US3928888A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Interchangeable caster with inclined axle and lint protection means
Assignee: LAPHAM ENGINEERING Inc
•
Filing: 1974-08-30
•
Granted: 1975-12-30
•
Expires: 1994-08-30
Abstract
Abstract A self-tracking carpet caster of the inclined-disc type is disclosed, and the geometric relationships of its components and angles of inclination for optimum operation are defined. Lint protection means including a flexible sealing skirt and a grooved track construction are described, as in an improved locking structure and a simple interchangeable stem assembly construction which permits inexpensive adaptation of the caster to a wide variety of replacement uses.
Inventors
- 👤 Sidney D Lapham
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 14:23
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60B; B60B33/00; B60B33/0047; B60B33/0052
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
In a carpet caster having a bearing block mounted for swiveling movement on a stem about a generally vertical axis, a roller journaled in said block on a generally horizontal axis, and a dished disc journaled in said block on an inclined axis and having formed therein an annular track surface on which said roller rides, the improvement comprising the axis of said stem being positioned within a range of positions defined by the area ABCD of FIG. 6 of the drawing, said area being defined by a rectangle having a length equal to the distance between a point at which a triangle formed by connecting the center of said roller with the bearing point of said dished disc upon the bearing block and with the axis of the stem is equilateral and a point at the perimeter of said dished disc as seen in plan view and having a width equal to one-third of the distance between said center of said roller and said bearing point as seen in plan view.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
In a carpet caster having a bearing block mounted for swiveling movement on a stem about a generally vertical axis, a roller journaled in said block on a generally horizontal axis, and a dished disc journaled in said block on an inclined axis and having formed therein an annular track surface on which said roller rides, the improvement comprising the axis of said stem being positioned within a range of positions defined by the area ABCD of FIG. 6 of the drawing, said area being defined by a rectangle having a length equal to the distance between a point at which a triangle formed by connecting the center of said roller with the bearing point of said dished disc upon the bearing block and with the axis of the stem is equilateral and a point at the perimeter of said dished disc as seen in plan view and having a width equal to one-third of the distance between said center of said roller and said bearing point as seen in plan view.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The cAster of claim 1, further comprising an annular flexible skirt depending from said body and contacting the surface of said dished disc radially outwardly of said track surface in wiping relationship thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
75 words
The device of claim 1, in which said roller is mounted for rotation on a bearing member, said bearing member including snap fastening means, said block also including snap fastening means for removably receiving said fastening means of said bearing member, said fastening means cooperating in such a manner as to allow said roller and bearing member to be pulled out of said block for cleaning and to be reinserted and snapped back into place.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 1, in which said roller has a generally cylindrical rim, and in which the width of said track surface is no greater than the height of the cylinder formed by said rim.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 4, in which said dished disc is provided with lint-receiving grooves adjacent to said track surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 1, in which the angle of inclination of the axis of said dished disc is on the order of 10* to 25* from the vertical.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 6, in which the angle of inclination of the axis of said dished disc is on the order of 15* from the vertical.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 1, in which the angle of inclination of the axis of said dished disc is on the order of 20* to 35* from the vertical.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device of claim 8, in which the angle of inclination of the axis of said dished disc is on the order of 30* from the vertical.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
49 words
The device of claim 1, in which said dished disc is equipped with upstanding radial fins, and said bearing block is equipped with locking means for selectively being lowered into a position where they extend into the space between said fins and for preventing rotation of said dished disc.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
83 words
The device of claim 10, in which said locking means include a shaft rotatable in a cylindrical opening in said body, the end of said shaft being split and equipped with inclined flanges cooperating with said opening to oppose withdrawal of said shaft from said opening or rotation thereof when said shaft is withdrawn beyond a predetermined point; and means on said body to require withdrawal of said shaft beyond said point when moving said locking means between its locked and unlocked positions.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device of claim 10, further including tab means on said locking means, said tab means being arranged to cooperate with said body to hold said locking means in its unlocked position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device of claim 1, in which said stem is split and is made of resilient material so as to readily snap into and out of said bearing block.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 13, in which the sides of said stem are tapered.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
117 words
In a carpet caster having a bearing block mounted for swiveling movement on a stem about a generally vertical axis, a roller journaled in said block on a generally horizontal axis, and a dished disc journaled in said block on an inclined axis and having formed therein an annular track surface on which said roller rides, the improvement comprising the axis of said stem being positioned at the apex of a substantially isosceles triangle whose base is the distance between the center of said roller and the bearing point of said dished disc, and whose sides are greater than said base but whose apex is inside the perimeter of said dished disc as seen in plan view.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
117 words
In a carpet caster having a bearing block mounted for swiveling movement on a stem about a generally vertical axis, a roller journaled in said block on a generally horizontal axis, and a dished disc journaled in said block on an inclined axis and having formed therein an annular track surface on which said roller rides, the improvement comprising the axis of said stem being positioned at the apex of a substantially isosceles triangle whose base is the distance between the center of said roller and the bearing point of said dished disc, and whose sides are greater than said base but whose apex is inside the perimeter of said dished disc as seen in plan view.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
55 words
The caster of claim 15, in which said stem axis is positioned approximately half way between the point at which said apex would be located if said triangle were equilateral, and the point at which the locus of said apex intersects the perimeter of said dished disc as the sides of said triangle are increased.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2810151A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-29 | 1979-06-30 | 1979-12-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-29 | 1983-06-30 | 1983-12-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-29 | 1987-06-30 | 1987-12-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |