Spring Supported Patents (Class 16/44)
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Publication number: 20090205164Abstract: A castor wheel assembly comprises a tubular casing of rectangular cross section extending in axial direction between a pair of opposed ends and a swivel member for connecting the casing to an object supported thereon for relative rotation about a vertical swivel axis. A shaft extends horizontally through the casing for connection to pivot arms at opposed ends thereof. A castor wheel is coupled between the pivot arms spaced radially outwardly from the shaft. A flange spans radially from the shaft a fully width of the casing along a length of the shaft. Elastomeric material supports the shaft and the flange along one wall of the casing such that the elastomeric material is arranged to be compressed between the flange and an opposing wall of the casing by rotation of the shaft resulting from upward deflection of the wheel relative to the casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Inventor: Albert W. Larson
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Patent number: 7356877Abstract: A caster includes a fixing portion installed on a bottom surface of an object, a wheel portion which is installed to be elevated into a flange portion and has a moving wheel provided on a bottom surface of the wheel portion, and an elevating portion to control the wheel portion to elevate into the flange portion. The wheel portion descends from the fixing portion to move the object and elevates into the fixing portion to fixedly dispose the object in a position. Therefore, a height of the caster is controlled to be high when the heavy object is being moved, and controlled to be low when fixing the object in a position, thus improving the appearance of the object.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byoung-taek Kim, Sang-hak Kim
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Publication number: 20070143957Abstract: A caster buffering device is provided and may include a fixing element for coupling with a truck, a supporting element with a supporting piece, vertical pieces and a base piece. The caster buffering device may also include a working element having an end provided with a wheel and the other end connected to the vertical pieces via a connection shaft, a supporting shaft penetrating a through-hole of the working element and the base piece and connected to a coupling nut at an end and buffering elements penetrated by the supporting shaft and having a top surface elastically supported by an elastic piece of the supporting shaft and a lower end elastically supported by the base piece. The buffering element may be formed of at least two or more portions having different elasticities.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: Samsong Caster Co., Ltd.Inventor: Seung Hang Baek
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Patent number: 7159278Abstract: A caster for providing rolling support including a spring-loaded mount. The caster may be substantially concealed in the bottom edge of a hinged, swinging door, and generally located proximate to the free vertical edge of the door. An elongated spring plate is provided as a mount for a roller, causing the roller to accommodate variations in the floor surface, maintain contact with the floor, and support the door. The spring plate has a first portion adapted to be mounted to the bottom edge of a door, and a second portion depending from the first portion. An axle is mounted to the second portion, inside a hub that is mounted to the roller. The axle may be substantially parallel to the first portion of the spring plate. Single roller and double roller caster assemblies are provided.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Yale Security Inc.Inventor: Timothy J. Hilger
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Patent number: 7096533Abstract: A locking roller assembly includes a housing adapted for mounting to an article of furniture. A wheel is rotatably mounted to the housing via a mounting arrangement that accommodates relative vertical movement between the wheel and the housing. The wheel is mounted to an axle, which in turn is secured to an axle carrier. A biasing member, such as a spring, is engaged between the housing and the axle carrier to bias the housing toward a raised position. When a load is applied to the article of furniture, the spring is compressed so as to allow the housing to move vertically downward toward the wheel. The housing includes an engagement surface that engages the wheel when the load is applied and the housing is moved downwardly, to prevent rotation of the wheel and to thereby prevent movement of the article of furniture.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Kruegar International, Inc.Inventor: Dennis G. Griepentrog
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Patent number: 7093319Abstract: An industrial caster wheel assembly including a base member, a wheel, side plates, a housing, a pivot axle, a suspension assembly and an adjustment assembly. The suspension assembly includes an adjustable axle, a support member, and a plate. The support member allows one of the wheel and the base member to rotate about the pivot axle as the adjustable axle compresses the support member by contacting the plate. The adjustment assembly adjusts the height of the industrial caster wheel by adjusting the pressure applied by the adjustable axle to the support member. The industrial caster wheel assembly may alternatively include at least one adjustment assembly that can be placed in contact with at least one of the second axle to press the second axle at least indirectly against the elastomeric support member or the first axle to press the first axle toward the center of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2003Date of Patent: August 22, 2006Assignee: Superior Tire & Rubber CorporationInventors: Henri E. Lemeur, Jr., John D. Swartz, David J. Manning
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Patent number: 7065827Abstract: A shock absorber structure of a castor wheel is disclosed. The bottom section of a leg is inserted with a mounting tube and the circumferential edge of the leg is mounted with a protective hood. A screw nut is used to lock the mounting tube and the protective hood to the bottom section of the leg. The interior of the protective hood and the mounting tube are inserted with an insertion shaft having a bottom section passed through between two bearings on the seat of the castor and a screw nut locks the seat at the bottom section of the through shaft such that the seat can be freely rotated with the through shaft as the shaft center. Further, the top and the bottom section of the through shaft are respectively mounted with a spring to form into top and bottom buffer. The buffer is effectively used as the shock produced as a result of uneven ground and allowing the castor wheel to pass an obstacle.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 27, 2006Inventor: Te-Hsin Hsiao
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Patent number: 6944910Abstract: A caster wheel assembly for a wheeled device, such as a wheelchair, includes a housing suitable for connection to a wheeled device, a caster fork configured to mount a caster wheel for rotation, and a caster bolt connected to the caster fork and inserted into the housing for rotation within the housing. Also included is a damping insert applying a biasing force between the caster bolt and the housing to dampen the rotation of the caster bolt with respect to the housing.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Assignee: Sunrise Medical HHG Inc.Inventor: Darryl R. Pauls
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Patent number: 6938300Abstract: A wheel assembly for a stroller includes a wheel with a rim that has two vertical side surfaces and a vertical central plane. A vertical pivot shaft is disposed within a mounting space in the wheel, is located in the central plane, and extends through a fixed seat that is adapted to be mounted fixedly to a stroller frame and that is attached to a rotatable seat. A wheel seat is connected to the wheel and the rotatable seat so as to permit rotation of the wheel and the wheel seat about the vertical pivot shaft.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2003Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Inventor: Red Lan
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Patent number: 6892421Abstract: A shock absorption mechanism for a wheelchair includes a caster fork including a first oblique surface and a second horizontally disposed surface, relative to a horizontal plane of travel of the wheelchair. A portion of the second surface includes a curved profile. A joint is mountable adjacent a first section thereof to a frame of the wheelchair and adjacent a second section thereof to the caster fork. The joint includes a first oblique surface and a second surface for guiding reciprocation of the curved profile portion of the caster fork. A shock absorber is disposed in an oblique orientation between the first oblique surface of the caster fork and the first oblique surface of the joint. The caster fork is pivotable adjacent the second section of the joint. The shock absorber is compressable in a direction generally parallel to the oblique orientation thereof during pivoting of the caster fork.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Department of Veterans AffairsInventors: Rory A. Cooper, William Ammer, Mark McCartney, Corey Blauch
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Patent number: 6877185Abstract: A caster device is disclosed for movably supporting a load. The caster device includes a wheel for supporting the load and a wheel support having a first and a second extremity. The first extremity of the wheel support supports the wheel for rotation of the wheel about an axis of rotation. The second extremity of the wheel support defines an aperture and the wheel support has a first surface and a second surface. A support stem has a first and a second end, the support stem extending through the aperture such that the aperture is disposed between the first and the second end of the support stem. The second end of the support stem is connected to the load for supporting the load. Also, a leaf spring is disposed between the aperture and the second end of the support stem such that the leaf spring resiliently contacts the load and cushions the load relative to the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2002Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventors: Earl J. Reilly, Robert F. Karas, Stephen M. Devine
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Patent number: 6823560Abstract: A buffering structure for wheels comprises at least a linking plate, a spindle, two concentric rigid hollow ferrules or up, and a kind of firm buffer material. When applying this invention, an outer end of the linking plate is hitched on the wheel shaft while the spindle is connected with a shaft carrier under a pushcart's deck. Therefore, in the event a wheel is conflicting with a curb for example, the impact of the wheel is imparted to the through hole in the outer end of the linking plate via the shaft, such that the outer end is driven to rotate surrounding the spindle to thereby convert the impact into a rotation force, and meanwhile, the buffer material stuffed inside and outside the smaller rigid ferrule is interacted with the rotating smaller ferrule and deformed to absorb the rotation force to alleviate that impact.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: November 30, 2004Inventor: Ching-Sung Lin
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Publication number: 20040226135Abstract: A shock-absorbing caster dock includes a dock shell and a caster assembly. The dock shell is fastened to the bottom of a luggage for holding the caster assembly. The caster assembly includes a wheel, two side levers located on two sides of the wheel, a shaft running through the upper portion of the two side levers to pivotally engage with a side wall, and an elastic element coupling on the shaft. The elastic element has a middle portion bucking the side wall and two ends latching and pressing the side levers to provide elasticity for the side wall to withstand the gravity force of the luggage and absorb vibrations.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2003Publication date: November 18, 2004Inventor: King-Sheng Wang
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Patent number: 6789810Abstract: A wheel suspension system for a vehicle includes a vehicle wheel having a wheel rim and a tire secured to the wheel rim. The wheel is secured to a frame portion of the vehicle by a spindle assembly. The spindle assembly includes a wheel carrier arm pivotally secured thereto at a pivot point, such that the wheel and the wheel carrier arm rotate together about an axis of rotation defined by pivot point. The wheel carrier arm is in communication with a shock absorption device. The shock absorption device is located within a space defined by the wheel, such that the shock absorption spring device is hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a side direction. The shock absorption spring device compresses upon an impact force contacting the vehicle wheel. In the most compact form, the wheel carrier arm and the shock absorbing spring device is packaged within the wheel rim volume such that both are hidden when the vehicle wheel is viewed from a front direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Inventor: Russell W. Strong
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Patent number: 6776428Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle includes a support structure of a wheel having a forward rolling axis. The suspension system includes a first link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of wheel at an outer end. The suspension system includes a second link rotatably secured at an inner end to the vehicle and in communication with the support structure of the wheel at an outer end. The system also includes a shock absorber having a first end in communication with one of the first link or the second link and a second end rotatably secured to the vehicle. The shock absorber is compressible to allow the support structure of the wheel to absorb impact forces imparted thereto during travel. The shock absorber is located along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2002Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Inventor: Russell W. Strong
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Patent number: 6769701Abstract: Methods and wheel assemblies for supporting a bag that is tilted and pulled along a surface. A wheel housing, a strut member, a spring member, and a wheel member are provided. The wheel housing is rigidly attached to a bottom edge of the bag. The strut member is mounted within the housing for movement between first and second positions. The spring member is arranged between the wheel housing and the strut member to oppose movement of the strut member from the first position to the second position. The wheel member is rotatably attached to the strut member such that at least a portion of the wheel member extends out of the wheel housing as the strut member moves between the first and second positions. The wheel member engages the surface and rotates to allow the bag to roll along the surface when the bag is tilted and pulled. The strut member is substantially vertically aligned when the bag is tilted and pulled and when the strut member moves between the first and second positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2003Date of Patent: August 3, 2004Assignee: The Fairhaven Group, Inc.Inventor: Eivind Clausen
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Patent number: 6760953Abstract: A castor assembly for supporting a load such as an article of furniture so that it can easily be moved in any desired direction. The assembly includes a load-bearing base member from which a vertical axle is projected. Pivoted on this axle is a swivel frame, while mounted below the frame on a horizontal axle is a ground-engaging caster wheel. Also mounted on the swivel frame is at least one support roller which engages the base member. The position of the roller on the swivel frame is such as to minimize the moment of force developed between the vertical axle and the caster wheel, thereby protecting the assembly from the adverse effects of excessive loads and impact forces.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 13, 2004Assignee: Practima Ltd.Inventor: Ilan Ben-Meir
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Patent number: 6758534Abstract: A mounting element for the wheels of rolling containers comprises: a load-bearing member rigidly attachable to a bottom edge of a container designed to be rolled along a surface; an arm supporting at least one wheel designed to enable the container to be rolled on the surface; a pivot connecting the load-bearing member to the arm; and a helical spring located between load-bearing member and the arm. The latter, together with the load-bearing member defines a substantially sealed chamber within which the spring is enclosed and protected, and presents three end portions located at respective vertices of a triangle, a first portion being rotatably attached to the pivot, a second portion rotatably supporting the wheel and a third portion being attached to the spring.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2003Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Ghepard, S.r.L.Inventor: Umberto Lampugnani
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Publication number: 20040111830Abstract: A shock absorption mechanism for a wheelchair includes a caster fork including a first oblique surface and a second horizontally disposed surface, relative to a horizontal plane of travel of the wheelchair. A portion of the second surface includes a curved profile. A joint is mountable adjacent a first section thereof to a frame of the wheelchair and adjacent a second section thereof to the caster fork. The joint includes a first oblique surface and a second surface for guiding reciprocation of the curved profile portion of the caster fork. A shock absorber is disposed in an oblique orientation between the first oblique surface of the caster fork and the first oblique surface of the joint. The caster fork is pivotable adjacent the second section of the joint. The shock absorber is compressable in a direction generally parallel to the oblique orientation thereof during pivoting of the caster fork.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2002Publication date: June 17, 2004Inventors: Rory A. Cooper, William Ammer, Mark McCartney, Corey Blauch
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Publication number: 20040107534Abstract: A shock absorber structure of a castor wheel is disclosed. The bottom section of a leg is inserted with a mounting tube and the circumferential edge of the leg is mounted with a protective hood. A screw nut is used to lock the mounting tube and the protective hood to the bottom section of the leg. The interior of the protective hood and the mounting tube are inserted with an insertion shaft having a bottom section passed through between two bearings on the seat of the castor and a screw nut locks the seat at the bottom section of the through shaft such that the seat can be freely rotated with the through shaft as the shaft center. Further, the top and the bottom section of the through shaft are respectively mounted with a spring to form into top and bottom buffer. The buffer is effectively used as the shock produced as a result of uneven ground and allowing the castor wheel to pass an obstacle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2002Publication date: June 10, 2004Inventor: Te-Hsin Hsiao
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Publication number: 20040064916Abstract: A buffering structure for wheels comprises at least a linking plate, a spindle, two concentric rigid hollow ferrules or up, and a kind of firm buffer material. When applying this invention, an outer end of the linking plate is hitched on the wheel shaft while the spindle is connected with a shaft carrier under a pushcart's deck. Therefore, in the event a wheel is conflicting with a curb for example, the impact of the wheel is imparted to the through hole in the outer end of the linking plate via the shaft, such that the outer end is driven to rotate surrounding the spindle to thereby convert the impact into a rotation force, and meanwhile, the buffer material stuffed inside and outside the smaller rigid ferrule is interacted with the rotating smaller ferrule and deformed to absorb the rotation force to alleviate that impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2002Publication date: April 8, 2004Inventor: Ching-Sung Lin
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Publication number: 20040055108Abstract: An industrial caster wheel assembly including a base member, a wheel, side plates, a housing, a pivot axle, a suspension assembly and an adjustment assembly. The suspension assembly includes an adjustable axle, a support member, and a plate. The support member allows one of the wheel and the base member to rotate about the pivot axle as the adjustable axle compresses the support member by contacting the plate. The adjustment assembly adjusts the height of the industrial caster wheel by adjusting the pressure applied by the adjustable axle to the support member. The industrial caster wheel assembly may alternatively include at least one adjustment assembly that can be placed in contact with at least one of the second axle to press the second axle at least indirectly against the elastomeric support member or the first axle to press the first axle toward the center of the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2003Publication date: March 25, 2004Applicant: SUPERIOR TIRE & RUBBER CORPORATIONInventors: Henri E. Lemeur, John D. Swartz, David J. Manning
