The chassis can also include a bearing for guiding the frame and the wheel in free rotation about the axis. The chassis can include two plates, each including an annular body substantially centered with respect to the pivoting axis and arranged externally around the bearing. The two annular bodies are connected rotatably about the pivoting axis to the frame and the wheel and define substantially planar surfaces on the plate surfaces, the planar surfaces being mutually adjoining along a plane that is transverse to the pivoting axis. The plates cooperate with one another through sliding and frictional contact. The Chassis can also include resilient member for pressing the annular bodies against each other to maintain contact between the planar surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Astrollab
    Inventor: Jean-Michel François Chaudeurge
  • Patent number: 8640832
    Abstract: A central control braking system includes: a pedestal; at least one caster mounted at a bottom portion of the pedestal; a brake transmission shaft for controlling the caster; a plate girder movably connected to the pedestal; a pedal fixed to the plate girder; and a reversing rotary assembly connecting the plate girder and the brake transmission shaft, wherein the reversing rotary assembly enables the brake transmission shaft to rotate in reverse under the control of the pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen Mindray Bio-Medical Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xugui Chen, Min Hu, Mingzhao Zhou
  • Publication number: 20140013541
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a wheel having an axle, and a round disk connected to the axle. The round disk has a disk middle connected to the axle and a disk circumferential surface surrounding the disk middle. Further, a round ring having an inner ring surface is connected to the disk circumferential surface of the round disk. The round disk is positioned within the round ring. The round ring contacts the round disk along a first plane, and the axle is coplanar with the first plane. Additionally, the round ring has a ring circumferential outer surface having threads. A threaded cylinder having an inner threaded cylinder surface is connected to the threads in the ring circumferential outer surface. The round ring is positioned within the threaded cylinder. Further, a worm gear is positioned between the threaded cylinder and the round ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Paul M. Fromm, Dara N. Lubin, Daniel M. McHugh, Terrance W. Flint
  • Patent number: 8616572
    Abstract: A mono-fork assembly for a front wheel of a wheelchair. The assembly includes a mono-fork member, an axle, and a retaining member. The mono-fork member has a single tine with a threaded aperture formed therein. The front wheel is rotatable on the axle. The axle has a distal end and a threaded proximal end. The proximal end is configured to be threaded into the threaded aperture of the tine and may be permanently bonded therein. A retaining member is coupled to the distal end of the axle to retain the front wheel on the distal end as the front wheel rotates about the axle. The mono-fork member may include a collar portion aligned along a steering axis for rotation thereabout. The mono-fork assembly may include a bumper configured to extend circumferentially about the collar portion within a circumferential groove formed in the collar portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Tisport, LLC
    Inventors: Alan N Ludovici, Doug Garven
  • Patent number: 8578984
    Abstract: A wheel for a non-motorized vehicle (e.g., a shopping cart) can include a housing assembly and a tread assembly. The housing assembly can be configured to sealingly house electronics or other components. The tread assembly can removably mate with the housing assembly such that the electronics or other components remain closed and/or sealed within the housing assembly when the tread assembly is mated or unmated with the housing assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen E. Hannah, John C. McKay
  • Patent number: 8561258
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a hubless caster that is at least as aesthetically pleasing as prior art hubless casters but that is significantly more durable. In one aspect, a hubless caster is provided that includes a frame member having two opposed sides. A generally ring-shaped mount portion projects from at least one of the two opposed sides of the frame member. In some embodiments, the hubless caster has the following three components mounted on the mount portion, in sequence moving radially outwardly from the mount portion: a) an annular backbone member defining an inner bearing race, b) a rolling element, and c) a wheel defining an outer bearing race.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Oconomowoc Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Scott T. Breyer, Kyle C. Stoehr
  • Patent number: 8549705
    Abstract: A hollow wheel set, comprising mainly a wheel rack, a hollow rotation wheel, a restricting sleeve, and a restricting and fastening ring. The wheel rack includes a fixing arm, on said fixing arm is provided with a wheel fork. The hollow rotation wheel is sleeved onto the wheel fork. One end of the restricting sleeve is a sleeve connection portion, while the other end is a ring-shape blocking portion. The sleeve connection portion is sleeved and fixed on the outer perimeter of the wheel fork, and is located between the wheel fork and the hollow rotation wheel. The ring-shape blocking portion is on a side of the hollow rotation wheel. The restricting and fastening ring is fastened around outer perimeter of the wheel fork, and is locate on the other side of the hollow rotation wheel, to reduce size and weight of the hollow wheel set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Chen-Chuan Wu
  • Publication number: 20130255032
    Abstract: A load-responsive U-shaped flexible leg with wheels for converting a platform such as an inverted bucket into a simple rolling step stool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Roque Garcia, Joel Cosper
  • Patent number: 8528168
    Abstract: A liquid cooled wheel system includes a wheel, an axle bolt arranged in mechanical and supportive communication with the wheel, the axle bolt defining an internal chamber configured to hold and transmit a working fluid, a pump arranged in fluid communication with the axle bolt through the working fluid and arranged in mechanical communication with the wheel such that rotational movement of the wheel is translated into internal pumping movement of the pump, and a heat exchanger in fluid communication with both of the axle bolt and the pump and configured to exchange heat from the working fluid to an external environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Terry M. Ciccaglione, Charles C. Gange
