Abstract: A cable manager grommet insertable into a cutout in a furniture panel, the cutout having an edge surface with a slot formed therein, the grommet having a transverse collar and a ridge extending therefrom, wherein the transverse collar lines the cutout edge surface, with the ridge inserted into the slot.

Abstract: An improved snap-in connector incorporating a liner or insert for the outbound end of the snap-in connector that comprises a generally cylindrical body having an outer periphery and inbound and outbound ends is described. The insert includes at least two, preferably three and most preferably four tabs that extend outwardly from the outer periphery of the inbound end and engage cast-in recesses in the inner periphery the outbound end of the snap-in connector. Also extending outwardly from the outer periphery of the liner or insert at points between the inbound and outbound ends of the liner or insert, and radially offset from the first set of tabs, is a second set of tabs, and preferably four in number that engage the outermost outbound end surface of the snap-in connector.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a grommet including a cylindrical body fabried from rubber or synthetic rubber material. The body has a centrally located aperture extending therethrough and at least one radially located aperture with a slit for easily receiving a cable or the like. The grommet further includes a rigid insert secured to the body in the centrally located aperture. The insert has female threads formed therein for releasably securing a tool thereto to remove the grommet from the ballast tank without destroying the body of the grommet. The insert has a tubular member and an outwardly projecting circumferential flange formed on the tubular member. The body is formed on the tubular member wherein the flange secures the insert axially with respect to the body. Preferably, the body is fabricated from neoprene and is vulcanized to its final form.

Abstract: In a conventional grommet, that portion of a tapering, reduced-diameter portion, extending from an insertion hole of a minimum diameter to an insertion hole of a maximum diameter, is linearly varying. Therefore, when enlarging the diameter of the reduced-diameter portion, a large diameter-enlarging force is required, and the efficiency of the operation is low. A grommet 21 of the invention includes a mounting base portion 27 of a different-diameter tubular shape having a larger outer-diameter portion 23 at one end thereof and a smaller outer-diameter portion 25 at the other end thereof, and an annular groove 31 for fitting on a peripheral edge of a hole, formed through a panel of a vehicle, is formed in an outer peripheral surface of the larger outer-diameter portion 23, and the interior of the mounting base portion 27 defines a passage space 29 for a wire harness.

Abstract: An enclosure for telecommunications equipment has one or more swivel stubs extending from the sides of the enclosures. When enclosures are mounted stacked end to end on a wall, access to a swivel stub is not prevented by other enclosures, thereby allowing an enclosure to be added or replaced without having to remove any other enclosures. In one embodiment, the configuration of the enclosures does not limit the number of enclosures that can be stacked end to end. The present invention removes the need for a special mounting bracket to provide clearance for the swivel stubs between the back of the enclosure and the mounting surface.

Abstract: A grommet including a cylindrical wire fitting portion for fitting on and holding a wire harness passing therethrough, and a panel fitting portion of a substantially oval tubular shape for being elastically deformed to be fitted in a through-hole of an oval shape formed through a panel. Straight portions of an abutment flange portion of the panel fitting portion are convex to be larger in thickness than arcuate portions of the abutment flange portion.

Abstract: A snap in locking cable connector is composed of two mating pieces that snap together and provide a connector for armored or metal clad electrical conductors. One piece includes a member including a smooth outer cylindrical section having an inner diameter that may accommodate a spring steel adaptor with flanges to hold the spring steel adaptor in place. The spring steel adaptor is used in conjunction with an electrical junction box to fix the location of the locking cable connector with respect to the junction box. Another piece includes a spring steel locking ring provided to receive an armored cable and lock into the member. The spring steel locking ring has tangs allowing unidirectional insertion into the member and restricting withdrawal motion from the member. The spring steel locking ring also includes oppositely directed tangs to permit reception of the armored cable in one direction and restrict its movement in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A bushing system for isolating movement of a rotatable member from a releasable fastener used to secure the member to a support structure. The rotatable member may be a strap and the support structure may include a wall of a boot or a binding. The bushing may include a shaft having, at one end, a network of rotation resistant radially extending teeth or interlocks that cooperates with a complementary network of interlocks provided in the support structure about a mounting hole. The interlocks may have rounded or angled sidewalls that converge at a tip to encourage the bushing and support structure to mesh together. The tip is preferably substantially pointed with a fine edge, a rounded edge or a substantially narrow flat edge. A bore through the shaft is adapted to receive a screw or other fastener for securing the bushing to the support structure at the mounting hole. The bushing extends through an opening in the strap mounting the strap for rotation relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A grommet used with flat flexible cable provides a seal between an inner compartment of an automobile and an exterior environment. This simplifies the use of flat flexible cable in automobile wiring harness assemblies. In another aspect of this invention, a cable connector assembly for joining an end of the cable includes a closed cell foam seal to provide a water-tight seal between the cable, the terminals and the exterior environment.

