Spring Supported Patents (Class 16/44)
  • Patent number: 11975568
    Abstract: A self-leveling caster assembly includes a caster frame and a castor fork which is configured to pivot relative to the caster frame. A spring or other biasing mechanism biases the caster fork away from the caster frame, to maintain contact between the ground and a wheel supported by the caster fork along a travel range of the wheel. Even if a frame supporting the self-leveling caster assembly is bent, pulling the wheel away from the ground, the biased caster fork will maintain contact between the ground and the wheel, allowing continued use of a shopping cart or other wheeled apparatus including the self-leveling caster assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: Gatekeeper Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: John C. McKay
  • Patent number: 11712964
    Abstract: A suspension element includes a housing, a first joint, and a second joint. The housing is configured to couple a tractive element assembly to a vehicle. The housing has a first end configured to engage a portion of the vehicle and a second end configured to interface with the tractive element assembly. The first joint includes a first actuator and a first resilient member. The first actuator is configured to facilitate linear extension and retraction of the suspension element. The second joint includes a second actuator and a second resilient member. The second actuator is configured to facilitate rotational movement of the suspension element. The first resilient member and the second resilient member are configured to support a static load of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2023
    Assignee: Oshkosh Corporation
    Inventors: Andrew Drach, Erik S. Ellifson, Aaron J. Rositch, Devon C. Palmer
  • Patent number: 11685188
    Abstract: A dual-state caster apparatus having a caster head with a state-change pivot configured to change the steering axis of the caster apparatus. A braking system with a brake control cable is incorporated into the caster apparatus wherein the state-change pivot and the braking system are configured to allow a wheel to swivel without interference with the brake control cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Exokinetics, Inc.
    Inventors: John Christopher Fawcett, Garrett W. Brown
  • Patent number: 11179968
    Abstract: A telescoping wheel assembly includes a base body, a wheel set and an elastic member. The base body includes a receiving groove. The wheel set is connected to the receiving groove and selectively positioned at an outward position or an inward position relative to the receiving groove. The wheel set includes a wheel axle and a wheel body. The wheel body is connected to an outside of the wheel axle. The elastic member is disposed in the receiving groove and abutted against the base body and the wheel set. When the wheel set is positioned at the outward position, the elastic member provides a buffering elastic force to the wheel set. When the wheel set is positioned at the inward position, the elastic member provides a pushing elastic force to the wheel set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: CHANG YANG MATERIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ming Hua Huang, Shun Fan Lee, Shuo Ying Lin, Po Wei Tsao
  • Patent number: 11155120
    Abstract: To provide a stage-corresponding caster device being entirely compact, able to smoothly and stably work, and able to easily get over a stage end face, a holder main body 1 attached to an attached member B and having a pair of left and right side wall portions 10, a main wheel supporting member 2 in which the main wheel 7 is pivoted to a lower portion 2b and an upper portion 2a is pivoted to the holder main body 1, a sub wheel supporting member 3 in which the sub wheel 8 is pivoted to a front portion 3c and a rear portion 3d is pivoted to the main wheel supporting member 2 coaxially with the main wheel 7, and a slide roller 30 attached to the sub wheel supporting member 3 on a forward position to the main wheel 7, are provided; and the holder main body 1 has a guiding groove 13 inclined backward and downward in side view on the side wall portion 10 to guide the slide roller 30, the front portion 3c of the sub wheel supporting member 3 is oscillated downward by contact of the main wheel 7 with the stage end fac
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: YUEI CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kota Ojima, Tomoki Hada
  • Patent number: 11077357
    Abstract: A skateboard includes a board body having a first section and a second section, at least a first wheel set connected to the first section, and at least two second wheel sets connected to the second section. The first wheel set includes a first base protruding from the first section. Each second wheel set includes a second base protruding from the second section and defines a reference line passing through a center of the second base. Both of the bases slope at an angle of 5 to 35 degrees respectively. An angle of not more than 60 degrees is formed between the reference line and a baseline passing axially through a center of the board body. The skateboard moves forward when the wheel sets are triggered by twisting a body of a user and a moving direction is changeable by shifting a center of gravity of the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: GoodMen Household Products Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Hong Chen, Chu-Feng Lin
  • Patent number: 11077708
    Abstract: A mobile robot configured to drive on a surface with irregularities, comprising: a chassis having a front end facing a forward direction of travel, a back end, a first side, and a second side. There is a first drive wheel rigidly affixed to the chassis proximate the first side and interconnected to a motor to propel it. There is a second drive wheel rigidly affixed to the chassis proximate the second side and interconnected to a motor to propel it. A first caster assembly is rigidly affixed to the chassis proximate the front end and includes a first caster wheel configured to rotate about a first swivel axis. A second caster assembly is rigidly affixed to the chassis proximate the back end and includes a second caster wheel configured to rotate about a second swivel axis and it includes a compliant member to absorb the irregularities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Locus Robotics Corp.
    Inventors: Hian Kai Kwa, Peter Sussman, Michael Sussman
  • Patent number: 10976192
    Abstract: A positioning foot having a hydraulic shock absorber with a fluid-filled hollow cylinder (210), in which a piston (220) that moves axially between an advanced, spring prestressed position and a retracted position. The piston separates a front axial fluid space (214) and a rear axial fluid space (215) from one another in the hollow cylinder. Both fluid spaces are connected to one another in a fluid exchanging fashion via at least one throttle opening (223) in the piston. The piston is rigidly connected to a piston rod (221), which passes through the front fluid space and abuts a fixed stop (218) in the retracted position, in which the volume of the rear axial fluid space is minimized and the volume of the front axial fluid space is maximized. The spring prestress is dimensioned so that the weight of the device body moves the piston dampingly into the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SARTORIUS LAB INSTRUMENTS GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventors: Winfried Graf, Malte Staender
  • Patent number: 10897970
    Abstract: A luggage article may include a plurality of walls together defining an outer structure of the luggage article, a wheel bracket attached to and extending from one of the walls, and one or more wheels attached to the wheel bracket. The wheel bracket may comprise a leaf spring having a loop-shaped profile and the one or more wheels may be rotationally attached to a lower end of the loop-shaped leaf spring. The configuration of the wheel bracket may result in higher shock absorption and reduced wheel noise comparative to conventional wheel brackets, and offer an improvement and alternative to conventional luggage wheel brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: Samsonite IP Holdings S.a r.l.
    Inventors: Rik Hillaert, Vivien Cheng, Wim De Vos, Michael Vandemergel, Chui Wai Kin, Peter Ten Haaf, Benjamin Vandeputte, Bart Bauwens
  • Patent number: 10806414
    Abstract: A mobile X-ray imaging apparatus includes a main body performing X-ray imaging by operating an X-ray source, a movable wheel provided in a lower end of the main body and capable of moving the main body, and a support portion comprising a wheel support plate supporting the movable wheel capable of rotating, a frame connected to the main body and supporting the wheel support plate capable of moving, an elastic member disposed between the frame and the wheel support plate and applying an elastic force to the wheel support plate in a direction in which the movable wheel faces a ground, and a stopper restricting a movement of the wheel support plate, wherein the elastic force of the elastic member is smaller than a minimum load applied to the movable wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae-won Nam, Seung-hwan Lee, Jung-min Kim, Ku-il Jang
  • Patent number: 10683168
    Abstract: An automated guided trolley for transport and/or handling of a load. The automated guided trolley includes a main frame for receiving the load and a carrier frame having two walking beams pivotally mounted relative to each other by a pivot and respectively extending forwards and backwards of the trolley and each equipped with at least one idler wheel, one of the walking beams being mounted on two differential-drive wheels whose axes are situated in the transverse plane of the main frame. The trolley includes an articulation of the main frame relative to the balanced wheel extending forwardly and relative to the rearwardly extending balanced wheel, configured so that the assembly of the main frame with the carrier frame is sensibly isostatic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: EXOTEC SOLUTIONS
    Inventors: Romain Moulin, Renaud Heitz
  • Patent number: 10518578
    Abstract: A dual-stage caster is disclosed. The caster includes a horn assembly and an arm assembly pivotally coupled to the horn assembly. The caster further includes a wheel rotatably mounted to the arm assembly and a mounting plate mounted to the horn assembly and configured be mounted to a transport vehicle. When the wheel is moved along a support surface, the arm assembly is in a neutral position and the wheel is in the up position. When the wheel moves into a depression in the support surface, the wheel stage spring moves the wheel from the up position to the down position and the arm assembly remains in the neutral position. When the wheel moves over a raised portion in the support surface, the arm assembly pivots relative to the horn assembly so as to compress the main stage spring. The caster may be a swivel caster or a rigid caster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Caster & Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Yefim Spektor, Patrick L. McCartney, Lakshadeep Sandeep Goregaonkar, Julie Ann Johnson, Jevon Robert Lambright
  • Patent number: 10421317
    Abstract: A castor assembly includes a base, a wheel unit and a rotation shaft. The wheel unit is located under the base and includes a pivot member, an elastic member biased and exposed between the base and the pivot member, and two rollers mounted on the pivot member. The rotation shaft is mounted between the base and the wheel unit and extends through the elastic member. The rotation shaft has a periphery provided with an operation slot. A positioning pin extends through the pivot member and is slidable in the operation slot of the rotation shaft. Thus, the elastic member is exposed outward so that the user clearly sees the elastic member and knows the shock-absorbing function provided by the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Inventor: Wen-Chen Chang
  • Patent number: 10363776
    Abstract: A wheel rotated by a load applied to an axle remaining stationary at an eccentric position is disclosed. The present invention comprises: the wheel configured such that the outer periphery of an inner rim of the wheel assembled to a wheel hub provided at the axle to which the load is applied applies pressure to a plurality of compressive force elastic bodies provided at the inner periphery of an outer rim of the wheel; and a control roller for pushing the outer rim of the wheel at a gap of a predetermined range such that the axle provided at the wheel hub always remains stationary at the eccentric position of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Inventor: Joon Tai Park
  • Patent number: 10308068
    Abstract: A caster with an elastic member that absorbs impact forces during use. The elastic member can be placed between first and second portions pivotable with respect to each other about a pin. The elastic member can absorb impact forces between the first and second portions when in use. The elastic member can further include grooves that allow portions of the elastic member adjacent the grooves to flow into the grooves during impact, further absorbing impact forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Snap-on Incorporated
    Inventors: William T. Sharp, David A. Doerflinger
  • Patent number: 10231792
    Abstract: A portable surgical robot includes a surgical device and a cart. The surgical device is coupled to the cart. The cart includes a chassis, a mount coupled to the chassis, a carriage pivotally coupled to the mount, and a set of wheels. The carriage includes a first bracket positioned at a first lateral end of the carriage and a second bracket positioned at a second lateral end of the carriage. A first wheel of the set of wheels is coupled to the first bracket and a second wheel of the set of wheels is coupled to the second bracket. The carriage is configured to pivot relative to the mount to prevent at least one of (i) rocking of the portable surgical robot, (ii) fluttering of the first wheel, (iii) fluttering of the second wheel, and (iv) tipping of the portable surgical robot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: MAKO Surgical Corp.
    Inventors: Paul Shiels, Alan Ross
  • Patent number: 10188033
    Abstract: In a riding mower having a frame, a mower deck supported beneath the frame, a chair on said frame and a source of motive power also supported on said frame and including two hydraulic transaxles depending beneath the frame to each selectively rotate a drive wheel. The frame is supported on forward and rear wheel assemblies with a supporting wheel. The transaxles are supported beneath the frame and pivotally secured thereto by a flange captivating vibration pillows and proximate the driven wheel and an inner pivot rod secured to the frame by apertures in downwardly depending tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Bad Boy, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles Bradley Covington, Warren Russell Long
  • Patent number: 10160629
    Abstract: An electric personnel lift device that includes a base assembly having a frame and two columns that are laterally spaced apart and mounted to the frame is disclosed. Each of the two columns has a lift cylinder device mounted in the respective column and extending upward. The electric personnel lift device further includes a height adjustable platform assembly having an operator platform and two laterally spaced apart handrail assemblies connected to the operator platform. The height adjustable platform assembly is connected to an upper end of a movable portion of each lift cylinder device and is slidably coupled to the columns, wherein the height adjustable platform assembly is movable between at least a lowered position and a raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: BIG LIFT, LLC
    Inventors: Wu Wenjing, Weng Lijian, Wang Zheng, William John Pedriana
  • Patent number: 10155415
    Abstract: A shockproof caster has a shaft coupling base, a shock-absorbing mechanism and two casters. The shock-absorbing mechanism is disposed in parallel with the shaft coupling base, and the two casters are respectively mounted on the shock-absorbing mechanism. The shock-absorbing mechanism includes: a base body; a connecting arm, with its one end rotatably mounted on the base body; a rotating base, rotatably mounted on the other end of the connecting arm; at least one limiting convex portion, configured on the base body, wherein the top of the limiting convex portion is optionally propped against the outer side of the connecting arm to limit the range of downward swing of the connecting arm; and a spring, configured between the base body and the rotating base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Inventor: Kuo-Yu Lu
  • Patent number: 10123481
    Abstract: A swather having a horizontal bar with a device for connection to a towing vehicle and a generally horizontal bar, transverse to the first one, each end of which is associated with a generally vertical member bearing a wheel. The assembly of the transverse bar and the vertical members being associated with generally horizontal long arms directed toward a first end of the first horizontal bar and pivotally connected to the transverse bar or the vertical members, so that the arms, when extended to a working position, provide a V-shaped or Y-shaped configuration. Each arm is equipped with a pivoting wheel with tire at its end remote from the transverse bar, or distal end, and with wheel rakes. At least the pivoting wheels with tires are equipped with shock absorbing means capable of attenuating impulsive loads due to impact of the wheels against ground irregularities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Enoagricola Rossi S.R.L.
    Inventor: Adelmo Giovannini
  • Patent number: 10021994
    Abstract: A bouncing support structure for baby walker includes a tubular stand, an upper housing and a lower housing respectively sleeved on an upper end and a lower end of the tubular stand, wherein the upper housing and the lower housing are selectively and reciprocally moved relative to the tubular stand, and respectively connected to an upper frame and a lower frame of the baby walker. An expandable tube sleeved on the tubular stand. The expandable tube has two opposite ends respectively connected to the upper housing and the lower housing. A resilient device is received in the tubular stand, wherein the resilient device has a first end secured on the tubular stand and a second end secured on the upper housing. The bouncing support structure provides a bouncing function to the baby walker when the upper housing is reciprocally moved relative to the tubular stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2018
    Inventor: Li-Wei Lu
  • Patent number: 9956822
    Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a first body having a first end portion and a second end portion; a second body having a third end portion and a fourth end portion, the third end portion of the second body rotatably coupled to the second end portion of the first body via a first pivot pin; a wheel rotatably coupled to the second body via a second pivot pin; a rod having a fifth end portion and a sixth end portion, the fifth end portion coupled with the first body via a third pivot pin; a first coiled spring having a first end contacting the first body and a second end contacting the third end portion; and a second coiled spring having a third end, the rod inserted into the second coiled spring via the third end, and a fourth end contacting the fourth end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Olympia International, Inc.