  • Publication number: 20130212834
    Abstract: A caster assembly of the present invention includes a fixation base, a rotary base which is rotatably disposed on the fixation base, a wheel which is rotatably disposed on the rotary base, and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is disposed on the rotary base. The brake mechanism can be activated to abut against the wheel and the fixation base, so that rotations of the rotary base and the wheel are obstructed. Thus, stably fixation function is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Ching-Tsun Chen
  • Patent number: 8496299
    Abstract: An omnidirectional wheel has a hub that is rotatable around a rotational axis, and two wheel discs connected to the hub and spaced coaxially on the hub. A number of roller bodies are located between the wheel discs, evenly distributed around a circumferential edge of the wheel. The respective roller axes of the roller bodies are aligned at a diagonal angle relative to the rotational axis, and are each supported in a freely rotating manner between the wheel discs at opposite ends thereof. Each roller body is mounted in a freely rotating manner in respective modules respectively attached to the wheel discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Kuka Roboter GmbH
    Inventor: Sven Brudniok
  • Patent number: 8490531
    Abstract: A mine roller assembly for a mine roller is provided for detonating mines located in or on an underlying ground surface. A bracket is adapted for attachment to a mine roller system frame. An arm is pivotally connected to the bracket. A spring and damper system extends between the bracket and the arm. A wheel assembly is rotatably connected to the arm and is configured to interact with the underlying surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: GSE Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Glen Raymond Simula, Steven John Tarnowski, Luke Stephen Luskin, William George Abbatt
  • Patent number: 8490331
    Abstract: A roller for sliding a movable panel includes a housing and a plurality of wheels positioned within the housing. The housing is positionable in a space defined between a bottom surface of the panel and a channel which receives a guided edge of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: CGI Windows & Doors
    Inventor: Flavio Quesada
  • Publication number: 20130175774
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to skateboard and caster devices. More particularly, in a manner the invention concerns both dual wheel and single wheel axle supports of trucks and casters having a suspension mechanism for absorbing shock. The suspension mechanism is uniquely designed to progressively increase suspension resistance as forces acting on the mechanism increase by elastically deforming an independent arm in a manner to contact another arm or structure thereby transforming the independent arm into a dependent arm that results in a progressive resistance to a load until the forces are terminally engaged into a resilient abutment. A novel alignment mechanism functions to maintain the skateboard steering function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Robert Lininger, JR.
  • Publication number: 20130104338
    Abstract: The caster is essentially characterized by the fact that it includes at least one wheel 1 including a hub 10 and a train 11 situated around the hub 10, a cover-plate 21, clip elements 22 suitable for clipping the cover-plate to the hub 10, the clip elements 22 for clipping the cover-plate to the hub 10 including at least one hole 30 made in the hub 10, at least two hooks 31, 32 mounted to project from the intermediate cover-plate 21 so that when the cover-plate 21 is clipped to the hub 10, the two hooks 31, 32 deform elastically and catch on the edge 34 of the hole 30 defining between them an inter-hook empty space 35. Application to casters used for making it easier to move items such as pieces of furniture, suitcases mounted on casters, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: TENTE ROULETTES POLYMERES - BRUANDET
    Inventor: Patrick Dayt
  • Patent number: 8424887
    Abstract: A height-adjustable industrial caster wheel includes a mounting plate, a swivel assembly that swivels relative to the mounting plate, and a spring housing that is movable relative to the swivel assembly. The mounting plate or the spring housing is secured to the swivel assembly, such that the relative position of the swivel assembly and either the mounting plate or the spring housing can be controllably altered to change the overall height of the height-adjustable industrial caster wheel. If needed, a locking mechanism can be used to maintain the relative position between the swivel assembly and the mounting plate or the spring housing. The height-adjustable industrial caster wheel can be adjusted by accessing the height-adjustable industrial caster wheel from above, eliminating the need to raise the pallet truck away from the floor to be able to access and adjust the height-adjustable industrial caster wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Superior Tire & Rubber Corp.
    Inventors: Henri E. LeMeur, Jr., Philip M. Downey, Timothy W. Rowles
  • Patent number: 8418316
    Abstract: A friction wheel includes a hub, two bearings mounted in the hub and each having an axle, and a friction member mounted between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings. Thus, the friction member is mounted between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings to increase the friction between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings so that the user has to apply a larger force to overcome the friction between the hub and the axle of each of the two bearings so as to move the cart forward, thereby preventing the cart from being moved freely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Der Sheng Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Tsun Chen
  • Patent number: 8407854
    Abstract: A protective device for a castor includes a mounting ring, and a driving piece secured on the mounting ring. The mounting ring has an outer periphery formed with a breakable portion which is located beside the driving piece. The driving piece has a first end extending from the mounting ring and a second end formed with a pull tab. When the mounting ring is released by tearing the breakable portion, the mounting ring is directly driven by the driving piece to remove from each of the two rollers of the castor. Thus, the user only needs to apply a single action to pull the pull tab of the driving piece so as to remove the protective device from the castor completely so that the protective device can be removed from the castor easily and quickly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai