Abstract: A shock resistant caster includes two structures one of which is connectable to a unit to be supported, and the second of which carries a wheel and is connected to the first structure for pivotal movement relative thereto. A cushion formed of elastomeric material is positioned to be compressed upon imposition of a load on the caster, to attain a cushioned support of the load, and may be held in position by a locating pin connected to one of the two relatively movable structures and extending through a passage in the cushion. The wheel preferably has an elastomeric portion formed of a material which is softer than the elastomeric material of the cushion, with the overall effect of the entire assembly being to produce a ride which is soft under low load conditions and becomes progressively stiffer in non-linear fashion as the load increases to optimize the support of the carried unit under all conditions.

Abstract: A shock resistant caster assembly having a wheel positioned in a housing formed of at least two sections vertically displaceable with respect to each other, one of the housing sections being coupled to the wheel at its rotational axis. A shock pad of elastomeric material is positioned between the housing sections for resiliently cushioning the vertical displacement between the housing sections.

Abstract: This invention relates to a socket for mounting casters and which preferably is of integral construction, made from a flat blank and formed to provide an upstanding tubular socket of opposed semi-circular sections, tapered adjacent their upper portion and partially overlapping at the top end of the tube, with spurs projecting outwardly thereof intermediate the height of the tube and having a bottom flange including upstanding teeth having wedge shaped top edges.

Abstract: A plastic grip ring for a caster assembly comprising a ring shaped member having a tapered outer perimeter with an interior surface including a cylindrical collar portion, a larger diameter cylindrical bottom portion merging with the collar portion by an arcuate, tapered connecting portion and a notched area extending vertically of the interior surface wherein the bottom portion and the notched area provide means for mounting the ring over the head of a caster stem.

Abstract: A composite caster comprised of an insert made from a thermo-plastic material, such as nylon, having certain characteristics and a tread portion made from a second type of plastic material, such as urethane, having different characteristics, with the tread portion molded directly onto the insert to provide an integrated whole, with the insert formed with rim elements having positive interlocking relationships with the molded on tread portion.