Abstract: A brake assembly is universally mountable to any one of several different types and sizes of hand trucks. The complete brake assembly includes a brake control handle that is removably attached to the upper frame of the hand truck; a brake bar assembly having a base removably attached to the axle of the hand truck, and a horizontally extending brake bar with brake pads on its two ends adapted to engage the wheels; a cam mechanism for depressing the brake bar; and a cable coupling the brake control handle to the cam mechanism.

Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart automatic dual brake with an inverted U-shaped frame secured to the shopping cart below its handle by a guide block. A pair of swivels are secured to the U-shaped frame. A pair of brake components each of which having an upper plate. The upper plate is secured to the pair of swivels. A lower plate aligns with the upper plate. An aperture is formed through the upper plate and the lower plate. A brake shaft is disposed within the aperture and extends outward of the upper plate. An acorn nut is secured to one end of the brake shaft. A brake shoe is secured to another end of the brake shaft. The brake shoe is positioned above the wheels of the shopping cart. A spring with a spring guide is secured to around the brake shaft. The spring serves to force the brake shoe onto the wheel.

Abstract: A portable machine tool such as a table saw that can be moved from position to position and locked in place for operation is disclosed. The portable machine tool includes a supporting base and at least one pair of spaced wheels depending from the supporting base adjacent one end. The wheels are capable of being locked in a fixed position to prevent movement of the saw or release of the wheels to enable movement of the saw to a desired position. A movable handle for movement between a first and second position provides joint operation of the wheel locking and wheel releasing elements.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved, low-cost shopping cart construction and more specifically, to a shopping cart having a braking device to prevent unintentional movement of the cart, said braking device providing a slight resistance on all four wheels. This invention provides a constant resistance on one or all of the wheels of the shopping cart making it more difficult for the shopping cart to roll around in a parking lot due to inclines and gusts of wind thereby preventing damage to vehicles in the parking lot. The resistance on the wheels is not too great so as to still make it easy for the customer to push the shopping cart.

Abstract: A wheel brake assembly for shopping carts is characterized by a hub adapted for rotation about an axis, a coil spring coaxially mounted on the hub, and a pair of annular disks coaxially mounted on the spring. One of the disks is stationary and has one end of the spring connected therewith. The other disk is rotatable and has the other end of the spring connected therewith. Rotation of the rotatable disk in one direction to a braking position draws the spring ends together so that the coil spring constricts on the hub to prevent rotation of the hub about the axis. Rotation of the rotatable disk in the other direction to a release position pushes the spring ends apart to relax the coil spring and allow the hub to rotate.

Abstract: A brake for a portable stand includes a bracket for attaching the brake to the stand, a sleeve attached to one edge of the bracket, and a plunger movable within the sleeve. A toggle joint, connected between the bracket and one end of the plunger, has a pivot plate as one arm of the toggle joint and a handle attached to the pivot plate for extending and retracting the plunger. A foot attached to the free end of the plunger is either a friction pad or a caster and is attached to the plunger by a leveling screw. The edge of the bracket includes a recess for receiving the toggle joint in an over-center position.

Abstract: A castor braking mechanism for use on a castor having a wheel, the hub of which wheel is mounted on an axle between a pair of legs. The braking mechanism includes a cam member mounted between one side of the wheel hub and a leg, and a cam engaging member located on the outside of the same leg. The axle passes through hole in both members. Retaining members at each end of the axle are spaced apart, such that when the cam member and the cam engaging member are in a first position with respect to each other the wheel is free to rotate, and when the cam engaging member is rotated in either direction with respect to the cam member, they are forced apart from each other so as to apply an axial force between the retaining means to the hub of the wheel to impede or prevent rotation of the wheel.

Abstract: A foot actuated wheel brake for shopping carts and other wheeled equipment is disclosed. The wheel brake is designed for at least one wheel in a wheeled cart where each wheel is rotatably supported on a yoke at a lower end of a leg support in the wheeled cart. The wheel brake includes a first foot pedal that extends above and is movably mounted to the yoke. Preferably, the first foot pedal has a red colored stop sign shape. A second foot pedal extends laterally outwardly beyond the yoke and is movably mounted to the first foot pedal. Preferably, the second foot pedal has a green colored non-stop sign shaped element that extends outwardly beyond the red colored stop sign shape. Operating engaging/disengaging structure is associated with the first and second foot pedals for moving the brake shoe into braking engagement with the wheel when the first foot pedal is engaged and for releasing the brake shoe from the wheel when the second foot pedal is engaged.

Abstract: A wheel brake mechanism is disclosed for a vehicle such as a carriage or stroller having a wheel mounted on an axle. The wheel is of the normal type having radially extending ribs with spaces or recesses therebetween. The brake housing is mounted for pivotal movement around the axle between a normal unbraking position and a braking position by depressing a foot pedal attached to the housing. The brake mechanism comprises a cam mounted within the brake housing, and a cam follower mounted on the vehicle body. The cam follower has a cam engagable portion and a wheel engaging portion. Pivotal movement of the brake housing to its braking position causes the cam to force the wheel engaging portion into a wheel recess for braking the wheel.

Abstract: A foot actuated wheel brake for shopping carts and other wheeled equipment is disclosed. The wheel brake is designed for at least one wheel in a wheeled cart where each wheel is rotatably supported on a yoke at a lower end of a leg support in the wheeled cart. The wheel brake includes a first foot pedal that extends above and is movably mounted to the yoke. Preferably, the first foot pedal has a red colored stop sign shape. A second foot pedal extends laterally outwardly beyond the yoke and is movably mounted to the first foot pedal. Preferably, the second foot pedal has a green colored curvilinear shaped element that extends outwardly beyond the red colored stop sign shape. Operating engaging/disengaging structure is associated with the first and second foot pedals for moving the brake shoe into braking engagement with the wheel when the first foot pedal is engaged and for releasing the brake shoe from the wheel when the second foot pedal is engaged.

Abstract: A shopping cart brake adapted for use on commercially available carts designed to provide an automatic brake which remains engaged to hold the cart in a stationary position, unless the user manually disengages the brake of the cart for moving the cart. Upon parking the shopping cart, the interaction of the forward basket portion of the last cart in the stack contacting the back panel of the preceding cart automatically disengages the brakes of the preceding cart so that the brakes of the last cart in the stack of carts will be automatically engaged upon parking the cart and a user must manually disengage the brake of the last cart in order to move the stack of carts.

Abstract: A brake for restraining movement of rolling carts. Attachable to heavy tool carts as used in machine and auto shops, a mechanical brake of heavy-duty construction uses a spring-biased bolt to hold a brake pad. The brake pad is of sturdy but resiliently flexible material to engage the floor. To engage the brake, a brake set lever is depressed as by stepping on the lever. The brake set lever is pivotably attached to the brake chassis and has mechanical advantage over the spring-biased bolt. The other end of the brake set lever prevents the longer end from flying up when the brake is released. When the brake is engaged, it is held frictionally in place by the spring-biased brake release lever. The bolt shank passes through the brake release lever. The spring-biasing of the bolt causes the brake release lever to more tightly engage the bolt shank to hold the bolt in place. To release the brake, the spring-biasing of the brake release lever is overcome as by stepping on the lever.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for a shopping cart able to brake an unattended cart while enabling manual release of the brakes for user control and automatic release of the brakes in response to telescoping joinder of the carts. Comprising the braking mechanism is a brake pad at the underside of a pair of vertically disposed brake rods displaceable for the pads to engage and disengage the caster wheels of the cart. A compressed coil spring on each brake rod biases the pad thereat toward engagement with the wheels. A transverse actuator bar adjacent the cart handle, when squeezed toward the cart handle, causes the brake rod to incur an upward camming and effect release of the brakes. At the same time, a second actuator bar resting on the swing seat of the cart and displaceable upwardly with the swing seat in response to telescoping of the carts is pivotally displaced upwardly in response to telescoping to raise the brake rods and release the brakes.

Abstract: An improved brake system for use on moveable tool storage cabinets, hospital crash carts and the like which is comprised of brakes and a brake actuator and a brake release means, both operatively connected to the brakes. The improved brake system additionally contains an actuator bracket, whereby the actuation of the brake actuator causes the actuator bracket to swing and use available leverage, thereby allowing the brake system to be actuated using minimal force and to allow for the easy adjustment of tension of the brake system. The brake actuator and the brake release are both foot operated as well as being remotely located from the brakes. The brake system is adjustable and is capable of being fitted with a plurality of brakes.

Abstract: A recreation cart is provided, wherein the cart structure permits the selective securement of a foldable seat structure mounted to the cart, wherein the seat structure includes a plurality of sockets to receive the seat structure in a fixed orientation relative to the cart organization in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically braking a user-propelled cart such as a grocery cart, luggage cart or the like is provided. The preferred apparatus includes a braking mechanism (40) shiftable between braked and released positions, which brakes at least one support wheel (22) of the cart (12). A shiftable handle (44) is interconnected to the braking mechanism (40) and causes corresponding shifting of the braking mechanism. The braking mechanism (40) and handle (44) are spring biased toward the braked position for automatic braking of the cart when not in use. The braking mechanism includes a brake shoe (78) designed to engage the wheel (22) more tightly in accordance with the amount of forward force applied to the cart (12). In operation, a user pushes generally forwardly on the handle (44) which shifts the interconnected braking mechanism to a released position. When the user releases the handle (44) the spring automatically biases the brake shoe (78) to the braked position.

Abstract: A shopping cart has a foot brake assembly added as an improvement. The assembly comprises a shopping cart caster frame variable length mounting bracket with a worm clamp for mechanically attaching the brake housing and subsequent brake assembly to the shopping cart caster frame. The brake mechanism itself is comprised of a toggle pedal, connector arms, a brake arm, a brake foot travel adjuster rod, a brake foot, aligning and lubricating spacers, as well as required tension pins. The pedal is pivotably attached to the connector arms and pivotably attached to the brake housing. The connector arms are pivotably attached to the brake arm which is pivotably attached to the brake housing. the brake foot travel adjuster rod is screwed into the brake arm and is bonded to the brake foot. The brake foot engages the shopping cart caster wheel when the toggle pedal is depressed by a downward force applied by the operator's foot to the rear portion of the top surface of the toggle pedal.

Abstract: A wheel assembly having particular adaptability for use on a shopping cart and which importantly serves to prevent shopping cart movement after release by the user. Briefly, the wheel assembly includes an axle, a hub, a tire carrying rim overlying said hub, and a series of lateral grooves on the outer surface of the hub and selectively engagable by, for example, spring-loaded ball catches mounted on portions of the rim. When one of the ball catches is received within a lateral groove, wheel rotation is limited (until overcome by the user's force). The preceding serves to prevent unwanted cart movement and promotes safety in a cart location area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a hand-operated, adjustable, braking or restraining device for effectively restraining the movement of wheeled carts such as shopping carts, flat carts, medical carts, and the like, comprises an engagement lever; an engagement rod; a lever-operated common axle; a pair of operating rods and a pair of eccentrically displaced, sliding, cam-operated braking or restraining mechanisms. The engagement lever has a locking position and a free position and when rotated to its locking position, moves the operating rods thereby engaging the braking or restraining mechanisms. The braking or restraining mechanisms are mounted near the rear wheels of the cart and each is configured to have a cam-operated, eccentrically displaced, sliding brake shoe or pad member which frictionally engages each the rear wheel thereby restraining or preventing the rotation of same.

Abstract: A caster direction-locking mechanism for a mobile cart improves agility and stability of the cart during high speed movement. This cart includes four casters supporting it for rolling movement. Each caster has a wheel rotatable about a horizontal axis and is mounted with the cart for swiveling movement about a generally vertical axis. The caster direction-locking mechanism selectably locks two adjacent casters against such swiveling movement and with the horizontal axes thereof in generally mutually parallel relation. A handle is mounted on the cart for steering it and an actuator is associated with the handle for actuating the caster direction-locking mechanism to selectably lock and unlock the two casters against swiveling movement.

Abstract: In order to increase the efficiency of space utilization in a palletized goods store in which loaded pallets (1) are arranged in rows (2, 3) with alleys (4) therebetween, each loaded pallet (1) is carried on a wheeled trolley (7A). Where it is required to introduce a loaded pallet (1A) into a space (10) present anywhere along each row (2), the wheeled trolleys are arranged to move transversely of a row whereby the loaded pallet (1A) can first be transported by a fork lift truck (11) down an alley (4) opposite to said space (10), and then moved transversely on a wheeled trolley (7A) into said space (10). In this manner, it is unnecessary for the truck (11) to effect a quarter-turn in the alley (4) whereby the latter can be of a much smaller width than normal. Where the store is to be operated on a first-in, first-out basis, the wheeled trolleys in a row are arranged for movement longitudinally of the row.

Abstract: An automatic braking apparatus for inclusion with a user-propelled grocery cart, luggage cart or the like is provided which automatically brakes at least one of the cart wheels when not in use and which allows easy, convenient, and automatic release of the braking mechanism by the user during operation. The preferred apparatus includes a braking mechanism shiftable between a braked position for braking at least one cart wheel and a released position for releasing the wheel and including a spring for biasing the mechanism toward the braked position, an intermediate structure pivotally coupled adjacent the cart handle and interconnected with the brake mechanism; and an operating member pivotally coupled with the handle and intercoupled with the intermediate structure including a handle portion for grasping by the cart user.

Abstract: A caster brake assembly simultaneously brakes separate caster wheels, one swiveling and one non-swiveling, of a movable caster-wheel supported article. It includes a bracket mounted to the bottom of the article, a longitudingal frame assembly vertically slidably mounted to the bracket, brake shoes mounted at the ends of the frame assembly, and a cam member pivotably mounted to the frame assembly and operable against the bracket to force the frame assembly downward relative to the bracket and to brakingly engage the brake shoes against the wheels.