    Inventor: Chris Yu
  • Patent number: 9730386
    Abstract: In a riding mower having a frame, a mower deck supported beneath the frame, a chair on said frame and a source of motive power also supported on said frame and including two hydraulic transaxles depending beneath the frame to each selectively rotate a drive wheel. The frame is supported on forward and rear wheel assemblies with a supporting wheel. The transaxles are supported beneath the frame and pivotally secured thereto by a flange captivating vibration pillows and proximate the driven wheel and an inner pivot rod secured to the frame by apertures in downwardly depending tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Inventors: Charles Bradley Covington, Warren Long
  • Patent number: 9533530
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for an infant support apparatus includes a wheel mount, a wheel pivotally connected with the wheel mount about a pivot axis, and a brake member assembled with the wheel for movement between a braking state and a release state, the brake member when in the release state being rotatable with the wheel relative to the wheel mount, and the brake member when in the braking state engaging with the wheel mount to block rotation of the wheel relative to the wheel mount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Curtis M. Hartenstine, Anthony V. Ruggiero
  • Patent number: 9500258
    Abstract: A pneumatic support includes first and second carrier elements, and first and second spring elements. Two middle transverse faces of the first and second spring elements are opposite each other and form a first working chamber and the opposite transverse face and the portion of the transverse wall are opposite each other and form a second chamber. A first hole provides communication between the first working chamber and the outside atmosphere and a second hole in the portion of the transverse wall provides communication between the second chamber and the outside atmosphere. The second spring element has low rigidity and an overall thickness that varies in a ratio of 1 to 2 and, at rest, the middle transverse face is separated from the middle transverse face of the first spring element, whereas the opposite transverse face is separated from the inner face of the portion of the transverse wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: ANVIS SD FRANCE SAS
    Inventor: Serge Verger
  • Patent number: 9475530
    Abstract: The swiveling, single rear wheel for a trailer is adapted for use with a trailer. The single rear wheel includes a mount plate that is adapted to be positioned on a bottom surface of the trailer. A coil spring is positioned between the mount plate and a distal end of a torsion bar. The distal end of the torsion bar is affixed to a plate. The plate includes a tapered ring on a bottom surface that a roller assembly engages. A pivoting shaft is rotatably engaged on the bottom surface of the plate, and is affixed to a swivel wheel. The swivel wheel is also attached to the roller assembly. The swivel wheel is able to rotate via the pivoting shaft and the roller assembly. The universal hitch is adapted to attach between a vehicle hitch of a vehicle and a front portion of a trailer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Inventor: Larry Moyer
  • Patent number: 9452796
    Abstract: A suspension system for a tracked work vehicle is provided that includes an undercarriage beam and a roller wheel beam assembly having a plurality of roller wheels and a roller wheel beam having a front clevis and a rear clevis. The suspension system also includes a front bushing mount coupled to the front clevis and a rear bushing mount coupled to the rear clevis. Moreover, the front bushing mount and the rear bushing mount are rigidly coupled to the undercarriage beam and configured to damp roll of the roller wheel beam relative to the undercarriage beam. Additionally, the suspension system includes at least one vertical mount disposed between the roller wheel beam and the undercarriage beam. Each of the at least one vertical mount is configured to provide vertical support for the roller wheel beam and to damp vertical movement of the roller wheel beam relative to the undercarriage beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Randall Franck, Brian D. Vik, Daniel J. Zurn
  • Patent number: 9440692
    Abstract: An undercarriage for a tracked work vehicle is provided that includes a roller wheel beam. The roller wheel beam includes a clevis having a first arm and a second arm. Additionally, the first arm includes a first opening, and the second arm includes a second opening. The undercarriage further includes a bushing mount which has a third opening and is configured to be disposed between the first arm and the second arm. Also, the undercarriage includes a pin assembly configured to couple the roller wheel beam to the bushing mount. Moreover, the pin assembly includes a first pin configured to be inserted into the first opening and a first end of the third opening. The pin assembly also includes a second pin configured to be inserted into the second opening and a second end of the third opening. Furthermore, the first pin is configured to abut the second pin when the first pin and the second pin are inserted into respective openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2016
    Assignee: CNH Industrial America LLC
    Inventors: Brian D. Vik, Daniel J. Zurn
  • Patent number: 9434062
