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.

Abstract: A foot operated locking brake mechanism for preventing the rotation of a caster wheel supported on an axle within a wheel fork. A pair of support members secured to the legs of the wheel fork extend radially outward of the caster wheel. The legs of a U-shaped operating member are pivotally supported on the support members radially inward of the outer circumference of the caster wheel. A brake pad support arm is pivotally mounted on the support members radially outward of the outer circumference of the caster wheel. A cam follower which is supported between the legs of the U-shaped member engages a cam surface provided on the brake pad support arm when the U-shaped member is pivoted to move the cam follower closer to the caster wheel. When the cam follower is engaged with the cam surface, a brake pad carried by the brake support arm is locked in engagement with the caster wheel tread.

Abstract: A castor braking mechanism for use on a castor having a wheel, the hub of which wheel is mounted on an axle between a pair of legs. The braking mechanism includes a cam member mounted between one side of the wheel hub and a leg, and a cam engaging member located on the outside of the same leg. The axle passes through hole in both members. Retaining members at each end of the axle are spaced apart, such that when the cam member and the cam engaging member are in a first position with respect to each other the wheel is free to rotate, and when the cam engaging member is rotated in either direction with respect to the cam member, they are forced apart from each other so as to apply an axial force between the retaining means to the hub of the wheel to impede or prevent rotation of the wheel.