초록 ▼

A swivel caster assembly is provided with a releasable locking mechanism which selectively locks the caster assembly against rotation. A leg bushing used to support the leg of an associated appliance such as a baby stroller is rotatably supported by a caster body. The caster body has an upwardly ext

A swivel caster assembly is provided with a releasable locking mechanism which selectively locks the caster assembly against rotation. A leg bushing used to support the leg of an associated appliance such as a baby stroller is rotatably supported by a caster body. The caster body has an upwardly extending locking lug recess, a transverse access aperture passing through the recess, and a transverse axle aperture. A locking lug is slidably received within the recess, and is maneuvered to a fully extended locking position and a retracted unlocking position by an arm member pivotally secured to the caster body. Force transfer between the arm member and the lug is through a spring. A locking collar is secured to the leg bushing and has a downwardly opening notch for engaging the upper end of the locking lug when extended. A pair of detent bosses extend outwardly from the caster body and engage with detent apertures formed in the arm member.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A swivel caster assembly with a releasable locking mechanism, said assembly comprising:a caster body having a first longitudinal bore for rotatably supporting a leg bushing, an upwardly opening locking lug recess, a first transverse aperture passing through said lug reces

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A swivel caster assembly with a releasable locking mechanism, said assembly comprising:a caster body having a first longitudinal bore for rotatably supporting a leg bushing, an upwardly opening locking lug recess, a first transverse aperture passing through said lug recess, and a transverse axle aperture for receiving a wheel axle;a leg bushing rotatably received in said first longitudinal bore for supporting a leg of an associated appliance;a locking lug slidably received in said locking lug recess;a locking collar secured to said bushing, said locking collar having a lug engaging portion; anda lug operating member including a pair of arm portions pivotally attached to and flanking said caster body and movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, said lug operating member including a lever portion for enabling a user to pivot said lug operating member between said locking position and said unlocking position, and a lug operating portion aligned with said first transverse aperture in said caster body such said arm portion having a first end terminating at said lever portion and a second end including said lug operating portion said lug operating portion including an operating cross member extending through said first transverse aperture for engagement with said locking lug to raise said locking lug to an extended locking position in which said locking lug engages said lug engaging portion of said locking collar and to retract said locking lug to a retracted unlocking position in which said locking lug is disengaged from said lug engaging portion of said locking collar.