초록 ▼

The present invention relates to castor wheel assemblies, in particular but not exclusively, to castor wheel assemblies of a type suitable for use with trolleys, for example supermarket trolleys or luggage trolleys. Embodiments of the invention provide a swivel castor wheel assembly configured to su

The present invention relates to castor wheel assemblies, in particular but not exclusively, to castor wheel assemblies of a type suitable for use with trolleys, for example supermarket trolleys or luggage trolleys. Embodiments of the invention provide a swivel castor wheel assembly configured to support an object to be moved across a surface, the assembly comprising a swivel castor wheel having an axis of wheel rotation and a steering axis and mounted on a first member, wherein the first member is configured for connection to the object in such a way that the steering axis can be moved between first and second different rake angles without substantially changing a height of the object over the surface.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A swivel castor wheel assembly configured to support a vehicle to be moved across a surface, the assembly comprising: the vehicle having front and rear wheels for movement across the surface;each rear wheel comprising a respective swivel castor wheel mounted on a first member, the swivel castor w

1. A swivel castor wheel assembly configured to support a vehicle to be moved across a surface, the assembly comprising: the vehicle having front and rear wheels for movement across the surface;each rear wheel comprising a respective swivel castor wheel mounted on a first member, the swivel castor wheel having an axis of wheel rotation and a steering axis substantially coextensive with the first member and substantially normal to the axis of wheel rotation, wherein the first member is hingedly connected to a second member, and the second member is hingedly connected to the vehicle such that the steering axis is moved between first and second different rake angles without substantially changing a height of the vehicle above the surface;a curved runner cooperating with each first member, and wherein a projection is provided on the first member such that the projection moves along the runner to keep the height of the vehicle above the surface substantially constant; andwherein the projection comprises a runner wheel having an axis of rotation substantially normal to the steering axis. 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the steering axis is adapted automatically to assume the first rake angle when the assembly is moved in a forward direction and the second rake angle when the assembly is moved in a backward direction opposite the forward direction. 3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the first rake angle is greater than the second rake angle. 4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second rake angle corresponds to rake in a direction opposite to that of the first rake angle.