Wheels Patents (Class 16/45)
  • Patent number: 7647673
    Abstract: A self-orienting caster for pieces of furniture, comprising a pair of wheels, which are supported so that they can rotate about a horizontal axis by a supporting body, which has a cylindrical recess that has a vertical axis and is open upward and axially offset with respect to the horizontal axis, and in which a pivot for the caster is inserted rotatably, the pivot being insertable in a receptacle of the piece of furniture in which the caster is to be fitted, further comprising a through seat formed in the body, a tubular element that is driven through the seat coaxially to the horizontal axis and has two cylindrical tubular portions that lie on opposite sides of the body in order to rotatably support the wheels, devices for the axial and rotational locking of the tubular element in the seat and devices for retaining the wheels on the tubular portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Emilsider Meccanica S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francescantonio Melara
  • Patent number: 7641288
    Abstract: This invention relates generally to an apparatus design that minimizes fabrication and assembly costs for an omni-directional wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Inventors: Andrew R. Baker, Mark A. Koors
  • Publication number: 20090266775
    Abstract: A rack assembly for transportation and display of potted plants and similar articles. The rack includes vertical supports, and a plurality of trays that are slidingly supported on the posts. The trays are extensible from a retracted position in which the trays are arranged in compact, vertically spaced relationship for transportation, to a deployed position in which the trays extend on opposite sides in an alternating arrangement with increased vertical spacing, and are tilted to a downwardly angled orientation so that the plants can be readily viewed and accessed by customers and other personnel. The posts and trays are mounted on a mobile frame that includes stabilizer legs which prevent the assembly from tipping when the trays are in the deployed position. The trays are slidingly mounted to the posts by means of guide channels and cooperating projections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Wiebe S Vanderhoek, Mike Van Wingerden
  • Publication number: 20090260181
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a caster has a horn having a first side with a first raceway, a second side with a second raceway, and a stem. At least one bearing may be located in the stem and a stem seal is removably positioned to substantially cover the at least one bearing. Also, a wheel assembly has an axle whereby a first end of the axle is positioned within the first raceway and a second end of the axle is positioned in the second raceway. Yet other forms of the invention will be suited for specific applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Dennis Jones, Patrick Peck
  • Publication number: 20090231095
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for retarding rotation of at least one wheel. The apparatus includes at least one braking member, a latch member secured to the braking member and movable between a first position and a second position and a latch actuating member arranged to determine the position in which said latch member is positioned. The braking member is movable into a braking position in which rotation of the at least one wheel is retarded when the latch member is in the second position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: GRAY MATTER (ALPHA) LIMITED
    Inventor: Andrew Gray
  • Publication number: 20090211054
    Abstract: The invention consists of a caster comprises a yoke having a weight transferring tab and a wheel with groove for receiving the tab. Preferably, the yoke and wheel are made out of plastic, and in some embodiments two different types of plastic. A tab and groove helps transfer the weight of the load on the castor away from the arms of the yoke and onto the wheel. In a preferred embodiment the plastic wheel is molded so as to include a shaft on either side that snap into receiving holes in the yoke, thus avoiding the need for separate axel and rivets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventor: William F. Frame
  • Publication number: 20090172915
    Abstract: The invention relates to a swivel wheel unit comprising a support (11) provided with a vertical pivot (13) which is mounted in a bearing of a wheelchair or another device, such that it can pivot about a pivoting axis (19) when manoeuvring about curves and U-turns, on whose end a swivel wheel (21) is rotationally mounted. A joint (17) displaces about a horizontal axis (23) counter to the force of the spring elements, when the swivel wheel (21) comes into contact with an obstacle (41). Said joint (17) is a spring joint and maintains the pivoting axis (19) in the displayed normal position, as long as no obstacle (41) arises. A lifting wheel (33), which initially raises the swivel wheel (21) in order to overcome the obstacle, is located in front of the swivel wheel (21), but higher, and when the swivel wheel (21) comes into contact with the obstacle (41), the pivoting axis (19) is pivoted and the swivel wheel (21) is lifted further.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventor: Kurt Hunziker
  • Publication number: 20090146027
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a base member for a portable intravenous stand. The base member includes a plurality of segments configured to facilitate the close nesting or alignment of multiple portable intravenous stands; and thus reducing the amount of space required for storing the portable intravenous stands when not in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: MAXTEC INC.
