Abstract: The device of the invention comprises an adjuster 6 having a supporting end 6a in contact with a floor F to support a foldable table 1 in restrained condition, a caster 7 movable between a retracted position A where the supporting end 7a thereof at least contacts the floor F simultaneously with the supporting end 6a of the adjuster 6 and a projecting position B where the supporting end 7a projects toward the floor F beyond the supporting end 6a of the adjuster 6, and an urging mechanism 80 for urging the caster 7 toward the floor F with a force greater than the gravity acting on the foldable table 1 when the caster 7 is at or adjacent the projecting position and with a force smaller than the gravity acting on the foldable table 1 when the caster 7 is at or adjacent the retracted position.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a molded tubular wheel-mounting member and an annular wheel. The wheel-mounting member has a left portion for press-fitting into an open end of a wheel-bearing tube, and a right portion formed with a closed end wall. A first outward flange projects radially from the closed end wall. A second inward flange is disposed circumferentially on the right portion and is inboard to the first outward flange, thereby defining an annular groove between the first and second outward flanges. The second outward flange has an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of the wheel-bearing tube to abut against the wheel-bearing tube and limit axial extension of the wheel-mounting member when the left portion is press-fitted into the wheel-bearing tube.

Abstract: A three-wheel pivot-caster assembly that provides mobility for a power tool is described. The pivot-caster assembly includes a first frame assembly with two wheels and a second frame assembly that has a caster assembly which includes a swivel wheel. The first and second frame assemblies may be adjusted to accommodate power tools of various sizes. Additionally, a "stopping" mechanism is provided to maintain the swivel caster in its set position when the power tool is lifted. A straight line action clamp mechanism with locking feature prevents accidental actuation of the swivel caster when the tool is lifted or used over an uneven surface.

Abstract: Automatically retractable and extendable wheel assembly is disclosed for use in conjunction with luggage cases, especially upright carry-on luggage cases and garment bags. Luggage wheels automatically extend to provide a luggage case which is tilted and with a long wheel base so that the case may comfortably and with stability be pushed or pulled across the floor upon three or more wheels, thereby removing the weight of the case from the user's arm. When the case is removed from the floor, the luggage wheels automatically retract to a protected position, thereby reducing the overall dimensions of the case to permit it to be carried aboard aircraft and stored in overhead luggage bins. Apparatus is disclosed for preventing inadvertent retraction of a wheel when the wheel encounters a pebble or crack in the floor.

Abstract: A portable and transportable workstation having a cabinet having top and bottom walls joined by opposed side walls all joined to an upright rear wall, the cabinet defining an interior compartment accessible through an open upright front side, and a door connected by a hinge along a front edge of the cabinet for horizontal swinging movement of the door between open and closed positions. The cabinet mounts therein furniture components such as a shelf, and a slidable drawer unit. The door includes a vertically enlarged front panel secured to a peripheral edge wall which defines a shallow compartment which is accessible when the door is open. A table top is stored in a vertical upright orientation and positioned within the shallow compartment and supported by the door. A height-adjustable braking roller assembly is mounted on a lower free corner of the door and has a height-adjustable roller adapted for load-bearing engagement with a floor.

Abstract: A forklift truck having a drive wheel and a plurality of support wheels and a mounting arrangement for independently adjusting the vertical position of each support wheel. The mounting arrangement includes a cylindrical pivot sleeve attached to the forklift truck and a cylindrical pivot member coaxial with the cylindrical pivot sleeve and longitudinally and rotatably adjustable in the cylindrical pivot sleeve. A support wheel is pivotally mounted on the lower end of the cylindrical pivot member and a pin is provided adjacent to the lower end of the cylindrical pivot member for locking the cylindrical pivot member in one of at least two vertical positions in the cylindrical pivot sleeve.

Abstract: A transportable office work station enclosure with door and retractable casters, adequate interior room to stow a chair when closed, a desktop that is a level, full size, load bearing, wheelchair-accessible work surface but incorporates a front section that is alternatively vertically adjustable for use with a keyboard, overhead storage for major computer components with an elevator for raising and lowering them to user height, internal plug-in outlets prewired to external connectors for phone and power hookups, and interior cabinets for storage.

Abstract: An improved snap-on height adjustment spacer clip is provided for height adjustment of wheeled frames including at least one ground-engageable wheel assembly. The snap-on clip includes a pair of mutually opposed, resiliently spreadable arms integrally connected at one end and disconnected at the opposite end. The clip arms are sized for embracing the spindle portion of the wheel assembly when installed, and are sized to permit the arms to yieldably flex toward and away from one another as the spindle passes transversely between the arms during installation and removal of the clip. The clip preferably includes a pair of mutually opposed, resiliently compressible hand knobs for use in clip installation and removal.

Abstract: A detachable dolly for moving heavy electronic equipment employs a mounting bracket and a wheel assembly, the mounting bracket having a support plate and a mating flange. The mounting bracket is secured to the equipment by the support plate, having at least one lifting dowel, and at least one mounting bolt. The wheel assembly has a wheel mounted within a wheel bracket and a rotation adjustment mechanism for raising and lowering the wheel and is detachably engaged with the mating flange on the mounting bracket by the use of a mating member. The mating member is movably coupled with the adjustment assembly such that when the mating member is engaged with the mating flange, rotation of the adjustment assembly serves to vertically raise or lower the equipment.

Abstract: A wheelchair frame assembly is provided with a foot rest mounting assembly and a caster mounting assembly that are mounted on side frame assemblies. The foot rest mounting assembly includes two foot plate mounting bars connected to respective side frame assemblies for mounting a foot plate. The foot plate mounting bars are positioned such that they angle inwardly towards one another to provide support for the lower portions of the legs and to allow easier movement into tight spaces. A foot plate is mounted to the end of each foot plate mounting bar in a manner that compensates for the obliquely downwardly extending and inwardly tapered nature of the foot plate mounting bar. The caster mounting assembly includes a fork that is provided with a plurality of holes for mounting casters of progressively greater diameter and for providing greater trail for progressively greater diameter casters.

Abstract: A retracting caster assembly is provided with a frame, a lever, a spring, a roller, and a manual retracting bolt. The lever is pivotally connected to the frame. The roller is connected to a first end of the lever. A spring loading member connects the spring to a second end of the lever. The spring biases the lever at a first position with the roller extended from the frame. The manual retracting bolt is adapted to manually move the lever to a second position with the roller retracted. The lever is suitably sized, shaped, and connected to the frame to hold the frame at a minimum predetermined distance from the ground until a predetermined weight is applied to the frame, at which point the linkage and lever arrangement decreases the mechanical advantage of the spring as the roller retracts, thereby minimizing the force required to retract the roller.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular seating unit comprised of a plurality of chairs carried by a plurality of pedestals. The pedestals at each end of the seating unit have two casters which are movable into and out of operative position. The pedestal base may be attached to a floor by threaded bolts which are resiliently and retractably mounted to the base. Threaded bolts are supported by a coil spring which holds the bolt in an upward position to prevent damage to the threads at the end of the bolt. Threaded inserts built into the floor are color coded and are arranged in patterns which allow for placement of the seating units in various arrays. Plug-like devices are used to protect the threaded inserts and to keep debris out of the insert.

Abstract: A dolly structure mounted at each end of a display rack is disclosed. It has, at each end of the rack, a pair of flat frames removably fixed to a vertical shelf post in a manner such that the two flat frames are aligned and coplanar. A pair of caster assemblies are mounted on the outer side members of the frames, outwardly of the base of the display rack. Each assembly has a caster which is movable between a low and a high position such as to allow lifting of the rack from the ground when it is intended to displace it.

Abstract: A caster retention device is disclosed that supresses flutter or shimmy of a caster wheel and that is easily adjustable. The device includes a caster stem receiving chamber in which a bushing is disposed. The bushing receives a caster stem assembly that includes bearing elements. An adjustable locking device secures the stem assembly within the bushing and is positioned at an opening of the receiving chamber. In one embodiment the device may include first and second collars that are useful for adjusting a preload on the bearings.

