초록 ▼

A retractable caster to facilitate moving an object. The caster comprises a frame having a planar base and sides circumscribing the base to form a cavity having an opening. The frame is secured to the bottom of the object. A first rigid flap is provided secured to the frame by a hinge to swing about

A retractable caster to facilitate moving an object. The caster comprises a frame having a planar base and sides circumscribing the base to form a cavity having an opening. The frame is secured to the bottom of the object. A first rigid flap is provided secured to the frame by a hinge to swing about an axis between open position perpendicular to the base and closed position parallel to but spaced from the base to close at least a portion of the cavity opening. A wheel is rotatably supported by a wheel support assembly secured to the flap. A portion of the wheel extends beyond the lower edge of the flap when in open position. An articulated strut is secured to and extends between a portion of the frame and the wheel support assembly. The strut folds when the wheel is in retracted position so that the wheel, wheel support and strut are fitted within the cavity between the base and the flap in closed position. A lock is provided with the strut for releasably locking the strut in operable position. The strut when locked in operable position rigidly supports the wheel and cover means for load bearing purposes in open position. The retractable caster of the present invention greatly assists in the movement of materials where conventional methods are not available or desirable.

대표청구항 ▼

A retractable caster comprising: (a) a frame having a planar base and sides circumscribing the base to form a cavity having an opening, the frame to be secured to the bottom of an object; (b) a first rigid flap secured to the frame by a hinge to swing about an axis between an open position perpendic

A retractable caster comprising: (a) a frame having a planar base and sides circumscribing the base to form a cavity having an opening, the frame to be secured to the bottom of an object; (b) a first rigid flap secured to the frame by a hinge to swing about an axis between an open position perpendicular to the base and a closed position parallel to but spaced from the base to close at least a portion of the opening to the cavity; (c) a wheel rotatably supported by a wheel support assembly secured to the flap, a portion of the wheel extending beyond the lower edge of the flap when in open position; (d) an articulated strut secured to and extending between a portion of the frame and the wheel support assembly, the strut folding when the wheel is in retracted position so that the wheel, wheel support means and strut are fitted within the cavity between the base and the flap in closed position; (e) a lock means associated with the strut for releasably locking the strut in operable position, the strut when locked in operable position to rigidly support the wheel and flap in open position for load bearing purposes; and (f) wherein the articulated strut means comprises a pair of rigid, elongated strut members having a transverse cross-sectional shape comprising a wide base with upstanding sides normal thereto, one member pivotally attached to the other about an axis, corresponding ends of the members overlapping when in operational position.