    Inventors: Darryl Zitting, Jeffrey Valjean Anderson, Carl Ross Wecker
  • Publication number: 20090106897
    Abstract: A wheel-mounting device comprises a pair of attached plates each having a substantially flat surface. The flat surface of each plate has therein an elongated indentation including an inwardly projecting dimple element. The dimple elements hold in position a shaft of a wheel. The flat surfaces abut and the indentations are aligned and face each other to form a cavity with an open entryway that receives the shaft of the wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence Harrow
  • Publication number: 20090056071
    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 attachment means, such as screws, bolts, nails etc. The glide base is removable by finger pressure only without the need for tools enabling the easy interchangeability of the glide base and the attachment means, as desired. This glide also has a tandem swiveling and rolling capability and will also adapt to a singular rolling function, if required, in deep carpets or whenever the glide is at maximum tilt. The hard base, of my invention, 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 styles and numerous uses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Steven A. Vorpahl
  • Publication number: 20090056070
    Abstract: Four leveling extensible legs are mounted on a heavy display case. These legs each include a cylindrical base mounted on the case which threadedly engages an inner cylindrical member that is extensible and retractable to engage the floor. An adapter includes a cylindrical body having a cavity that is closed at its distal end by a flange. This flange is bolted to a caster flange. The body is open at its proximal end to receive the leg inner member, a set screw releasably secures the adapter body and the attached caster to the leg inner member for movement therewith. This enables the display case to be moved during construction. The caster is easily removed by loosening the adapter set screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey R. James
  • Publication number: 20080301904
    Abstract: A plurality of castors for a piece of furniture, each castor including a casing, two wheels, and fastener elements for fastening to the piece of furniture. The casing is made up of two units, each made as a single piece, the first unit including a portion constituted by a portion of the wheel casing and a portion constituted by a portion of the swivel casing, the second unit including a portion constituted by another portion of the wheel casing and a portion constituted by another portion of the swivel casing. The two units are adapted to be associated with each other to form the casing in such a manner that the portions of the first unit and the portions of the second unit engage respectively one in the other, and elements are provided for securing the two units together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventor: Patrick Dayt
  • Publication number: 20080276417
    Abstract: The invention consists of a caster comprises a yoke having a weight transferring tab and a wheel with groove for receiving the tab. Preferably, the yoke and wheel are made out of plastic, and in some embodiments two different types of plastic. A tab and groove helps transfer the weight of the load on the castor away from the arms of the yoke and onto the wheel. In a preferred embodiment the plastic wheel is molded so as to include a shaft on either side that snap into receiving holes in the yoke, thus avoiding the need for separate axel and rivets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventor: William F. Frame
  • Patent number: 7441786
    Abstract: A low profile roller includes a wheel mounted on a hollow hub and having a roller ball mounted within the hollow hub. The roller is configured to function in a first, low profile operating mode when the roller ball is in contact with a support surface and in a second, high profile mode when the wheel is in contact with the support surface. A base for a movable support platform includes a base frame and a pivot sleeve rotatably mounted to the base frame and non-rotatably mounted to an arm connected to the hub. The pivot sleeve is configured to rotate the low profile roller from between the first mode and the second mode. A butterfly foot pedal is operably connected to the pivot sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Martin W. Stryker, James Thwaites
  • Publication number: 20080209673
    Abstract: An improved caster comprising a caster mount attachable to a frame of a mobile device, caster stem attached to the caster mount and operable to attach to a caster fork and wheel assembly, and a biasing means operable to restrict the rotation of the caster stem and thereby to prevent caster drift and flutter and to promote tracking of the mobile device. The biasing means can be in manner whereby the caster stem has at least one vertical notch defined therein and the biasing means comprises a spring plunger located in the caster mount. The spring plunger has an internal spring and a movable ball member attached to the spring and which faces the caster stem whereby the ball is biased against the caster stem and situated within the caster stem notch when the caster stem is in a desired rotational position. The biasing means can also employ magnets located in the caster stem and caster mount which align at opposite attracting poles when the caster is in a desired position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventors: Rory A. Cooper, Andrew M. Kwarciak, Mark A. McCartney
  • Publication number: 20080184521
    Abstract: A canister vacuum cleaner includes a housing carrying a suction generator and a dirt collection vessel. The housing is supported on a caster wheel assembly including a wheel riding on a cushion of air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Eric J. Streciwilk
  • Patent number: 7383612
    Abstract: A caster assembly is provided for supporting an object. The caster assembly includes a generally triangular landing for receiving the object thereon. The landing lies in a first plane. The caster assembly also includes first and second legs that lie in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane. The first and second legs are vertically spaced from the landing and each leg includes an upper surface and a lower surface. A first plurality of wheel assemblies are interconnected to the lower surface of the first leg and a second plurality of wheel assemblies are interconnected to the lower surface of the second leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Richard D. Bushey
  • Publication number: 20080115316
    Abstract: A vacuum including a housing, a suction device disposed within the housing, at least one axle mounted to the housing at one or more mounting points, and a plurality of wheels mounted to the axle, wherein the axle is operable to flex about the one or more mounting points to absorb an impact force. The vacuum may also include at least one rail mounted to the housing at a plurality of mounting points and at least one caster wheel rotatably fixed to the rail. The at least one rail is operable to pivot about an axis partially defined by at least one of the mounting points in response to input forces, and a plurality of spring elements are operable to resist said pivoting, damping the input forces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Gregg L. Sheddy, Paul S. White, Stuart J. Wright, Kathy E. DiPasquale
  • Publication number: 20080092329
    Abstract: A wheel assembly has a swiveling shaft, a support member movably assembled with the swiveling shaft, an arresting member and wheels. The swiveling shaft includes a swiveling sleeve, a pressing element disposed on the swiveling sleeve, and a first gear bracket and a second gear bracket. The support member includes a rack with an opening, and a third gear bracket snapped in the opening, The arresting member is mounted on the rack. A first resilient element is provided between the arresting member and the rack. A second resilient element is provided between the arresting member and the third gear bracket. The wheels respectively pivot to the rack, and are limited at opposite sides of the arresting member. The pressing element limits rotation of the wheels, preventing deformation of the wheels thereby effectively stopping the wheels and lengthening lives of the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Chuan-Hai Chou
  • Patent number: 7213815
    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: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Whiteside Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Kirt E. Whiteside
  • Patent number: 7162772
    Abstract: A bracket for temporarily attaching wheels and/or casters to objects at a variety of angles includes a horizontal member for supporting an object on an upper surface and for mounting a wheel or caster on a lower surface; and an attached substantially vertical side member for supporting an object along an inner surface wherein joint between said horizontal member and said substantially vertical side member is formed at an angle conforming to object to which bracket attaches and wherein said substantially vertical side member includes a vertical surface on its outer surface for accepting a wheel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Samuel Mordechai Asher
  • Patent number: 7150070
    Abstract: A hubless caster assembly includes a caster body and at least one wheel, the wheel comprising a toroidal member having a bearing race, and a complementary bearing race supported by the caster body. Bearing elements in the races support the wheel in free rotation. The caster body may comprise a ring body having an axial opening, whereby the caster assembly has a large central aperture extending entirely therethrough. A centering ring may be secured in the axial opening with the complementary bearing race formed therein. A hub cap with visual treatment may be secured over the central aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: William J. Donakowski
  • Patent number: 7093319
    Abstract: An industrial caster wheel assembly including a base member, a wheel, side plates, a housing, a pivot axle, a suspension assembly and an adjustment assembly. The suspension assembly includes an adjustable axle, a support member, and a plate. The support member allows one of the wheel and the base member to rotate about the pivot axle as the adjustable axle compresses the support member by contacting the plate. The adjustment assembly adjusts the height of the industrial caster wheel by adjusting the pressure applied by the adjustable axle to the support member. The industrial caster wheel assembly may alternatively include at least one adjustment assembly that can be placed in contact with at least one of the second axle to press the second axle at least indirectly against the elastomeric support member or the first axle to press the first axle toward the center of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Superior Tire & Rubber Corporation
    Inventors: Henri E. Lemeur, Jr., John D. Swartz, David J. Manning
  • Patent number: 7065828
    Abstract: A caster assembly including a unique drawn kingpin rivet formed of stainless steel or other material of appropriate toughness which compressively holds the components of the caster assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Mark C. Sorensen
  • Patent number: 6931692
    Abstract: A kingpin-free caster in which a plate is assembled onto a yoke with ball bearings therebetween and the plate is deformed in place upon the yoke to capture the ball bearings between the yoke and plate and couple the yoke and plate together against removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: Algood Casters Limited
    Inventors: Craig J. Guttmann, Sean Guttmann, Peter DePinto, Csaba Lemak
  • Patent number: 6880203
    Abstract: An independently rotating, split tread wheel assembly includes a pair of disks each having an outer tread formed of rubber or polyurethane compounds and supported on the periphery thereof. Each disk includes a central opening that receives a ball bearing assembly. A pair of hub inserts have central annular surfaces in adjacent relationship. A cylindrical spacer extends about the central annular surfaces and supports the inner races of the bearing assemblies so that the two disks turn independently about the hub inserts on their respective bearing assemblies. A pair of spaced apart caster bracket arms straddle the wheel assembly and impinge on the opposed outer surfaces of the hub inserts. An axle extends through aligned holes in the arms and through central bores in the hub inserts, and is secured thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Aubin Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Philip A. Aubin
  • Patent number: 6857707
    Abstract: A wheel (1) with an integrally formed wheel frame including a central hub (2) rotatable about a main axis, a plurality of first supports in a first plane transverse to the main axis and radially spaced from the central hub (2) to form a first discontinuous rim with a first series of rollers (4) regularly spaced around the first rim, a plurality of second supports radially spaced from the hub to form a second discontinuous rim with a second series of rollers (5) regularly spaced around the second rim, each rollers having a main body wherein the lateral central cross-sectional diameter is greater then the diameter of the end portions, each roller being rotatable about an axis transverse to the main axis and when viewed from a side elevation, there being substantial overlap of each of the first series of rollers (4) with each diagonally adjacent roller of the second series of rollers (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Graham Guile
  • Patent number: 6839939
    Abstract: A hubless caster assembly includes a caster body and at least one wheel, the wheel comprising a toroidal member having a bearing race, and a complementary bearing race supported by the caster body. Bearing elements in the races support the wheel in free rotation. The caster body may comprise a ring body having an axial opening, whereby the caster assembly has a large central aperture extending entirely therethrough. A centering ring may be secured in the axial opening with the complementary bearing race formed therein. A hub cap with visual treatment may be secured over the central aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: William J Donakowski
  • Publication number: 20040237251
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved wheel structure of a handcart of the type having a body that is provided with a handle grip formed at one side thereof and a plurality of support plates disposed in such a manner as to be vertically stacked on one another, a wheel axially mounted to a support member in such a manner as to roll at four corners of the lower portion of the body, the support member having a bolt and a nut mounted on the top side thereof, and a tubular rod body connected at the lower side thereof to the bolt and connected at the upper side thereof to the body, the improvement wherein the tubular rod body has a nut receiving recess that is upwardly formed at the bottom surface thereof to receive the nut, such that a contact area between the rod body and the nut becomes large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: Chul Young Kang
  • Patent number: 6786559
    Abstract: A wheel assembly which includes a bearing assembly housed in an electrically conductive outer shell. A hollow sleeve of synthetic resin material impregnated with electrically conductive material is operatively electrically coupled to a peripheral surface of the electrically conductive outer shell. The hollow sleeve has at least one radially outwardly extending stem integral therewith. A synthetic resin material hub and tread is configured to envelop the metallic outer shell, the hollow sleeve and the stem. A distal end of the stem terminates either flush with or projects radially outwardly of a peripheral surface of the tread to contact a surface supporting the wheel construction with each revolution of the wheel construction and to effectively facilitate a discharge of static electricity through the hollow sleeve and the stem in response thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Colson Caster Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Kidd, Bowdie Isanhart
  • Patent number: 6757936
    Abstract: Problems in a conventional wheel of a traveling structure are solved, which in a traveling toy, the lateral movement cannot be performed reducing a game fascinating aspect and it is difficult to differentiate the toy from other traveling toys, and when a field is furrowed with a cultivator, upon completion of the furrowing at the field end, the cultivator has to be revolved at the field end to form the next furrow, so that an additional field area is required or when the additional area is not available, a field portion is generated where the furrow cannot be formed. A wheel for a traveling structure comprises an auxiliary-wheel carrier that rotates when the traveling structure proceeds straight and revolves, and a plurality of auxiliary wheels attached to the auxiliary-wheel carrier rotatably in a direction perpendicular to the rotational direction of the auxiliary-wheel carrier, part of the auxiliary wheels being exposed from the external peripheral surface of the auxiliary-wheel carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Kyosho Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Yamaguchi, Shinichi Asai
  • Patent number: 6748623
    Abstract: A chair caster in the invention mainly includes a wheel holder, a spindle, a wheel axle, two wheel bodies, two shake-proof washers and two caps. Each of the two wheel bodies is provided with a recessed chamber disposed in an inner side thereof and capable of being fitted with a shake-proof washer made of a soft rubber material, thereby enabling the chair caster to lower shaking and noise in rolling under the resilience of the shake-proof washers and providing better strength to the whole structure of the chair caster so as to prolong the working life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Inventor: Po-Chuan Tsai
  • Patent number: 6553618
    Abstract: Guide rollers for upward-acting track guided doors are formed of dual durometer plastic materials wherein a hub portion of the guide roller is formed of a relatively hard moldable plastic material having a durometer of about Rockwell R 120. A tire or tread is preferably molded over the hub and is characterized by a thermoplastic elastomer material, such as urethane, having a durometer of about 70 to 90 Shore A. A circumferential recess may be formed in the rim of the roller hub to receive a tread which is not molded over the full extent of the rim. The tire or tread may have an arcuate thin-walled, a somewhat elliptical or a circular segment shape in cross section. The guide roller provides for quiet long-lasting operation in guiding upward-acting sectional and one-piece garage doors and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventor: L. Blake Whitley
  • Patent number: 6550100
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a caster assembly for supporting an object. The caster assembly includes a caster, a caster axle and a pair of support pieces, at least one of the support pieces being rotatably mounted on the caster axle. The support pair of support pieces each include at least two perpendicular support surfaces thereby providing for a plurality of support configurations for supporting objects having various shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Waxman Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Marc Ian Drucker, John Henry Schaffeld
  • Patent number: 6533129
    Abstract: A dishwasher rack including a grille having longitudinal rods; and a number of wheels connected to the grille by respective supporting rods, each having a fastening portion and a bent end bent substantially at a right-angle so as to be located a minimum distance from a respective longitudinal rod. Each wheel includes a hub fitted to a respective bent end; and a spacing member projecting axially from and connected integrally to the respective hub to form a single component, and which is arrested against a respective longitudinal rod. Each spacing member extends to such an extent that an axial dimension of each wheel is greater than the aforementioned minimum distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: ITW Industrial Components S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Bassi
  • Patent number: 6425797
    Abstract: A wheel assembly comprises a wheel-mounting base, a wheel, an axle, and two fixing members. The wheel-mounting base comprises a compartment that is delimited by two sidewalls having aligned axle holes. The axle extends through the axle holes of the wheel-mounting base and an axle hole of the wheel received in the compartment. The fixing members are respectively mounted to the sidewalls of the wheel-mounting base. Each fixing member comprises an axle-receiving hole for securely engaging with an associated one of the ends of the axle. Each fixing member is movable between a first angular position in which the fixing member is disengagable from an associated one of the sidewalls of the wheel-mounting base and a second angular position in which the fixing member is securely engaged with the associated one of the sidewalls of the wheel-mounting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Inventor: Jung-Jyh Wu
  • Patent number: 6425161
    Abstract: An industrial caster wheel assembly comprises a base member, a wheel, side plates, a housing, a pivot axle, and a suspension assembly. The suspension assembly includes an adjustable axle, a support member, and a plate. The support member allows one of the wheel and the base member to rotate about the pivot axle as the adjustable axle compresses the support member by contacting the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Superior Tire & Rubber Corporation
    Inventors: Henri E. LeMeur, Jr., John D. Swartz
  • Publication number: 20020088083
    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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Shigeo Takizawa
  • Publication number: 20020069479
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a shock absorbing caster of a traveling suitcase, which comprises a caster shell seat, a roller pivotal seat, a roller, a soft component, and a soft bushing. The caster shell seat is locked at the side plane of the bottom end of the traveling suitcase. The roller is pivotally joined with the roller pivotal seat, which is again pivotally joined with the caster shell seat. The soft component and the soft bushing are installed between the caster shell seat and the roller pivotal seat so as to absorb the vibration energy generated when the roller rolls on an uneven ground; the shock absorbing effect of the whole structure can thereby be enhanced. Moreover, the valuable articles in the traveling suitcase can thus be protected, and the lifespan of the roller can also be increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventor: Chung-Hsien Kuo
  • Patent number: 6092262
    Abstract: A non-skid wheel brake mechanism includes a wheel body, a shaft part, left and right wheels each with a ring rim. The device includes an outer rim having an oval ring groove having upper and lower half portions. A substantially oval shaped shaft bore extends through the outer rim. A rim bore extends vertically through the outer rim to form an accommodating channel. The accommodating channel is in communication with the shaft bore. The ends of the wheel shaft is secured within the insert bores of the ring rims. An S-shaped spring plate is positioned inside the accommodating channel and extends into the shaft bore against the wheel shaft such that the ring rims are frictionally braked by the lower half portion of the oval ring groove.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Arthur Lin
  • Patent number: 5732441
    Abstract: An industrial wheel for trolleys, carts, pulleys. And the like with a self lubricated bearing of fuoroplastic, or the like, that slants at an angle from the center of the wheel out to the rim, so as to have a larger surface area, with consequent lower force or friction. The slanted bearing also locates the wheel in the center, eliminating the need for retaining devices along sides of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 31, 1998
    Inventor: Robert Janian
  • Patent number: 5709008
    Abstract: A plastic storage container with wheel assemblies having an axle pin rotatably fixed to the container, a secure lid latch having a double-wall construction to ease opening and closing as well as an offset hinge to allow protection of the latch during distribution, and an internal tray having dependent flanges which mate to the storage container to prevent the walls of the storage container from splaying.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Contico International, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas Dickinson
  • 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: 5600867
    Abstract: A bearing type wheel for a car which rollers through a car tunnel kiln, includes a plurality of rotating members such as rollers or balls interposed between respective inner rings and an outer ring. Each of the rotating members consists essentially of a sintered body of silicon nitride base (Si.sub.3 N.sub.4) ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonori Niwa, Tetsuji Yogo
  • Patent number: 5598605
    Abstract: A utility vacuum cleaner tool caddy for utility vacuum cleaner drums as well as an axleless wheel mount are disclosed. The tool caddy has rear and front wheels with integral rear and front bumpers at least partially overlying the rear and front wheels. This provides a wider/larger wheel base/caddy which increases the stability of the utility vacuum cleaner during movement. The rear bumper is also provided with a plurality of spaced openings for receiving a corresponding number of vacuum tools which are stored in an out-of-way location when moving or storing the utility vacuum cleaner. The axleless wheel mount provides a snap-in mounting of individual wheels with full bearing support, thus eliminating the need of an axle between spaced and aligned wheels. Additionally, the wheel support increases the load capacity while improving the overall look and appearance of the base unit or tool caddy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: Emerson Electric Co.
    Inventor: Mark J. Tomasiak
  • Patent number: 5570764
    Abstract: A roller wheel assembly for use with golf bag covers or other types of luggage is disclosed. The roller wheel assembly (10) includes a housing (12) and a wheel (14). The housing (10) has an exterior surface (34) and an elongate recessed channel (36). The wheel (14) is elongate and rotatably mourned in the channel (36) of the housing (10) so as to partially protrude beyond the surface (34) of the housing. The wheel (14) includes two circular end plates (42), each having an inner surface (44) and an outer surface (46). A rigid transverse webbing (50) extends radially between the inner surfaces of the end plates, maintaining a planar relationship between the end plates. The webbing includes longitudinal dividers (52) that lie perpendicular to the inner surface of the end plates and run the length of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: Roller Wheels, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman Levin
  • Patent number: 5517718
    Abstract: A caster assembly for a traveling body has an automatic swivel lock that prevents the caster from swiveling when the caster is a trailing caster on the traveling body and allows the caster to swivel when the caster is a leading caster on the traveling body. The caster assembly includes a lock assembly pivotally mounted to support arms that extend from the swiveling wheel mount. A fixed locking member extends from the traveling body's frame to engage a locking lever extending from the lock assembly when the caster wheel is a trailing wheel on the traveling body. A cam follower engages a cam surface on the inside of the wheel to pivotally disengage the lock assembly from the locking member when the traveling body reverses direction so that the caster, which has become a leading caster, is free to swivel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Fisher-Price, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony E. Eichhorn
  • Patent number: 5398618
    Abstract: An improved wheel configuration for use in a conveying system includes a solid wheel body (11) produced from a high temperature resistant hard wearing polymer material, the wheel body being carried rotatably on a shaft member (13, 28, 39, 46) which in turn is mounted from a support member (16) adapted to carry some desired object over a path defined by the conveying system, the shaft member (13, 28, 39, 46) and a retaining element (14,45) forming a connection which defines a predetermined length of said shaft member on which the wheel body is carried without axial pressure being applied to said wheel body (11) such that rotation of said wheel body (11) would be impaired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: VFV Polymers Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Russell A. McMullen
  • Patent number: 5357868
    Abstract: A trolley assembly is provided including a pair of trolley brackets with an axle extending outwardly from each of the trolley brackets. Bushings adapted to rotatably engage each of the axles are provided with a wheel fixedly attached to each of the bushings. The bushings include an interlock to prevent rotation of the bushing with respect to the wheel. A pendant is attached to the pair of trolley brackets. The components of the trolley assembly can be replaced on a one-to-one basis with parts of prior art trolley assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1994
    Assignee: Tama Plastic Industry
    Inventor: Nissim Maas
  • Patent number: 5323887
    Abstract: A luggage case has a bottom wall supported on four swivel wheels that permit the luggage case to be turned in any direction about a vertical axis. Two of the swivel wheels are part of a leading wheel assembly, and two of the swivel wheels are part of a trailing wheel assembly. Each wheel assembly has a one-piece molded plastic base including an elongated plate extending transversely of the bottom wall of the luggage case and attached thereto, and a pair of downwardly open protective cups surrounding respective swivel wheels. A retractable handle system includes a fixed portion mounted on the top wall of the case, and a movable portion having a handle that may be extended and tilted upwardly for pulling the case along the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: York Partners, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul V. Scicluna, Marvin Schwartzstein