Abstract: A glide support assembly for adjustably mounting a glide on an article, such as a divider panel for dividing a building into a room area. This particularly relates to the details of a support tube arrangement which is inexpensively constructed from sheet metal and is rolled into a tubular form. An upper portion of the tube is provided with axial lances while below the axial lances there are transverse lances which serve to support a washer which restricts the penetration of the upper portion of the tube into the article. In order to save metal, the lower portion of the tube is of a reduced diameter.

Abstract: A system for mounting, removal, and storage of a snowplow includes a caster removably mounted on the rear crossbar of the plow A-frame. The caster shaft is threaded for adjustability of the vertical position of the crossbar. Front wheels are removably mounted on the right and left ends of the plow blade.

Abstract: A caster with an installation base comprises a shaft to be secured to a leg or bottom of a machine or instrument, a frame rotatably mounted on the shaft, movement wheels supported on the frame, an installation base arranged unrotatably and vertically movable on the frame, and a handle member for vertically moving the installation base. The frame comprises a connecting portion rotatably mounted on the shaft and an axle supporting portion for supporting an axle of the movement wheels. The installation base comprises a first portion arranged in the periphery of the connecting portion of the frame and formed in the outer peripheral surface with an external thread and a second portion positioned below the shaft to come into contact with an installation surface.

Abstract: A castor, which can efficiently absorb shock and the ball wheel of which can be alternatively received in or protruding beyond a cup-like shield thereof for positioning or moving. The caster comprises a sleeve which is secured to a hoop on the frame of a baby-walker for receiving a spring and a central shaft which comprises a ball wheel on the bottom. The sleeve comprises a Z-shaped track on its wall surface for the sliding and positioning therein of a lateral guide which is inserted therethrough and secured to the central shaft. A cup-like shield is secured to the bottom end of the sleeve to protect the ball wheel.

Abstract: Convertible leg/roller structure for supporting an easel or other object in either a stationary position or a movable position. The leg can be moved to position either a stationary pad or a roller in contact with the ground or other supporting surface. A latch is provided for locking the leg in one of these two positions.

Abstract: An improved adjustable wheel structure mainly adapted for use in a trailing vehicle on which a yacht, boat or motorcycle can be mounted for transportation; the present wheel structure is provided with a special nut member having its inner surface half threaded and half smoothed, and the nut member is able to be adjusted forward or backward so that the threaded inner surface thereof can be selectively engaged with a vertically disposed adjusting screw rod which has a smaller diameter than the central through hole of the slidable nut member so that the wheel structure can be smoothly adjusted in height; as the threaded side of the nut member is adjusted to disengage from the screw rod with the smoothed side thereof in contact with the adjusting screw rod, the wheel structure can be adjusted quickly rather than in stepwise manner.

Abstract: A retractable caster to facilitate moving an object. The caster comprises a frame having a planar base and sides circumscribing the base to form a cavity having an opening. The frame is secured to the bottom of the object. A first rigid flap is provided secured to the frame by a hinge to swing about an axis between open position perpendicular to the base and closed position parallel to but spaced from the base to close at least a portion of the cavity opening. A wheel is rotatably supported by a wheel support assembly secured to the flap. A portion of the wheel extends beyond the lower edge of the flap when in open position. An articulated strut is secured to and extends between a portion of the frame and the wheel support assembly. The strut folds when the wheel is in retracted position so that the wheel, wheel support and strut are fitted within the cavity between the base and the flap in closed position. A lock is provided with the strut for releasably locking the strut in operable position.

Abstract: A dispensing rack has a knockdown construction that permits quick and easy assembly and disassembly without any tools. The rack construction is also modular to facilitate varying the size and shape of the rack, and to greatly reduce manufacturing and transportation costs. Hanging row dividers stabilize and separate adjacent stacks of articles. Adjustable shelf jacks and casters provide additional rigidity for the shelves, and facilitate moving the rack from one location to another. A header assembly permits use of common parts to construct a low profile version of the rack.

Abstract: An improved trailer jack has a castor structure enabling use of a full size spare trailer wheel and tire on the jack; the jack has a gear box mechanism, a lift post drivable up and down by the gearbox, and a lift element pivotally journaled inside the post; the lift element has an offset structure which raises the spare axle axis up to a level above the bottom of the post and the axle is spaced to one side so that when the full size spare wheel and tire is used, it pulls up into a locked storage position above and alongside on the trailer tongue, when the spare is down, it swivels completely around under the tongue and around the lift post. The trailer is much easier to manually manipulate in a garage or driveway.An improved lift assembly with a unique swiveling lift member having both a trailing offset and transverse offset is utilized.

Abstract: A supporting roller assembly for a household appliance includes a fixed rear roller and a height-adjustable front roller. The front roller has a frame for mounting against a flat surface on the underside of the appliance, together with a vertically extending front wall at the front of the appliance mounting the head of an adjustment screw. The roller is carried on a roller carrier which is pivotally mounted on the frame member and carries a captive nut engaging the screw so that rotation of the screw causes the roller carrier to rotate about its pivotal engagement to raise and lower the front end of the appliance. The fixed rear roller assembly has a frame which snaps into an opening in a bottom wall of the appliance. The bottom wall has upwardly projecting flanges which overlay a press-in axle carried by the roller frame and journaling the roller and the flanges prevent any lengthwise movement of the axle which would cause it to disengage from the ears on the frame.

Abstract: A rotatable disk mounted to a baseplate at each corner of a refuse compactor pivots between a first orientation having a horizontal axis of rotation for operation as a wheel and a second orientation having a vertical axis of rotation for operation as a leg. The disk is mounted on a bearing support that interfits with elongated slots formed in the baseplate to enable the height of any corner of the compactor, independent of the orientation of the disk, to be adjusted. In one embodiment, the bearing support comprises a nylon block into which an axle of the rotatable disk is snap-fit. In another embodiment, the bearing support comprises an angle bracket to which the axle is welded.

Abstract: An adjustable roller assembly for supporting and leveling an appliance including a rail secured to the appliance and having a keyhole opening with a horizontal stationary base frame secured to the rail. A bracket having a bottom end is pivotally secured to the base frame and the top end of the bracket has a threaded nut spaced from the keyhole opening in the rail. A roller is rotatably secured to the bottom end of the bracket and is movable up and down relative to the stationary base frame in response to pivotal movement of the bracket. A horizontally disposed bolt having a head portion, a shank portion, a threaded portion, and an unthreaded terminal end portion is provided with the shank portion passing through the keyhole opening in the rail. The head portion is located on one side of the rail, and the threaded portion on the opposite side of the rail and threadingly engages the nut.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing an adjusting screw having a nut thereon to an hollow leg of a scaffolding frame to prevent loss of the adjusting screw when the scaffolding frame is tilted or raised. The apparatus includes a swivel that allows turning of the handle nut while the adjusting screw remains secured to the leg of the scaffolding frame.

Abstract: A boom assembly has an upright stand with a vertical hollow post and on top of which is mounted an elongated hollow boom adjustable in orientation in both vertical and horizontal directions. A linear extention member for the boom is also in the form of a hollow tube. The stand includes a plurality of legs each in the form of a hollow tube and there are a plurality of foot elements such as casters. The different parts of the assembly are secured together by couplings that preferably are the same in each case. Such couplings include a hollow body with an exterior surface of a size and shape to be inserted within an adjacent hollow tube. A pair of laterally-opposite slots continue longitudinally inward from one end of the body. A lateral spreader is of a size and shape to be located within that one end of the body. A lever has one end portion inserted within the spreader to effect spreading thereof upon lateral deflection of the other end of the lever.

