Abstract: A method of manufacturing a caster includes the step of integrally forming a caster horn having a web portion with a bearing cup and a pair of opposed leg portions. The web portion and the leg portion define a U-shaped, wheel-accomodating space. The bearing cup is disposed on a surface of the web portion opposite from the U-shaped wheel-accommodating space. A first end of a stem is then pressed into a bearing assembly such that the stem is vertically rotatable with respect to the caster horn. The bearing assembly is seated in the bearing cup. The bearing assembly may be secured to the bearing cup by means of a retainer and a plurality of fasteners. The fasteners engage the caster horn, covering the bearing cup while allowing access to a second end of the stem. A wheel is rotatably supported within the U-shaped wheel-accommodating space.

Abstract: A caster includes a U-shaped caster horn having a top web portion and two contiguous downwardly-extending leg portions to define a unitary, U-shaped member providing a wheel accommodating space. A wheel is rotatably supported in the space such that the caster horn partially covers the wheel, The caster horn features a fouling-resistant bearing cup integrally formed thereon for receiving and retaining a bearing assembly, which secures one end of an structure-supporting stem. A swivel cap with a hole formed in the center thereof is placed over the cup while allowing an opposite end of the stem to protrude therethrough. A brake mechanism supported by the caster horn may be operated to inhibit or prevent rotation of the wheel.