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Patent number: 6701570Abstract: A standardized furniture unit including at least two substantially vertical side panels, bracing extending between the side panels, the intersection of the bracing and the side panels defining interior corners, and a bracket disposed in at least one interior corner, the bracket having an upper mounting plate and a lower mounting plate, the upper mounting plate having means for connecting a caster to the upper mounting plate, the lower mounting plate having means for connecting a leveler to the lower mounting plate, and at least one of a leveler connected to the lower mounting plate and a caster connected to the upper mounting plate.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 9, 2004Assignee: Kimball International, Inc.Inventors: Jay M. Henriott, Grover L. Miller, Chad M. Schnell
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Patent number: 6675820Abstract: The safety support device of this invention includes a frame having a mounting section. A pair of forward legs are attached to a forward end of the mounting section and a pair of rear legs are attached to a rear end of the mounting section. Each leg has a distal end to which is attached a roller assembly that includes a roller member mounted so that with the weight of the user bearing down on the assembly the roller member is prevented from moving. In a second embodiment used to assist injured or elderly person stand erect, the legs are long and arm support members engage the arm pits of the user when the user is being supported by the device.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Inventor: Ruben Balan
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Publication number: 20040000025Abstract: An industrial caster wheel assembly comprises a base member, a wheel, side plates, a housing, a pivot axle, a suspension assembly and an adjustment assembly. The suspension assembly includes an adjustable axle, a support member, and a plate. The support member allows one of the wheel and the base member to rotate about the pivot axle as the adjustable axle compresses the support member by contacting the plate. The adjustment assembly adjusts the height of the industrial caster wheel by adjusting the pressure applied by the adjustable axle to the support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2002Publication date: January 1, 2004Applicant: Superior Tire & Rubber CorporationInventors: Henri E. LeMeur, John D. Swartz
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Patent number: 6607201Abstract: A swivel wheel assembly includes a wheel axle, and a vehicle wheel rotatably mounted on the wheel axle. A shock-absorbing wheel fork is secured to opposite ends of the wheel axle and includes first and second elongated spaced-apart support arms. A pivot pin extends through pin openings formed with proximal ends of the first and second support arms. A base is carried by the pivot pin, and is adapted for pivoting movement about an axis defined by the pivot pin. An adjustable shock absorber dampens pivoting movement of the base relative to the vehicle wheel, thereby absorbing the energy of sudden shocks to the vehicle wheel during use.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2002Date of Patent: August 19, 2003Inventor: Bill W. Marshburn
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Patent number: 6594856Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: July 22, 2003Inventor: Hema Cherukuri
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Patent number: 6591449Abstract: A castor assembly comprises stem (2) which is adapted at the upper end (4) thereof to be connected to the base of a structure to be supported, a foot (5), a castor body (3) swivellably mounted on the stem (2), a castor wheel (12) carried by the castor body, the rotational axis (13) of the castor wheel being offset from the axis of the stem to provide castoring, and a thrust bearing (19) positioned at the upper end of the castor body. The foot (5) is carried by the lower end of the stem (2), which is adjustable threadedly engageable with a threaded bore in the base whereby adjustment of the stem upper end (4) causes the foot to be raised or lowered relative to the base. The castor body (3) is capable of vertical movement relative to the stem (2), and the thrust bearing (20) bears the vertical load acting between the castor body and the base when the foot (5) is lifted clear of the floor and the castor wheel is supporting the structure.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2003Assignee: APW Ltd.Inventor: John R. Parkin
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Patent number: 6568030Abstract: In a caster which supports a wheel by using via a link 3 a bracket 2 to be fitted to a wheelchair or the like, an end of the link 3 is connected with a rotation axis of the bracket 2 via a rubber member 8 which is twisted and deformed resulting from oscillating motion of the link 3, and the link 3 and the bracket 2 are connected by a hydraulic damper 20 which damps the oscillating motion of the link 3, whereby an oscillation or a shock can be absorbed.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 27, 2003Assignee: Kayaba Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Yasukuni Watanabe, Takeharu Shizume
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Patent number: 6550101Abstract: A caster system wherein a constant force is applied to the caster for load support purposes. A plurality of casters are interconnected by a fluid conduit system and each caster includes an expansible chamber motor for adjusting the vertical position of the caster. A fluid pressurizing unit communicates with the conduits and an adjustable force compression spring selectively varies the biasing force on the piston to adjust the equal force imposed upon each caster wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Ross Design & Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Jack R. Plate
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Publication number: 20030066162Abstract: The present invention provides a shock-absorbing caster structure of traveling suitcase comprising a caster shell seat, a roller pivotal seat, a roller, and a soft component (or a resilient body). The caster shell seat is fixedly disposed at the bottom edge of the rear side of a traveling suitcase. The caster shell seat is pivotally joined with a protuberance at the top of an arc-shaped top plate of the roller pivotal seat. The arc-shaped top plate is joined with one side of the soft component or the resilient body. The other side of the soft component abuts against the inner edge of the caster shell seat. The roller is pivotally joined inside the roller pivotal seat. The soft component abuts against the inside of the caster shell seat to absorb vibration energy generated when the roller rolls on uneven ground so that a user can conveniently pull the traveling suitcase.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2001Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventor: Chung-Hsien Kuo
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Patent number: 6543798Abstract: An anti-tip suspension for a wheelchair having rear casters is defined. The suspension includes a rocker arm support, a rocker arm and a spring. The rocker arm is pivotally attached to the rocker arm support so that it is rotatable with respect to the rocker arm support. The spring engages the rocker arm and rocker arm support, biasing them away from one another. The rocker arm includes a rotation limiter that limits the rotation of the rocker arm with respect to the rocker arm support in one direction.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2001Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: Pride Mobility Products CorporationInventors: Walter E. Schaffner, Walter A. Watkins, Gerald J. White, Jr.
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Patent number: 6539578Abstract: A wheel mount assembly for a spring-loaded caster in which a resilient deflecting member serves to mount a wheel supporting lever to a support for deflection to provide relative movement of the lever under varying loads.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2000Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Algood Casters LimitedInventors: Craig J. Guttmann, Sean Guttmann, Peter DePinto, Csaba Lemak
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Publication number: 20030051311Abstract: A caster device is disclosed for movably supporting a load. The caster device includes a wheel for supporting the load and a wheel support having a first and a second extremity. The first extremity of the wheel support supports the wheel for rotation of the wheel about an axis of rotation. The second extremity of the wheel support defines an aperture and the wheel support has a first surface and a second surface. A support stem has a first and a second end, the support stem extending through the aperture such that the aperture is disposed between the first and the second end of the support stem. The second end of the support stem is connected to the load for supporting the load. Also, a leaf spring is disposed between the aperture and the second end of the support stem such that the leaf spring resiliently contacts the load and cushions the load relative to the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2002Publication date: March 20, 2003Inventors: Earl J. Reilly, Robert F. Karas, Stephen M. Devine
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Patent number: 6532623Abstract: A caster which is mounted in a trolley or the like having a bracket 2 connected to a body of a vehicle; a link 3 connected to rotate on the bracket 2; vehicle wheels 4 connected to rotate on the link 3; and a compressible rubber block 20 which deforms as the link 3 rotates. The compressible rubber block forms an initial compressible part 23 which partially eliminates a surface area of the compressible rubber block. In this manner it is possible to restrain input forces on the vehicle body by smoothing out the rotation of the link 3.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2001Date of Patent: March 18, 2003Assignee: Kayaba Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasukuni Watanabe
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Publication number: 20030006572Abstract: The present invention of a suitcase shockproof caster structure includes a caster chassis which is connected to a caster cap on one side, a caster is connected to the caster cap on the other side. An elastic pad and a rod are disposed underneath the inner side of the caster chassis, the rod goes through the elastic pad and is sleeved by a spring. A U-shaped elastic plate having a flat end, a bent end and a bottom pointed end, the flat end is connected to the caster chassis while the spring is disposed above the upper side of the bottom pointed end of the U-shaped elastic plat. Accordingly, the U-shaped elastic plate acts as the main shock and vibration absorption element, while the spring provides a means of absorption when the caster chassis is under a greater pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2001Publication date: January 9, 2003Inventor: Chiung-Chu Huang
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Patent number: 6499184Abstract: A caster supporting weight through a biasing device an elastomeric material, such as polyurethane, to elastomerically support the weight transmitted through the caster. The components are concisely related to each other, the elastic material is protected against damage, including excessive weight supporting forces, and in an embodiment of the invention, vertical caster adjustment is possible without affecting its elastomeric weight bearing characteristics.Type: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Ross Design & Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Jack R. Plate
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Patent number: 6484359Abstract: A spring-loaded caster with an indicator to indicate the load applied to the caster.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: November 26, 2002Assignee: Algood Casters LimitedInventors: Craig J. Guttmann, Sean Guttmann, Peter DePinto, Csaba Lemak
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Patent number: 6473935Abstract: An improved retractable roller mechanism 20 and method for statically supporting an item 42 upon a support surface 40 in an inoperative state and supporting the item 42 to roll along the support surface 40 in an operative state. The retractable roller mechanism 20 includes a housing 22, a roller frame 24 that is slideably engaged with the housing 22, a spring 30, and a roller 28. The roller frame 24 has reciprocative movement relative to the housing 22, such that the frame 24 has an inoperative position state where the frame 24 is retracted allowing the housing 22 to rest on and statically contact the support surface 40 and an operative position state where the frame 24 is extended such that the housing 22 is not in contact with the support surface 40 allowing the item 42 to roll along the support surface 40.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2001Date of Patent: November 5, 2002Inventor: Hema Cherukuri
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Patent number: 6425161Abstract: An industrial caster wheel assembly comprises a base member, a wheel, side plates, a housing, a pivot axle, and a suspension assembly. The suspension assembly includes an adjustable axle, a support member, and a plate. The support member allows one of the wheel and the base member to rotate about the pivot axle as the adjustable axle compresses the support member by contacting the plate.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: July 30, 2002Assignee: Superior Tire & Rubber CorporationInventors: Henri E. LeMeur, Jr., John D. Swartz
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Publication number: 20020084608Abstract: A swivel wheel assembly includes a wheel axle, and a vehicle wheel rotatably mounted on the wheel axle. A shock-absorbing wheel fork is secured to opposite ends of the wheel axle. The wheel fork includes first and second elongated spaced-apart support arms located on opposite sides of the vehicle wheel. The support arms have respective distal and proximal ends. The distal ends define respective axle openings receiving the wheel axle. The proximal ends extend beyond a periphery of the vehicle wheel and define respective pin openings. A pivot pin extends through the pin openings formed with proximal ends of the first and second support arms. A base is carried by the pivot pin, and is adapted for pivoting movement about an axis defined by the pivot pin. A vertical swivel shaft is mounted on the base, and is adapted for connecting to an underframe of a vehicle to provide swivel movement of the vehicle wheel about an axis defined by the swivel shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2002Publication date: July 4, 2002Inventor: Bill W. Marshburn
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Patent number: 6412839Abstract: A tennis ball retriever and storage unit includes a ball retrieving receptacle supported by spring biased pivoting wheel assemblies for rolling movement between locations for retrieving used tennis balls and downwardly movement from a normal upper transport position overlying a tennis ball to a lower position for retrieving the tennis ball between spaced bars in the base of the receptacle.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2001Date of Patent: July 2, 2002Inventor: William V. Tran
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Patent number: 6409196Abstract: This invention provides a wheelchair small wheel suspension system which optimizes parameters of height, trail, and forward extension of the small wheels to provide a wheelchair with maximum stability and ability to negotiate rough surfaces. This suspension system is applicable to both manual and powered chairs. It uses an elastomer block to cushion the impact of road surface imperfections. The location of the elastomer block with respect to the wheel and the system's connection to the wheelchair frame is an important aspect of this invention. Tuning of the wheelchair suspension system to meet the individual user's requirements is easily accomplished using this suspension system.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 1999Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Inventor: Ryan J. McFarland