    Abstract: A power tool for performing a predetermined operation by using a tool driven by a motor including a first housing to which the tool is attached at an end of the first housing and which has a cylindrical portion of the first housing, a second housing which has a cylindrical portion of the second housing covering the cylindrical portion of the first housing, and a vibration reduction member which is provided between the cylindrical portion of the first housing and the cylindrical portion of the second housing and which reduces transmission of vibration between the first housing and the second housing via elastic shearing deformation of the vibration reduction member. A direction of the shearing deformation of the vibration reduction member corresponds to a direction of a rotation axis of the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: MAKITA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hikaru Kamegai
  • Patent number: 9415651
    Abstract: A rear castor wheel for a tractor includes a beam carried on a fork which connects to a castor mounting assembly attached to a rear pivotal beam of the tractor. A suspension system connects the fork to the mounting assembly to provide suspension movement and includes a first transverse plate assembly attached to the mounting assembly intersected by a second plate assembly attached across the two sides of the fork. The plates are connected by a single elastomeric block located on a first side of the axis remote from the beam and two elastomeric blocks located between the first and second plate assemblies on a side of the axis closer to the beam so that upward movement of the beam causes compression of the first and second elastomeric blocks which are shaped such that the internal strain of the block as the beam moves upwardly is substantially uniform through the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: MacDon Industries Ltd.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Knight, Blaine J. McFarlane
  • Patent number: 8967647
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects and embodiments of a suspension system for a stroller. In one example, a stroller includes a frame member and a suspension block coupled to the frame member. The suspension block includes a body and a suspension mechanism coupled to the body and disposed at an acute angle from a vertical axis of the body. The stroller further includes a wheel mounted on an axle coupled to the suspension block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Monahan Products, LLC
    Inventor: Richard M. Bastien
  • Patent number: 8955817
    Abstract: A base anchoring structure fixes a base 3 of an apparatus body 2 to a floor F in position. The base is at a lower part of the apparatus body and has casters C to move the apparatus body along the floor. The base anchoring structure includes linear actuators 4 fixed to the base, to downwardly bias, with a uniform pressure provided by air A supplied to the linear actuators, their respective pistons 5 until lower ends of the pistons reach the floor and stopper units (7, 8, 10) to engage with the downwardly pushed pistons and stably maintain the downwardly pushed state of the pistons. The engagement of the stopper units with the pistons stably maintains the anchored state of the base. The plurality of actuator is easily operated only by supplying air thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Mitaka Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Nakata, Masao Doi, Tatsuya Hashimoto
  • Patent number: 8936257
    Abstract: A mobile storage unit comprises a rigid frame coupled with a top seat portion, a pair of wheels and a number of supports. The wheels are coupled to a wheel mechanism that retracts the wheels into a retracted position when a downward force is applied to the rigid frame in an upright position. As a result, at least one supplemental support that is positioned above the ground when the pair of wheels are in the extended position, touches the ground when the pair of wheels is in the retracted position thereby adding support and stability to the mobile storage unit when in the upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: Zuca, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce Kinnee
  • Patent number: 8850658
    Abstract: A castor includes a casing constituted by a part having at least one housing suitable for receiving a pivot defined on an axis, and a bearing defined on an axis perpendicular to the axis, at least one wheel suitable for running on a surface, a shaft mounted to co-operate in the bearing, the wheel being mounted in association with the shaft, the part being constituted by at least two portions and that are made respectively of two materials of different flexibilities, the portion presenting the greater flexibility being interposed between the housing and the axial orifice of the bearing so as to isolate the housing and the bearing from each other. The castors may be used with furniture or the like, in particular in a hospital setting, e.g. for beds, tables, walkers, and also for moving suitcases, baggage, or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Tente Roulettes Polymeres-Bruandet
    Inventors: Patrick Dayt, Christian Marchand
  • Patent number: 8839487
    Abstract: A vertically-adjustable caster wheel apparatus for use on a forklift truck, material handling cart, and the like. The caster wheel apparatus of the present invention provides a yolk frame having a pivot pin connected to and extending through the yolk frame. A wheel frame has one end pivotally connected to the yolk frame and a second end rotatably connected to a wheel. An elastic member has a first retainer connected to one end of the elastic member and a second retainer connected to an opposite end of the elastic member, wherein the first retainer is connected to the pivot pin in the yolk frame to allow the elastic member to pivot with respect to the yolk frame. Means for adjusting the vertical height of the wheel is provided by adjusting the angle of the wheel frame relative to the yolk frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Ross Design & Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack Plate
  • Patent number: 8752243
