US3751758A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Caster and swivel lock assembly
Assignee: American Hospital Supply Corp
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Filing: 1972-07-05
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Granted: 1973-08-14
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Expires: 1992-07-05
Abstract
Abstract A self-aligning swivel caster for use on carts and the like, the caster being equipped with a releasable locking member capable of selectively locking the caster against swivel movement. The locking member is gravity actuated and may be latched in an operative position as desired. The structural relationship of the caster and locking member are such that automatic camming and subsequent actuation of the locking member occur as the caster wheel is swiveled from an unlocked position into a position in which it is capable of being locked; during actuation of the locking member, direct contact is made between such member and the wheel until finally the member drops into its locking position to prevent further swivel action of the wheel.
Inventors
- 👤 R Higbee
- 👤 D Fleck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 04:12
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60B; B60B33/00; B60B33/02; B60B33/025; B60B33/028
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
220 words
A swivel caster assembly including a mounting member, a fork connected to said mounting member for swivel action about a generally vertical swivel axis, and a wheel supported by said fork for rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation, said axis of rotation being spaced behind said swivel axis when said wheel is in a normal trailing position, the improvement wherein a locking member is pivotally mounted and positioned for releasably locking said wheel in said trailing position, said locking member comprising a transverse horizontal shaft and a pair of spaced parallel fingers projecting radially therefrom, said fingers rotatably supporting a pair of bearing sleeves thereon, means supporting said shaft for pivotal movement of said member between a locking position wherein said fingers are lowered to straddle said wheel and a releasing position wherein said fingers are raised above said wheel, said shaft having its axis disposed behind said swivel axis, said sleeves being directly engageable with the periphery of said wheel when said fingers are lowered and when said wheel is swiveled towards its trailing posItion to ride upon said wheel and thereby promote smooth movement of said locking member from lowered to partially raised positions, said locking member thereafter pivoting under the influence of gravity into its locking position when said caster wheel fully reaches its trailing position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
220 words
A swivel caster assembly including a mounting member, a fork connected to said mounting member for swivel action about a generally vertical swivel axis, and a wheel supported by said fork for rotation about a horizontal axis of rotation, said axis of rotation being spaced behind said swivel axis when said wheel is in a normal trailing position, the improvement wherein a locking member is pivotally mounted and positioned for releasably locking said wheel in said trailing position, said locking member comprising a transverse horizontal shaft and a pair of spaced parallel fingers projecting radially therefrom, said fingers rotatably supporting a pair of bearing sleeves thereon, means supporting said shaft for pivotal movement of said member between a locking position wherein said fingers are lowered to straddle said wheel and a releasing position wherein said fingers are raised above said wheel, said shaft having its axis disposed behind said swivel axis, said sleeves being directly engageable with the periphery of said wheel when said fingers are lowered and when said wheel is swiveled towards its trailing posItion to ride upon said wheel and thereby promote smooth movement of said locking member from lowered to partially raised positions, said locking member thereafter pivoting under the influence of gravity into its locking position when said caster wheel fully reaches its trailing position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The structure of claim 1 in which said periphery of said wheel is formed of a resilient skid-resistant material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The structure of claim 1 in which means are provided for releasably holding said locking member in said releasing position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The structure of claim 3 in which said means for releasably holding said locking member in said releasing position comprises a spring member frictionally engageable with at least one of said fingers when said fingers are raised.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The structure of claim 1 in which said axis of said shaft is spaced from said swivel axis.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The structure of claim 5 in which said axis of said shaft is disposed substantially directly above said rotational axis of said wheel when said wheel is in its trailing position.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The structure of claim 1 in which said sleeved fingers are dimentioned and proportioned for engagement with a pair of guard discs disposed on opposite sides of wheel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structure of claim 7 in which said guard discs are rotatable independently of said wheel.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The structure of claim 2 in which said peripheral portion is formed of rubber.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-08-13 | 1977-02-12 | 1977-08-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-13 | 1981-02-12 | 1981-08-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-13 | 1985-02-12 | 1985-08-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |