Abstract: A zero distortion bearing pulley including a bearing is provided. The bearing clamps axially on the outer bearing raceway instead of radially. The pulley includes a stamped pulley body having a central axis, a pulley face having a periphery, a belt running surface extending perpendicularly from the periphery of the pulley face, a bearing slip pocket formed in the face coaxially with the axis of the pulley body, and a plurality of slots formed between the bearing pocket and the periphery of the pulley face. The slip pocket has a rear stop for retaining the bearing. A disc-shaped, stamped bearing retainer is provided having tabs that fit into the slots in the pulley body. The tabs may be folded over. Optionally, each tab may have an end hook allowing attachment of the stamped retainer bearing to the pulley body face by rotation following insertion of the tabs into the slots.

Abstract: A pulley device comprising a rolling bearing including an inner ring defining a central bore, and outer ring and rolling elements mounted between the inner ring and the outer ring, a pulley secured in rotation with the outer ring and provided with a feature for engaging with a transmission member. The pulley additionally includes a screw comprising a head and a shank housed in the central bore of the inner ring, the screw being configured to fix the pulley device to a motor support. The pulley device also comprises a first sleeve arranged between the inner ring and the screw, on the side of the motor support. The first sleeve includes an inner surface that has a frustoconical portion having an increasing diameter toward the head of the screw.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a luggage item and a luggage item. The wheel assembly may include a housing for operably coupling the wheel assembly to a luggage item. The wheel assembly may also include a wheel support rotatably coupled to the housing and having a first axis of rotation. The wheel support may be coupled to a wheel member having a second axis of rotation. A friction reduction member may be positioned between the housing and the wheel support to facilitate the relative rotation therebetween. The wheel support may include an underside defining in part a conical shape.

Abstract: A lightweight caster is described that is resistant to ingress of debris into a caster bearing. The caster has a monolithic fork having an annular wheel-supporting portion and a chair-supporting portion. The wheel-supporting portion has a pass-through aperture for receiving a retainer. A rotational bearing is supported on the wheel-supporting portion, which supports a wheel rim such that the wheel rotates in the vertical plane. The rim has a pass-through aperture aligned with the pass-through aperture of the fork, and a ring at an inside edge of the bearing to retain the bearing between the rim and the fork and to inhibit debris from contacting the bearing. A retainer retains the rim on the fork and has an aperture aligned with the fork pass-through aperture. The retainer also has a bearing-retaining portion at an outside edge of the bearing to retain the bearing and to inhibit debris from migrating inwardly.

Abstract: A caster wheel assembly includes at least one hub that has an annularly dished concave region disposed between a pair of cylindrical lips about its outer periphery. An elastomeric tread has a convex inner periphery that seats in the concave region of the hub. The interface between the hub and tread is parabolic in cross-section to manage load-inducted stresses in the tread. The parabolic cross-section is defined by the equation y=A*x2, where A is between 1.5 and 4. A cylindrical lip/pad interface is established between hub and tread on opposite sides of the parabolic interface to accommodate high load situations. A bearing is supported in the hub, and a bushing inside the bearing. An axle shaft passing through the bushing attaches the hub and tread to a support bracket for use in a wide variety of industrial applications.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a luggage item and a luggage item. The wheel assembly may include a housing for operably coupling the wheel assembly to a luggage item. The wheel assembly may also include a wheel support rotatably coupled to the housing and having a first axis of rotation. The wheel support may be coupled to a wheel member having a second axis of rotation. A friction reduction member may be positioned between the housing and the wheel support to facilitate the relative rotation therebetween. The wheel support may include an underside defining in part a conical shape.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A rotation generating system comprises a base disk defined by a rim, top and bottom surfaces; a ball bearing engaged on and along the disk rim, said ball bearing comprising balls, a ring rotatably engaging the balls to the disk rim, and side supports propping the balls between the disk rim and the ring; and a shaft having first and second ends, wherein the first end is fixed to an eccentric portion of the disk top surface, wherein the shaft is angled with the disk top surface by forty-five (45) degrees.

Abstract: A castor wheel assembly, alone or in combination with a patient support platform or mobile support cart, is provided. The mobile support cart includes a stop mode in which the castor wheels are prevented from rolling across the floor by a braking mechanism. The platform is capable of supporting devices that may be attached or associated with a patient throughout their stay at a healthcare facility. The castor wheel assembly can incorporate a braking mechanism operated by a cable that extends through a mounting plate.