Abstract: An improved wheelbarrow construction (10) comprising: a receptacle unit (11); a forward wheel assembly (12); a main load support unit (13) having adjustable handle means (14); a rear wheel trailer unit (15) operatively connected to the main load support unit (13); and an automatic brake unit (16) and brake override means (17) interposed between said main load support unit (13) and said rear wheel trailer unit (15).

Abstract: A utility cart designed to provide special advantages and convenience in the transportation and use of photographic equipment includes an upstanding frame counterbalanced for easy pushing or pulling on a pair of balloon tired wheels provided with suitable brake means. An equipment carrying platform support and a handle assembly are each pivotally and lockably secured to the upstanding frame so as to be foldable into a compact unit therewith for easy storage or carrying. Means are provided for the removable mounting of a tripod or monopod for use in the cart and to stabilize the cart for such purpose, the handle is foldable to ground engaging position rearwardly of the wheels and a ground engaging caster wheel is provided on the platform support forwardly of the wheels for a four point support base.

Abstract: The lightweight caster assembly, when used on aircraft food and drink-dispensing push carts and other aircraft furniture, in place of conventional caster assemblies, reduces the overall weight of the aircraft furniture, thus resulting in a considerable fuel saving. Moreover, the caster assembly is inexpensive to make and install and is durable. It includes a caster wheel of lightweight metal or plastic and a generally inverted U-shaped support bracket or yoke. The wheel has transverse cut-out portions as well as transverse passageways through which metal or plastic reinforcing rods are inserted. The wheel axle passageway is lined with removable lightweight metal or plastic reinforcing and aligning sleeves. A lightweight metallic braking plate with a notched outer periphery may be releasably secured to one side of the wheel, against which a braking mechanism connected to a push cart can releasably bear to brake and stop the wheel from turning and to lock the wheel in the stationary position.

Abstract: An improved, mobile, compartmentalized cart for newspaper inserts or other sheet-type items is provided which includes selectively operable brake mechanism for fixing the cart against translatory movement while at the same time allowing the cart to rotate for providing easy individual access to the respective cart compartments. The cart is preferably provided with a central, elongated, axially reciprocable, spring-biased rod having a floor-engaging brake pad on the lower end thereof, with the cart being rotatable about an upright axis coincident with the rod. A cam latch is secured to the upper end of the rod for selectively raising the pad from the floor-engaging position thereof, and for holding the pad in such position. The cam latch is especially configured for allowing the rod and pad to shift downwardly, under the influence of the biasing spring, to a point where the pad is below the level of engagement between the floor and the cart casters.

Abstract: A spoked wheel and method for assembling the same in which formed sheet metal spokes are disposed between the rim and hub and are attached to each by portions on the spoke which are bent over and crimped on the side portions of the rim and the hub bushing. The ends of the rim are held together by one of the spokes, which is crimped over the junction of the rim ends, thus requiring no riveting or welding of the rim ends. A semi-pneumatic tire is mounted on the rim and assists in holding the crimped portions of the spoke in place on the rim. The wheel bearings are press fitted into the hub bushing and secure the crimped ends of the spokes in place on the hub. In the method of making the spoked wheel, the rim is bent into an annular shape and the rim ends are brought into close proximity. One spoke is secured to the rim at the junction point of the rim ends and holds the ends in that position.

Abstract: An automatic brake for wheeled carriages is characterized by U-shaped rod brackets, with integral out turned ears having brake rods slidable, and spring biased outwardly therein. The rods are preferably right angular so that identical brackets can be used for the telescopable finger grip actuating mechanism. In baby carriages the finger grip is spaced only for adult hands. In wheel chairs the brakes are released by the finger grip of the pusher or by a lever actuated by the leg of the occupant. In shopping carts the brakes are released by the finger grip of the pusher or by a lever actuated by the up-swing of the rearward nesting gate.

Abstract: A pair of brake shoes are secured to a cross frame which is supported behind the rear wheels of a skateboard by a slide member having longitudinal guided movement on the bottom of the skateboard. The slide member is connected to one end of a spring steel strip or link secured at its other end to the skateboard. A vertically movable post-like brake pedal is supported in a bore in the skateboard and has abutting engagement at its lower end against an intermediate portion of the spring steel strip whereby upon depressing the brake pedal, the spring steel strip is bowed downwardly to pull the slide forwardly and cause the brake shoes to engage the wheels. When the brake pedal is released, the resiliency in the spring steel strip causes the slide member and slide to retract. The brake pedal is removably mounted in the skateboard for ready detachment therefrom, and the brake shoes are adjustable to compensate for wear after repeated use.

Abstract: A cart having a spring biased wheel lock, handle actuated release means for the lock, automatic lock release means actuated by a nested cart, and an intercart coupling means.