Abstract: A caster yoke for use in the manufacture of a set of wheeled caster assemblies wherein each caster assembly of the set of caster assemblies is capable of having unique functional capabilities relative to each other caster assembly of the set arising from different combinations of caster components (selected from a set of pre-determined of caster components) being mountable on each respective caster yoke of the set of wheeled caster assemblies. To this end, the caster yoke is provided with all of the mounting features necessary to selectively mount all of the respective caster components of the pre-determined set on the caster yoke, such that the same form of caster yoke may be used without modification as a mounting frame to create a set of caster assemblies having different functionalities, significantly reducing design, production and inventory costs for the set of caster assemblies.

Abstract: A selectively operable steering locking mechanism includes front and back pivot locks, each respective one selectively movable between: a locked configuration whereat a respective front, or back, caster of the cart is precluded from pivoting about its vertical axis; and an unlocked configuration whereat the respective front, or back, caster is free to pivot its vertical axis. An interconnection mechanism interconnects the front and back pivot locks for synchronized movement between: a front-locked steering configuration whereat the front and back pivot locks are in the locked and unlocked configurations respectively; and a back-locked steering configuration whereat the front and back pivot locks are in the unlocked and locked configurations respectively. A control mechanism connects to the interconnection mechanism for its selected movement between the front-locked and back-locked steering configurations. A cart provided with the selectively operable steering locking mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A caster yoke for use in the manufacture of a set of wheeled caster assemblies wherein each caster assembly of the set of caster assemblies is capable of having unique functional capabilities relative to each other caster assembly of the set arising from different combinations of caster components (selected from a set of pre-determined of caster components) being mountable on each respective caster yoke of the set of wheeled caster assemblies. To this end, the caster yoke is provided with all of the mounting features necessary to selectively mount all of the respective caster components of the pre-determined set on the caster yoke, such that the same form of caster yoke may be used without modification as a mounting frame to create a set of caster assemblies having different functionalities, significantly reducing design, production and inventory costs for the set of caster assemblies.

Abstract: A selectively operable steering locking mechanism includes front and back pivot locks, each respective one selectively movable between: a locked configuration whereat a respective front, or back, caster of the cart is precluded from pivoting about its vertical axis; and an unlocked configuration whereat the respective front, or back, caster is free to pivot its vertical axis. An interconnection mechanism interconnects the front and back pivot locks for synchronized movement between: a front-locked steering configuration whereat the front and back pivot locks are in the locked and unlocked configurations respectively; and a back-locked steering configuration whereat the front and back pivot locks are in the unlocked and locked configurations respectively. A control mechanism connects to the interconnection mechanism for its selected movement between the front-locked and back-locked steering configurations. A cart provided with the selectively operable steering locking mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A caster yoke for use in the manufacture of a set of wheeled caster assemblies. Each wheeled caster assembly of the set of wheeled caster assemblies has unique functional capabilities relative to each other wheeled caster assembly of the set, which unique functional capabilities arise from a respective combination of one or more caster components mounted on the caster yoke. The caster yoke has all of the mounting features necessary to selectively mount all of the respective caster components of the set of wheeled caster assemblies on the caster yoke. In this manner, the same caster yoke may be used without modification of its structure as a key structural component common to the entire set of wheeled caster assemblies thereby significantly reducing production and inventory costs for the set of caster assemblies.

Abstract: A caster assembly is provided which may include an attachment means for attaching the caster assembly to a base of an object, a caster yoke, and a cam assembly operable in at least three states. The caster yoke is operable to swivel relative to the attachment means. The cam assembly may include an actuating means for operating the cam assembly, a swivel lever mechanism and a brake lever mechanism in communication with a cam. When in a first state, the wheel rotates freely and the caster yoke swivels freely. When in a second state, a first swivel brake is engaged by the swivel lever mechanism to lock the caster yoke in a predetermined orientation while the wheel is allowed to rotate freely. When in a third state, a wheel brake is engaged by the brake lever mechanism to stop the wheel from rotating freely and a second swivel brake is simultaneously engaged to stop the caster yoke from swivelling.

Abstract: A caster assembly is provided which may include an attachment means for attaching the caster assembly to a base of an object, a caster yoke, and a cam assembly operable in at least three states. The caster yoke is operable to swivel relative to the attachment means. The cam assembly may include an actuating means for operating the cam assembly, a swivel lever mechanism and a brake lever mechanism in communication with a cam. When in a first state, the wheel rotates freely and the caster yoke swivels freely. When in a second state, a first swivel brake is engaged by the swivel lever mechanism to lock the caster yoke in a predetermined orientation while the wheel is allowed to rotate freely. When in a third state, a wheel brake is engaged by the brake lever mechanism to stop the wheel from rotating freely and a second swivel brake is simultaneously engaged to stop the caster yoke from swivelling.