Swinging Patents (Class 16/34)
  • Patent number: 11965771
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an exterior configured for resting on a surface and an interior and a plurality of feet coupled with the cabinet along a bottom surface thereof. The refrigerator also includes a plurality of load transducers disposed between and in opposing contact with the cabinet and respective ones of the feet. The refrigerator further includes electronic circuitry including a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to receive a signal corresponding with a gross weight of the cabinet from the plurality of load transducers and to determine the quantity of articles retained within the interior of the cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eduardo Maldaun Barreto, Vinicius Bianchezzi, Rafael Bolzan, Neomar Giacomini, Veronica Marin, Jucemar Medeiros, Wendel O. Rossi, Rafael Kiemo Pfau Santos, Marcos Aurelio de Souza, Gustavo Racy
  • Patent number: 11780265
    Abstract: Provided are a truckle structure and a cabinet. The truckle structure comprises: a truckle and a support, wherein the truckle includes a mounting base and a wheel rotatably mounted on the mounting base; the support is composed of a mounting portion located at a lower middle position as well as two connecting portions respectively located on two sides of the mounting portion; the two connecting portions are formed in a manner that the left side and the right side of the mounting portion are upwards bent towards the middle, the support is rotatably connected to the mounting base through the two connecting portions, and the mounting base is located between the two connecting portions; and a mounting hole is formed in the mounting portion, center of the mounting hole and center of gravity of the truckle are on a same straight line, and center of gravity of the support deviates from the straight line. The truckle structure can be directly mounted on the ground and is firmer and more durable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: ZHEJIANG SHIP ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD
    Inventors: Yongping Li, Xianwei Luo
  • Patent number: 11673426
    Abstract: A wheel/foot assembly for a sign display stand or other object includes a cradle partially enclosing an optional wheel. The assembly is releasably attachable to a leg for a sign display stand, protects the leg and can be easily replaced if worn. The assembly protects wear on the stand and permits the sign display stand to be wheeled, rather than dragged or carried. Because the assembly is releasably attached, it can be replaced easily if damaged or worn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Inventors: Clifford Struhl, Raymond M. Schneider
  • Patent number: 11590798
    Abstract: Particular embodiments disclosed herein provide a retractable guard assembly coupled to a caster of a mobile equipment, comprising one or more first guards comprising corresponding one or more guard toeholds and one or more second guards. When the one or more first guards and the one or more second guards are in a fully retracted state, fully compressing any one of the one or more guard toeholds causes the one or more first guards and the one or more second guards to transition into a fully deployed state. When the one or more first guards and the one or more second guards are in a fully deployed state, fully lifting any one of the one or more guard toeholds causes the one or more first guards and one or more second guards to transition into the fully retracted state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: William Monteleone, Marc Nestor, Brandon L. Spoelstra
  • Patent number: 11492745
    Abstract: A lifting device and a washing machine to resolve difficulty moving a washing machine. The device includes a driving device, a connection rod, a first lever, a second lever and support legs, where the driving device is on the bottom of a washing machine body; the support legs are arranged at the bottom of the body; the driving device is connected to a first end of the first lever and to a first end of the second lever in a driving manner, by the connection rod; a second end of the first lever is connected to one of the support legs, and a pivoting end of the first lever is connected to the washing machine body; and a second end of the second lever is connected to one of the support legs, and a pivoting end of the second lever is connected to the washing machine body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignees: QINGDAO HAIER DRUM WASHING MACHINE CO., LTD., Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shiqiang Shan, Huacheng Song, Sheng Xu, Peishi Lv
  • Patent number: 11413917
    Abstract: A wheeled trailer jack including a first foot pad and a second foot pad. The first foot pad including a first base and the second foot pad including a second base. The first and second foot pads rotatable between an engaged position and an unengaged position. When in the engaged position, the first base of the first foot pad and the second base of the second foot lie in substantially the same plane to act as a flat foot pad to stabilize the wheeled trailer jack and wheel chock to prevent a wheel of the wheeled trailer jack from moving. When in the unengaged position, the wheel of the wheeled trailer jack is free to move.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Inventor: John Famosi
  • Patent number: 11382808
    Abstract: A wheelchair having a chassis on which the following are arranged, opposite one another: at least one drive unit comprising a drive wheel and an electric drive system, a front wheel positioned on a front swivel arm, and a rear wheel. The drive unit and front swivel arm are arranged so as to pivot relative to the chassis in a vertical plane, and are coupled to one another by a first coupling and a second coupling member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: OTTO BOCK MOBILITY SOLUTIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Julia Schroeder, Dirk Moeller, Sascha Hohendorn, Jens Dittmar, Johannes Koenig
  • Patent number: 11365557
    Abstract: A movable base for a shade structure, such as an umbrella, operable between a movable position and a fixed position. The movable base including a foot pedal to transition between the movable and fixed positions. In one example, the foot pedal operates a locking assembly, such as a plate or linkage assembly that engages with the ground in the fixed position and is raised from the ground in the movable positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Zhun-An Ma
  • Patent number: 11246413
    Abstract: A furniture base (10) is disclosed comprising a frame structure (12) and an actuator device (33) that is rotatably supported in the frame structure about a rotational axis. The furniture base (10) further comprises a plurality of wheel units (76, 77, 78, 79) that are movably attached to the frame structure (12) between an upper position and lower position relative to the frame structure (12). The wheel units (76, 77, 78, 79) are connected to the actuator device (33) for movement of the wheel unit (76, 77, 78, 79) between the upper and lower position. The furniture base (10) further comprises a locking mechanism (46) for locking of the wheel units (76, 77, 78, 79) in the lower position of the wheel units (76, 77, 78, 79). The locking mechanism (46) comprises a guide pin (47) that projects out from the actuator device (33) and is attached to the actuator device (33) swingably relative to the actuator device (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Inventors: Nikolai Hiorth, Morten Berge
  • Patent number: 11229820
    Abstract: Various weight racks, plate racks, jerk blocks, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the weight racks comprise one or more weight stands that can be connected and disconnected and that comprise rolling elements that allow free movement of the weight stands. In some embodiments, plate racks that allow weight plates to be rolled into and out of them are provided. In some embodiments, jerk blocks that are height adjustable without stacking are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: Kris Kimura
  • Patent number: 11191333
    Abstract: A system of interconnecting luggage includes first and second luggage items. The first luggage item has a handle about an upper end and rolling elements about a base, and is tiltable about a rotational axis of the rolling elements by the handle. The second luggage item also has rolling elements about a base. Each of the first and second luggage items have integral mutual engagement and disengagement elements configured to provide, when the first and second luggage items are mutually engaged, a substantially rigid mechanical connection that maintains the first and second luggage items in relative spatial arrangement such that when the system is in a stable arrangement, the rolling elements of the first and second luggage items contact an underlying planar substrate, and the first luggage item is maintained at a tilt angle relative to the underlying planar substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: GLIDE LUGGAGE PTY LTD
    Inventors: Adrian Stone, Timothy John Ford, Han Young Hwang
  • Patent number: 10974751
    Abstract: A pulling cart with four wheels can be folded into a folded configuration. The wheels are mounted on wheel assemblies which can be in an open or a folded position. The cart has a front panel hinged to a rear panel. The front panel has a front carrier for mounting two wheel assemblies and a pair of slide rails extendable to the second panel. A rear carrier having two wheel assemblies is fixedly mounted to the end portion of the slide rails to move between the front and rear panels. When the cart is used for pulling, all wheel assemblies are in the open position. Each carrier has two arm-receiving holes. Each wheel assembly has a pair of arcuate arms which can rest on the carrier to support the wheel in the open position or move through the arm-receiving hole into the folded position for folding the cart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: OUT OF THE BOX CONCEPTS, LLC
    Inventors: Louis N. Ritucci, Kevin Outz, Yiu Cho Fok
  • Patent number: 10952514
    Abstract: Interchangeable luggage perimeters are disclosed. Example interchangeable luggage perimeters may comprise an interchangeable base element adapted to securely and releasably couple with exchangeable components such as exchangeable foot pads, exchangeable wheels, or exchangeable handles. The interchangeable base element may be interchangeable by having a configuration supporting repositioning of the interchangeable base element at multiple different edges of a luggage piece, e.g., any of at least two or four edges of a luggage piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: CONTRAIL, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald Lawrence Bloom, John Spencer Bandringa
  • Patent number: 10772775
    Abstract: A caster wheel suspension assembly for a wheelchair or the like includes a housing with a clevis portion and a tubular portion; a fork member pivotably mounted in the clevis portion of the housing, the fork member having a pair of fork arms extending from the housing, each of the fork arms terminating in a lower end, the fork member having an upper portion formed as a clevis tang disposed in the clevis portion of the housing; a damping element in the tubular portion of the housing; and a compression adjustment element connected to the clevis pin and extending axially through the damping element. The compression adjustment element is configured to apply an adjustable compressive force to the damping element, and it is further configured to be moved axially within the tubular portion of the housing for adjustment of the compressive force applied to the damping element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: NUT INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Peter J. Delmatoff, Mike Stephen Box
  • Patent number: 10632787
    Abstract: A wheel dolly for raising a vehicle wheel off the floor is disclosed. The dolly has at least two wheel straddle bars, each straddle bar having a non-swing caster assembly. A swing caster assembly is connected to each straddle bar. The assembly includes a stationary frame supporting a swing axle, a swing frame that rotates about the swing axle, and a swing caster connected to swing frame. The swing caster defines a swivel plane. A lift bar connects the two wheel straddle bars. The dolly can transition between two configurations: a lowered configuration, wherein the swivel plane is not parallel to the floor, and a raised configuration, wherein the swivel plane is substantially parallel to the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel B Goetsch, Clint Griffith
  • Patent number: 10336135
    Abstract: A wheel adapter for a cargo container includes a wheeled adapter body. A container connector on the adapter body is configured for connection to the cargo container. A container elevation bolt threadably engages the adapter body. The container elevation bolt is selectively adjustable to correspondingly adjust an elevation of the adapter body and raise the cargo container for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: SELECTRAILERS LLC
    Inventors: Frederick W. Anton Engelbrecht, Richard Alan Stahl, Marshall Roy Crosby
  • Patent number: 10272316
    Abstract: A weightlifting block and associated methods of use are provided. The weightlifting block includes rotatable platforms mounted to interior surfaces of sidewalls of the weightlifting block. Wheels are attached to the bottom surface of the platforms. An activation lever is rotatably connected to the platforms and is configured to lift the platforms from an active position to an inactive position, wherein the wheels extend past a bottom edge of the sidewalls to allow for the weightlifting block to be rolled to a desired location. The activation lever may then be disengaged to retract the wheels on the platform back into the weightlifting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventor: Jeffrey Hedberg
  • Patent number: 10130150
    Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a luggage assembly, and frame, wherein the luggage assembly includes a luggage item and a wheel assembly. The wheel assembly includes at least one front wheel, and rear wheels which are all moveable between a folded and an unfolded position. The folded positions of the wheels are within the luggage assembly. The unfolded position of the rear wheels is behind the luggage assembly and the unfolded position of the front wheel is below the luggage assembly. When the wheels are in the unfolded position and the luggage assembly is arranged on the wheels on the ground, the luggage item is tilted and a projected point of gravity of the luggage item is in between the wheels. The disclosed luggage assembly is suitable for being pushed and being pulled, is very stable and provides a stable road behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: ROYALTY BUGABOO GMBH
    Inventors: Machiel Gerardus Theodorus Marie Barenbrug, Erik Geert Spoek, Jacob Geert Arie Den Boer, Marc Constantijn Van Zijl
  • Patent number: 10105988
