IPC분류정보
국가/구분 |
United States(US) Patent
등록
|
국제특허분류(IPC7판) |
|
출원번호 |
US-0229820
(2008-08-27)
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등록번호 |
US-8413295
(2013-04-09)
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발명자
/ 주소 |
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출원인 / 주소 |
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대리인 / 주소 |
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인용정보 |
피인용 횟수 :
3 인용 특허 :
23 |
초록
▼
A caster wheel system comprising an axle assembly, wheel fork assembly and pivot block assembly. The axle assembly operationally couples the system to a vehicle, the wheel fork assembly includes a wheel rotatably coupled to a wheel fork member, the pivot block provides a coupling interface between t
A caster wheel system comprising an axle assembly, wheel fork assembly and pivot block assembly. The axle assembly operationally couples the system to a vehicle, the wheel fork assembly includes a wheel rotatably coupled to a wheel fork member, the pivot block provides a coupling interface between the axle assembly and the wheel fork assembly, the pivot block assembly also has a bumper which acts to inhibit flutter and allow the wheel fork assembly to pivot slightly backwards when sufficient weight is applied to inhibit tipping where only three wheels of a four wheel system contact the ground, thereby allowing all wheels to contact the ground during operation.
대표청구항
▼
1. A caster wheel system comprising: an axle assembly for operationally coupling said caster wheel system to a vehicle;a wheel fork assembly including a wheel fork member and a wheel, rotatably coupled to said wheel fork member; anda pivot block assembly, said pivot block assembly providing a coupli
1. A caster wheel system comprising: an axle assembly for operationally coupling said caster wheel system to a vehicle;a wheel fork assembly including a wheel fork member and a wheel, rotatably coupled to said wheel fork member; anda pivot block assembly, said pivot block assembly providing a coupling interface between said axle assembly and said wheel fork assembly, said pivot block assembly being pivotally coupleable to said wheel fork assembly and rotatably coupleable to said axle assembly, whereby said wheel fork member may pivot around an axis defined by said axle assembly in addition to rotating around its own axis;a first elongate member adapted for operationally coupling to the vehicle, said first elongate member having a first circumference; said first elongate member having an longitudinal aperature extending along a longitudinal axis of said first elongate member;a second elongate member having a second circumference, said second circumference being less than said first circumference, a first end of said second elongate member being positionable within said longitudinal aperture of said first elongate member, said second elongate member having a second end, at least said second end of said second elongate member having a threaded circular cross-section;a coupling means for coupling said second elongate member to said first elongate member when said first end of said second elongate member is positioned within said longitudinal aperture of said first elongate member; and a nut mated to the threaded circular cross section of said second end of said second elongate member for securing said axle assembly to said pivot block assembly;a top bearing positionable over said second elongate member and having a top surface abutting an end of said first elongate member, a bottom surface of said top bearing abutting said pivot block assembly, said top bearing reducing a resistance in rotating the pivot block assembly with respect to the axle assembly; and a bottom bearing positionable over said second elongate member and having a top surface abutting said pivot block assembly, a bottom surface of said bottom bearing assembly abutting said nut, said bottom bearing reducing a resistance in rotating the pivot block assembly with respect to the axle assembly;wherein both said top bearing and said bottom bearing each further comprise a metal flat washer used in combination with a polyoxymethyene washer, said polyoxymethyne washer abutting said pivot block assembly. 2. The caster wheel system of claim 1, wherein said coupling means further comprises: said first elongate member having a first coupling aperture extending through said first elongate member, said first coupling aperture being substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said first elongate member, said first coupling aperture intersecting said longitudinal aperture;said second elongate member having a second coupling aperture positioned adjacent to said first end of said second elongate member, said second coupling aperture being alignable with said first coupling aperture when said first end of said second elongate member is positioned within said longitudinal aperture of said first elongate member; andsaid coupling means being a roll pin positionable through said first and second coupling apertures whereby said second elongate member is coupled to said first elongate member, said roll pin having sufficient diameter when compared to said first and second coupling apertures as to create an interference fit to resist said roll pin from working out of said first and second coupling apertures during normal operation of said caster wheel system. 3. The caster wheel system of claim 1, wherein said first elongate member further comprises a plurality of mounting apertures extending through said first elongate member, each one of said plurality of mounting apertures being positioned substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said first elongate member, said plurality of mounting apertures providing a height adjustment for coupling said caster wheel system to the vehicle. 4. The caster wheel system of claim 1, wherein said wheel fork member further comprises: a pair of side position in a spaced arrangement for extending along either side of the wheel;a front portion joining a first one of said pair of side portions to a second one of said pair of side portions, said front portion maintaining the spaced arrangement of said pair of side portions;each one of said pair of side portions having an aperture extending therethrough, said aperture being positioned distal from said front portion;an axle bolt positionable through each one of said apertures extending through said pair of side portions and an aperture extending through an axis of said wheel, said axle bolt rotatably coupling said wheel to said fork member; anda nut mated to said axle bolt for selectively securing said axle bolt to said fork member. 5. The caster wheel system of claim 4, further comprising a pair of flat washers, each one of said flat washers being positioned on said axle bolt between an interior face of an associated one of said side portions and said wheel, said flat washers acting as bearing to reduce friction between said interior face of said side portion and said wheel. 6. The caster wheel system of claim 4, wherein each one of said pair of side portions further comprises plurality of apertures in a spaced array, each one of said plurality of apertures being for selectively receiving said axle bolt, whereby a height of said wheel is adjustable as referenced from a pivot block. 7. A caster wheel system comprising: an axle assembly for operationally coupling said caster wheel system to a vehicle;a wheel fork assembly including a wheel fork member and a wheel, rotatably coupled to said wheel fork member; anda pivot block assembly, said pivot block assembly providing a coupling interface between said axle assembly and said wheel fork assembly, said pivot block assembly being pivotally coupleable to said wheel fork assembly and rotatably coupleable to said axle assembly, whereby said wheel fork member may pivot around an axis defined bysaid axle assembly in addition to rotating around its own axis;wherein said pivot block assembly further comprises:a pivot block, said pivot block being a rectangular block with a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, said longitudinal bore being for receiving said axle, said pivot block having a lateral bumper receiving bore positioned substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal bore;a bumper assembly positionable partially within said bumper receiving bore, said bumper assembly abutting an interior face of said wheel fork member whereby said pivot block is urged away from said interior face of said wheel fork member; anda pivot block coupling means for pivotally coupling said pivot block to said wheel fork member. 8. The caster wheel system of claim 7, wherein said bumper assembly further comprises: a bumper having a aperture therethrough, said bumper being positionable partially within said bumper receiving bore;a screw positionable through said aperture of said bumper for securing said bumper to said pivot block;said bumper compressing when weight is applied to said caster wheel system along its longitudinal axis, said compression allowing said wheel fork assembly to deflect slightly backwards and upwardly. 9. The caster wheel system of claim 8, wherein said bumper comprises an elastomeric material. 10. The caster wheel system of claim 8, wherein said bumper is selected from a group of bumpers each having a unique compression per unit force whereby the amount of deflection is adjustable in terms of weight required and length of the deflection. 11. The caster wheel system of claim 8, wherein said bumper allows for a 0.125 inch deflection upon the application of 25 pounds of force applied along said longitudinal axis. 12. The caster wheel system of claim 7, further comprising at least one longitudinal bushing, said longitudinal bushing being positioned within said longitudinal bore and serving as an interface between said axle and said pivot block whereby wear of the pivot block by the axle is reduced. 13. The caster wheel system of claim 7, wherein said bumper assembly further comprises: a bumper comprising a spring, said bumper being positionable partially within said bumper receiving bore;said bumper compressing when weight is applied to said caster wheel system along its longitudinal axis, said compression allowing said wheel fork assembly to deflect slightly backwards and upwardly. 14. The caster wheel system of claim 7, wherein said coupling means further comprises: said pivot block having a lateral bore extending substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal bore;said wheel fork member having a pair of apertures being alignable with said lateral bore when said pivot block is positioned for use with said wheel fork member; anda pivot pin positionable through said lateral bore and said pair of apertures in said wheel fork member, whereby said pivot block is pivotablly coupled to said wheel fork member. 15. The caster wheel system of claim 14, further comprising: a pair of pivot pin grooves, each one of said pair of pivot pin grooves being positioned adjacent to an associated end of said pivot pin;a pair of snap rings, each one of said snap rings being positionable in an associated on of said pivot pin grooves, whereby said pivot pin is retained. 16. The caster wheel system of claim 14, further comprising: a pair of serrated areas, each one of said pair of serrated areas being positioned adjacent to an associated end of said pivot pin, each one of said serrated areas being for engaging an interior of an associated on of said pair of apertures of said wheel fork member, whereby said pivot pin is swaged into place with respect to said wheel fork member to inhibit rotation of said pivot pin with respect to said wheel fork member and limiting the potential for wearing of the wheel fork member by the pivot pin in use. 17. The caster wheel system of claim 14, wherein said pivot block assembly further comprises a pair of lateral bushings, each one of said lateral bushings being positionable in an associated end of said lateral bore, said lateral bushings serving as an interface between said pivot pin and said pivot block to reduce the wear on the pivot block by the pivot pin during use. 18. The caster wheel system of claim 17, wherein each one of said pair of lateral bushings includes a flanged portion, said flanged portion abutting an associated face of said pivot block to reduce the friction between the wheel fork assembly and the pivot block. 19. A caster wheel system comprising: an axle assembly for operationally coupling said caster wheel system to a vehicle;a wheel fork assembly including a wheel fork member and a wheel, rotatably coupled to said wheel fork member; anda pivot block assembly, said pivot block assembly providing a coupling interface between said axle assembly and said wheel fork assembly, said pivot block assembly being pivotally coupleable to said wheel fork assembly and rotatably coupleable to said axle assembly, whereby said wheel fork member may pivot around an axis defined bysaid axle assembly in addition to rotating around its own axis;wherein said pivot block assembly further comprises:a pivot block, said pivot block being a rectangular block with a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, said longitudinal bore being for receiving said axle, said pivot block having a lateral bumper receiving bore positioned substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal bore;a bumper assembly positionable partially within said bumper receiving bore, said bumper assembly abutting an interior face of said wheel fork member whereby said pivot block is urged away from said interior face of said wheel fork member;a pivot block coupling means for pivotally coupling said pivot block to said wheel fork member;wherein said bumper assembly further comprises:a bumper having a aperture therethrough, said bumper being positionable partially within said bumper receiving bore;a screw positionable through said aperture of said bumper for securing said bumper to said pivot block;said bumper compressing when weight is applied to said caster wheel system along its longitudinal axis, said compression allowing said wheel fork assembly to deflect slightly backwards and upwardly;said bumper comprises an elastomeric material;wherein said bumper is selected from a group of bumpers each having a unique compression per unit force whereby the amount of deflection is adjustable in terms of weight required and length of the deflection;at least one longitudinal bushing, said longitudinal bushing being positioned within said longitudinal bore and serving as an interface between said axle and said pivot block whereby wear of the pivot block by the axle is reduced;wherein said coupling means further comprises:said pivot block having a lateral bore extending substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal bore;said wheel fork member having a pair of apertures being alignable with said lateral bore when said pivot block is positioned for use with said wheel fork member; anda pivot pin positionable through said lateral bore and said pair of apertures in said wheel fork member, whereby said pivot block is pivotablly coupled to said wheel fork member;a pair of pivot pin grooves, each one of said pair of pivot pin grooves being positioned adjacent to an associated end of said pivot pin;a pair of snap rings, each one of said snap rings being positionable in an associated on of said pivot pin grooves, whereby said pivot pin is retained;a pair of serrated areas, each one of said pair of serrated areas being positioned adjacent to an associated end of said pivot pin, each one of said serrated areas being for engaging an interior of an associated on of said pair of apertures of said wheel fork member, whereby said pivot pin is swaged into place with respect to said wheel fork member to inhibit rotation of said pivot pin with respect to said wheel fork member and limiting the potential for wearing of the wheel fork member by the pivot pin in use;wherein said pivot block assembly further comprises a pair of lateral bushings, each one of said lateral bushings being positionable in an associated end of said lateral bore, said lateral bushings serving as an interface between said pivot pin and said pivot block to reduce the wear on the pivot block by the pivot pin during use; andwherein each one of said pair of lateral bushings includes a flanged portion, said flanged portion abutting an associated face of said pivot block to reduce the friction between the wheel fork assembly and the pivot block. 20. A caster wheel system comprising: an axle assembly for operationally coupling said caster wheel system to a vehicle;a wheel fork assembly including a wheel fork member and a wheel, rotatably coupled to said wheel fork member; anda pivot block assembly, said pivot block assembly providing a coupling interface between said axle assembly and said wheel fork assembly, said pivot block assembly being pivotally coupleable to said wheel fork assembly and rotatably coupleable to said axle assembly, whereby said wheel fork member may pivot around an axis defined bysaid axle assembly in addition to rotating around its own axis;a load block assembly coupled to said wheel fork member, said load block assembly serving as a spacer between two side portions of said wheel fork member, at least a portion of said load block assembly abutting said pivot block assembly during normal operation urging a portion of said pivot block assembly towards an interior face of a front portion of said wheel fork member. 21. The caster wheel system of claim 20, wherein said load block assembly further comprises: a load block having a first plurality of threaded apertures extending into a first side of said load block and a second plurality of threaded apertures extending into a second side of said load block, said first and second plurality of threaded apertures being alignable with apertures through said side portions of said wheel fork member;a plurality of screws mated to said first and second plurality of apertures into said load block, said plurality of screws removably securing said load block to said wheel fork member;a set screw aperture extending through said load block from a front face to a back face, said set screw aperture being threaded;a set screw positionable in said set screw aperture, a base of said set screw being positionable to abut said pivot block assembly for preloading or adjusting a net force between said pivot block assembly and said interior face of said wheel fork member; anda locking nut positionable on said set screw to abut a back face of said load block to inhibit said set screw from working out of position during use of the caster wheel system. 22. The caster wheel system of claim 20, wherein a bottom edge of said load block is generally arcuate to provide clearance for said wheel. 23. A caster wheel system comprising: an axle assembly for operationally coupling said caster wheel assembly to a vehicle;a wheel fork assembly including a wheel fork member and a wheel, rotatably coupled to said wheel fork member, said wheel fork member having a front portion between a pair of said portions, said side portions being for extending along either side of said wheel to facilitate rotatably couple said wheel to said wheel fork member;a pivot block assembly, said pivot block assembly providing a coupling interface between said axle assembly and said wheel fork assembly, said pivot block assembly being pivotally coupleable to said wheel fork assembly and rotatably coupleable to said axle assembly, whereby said wheel fork member may pivot 360 degrees around an axis defined by said axle assembly in addition to rotating around its own axis;a load block assembly coupled to said wheel fork member, said load block assembly serving as a spacer between said two side portions of said wheel fork member, at least a portion of said load block assembly abutting said pivot block assembly during normal operation urging a portion of said pivot block assembly towards an interior face of said front portion of said wheel fork member;wherein said axle assembly further comprises:a first elongate member adapted for operationally coupling to the vehicle, said first elongate member having a first circumference;said first elongate member having an longitudinal aperture extending along a longitudinal axis of said first elongate member;a second elongate member having a second circumference, said second circumference being less than said first circumference, a first end of said second elongate member being positionable within said longitudinal aperture of said first elongate member, said second elongate member having a second end, at least said second end of said second elongate member having a threaded circular cross-section;a coupling means for coupling said second elongate member to said first elongate member when said first end of said second elongate member is positioned within said longitudinal aperture of said first elongate member;a nut mated to the threaded circular cross section of said second end of said second elongate member for securing said axle assembly to said pivot block assembly;wherein said coupling means further comprises:said first elongate member having a first coupling aperture extending through said first elongate member, said first coupling aperture being substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said first elongate member, said first coupling aperture intersecting said longitudinal aperture;said second elongate member having a second coupling aperture positioned adjacent to said first end of said second elongate member, said second coupling aperture being alignable with said first coupling aperture when said first end of said second elongate member is positioned within said longitudinal aperture of said first elongate member;said coupling means, being a roll pin positionable through said first and second coupling apertures whereby said second elongate member is coupled to said first elongate member, said roll pin having sufficient diameter when compared to said first and second coupling apertures as to create an interference fit to resist said roll pin from working out of said first and second coupling apertures during normal operation of said caster wheel system;wherein said first elongate member further comprises a plurality of mounting apertures extending through said first elongate member, each one of said plurality of mounting apertures