Abstract: A multiple directional wheel including a wheel frame comprising identical component parts. Each of the wheel frame components comprise: a hub having a main axis about which the multiple directional wheel is adapted to rotate; a hub rim radially surrounding the hub; a first plurality of peripheral roller supporting arms (“first arms”) radially extending from the hub rim and aligned in a first plane; and a second plurality of peripheral roller supporting arms, each member arm of the second plurality of peripheral roller supporting arms having a radially inner base and being circumferentially offset with respect to diagonally adjacent members of the first plurality of peripheral roller supporting arms.

Abstract: An assembled roller comprising a cylindrical bush having eight external rib surface features and an over-molded roller. The joining edge of the opposing component parts comprises, in axial end profile, a ramp section comprising a ramp surface. The ramp surfaces lie in planes that are parallel or slightly offset by 1° to 20° to the direction or angle of approach of the respective opposed component part immediately prior to engagement, so that the ramp surfaces are adapted to slidingly engage across ramp surfaces in a resistance, rather than snap, fit. This arrangement forms a catch that will hold the component part halves together during an over-molding process as long as the ends of the bush are retarded against axial displacement.

Abstract: A multiple directional wheel including a wheel frame comprising identical component parts. Each of the wheel frame components comprise: a hub having a main axis about which the multiple directional wheel is adapted to rotate; a hub rim radially surrounding the hub; a first plurality (four shown) of peripheral roller supporting arms (“first arms”) radially extending from the hub rim and aligned in a first plane; and a second plurality of peripheral roller supporting arms (“second arms”), each member arm of the second plurality of peripheral roller supporting arms having a radially inner base and being circumferentially offset with respect to diagonally adjacent members of the first plurality of peripheral roller supporting arms.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wheel rotatable about a main axis and having a plurality of peripheral rollers mounted on peripheral axles aligned tangentially about the wheel and radially spaced from the main axis, each peripheral axle joined to adjacent other peripheral axles to form a continuous ring comprising the peripheral axles, the method including the steps of: molding each peripheral axle in a die having a cylindrical cycle for forming the axle shaft of the peripheral axle without longitudinal separation tines, the peripheral axles each having a receiving head portion for receiving a free end of the axle shaft of an adjacent peripheral axle; mounting a roller on each axle shaft; joining the peripheral axles together to form a continuous ring of peripheral axles; and molding a wheel body including a support structure around the continuous ring.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wheel rotatable about a main axis and having a plurality of peripheral rollers mounted on peripheral axles aligned tangentially about the wheel and radially spaced from the main axis, each peripheral axle joined to adjacent other peripheral axles to form a continuous ring comprising the peripheral axles, the method including the steps of: molding each peripheral axle in a die having a cylindrical cycle for forming the axle shaft of the peripheral axle without longitudinal separation tines, the peripheral axles each having a receiving head portion for receiving a free end of the axle shaft of an adjacent peripheral axle; mounting a roller on each axle shaft; joining the peripheral axles together to form a continuous ring of peripheral axles; and molding a wheel body including a support structure around the continuous ring.

Abstract: An assembled roller comprising a cylindrical bush having eight external rib surface features and an over-molded roller. The joining edge of the opposing component parts comprises, in axial end profile, a ramp section comprising a ramp surface. The ramp surfaces lie in planes that are parallel or slightly offset by 1° to 20° to the direction or angle of approach of the respective opposed component part immediately prior to engagement, so that the ramp surfaces are adapted to slidingly engage across ramp surfaces in a resistance, rather than snap, fit. This arrangement forms a catch that will hold the component part halves together during an over-molding process as long as the ends of the bush are retarded against axial displacement.

Abstract: A method of assembling a wheel rotatable about a main axis and having a plurality of peripheral rollers mounted on peripheral axles aligned tangentially about the wheel and radially spaced from the main axis, each peripheral axle joined to adjacent other peripheral axles to form a continuous ring comprising the peripheral axles, the method including the steps of: molding each peripheral axle in a die having a cylindrical cycle for forming the axle shaft of the peripheral axle without longitudinal separation tines, the peripheral axles each having a receiving head portion for receiving a free end of the axle shaft of an adjacent peripheral axle; mounting a roller on each axle shaft; joining the peripheral axles together to form a continuous ring of peripheral axles; and molding a wheel body including a support structure around the continuous ring.