Abstract: A caster assembly has a dual pivot assembly in the caster mounting that is laterally offset, whereby the caster wheels may not only pivot about a wheel pivot axis that extends through the plane of the caster wheel, but also revolve orbitally about a mounting pivot axis that is laterally offset from and parallel to the wheel axis. A transfer plate supports a pair of bearing assemblies, one of them securing a mounting post secured to the bottom of an object. The other bearing assembly supports a cylindrical head post that extends to a clevis-like bracket that supports a caster wheel.

Abstract: In one embodiment a bearing comprises an outer ring surrounding a central hub with inner and outer portions. In this embodiment, the inner portion is longer than the outer portion. The outer ring may be positioned between the inner portion and the outer portion of the central bearing hub. The outer ring may be offset relative to the center of the overall length of the bearing. A drive wheel may comprise a hub, a wheel portion, and a pair of bearings. In this embodiment, the wheel portion may be attached to an outer surface of the hub. The first bearing and the second bearing may be positioned within the hub such that an end of the first bearing abuts an end of the second bearing. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end of the hub and at least a portion of the second end of the hub are crimped inward.

Abstract: A caster includes a yoke for retaining a wheel, a bearing housing connected to the yoke and a replaceable shielded bearing occupying the bearing housing. The inner wall of the bearing housing is provided with a groove into which a retaining ring may be inserted to prevent the shielded bearing from escaping. A caster mounting assembly having a connecting member which passes through a central opening of the shielded bearing is configured to connect the yoke and the bearing housing to a rollable article, such as chair or table. In the event that the shielded bearing needs to be replaced, the caster may be disassembled, the retaining ring removed from the groove, a new shielded bearing substituted for the old shield bearing, the retaining ring replaced in the groove, and the caster reassembled.

Abstract: The invention relates a lockable caster wheel. The lockable caster wheel can be widely used in shopping carts, luggage carts, strollers, turnover carts, stretcher cars and many other trolleys. The controlling mechanism of the lockable caster wheel comprises a controller which comprises a signal receiving device and a locking device which is controlled by the controller. The locking mechanism further comprises a revolving damper which comprises a shell having a restricting structure and a damping wheel located inside the shell. The shell, through its restricting structure, separates from or connects with the locking device to form unlocked or locked states. The damping wheel connects with the wheel components. The caster wheel uses a damper. Beyond the allowed area of use, the trolleys can be slowly pushed for a few of meters because of the damper effect, but it will not suddenly stop completely. Therefore it will not present danger to the users.

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.

Abstract: A double offset caster system uses two sets of rotatable offsets relative to one another so that the caster can move relative to the load. The offset changes in order to change the relative offset between the caster position and the load.

Abstract: A castor includes a main body, two rollers, a plurality of rolls, two retaining members, and two covers. Thus, the rolls are rotatably mounted between the main body and the respective roller, so that each of the rollers is rotatable on the main body smoothly. In addition, the rolls and the rollers are made of the same material to reduce the friction between the rolls and the rollers during rotation of the castor, so that the rolls and the rollers are not easily worn out during a long-term utilization. Further, the rollers are covered by the covers so that only the through hole of the main body is exposed outwardly from the covers and the rollers, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the castor.

Abstract: The swivel caster includes a wheel, a yoke leg and a plastic top cap. The wheel is underneath and assembled with the yoke leg by a nut and axle which is through two axle holes of the yoke leg and the center of the wheel hub. There is an open hole in the yoke leg body so a metal shaft can bolt up inside and then be pressed into the inner hole of the plastic top cap. There is an insert molded into the yoke body hole and the upper part of the insert performs as a raceway. The king pin or metal shaft, extends through the insert and is then fixed with the plastic top cap. The raceway of the insert holds several small metal balls. The plastic top cap has a lip that forms a raceway for the small balls.

Abstract: The invention relates to a double roller (1) with two running wheels (2) and one carrier housing (3), wherein an assembly journal (6) is arranged on the carrier housing (3). An actuating tappet (15) can be displaced in the assembly journal against a spring force, interacting with a counter locking part (65) for directional and/or complete fixation. Furthermore, a running wheel braking part (25) with engaging parts (37, 38) is provided for blocking the rotation of the running wheels (2). The running wheel braking part (25) is likewise actuated by the actuating tappet (15) and furthermore the housing section (4) accommodating the actuating tappet (15) includes a ball bearing (8) on the upper side and surrounds the actuating tappet (15) at least partially toward the bottom. In order to enhance a double roller of this type, it is proposed to have the counter locking part (65) inserted underneath the ball bearing (9) in the part of the housing section (4) that opens only in regard to the inner opening.