Abstract: A caster wherein the wheel can be braked by a reciprocable or pivotable brake shoe and the wheel frame can be held against swiveling relative to its carrier by an integral part of the carrier in cooperation with a reciprocable or pivotable component which shares the swiveling movements of the wheel frame and can directly or indirectly engage the internal teeth of such integral part. The integral part of the carrier and the reciprocable or pivotable component are installed in a chamber which is defined by the carrier and the wheel frame. The reciprocable or pivotable component is connected to the wheel frame in a plane which is different from the plane of the integral part of the carrier so that the forces which develop when the device including the integral component of the frame and the reciprocable or pivotable component is called upon to hold the wheel frame against swiveling movement are not concentrated in a single portion of such device.

Abstract: A hood bumper assembly which may be used, for example, to adjustably align the hood of an automobile with the adjacent fenders as the hood is brought down into locked engagement over the engine compartment. The assembly includes a workpiece, which may be the framework of the engine compartment, having an aperture and a helical internal marginal portion defined around the aperture, and a member having an end with a spherical surface portion arranged to engage the hood when closed and a shank portion including a helical thread adapted to be threadingly received by the aperture. The assembly further includes detent means carried by the shank and the workpiece for releasably locking the shank within the aperture against rotation at predetermined rotational intervals. The spherical surface portion of the member end is arranged to coact with a stamped recess in the underside of the hood to prevent lateral vibration of the hood and to positively locate the hood in proper position when it is closed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to fireplace insert apparatus and particularly relates to the use of anti-friction rollers for aiding insert installation. Guides are mounted upon the opposite sides of a fireplace insert each receiving a bracket slidable in an oblique direction by a threaded rod adjustment. Rollers mounted upon the brackets support the rear region of the insert during installation, the inclination of bracket adjustment rod permits access from the insert front region, and the bracket is retained within its guide by a friction detent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading pipeline from the shore onto a reel mounted on a vessel adjacent to the shore whereby the reel may be pivoted from its normal operational position in which the reel axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vessel to a position in which the reel axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the vessel so as to thereby permit the vessel to be anchored parallel to the shore while the pipe-loading operation is being conducted.

Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly for an article of luggage has a housing formed with side and end walls, closed top and open bottom. The housing fits into an opening in a side of the luggage and has a peripheral flange for attachment to the luggage. The housing has a well in which is a fork supporting a rotatable wheel. The fork is rotatable on a stationary pin and is movable laterally on the pin. A coil spring on the pin biases the fork against an abutment in the well so the fork and wheel are held retracted in the well. A catch cooperates with the spring in holding the fork and wheel retracted. When the catch is disengaged the fork can be rotated on the pin to an outward position where the coil spring moves the fork laterally into engagement with a flat, U-shaped bracket at the bottom of the housing. There the fork is held extended until moved manually laterally against the bias of the spring to disengage the fork from the bracket, so that the fork and wheel can be rotated into the well.

Abstract: A spring loaded, adjustable caster is disclosed which is used in combination with a rolling ladder. The adjustable caster comprises a wheel, a wheel mount for mounting the wheel, a longitudinal adjustable shank including a connecting rod having a threaded bore and a threaded shaft disposed in screwthreaded engagement with each other, whereby the length of the longitudinal adjustable shank may be varied. A jam nut is disposed in threadingly fitted engagement on the threaded shaft intermediate to the connecting rod and the wheel mount, whereby the jam nut may be rotated into a biasing relationship to the connecting rod. The caster further includes a sleeve adapted for sliding support of the connecting rod and with a spring disposed within the sleeve to provide a compressed relationship between the sleeve and the connecting rod. The sleeve is then mounted on a rolling ladder.

Abstract: A retractable roller assembly for luggage and the like which has a casing adapted to be secured to the luggage having an elongated opening on a lower edge. The side walls of the casing have a pair of aligned circular sockets which fittedly and rotatably receive circular cheek-plates of a bifurcated yoke. A roller is mounted between the cheek-plates for rotation about an axis eccentric to the axis of rotation of the cheek-plates so that the roller can be moved between a hidden position entirely within the casing and an operative position extending from the casing, by rotatably adjusting the yoke.