    Abstract: A support foot where the support foot main body is composed of a ground face, support slot and long groove. The support slot is situated on the opposite side of the grounded face and the mouth is upward-opening, and a support arm is situated above the support slot. The long groove is cut through the support arm and runs parallel to the axis of the support slot, and a rivet inserted through the long groove is used to attach the support foot to the rack. This invention consists of a support foot designed as a single unit. It is attached by a single rivet and can be folded either inward for storage or outward to form a support structure by means of the connection at the support slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: Zenithen USA, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew David Frankel, Shi-Ping Zheng, Tian-Xia Zheng
  • Patent number: 10039361
    Abstract: A luggage assembly which includes a first piece of luggage and a second piece of luggage. A variable length attachment member such as a strap forming a loop, is affixed to the second piece of luggage. The attachment member couples the second piece of luggage to the first piece of luggage to form an assembly, in which the first and second pieces of luggage are self-stabilized while upright and inclined, and while in motion and while stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: West Coast Trends, Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey C Herold
  • Patent number: 9937750
    Abstract: Improvements in a caster wheel tilt bar is disclosed. The caster wheel tilt bar is installable and removeable on a caster and is secured over one side of the caster frame and utilizes the tapered portion of the wheel frame. When the cart frame is rotated the tilt bar comes in contact with the ground. Further rotation lifts the wheel above the ground. The tilt bar can be configured in an arc or can be configured with defined angular steps. The angular steps are generally calculated to create a balance point where the cart can hold with limited rocking. The caster wheel tilt bar can also be painted or powder coated to match the color of the pre-existing caster wheel. Because the rod and shoe can be different components, the shoe or rod can be adjusted to accommodate different casters and/or wheel diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Inventors: Chris Nelson, Adolfo Gutirrez
  • Patent number: 9849723
    Abstract: Disclosed is a cyclic mechanism for engaging or disengaging a switch with the stage of the cycle being determined by a height to which a first object is lifted relative to a second object. The mechanism has few moving parts, is inexpensive to manufacture, is reliable, can be incorporated into a wide range of devices or structures, and operates as an incident to raising or lowering a first object relative to a second.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2017
    Inventor: Rene LaFever
  • Patent number: 9623444
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a rolling screen assembly. The rolling screen assembly may include a frame, a screen assembly mounted to the frame, a wheel assembly mounted to the frame, and a foot affixed to the frame, where wheels of the wheel assembly are height adjustable relative to the frame to allow the foot to be raised from, and lowered onto, a support surface. Such assembly may facilitate replacement of a rolling screen assembly with minimal downtime.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventors: Gordon Ong, Cristobal Brant
  • Patent number: 9162528
    Abstract: An industrial cart has a caster interface which allows for the quick changing of wheel casters on the cart without the use of tools. The caster interface forms a three-sided pocket into which a wheeled caster seats. A plate of the caster seats within the pocket through an open end of the pocket. A locking mechanism is used to quickly and easily secure the caster into the pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Inventors: John Wayne Kroening, Zachary Tate Lamoreux
  • Patent number: 8910344
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a caster assembly may include a wheel rotatably coupled to a caster housing and a deflector tab pivotably coupled to the caster housing and offset from an outer wheel circumference for use in moving or traversing obstacles encountered during wheel movement. In some embodiments, the deflector tab may include at least one retaining element configured to hold the deflector tab in a pusher position or allow movement of the deflector tab into a ramp position. In the pusher position, the deflector tab may push a mobile obstacle in front of the wheel motion. In the ramp position, the deflector tab may facilitate moving the wheels over a fixed obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Long Q. Nguyen, Daniel Bauen, Cassilyn Bair, Lawrence E. Davis
  • Patent number: 8757642
    Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly includes a bracing member and a wheeled arm pivotally coupled to the bracing member. The wheeled arm is sized and positioned such that the wheeled arm rotates through an aperture of the bracing member. The wheeled arm includes an arm member, a wheel, and an aperture cover shaped and positioned such that when the wheeled arm is in a retracted mode, the aperture cover covers a majority of the aperture, but not substantially all, thereby forming a wheel gap. The wheel assembly includes a deployment arm and a trap member operationally coupled to the deployment arm, including a trap flange sized and positioned to cover the wheel gap when in a closed mode and to substantially uncover the wheel gap in an open mode. The retractable wheel assembly includes a handle operationally coupled to the trap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Retract Enterprises Inc
    Inventors: Joseph I. Arthur, Aron Bacs, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8757643
    Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly includes a bracing member and a wheeled arm pivotally coupled to the bracing member. The wheeled arm is sized and positioned such that the wheeled arm rotates through an aperture of the bracing member. The wheeled arm includes an arm member, a wheel, and an aperture cover shaped and positioned such that when the wheeled arm is in a retracted mode, the aperture cover covers a majority of the aperture, but not substantially all, thereby forming a wheel gap. The wheel assembly includes a deployment arm and a trap member operationally coupled to the deployment arm, including a trap flange sized and positioned to cover the wheel gap when in a closed mode and to substantially uncover the wheel gap in an open mode. The retractable wheel assembly includes a handle operationally coupled to the trap member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Retrac Enterprises Inc
    Inventors: Joseph I. Arthur, Aron Bacs, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140060990
    Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly includes a bracing member and a wheeled arm pivotally coupled to the bracing member. The wheeled arm is sized and positioned such that the wheeled arm rotates through an aperture of the bracing member. The wheeled arm includes an arm member, a wheel, and an aperture cover shaped and positioned such that when the wheeled arm is in a retracted mode, the aperture cover covers a majority of the aperture, but not substantially all, thereby forming a wheel gap. The wheel assembly includes a deployment arm and a trap member operationally coupled to the deployment arm, including a trap flange sized and positioned to cover the wheel gap when in a closed mode and to substantially uncover the wheel gap in an open mode. The retractable wheel assembly includes a handle operationally coupled to the trap member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventors: Joseph I. Arthur, Aron Bacs, JR.
  • Patent number: 8628059
    Abstract: A caster assembly for a frame is described that permits a frame to be easily moved and placed. The caster assembly, which may lift a leg of the frame, can be placed or removed without picking up the frame. The caster assembly further includes a handle that moves a cam for engaging the caster assembly with the leg. A frame having at least one caster assembly is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Fitness Anywhere, LLC
    Inventors: Randal Hetrick, Tae Kim, Christine Marcelino, Stephanie Russo
  • Patent number: 8434769
    Abstract: Improvements in a trailer hitching and tracking steering system are disclosed include a new style RV or wagon style RV that includes an extendable, variable position tow bar that accommodates misalignment of a tow vehicle. The tow bar can be rotated for storage within the RV wagon. Further improvements include a wheel steering mechanism to improve tracking of a towed vehicle using a bi-directional caster front suspension for steering a wagon style RV in both a forward and reverse direction. The caster of the front wheels is automatically re-directed depending upon the direction of travel of the RV. The suspension system includes a steerable rear suspension that minimizes the amount the back wheels will cut the corner when turning. The improvements also include the use of visible light beams to guide a tow vehicle backing up to an RV to be correctly positioned for hitching without assistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Inventor: Gary E Olsen
  • Patent number: 8365352
    Abstract: A wheel assembly is disclosed for attaching to or integrally forming with an object, such as a plastic-molded tub or cooler. The wheel assembly includes an elongated axle terminating at each end with a wheel. A plurality of rails are each adapted for fixing with the bottom surface of the object. Each rail has a plurality of axle notches adapted to selectively receive the axle. A pair of arms are each fixed at a first end thereof with the axle proximate the wheels, each arm being fixed at a second end thereof to a pivot rod that is selectively and pivotally engageable with one of the axle notches. At least one axle lock is adapted to be fixed with a side surface of the object. As such, the axle may be pivoted between the inside position, wherein the object may be rolled along the ground surface on the wheels, to the outside position, whereby the axle is engaged with each axle lock and the wheels are lifted above the ground surface to prevent the object from rolling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: G. Ivan Connelly, William Brant Connelly