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for an infant carrier apparatus can include a shock absorber, and at least a wheel pivotally coupled with the shock absorber. The shock absorber is formed integrally in a single body comprising a cushion structure capable of elastic deformation, and a mount structure having a tubular shape adapted to assemble with a support frame of an infant carrier apparatus. Examples of the infant carrier apparatus can include an infant stroller apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Zhen-Wen Guo, Er Xue Wang
  • Patent number: 8607414
    Abstract: A shock absorbing caster assembly that includes a wheel volubly disposed within a spring bracket, said spring bracket pivotally disposed within a mounting bracket, said spring bracket compressively engagable with the mounting bracket by means of a parallelepiped spring member torsionally engaging with a plate member of the mounting bracket, wherein a wheel axle is permitted to move within extremes delimited by a pair of curved slots disposed upon the mounting bracket whereby the wheel is moveable upwardly against the action of the spring member when the present shock absorbing caster assembly is piloted over an uneven ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Inventor: Owen T. Kinsela
  • Publication number: 20130327243
    Abstract: A roller assembly for facilitating movement of a switch rail between two positions. In one embodiment, the roller assembly includes a frame adapted for attachment to the switch rail and having a pocket formed therein, and an elastomer assembly, at least a portion of which is slidably disposed within the pocket. The elastomer assembly includes a roller wheel and an elastomeric block. The roller wheel travels along the surface of a tie plate when the switch rail is moved between positions. The elastomeric block is adapted to compress under a load applied to the switch rail in the direction of the tie plate, causing the roller wheel to retract in the direction of the pocket. When the weight of a train is exerted on the roller assembly, the compression of the elastomeric block causes the train to ride fully on the rails, just as if the roller assembly were not present. When no weight is exerted on the roller assembly, the roller assembly assists the switch to move freely between positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventors: Avraham Ashkenazi, Seth Fleishman, Ivo Chládek, Václav Suchan, Radek Lucovic
  • Patent number: 8505936
    Abstract: There is provided a wheel mounting assembly having a wheel fork. The fork includes an interior and an inwardly extending protrusion disposed within the interior. The assembly includes a rotatable member operatively connected to the fork and disposed within the interior of the fork. The protrusion abuts and positions in place the rotatable member. The assembly includes a shaft. The rotatable member rotatably connects the shaft to the wheel fork. The assembly includes a retaining member connected to the shaft. The retaining member is configured to abut the protrusion of the fork and thus inhibit dislodgement of the rotatable member from the fork when the shaft is tilted relative to the fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Evolution Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Julian Liu
  • Patent number: 8499414
    Abstract: A spring-force-adjustable and height-adjustable industrial caster wheel includes spring assembly, a mounting plate, a swivel assembly that swivels relative to the mounting plate, and a spring housing having a spring space in which the spring assembly is located. The spring force of the spring assembly is adjustable by pre-loading the spring assembly along the top-to-bottom direction along which the caster load is applied. The spring assembly includes a spring member having one or more relief areas on one or more of its side and/or end surfaces and/or internally within the spring member. These one or more relief areas allow the spring member to easily deform under the pre-load force or under increasing caster load forces without compromising the ability of the spring space to constrain lateral movements of the spring assembly or the ability of the spring member to deform elastically and/or avoid undergoing plastic deformations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Superior Tire & Rubber Corp.
    Inventors: Henri E. LeMeur, Jr., Philip M. Downey, Timothy W. Rowles
  • Patent number: 8490243
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for an infant carrier apparatus can include a shock absorber, and at least a wheel pivotally coupled with the shock absorber. Examples of the infant carrier apparatus can include an infant stroller apparatus. In some embodiments, the shock absorber can be directly connected with a support frame of the infant carrier apparatus. In other embodiments, the wheel assembly can include a mount base through which the shock absorber is connected with the support frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Wonderland Nurserygoods Company Limited
    Inventors: Zhen-Wen Guo, Er Xue Wang
  • Publication number: 20130111700
    Abstract: A swivel caster (1) for suitcases, items of luggage, transport containers or the like has at least one wheel (8) which is rotatably received about an axis of rotation (14), and a steering axle (6) which is arranged approximately at a right angle to the axis of rotation (14) of the at least one wheel (8) and about which the at least one wheel (8) can be steered. The aim of the invention is to reduce the transmission of vibrations, running noises and jolts and bumps onto the suitcase, the item of luggage, the transport container or the like. The swivel caster (1) comprises an elastic damping element (7) which is mounted between the wheel (8) of the swivel caster (1) and a fastening element (3) of the swivel caster (1) on the suitcase side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Waitz