Abstract: A bushing (20) is placed in an aperture in an electrical box. Placement of a plurality of plugs (40) in the bushing leaves a plurality of interstices (30) through which wires may enter the electrical box. Interstices are selected to allow wires to feed straight into their connection point from outside the electrical box.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grommet capable of easy installation by reducing an insertion resistance when conducting an insertion of the grommet into an opening of a vehicle panel. The configuration of the grommet allows molds for forming the grommet to have reduced processing costs, and molding and installation time can also be decreased. The grommet includes wire harness holding areas for tightly engaging around the periphery of the wire harness and an engagement area which fixedly engages an opening provided on a vehicle panel. A tapered area connects a wire harness holding area and an engagement area with a near-conical tapered surface extending over the outer surface of a tapered area, and a plurality of linear convex areas are provided to extend from a wire harness holding area to the engagement area, in an insertion direction of the grommet over the entire periphery on the tapered area.

Abstract: A grommet disposed in a panel hole to prevent a fire from spreading from one panel side to the other has a pair of flaps defining a socket for nesting in the panel hole in a closely fit relationship. Preferably one flap is longer than the other and is disposed against the panel surface. The grommet has an inner peripheral surface, preferably annular, defining a hollow central opening with a radius less than that of the cable so as to receive and retain the cable even with changes in cable positioning. The grommet has a fire resistant chemical composition which becomes resiliently flattened upon the cable disposition in the grommet opening. One flap is bent toward the other with the panel withdrawn from the socket and is resiliently pressed against the panel with the panel in the socket. The grommet includes, in the section with the larger flap, a fire resistant fabric (e.g. ceramic) impregnated and coated with the fire resistant chemical composition (e.g. silicone with an approximately 55 Rockwell hardness).

Abstract: A flexible sheet reinforcing apparatus (10) reinforces holes and tears in flexible sheets such as curtains, covers and tarpaulins. The reinforcing apparatus includes a first member (12) and a second member (14). Reinforcing is accomplished by inserting a first connector (30) through a hole into a second connector (50). Reinforcements (20) reinforce the flexible sheet around the hole. For repair of a shower curtain or tarpaulin or providing a grommet, first connector (30) has a hollow shaft (32) and second connector (50) has a hollow tube (52) through which a shower curtain hook, tie down or other device may be inserted. The repaired curtain or tarpaulin or the grommet is ready for its next use. Flexible sheet reinforcing apparatus (10) may be used through two or more sheets having registering holes. Flexible sheet reinforcing apparatus (10) may be removed for use in a different repair or grommet application.

Abstract: A snap in locking cable connector is composed of two mating pieces that snap together and provide a connector for armored or metal clad electrical conductors. One piece includes a die cast member including a smooth outer cylindrical section having an inner diameter that may accommodate a spring steel adaptor with flanges to hold the spring steel adaptor in place. The spring steel adaptor is used in conjunction with an electrical junction box to fix the location of the locking cable connector with respect to the junction box. Another piece includes a spring steel locking ring provided to receive an armored cable and lock into the die cast member. The spring steel locking ring has tangs allowing unidirectional insertion into the die cast member and restricting withdrawal motion from the die cast member. The spring steel locking ring also includes oppositely directed tangs to permit reception of the armored cable in one direction and restrict its movement in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A strain relief mechanism for securing a cable that runs through a knockout portion disposed on the surface of a building entrance terminal is provided. The mechanism utilizes two or more brackets, where each bracket has a mounting and a clamping end. The mounting ends are fixedly securely to the inner surface of the building entrance terminal at a distance away from the knockout portion. The clamping portions are rotatable to constrain the circumference of the cable that is inserted into the building entrance terminal. A cable tie may be utilized for further constraining the clamping ends of the brackets about the cable.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus for mounting a cable within an electronics enclosure, such as a network interface unit, which includes a splice chamber. A recessed portion is formed in one surface of the chamber, and a tie bar is formed across the recessed portion to provide a gap. A tie wrap is threaded through the gap and tightened around the cable to secure it to the surface. A grommet can also be mounted at the opening to the chamber. The grommet is made of a compliant material which has a series of perforations defining a plurality of non-concentric circles, and a series of perforations defining radial lines. A number of circles can be removed approximating the diameter of the cable, and segments formed by the radial lines can be used as flaps to prevent dust or other undesirable material from entering the chamber.