  • Patent number: 8240681
    Abstract: A wheel supporting mechanism for adjusting height of a housing supported by the wheels is provided. The wheel supporting mechanism includes wheels supporting a housing; an axle extending from each of the wheels; a wheel mounting member, which has a bearing rotatably supporting the axle, and which has a first end portion and a second end portion; a pivot supporting portion, which pivotally supports the wheel mounting member in relation to the housing; a pivot restriction member that restricts pivoting of the wheel mounting member by being engaged with a vicinity of the second end portion; and an adjustment member that adjusts a height of the housing in relation to the wheel by restricting a pivoting range of the wheel mounting member by connecting the pivot restriction member to the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Kyocera Document Solutions Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Taguchi
  • Patent number: 8240699
    Abstract: A caster includes a housing, a rotating member, and a caster. The housing defines an accommodation space having an open bottom end. The rotating member is disposed within the housing, and is rotatable between first and second angular positions. The caster is co-rotatable with the rotating member. One of the housing and the rotating member has first and second engaging portions. The other one of the housing and the rotating member has a third engaging portion, which engages the first engaging portion so that the caster is unfolded and disposed outwardly of the housing when the rotating member is at the first angular position and which engages the second engaging portion so that the caster is folded and disposed at a folded position and within the accommodation space when the rotating member is at the second angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company, Limited
    Inventors: Zhi-Ren Zhong, Zheng-Wen Guo
  • Patent number: 8141885
    Abstract: A rack includes a chassis, and a plurality of wheel assemblies secured to the chassis. Each wheel assembly includes a bracket, a wheel, and a handle. The bracket is rotatable relative to the chassis between a first position and a second position. Each wheel is capable of rotating about an axis. A distance between the axis and the chassis when each bracket is in the first position is less than a distance between the axis and the chassis when the bracket is in the second position. The handle is secured to the bracket and configured to rotate the corresponding bracket, and extends inside the chassis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Lu Fan, Chih-Kun Shih, Chun-Hsien Lin
  • Publication number: 20100088846
    Abstract: A guiding wheel assembly, mainly for a hospital bed, including a wheel (1) with a horizontal rotation axis (6) installed on an arm (7) that is fixed to the frame (5) with the use of an axis (4) allowing swinging in the vertical plane. The wheel (1) is firmly fixed in the straight direction. The arm (7) is provided with a track (3), against which a pressing element (8) leans. The pressing element (8) is fixed with a pin (9) to the frame (5) in a swinging way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: LINET spol. s.r.o.
    Inventor: Michal Salus
  • Publication number: 20100041519
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for attachment to the leg of a trampoline has means for moving the wheel from a first raised position where the wheel is not supporting the trampoline leg above the ground, to a second position where the wheel is supporting the trampoline leg above the ground. In that way the trampoline can be rolled on wheels without having to subsequently remove the wheel assemblies for storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Inventors: Peter James Law, Richard Allen Mueller
  • Patent number: 7604207
    Abstract: A tripod has an extensible strut for improving the stability thereof by tying the strut to a sturdy object. In another aspect of the invention, a method of using a tripod includes attaching the tripod to a sturdy object. In another aspect of the invention, a novel caster wheel mechanism permits easy relocation of the tripod. In another aspect of the invention, a multi-function support is provided. In yet another aspect of the invention, a tool rack is provided supported by the tripod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Faro Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Hasloecher, Simon Raab
  • Patent number: 7503439
    Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly (110) for a carrier (100) is disclosed wherein the wheels (120) are rotatably mounted in cowls (130), which are pivotably disposed in wheel wells (116L, 116R) on a housing. The cowls are connected with a cowl axle assembly (140) that includes a coil spring, preferably a constant force spring (150) that biases the cowls towards a retracted position. The constant force spring is connected to a retractable handle (104), preferably with a spring engagement member (160), such that extending the retractable handle will bias the cowls towards an extended position, wherein the wheels extend out of the wheel wells for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventors: Timothy J. C. O'Shea, Terence R Ellard, Wayne C Higgins