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Patent number: 6382736Abstract: A wheel device has a fixed seat, a wheel support seat disposed in the fixed seat, and a wheel inserted in the wheel support seat. The wheel has a center hole. The fixed seat has a convex housing. The wheel support seat has a hollow interior, two opposite oblong holes, and two opposite enlarged holes. Two springs are inserted in the oblong holes of the wheel support seat. A shaft passes through the enlarged holes of the wheel support seat and the center hole of the wheel. A bolt fastens the wheel support seat and the fixed seat together.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2001Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Inventor: Wen-Chen Chang
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Patent number: 6371498Abstract: The present invention is for a device for mounting of wheels so that they may move in a preferably vertical direction at right angle to the wheel shaft. The invention is also standing board for prams having such wheel mounting. At its from end the standing board has a mounting means by which the standing board is pivotably mounted to the rear axle of a pram the main direction of movement of which is shown by arrow. The turning shaft of the wheel is mounted in a movable sleeve the movements of which are controlled both by a brushing which surrounds the sleeve and by a tube which is partially inserted into a groove in the sleeve. A spring is placed into the groove in the sleeve so that the spring contacts both the bottom of the groove and the end of the tube which penetrates the groove.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2001Date of Patent: April 16, 2002Inventor: Joran Lundh
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Patent number: 6357077Abstract: A spring loaded caster includes a support plate adapted to be affixed to the underside of an article to be transported. Two caster legs depend downwardly from the support plate. The caster legs are spaced apart and preferably substantially parallel with each other. Each of the caster legs includes an elongated slot for receiving an axle. A pair of spring brackets is provided that are of a generally L-shaped or U-shaped configuration and are disposed on an outer surface of a corresponding caster leg. The spring bracket may include wear plates. A spring sleeves is disposed on an underside of one leg of the spring brackets. Additionally, two or more spring block including an axle receiving segment that includes a passage for receiving an axle therethrough are provided. On each spring block, a spring is held in place by a spring pin and is received in a corresponding spring sleeve.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2000Date of Patent: March 19, 2002Assignee: Hamilton Caster & Mfg. Co.Inventors: Lester R. Jones, Jr., Patrick L. McCartney
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Patent number: 6324724Abstract: The caster wheel assembly includes a top plate with downwardly extending walls which terminate in bottom flanges to support the frame of a heavy cabinet. The caster wheel assembly further includes side flanges with eyelets through which screws or bolts pass to threaded apertures in the frame of the heavy cabinet. The top plate is configured to bend elastically and then inelastically in response to a force on the caster wheels, thereby reducing the force transmitted to the cabinet frame.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2000Date of Patent: December 4, 2001Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.Inventor: Earl J. Reilly, Jr.
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Patent number: 6302795Abstract: A portable terminal machine which controls the execution of a downloaded program depending on a usage time limit when a sub program downloaded from a video game machine is stored in the storage device, the time of communication with the video game machine obtained from the clock is recorded in the sub program as a time stamp. At the time of the startup of the sub program, the portable terminal machine calculates the usage time limit based on the time of communication and compares this usage time limit against the current time obtained from the clock and stops the startup of the sub program if the usage time limit has been exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: October 16, 2001Assignee: Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc.Inventor: Takeshi Ito
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Patent number: 6279199Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 13, 2000Date of Patent: August 28, 2001Assignee: Ross Design & Engineering, Inc.Inventor: Jack R. Plate
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Patent number: 6195838Abstract: A dual roller assembly adapted to simultaneously rotate along perpendicular surfaces. The roller assembly comprises a pair of telescopically engaging shaft members sized to rotate and move axially of one another. A first of the shaft member, mounts first and second interfitting cylindrical members receiving a rotary caster ball, where the rotary caster ball is supported for rotative movement within the roller unit formed by the interfitting cylindrical members, by a first ball bearing ring. The second shaft member mounts a cylindrical cap member for receiving a second ball bearing ring in rotary contact with the second cylindrical member, and finally, the second shaft member further mounts a fixed annular ring spaced from the cylindrical cap member, and an encircling compression spring on the second shaft member extending between the cylindrical cap member and the annular ring, to provide shock obsorbing features thereto.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1999Date of Patent: March 6, 2001Inventors: David R. Mains, Everett B. James, Jr.