Abstract: A grommet is provided to securely prevent a wire group from being exposed to water when it is arranged in a water exposure area in a vehicle and while being divided into two or more wire bundles. The grommet includes a conical large diameter portion 12 is provided at one end 11a of a cylindrical main tube 11 made of rubber or elastomer. The other end 11b of the main tube 11 is closed. Two cylindrical branch tubes 13, 14 project from the side surface of the main tube 11 in a direction substantially normal to the longitudinal direction of the main tube 11, and conical large diameter portions 13a, 14a are provided at the leading ends of the branch tubes 13, 14. Furthermore the present invention relates to a method for arranging such a grommet and an use thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering an opening in a cabinet for housing electronic devices includes a grommet for covering the opening in the cabinet. A plurality of slits are formed in the grommet defining a plurality of flexible tab portions to allow one or more cables to pass through the grommet. The plurality of slits include at least one longitudinally oriented slit and a plurality of transversely oriented slits which intersect the longitudinally oriented slit.

Abstract: A through-wall bushing defines a protected passage through a wall or similar structure, and includes a first member having an axially extending threaded portion. A second ring member is threaded onto the first member and clamps the wall structure between opposing flanges of the first member and second ring member. At least one friction inducing locking mechanism is configured on at least one of the threaded surfaces of either the first or second member, or both members. This friction inducing locking mechanism has a configuration that increases the degree of torque required to tighten and loosen the respective members upon the threads engaging the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a shape so that, once engaged with opposite threads, the torque required to loosen the members is greater than the torque required to further tighten the members.

Abstract: A pinless caster assembly comprising a first substantially "T"-shaped part and a second substantially ring-shaped solid part, said first and second parts interfitting with bearing elements and when interfit providing races for the bearing elements and the caster assembly, said first and second part being machined from solid material of predetermined metallurgical characteristics, said first part having disposed therewith a first one-half raceway, for receiving load-carrying bearings in use, and a second one-half raceway for receiving swivel bearings in use, said second part having disposed therewith a third one-half raceway for receiving load-carrying bearings in use for mating with the first one-half raceway disposed with the first part and thereby providing a load-carrying race of the caster assembly, said second part also having disposed therewith a fourth one-half raceway for receiving swivel bearings in use and for mating with the second one-half raceway disposed with the first part and thereby providing

Abstract: An enclosure for telecommunications equipment has a base and a lid pivotally connected to the base. The enclosure has an aperture defined by aperture edges through which one or more wires can be fed. A first elastically deformable insert is attached to a mounting surface on the base and a second elastically deformable insert is attached to a mounting surface on the lid, both adjacent to the aperture, such that when the lid is closed, the first and second inserts deform under contact with each other and with any wires fed through the aperture to reduce the size of gaps between the wires and the aperture edges. In one embodiment, the inserts have slots that enable non-continuous deformations to provide better sealing characteristics.

Abstract: A grommet assembly for providing a location for a fastener to attach a cover member to a support structure includes first and second flange members. The flange members are sonically weldable to each other and are adapted to sandwich the cover member therebetween. Each of the flange members defines a passageway portion and has a recess portion. At least one of the flange members has a plurality of protrusions. The first and second flange members, upon being sonically welded together, cooperate to define a passageway with the passageway portions, and further cooperate to define a recess with the recess portion. The passageway is adapted to receive the fastener, and the recess is adapted to receive the cover member. The protrusions extend into the passageway and are engageable with the fastener.

Abstract: A soft member constituting the main portion, and a rigid member. The soft member has a loop rib integral therewith, and the rigid member has a loop base element almost entirely embedded in the rib. The base element has load pads spaced therealong for lockingly engaging the panel in which the grommet is positioned.

Abstract: A grommet is mounted into an opening formed in a mating member after a wire harness containing a plurality of wires tied up in a bundle is inserted through the grommet. The grommet has a base portion formed of rubber or resin and has in the annular outer peripheral wall thereof a mounting groove fittable with an opening edge of the mating member, a roof portion extending inwardly from the opening end of the base portion, a medium diameter portion formed in a cylindrical shape having an inside diameter larger than the diameter of the wire harness to be inserted therethrough and extending upwardly in the axial direction of the grommet from the roof portion, and a small diameter portion reducing continuously in diameter from the opening end of the medium diameter portion and extending further upwardly in the axial direction of the grommet in a cylindrical manner.

Abstract: An adjustable bushing to accommodate a leader pin of a plastic mold. The adjustable bushing comprises a cylindrical body having a liner installed therewithin. The liner is smaller in outer diameter than the inner diameter of the body creating a gap between the liner and the body so that the liner can shift relative to the body when engaging a leader pin. The liner is held in place against an extending internal ledge of the body by a removable cap. In one form of the invention, compressible O-rings about the liner maintain the liner in a centered orientation in the body. In another form of the invention, a resilient member is employed to axially bias the liner to retain it in place.

Abstract: A assemblage for mounting a caster wheel on a depending stationary post on a wheeled load carrier comprises a body element having a cylindrical chamber concentrically surrounding the support post. The body element has a bracket for mounting a caster wheel for rotation about a horizontal axis. A vertical stack of washers surround the support post and alternate ones of such washers are secured to the support post and rotatable within the cylindrical chamber while the remainder of such washers are co-rotatable with the body element about the axis of the support post. The cylindrical chamber is filled with a lubricating fluid to a sufficient depth to cover all abutting surfaces of said washers, thereby providing viscous fluid shearing resistance to shimmying movement of the caster wheel relative to the support post. To maintain the friction between the support post and body element independent of the amount of load, anti-friction thrust bearings are provided between the support post and the body element.

Abstract: A rotatable grommet for opening or closing access to a panel opening. The rotatable grommet is a C-shaped grommet having a grommet opening approximately the same size as the access area of a panel opening. The rotatable grommet includes a post that engages an arched slot formed in the panel. The ends of the arched slot define the open and closed positions for the rotatable grommet. The rotatable grommet includes a handle having handle protrusions that ease rotation of the rotatable grommet. At least one latch establishes friction between the rotatable grommet and the panel opening so that the rotatable grommet will not be inadvertently opened or closed.

Abstract: A grommet assembly for sealingly mounting elongated elements in an aperture in a panel such as the dash panel of a motor vehicle. The grommet assembly includes inner and outer grommet members which are relatively telescopically arranged. The outer grommet member has a rearwardly opening cup shaped configuration, is formed of a resilient material, and includes a tapered forward portion sized to fit in the panel aperture. The inner grommet member has a forwardly opening cup shaped configuration, is formed of a rigid material, and includes an annular wall telescopically received within the annular wall of the outer grommet member and engaging a front wall of the outer grommet member at a location forwardly of the annular groove.

Abstract: To facilitate the mounting of a grommet in a hole formed in a body panel of a vehicle only by inserting it in one direction with a small force. There is provided a turnup portion 5d folded back from the outer radial end of a large diameter tubular portion 5c toward a small diameter tubular portion 5a. A locking groove 5e having a U-shaped cross is formed in the outer surface of the turnup portion 5d. At the leading end of the turnup portion 5d extending toward the small diameter tubular portion 5a, a locking portion 5g projects radially inwardly. A locking stepped portion 5h projects from the outer surface of the large diameter tubular portion 5c in a position corresponding to the locking groove 5e.

Abstract: A grommet 11 includes a vehicle body mount portion 11a to be mounted on a panel of a vehicle body and a wire insertion portion 11b to be mounted on a wiring harness. A checking projection 11c is formed in a desired position on an outer surface of the vehicle body mount portion 11b of the grommet. The grommet 11 may be used with a checking device 10 formed with a grommet receptacle 10b and a checking recess 10e in which the checking projection 11c is to be fitted for checking whether the grommet is of a specified shape.