being positioned substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said first elongate member, said plurality of mounting apertures providing a height adjustment for coupling said caster wheel system to the vehicle;a top bearing positionable over said second elongate member and having a top surface abutting an end of said first elongate member, a bottom surface of said top bearing abutting said pivot block assembly, said top bearing reducing a resistance in rotating the pivot block assembly with respect to the axle assembly; anda bottom bearing positionable over said second elongate member and having a top surface abutting said pivot block assembly, a bottom surface of said bottom bearing assembly abutting said nut, said bottom bearing reducing a resistance in rotating the pivot block assembly with respect to the axle assembly. 24. The caster wheel system of claim 23 further comprising: wherein said pivot block assembly further comprises:a pivot block, said pivot block being a rectangular block with a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, said longitudinal bore being for receiving said axle, said pivot block having a lateral bumper receiving bore positioned substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal bore;a bumper assembly positionable partially within said bumper receiving bore, said bumper assembly abutting an interior face of said wheel fork member whereby said pivot block is urged away from said interior face of said wheel fork member;a pivot block coupling means for pivotally coupling said pivot block to said wheel fork member;wherein said bumper assembly further comprises:a bumper having a aperture therethrough, said bumper being positionable partially within said bumper receiving bore;a screw positionable through said aperture of said bumper for securing said bumper to said pivot block;said bumper compressing when weight is applied to said caster wheel system along its longitudinal axis, said compression allowing said wheel fork assembly to deflect slightly backwards and upwardly;said bumper comprises an elastomeric material;wherein said bumper is selected from a group of bumpers each having a unique compression per unit force whereby the amount of deflection is adjustable in terms of weight required and length of the deflection;at least one longitudinal bushing, said longitudinal bushing being positioned within said longitudinal bore and serving as an interface between said axle and said pivot block whereby wear of the pivot block by the axle is reduced;wherein said coupling means further comprises:said pivot block having a lateral bore extending substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal bore;said wheel fork member having a pair of apertures being alignable with said lateral bore when said pivot block is positioned for use with said wheel fork member; anda pivot pin positionable through said lateral bore and said pair of apertures in said wheel fork member, whereby said pivot block is pivotablly coupled to said wheel fork member;a pair of pivot pin grooves, each one of said pair of pivot pin grooves being positioned adjacent to an associated end of said pivot pin;a pair of snap rings, each one of said snap rings being positionable in an associated one of said pivot pin grooves, whereby said pivot pin is retained;a pair of serrated areas, each one of said pair of serrated areas being positioned adjacent to an associated end of said pivot pin, each one of said serrated areas being for engaging an interior of an associated on of said pair of apertures of said wheel fork member, whereby said pivot pin is swaged into place with respect to said wheel fork member to inhibit rotation of said pivot pin with respect to said wheel fork member and limiting the potential for wearing of the wheel fork member by the pivot pin in use;wherein said pivot block assembly further comprises a pair of lateral bushings, each one of said lateral bushings being positionable in an associated end of said lateral bore, said lateral bushings serving as an interface between said pivot pin and said pivot block to reduce the wear on the pivot block by the pivot pin during use; andwherein each one of said pair of lateral bushings includes a flanged portion, said flanged portion abutting an associated face of said pivot block to reduce the friction between the wheel fork assembly and the pivot block. 25. The caster wheel system of claim 24, wherein said load block assembly further comprises: a load block having a first plurality of threaded apertures extending into a first side of said load block and a second plurality of threaded apertures extending into a second side of said load block, said first and second plurality of threaded apertures being alignable with apertures through said side portions of said wheel fork member;a plurality of screws mated to said first and second plurality of apertures into said load block, said plurality of screws removably securing said load block to said wheel fork member;a set screw aperture extending through said load block from a front face to a back face, said set screw aperture being threaded;a set screw positionable in said set screw aperture, a base of said set screw being positionable to abut said pivot block assembly for preloading or adjusting a net force between said pivot block assembly and said interior face of said wheel fork member; anda locking nut positionable on said set screw to abut a back face of said load block to inhibit said set screw from working out of position during use of the caster wheel system.
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