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.

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.

Abstract: A castor includes a main body, two rollers, a plurality of rolls, two retaining members, and two covers. Thus, the rolls are rotatably mounted between the main body and the respective roller, so that each of the rollers is rotatable on the main body smoothly. In addition, the rolls and the rollers are made of the same material to reduce the friction between the rolls and the rollers during rotation of the castor, so that the rolls and the rollers are not easily worn out during a long-term utilization. Further, the rollers are covered by the covers so that only the through hole of the main body is exposed outwardly from the covers and the rollers, thereby enhancing the aesthetic quality of the castor.

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.

Abstract: A swivel caster suitable to be mounted in a transportation system wherein the caster includes a wheel secured on a shaft by means of a first roller bearing, the shaft being attached near its ends to the legs of a swivel fork having a body or supporting element connected with a casing of a second roller bearing such that the casing can be mounted on the transportation system. The transportation system includes a supporting platform composed of upper and lower plates wherein the caster wheel partly extends from the upper plate and wherein the bearing casing can be mounted on the bottom plate. The swivel caster is completely mounted in a device having an opening with a rim that can be connected on the upper plate such that replacement of a swivel caster can be carried out solely by removing the device from the upper platform.

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.

Abstract: A lightweight high capacity industrial caster which has three major parts, an upper assembly, a lower assembly, and a roller assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper plate with a first top surface and first bottom surface, the first bottom surface having a circular upper race groove within the plane of the upper plate, a kingpin having a top end and a bottom end, connected to the upper plate on the top end and extending downwardly away from the first bottom surface, the kingpin centered with respect to the circular upper race groove and an upper race insert carried in the upper race groove. The lower assembly includes a lower plate with a second top surface and second bottom surface, the second top surface having a circular lower race groove within the plane of the lower plate, a hole in the lower plate at the center of the circular lower race groove through which the kingpin extends, a lower race insert carried in the lower race groove, a first set of bearings carried in the lower race insert.

Abstract: A lightweight high capacity industrial caster which has three major parts, an upper assembly, a lower assembly, and a roller assembly. The upper assembly includes an upper plate with a first top surface and first bottom surface, the first bottom surface having a circular upper race groove within the plane of the upper plate, a kingpin having a top end and a bottom end, connected to the upper plate on the top end and extending downwardly away from the first bottom surface, the kingpin centered with respect to the circular upper race groove and an upper race insert carried in the upper race groove. The lower assembly includes a lower plate with a second top surface and second bottom surface, the second top surface having a circular lower race groove within the plane of the lower plate, a hole in the lower plate at the center of the circular lower race groove through which the kingpin extends, a lower race insert carried in the lower race groove, a first set of bearings carried in the lower race insert.

Abstract: A wheel for small vehicles and similar applications is provided, the wheel having a molded hub concentric about its axis, said hub having a single, precision bushing journaled within the hub concentric about said axis. Two thread guards sandwich the wheel, the guards having shanks which meet in the middle of the bushing and affix the guards to the wheel by friction. The guards may have a variety of axle channel diameters for various applications for the same wheel. The guards include wheel cover shields on their distal extremes which widen the effective diameter of the enclosed bushing and protect it from contamination.

Abstract: A castor assembly suitable for use in decks or dollies for moving freight or other heavy items includes a wheel, a carriage on which the wheel bracket is mounted for rotation about a first axis and a bearing enabling the carriage to rotate about a second axis at an angle different than the first axis, the first axis being offset from the second axis. The bearing includes an inner bearing ring and an outer bearing ring movable relative to one another. The inner bearing ring is secured for rotation with the carriage about the second axis. The inner bearing ring is disposed generally concentrically within the outer bearing ring and the carriage is disposed generally concentrically within the inner bearing ring. The inner and outer bearing rings and the carriage together form a substantially planar assembly.

Abstract: A fixing device for wheel seats of a baby stroller engaged and fixed each with/on one of the wheel seats, it has a fixing rod secured on the bottom of a foot. The fixing rod has one of its ends protruded down and out from a pipe mouth of the foot, the end is provided at least with a transverse slot. More than one push buttons are provided respectively in the transverse slots of the fixing rod and are displaceable transversely in the transverse slots. An elastic member is received in receiving holes on the push buttons. When the two push buttons are transversely pushed in the transverse slots, they are endued with elastic restoring function. When the foot with the fixing device thereon is extended in the axle hole of the wheel seat, the push buttons are appropriately pushed outwardly by the elastic member to have the bottom of the wheel seat limited by the push buttons from dropping. Assembling and dismantling of the wheel seats are very convenient.

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.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for a stroller includes a wheel base including a sleeve having an inner periphery containing a passage and an outer periphery transversely containing a cavity connecting to the passage, and an extension having a first end portion extending from the outer periphery of the sleeve and having an inner wall containing a receiving space connecting to the cavity. A wheel is rotatably mounted on a second end portion of the extension. A biasing member is pivotally received in the receiving space and includes a first end portion pressing on the inner wall containing the receiving space and a second end portion formed with a locking hook extending through the cavity into the passage.

Abstract: A castor comprises a fork (10) carrying an axle (11) which extends through an aperture in both limbs (12 and 13) and by which a single wheel comprising two discs (14 and 15) is mounted on the fork (10). A roller bearing (22) is mounted on the axle (11). Each disc, (14, 15) comprises a radially outwardly extending annular disc portion (23, 24) and a tubular portion (25, 26) which projects to one side of the respective disc portion (23, 24). The tubular portions (25 and 26) are snap-fitted together, one within the other, and together form the single wheel which has two rims (27 and 28). The roller bearing (22) is fitted into the bore of the tubular portion (26) whereby the single wheel is supported thereon for rotation. The tubular portion (26) provides a plain bearing support for the tubular portion (25) of the other disc (14). Relative angular movement between the discs (14 and 15) is possible because of that.

Abstract: A universal angle wheel assembly has a wheel holder plate, a main seat disposed on the wheel holder plate, a cover plate disposed on the main seat, a shaft extending from a top portion of the wheel holder plate, and a pivot pin fastening a wheel in the wheel holder plate. A positioning block is disposed in the main seat defining an upper hollow interior and a lower hollow interior. A guide hole is formed on the positioning block. A through hole is formed on a bottom of the main seat. A coiled spring, a bearing, and a cushion ring are inserted in the lower hollow interior. The shaft passes through the through hole, the cushion ring, the bearing, the coiled spring, and the guide hole. A round hole is formed on the shaft. A first positioning pin passes through the cushion ring and the round hole.

Abstract: A wheel assembly has a wheel holder seat having a hollow pivot end and two lugs, and a main seat having a reinforced main body, a hollow pivot cover, a notch, two inner flanges, an inner interior, and a post. The wheel holder seat has two laterals engaging with the inner flanges. A push rod has an upper recess hole. The push rod is inserted in the inner interior. A coiled spring has a lower portion inserted in the upper recess hole and an upper portion enclosing the post. The hollow pivot end is inserted in the hollow pivot cover. A pivot shaft fastens the hollow pivot cover and the hollow pivot end together. A pivot pin fastens a wheel between two lugs.

Abstract: A caster has a stationary hub with a bearing between the hub and a floor engaging wheel ring which allows the wheel ring to rotate relative to the hub. Torsional elastomeric elements mount the hub between spaced support arms radially inward of the bearing and are positioned eccentrically relative to the axis of rotation of the wheel ring so as to suspend the hub resiliently between the arms. In an alternate embodiment, the hub is cantilevered from a single support arm.

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.

Abstract: A retainer and bearing assembly in which the bearing members are formed as an integral component of, and are initially connected to the retainer, for separation upon assembly or use.

Abstract: A steering roller arrangement for a trackless floor vehicle in the form of a so-called three-wheeled vehicle is described. With this vehicle, in addition to two running wheels, a steering roller is provided which can be swiveled about a vertical axis by means of a ring mount for traveling in a curved line and to achieve a trailing effect. Relative to the rotatable part of the ring mount, the steering roller is movable between two opposite trailing positions such that, with a reversal of the direction of travel, the required alteration of the steering roller trailing effect is brought about by a corresponding adjustment of the steering roller. In this way uncontrolled veering of the vehicle is avoided which occur with conventional three-wheeled vehicles on account of the rotation of the steering roller by 180.degree. caused by the trailing effect of the steering roller. The steering roller is expediently displaceable in a straight line by a linear guide between the two trailing positions.