Abstract: A snap stud assembly is provided for pivotally connecting two hardware members together. A stud is disposed within a tubular sleeve. A lower or bottom end of the stud is attached to a lower hardware member by pressing or deforming the bottom end of the stud member to provide an interference fit. The upper hardware member is mounted over a top end of the plastic sleeve which includes a top flange but which is resiliently compressible in the radially inward direction so that the top hardware member may be easily forced over the top end of the plastic sleeve. Once installed, the upper hardware member is disposed between a top flange and a bottom flange of the plastic sleeve which serves as a bushing about which the top member pivots as well as a washer between the top hardware member and bottom hardware member.

Abstract: A grommet (1) is provided for sealing an opening in a panel, through which at least one cable passes, comprising a tapered hollow body which sealingly engages the cable at least at a first end (10) and the edge of the opening via a groove (30) formed on a second end (20), wherein at least one means for reducing stiffness, in particular a recess (12, 14, 16) is provided on an inner surface (5) and/or on an outer surface (6) of the hollow body, so that elastic deformation of the grommet (1), in particular of its second end (2) is facilitated.

Abstract: An adjustable bushing to accommodate a leader pin of a plastic mold. The adjustable bushing comprises a cylindrical body having a liner installed therewithin. The liner is smaller in outer diameter than the inner diameter of the body creating a gap between the liner and the body so that the liner can shift relative to the body when engaging a leader pin. The liner is held in place against an extending internal ledge of the body by a removable cap. Compressible O-rings about the liner maintain the liner in a centered orientation in the body.

Abstract: A grommet for sealing an opening in a panel such as the firewall of an automobile having a sealing passageway for engaging a member passing through the panel and being supported by the grommet. A base portion of the grommet is made from a softer and more resilient material having a durometer hardness in the range of 20 to 90 Shore A. A harder portion of the grommet which forms a locking element, a wing and an axially extending sealing surface has a durometer hardness in the range of 40 to 90 Shore D. The grommet seals to the panel and to the member passing through the grommet and panel.

Abstract: This invention consists of a foldable bushing that may be easily inserted within a hole in a metal framing stud used in the construction of buildings. The bushing may be applied to either holes of regular shapes such as round, square, or rectangular, or to irregular shaped holes. Use of the bushing protects electrical wires that are pulled through the holes within metal framing studs. The bushing is of simple construction, easy to mass produce, and easy to apply. As it may be applied to a wide range of hole shapes and sizes, a minimal number of versions of the bushing satisfy a large variety of applications.

Abstract: A wall insert is provided for placement in a wall adjacent a swinging door. The insert includes a face plate and a receptacle for receiving the doorknob when the door is fully opened. The method employed allows the door to open wider than usual, while preventing damage in the event the door is opened rapidly and allowed to strike the wall. The insert may be molded from plastic and includes a face plate and cylindrically shaped receptacle affixed thereto.

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 device for supporting a push cart includes a cap member having a flat top fixed to the push cart and a circular side wall. The circular side wall of the cap member has an inwardly curled lower edge. An inverted and truncated conical ring member has a curved side wall and a flange. A bowl-shaped rotary member is disposed below the ring member such that a horizontal flange thereof abuts the flange of the ring member. The side wall of the rotary member and the curved side wall of the ring member cooperatively define a first annular ball-receiving space. The horizontal flange and the side wall of the rotary member, and the inwardly curled lower edge of the cap member cooperatively define a second annular ball-receiving space. A plurality of steel balls are rotatably confined within the first annular ball-receiving space and the second annular ball-receiving space to permit rotation of the rotary member with respect to the cap member.

Abstract: A seal for a swivel caster assembly is disclosed. The seal protects the first ball bearing set of the assembly. The seal has a V-shaped cross section formed by seal legs that are joined at a bight and extend radially inward, and are in surface contact with the top plate and a notched swivel element of the assembly. The seal includes embossments that engage the notched swivel element and accept the pin of a swivel lock assembly.

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.

Abstract: An improved swivel yoke assembly for use on shopping carts. The yoke assembly is of the type having a steel yolk with forks which support a wheel. The yolk is permitted to swivel because it is supported between an upper and a lower set of ball bearings. The improvement comprises a polymeric bearing race below the upper set of ball bearings and a second polymeric bearing race above the lower set of ball bearings. The upper ball bearing race has a compound curve. The metal bearing races do not have to be heat treated and, thus, can be more accurately dimensioned. The assembly is better able to withstand the loss of lubricant in shopping cart washing operations.

