Abstract: A swivel caster assembly is provided with a releasable locking mechanism which selectively locks the caster assembly against rotation. A leg bushing used to support the leg of an associated appliance such as a baby stroller is rotatably supported by a caster body. The caster body has an upwardly extending locking lug recess, a transverse access aperture passing through the recess, and a transverse axle aperture. A locking lug is slidably received within the recess, and is maneuvered to a fully extended locking position and a retracted unlocking position by an arm member pivotally secured to the caster body. Force transfer between the arm member and the lug is through a spring. A locking collar is secured to the leg bushing and has a downwardly opening notch for engaging the upper end of the locking lug when extended. A pair of detent bosses extend outwardly from the caster body and engage with detent apertures formed in the arm member.

Abstract: A turn wheel locking device for use with shopping carts having at least one turn wheel. The locking device functions to automatically disable the cart when it is removed from a prescribed area by locking the turn wheel in a turned configuration so that the cart can travel only along a generally circular path.

Abstract: A caster for rollably supporting a device with respect to a support surface is disclosed. The caster includes a body and a spherical member. The body has a concave surface thereof. The spherical member is rotatably contactable with at least a portion of the concave surface and rotatable with the support surface.

Abstract: An automatically retractable swivelling wheels device of a pullman case is disclosed. The swivelling wheels device comprises a bushing, in which a spring retainer is formed on a bottom of a circumferential flange of the bushing, a wheel housing assembly and a swivelling wheels. The swivelling wheels is permitted to swing in any direction as the pullman case moved by a force, and once the force is removed, the swivelling wheels is automatically returned to its original direction by the cooperation of the restoration force of two out of shape springs provided in a C shaped groove of the wheel housing assembly with the spring retainer therebetween in order for the swivelling wheels to be retracted to a recess of the pullman case.

Abstract: In the front wheel assembly of a luggage or shopping cart, a sensor wheel is supported by a wheel bracket between a pair of caster wheels so as to be rotatable around a common horizontal wheel shaft and moveable downward from a neutral position coaxial with the caster wheels. Thus, even when the cart is tilted sideways, one of the caster wheels always support the load of the cart, and serves as a center of pivotal movement of the front wheel assembly which allows the sensor wheel to be safely lifted out of the slot in the floor. Therefore, the sensor wheel is prevented from being wedged in the slot, and would not be damaged substantially under any circumstances. Additionally, a first locking arrangement allows the cart to be stationary on the conveyor surface, and a second locking arrangement allows the front wheel to remain in the straight ahead position even when the front wheel assembly hangs from an edge of a step of an escalator.

Abstract: A non-skid wheel brake mechanism includes a wheel body, a shaft part, left and right wheels each with a ring rim. The device includes an outer rim having an oval ring groove having upper and lower half portions. A substantially oval shaped shaft bore extends through the outer rim. A rim bore extends vertically through the outer rim to form an accommodating channel. The accommodating channel is in communication with the shaft bore. The ends of the wheel shaft is secured within the insert bores of the ring rims. An S-shaped spring plate is positioned inside the accommodating channel and extends into the shaft bore against the wheel shaft such that the ring rims are frictionally braked by the lower half portion of the oval ring groove.

Abstract: A moving system (1/101) made up of a number of separable but intergratable parts and platform sections (10-90/110-190), including an elastically biased, pivoted, integral end ramp section (10) which can be pivoted and moved down to allow the load (e.g. a copier with "convenience casters") to be rolled up onto platform sections (40 & 50/140 & 150) for movement from one location to another. The moving system also includes the following additional parts or sections--in one embodiment or the other a supplemental ramp piece (120) which is usually stored on the exterior side of the ramp end section (110) when not in use but is connectable to the end of the main ramp section to extend the effective ramping distance; a protective pad (30/130) for the ramp end section; a first platform section (40/140); a second platform section (50/150), as well as an auxiliary, pivoting, intermediate braking support member (160); a handle end section (70/170); an extendible handle (80/180); and an interconnecting, ninety (90.degree.

Abstract: An orientation roller mechanism for baby strollers, the mechanism is mounted on the chassis of a baby stroller, by this mechanism, the baby stroller can only run forwards, the danger induced when a baby sitting in the baby stroller makes a backward moving under a bad visual condition can be avoided, and therefore safety of the baby can be increased.

Abstract: A caster for rollably supporting a device with respect to a surface is disclosed. The caster includes a body and a rotatable member operably connected to the body. The member is rollably cooperable with the surface. The caster further includes a connector operably connected to the body for connecting the body to the device and a support operably connected to the connector.

Abstract: A combination automatic parking brake and steering spindle is provided for use in a self-propelled vehicle carrying an elevatable boom or work platform. The automatic parking brake includes a brake cylinder which also acts as a steering spindle for the vehicle. The parking brake is actuated by a spring carried in the brake cylinder and urges a parking brake pad into contact with a steerable wheel. The parking brake is automatically released when the hydraulic propulsion system for the vehicle is activated and hydraulic pressure enters the brake cylinder compressing the spring and releasing the parking brake.

Abstract: A platform truck (10) for transporting items includes a base member (11) having a top surface (13) to received the items thereon. A handle assembly (12) is pivotally carried by the base member (11) and is thereby positionable in a generally upright position for pushing the base member (11), a generally outward position for pulling the base member (11), and a generally horizontal position generally flush with the top surface (13) of the base member (11). Opposed side wall assemblies (14) extend generally vertically downwardly from the top surface (13) of the base member (11) and have opposed depressions (22) therein. Side wall assemblies also carry a latch assembly (45). When the handle assembly (12) is in the generally horizontal position, latch assembly (45) holds arms (24) of the handle assembly (12) which can be grasped at the location of at least one of the depressions (22) for carrying the platform truck (10).

Abstract: An improved brake structure for casters including a caster frame having a through pivot hole, two rollers mounted pivotally at the ends of the through pivot hole of the caster frame and having inner teeth, a rotary shaft pivotally mounted at a rear end of the caster frame to support an object such as a leg of a table or chair, a trigger element pivotally mounted at a front end of the caster frame, a first stop element for stopping the relative movement of the inner teeth of the rollers, a first spring element for urging the first stop element. The brake structure is characterized in that a second stop element is pivotally disposed below the trigger element and capable of horizontal displacement. The second stop element includes a front urging portion and a rear bent baffle wall. The trigger element further includes a trigger tab extending downwardly therefrom. When the trigger element deflects, the trigger tab will push the baffle wall.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to lawn mowers, and particularly relates to a front wheel swivel assembly which can be selectively locked into a straight-ahead orientation during operation of the mower and by use of controls within the operator's reach during normal cutting operation of the mower.

Abstract: A structure of a wheel seat for a baby stroller comprising an upper rotating seat with a first slide way, a lower rotating seat with a second slide way cooperating with the first slide way and including at least a longitudinal blocking member, a fixing pin provided on the upper rotating seat and extended through the lower rotating seat and having an engaging portion on the tailing end thereof for mutual rotatable engagement of the upper rotating seat with the lower rotating seat, a direction-fixing slide sleeve slidable in the first slide way and in the second slide way and being provided at least with an engaging slit for engaging the longitudinal blocking members of the lower rotating seat to restrain the upper rotating seat and the lower rotating seat from rotation and being provided with several arciform portions on the end having the engaging slit, and an activating member provided on the direction-fixing slide sleeve for making moving of the direction-fixing slide sleeve in the first and second slide wa

Abstract: Disclosed is a stroller including a frame member, a swivel mount adapted to receive the frame member, a swivel latch adapted to be received in the swivel mount, a suspension housing including a swivel latch receiving portion, the suspension housing adapted to be attached to the swivel mount, a swivel pin adapted to be received in the frame member, the swivel mount, and the suspension housing, and at least one wheel pivotally attached to the frame member.

Abstract: A swiveling wheel attachment for the front of a lawnmower, wherein the attachment includes a main body member having a rectangular side plate and a rectangular upper plate. The plates are formed at a right angle along a longitudinal side of each plate, so that the main body member is shaped like an upside down "L". The side plate defines a series of holes, or interconnected slots, which are used to connect the main body member to the front end of a lawnmower. The holes or slots are arranged in such a way that the height of the main body member may be adjusted relative to the lawnmower. The main body member is attached using threaded nuts and bolts. On the underside of the upper plate member, a pair of swiveling wheels are attached, so that the wheels may rotate in a 360 degree arc in a horizontal plane to facilitate maneuverability of the lawnmower.

Abstract: A ball-transfer mechanism 1 is movable along the surface of floor 9, having a main body 2, a large ball 5, a plurality of small balls 6 and a restriction member 20. The large ball 5 is spherical and contacts the floor 9. A plurality of small balls 6 are disposed within portions of the main body 2 and support the large ball 5. Some of the small balls 6 are in rolling contact with the large ball 5, but upon rolling some of the small balls 5 move to a space defined within the main body 2 away from the large ball 5, while other small balls 6 move from the space back into contact with the large ball 5. The restriction member 20 can restrict a movement of all or a part of small balls 6 by contacting balls in the space within the main body 2 thereby restricting movement of adjacent small balls 6. The ball-transfer mechanism 1 has at least one restriction member 20, but can have a plurality of restriction members such as the restriction members.

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: A substantially rectangular vehicle moveable on four casters located in the four corners underneath the vehicle. The front or rear pair of casters can be locked or unlocked electronically by a single individual propelling the vehicle from one end to facilitate movement over irregular surfaces or narrow passages.

Abstract: A castor comprises a fork (10) carrying an axle (11) which extends through an aperture in both limbs (12 and 13) and by which a single wheel comprising two discs (14 and 15) is mounted on the fork (10). A roller bearing (22) is mounted on the axle (11). Each disc, (14, 15) comprises a radially outwardly extending annular disc portion (23, 24) and a tubular portion (25, 26) which projects to one side of the respective disc portion (23, 24). The tubular portions (25 and 26) are snap-fitted together, one within the other, and together form the single wheel which has two rims (27 and 28). The roller bearing (22) is fitted into the bore of the tubular portion (26) whereby the single wheel is supported thereon for rotation. The tubular portion (26) provides a plain bearing support for the tubular portion (25) of the other disc (14). Relative angular movement between the discs (14 and 15) is possible because of that.

Abstract: A caster is provided that includes a wheel rotatable about a wheel axis of rotation, a housing, a locking arm linked to the housing, and a locking bar linked to the housing. The housing includes a housing side wall and a housing detent formed in the housing side wall. The locking arm is movable between an unlocked position to permit the wheel to rotate about its wheel axis of rotation and a locked position to prevent or substantially restrict rotation of the wheel about its wheel axis of rotation. The locking arm is linked to the wheel so that movement of the locking arm between the locked and unlocked positions moves the wheel. The locking arm includes a locking arm side wall and a flared portion formed in the locking arm side wall and extending outwardly toward the housing side wall, the flared portion is engaged with the housing detent when the locking arm is in the locked position and disengaged from the housing detent when the locking arm is in the unlocked position.

Abstract: In a lawn and garden device having a fixed rear axle and a pivoting front wheel, the improvement of an interlock so as to prevent the pivoting of the front wheel in respect to the frame of the device.

Abstract: A caster assembly having rattle-free operation is presented. The caster comprises an inverted U-shaped horn member carrying an axle (i.e., a shoulder bolt). A wheel rotating on a spanner is supported between leg portions of the horn by the axle. A brake support and treadle lever are mounted on the axle and provide for locking the caster wheel. A spring tab is formed integrally in the treadle lever. The spring tab is spring biased inwardly to force the brake support and the treadle lever apart. The maintenance of a constant tension separating the brake support and the treadle lever results in rattlefree operation of the caster assembly of the present invention.

Abstract: A swivel caster method and apparatus including wheels rotatably coupled to a housing, wherein the wheels include a toothed cog on inner sides thereof. The housing is pivotally mounted to an article by a mounting stem having a keyed aperture. A brake lever bracket is pivotally coupled to the housing and includes a brake pin engageable with the toothed cog to prevent wheel movement relative to the housing. A swivel lever bracket is also pivotally coupled to the housing and includes a keyed shaft engageable with the keyed aperture of the mounting stem to prevent mounting stem movement relative to the housing. The brake pin of the brake lever bracket is engageable with the swivel lever bracket to pivot the swivel lever bracket to engage the keyed shaft with the keyed aperture when the brake pin is engaged with the toothed cog.

Abstract: A trolley castor having two flanges which freely rotate about a spindle carried by arms of a yoke is described. The flanges are separated by a distance corresponding to the usually standardized distance between the grooves of a walkway surface. Between the flanges is a brake disk which can rotate around the spindle. Fixed to an edge of the brake disk is a brake skid having a sole. An end piece, which extends into a cup formed by the yoke, is fixed to another portion of the brake disk. When the castor moves onto a grooved surface, the periphery of the flanges are engaged in the groove and the brake skid comes into contact with the ribs of the grooved walkway. This causes the brake disk to rotate slightly around the spindle until the end piece abuts the inside wall of the cup, thus immobilizing the trolley.

Abstract: A type of wheel with a brake device is devised which consists of 2 corresponding housings. A curved trough is facilitated between the inner and outer edges of one of the 2 housings; the curve trough containing a shaft. One end of the shaft touches the inner side of the curved trough whereas the other end touches the inner side of the other housing. The two lateral sides of a secure mount fit over the two lateral sides of the wheel; a wheel axle is inserted through the mount and the housings to form the wheel. A joining device is facilitated at the outer end of the axle which functions to connect the device to other objects such as vehicles, chairs, toddler chairs, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller, especially a deflection roller (R), with a fork (2) bearing the tyred running wheel (1) and a braking device (25), at least for the rotary movement of the wheel (1), which has a push-rod (10) which can be moved towards the wheel (1) via an actuating device (1), a braking component (26) pressing into the tire (29) and a power storage spring (F) between the actuating device (11) and the braking device (11), and, in order to provide an easily used, tire saving braking device, proposes that the characteristic/prestress on the power storage spring (F) be designed in relation to the pressure resistance of the tire (29) in such a way that, in the braking position of the actuating device (11), in relation to the braking component (26), a determined depth of penetration into the tire (29) stopping the rotation of the wheel (1) is maintained and not exceeded.

Abstract: A caster assembly mountable to a frame leg of a movable frame structure having a caster receiving aperture therein. The caster assembly of a preferred embodiment includes a caster having a caster fork, a caster wheel attached to the caster fork, and a mounting shaft attached to a caster fork. The mounting shaft is shaped and sized to extend through the aperture in the frame portion when the caster assembly is in an installed position wherein the caster is adjacent to a bottom side of the frame leg and an intermediate portion of the mounting shaft is adjacent to a top side of the frame leg. The mounting shaft has an generally flat blocking surface extending along a portion of the shaft such that the blocking surface is adjacent to the aperture in the frame leg when the caster is in the installed position. A locking washer is removably connected to the mounting shaft and is mountable to the frame leg.

Abstract: A caster wheel mounting mechanism having a shaft member to which the caster wheel is coupled, the shaft member having a generally circular cross section with a flatted portion, a mounting member having an opening within which the shaft member is pivotally received, and a compression spring for biasing an abutment member or ball into abutment with the shaft such that the caster wheel is biased to a predetermined position when the abutment member abuts the flatted portion of the shaft member.

Abstract: A propping device includes a mounting seat mounted detachably on a baby walker, and a rotatable member mounted pivotally on the mounting seat and including a flat abutting plate portion positioned on the mounting seat above a lower end of the caster. A locking unit can lock automatically and releaseably the abutting plate portion on the mounting seat when the abutting plate portion is rotated relative to the mounting seat to a horizontal location under the caster. When the caster is lifted, the rotatable member can be rotated so as to turn the abutting plate portion to the horizontal position so as to abut the abutting plate portion on the ground, thus preventing rotation of the caster.

Abstract: An overhead track high density storage system is formed by connecting an overhead track to the top posts of stationary storage units, thereby holding the track above a horizontal support surface, such as the floor. Movable storage units, such as shelves mounted on casters, are positioned between the stationary storage units. Guide roller means attached to the top of the movable storage units are received within the track so that translational movement of the movable storage unit is confined to a path defined by the track. The guide roller means include a center guide roller and at least one side guide roller mounted for rotational movement to a guide roller support channel. Each caster is locked into a directional position to prevent swiveling with a single caster alignment clip, which includes upstanding fingers defining a slot therebetween. The slot of the clip engages a portion of the movable storage unit, such as a support rod in a truss of a wire shelf that forms a part of the movable storage unit.

Abstract: A caster includes a support to be secured to a mobile structure. An inverted U-shaped wheel frame has an upper portion and two legs which extend downward from the upper portion. A bearing unit is disposed between the upper portion and the support. A pinion is disposed between the legs beneath the upper portion. A rivet has a shank portion which extends non-rotatably through the support and the pinion and which extends rotatably through the upper portion. A pedal assembly includes two arms and a platform which interconnects front ends of the arms. Each of the arms has a generally S-shaped guide slot that crosses a horizontal guide slot of a corresponding one of the legs. The pedal assembly is flanked by the wheel frame and is mounted pivotally on the latter. A shaft extends into and is movable in the guide slots. A wheel is mounted on the shaft. A brake has two ends which extend through engagement slots in the arms of the pedal assembly.

Abstract: A front wheel structure for a handcart includes a link block having a wheel bracket pivotally attached to an underside thereof with a wheel being rotatably retained in the wheel bracket. A positive stop is slidingly received in a vertical slot defined in the link block and has a head formed at a top end on a first side thereof and a lip formed at a bottom on the first side. In an uppermost position of the positive stop, the bottom thereof is above a sidewall of the wheel bracket such that the wheel bracket can pivot freely. In a lowermost position of the positive stop, the bottom thereof impedes the sidewall of the wheel bracket such that it cannot pivot. A brake is pivotally attached at a top of the wheel bracket and can urge against a periphery of the wheel to.

Abstract: A device for arresting the swivelling movement of a castor. The device (2) is particularly useful for use on a shopping trolley (1). The device comprises support means (1) secured to the base of the trolley, and engagement means (11) adapted to pivot between first and second positions. In a first position, a tongue (11) is engaged between the arms (5) and (6) of the fork member (4) to prevent swivelling movement of the castor. In a second position, the tongue (11) is disengaged from between the arms (5) and (6) of the fork (4) to permit swivelling movement of the castor (3) relative to the base of the trolley (1).

Abstract: A shopping cart has automatically applied brakes when the cart is at rest. The braking for the cart is by rotating the two casters to be non-parallel to each other so the cart will not roll. Any structure for rotating the casters may be used, but the preferred embodiment has an undulating upper bearing race so the weight of the cart urges the upper race down and causes the balls to seek high points on the upper race. The balls are caged, and the cage is fixed to the lower race, so the wheels of the casters are rotated when the balls enter the high areas. The upper bearing races are oriented to achieve the desired positioning of the caster wheels.

Abstract: A circular walker having an improved seat assembly and wheel structure. The seat structure includes a lace sewn between the seat and a backrest cover, buckles extending with a cloth strip on the sides and rear of the lace on the seat and engaging sheets on a front. The engaging sheets and buckles are inserted through holes in the carriage and hook on the carriage to fix the seat to the carriage. The wheels prevent foreign objects from rolling into the axle center without need of riveting the axle center. Each wheel has a seat body, two wheel bodies, a seal cover and a main seal cover, the main seal cover having an integral axle hole engaged by a distal end of an axle rod having an engaging block. The seal cover and main seal cover and main seal cover assembled together by inserting the axle rod through axle holes.

Abstract: Braking device for a self-orientating twin castor composed of two wheels which are rotatably mounted at the opposite ends of a spindle that is driven through a seat of a support which is composed of a vertical wall that lies between the wheels and in which a cylindrical recess is formed with a vertical axis that is eccentric with respect to the spindle. The recess is open in an upward region for the engagement of a pivot for mounting the castor in a piece of furniture, and a lever element is provided which can be coupled to the wall so that it can oscillate between two positions about an axis that is parallel to the spindle. The lever element includes an arm for blocking the wheels, which lies between the wheels, and an actuation arm, which can be accessed by a user.

Abstract: A restrainer for shopping cart wheels is a strip of stainless steel or other resilient metal, bent into a generally C-shaped curve. The restrainer is compressed and inserted into the space between a shopping cart wheel and its frame; a shoulder and a tab on a straight end of the restrainer engage the wheel frame to hold the strip in place. A curved end of the restrainer bears against the wheel with sufficient force that resulting friction will prevent the cart from rolling freely down an incline of less than about 15.degree., while allowing the cart to be pushed by shoppers in the usual way. Corrugations in the curved midsection of the strip add stiffness to increase the amount of friction applied to the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a braking mechanism for a castor, which includes a wheel support, two wheels and a brake support. Wherein the wheel support contains an axle suspension with a housing holding a spring and a slide therein. A slotted hole is formed through respective sides of the axle suspension, and two transverse stoppers are respectively formed on the top and bottom portions of the axle suspension, immediately above and below the slotted hole. The brake support extends outwardly to form two flat plates on respective sides thereof and spaced to extend on a respective side wall of the axle suspension, between the upper and lower stoppers. Each plate has a diagonally directed slotted hole formed therethrough for an axle to pass therethrough, through the slotted hole of the axle suspension and through the internal slide. The bias of the spring displaces the axle to the bottom of the slots, displacing the brake support to engage stopping recesses formed in the wheels to latch them against rotation.

Abstract: A shopping cart has a brake added as an improvement. The assembly is completely enclosed within a wheel of the shopping cart and is automatically engaged when a predetermined speed is reached. When the cart is propelled beyond a normal operating speed either by being pushed or when unattended, the brake will engage. The brake is actuated by centrifugal force acting on a mechanism contained within the wheel, consisting of rotating weights and ratchet assemblies that engage to dissipate rotational energy by means of a friction connection to the axle of the wheel. Gears cause the weights to rotate at a faster rate than the wheel, so that heavier weights and counter weight springs may be used, making the brake less susceptible to actuation by jolts when the cart is pushed over uneven surfaces. The brake, being internal to the wheel assembly is protected from the effects of weather and physical abuse.

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 wheel assembly for a baby stroller in which the wheel or wheels are mounted to the trailing portion of a linkage assembly that is pivotally carried at its midportion by a lower support. The leading portion of the linkage assembly is located ahead of the wheels and is connected by a tension spring to an upper support. Upward travel of the wheels is resisted by extension of the spring. The lower support mounts a lock movable into lock and release positions. In the lock position the lower support is prevented from rotating about a vertical axis relative to the upper support. In the release position such rotation can occur. Consequently, the baby stroller can be turned around and pushed in a direction opposite the original direction of travel once the wheel assemblies are properly oriented.

Abstract: Rollable articles such as utility carts used as aircraft galley carts are provided with a brake assembly for locking and unlocking the wheel assemblies. The brake assembly includes a brake actuator pedal assembly arranged at one or both ends of the cart to enable locking and unlocking of the wheel assemblies by a pair of pedals. A centrally arranged swivel connector assembly is operative in association with the brake pedals to effect the locking and unlocking of the wheel assemblies by a pair of brake actuator linkage assemblies.

Abstract: A crib caster comprises a main body, a horizontal shaft, two wheel members, an urging member, and an elastic element. The main body is provided with first braking portions while the two wheel members are provided with second braking portions. When the crib is occupied by a baby, the main body is caused to descend by the weight of the baby so that the first braking portions of the main body are caused to engage the second braking portions of the two wheel members so as to immobilize the two wheel members.

Abstract: A creeper includes a torso supporting platform with a number of bores formed vertically therethrough. Each of the bores has a polygonal recess formed around the bottom thereof. A caster extends downwardly from each of the bores. Each caster includes a caster wheel, a bracket secured thereto and extending upwardly therefrom and a shaft extending upwardly from the bracket. Each of the shafts is positioned in a different one of the bores and is axially aligned with the same. A polygonal nut is secured around each of the shafts and is positioned atop a corresponding bracket. Each of the polygonal nuts is sized to be inserted in a corresponding one of the polygonal recesses. A hollowed cap with an internal thread is inserted into the top of the bore and over the shaft in order to secure the shaft to the platform.

Abstract: In a wheel and brake assembly for a wheeled cart, such as a shopping cart or a luggage cart, a horn is mountable to the cart so as to extend downwardly from the cart. A wheel defining a wheel axis and including a hub is journalled to the horn at the hub. A pin projects from the hub but clears the horn when the wheel is rotated. A bracket is mounted pivotably to the horn so as to be pivotable over a limited range, between an inoperative position and an operative position, with a tang projecting axially from the bracket. The tang is arranged to engage the pin so as to brake the wheel against further rotation in one rotational sense, once the bracket has been pivoted to the operative position, if the wheel is rotated by less than one full revolution in the same rotational sense. The pin is arranged to engage the tang so as to pivot the bracket from the operative position, and so as to release the wheel, if the wheel is rotated by less than one full revolution in the opposite rotational sense.

Abstract: A caster assembly for a traveling body has an automatic swivel lock that prevents the caster from swiveling when the caster is a trailing caster on the traveling body and allows the caster to swivel when the caster is a leading caster on the traveling body. The caster assembly includes a lock assembly pivotally mounted to support arms that extend from the swiveling wheel mount. A fixed locking member extends from the traveling body's frame to engage a locking lever extending from the lock assembly when the caster wheel is a trailing wheel on the traveling body. A cam follower engages a cam surface on the inside of the wheel to pivotally disengage the lock assembly from the locking member when the traveling body reverses direction so that the caster, which has become a leading caster, is free to swivel.

Abstract: A support assembly is provided for mounting a wheel to a frame member. The assembly includes a sleeve for telescopingly receiving a frame member, a collar for telescopingly receiving the sleeve, a housing for separable connection to the collar and for mounting to a wheel axle, and a locking member on the housing for engaging a recess in the sleeve in order to couple the housing to the sleeve.

Abstract: A castor assembly for a scaffold tower or similar structure needs to be provided with a brake. In this construction the brake comprises various forms of rotary cam, e.g. an eccentrically-mounted cylinder, a lobed cam and preferably formed with one or more ribs for gripping purposes. The cam may be in contact with the wheel to remove grit, etc. On movement of the wheel and wheel carrier into the braked position the cam pivots into a position where it is wedged between the swivel of the castor assembly and the wheel periphery. Thus movement of the assembly about the vertical swivel axis and rotation of the wheel about its horizontal axis is prevented.

Abstract: An undercarriage for heavy diagnostic equipment having a selectably engageable swivel mechanism activated by the movement of a cam to allow the undercarriage to be turned when desired and rolled in a straight line when necessary, a selectably engageable braking mechanism to prevent movement of the undercarriage when desired, but allowing the undercarriage to be moved quickly if needed, and a balance wheel assembly to prevent the undercarriage and equipment from becoming unstable when encountering obstacles, while allowing the undercarriage to be rolled up inclines. An aspect of the invention allows the swivel and braking mechanisms to be selectively engaged from the same point along the undercarriage, thereby providing superior control of the undercarriage and the equipment which it carries.