CA1068457A - Wheel construction - Google Patents
Wheel constructionInfo
- Publication number
- CA1068457A CA1068457A CA290,811A CA290811A CA1068457A CA 1068457 A CA1068457 A CA 1068457A CA 290811 A CA290811 A CA 290811A CA 1068457 A CA1068457 A CA 1068457A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- wheel
- synthetic resin
- resin material
- construction according
- wheel construction
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 47
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 36
- 239000000057 synthetic resin Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 229920003002 synthetic resin Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 24
- 239000013536 elastomeric material Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Chemical compound C=CC=C.C=CC#N.C=CC1=CC=CC=C1 XECAHXYUAAWDEL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920000122 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004676 acrylonitrile butadiene styrene Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 229920000136 polysorbate Polymers 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 description 6
- 235000004443 Ricinus communis Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 235000019589 hardness Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010414 shopping Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 240000000528 Ricinus communis Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229940000425 combination drug Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000002844 continuous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008676 import Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002035 prolonged effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008707 rearrangement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
Landscapes
- Rolling Contact Bearings (AREA)
Abstract
WHEEL CONSTRUCTION
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A wheel construction having a wheel with an axially ex-tending hole therethrough and having a first diameter. A
preassembled bearing housing having a second diameter less than the first diameter is located inside the hole of the wheel. The axis of the bearing housing is concentric with the outside diameter of the wheel. The difference between the first and second diameters defines a spacing therebe-tween. A moldable synthetic resin material fills the afore-said spacing and effects a securement of the bearing housing to the wheel.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A wheel construction having a wheel with an axially ex-tending hole therethrough and having a first diameter. A
preassembled bearing housing having a second diameter less than the first diameter is located inside the hole of the wheel. The axis of the bearing housing is concentric with the outside diameter of the wheel. The difference between the first and second diameters defines a spacing therebe-tween. A moldable synthetic resin material fills the afore-said spacing and effects a securement of the bearing housing to the wheel.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a wheel construction and, more particularly, relates to a wheel construction wherein the axis of the preassembled bearing housing is located concen-tric with the outside diameter of the wheel and a moldable, synthetic resin material fills a spacing between the outer periphery o~ the bearing housing and the inner diameter of a hole through the center of the wheel to effect a securement of the bearing housing to the wheel. This invention also re-lates to a wheel construction wherein the synthetic resinmaterial is`an elastomèric material having a resilient charac-teristic so that the wheel is movable against the resilient urging of the elastomeric material relative to the bearing housing when shock loads and the like are applied to the sup-port structure for the wheel construction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The life expectancy of wheel constructions, particularly the type adapted for use with a yoke assembly, is continuously being subjected to review~ Generally, it can be stated that the failure of such a wheel construction is primarily due to a failure in the ball-bearing assembly. Canadian Patent No. 989 455, filed July 13, 1973 by Pemco-Kalamazoo, Inc. and entitled Bearing Assembly and Method of Making Same represents a unique bearing assembly which has substantially prolonged the life of wheel con-structions. In addition, such bearing assembly has reduced the cost of the total wheel construction.
The bearing assembly illustrated in Canadian Patent No. 989 455 is a type wherein the axle and the sleeve having the bearings lo-cated therebetween are preasse~bled. However, a problem has existed in assemblying the preassembled bearing construction into a wheel and
This invention relates to a wheel construction and, more particularly, relates to a wheel construction wherein the axis of the preassembled bearing housing is located concen-tric with the outside diameter of the wheel and a moldable, synthetic resin material fills a spacing between the outer periphery o~ the bearing housing and the inner diameter of a hole through the center of the wheel to effect a securement of the bearing housing to the wheel. This invention also re-lates to a wheel construction wherein the synthetic resinmaterial is`an elastomèric material having a resilient charac-teristic so that the wheel is movable against the resilient urging of the elastomeric material relative to the bearing housing when shock loads and the like are applied to the sup-port structure for the wheel construction.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The life expectancy of wheel constructions, particularly the type adapted for use with a yoke assembly, is continuously being subjected to review~ Generally, it can be stated that the failure of such a wheel construction is primarily due to a failure in the ball-bearing assembly. Canadian Patent No. 989 455, filed July 13, 1973 by Pemco-Kalamazoo, Inc. and entitled Bearing Assembly and Method of Making Same represents a unique bearing assembly which has substantially prolonged the life of wheel con-structions. In addition, such bearing assembly has reduced the cost of the total wheel construction.
The bearing assembly illustrated in Canadian Patent No. 989 455 is a type wherein the axle and the sleeve having the bearings lo-cated therebetween are preasse~bled. However, a problem has existed in assemblying the preassembled bearing construction into a wheel and
-2- ~
having the a~is of the bearing construction end up concentric with the outer diameter of the wheel. In addition, a problem continues to exist in protecting the bearing assembly from shock loads which are, from time to time, applied to the support con-struction, particularly the yoke. It is well known that the life of a bearing, hence of the wheel upon which it is mounted, is materially affected by the amount of looseness or play in the bearing parts thereof. Thus, where bearing parts are assem-bled with an excess amount of initial play, the useful life of the bearing is shortened in a corresponding manner. That is, unnecessary runout, radial play or axial play in the bear-ing parts relative to each other, or in the bearing parts relative to the wheel which they support, will tend to induce or accelerate wear which merely increases the play. In a sense, thls results from the fact that the loose parts have an opportunity to hammer each other during normal use of the wheel or other structure in which the loose bearing is used.
This accelera~tion in deteriorati;on of loose bearing assemblies is especially nQticeahle in situations of severe usage, such as in the wheels of castors.
~ urthermore, it has been largely taken for granted that looseness or excess play had to be tolerated in return for low cost bearing constructions. Accordingly, it is not un-common for certain users, such as owners of supermarket shop-ping carts, to accept bearing failures in a relatively short period of time due to severe shock loading that can occur during normal use thereof. It is a desire, therefore, of this invention to provide a wheel construction utilizing a bearing assembly which has successfully overcome the problem of developing looseness during use thereof in a wheel and 106845'7 assuring that the outer diameter of the wheel is concentric with the axis of the bearing assembly. In addition, it is de-sirable to provide a wheel construction wherein the shock loads applied to the wheel construction are isolated from the bearing assembly.
~ ccordin~ly, it is an object of this invention to pro-vide a wheel construction wherein the a~is of the bearin~ as-sembly is assured o~ being concentric with the outer diameter of the wheel.
A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel construction, as aforesaid, which is particularly adaptable for use in the wheels of a castor or the like where the treat-ment received by the bearing assembly, even under normal con-ditions of use, is severe by any reasonable standard.
A further object of this invention is to provide a wheel construction, as aforesaid, having a sufficient structural simplicity that it can be assembled rapidly, accurately and inexpensively.
A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel construction, as aforesaid, comprised of a minimum number of parts, each part being of such structural configuration that it is capable of being assembled so that the strength of the assembly is increased durin-~ the assembly.
A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel construction, as aforesaid, in which the bearing assembly can be constructed in a variety of sizes and for a variety of speci-fic uses with a minimum of modifications and structural limi-tations.
A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel construction, as aforesaid, wherein the full effect of shock :1068457 loads or the like applied to the wheel construction are iso-lated from the bearing construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general, the objects and purposes of the invention are met by providing a wheel construction having wheel means with an axially extending hole therethrough, which hole has a first diameter. Bearing housing means housing bearing means therein has a second diameter less than the first diameter and is lo-cated inside the hole with the center of the bearing housing means being concentric with the outside diameter of the wheel means. The difference between the first and second diameters defines aspacing therebetween. A moldable synthetic resin material is utilized to fill the spacing to effect a securement of the bearing housing means to the wheel means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent to persons acquainted with wheel constructions of this general type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a complete castor embodying the invention; and Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II
in Figure 1.
The words "in" and "out", used herein for convenience in reference, will refer to directions toward and away from, re-spectively, the geometric center of the device and designated parts thereof. Such terminology will include the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 illustrates a swivel castor 10, which includes _ -5-~068457 an inverted, U-shaped frame 11 having a pair of parallel legs 12 and 13 (Figure 2) straddling a wheel 14 and a bearing as-sembly 17 mounted in the central opening 16 of the wheel. An axle 20 extends through the bearing assembly 17 and has an opening 24 therethrough aligned with a pair of axially aligned openings 18 and 19 in the legs 12 and 13, respectively, of the frame 11.
The bearing assembly 17 is identical to the bearing as-sembly described and illustrated in Canadian Patent No. 989 455.
The bearing assembly 17 includes a hollow, thermoplastic sleeve 21 which is mounted in the central opening 16 of the wheel 14. Bearings 22 and 23 are positioned, as described in the aforementioned patent, between the axle 20 and the sleeve 21.
The bearing assembly 17, which includes the axle 20, the sleeve 21 and the bearings 22 and 23, is positioned along with the shields 26 and 27, between the legs 12 and 13 of the frame 11 so that the opening 24 through the axle 20 is axially aligned with the openin~s 18 and 19 if the legs 12 and 13, respectively, of the frame 11. A shaft 29 is inserted through the aligned openings 18, 19 and 24 whereby the wheel 14 and bearing as-sembly 17 are mounted upon the lega 12 and 13 of the frame 11.
The opposite ends 31 and 32`of the shaft 29 are staked, or otherwise enlarged, in order to prevent removal of the shaft 29 from the frame 11.
Referring now to the specific construction of the wheel 14 illustrated in Figure 2, the central opening 16 has a cen-tral rib extending radially inwardly thereof. The surface por-tions 34 and 36 on opposite axial sides of the radial rib 33 are inclined to the horizontal. In this particular embodiment, ~068457 the inner surface portion 34 extends radially outwardly from the rib 33 as does the inner surface portion 36.
The outer periphery of the sleeve 21 has a radially out-wardly extending central rib 37 thereon. The rib 37 is, in this particular embodiment, radially aligned with the rib 33 in the ce`ntral opening 16 in the wheel 14.
The outer periphery of the sleeve 21 ls less in diameter than the diameter of the central opening 16 in the wheel 14 to define a spacing 38 therebetween. Synthetic resin material 39 is injection molded into the spacing 38 and forms one con-tinuous piece of material from one axial side of the wheel construction to the other. The radially aligned ribs 33 and 37 serve to define a narrow gap 41 therebetween and through which the synthetic resin material 39 extends. The portion of the spacing 38 on opposite axial sides of the radially aligned ribs 33 and 37 have a larger radial dimension than the gap 41.
As a result, the synthetic resin material 39 serves to secure the bearing assembly 17 in the central opening 16 of the wheel 14.
In one preferred embodiment, the synthetic resin material 39 is ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). This material is well known as a sturdy and very hard composition. Prior to insertion of the ABS material into the spacing 38, the axis 42 is located so as to be concentric with the outer diameter of the wheel 14. Thus, the insertion of the ABS material in the spacing 38 effects a rigid securement of the wheel 14 to the bearing assembly 17.
In another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed to use an elastomeric material as the synthetic resin material 39 having a resilient characteristic, particularly a material ~06845'7 that has a memory and returns to the original condition illus-trated in Figure 2 after an abnormal load has been applied thereto to flex the wheel so that the central plane 43 of the wheel 14 is fle~ed to a position inclined to the a~tis 42 of the bearing assembly 17, such as schematically represented by the line 43~. In addition, movements of the wheel 14 are also possible in a direction wherein the central plane 43 remains perpendicular to the axis 42 but is simply shifted axially as schematically represented by thé line 43B. In the instance where the wheel 14 is moved to a position wherein the central plane 43 is inclined along the line 43A, the wheel 14, in most instancès, will strike at least one of the legs 12 or 13 of the frame 11. This load will occur when, and assuming that the wheel has been installed on a shopping cart, the shopping cart has been shifted sidewardly so that the force applied to the wheel 14 adjacent the outer diameter thereof is perpendi-cular to the tangent at the outer periphery of the wheel 14, such as is illustrated by the vector F in Figure 2. In this particular embodiment, the elastomeric material 39 is made of a polyurethane, having a hardness of 80 Shore A Durometer.
The effective range of hardnesses for the elastomeric material is in the range of 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer.
Still another embodiment of the invention incorporates the utilization of the polyurethane material described above for the material of the sleeve 21 in the bearing assembly 17.
The resiiient characteristics of the sleeve 21 will have the same range of hardness as described above for the elastomeric material, namely 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer. It is also contemplated to utilze the same elastomeric material for both the sleeve 21 and the material 39 injection molded into ~06845'7 the spacing 38. The degree of resilientness of the material of the sleeve and the material in the spacing 38 can be selected to provide the desired amount of flexing of the wheel relative to the bearing assembly 17 to achieve the desired isolation of shock loads applied to the wheel 14 from the bearing assembly 17.
In th~ embodiment wherein the sleeve 21 is made of a re-silient elastomeric material, the material will be adapted to flex radially outwaxdly to accommodate an encirclement of dif-~erent combinations of different diameter axle and bearing com-binations to thereby result in a variable outside diameter for the sleeve 21 with each different combination. In some in-stances, the shaft 29 is made of a larger diameter for use in heavy~duty environments. In instances where the shaft 29 is increased in size from 5/16 inch to 3/8 inch, for example, the same sleeve 21 can be utilized for both combinations of shafts.
The axle 20 will have a larger diameter to accommodate the in-creased diameter in the shaft 29 and, as a result, the bearings 22 and 23 will also be increased in size. It has been dis-covered that the resilient characteristic of the sleeve 21 issufficient to expand in diameter so that the same sleeve 21 can be utilized for several different size shafts 29 and bear-ing assemblies 17. Since the outer diameter of the sleeve 21 is altered, the only difference that occurs in the wheel-con-struction is the radial dimension of the spacing 38. Since the synthetic resin material 39 is injection molded into the spacing 38, the only thing that needs to be controlled is the size of the shot of elastomeric material 39 into the gap 38.
This simple adjustment permits a simple change in the wheel construction without materially altering the construction of the wheel.
~06845~
Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the dis-closed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.
having the a~is of the bearing construction end up concentric with the outer diameter of the wheel. In addition, a problem continues to exist in protecting the bearing assembly from shock loads which are, from time to time, applied to the support con-struction, particularly the yoke. It is well known that the life of a bearing, hence of the wheel upon which it is mounted, is materially affected by the amount of looseness or play in the bearing parts thereof. Thus, where bearing parts are assem-bled with an excess amount of initial play, the useful life of the bearing is shortened in a corresponding manner. That is, unnecessary runout, radial play or axial play in the bear-ing parts relative to each other, or in the bearing parts relative to the wheel which they support, will tend to induce or accelerate wear which merely increases the play. In a sense, thls results from the fact that the loose parts have an opportunity to hammer each other during normal use of the wheel or other structure in which the loose bearing is used.
This accelera~tion in deteriorati;on of loose bearing assemblies is especially nQticeahle in situations of severe usage, such as in the wheels of castors.
~ urthermore, it has been largely taken for granted that looseness or excess play had to be tolerated in return for low cost bearing constructions. Accordingly, it is not un-common for certain users, such as owners of supermarket shop-ping carts, to accept bearing failures in a relatively short period of time due to severe shock loading that can occur during normal use thereof. It is a desire, therefore, of this invention to provide a wheel construction utilizing a bearing assembly which has successfully overcome the problem of developing looseness during use thereof in a wheel and 106845'7 assuring that the outer diameter of the wheel is concentric with the axis of the bearing assembly. In addition, it is de-sirable to provide a wheel construction wherein the shock loads applied to the wheel construction are isolated from the bearing assembly.
~ ccordin~ly, it is an object of this invention to pro-vide a wheel construction wherein the a~is of the bearin~ as-sembly is assured o~ being concentric with the outer diameter of the wheel.
A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel construction, as aforesaid, which is particularly adaptable for use in the wheels of a castor or the like where the treat-ment received by the bearing assembly, even under normal con-ditions of use, is severe by any reasonable standard.
A further object of this invention is to provide a wheel construction, as aforesaid, having a sufficient structural simplicity that it can be assembled rapidly, accurately and inexpensively.
A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel construction, as aforesaid, comprised of a minimum number of parts, each part being of such structural configuration that it is capable of being assembled so that the strength of the assembly is increased durin-~ the assembly.
A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel construction, as aforesaid, in which the bearing assembly can be constructed in a variety of sizes and for a variety of speci-fic uses with a minimum of modifications and structural limi-tations.
A further object of the invention is to provide a wheel construction, as aforesaid, wherein the full effect of shock :1068457 loads or the like applied to the wheel construction are iso-lated from the bearing construction.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In general, the objects and purposes of the invention are met by providing a wheel construction having wheel means with an axially extending hole therethrough, which hole has a first diameter. Bearing housing means housing bearing means therein has a second diameter less than the first diameter and is lo-cated inside the hole with the center of the bearing housing means being concentric with the outside diameter of the wheel means. The difference between the first and second diameters defines aspacing therebetween. A moldable synthetic resin material is utilized to fill the spacing to effect a securement of the bearing housing means to the wheel means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Other objects and purposes of the invention will be apparent to persons acquainted with wheel constructions of this general type upon reading the following specification and inspecting the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a complete castor embodying the invention; and Figure 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II
in Figure 1.
The words "in" and "out", used herein for convenience in reference, will refer to directions toward and away from, re-spectively, the geometric center of the device and designated parts thereof. Such terminology will include the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 illustrates a swivel castor 10, which includes _ -5-~068457 an inverted, U-shaped frame 11 having a pair of parallel legs 12 and 13 (Figure 2) straddling a wheel 14 and a bearing as-sembly 17 mounted in the central opening 16 of the wheel. An axle 20 extends through the bearing assembly 17 and has an opening 24 therethrough aligned with a pair of axially aligned openings 18 and 19 in the legs 12 and 13, respectively, of the frame 11.
The bearing assembly 17 is identical to the bearing as-sembly described and illustrated in Canadian Patent No. 989 455.
The bearing assembly 17 includes a hollow, thermoplastic sleeve 21 which is mounted in the central opening 16 of the wheel 14. Bearings 22 and 23 are positioned, as described in the aforementioned patent, between the axle 20 and the sleeve 21.
The bearing assembly 17, which includes the axle 20, the sleeve 21 and the bearings 22 and 23, is positioned along with the shields 26 and 27, between the legs 12 and 13 of the frame 11 so that the opening 24 through the axle 20 is axially aligned with the openin~s 18 and 19 if the legs 12 and 13, respectively, of the frame 11. A shaft 29 is inserted through the aligned openings 18, 19 and 24 whereby the wheel 14 and bearing as-sembly 17 are mounted upon the lega 12 and 13 of the frame 11.
The opposite ends 31 and 32`of the shaft 29 are staked, or otherwise enlarged, in order to prevent removal of the shaft 29 from the frame 11.
Referring now to the specific construction of the wheel 14 illustrated in Figure 2, the central opening 16 has a cen-tral rib extending radially inwardly thereof. The surface por-tions 34 and 36 on opposite axial sides of the radial rib 33 are inclined to the horizontal. In this particular embodiment, ~068457 the inner surface portion 34 extends radially outwardly from the rib 33 as does the inner surface portion 36.
The outer periphery of the sleeve 21 has a radially out-wardly extending central rib 37 thereon. The rib 37 is, in this particular embodiment, radially aligned with the rib 33 in the ce`ntral opening 16 in the wheel 14.
The outer periphery of the sleeve 21 ls less in diameter than the diameter of the central opening 16 in the wheel 14 to define a spacing 38 therebetween. Synthetic resin material 39 is injection molded into the spacing 38 and forms one con-tinuous piece of material from one axial side of the wheel construction to the other. The radially aligned ribs 33 and 37 serve to define a narrow gap 41 therebetween and through which the synthetic resin material 39 extends. The portion of the spacing 38 on opposite axial sides of the radially aligned ribs 33 and 37 have a larger radial dimension than the gap 41.
As a result, the synthetic resin material 39 serves to secure the bearing assembly 17 in the central opening 16 of the wheel 14.
In one preferred embodiment, the synthetic resin material 39 is ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene). This material is well known as a sturdy and very hard composition. Prior to insertion of the ABS material into the spacing 38, the axis 42 is located so as to be concentric with the outer diameter of the wheel 14. Thus, the insertion of the ABS material in the spacing 38 effects a rigid securement of the wheel 14 to the bearing assembly 17.
In another embodiment of the invention, it is proposed to use an elastomeric material as the synthetic resin material 39 having a resilient characteristic, particularly a material ~06845'7 that has a memory and returns to the original condition illus-trated in Figure 2 after an abnormal load has been applied thereto to flex the wheel so that the central plane 43 of the wheel 14 is fle~ed to a position inclined to the a~tis 42 of the bearing assembly 17, such as schematically represented by the line 43~. In addition, movements of the wheel 14 are also possible in a direction wherein the central plane 43 remains perpendicular to the axis 42 but is simply shifted axially as schematically represented by thé line 43B. In the instance where the wheel 14 is moved to a position wherein the central plane 43 is inclined along the line 43A, the wheel 14, in most instancès, will strike at least one of the legs 12 or 13 of the frame 11. This load will occur when, and assuming that the wheel has been installed on a shopping cart, the shopping cart has been shifted sidewardly so that the force applied to the wheel 14 adjacent the outer diameter thereof is perpendi-cular to the tangent at the outer periphery of the wheel 14, such as is illustrated by the vector F in Figure 2. In this particular embodiment, the elastomeric material 39 is made of a polyurethane, having a hardness of 80 Shore A Durometer.
The effective range of hardnesses for the elastomeric material is in the range of 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer.
Still another embodiment of the invention incorporates the utilization of the polyurethane material described above for the material of the sleeve 21 in the bearing assembly 17.
The resiiient characteristics of the sleeve 21 will have the same range of hardness as described above for the elastomeric material, namely 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer. It is also contemplated to utilze the same elastomeric material for both the sleeve 21 and the material 39 injection molded into ~06845'7 the spacing 38. The degree of resilientness of the material of the sleeve and the material in the spacing 38 can be selected to provide the desired amount of flexing of the wheel relative to the bearing assembly 17 to achieve the desired isolation of shock loads applied to the wheel 14 from the bearing assembly 17.
In th~ embodiment wherein the sleeve 21 is made of a re-silient elastomeric material, the material will be adapted to flex radially outwaxdly to accommodate an encirclement of dif-~erent combinations of different diameter axle and bearing com-binations to thereby result in a variable outside diameter for the sleeve 21 with each different combination. In some in-stances, the shaft 29 is made of a larger diameter for use in heavy~duty environments. In instances where the shaft 29 is increased in size from 5/16 inch to 3/8 inch, for example, the same sleeve 21 can be utilized for both combinations of shafts.
The axle 20 will have a larger diameter to accommodate the in-creased diameter in the shaft 29 and, as a result, the bearings 22 and 23 will also be increased in size. It has been dis-covered that the resilient characteristic of the sleeve 21 issufficient to expand in diameter so that the same sleeve 21 can be utilized for several different size shafts 29 and bear-ing assemblies 17. Since the outer diameter of the sleeve 21 is altered, the only difference that occurs in the wheel-con-struction is the radial dimension of the spacing 38. Since the synthetic resin material 39 is injection molded into the spacing 38, the only thing that needs to be controlled is the size of the shot of elastomeric material 39 into the gap 38.
This simple adjustment permits a simple change in the wheel construction without materially altering the construction of the wheel.
~06845~
Although particular preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail for illustrative purposes, it will be recognized that variations or modifications of the dis-closed apparatus, including the rearrangement of parts, lie within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
A wheel construction, comprising:
wheel means having an axially extending hole therethrough, said hole having a first diameter;
bearing means;
bearing housing means for housing said bearing means therein and having a second diameter less than said first diameter, said bearing housing means being located inside said hole with the center of said bearing housing means being concentric with the outside diameter of said wheel means, the difference between said first and second diameters defining a spacing therebetween; and moldable, synthetic resin means filling said spacing and effecting a securement of said bearing housing means to said wheel means.
A wheel construction according to Claim 1, wherein said moldable, synthetic resin material occupies the entirety of said spacing from one axially facing side of said wheel means to the other side thereof.
A wheel construction according to Claim 1, wherein said synthetic resin material is rigid.
A wheel construction according to Claim 3, wherein said synthetic resin material is ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).
A wheel construction according to Claim 1, wherein said synthetic resin material is an elastomeric material which is Claims Page 1 resilient whereby said wheel means is movable relative to said bearing housing means against the resilient urging of said elastomeric material.
A wheel construction according to Claim 1, wherein said bear-ing housing means comprises an axle, a cylindrical sleeve, said bearing means being located between said axle and said cylindrical sleeve to facilitate a rotation of said cylindrical sleeve relative to said axle; and wherein said cylindrical sleeve is made of a second moldable synthetic resin material: and wherein said spacing is located between the outside diameter of said cylindrical sleeve and said wheel means.
A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein the first-mentioned synthetic resin material has a rigid characteristic; and wherein said second moldable synthetic resin material of said cylindrical sleeve is an elastomeric material having a flexible characteristic.
A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein the first-mentioned synthetic resin material is an elastomeric material having a flexible characteristic; and wherein said second moldable synthetic resin material of said cylindrical sleeve has a rigid characteristic.
A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein both of said first-mentioned synthetic resin material and said sec-ond synthetic resin material have a rigid characteristic.
Claims Page 2 A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein said first-mentioned synthetic resin material and said second syn-thetic resin material are an elastomeric material having a resilient characteristic.
A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein said second synthetic resin material is an elastomeric material having a radially flexible characteristic to accommodate an encirclement of different combinations of different diameter axle and bearing means assemblies to result in varying out-side diameters for said cylindrical sleeve with each differ-ent combination to facilitate a use of the same cylindrical sleeve for said different combinations.
A wheel construction according to Claim 11, wherein said second moldable, elastomeric material has a hardness in the range of 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer.
A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein said means for positively securing said wheel means to said bear-ing housing means comprises rib means on at least one of said sleeve and said wheel means and extending radially into said spacing.
A wheel construction according to Claim 1, wherein said moldable synthetic resin material has a hardness in the range of 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer.
Claims Page 3
A wheel construction, comprising:
wheel means having an axially extending hole therethrough, said hole having a first diameter;
bearing means;
bearing housing means for housing said bearing means therein and having a second diameter less than said first diameter, said bearing housing means being located inside said hole with the center of said bearing housing means being concentric with the outside diameter of said wheel means, the difference between said first and second diameters defining a spacing therebetween; and moldable, synthetic resin means filling said spacing and effecting a securement of said bearing housing means to said wheel means.
A wheel construction according to Claim 1, wherein said moldable, synthetic resin material occupies the entirety of said spacing from one axially facing side of said wheel means to the other side thereof.
A wheel construction according to Claim 1, wherein said synthetic resin material is rigid.
A wheel construction according to Claim 3, wherein said synthetic resin material is ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene).
A wheel construction according to Claim 1, wherein said synthetic resin material is an elastomeric material which is Claims Page 1 resilient whereby said wheel means is movable relative to said bearing housing means against the resilient urging of said elastomeric material.
A wheel construction according to Claim 1, wherein said bear-ing housing means comprises an axle, a cylindrical sleeve, said bearing means being located between said axle and said cylindrical sleeve to facilitate a rotation of said cylindrical sleeve relative to said axle; and wherein said cylindrical sleeve is made of a second moldable synthetic resin material: and wherein said spacing is located between the outside diameter of said cylindrical sleeve and said wheel means.
A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein the first-mentioned synthetic resin material has a rigid characteristic; and wherein said second moldable synthetic resin material of said cylindrical sleeve is an elastomeric material having a flexible characteristic.
A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein the first-mentioned synthetic resin material is an elastomeric material having a flexible characteristic; and wherein said second moldable synthetic resin material of said cylindrical sleeve has a rigid characteristic.
A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein both of said first-mentioned synthetic resin material and said sec-ond synthetic resin material have a rigid characteristic.
Claims Page 2 A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein said first-mentioned synthetic resin material and said second syn-thetic resin material are an elastomeric material having a resilient characteristic.
A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein said second synthetic resin material is an elastomeric material having a radially flexible characteristic to accommodate an encirclement of different combinations of different diameter axle and bearing means assemblies to result in varying out-side diameters for said cylindrical sleeve with each differ-ent combination to facilitate a use of the same cylindrical sleeve for said different combinations.
A wheel construction according to Claim 11, wherein said second moldable, elastomeric material has a hardness in the range of 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer.
A wheel construction according to Claim 6, wherein said means for positively securing said wheel means to said bear-ing housing means comprises rib means on at least one of said sleeve and said wheel means and extending radially into said spacing.
A wheel construction according to Claim 1, wherein said moldable synthetic resin material has a hardness in the range of 75 Shore A to 55 Shore D Durometer.
Claims Page 3
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA290,811A CA1068457A (en) | 1977-11-14 | 1977-11-14 | Wheel construction |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA290,811A CA1068457A (en) | 1977-11-14 | 1977-11-14 | Wheel construction |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1068457A true CA1068457A (en) | 1979-12-25 |
Family
ID=4110021
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA290,811A Expired CA1068457A (en) | 1977-11-14 | 1977-11-14 | Wheel construction |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1068457A (en) |
-
1977
- 1977-11-14 CA CA290,811A patent/CA1068457A/en not_active Expired
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4072373A (en) | Wheel construction | |
| JPH05126147A (en) | Roller bearing particularly for steering column | |
| US4219240A (en) | Wheel for roller skates or the like | |
| US4294491A (en) | Metal disk wheel with resilient tread and bearing support | |
| EP0479548B1 (en) | Shock dampening mount | |
| US5009525A (en) | Roller seating | |
| US3709570A (en) | Anti-friction bearing housing | |
| US4377883A (en) | Twin caster assembly | |
| US5720529A (en) | Roller skate wheel | |
| US5690395A (en) | Shopping cart wheel assembly with anti-friction bearing and friction bearing | |
| US6099083A (en) | Retention mechanism for use with an axle assembly | |
| JPS6347929B2 (en) | ||
| US6202995B1 (en) | Shock absorbing elastic block and shock absorber using the same | |
| KR19990067094A (en) | Automatic balancing device | |
| US6065760A (en) | Interchangeable skate wheel bearing assembly | |
| CA1068457A (en) | Wheel construction | |
| US5827147A (en) | Planetary gear having a ceramic tubular sleeve as bearing means | |
| US2872253A (en) | Pillow block | |
| US6286907B1 (en) | Skate wheel with internal radial support | |
| KR20040004434A (en) | Suspension device | |
| US2843346A (en) | Resilient mounting | |
| GB2072765A (en) | Rolling bearing | |
| US2822182A (en) | Bearing mounting for roller-skate truck | |
| JPH0721926Y2 (en) | Sliding bush | |
| JPS6234028Y2 (en) |