Abstract: A carriage for a mobile storage system, including a frame having an inverted U-shaped cross section, including two downwardly depending sides extending the length of the frame. A drive shaft is journaled to the frame and rotated by a prime mover. A drive wheel affixed to the drive shaft rotates with it. A driven shaft, journaled to the frame and oriented parallel to the drive shaft, carries a driven wheel within the frame, for moving the carriage along the rails. A drive chain or belt is provided for transmitting power from the drive wheel, via the driven shaft, to the driven wheel. The driven shaft is journaled to the frame by means of flangette bearings, each bearing affixed to a respective offset mounting bracket. Each bracket is affixed to one of the frame sides, there being insufficient clearance between the driven wheel and the frame sides for the placement of the flangette bearings.

Abstract: In a gravity rollerway conveyor having a plurality of resilient tired rollers with low frction bearings, the resilient tires are selected for various properties desired for the overall conveyor and are permanently preassembled on metallic cylindrical tubes for stockpiling, so that thereafter they may be selected for a particular job and mechanically force fit or cemented onto the outer race of a standard roller subassembly that has the bearing. In this manner, the secure assembly of the tire can be accomplished without contaminating or deteriorating the bearing or other parts of the roller subassembly.

Abstract: A self-orientatable twin wheel which includes a support which supports a pivot upon which are mounted a pair of wheels. The pair of wheels are provided with hollow tangs into which the pivot is inserted. Bushes with inner and outer collars are interposed between the pivot and tangs. The inner and outer collars engage with grooves provided in the pivot and tangs.

Abstract: A movable support which includes a first axle, two stub axles which are in line with one another and which extend in opposing directions from the first axle at right angles thereto, and two hemispherical members which are mounted, with respective convex surfaces outermost, for independent rotation on the respective stub axles, on opposing sides of the first axle. The movable support finds particular application in supporting a cleaning head of a suction type pool cleaner.

Abstract: A patient transfer cradle is made up of a flexible mounting plate which allows cradle wheels mounted to the underside of the plate to maintain contact with the rolling surface, whether it is level or not. A plurality of support rib members are disposed along the length of the mounting plate transversely relative to the long dimension of the plate. The ribs, which are secured to the upper surface of the mounting plate, are slidably engaged by a pair of elongated members which are coextensive with and disposed on either side of the plate. In this manner, the support ribs are capable of longitudinal movement relative to the elongated members permitting the cradle to flex without resistance from the elongated members.

Abstract: A belt conveyor includes an assembly of conveyor idler rollers for supporting a conveyor belt advancing thereon. Each conveyor idler roller includes a cylindrical body that is freely rotatable about a shaft. A keeper seal prevents axial displacement of the cylindrical body along the shaft and inhibits foreign matter from penetrating into the central opening of the cylindrical body. The keeper seal comprises a radially projecting collar at the proximal end of the shaft which mates with a radially projecting groove formed in the cylindrical body to prevent axial displacement of the cylindrical body along the shaft and to inhibit foreign matter from penetrating the central opening of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: A caster wheel assembly for replacing a tire on a wheel member having a hub portion, a web portion extending radially outwardly from the hub portion, and a first laterally extending rim portion. A circular member including a web portion removably fastened to the web portion of the wheel member and a second rim portion extending laterally and projecting oppositely relative to the first rim portion, the rims together having a V-shaped tire support surface when viewed in cross section. The tire includes a ring member having an outer and inner surface and a resilient member adhered to the outer surface. The inner surface is V-shaped when viewed in cross section. A fastening mechanism fastens the circular member to the wheel member to clamp and deform the outer surface of the ring in a friction fit against the tire support surface.

Abstract: A wheel bracket assembly includes two separate, platelike bracket parts which each have a noncircular opening therein and are disposed on opposite sides of a wheel in angular alignment. The ends of the axle for the wheel extend through the noncircular openings and the bracket parts are fixed against axial and rotational movement with respect to the axle. A method of making the wheel bracket assembly includes the steps of stamping out from at least one metal plate the two bracket parts which are substantially mirror images of each other and have the noncircular opening therethrough, placing the bracket parts in angular alignment on opposite sides of the wheel so that the ends of the axle extend through the noncircular openings, and upsetting each end of the axle to retain the bracket parts in place and so that the material of the axle flows to fill the noncircular openings in the bracket parts and thereby prevent relative rotation of the bracket parts.

Abstract: Desirable casters can be formed by using two separate, interfitting housing members to create the yoke of a caster. As these housing members are assembled they come together so as to hold the wheel of the caster generally between arms of the yoke (which are formed on the housing members) and so as to hold a shaft used in mounting the caster. Fasteners are provided so as to hold the housing members together in an operative configuration.