  • Patent number: 7066311
    Abstract: A retractable wheel assembly (110) for a carrier (100) is disclosed wherein the wheels (120) are rotatably mounted in cowls (130), which are pivotably disposed in wheel wells (116L, 116R) on a housing. The cowls are connected with a cowl axle assembly (140) that includes a coil spring, preferably a constant force spring (150) that biases the cowls towards a retracted position. The constant force spring is connected to a retractable handle (104), preferably with a spring engagement member (160), such that extending the retractable handle will bias the cowls towards an extended position, wherein the wheels extend out of the wheel wells for use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Timothy J. C. O'Shea
  • Patent number: 6997466
    Abstract: A mobile base includes a main body having a first side formed with two first foot portions and a second side formed with two second foot portions, two fixing rollers each mounted on a respective first foot portion, an adjusting plate mounted between the second foot portions, an adjusting roller mounted on the adjusting plate to move therewith, and an adjusting unit mounted between the second foot portions and urged on the adjusting plate to press the adjusting plate to move. Thus, the adjusting unit is hidden in a space between the first side rack and the second side rack, so that the adjusting unit is not operated unintentionally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Inventor: Wang Tien Wang
  • Patent number: 6938301
    Abstract: A bed frame includes a base frame, an articulated support decks, an intermediate frame positioned between the base frame and the articulated support deck, and an auto-contour mechanism. The articulated support deck includes head, seat and foot deck portions. When engaged, the auto-contour mechanism adjusts the elevation of the seat deck portion and the foot deck portion in response to an adjustment of the head deck portion. The auto-contour mechanism is easily engaged/disengaged by manipulating a control lever. The bed frame can include siderails which are provided with a latching mechanism. The bed frame can also include a caster assembly that allows casters to be pivoted in an engaged position in which the bed frame rests on the casters, and a disengaged position in which the bed frame rests on legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Brooke, Kendall O. Shows, William S. Larisey, Jr., Robert E. Anderson, Daniel C. Hillenbrand, Joe D. McGuinness
  • Patent number: 6659696
    Abstract: A caster shipping assembly includes a wheel having a radius and a centrally mounted axle. A securing bracket is connected to the wheel. The securing bracket is movable between a shipping position in which the bracket is fastened to a packaging component and the wheel is suspended above the packaging component, and an in-use position in which the wheel is free for rolling contact with a support surface. The bracket can include a pair of side supports secured to opposing sides of the axle, with each of the side brackets having a length greater than the radius of the caster wheel. A plate can be connected to the side brackets. The plate can include a fastening arrangement adapted and constructed to be fastened to a packaging component to suspend the wheel above the packaging component during shipping. A method of securing a caster to a packaging component during shipping is also set forth. The caster includes a wheel having a radius and a centrally mounted axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventor: Amanda Hoffnung
  • Patent number: 6604615
    Abstract: A roller device of luggage case includes the luggage case having at least two retractile mechanisms with at least two rollers at each bottom side. The retractile mechanism is connected with retractable handle pivotally so that the rollers stick outside the bottom of the luggage case when the retractable handle is pulled up and completely hides within the luggage case while the retractable handle is folded up. Thus not only the luggage case has a better outlook but also the trouble of hooking with other luggage can be avoided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Inventor: Yi-Ming Wu
  • Patent number: 6594856
    Abstract: A fixed pivotal retractable roller mechanism 20 and method for statically supporting an item 46 upon a support surface 44 in an inoperative state and supporting the item 46 to roll along the support surface 44 in an operative state. The mechanism 20 includes a housing 22, a swingarm 26 pivotally engaged with the housing 22, a spring 36, and a roller 32. The swingarm 26 has pivotal movement relative to the housing 22, the swingarm 26 has an inoperative position state where the roller 32 is retracted allowing the housing 22 to rest on and statically contact the support surface 44 and an operative position state where the swingarm 26 is extended such that the housing 22 is not in contact with the support surface 44 allowing the item 46 to roll along the support surface 44. Other embodiments with castor and without a spring are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Inventor: Hema Cherukuri
  • Patent number: 6507975
    Abstract: A retractable caster system comprises a rectangular, steel box defining a chamber, a plurality of which may be attached to the bottom of a storage container to elevate the container above a surface upon which it rests. Inside the chamber, a caster is mounted to a hinged plate which pivots near the bottom of one sidewall of the chamber. The plate articulates between a substantially vertical position, with the caster fully retracted into the chamber, and a horizontal position with the caster wheel protruding beneath the chamber. A coiled spring biases the plate toward a vertical position, and an automatic locking mechanism holds the caster in its extended position. The caster may be raised and lowered without separately supporting the weight of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Inventors: Michael Harrison Maupin, Michael Shawn Maupin, Kenneth Roy Hill
  • Patent number: 6478315
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for use in combination with wheeled luggage to counter-balance gravitational forces exerted on the wheeled luggage when it is tilted forwarded and rolled. The wheel assembly has a shock-absorbing bias mechanism to absorb shock while transporting the wheeled luggage across a surface; a housing for the shock-absorbing bias mechanism; and a transport mechanism adjacent to the shock-absorbing bias mechanism to provide additional surface contact and load support to aid in rolling the wheeled luggage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Nick J. Manesis
  • Patent number: 6473921
    Abstract: A bed resting on a floor includes a base frame, a plurality of casters coupled to the base frame and configured to engage the floor, a first brake coupled to the base frame, a foot pedal actuator movable between a first position and a second position, and a second brake coupled to the base frame. A linkage is configured to couple the second brake to the first brake so that when the foot pedal actuator is moved to the second position, the first and second brakes both move to a braking position and when the foot pedal actuator is moved to the first position the first and second brakes both move to a releasing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Hill-Rom Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Brooke, Michael J. Mutka, William S. Larisey, Jr., Reza Hakamiun, James F. Thomas, Kendall O. Shows
  • Patent number: 6360400
    Abstract: A controlling device for retractable wheels of a luggage barrow includes a housing with a telescopic handle assembly provided at a back side thereof, an L-shaped plate secured on a bottom end of the back side thereof, two wheel brackets respectively pivotally connected with the L-shaped plate and having two wheels pivotally connected at lower ends thereof, two linkages respectively linked with the wheel brackets, and two springs respectively provided in the linkages. An inner plate is provided on an inner side of the housing and fixed with the L-shaped plate. A connecting bar is extended through the lower ends of the telescope handle assembly. Two pressing members respectively have two upper ends thereof pressed against upper ends of the linkage member and two lower ends thereof respectively connected with two opposite ends of the connecting bar, whereby the wheels are able to be retracted into or extended out of the housing by retracting or pulling up the telescope handle assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Fu-Jung Chang
  • Patent number: 6289554
    Abstract: A wheel device is secured to a suitcase and has one or more oblong holes for slidably receiving a rod, a bracket pivotally secured to the casing for supporting a wheel, and a link pivotally coupling the bracket to the rod. A lever is coupled to the casing and engaged with the rod for moving the rod along the oblong hole of the casing. The bracket and the wheel may be moved outward and inward of the casing when the rod is moved to either of the ends of the oblong hole of the casing. The suitcase has a handle for actuating the lever to move the rod along the oblong hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Inventor: Tung Lung Wang
  • Patent number: 6279199
    Abstract: A heavy duty vertically adjustable spring biased caster comprising a caster wheel mounted upon a pivot shaft within a frame. The pivot shaft is vertically adjustable upon the frame and a spring cradle mounted upon the wheel support pivot shaft and vertically adjustable therewith permits a uniform biasing force to be imposed upon the caster wheel support regardless of the vertical position of the caster wheel within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Assignee: Ross Design & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack R. Plate