  • Patent number: 8305740
    Abstract: An electronic device includes a body with a slide member, a supporter connected to the slide member to support the body placed on a plane, and a fastener combining the supporter and the slide member to make the supporter locate at a first position of the slide member. When the body is applied a force, the supporter moves along the slide rod to locate at a second position to adjust an angle between the body and the plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: ASUSTeK Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Chih Wei Chuang
  • Patent number: 8210550
    Abstract: A suspension system for a stroller is described. The suspension system may include a rotating damper mechanism used between a stroller frame and a stroller wheel. In one example, apparatus for providing suspension/damping of a stroller includes a first member attached to a stroller frame, a second member disposed co-axially with the first member and operable to rotate relative to the first member, and at least one elastic member (e.g., urethane) positioned between the first and second members for damping motion (e.g., rotational or translational motion) therebetween. In one example, four elastic members are disposed between the first and second members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Orbit Baby, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan T. White, Colter P. Leys, Albert H. Leung
  • Patent number: 8167324
    Abstract: A zero-turn mower comprising a zero-turn mower frame, a front axle coupled to the zero-turn mower frame, first and second caster wheel assemblies, and first and second front shock assemblies. The front shock assemblies rotatably and telescopically couple the caster wheel assemblies to the front axle, thereby providing vertical shock absorption. The front axle may be a floating axle that is pivotably coupled to the mower frame and/or the shock assemblies may define an internal spring-receiving chamber that is substantially isolated from the external environment. Such a zero-turn mower may provide a smoother ride and may require less maintenance and repair than conventional zero-turn mowers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Great Plains Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan F. Piontek
  • Patent number: 7832745
    Abstract: A trailer wheel assembly for mounting on the rear of a trailer has a structure that reduces or prevents oscillations about a vertical axis arising during high speed towing. The structure includes dual wheels mounted on an axle, a resilient support, and a suspension arm extending rearwardly and downwardly from the resilient support to the axle for the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Joseph J. Rauch, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7770905
    Abstract: A stroller wheel suspension mechanism has a generally rigid carrier with a top mounting section connectable to a stroller frame and a downward facing surface. The carrier also has a depending spring section that extends downward from the top mounting section adjacent an end of the downward facing surface and that has a generally vertically oriented surface. The carrier also has a bottom spring section that extends from the depending spring section and that has an upward facing surface. The depending and bottom spring sections are resiliently deflectable relative to the top mounting section. A wheel mount is provided on the bottom spring section. A solid body damper of a resilient, flexible material is positioned within a damper region formed adjacent the downward facing, generally vertically oriented, and upward facing surfaces of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Graco Children's Products Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Dotsey, Patrick Nolan
  • Patent number: 7735537
    Abstract: Disclosed is a portable wall-partition that includes a plurality of panels and at least one hinge that connects each of the plurality of panels to a neighboring panel. A foot is positioned on a lower edge of each of the plurality of panels. The foot includes a first extension and a second extension. Each of the extensions includes a distal end thereof. The first and the second extensions are connected to each other at a proximal end (opposite the end having a wheel) to form a vertex. The foot also includes a spring located at or near the vertex. The spring biases the first and the second extensions toward each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventors: John C. Hardt, II, Greg Moore, Chao-Ken Chen
  • Patent number: 7717380
    Abstract: An automatic height adjustment leg of a laundry handling apparatus according to the present invention comprises a cylinder mounted to a base of a laundry handling apparatus; a piston movably arranged inside the cylinder; a elastic member installed in the cylinder so as to elastically support the piston; and a leg penetrating the cylinder and fixed to the piston. There are provided advantages that the horizontality of the laundry handling apparatus may be automatically adjusted as the piston and leg move on and vibration may be absorbed and reduced by the elastic member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Ho Cheol Kwon, Beom Jun Kim, Il Hyeok Yim, Hack Chai Song
  • Patent number: 7657968
    Abstract: An improved wheel interface for walkers that includes a spring interface connection between the frame of the walker and the wheel assembly. The walker is able to better absorb shocks that occur when encountering an obstacle such as a curb, allowing the user to avoid the necessity of allowing the walker to fall or to risk falling himself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Elaine Levin