Abstract: A caster assembly has a stem and ball bearing retainer made of a single homogeneous unit of reinforced plastic, a horn made of a single piece of reinforced plastic, a bottom bearing retainer made of a single piece of reinforced plastic, an upper set of ball bearings between the horn and the upper retainer, a lower set of ball bearings between the horn and the bottom retainer, with the bottom retainer being ultrasonically welded to the unitary stem and retainer.

Abstract: Caster wheel mount apparatus is disclosed, which comprises load carrying bearings and swivel bearings, each set of bearings is contained in its own race, and the bearings are protected from contamination by a skirt on the outer periphery of the load carrying bearings, and drainage of the races of the bearings is has should contaminants such as water or steam enter the bearing mount races. A suitable grease fitting is mounted on the load bearing race for lubrication as needed.

Abstract: A heavy-duty caster assembly with a pintle and swivel plate mounted on top of a wheel carrying horn that minimizes pintle bending and breaking with the addition of a powdered metal washer around the pintle locked on top of the swivel plate.

Abstract: A rolling support system has a pair of wheels mounted for rotation about a first axis with bearings that have a first resistance to rotation of the wheels. A stem assembly includes a portion to which the first axis is attached and further includes a thrust bearing having a second resistance to rotation. The second resistance to rotation being lower than the first resistance to rotation so that during movement of the system, the first resistance to rotation is effective to move the wheels into alignment with the direction of travel. To reduce noise as well as to reduce potential damage to an underlying surface, the periphery of each wheel may include a tire.

Abstract: A caster with a braking apparatus includes a bracket and a wheel rotatably supported on the bracket, the wheel having a radially inwardly facing annular braking surface thereon between its axle and tread. A braking member has a braking surface thereon adjacent the braking surface on the wheel, and is supported for radial movement between braking and retracted positions in which the braking surface thereon is engaging and free of engagement with the braking surface on the wheel. Radial movement of the braking member is effected by a manually actuable lever. In a preferred embodiment, the bracket is pivotally supported on a bracket support and a further braking surface is provided on the bracket support. A braking element has a braking surface facing the braking surface on the bracket support and is moved by manual actuation of the lever between actuated and deactuated positions in which the braking surface thereon is respectively engaging and free of engagement with the braking surface on the bracket support.

Abstract: A heavy-duty caster assembly for a corrosive environment having a U-shaped metallic wheel supporting horn with a metal swivel plate rotatably mounted on the horn by a kingpin wherein both the swivel plate and the horn are coated with a permanently bonded fluorocarbon coating. The facing surfaces of the swivel plate and the horn have semi-torroidal recesses that receive a pure torroidal self-lubricating plastic bearing.

Abstract: A caster which includes a neck at its top portion and a support at its lower portion to which a wheel is rotatably connected. About the neck are a ball bearing retaining plate and a top plate above and releasably secured to the ball bearing retaining plate. Within the plates and about the neck is a completely enclosed raceway which encapsulates thrust ball bearings. The top plate can readily be removed from the ball bearing plate to permit inspection, cleaning, modification, repair and replacement of components of the casters.

Abstract: A caster includes a support plate and a yoke adapted to support the support plate, the yoke being pivotably joined to the support plate for rotation about a generally vertical axis. An axle is support by the legs of the yoke and at least one wheel is rotatably supported on the axle. A first ball bearing assembly is provided including a bearing race surrounding the axis of rotation of the yoke and a plurality of balls housed in the race. A second ball bearing assembly is spaced from the first ball bearing assembly and is positioned above the axle, the second ball bearing assembly being adapted to transfer a substantial majority of the weight applied on the support plate to the caster wheel.

Abstract: A method for making a castor assembly having an upper fixing plate and a swivelling fork connected to a wheel comprising the steps of splitting the edge of a central aperture in a plate member forming the fixing plate, forming the cage to define a race for rolling elements, forming the remainder of said plate member, to a cup shape including an edge flange disposed in a plane surface spaced axially from said race and covering the fixing plate with a cover having extensions cooperating with said edge flange.